With all proceeds going to Bottomless Closet, which empowers women with clothing and confidence, the ticket guarantees more than just a splendid time for all. It means women entering or re-entering the workforce with pride to be able to provide for their families.

A regular ticket costs $50. VIP status runs you $100. And it all goes to making positive change for women and communities through fashion. Will I see you there?

When leopard, sequins and a strappy open back join forces, the perfect dress lives.

The perfect comfy top for stumbling down to brunch.

Pair these glitzy gold sequined shoes with jeans and a tee for a fun daytime look.

Take a tip from J.Lo and rock this ultra-mini skirt for a sexy nighttime look.

Throw your money away in style with this blindingly shiny wallet.

Nothing says glamorous like a $7,000 purse shaped like a dog.

Show the Blackjack dealer you mean business with this handsome buttoned-up accessory.

Photo: Terry Richardson...duh

I would’ve thought that Marc was already on the board, if not president Diane von Furstenbrerg‘s girl Friday, but mazel to the kids, who were nominated by the board of directors way back in July. They’ll be joining the ranks of 26 designers, including Oscar de la Renta, Narciso Rodriguez, Tory Burch, Calvin Klein’s Francisco Costa and Norma Kamali. Meanwhile, Nicole Miller, John Bartlett and Richard Lambertson are leaving the board of directors to join the Emeritus board. [WWD]

For our Uptown Chic/Downtown Sleek look today we are obsessing over these Reiss sequin trousers.  The perfect complement to both buttery smooth silks as well as rough & textured fabrics, their slim line and subtle sparkle make them a wardrobe essential.

A chic, asymmetrical camel coat gets even better with a beautiful oversized collar.

Give your best blue steel in this steel blue, double-breasted beauty.

A statement for sure, this coat will brighten even the dreariest fall day.

As classic as the trench can get, sit down to high tea in this belted version.

One of the handsomest we've seen, this military-style wool coat boasts swanky gold buttons.

Navy and black have never looked this good together, and the shawl collar is sure to keep the fall chill at bay.

Plaid at its finest, we like it in graduated blue and trimmed in leather.

This navy wool coat has a removable black collar for maximum versatility.

Channeling pre-Raphaelite romanticism, this draped wrap coat is reminiscent of the lust and drama of a Bronte novel.

In the warmest paprika hue, this contemporary coat has just enough adorable retro details.

Like a chic, oversized boyfriend blazer but tailored for you young lady.

Three-quarter sleeves and a waist-dusting length make this the perfect fall faux fur.

Orange may seem too trendy, but this burnt, retro shade will keep you warm for years.

Tobacco brown leather cinched at the waist is oh so sophisticated.

This bright red statement coat will perfectly complement your fiery, attention-grabbing personality.

Become a vision in voluminous draping with this lightweight, wool tweed swing coat.

Gaga wore it and you can too - luxe green leather is a contemporary fall statement.

Wrap yourself in a cocoon of blue and see the future of spacey prints.

Satin and cashmere turn up the volume on this classic, military-inspired pea coat.

Utilitarian pockets, short sleeves and a drawstring hood make this the perfect lightweight coat for a fall shower.

An investment you surely won't regret, it doesn't get more classic than this belted black trench.

Not quite a coat, but a stately fall cape like this belongs in every lady's closet.

Neck frills give this cotton number an innocent edge.

Get the luxe English look for less from our favorite Japanese retailer.

Double-breasted with hand-warming flap pockets, this coat comes in seven different colors and patterns.

Milk is now represented by Creative Artists Agency and has brought on Lexus and American Express as sponsors in addition to original partner MAC Cosmetics.  This partnership has also gone through some changes and beginning this Fashion Week MAC & Milk shows will be under the name of Made.

Lincoln Center on the other hand has IMG, Mercedes-Benz and Maybelline, as well as AmEx with MAC also providing make-up for many a MBFW show.

While Made focuses on emerging designers and does not charge to rent their space — MAC is the exclusive make-up provider leaving models and music on the bill — Lincoln Center caters to more high-profile designers, who in addition to paying for the venue also have to dig deep for models, hair, music and makeup. And these are just a few of the differences:

Number of Shows:

Made – 35

MBFW – 98 (81 on-site, 17 off)

Sponsors:

Made – MAC, American Express and Lexus

MBFW - DHL, Maybelline New York, American Express, TRESemmé, W Hotels Worldwide, Fiber One Bars, ideeli, Fiji Water, AriZona Beverages

Designers:

Made - Sophie Theallet, Cushnie Et Ochs, Peter Som, Erin by Erin Fetherston, Billy Reid, Simon Spurr, Ohne Titel, Jeremy Scott, Nahm

MBFW - BCBG Max Azria, Tommy Hilfiger, Nicole Miller, Cynthia Rowley, Derek Lam, Tracy Reese, L.A.M.B., Diane von Furstenberg, Betsey Johnson, Tory Burch, Badgley Mischka, Vera Wang, Diesel, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, J.Mendel, Milly by Michelle Smith, Anna Sui, Elie Tahari

With Fashion Week just around the corner and all those sponsorship dollars, designer reputations and AmEx black cards floating around, the stage is set for a good ole-fashioned walk-off between Milk Studios and Lincoln Center. [WWD]

Right to Bare Arms

Either find some sleeveless numbers or go all Edward Scissorhands on some old jackets.

