VS.

Wimbledon is on, in case you didn’t realize. No, not the classic hangover-helper, but the real-live century+ old competition. I’m usually not one for spectator sports, but this preppy match is worth flipping on the flatscreen for if not to hear the emcee’s tea-and-crumpets lilt, then to suss out the latest tennis styles. Keep a keen eye on Miss Maria Sharapova, as she’ll be sporting new Nike duds including this white halter dress with a tiered-skirt.

Rumor has it the fashionable Nike poster girl specifically asked the design team to add the Elizabethan-style ruffled collar. (Perhaps she was inspired by Wimbledon’s backdrop, the regal city of London?) For the championship programming info check out the TV Guide, and to snag Sharapova’s for yourself—now’s the time wear summer whites after all—skip on over to Nike.com. x S.C.

Images Courtesy of Nike

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Demi Moore in YSL

Mrs. Kutcher got a lot of flack recently for sporting this splashy YSL number. But come November those naysayers will have to eat their words, as artsy-chic style is about to have a full-on fashion moment. YSL’s elegant maestro Stefano Pilati helped jumpstart this trend with his cruise collection of dresses and bags covered with painterly patterns that seemed plucked from abstract expressionist masterpiece. Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz contributed to it as well, putting a playful spin on his elegant separates with pop-art scribbles. (as seen on the cover of WWD) To get a D.I.Y-style head-start on this trend, re-painting your bedroom—while wearing your favorite silk separates—may be in order. X S.C.

 
Lanvin on the cover of WWD

Technorati Tags: Demi Moore, YSL, Stefano Pilati, Alber Elbaz, Designer Styles, Designer Handbags, Resort Collections, Fashion

Photo from WireImage.

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It was announced today in The Times that Liz Claiborne passed away on Tuesday. I’d like to suggest that all take a moment of silence to honor the woman that was one of the first to truly understand that fashion could be made accessible–and would be appreciated by–the masses. We have, in some way, have her to thank for all of today’s stylish-savvy, cost-conscious brands (including her own eponymous label) that so steadily fill out our wardrobes.

Here’s to you Ms. C. x S.C.

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While some of you may be (eagerly? Surely not) anticipating tonight’s Paris Hilton’s post-jail interview with Mr. Larry “Suspenders Are Always in Style” King, others may consider skipping the cringe-inducing coverage. But while you’re hovering in front of the flatscreen trying to decide if you should or shouldn’t watch the gossip unfold, just do yourself a favor set the TiVo now to turn to CBS, on September 7th (from 9-11pm) for Fashion Rocks.

The 4th annual concert—which will feature performances by Aerosmith, Avril Lavigne, Jennifer Lopez, Fergie, and Santana among others—is to be held at Radio City Music Hall. And considering it’s a Vogue-sponsored affair—that just happens to take place at the start of New York fashion week—you can bet that both the performers and A-list audience will be dressed to the nines. Sadly, the same can’t be said for tonight’s television programming—or most other evening broadcasts—so sit tight, my fashionable friends, till September 7th. x S.C.

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Sienna Miller sports retro shades

The brainiacs across the pond at the International Herald Tribune recently published a story declaring that “Sunglasses are the last bastion of hope for those who want to bask in the luxury-label sunshine but can’t afford to keep up with the skyrocketing prices for designer handbags and clothing.” That’s nothing new to cost-conscious trendsetters like us, but even so, I can help but comment on the genius timing of such a story.

Kate Moss rocks her Ray-Bans

First off, there’s the fact that it’s far too steamy (at least here in NYC) to think of shopping for garments that would cover a perspiring body; A fashion fix that just barely graze the bridge of nose and ears is a savvy, sweat-proof purchase indeed. Secondly, stars in their sunnies are currently surfacing in all of the glossies, both off and online. (Lauren, Glam’s resident celebrity guru recently tracked down a few of the most stylish shady ladies.) Which means it’s the perfect time to cheer up shoppers, reminding them how easily they can access a star-approved style–without having to starve themselves into oblivion.

