Kate Moss for Topshop, new collection in today

Well, the opening of the NYC Topshop may be delayed until next spring, but now that the US has it's own online store, we don't have to miss out. Today the Kate Moss holiday collection was released.  There were many great pieces that I could see, the style is her usual boho-model flair with an added twist of vintage 20's-30's inspired pieces.

My favorite looks are above: skinny brocade pants (I just adore black brocade, after I saw Jason Wu make such great use of it a couple seasons ago), a fabulously classy (and infinitely pair-able) wrap blouse, a beautiful sequined flapper dress, and the perfect 3/4 sleeve leather jacket to give all of the above the edge it needs.

Shop here.

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Shop your closet

What to do when a recession is on? 

As a woman, we are constantly in need of reinventing ourselves. We need to step out the door feeling brand new and uniquely hot. This is perhaps why fashion shifts so fast and women become addicted to shopping. Well, I believe shopping is the lazy way to get that sparkly new steppin' out feeling.

I say, save your money, and shop your closet. As a stylist I can attest that what makes a fantastic look is so much more than just a sum of it's parts. Its about how creatively you combine pieces. It's about your silhouette, it's about juxtapositions of colors and textures, it's about attitude and character.

When the going gets tough, and the credit card is all maxxed out, it's time to open your closet doors, dig deep and get creative. Pull out that item from 5 years ago that has been languishing at the back of your rack. Why haven't you worn it in so long? Maybe it needs a little tailoring, or maybe that belt you bought 6 months ago (that you thought would clash with it) would actually create the silhouette and striking contrast that you need to make your long neglected item work. Usually I find that all I need to feel fresh and new is to mix it up a bit. Make new combinations. Break out of the tried and true matching looks, get out of the routine. Feel new again, with a new combination.

And in the mean time, you can pay off your debt and breeze on through the recession, without losing your chic mojo.

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I've been AWOL with 'Keep it Green'

Yes, I know, I haven't kept up with my posts this week, but with very good reason. I have been on set styling Melissa Mansfield, the host of 'Keep It Green' on  Equator HD.  We shot the whole season this week, and I have to say, it was a lot of fun. Great crew, gorgeous host, and the guests were actually quite fascinating. My favorite was Van Jones from Green For All, an organization he founded to build an "inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty".  His idea to to unite those who need work with work that needs to get done: such as customizing buildings for better energy efficiency, installing solar panels, wind power, etc. He calls them 'green collar jobs', and the field is growing fast. I mean, just look at us in the fashion world, we have become obsessed with eco-chic. I even picked up a new magazine yesterday called Boho, that is printed entirely on recycled paper, and features eco-fashions.

Van Jones' book is out now: Green Collar Economy. I know I'll be picking up a copy!

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I'm obsessed with...

Vests. I know, it's so 80's...and yet, somehow, completely modern. Currently, we do vests with more of an edge than Molly Ringwald ever did. Pair one with your fave grey skinny jeans and a slightly loose and thread-bare white v-neck t-shirt. Add a few long chains and a badass wrist cuff (or a jumble of missmatching chain bracelets and strings of leather). Finish off with some boots, et voila, edgy modern boyfriend vest. If it's cold outside, you can't go amiss with a woven scarf with tassles thrown jauntily around the neck.

At the end of the day, it's an easy way to dress up a t-shirt and jeans when you can't really be bothered to wear anything more complicated.

Above, left to right:

Target, Alexander Wang (at Barneys COOP), Topshop, Urban Outfitters.

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Guerrilla Art #18 Yet Another Special Edition

Photo from The Independant

Blek Le Rat is often referred to as the father of street art, as he is the one who influenced the great Banksy. And what a month, Banksy is in town, and now Blek Le Rat is also doing a show. I am feeling so spoiled!!! He's french, he's political, it's stencil art, a triple threat!

Check it out (on until November 15th)

Jonathan Levine Gallery

529 W. 20th St  Suite 9E (10th/11th Ave)

212 243 3822

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VPL sample sale score!!

Today I hit the VPL sample sale, located at VPL headquarters. I am a huge fan of Victoria Bartlett, the stylist cum designer, as her undergarment inspired wear is always unique, chic, and politically inspired. It was a great day as I scored a fabulous piece for 75% off (the skirt on the left above), and got to meet the designer herself just as she was filming for a new documentary to air on Bravo. Actually, I'm a little fearful that the cameras were rolling as I introduced myself to her and gushed about what a fan I am.

I have borrowed her clothes before for editorials, and have written (rave) reviews of her last 3 runway shows for ZOOZOOM, so it was truly an honor.

There is one day left of the sale, and I highly recommend it:

VPL

39 West 38th St (between 5th and 6th avenue)

6th Floor

Saturday 10am-7pm.

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Congrats Leanne!!! Go-Bama!!!

