If you were in the city this weekend, you might have noticed a number of freakishly tall and thin girls running around town, their books in hand,which means one thing – it’s casting time for New York Fashion Week! Over the course of six hours, hundreds of girls — from up-and-comers to  bona fide runway stars — ushered through the Hudson Hotel‘s gorgeous library to see and be seen by Andrew Weir and his team of professional model wranglers from ACW Worldwide.

“I met her seasons ago in Paris when she was 14,” Weir later tells me once Tanya Dziahileva has left, with more than a hint of wistful sentiment. “I could never pronounce her last name and I don’t even try. She’s always been Tanya D. to me.” On his note card he writes “No Words.”

Mr. Weir seems to have a personal relationship with many of the models that stomp through his biannual casting. He jokes with them, asks them about their vacations, their families and boyfriends — anything to make them feel at ease. Meeting a doe-eyed 16-year old Brazilian who spoke little to no English and who was wandering about the city all by her lonesome, he seems genuinely concerned. But he is also impressed with her walk, noting that she indeed has potential although she’s not quite ready for the runway.

Whenever a girl does strike his particular fancy, Weir has them walk twice, maybe more and he personally takes their photo. In the case of Arlenis Sosa and Ajak Deng — both big names in the industry — a fuss is understandably made with Mr. Weir remarking to Ajak, “You’re going to lose three pounds by show time we’re gonna make you walk so much!” But sometimes there is a new girl that also warrants a fuss, such as a statuesque brunette who recently switched agencies. “If you’re at the wrong agency, I’ll never see you. It’s insane,” he says before taking some photos of the girl. After she’s left he confides in one of his agents, “She’s going to be huge. This is like a star moment.”

Which has to be a compliment to any young model — a seal of approval from one of the top casting directors in the business. However, only time will tell if he will cast her for one of the four shows ACW is handling this season: Jen Kao, Thakoon, Rebecca Taylor and Joseph Abboud. Sunday saw the second round of casting and the final list will be decided upon the night before the shows. For some girls it will be a busy season and for others it will be better strut next time.

One girl who made an impression had walked for Mr. Weir in the past, but like the doe-eyed Brazilian teenager, she wasn’t “there” yet. ”Quite an improvement from a few seasons ago,” Mr. Weir says with a smile of approval. He then gets up from his chair to take several pictures of the model, jots down a few notes about her then calls the next sartorial lamb to the altar.

Photos: Richard Guaty

A model gets photographed

Grazing gracefully

A tender moment with Arlenis Sosa and Andrew Weir

"And she is giving us a loooook."

"No Words"

Some quiet time with Arlenis Sosa

Shooting Arlenis

The fabulous Sui He

Legs for days

Lined up at the library

Pert and pouty

Strutter

"You're going to lose three pounds by show time we're gonna have you walking so much!"

he stunning Ajak Deng

Samantha Gradoville

More waiting...

Girls awaiting their fate outside the casting

The Fashion for Action sale is going on at The Altman Building 135 West 18th Street, (between 6th and 7th avenues) from November 17-19th.

The red of next spring is primarily bold. Think fire trucks and Louboutin soles.

In contrast to this past spring's tangerine, this orange has gone pumpkin, with reddish bronze undertones.

Just shy of neon, this near-blinder shows hints of marigold. It's vibrant and saturated, ready to tackle any busy print in a fight for loudness.

Green is feeling minty fresh. The pastel finish is crisp and clean.

True blue is blowing up cobalt. There's a great depth in this striking color.

Baby got back to the hue of blue that kisses the sky through a layer of mist.

Lavender sweeps in with an essence of calm. The color is regal, light as a princess (not nearly as light at Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge - skinny bid).

Image: Style.com

Color palette: Neutrals silver and white, bright and dusty blues, acid yellow
Mood: Playful, feminine, festive
Statement Piece: Pleated silver glitter pants, bright yellow sheer midi skirt
Front Row Name Drops: Whitney Port and posse of 5, Ashley Tisdale, Jordana Brewster
Gossip: I didn’t get the whole conversation because my brain instinctively blocked it out, but a 50-something blogger behind me spoke of her nipple falling out of her shirt this morning
Runway Music: S.O.S. Band – Just Be Good To Me

What’s the next hottest country or region. We had the Eastern Europeans, the Brazilians, the Dutch…who’s next?

AW: Asia. Never have I seen this many Asian kids in the market.

[Just as he says this, Varsha, a Wilhelmina model from Nepal, walks up.]

