Though only a relative handful of designs were chosen for the exhibit, Impact represents nearly every major American designer of the past 50 years — from Pauline Trigère to Diane von Furstenberg, Halston to Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren to Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta to Thom Browne and Donna Karan to Rodarte.

“For someone like me who wasn’t born in America, Impact almost sounds like a 1950s American car,” explained CFDA pres DVF on a walkthrough of the exhibit yesterday. “That’s what America is about. It’s about precise fashion, and not fashion for the sake of fashion. It combines fashion and street, and fashion and life.”

400 active members of the CFDA were asked to choose one look that best represented them or made the most impact on their careers, while museum curators Patricia Mears and Fred Dennis chose for the dearly departed. Work of members whose pieces were not chosen for the installation are displayed in evening vignettes and video projections.

“Not all the CFDA members could be included on the gallery floor,” CFDA CEO Steven Kolb told WWD, “so we created an interactive directory of all members presented on 10 iPad stations throughout the exhibit.”

There’s also a media room where visitors can use iPads to scroll through a timeline of CFDA history and key moments in American fashion. And not ones to be left behind on the social media front, there’s even a hashtag for the Twitter-inclined — #impactcfda.

“We didn’t know what designers would send, so every day felt like birthday with a surprise,” Mears said. “In some cases, we got things that were very clear. When you see the Diane von Furstenberg [wrap] dress, you know it’s hers. When you see the Ralph Lauren [Americana] ensemble, you know it’s Ralph.”

And sometimes, things weren’t so clear. For instance, Marc Jacobs initially wanted a look from his then-controversial but now-iconic 1993 gunge collection for Perry Ellis, but since he didn’t own any of it Anna Sui donated a dress from her private collection.

“For me, the great difficulty with American fashion is that we are so diverse,” Mears continued. “You have the most flamboyant ballgowns and the most wearable and accessible garments. Everything speaks to the product coming out of what I call the American machine — the design machine, the manufacturing machine, the retailing machine, the marketing machine. All of it is part of American fashion over the last 50 years, and I hope that diversity is reflected here.”

Impact: 50 Years of the CFDA will run from February 10 through April 17 and will definitely be a must-see during Fashion Week. [WWD, sub req'd]

Although it’s easy to be underwhelmed by any dresses coming before the Oscars, there are some ladies who really turned it out last night. We put our top 10 at the beginning of the gallery for your viewing pleasure. All photos from Huffington Post Style.

Opening at $20 a share, the KORS stock quickly jumped to $25 and over the course of the day some 42.3 million shares were traded leading to a closing price of $24.20. The company is valued at $3.82 billion, over 45 times its actual earnings, easily surpassing Ralph Lauren‘s 1997 IPO which valued the company at $882 million. [Vogue UK, WWD, sub req'd]

So this whole shebang is getting all kinds of complicated so here’s a quick run-down:

New York, London, Milan and Paris had agreed — at least in the minds of New York and London — to always and forever start the fashion show calendar on the second Thursday of February and September way back in 2008. Milan and Paris claimed they had agreed to no such thing.

In accordance with this — the “second Thursday rule” — NYFW would start on September 13, thus moving everyone else back one week. Milan said, “Not cool, bro” and threatened to decide its own dates and Condé Nast threatened a boycott by all Vogue editors.

Milan said “Screw you guys, bring it on,” by deciding to keep their original dates, September 19-25, thus conflicting with both New York and London, prompting DVF to ask, “Can’t we all just get along?”

Then New York said, “Fine, you win” and offered to move the dates of the September 2012 shows, to Septembr 6 (the first Thursday) through September 13.

Milan said, “Damn right we win,” then decided to throw its weight around by stipulating that New York had to cut out the September 13 date to accommodate London’s men’s collections. And New York said, “Fuggedaboutit.”

Which more or less brings us up to speed. So the CFDA is waiting to hear if the Camera Nazionale accepts this latest development. As for the second Thursday rule, the CFDA proposed revisiting it after three years and meeting with the Camera in 2013 to discuss the 2014 show dates.

Still confused? Don’t blame you. Which is why they should just settle this with a good old-fashioned walk-off like civilized people. [WWD]

Bag lady

They say never to judge a book by its cover, but you can pretty much figure out the character of a woman from her handbag. House of Fraser has a huge range of bags to suit any budget, from designers like DKNY, Furla and Ralph Lauren to high street brands like Warehouse, Oasis and House of Fraser’s very own brand Therapy.

Skin deep

The winter weather wreaks havoc on our skin and as a result we need a little boost in the skincare department. Thankfully, all the major skincare brands put together gift packs at this time of year and you can make the most of these value-packed deals and get your friend a complete winter skincare regime. Clarins’ HydraQuench set or Lancome’s Primordial Skin Recharge set, are perfect winter skin rescues.