As I had hoped, Leanne won Project Runway. And I have to say, that this season had a lot of talent. Unlike season 2, I actually really liked all three collections (yes, even Kenley's was fun...altho derivative of a lot of things including Blade Runner), but Leannes collection was extra special. She showed true innovation with looks I had never seen before. Her looks were fresh and new whilst still remaining elegant and tasteful. I can't wait to see her future collections, and I really hope she will lend to me for future photo-shoots. One word of advice though: don't call your line Leanimal. It's a cute name and all (it was the name she sold under on Etsy), but her look is far too sophisticated for it. Girl, you're all growed up!

Meanwhile, over on CNN: Obama kept his cool, stuck to detailing his plans, and was looking rather presidential I'd say. That other guy was looking shifty, didn't listen to what Obama said, and stuttered.

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McKenley

I was trolling through style.com for a client when I came across the above McQueen dress for Fall 2008 (which means it walked the runway in February this year, and the contestants were working on their collections this summer)....So folks, this is what the esteemed M. Kors was talking about on the last episode of Project Runway. And yeah, I'd love to be a guest at that wedding, but Kenley, that look has 'been done'.

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Guerrilla Art #17 Another Special Edition

How can I help but have special editions of Guerrilla Art when Banksy has hit NYC???

Here are a few pics from his exhibition at 89 7th avenue near Bleeker. It's set up just like a pet shop...Banksy style. Expect that English wry and clever sense of humour mixed in with a socio-political message. Check out the bunny putting on make-up (can we say animal testing?), or the leopard in the window...or is that a leopard? The fish-stick fishbowl was cute too...these days we can be so separated from where I food actually comes from. There's plenty more, so check it out. It's up until October 31st and it's free (like all good Guerrilla Art).

*sigh* I love Banksy.....

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Walmart just got in on the game...with Norma Kamali

Just as Target is picking up speed with its designer collabs (and draining my pocket) other retailers have decided to follow suit. We all know Comme Des Garcons will have a line at H&M next month, but really, it's the retailers with that convenient online shopping that get me. I mean, I love Rei Kawakubo, but will I camp out from the wee hours of the night and physically elbow another girl for a pair of pants? no. Will I impulsively buy a Norma Kamali piece for $15 at midnight on the internet? yes.  I have a lot less will-power when tired and cozy in my PJ's.

I love Norma Kamali's avant guarde take on sweat gear. And one day I hope to own one of her famous sleepingbag coats, but for now I will please myself with a couple tidbits from her line at Wal-mart. So far the most affordable designer capsule line I have seen to date. Trust Wal-mart to undercut everyone. That is why they are taking over our small towns, I guess.

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Second round: Alice McCall for Topshop

Ozzie designer Alice McCall guest designed a line earlier this year for TopShop that sold out in a matter of days. In fact, the dress I coveted was sold out online on the first day. So no surprise that she is back for second round, this time, supposedly inspired by Atari. 

I absolutely adored her Spring '09 show at NY Fashion Week last month, I still have a picture on my computer desktop of a Topshop dress from last season (that I hope will hit ebay one day), and I love all things '80s (Atari sounds awesome). So I have been diligently checking the Topshop sight. They missed their original launch date, and quietly uploaded pics for four new Alice McCall  items earlier this week (only putting it on the splash page today). I gotta say though, I'm disappointed. I guess that's what I get for anticipating too much. Not that I don't like the pieces, they are nice...but only 4? and none that I will obsess over...maybe I wanted more Atari involved. I hope there will be more on sale later.

in anycase, check 'em out here.

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Vigilance is hot

Buy your copy of this investigative full color comic book written by respected journalist Greg Palast here. It's totally hot.

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Last chance...REGISTER TO VOTE!!!

It's really the most fashionable thing you can possibly do right now. But time's up. If you haven't registered yet, you have to do so right now:

REGISTER TO VOTE

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Must have piece for fall '08: Crop Biker jacket

I couldn't help but notice the spotlight on this must-have piece, especially when a  rather stylish friend of mine asked me where-oh-where could she find the perfect leather biker jacket. We discussed how great they are for fall, and how you can throw them over anything. In fact, the girlier the dress, the better a bad-ass distressed leather jacket will work. Personally, I like 'em worn in, and with really good quality buttery yet distressed leather. the most important thing, however, is fit. You don't want some large clunky mens thrift-store find, as it will probably overwhelm you. Yes, I advocate boyfriend blazers, but mens leather biker jackets can weigh a ton and really drown a girl. I'm a big fan of the current cropped look, especially with a 3/4 length sleeve. If the sleeve is long, just make sure that the leather is supple enough to scrunch it up, or the cuffs can unzip and fold back. Show off those dainty feminine wrists peeking out of your don't-f-with me jacket. Below were the best I could find on the net. Left to right: Urban outfitters, Shopbop, and Bloomingdales.