Lastly, but most importantly, at the season’s crucial shopping juncture (Do I buy summer things or start thinking fall? Oh the confusion!!!) it’s nice to remember that sunglasses are a fool-proof, all-season accessory. It-bags may come and go, jewelry may get jumbled up in trends, but sunglasses—any style, frame, or shape—can be worn any time of the year, at almost any location. (Disclaimer: Wearing sunglasses inside however, does not work: Doing so comes across as being a bit pretentious. However, those doing so who are over 65 are exempt as there’s nothing more deliciously irreverent than a Golden Girl sporting shades at all times.) During my recent trip to Milan I was reminded of all this and more, as booth after booth at the eyewear trade show offered tantalizing shades that crossed the style spectrum. Here, a few of my favorites. Take a good look and start saving your pennies for these pricey—and perfect—designer creations. x S.C.

Ray-Bans, how we love thee

A few of Safilo’s designer styles

Bottega Veneta’s 70s safari-style aviators was one of my favorites

Burberry’s studded version

They ti

Givenchy aviators. Not for the faint of heart.

Another Givenchy pair.

A gigantic (think 3 feet tall) version of Vivienne Westwood frames.

Slightly unwieldy for the pocketbook, but could work for one’s art collection.

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In keeping with my Uplifting Fashion Moments theme, I want to add this little shout-out to the montage, as this Designer Do-Gooder moment is near and dear to my heart for a few of reasons.

Not long ago I was walking through New York’s Meatpacking district on my way to meet up with Tina Lutz and Marcia Patmos—Lutz and Patmos’ thoughtful, uplifting designers and two of my most favorite people in the fashion world. While en route to their studio, I spotted this unusual sight: 200+ white oxford shirts hanging in one graceful clump. I couldn’t stop looking at the surprisingly beautiful scene.

A sign dangling from the make-shift clothing lines said that the installation—orchestrated by Brazilian designer Jussara Lee and artist/milliner Orlando Palacios among others—described the work as representing the amount of C02 currently in the earth’s atmosphere. Indeed, every angle of the installation—from close, far, even underneath—seemed to offer a breathe of fresh air.

Also on the sign was a note that said the eco-conscious installation was sponsored by the Canary Project. Now, the Canary Project—two-year old organization dedicated to raising global warming awareness through various artistic endeavors—just happens to be helmed by a woman from my hometown, the daughter of one of my parents’ friends no less. (See a few examples of the Canary Projects awe-inspiring photographs below) I didn’t realize that uncanny aspect until now, and the coincidence bumps the installation’s Uplifting level one bar higher. X S.C.

Waterworks flood protection in the Netherlands , 2006

Windmills, Palm Springs 2007

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Donna Karan’s showroom

It’s Friday at long last. The arrival of the week’s final jour always puts me in a good mood, which is why I’ve decided that today will be all about the uplifting fashion moments I’ve come across recently. Call me corny, but I appreciate random flashes of fashion brilliance here and there—they help reiterate just how amazing this industry can be.

I couldn’t help but be reminded of this sentiment when I swung into Donna Karan’s showroom last week to see the designer’s resort and holiday collections. First off, the woman herself plays the roll of multi-talented muse for many a fashion follower, but what I admire is how her collections, advertisements, and overall aesthetic add a gloss to New York City’s glamorous reputation. The sleek separates for a working woman’s wardrobe, those fast-paced DKNY campaigns, and the moody black-and-white photography, are all served up against a backdrop of the city’s iconic sky-scrapers. Located on the west side of Manhattan, Karan’s showroom features the same dramatic perspective.

Donna Karan’s holiday collection

I wandered through her latest concoctions (in her signature black & gold) and couldn’t help but imagine them on long-legged gals trawling the urban jungle…

Models in Karan’s gowns

…and then a few minutes later real-live leggy girls modeling Karan’s evening gowns came trotting out.

A view of Karan’s showroom

Karan recently tried her hand at blogging on the Huffington Post. Much of her writing focused on UrbanZen, a health and wellness forum that she helped coordinate. Her blog entries are worth reading as there are many heartfelt, fascinating comments. As an aside, I have to say that her airy, well-appointed studio offered me a dose of urban zen too.

While her showroom has a calming effect, Karan’s shoes however, may set hearts aflutter. Such fantastic styles!

Icy whites!

Metallic grommets! (big for next season, fyi)

Sporty bondage styles!

