Casting Call: Project Runway Season 9

Project Runway is casting season 9. Do you have what it takes to be the next top fashion designer? Do you want a chance to show your fashion designs during New York Fashion Week? Winner takes home $100,000 to launch their own line. Details at bunim-murray.com/prcasting. The deadline to apply is April 15, 2011.

Now Wearing...

Tonight I'm DJing with Crooked Disco's Kestar, which reminded me of some outfit photos I've been meaning to post. These were taken at a Crooked Disco a few weeks back.
Black & white print dress - Gestuz
Long sleeve & tights - Uniqlo
Boots - Kelsi Dagger
Belt - Forever 21
Mini crossbody - Kooba
I can't believe it's almost April and still cold, though by now I should know that New York isn't ever completely in the clear until May. I think Uniqlo Heattech saved me this winter. I layered it under almost every outfit to make dresses from other seasons more winter-friendly. Note to self, stock up again next winter. A few of my leggings and shirts are starting to lose their stretch from being worn and washed so much.
If you're around tonight, stop by The Cove in Williamsburg. Kestar and I will be spinning indie dance, nu-disco, electro, funk and classics starting at 10PM. Well priced drinks, 20+ beers to choose from, no cover, and some of the best music on a Thursday night in Brooklyn! For Facebook invite, click here.

Macy*s Impulse x Matthew Williamson

Hot on the tails of Macy’s Impulse and Kinder Aggugini’s collaboration this past February, Macy’s is back with a hot new collaboration with none other than Brit designer Matthew Williamson.

Famed for his jet set, glam and amazing print driven designs, 70s dress silhouettes and sleek separates the designer is now using these elements to create an unique affordable, fun,sexy line inspired by the glamour of Studio 54 with a British attitude. Every item is priced under $300, with the collection topping out at $299 for a leather jacket.  Separates and Dresses for most part will be price between $50 and $120.  The collection will hit be available exclusively at Macy’s stores and Macys.com on April 13, 2011 in limited quantities. 

My personal fave pieces are the yellow one-shoulder bow dress, the firework print dress (pictured above) and the drapey cuffed trousers.  What are you looking forward to checking out?

Payless x Silvia Tcherassi Collaboration

Payless is going international with it’s next collaboration after a series of successful collaborations with American designers like Christian Siriano, Lela Rose, Isabel Toledo and Abaete.  They’ve chosen Columbian fashion designer Silvia Tcherassi to create a line of handbags and footwear over the next 2 years that will begin hitting Payless stores in May 2011.

The collection will be priced affordably from between $40-70.   The designer tells WWD that “…the spring-summer season this includes many important silhouettes like wedges, flats, strappy heels and thong sandals with key trend details like bright colorblocking, unique mesh uppers and satin ribbon details and ties.”

Tcherassi’s collection also marks an important moment for Payless stores across Latin America as this will be the first designer collaboration to be available outside the USA.

The first look that we have of the shoe is a sexy strappy number with a  killer heel and distinctive platform in 2 color combinations.  This particular pair will set you back about $70.  I personally am a fan of both colorways and can’t wait to see them more of the collection.  What do you think?

More Sample Sales This Week!

Who: Heather Huey What: End-of-Season Studio sale on men's and women's felt and fabric hats. Cash ONLY When: April 2-3, 2011. Sat noon-6pm, Sun noon-4pm Where: 70 Wyckoff Ave, Apt 2E, Brooklyn NY. (2 blocks from the Dekalb stop on the L train, right next to C-Town) Who: Minnie Mortimer Sample Sale What: Shop up to 80% off the chic NYC designer's merch during her one-day sale, including stylish mini-dresses, skirts, blouses, and more. When: April 1, 2011. Fri 9am-8pm Where: 1201 Broadway, Loft 601 (b/n W 29th & W 28th St)

Who: SURevolution Spring NYC Sample Sale

What: Up to 70% off on modern accessories that are handcrafted by artisan entrepreneurs around the world. The company helps to set up stable economies in these areas of the world - with the single goal of alleviating poverty. Prices start at just $10 When: March 31-April 2, 2011. Thurs noon-6pm, Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-2pm Where: 197 Grand St, Loft 6s (b/n Mott & Mulberry)Buzzer 62

