Wal-Mart is opening at 10 pm on Thanksgiving, but before then, the megachain will give shoppers the chance to sign up for a preview of its Black Friday catalogue. Right on its heels is Macy’s, which will open at midnight on Black Friday with hundreds of “doorbuster” sales. Sears decided to stay closed on Thanksgiving this year – “There was a sentiment from customers to keep Thanksgiving as a holiday,” (of all the concepts) according to a division vice president — but will offer scannable billboards around the country to encourage mobile shopping. Ignoring Sears and their observance of Turkey Day, Gap Inc. will open 1,000 stores this Thursday, 800 alone of which are Old Navys.

Despite the extended store hours and doorbustery promotions, the appeal of Black Friday is waning. “The ‘big day’ isn’t the ‘big day’ anymore,” David Bassuk, managing director and head of AlixPartners told WWD. “It’s been diluted with earlier and earlier hours and even Brown Thursdays. There’s still some allure to getting up early and hunting for bargains, but we’re starting to see more and more retailers who are telling the consumer, ‘Stay home and get your sleep. We’ll send you what you need so you can still get the best deal.’”

What’s more disturbing: the fact that retailers are so desperate to make Christmas dough they’ve created a Brown Thursday or the fact that they insist on calling it “Brown Thursdays?” And will you indulge in the shopping frenzy this Friday or will you be too busy fighting your way through a turkey coma? [WWD]

For the Newborn Lez

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.

- Nicola Formicehtti said what we’ve all been thinking — “…old people should just be old and go away.” –  so what? [The Cut]

- Kim Kardashian is bored. [Refinery29]

- DailyCandy wants you to “Go Big” or go Home..or Go Fashion, Food & Drink or Beauty with their “Start Small, Go Big” — connecting you with some of the country’s most prominent entrepreneurs. The bigger, the fiercer, I always say. [FashionIndie]

Oval - Lucky you! People with oval-shaped faces look good in most sunglasses. But to best flatter and highlight your features, you should look for sunglasses that are broader than the widest part of your face. Go ahead, movie star, grab the biggest shades you can find. Check out some of our favorites below.

Clockwise from top left:
Tory Burch Stud Temple Sunglasses $165, bloomingdales.com

Karen Walker Bunny Sunglasses $180, gargyle.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs Oversized Square Sunglasses $130, nordstrom.com

Topshop Black Oversize Round Sunglasses $32, us.topshop.com

Square – The very architectural square face is characterized by a wide forehead and distinctive jawline and cheekbones. You want to make your features look longer, and choosing frames with rounded edges will do just that. Look for oval and round sunglasses to flatter your chiseled features. We love these four styles.

Clockwise from top:
Squint Topshop Tortoiseshell Round Oversize Sunglasses $45, us.topshop.com

Oliver Peoples J Gold Oval-Frame Acetate and Titanium Sunglasses $390, net-a-porter.com

Roberto Cavalli Wrap Sunglasses $360, endless.com

Prism Paris Round-Frame Acetate Sunglasses $375, net-a-porter.com

Heart - Almost like a triangle, the heart-shaped face is distinguished by a wide forehead, high cheekbones and a pointy chin. Choosing a pair of sunglasses that mimic this shape are best, making aviator frames perfect for your face. But any sunglasses with wider tops than bottoms will do. Here are some great pairs.

Clockwise from top left:
Topshop Black Plastic Aviator Sunglasses $32, us.topshop.com

Old Navy Wire-Frame Aviator Sunglasses $9.50, oldnavy.gap.com

Ksubi Atik Charcoal Tiger Print Sunglasses $329, superette.co.nz

H&M Red and Metal Sunglasses $5.59, hm.com

Round -A round face is well, round, and needs to be balanced with harder edges. Square and rectangular frames will look best because they bring out the angles in your features. These styles are some of our favorites.

Clockwise from top:
Oliver Peoples Myriel Square-Frame Metal Sunglasses $390, net-a-porter.com

ASOS Whistles Gray Retro Sunglasses $77.58, us.asos.com

Kirra Cut Up Square Black Sunglasses $9.99, shop.pacsun.com

The Row Rectangle Wrap Frame Sunglasses $325, barneys.com

What is your favorite pair of sunnies to complement your face shape?

