When and how did your line begin?

I launched my accessories line in the Fall of 2010 with a concept design of epaulets.  I created a small collection in different styles and they ended up in the hands of some fashion influentials. I’ve since introduced earrings, bangles and eyewear.

What inspires your work?

I watch a lot of nature documentaries. I’m in love with the beluga whale. I watch the same documentaries over and over.. I’ve seen the Blue Planet series over a hundred times and I now watch Microcosmos fanatically. Have you ever seen ladybugs make love? It’s a fascinating and a gentle experience.

Where do you finding the amazing leathers and animal skins that you use on your accessories?

I buy my leather at the same place that Helmut Lang, Diane Von Furstenberg and Oscar De La Renta buy from. Its expensive and the best in the city. Libra Leather. I work with Sam Jones, The Leather Queen. She has great taste and instincts when it comes to leather. Libra Leather has been pioneering leather trends in New York for decades. They provide the selection designers conceptualize their entire leather collection from. They are best in the biz.

The Feather Spray Earrings seem like a big deviation from some of your previous designs. What was the inspiration behind those?

When I launched my line in October 2009 I used feathers in the fabrication of many of those epaulet designs. The feather was lying on my desk at a certain angle and it came to me.. that should be attached to an ear. I guess it’s all the nature videos I watch.

What celebrities have you worked with?

I grew up in NYC so Mary J Blige, Lauryn Hill and Beyonce were the soundtrack of my life. I attended borderline ruff schools and their music was uplifting and their voices strong, I adored them. Now as an adult, this entire experience as a designer has been transcendental for me. I often can’t believe who I’ve turned out to be. Just three years ago I was the most unhappiest girl in the world. I’ve designed for all them. I’ve also created custom accessories for Lil Wayne’s and Prince’s musical tours.. I used to make out with posters of Prince. I’ve designed for Alicia Keys’ Freedom tour.  Lauryn Hill just bought my entire collection for her European tour.

What’s your favorite part about being a designer?

The actual design process is probably my favorite part of being a designer. I often struggle between concept and application.. I’ll think about a construction for months before I even attempt to piece it together.. My own thoughts intimidate me. There is an element of anxiety I experience and I know that I’ll figure it out eventually. There are some designs I’ve constructed, not many, that I will never share with the world. I hoard special pieces.

What are the biggest challenges as a designer?

Figuring out which tradeshows to do make me pretty dizzy.

Three must haves to have in your wardrobe?

Combat boots, a black fur and a balaclava.

What is your best moment that you’ve experienced in your career?

All of them have been extraordinary. Getting picked up by Nordstrom, a tour order from Alicia Keys, selling at Patricia Field and having my mom and dad say that they’re proud of me.

What advice do you have for aspiring designers?

Organize yourself. Have a decent website, take good pictures, get a press list, don’t get tired, get motivated.  Surround yourself with good people that want good for you.  Love yourself and visualize yourself in the place you want to be.

How would you describe your personal style?

My look changes drastically, often. Recently my style is Le Femme Nikita.. assassin chic.

What is the inspiration behind “in love and good fashion” and “good taste must be shared”?

I tend to curate everything. My friends, my wardrobe and words.. I love language and assembling words together.. In Love and Good Fashion fell into place in the first weeks of creating my first collection.. it represents the head set I was in at the time..

Good Taste Must Be Shared is a personal philosophy.. Good taste crosses over into all aspects of living.. food, clothing, jewelry, travel and all of earths spoils.. Everything that is good about anything should be shared and enjoyed.

What’s currently on your iPod?

I don’t have an Ipod but I have been listening to Amy Winehouse, Wu Tang Clan, Florence and The Machine and Lauryn Hill recently.

Describe Mary Had A little Scam and the other short films you are working on based on your line?

I decided to make a short film when the concepts in my head began to move and could only be expressed through video. I’ve watched enough documentaries and films to understand the shooting style I like.  I titled the film Mary Had  A Little Scam to represent the duality between innocence and  a calculated menace. I wanted to create a sexy film that captures the private moments strong women experience when alone.. the awkwardness, paranoia, struggle, uncertainty and ultimate perseverance.  The character Mary in the short film Mary Had A Little Scam has a public persona of  a fierce rebel leader with the American Accessories Coalition for Good Taste (AACGT). Her mission is to collect rare jewelry from around the world, sharing good taste with the masses.

