Vogue Increases September Page Count (again)

Nearly one year after the debut of The September Issue Vogue is back with yet another heavy weight issue for September 2010 featuring cover model Halle Berry. At a time when ad revenues for many magazines are steadily declining, Vogue pushes onward and has managed to increase their total page count for the September 2010 issue 24% from last year, for a total page count of 532.

And speaking of Vogue, editor Anna Wintour hosted President Obama in her Manhattan home last night for a Democratic National Committee fundraiser at which the price tag for attendance was $30,000+. More details on that story to come!

And finally- If you love Vogue and are obsessed with fashion (aren't we all?!) don't forget to check out this years Fashion's Night Out taking place September 10th, 2010 in NYC. Click here for more info on Fashion's Night Out. Follow Fashion's Night out on Twitter @FNOnyc.

Clean Skin: Clarisonic

Before Clarisonic came out with their Body Brush Kit I was already using my brush in the shower to smooth my arms and legs. I just bought an extra brush head and switched it out after I washed my face in the sink but before I jumped in the shower. Thank god they finally came out with a real body brush which has a larger surface area than the original brush so that I don't have to worry about mixing up the brush heads! The Clarisonic Body brush works like magic to buff and polish my skin and has completely abolished the pesky dry skin on my elbows. (Hooray!) Benefits of the body brush include smoother skin, improved skin tone, fewer dry patches and better absorption of skin care products.

The Clarisonic Skincare system has won multiple beauty awards from Sephora, InStyle and Allure magazine and is counted amongst Oprah's favorite things. Let's face it, I'm all for anything that removes 6x more make-up than manual face washing. The body brush is just a bonus! Using the Clarisonic Body brush in the shower feels like a mini spa treatment and I can definitely appreciate that! Don't forget to check out the Clarisonic Blog!

Introducing: Dandelion Earth-Friendly Tote Bags

Going green is now more fashionable than ever with the perfect roomy, chic and portable bag that is so versatile to take just about anywhere. Look no further with Dandelion Earth-Friendly Goods’ new collection of organic cotton canvas tote bags that are made entirely of organic cotton and use no pesticides or chemicals in the growing cycle.



Dandelion Earth-Friendly Goods has pushed aside those days when organic was thought of as being simple and mundane and has created organic chic. The organic cotton canvas bag will carry all your essentials wherever you may go. With six different inspirational green phrases and designs, it becomes impossible to only have one. Dandelion Earth-Friendly Goods is committed to using eco-friendly materials, dyeing processes and packaging throughout their products. Dandelion’s new tote bags are made from organic canvas, with organic cotton shoulder straps. The shoulder straps and printed designs use low low-impact, fiber reactive dyes which require less water, less electricity and use fewer chemicals in the dyeing process.

Dandelion’s Earth Friendly Goods organic cotton canvas bags are available at gift specialty and natural product retailers nationwide. Please visit www.dandeliontotes.com for more info.

Make the Postman Blush

Natalie Grunberg and Lori Sholzberg have always had a cheeky passion for pretty panties and now they're sharing it with the world through their Vancouver,B.C.-based online subscription service Pantybypost.com. Panty by Post is a monthly subscription service that sends adorable French panties in the mail to anyone, anywhere, at any time. You pick the style, the frequency of delivery and the size and Pantybypost.com takes care of everything else! You can make it a one-time thing, a two-time deal (aka the "Double Dare" or surprise yourself (or someone special) every month with "The Commitment" package!

"When your pretty panty surprise arrives monthly, the nostalgia of the packaging, note and tissue paper is a sensual experience bound to generate a mood to help you discover your inner sexiness," says Natalie. This means you can enjoy a taste of French romance every month (*wink,wink*), or, share this sensual surprise as a thoughtful gift for a friend.

Who wouldn't love a pair of pretty panties in the mail? I know my BFF would think this service was ahh-mazing!

"Our vision is spread the news all over the world about our global service. We want to make sure every woman from Whitehorse to SanFran, Dubai to Marakesh, knows about and shops at Panty by Post!" adds Lori. PantyByPost.com already has a loyal following in Canada, the U.S. and even France. Once you check them out, we're confident you'll love them too!

