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.

Hello dolly...

Check out these killer booties from (Shhhh) Forever 21...both under $33

Blogs I heart!

The Sartorialist - flawlessly chic photos of the real trendsetters. Check out an interview I did with the photographer, Scott Schuman, last fall.

NY Mag's The Cut - Fashion news you need

Elle's Shop Darling - My current place of employment, I'm probably biased

Perez Hilton - Hey, don't judge! How else will I be able to chime in on water cooler chatter?

Fashion Wire Daily - The nitty gritty dose of business of fashion

Nothing to wear?

More than ever, these past few weeks as we transition from summer to fall, I've walked into my closet with the hopeless feeling of having nothing to wear. Letting out groans as I enter this 4X5 space my clothes call home (seems small but in actuality is the reason why I chose my current apartment), my roommate responds with a "Nothing to wear?" I've been flipping through fashion mags trying to find inspiration but, it seems as though this season is so concentrated on the studded biker-chic look that if you don't have the key pieces you're S.O.L. Of course this is a lame excuse for any real problems that might be going on in my life, but for right now, I'll knowingly let it by my paramount annoyance.

Christie's Young Collectors party

I headed to Christie's Young Collectors party on Tuesday for a night of feeling totally insecure about my knowledge of the art world. A few glasses of Pinot later, pointing to what looked like pre-school finger paintings and quietly declaring to my friend that the aforementioned "painting" would look great in a kid's bathroom, I was nonetheless missing the point. Although, I never knew there was so much to learn about silverware. New piece of knowledge: if you ever stumble upon a Gorham spoon or salad fork at a garage sale, snatch it up and slap it on eBay!