Good Evening Lower East Siders: My Gossip Girl B-day

Last week I celebrated my birthday and being that it was my 3rd in NYC I wanted to make it special. As you all can pretty much tell, I love any excuse to dress up! I watched the Korean movie My Sassy Girl a few years ago that gave me the inspiration for my party. I've always wanted to dress up like a school girl and go dancing. So to modernize and Americanize the concept I went with a Gossip Girl theme.

After much searching, I had my birthday at Le Lupanar in the LES. The venue had plenty of seating, easy door policy, room to dance and a very luxe, chill vibe. What can I say? I'm a sucker for those black chandeliers! The manager, Kieter, is a complete darling! He even concocted a special drink menu inspired by the characters of Gossip Girl just for my party and extended Happy Hour! My fave by far was definitely the Chuck Bass-tard...seriously addictive and dangerous, maybe a bit too much like Chuck ;)

Erin as Blair:
Button Up Ruffle Blouse - Proenza Schouler for Target
Plaid Skirt - French Toast
Cross Snap Tie - French Toast
Argyle Socks - J.Crew
Plaid Headband - H&M
Patent Loafers - Cole Haan

Lani as Nelly Yuki:
Polo Tee Dress - Anna Sui
Glasses - Alain Milki
Leather Belt with Chain - Vintage
Flower Headband - Forever 21

Unfortunately I broke my camera a couple days before so I had to rely on the photo skills of friends! Here are just a few photo's from friends that posted first. Doesn't everyone look adorbs?

-xoxo

Nelly Yuki <3's Twinkle by Wenlan, We <3 Yin Chang

Another Fashion Week, another chance meeting with the lovely actress Yin Chang aka Nelly Yuki of Gossip Girl. Last time we met Yin, it was also at the Twinkle Show. In case you can't tell Yin is a huge fan of Twinkle by Wenlan! When I asked what who's super cute slightly nautical flapper dress she was wearing? Twinkle (naturally ^.~).

For more photo's from the show click here.

PS. Yin Chang is sooo adorable! When we spotted her we went over to say hello and noticed that she had her super cute family in tow^^ She was busy talking to people and taking some family photo's in between but when she noticed us she exclaimed, "Hi! I totally remember you girls from the last show!" So down to earth and friendly she proceeded to intro us to her family!

Lani
Black & gold blazer - Betsey Johnson
Gray tank - Park Vogel
Black long sleeve - Mossimo, Target worn under gray tank for warmth and work-appropriate neckline
Marigold yellow jeans - BDG, Urban Outfitters
Green bag - Gryson for Target
Black wingtip oxfords - Alexandre Herchcovitch x Melissa

Erin
Short Sleeve Cardigan - Twinkle by Wenlan
Rib Tank Top - SEED Organic
High Waist Tie Front Skirt - Cynthia Steffe
Star Necklace - Topshop
Double Fishnet Tights - Target
Patent Mary Janes - Delman
Black Leather Satchel - Botkier Vixen

Preview: Suzanna Dai Fall 2009

Antwerp Collection

Back in March, I posted an interview with up and coming jewelry designer, Suzie Gallehugh (of Suzanna Dai). She had told us that for Fall 2009 she was going to bring us "more neutral colors, but still with a lot of glitz". Just this week she launched her sophomore effort and I really love the results.

Antwerp Necklace on Blake Lively

My fave piece was actually one I saw on the designer herself a couple months ago. She had told me it was for her upcoming Fall line so I was super excited to see more! The necklace is from the Antwerp Collection, it's a bold piece but is full of intricate details from metal beadwork and delicate chains. If you think it looks a little familiar, perhaps you caught a glimpse it on Blake Lively during Gossip Girl!

I also thought that the baroque feeling I got from the St Petersburg collection would definitely make dark romance kind of statement! The satin cord, jet beading and mesh overlay make it fit for a modern day Czarina.

Finally, I also appreciated the fun tropical but earthy feel of the Amazonia collection which features real beetle wings!

Also important to note, Suzie also brought back my previous fave style the Monte Carlo, in a whole new variety of shades including amethyst, noir and bronze.

The Suzanna Dai collection is currently available at:
Bergdorf Goodman, Takashimaya, Sucre and Debut in New York;
Sassanova in Baltimore and Washington, DC
Fred Segal Rocks (Los Angeles)
Vermillion (Raleigh, NC)
Calypso stores nationwide

Prices start at $165 for earrings, $245 for cuffs and $365 for necklaces. For more info and to see more collections please visit SuzannaDai.com.

Anna Sui x Target Preview: Not all Gossip Girl?

Back in May, we reported that Anna Sui would be the next guest designer for Target's Designer Collaboration which will be hitting stores on September 13, 2009. Looks leaked onto the internet over the weekend for the Gossip Girl inspired collab of 19 looks.

While I agree some looks are definitely inspired by the show, others I can't quite understand or see the characters wearing. Perhaps as Nylon Mag reported today, perhaps some of these looks are actually inspired by Anna's past runway collections?

Blair - Love look 3 and I can totally see Blair rocking look 4 but look 5 comes off as a bit too matronly for Blair and look 2 is a bit too bohemian for Blair.

