- Vogue Italia‘s “Haute Mess” editorial has been accused of being “insensitive and condescending towards low-income stereotypes.” Meanwhile, those low-income stereotypes have been setting trends for ages so the only insensitive thing is the lack of royalties. As a wise woman once said, “Show me the receipts.” [Refinery29]

- Take a walk in Kate Middleton‘s shoes when the Duchess of Cambridge‘s go-to supplier of sensible wedges, L.K. Bennett, opens its first store in New York. [Racked]

- How…reductive. Madonna recycled some unused “Vogue” footage, threw in top models Sean O’Pry and Jon Kortajarena making out over an apple, added Simon Nessman and Rob Evans to round out her cougar gang bang party and called it her “Girl Gone Wild” video.

- It’ll be a Black Swan sequel of sorts when Oscar-winning prima ballerina Natalie Portman reunites with her co-star/choreographer/baby daddy Benjamin Millepied and Rodarte’s Kate and Laura Mulleavy –  for the New York Ballet’s Spring 2012 Gala. [Elle]

- Marc Jacobs continues to generally not give a fuck. In a recently-released profile in Time, Jacobs addresses his controversial use of underage models, saying, “You have child actors and children who model for catalogs…What’s the difference between doing a commercial for peanut butter and being on a runway?” Well, less cocaine, for one. [The Cut]

With the amount of air brushing going on these days, models in magazines look nearly good enough to hang in the Louvre. Their skin so dewy, their teeth so white and their eyes so clear, so it only make sense that the fashion world is rediscovering the lost art of illustration.

Back in the good ole days, names like Joe Eula, Antonio Lopez and Kenneth Paul Block would cross the pond to sketch the latest looks coming out of Paris to be featured in WWD and Vogue amongst others. Illustrators also worked closely with department stores such as Bonwit Teller and Lord & Taylor as well as other high end boutiques who wanted that certain pizzazz in their ads and catalogues.

Many of the great illustrators of those days have since gone to the great sketchbook in the sky, but luckily a new brigade of sketchers is cropping up. We recently met Katy Smail and were lured in by her dark and mysterious fashion damsels. Her playful animal sketches are equally mysterious and amusing. Read on to hear how this Scot ended up in Manhattan, her dream clients and who the hell this woman is she keeps drawing.

Go to Capitol Couture to enter your designs/stylings/futuristic foot fashion expressions and you could win a pair of shoes. Or be one of 12 runners up to be District stylists on the  blog, and find designers like this:

And may the 74th Hunger Games begin.

Dakota will be rated on the below categories, five being the highest and 1 being the lowest.

What grade did Dakota receive? Check out page two to find out.

All photos from Style.com.

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]

To read the rest of this article, visit Société Perrier.

Sky high and shiny with platforms thicker than Joan Rivers' skin, these'll have you dancin' disco clear on through to 2013.

Shimmer in sweet sling backs.

Click your heels three times and say Happy New Year!

May your new year be glowing with Mary Janes.

By now you must know we're still obsessed with these cheeky glittery gems.

If your new year's resolutions are set on Barbie proportions, kick it off with these pink platform pumps.

If you're feeling more like Ken, or just having a low key thang at home, consider these glitter slippers your new year's house shoes.

Give me a cranberry suede T strap and a glittering sculpted platform and I'm on board.

An oxford pump in the vain of Lady Gaga's minty prediction.

Swipe it in, pump it out glittering.

Talk about a steal. Get ‘em for $366 at OpeningCeremony.com.

25. Beyoncé at the VMAs How does an internationally-renowned pop diva announce her alleged pregnancy with as little -- and yet as much -- fanfare as possible? Why in Lanvin and Dolce and Gabbana, of course. Cupping her burgeoning baby bump on the red carpet, Bey let loose the dogs of publicity war when she thew her mic to the ground, ripped open her Dolce jacket, and announced to the world the coming of the Messiah.

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24. Karl Lagerfeld's obsession with Blake Lively Blake Lively is Karl Lagerfeld's kind of girl. And he didn't hesitate to let everyone know, naming the Gossip Girl star Chanel's official purse ambassador, throwing her in print ads, parading her about the French Riviera and most terrifying of all, showing her something bearing resemblance to actual affection.

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23. The rise of the tween style icon -- Hailee Steinfeld, Chloe Moretz and Elle Fanning cover LOVE magazine The kids are more than all right, they're fucking fabulous. Hailee Steinfeld, Elle Fanning and Chloe Moretz showed that style knows no age limits, landing on best-dressed lists while barely in high school. Miu Miu tapped Steinfeld for its fall campaign and Rodarte had Fanning star in a short film, while all three graced the cover of LOVE magazine this summer.

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22. Emma Watson, style icon Emma Watson truly came into her own this year in a series of flawless looks both on and off the red carpet, some stunning editorial work, a capsule collection with Alberta Ferretti and a campaign with Lancôme. Hermione's not a girl, and very nearly a woman.

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21. Christian Dior's disastrous Haute Couture show 2011 had its share of disastrous runway shows, but none as disastrous as Christian Dior's fall 2011 haute couture show. Left to his own devices, poor Bill Gaytten offered up an overwrought and wildly incoherent mess that, despite being maligned by pretty much everyone, still wound up on at least one red carpet thanks to Katy Perry. Let's just say she didn't help matters any.

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20. Christian Louboutin trademark case Christian Louboutin tried, and failed, and is still trying to copyright its "trademark" red sole. By the way, I'm legally obligated to use trademark in quotations.

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19. Versace for H&M One of the most buzzed-about diffusion lines of the year, Donatella Versace's exclusive one-off collection reignited interest in the brand's sumptuous archives and had everyone from Anna Dello Russo to Kanye West clamoring for those Medusa heads and Miami prints.