What are you currently working on for your line right now?

I’m preparing a trip to Paris, meetings, meetings, meetings!

Where do you see Seville Michelle Anastos 5 years from now?

I’m excited for the future.  Nothing I’ve done has been planned, my line has swept me off my feet!

You can follow Seville Michelle’s line and updates on twitter too @SevilleMAnastos

- Queen Elizabeth will give the late Elizabeth Taylor a run for the bodacious bauble money when she puts some of her most important jewels on display in August as part of a celebration honoring the monarch’s 60 years on the throne. [WWD]

- Steven Tyler in a speedo. Proceed at your own risk. [Just Jared]

- Yves Saint Laurent has hired 11 law professors from across the country to lay the legal smackdown on Christian Louboutin and his trademark infringement case. [Telegraph]

- Nicki Minaj‘s line of nail polish for OPI includes such names as “Pink Friday,” “Metallic 4 Life,” “Superbass,” and my personal fave, “Did It on ‘Em.” I don’t know what layaway look like — Bitch, I can’t even spell welfare! [SheFinds]

- Mariah Carey tweeted a picture of her and house-husband Nick Cannon in the hospital after he suffered ”mild kidney failure.”  [ABC]

- The Kardashians are starting a magazine about their favorite subject: the Kardashians. As if keeping up with them wasn’t pointless enough. However, their lawsuit against Star magazine might get in the way. American Media, the company Kim and co. are working with on this egregious  use of perfectly good trees, owns Star, which accused the First Family of Public Whoring of using slave labor in sweatshops. [Styleite]

- Whatever you’re doing, stop it right now and go here to birth your very own My Little Pony. Mine’s the baddest pony on the block. [via Refinery 29]

- Multimedia artist Colette Maison Lumiere thinks Lady Gaga, specifically Mother Monster’s Barneys Workshop, copied her work and made a little video to elaborate on it. [The Cut]

- “I think one of the most flattering things I’ve ever heard—you know, I almost fell out of my chair when someone called to tell me about it—Alexis Bittar’s PR girl has a tattoo of me on her wrist. It’s a very good portrait! I haven’t seen it in person, but apparently it looks just like me.” —  90-year-old sasstronaut Iris Apfel on the kids thinking she’s cool, or hot or “whatever the expression is.” [Fashionista]

Photos from Style.com

David Armstrong

David Armstrong grew up outside Boston and traveled between his hometown and New York City when he studied at Cooper Union. After receiving his BFA at Tufts University in 1988, he moved to NYC permanently where he began work as a photographer. Starting out with black and white portraits, Armstrong began to experiment with landscapes and cityscapes in the nineties. Luckily, he also has a distinct and introspective eye for fashion – his editorials are moving and emotionally-charged.

Above photo: Zac Posen and Tao Okamoto for Purple Magazine Spring/Summer 2010

- Hermès apparently wanted to tap noted sculptor Helmut Lang to replace Jean Paul Gaultier after the latter left in 2010, but the former wanted to shred clothes, not make them. [Fashionologie]

- New York’s kinda foxy governor, Andrew Cuomo, reportedly hired the stylist from girlfriend Sandra Lee‘s “cooking show,” Semi-Homemade Cooking to do his makeup during his campaign. To the tone of $1383.86 [NYT]

- Speaking of money well-spent, the National Institutes of Health used tax dollars to conduct a study on gay men’s penis size and how it effects their sexual health: Those who felt they had an inadequate penis are more likely to be psychologically troubled and anal receptive—or “bottoms”—while those with larger penises usually identify themselves as “tops.” Meanwhile, a quick run-through of Manhunt would have unearthed the same conclusion. [Jezebel]

- Amancio Ortega, the richest man in Spain, is stepping down as chairman of Zara, which he founded in 1975. [The Cut]

- While at the premiere of Friends with Benefits, sounds like one WWD reporter was less than enthused about stars Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake‘s behavior. To wit: Mila Kunis wore a red, tight Lanvin dress and the watchful gaze of an exceptionally beefy bodyguard, who dissuaded revelers from speaking with her. “She doesn’t want to talk,” the guard explained, “to anybody. ”

