At $95, these guys will suck the change right outta ya. But they’re adorable, and would made a very useful, cute little gift.

KateSpade.com

*For all ye observant folk, I played Super Mario growing up.

Having mastered the art of social media — they’re #1 on Facebook with nearly 9 million “Likes” and #2 on Twitter — Burberry continues to find innovative ways to engage consumers such as a live-streaming Tweetwalk, where looks from London Fashion Week were Tweeted before they hit the runway. They also scored well in e-commerce and mobile commerce thanks to its global site relaunch, landing the over 150-year-old British label the top spot on the L2 index and the official label of “Genius.”

Kate Spade was a newcomer to the index but their blend of smart e-commerce and a strong mobile and social presence skyrocketed the brand to the #2 spot. Storied houses Chanel and Christian Dior, on the other hand, seem to be resting on their luxury laurels earning only “Average” L2 IQs.

Prada and Hermès started running with the bad girls in school, smoking in the bathroom and dating college boys instead of working on their social media and as a result their IQs plummeted from “Gifted” in 2009 to “Challenged” in 2011. And to make matters worse, Prada was cited as the “biggest digital disappointment in luxury.” Yikes, wait til your father hears about this….

But in their defense, Europe might just have a harder learning curve. Ten of the top fifteen brands in the L2 index were American and on average American brands have a higher digital IQ than their Euro counterparts. Finally, somewhere the U.S. excels in something besides obesity and sluttiness.

The top 10 list is as follows:

1. Burberry: Digital births an icon: Proof that digital investments translate to shareholder value.

2. Kate Spade: Top social media score; Index newcomer did not get memo that heritage is necessary to be iconic digitally.

3. Coach: New York native continues to woo the blogosphere and registers top scores for site experience.

3. Gucci: Gucci Connects dots and delivers with shoppable video and recent Tumblr launch

5. Dolce & Gabbana: Global site relaunch threads needle of edgy and effective.

5. Tory Burch: Facebook store leads fashion F-commerce (r)evolution.

7. Ralph Lauren: New York Times iPad app takeover transforms brand into rich media publisher.

8. Hugo Boss: Top mobile scores and interactive YouTube channel venture differentiate the brand online.

9. Louis Vuitton: Embracing the spirit of travel with Amble app; Leads on Foursquare.

10. Michael Kors: Destination: Kors. Evolving brand into an online lifestyle.

[Luxury Lab, Telegraph]

For the Pretentious Art Snob:  You’ve been there, done that, own everything and everyone so even the most avant garde installations leave you bored. But that doesn’t mean you have anything else to do.

Gucci New Balthus Cosmetic Case $180 – Classic Italian luxury. Need we say more?

 Jason Wu Cream Lace Detailing Flounce Dress With Belt $1,700 – A-line, cream, lace -  need we say more?

Borsalino Black Ribbon Straw Hat $160 – Every Southern lady needs a handsome sun hat.

Valentino Couture Bow d’Orsay Pump $645 – Coral patent leather revs this classic shoe.

Kate Spade Bixby Bag $495 – Delightful golden leather brings the sun to rainy days too.

ASOS Tortoise Cat Eye Sunglasses $20.69 – This classic paring of tortoise and cat-eye won’t wreck your wallet.

Recommended Cocktail: Sazerac Reborn

Rucksacks - Perfect for music festivals and adventure-filled getaways, these backpacks will ensure your belongings stay near.

Clockwise from top left:
Billionaire Boys Club Miawaiian Night Rucksack $410, fashionbeans.com

Roxy Creative Peak Rucksack $46, zappos.com

Gucci Classic Logo Rucksack $935, profilebrighton.co.uk

Zara Kit Bag Rucksack $29.90, zara.com

Topshop Tan Washed Oversize Rucksack $75, us.topshop.com

Weekenders - Great for a three-day getaway, these carryalls will have you traveling to the best weekend destinations in high style.

Clockwise from top left:
Fossil Key-Per Weekender $138, macys.com

Billykirk x Opening Ceremony Red Stripe Carryall $300, openingceremony.us

Robe di Firenze Italian Leather Carry All Travel Bag $622, forzieri.com

Design Within Reach Masonry Weekender Bag $150 – $175, dwr.com

Betsey Johnson Betsey Babe Weekender $148, betseyjohnson.com

Totes - Everyone needs a good tote for farmer’s market shopping, camera carrying and extra shoe stowing, even on vacation.