Red Lips & Sunglasses

1. American Eagle Outfitters Tumbled Wristlet $11.95 – I have this in yellow,  and it’s perfect for the beach.

2. Forever 21 Vibrant Floral Bracelet $6.80 – The floral pattern is perfect for summertime frolicking.

3. M&M Headphones $10 – A true treat for your ears, could these be any cuter?

4. Fred Flare Breanne Sunglasses $12 – Big, bold and beautiful, everything shades should be.

5. Freedom at Topshop 3D Feather Bird Ring $14 – Turquoise is our favorite stone for summer, and this bird ring is perfectly ethereal.

6. Forever 21 Pretty Pendant Necklace $6.80 – This is a great length for a breezy summer tank or maxi dress.

7. Peacocks Geo Coral Print Scarf $9.70 – Wear it around your head or neck on a chilly beach-side evening.

8. Topshop Nude Lace Corsage Headband $8 – A perfect accent accessory for a so-so hair day.

9. Forever 21 Vibrant Ikat Scarf $8.80 – This lightweight fabric includes all the colors summer brings to mind.

10. 6×6 by No.6 Printed Coated Pouch $10 – Doubles as a great waterproof clutch for pool parties.

11. Old Navy Embellished Canvas Tote $9.94 – Makes a great shabby-chic laptop bag for summer.

12. Forever 21 Braided Floral Headband $3.80 – A cute way to jazz up a high bun.

13. Topshop Rope Encased Studs $15 – Throw on a cocktail ring with these blue babies, and you’re ready to go.

14. FEED Guatemala 1 Wristlet $14.95 – Not only is this pouch cool, you’re helping a good cause in the process.

15. dELiA*s Savina Tonal Bracelet 4-Pack $12.50 – Stack these adorable leather bracelets for a fresh, boho look.

What is your favorite bold summer accessory?

Tribal prints – Colorful and fun, these cool, statement-making dresses will spruce-up your closet in no time.

Clockwise from top left:
Dorothy Perkins Multi Tribal Print Dress $39, dorothyperkins.com

Billabong Friday Dress $$31.99, tillys.com

dELiA*s One-Shoulder Tribal Dress $29.99, delias.com

Forever 21 Tribal Maxi Dress $24.80, forever21.com

Papaya Tribal Print Beaded Halter Dress $18.99, papayaclothing.com

Forever 21 Self-Tie Tribal Dress $19.90, forever21.com

Forever 21 Strapless Patch Print Dress $19.80, forever21.com

Forever 21 Abstract Drawstring Dress $19.80, forever21.com

dELiA*s Tribal Woven Dress $29.99, delias.com

AX Paris Tribal Print Shift Dress $49, axparis.co.uk

Country chic - Channel the prairie life with a mix of down home and big city style.

Clockwise from top left:
Jane Norman Horse Print Tie Waisted Shirt Dress $37, janenorman.co.uk

Forever 21 Striped Chambray Dress $18.90, forever21.com

Daytrip Flower Power Dress $36, buckle.com

Akira Silk Blend Lace Sleeve Dress $39.90, shopakira.com

dELiA*s Vintage Crochet Dress $39.50, delias.com

ModCloth Homeland Honey Dress $47.99, modcloth.com

WeSC Ika Dress $39.99, swell.com

ModCloth Vase Vortex Dress $47.99, modcloth.com

Maxis - Bring it to the floor with a breezy ankle-length dress. We have one here for every body type and taste.

From left:
Vero Moda Floral Print Maxi Dress $34, houseoffraser.co.uk

Dorothy Perkins Orange Embellished Maxi Dress $46, dorothyperkins.com

Forever 21 Leopard Maxi Dress $24.80, forever21.com

Forever 21 Ikat Maxi Dress $16.50, forever21.com

ModCloth Bicycle Taxi Maxi Dress $49.99, modcloth.com

Old Navy Smocked Gauze Maxi Dress $39.94, oldnavy.gap.com

Mudd Crochet Maxi Dress $29.99, kohls.com

Dressrail Boobtube Colour Block Maxi Dress $25, dressrail.com

Sporty spice - Sleek and easy to move in, these classically casual frocks can be reinvented time and time again.