Make up and party

Just in time for the New Year celebrations you can indulge your BFF’s passion for beauty with a new make-up set. Urban Decay’s X11 Midnight Emergency Kit and Benefit’s I’m Glam, Therefore I Am gift set are both perfect Christmas gifts that fit in both handbags and beauty cases. These gorgeous sets include all manner of party-ready make-up like Urban Decay’s Lip Junkie lipgloss and Benefit’s BADgal Lash mascara.

Tea and a chinwag

We all love catching up with our best friends over a good brew, and with House of Fraser’s Afternoon Tea gift hamper you can make you next chit-chat extra special. This is the ideal present for domestic goddesses and those that like to entertain. It includes Mrs Bridges leaf tea, clotted cream fudge, stem ginger biscuits, Mrs Bridges Christmas marmalade, and Mrs Bridges Christmas preserve.

Photo: Fashion Gone Rogue

This is Kloss’ eighth international Vogue cover, though she has yet to score that grand daddy of covers — American Vogue. However, the S.S. Karlie is blasting into outer-space considering her recent strut down the Victoria’s Secret runway.

And then there’s the guaranteed seal of supermodel approval – the not-at-all-creepy attentions of noted supermodelizer Leonardo DiCaprio.  Come 2012 — mark my words —  Anna Wintour will render her in some disappointing cover story shot by default photogs, Mario Testino or Annie Leibovitz.

From there, next stop: world domination.

The stars from all walks of fame turned out for the iconic chat, including Diane von Furstenberg, Uma Thurman, Naomi Watts, Sean Avery, Chanel Iman, Prabal Gurung, Tory Burch, Jessica Alba, Jerry Seinfeld, Tom Brokaw, Babs Walters, Martha Stewart and of course, Gayle King.  All in all the event raised over $7 million proving once again that everything Oprah touches turns to gold. Or at least turns to wads and wads of cash. [WWD]

To an audience including Vogue‘s own Anna Wintour, no topic was off limits. Growing up in the same Bronx neighborhood as Ralph Lauren, Klein admitted that his childhood was “actually kind of a wonderful experience.” And while he knew Lauren from the “peculiar way” he dressed, they weren’t really friends: “[Lauren] was older than I. I grew up in a very Jewish kind of intellectual environment.”

The designer also tells of his early days in fashion and how he got started, though he only narrowly avoided a career in the supermarket business. His friend and business partner Barry Schwartz had inherited his father’s grocery store and Schwartz wanted he and Klein to “become the next A&P.” Conflicted over his love for fashion and a future of assured security he consulted his parents:

My dad said, “You know, I never knew exactly what you studied all these years, but I have a feeling if you don’t see it through, even though this is a great opportunity your best friend is offering, I think you will be unhappy all your life. You have to go through with it.” I left their apartment on cloud nine. That did it for me. It was the best advice I ever got.

Klein also spoke openly about his struggle with addiciton, referencing a very public meltdown at Madison Square Garden in 2003:

That was really a shameful, horrible moment. It had nothing to do with work. I’ve done enough therapy and enough work on myself. Addiction is not caused by stress on the job, even though lots of people in the fashion industry have suffered from the same problem. It’s not about the work. It has more to do with your childhood and lots of other things. You’re always in recovery. You’re always aware that this is something you don’t want to do, whether it’s drugs, sex, food. There are lots of addictions.

While he was married — twice — to women, Klein revealed that he is happy in his life now, which includes a young man who takes him paragliding.  Through it all, he’s learned that family and friends are really “what completes life.” Of course creating a multi-billion dollar empire couldn’t have hurt either. [WWD, sub req'd]

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]

Sherry Lehmann Wine.  Arizona Iced Tea. Fiber One. No, these aren’t the contents of your grandmother’s kitchen cabinet. These are three of the big-name sponsors for New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the biggest and least important of the four major Fashion Weeks. But is New York’s continued dwindling in importance a direct result of the less than fabulous coterie of sponsors, or is it the other way around? And who’s to blame?

The Hardy Gays are on the case!

The main culprit is Milk Studios, whose latest incarnation as MilkMade has stolen much of the luster from Lincoln Center. But whereas they compete for sponsors, MilkMade usually draws smaller shows…however, the Marc Jacobses and the Ralph Laurens don’t show at the Tents either. Rather, they show offsite, effectively spitting in the faces of IMG Models and CFDA president Diane von Furstenberg, who dutifully shows at Lincoln Center each season.

Why not show a concerted effort to make NYFW a juggernaut of influence and taste rather than a discombobulated hydra sprawling all over Manhattan with each head unaware of what the other is doing?