AW [to Varsha]: Are you the girl I’ve been hearing so much about? You’re like the first girl from –

Varsha: Nepal.

AW: Nepal. You’re the first girl to come from Nepal.

Varsha: Yes.

AW: How long have you been modeling now?

Varsha: 3 months.

AW: How were you discovered?

Varsha: I sent in my pics to Wilhelmina and they flew me over.

AW: I love a proactive girl. We’re going to be hearing a lot about you. What’s your name? [he looks at her showcard] Varsha. Varsha-Varsha-Varsha. Everyone’s going to be talking about Varsha. [to me] I’m glad you were here to see her. [to Varsha] Can you walk for us? Let us have it. [re: her walk] What is that? Are you crazy? That’s in your blood, you don’t learn that. You think you know what a girl’s gonna do, but you never do…

[Andrew then writes “SPECIAL“ on his note sheet.]

AW: We have an unlimited supply of gorgeous girls. I’ve never seen so many great new faces in a season. Ever.

What do you love about casting?

AW: I mean…[he looks around]

Click through for more photos — and to read the rest of the interview, visit Lookbooks.com!

"Varsha, Varsha, Varsha"

- Wu-Tang still ain’t nothin’ to fuck with, but they’re also a prime employment opportunity. [Refinery29]

An adorably young, swimming-trunked Michael Kors sits in the lap of his fabulous mother Joan amongst his latest ready-to-wear and the quote:

“My Mom, Joan, has always been my biggest fan, she’s a constant source of support and inspiration, so to her and to all the great mom’s out there…Happy Mother’s Day!”

Aww, what a nice boy that Michael Kors is, so good to his mother! I bet he calls her regularly — I’m just saying, would it kill you to pick up the phone every once in a while?*

Other mom-designer windows featured are: Milly designer Michelle Smith and Rebecca Taylor, both with moms named Patricia; Lela Rose with mom Deedie Rose (cutest name ever); and Yigal Azrouël with mom Remond. [WWD]

*Best when read as an old Jewish woman…like most things in life.

Though these pants are actually leopard print with a bit of a glisten, they remind me of Elsa Schiaparelli’s collaboration with Dali on the Tear dress. The spots are jumping and sliding down the fabric.

These flowers are quite surreal.

Now, look closely at the directional knit on this knee grazing sweater dress outlining her torso. So subtle, but makes all the difference in fit.

Christmas come way early in this bejeweled crimson frock. Only against this dress do I realize that the necklace is tree turned on its end.

A closer look from backstage at that necklace. Ah, so it’s tiny little crystals that comprise the emerald squares. They were made for Rebecca Taylor by Thea Grant. Those slick cuffs? Ben-Amun. All the bags and shoes are by Rebecca Taylor herself.

The official word on her inspiration:

“Fall 2011 is inspired by dreamy illusive paintings, blurred images and sparkling lights. I’m reminded of dimly lit nights in the chic Parisian night clubs of the 70s. Dresses in luscious prints revealed beneath rich, smokey colored shearlings, found beading and lace patched over delicate printed dresses, lace appliqué on silk tees under shimmering lurex sweaters, cocooned from the cold and ready to set forth on your adventures in the city.” – Rebecca Taylor

Runway photos courtesy of Style.com

Accessories photo by Jessica Lapidos

I’m 5’2” and I’ve always considered myself a shopping whore. I could spend all day looking for new shoes and clothes. When I was a little girl, I couldn’t wait to grow up and have a boyfriend to dress up for. Well, now I’m all grown up but I’m boyfriendless. I go on a crazy amount of dates, so fortunately for me, I live in awesome dresses and even better shoes.

As part of my job, I go on dates with all different types of men. I’ve met some nice guys, arrogant ones, tall men, and of course, short ones. Being that I’m quite tiny myself, I don’t mind dating men who are only a little bit taller than me. Luckily, the way men come in all different shapes and sizes, so do shoes and dresses.

The Shoes

The first time I went on a date with a man who was 5’8”, I had no idea what to wear. I panicked for a few minutes and then calmed myself down. All of my shoes are at least 5 inches tall and I thought it might make my date feel bad if I was almost his height. So, I did a little research and found a few pairs of not so high heels.

My shoe obsession of the moment happens to be a pair of turquoise flat sandals from Elizabeth and James Blaze Flat Thongs.

They’re colorful and simple. Turquoise goes with everything, including short men, which is why these shoes rock. So, if you’re going on a date with a man who’s almost as tall as you, I suggest wearing these turquoise beauties.