Clockwise from top left:
Life In Progress™ Pinstriped Dress $24.80, forever21.com

American Apparel Fine Jersey Racerback Tank Dress $32, americanapparel.net

Nordstrom Stem Knit Tank Dress $37.90, nordstrom.com

Forever 21 Draped Tube Dress $16.90, forever21.com

Steve Madden Blushing Ruffle Dress $46.62, zappos.com

American Eagle Pintuck Dress $39.95, ae.com

Go Green M by M Lina Sustainable Vest Top Dress $42, fashion-conscience.com

Aqua Sleeveless Racerback Stripe Maxi Dress $23.52, bloomingdales.com

70s-Inspired – Whether going for the hippie or late mod feel, these vintage-esque dresses will quickly become summer staples.

Clockwise from left:
Peacocks Belted Wrap Dress $33, peacocks.co.uk

Dorothy Perkins Mocha Gypsy Lace Panel Dress $46, dorothyperkins.com

Peacocks 70s Maxi Dress $25, peacocks.co.uk

Vero Moda Fluted Sleeve Low Back 70s Shift $48.27, asos.com

Vintage 1970′s Womens Mod Knit Dress $42, rustyzipper.com

H81 Anita Sleeveless Woven Dress $16.90, forever21.com

Peacocks Chiffon Crop Dress $32, peacocks.co.uk

GoJane Printed Tie-Waist Tank Dress $31.70, gojane.com

Darling denim - Keep this classic look updated with rope belts and colorful accessories.

Clockwise from left:
French Connection Phillipa Dress $39.99, usa.frenchconnection.com

Oasis Skater Dress $25, oasis-stores.com

Thread Sense Sweetheart Button Denim Dress $35, threadsense.com

H&M Flared Denim Dress $21, hm.com

Hurley Wilson YC Denim Dress $44, zappos.com

Peacocks Denim Embroidered Dress $25, peacocks.co.uk

Forever 21 Denim Tube Dress W/ Belt $24.90, forever21.com

Forever 21 Belted Denim Dress $19.80, forever21.com

What are your favorite dresses from this guide? Let us know in the comments.

All through June you can purchase a pride T for $7.50 to $14.50 at select Old Navy stores throughout the nation, with 10% of the proceeds going to the It Gets Better Project.

I guess the gays* finally have a reason to shop at Old Navy. [LGBTQ Nation]

*I used to shop at Old Navy and can say from firsthand experience… it gets better.

The company’s chairman and CEO Glenn Murphy outlined some initiatives to get the Gap back on track, such as downsizing on their number of stores, striking a better balance between Gap and its “value channel” (read: cheaper, less attractive sister) Old Navy and nearly doubling the number of global franchises by 2014 or sooner ( including the inevitable expansion into China).

I’m assuming finding a new designer fits into that grand scheme somewhere… [WWD]

What you wear on your right ring finger today you might want on your left pointer tomorrow, and of course you should get what you want. Adjustable rings are okay, but turn your hand over and your secret is out. Instead, try stretchy rings. Now available in far more than the irridescent beaded variety of head shops and your childhood, these elastic infused accessories are bonafide cocktail rings.

1. Betsey Johnson had a field day at the zoo and went stretch ring crazy. Crystalized animals, hearts and evil eyes can each jump from finger to finger along your hand. Heart, Octopus and Giraffe @ Zappos, Monkey and Evil Eyes @ Piperlime, Aligator @ Macy’s.

2. This elastically bound long linking rustic ring from Topshop is not only versatile, but more comfortable than a solid piece of metal of that length.

3. Double the fingers equals double the need for some stretch in the band. Try this Cara Accessories number from Nordstrom.

