After being a little off the fashion radar for a bit, Hilary Rhoda hits the pages of WSJ magazine in swimwear by Eres, Gucci, Chanel, and Norma Kamali.

The May 2009 issue also cites her in the list of contributors, thereby giving models just a little more credit.

The spread, shot in Miami, features one-piece suits, which you can see in action in WSJ’s behind-the-scenes video.

GALLERY: Hilary Rhoda for WSJ.

I’m not sure whose bone-headed idea it was to lay off fourteen members of The Wall Street Journal fashion and retail staff, but publishers decided that it was more important to focus on the WSJ luxury supplement…ONE WEEK BEFORE NEW YORK FASHION WEEK! Managing editor Robert Thompson claims that fashion will still be covered, but in a downsized, less prominent way. And talk about backstabbing, columnists are being laid off, switched around and required to re-apply for remaining positions in the style section! I have a feeling that the minimal fashion week coverage is going to bite WSJ in the ass…let’s just hope this isn’t a trend…

Thanks NY Mag!

Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie and Free People have grown a whopping 79% in sales second quarter.

According to the Wall Street Journal, they’ve “been attracting shoppers with an eclectic mix of full-price clothing and home goods in stores where employees create their own displays.” And instead of flooding the market, they plan to cap the number of stores at 250. “Big is the enemy of cool,” says the company’s founder.

Who still shops at Urban Outfitters? I get that there sales are pretty good, but otherwise that store is nauseating. If anyone doesn’t agree, let me know.

Thanks BlackBook