Serena - Definitely not enough cleav for Serena, love look 3 but can't see Serena in it, or in look 4, which is way too covered up, maybe she would wear it without the tee?

Vanessa - What's the deal with the puffer vest in look 1? Love look 2 and the blouse is cute in look 3. I'm not sure Vanessa would do the track jacket in look 4.

Jenny - Sure she's been kinda rocker girl grungesque on the show but look 4? Really??? Also, think look 2 is too boho for Jenny and look 5 doesn't really seem quite Jenny either. Perhaps it's the off the shoulder? Although the skirt shape might be her ;).

Next Target Designer? Anna Sui!

So after McQ, you may be wondering who's next for Target's Designer Collaboration, that features more established design talent. Well it's official, WWD just announced that Anna Sui is on board and will be launching in stores and Target.com on September 13, 2009.

Guess we're not the only ones who find Gossip Girl to be our guilty pleasure! Anna Sui has declared the 4 girls to be her "Muse" for the collaboration.


Sui tells WWD, “I have always been a fan of designer partnerships with mass retailers. I think it is a great way to bring fashion to everyone. I love Go International and was intrigued with Target’s new take on designer partnerships. It’s a fresh approach. I was able to select a muse or source of creative inspiration to focus the collection around. It is an exciting challenge to try and interpret my aesthetic into a mass-produced product with a specific inspirational source as the focus...I liked the idea of creating a collection reflective of each characters’ style, sensibility and unique approach to fashion. By combining the elements of art, city, spirit, punk and glamour, we created a collection that exudes New York City fashion.”

Sui used materials such as metallic jacquards, herringbone, silk and chiffon and detailing with tulle, lace and sequins.

Can't wait to see what's in store for us in September!

Twinkle by Wenlan - Fall 2009

So this is post is beyond long overdue, but as Fashion Week still carries on in the world, I thought maybe I could still share the experience with you.

The Twinkle by Wenlan Fall 2009 show was at Classic Car Club in Manhattan a couple weeks ago. After years of being in Bryant Park, designer Wenlan Chia decided to go off-site to create a full on experience. Curtains hid what was to come but the scene was set from the beginning.
As crowds amassed, we were greeted by lovely servers on roller skates distributing beautiful chocolates, champagne and wine. There was also popcorn being served from a little rolling cart. As Lani previously mentioned, Yin Chang from Gossip Girl was on the scene and seemed to be enjoying herself.

When the curtains finally opened, there were classic cars and old movies being projected on the wall. I am brought back to the 1950s and at a drive-in movie. I am witnessing a girl, going on her first date. At least that was the inspiration for hair and make-up via Gregory Arlt from M.A.C. and John Ruidant from Redken. The bold red lips were in line with what we've seen on other runways.

As for the clothes? Feminine, girlish but never stuffy. The clothes have a sense of relaxed ease that makes them totally wearable and understandable. The color palatte is generally in somber darks with mauve, navy, grey, taupe and black as the dominate color story. But touches of golden yellow and pops of turquoise help keep things light. Prints included Ombre effect/Dip Dye, winter florals and a brush stroke print. Chunky knits and plaids contrasted satins, chiffons and sheer layering knits.

The look on the far left is my favourite look of the show. I loved the intricate cascading pleating on the blouse and the skirt! The look on the right with the one shoulder is a little reminiscent of Alexander Wang's Combo Dress, but feminized and softened.

The runway gave way to a free for all photo snapping extravaganza as the models being posed around the 4 cars and we got to take an up close look at the clothing and the jewelry!

For most part, skirts were slightly voluminous and mini length. The pleat from trousers made a slight jodphur look that feels very now, a good alternative to those fearful of full on harem pants.

The chunky knit cocoon sweater was interesting.

But personally I preferred the off shoulder chunky (above) it looks so relaxed and easy. Tees and tanks only skimmed the body and were deftly tucked into trousers or skirts to create a slight blouson effect.

I also loved the plaid drapey neck coat on the right!

Twinkle is and has been consistently pretty, wearable and interesting with beautiful prints and an innovative mastery of chunky knits. I overheard a buyer raving about how much she loved everything and would have a hard time narrowing down her buy! I think I would have a hard time choosing too!

Spotted, Nelly Yuki

On Sunday, Erin and I went to the Twinkle by Wenlan FW09 presentation where we spotted Yin Chang, which some of you may know as Nelly Yuki on Gossip Girl.

Speaking of Gossip Girl, Gawker Stalker contributors are obviously fans of the show. Right now, 4 of the 25 most recent sightings are Gossip Girl cast members, including one of our favorites and friend Amanda Setton.

Pictures and a recap of the Twinkle presentation later this week!

Trend: Smooth as Velvet

Guilty pleasure; I love Gossip Girl. Aside from Blair, my favorite character has to be Chuck Bass. His love of purple, neck scarves and other dandy fashion never fail to amuse me. I guess I'm not the only one who loves Chuck Bass as nothing screams Chuck better than Velvet that the Fall 2009 runways were chock full of. While this won't be a look for everyone, I don't despise it, as long as the pants are a tailored fabric instead of velvet and other apparel is masculine sleek, I think it could work.

Left to Right: Roberto Cavalli, D&G, Dolce & Gabbana

Left to Right: Gianfranco Ferre, Giorgio Armani, Burberry