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

2nd Annual Save The Girls Bra Fashion Show

The 2nd Annual Save the Girls Designer Bra Fashion Show is just around the corner and the Little Black Dress Events & Productions team is looking forward to beating last years donation to The Puget Sound Affiliate for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. This years event will be held at Pravda Studios on Sunday May 16th, hosted by Brooke & Monti of Movin 92.5. The event will include a bra fashion show featuring unique creations from a variety of designers, a silent auction, and a raffle featuring great prizes from event sponsors. Bring your friends and come prepared for an evening of fun, fashion and entertainment for a great cause. Event sponsors include Julep Nail Parlor, Opal, BoConcept, Report Shoes, Sydneylovesfashion.com, Dry Soda Co., Bella Cupcake Couture, Fuze, Tullys, Angela Miller, Seattleboutiqueblogspot.com, DList Magazine, Neodandi, Purely Paige, Clutch, Gary Manuel, QFC and more!

What: 2nd Annual Save The Girls Designer Bra Show

When: Sunday, May 16th, 2010

Where: Pravda Studios. 1406 10th Ave. Seattle, WA 98122

Tickets: $15-30 available by clicking here. VIP tickets includes a VIP reception, swag bag and wine.

*This is a 21 and over event.