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.