So here's to making the postman blush, one pair of panties at a time. :) Don't forget to check out the Panty by Post blog!

Tony Hsieh: Delivering Happiness to the Masses

I never make time to read books unless they are about business or fashion. Fortunely Tony Hsieh (pronounced Shay) of Zappos.com recently penned a book that fits into one (or possibly both) of these categories. I've literally devoured every page of "Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion and Purpose," because it's written in a way that's totally relatable and really quite funny. (Worm farm, anyone?) Coming from a guy who took Zappos from nearly nothing to grossing over $1 million in merchandise, this book is worth the read. Tony is an unassuming expert on building brands and forming a company culture that cultivates engaged employees, happy customer experiences and higher workplace morale. We could all learn a thing or two from this man. There's a reason why this book is #1 on the New York Times best-seller list. Do yourself a favor and buy the book now.

Modern Vintage: Maximal Art

Vintage-inspired jewelry designer John Wind loves creating pieces that clients will connect to and fall in love with. His line, Maximal Art is comprised of unique pieces that are stylish, sophisticated and destined to become instant favorites in your jewelry box. John originally started making jewelry in college while studying at the Slade School of Art in London. On weekends he would peruse the Portobello Market and look for great vintage trinkets that he could use to create custom jewelry. "I'm really inspired by the past. I love everything ‘Vintage’, from Victorian to the 1970’s. That’s where my creative process starts, and then I look for a modern, contemporary balance to counterpoint the old," says John.

The line features great pieces including this Mid-Summer Nights Dream Necklace that has a great woven metal mesh collar adorned with flowers, rhinestone birds and even a sweet lady bug.

The Jewelry Box also includes a beautiful 3 strand glass pearl collar with a crystal vintage clasp. So pretty for a summer wedding or for a black-tie event.

These days vintage jewelry fiends can't get enough of John Wind Maximal Art. The line was even featured in InStyle magazine in May 2010 for a gold-plated daisy necklace with crystals for a mere $59. Pieces from the collection have also graced the pages of O Magazine, Brides, Country Living, Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.

When it comes to vintage jewelry, John Wind finds a way to make everything old new again. The end result is a beautiful collection of truly timeless pieces.

Want to Socialize?

Follow John Wind Maximal Art on Twitter by clicking here.

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Madonna Launches Material Girl

Exactly one month from today Madonna will debut her new clothing line, Material Girl, in 200 Macys stores nationwide. The line will include clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories and handbags and may expand into additional categories including fragrance. Designed for teens on a budget price points for the line will be between $12-$40 with some speciality items retailing as high as $80. The marketing campaign will begin in late July with ads in Teen Vogue, Seventeen, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Nylon, and Instyle. When asked to describe the Material Girl customer, Madonna told Women's Weary Daily: "A Material Girl is interested in fashion and interested in music and interest in fun." Enough said. Can't wait to see the collection! Follow the line on Twitter @materialgirlcol

5 Perfect 4th of July Dresses

It's 4th of July weekend and that means: beer, barbeque and breezy summer dresses! (Three of my favorite things!) Here are my 5 top dress picks for all of your crazy 4th of July weekend plans

When it comes to the Backyard BBQ you need a dress that's fun and carefree. This hot pink dress by Free People features pretty polka dots printed on lightweight jersey. The lace trimmed v-neck is oh-so-sweet and the button placket gives the dress a cool and casual vibe. Pair this with some gold sandals + jewelry and you're ready to go!

If you're beach bound this holiday weekend I recommend a colorful cotton tunic to keep you covered while you stroll the boardwalk and the beach. Add a straw beach bag, an oversized hat, some big sunglasses and a pair of simple sandals and you're ready to roll.

If you're headed to an outdoor patio party then you'll want an outfit that you can dress up or down depending on the crowd and of course, the location. I like this maxi dress from JB by Julie Brown. Pair with some black gladiator sandals and you're all set.