They’re $175 at Shopbop.com

If you’re like Victoria Beckham and you aren’t comfortable in totally flat shoes, opt for a heel, but a very low heel. This gives you the chance to still feel sexy, while making sure not to tower over your date. I know that women feel sexier when they have on a pair of extremely high heels. But if your date is a cutie, give him a chance to feel like a real man. Let him appear tall.

In order to do that, I recommend my newest shoe crush. These Sergio Rossi stilettos are sexy and on sale!  (Grab them on Shopbop.com for only $455)

They’re also feminine and very unique. So when your date takes you to an over crowded bar, the girl sitting next to you won’t be wearing the same shoes.

Now that you have the shoes covered, you just have to figure out what to wear with them. I’m sure your date would love it if you arrived naked, but that’s not appropriate so I recommend wearing a dress.

THE DRESS

I’m a native New Yorker so I live in black. Head to toe I’m usually dressed in black, even down to my bra and underwear. Black is sexy, slimming, and elegant. One dress I die for is by Rag & Bone. It’s tight and short so it works perfectly with flats. $395 on Shopbop.com.

I’m a huge fan of mini dresses, but if you wear them with high heels, you can look a little slutty. That’s why whenever I go out with a short man, I put on a really little dress and embrace a comfy pair of flats.

However, not everyone likes blatantly sexy clothing. So, if tight and body hugging dresses aren’t your thing, I recommend wearing a flirty, fun dress on a date. They’re still sexy, but in a more understated way. Rebecca Taylor makes great dresses that are super romantic. This one looks good on everyone and it’s even a fun color. Available on Shopbop.com for $275.

I bet you had no idea that a whole new wardrobe can come out of dating a short man.

Instead of being afraid of dating someone who might be the same height as you, go out and buy a flats-appropriate dress and matching pair of shoes. You might enjoy the date. And even if you don’t, at least you scored a few new items for the summer.

For more from Carly Spindel check out Carly’s Dating Chronicles.

Nicholas Kirkwood for Erdem’s multicolored hiking inspired boots. Dress and scarf by Rebecca Taylor, sweater by Tracy Reese, fur vest by Adrienne Landau, bag by Jerome Dreyfuss, bracelet by Stephen Webster, ring by Dannijo, stirrup socks by Ports 1961.

Burberry’s lined ankle boots with antiqued leather. Blouse and belt by Nanette Lepore, fur vest by Adrienne Landau, jeans by Seven for All Mankind, bracelet by Osanna Visconti, ring by Stephen Webster, socks from J.Crew.

Christian Louboutin’s peep-toe bootie; Jean Michel Cazabat’s peep-toe combat boot; Andrew GN’s front-zip bootie; Laurence Dacade’s rabbit lined boot; Jimmy Choo’s fold-over zipper boot; Brian Atwood’s suede lace-up boot; Be&D’s shearling-lined ankle boot.

Barbara Bui’s flannel lace-up boots with fur lining. Dress and scarf by Tommy Hilfiger, bag by Jerome Dreyfuss, fox earmuffs by Lola, bracelets and ring by Stephen Webster, socks by Leg Resource.

Giuseppe Zanotti’s embellished suede boots. Sweater dress by Rebecca Taylor, jeweled vest by Bea Valdes, necklace by Stephen Webster, ring by Dannijo, socks by Leg Resource.

Utility looks are coming on strong for fall, but with ladylike twists. Designers turned to combat and hiking styles for inspiration, and set them on sexy stilettos, giving the season’s best boots the perfect balance of strength and beauty.

(WWD)

Beautiful photos by George Chinsee….not to mention the bevy of gorgeous booties for fall.I especially love the display in picture four.

LINK LOVE:"Perfectly Booted"

Join TheyEnvy.Us to Add Your Own Stories to FashionIndie.com

You have all been seeing Rent The Runway all over Fashion Indie and that is because we are all totally obsessed with the concept behind this brilliant website! Rent The Runway today, use promo code: indie2010 for $10 off purchase and receive one FREE ticket to Prom 2010!It’s so simple! Visit www.RentTheRunway.com and….

Browse through our array of A-list designers and find a dress you love. Or two!

Schedule a delivery date and your dress will appear on your doorstep, in two different sizes. Just to be safe.

Put your dress in our handy pre-paid package and drop in the nearest mailbox. We take care of the dry cleaning!

Carmen Electra and Taylor Swift both wore this floral Rebecca Taylor dress very recently—but who wore it best?