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18. Karlie Kloss comes of age They grow up so fast! Karlie Kloss turned 19 this year, covered Life Magazine, shed her clothes on several occasions, became a Victoria's Secret Angel and got eye-banged by Leonardo Dicaprio -- in other words, she very publicly became an adult and a supermodel.

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17. Lady Gaga wins over Anna Wintour Anna Wintour embraced Lady Gaga with open arms this year, putting her on the cover of Vogue and presenting her with the CFDA Fashion Icon Award. And Gaga thanked her by calling her a bitch and showing up in a walking wardrobe malfunction to the ceremony. BFFs, y'all!

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16. Elizabeth Taylor's death and subsequent jewelry auction Elizabeth Taylor's death was the passing of a true legend and a style icon but her legacy lives on not only through her films, but also her impressive collection of jewels and haute couture that is being auctioned off by Christies this month.

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15. Michelle Obama's McQueen controversy Michelle Obama had jaws dropping in her Alexander McQueen gown for China's state dinner but it was the fallout from the dress by Oscar de la Renta and other American designers that made the dress truly newsworthy.

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14. Victoria Beckham, fashion designer This year Victoria Beckham lived up to her nom-de-Spice by gaining real credibility as a designer, and not just another celebrity with too much time on their hands, while simultaneously stepping out of her husband's sexy shadow. A win at the British Fashion Awards for Design Brand of the Year capped off a year of living poshly.

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13. The Valentino Garavani Virtual Museum Sneaking in at the end of the year, the virtual Valentino museum is an innovative and ingenious step by one of the world's most iconic designers that makes his formidable legacy available to anyone who wants it. A novel and forward-thinking concept that belies Valentino's 800 years.

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12. The rise and subsequent fall of the fascinator Trends come and go all the time in fashion, but rarely has one particular trend impacted culture so hard and been discarded so fast. The Royal Wedding inspired ladies everywhere to make it a say-something hat day, but it was Princess Beatrice's fascinator that may go down as one of the most infamous pieces of millinery in modern recollection.

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11. Marc Jacobs stolen spring 2012 collection Lifted from a train en route from Paris, the theft of parts of Marc Jacobs' spring 2012 collection was this year's biggest and most intriguing mystery. Besides, of course, whether Marc himself would defect to Christian Dior or stick it out with Louis Vuitton -- who, coincidentally, was also a victim of theft just two weeks later. Yep, big coincidence.

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10. Fashion Week calendar controversy Tensions came to a head between the four fashion capitals, leaving the fate of upcoming fashion weeks up in the air. But if there's one thing we've learned from this is you don't fuck with the Italians.

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9. Kate Moss' fairytale wedding It was only a few years ago that Kate Moss was spiraling down a cocaine-encrusted rabbit hole, but fashion's favorite bad girl has finally settled down. Moss wed longtime beau Jamie Hince in an epic three-day long ceremony known cheekily as Mosstock. BFF Naomi Campbell was one of her bridesmaids, and in a show of solidarity, Moss chose a wedding dress by John Galliano. Kate Moss' wedding was not only front-page news, it garnered the most coveted cover of the year: Vogue's September issue.

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8. Bill Cunningham New York Originating and perfecting the art of streetstyle photography decades before The Sartorialist picked up a camera, Bill Cunningham finally got his time in the spotlight thanks to a heartwarming documentary that reveled a little of the man behind that ubiquitous lens.

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7. Kanye West shows at Paris Fashion Week Kanye West is a man of many talents, though fashion design may or may not be one of them. A true lover of fashion, West did his research and worked with the best people but in the end he let his usual over-zealousness get the best of him and the result? When prompted for her opinion on West's collection, Anna Wintour responded: "Ask someone else."

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6. Missoni for Target Missoni for Target took the high-low collaboration craze to a fever pitch, crashing Target's website and selling out shortly after hitting the shelves. That is, before those items appeared on eBay for several times what they had originally cost, thus negating the entire process.

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5. The rise of Lea T. and Andrej Pejic Transsexual lady Lea T. met Oprah and androgynous male model Andrej Pejic met the Queen of England this year. If that weren't enough of a moment, these two gals also shattered boundaries in fashion and modeling, and in the process became icons and role models to the LGBTQ community.

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4. The reinvention of Carine Roitfeld Quele scandale! Did she get fired? Did she quit? Are she and Emmanuelle Alt no longer friends? The rumors have been buzzing around Carine Roitfeld since she officially exiting Vogue Paris in February -- and in the process creating a future supermodel in Saskia de Brauw --  after 10 landmark, nipple-bearing years. But through it all, Carine has been the picture of calm and chic, hiking up her pencil skirt and reinventing herself as a brilliant and in-demand stylist/the coolest bitch on the planet. Stay tuned for another reinvention when Carine launches a new magazine and starts life as a grandmother next year.

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3. Kate Middleton's Alexander McQueen wedding dress The speculation was unbearable for what was the biggest and most well-kept secret in an age of superfluous information. Though an unsurprising but nevertheless brilliant choice, Sarah Burton's handiwork cemented the Duchess of Cambridge (née Kate Middleton) as not only a bona fide style icon but a phenomenon on both sides of the Atlantic. Meanwhile, Burton proved she was the right person to carry on McQueen's brilliant legacy and take it to the next level.

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2. Alexander McQueen's Savage Beauty The most successful fashion exhibit in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's  history, Alexander McQueen's Savage Beauty set records and inspired fashion lovers and neophytes alike. The exhibit proved so popular, in fact, the Met extended its run twice. Even then, there were still lines of people waiting hours to get into the museum, but for 661,509 people it was well-worth the wait.

