Questioning Fashion: Do you like Rachel Bilson's Shoes?

OMG Shoes! Tell us fashionable readers, what do you think of Rachel's footwear? Do you like them, or not so much, tell us!

Help Designer Lara Miller Win 10K in Funding!

Lara Miller fall 2008

Help Chicago designer Lara Miller win 10K in funding!!! All you need to do is click here and register and then vote for her! After you have signed up you may have to do a quick search (just type in Lara Miller). Track her success here.

Lara Miller’s sophisticated and playful woven knitwear collections celebrate the feminine spirit and encourage you to be you. “Lara Miller’s convertible knits never cease to impress me. She’s always finding new ways to flip one piece into three or four looks, each one chic and sophisticated, each one comfortable and easy to wear,” says Wendy Donahue, style writer for the Chicago Tribune.

While tearing pages from her mother’s magazines at a young age, Lara drew inspiration from the designs of Rei Kawakubo for Comme Des Garçons, before even knowing the name. “My style is definitely very architecturally based; I had a huge obsession growing up with units and multiples,” the designer said.

She has established a clientele that shatters the mold and contains no age barriers. “Women in their forties and even sixties and seventies are purchasing items and lean toward sweaters, while the younger women buy articles such as halter tops,” the
designer said.
Visit www.laramiller.net

The Gap is Trés Cool with Carine

There are just so many things that Gap is getting right these days:

Patrick Robinson, Vice-President of Design, expert on all things denim, and the current darling of the industry (check out the August spreads in Glamour and Nylon). Plus, he’s totally cute.

The white shirts, particularly the spring collaboration by all of our favorite masterminds like Phillip Lim, Band of Outsiders, Michael Bastian, Philip Crangi and ThreeAsFour.

The recent European collection. Pierre Hardy shoes, Balenciaga influence, need we say more?

And of course, the ads. Division Street just posted nine from the fall 2008 Collection, including shots of regulars Chanel and Lily, as well as the much-anticipated faces of Clemence Poesy, Georgina Chapman, and Cecilia Dean.

But one ad caught us off guard – Julia Restoin-Roitfeld. As in, the gorgeous offspring of Carine Roitfeld, the exclusively edgy, unapologetically fashionable editor of French Vogue. Simply put, the coolest woman in the world.

Maybe this means that Carine loves Gap as much as we do!

Now go on now, fall back into the Gap.
Gap.com

-Grace Bahk

Alain Mikli's Twist Collection

Alain Mikli, French designer of high-end handmade eyeglasses and accessories, is celebrating his 30th anniversary by recreating his Twist collection. Mikli's collections are known for featuring unique colors and shapes and the re-introduction of the hit 80's collection, Twist, will be no different. The frames have innovative shapes with mulitcolored patterns and several cat-eye styles. The eyeglasses, which are popular especially among European celebrities, will retail at $545.
-Katherine Mingey

Lohan Might Watch Gal Pal Spin

We just heard a little rumor that Lindsay Lohan might be joining her really close friend Samantha Ronson this Friday to watch her spin at Chicago's Crimson Lounge in Hotel Sax. It is going to be a celebrity filled weekend with Lollapalooza under way. Click here for the details!

Salma Hayek Rocks $20 Tee

Salma Hayek, who recently broke up with her billionaire boyfriend Francois-Henri Pinault, was spotted rocking a $20 Lulu tee-shirt on her way to a doctor's appointment in Santa Monica recently.

Available in red (como Salma) or black, $20, www.palomitaclothing.com

MCL Designs

Matthew Campbell Laurenza

Matthew Campbell Laurenza is an up-and-coming jewelry designer that has quickly become one of Chicago's most sought after men in the business. Born in Colorado, Laurenza, 31, has always been fascinated with arts and crafts and was heavily influenced by the colorful artwork and antiques of his Native American and Italian lineage. Moving to places such as New Mexico, Texas, Kentucky also played a part in his interesting and worldly designs. His signature style is pairing sterling silver with enamel, and encrusting each piece with colored sapphires, rubies and other semi-precious stones. He designs each piece using the most precious materials and finest natural stones, guaranteeing that no one customer will have the exact same piece of jewelry. Laurenza says that when color is used in the right way and to the right effect, it can show the essence of true personality and reflect a person's mood and feelings on any given day, at any given moment. For Fall/Winter 2008, Matthew's collection was inspired by his natural surroundings and features an eclectic blend of rich colors. He will also be launching his first collection of men's designs, which will include cuff links, bracelets, necklaces and rings. You can find Laurenza's collection at Bergdorf Goodman and select Neiman Marcus locations throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.MCLdesign.net.