I personally favor the look on Taylor. It just seems to suit her better, style-wise, and I also like how her headband matches the piping in the dress. Carmen’s boots should never be seen in public, especially with this outfit.

Who do you prefer?

The Fall 2010 Collection was inspired by a mixture of 70’s Parisian attitude and an urban New York City girl.  With a renewed love for classic sportswear, silhouettes have been re-worked with a twist to give subtle edge on signature feminine designs.  The palette includes dusty hues and new neutrals contrasted with military olives and hints of old gold.  Fabrics are washed to provide a worn, overly-loved appeal and are combined with cashmere wool suits, leopard faux furs and down quilted coats, together giving this collection an affordable luxe quality.

Don’t forget to check out GiltFuse (where everything is under $150), today’s sales include Faryl Robin shoes, Urban Posh Jewelry, and Charley 5.0 Denim. Click here to join.

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

“This season, we saw a return to simple, yet beautiful hair. Whether the look of the show was
soft and feminine or exhibited more of an edge, the common thread remained the hair looks -
face flattering and pretty. And the best thing about these styles is that they are easy to achieve
with the right products and tools,” says Hawkins.

Here are the trends, right off the runways, courtesy of TRESemmé:

Wave of Independence
“Gone are the days of binding curls and waves. This season, it is all about laid back, yet feminine glamour,” adds Hawkins. Rachel Roy, L’Wren Scott, Rebecca Taylor, Diane von Furstenberg and Anna Sui all sent this look down their runways. To get these hot waves:

1. Scrunch TRESemmé Flawless Curls Curl Hydration Lotion Crème into damp hair.

2. Blow dry the hair with a diffuser using the fingers or let it dry naturally.

3. Part hair evenly down the middle and finger comb each side into a ponytail.

4. Taking each ponytail, twist the lengths of the hair until it starts to twist onto itself,
creating a bun on each side of the head; secure each bun with a hair pin.

5. Using the diffuser, dry each bun and let the hair sit for 20 minutes.

6. Remove the pins and finger comb hair, creating beautiful, tousled waves.

7. Run a dime-size amount of the TRESemmé Anti-Frizz Secret Styling Crème over the
lengths of the hair to tame flyaways and add shine.

Mixed Up
“A lot of shows this season featured a dual-finish hairstyle with either a mix of shiny and matte or rough and smooth,” notes Hawkins who created such a look for Cynthia Rowley’s show.  Other designers who showcased the look included:  Alexander Wang, Erin Fetherston, Thakoon and Richard Chai.

To copy the ponytail follow these simple steps:
1. Pull hair back into a ponytail using a boar bristle brush

2. Work TRESemmé Anti-Frizz Secret Styling Crème into the hair at the top of the ponytail
but not throughout the lengths of the hair.

3. Spray the mid-shafts and ends of the hair with TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat
Tamer Spray.

4. Blow dry hair against the natural direction of the cuticle to create a rough texture, which
will contrast the sleek, shiny top section of the head.

5. Finish this look with a touch of TRESemmé TRES Two Extra Hold Hair Spray
throughout the ponytail.

Hawkins and the TRESemmé Styling Team tied shiny black ribbon on all of the models at the Cynthia Rowley show to add a touch of glam.

Soft Around the Edges
“Stick straight locks had their moment on the runway, but the look right now is all about smooth hair with some bend and movement,” says Hawkins.  This chic style was seen on the runways of some of fashion’s biggest names including BCBG, Doo.Ri and Donna Karen.  Hawkins loved the way this styled complemented the straight lines at the Herve Leger show.

Getting the look is simple:

1. Apply TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray to hair, followed by a liberal application of TRESemmé Thermal Creations Volumizing Mousse from the roots of the hair to the ends.

2. Blow hair dry with a medium-sized round brush.

3. Spray Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray onto the hair again.

4. Take sections of hair twice the depth of the flatiron plate, pull the iron away from the head to create a slight curvature.

5. Add runway-worthy shine by lightly spraying the TRESemmé No Frizz Shine Spray.

Holly Stalder is a romanticist. Stalder’s flattering silhouettes, use of lace, ruffles and soft colors are reminiscent of the established brand, Rebecca Taylor. Her clothes embody femininity. The Portland, Oregon native is inspired by the 20′s era and antiques. Her inspiration is evident in her pieces and maintain a distinct girly continuity. Holly Stalder is simply elegant. Check out the rest of the collection here!