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1. John Galliano stars in Gallianogate John Galliano's downfall has loomed large all year, particularly since Christian Dior has yet to announce his replacement, despite a neverending back-and-forth with a stubborn Marc Jacobs. Following a stint in rehab, a guilty conviction in Paris for making anti-Semitic remarks, and the general destruction of his reputation, Galliano at least had one bright spot this year: designing good friend Kate Moss' wedding dress. Galliano's dismissal also raised questions about the stress designers are under to deliver  multiple collections a year -- just ask Balmain's Christophe Decarnin. Everyone's still waiting to see who Dior picks to take the throne and if Galliano can make a comeback after such a devastating fall. As 2011 comes to a close, 2012 has the promise of even more scandals, breakdowns and breakthroughs that we cannot wait to cover obsessively for you. If we missed any epic moments or if you're particularly incensed over Lindsay Lohan's Playboy spread not making the list, leave a comment below.

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Photos: W

Multicolor patchwork in shades of toned down primary hues will wrap bright and warm.

Wool that ombres into leather makes this multi texture poncho snug the shoulders tight.

Don't be fooled, this is not a coat. Those armlets are actually a second layer of broçade that goes all the way around back. 'Tis primarily for fall.

Let the 20s fringe hang down, and the blue piping catch an eye.

Replace the raincoat with something sheerly phenomenal. Made of patent leather, it's totally posh.

Keeping the cape simple, this warmer weather mini cape will shield you from elements through November.

Block it out and frame the cape. Keep this one boxy.

This plush faux fur capelet will make you your own teddy bear, in caramel stripes.

This double sided cashmere throw will keep you cuddly inside and out.

Thin faux fur cascades to a point.

The trench got some werq done. Sleeves begone, behold a cape.

Through the fall it'll suffice as a full on jacket, but layer it over your coat come the deep cold.

Photo: Style.com

Wu’s diffusion line will not be as massive as the Missoni juggernaut, which featured some 400 pieces including clothes, home furnishings and — why not — a bike. Rather, Wu’s collaboration  is part of Target’s Go International program and will consist of only apparel and accessories, in the similar vein of past Go International designers Rodarte, Zac Posen and Thakoon.

For his part, Wu seemed to really enjoy teaming up with the mass retailer:

“The exciting thing about this limited edition collection of affordable women’s wear and accessories is that it allows me to reach a wider audience and bring my designs to people who may not have been able to purchase them before. My collection for Target is chic and wearable. I think women everywhere will enjoy it.”

Just wondering, is it too late to hope for a 25-foot Michelle Obama to commemorate Jason Wu x Target? [WWD]

Photos from Style.com

The sweetest color story to ice the runway is sherbet's pastel palette. Light and fruity, it harkens back to childhood only with a twist of business silhouette.

Sportswear is actively working its way into the daily regalia. It'll leave you prepared to break a sweat without a change.

This overskirt piece has been adding volume since the 19th century. Now done in our favorite muted brights, they kick a pencil skirt up.

Leave a sleeve off for the asymmetry of it. The cut is feels right in sheer and bouncy textiles.

Fringe is falling on spring, shagging shirts and leaving them stringy. Shimmy and shake in this new take on the 20's trim.

We already sniffed out the painted floral trend on the third day of NYFW, but the powerful flower prints just keep on sprouting. Whether digitized in a McQueenian manner or illustrated á la art deco, the prints we've been going gaga over have the same common blooming thread.

Izabel Goulart, a Brazilian model whom Carine discovered at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show, turns it in a Mugler top.

For a cut-out zig, zag into this ribboned and mesh-topped tunic from Topshop for $66.

For the zag on a long sleeve shirt, check out what Karl Lagerfeld did for Macy’s for $99. Pair it with Tom Ford sunglasses for a killer downtown look.

Olympia Scarry in Haider Ackermann

Fei Fei Sun in Bottega Veneta

Crystal Renn in L'Wren Scott

Mary Frey in Stella McCartney

Saskia de Brauw in Nina Ricci

Victoire de Castellane in Azzedine Alaïa

Malgosia Bela in Celine

Vanessa Traina in Altuzarra

Joan Smalls in Commes des Garçons and Gianvito Rossi

Marie Agnes Gillot in Ann Demeulemeester

Theodora Richards in Rodarte

Izabel Goulart in Mugler and Gianvito Rossi

Dasha Zhukova in Proenza Schouler

Daphne Groeneveld in Rochas

China Chow in Giambattista Valli

Bambou in Lanvin

Melanie Huynh in Yves Saint Laurent

Alexandra Richards in Maison Martin Margiela

Jessica Hart in Marc Jacobs

Carolyn Murphy in Marni and Gianvito Rossi

Marie-Amélie Sauvé in Balenciaga

Giovanna Battaglia in Junya Watanabe

Naomi Cambell in Fendi

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 Mulleavy sisters realize their own style is boring and thus don’t design Rodarte for themselves. [Fashionista]

- Zach Galifianakis put down the bong long enough to design a handbag. Or maybe he just put the bong in the handbag. [Fashionista]

- Tom Ford‘s secretive spring 2012 show took place Sunday and while we have to wait for the photos to pop up — in a welcome change — at least one reporter’s not seeing the emperor’s new clothes. [The Cut]

- Among Franca Sozzani‘s many (?) fans: Anna Wintour, who claims Sozzani “completely and utterly understands that Vogue is about much more than editing a magazine every month.” [Time]

- Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis want you to know there were no dicks in a box — or boxes — between the two of them. [Just Jared]

- Away from the “chiffon trenches of fashion,” André Leon Talley finds solace upstate in Hastings-on-Hudson where his favorite store is The Container Store, in which he shops for paper “to wrap Whoopi Goldberg’s presents.” A normal life if there ever was one. [NYT]

This will be the label’s second collection for Opening Ceremony, the first was launched this past February to high acclaim.