4. We fell in love with bow ties this year. Now wear one from pacsun on any finger you pretty please.

5. Spikes and chains are typically unforgiving, but the ring that these attach to is. Max&Chloe rock the danger dangle.

6. Hit up Old Navy (didn’t think I’d be saying that..) for a bright pinwheel stretch.

7. Beaded and black, and available in ivory as well, this Marlyn Schiff ring is a class act.

8. The bubbled thumbprint has a antiquarian effect, which it should as it’s made from antique gold by Amrita Singh.

9. From across the pond on Miss Selfridge, get a sea shell from their shores.

Now really stretch! It’s good for you.

Right to left, from top left:

BeaValdes for CoutureLab “Azzura” Necklace $2,764, couturelab.com

Eugenia Kim Gabriella Feather-Trimmed Fedora $345, net-a-porter

Cacharel Cutler & Gross Circular Lens Sunglasses $525, openingceremony.us

Azzedine Alaïa Skirt $2,800, colette.fr

Manish Arora Pop Dress $1,072, bombayelectric.in

All Saints Elkin Poncho $165, allsaints.com

Aldo Barges Bangles $18, aldoshoes.com

Aldo Croner Peep Toe Pumps $70, aldoshoes.com

American Apparel Nail Polish $6, store.americanapparel.net

Old Navy Aztec-Print Bucket Bag $19.94, oldnavy.gap.com

How are you going to celebrate the holiday?

Guys usually have a difficult time finding pants are are both appropriate for the workplace and comfortable. (Not to mention ones that can easily transition from day to night time) This is where these khaki pants come in. They are stylish, comfy, and completely appropriate for every occasion.

We even have a calendar of a normal week to further prove this point:

The most important aspect of any mens garment is versatility. You can dress up these trousers for a boardroom meeting with a button down shirt, skinny tie, and dress shoe. You can also dress it down with your favorite slip ons and a basic tee.

All of these  styles available in Gap stores nationwide or online at: www.gap.com.

Molly Sims

Sims got her start as a Victoria’s Secret runway model, but soon transitioned to a Sports Illustrated bikini babe and is best known as a Cover Girl model and for her peppy Old Navy ads. In 2009 Sims launched a line of jewelry, Grayce by Molly Sims, sold on graycebymollysims.com. It has taken off, and now sells through Henri Bendel and a handful of boutiques, including Scoop, Ron Herman and Matches London. Items in her new collection retail for between $135 and $795 (at full price). Sims also starred for five years on NBC’s Las Vegas, and has appeared in various big-screen titles.

Elizabeth Hurley

The former Estée Lauder model, now 45, launched a swimwear line, Elizabeth Hurley Beach, in 2005; it now includes tunics, sarongs, shorts and kids’ wear. In 2009 she began manufacturing food products with ingredients grown on her 400 acres in the Gloucestershire countryside. Elizabeth Hurley Food’s organic snack line is sold at London retailer Harrods. Hurley raises her own pigs, cows and sheep at her farm, and sells their shanks at butchers across Britain. She recently partnered with Prince Charles’ organic food company, Duchy Originals, though the new line has yet to hit stores.

Cindy Crawford

The original supermodel, now 42, known for her Clairol and Pepsi campaigns, among others, had a hugely successful line of workout videos. In 2005 she partnered with HM Richards on an eponymous line of home furniture, sold through retailers like Rooms to Go, Art Van and Raymour & Flanigan. She recently partnered with JCPenney to sell a home décor line and a mid-range jewelry collection, One Kiss. She also has a line of anti-aging skincare, Meaningful Beauty, and a branded shoe collection sold through European retailer Deichmann. Crawford still strikes a pose for the likes of Omega Watches and Russian department store TSUM.

Elle Macpherson

In 1990 Elle “The Body” Macpherson, best known for her record five Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition covers, teamed with Bendon Limited Apparel to create an eponymous line of intimate wear, now a global seller. The line, which includes maternity bras as well as lingerie, has been so successful that the bombshell now out-earns her best years as a supermodel, with an estimated yearly $10 million paycheck. Now 47, Macpherson also has a line of skincare, The Body, sold in Europe. MacPherson took over as the host of Britain’s Next Top Model, and also serves as executive producer.