Runway To Retail: How are you inspired by travel with your designs?
Matthew Campbell Laurenza: I get influenced by moods which people and places seem to project onto me. So when I travel, I not only see different personalities based on the ethnicity of the region but I also get to see many awe inspiring places. Many of my works have had strong Gothic influences as no matter how many times I see a Gothic Cathedral or building I am always left in awe.
RTR: What are your top destinations for inspiration in your work?
MCL: I love big cities like New York, Chicago, Rome, Paris and London. I think I am intrigued by the blending of so many periods and styles of architecture. As a designer, I retain little design aspects from this building or that building which I can draw from to make my jewels just a little bit more interesting.

RTR: Who is the "Matthew Campbell Laurenza" customer?
MCL: A woman who knows what she likes. One who wants to make a conversation or a statement when she enters a room.
RTR: What do you think attracts the Chicago woman to your collection?
MCL: I think it is partly the color and partly its uniqueness as a jewelry style. I believe that people like attention and fashion is one way to receive it. A colorful burst on the wrist or hand adds interest to a possibly plain or colorless outfit. If this color then turns out to be something new or unique, then well, it can lead to a whole conversation.

RTR: When in Chicago, where are your hangouts? What neighborhood best reflects your customer and why?
MCL: I enjoy hanging out at RL. Since I tend to stay downtown, it is very convenient for me and is near the Neiman Marcus on Michigan Avenue, so good for drinks right after personal appearances. They have great Hamburgers which is one of my comfort foods and good cocktails and seem to always have a decent crowd for people watching.

Well, I sell in two Neiman Marcus outlets in Chicago, Northbrook and Michigan Avenue. Both stores represent a totally different client base, yet I am equally successful in both. I think it depends on the woman and if she likes my work.
-Katherine Mingey and Melissa Maynard

Link it! Stories we Like, from Sites we Love

Balenciaga fall 2008

Fall 2008 Trend Reports! Style.com

Armani Knowles Love Fashion Week Daily

Dualities: The Double Personality within Males Papierdoll

Bizarre Beauty Treatment: Ear Staple So You Won't Eat Too Much! SheFinds

Humpty Dumpty, A Meditation Fashionista

Fegralicious??? PerezHilton

28 Designers become CFDA Members WWD

Big Labels are F$cked TheMidWasteland.com

D. Graham Kostic of CS hosts Victor Alfaro

Victor Alfaro with his designs

Victor Alfaro's fall 2008 line

Victor Alfaro with Factio's Grace Bahk

There’s something so enchanting about summer in Chicago. It’s as if the heat brings the city to life, and all the flair that hibernated throughout the winter explodes in the form of gorgeous print dresses and linen suits.

On Tuesday night, the rooftop of Zed451 embodied just that as CS magazine’s D. Graham Kostic transformed the swanky lounge into a fashionable fête in honor of Victor Alfaro’s comeback creations. After a long hiatus from his celebrated career as designer extraordinaire, Alfaro signed a deal with Bon-Ton Stores for the launch of the Victor by Victor Alfaro women’s collection, which will hit the floors of Carson Pirie Scott in September.

“It was the right opportunity, the right synchronization,” Alfaro told us. “They wanted a contemporary sportswear collection, and that’s what I wanted to do. It’s a big launch.”

In the ‘90s, women went wild for the Mexican designer’s sexy silhouettes. His dresses were featured regularly on Cosmopolitan covers, and the CFDA presented him with the Perry Ellis award in 1995 for new talent. Alfaro’s new line of contemporary sportswear is certainly a departure from his runway couture: softer lines, subtler sexiness, and a friendlier price tag.

“Nothing out here is over $200, and the quality looks so great,” said Alfaro. “That was the challenge, and we met the challenge.”

The event had all the components of the perfect summer fling: a glaring sun, endless cocktails, chilled gazpacho with shrimp, and of course, style. Alfaro used clean silhouettes and bright jewel tones accented with bold, gold accessories to create chic fall looks. Yet there were conspicuous marks of his love for the sexy and feminine everywhere: luxurious animal-print cashmere, fuchsia wool bolero, emerald crepe de chine blouse. The standout piece was Alfaro’s personal favorite, a bright confetti-print silk dress.

