Abercrombie & Fitch - For Cool Kids Only?

When I first heard that Abercrombie &Fitch CEO had said his stores didn't sell XL or XXL sizes to keep the not so cool kids from wearing their clothing... I was honestly more confused than enraged. I really thought we had moved past only size zero kids being in the "in crowd!" Sure the athletic kids tended to be cool, but in my high school being an XL and being popular was not mutally exclusive by any means.

Even MTV knows bitchy cheerleaders come in all sizes!

In the end I was like, whatever, I don't shop there and, if they manage to still exist years in the future, I will not let my kids shop there.

But one man proved more could be done, in the most hilarious way possible! He scoured his local thrift shop for all the A&F clothing and donated them all to the homeless! I'm all about making this a thing, hahah.
Via Huffington Post

Editor to Ambassador?

Rumor is that Anna Wintour, editor at large at Vogue, is being considered by Barak Obama as his next ambassador to either the U.K. or France! Wintour, who raised a considerable amount of $ to help get Obama reelected, was born in the U.K.

I'm pretty sure it's just a silly rumor, but it's certainly run amok in the past few minutes, with major news outlets all reporting on it.

Learn more at Bloomberg.com

Target + Neiman Marcus = Unexpected Bliss

I just got the word that Target & Neiman Marcus will produce a 2012 holiday collection in December! The more than 50 limited edition items will be priced from just $8 to $500 and will feature pieces by Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Alice + Oliva, Rag & Bone and more!

“Target and Neiman Marcus are known for charting new terrain, and by joining forces for the holiday season, we’ve set the stage for a redefining moment in retail,” said Gregg Steinhafel, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Target. “This collaboration is unlike anything Target has done before and we are confident our guests will be thrilled with this extraordinary collection that features some of America's most preeminent designers.”

“Neiman Marcus and Target share a passion for great design and delighting customers in new and unexpected ways, said Karen Katz, president and chief executive officer, The Neiman Marcus Group. “We are thrilled to be collaborating to offer a spectacular and special collection of one-of-a-kind items for the holidays. These will be the “must have” gifts – whether you are a loyal Neiman Marcus customer, a devoted Target guest or a fan of American design.”

I hear most of the items will be less than $60... OMG I can't wait to see what'll be available!

JC Penney: Doing it Right

JC Penney is being boycotted by "pro-family," anti-gay organization One Million Moms first for choosing Ellen DeGeneres as their spokesperson and, more recently, for having a lesbian couple in their May catalogue.

But they aren't done yet! In a big THHHHHHHBT to anti-gay people everywhere, they now have a great  Father's Day ad out showing a gay couple playing with their children.

This is more than enough to get me shopping there again, how about you?

Creatures of the Wind for J. Crew

I've been obsessed with Creatures of the Wind since my friend Deanne of Dream Sequins introduced me a few years back! So, while many people were psyched to hear about Altuzzara for J. Crew, I'm tres more excited for their upcoming collection with Creatures of the Wind!!

The pieces will draw inspiration from 60s psychedelia, so think edgy hippies in bold colors and prints! Available June 15, I'm counting down the days until I can get my hands on those fab oxfords!

The Carrie Diaries

I knew there were plans for The Carrie Diaries, the prequel teen novel to Sex in the City, but I didn't realize it went from movie to CW TV show! I admit, this is probably a smart move, especially since Gossip Girl's next season will be its last! Luckily the GG's costume designer, Eric Daman, was will to go back to his roots (he pretty much got his started out working on Sex in the City) and has signed on for this new show. Hooray for fashion fixes!

Now I was still concerned as I'm personally not the biggest 80s fashion fan, but they released this promotion still and it's got me a bit excited:

What do you think, excited for this new series or would rather they give Taylor Momsen a reality tv show?

Try on Clothes From Your Couch!

As an avid online shopper I'm pretty comfortable with zeroing in on clothes that would look good on me and estimating what size I need. But this has taken 5+ years of (constant) practice and I'm still getting things wrong! So I can imagine how frustrating online shopping can be for the average women, having to buy things in multiple sizes, having to ship returns, digging around for a tape measurer... blah!