Marissa Miller

The Victoria’s Secret Angel has also graced the cover of the 2007 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Fashion clients have included Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, DirecTV and True Religion jeans. In 2008 she launched a shoe line with skateboarder/surfer-oriented company Vans. In 2009 Harley-Davidson made Miller, 32, its first ever brand face; a co-branded clothing line is in the works. This year she became a “First Mate” for Captain Morgan Spiced Rum (playing the captain’s sexy sidekick in a viral video and commercial) and an NFL spokeswoman. In 2010 she designed a women’s paddle-up board for Surftech; it comes in pink and purple and bears the model’s name.

Erin Wasson

Since 2002 this former Victoria’s Secret beauty has been the face of Maybelline in print and TV ads worldwide. In spring 2009 she dovetailed her love of surfing and fashion by launching a line of eponymous beach-inspired women’s apparel through skating and surfing lifestyle company RVCA. Wasson also partnered with Mouawad (Heidi Klum’s jewelry partner) to brand a collection of chain-inspired jewelry, LowLuv, now sold in dozens of boutiques in the U.S, Canada, Europe and Japan. She is also an investor in 100 Lafayette, a hip New York City dance club. She recently raised $12,000 in an hour for Best Friends animal sanctuary by selling her designer cast-offs.

Heidi Klum

The Sports Illustrated swimsuit model turned Victoria’s Secret Angel hung up her wings in September 2010 after 13 years with the lingerie giant. But the gorgeous German, now 36, is busy as ever (evidenced by her $16 million take-home pay from June 2009 through June 2010). Stateside, Klum hosts the designer reality show Project Runway and, in her home country, Germany’s Next Top Model (Klum gets a cut of all her GNTM discoveries’ revenue.) The mother of four also hawks jewelry; an anti-aging skin care line, In an Instant; two maternity wear lines, Loved and Lavish; and gadgets on her website. In October she launched a line of fashionable sporty clothing, with New Balance, sold exclusively on Amazon.com.

Gisele Bundchen

This former Victoria’s Secret Angel and wife of NFL quarterback Tom Brady recently caused some controversy by saying that mothers should be legally required to breastfeed. The mostly highly paid model in the world, earning $25 million a year, has both high-fashion clients, like Balenciaga and Versace, and mass retail brands like H&M. Ipanema by Gisele, a line of sandals with Grendene, a Brazilian sandal maker, is available in 80 countries; her take from the 30 million pairs sold in 2009: about $8 million. Bündchen also owns a hotel, the Palladium Executive, in Brazil. Last year she founded Sejaa, an environmentally friendly skincare line.

(credit: Forbes)

So, they’ve joined forces with AwkwardFamilyPhotos to make this Christmas an unforgettably uncomfortable one.

Stop by their store in late December, and capture that cheery, uptight spirit.

Make your own Awkward Family Photo (Holiday style) by dropping in a sponsored Old Navy retailer and jumping in their Photo Mobile. Are you super photogenic? No worries. Experts will be on hand to instruct first-timers how to best achieve awkwardness – using classic poses like the “totem pole,” “banana boat” and “bobsled.”

Presents are nice. But it’s awkwardness that brings us all together during the Holidays.

When/Where:

Los Angeles – Third Street Promenade. Saturday, December 12^th 10:00am-4:30pm

New York City- Flatiron at 23^rd Street. Saturday, December 19^th 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Sunday, December 20^th 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM

We here at FashionIndie love Whitney, not only because she’s beautiful, but because we’ve met her a few times at events and she’s quite friendly and personable. But a designer she is not!

This another attempt at designing a collection is a failure, it falls somewhere between the sale rack at The Gap and everything at Old Navy!

More looks here.

Just because there’s torrential rain falling from the heavens doesn’t mean it’s not summer.  Check the humidity that just won’t give up.  There’s no way you can wear a trench and if you try a rain slicker you’ll be spending a good ten minutes peeling that thing from your skin once you get inside.  And let’s not forget about the foolishness of wearing rain boots.  So here’s a handy little guide on beating the heat (and humidity) while also staying reasonably dry.