“Victor’s designs are willfully seductive and extremely body-conscious, really just a must-have for any woman,” said Kostic. “In past collections he’s always been very aggressively pursuing an appetite for the avant-garde, and I think it’s great that he’s moving into something where woman of all ages can shape their bodies with these clothes.”

Alfaro joins the ranks of Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, Elie Tahari and Dana Buchman, who are all part of the trend of designer diffusion lines within department stores. “The great thing is that most of us who are doing it have 15-20 years of experience, so we know what we’re doing,” he said. “I know how to pick a fabric, and I know what works and what doesn’t work.”

Alfaro doesn’t have current plans to return to the runway, and calls his new line the perfect situation. “You design it, and it goes right into stores. Editors don’t have to like it, other stores don’t have to like it, I don’t have to hustle it out, and it’s bought,” he said, laughing. “This is ideal.”
-Grace Bahk

To view more pictures from the event last night click here!

D. Graham Kostic with Victor Alfaro
Photos by Alyssa Blanchard

Michigan Ave. Mag Celebrated with Bill Maher

Jason Binn, Bill Maher, Susanna Homan, Dan Uslan

The “Magnificent Mile” is now a magazine – Michigan Avenue was celebrated last Friday night with Bill Maher. The Emmy nominated political comedian was among Niche Media CEO, Jason Binn and V1 Jets.com Owner, Andrew Zarrow in commemorating the magazine’s upcoming launch. After Bill Maher performed his stand-up routine to a packed audience at the Chicago Theatre, the party took place at Enclave. Bill Maher revealed on-stage that he had even contributed an article to be in the premier Michigan Avenue issue. Editor-in-Chief, Susanna Homan felt the buzz around the launch all night while successfully keeping secret who was chosen to be on the launch cover. The magazine will have many celebrity contributors and is definitely one hot commodity to keep on the look-out for when it hits stands September 15, 2008.
-Jackie Medler

Grand Vintage 2003

Some things we can't resist - a glass of Moët and a handsome chef from France. The two were paired as industry insiders were able to try Moët's Grand Vintage 2003 back in June at an intimate tasting at Trump Tower in Chicago.

The Grand Vintage 2003 is powerful. You will experience notes of vanilla, almond and hazelnut followed by the delicious fruits; apricots, yellow peaches, nectarines and poached pears.

The Grand Vintage Rosé 2003 is extremely intense and the first notes you taste are of deep red fruit; strawberries, black cherries and blackberries. As you continue to sip, you will notice warm spiciness of nutmeg and leather that become fresher with notes of pink grapefruit, blood orange and rose. The vintage will retail for around $60.
-Katherine Mingey

The experts weighed in on the Grand Vintage...

"It was an honor to be one of the first people to try the 2003 vintage. The beauty of tasting is that it's subjective and completely personal. I interpreted the vintage to be soft and balanced. I can listen to Benoit talk forever. A Chef de Cave is akin to a master artist and it was wonderful to learn from him."
Stephanie Miller, Drink Editor, Chicago Scene Magazine

Moët Grand Vintage 2003 is an exciting varietal with a refreshing bouquet that brings multi-levels of pleasure to the palate. The color is magnificent with great clarity and from start to finish each sip unveils another note. Not too dry, too delicate or too robust it is the perfect blend alone as a party refresher or complementing a meal. Moët Grand Vintage 2003 is fun, exciting and was well received.
Denise O'Neal, Chicago Sun-Times

Benoit puts a completely fresh spin on an iconic brand. The first sip of the 2003 was bright and light- very California. But, the taste became more complex with each sip. The crisp, energetic finish was a Moët trademark - so French!
Amy Tara Koch, Chicago-based Trend Reporter

Benoit Gouez, Chef de Cave of Moët & Chandon

Tracey Reese for Keds

Keds has announced they will be partnering with designer Tracy Reese to create a new shoe line entitled, 'Plenty by Tracy Reese for Keds'. The new line will include peep-toe wedge sneakers, skimmers and ballet flats inspired by designs and prints from the spring 2009 collection. The new collection will retail for $65 to $80 and will be available for retail in March 2009 at keds.com, Tracy Reese boutiques, and select department and specialty stores nationwide.
-Katherine Mingey