But all those issues may soon be going away, as a company called Bodymetrics has revealed a body mapping technology this week at CES!! It uses sensors similar to the Kinect to scan your body. Then you sit back in you PJs and virtually try on partner retailer clothing to see how it will look!

I have no idea how well it will work, but I imagine the technology will be available in the next year or so and they estimate it will cost you about $150 - a price I would definitely pay to avoid an obnoxiously crowded mall!

Introducing Bodymetrics for Your Living Room from Razorfish - Emerging Experiences on Vimeo.

Via Mashable

H&M To Launch Plus Size Collection... In Europe

Some kinda awesome news with a disappointing end: H&M is launching a plus-size collection called Inclusive that will only be available online. Unfortunately you can only shop H&M online in Europe, leaving out all us in the States.

Technically it isn't a plus size collection, as pieces will go from UK sized 32-54, or US 0-20, but since they're included (Inclusive... I get it!) and usually not that's what everyone is focusing on. Colorful, feminine and with a figure-flattering retro appeal, expect many of these pieces to show up on eBay in the near future!!

Dear H&M, set up some e-commerce for us over here, why don't you?!?!?

Free Shipping Day

Woo!! If you're a procrastinator like me, you probably haven't gotten all your holiday shopping done. Luckily for you, it's Free Shipping Day! More than 2,500 stores are participating, like Sephora's and J. Crew, plus many of them are adding in an extra discount! Get guaranteed Christmas delivery today from all these stores - woo!!!!! That's right, this is a double woo post!

Thanks Alyssa for letting me know!

Christopher Kane for J Brand

J Brand is without doubt my favorite denim line and I've always loved Christopher Kane's edgy downtown vibe, so hooray for this collaboration! Debuted today at Barneys NY, the collection features lots of acid neon for maximum impact! Are those chartreuse shorts I see?? You can purchase at Barneys or the J Brand website for $250 plus.

Mary Katrantzou For Topshop

When I first heard that a photo of the upcoming Mary Katrantzou collaboration with TopShop had leaked, my initial thought was, "Who?" Since I consider myself at least somewhat in the know when it comes to fashion, I figure it means many of you also though the same thing! So here's an overview: Greek designer who freelanced at Bill Blass, had first solo fashion show in 2008, is a print genius. Seriously guys, these looks are out of this world:

Mary Katrantzou Spring 2011 

Mary Katrantzou Fall 2011

As far the photo leaked:

...yeah, this is going to be awesome, I can't wait to max out my credit card on this collection!!

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo for H&M

Most people are focusing on Versace for H&M, but they just announced a strange collaboration - a collection based on "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" by the film's costume designer, Trish Summerville. Now I've never read the book, but I do know the main character, Lisbeth Salander is edgy and kinda goth. So I'm not surprised to see the pieces are distressed, dark and a bit grunge.

The 30 piece collection will debut on December 14 - I'm excited to check out the jackets!!!

C Wonder

I have to admit I'm laughing at the sheer audacity of the following: Tory Burch's ex-husband had started his own preppy inspired lifestyle brand, C Wonder, at a lower price point.

Photo via Shefinds

Someone has a bitter taste in their mouth and some serious balls! Looking at the clothing, I must say there's some very Tory-esque pieces to be found! To put yourself in direct competition with your ex and rub in a little salt by being more affordable? Man, that's something!

Photo from the C Wonder Facebook page

Besides womens' fashion, They'll be selling things like mugs, aprons, candles, home decor stuff, bike helmets and more. Prices range from $28 to $285 - not bad! - and the boutique opens this weekend in downtown NYC. I'm sure they'll eventually have online shopping, but I don't think that will be for a bit - let me know if you see any C Wonder pieces available online!

Versace for H&M Pics

These pictures have been making the rounds online and sending women into a frenzy! I will definitely be interested in shopping this collection, though it infuriates me to no end that I can't shop H&M online! Luckily I live maybe 10 minutes away from a store so that's where you'll find me Nov 17!

Beautiful detailing on this dress, but it's a touch too loose on the waist for it to look good on me.