The Tents at Bryant Park were home to New York Fashion Week for seventeen years and the move to Lincoln Center was a controversial one that left many fashion followers scratching their thinning scalps. Aside from being convenient, Bryant Park’s proximity to the Garment District earned it the distinction as the fashion industry’s backyard. But as Fashion Week grew bigger and more and more sponsors came on board — from Dunkin Donuts to McDonald’s — designers became more and more disenfranchised. And Bryant Park became more and more annoyed. Now, the Tents at Lincoln Center resemble a circus rather than a legitimate gathering of professionals and creatives.

Which brings us to Fern Mallis, the lady behind those seventeen halcyon years. She helped organize the move of NYFW from warehouses and studios all over the city to one central location, but with the Tents’ dissolution everything is scattered once again. Just last year Mallis evacuated her role as Senior Vice President of IMG to reportedly start her own consulting business. Interesting timing…

Perhaps she felt disillusioned over what she hath wrought. Perhaps she struck a deal with Bryant Park to kick fashion week out of its lush lawn. Perhaps she poisoned  major designers against her former lover, one Diane von Furstenberg to gain revenge for breaking her heart when she married Barry Diller, effectively ruining Fashion Week and leaving Fiber One as one of the few legitimate sponsors who would touch MBFW with a ten-foot pole!

Cue lightning flash and dramatic music.

Perhaps this is just speculation and hearsay. Perhaps we don’t really care because as far as Mac and I — and the bottle of vodka we’ve already opened to celebrate — Absence of Mallis: The Case of the Lackluster Tents is closed.

From Le Figaro via The Cut:

From the first model on the runway, we are struck by what resembles an out-of-style Gucci collection from ten years ago. The fussy complications of the cuts (drawstrings, shirring, high-waisted skirts, leg-of-lamb sleeves), the disheveled hairstyle of a girl barely back from happy hour, and the overdone makeup… Overload is the key word of the show… The laced shoe? An ersatz model of an Alaïa. The jogging shorts in black leather? Already seen last year in Céline‘s cruise collection, as were the sandals with bracelet straps (here, encrusted with rhinestones). The coat bristling with raffia? A pale version of those in Yves Saint Laurent‘s spring 1967 collection.

And then shit gets personal:

At the end of this inventory suited to Kim Kardashian, Tom Ford appears. He advances. And he remains there, in the central area, asking people to stand up. Perhaps [people would do so] out of distress, or sympathy, or because all of this is supposed to be festive after all. But everybody just looks at their feet. The music does not stop. Ford tries to speak above the noise, louder. We can’t hear a thing. We just see this baby-faced man trying desperately to clear the air. He throw[s] himself upon his companion, Richard Buckley, and hugs him (Ralph Lauren often hugs his companion Ricky at the end of his shows, but then he returns backstage). But here everyone stays put. So Tom Ford retreats toward Anna Wintour and now it’s she whom he decides to embrace. Troubling.

A.) That comparison to Kim Kardashian is verging on out-of-line. B.) I’m pretty sure Mouzat called Ford fat with that “baby-faced” comment. And  C.) I think the most “troubling” part is that he reportedly had the cajones to publicly embrace Anna Wintour. People have died for less.

This isn’t the first time Ford has weathered bad press as noted sassbag Cathy Horyn referred to Ford’s spring 2001 Gucci show as “not just truly ugly, but also…completely at odds with his reputation as a designer who loves women.” And then there was that reporter at the Guardian, Jess Cartner-Morley, who also had some choice words for Ford’s latest collection.

So, is it a case of sour grapes, or has Tom Ford simply made an unfashionable misstep? Well, you’ll have to wait to form your own opinions when the photos come out, but everyone’s allowed a mistake every now and then. Hell, we keep Jean Paul Gaultier around and when’s the last time he did anything passably good? Oh, right. [The Cut]

Photo source: Style.com

Paul was at nearly every rehearsal – far more hands on than your average ballet composer. He had already been working on an underwater themed symphony when he got the call from Ballet Master in Chief, Peter Martins, to compose a piece for the New York City Ballet. Paul accepted, and created a story and score off of what he had already started. He went back to that workon a computer program he has admittedly become quite obsessed with), with the thought of that sound inspiring dance.

Photo by Jessica Lapidos

McCartney and Martins enter Lincoln Center with a hug. All you need is love, hard work, and the NYC Ballet.

Here, he beholds a Terra Punk – one of the “baddies” as he calls them – in full costume. Stella went along the guidelines of what Dad saw in his mind as he created these characters. He wanted them to be tattooed tribally, so she imprinted the tattoo upon nude dancer’s mesh.

Stella stepped out of her realm of the Stella McCartney brand to create a fantastical skin for the ballet to take place within. After a decade of work with legendary makeup artist  Pat McGrath, in which Stella rarely deviated from the fresh face, she was finally able to let McGrath stretch her theatrical wings and transport these dancers to a kingdom under the sea. She worked with the elite textile printer Dyenamix to create scales out of tie dye, and tattoos out of mesh.

