With May coming up around the corner—and with it, its blessed sandal-wearing weather— it’s time for another investigative look at our newsstand to see which names and faces the glossies are favoring for their covers these days. While a few months back Euro fashion houses all but ruled this hallowed ground, it seems American editors have a new-found sense of patriotism: Nearly all brands—and even covergirls!—featured on their tomes hail from the good ole U.S. of A. (Even downtown alt king Benjamin Cho scored a cover!) So, remember, while our shopping dollar may be weak, at least we’ve got strong homegrown (fashion) talent.

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It’s been a hectic day here at GlamChic, what with trend stories being churned out on the hour every hour, shoes just begging to be tried on, and appointments up the wazoo and all. Fortunately, my stress-detox treatment arrived today in the form of J.Crew’s cheery, pint-sized accessories catalog. (Funny that: It’s the perfect shape to pop in my totally on-trend, oversize clutch!) Filled with delectable–and affordable!!!–candy-colored novelties, the book satisfied both my sweet tooth and my spring fever. If you can’t scurry home right now to see if you to received the catalog du jour, just take a gander at the goods online.

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While the nominee’s for the American fashion industry’s favorite popularity contest awards were announced last night, today, in broad daylight, major labels are duking it out on the newsstand. Our savvy intern Erin took spent some QT with our mail bin to see which designer names graced this month’s covergirls. Review our chart below to see who comes out on top, and ponder if you will, this fashion factoid: Of 15 US magazines surveyed, only 25% of them featured American labels on the cover.

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There’s a reason why fashion designers are revered by fashion magazines and design cognoscenti: Simply put, these aesthetes have the best taste in nearly everything, from artists to zip-codes. Case in point? Ashleigh Verrier recently sent me a hand-written note which featured the most charming stationery, penmanship, and prose. (above) You can’t find this kind of high-caliber stuff at Kate’s but with some crystals, glue gun, and calligraphy lessons, you could attempt to create some designer cards yourself. Till then, look on and be inspired as I was.

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Most of you know New Zealander Karen Walker for her hip, girly threads, but her sleekly retro shades should be on your radar too. I was reminded of Walker’s skill in the accessory realm today when a look-book for her spring collection of spectacles and sunglasses came in the mail.

Entitled Tears of Joy, the book pairs pictures of voluptuous blooms next to happy-sad models sporting Walker’s eyewear. I mean, beautiful blooms, killer shades and quirky Facebook-perfect snapshots? What more could you want, for crying out loud? Walker’s shades for yourself you say? Try here.

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Disclaimer: The following words are for fashion nerds only.

Is it just me or does WWD’s covergirl (above) look a heck of a lot like Sarah Lerfel? Something about the model’s pixie cut, somber expression, and geek-chic attire calls to mind the cool head honcho of Paris’ colette boutique. With a few more inspired-by moments like this, the front-row regular will become a bona-fide fashion icon in her own right, joining the ranks of Anna Piaggi, Isabella Blow, and more. Let the worshipping begin…

Colette’s Sarah Lerfel, as seen on Style.com

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In the fashion world, what goes around comes around again and again…and again. Trends used to recycle themselves every ten years or so, but in the past decade, turn-overs seem to take place at a more rapid clip. However, there are still some styles that rarely resurface—mid-priced, mid-‘70s sportswear being among them. (Admittedly, American Apparel is doing its part to stage a full-on resurrection.) In homage to all those terry cloth robes, elastic-waist slacks, polyester (plaid!) sportscoats that are still stuffed in the back of suburban closets everywhere, here’s a few precious looks from a 1977 JCPenny catalog:

*Special thanks to Erika Lenkert for sharing these precious picts.

