Subject: Fashion Design

• Dogged Followers of Fashion

  Ever wonder why some fake fur feels so real?  The Associated Press has one explanation:  "An animal advocacy group says its investigation has turned up coats — some with designer labels, some at higher-end retailers — with fur from man's best friend." The Humane Society of the United States said it purchased coats from reputable outlets, such as upscale Nordstrom, with designer labels — Andrew Marc, Tommy Hilfiger, for example — and found them trimmed with fur f

  February 23, 2007

• Because You're Ugly: Valentino

  September 4, 2007

• Because You're Ugly: Isaac Mizrahi

  While he may or may not be the best talk show host on television, Isaac Mizrahi has been designing an exclusive, highly successful line for Target for years now—and like many other diffusion labels, such as Marc by Marc Jacobs, the more affordable also seems to be the most lucrative for Mizrahi. His popular line at Target has expanded from just women's clothing into home items, luggage and, most recently, bridal, which is offered now in an impressive price range of $9.99 - $159.99. Other h

  September 14, 2007

• Because You're Ugly: Vivienne Westwood

  With Vivienne Westwood, punk never died—it just grew up. Westwood's beginnings are in punk music and she pioneered punk style, first gaining notoriety when the Sex Pistols wore her clothing at their shows and appearances. Like the swallows, hearts and robots before it, the safety pin seems to be the next regurgitated trend gracing clothing and accessories everywhere—an obvious takeoff on the safety pin as fashion's punk roots. It's the logo of one of the best fashion/design blogs around,

  October 22, 2007

• Because You're Ugly: Fred Perry x Comme des Garçons

  Fred Perry's one of those timeless labels with all-encompassing designs that appeal to just about anyone. The label (endorsed by and named after the 1930s tennis star) first started out with white polo Ts, but after the mod kids picked up on it, the shirts with the familiar laurel logo soon became available in a rainbow of colors. With their classic, seemingly basic styles and tailored fits, Fred Perry is as popular as ever: dads love it (think of it as an English Ralph Lauren), and the modern

  November 1, 2007

• Because You're Ugly: TJ Maxx

  Nordstrom Rack and Loehmann's may have some new competition coming to town. As reported by today's Register, the Mission Viejo TJ Maxx location will begin carrying higher end designer labels at the end of the month. The designer label department, called the Runway, first began in 2006, with a current total of 43 locations with Runway departments. These select chain stores have just began to grace Southern California's presence, and now boast the likes of Prada, Valentino and D&G in their collec

  January 8, 2008

• Because You're Ugly: Really Expensive Book on Fashion

  Got an extra three grand lying around the house? How about spending it on the Vivienne Westwood Opus, one of the largest fashion books ever. The book, which costs a whopping $2,700, was published just this week (only 900 copies are available). It weighs in at 55 pounds and is filled with pictures of famous faces like Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Sir Bob Geldof, Jerry Hall and Helena Bonham Carter. The tome chronicles Westwood's fashion designs throughout her career and comes with nine different co

  February 13, 2008

• Because You're Ugly: Paul & Joe for Perrier

  February 14, 2008

• Because You're Ugly: Style Icon Cat Fight!

  According to the U.K.'s Telegraph, Giorgio Armani had some rather snappy things to say about Vogue editor Anna Wintour. During a press conference for the upcoming Metropolitan Museum of Art fashion exhibition "Superheroes," which the two are co-chairing, Armani said he could not understand why so many people dislike Wintour, claiming he was "indifferent" to her. The Telegraph article stated: Not content to leave it at that, Mr Armani detailed what he thought sparked this dislike, referring to

  February 22, 2008

• Because You're Ugly: The Look for Less. Kinda.

  The lady-like runways of Marc by Marc Jacobs' Spring 2008 show are finally showing up in your local mall—not in the department stores, but in stores often criticized (and praised) for designer knock-offs. If you liked the stewardess/Biba-like frocks in the MbMJ collection, then you'll be glad to know that ever reliable Forever 21 has stepped up with their take on the $338 Indigo Sweater Dress, with its notable contrast denim trim and patch pockets. The $29.80 tunic, pictured left, isn't any

  March 13, 2008

• Because You're Ugly: DSW

  Good news for all you bargain shoppers out there: DSW, short for Designer Shoe Warehouse, is opening a location inside the Metro Point shopping center adjacent to South Coast Plaza. While I've never had much luck at discount stores like DSW, there might be some prime selections during their grand opening. I've seen plenty of great kicks at DSW, ranging from Marc by Marc Jacobs and Prada to Miu Miu and Cole Haan—just usually not in my size. But I have girlfriends who tend to avoid the giant wa