The fabrics she chose fluttered with the movement of water. Part of the ensemble of hand maidens wore tops with a billowing cape behind it, two separate strips of silk attached to the shoulder and waist seams of the shirt. It hit the air like swimming fins.

Three Drunk Lords stumble-danced on stage to a wobbly jazzy sound, in thick multi-color painted striped suits. Perhaps this pattern will find its way onto Stella’s future runways.

The treacherous servent to the Princess Honorata wore a dark rectangular washed silk cape that danced like ribbon around her body, attached to her fingers. See the sketch:

Now see it in action in this gorgeous video by the New York Times.

The harmony of Paul’s bubbling and expressive orchestral musical movements along with Stella’s movement-focused color-blasted underwater mix of breezy chiffons and body suits creates a truly special environment for the ethereal grace of the NYC Ballet.

Who was there last night? Check the gallery.

Photos from Style.com

Sam‘s Faves

Prabal/Style.com

- Ralph Lauren: “For the ostrich feather boas.”

- Diane von Furstenberg: For handing out little American flags in honor of 9/11 and for making an outfit that anyone could wear.

- Prabal Gurung: “For using one print 100 ways, and also for clever cutouts.”

- 3.1 Phillip Lim: ”For his tasty sherbert color palette.”

- The Row: “For dressing the old ladies that the Olsen twins were born to be.”

The CFDA celebrates its half centennial next year and is launching its “Stars of American Fashion” endowment drive. In an effort to raise $2.5 million, the CFDA is selling 50 stars at $50,000 a pop to designers, who will then personalize their star before it ends up on a special American flag.

28 designers have bought stars so far, including Tom Ford, Diane von Furstenberg, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Carolina Herrera, Tommy Hilfiger, Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang. [WWD]

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge Catherine Middleton wearing Zara in Berkshire

Above: Joyrich, $70

I would describe my current look today as pretentious hipster. (I write this article as I sit in the office wearing a overly bleached tee, over-sized plaid shirt, cutoffs, combat boots and calf high dress socks.) That being said many people don’t like the term “hipster” so we decided to scrounge up 5 mens shirts that could be considered as such if worn one way but in actually can be styled quite versatile.

Keep reading for out picks.

“Depending on customer reaction” — my guess, people are gonna freak the fuck out —  the Lagerfeld for Impulse collection will be available for six to eight weeks and will focus on “statement jackets, tweeds, novelty fabrics, and dresses,” according to Macy’s chief merchandising officer Jeff Gennette.

Hilfiger would join Joel Horowtiz, Silas Chou and Lawrence Stroll in the venture; the fab four were the original investors in the Tommy Hilfiger brand, while Chou and Stroll bought Michael Kors in 2003 for a reported $100 million.

Hilfiger remained coy about his involvement, saying that ”Anybody would be crazy not to invest in it. Michael Kors is the next major global player in my eyes.”

He did, however, express great confidence in his partners:  ”For over 20 years, we’ve invested in things together. If they ask me, of course I’ll invest.”

Kors is planning on an initial public offering ASAP with some sources estimating the value of the company at $2 billion. While Prada is the latest clothes horse to trot out an IPO, Kors will be the first American designer in a while to do so.

Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan completed their IPOs in the late nineties, but very few brands are in as an advantageous position as Kors to  lure investors with an established business that still has room to grow.

And grow it shall with Michael Kors planning on adding 50 retail locations in Greater China over the next three years, as well as a new flagship store on Fifth Ave. [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.

Photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, the ads could easily have been ripped out of a 70s fashion mag, which is precisely the aesthetic Ford was going for with his collection. Informed and heavily inspired by the 70s and Studio 54, Stone looks like a latter day Jerry Hall so temptingly close to Ford’s bearded bravado.

Ford explained his propensity for placing himself in his ads to WWD:

“I’m not in the ads because I’m vain. A lot of people still don’t know who I am, and the product sells better with me in the ads. The old designers — Yves [Saint Laurent], Giorgio [Armani] and Ralph [Lauren] — occasionally used to do it.”

Yves, however, probably wouldn’t approve.

Photos: Image Amplified

The Hamptons is going to be swarming with the rich and fabulous. It is important that you always look posh and put together even if you’re getting plastered in the middle of the day. I recommend this Ben Minkoff weekender. It’s simple, durable, and can hold a champagne bottle or two. (And yes I know from experience.) One of your essentials should include a Ralph Lauren polo. (The staple of the prep wardrobe) An Orlebar Brown bathing suit is the way to go shorts wise. (Even if you’re not swimming you can wear these as shorts all day and look stylish.) Finally you’ll need a pair of  Sperry boat shoes. (Duh!) Don’t forget to bring a blazer just in case and daddy’s credit card.