Keep reading for more images from the fall lookbook.

“I’ve always wanted to do a cool children’s fashion line inspired by the supercute and playful kid’s clothing you find in Japan.” said Stefani. “The whole idea is about being creative, expressing your own individuality and having fun getting dressed. ”

A takeoff of Gwen’s Harajuku Lovers young contemporary collection, Harajuku Mini is the No Doubt frontwoman’s first line for children and boys and will range in price from $3.99 to $29.99.

Harajuku Mini is the latest in a long line of collabos for Target, including Zac Posen, Rodarte and Proenza Schouler. The Bullseye plans on hitting the mark again when it rolls out the collection in two parts: in-store and online on November 13th and again in January. [WWD]

Whatever, we still want them. You can have it too for $1,605 over at Opening Ceremony. The subtle red, white and blue theme is so Americana. Click through the pages for more photos.

Sadove joins a long and prestigious list of Superstar honorees including Karl Lagerfeld, Tom Ford, Giorgio Armani, Donna Karan and Valentino Garavani.

FGI will also honor some Stars who aren’t quite as Super such as Raf Simons, recent haute couture hero Giambattista Valli and Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte in the fashion category and Jules Moore will get her dues in the entertainment category. Guinness, meanwhile, will receive the Fashion Provocateur award.

Loveable mo Simon Doonan will host the event at Cipriani on Wall Street and Ruben Toledo will handle the award artwork. [WWD]

Thou wouldst to wear a muumuu, else nothing,

but work awaits ye, chic o thee must be.

Hark! Ensembles o’er here! Thrice beest thine!

And all that is made cometh from here,

the States that doth be United in

America. Except for all shoes.

Find thyself looking bright to work ere’day,

Support thee and thy country in this way.

***Sparknotes version: Three looks for work on a summer’s day. All made in the USA, shoes not withstanding. See it all here.

Photo: Lucky Magazine

‘Twas a lovely affair and a beautiful moment, made all the lovelier and more beautiful by the wardrobe choices of my dear friends and I, who trekked from our then-questioning state of New York to the brisk, open shores of Massachusetts. So with wedding season upon us and Neil Patrick Harris already planning his pas de bourrée down the aisle, what does one wear to a gay wedding?

For the beach-side wedding of our friends — and Massachusetts residents — Alec and Brooks (seen above with Brooks’ niece), my gaggle of gays and I spread our sequined capes and caught a strong breeze up to Cape Cod.

Ever since those kooky kids got engaged last year, my friends and I have been planning our wedding attire.  It being the first gay wedding for all of us — and judging by the pace of our collective love lives, probably the last — we were excited and eager to don our matrimonial best.

But there was so much to consider:

A.) It’s a gay wedding, so a fair amount of flair is needed and leeway afforded.

B.) It’s a beach wedding, thus requiring a less stuffy sartorial selection and making choice in footwear particularly difficult.

C.) Then there was our natural and uncontrollable propensity to upstage. This wasn’t our wedding, after all — and out of respect of our friends and their family and friends, perhaps a jet-black drop-crotch, bold-shouldered bodysuit was not the most sensible choice.

A year — and several crash diets, a Royal Wedding and many a discarded theme — later, we came together in a romantic and sartorial triumph…which quickly descended into a joyfully weepy mess. The joy was doubly powerful, though, because as Alec and Brooks were exchanging their vows, we were aware that we, too, could follow in their footsteps in our very own state.

And that was a source of immense pride for all of us.

Below are pics of what we finally decided on wearing. There were several shorts, dressed up with blazers and an occasional tie; a lace Rodarte pant that was surprisingly mens; white was a popular choice, jazzed up with a mixed print; and in an ode to Will and Kate‘s nuptials, I wore a fascinator.

I also chose a subtle Oriental fan as an accessory….What can I say, it’s a gay wedding —  sometimes you gotta fan the flamers.

Famous for its diffusion lines with Proenza Schouler, Zac Posen and most recently Missoni, Target gained considerable clout with the fashion set. However, clothing and home goods sales — which are more profitable and make up more than 40% of annual sales –  are sluggish.

And why is that? Poor people, of course.

When Target started adding more groceries and introduced a 5% discount to all customers who used their credit and debit cards, they attracted “more medium- and low-income shoppers at the expense of the higher-end shopper.”

Because who wants to pick up their Rodarte for Target discount couture next to a mom with a cart full of diapers and screaming kids? No one, that’s who.

So with other department stores picking up on their high-end designer collabo brilliance,  Target is quickly and unfortunately approaching Wal-Mart levels of cool. [WSJ]

Kirsten will be rated on the below categories, five being the highest and 1 being the lowest.

Fit: 4

Appropriateness: 5

Trendiness: 5

Styling: 4

Hair: 3

Makeup: 4

Pose: 4

Confidence: 4

A lot of people were saying this Rodarte dress was to busy for Cannes, but I actually think it’s perfect for the occasion. Kirsten looks lovely in this look, as this style would be very unflattering to a lot of body types. I wish the hair was different and she didn’t look so stiff because everything else is truly lovely.

CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 18: Actress Kirsten Dunst attends the "Melancholia" premiere during the 64th Annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 18, 2011 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

1. Walter Steiger: The most groundbreaking shoe in existence at this moment is the Walter Steiger Ishi, or as I like to call it – the inverse platform. Instead of the typically shaped heel that places all of the pressure of your body onto the ball of your foot, this downward slope places your weight mainly on the heel and arch, leaving your balls and toes just chillin’. That is until you roll forward and stand on point.

