Are Toms the new Chucks? As evidenced at the recent Coachella festival, it appears that Toms Shoes are going toe-to-toe with Converse for the indie scene’s favorite footwear award. For decades, classic Chuck Taylors have been the go-to sneaker for punks, skaters and other cooler-than-thou folks. But recently, Toms—with their simple design and impressively altruistic mission—have become a favorite of the culturally engaged set. Can an iconic shoe be fully eclipsed by a sure-footed newbie? To answer this truly perplexing question for yourself, take a gander at the street-style shots (grass trend photos?) on Elle.com to check out this trend on the rise:

Need to see more? We understand. Go to Elle.com to get an eyeful.

Photos: Anne Ziegler for Elle.com

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Odd as it may be, this fashion blog rarely covers techy, online news, but today is the exception—and predictably, a stylish one at that. This morning Google unveiled their Artists Themes feature which allows users to customize their homepages with the work of several leading creative-types. Included in this gang of VIP tastemakers are Diane Von Furstenberg, Oscar de la Renta, Tory Burch and Dolce & Gabbana, whose signature prints have been digitalized and formatted to fit on the mega-site’s landing page. So how did Google decide upon these four fashion names? Such insight can’t be found (not even if you Google it!) however the program describes its participating names as “world-class artists and innovators.” Innovative indeed; Certainly not many of those designers’ peers realize—as they do—that viral marketing not some sort of unfortunate cold, but a rather genius business move?

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Rolling Stone, 1997

Sigh. Remember when you could slap a pair of khakis, a black tank and some sauna sandals on some cute young covergirl(s) and call it a day? Yes, ok so I’m feeling nostalgic today. Can you blame me? In retrospect, those days seemed so simple–in the sartorial arena at least. But then again, perhaps little has changed after all? It seems our main style icons have remained on their pedestal for nearly two decades now:

New York Magazine covers, 1999-2000 

Of course the same can’t be said of all of our favorite taste-makers. Here’s a little peek in the pop culture time capsule to brighten your day:

Rolling Stone, circa 1997-99 

Snaps: New York Magazine and Rolling Stone 

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Since that short stroll through memory lane was so pleasant yesterday, let’s indulge in another fashion flashback, shall we? Behold Oscar de la Renta’s Fall 1989 show:

Note, if you will, the photographers clamoring at the stage like teenagers at a New Kids on the Block concert, and try to keep count—if you can—of the number of twirls each heavily-cloaked model does on the runway. (This show apparently took place before the art of “layering” was mastered by the style elite. When did that happen? Post-minimalism? A debate for another post perhaps.) Think Gemma could handle those turns?

Also, before you pontificate about all the ‘80s references in the Fall 2008 collections, be thankful that not all of the era’s trends and silhouettes have returned—no one really needs a floor-grazing, high-collar wool trapeze coat now (or ever) do they?

Did that brighten your morning, just a bit? Well stay tuned for more including this gem from the Karl Lagerfeld archives. This show took place in 1987—before Lagerfeld’s legendary slim-down—but while the designer looks different, his clothes look vaguely, and refreshingly the same. Hidden underneath boxy-cut blazers and silk cover-ups, many of his trademark can be found including black tie and white shirt combo, his tailored short skirts, some sleek, pre-Chanel cardigans, and many crisp black-and-white looks. And of course, his models in his show are thinner than those seen on any other runway, then, now, and most likely forever. Enjoy!

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Videos courtesy of VidCat

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Martin + Osa Cashmere Cardigan 

O’ little cardi, how I love thee:

Every shade is sweet from lemon to lime,
I want you, cardi, in my wardrobe for all time.

Snaps = Martin + Osa

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In my magazine cover research this morning, I came across this unforgettable number: The Olsens, pre-goth, pre-boho, and  pre-Prada headbands, back in the days when they wore tees and jeans like the rest of us. Even then, they looked better than most. Sigh.

Courtesy Rolling Stone 

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Miley Cyrus, photographed by Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair

Poor Miley Cyrus: Just as her Hannah Montana fame reaches fever pitch, some curmudgeons are trying to burst her pop culture bubble. In case you haven’t heard, photos of the 15-year old starlet—clothed only a white sheet—will appear in next month’s Vanity Fair are causing quite a stir. (Cyrus Junior says she’s shocked and embarrassed by the racy-ish snaps; VF says she and her keepers signed on the dotted line.)

While some speculate that the controversial snaps may hurt her spotless girl-next-door reputation—and jeopardize her next few Disney films—it may in fact seal the deal to her inevitable superstardom. After all, the white sheet photo shoot is rite of passage for many of Hollywood’s most beloved stars. Used as frequently in fashion shoots as an L.B.D. or Dior evening gown, the 500-thread count prop is oft employed when editors and photographers are in need of an intimate portrait (and racy lingerie just won’t do). So cheer up Cyrus! You’re in good, albeit scantily clad, company:

Snaps from: New York Magazine, Rolling Stone Magazine, Vanity Fair, and Entertainment Weekly 

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The StyleMob Soiree

San Francisco spent the weekend recovering from one of the biggest, most-buzzed about parties to hit the scene in a while—the Glam Spring Mix party. The must-know crowd of the bay area all convened to celebrate Glam’s acquisition of StyleMob, a street fashion community where members upload outfits and vote on the best looks of the day. Held at the Ambassador Lounge, a swank, vintage-style lounge in downtown San Francisco, the party was at full-capacity (500 people!) by 7pm.

The crowd was a unique mix of bloggers, venture capitalists, fashion lovers, independent designers, and StyleMob members and the vibe was quite fashionable but friendly. (Who said the chic can’t also be sweet?) Also on hand were reporters from the LA Times, NY Times, and the Financial Times, as well as bloggers from VentureBeat, TechCrunch, and Mashable. This eclectic crowd sipped on Glam-tinis: VeeV Vodka, fresh pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, served UP with a twist.

The highlight of the night was the fashion show which was both unconventional and fun. As StyleMob is all about fashion democracy, so was the show—featuring modles of all styles and body types. Their common denominator? Creativity! Here’s a small taste: Patrick Koppula, the CEO of ffwd, strutted the catwalk in a shirt he designed and had made in India. Rachel Green, a San Francisco State student, wore an Anna Sui blouse with a vintage locket necklace with black skinny jeans. Nicole Renee Barnes, a marketing manager for a mobile technology company, wore a silver dress designed by Kara Janx, previously of Project Runway, and Christian Louboutin leopard-print heels.–Tracey Anderson

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