As much of a pain in the ass as it is to carry an umbrella around, it’s totally necessary.  You can find a huge variety of cheapies around the city.  Go to Chinatown, Muji, Macy’s, Barneys, or Brooks Brothers, all with umbrellas ranging from $3 to $50.  By using an umbrella, you don’t have to drop a huge amount of coin on a windbreaker which–let’s face it–probably isn’t waterproof anyways.  And what rain does make it through?  It’ll feel damn good.For your top, wear a thin cotton button down.  A t-shirt is liable to get wet and stick to your body and when it dries, it’ll be wrinkled and unsightly.  Furthermore, t-shirts are extremely constricting in this weather.  You’re basically asking to get hot and sweaty (and not in the good, Al Green way).  You can leave the top few buttons undone and allow the shirt to breathe around you.  If a good breeze hits, it might even inflate the shirt and you’ll feel like you’re parachuting/Puff Daddy in that one Ma$e video.  That’s always a plus…if you’re particularly immature like I am.

Concerning your bottom?  Don’t wear pants, guys.  Most young men likely to frequent Fashion Indie probably also wear slim or skinny pants.  Your legs are the most likely part of you that will get wet.  If they do and you’re wearing pants, you’ll be extremely uncomfortable and it will take forever to dry.  If you’re wearing loose pants, you will still be extremely uncomfortable and probably look half-retarded.  Think about it–you’ll have your pants plastered to your shins while the rest droops off to the back.  Not a good look.

Go with a pair of shorts–preferably of a solid, darker color.  We don’t want the rain to soak through and show your privates off now, do we?

Now for the most daunting task of summer rainwear: the shoes.  You can always go the flip-flop route, but if you’re in a walking city, you might find it ‘icky’ or ‘eww-ie’ to leave your feet so exposed to the inevitable puddles you’ll have to traipse through.  If you can’t buck up, go for shoes that will dry fast, you won’t mind tossing, and that don’t look like you’re wearing them for those exact reasons.

Try going with plimsolls or the always reliable Vans and Chucks.  Or get your old-school Bruce Lee on with a pair of espadrilles which are being pushed hard this summer.  The shoes that make the most sense to wear, however, are some genuine boat shoes.  Seeing as they’re made to be worn on a boat, they should serve you well in rainy weather.

Finally, carry a tote.  A backpack’s going to extend too far out from the umbrella and get soaked, a messenger bag is just going to make things hotter.  A tote, however, stays close to your side, is of a quick-drying material, allows for a variety of patterns and styles for cheap and, most importantly, can hold a surprising amount of goods.

So there you have it.  How to stay cool in the summer without burning a hole in  your wallet, the rainy day edition.  A roundup of one suggested outfit culled from this article’s linked pieces below.

1. Navy and White Totes umbrella from Macy’s, $25

2. J. Crew Secret Wash lightweight point-collar poplin shirt, $59.50

3. Topman blue smart shorts, $50

4. United Bamboo Skull Tote, $50

5. Cole Haan Air Yacht Club boat shoes, $56.64

TITLE LOVE: McArthur Joseph

1. Old Navy

I recently wrote about Old Navy in my “Top 5 Places To Shop This Summer” because it is one of my absolute favorite place to shop for basics. THey offer classic and timeless pieces without taking a chunk of your wallet.

2. American Apparel

American Apparel is a great place to go for basics because they specialize in them. You can also can basics in a variety of colors and styles  that you probably would not be able to get anywhere else.

3. Target

This store is probably the one you can get most bang for your buck. They are located everywhere so there is no need to fret over if there or isn’t there one nearby. One of the most memorable thing I got from there was a pair of brown shorts about 2 years ago that no matter what I wear it with I look like a lot more that the 10 bucks I actually spent.

4. Uniqlo

Now some of you people outside the New York area will be asking what the hell is a Uniqlo? Well I’ll tell you that it is an amazing shop located in Soho. If you are ever in downtown NYC, this is the place to go for great basics.

1. Quiksilver

This California based brand has been making many style advances throughout the years. At first stores were usually only shopped by surfers and the like who only bought plain tees, board shorts and surf gear. Nowadays you can walk into a store and find tailored jeans, cool sweaters, and artist created graphic tees. They haven’t loss their connection with the origins and still have great board shorts and walk shorts perfect for the beach, pool, or just lounging around.