The Jersey Shore is always a hot spot during the summer months and Memorial Day weekend is probably one of the craziest times it gets. As a Jersey native I have to say that  people were going to down the shore (As we Jerseyans put it) before Snooki and The Situation took over with a camera crew. That being said a Quiksilver duffle is what you want to pack. It can take a beating and be fulled to over capacity with all your weekend needs. While you’re at the beach or walking on the boardwalk these American Eagle shorts have both fashion and function without calling negative attention to whoever is wearing them. Speaking of the boardwalk you can stroll comfortably down it in these Ugg sandals. Lastly you’ll need something nice to impress at the club and an Armani Exchange dress shirt will do the trick. Just make sure you’re tan and party ready.

Fire Island is a major gay destination on the East Coast if you didn’t know. The island is known for it’s nonstop parties and debauchery. If you go this Rag & Bone bag says “I’m here, I’m queer, & I have taste: Get Used To It!”  I recommend packing light since it seems that many of the people running around are not in that much clothes. That’s why this Baskit trunk is totally appropriate. There are a lot of outdoor activities so go for a pack of American Apparel tanks so you have something light and simple that can transition from day to night. Finally I recommend these GAP flip flops:they’re inexpensive, versatile and perfect for a beach day. Remember to leave your heavy layers and inhibitions behind.

2002 – The first OFT was a subtle affair. Clocking in at $730,500, highlights included key lime pie and a J. Lo velour sweatsuit. You gotta start somewhere.

2003 – O then proceeded to crack the million dollar mark, $1,527,750. This is when she started throwing $600 watches and $400 Blackberries at people.

2004 – Shit went down. $4,299,600. We’re talking flat screen TVs ($2,299), spa trips ($850), $11,000 bedding and a $2000 laptop. Suffice to say, there were no J. Lo sweatsuits.

2005 – A little more conservative. $2,211,600. We got a little Ralph Lauren, a little Burberry, an Apple iPod and the big ticket item, a $2400 diamond watch.

2006 – This year’s studio audience must have been PISSED. Facing criticism that she had been basically feeding into American’s capitalist greed, Oprah gave her studio audience camcorders and a $1000 credit card to perform (and record) a good deed. Cost = $390,000.

2007 - So that happened, a lesson was learned by no one and then Oprah dropped $2,364,000 on some hideous footwear ($120), the super awesome Planet Earth DVD box set and a $3800 refrigerator. I wonder if that included shipping and handling?

2008 - Remember the recession? Yeah, me neither, but Oprah did and so she shafted her audience again with an installment of “Thrifty Favorite Things.” An H&M swimsuit ($15), a Norma Kamali suit ($350) and something known as “Fit Flops” ($50) broke the bank at $210,600.

2009 – Oprah didn’t even bother this year. There was no OFT, no one checking under their seats for anything, no one jumping up and down in an embarrassing fit of ecstasy. The end was nigh.

2010 – Lulled into a false sense of security, Oprah struck with what would be her Biggest and Last Favorite Things Ever. A bittersweet moment, no doubt, but one still considerably sweet at a cost of $12,075,000. Diamonds! Cashmere! $700 cruises! $3600 3D televisions! $500 iPads! And the grand daddy of all prizes, a $22,000 Volkswagen Beetle! Crying, jumping, hyperventilating, heart palpitations, etc.  followed.

And that’s all she wrote. To those lucky couple hundred of people who got to bask in the glory of Oprah as she screamed in your face about gifts you could otherwise never afford, I salute you. To the less fortunate souls from  2006, 2008 and 2009, at least you got to bask in the glory of Oprah yelling in your face about something.

That’s more than many of us will ever be able to say. [Jezebel]

Front Man; Converse $59

Halford II; A-morir $400

Red Lines (Black Chain); Coco & Breezy $75

Original Wayfayer; Ray-Bans $159

Neon Aviator; Armani Exchange $49

Medium Aviator; Gucci $220

Sacrificer; Stevie Boi $170

Keyhole Sunglasses; Ralph Lauren $375

Kadena; Mosely Tribes $180

The Ferris Sunglasses; Quiksilver $99.50

Model 10.03; Activist $450

Brown Keyhole Sunglasses;  Topman $28

Limited Edition Wayfarer; John Varvatos $420

Rodeo Drives Designer Sunglasses; Palmer Cash $10

Mercury NB; Nooka $130

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.

This Wednesday, Oprah will be “on location” — I love when she pretends to be a journalist — in Colorado at Lauren’s Telluride ranch for the fashion icon’s first television interview in 20 years.

While there, O will ride about the Ralph ranch in a 60-year-old jeep, discuss the designer’s past and future as well as catch up with the Lauren brood including wife Ricky and the kids, David, Dylan and Andrew.