Neiman Gets Fall

Ralph Lauren Satin Darcy Dress at Neiman Marcus

Neiman Marcus's fall 2008 event is upon us and to help their customers stay in style they will be giving shoppers an exclusive berry colored PDA/mobile phone cover for spending $250 anywhere in the store The event takes place from Friday, August 15 to Saturday, August 23 and the company will reveal the big ideas behind the season's clothes. For womenswear, they will focus on the color of the upcoming fall season; purple. Expect to see a lot of satin, high-vamp shoes, lace, sleek shapes, romantic blouses, and statement jewelry. The menswear will involve shades of gray, peak lapels, peacoats, cardigans, vests, and exotics.
-Katherine Mingey

ShopGirl: Meet Rosie Dulyapaibul of Roslyn Boutiqe in Bucktown

Rosie Dulyapaibul

Meet Rosie Dulyapaibul, the owner of Roslyn Boutique in Bucktown, Chicago. We'll take you on the journey of what her customers are buying right now and for fall and how this ShopGirl got started.

Runway To Retail: What are customers buying right now?
Rosie Dulyapaibul: For summer, easy dresses that look great with a nice pair of flip flops for day, cocktail dresses by Vera Wang and Elise Bergman for night/special occasions. For pre-fall/fall, my customers are buying cropped jackets with special detailing (snaps, leather details, metallic accents)-- a great, little jacket can spruce up any basic outfit.

RTR: What did you buy for fall for Roslyn?
RD: We will be offering, among many things, tailored blazers that can take you from work to cocktail hour, cute little jackets for unpredictable Autumn nights in Chicago (in a range of fabrications and patterns), cashmere sweaters in shades of grey and beige in classic cuts, and sophisticated cocktails dresses from Vera Wang's Lavender label for all those weddings, black tie affairs, and office parties.

RTR: Who is the perfect quintessential “Roslyn” customer?
RD: The quintessential 'Roslyn' customer is a woman who is on trend, but not 'trendy.' She never tries too hard and the only person she dresses to please is herself. Her effortless style is a result of knowing how to layer different pieces and create a look that is true to her personal style. The Roslyn woman appreciates pieces that are classic with a twist, pieces that are well made and will be a staple in her wardrobe season after season.

RTR: What are the designers you always stock?
RD: Steven Alan- his reverse seam shirts are a no-brainer. They come in amazing patterns, have the perfect little-boy cut (keeping in mind that we are girls, afterall), and look good wrinkled so you can just throw them on with a pair of jeans. Steven has also expanded his assortment to include incredible jackets, shift dresses, and grandpa cardigans for those chilly Chicago afternoons. I'm a huge fan of the Steven Alan collection and have about 50 of his reverse seam shirts stacked up in my closet.

Steven Alan

Nicholas K- one of my favorite designers! Nicholas K incorporates the most amazing details to each and every piece they design; collars lined with hidden wires so that you can shape them in any way you'd like, zippers that unveil a hood inside your favorite sweatshirt (just in case it rains), leather trims are on every jacket... they combine utility and fashion in a way I've never seen before.

Nicholas K

Elise Bergman- Elise is one of my good friends and I love supporting her since she is a local designer and such a young talent. Her pieces are really versatile (her multiwrap comes in different fabrications each season and can be worn nine different ways) and flattering. Elise's designs are feminine, without being frilly and are always comfortable. We hold several trunk shows each year to showcase her collections and I think it's always great to be able to meet the designer.

Vera Wang- Vera Wang's Lavender label offers flattering cocktail dresses for all body types and budgets. The collection is one of our best sellers- perfect for a cocktail party at the Museum of Contemporary Art or your next wedding. I especially love her silk and satin pieces, since she uses a heavier weight fabric so you never feel like you're wearing a nightgown out on the town.

RTR: What designers surprised you this season (fall 2008)? What, if anything, changed your view point about them that made you carry them?
Collection K is always a favorite for me; the sweater line is out of Paris so the pieces have a touch of avant-garde style to them without being too crazy. This season, her sweaters and knit tanks are offered in the most beautiful palette- burnt sienna, charcoal grey, shades of plum, and taupe. I'm a sweater girl and you think you've seen them all until you see Collection K, cowl neck sweaters have a little more at the neck for a dramatic drape, wrap sweaters wrap around more than twice, cardigans left open reveal angled ends- they are so luxurious and chic you just want to live in them!

Eyrn Brinie is a new line we've picked up for fall. Based out of Korea, the tops and jackets in this line all come in shades of grey and muted purple and are an amazing price point. A lot of great designers are emerging from Asia and this is definitely one of them.