Summer Layering – Sleeveless by Les Fabian featuring a sleeveless cardigan

Leggings of the Fall

Slip a legging — or jegging or whatever the helll the kids are into these days — under those short-shorts.

Summer Layering – Leggings by Les Fabian featuring fringe shorts

Lighten Up

Try a light jacket, cardie, hoodie or sweater  in a fabric that breathes, like cotton, linen or silk.

Summer Layering – Light by Les Fabian featuring a stripe sweater

Put a Necklace on It

Heap on the accessories to add a layer of sophistication or plain ole whimsy.

Summer Layering – Accessories by Les Fabian featuring a chain necklace

The Long and Short of It

Mix up your proportions and lengths — if summer ain’t about a crop top, what is it about?

Summer Layering – Crop by Les Fabian featuring a studded jacket

Elie Tahari Spring 2011

1. Wear a belt to define the waist. Just because you’re wearing wide-leg pants doesn’t mean you need to look bigger than you are. Belting the look creates a waist and shows off the feminine figure. Whether wide or skinny, there are tons of options out there for you to try.

Nicole Miller Pre-Fall 2011

2. Try a jumpsuit. If you are a jumpsuit veteran and want to try the wide-leg look, this is a great way to experiment. All you need to do is accessorize wisely as the top is already picked out for you. Try something fitted through the bust and hips to avoid looking like an inmate.

Monique Lhuillier Spring 2011

3. Add a feminine touch on top. One of my favorite ways to wear high-waisted, wide-leg pants is with a sheer top. Something fitted and lacy balances the masculine bottoms, creating a polished and chic look. And this peek of skin under the sheer top looks super sexy without unleashing the trashy vibe.

Stella McCartney Spring 2011

4. Add a long, structured jacket. There is nothing more sophisticated than a long jacket with wide leg pants. Whether done with monochromatic pieces or contrasting solids, this is the look of a bold woman. BUT, you MUST wear heels with this one to avoid looking like a munchkin. Unless, of course, you’re 5’10″.

LINK LOVE: Street style photo, Refinery29; Runway photos, Style.com

Monique Lhuillier Spring 2011

Stella McCartney Spring 2011

Cosgrove wore a sleek, custom Nicole Miller platinum shredded sequin shift on the blue carpet.

Scerbo chose a colorful, body-conscious Nicole Miller printed sequined one-shoulder cocktail dress.

Both girls looked lovely in their Nicole Miller Signature dresses. A young, fresh actress can’t go wrong with dresses this fun, flirty and beautiful.

If you’re going to Times Square, don’t forget to check out the outside exhibition by the Fashion Center situated on Broadway between Times Square and Herald Square. Some great designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Kenneth Cole, Isaac Mizrahi, Nicole Miller, Diane von Furstenberg, Norma Kamali, Ralph Rucci, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Betsey Johnson and more have designed and dressed their own custom mannequins.  A visit highly is recommended! More info here.

The only fever we can’t shake this spring is for Rent the Runway, and it’s definitely contagious!  We are logging-on seven days a week to get our daily dose. As our obsession builds, we’ve noticed that their inventory books at the blink of an eye and we’ve lost out on some great looks.   We chatted with the stylist team to get the competitive edge.  They gave us the inside scoop on getting the goods before their gone.

• Reserve early. It’s officially busy season with weddings, graduations, proms, and formals so if you love something, book it immediately.   You can reserve up to six months in advance of your event.

• Search by date.  Search by date to see everything that is available for your event to narrow down your selection and quickly hone in on your best bets.

• Chat with a stylist.  They’ll help you navigate the site, find the perfect size, and tip you off to new arrivals.

Here are some of our favorite looks from Rent the Runway’s latest and greatest. Don’t forget, the first 1,000 Fashion Indie readers get $10 off their rental until May 9. Use promo code: indie2010.

Last Friday, the Fashion Indie crew attended the benefit fashion show “EXPO 2010″ at New York University. For the second consecutive year, EXPO will be donating all proceeds to Room to Read, an organization which provides children in developing countries with libraries and the funding necessary to receive a quality education.