And: Timberlake didn’t particularly seem to want to be with anybody. Visibly pained, the singer-turned-actor had forced a mile-wide grin for the press on the red carpet. “I think it’s a good movie?” Timberlake offered through clenched teeth. Sounds like someone hasn’t had any friends or benefits in a while.  [WWD]

- Borders, my favorite bookstore chain — suck it, Barnes & Noble –  is closing all of its 399 stores, including the six in NYC because no one reads anymore. [Racked]

Lang used more than  25 years of collections to create a dozen floor-to-ceiling-length columnar sculptures made from scraps of fabrics, fur, feathers, leather, plastic, hair and metal.

The designer has already donated thousands of pieces to museums worldwide but will present his unique works of art at The Fireplace Project gallery in East Hampton from July 22nd through August 8th. [WWD]

I’m Lauren, your resident NYC dweller, crazed shopaholic and blogger from Diary of a Fashion Addict.com. Join me as we explore this week’s best online sample sales, NYC street deals, exclusive discount codes from your favorite designers and more. Like what you see and want more of it?! Check back with us every Tuesday, and visit my blog www.diaryofafashionaddict.com for even more sales, shopping tips and style inspiration.

Deal for a Day:

Love vintage style handbags but can’t shake the fakes from Ebay? Guaranteed authentic vintage Chanel sale from Billion Dollar Babes, June 23.

For an invite: email Lauren@diaryofafashionaddict.com

Discount Code DL:

Get amazing bang for your buck on lust-worthy designers like Suno, Chris Benz, Theory & more from Hampden Clothing via Refinery29 Reserves:

Spend $125, get $250 value

Spend $250, get $500 value

Spend $500, get $1000 value

***bonus: you even get a VIP card with a 25% coupon for your next purchase @ Hampden Clothing!

AND, Sense of Fashion has offered a FashionIndie exclusive discount! Place your first order with this high fashion designers direct to consumers, socially based site, and get 15% off with the code: 5W15J

Sale on Sale:

Just yesterday, Net-A-Porter launched their International Spring sale with up to 70% off! I shouldn’t have to say more…. But I will:

Marchesa, Lavin & Alexander McQueen evening gowns, Herve Leger bandage dresses, Roberto Cavalli serpent jewelry, Alaia waist cinchers, Jil Sander “Market” bags, Miu Miu clutches and wooden platforms, Nancy Gonzalez crocodile iPad cases, Helmut Lang leather & shearling…. should I go on????

Real Life NY Sample Sale:

Are you a bride to be?? Then you’ve probably read every bridal magazine this year and fantasized about those designer gowns that you thought only Kim Kardashian can afford to go with her absurd 20-carat engagement ring.

Well I’ve got major news for you: owning your own Oscar de la Renta bridal gown is so close you can taste it. I mean that- just a 45 minute trip from NYC @ the Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets. Get up to 70% the bridal collection for one week only- you won’t want to miss this.

Oscar de la Renta Bridal Sample Sale:

When: 6/23-6/29

Where: Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets

415 Red Apple Court

Central Valley, NY (845) 928-4000

Th- W (10-9)

The Male Sale:

Yves Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein & Ralph Lauren had a baby, and they named him Simon Spurr. 2010 CDFA Menswear award nominee and winner of the Vogue Fund award- you know this guy has some serious English chops.

Ladies- tell your boyfriends, tell your dads, spread the news… the Spring collections are on super deep discount from his 2011 ready-to-wear line Simon Spurr and his denim collection Spurr. #FOMO

Simon Spurr Sample Sale:

When: 6/20-6/23

Where: 210 11^th Ave., near 24^th st. Suit 903

M-Th (10-6)

Bonus: The City Steal

***Not one, but two NYC deals so awesome I couldn’t exclude them from this weeks feature.

Love the Hamptons? Got some extra cash, but no time? Then this Urban Daddy deal is probably for you. Hurry fast to catch the last few hours of this awesome opportunity to charter a Seaplane from Fly The Whale. Leave from East 23rd & the East River and 30 minutes later, you’re $339 less richer, but at least you can laugh at everyone sitting in bumper to bumper on the LIE.