I MUST HAVE THIS BAG.

This print looks like the mosaic found on the bottom of a fountain in Italy!

The dress equivalent of the purse I must have - wouldn't it make a perfect New Years frock??

Wildfox Jeffery Collaboartion in the Works

Jeffery Campbell is probably one of the most popular shoes brands in their price point! A bit of fast food fashion - they are the brand I can rely on to bring affordable trends to me ASAP.

Wildfox Couture is a extremely West Coast style, LA-based knitwear brand - meaning mostly tees and sweatshirts that you would expect to see at Coachella.

Together they're be debuting a shoe collaboration that takes the Jeffery Campbell styles everyone loves and adding some girly, edgy twists. The four styles above are a part of or all of the collection - I'm not really clear on that, and will be available in Spring 2012. The platform ballerina slippers kinda rock my world, though the rest don't feel especially fresh to me - what do you think?

DC Fashion Incubator

After 4 years of planning, in depth meetings, and a dream, Christine Brooks-Cropper,the president of the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce, has announced the launch of the DC Fashion Incubator Design Studio. The launching is taking place mid October 2011, which has been made possible by the leadership with the Washington, DC Convention Center and the DC Arts Commission. This temporary incubator is a prototype for the grand incubator that will be located in Southeast, Washington, DC. The incubator opens the door for using public spaces for art.

The DC Fashion Incubator Design Studio will be available for one whole year, and will entail two retail spaces for an office and 24-7 hour design studio. In addition to the retail spaces, the seven bay windows on M Street will be overlaid with fashion art that will showcase the prevalent fashion identity of DC, including the representation of the areas of Capitol Hill, H Street, U Street, Shaw Howard, Anacostia, K Street, Georgetown, and Chinatown; The title of this display is the "Windows into DC: Cultural Couture" lead by art curator Andrew Nowell. In addition, fashion photographer Leonard Poteat has also been selected to lead a team of photographers to produce a number of colorful, haute couture fashion images for the N Street photography installation, that will highlight the DC neighborhoods represented in each M Street bay window.

The highlight of this project is the aspect of the designer studio, which provides the opportunity for 5 local designers to utilize the studio and to take advantage ofthe opportunity to propel their venture to the next level. The Incubator will house 5 designers included in the fields of fashion, interior, graphic, fashion photography, and visual art. Similar to the Fashionably Business series, the studio allow for local designers to provide training and apprenticeships to interested community members.

I'm super excited about this! I think it's really important to help support local fashion, especially help them take a business to the next level. It's SO much more than creating pretty clothes, which many people don't realize. I can't wait to find out who the fashion designer is!

The Marty McFly Shoe

The majority of my fashion friends don't wear sneakers, but we all grew up crushing on Marty McFly!! Well, Nike has announced there will be a limited number - just 1,500 pairs - of Marty McFly shoes available for purchase. They're so intensely 80s it boggles my mind just to look at them! IYou can learn more at www.back4thefuture.com and bid on the shoes on the Nike Mag eBay Store. Looks like prices are already in the $4k territory, but all proceeds will benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for funding research to fight Parkinson’s Disease.

Outrage Over Lingerie Line for Girls as Young as Four

I know the headline is scandelous, I should first clarify that the line is actually considered "loungerie" - apparently that's a cross between lingerie and lounge wear. That being said, what horrible parent would put a 4-year-old in something remotely related to lingerie???Starting from the beginning, Jours Après Lunes seems to have launched a line for four to 12-year-olds features a range of panties, bras, camisoles and T-shirts with lace edges, ribboned bow detailing and nautical stripes. Ok, the above picture doesn't really bother me, it's just a girl in a tank top. Maybe this is all an upset over a word that isn't actually relevant?!*$^@%^@&
Seriously, what is this? I really debated on it I should even put this picture on my site, but I wanted people to see just how icky this whole thing is. OK, I guess any pictures of prepubescent girls in underwear can be disturbing, and I have seen girls as young as ten in bikinis on the beach.I try to approach issues like this with a level head, but I can't shake the ick factor. Until you hit 12, underwear should be functional, not shown off. Are these pieces different than the My Little Pony print underoos I had. Is it just the photography & styling? Maybe. But either way, I have to say I'm grossed out and wanted to share that feeling with all of you :P

UPDATE: Wanted to point out the the designer made some comments, which you can read all of here. Some of the points she made (translated from French) that I think you should definitely see include:

The materials of my products are used in their underwear because they are highly qualitative: cottons including value-added elasticity, of viscose soft and easy to maintain microfiber wrongly untapped sector of the child. There is no vulgar connotation: the material is totally opaque, no transparency, no lace.