Clockwise from top:
Bamboula Ltd. Market Tote $58, madewell.com

Kate Spade New York Felice Tote $295, couture.zappos.com

Azzedine Alaïa Beige Petal Shape Perforated Leather Tote $2,284, montaignemarket.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs Lucy Ostrich-Effect PVC Tote $400, net-a-porter.com

Kate Spade New York Cabana Stripe Medium Raelin $325, katespade.com

Crossbodies - Whether at a summer concert or just out for the night, a crossbody bag is small and easy to carry on all your getaways.

Clockwise from top left:
Rebecca Minkoff ‘Double Rocker’ Crossbody Bag $330, nordstrom.com

Lodis Cayman Cameron Crossbody $158, lodis.com

See By Chloé Poya Small Crossbody Bag $330, harveynichols.com

Armani Exchange Wood Frame Crossbody Bag $88, armaniexchange.com

Hype Handbag Ellie Crossbody Bag $131, macys.com

If you like what you see, tweet at me @CrystlMeatballs and tell me your favorites. What is your go-to bag for summer traveling?

Look 1 – Slutty Preppy:

From the Ivy League to 20,000 Leagues.

Look 2 – Chic Week:

An officer and a gentlewoman.

Look 3 – Funny Girl:

People who need sailors are the horniest people in the world.

Look 4 – Shore Thing:

Bling it out Jersey style for some sailor smoosh time.

Look 5 – Boys Just Want to Have Fun:

Don’t ask, do tell for the boy hoping to get his deck swabbed.

NAVy Anchor Motif Chino Shorts – Mens Shorts – Clothing – TOPMAN
topman.com

Ladies:

A bold shoulder - Women used to dress in power suits to emphasize their equality to men. Though the scales are still a bit uneven, bring out those shoulder pads to show the boys you’re not only as good, but better.

Ball-buster heels- There’s nothing better than a 5-inch stiletto to kick through that glass ceiling.

A pantsuit - Take a page out of Hilary Clinton‘s playbook and leave the skirts for the sluts in the intern pool.

An executive realness bag – Because you’re not fooling anyone with that Dior knock-off and you don’t need all that bag square-footage for a résumé and some business cards.

Jewelry, but to a minimum – A little zazz here, a little sass there never hurt anyone, but don’t OD on the beads and bobbles. This is an interview not a night out at da club.

Gentlemen:

A tailored suit – Any schlub can put on a suit.  But if you’re trying to run shit, you’ll need to make sure the suit fits the aspirations so take it to a tailor.

A briefcase – You ever seen those guys with suits and backpacks and think, oh, I want him running my company? Didn’t think so.

A pocket square - Aside from being a dashing accessory, that nifty bit of fabric in the breast pocket comes in handy when you don’t want them to see you sweat.

Wingtips – Your career will take off on the wings of your tips. But since it’s summer, pair them with a nude ankle — it’s less stuffy and you’re not a woman of  the 19th century so no one will be scandalized.

A watch - Not only do you need to be on time — or preferably 15 minutes early — for your interview, a nice timepiece instills confidence in everyone around you. “Oh, that guy knows what time it is!” Yes, yes you do.

Good luck, out there kids! And remember, if you’re going to go on an interview, make sure you go to werq.

Mother Earth has been great to us so the least we can do is show her some appreciation by doing our best to preserve her while we dress for the warm weather.

Since the tee is a staple in every guy’s wardrobe it is best to start there. Many companies are making their shorts eco friendly my incorporating organic cotton. Quiksilver for instance has a great graphic tee made of 100% organic cotton.

Shirts aren’t the only thing made from organic cotton. Another staple is denim so that’s next. Nudie Jeans offers a pair that 13 oz denim from Italy made in 100% organic cotton.

If you’re looking to take a dip and still help the environment we’ve got your back. Patagonia Men’s Minimalist Wavefarer Board Shorts are recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program

While it would be in the environments best favor for you to go barefoot it isn’t very practical. Vans makes a shoe that provides eco-conscious construction components like a waste-free, lightweight outsole, 100% recycled PET plastic bottle canvas uppers and inside lining, water-based inks and glues, and a supportive molded midsole cushioning system.