Another hot Urban Daddy deal for ya! Have you ever wanted to share a romantic night under the stars with someone listening to Shakespeare? You better hurry up- there will only be a few hours left by the time you read this. Get VIP seating a 2 free drinks for $145 via Urban Daddy.

For tickets and showtimes visit the official website HERE.

For more Steals and Deals, go to DiaryofaFashionAddict.com and look HERE for more and HERE for men’s.

Despite a solid showing from the monochrome palette, orange stole the spotlight this year. Bottega Veneta, Phillip Lim and Dianne von Furstenberg were just a few who made a statement with solid, orange pieces in their collections. And orange you glad they did? I, for one, can’t wait to add this pop of color to my wardrobe!

Top left: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Top right: DVF, Bottom left: Bottega Veneta, Bottom right: McQ

Nima Taherzadeh

With a new color palette came a more “sporty,” laid-back group of collections. Many collections featured swimwear for the first time this year, and Michael Kors, Herve Ledger, Donna Karan, and McQ took the swimwear analogy one step further. That’s right, dear readers, we’re talking about “scuba-influenced silhouettes” (Style.com).  Take a look at these neon delights and tell us what you think.

Top left: Michael Kors, Bottom left: Donna Karan, Right: McQ

Notable themes on the runway were represented by Max Azria (“a city-inspired undercurrent with a feminine ease”) and Dianne von Furstenberg (a collection of “matchy/clashy prints”). This year there was a general trend towards more urban, jet-setter style in the collections.

Marc by Marc Jacobs and Missoni both included the “emerging must-have” that is the pajama suit in their collections.  This colorful, loose pant was represented in more subdued tones in numerous other collections, and retained its characteristic exaggerated length in all. Petite girls everywhere, ready your platforms!

Top left: Louis Vuitton, Top right: Jason Wu, Bottom left: Marc Jacobs, Bottom right: Missoni

On the other side of the pant spectrum, above-the-ankle, straight-leg cigarette pants were also popular with the likes of Helmut Lang, Monique Lhuillier and Elie Tahari featuring them in their collections. I’d like one in every color, please.

Top left: YSL, Top right: Monique Lhuillier, Bottom left: Elie Tahari, Bottom right: Helmut Lang

Of course, to my delight, leather separates were also popular with quite a few designers this year, including Derek Lam, Thakoon and Jason Wu, who featured leather skirts, shorts, and pants. Calvin Klein and others were also fans of thin leather belts, sending a clear message: when in doubt – belt it!

Top left: Helmut Lang, Top right: Derek Lam, Bottom left: YSL, Bottom right: Thakoon

Perhaps to balance this blast of color and print (and leather, oh my!), the resort collections were significantly more buttoned up this year – and I mean that literally. The runway was up to its proverbial neck in collared shirts and high necklines this season.

Top left: Jason Wu, Top right: Monique Lhuillier, Bottom left: Marc Jacobs, Bottom right: Carolina Hererra

In particular, the boat neck was an popular look for both separates and dresses, with Jason Wu, Louis Vuitton, Max Azria and a plethora of other designers featuring the look.

Top left: Max Azria, Top right: Derek Lam, Bottom left: Donna Karan, Bottom right: Jason Wu

Outerwear took on a boxy silhouette, and squared-off coats were popular with Louis Vuitton, Rachel Roy and others. Oscar de la Renta fittingly featured the silhouette in his Cubism-inspired collection.

Top left: Rachel Roy, Top right: Oscar de la Renta, Bottom left: Naeem Kahn, Bottom right: Monique Lhuillier

Honorable mentions go out to A-line skirts (Jason Wu, Louis Vuitton) and lace (Monique Lhuillier), both trends popping up here and there on the runway this year – always good staples to have in your closet.

Top left: Monique Lhuillier, Bottom left: Louis Vuitton, Top Right: Louis Vuitton, Botom right: Jason Wu

Will you be wearing any of these looks on your next getaway?

