The face of corruption

An email from a Walmart lawyer in 2005 revealed that Walmart de Mexico had doled out bribes to obtain permits in “virtually every corner of the country,” the Times reported Saturday, naming names, dates and amounts of the bribes. The lawyer a Mr. Sergio Cicero Zapata, it turns out, was the guy in charge of obtaining building permits for Walmart de Mexico.

Following the email, Walmart sent investigators to Mexico City where within days they uncovered a paper trail leading to hundreds of payments, totaling over $24 million. These investigators also found evidence that Walmart’s top tier execs — spearheaded by then Walmart de Mexico’s chief executive officer Eduardo Castro-Wright –  had tried to shield this corruption from headquarters back in Bentonville, Ark.

The lead investigator reported that there was “reasonable suspicion to believe that Mexican and USA laws” had been violated and recommended expanding the investigation. That’s when Walmart’s head honchos — fearing the besmirchment of the chain’s good-ish name — shut that shit down, without notifying US or Mexican law enforcement.

Walmart, however, is denying the Times‘ claims that it nixed the internal investigation. “If these allegations are true, it is not a reflection of who we are or what we stand for,” Wal-Mart spokesman David Tovar told WWD. “We are deeply concerned by these allegations and are working aggressively to determine what happened…and are committed to conducting a complete investigation before forming conclusions.”

“Unfortunately, he added, “we realize that, at this point, there are some unanswered questions. We wish we could say more but we will not jeopardize the integrity of the investigation.” I mean…why stop now? [NYT, WWD, sub req'd]

The face of corruption

- Who else but Ralph Lauren would design the US Olympic and Paralympic teams’ opening and closing ceremony looks? The US Olympic Committee revealed the quintessentially American designer’s vision for the latter yesterday and naturally the only thing missing is a gold medal or two. [WWD, sub req'd]

- Chloë Moretz sports a black bob and a fair amount of cheek in the latest issue of Vogue Russia. [Image Amplified]

- Since Nicki Minaj is hellbent on sucking these days, I’m openly pinning my raptress hopes on Azealia Banks who recently signed with Troy Carter, the manager behind her Monstrosity, Lady Gaga. The bad bitch’s album Broke with Expensive Taste drops in September. [THR]

- Max Azria is being sued for $220 million over some Playboy condoms that sadly never came to fruition in Walmart stores. As if that weren’t enough to warrant a comedic spit-take, the reason behind the condom collapse was allegedly the high level of lead in Walmart’s BCBG clothes. [TMZ]

UPDATE: A spokesperson for Azria states the quotes in the cited TMZ story have been “completely taken out of context, and the allegation regarding lead in BCBG clothing sold at Wal-Mart is completely inaccurate.”

- Hallelujer! The official trailer for Magic Mike — otherwise known as the reason I’ll be locked inside a movie theater for all of summer — has finally surfaced. Check out all the mantastic stripper action below.

Coco-Cola, The New York Times, Ford, Old Spice and, my personal favorite Captain Morgan, are a few of the companies that took advantage of Facebook’s brand timeline going live this morning. Some feature detailed histories going back decades and decades —  for instance, the front page of the Times from when Lincoln was shot in 1865  –  and some are just plain horse shit — who knew Old Spice was co-founded by a one-eyed Australian ninja leopard? Noted social media superstar Burberry, unsurprisingly, was also one of the brands to jump on the timeline bandwagon, as were super-retailers Macy’s and Walmart. Below, some highlights from their past.

Burberry's page starts with the company's founding in 1856 when it opened its first store in Basingstoke then hops to the early 20th century when Burberry laid the groundwork for its iconic trenchcoat and outfitted Arctic explorers and record-breaking aviators. Winding along, you'll discover a photo of gabardine ski suit form 1920, an ad campaign from the 30s, Audrey Hepburn kissing George Peppard in the rain -- both wearing Burberry trenches -- from 1961's Breakfast at Tiffany's, and video of Christopher Bailey wishing a very merry Christmas from 2009.

Rowland Hussey Macy opened his "fancy dry goods"  store in 1858 on 6th Avenue and 14th Street then in 1924 it became the "largest department store in the world."  Also that year, Macy's debuted its annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, originally known as the Macy's Christmas Parade, featuring animals from the Central Park Zoo. Giant helium balloons were added in 1927 and the spectacle was televised for the first time nationwide in 1948. In 1994, 136 years after its founding, Macy's became America's largest retailer, while still maintaining some of its "fancy" roots.