If there's an outdoor summer concert in your future you need a dress that is light and leisurely. I like this tank dress by Hale Bob with an abstract print and a pleated empire waist. I love the oversized butterflies!

And last but not least, if you have no idea what you're doing this weekend but still want a great dress that can go anywhere, I recommend this turquoise jersey dress with a beaded detail by Tbags. It's cool and casual without looking overdone. Add a pair of gold sandals and a fistful of bangle bracelets and you're ready to celebrate the 4th.

Have a Safe and Stylish 4th of July!

Forget Evite, This is What's Next

If you’ve ever spent time trying to send out a stylish invite online you know that when it comes to fashion-worthy graphics- it’s slim picking out there. I’m really excited about Pingg, the style and design-focused invitation, ecard and event management company that just joined forces with world renowned fashion, society and nightlife photographer Patrick McMullan. They recently launched a collection of 30 fashion-themed online invitations and ecards that would make any fashionista want to RSVP with a “Yes”. If you’d rather have printed invites sent out via traditional mail, Pingg can do that too! They print, stamp and mail printed versions of your online invitations or ecards for $1.50 each, plus postage. Click here for all the features Pingg has to offer.

The fashion industry including Vanity Fair, Daily Candy, Nylon Magazine, and The New York Post are all raving about this new service and I am too! I want to have a party just so I can send out a stylish invite. Click here for more info and check out some of my favorite invites from Pingg below.

Fashion & Technology

Ten years ago it seemed natural to say that music and fashion went hand in hand. Now it's overwhelmingly obvious that technology and fashion go hand in hand. From online video streams of live fashion shows to the sea of social media that fashion brands are now using to stay in touch with their customers- there's just no escaping technology when it comes to the world of fashion. That explains why the fashion industry is racing to keep up with the flood of new technology devices that have recently hit the market so that they can offer their clients a chance to put their own stylish spin on what could potentially be a borderline geeky device.

Gucci recently unveiled their designer take on the iPad case using their signature double-G logo on neoprene fabric. Priced at $230 the iPad cases are lined in soft suede and have a strap closure to keep the touch screen in top shape. The cases are now available in Gucci flagship stores in a variety of cities including Rome, Milan, Paris and of course, New York.

Speaking of technology, Pucci unveiled a new Japan-only cellphone for fashion die-hards in the city. The new phone comes in solid pink, purple, black or a sleek limited edition silver and has an operating system that includes Pucci-style animations by Italian artist Felice Limosani.

Gem Kitty Jewelry

I love jewelry and I've always considered myself somewhat of a designer so when I heard about Gem Kitty Jewelry, a site that lets you custom design your own pieces for an affordable price I was intrigued. You can design your own pair of earrings or a custom necklaces using an easy online design application and allows you to come up with thousands of possibilities. The site is really easy to use. Silhouttes for earrings are already picked out, you just pick one, select a gemstone by color, then pick a specific stone and the mock-up of your custom piece appears instantly along with a price quote. Brilliant~! Click here to try it out!

Gem Kitty is based in Portland, Oregon so despite the fact that I live in Seattle, I still feel like I'm shopping local. :-) But don't worry if you're not local, Gem Kitty is offering free standard shipping on all purchases.

YSL Travel Adaptor

Where was the YSL travel adapter when I was traveling to China and Vietnam with my stupid Radio Shack plug-ins? This circular device works in over 150 countries and comes in a chic leather bag. For $450 and a chance to look super chic while traveling, I say "Why Not?"

Travel: Sex & The City Style

Are you boho-chic like Carrie? Or sweet and proper like Charlotte? With the release of Sex & the City 2 and summer here, many women might be planning trips to the Big Apple to see the sights featured on the show or, maybe, find their own Mr. Big.

Oyster.com can help travelers find the hottest places to stay in New York this summer. They’re even featuring four hotels based on the Sex & the City girls’ unique personalities. Are you a no-nonsense Miranda? Check out the Smyth Hotel. Modern and stylish like Samantha? Try out The Standard. The site lets you see real photos and read unbiased reviews of all the hottest spots in New York and other destinations.

