Tom Ford's new venture

Tom Ford, known strictly as a staple name in the fashion world, is trying on a new hat - director. The designer has spent the last three years working on the script for the new flick, A Single Man, for which he is also the director. And, apparently he's not too shabby. The industry newbie won a slot in Venice's 66th Film Festival's Lion d'Or. The film follows the life of a gay English professor after his partner has died and included actors Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Matthew Goode and Lee Pace.

Graydon Carter and Tiger

In the January issue of Vanity Fair, Editor-in-Chief Graydon Carter's "Letter from the Editor" (a great dissection of Goldman Sachs as the bonus-hungry elephant on Wall Street) was coyly juxtaposed next to a full page Tiger Woods-endorsed ad...the mag obviously went to print before the scandal blow-up, but it's still pretty hilarious!

T by Alexander Wang on SALE!

FYI - The T Alex Wang Classic t with pocket is almost 50% off at Alexanderwang.com...I ordered one in charcoal and it just arrived today...love it! It is the softest tank with the perfect silhouette. I was feeling really guilty about spending full price ($74) so, for $44, it was a steal!

So Good!

I love the new installment of the Levi's "Go Forth" commericals...check it out!

Chinatown bust

Yesterday morning and the night before, NYC police did a surprise raid in Chinatown, shutting down more than 30 counterfeit vendors who were hawking knock-off goods from designers like Gucci, Chanel, Coach and Cartier. The bust is said to be spurred by the designers themselves who's products are being copied. WWD reported that in recent months Chinatown has been busier than ever with shoppers coming from all over the country to check out these faux designer goods. I have to admit, that when I first came to NYC a few years ago I did indulge in the knock-off craze but since then have seen all of the ways that it damages not only designer company revenues and prestige but it also is linked to economically supporting terrorist groups!

Tweet Tweet Tweet

Okay, so I'm slightly embarrassed to say this but I have joined the ranks of twitter (my roommate now aptly calls me a "twat") and because I obviously was way too excited to get life updates from designer demigod, Prabal Gurung, I saw that he tweeted that he wants Taylor Swift to open up his fall 2010 runway show: "Dear Santa May I make an early Xmas reqst? found out Taylor Swift is 5'11"Can she openmy Fall 2010 collctn? promise 2behave for a year xo PG," he tweeted. Excited to see if she acquiesces to his request!

Follow me on Twitter, I'm kikivonglinow

Eat, Pray, Love on the big screen

So, I know that everyone and their mother, sister, grandmother and dog has read this book but the hype isn't over. Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love is being turned into a silver screen flick and will star Julia Roberts and James Franco. Haven't heard anything about Roberts in a while and am excited to see her back on the marquis. Although, according to my mom, there's one problem: "Everyone knows that Elizabeth Gilbert is bright blond so unless Julia breaks out the bleach, I don't know if I'm going to buy it."

Elephants and Snowmen and Gucci, oh my!

Gucci has recently teamed up with author and illustrator Michael Roberts to guest design a collection of bags, key chains and coin purses from which 25% of the sales will go benefit UNICEF. Roberts, author of Snowman in Africa (also available on Gucci.com- 100% of proceeds from book sales will go to UNICEF), lent his colorful and child-like prints to a variety of products that seamlessly combine childhood fantasy and chic sophistication. If you've got the cash, these products would make great gifts that give back.

Happy Birthday to me! Kind of...

So, I'm not one to got too crazy with nail polish colors (lately I've been sticking with Essie's Chinchilly) but, I'm really into the Lippman Collection's new color, Happy Birthday. A fun mix of every color imaginable in varying shaped glitter, I feel like this would be an awesome look for New Year's. In the photo it's shown just by itself but try it over a neutral polish for a fuller look.

Posh designer - take three

Victoria Beckham, or as she'll always be cemented in my mind as Posh Spice, launched her new collection exclusively on Net-A-Porter today. A third-season-veteran designer, Beckham decided to give her line another go after her first collection, a denim line, was dropped by Saks Fifth Avenue. Rather than just sticking to denim, Beckham is diving into her own signiture looks including architecturally structured mini dresses as well as her staple cigarette slim denim. Beckham will also introduce a sunglass line - surprise surprise, I feel like I've never actully seen a photo of her without a pair of oversized shades. Hopefully third time's a charm!

