INDIE REWIND: Character Study — Fran Fine

Edited by Lester Brathwaite

She was working in a bridal shop in Flushing, Queens. When her boyfriend kicked her out in what can only be described as one of those crushing scenes. So over the bridge from  Flushing to the Sheffield’s door. She was just there to sell some makeup, but the father…oh, he saw more. Because she had style! She had flair! And she was there, that’s why she became the subject of today’s class. Though she might be better known as The Nanny, Fran Fine never looked domestic.

25 Days of Gift Guides: For Your Gay BFF

Edited by Lester Brathwaite

2011 has been a banner year for the gays. Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was finally repealed. Super old gays in New York finally got to marry. A tranny supermodel finally made it onto Oprah. Santana finally came out on Glee. So why not show your resident gay that it truly does get better with one of these delightfully faggy holiday gifts.

Seven Sparkling Sequined Pieces Perfect for the Casino Getaway

Edited by Amanda Gabriele

What’s the best part about living in New York City? Flashy, trashy, good time gambling town Atlantic City is a mere few hours away. Okay, maybe it’s not the best thing, but it sure is fun when you have a hankering for craps and Vegas isn’t in your budget. In addition to the essentials like poker face, boozing cap and dancing shoes, flamboyantly glittering garments and accessories are a must for this weekend getaway. Click through for seven of our favorite pieces.

Posing Down Electric Hue Avenue for Madame Figaro Greece

Edited by Amanda Gabriele

This spread is so cheerful and brilliant, it’s borderline depressing on an overcast New York day like this one. But photographer Benjamin Kaufmann did such a spectacular job of capturing the warmth of the clothing and accessories worn by Kasia Wrobel for Madame Figaro Greece, you can almost feel it through the screen. Leather fringe, red sequins and a life-size, gold bird bangle all have places in the eccentric “Show Stoppers” spread, styled by Alton Hetariki. But color is the main attraction, with combinations that would clash under less strategically placed circumstances. Gorgeous and entertaining, this spread is certainly a site for sore city eyes.

RED CARPET REPORT CARD: Kristen Bell in Sea-NY

Edited by Amanda Gabriele

In this edition of Red Carpet Report Card, Kristen Bell will be graded on her sea-ny Fall 2011 look worn to “A Night at Sardi’s” Fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Association in Los Angeles. See how she looked after the jump.

The Top 10 Vintage Haunts In NYC That Won’t Rob You Blind

Edited by Amanda Gabriele

I have to sympathize with New Yorkers who don’t know how to thrift. If you’re paying $100 for a no-name sundress or $80 for Doc Martens riddled with holes, you’re doing a poor job. As a child born and bred in the Midwest, I learned that 80s beaded silk evening gowns should cost $15 and vintage Fendi bags should only set you back $30. So in a city of extremely overpriced vintage stores, what’s a girl (or guy) to do? Take it from the master and check out my top 10 vintage spots in New York City where you can get the best merchandise for the lowest prices.

Louis Vuitton Rockets to the Penthouse of the Universe for Fall 2011

Edited by Amanda Gabriele

Dead. Girl. Walking. Louis Vuitton always kills me, always in the right way. Marc Jacobs certainly had obsession in mind when he designed the Fall 2011 collection, shown today in Paris, ending another long fashion season. “It’s all about fetish,” Jacobs told WWD the night before his show. But what about the collection garnered these feelings of lust and addiction to mere materials? Is it the sleeves and legs recalling leg of mutton cuts, creating voluptuous hourglass silhouettes that could launch 1000 ships? Could it be the rubberized lace garments or refusal to wear pants, a trend I am behind 100 percent. What about the 18-karat gold handbag securely handcuffed to a model’s wrist? Everything from excessive use of the LV logo to tiny little wrist gloves to waxed faux fur, it’s clear the Louis Vuitton woman is magnificent and always will be. Every piece from prim and proper rounded collars to eccentric prints and diamond-shaped sequins to dominatrix corset belts had a place, creating a tremendously cohesive but sundry collection. French maids and elevator porters accessorized the elaborate scene, as models walked from a gilded and black iron retro elevator bank.  Naomi Campbell, terrifying in the chicest of ways, walked the runway, as did Kate Moss who closed the show, cigarette in hand. “Save the best for last” is the saying, and Louis Vuitton is obviously the penthouse of Fashion Week.

Son Jung Wan’s NYFW Debut was Striking and Luxurious

Edited by Amanda Gabriele

Son Jung Wan spared no detail in her Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week debut collection. Any woman, or man, with a fondness for sparkle and opulence that is refined and compelling will want this collection hanging in the closet. A neutral palette was brought to life with metallic threads, fur details and gleaming sequins. Knitwear was fantastically body-conscious featuring skin-tight pants that were high-waisted and flared. Silk gowns with cutouts and plunging necklines were superbly worthy of the most elegant affairs. Fur added exquisite touches to sleeves, shoulders and shoes and richly-detailed fur coats topped silk pants. Front row attendees included Alan Rickman, Aubrey O’Day, J. Alexander and Kristi Yamaguchi. From a cocktail party to a nightclub to a black tie wedding, the Son Jung Wan fall/winter 2011 collection has something for every fly occasion on your calendar.

Jenny Packham’s Fall 2011 Collection is All-Around Glamorous

Edited by Amanda Gabriele

By guest contributor Heather Epstein

Hollywood glam meets New York City party girl glam is one way to describe Jenny Packham’s Fall 2011 collection. This line is filled with chiffon silk dresses bedazzled in beautiful black, gold and silver sequins. Her amazing bead work was on full display with lots of small details, like the floral sequin designs, that can be found on each piece. She played with the idea of building sequin over sequin, but kept the fabric from being weighed down to keep it moving with the body. Her staple silk gowns in champagne and blush tones also made a guest appearance. Floor length dresses with thigh-high slits were reminiscent of old Hollywood glam. This line doesn’t have your typical staple pieces but has nothing but head-turning garments.

Snejana Onopka Dreams of Neutrals and Floral Headdresses

Edited by Amanda Gabriele

Like a princess who has nothing to do but daydream for hours, Snejana Onopka stares into space wearing gorgeous neutrals and crowns of dried flowers. I’m getting sleepy thinking about long naps in Blumarine, Burberry Prorsum and Louis Vuitton with the scent of potpourri wafting around me. A rose light lends color to this long afternoon haze in the land of getting dressed-up with nowhere to go.