Mother Nature can be a little harsh with her sun rays but you can block them the right way.  Sunglass Hut boasts it own eco friendly sunglass line. The Revo Eco collection uses alternative material whenever possible & the packaging is always 100& recyclable and printed with vegetable oil based ink.

The last piece to this outfit is the watch. If you love the earth then you’ll love this because it’s materials include black corn and black bamboo.

Own a before-they-were-famous designer piece for 10% off! When you shop at Début, just mention FashionIndie.

LOOK THREE: Abstract Python Warrior

The Shoulder Piece: Fannie Schiavoni, $825

This look began with my love of the chain mail shoulder piece. The metal mesh moves like water in my hand and makes me feel invincible when strapped around my body. Its creator Fannie Schiavoni hand makes each piece in her studion in London, and keeps the color of her materials muted so that she can focus purely on the shape and clean lines. She has named this collection “Lucy in the Sky”, evoking a psychedelic yet other worldly feeling.

The (non) Body Suit: Calla Paris, Leggings, $174, Tank, $98

My first instinct to match the brilliance of the shoulder scene-stealer was an abstract printed dress by Calla Paris. Calla Haynes is a Canadian-born, Paris based designer with a five-year training history with Olivier Theyskens and a serious knack for tight prints. Début had the pattern in a fierce little itty bitty dress (which I spotted first). That mini thing, which being one of the only pieces left over from Fall 2010, did not come in my size, and thus did not even contain half of one of my boob. But I needed an outfit to form the foundation of that glorious shoulder piece. So it occurred to me to try the olive printed stirrup tights with the matching tank. Alone and together I was in love. The leggings have a nearly 3-inch sturdy black elastic waistband that hugs and sucks in as the tank tucks in to form a bodysuit.

The Skirt: Whit, $225

A bodysuit is so right for so many reasons. However, it didn’t feel 100% right at the moment; there had to be another layer, if not to cover more stunning items in Début, then to cover some of my winter weight… With that came this military green scoop pocket skirt by Whit, a line launched by Phoenix native Whitney Pozgay. With a studio Brooklyn and experience with Kate Spade, Three Asfour and Steven Alan, she has created a line founded in imagery as diverse as Keith Haring and ice pops.

How do you feel about the bodysuit? Would you wear this look?

Come back tomorrow for Look 4.

Début | 298 Mulberry Street, New York, NY 10012

Like what you see? Shop at Début and mention FashionIndie to get 10% off!

LOOK ONE: Swim Slung Salsa

The Skirt: Heikki Salonen, $585

Look closely. This is not just a dress. In fact, it’s no dress at all, unless you were to pull that skirt up above the bosom and belt it, á la yesteryear’s silhouette. This swingy, deep pocketed, ruffled and raw chiffon hemmed skirt is by Finish-born, London-shown designer Heikki Salonen. Though the skirt looked familiarly pleasing at the waist, I’ve slung it fresh at my very low hip, stretching the length to ankle height.

The Top: Lisa Marie Fernandez, $385

The top is also, in fact, no top at all. It is a bathing suit by Lisa Marie Fernandez. Made of neoprene. The shape recalls forties swimwear while the material calls more for a surf instructor and/or scuba gear. Wear it to swim, wear it to dinner. If you were Gaga, you’d wear it alone to both.

The Necklace: Orly Genger by Jaclyn Mayer, $325

The black and white speckled neon rope tied necklace topped the texture twist. This innovative jewelry from Orly Genger by Jaclyn Mayer is made of entirely hand woven climbing ropes; the knotting techniques are stemmed from those used in artist Orly Genger’s sculptures. The jewelry is a collaborative effort of the two.

Check back tomorrow for another fresh look, and more information about Début.

Début | 298 Mulberry Street, New York, NY 10012

Credit: Stylescoop.co.za

1. Invest in a good raincoat. There is nothing worse than arriving somewhere feeling cold, damp and gloomy. A good raincoat will keep you dry and never go out of style. Plus, they last for years if you take good care of them.