All the while, Gayle will be chopping wood for the outdoor barbecue planned for later in the evening. [WWD]

1. Alexander McQueen Flesh/Ivory Lace Knuckle Box Clutch $2,295, alexandermcqueen.com

2. Miu Miu Ornamental Neckline Dress $1,165, mytheresa.com

3. Orla Kiely Solid Color Sunglasses $235, orlakiely.com

4. Alexander Wang Jade Sting Ray Clutch $795, lagarconne.com

5. D&G ‘Charmonix’ Multifunction Watch $185, nordstrom.com

6. Calypso St. Barth Popover Tunic $95, calypsostbarth.com

7. Rag & Bone Isington Striped Mesh Skirt $350, net-a-porter.com

8. Ann Demeulemeester Belt $205, thecorner.com

9. Tarina Tarantino Silk Dahlia Anywhere Clip $70, tarinatarantino.com

10. Ralph Lauren White Stretch Denim Jeans $500, stylebop.com

11. Nicholas Kirkwood Cutout Ankle Boot $1,185, nordstrom.com

12. Low Luv by Erin Wasson Rough Crystal Cocktail Ring $210, my-wardrobe.com

13. Topshop Kelsey Woven Lace-Up Shoes $100, us.topshop.com

14. Dean Harris Rainbow Cabochon Vine Earrings $4,725, barneys.com

15. Closed Off White Zip Detail Pants $305, stylebop.com

Clare Waight Keller waves goodbye to Pringle of Scotland.

Hannah MacGibbons bows out of Chloé.

As Hannah MacGibbons moves on from her ten year tenure at Chloé, we will get to see how Clare Waight Keller’s vision evolves in this new house. Keller’s experience spans through top design houses: senior women’s designer at Gucci in the Tom Ford era, men’s design director for Ralph Lauren’s Purple Label, and her first job was women’s wear designer at Calvin Klein. Keller’s got it going on.

The aesthetic she’s honed at Pringle seems to be aligned with the concept of Chloé, and she will likely bring into focus the more technical aspect of knits. Her vision for dramatic capes and flowing yet fitted separates is sure to make her a welcome figure at the Chloé house. She brought the concept of luxury ready to wear to Pringle, just as Chloé introduced that concept to the world.

Besides, she fulfills Chloé’s anglophilic fem obsession. Aside from a unsuccessful s two-year tint with Swede Paulo Melim Andersson from 2006, it’s been Brit after Brit at the French design house: Stella McCartney, Phoebe Philo, Hannah MacGibbons and now Clare Waight Keller. Fancy that. Of course, those all succeeded his Royal Kaisership Karl Lagerfeld as he helmed the brand by freelance after the original designer, Gaby Aghion, from 1966 through the 70s.

So, how do you feel about this round of musical chairs?

Link Love: WWD

Kentucky Derby from Left to right:

Emilio de la Morena: Though straight in the skirt, the color palette and fit politely shout derby. Deanna Gibbons: This holy hat comes in a pastel orange that looks bred for the races.

Suzannah: Bouquets of flowers adorn this dress like the winning racehorse.  H&M provides a floppy sunhat for just $6.99.

Coast Stores: Subtle pink stripes won’t distract any horses, but the Luxury Diva in you will hypnotize with concentric black and white circles on the brim.

Nomad: Vintage inspired, fair trade, and lacy, this dipped ombré, this dress lives like a southern lady. Lauren by Ralph Lauren builds a straw hat ready for the race.

Victoria Beckham: Elegant white with strapless detail is Kentucky Derby worthy. Missoni: These wild colors are a bit bold for the derby, but paired with white, it rises to its own potential. (personal favorite)

Nina Ricci: Tiered and muted pastel, this dress is a demure yet playful choice. Eugenia Kim: The honey color adds dimension to an overtaking structure. The black fabric gives stability and punch.

Priestley’s Vintage: The hidden tree pattern flows along this finely shaped dress. Kaliko: The dress deserves a fascinator. This one flourishes with height.

- After marrying David Lauren, son of iconic American designer Ralph Lauren, Lauren Bush will unfortunately not be known as Lauren Lauren. [Harper's Bazaar]

- A new documentary delves into the 50 year relationship between Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé, told through the objects they collected together. Despite not believing in the souls of the objects — let alone of other people — Bergé remains sentimental like any old glorious queen…by selling them off. [NYT]

- 3 months after having a baby, Miranda Kerr is back in a bikini for Have Faith Swimwear. Yeah, I’d put down that pot brownie if I were you….