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Rarely do I wish that I lived anywhere else other than NYC, but today is one of those days: Tonight, in a land far, far away, in a small town called Los Angeles, there are two fun Paper Magazine-sponsored parties on the social calendar. First there’s a Mena Suvari-hosted exhibition opening which features–get this–Phyllis Diller’s paintings. Love kooky Phyllis! Still obsessed with that femme fatale Suvari from her American Beauty days! DJ-shutterbug -extraordinaire Cobrasnake will be at the turntables, which means even if you’re not there, you’ll eventually be able to see snaps online of the event. Fingers crossed the same will be true of the Colette dance party which will follow the art opening. For their latest installment of their internationally roving bash, the Paris hotshop teamed up with LA-based Jeremy Scott for the fete–which means that while the dress code calls for “Michael Jackson”-inspired threads, Scott’s stereo-printed sweat-suits will be de rigeur. Meanwhile, I’ll just be wearing plain, old, not-at-all-cool sweats, at home, while fighting a head cold. Awesome.

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What is it about the fashion crowd and diners? I received in my mail bin today a lushly-colored lookbook by the folks at Orla Kiely. Best known for their peppy, patterned handbags, the label showcased their fall ready-to-wear collection (all terribly charming and tres Brooklyn-chic) on models who lounge around in dismal, yet still romantic coffee shops. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that finding a quiet spot for a cup of Joe is almost as difficult as finding a sweet’n’low cut dress that flatters the bod. Fortunately, it appears both little luxuries can be had in the Orla Kiely world. xS.C.

 P.S. Now feeling the Orla Kiely vibe? Skip on over to their website to see more tempting ingenue-styles and interiors from their spring look-book like those featured below:

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This lovely little note came in the post not long ago, and I just have to take a moment to drool all over it. (Even though I’m an online editor I appreciate the art of real live snail mail, so consider this the first installment of many forthcoming Mailbag Moment postings.)

First off, the fact that it’s printed on a neat & tidy little card—and not all the glossy, hyped-up ephemera that fills my mail bin—caught my eye. Someone who favors simple, straightforward design? How refreshing!! And then there’s the fantastic, timeless quote: What makes a good party? Clothes. Good clothes. –Emily Post. Short, sweet, and stylish, —just like a Proenza Schouler mini-skirt—it’s the ideal postcard sentiment.

I thought it might be from a fashionable friend, just dropping a line of hello, but then I flipped the card over and realized it was a cocktail invite from the kids at J.Crew. Turns out the prep stars are joining forces with French publishing house Assouline for the launch of Susan Salk’s new title, Privileged Life; Celebrating Wasp Style. (Think a reverential recollection of Babe Paley, Jackie Kennedy, and their East Coast society peers.)

The timing—and feteing—of such a stylish book couldn’t be better, considering geek-chic styles abound this season. The party calls for a preppy dress code, which is all too easy to comply with. Where to start you ask? Here are a few of my favorite country club styles, should you find yourself cozying up to a clambake sometime soon. X S.C.

Pucci Scarf

Pucci: Beloved up and down the eastern seaboard from Newport to Palm Beach.

Oxford Shirt

Forget about caftans: A men’s oxford is the cover-up of choice for the old money crowd.

Adidas Tennis Skirt

Far too cute to keep on the court.

Sperry Top-Siders

To take you from the boat to the barbeque and back again.

McQ Cricket Dress

Alexander McQueen’s cricket dress gets double points on the cool country club scale for its posh British accent.

Cable Knit V-Neck

The timeless cable knit: Real preppers prefer cashmere versions, no matter the season.

J.Crew Khaki

Before you set sail to the Vineyard, be sure to pack your Nantucket reds.

Tods Driving Loafers

Looks good on cute Euro guys, looks better on cute American girls.

RayBan Wayfarers

No need to explain.

L.L. Bean Canvas Tote

Monogram yours to avoid confusion when retrieving it up from the upper deck.

Ralph Lauren Stripes

Be patriotic in your wardrobe choice: Choose red, white, & blue, the colors of the great leader, Ralph Lauren.

White Jeans

Because washed denim is so de classe.

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