Click here to view Oyster.com's Sex & The City inspired hotels!

Rocco e Dante Launches Arm Candy

Infusing new accessories into your wardrobe this summer is the perfect way to completely change the look and feel of your existing wardrobe without spending excessive amounts of cash. Made from Italian leather and beautiful gold hardware, Seattle-based handbag designer Tara Sauvage has come up with a way to help you do just that! Her recently launched addition to her Rocco E Dante line includes 3 styles of stylish (and affordable) cuffs.

My personal favorite is the "Jack" which comes in 3 colors (black, forest green and purple). This rock star inspired cuff always gets rave reviews when I wear it. I also like the gold buckle closure and embossed interior logo.

If you prefer a skinnier band you might like the "Joe" cuff better. With two skinny rows of gold studs and double buckles this cuff is sexy, sophisticated and fun. This cuff is perfect for work or play.

The signature Tara cuff is another crowd favorite. With a gold zipper detail and a black leather wrap-around design this cuff snaps into place for a perfect fit. Pair this cuff with some chandalier gold earrings, jeans, and some black heels for the perfect summer night out.

For more info on Rocco e Dante click here. Don't forget to peruse the fabulous handbags!

Fordham Creates Fashion Law Institute

This fall Fordham Law Institute will unveil the first ever Fashion Law Institute designed to deal with industry specific issues including company mergers, acquisitions and intellectual property rights. Created with the support of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) the Institute will provide legal services for design students and designers, train the fashion lawyers and designers of the future, and offer information and assistance on issues facing the fashion industry. Click here for more information.

Photo: Marcio Madeira / FirstView.com

J. Crew Opens Bridal Boutique

Outfitted with private suites so that family and friends can partake in wedding gown fittings, J. Crew opened it's first bridal boutique last Thursday in New York. Carrying everything from wedding gowns to veils, shoes, jewelry and accessories the 4,000 square foot boutique is designed to fit a price point somewhere in between David's Bridal and Vera Wang. "We're not fancy here. We're still J. Crew, but it's an elevated experience," says J. Crew President Tracy Gardner. The shop is manned by four personal shoppers and six wedding specialists who are all ready to help brides find the perfect gown.

Shop for J. Crew bridal online by clicking here or visit the boutique in person at 769 Madison Avenue in New York.

SAMBAG Launches New Site

Featured in Vogue and loved by celebs including Elle Macpherson, Australian retailer SAMBAG plans to launch a new and completely re-designed site on June 7th. Features of the new site include a "Recommend" section to help you pick the perfect piece, a "Wish List" function, an online Look-Book with fashion collages, a SAMBAG press file and an exciting new blog, which will be constantly updated with SAMBAG news, including reports from the travels of SAMBAG founder, Sam Wagner. Shop for fab handbags, shoes, clothing, accessories and even kids by clicking here.

To celebrate the launch of the new site, SAMBAG is offering free shipping on all purchases for the first week of the launch plus free 'Zoe' inner soles to compliment all shoe purchases. Customers can also submit their own SAMBAG story for the SAMBAG blog for a chance to win fabulous prizes including SAMBAG ballet flats, a Dahlia Bomber, a Michi Clutch and more! Send submissions to online@sambag.com.au.

Follow SAMBAG on Twitter by clicking here!

Fashion Mags Make Recovery

When the economy headed south many fashion mag readers worried that their favorite magazines would also fall victim to the sour economy due to slow ad revenue, but recovery is now in sight. Magazines including People StyleWatch, Marie Claire, Cosmo, Elle, Lucky, Allure and Vogue are all showing steady signs of financial improvement. In fact, Marie Claire was up 22% in the first half in terms of total number of pages. But just because the outlook is bright doesn't mean companies aren't taking steps to proceed with caution. Harper's Bazaar magazine plans to combine the June and July issues for the first time ever in order to help cut costs.