Clockwise from top left:
- Emma Cook duffle raincoat $400 – net-a-porter.com

- Diane von Furstenberg Zigzag cotton-blend raincoat $282 – theoutnet.com

- Jil Sander raincoat with tie waist $705 – brownsfashion.com

- Smythe Asymmetric hooded raincoat $385 – brownsfashion.com

- Rag & Bone Bleecker trench $595 – lagarconne.com

- Vivienne Westwood raincoat $1,065 – viviennewestwood.co.uk

- H&M white raincoat – hm.com

2. Don’t forget your rain boots. Even if you change into different shoes, waterproof wellies are a must for any walking commute. But these styles are so cute, you might not want to make the switch.

Clockwise from top:
- Sperry Top-Sider Sadie rain boot $79.95 – endless.com

- Fessura rain boot $119.95 – endless.com

- Cole Haan Air Melanie knee-high rain boot $128 – endless.com

- Calvin Klein Ava rain boot $119 – calvinklein.com

- Burberry haymarket splash rain boot $225 – zappos.com

- Roxy drizzle rain boots $54 – roxy.com

- Pour la Victoire studded ‘Ted’ rubber rain boots $162.99 – bluefly.com

- Polo Ralph Lauren Rossalyn II Rain Boots $64.99 – finishline.com

- Target leopard fade rain boots $22.49 – target.com

- Loeffler Randall LR rain bootie $165 – zappos.com

3. Ditch your boring, black umbrella. Would it be out of line to say these umbrellas may make you wish for rain? Maybe that’s going too far, but these designs are both adorable and made to last. Trash that bodega umbrella if you haven’t already and buy something you’ll enjoy opening.

Clockwise from top left:
- Marc by Marc Jacobs jumbled birds umbrella $48 – zappos.com

- Lulu Guinness birdcage umbrella $52 – luluguinness.com

- ModCloth raindrops on railways umbrella $30 – modcloth.com

- Kate Spade umbrella $55 – katespade.com

- Tiffany butterfly umbrella $46 – umbrellaheaven.com

4. De-frizz your hair. Humidity will leave your locks in shambles no matter what the temperature may be. These products will work with your hair on those down-pour days to keep it looking smooth, light and frizz-free.

From left:
- Tigi Bed Head Some Like It Hot heat and humidity resistant serum $20 – yesstyle.com

- Frederic Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Zero-Humidity Frizz Control $20 – yesstyle.com

- John Frieda Frizz-Ease original hair serum $7.64 – ulta.com

- ghd Obedience Cream for Frizz-Free Styling $18 – neimanmarcus.com

- Redken Fresh Curls Curl Boost Anti-Frizz Scrunching Spray Gel $38 – yesstyle.com

- Living Proof Wave Shaping, Curl Defining No Frizz Styling Spray $95 – sephora.com

5. Throw a hat on that frizz. Forgot to de-frizz? No problem! These spring hats are so fresh, they’re much more than bad hair day remedies. From classic straw to flower appliques, there is something for everyone here.

Clockwise from top:
- ASOS PREMIUM flower detail hat $44.83 – asos.com

- Albertus Swanepoel Pierre fedora $415 – barneys.com

- Topshop traditional boater $40 – topshop.com

- Missoni Zigzag crochet-knit sunhat $495 – net-a-porter.com

- Marc Jacobs Chapeau hat $442 – colette.fr

- Christian Dior 1950s vintage floral hat $450 – 1stdibs.com

- Zara two-tone wide brim hat with bow $29.90 – zara.com

6. Don’t let mean Mother Nature steal your sunshine. It might be damp and dreary, but you can brighten your day with a bold piece or two. Just looking at these colors will put you on a sandy beach.