2. All Saints

As far as I have read there are opposing views on All Saints. The Fashion Indie crew recently payed a visit to the new Soho location and we marveled at all the stuff. I will say this probably is the priciest one on the list but the stuff looks and feels great. The reason I would say to splurge here because the stuff will last. As I believe Saynt put it, “It is the John Varvatos feel with out the John Varvatos price tag.”

3. Topman

I have on many occasions extolled my love for this British brand. It is only update, current, and the store usually has everything they have online and more. I am more excited for the new AAA collection to come out. Make this your summer hotspot if you like to go out and look amazing

4. Old Navy

Now some people might me scratching their heads when it comes to this part of the list. If you have ever been into a store you know that they do not sell haute couture gowns and suits, but they do one thing amazing well, basics. Old Navy has basics that are extremely inexpensive, and if styled correctly can look effortless and refined.

5. Vintage

Vintage is ALWAYS in style no matter what anyone says. It would be a smart idea to find out local vintage and consignment stores that have a good assortment of menswear. I know some of the ones in New York that I have frequented include Inven.Tory (which also sells current clothes at a deal), Tokio 7, and local flea markets.

This Saturday, May 22nd all Old Navy stores across the country will be hosting the $1 Flip Flop promotion. Stores will be open early so check your local store for hours and details. A great time to stock up for the summer.

So glad I didn’t get up for this show this morning, looking at the photos this is probably on the same level of awful as the Lindsay Lohan/Ungaro collection. Do the Kardashian’s realize that we are in Fall, not Spring with their boring Old Navy worthy shorts (even in leather, which we saw last season) and J.Crew like tops. Besides denim and tee shirts, which came straight out of a Joyce Leslie store, there were equally bad dresses made for a twelve year old skank, or the likes of (again) Lohan. The only halfway decent, partly original piece was a leather corset worn over a plain jersey dress.

Entire collection here.
Thanks Cotourture for the pics.

Yeah that’s right Airwalks. Don’t pretend like you don’t know what I’m talking about, because back in 94′ everyone had them. I remember when I was in Elementary school I was dying to get a pair of these skateboarding influenced sneakers. My dad never wanted to buy them for me because they were unecessarily expensive ($80 on shoes for a 8 year old was a bit much), and they were hardly athletic enough for my rough and tumble life. However, I managed to convince my dad they were vital in maximising my 2nd grade popularity level, and the next thing I knew I had Airwalks.

Wow was I an idiot. These shoes look awful! I could be worse though, I still see kids today wearing these crappy shoes. I think it is a common law that if you wear Airwalks they:

a.) Have to be ratty and disgusting looking

b.) Can only be worn by wannabe hippies (often seen wearing too much tie-dye and hemp necklaces)

c.) Have to be worn by someone who doesn’t actually skateboard

The good news is that I left these shoes behind in the 2nd grade, along with my first crush, all my baby teeth and a whole lot of Old Navy polar fleece.

Thanks to Flickr for the images.

A blogger is claiming that she will no longer shop at Old Navy because they are fat phobic. We decided to weight the two sides of the argument:

Her side: Since Old Navy no longer carries Plus Sizes in the store they are discriminating against the plus sizes, and she now has to pay shipping of $7 in order to get her merchandise.

Their side: There is not enough of a Plus Size market for stores to carry the merchandise.

Working in retail for years, I can warrant the frustration of the blogger, having to pay shipping for something you once could get without the surcharge, but she needs to understand that most Plus Size woman like to shop in the comfort of their own home, and often do not even try on merchandise in store. So according to their marketing research, it was probably a wise decision to sell Plus Sizes on-line. I’m almost positive that Old Navy realizes the shopping power of those woman and would not want to discriminate in any way

What do you guys think?

Old Navy’s been caught.  Apparently the brand has stolen a design concept from UNDEFEATED X SSUR 2007 collection. Old Navy swiping from a streetwear label?  I know the brand has been trying to be ON lately, but this just smells fishy too me.  Next up bootleg BAPES and Rocawear?

Courtesy Satchel of Gravel.