The first Walmart opened in Rogers, AZ in 1962, with its first "Discount City" opening two years later. Everything else is pretty much Snoozeville after that and there's not even any mention of when Walmart was bought out by Satan. I believe it was the early 80s. But did you know that Old Spice is directly responsible for the breaking of the sound barrier?

Appealing to the masses, Skinnygirl Face and Body Solutions will ship to select Wal-Mart stores in November just in time for the holiday season with a full rollout on December 26.

The Skinnygirl beauty line will feature about 30 products divided into four categories — lip treatments, face, body and gifts —  including lip gloss, face masks, a body shimmer and…a cooling foot spray.

That sounds nice, I guess…and a little gross. Anyhoo, everyone can get their hands on Bethenny as all products will retail for – or – below $15.

Meanwhile, archrival/ex-BFF Jill Zarin is developing her own line of shapewear called Skweez Couture. Frankel’s already got a shapewear and lingerie line called Smoothers n’ Shapers — who the hell does the branding for these people, Fran Fine? — so let the Spanx-off begin! [WWD]

- Sorry kids, you won’t be able to get Angelina Jolie‘s jewelry collection at Wal-Mart. After all, this isn’t Jessica Simpson we’re talking about. No, this jewelry is being auctioned off for charity, thank you. And no, she’s not trying to steal Liz Taylor‘s thunder — this acution is by invite only. Luckily, I received my invite in the mail today, but imagine my surprise when I opened it and who else is looking back at me but Naomi Campbell splayed out in fur and covered in blood diamonds. I guess I really should have looked into what that charity was for… [The Cut]

- A blurry spec that may or may not be Beyoncé may or may not be wearing Givenchy Haute Couture in her new video. I may or may not have just died. [Red Carpet Fashion Awards]

- When fashion loves something, boy does it love the hell out of it. Prada’s Spring 2011 collection was a big fat effing hit, so much so it’s been featured on at least 15 magazine covers. Guess that explains those record-breaking profits.  [Fashionista]

- Donatella Versace has sexy chairs, sexy cocktail tables and probably whatever sexy furniture needed to satisfy your sexy sexiness. Of Versace Home, Donatella says she “want[s] create spaces that make you feel sexy and glamorous.” Mission accomplished. I haven’t seen this much sex on furniture since that house party I went in to Brooklyn sophomore year. Granted, it was a ratty couch that (who I can only assume were) hobos had been using for a house, but still…sex all over it. [Style.com]

Snap CRACKLE Pop:

Katy Perry‘s line for OPI shimmies and shakes in all the right places, kind of like my teenage dreams. She’s got the season’s splash in her color palette: Black Shatter Polish. It’s a top coat you apply that cracks apart as it dries, leaving your nails looking perfectly chipped, almost tribally printed, with another hue peeking out from beneath.

Glitter Me Bieber:

Justin Bieber has his own line of nail polish, this we know I’m sure. Remember that One Less Lonely Girl collection for Nicole by OPI sold exclusively at…Walmart? Well, it’s actually pretty flippin’ sweet (this we weren’t as sure of). He’s got the glitter, the metallic, the multi-colored sparkle. Alright, ALRIGHT! I’m a Belieber.

Holy Holographic!

Photo from Temptalia

Milani has taken glitter to the next dimension: 3D Holographic. This color phenomenon is based on Holographic Image Technology that makes a very thin, bright, embossed metallic flake look like a rainbow. And it comes in a dazzling array of colors.

Fiesta Sparkle Gems:

Photo from PolishLava.blogspot.com

This party in a bottle is the culmination of all the Jewel FX nail polish Milani has created. The effect of it all somehow makes me want a shot o’ tequila.

Color Block Tip:

I took two hues of Milani One Coat Glitter and layered them like a thick French. Silver Dazzle on bottom, Purple Gleam on top. Razzle up good with any colors you desire – with this much glitter you can do no wrong.

Find all the Milani goods at your local drugstore. Now go get yourself some jazz hands.

Photo from Temptalia

Photo from PolishLava.blogspot.com

At least she looks halfway decent. I’m actually really loving the bag.

LINK LOVE: Gawker

And it only cost $2.36 billion.

Wal-Mart announced that it is buying MassMart, the African-based retail chain that is scary similar to its own chain store.

The buy lends the discount behemoth 288 new stores in 14 countries. And, it gives Wal-Mart a foothold in its newest country to take over – Africa.

Looking to the future, Wal-Mart will most likely dominate Antarctica and then the moon. From there it’s possible it will move to adjacent planet regions of Mars and Jupiter. Pluto is just on the horizon.