- Libelula, Sophie Cranston‘s label that allegedly designed Kate Middleton‘s wedding dress, has released an official denial, thus perpetuating the greatest mystery of our times. [WWD]

- Thierry Mugler, the man behind the Mugler magic, is now going by the name of Manfred these days and is serving as the artistic director for drag queen, Joey Arias. Meanwhile, his eponymous label is working with another famed drag queen, Lady Gaga. [Style.com]

- The VERY 90s black sports bra and white sweatpant Britney Spears wore for a Japanese commercial years ago when she still had her soul are being auctioned off to benefit Japan. [The Cut]

•Bid on a chance to meet Vogue Editor in Chief Anna Wintour and attend a photo shoot for the magazine
•One full week’s stay at the private home of Diane von Furstenberg in the Bahamas
•Ralph Lauren’s Paris – Two Round Trip Business Class Tickets from NYC to Paris, two nights at the Bristol Hotel in a deluxe room, dinner for two at Ralph’s, the quintessential American restaurant in Paris, a 1,000 euro shopping experience at the Ralph Lauren store on St. Germain, and two tickets to visit “The Art of the Automobile: Masterpieces of the Ralph Lauren Collection,” an exclusive exhibit of Mr. Lauren’s vintage automobiles featured at the Musée des Arts décoratifs.
•Live like a Vanity Fair writer for a day—minus the torture of actually reporting and writing. The winning bidder will take a tour of the Vanity Fair offices, have lunch with one of the editors, sit in on a meeting in Graydon Carter’s office, and then finish off the day with a dinner for four at Mr. Carter’s restaurant, The Monkey Bar.
Night: 2 tickets and backstage passes to Jay-Z and Kanye West’s concert
•Morning, Noon & Night with Tory Burch – Morning: $3,000 shopping spree at Tory Burch with a personal stylist; Noon: Lunch with Tory and the design team;
•Lunch and style consultation with celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe, includes a tour of her offices and additional styling tips from her team
•Go behind the scenes with The Hilfigers at the Spring 2012 Tommy Hilfiger ad campaign shoot. Get prepped out in a full Tommy Hilfiger look at the brand’s Fifth Avenue store before having your photograph taken with the Hilfigers.
•A meet and greet with The Row designers Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen plus an entire wardrobe of Elizabeth and James and The Row Collections
•Two tickets to the Elton John Oscar’s Party
•The opportunity to intern for a day at Elle Magazine along with a personal fashion consultation with Elle Creative Director Joe Zee
•Have a Barbie custom made by Mattel in your likeness, valued at over $10,000
•Courtesy of DKNY, enjoy a “VIP” experience at Yankee Stadium for four guests. Experience includes a private tour of Monument Park followed by watching the Yankees’ batting practice from the field, followed by a meet and greet with Yankees Manager Joe Girardi. Afterwards, watch the Yankees take on the Tampa Bay Rays on July 9th, 2011, from four front row Legends Suite seats
•A lunch and style consultation with TV Personality and Project Runway Judge Tim Gunn
•Two tickets to the Vera Wang Spring Summer 2012 Fashion Show followed by a meet and greet with the designer and a $2000 shopping spree at the Vera Wang flagship store
•The opportunity to personalize a PS1 ‘it’ bag with Proenza Schouler designers Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez
•A “Made to Measure Experience” custom suit and fitting from designer Tom Ford.
•Eight tickets to the Metropolitan Opera and dinner with Lincoln Center President Reynold Levy
•Two tickets to a live filming of “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” along with private cocktails with host Andy Cohen following the filming
•And many, many more……….

So get bidding on Charity Buzz, and support Japan in the most fashionable way possible (or any way you can).

For a limited time you guys can go to select Bloomingdale’s locations and bloomingdale’s.com to purchase Surfrider exclusive pieces. 10% of all sales from the Surfrider pop-up shop exclusives will be donated to the Surfrider Foundation, as well as an additional $25,000 donation by Bloomingdale’s.

The Surfrider’s mission is the protection and enjoyment of oceans, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network.

The Suit: Nothing makes a man look better than a well tailored suit. You can get this Joseph Abboud Profile Double Breasted one to get Chuck’s polished look. The double breasted suit is  not one that  every man wears, but should. Wearing something like this shows that you are confident enough to break the mold and look good doing it.

The Tie: This may seem like a simple accessory when in fact it isn’t. Believe it or not people notice a good tie and judge you on ugly one. To keep with this look a bold skinny tie with minimal stripes will do the trick. You can great a great one like this from GAP.

The Shoes: These must be impeccable. Bad or scuffed up shoes totally distract from the outfit. This is the main reason men should splurge on shoes so they can last the test of time. Chuck Bass would totally get himself a pair of these Ralph Lauren lace ups.

Photographed by Ruven Afandor and styled by Anna Brambilla, Carmen appears in Vanity Fair Italia wearing looks by Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood, Ralph Lauren and Viktor & Rolf.

Having lost all of her life savings for the second time around — but this time was thanks to Ponzi-schemer, Bernie Madoff — Carmen Dell’Orefice continues to work perhaps out of necessity but continues to work it effortlessly.

Photos: Tom & Lorenzo

LINK LOVE: Fashion Gone Rogue

LINK LOVE: Fashion Gone Rogue

Fendi Spring 2011

1. Moisturized lips are happy lips. If you want color to cooperate, you must make sure you’re lips are hydrated. What happens when you rub foundation into dry skin? It flakes and makes a mess. The same will happen with your lipstick – it will crack on dry lips and look a mess. Try a matte lip balm like Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm before you apply the hue.