Who: Marie-lise Lachapelle Jewelry Spring Sale
What: Designer Marie-lise will be at the boutique to introduce her new creations
and demonstrate the many ways you can wear any one of her pieces. Jewelry
from her previous collections will be up to 60% off.
When: March 31, 2011. Thurs 6pm-9pm
Where: AvaMaria,107 Crosby Street (b/n Houston and Prince) 212-966-0909

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Eyewear Favorites: Moscot, Warby Parker & SEE

I've had glasses ever since my early teens, and it wasn't until recently that I finally found a pair of glasses that I really liked. Before it didn't really matter because I wore contacts all the time, but over the last couple of years, my eyes have become more sensitive. And it doesn't help that I spend so much time staring at a computer screen (for work, blogging, even Djing).

Glasses have always been a difficult purchase for me because I don't have much of a nose bridge, so it really cuts down on my options. I really love the way plastic frames look, but most of them sit too low on my face or too close to my face - so close my eyelashes will touch the lenses!

2007-2009, Alain Milki framesI wore these metal lime green tinted frames for a couple years. And while I really loved them, they were sometimes problematic once I started wearing them everyday because didn't match everything in my wardrobe. So I decided I wanted something more classic and basic like black, brown or even gray.


Now, Moscot framesI bought my latest pair from the Moscot shop at 14th St & 6th Ave. They're the Rikki frames and sell for $225. I would have never picked out these frames if it hadn't been for the sales associate since I've always been told that I looked better with squarish frames. And these frames as-is wouldn't work with my super Asian nose. But...! Moscot has a vendor that can add custom nose pads to any frames for $50.

I love the selection of frames at Moscot - great styles and variety of colors. They also carry other brands that aren't widely available elsewhere. And the staff is super helpful when it comes to picking out the right frames for your face shape and complexion.

It can be a bit pricey to get glasses from Moscot, but they do accept VSP. After insurance, I still paid almost $300 out of pocket, but that's because I needed thinner lenses and the custom nose pads. If you order your glasses with VSP, it will take a few weeks for your glasses to be ready.

I don't want to say anything negative about Moscot because I really love their product and how knowledgable their staff is, but I will say that my order took five weeks instead of "2-3 weeks" and there was a bit of confusion over my balance. On big purchases, always save your receipt, so you can be prepared if questions come up!

SEE Eyewear
The other shop I checked out in my epic search for frames was SEE Eyewear on Bleecker in West Village. They also had a pretty extensive section of frames with a variety colors in each style. Their prices, which start as low as $169, include single vision lenses, so they can be quite the deal - though I should mention that my favorites were all $250+.
I like shopping for glasses at SEE because everything is available in the open for you to try on, so you don't have to wait every time you see something you like.

I tried on almost very pair in the store, and I found two options that worked for me. While frames and basic lens deal is quite affordable, with all the extra things I needed (thinner lenses for heavy prescription and anti-glare), they would have cost me over $300. They don't accept VSP, but they do offer a courtesy 10% off to VSP customers.

Warby Parker
It's no secret that I love Warby Parker They're a newer line of eyewear, and they're great! All of their styles are super fresh, and they have a great business model. They sell frames and lenses for only $95 (only extra $30 for high-index lenses), and they offer free at-home try on. And somehow, they manage to give a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair purchased.

The only reason why I don't own a pair myself is because none of them could sit on my face. A few of my friends have Warby Parkers and they love them, but they have commented that the frames slide down a bit.

The collection is available mainly online at warbyparker.com, but you can also try on and shop at their Union Square showroom or the Steven Alan in Brooklyn.

Watch: Nicole Miller TV

Ever since I met Nicole Miller back in October, I’ve been uber impressed by her love and full embrace of social media.  She own’s an iPad and puts it to good use – often tweeting up a storm on @NicoleMillerNYC.  Unsurprisingly this has led to a huge following of over 137 000 followers and counting!  In addition, the designer has a presence on Facebook, Tumblr and now a YouTube channel too.

The designer has just launched Nicole Miller TV, which is an exclusive web video series that gives you an inside look at her life and her work.  The video series iw shot in collaboration with former long-time Bravo program development manager Bernard Grenier and his firm Grenier Productions; shot and edited by fashion videographer John C. Alberico, II.  I applaud the designer for taking her voice into her own hands and trailblazing a way of connecting with fans like never before.