About the term “Loungerie” the word coined by large firms and international style echoed by many brands and many fashion items simply means that my products are mostly opaque parts Loungewear inspired and created with materials from research in the field of lingerie. I recall that in France, the word refers to the linen industry as a whole underwear for women, including men and children. This term alone does not induce sexy concept

All pictures show children playing children’s games as we all did. If you look in detail, you will find many of them small pieces of children’s games: farm animals, dinette, doll accessories, cake timber … There is no second reading to have no vulgar connotation, the postures are not biased. There is only one interpretation: that of children playing together at all. Children do not wear heels, or nail polish or lipstick. Hairstyles are exaggerated as are the games and the world of children.

Does this change your opinion at all? I suppose if all the girls were wearing bathing suits the pictures wouldn't be considered sexual. And it's possible that Americans see sexuality in things that are innocent because we seem to see sexuality everywhere. But the pictures still rub me the wrong way... is there a right way for children to model underwear or should it just be laid flat?

And I'm sorry, but this is a total date night look:

ANTM Cycle 16 - All Stars!!!

Holy cheese and crackers, this is the best news I've heard all day!! I've been watching America's Next Top Model since my college days, laughing at the silly crying girls and the insanity of Tyra Banks. With emotional outbursts and inflated egos on both sides of the judging table, it's a hot mess I love to indulge in.

So, of course, I'm thrilled to see that for cycle bazillionteen, Tyra is bring back 14 fan favorites to get a second chance at winning!

	Shannon, from Cycle 1! The runner up who refused to take off her clothes, will she still be the good girl? I'm sad Tyra didn't convince Elise to come out for this.
	Brittany, from Cycle 4! I don't really recall anything about her - I looked up some of her old pictures and now vaguely remember she was a brunette white girl with big eyes.
	Lisa, from Cycle 5! Remember when she got drunk and hung outside on the patio, having a conversation with a bush she named Cousin It?
	Camile, from Cycle 2! I remember thinking this woman was scary... "This is my signature walk and this is what 's going to make me famous"
	Bree, from Cycle 5! Maybe we'll finally find out who stole her granola bars!
	Bianca, from Cycle 9! She's definitely going to say something cliche like "The bitch is back!" Didn't she and the chick from "Hairspray" get into a big fight in an airport awhile back?
	Dominique from Cycle 10! Another contestant I don't really remember, but I'm sure she was a diva :P
	Isis from Cycle 11! Think she finally got her Mr. Isis removed???
	Sheena from Cycle 11! The ghetto Asian from Harlem, she was more men's magazine than editorial.
	Allison from Cycle 12! She looks like a creepy doll brought to life, and acts like one too! Dude, her eyes are HUGE!
	Laura from Cycle 13! I admit her hillbilly twang and clothes made by her grandma grew on me!
	Angelea from Cycle 14! Yet another ghetto girl with attitude, this one actualy spent the night in the Port Authority to make ANTM call backs! My guess is she will make Sheena, Bianca and Bree her bitches before the end.
	Kayla from Cycle 15! I'm rooting for the adorable lesbian, let's all hope she's a little less afraid of modeling near men!
	Alexandria from Cycle 16! Everyone hated her, though I never really knew why. It's not her fault her parents misspelt Alexandra!

Toms Teams Up with The Row

Well haven't the twins been busy! I just wrote about this new collection of handbags and have now discovered they've teamed up with Toms shoes to create a limited edition colleciton of cashmere and wool shoes in classic Toms style! Buy for $140 -$150 now.