Hakaan Fall 2011

2. Use a neutral lip pencil to define lips. Don’t worry about matching your lip liner to lipstick. It’s an unnecessary expense and can look weird when your lipstick fades first. Stick to a neutral pencil like Smashbox The Nude Lipliner. It will give you an outline to work with and ensure your lipstick will stay in place and not stray outside the lines.

Giles Fall 2011

3. Apply lipstick with a brush to ensure it stays. Think of putting lipstick on with the tube as just scratching the surface. Applying color with a brush will really get the shade to sink into you skin. The Sephora Collection Professionnel Lip Brush #61 is a great tool with an even better price.

Ralph Lauren Fall 2011

4. Create the richest color possible by finishing with the tube. After applying color with a brush, go over your lips with the tube to create the boldest, richest, brightest shade possible. Some of my favorites that I’ve been wearing almost every single day are M.A.C. Lipstick in Rebel, Benefit Cosmetics Full-Finish Lipstick in Flirt Alert and Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense #40, modeled by moi below:

I never thought I’d be wearing bright orange lipstick, but my dear friend Lauren over at Corvus Noir totally got me hooked on this hue.

What is your favorite color of the season?

Model Photos: Style.com

Oprah‘s audience literally shat itself during the very very last of her “Favorite Things” episodes. Out of pure excitement and fantasy-fulfillment euphoria, several members of the audience simply lost control of their bowels. Especially this lady. Find out why after the jump.

This is what the studio audience received in the first part of O’s Faves:

Philip Stein limited edition Oprah 25th anniversary watch with 58 handset diamonds ($2,475)
Flannel Tory Tote ($250) and Reva Ballerina Flat ($195) by Tory Burch
Nikon D3100 Digital SLR camera ($700)
Cashmere sweater by Ralph Lauren and throw ($498)
Judith Ripka eclipse earrings ($525)
Oprah hair stylist Andre Walker’s shampoo and hair kit ($65)
Lafco House candle set ($55 each)
Breville panini press from Williams-Sonoma ($100)
Kyocera ceramic knife ($75)
Beecher’s handmade mac and cheese
Baker’s Edge brownie and lasangne pans/Ghiradelli brownie mix
A Course in Weight Loss
Decoded by Jay-Z
5-year Netflix membership
52-inch 3D Bravia Sony television ($3,600)
Sony Blue-Ray player and movie collection
Kiva gift card courtesy Groupon
elfa custom-built Container Store closet ($1000)
“O” Store long-sleeve v-neck T-shirt ($38)
Lululemon drawstring pant ($98)
Four pairs of Nike “Free run +” shoes ($85)
7-day United/Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas cruise

And just when they thought it was over…Oprah’s Favorite Things, Part 2: Gayle’s Revenge:

iPad, with Scrabble app
Ugg sparkle boots
A Coach satchel
Magaschoni tunic and leggings
Hope in a Jar moisturizer by Philosophy
Nordstrom lingerie
Prepara Herb Saver
Chicken pot pie from Centerville Pie Company
Garrett Popcorn Shops “Oprah’s Favorite Things” tin
Le Creuset cookware
Miraclesuit blue jeans
A jewelry box from Pottery Barn
Diamond earrings from Dana Rebecca Designs
A gift card for DonorsChoose.org
Mini croissants from Williams-Sonoma
Talbott Teas holiday assortment
The Book of Awakening, a book by Mark Nepo
Illuminations, an album from Josh Groban
Let It Be Me, an album from Johnny Mathis
A 2012 Volkswagen Beetle  (available for delivery May 2011)

And if that wasn’t enough, everyone also went home with the realization that they’re lives have officially peaked and it’s all downhill from here. Oprah, too, was saddened, but luckily she had an uncirculated $1500 bill (Obama on the front, the HARPO building on the back) on hand to wipe away her diamond-encrusted tears.

LINK LOVE: Fashion Foie Gras

Yesterday we learned that …

Roberto Cavalli Dreams of Motherhood.

Ralph Lauren Kids is Gearing Up for the Winter Holidays.

Condom Brand LifeStyles  Are Sponsoring Snooki’s Birthday Party.

Balenciaga’s History is Quite Interesting.

Ke$ha has a Real Reason for the $ in Her Name.

This week, LOOKBOOKS highlights the gorgeous window displays at the Ralph Lauren Rhinelander Mansion store on Upper Madison Avenue. Luxe, sophisticating landscapes…you definitely want to take a look! Head on over to Lookbooks.com.

The Key was presented last night at the opening of Ralph Lauren‘s new women’s flagship store in New York.

LINK LOVE: The Cut