  March 17, 2008

• Because You're Ugly: YSL Y-Mail

  June 10, 2008

• Because You're Ugly: Presidential Nominee Style

  Politics and pantsuits aside—the Obamas are even making their mark in the world of fashion. It's Milan Fashion Week and Donatella Versace has decided to dedicate her Spring/Summer 2009 collection to the U.S. Democratic nominee, citing that Obama was the "man of the moment." Versace, who took over the fashion house in 1998 after the murder of brother Gianni, went on to explain that the pieces were meant for a "relaxed man who doesn't need to flex muscles to show he has power." The collecti

  June 24, 2008

• Because You're Ugly: Rendez-Vous by Paul & Joe

  Diffusion lines have proven again and again to be the most lucrative for fashion designers. Marc Jacobs has his own collection but its the Marc by Marc Jacobs stuff, the $12 canvas tote bags and $20 costume jewelry that really rake it in. Vivienne Westwood recently did a line for Nine West here in the States. Proenza Schouler and Erin Fetherston worked with Target's GO International. Isaac Mizrahi's Target items fly off the shelves. Most women can only dream of owning Chloe stacked oxfords or a

  July 22, 2008

• Because You're Ugly: Blazers

  Good news for fall: It's safe to bring out all those blazers you bought in 2003—just don't pair them with designer "vintage" tees or band shirts anymore. While the classic fitted blazer is and always has been in style, the oversized blazer—think Denise Huxtable—is also back. Some even insist shoulder pads are cool again, but I still have my doubts. I'd suggest pairing oversized blazers with basic low-cut camis and keeping the bottom extremely tailored: Skinny jeans, a floaty dress, boots

  August 12, 2008

• What the Hell Happened?

  June 8, 2000

• Because You're Ugly: Discount Codes

  Alright, you last minute shoppers. With the holidays nearing and the economy slumping, storefronts are offering steeper discounts than ever. Here are some discount codes for a few favorite websites that I've rounded up for you. Remember to pick express shipping to ensure you receive your packages by Christmas. (Pictured left: the Soft Percy handbag by Marc by Marc Jacobs, $158 [$110.60 after discount!], available here in black, red and denim.) ShopBop.com -- ShopBop is the go-to destination for

  December 16, 2008

• [Trendzilla] Laughing Hardy-Har-Har All the Way to the Bank

  March 19, 2009

• 'Confessions of a Shopaholic' the Latest Cultural Relic to Be Adapted, But Why Now?

  February 12, 2009

• [Trendzilla] Chanel Jackets and Cheap Chic

  November 27, 2008

• Earth Tones

  August 28, 2008

• [Trendzilla] Oversized Blazers and Built by Wendy

  August 14, 2008

• [Trendzilla] Last Call for Gladiator Sandals

  May 1, 2008

• [Trendzilla] Make a Statement With a Bright Handbag

  April 17, 2008

• [Trendzilla] Expensive Kids' Clothes: Why?

  April 3, 2008

• [Trendzilla] Punky Brewster Flashback: Floral-Print Fashions Are In Again

  March 27, 2008

• Trendzilla

  Designer toys
  

  September 6, 2007

• Trendzilla

  "Anna Sui, is that you?"

  August 23, 2007

• Trendzilla

  Trend by Trendzilla

  August 9, 2007

• Trendzilla

  Think of the tunic

  June 7, 2007

• Trendzilla

  May 17, 2007

• Trendzilla

  Locating thing(s)

  April 12, 2007

• Trendzilla

  Trendy disposable stuff

  January 25, 2007

• Trendzilla

  Skinny boys in cardigans

  January 4, 2007

• Trendzilla

  Lose the leggings

  November 30, 2006

• Trendzilla

  Going mod. In a good way

  November 23, 2006

• Trendzilla!

  Swashbuckling!

  November 16, 2006

• Trendzilla

  Adult onesies?

  November 2, 2006

• Trendzilla

  One really good suit

  October 26, 2006

• Trendzilla

  September 28, 2006

• Trendzilla

  April 20, 2006

• Chic-ness and Light

  July 21, 2005

• You Are What You Read

  We help you figure out who that is

  April 28, 2005

• Arm Candy

  November 18, 2004

• Home is Where the Digital Heart Is

  April 15, 2004

• Designer Stories: E. C. Star

  April 26, 2001

• [Trendzilla] The 'It' Bag Returns

  July 16, 2009

• [Trendzilla] Gilt-y Pleasures on the Internet

  July 23, 2009

• 20th Annual High Tea and Fashion Show

  October 22, 2009

• Quickest Boob Job in the West: "Ready-to-Wear Breasts"

  ​Did you really think an email with the headline "Newest Trend in Fashion This Season . . . Ready-To-Wear Breasts" was going to escape the Devil's spawnin', snark-inducin', back-page escortin' Weekly? Surely, you jest. And stop calling yourself Shirley. Nope, you could have knocked us over with a feather tickler when we scanned local plastic surgeon Dr. Sid Mirrafati's missive promising, "Women can have READY-TO-WEAR BREASTS in just a few hours."Oh, do tell more, dear doctor . . .

  November 17, 2009