**The first time I saw these shoes they were drawn on a napkin. I found myself in an in depth conversation with someone at the Timo Weiland after party during Fashion Week in February about the state of shoes on the market. I had been searching tirelessly for a pair that didn’t exist. I explained to this person what I’d been looking for – a giant walk-through-puddles height platform that rolls forward at the toe, with solid ankle support. Excitedly, he reaches for napkin and pen and draws this. This person was Paul Steiger, Walter Steiger’s son. At the sample sale he invited me to that followed Fashion Week, I got these platforms and have since worn them to bits and pieces (they even survived a Bassnectar show, as they are now my favorite shoes to dance in). Then this morning, I went to the showroom and previewed the Fall collection where I got to try on dance in Spring’s #1:

2. Prada: Colorful striped elastic bands that hold your foot tight call for attention. The rubber sole gives you stability.

3. Alexander Wang: Zip it, flap it, lace it. You’re still showy in nude.

4. Rodarte: Engraved leather, whittled heel. That totem pole commands a look.

5. Modekungen: Black and white platform – a nod to Prabal and your dual personality.

6. Jeffrey Campbell: Arch support, who needs it? Just chop it off and leave a wooden cutout in its place.

7. Emilio Pucci: A Pucci print catches the eye, no matter what. These could make even a LBD psychedelic.

8. Julian Louie for Aldo: The ikat draws the eye and reminds of peaceful tribes.

9. Carmen Raffia: The color will blend in with your leg, thus transforming your platform incognito. Plus, the flat lean-to front sole begs the on-point stance.

10. Two Lips: The lime straps off the spine will stack you up jazzed.

11. Giuseppe Zanotti: Gold plated thick strapped flats can enhance your look without the height.

12. Balenciaga: The striped platform will hypnotize.

13. Opening Ceremony: Strapped salmon on a heel/platform that will make people wonder if you’re wearing it upside down.

14. Jeffrey Campbell: JC makes the list twice not only for its glorious affordability, but these are freaking mary janes sitting on a rainbow!! These have the capacity to alter your state of being entirely.

15. Alexander McQueen: These will actually alter your soul. The heel is a flutter of gold leaves from a coral reef deep in the sea of dreams.

16. Lanvin: Tanned fringe layered over a wooden wedge burns in the spotlight.

17. Opening Ceremony: The brightest cheetah is the boldest, and his bootie is tied with leopard chiffon. Two cats are better than one.

18. Opening Ceremony: OC is back with the  most bizarre loafer I’ve seen in my life. Made purely of woven leather strands, they are one of the few flat conversation starters.

19. Fendi: Tri-sole platform makes a new covetable shape.

20. Pierre Hardy: A red patent strip in the back makes passersby do a double take.

Find shoes that will start the conversation and you’ll stand taller. The flashier shoes you have, the more you’ll be able to repeat your fabulous layering basics.

Which shoes have transformed you?

1. Isaac Mizrahi

Though I live by Unzipped and gave Bravo‘s The Fashion Show a shot (even before the inclusion of Iman), once the mandals came out I just couldn’t keep my silence any longer.

2. Christian Audigier

Audigier would land on this list just for creating Ed Hardy, but religiously wearing it only cements his inclusion.

3. Vivienne Westwood

You know Crazy Cat Lady from The Simpsons? Dye her hair Carrot Top orange, throw her in a combat boot and call her Vivienne Westwood.

4. John Galliano

I’m less offended by his ringing endorsement of Hitler than by his penchant for gay pirate dandyism.

5. Kate Mulleavy

Turns out you can go wrong with all black, whereas a pop of color and a show of effort are always in fashion.

6. Jeremy Scott

Scott’s look says to me “Club kid who kept partying long after the trash was swept up” only Scott then rummaged through said trash for this jacket.

7. Patricia Field

Though she practically single-handedly created the fashion icon known as Carrie Bradshaw, Pat Field can give off too a bit too much sex in the city. Though kudos for rocking that Jessica Rabbit red hair better and before Rihanna.

8. Anna Sui

I saw Anna Sui on the street the other day…though it could’ve been a bag lady. Either way her China Bang was stunning.

9  Karl Lagerfeld, Perhaps a controversial choice, but the gay vampire look sometimes leaves me…cold.

10. Betsey Johnson

There’s nothing I want more than to see Betsey Johnson doing cartwheels in a ballerina tutu at age 90. Just because it’s bad doesn’t mean it doesn’t feel good.

- Grace Coddington‘s 70th birthday was a who’s who of fashion royalty, with a guest list including Anna Wintour, Marc Jacobs, Naomi Campbell, Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein, Annie Leibovitz,  Helmut Lang, André Leon Talley, Liya Kebede, Karen Elson, Stefano Pilati, Hamish Bowles, Karlie Kloss, Nicolas Ghesquière, Bruce Weber, Patrick Demarchelier, Vera Wang, Edward Enninful, Riccardo Tisci, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez from Proenza Schouler and Laura and Kate Mulleavy from Rodarte. Twas clearly a magical night, as evidenced by this photo of Anna having what appears to be…a good time:

There but for the Grace of Coddington go I. [Styleite]

- Another image has “leaked” from Beyoncé‘s video shoot — either B has awful security or we’re just the pawns in her little chess game of pop supremacy…either way I couldn’t care less because she’s wearing Alexander McQueen. [Red Carpet Fashion Awards]

Carey Mulligan

Starring roles: A Miu Miu, Vionnet and Prada devotee, Carey’s also not afraid to make a bold choice…such as ignoring Anna Wintour‘s advice. Others have died for less, but her gambits more often pay off than not. With one Oscar nomination down — for An Education (2009) – Mulligan’s sure to get another for next year’s The Great Gatsby, playing the ultimate ingénue, Daisy Buchanan.