Source Love: Style.com

- Grace Coddington‘s 70th birthday was a who’s who of fashion royalty, with a guest list including Anna Wintour, Marc Jacobs, Naomi Campbell, Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein, Annie Leibovitz,  Helmut Lang, André Leon Talley, Liya Kebede, Karen Elson, Stefano Pilati, Hamish Bowles, Karlie Kloss, Nicolas Ghesquière, Bruce Weber, Patrick Demarchelier, Vera Wang, Edward Enninful, Riccardo Tisci, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez from Proenza Schouler and Laura and Kate Mulleavy from Rodarte. Twas clearly a magical night, as evidenced by this photo of Anna having what appears to be…a good time:

There but for the Grace of Coddington go I. [Styleite]

- Another image has “leaked” from Beyoncé‘s video shoot — either B has awful security or we’re just the pawns in her little chess game of pop supremacy…either way I couldn’t care less because she’s wearing Alexander McQueen. [Red Carpet Fashion Awards]

Receive 30-40% off select merchandise this Friday at MADISON

Also, print or mention this flyer to receive 10% off – from 11/26 to 12/5! Happy Shopping!

Love the red snakeskin clutch, hate the tan bag with the vaginas mounted on front. What do you think about Helmut Lang‘s newest accessories indies?

LINK LOVE: Elle

The event is presented by Moët Hennessey USA. Here are some of the major highlights:

• Theory: Debut of Theory Fashion Insider:  The Remix, featuring a live DJ set by Andrew Wyatt, a founding member and the lead vocalist of Swedish/American trio Miike Snow, and a video “mash up” by artist Philip Ashley.  Theory Fashion Insider stylists will also be on hand to remix shoppers’ fall looks.
• Stella McCartney: Selma Blair hosts the evening’s festivities that features an exhibition of Helena Christensen’s work to benefit the Chernobyl Children’s Project International.
• Hugo Boss: Grammy award winning artist, Robin Thicke will perform an acoustic set.
• Moschino: Singer, Kelly Rowland hosts Moschino’s fantasy world of surrealism where guests will be photographed in a giant handbag.
• Tory Burch: DJ Cassidy to spin and Shake Shack on the BBQ.
• Diane von Furstenberg:  Hosted by Refinery29, the DvF and HP Experience Lounge features cutting-edge fashion installations and a photo booth.
• Helmut Lang: Explore the world of Helmut Lang with Creative Directors Nicole & Michael Colovos, along with DJ Harley Viera Newton, a photolab presented by Cobrasnake, spirits provided by East Village’s Death & Company and bites catered via Rickshaw’s Dumpling Truck.
• Jeffrey New York:  Personal appearances by designers L’Wren Scott, Jason Wu, Nicholas Kirkwood, Monique Pean, Christina Ricci, and Current/Elliott.
• Maybelline New York makeovers for the mini-catwalk and a chance to win a year’s supply of makeup.  DJ Charlotte Kemp Muhl and Sean Lennon to spin.
• Scoop NYC:  EDUN Pop-Up shop with Ali Hewson and a DJ set from Jaleel Bunton of TV on the Radio.
• American Express ZYNC ZONE with Style Pack partner Gilt Groupe: Providing makeovers, a photo-booth and lounge.
• Tracy Reese:  Hosting a dance-a-thon featuring DJ Rajni Jacques of Nylon. Wallflowers can receive complimentary manicures from Sally Hansen.
• Vince:  Performances by DJ Mia Moretti and pop-rock violinist Caitlin Moe.
• Click here for a link to the entire list.

Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens made an appearance at an event for Details magazine to celebrate the September issue. Vanessa was all decked out in Helmut Lang, showing off a number from the summer 2010 collection.

LINK LOVE:Vanessa and Zac Celebrate Details’ September Issue

The e-commerce site puts out a monthly magazine, much like Net-a-porter, and this month's cover boasts Ashley Greene shot by Victor Demarchelier.

She wears everything from Chloé and Sass & Bide to ASOS, a high low brand the site's mastered by selling everything from their own line of about $10 t-shirts to top designers with a solid middle market, too.

In the story, which hits the site tomorrow, Ashley covers everything from Barneys and Helmut Lang to Twilight and paparazzi. And once you've read it, familiarize yourself with the site's shopping, because once it's here — you won't want to waste any time.

LINK LOVE:Victor Demarchelier Shoots Ashley Greene for ASOS

Courtney Cox was photographed wearing this Helmut Lang Off-Shoulder Foil Print Dress which is also available on Rent The Runway! Remember, you only have until May 9th to use promo code INDIE2010 to receive $10 OFF

1. Charlotte Ronson 2. Rebecca Taylor 3

LINK LOVE:Denim Dressing: Beyond Jeans

CONTRIBUTE YOUR OWN STORY: JOIN ENVY

Mintbox has another shopping exclusive just for you.