First a dance crew opened the show, then many different designers’ clothes appeared on the runway. I have to say that I was very impressed by these students: they are so dynamic, they worked hard for a very great cause. There was also two humorous hosts, and even an intermission with food and drinks brought out to our front row seats. DJ Orazio Rispo was soo good, I was dancing in my seat during the entire show!

Fashion participants include Prada, Gilt Groupe, Nicole Miller, Eryn Brinié, Katie Gallagher, Rent the Runway, Project Runway’s ALTHEA HARPER, +AA-, Vilebrequin, Olive Wu, Elisabeth Dran, Hisami Koyama, Debut, RHLS, Rosena Sammi jewelry,and Parish Nation.

Thanks Sheri for inviting us!

More info here

Kristin Prim snapped front row at Ohne Titel. Photo by Patrick McMullan for NY Mag.

Kristin Prim photographed outside the Nicole Miller show in a Nicole Miller jacket and dress, Balenciaga bag and shoes, and Ray-Ban sunglasses show on February 12th at Bryant Park.

Daniel Saynt has given away his seats during fashion week to be auctioned off on CharityBuzz.com, donations will go directly to benefit Haiti. Designers include Marc Jacobs, Donna Karen, Adam Lippes, Nicole Miller and more…

Bid on tickets for:

Ports 1961

Nicole Miller

ADAM

DKNY

Marc by Marc Jacobs

I’m super excited that Adam Lippes, Marc Jacobs, Nicole Miller and Ports 1961 have decided to become involved with our Haitian Relief efforts. All this week we’ve been contacting designers, asking for contributions and the fashion community has not failed to once again show itself as and industry with heart. Thank you so much to all those who have been calling and reporting on my efforts. Giving up a seat at fashion week is nothing compared to the efforts being made by millions of individuals to make some change in an area that is suffering so greatly.

Thank you to all the designers who are allowing me to offer this small contribution to a country that requires our attention and support.

I will keep all of you updated on who else donates to this cause. Here is a list of designers involved and press that this story has already generated. Be sure to visit these sites and comment to encourage follow up stories.

PARTICIPATING DESIGNERS

Adam Lippes, Designer for ADAM

Marc Jacobs, Designer for Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs

Tia Cibani, Designer for Ports 1961

Nicole Miller, Designer for Nicole Miller

WHO’S TALKING ABOUT THIS

Ferohhhsh.com, Fashion Editor Daniel Saynt Donates His NY Fashion Week Seats to Haitian Relief

Racked.com, Buy Fashion Week Tickets Help Heal Haiti

Fashionista.com,  Fashion Helps Haiti

SavvySpot.com, Designers Donating Fashion Week Tickets to Haiti!

My.BuzzCritic.com, Fashion Helps Haiti

Buzzfeed.com, Daniel Saynt Donates His NY Fashion Week to Haitian Relief

Marie Clair Italy, La Moda Per Haiti

Curbed.com, Fashion for Haiti

Ferohhhsh.com, UPDATE: Marc Jacobs, Adam Lippes First Designers To Join in Daniel Saynt’s Haitian Relief Efforts

Alecca Rox, FashionIndie.com for Haitian Relief

HOW YOU CAN HELP

If you are a designer or plan to attend New York Fashion Week, why not donate a seat to Haitian Relief? Contact Daniel Saynt, saynt@fashionindie.com or 646-715-4551 for more information on how you can donate.

My poor Nikki Moose has been catching some heat from voters, judges, and even the host of the America’s Most Stylish Blogger competition for actually being creative and original. That was until guest judge Nicole Miller came along. Nicole gave our good friend Nikki some positive praise this week, when she took a vomit inducing, bubble gum pink skirt and dyed it into a chartreuse (?) colored head scarf. However, while the internationally recognized designer praised Miss. Nikki, the Mary Murphy reject host (please reference the show So You Think You Can Dance), Melissa Foss made sure the world new that Nikki apparently “broke the rules.” Wait, wait, wait! This is fashion, and last I checked there were no rules. If I could get an explanation as to what made up “‘i’ before ‘e’ except after ‘c’”rule she broke I would love to hear it.

It’s only week three and my annoyance, and downright nausea, levels for this producer determined “competition” are at an all time high. Call me bias (which I clearly am), but any one of those other cookie cutter looks (no offense to the other contestants, I wasn’t feeling it this week) shown this week could have been replaced by a boring screenshot from Gossip Girl. So unfortunately for Nikki, and all you other edgy fashion folk out there, it seems we have another “Attack of the Clones” situation on our hands.