Elle Fanning

Starring roles: Elle proved such a fave with the Mulleavy sisters, they cast her in a short film for Rodarte. After stealing scenes in the independent Somewhere (2010), Elle’s going for the blockbuster gusto with J.J. Abrams‘s Super 8, out this summer.

Hailee Steinfeld

Starring roles: Along with Fanning, Steinfeld is proving that it’s never too early to be a fashionista by going on a winning streak during awards season…if only on the red carpet. Hailee nabbed an Oscar nom for showing her Grit, but for her next project, she’s going for a softer touch: she’s attached to a retelling of Sleeping Beauty.

Mia Wasikowska

Starring roles: Honestly, I’ve been more inspired by Mia’s stunning editorials as of late than her red carpet style. She first had me with W alongside her Jane Eyre co-star, Michael Fassbender then she channeled another Mia (Farrow) for Blackbook. She’s super talented and naturally beautiful plus with a slew of upcoming roles, she’ll have plenty of time to brush up on her style notes.

Blake Lively

Starring roles: When Karl Lagerfeld handpicks you to be the Chanel Purse Ambassador, you’re officially an icon. Best known for her penchant for Gossip, Blake surprised everyone with a dramatic turn in The Town (2010) and will soon be feeling up Ryan Reynold‘s muscled, latex-clad torso in this summer’s Green Lantern. Some ingenues get all the luck.

Keira Knightley

Starring roles: Another of Karl’s favorites, Keira’s been a red carpet highlight for years — I’m still screaming at her in Vera Wang at the 2006 Oscars.*  Though she was keeping a low profile for a while, Knightley came roaring back in this Chanel Couture stunner at the London premiere of Never Let Me Go. Add to that coup her recent Chanel Coco Mademoiselle short film and the upcoming romantic drama Last Night this May.

Leighton Meester

Starring roles: Though she’s the picture of Upper East Side preppy refinement as Blair Waldorf, Leighton’s personal style falls more in the delightfully quirky category. Along with Carey, Leighton is among the most fun and daring of these youthful beauties. Between gigs on Gossip Girl, Meester will next be seen seducing Dr. House himself in The Oranges out later this year.

Mila Kunis

Starring roles: Black Swan propelled Mila Kunis into a completely different stratosphere, one with awards and critical praise. Mila rose gamely to the challenge of red carpet dressing, peaking with this Alexander McQueen number from the SAG Awards. Next she’ll trade in her toe shoes to shack up with Justin Timberlake before hopping a broom for Oz: The Great and Powerful.

Michelle Williams

Starring roles: Michelle had her best style moment at this year’s Oscars when she took my breath away in this simple Chanel column… although her 2006 canary yellow Vera Wang* still holds a special place in my heart. Once upon a Creek, Michelle Williams was Katie Holmes‘ rival, so it makes poetic sense that while Katie is Jackie O, Michelle will play Marilyn Monroe in next year’s My Week With Marilyn.

Anne Hathaway

Starring roles: Honestly, Hathaway’s days as an ingénue are practically through, but having put in her Princess days, she’s succesfully transitioning to a leading lady. She managed to hold up the weight of the entire Academy Awards telecast this year on her bold, tuxedoed shoulders, so her next challenge Anne will be to claw up the screen as Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises.

*Sidebar: Meanwhile, I forgot how much werq Vera was doing at the Academy Awards that year.

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 12: Actress Elle Fanning attends the New York Screening of "Somewhere" at Tribeca Grand Hotel on December 12, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

- Aguilera’s alcoholism knows no boozy bounds. [Celebitchy]

- Kirsten Dunst steps in to fill Julianne Moore‘s nonexistent shoes at Bulgari. Dunst won’t have to suckle any cubs, however, as the lion is now fully grown. Cue the opening to “Circle of Life.” [Huff Po]

- OMG, even James Franco‘s design illustration for his Gucci tux at the Oscars is dreamy. And, let’s be real, probably stoned too. [Style.com]

- Rachel Zoe thought her water could “totally break” at the opening for the new Tom Ford store on Rodeo Drive last night. That baby’s first words would have been, “I. Die.” [NY Mag]

- Lady Gaga‘s perfume will contain samples of her blood and will smell like an “expensive hooker.” [Huff Po]

- Salvatore Ferragamo was a friend of Dorothy. The designer created Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers for The Wizard of Oz, and is one of many designers to have collaborated in film. From Coco Chanel to Rodarte, explore a brief history of fashion in film. [Style.com]

- Just when you thought the White House couldn’t get more fierce, there’s a new bitch in town. Jeremy Bernard is the brand new, openly gay White House Social Secretary. I can’t wait for him and Mo to get mani-peds together while dishing over Barack‘s approval rating. In the bedroom. Go head girl! [Gawker]

- Ladies at the Oscars this year are not fucking around with their heels The rule is go sky high or go home. [NY Mag]

Photo: Celebitchy/WENN

LINK LOVE: Fashion Gone Rogue

Malandrino Fall 2011

Giorgio Armani Resort 2011

Giorgio Armani Resort 2011

David Koma Fall 2011

David Koma Fall 2011

Photo credits: Style.com

Giorgio Armani Resort 2011

Giorgio Armani Resort 2011

David Koma Fall 2011

David Koma Fall 2011

Rodarte Fall 2011

The plot, if you can call it that, seems to revolve around Elle improbably walking through nature in an impossibly chic Rodarte dress when she finds a house that changes her clothes every time she twirls into a different room. Then she goes into the barn where she’s beamed up to the mothership by Kate and Laura Mulleavy so they can dress her for the Oscars.

At least that’s what I think happened. Check out the video and decide for yourself.