Your favorite designers at your fingertips

When you're getting ready in the morning, do you ever feel like you have a little Karl Lagerfeld whispering in your ear, "go for the boxy tweed jacket today" or mini Ralph Lauren urging you to go with a classic denim trouser and gingham button down? Well, even if you don't (maybe that's just me), now you really can! Check out these "fashionable finger puppets" made by Rubbish. From John Galliano to Hamish Bowles, these style-gushing minis are hilarious and adorable...and would be a great gift for the fashionista with a sense of humor on your list.

Alber Elbaz - hononary mailman?

You know you've made it when the French postal service asks you to design their stamps. For the 120th anniversary of French fashion house, Lanvin, designer Alber Elbaz designed two different stamps that are illustrated with the colorful doodles for which he's known. Not that I'm not patriotic but this is what differentiates the ridiculously chic French from Americans. Even their postage stamps are fashionable!

Leather rosettes, I'm in heaven

How beautiful is this clutch?!? From Anthropologie, this buttery leather bag is the perfect topper to any holiday look. If I had $298 laying around, I would definitely snatch it up.

Hot head

The man can do no wrong...even when designing helmets? It's true and from the first time we saw them on Karl Lagerfeld's runways last spring, they have finally come to fruition and are available at Colette in Paris as well as other various specialty stores. These tough chapeaux range from $1,805 to $6,837 and include anything from mink to pearl detailing. This is a giant step for all of those fashion conscious motorcycle riders out there! Hey, if you can pull it off, more power to you!

Attack of the snuggie!!

AHHHHHHH! If you haven't seen the commercials for the Snuggie (aka. hideous blanket that you wear!) you must YouTube it now. And, it doesn't stop at hilarious commercials...Urban outfitters just came out with their own version of this monstrosity. They're calling it the Booty Buddy Blanket as if that makes it any better. And, it's selling for $68! Boycott all things Snuggie!

Suri in heels?

Not sure if this is cute or just kind of weird...three-year-old Suri Cruise in heels. What do you think?

A Bleak Black Friday

In my hometown of Chicago this past Friday after Thanksgiving, I ventured out of the house with my mom and sister armed with comfy shoes and a easy on-and-off jacket- ready for the crowds of Black Friday. A day that I usually dread, I don't get to see my family often so I thought I'd tag along on this shopping day from hell. But, to my surprise, the stores didn't seem any more crowded than usual. No home plate dives to snag that last pair of Chloe flats, (In your size!!) no cart bashing, no store employees herding the masses from door to dressing room to cash register. But, the herds of shoppers didn't seem to be absent because they had something better to be doing, but because the savings that most stores were offering really weren't anything to write home about. Apparel stores boasted sales of 15% off or buy one get one 30% off. We found ourselves in Best Buy later that afternoon, my dad dreaming about upgrading our huge cube TV to a sexy plasma, and the best deals they had were $50 off a $600 plus TV! It's a vicious cycle: retailers can't afford to give discounts and consumers can't afford the quasi-full prices. I've read a lot of blogs too saying that online discounts (free shipping, X% off) were way better than in store discounts on Black Friday- makes sense because online retailers don't have to pay rent!

Christian Lacroix in dire state

Although an investor seemed to have swooped in to save the 22-year-old staple Parisian brand, Christian Lacroix, it seems as though the deal fell through and the fashion house is once again on the verge of disappearing. Apparently it's going to take an investor with at least 100 million euros to save the company. Only eleven of the company's 120 employees will keep their jobs to work to pay off the debt that the fashion house owes. I hope that they can make some magic happen!

ZAC POSEN FOR TARGET!

On the heels of my last post, and constantly checking my online bank account to convince myself that I'll still have enough money for rent if I do go a little crazy at Target when the Rodarte line finally shows itself in store, I find out that Zac Posen is slated to follow Rodarte as Target's Spring 2010 guest designer! I've always given target the perfect bullseye but now they've really outdone themselves!

Rodarte for Target, thank you God!!

Pinch me please...Rodarte is doing a capsule line for Target, rejoice! The two designers behind the ridiculously chic and effortlessly cool namesake, Rodarte, are slated to launch their line for Target at select stores, December 20th. You know I will be first in line! From sweet lace and mesh dresses to hard-edge knits, I hope santa puts a few of these numbers under my tree.

Fashion Gone Rogue

A friend of mine just sent me the link to this amazing website, Fashion Gone Rogue, that compiles all of the best fashion editorial photography from all over the world. A great alternative to spending rent money on French Vogue...

I need your advice!