RTR: What are your biggest tips for dressing?
RD: For me, the most important tip in dressing is to layer- this is not to be confused with piling on too many things at once because then you could end up looking indecisive and sloppy. Keep it fairly simple, but know that a great little jacket can liven up a basic t-shirt and jeans. And a great scarf is a must-have... well, several great scarves.

RTR: What’s in your closet?
RD: My closet is bursting with Steven Alan shirts, summer dresses by Bensoni, jackets from J.Crew (my former employer), Steven Alan, Nicholas K and vintage stores (I'm a jacket fanatic), scarves from everywhere I've traveled, and J-Brand jeans.

RTR: What’s in your beauty bag?
RD: Kiehls lip balm, Shu Uemura eyelash curler, Dior Show mascara, Bobbi Brown bronzer, and Stila cosmetics.

RTR: Do you have a favorite look from the runway that you will carry in your store this fall? What do you like about it?
RD: I love the menswear look for fall. These two looks from Nicholas K display the trend in a darker, more stylized version than how we would wear the pieces in the street.

RTR: Tell us how you started and what’s in line for your future!
RD: I majored in Textiles and Apparel Management at Cornell University. I was able to balance my study of fashion history and technical aspects of the industry with business classes, which laid the foundation for my career as a merchandiser at Abercrombie & Fitch and J.Crew. After working in the corporate world for about five years, I decided to move back to my hometown of Chicago to fill a void in the retail sector here. I love shopping at boutiques and buying hard-to-find labels and one-of-a-kind pieces and I felt like I kept on seeing the same labels here in Chicago. A lot of stores tend to carry the same lines along with a huge assortment of denim and I wanted to bring more of a New York feel to my store. We don't carry any bottoms (I find that shopping for tops and dresses is much more fun) and the majority of my lines have either extremely limited distribution in Chicago or we are one of the few stores in the nation to carry the collection (Christensen & Sigersen, Elise Bergman, Miranda Bennett, Liz McClean).

Roslyn
2035 N. DamenAve.
Chicago, IL. 60647
t. 773.489.1311
www.roslynboutique.com

Are you a ShopGirl or ShopGuy that either owns a small boutique or manages a large chain store? We want to hear from you. It doesn't matter if you are in Paris, Brazil, Chicago or Kenosha, Wisconsin, contact us at marketing@factio-magazine.com with Shop in the subject.

Veruschka - Fashion Icon

Posing in an Egyptian desert, 1967Gracing the Vogue cover in '64
Veruschka in Rio during Carnivale in '69

The gorgeous German model, artist and actress, Veruschka, is now the subject of a limited-edition, cloth-bound monograph that details her career and impact on the fashion world.

Born in East Prussia in 1939, she was the daughter of a German count and army reserve officer who ended up being executed for attempting to assassinate Adolf Hitler. After her traumatic childhood experiences she moved to Hamburg to study art and then headed to Florence where she was discovered by a photographer at the age of 20.

After arriving in New York the 6'1" model had a bit of a rocky start in the industry, but soon enough people were clamoring at her door to get her photo and she has been on 11 Vogue covers since.

Veruschka no longer models but sometimes will appear on the catwalk (most recently for Buddhist Punk in 2005). She now lives in Berlin and enjoys living a low-key life, however she will remain one of the most beautiful and enigmatic woman to ever grace the runway.
-Katherine Mingey

Eco Shoes at Whole Foods

Well it definitely seems as if 'going green' is here to stay. More and more celebrities and designers seem to be jumping on the organic bandwagon and TOMS, a shoe company, has now decided to partner with Whole Foods Market for an exclusive line of eco footwear. TOMS founder, Blak Mycoskie, thought this new shoe line would be a great opportunity for his company, which currently donate a pair of shoes to children in need for every pair sold. The company currently sends shoes to Argentina, South Africa, and Ethiopia but is planning to begin donations in the U.S.
-Katherine Mingey

Harper's Bazaar: Runway Report Launches Today

Harper's Bazaar launched a new side publication on newstands today dubbed Runway Report. The mag is designed to give Harper's readers front row access to all the fashion shows so they can view an in-depth report on all the collections showcased during fashion week. The publication will also inform readers about the products they will need to create a fashion-forward fall wardrobe.

The 220 page book is edited by Harper's Bazaar fashion news and features director Kristina O'Neill and will feature collections organized by city and designers. The publication will remain on newsstands until November 1 and will retail for $6.95.