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I basically now do PR for Target....

OK, I am starting to sound like a broken record: "Target this...Target that...", but hey, dude, they keep releasing new designers! So Sigerson Morrison and Anya Hindmarch are now available online, and very soon in stores. My fave picks are the Sigerson Morrison Patent  booties and the large black snake skin Anya bag. Enjoy!

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Oh god, more Target news...

Geez, I am starting to sound like a Target devotee...and hell, maybe I am one, I've gotten some great stuff from there. It's funny, it really just started when I got excited about their Libertine Collection (yes, I was not there from the beginning of their collaborations). I had bought a lot, thinking it was a once in a blue-moon chance...and since then they have kept me coming back for more on a bi-monthly basis. Well, they are picking up the pace now, filling-in between designer collabs with their own Go International "private label". Clever clever, keep us hooked. Now, I don't always rush for the private label, but every now and again, they make a great piece.  So, instead of just regurgitating what's already out in the web-i-sphere, I thought I'd mash together the looks that I really like from their upcoming fourth collection. I am a stylist after all, I might as well opine on a thing or two. So if you look at the picture above, you will see a taste of what I deem to be the very best pieces, due out early November....just let me buy mine first.

Oh, and BTW, me-thinks they have hired a new fashion stylist. I love the fingerless gloves with the black striped blouse. How very edgy of them! Usually it's so bland in the web photos (generally due to a woeful lack of accessories).

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Guerrilla Art #17 Special edition

...can I just say "wow'??

A friend of mine alerted me to this massive piece of art this morning on her way to work. We later came across the 'I heart NY' after work this evening on Grand and Wooster in Soho. 

'Let them eat crack' is on Broadway and Howard, and when I arrived there were several people gawking and taking pictures.

I'm guessing, but the style of the rats really look like Banksy, despite the fact that they are painted freehand, rather than stenciled. Of course, at this point I'm sure we are all aware of what an accomplished artist Banksy is in all media. And really the largesse and impact of these pieces speak to his sense of drama. 

Needless to say, I was beside myself with excitement today.

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Target: Jonathan Saunders in stores now!

Yes, the latest designer series was launched today at Targets across the land, and online (my favored method of shopping the lines). This time, I had actually done all my Jonathan Saunders shopping in advance at one of the 4 Bullseye Bodegas that popped up in NYC for 4 days last month. I went a little crazy, as there were a lot of great pieces. My favorites were the ponte pants in ebony (sort of a fusion of leggings, tux pants, and jeans), the JNSDS GGT Self Belt dress in ebony (it fits great and looks expensive), and the color block mini-skirt. But honestly, there's so much great stuff here, and the fit is beautiful. You can't go wrong!

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Guerrilla Art #16

I risked life and limb to take this picture. It was on the back of a news stand on Broadway and 17th Street, which meant I had to stand in the middle of the road in order to get the shot. I really love this one though! Totally worth it.

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John Derian, available at Target now

It was months ago, on my way home from the gym, that I first discovered the beautiful John Derian store on East 2nd street. It has a very vintage distressed feel with a touch of the sentimental and a lot of the oddities. So many glass collectable plates, some with writing of old letters scrawled on them, some with birds and bugs, and even some with skeletons. There are pillows with old prints on them, and tote bags that have been hand painted. There is a basement with old vintage weather worn furniture, an array of rusted iron hooks, and old wood doors. Oh how I fell in love. Yes, one day, I shall have to register there.

So then earlier this month I hit up the Target Bodega on east 2nd and Bowery and nabbed myself a couple of fantastic John Derian for Target plates. Funny that only today I put two and two together and realized that the original John Derian store was merely two doors down from the bodega all along!

Well, if you love the aesthetic you can either head to his store on 2nd street between Bowery and 2nd avenue, or hit up Target for a limited time only.

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Eryn Brinie

I was just in Soho and finally got a chance to stop by the new Eryn Brinie store on Broadway. I had heard much about it, and was definitely not dissappointed. I can see myself doing a lot of shopping there in the future. I would say that it is in the Zara range of prices and quality, but with a much more specific brand image. Where Zara is a mish-mash that follows the trends and copies big designers, Eryn Brinie has an edgy yet feminine style that (as they say) is inspired by the french. It is actually a Korean brand, which is not mentioned anywhere on their website. This is a shame I think, because there is great design coming out of Korea right now. Own it.

The color palate is in the washed out neutrals, a haven for those of us drawn to grey. The clothes are cleverly constructed with amazing details such as uniquely pleated silhouettes, faux distressing with silver paint on knit fabrics,  subtle beading a ruching...and all done with taste. 

If you like cool edgy post-punk yet feminine downtown style, you should definitely check this place out. You are bound to find a couple great pieces without breaking the bank.

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