I’m really starting to believe that this Youtube phenomenon wasn’t kidding when he came out with two different albums titled MY WORLD… wondering what’s next on Justin’s list…?! SHOES!

“…Industry sources said Bieber could power the new company’s revenue to $75 million within the first year.”

I might not be completely diagnosed with Beiber fever but I’m definitely a curious one when it comes to what his new scented accessories will smell like and what his line of shoes will cause this world to look like.

WOW!.. I’m scared.

For all those die-hard Justin Bieber fans, you may never have heard anything this exciting. The Biebs is set to release six nail polishes for Nicole by O.P.I. this coming winter. The “One Less Lonely Girl” collection has names inspired by six of Justin’s hit songs including One Less Lonely Glitter, Prized Possession Purple, Give Me The First Dance, Me + Blue, OMB!, and Step 2 the Beat of My Heart. Pick up the polishes in Walmart starting this December!

LINK LOVE: The Huffington Post

Called One Less Lonely Girl, the line of six nail lacquers will be available at the armpit of American retail, Walmart, in December. Can’t wait to get my heart glitter sequins on gurl!

LINK LOVE: SHEfinds

 

 

•  Spike Necklace, Majique 
• Silver Ball Necklace, George 
• Silver Leather Zipper Cuff, H&M (mens)
• Silver Pyramid Stud Earrings, Zellers 
• Brass Pyramid Stud Headband, Thirft Store 
• Silver Knuckle Duster, Forever21 
• Silver Polish, Rimmel (Your Majesty)

LINK LOVE:Weapons or Jewellery?

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1. Move your bed so that it’s opposite your window. This will let you catch whatever summer breezes come your way. This should allow you to move the rest of your furniture to fit the new location of your bed. If you’re fortunate enough to have air conditioning, this might not matter, but who doesn’t like a breeze every now and then?

Image Courtesy of walmart.com

LINK LOVE:Summer Bedroom Makeover

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Read more on InStyle

Surprisingly, it’s not her music that causes brain damage, it’s her fashions. Miley Cyrus’ children’s jewelry line has been pulled from Wal-Mart stores after a report revealed the accessories contained high levels of a toxic metal called cadmium. Watch the video after the jump…

Whitney Port was spotted rocking a $15 Susie Rose for Walmart A-line tube dress [view full collection] on the way to a photoshoot at Smashbox Studios yesterday. The reality star sure knows how to look good on a budget, a trait she shares with our own Becka Alexander, who’ll hit up Walmart for basics from Norma Kamali. What do you think of Whitney’s look?

LINK: Emma Roberts Is Too Good For A “Cheesy” Target Collection

Add Your Own Stories on ENVY The Fashion Network

Jessica Szohr, Cory Monteith and Dianna Agron are starring in this spring’s upcoming ad campaign for juniors clothing brand Op, along with R&B singer Cassie, 90210’s Trevor Donovan, and Alex Meraz of The Twilight Saga: New Moon and Eclipse.LINK LOVE: People

People of Walmart be on alert!!! This amazing visor will ensure that you not only look like a complete loon, but are in touch with your African brethren. Unfortunately, this cap only comes in a Carrot Top red, but give it time and we’ll all be Sasha Fiercing it “Put a Ring On It”. God, I need this so bad. I haven’t made it onto Vice Magazine’s Don’t list for a while. Available at Kohl’s.

Thanks Coco

A PR nightmare has unfolded after a New York Times reporter unveiled a story this week that brings to light the not-so-pretty truth behind two top retailers: H&M and Wal-Mart. A graduate student found bags full of slashed clothing in behind both of the store’s 35th street locations and after contacting the companies and not hearing back, decided to dish on her discovery to the New York Times. While controversy is no stranger to Wal-Mart, the news about H&M shocked many. Many people feel that these clothes should be donated to the needy, not destroyed and shoved into trash bags—some going as far as to say they will no longer shop there.

When the story first broke, H&M was quick to state on both Facebook and Twitter that this is not company policy and that they are investigating what happened at their store in New York. I noticed, though, quite a number of people commenting–who were former employees of H&M– saying that while they worked there, they were told to destroy the clothes that weren’t sold. Those remarks are obviously very different than the statement H&M made. Then again, there also were people saying that they did indeed give the clothes to charity.

Whether or not this practice is what the store preaches, I can understand where they’re coming from if it was policy. Why would anyone pay $100 for a jacket that they knew would be donated to someone for free months down the line? On the other side, though, that’s the risk we all take when shopping– especially knowing things will eventually go on clearance. Do you want to pay for it now or wait for the price to drop—risking if it will still be available by that time?