From top to bottom, starting from the left column:
-D&G quilted crossbody bag $515 – zappos.com

- Zara fashion city bag with flap $149 – zara.com

- Adidas concord round sleek night shoes $70 – adidas.com

- Moschino ruched linen-blend skirt $860 – net-a-porter.com

- Acne high-rise skinny jeans $275 – net-a-porter.com

- Miss Selfridge belted drape bubble dress $65 – missselfridge.com

- Versace Polka-dot cotton-blend micro shorts $595 – net-a-porter.com

- ASOS MARKY Patent Leather Traditional Brogues $62.76 – asos.com

- Lanvin one-shoulder top $1,260 – barneys.com

- Jil Sander stretch-cotton slim-leg pants $595 – net-a-porter.com

- ASOS leather saddle bag $53.79 – asos.com

- H&M bow flats – hm.com

- ModCloth Perfect Photo Op Flat in Wingtip $102.99 – modcloth.com

1. Boudicca pleated dress $1,355 – matchesfashion.com

2. Lanvin Knitted cotton-blend dress $1,290 – net-a-porter.com

3. Urban Decay Deluxe Eyeshadow in Graffiti $18 – urbandecay.com

4. Miu Miu Apple-embellished plexiglass bangle $265 – net-a-porter.com

5. Forever 21 Oval Stone Ring $4.80 – forever21.com

6. Proenza Schouler Bag $1,270 – colette.fr

7. Butter Women’s Swagger Mary Jane Pump $286 – endless.com

8. Marc by Marc Jacobs Large leather wallet $240 – net-a-porter.com

9. OPI Matte Gargantuan Green Grape Nail Lacquer $5.35 – amazon.com

10. Kate Spade palace of mirrors crystal earrings $145 – katespade.com

This glam and edgy look is filled with sparkles and spikes and everything nice:

1. Wanda Dress by Jones and Jones $150 – topshop.com

2. Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Psychedelic Sister $17 – urbandecay.com

3. Chanel Aqualumiere Gloss # 707 $33 – yesstyle.com

4. Pamela Love Three finger tribal spike ring $1,000 – brownsfashion.com

5. Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Eau de Parfum Natural Spray $100 – nordstrom.com

6. Alexandre Birman Platform python sandals $795 – net-a-porter.com

7. Kate Spade Swan Lake Scottie $425 – katespade.com

8. Max and Chloe Onyx Dangling Earrings $650 – maxandchloe.com

Don’t miss these tidbits about some of the world’s top fashion designers:

Point of origin

• Kate Spade – Kansas City, MO
• Yves Saint Laurent – Oran, Algeria
• John Bartlett – Cincinnati, OH
• Anna Sui – Detroit, MI
• Texas – Todd Oldham, Tom Ford
• Bronx, New York – Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein

Getting started

• Marc Jacobs — stock boy for Charivari, a New York clothing store
• Ralph Lauren — road salesman for a neckwear manufacturer
• Halston — window dresser at Carson-Pirie-Scott
• Coco Chanel — clerk in a hosiery shop
• Tommy Hilfiger — freelance designer for Jordache jeans
• Tom Ford — actor/model in TV commercials
• Michael Kors — sales assistant at a boutique
• Giorgio Armani — buyer’s assistant for a department store
• Alexander McQueen — tailor’s apprentice
• Jil Sander — fashion journalist
• Laura Ashley — secretary
• Manolo Blahnik — jeans buyer
• Salvatore Ferragamo — factory worker making cowboy boots

Education

Fashion Institute of Technology

• Calvin Klein
• Norma Kamali
• Jhane Barnes

Parsons School of Design

• Donna Karan
• Mark Badgley & James Mischka
• Tom Ford Anna Sui
• Alexander McQueen – St. Martins School of Art
• Issey Miyake – Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne
• Gianni Versace – No formal training, learned tailoring from dressmaker mother

Started on a different path

• Vivienne Westwood — teacher
• Thierry Mugler — dancer
• Christian Dior — art dealer
• Miuccia Prada — PhD, political science
• Joan Vass — museum curator

(Credit: About.com)

J.Crew Polka-dot Tights ($23), Kate Spade Oversized Dot Tights ($27), Madewell Swiss Dot Tights ($15)

Falke Ribbed Over-The-Heel Leggings ($64), Rick Owens Merino Wool Zig-Zag Footless Tights ($870),Forever 21 Ribbed Knit Tights ($7)

J.Crew Lace Tights ($23), Urban Outfitters Tuscan Floral Tights ($14), The Limited Lace Tights ($20)

Charlotte Ruse Teal Tights ($8), Falke Red Pepper Tights ($25) Anthropolgie Mustard Tights ($13),Free People Cobalt Tights ($12)

(Photo credit: fashionologie)

Sample sale at Kate Spade June 16-19. Hurry!

Get it here!

The Inspiration?