Check out this suede laser cut bootie at Target. Kind of steep at $99 but I'm really loving it...It's part of N.Y.L.A's capsule collection for the store. I emailed the link to my sister and her reply was less than enthusiastic- "a little too flower power." What do you think? A good addition to my collection?

A piece of the Plaza

Ever wanted to have a piece of the "Plaza" fame dangling around your neck? Well probably not exactly, but now you can anyway! Jewelry line, Lulu Frost, has come out with a line of the coolest necklaces as a part of her Plaza jewelry series that features actual room numbers hanging from a variety of necklaces, pins and bracelets. The designer, Lisa Salzer, was able to hunt down the blazoned Plaza Hotel original room numbers from an antiques collector in queens. A perfect way to have an iconic piece of the Plaza Hotel, the pieces range frmo $265 to $325. They're available for pre-order at NYC-based Kaight boutique. Snatch them up ladies!!

T by Alex Wang

Too boxy, too slim, too long, too rough- the search for the ultimate tee isn't an easy one. But, my love, Alex Wang has solved this epic conundrum with his line of T's. The most luxurious cotton, Wang designs each T with up the most care on how it will hang on the woman's body. I love the racer-back tank with the low back and draping arm holes. Only problem: I'm trying to somehow justify spending $75 on a tank. I'd wear it ALL the time though, right?

Dreams that you are on my feet...

Can you HAIR me?

I remember those days, not so fondly, when my mom begged me to ditch my grade school middle part for more "ladylike and sophisticated" side parted locks. So, imagine my delight when this season, the runways were riddled with middle-parted strutters who rocked this look in a totally fashion way. And, this school girl era look isn't the only bit of nostalgia walking the runways, the side braid also made a major comeback on the catwalk- a great way to mix the innocence of these childhood locks with the on-trend harshness of the season's rocker trends.

Viscious cycle

So, I finally ravaged through my closet to weed out all of the warm weather clothes (that will only make me sad to look at during the cold months ahead) and boxed them up. Yay, more space! Which now, only makes me want to go shopping. Viscious cycle.

Also, opened up a new pack of those Tide hanger pendants- breathe in, mmm.

Guess the White House is still fashionable after labour day...

It's official- Anna Wintour is moving up the ranks from Fashion god to silver screen starlet, to Obama's right hand muse. Wintour was just handpicked by Obama to be a part of the Committee on the Arts and Humanities. Women's Wear Daily reported that Wintour got in with this 'it' crowd by hosting a fund-raiser honoring Michelle Obama during Barack's campaign for presidency. Girl knows how to network!

Tell me about it, stud!

This season, we've seen enough studs to make us feel like instead of sitting front row at a Bryant Park, we're sitting on a stool at a biker bar next to a leather wearing, fringed, ponytail sporting, husky guy named Gus. Confession: I'm still totally into it. And, I've just started noticing the one accessory that I haven't seen all studded up, until now! Check out these studded babies pour tes mains!


3.1 Phillip Lim, $395, net-a-porter.com Givenchy, price upon request

The King of Fierce is back

Ladies (and gentlemen) hold your breath! The king of fierce is once again going to grace us with his fabulousness! Christian Siriano, Project Runway Alum, is going to be invading our homes once again on a weekly basis on his new documentary style Bravo TV spin-off. The designer will take us with him through the triumphs and tribulations of creating his Spring and Fall 2010 lines. The show is supposed to be The September Issue-esque as it really gets behind the scenes of what it takes to create a comprehensive collection and the inside scoop on where Siriano's inspiration for his wears comes from.

Do you think this is just Bravo grasping at its former Project Runway glory days or will you tune in?

Tisk Tisk Adam Lippes!

Adam Lippes is on my bad side. At a halloween bash, the designer told NY mag, "It's rare to find an intern- especially one from a fashion school- that has good style. Because they try so hard, and it never works!" Ouch. I cannot count myself among Lippes' interns (apparently he has more than 20 of them) but I can't believe he would say something like that about these young'uns who are working for him for FREE! I remember the days of putting my all into a somewhat thankless job without pay but I was never simultaneously criticized about my wardrobe! Dear Lippes interns: boycott!!

Versace hands out the pink slips- not of the variety you can wear

Versace Group just released a statement that they're going to cut 26% of their workers to hopefully turn a profit in 2011. The fashion house which claims to be opperating at a loss of $30 million in 2009 and hopes to just break even in 2010, said that by cutting more than a quarter of their work force, they hope to be crawling out of the red by 2011. I guess this means Donatella will have to cut back on her nip tuck visits...