Elle Fanning: Rodarte’s Muse on Nowness.com.

- Alexis and Krystal Carrington have been turned into Barbie dolls for the 30th anniversary of Dynasty. Mattel has somehow perfected Alexis’ signature snide British bitchery though I was hoping Krystal would have the linebacker shoulders of her real life counterpart. They should’ve just dressed Ken up in drag…not like he has any business to tuck. [Gawker]

- Lauren Conrad claims that her new reality show, which would follow the creation of her new line, was “too high brow” for MTV. Of course in MTV speak, “high brow” means boring and lacking enough jacuzzi’d threesomes. [Fashionista]

- ESPN‘s manly “commentators drool over other men’s abs, thighs and guns. ESPN The Magazine’s response to the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue is its Body issue, which features entirely naked men (and some women).” Meanwhile, when I drool over other men’s abs, thighs and guns it’s all, “Dude, stop filming me in the shower.” Double standards. [NYT]

- Gaga may lend a helping claw to stylist/bff/Mugler creative director Nicola Formichetti by wearing Mugler to Grammys. Fingers crossed for a “Paparazzi”-themed robotic body cast! [NY Mag]

- People still care about Michelle Obama‘s McQueen dress. Meanwhile, in other news Egypt is falling apart. [MSNBC, The Daily Beast]

- Elle Fanning stars in The Curve of Forgotten Things, a short film in collabo with Rodarte, which will premiere tomorrow on Nowness.com. Let’s hope Kate and Laura negotiated their credits better this time around. [WWD]

- Gemma Ward returns for her first editorial in literally one hundred years. A little flat, but then again it’s for some Australian magazine no one cares about. Call me when she’s in a European Vogue and I might pick up. [Fashionista]

- Even Steven Shia LeBouf was handcuffed after getting into a bar fight in L.A. The fight erupted after some guy called the Transformers star a “f*gg*t,” but when Shia lunged at him he got ka-powed in the face and suffered a split lip. That’s not nice at all! Leave that little f*gg*t alone! [Daily Mail]

Image: IAmBoiGenius

- Gwyneth Paltrow says people are “so mean” to her. You know what would help? Not being Gwyneth Paltrow. [Huffington Post]

- Diddy is being sued for *dramatic music cue* $1 TRILLION by a psycho lady who claims that, in addition to date raping her and her kids, The Ego Occasionally Known as Sean Combs planned 9/11.  Mo’ Money, Mo’ Clinically Insane Problems. [Radar]

- Kim Kardashian’s mad that W turned her artsy photoshoot into “full f*cking porn.” Oh, look who’s too good for full f*cking porn all of a sudden. [Popeater]

- Lea T. trannied down to São Paolo Fashion Week and closed Alexandre Herchcovitch. Also performing runway duty, alleged actor Ashton Kutcher. [Style File]

- Naomi Campbell strips down for British GQ to deliver the “naked truth” on those blood diamonds. I like the literal take on the clothing status of the truth, but why not drive the point home and have her naked drenched in blood and showering herself in diamonds? One word: art. [The Cut]

- No need to worry, everyone, Crystal Renn is still not thin. [Jezebel]

- American Apparel is now as cheap as it looks. After major investor Richard Burkle sold off at least 909,500 shares earlier this month, stock prices are about the price of a pack of gum. Slutty, crotchless gum. [WWD]

- Amy Westcott, the costume designer behind Black Swan, on being “airbrushed from history”: “I don’t have a publicist working for me, needless to say, and I was asked…to avoid any bad press towards the film.” Glad to see she’s not holding a Rodarte-sized grudge. [Fashionista]

Image: IAmBoiGenius

Clueless (1995)- If this 90′s classic wasn’t already on your top 10 movies list of style and rich girl ways well then start jotting! Alicia Silverstone is the best prepster out there, and no matter how old we are or how many fashion trends pass by Clueless will always remain a fashion favorite… through knee-high socks, more than enough argyle to handle, feminine school girl blazzers and especially because Britney Murphy was in it too!

Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion (1997)- A little on the dumb-ass side and I’m pretty sure no one would wear as much metallic and glitter as these two on screen best friends, but it’s still fun to watch their adventure in going back to their high school reunion and dominating the Madonna-inspired blasts from the pasts.

Spice World (1997)- Victoria Beckham‘s style may be taking over the style headlines a lot more than the Spice Girls do now, but it doesn’t mean that we would ever forget baby spice, scary spice, ginger spice, posh spice, sporty spice, or any other spices that I’m forgetting in between!

Jawbreaker (1999)- Catty and backstabbing what other way would a girl like their movies, when you accidentally kill your best friend in your favorite pumps?

The Virgin Suicides (1999)- When it comes to Kristen Dunst’s careless ways she makes any film look awesome! Sofia Coppola (director) filmed the movie in an angelic sort of sunlight state, and with the simplicity of the style on the girls, from sundresses to school outfits, the obsession of five boys falling in love with mysterious sisters begins, and they watch them on the road to suicide.

Factory Girl (2006)- Starring Sienna Miller as Edie Sedgwick a muse of all muses for the New York City life style of Andy Warhol. Not to mention, Mary-Kate Olsen gets her five minutes of fame getting to rock the furs and the smoking glam of this crazy 1960′s fashion filled film.

500 Days of Summer (2009)- Zooey Deschanel would be the perfect heart breaking type girl, with her vintage dresses and humorous ways as she completes every girls dream to crush the boy who’s insanely in love with her in nonchalant ways.

Whip It (2009)- Ellen Page plays a rebellious small town girl who creates a wicked life for herself in Austin, TX. And along with Drew Barrymoore and Landon Pigg she rocks her indie-child style with combat boots, random skirts, and bizarre rock band tees!