What to Wear When it Rains

Picking out the perfect outfit is hard enough and when you add in the changing weather elements the process can be even tougher. A new site called The Weather Stylist seeks to change that by helping users pick outfits based on the current weather conditions for over 25,000 cities in the USA, Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as 500 international cities. This is the perfect site for someone who travels and wants to know what to pack ahead of time.

The site is very user-friendly and quick (no sign ups needed!). All you need to do is enter your zip code and you'll instantly get a 7 day forecast for your city plus a suggested outfit to wear. I tried it out for my zip code in Seattle and based on today's weather of partly cloudy skies and showers, here is the outfit the site suggested.

If you don’t like the outfit picked by The Weather Stylist you can quickly view other outfit options to suit your personal style. You can also click on each piece to view price and purchasing information. It's so easy. Why didn't I think of this?

Love: The Lacoste Book

I always say that my kind of heaven involves a majorly stocked walk-in closet and a library full of fashion books. The new Lacoste book is definitely one I'd add to my collection and not just because the cover is reminiscent of their iconic polo shirts. The new book is self described as "an encyclopedia of casually elegant style". Published by Assouline, the book is available online for $50 and comes in a variety of color options.

Introducing: SockTheory.com

This summer it's all about great legs and New York-based Sock Theory.com has everything you need to show off those gorgeous gams. The site is dedicated to the concept of legware being more than just an accessory, but rather, the centerpiece of an outfit.  The founder has always been obsessed with tights and socks so launching a company dedicated to her favorite wardrobe pieces was a dream come true. As a life-long New Yorker, company founder Morgan was constantly inspired by the styles she saw walking down Seventh Avenue everyday. "It's impossible to not be fashion minded," says Morgan, "City style is always something that inspires me."

The site carries something for everyone including knee high socks, thigh highs, anklet and slipper socks, toe socks, leg warmers, arm warmers, fishnets and more.  And as for plans for the future,  the possibilities are endless, but Morgan has her sights set on opening stores in Manhattan and Brooklyn. 

Get 10% off your order of $25 or more by entering in coupon code "SYDNEY" at checkout.  Don't forget to check out Sock Theory on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. And you can also catch up on the latest news on the Sock Theory blog. 

It's All About: My Shoes

If you're searching for the perfect pair of shoes you need to bookmark Myshoes.com. The new shopping site has been featured in the LA Times and helps women find and compare shoes from hundreds of stores including Macys, Zappos, Heels.com and more to let them find the best price. 

“Shopping online makes it easy to compare products and prices and gain access to brand reviews, which allows consumers to make smart buying decisions,” says Lenka Keston, senior product manager for myShoes.com. “myShoes.com takes this a step further and empowers women with the opportunity to find the perfect shoes at the best price among multiple retailers by offering various comparison options in one, easy-to-search site.”

Going beyond the typical shoe search, myShoes.com helps women find the best value on every pair by listing all of the retailers that sell the specific shoe selected. The site further sorts the results by price and integrates any discounts and online coupons available through PromotionalCodes.com so that users are presented with the least expensive option available on the Internet. Store’s applicable shipping and return rates are also included in the results so that shoppers have all the necessary information needed to make a smart purchase and eliminates the need to surf other sites for savings.

Don't forget to check out the monthly shoe giveaway!

Fall 2010 Trend: The 1950's

The fashion world is channeling the 1950's this fall with an emphasis on style icons including Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren and Grace Kelly.  Louis Vuitton's Fall 2010 Ready-to-Wear Collection was even titled "And God Created Woman", a 1956 French film starring Bardot.  Across the pond, London's Victoria & Albert Museum is currently showing an exhibit featuring Grace Kelly's wardrobe from films including High Society and Rear Window.  The exhibit will also explore the evolution of her personal style as Princess Grace of Monaco, from the outfit she wore to her first meeting with Prince Rainier in 1955 to her haute couture gowns of the 1960s and '70s by her favorite couturiers including Dior, Balenciaga, Givenchy and Yves St Laurent. Click here for more info. 

Photo © The Estate of Erwin Blumenfeld 2009