Bold brights!

The shoes, when paired with her black and white separates make for a chic study in contrasts—in short, a classic Karan collection.

Technorati Tags: Donna Karan, DKNY, New York Fashion, Designer Shoes, Heels,

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As you can see from my Peach Geldof posting, I have a thing for stylish up & coming stars who haven’t been plastered all over the tabloids yet. When trolling through the many images from last week’s Daytime Emmy Awards, this darling young actress—All My Children’s Leven Rambin—jumped out at me. Sweet ensembles and could that be—gasp!—a genuine smile! How charming! And of course, how coincidental; After doing some quick research I found that one of our favorite fellow blogger Shane Cisneros was responsible for Leven’s darling look. I hit him up for his inspiration, styling tips, and asked him to name drop a few favorite designers:

Shane Cisneros

Leven and I worked with Jason Wu for several weeks on the creation of this stunning custom made gown for the 34th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards. Since this was her second nomination for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series, Leven and I both wanted something special that had not been seen or worn before. Jason showed this look with a skirt made of flannel for his fall 2007 show but changed the fabric to chiffon and bust color to eggplant for the occasion. I paired the gown with stunning Neil Lane diamond and onxy jewelry. That particular mix of stones is very hard to source so I was happy that I found the jewels that Leven and I had been hoping for. The Kotur clutch with Swarovski crystals and Giuseppe Zanotti platform peep toe pumps really completed the look.

Leven was presenting at this event and since we were going for bold evening glamour for the big Daytime Emmys we wanted to keep the look short and chic for the Creative Arts & Entertainment Emmy Awards. Leven looks amazing in color and this Valentino pleated tent dress was the only option we considered for this event. Paired with Larkspur & Hawk earrings and cuff, the look would be equally at home on a tropical holiday, thanks to Leven’s tan from St. Tropez Tanning Essentials.

Leven has a stunning figure which could not have looked better in this pleated chiffon, lace Colette Dinnigan dress at SOAPnet’s ‘Night Before Party’. What she and I loved about this LBD was it’s reveal/conceal quality, the lace showed just enough leg and shoulder without being vulgar. Paired with Caressa diamonds, she looked like a young Catherine Deneuve, thanks to the brilliant hairstyling by Anthony Cristiano and Australian makeup maestro Napoleon Perdis who worked with Leven throughout the Emmys press run.

Catherine Deneuve

All photos courtesy of Getty Images

Technorati Tags: Daytime Emmys, Leven Ramkin, Getty Images, Shane Cisneros, Red-Carpet, Fashion

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Ok, I know I’ve nominated Peaches Geldof before as our Style Snapshot a.k.a. Icon of the Week here on GlamChic, but I had to put her up again. So why the anglophile attitude? Well, not only does Miss Geldof look adorably quirky-cool in that decidedly British way, (she’s wearing Wellies for pete’s sake) but her appearance here—mugging for an advert for her upcoming reality show—means that I’m not the only one into her hipper-than-thou edge. Like her peers in the current Witty Britty pack—which includes Amy Winehouse and model Agyness Deyn—Miss Geldof has stolen the spotlight for her wacky antics and wonderful wardrobe and so, we salute her eccentric style—and eagerly anticipate her show’s debut.
X S.C.

Technorati Tags: Peaches Geldof, Agnyness Deyn, Amy Winehouse, Best-Dressed, Style, Celebrity Gossip,

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What a way to start the day: This morning the first email I see in my inbox is an one from the Hennes & Mauritz PR team announcing that Roberto Cavalli will be the house’s next guest designer. Known for his sultry body-conscious cuts and exotic patterns—think leopard palm frond prints–Cavalli is responsible for some of the most memorable red carpet moments. (Who could forget  Jessica Simpson’s arrival at the recent Costume Institute gala?) According to the press release, the collaborative line—which features both menswear, womenswear, and a few lingerie numbers for good measure—will be available at 200 select stores worldwide starting November 8. Better keep your swimsuit figure awhile longer as Cavalli’s plunging silhouettes aren’t for the faint of heart. X S.C.

Technorati Tags: Roberto Cavalli, H&M, Fashion, Guest Designer

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