In the end, fashion is a business, and it’s not always “right” or pretty. What’s your stance on the matter? Do you think that stores should donate all unsold items? Or do you agree that they should be destroyed?

But is it a good idea for BCBG?

I say, no way! The label, which has had its ups and downs of the years, is currently going strong both in concept and execution. Recent runway shows have illustrated a desire to elevate the label beyond a shopping mall standard, with better construction and more fashion-forward styles.

So why Walmart now? Unlike uber-designers Alexander Mc Queen and Anna Sui, whom have created limited release collections for Target stores, BCBG is not sold at a completely–out of reach for regular people price point, and frankly BCBG is not at the design echelon that would make company invincible to negative mass-market associations. Working with Walmart not only solidifies BCBG squarely into the mall-standard set, but it gives the impression that the company is trending down market. And let’s face it, even with the idea of recessionista chic spreading all over the US, no fashion company wants to reinvent it’s image as ‘cheap’. Consumers want BCBG on sale, not cheap BCBG.

To make matters worse, the collaboration with ‘tween star Miley Cyrus, further erodes the brand’s image. Working with Miley instantly casts a “celebrity line” image on the company. What’s next BCBGENERATIONS and The Olsen twin’s shoe line? How about a Lindsay Lohan handbag?

All and all I can’t see the Walmart collection not hurting the BCBG label. As popular as ‘affordable’ items are during these tough times, the association with the big-box (and somewhat infamous for bad business practices) retailer is sure to turn off the pre-existing customer, and I can’t imagine Miley’s popularity will do much to offset that loss.

Walmart is offering $99 iPhones, so now at least middle America can Google Maps civilization (aka Manhattan) and see what it actually looks like! Why do you have to ruin everything? This is like giving a monkey a loaded gun.

First up is Perez Hilton, whose site was vomited on yesterday with ads for the OP brand prompting his readers to upload their favorite picts on the OP website. Lame-o.

Next up is a whose-who of failed reality stars, rockers, and celebrity spawn.  According to WWD, ” actress Rumer Willis; actress Kristin Cavallari, best known for her role on “Laguna Beach”; singer Christina Milian; actress Josie Maran; rocker Pete Wentz; “High School Musical” star Corbin Bleu, and actor Wilmer Valderrama.”

Before you try IMBDing these bitches, let me run it down why each of these people suck balls.

Now try to act like your daddy didn’t produce this crap

Rumer Willis is not an actress. She’s more D-list than Kathy Griffin. I mean what is she famous for besides having a Leno chin and looking way too much like a man?!?  I know it’s hard for Hollywood kids to chill in their momma and daddies spotlight and I’m sure it only becomes more difficult when the boy you used to fantasy about on that 70′s Show is now bangin’ your mom, but just stop Rumer. You name is dumb and you weren’t that good in that movie your dad let you be in.

“Oh Shit, I’m Still Relevant.” 

Kristin Cavallari is not an actress. She’s a reality star. She’s a failed reality star. Lauren Conrad is queen bitch now Kristin and your about as useless to society as another celebrity sex tape. Actually, that might help you. Call Rick Solomon pronto.

Why are their 10 men around her as she grinds in oil? Um, ask Wal-Mart 

Christina Milian hasn’t had a hit since Dip It Low, in which she sold herself to the sex hungry public and tramped it up in black oil and a swimsuit for money.  She’s the music biz equivalent of Jennifer Connelly’s character in Requiem for a Dream and now she’s hawking cheap tees for Wal-Mart.

Her career really didn’t go anywhere after this.

Josie Maran is better known for looking like a pin-up wank target than for acting.  Being an extra in Little Black Book does not make you an actress Josie, neither does Dancing with the Stars.

Pete Wentz will always be remembered more for taking photos of his cock and impregnating Jessica Simpson’s sister.  Just try to sing a full Fall Out Boy song. Seriously, try to do it.

Corbin Bleu might be the only one on this list that makes sense.  High School Musical was a massive success and his days at the House of Mouse have given him enough clout amongst the teener set to make them want to wear something he’s promoting. If anyone should be on this campaign, it’s him.

Wilmer Valderrama is a big old slut whose slept with more starlets than films he’s been in.  I kind of admire him for it, but Wal-Mart shouldn’t.  Plus he has crabs. Alright that might be a lie, but I’m pretty sure it’s not.

rumer willis

chrisina milian

Corbin Bleu