Her first episode launched last Monday and I finally had a chance to take a look as Nicole Miller takes you behind the scenes of the development process of her Fall 2011 Collection.  I loved watching her conceptual development/thought process and how she was willing to make changes to make the final product work for the runway.  It’s an honest true-to-life video that definitely gives you insight into the psyche of the designer herself. 

Today, a new video is being released, that offers a view of Nicole through the high-stakes world of fashion week. Nicole discusses her inspiration for the collection – “ A very brave woman who wants to get noticed”. As a special treat we’ll get a sneak peek of the new fall bag line – “Inspired by the messengers of NYC – the bike locks, the bike chains and gears.” If you are a fan of Nicole Miller, or a fashion fan in general, I’d definitely recommend that you check it out!

Sample Sales This Week: March 28-April 3, 2011

Who: Hayden-Harnett's Spring Sale
What: Up to 80% off on cuffs, handbags, wallets, carryalls, and apparel. Mathilda dress $47.60 (as $238), Denmare trousers $44 (was $220), Welles drawstring bag $129 (was $258)
When: Now through March 31, 2011. Call for hours.
Where: 211 Franklin St (nr Freeman St) 718-349-2247

Who: Clothingline Sale
What: Charley 5.0 jeggings, shirts, dresses & more. J Park cotton tees, sweaters, dresses & more. TKO Orlogi fun stylish chic acrylic fashion watches
for Women, plus 3 styles for Men. Nyla Noor cross body bags & clutches. Free People 60% off retail prices tanks, tees, shirts, sweaters, pants, dresses & more.
Alternative Apparel tanks, tees, cardigans & more. Lewis Cho tops, blouses, dresses & more. Joe's Jeans samples only shorts, skirts, jeans, jeggings & more.
Zara Terez clutches, messenger bags & more. Michael Simon & Smitten tanks, tops, sweaters & more.
When: March 29-31, 2011. Tues & Thurs 11am-7pm, Wed 11am-6pm
Where: 261 W 36th Street (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 2nd Floor

Who: DCK Sample Sale
What: Snag Earrings, Necklaces, Bracelets, Rings, and Hair Accessories currently being sold at Topshop, Arden B, Macy's, Bebe and other top retailers!Everything is 2 for $10. CASH ONLY. No children under 12.
When: March 30-April 1, 2011. Wed-Thurs 5pm-7pm, Fri 3:30pm-7pm
Where: 366 5th Ave, Suite 803(b/n 34th & 35th St). 212-564–0217

Who: IT USA Private Sale
What: 70% & up off retail prices on spring/summer collections of the finest designer clothing, shoes,and accessories for men and women. Designers include Just Cavalli, GF FERRE, C’N’C Costume National, Gianfranco Ferre. Credit cards only. No strollers allowed. No children under 12 will be admitted.
When: March 27-April 3, 2011. Mon-Sun 10am-6:30pm
Where: 20 West 36th Street, 6th Floor (b/n 5th & 6th Ave)646-257-2666

Who: BGN Paris Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off on women's clothing. Blouses and tops $20-$70, Pants and skirts $25-$140, Dresses and jackets $30-$300, Coats $60-$350
When: Now through April 4, 2011. Mon-Fri 11am-7pm
Where: 202 West 40th St(b/n 7th & 8th Ave) Suite 902. 646-702-3310

Who: PPF Consignment’s "Philanthropic, Pretty and Fashionable" Sale
What: Following the success of last year's Haiti earthquake victims fundraiser, designer consignment boutique PPF Consignment is organizing a to benefit the victims of the recent Japan tsunami and earthquake disaster. Owner Alice Chan has rallied all her fashionista friends and contacts from her designer retail days to donate covetable designer items. They'll be priced between just $2 and $18 with all proceeds benefiting Doctors Without Borders. The shop will also be accepting donations anytime between 2pm and 7pm on or before Friday, April 1.
When: April 2-3, 2011. Sat-Sun noon-7pm