Boy oh boy, Olsenboye!

The fashion and design gurus/mega-billionaries are at it again. In addition to their fashion cult Elizabeth & James line, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are launching a new, more affordable line for JCPenny called, Olsenboye. A hip, more youthful look, the collection is full of plaid button downs, loose fitting t-shirts and simple frocks. The duo will be at Washington Square Park today from 2:30 to 6:30 in their Olsenboye Brand Treat Trucks giving a sneak peak of their new line...go check it out!

Halloween is an excuse to go over-the-top high fashion!

I've never really been into the whole Halloween thing... Dressing up liking something hideous and terrifying or going the slutty nurse route has never been my thing. But, this year, I'm heading to a party at the Maritime Hotel in NYC where a costume is a must, unfortunately. But, good news, after stressing about not spending money on a ghoulish get-up for one night it hit me- rock star glam! With studs and spikes all the latest rage on the runways this fall, why not take this opportunity to really go over the top with the latest trends and go as a chic and cool black eye-lined, stud wearing rock star? A la Taylor Momsen's everyday look, I'll through on some black skinny jeans, a vintage band Tee or tank, loads of silver necklaces, and an arm of studded bracelets. And, maybe a few crayola tattoos to top it off...can't wait!

The World in Vogue: People, Parties, Places

If you're a fashion photography junkie like I am, you haven't had a really good fix in a while right? Well, say goodbye to the shakes because Vogue editors Alexandra Kotur and Hamish Bowles are releasing a new book, The World in Vogue: People, Parties, Places that pulls together some 300 of Vogues most iconic photographs. From Nicole Kidman to Michelle Obama, photographers including Leibovitz, Testino, Beaton and Weber all show off their aperture for the art.

Saucy Minx

Just heard about this new nail treament called Minx nails that I absolutely love. This new nail technique gives the choice of polished looking metal nails- silver, gold, pewter. Although a manicure could set you back $60-80, it lasts way longer than normal polish and looks flawless! Next time I have some extra cash (which will probably be the day after never) I'm definitely going to treat myself!

Faux paw?

So I've always been a huge animal lover. Hey, I was even the president of the Animal Rescue club in highschool. I was that girl who would spend her Saturday mornings at my local animal shelter cleaning up my fury friends' "mistakes." Flash forward five or so years and I'm out at a swanky lounge in NYC with my closest friends. I'm wearing black skinny jeans, a vintage Harvard tee, a handful of silver and gunmetal grey necklaces (in retrospect, probably one too many) and this red wool riding jacket/blazer with a fur collar. Not too shabby I think to myself until...A friend reaches over to pet my collar saying, "poor little guy." You can imagine how I lept to my feet saying, "this isn't real fur! This is totally faux! You would't think I'd wear real fur right?"

My reaction later got me thinking- the whole point of faux fur is to resemble the real deal right? So as a quasi animal "activist" is it just as wrong to fake it as to wear the real thing? I'm still torn and slightly biased due to the red culprit in my closet that I found after digging through the sale racks at Saks' outlet store. Is faux fur actually a faux paw?

My top 5 Fall Trend Picks

Give the cold shoulder:

A variety of designers are shifting the balance this season with one-shouldered frocks that will leave you with a chill.

Tell me about it stud:
Although you may not be one for Harley's and helmets, get in touch with your rebel side with studded vests, belts and bags.









Fancy a pattern?:
Mix and match patterns, fabrics and genres to your heart's content. This season its all about eclecticism. Sport your favorite grandma sweater with a liquid leather legging and a pair of loafers.













Ohh, the days of Light Bright:
From hot pink to citron green, neon is now! Pair a terrifyingly bright blouse with a pulled-tweed pencil skirt to achieve the look without going overboard.












All about le BF:
Whether its the boyfriend blazer or the boyfriend cut jean, over sized t-shirts and menswear details will keep you on par.

Leibovitz forced to sell rights to her photos

After photographer, Annie Leibovitz was outed on in the NYT for her gastronomic debts we all sat along for the ride as we watched what she was going to do next. The famed photographer who has snapped such iconic shots as those of John Lennon, Demi Moore, and the more recently controversial Miley Cyrus, was sued for $700,000 for failure to pay her bills. So, what's the most sought after photographer (in arguably the world) to do? Sell your rights to your photographs (a.k.a. your legacy). She recently received a lifetime acheivment award...let's hope she's still got plenty of black and white running through her veins for a few more iconic images.