Regardless, I can’t encourage you enough to get over to Stylist.com or Dirtyflaws.com to vote for Nikki, she deserves every last vote she gets.

PS. Rumor has it I have a certain Momma Moose reading these little rants I’ve been typing haha. I’d encourage you all to vote for her as America’s Most Stylish Blogger too, but unfortunately Stylist.com overlooked her application for the competition. Looks like she’ll just have to settle for Mom Of The Year instead…bummer!

Fifth On Main, a new e-commerce boutique targeting the contemporary womenswear & accessories markets. Officially launches online November 1st.

What: Pop-up Sample Sale offering Summer and Fall/Winter womenswear and accessories.

The Designers: Cynthia Steffe, Cynthia Rowley, TWG, Yoana Baraschi, Mint by Jodi Arnold, Mackage, Chaiken, Tibi, Robert Rodriguez, Rozae Nichols, Nicole Miller, Diane Samandi, Tadashi, Fleurwood, Gypsy 05, Badgley Mischka, Carmen Marc Valvo, Re:Sound, Soundgirl, Tyhlo, Nicholas K, Body Language and many more!

The Goods (and it’s really good):

* ALL merchandise 60-70% off retail.
* RSVP to arrael@rich-pr.com for an additional 10% off your total purchase.
* Register for a Fifth on Main account on-site and receive another 15% off already discounted prices! AND receive 5% of your purchase back in Fifth on Main Rewards Points, which can go back into shopping on www.fifthonmain.com or transfer to American Airlines miles or Marriot Hotel Stays.
* Sunday CLOSEOUT – an additional 10% off already reduced prices + discounts!

Even More Goods:

* Complimentary coffee daily 10am – 12pm
* Complimentary wine daily 6pm-8pm
* All major credit cards accepted

Where: 421 West Broadway, between Prince & Spring
Soho, New York http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=New+York&state=NY&address=421+West+Broadway

When: Friday, October 9th – Sunday, October 11th
10am – 8pm daily

RSVP: arrael@rich-pr.com for an additional 10% off your total purchase!

Who: Fifth On Main, a new e-commerce boutique targeting the contemporary womenswear market, launching late Spring 2009.

What: Pop-up store holding a Fall/Winter & Resort Sample Sale + Spring Preview Sale, open to the public.

Designers: Abaete, Alvin Valley, Brian Reyes, Badgley Mischka, TIBI, Twelfth Street, Carmen Marc Valvo, Catherine Malandrino, Nicole Miller, Rebecca Taylor, Mint by Jodi Arnold, Theory, Chaiken and more!

The goods: 40% – 60% off retail prices

Even more goods: RSVP to lauren@rich-pr.com and receive an additional 10% off your total purchase!

Where: 109 Spring Street, between Greene & Mercer
Soho, New York

When: Friday, April 17th 10am – 8pm
Saturday, April 18th 10am – 7pm
Sunday, April 19th 10am – 7pm

Nicole Miller’s Fall 2009 collection had me feeling a little like Natalie Imbruglia. Torn. With the structural trend in mind, Miller brought several architectural cocktail dresses, jackets, skirts and tops to the runways. Embellished beautifully with geometric lines, patterned sequins, tiers, pleats and zippers, Miller added sophisticated edge to her wide repertoire of design. Aside from the closing piece (pictured above) I was not a fan of the fascia spider-web designs. Sadly enough, the design reminded me of something Diane Von Furstenberg would do. Oh, and I don’t care if it’s big for the fall, that royal blue color has got to go. 

GALLERY: Nicole Miller Fall 2009

Thanks for the photos Elle!

Thowing up the tents in Bryant Park!

Rocking out the Ports 1961 invitation scarf and showing off some of the Fashion Week invites. Be jealous.

If you were in Brooklyn Heights today and heard techno beats blaring, it was most likely coming from the Fashion Indie office. With Fashion Week only three days away, we can hardly contain our excitement! Although many of you won’t be able to join us at the tents, you can look forward to the Fashion Indie crew bringing the tents to you! Prepare to mark Fashion Indie as your homepage, because Friday marks a week of extensive Fashion Week coverage. From runway rundowns to event reviews and moments of style to celebrity run-ins, Fashion Indie is brining everything Fall/Winter 2009 to a computer near you! We don’t mean to rub it in, but here are just a few of the shows we will be attending: William Rast, Charlotte Ronson, Vivienne Tam, Venexiana, Ports 1961, Nicole Miller, Rad Hourani, Jillian Lewis, Ilana Sunderland, Laura Dawson and Barbara Tfank. In addition to the shows we received invites to, expect immediate coverage from all of your mainstream and indie designers! 

Thanks for the photo NY Mag!