Where: 168 Ludlow St # A (nr Stanton) (212) 677-7973

Who:Fashion Girls for Japan
What: 60+ Designers/60+ Rolling Racks of clothes! Participating designers include Altuzarra, Bensoni, Cynthia Rowley, Doo.ri, Derek Lam, Diane von Furstenberg, Eddie Borgo, Proenza Schouler, Vena Cava, Theyskens’ Theory, Suno, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang and more. Everything is at least 50% off and 100% of proceeds will go to the Red Cross, Japan Society’s Japan Earthquake Relief Fund and NYC's Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Fund. $5 minimum donation for admission. Buy your ticket online.
When: April 2-3, 2011. Sat 11am-77pm, Sun 11am-5pm
Where: The Bowery Terrace at Bowery Hotel, 335 Bowery (nr E 3rd St)

Upcoming Sales
Who: Kara Ross Sample and Stock Sale
What: Snag discounts on exotic skin and leather handbags and gemstone-studded jewelry.
When: April 5-7, 2011. Tues-Thurs 10am-6pm
Where: 225 West 37th St(nr 7th Ave) 15th floor. 212-920-1211

Who: Rachel Leigh
What: 30-80% off on jewelry. Stella snakeskin bangles $15 (was $72), the Zelda Waltz Cluster necklace $50 (was $182), and the Gumball ring $25 (was $96)
When: April 5-7, 2011. Tues-Thurs 10am-5pm
Where: 252 West 38th St(b/n 7th & 8th Ave) Suite 902. 646-290-6034

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Now Wearing...

A couple weeks ago friend K!O and I guest DJed at Crooked Disco - Crooked Disco boys vs. Dirty Diamond girls. For the special occasion, Kristen and I wore lipstick and bling.
Glitter top & pleated leather skirt - vintage
Modern facets bold crystal bib necklace & Chain edge oversized crystal ring - courtesy of Sorreli
This glitter shirt is a little ridiculous; it reminds me of Crayola glitter glue pens. It's not really appropriate for everyday, but it's fun for nights out!


I've been travelling a lot for work, so it's been tough to blog. But I'll be home this weekend and staying put for a few weeks. I am so excited to sleep in my own bed! Yay, home! Yay, weekend! Cue party music!
Dirty Diamonds mixtape by Lani Love

LeSportsac: Jeremyville

Last night Erin and I stopped by the launch of the collaboration between LeSportsac and Jeremyville. The collections is part of LeSportsac's Artist in Residence program where different artists collaborate with the accessory line.

We were greeted with drinks and some snacks including the cutest mini-ice cream cones ever! Due to both Erin's and my intolerance for lactose we decided to pass on the frozen desert...sigh...

There were plenty of bags, designs and colors on display for guests to browse at their leisure. While I've never used one of these bags before (they launched a men's line a while back), Erin loves the bags for their light weight and durability.

Prints were cartoon laden with the most notable design paying tribute to NYC. Street names and landmarks were plastered all over in blue, black and white (shown above right).

There were lots of little nick-nacks including books, shoes and psycho bunny figurines - it was definitely a playful collection with a pretty large assortment of products...

Including skateboards! The top two boards were my personal faves which housed the Jeremyville design in the traditional blue and also in yellow. Now if only I knew how to board...

Overall the collection is fun, youthful and definitely jam packed with colors and graphics.

Tomas for Supima: Men's T

A little over a year ago, we posted about the Supima Design Competition - where Robin Tomas' winning mens T would go on to be produced and sold at Bloomingdale's. I meant to check this out on this past weekend during the launch but never got around to it - so I went to check it out after work this week since I'm not too far from Bloomy's.

Supima cotton is one of those fabrics that just feels right. It's so friggen soft that sometimes I wish all my clothes were made out of it. The T comes in a midnight blue outer layer and heather gray under layer - and of course it's damn comfortable!

One of the first things I noticed about the T is that it only had two layers as opposed to three in Tomas' original design. It's funny how things usually get modded during production whether it's to cut cost, logistical or whatever the case may be. While I do like the look of the three layers, I think two is adequate - three would have just added more weight to the T and upped it's retail price.

Probably what I liked most about the shirt were the raw edges. The under layer on the sleeve and the hemlines on the body were both left raw which was nice. I just wished raw hemlines on jersey would stay put instead of rolling up (like on my arm in the pic).

If you're interested in picking up one of these T's, they are sold exclusively at Bloomingdale's flagship store on 59th and will set you back $88. Considering a basic T by the Supima line will set you back about $50, I don't think this is overpriced (albeit it's not super cheap either!).