The Runaways (2010)- When hearing the names Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart you don’t normally think of one on one girl make out sessions or drug addict… which in their case would be a good thing but luckily these two actresses rocked the hell out of bringing the Joan Jett and Cherie Curie’s wild child style to life!

Black Swan (2010)- Obviously what kind of timeline would this be without listing Natalie Portman’s surprise act of dealing with perfection and giving us a mental image of just how good Rodarte ballet wear could be!

This isn’t the first time in Hollywood history that a designer’s been shafted by the Academy. Hubert de Givenchy designed all of Audrey Hepburn‘s looks for 1954′s Sabrina, but Edith Head stole that Oscar right from under his nose.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the sisters Mulleavy were “naive about movies,” didn’t properly negotiate their credits and were not a part of the Costume Designers Guild.

Though Fox Searchlight allegedly wanted to submit both Wescott and the Rodarte siblings for Oscar consideration, the latter were ineligible as they were not members of the Guild.

But fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, I’ve got my lawyer on speed dial. The sister act are now Guild members, are represented by WME and are seeking more film costuming gigs.

Who knew that you couldn’t trust people in Hollywood, of all places?

Link Love: The Hollywood Reporter

Wen‘s heavily layered looks came together with pieces from John Galliano, Rodarte and Missoni, to name a few.

LINK LOVE: Fashion Gone Rogue

NYT: “Also, Cher is back. Did you see that raunchy Julien Macdonald dress and the red wig?”

See it? I lived in it.

Geriatric perfection.

A few hundred years Cher’s junior, Fanning was flawless nonetheless in head-to-toe, off-the-runway Rodarte for the New York premiere of Sofia Coppola‘s new film, Somewhere. Then for the Hollywood premiere she wore Valentino Haute Couture.

Meanwhile, she’s barely through puberty and is dressing better than half the starlets, twice her age.

And yes I am looking at you, Kate Hudson.

So are female stars dressing better and taking more chances? Well, yes and no. For every Elle Fanning in Rodarte or Carey Mulligan in Prada, there’s bound to be someone abusing McQueen or horribly out of place in Dior.

What we have are young women who grew up on fashion magazines and have a love, interest and knowledge of fashion and dressing up. Fashion is more democratic than ever, so it’s only natural for a twelve-year old to embrace a heady brand like Rodarte.

Especially when her older sister has been turning it out for ages. And with awards season upon us, Elle and the rest of young Hollywood will have plenty opportunities to wow, stun, confuse and confound us.

LINK LOVE: New York Times

Restriction applies: USA ONLY - NO NEW YORK NEWSPAPERS Fame Pictures, Inc - Santa Monica, CA, USA - +1 (310) 395-0500

This One Shoulder Darling Black Tulle & Satin Dress is perfect for a holiday party.

How about the Flower and Feather Fancy Headband when you don’t feel like doing your hair?

These Black or White Lace Fingerless Wrist Ruffle Gloves are soooo Madonna. I want them for New Years.

You can shop for these styles and more online at Unique Vintage.

Givenchy’s three-piecer

Slitting the difference, at Albino.

Giorgio Armani’s Saharan night.

One of Phoebe Philo’s many tunics, at Celine.

Monochrome, at Cerruti.

Diaphanous layers, at Dries Van Noten.

Easy does it, at Fendi.

Army, but not drab, at Lanvin.

The life aquatic, at Marni.

Gypset chic from Antonio Marras.

Osman’s crisp take on the look.

Sheer trousers with a leather tux stripe, at Pedro Lourenço.

A vision of the future, at Gareth Pugh

Going with the flow, at Richard Chai Love

Gilded treasure from Rodarte.

At Richard Chai Love, the designer said, “It was all about playing with new proportions and unexpected layering.” Chai, who tossed long tunics and slipdresses over flowy pants, added, “It’s important that the fabric has movement.” If you want to experiment with the trend, try swapping out your tights and leggings for see-through trousers asGivenchy’s Riccardo Tisci,Pedro Lourenço, andGiorgio Armani all did for effects that ranged from punk to gypset. (credit: Style.com/ facehunter)

Mila seems to have come a long way from her days on That 70′s Show in this cool and sexy spread shot by Melodie McDaniel and styled by Daniela  Jung. Kunis also stars in the soon to be released flick, Black Swan, which we are all excited to see. (Especially since Natalie Portman talked so much about their sex scene)

The collection includes signature dresses from Luella Bartley, Tara Jarmon, Paul & Joe, Behnaz Sarafpour, Proenza Schouler, Libertine, Alice Temperley, Erin Fetherston, Jovovich-Hawk, Rogan, Richard Chai, Jonathan Saunders, Thakoon, Tracy Feith, Rodarte, Zac Posen and Tucker.

The exclusive designer styles were originally created for the Target GO International program and will be available March 13, 2011 through April 10, 2011 at most Target stores and online at Target.com. The GO International Designer Collective underscores Target’s ongoing commitment to fashion talent and the belief that everyone deserves great design at an affordable price.

LINK:http://houseofscissors.blogspot.com/2010/09/nyfwrodartespringsummer2011.html

RODARTE

DONNA KARAN

RUFFIAN

CAROLINA HERRERA

MARC JACOBS

ALEXANDER WANG

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

MICHAEL KORS

CUSHNIE ET OCHS

JASON WU

Sometimes the pieces we see on the runway are a bit too out there to actually be wearable. But one star has stepped up to the plate. Natalie Portman showed up to the premiere of her movie Black Swan in a red Rodarte dress. Though Rodarte is known for their signature knits and use of tulle, Natalie showed up with a much more toned down dress for the Venice Film Festival.

LINK LOVE: NYMag