-Katherine Mingey

Vanity Fair's Best Dressed List

It’s that glorious time of year – when the magazine covers unveil the bold and beautiful big guns, when Bryant Park becomes the Mecca for sartorialists worldwide, and when Vanity Fair announces the annual International Best-Dressed List.

Much thanks to the Jezebel team, who created a genius breakdown of the 42-member list. Seventeen percent are or are dating royalty, and our favorite is Carla Bruni, who always looks amazing in her endless array of Dior. Fourteen percent are actors, including Brangelina and Tilda Swinton (yes!), and another 14 percent are socialites, counting the expected Ivanka Trump, Evelyn Lauder and the like. There’s also a small smattering of designers (cheers to Karl Lagerfeld) and journalists like Today show’s Matt Lauer. One dapper rapper named Kanye West also made it on the list.

The list was originally founded by fashion goddess Eleanor Lambert in 1940. Previous honorees include Coco Chanel, Sofia Loren, David de Rothschild, Gianni Agnelli, and of course, Anna Wintour. Vanity Fair’s been assembling it after Lambert’s death in 2003, and since then there’s been talk about the list being too narrow: that it consists only of the very rich and very famous that can afford the stylists to dress them in couture, and that it doesn’t look beyond the European and American fashion moguls to be “international” enough.

Even still, props to Vanity Fair: After all, they did have the guts to honor our favorite British athlete, conspicuously sans an also gorgeous – and probably very peeved – wife.
-Grace Bahk

Runway To Retail: Material Possessions

Are you looking for your home to be as stylish as your wardrobe this season? Spruce up your décor with fall’s hottest looks at Material Possessions. Be eccentric with all new cool English fashions. Accentuate your living space with equestrian style, pretty plaids, and even fall florals.

Flaunt the Pulvermacher bathroom set for an equestrian chic look. Neutral tones and deep lines in each piece will allow your bathroom to emulate the new equestrian styled Carolina Herrera riding outfits.

Carolina Herrera gets equestrian-inspired

Pulvermacher Wild Horses Perfume Tray ($175)

Be inspired by Ralph Lauren’s classic plaid looks for this fall by taking inspiration from the stunning RL plaid jacket and skirt and turn your dull sink into a plaid delight with adorable Scottish-terrier shaped soaps by Dianna Rose. The soap’s plaid box resembles these RL pieces to a tee and is enough to add British charm to any powder room. Yigal Azrouël's classic plaid translates perfectly to BH’s adorable Western Check and Sport Coat Brown Napkins. Material Possessions offers a variety of items that will add the perfect trendy touch to every room in your home.

Yigal Azrouël is mad for plaid
Western Check and Sport Coat Brown Napkins ($24-25)

You can even try floral themed dinnerware to stir a little Roberto Cavalli fashion into your meals, or go for a green environmentally-friendly look with stone placemats. A variety of superior home goods can be found that will all waft your home with a breath of fresh air without ever having to dread overhauling existing paint or furnishings.

Roberto Cavalli stops to smell the flowers

Pulvermacher Verona Oval Tray ($327)

So remember to check out Material Possessions in Chicago, Winnetka, or at www.materialpossessions.com to coincide with your fall wardrobe shopping.
-Jackie Medler

The Buzz on Peter Som at Bill Blass

Ever since Fashionista reported on Thursday that Peter Som might be leaving Bill Blass, news has been all over the place. Here's what we gathered from all the raucous. Disclaimer: it gets a little confusing.

WWD reported the same day that Som actually did resign, finally fed up by the financial trouble at parent company Nexcen.

Later that day, Portfolio said that Som is not leaving, but renegotiating his contract.

Then Friday morning, Fashion Week Daily announced that Som is actually bound by contract to stay until the spring 2009 showing (even though Blass cancelled their runway show in the upcoming Fashion Week and opted for an editor presentation instead).

Finally, WWD reported this morning that Som is indeed staying with the fashion house, despite the fact that Nexcen is definitely broke and can't afford what Som wants to do with the label. At the same time, they need him to stay on so they can sell the company to someone who can. Add on top of that the fact that Blass hasn't paid Som in months, and you've got one definitely tense situation.