Last season is so last season. Mintbox is a newly launched members only club where fashion hungry shoppers can discover exclusive discounts on current season collections from top designers and stores including La Perla, Alexander Wang, Rag & Bone and more both INSTORE and online.

Not only that, Mintbox provides access to private events, New York fashion week shows and designer previews/trunk shows. As a bonus, Mintbox members receive 5% cash back on EVERY purchase made through Mintbox invitations with their registered credit cards.

Mintbox lets you be become a fashion insider, with deals and exclusives that normally only editors and top bloggers get. We’ve got an exclusive invite for you to join, just CLICK HERE and use code FIMD2 to join.

I’ve seen too many spin-offs of this incredible Helmut Lang knit lace top, but let’s be honest, there’s really nothing quite like the original! Knitted from ultra-fine Italian yarn, this top has a uniform and symmetrical destroyed look that rivals all the others!

Get it at: La Garconne

It’s been awhile since we’ve checked out Polyvore, and I’m glad to discover what I’ve been missing.  It isn’t quite winter yet, so get your last wear out of fall shorts and open-toed heels, but like Mel, layer them with scarves and jackets (like that awesome Helmut Lang one).

See this and more by Mel ??? on Polyvore

Apparently, the women’s designer department of the Chelsea Loehmann’s has tons of merchandise from the Barny’s sale.

Designers include:
Kate Moss for Topshop, Pollini, Prada, M Missoni, Moschino, Brunello Cuccinelli, Helmut Lang, Versace, Roberto Cavalli, Just Cavalli, Valentino RED, Dolce & Gabbana, Dsquared and many many more.

LINK LOVE

I KNOW, I KNOW–where’s Rachel Roy to kick off New York Spring 2010 RTW Fashion Week?! Well, darlings, she’s moved up in the world and is showing later in the week and so it appears as though we’ll have to start things off with someone new. Shake it up a bit, which is what the fashion industry is trying desperately to do right now, with tepid results at best. Let’s talk Lang, shall we? Helmut Lang. The revered German minimalist now has two Americans at the helm, and gone are the days of $800 baggy white t-shirts, which pleases fashion maximumists such as myself to no end. Married designerly duo Nicole and Michael Colovos have maintained the original, highly intellectual and vaguely Sprockets-esque aesthetic of yore, but have given a bit of an invigoration to the line with a smidgen more colors, some very Euro-feeling prints, and a dash of denim that appears to be just what the doctor ordered.

While the original Helmut-approved skinny black pant was few and far between in this collection, there were some really great looks involving sharply angled jackets with looser, more deconstructed pants that were right up any self-respecting Euro design snob’s impeccable Bauhaus alley. I’m worried that the harem pant is getting played out, but if Helmut deems them appropriate for next year, then I might just have to break down and get me some. I just love them there paired with the structured, pleated shift top.

The dichotomy of textures and fabric drape is just so interesting. And then while that grey hooded number is verging on something the heroine of a Vagisil ad would drape herself in when she’s not “feeling like herself,” otherwise known as having some stank cooter, it pulls itself out of sad-sack smelly-vag sweatshirt territory with some great construction, intriguing drape, and waist cinching to let everyone know that your vag does not in fact stink at all.

Read the Rest…

LINK LOVE: http://www.cultindie.com/xn/detail/2394740:BlogPost:72611

As always, some great designers on Gilt Groupe…

Kiki de Montparnasse

Helmut Lang

Warren Tricomi

Zac Posen

John Varvatos

Just Cavalli

J. Lindeberg

Paul Smith Optical

Whoa. This gives a whole new meaning to ‘I wouldn’t be caught dead in that.’  Madison Ave. shoppers were a bit disturbed to see this new Barney’s display…I guess they thought it would be eye-catching, but I think all it did was offend a lot of people. Let the infuriated commenting begin…

SOURCE: Racked

GALLERY: RUNWAY RUNDOWN: Helmut Lang Resort 2010

Thanks Style!

The Who: Save Fashion – Men’s Week

LINKAGE: wearethemarket

As aforementioned, I’m not much of a white gal myself, but I rocked out a cream silk Helmut Lang tank dress (totally snagged at Loehmann’s for $50!) last night and totally turned some heads. Granted, I’m still easing into the trend myself, so I still kept it “Kirby” by accessorizing in an array of browns. The white trend is definitely a tricky one to dive head first into, so balance with some safe colors before going after the cream pantsuit or the white trench coat. Oh, and don’t forget that nude panties are a must! 

GALLERY: TRENDSPARK: White Is The New Black

Thanks Style!

All in all, don’t get your hopes high for too many sales this spring. Now that you’ve had your economics lesson for the day, go home and count your money for this weekend’s shopping spree. Start saying goodbye now. 

Thanks NY Mag!

The first several visits left me unimpressed. The store was unorganized and crowded, wasting over 45 minutes of my life I was sure I’d never get back. Taking the wise advice of my mother, I gave the store a second chance, stopping in early on a Thursday (aka inventory day) just before February’s fashion week. Heading upstairs to “The Back Room,” the discounted designer label department, I was floored by how many great pieces there were by the fashion industry’s cream of the crop. $300 later, I walked out of Loehmann’s with over $2500 worth of  Robert Rodriguez, Vince, Mint and Helmut Lang clothes and accessories. Happy girl? You bet.

After probably a two month hiatus from the discount haven, I stopped by Loehmann’s this morning, Although I only purchased some jewelry (I got a Burberry-esque spike bracelet and a match necklace for $40. Beat that.) I was amazed to see dozens upon dozens of pieces from the Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2008 collection. The clothes might be two seasons old, but where else are you going to find a Marc Jacobs Americana romper marked down to just $70!? Other great buys included gorgeous Givenchy boot-heels, Comme des Garcons drop-crotch sweats (too bad they were a size 14…), a plethora of springy Philosophy dresses and tons of chunky Miu Miu, Carmen Marc Valvo and Badgely Misckha sunglasses. 

All in all, if you haven’t yet been to Loehmann’s, now is the time to check it out. But be forewarned, be there early on weekdays or be prepared to dig.

The newest issue of V mag (with a glow in the dark cover) hit stores last week featuring a spread by Terry Richardson called “Little Black Dresses.”

The dresses: 1986 by Azzedine Alaia, 1996 by Syrilla, 2001 by Helmut Lang, and 2009 by Comme Des Garçons.

LINKAGE: The Pipeline

GALLERY: RUNWAY RUNDOWN: Helmut Lang Fall 2009

LINKAGE: Style 

Check out Vagabond NYC here. Trust me, you won’t be sorry! 

Thanks for the heads up, Kingdom of Style!

GALLERY: RUNWAY RUNDOWN: Armand Basi One Fall 2009

LINKAGE: Style 

For some reason I have always been a big Helmut Lang fan, and I really can’t give a good reason for my loyalty either. The new Fall collection is a classic grey, black and white collection with some really great styling ideas. I love the way the shirts are layered in the image above. A lot of the pieces are fairly simple with great lines and cuts. As always I’m impressed.

Gallery: Helmut Lang: Fall 2009 Collection

Courtesy of: The Fashionisto

Although Helmut Lang himself left the company back in 2005, the company still impresses me with what the produce every year. This collection is one of my most sought after collections for this Fall (and rapidly approaching Winter). The neck work on the pieces is incredible, each one is different and brilliant. The collection reminds me of a John Varvatos collection, and you can’t go wrong with Johnny V. The collection is well composed, and gets two thumbs up for sure from me. The Helmut Lang collection is currently available at Barney’s and Barney’s Coop locations, so get on that.

Thanks to Skeleton Legs for the pictures.

“Fashion shouldn’t be about absoluteness, otherwise it would be a church,” says Lang. “People should have complete freedom about how they present themselves. I never settled on minimalism – that was attributed to me.”

“I’m completely against categorization. It doesn’t allow anyone to see or feel what they might be able to experience. It takes away the emotions.”

“I don’t separate work and life, which is a blessing, I don’t have to divide my time into something I like more and something I like less. I need time to be alone. For me, a waste of time is the most productive time.”

Helmut Lang in Style magazine.