Thankfully, our faithful knight in shining Prada has come to the rescue. According to the New York Post, Anna Wintour actually convinced Som to stay on for the label's sake, at least until a deal can be struck with a bidder. After the past year of mixed reviews of Som's collections, let's hope Wintour's support isn't a lost cause.
-Grace Bahk

Shop Bucktown this Weekend: Summer SideWalk Sale

Saturday July 26 11am - 6pm
Sunday July 27 12pm - 5pm

Akira 1817 W North
An je nu 1747 W Division
Another level 1420 N Milwaukee
Asrai Garden 1935 W North
Bazar 2130 N Damen
Belmont Army 1318 N Milwaukee
Beta Boutique 2016 W Concord Place
Bonnie & Clyde’s 1751 W Division
Broken Cherry 1734 W North
Bucktown Jewelry 1946 N Leavitt
Clothes Minded 1735 N Damen
Continental Furniture 1425 N Miwaukee
Crossroads Trading Company 1519 N Milwaukee
d. marie handbags 1867 N Damen
Dynamic Studio 754 W Division
Eskell 1509 N Milwaukee
Eye Candy Optics 2121 W Division
Eye Want 1543 N Milwaukee
Findables 1643 N Milwaukee
g boutique 2131 N Damen
Grasshopper 510 1944 N Damen
Hejfina 1529 N Milwaukee
Helen Yi 1645 N Damen
Hunny She She Boutique 2027 N Damen
Jean Alan 2134 N Damen
John Fluevog 1541 N Milwaukee
Knitting Workshop 2115 N Damen
Larkspur 2123 N Damen
Lenscrafters Optique 1538 N Milwaukee
NEW’d 1917 W Division
Nina~ Well-Knit Shop 1655 W Division
Noire 57 Inc 1726 W Division
p. 45 1643 N Damen
Penelopes 1913 W Division
Porte Rouge 1911 W Division
Pour Vous Bath & Body 1750 W Division
Pyscho Baby 1630 N Damen
Radiance Fine Jewelry 2139 N Damen
Red Dog House 2031 N Damen
riley 1659 N Damen
Robin Richman 2108 N Damen
Running Away Multisport 1600 W North
Salon Blue 1931 W North
Scoop NYC 1702 N Milwaukee
shebang 1616 N Damen
Shorty’s 1240 N Milwuakee
Silver Room 1442 N Milwaukee
Stitch 1723 N Damen
Store B 1472 N Milwaukee
Strut Boutique 1744 W Division
Trim 1629 Milwaukee
Untitled 1941 W North
Urban Outfitters 1521 N Milwaukee
Veruca Salt 1921 N Damen
Via Firenzi 1821 W North
Virtu 2034 N Damen
vive la femme 2048 N Damen
Wow & Zen 1912 N Damen

Rachel Zoe to host Super Saturday 11

This Saturday, Rachel Zoe (stylist to the stars), will be hosting a booth at Super Saturday 11 in Watermill, New York.

The edgy stylist will be offering some of her finds for you to purchase. The station is entitled "Designers from A to Zoe" and will serve as a thrift shop, stocked with new items from designers Versace, Brian Atwood, Calvin Klein, Missoni, Giuseppe Zanotti, Peter Som, Marc Jacobs and Stella McCartney.

Zoe also had some of her celebrity clients and friends donate some pieces from their own closets! Jennifer Garner donated Prada boots, Dior satin heels, Missoni cashmere sweater, and a Daryl K dress. Cameron Diaz contributed two signed handbags from Juicy Couture and Costume National, and Heidi Klum donated a Design Guru bag.

Another perk to this amazing sale is that Zoe will be in attendance herself so you can get a chance for a brief consult with the celebrity stylist.

Keep the weekend of shopping going because on Sunday, July 27, you can stop in and check out Betsey Johnson's new eyewear collection called "all eyes on Betsey!" She will be previewing her new shades at 10 Main Street, East Hampton, New York and while you are viewing the new collection you can enjoy some afternoon cocktails.
-Katherine Mingey

Cyber Deals: Shop Fall 2008

Proenza Schouler felted jacket, $1,450

We scoured the web so that you could start shopping for fall 2008 from all of our favorite designers! Happy shopping...

Women's Top 50 Styles Shop Bluefly!

New arrivals - start the new year in our latest and greatest styles! Gap.com

Shop The Latest Fashions at CoutureCandy CoutureCandy

Shop the Michael Kors Pre-Fall Collection

Shop the Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall Collection

Introducing Proenza Schouler

3.1 Phillip Lim Fall Collection

L.A.M.B Fall Collection