MJ's Behati: The New Stam?

A new Marc by Marc Jacobs tote bearing the name 'Lovely Behati' begs the question: Was it named after easygoing model Behati Prinsloo? Several designers have named bags after famous fans, celebrities, and model friends. The 'Stam' bag by Marc Jacobs has become a major hit, and was named after supermodel Jessica Stam. More of a school tote than a status symbol, the 'Lovely Behati' bag is found at nordstrom.com for $458.

Gap's European Adventure

I know I've expressed my love for the Gap, but I'm even more in love after viewing their European Collection. Classic, pretty, and unmistakably chic, they have imported some of their European designs in slightly more luxurious fabrics... cotton-cashmere blend anyone?

Photos: gap.com

Urban Outfitters bag? Soooo MJ

This fall, quilted bags continue their reign as one of the season's best accessories, updated in sleek patent leather. Marc Jacobs and Chanel, as well as several other designers, continue to make quilted bags that are coveted by the fashion set. But at prices upwards of $1000, they can be hard to get your hands on. It was with a sigh of relief that I found this adorable, yet sophisticated, quilted tote at Urban Outfitters' website for $38. It comes in four shades: ivory flat, periwinkle blue, potent grey, and patent berry; my favorites being the patents (grey and berry). The colors are a little deceiving (my berry one turned out to be more purple), but I like it all the same. And if tote bags aren't for you, check out the quilted barrel bag ($48) or the Gabrielle quilted clutch ($18).

Photo: No. 252 Diamond Quilted Tote at urbanoutfitters.com

September Fashion Mags Arrive

The best issue of the year for fashion magazines, September, is finally on newsstands. Vogue's cover features British trendsetter Sienna Miller, Harper's Bazaar has a smiling Kate Hudson, supermodel Sasha Pivovarova wears a pink gown on the cover of the U.K. Vogue, and Lindsay Lohan takes over Elle. For many of the issues (included Bazaar and Vogue) it's the biggest issue ever, and for Vogue that's huge (over 800 pages). Although you have to flip through endless ads, the magazines save the best articles and features for the major fall fashion issues, making the nuisance of getting to the actual magazine features all the better.

Hairspray!

Yesterday I saw "Hairspray" (the movie), and oh my goodness, it is fabulous! It was also incredibly hilarious, which I was not expecting. During "Without Love" I was crying and literally shaking with laughter. It was way better than I was expecting it to be... and I expected it to be great! To top off all the comedy and amazing music, the actors were all perfectly chosen. I can't imagine anyone else playing any of the parts. Four stars!

Doo.Ri for $6.97

Yesterday I was shopping at Gap (one of my favorite retail chains), when my mom pulled a familiar looking shirt out of the sale racks. I rushed over, practically hyperventilating, because she had found one of the limited edition CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund shirts by designer (and eventual winner of the award) Doo-Ri Chung. It was on sale for $6.97!!!! (after originally being sold for $68) The designer shirts were nearly sold out in one day on gap.com... which was disappointing, as I loved every one of the Rodarte shirts. The updated classics were also featured on the May 2007 cover of American Vogue, which was the World's Next Top Models issue and my personal favorite of all the Vogues I've ever read. (The one my mom bought was worn by fashion darling Agyness Deyn on the cover and is worn by Liya Kebede on the far left in the photo on the left) Needless to say, my mom scored a serious deal with that purchase.

Shirts by Thakoon Panichgul...

Gorgeous creations by the Mulleavy sisters, who design Rodarte

Photos: dexigner.com

Leather Jacket

I love the style of model's backstage or on the street, where they incorporate all the little tricks they've learned into their style. There are a few basics that they continually wear: skinny jeans, sophisticated flats, grandpa cardigans, lightweight tees... and then there's the perpetually cool leather jacket. I have fruitlessly searched for one on the cheap side, to no avail. At $656 this S.W.O.R.D. jacket at shopbop.com is hardly a bargain, but it should suffice for those who don't wake up for $10,000 a day.

Model Irina Lazareanu with Lily Donaldson, looking chic in her black leather bomber

Elena Melnik goes for contrast, pairing her edgy jacket with a sweet frock

Gemma Ward, backstage at Lanvin, goes for the unexpected, wearing her jacket with leggings and a pop of red

Also backstage at Lanvin, Daria Werbowy, the queen of model-tomboy style, holds on to her bomber while wearing a loose tee and chain necklace

A slew of models (Carmen Kass, Lily Donaldson, Freja Beha Erichsen, and Irina Lazareanu) pal around backstage at Karl Lagerfeld while showing off their unique takes on wearing the leather jacket.

Photos: shopbop.com, style.com

More Trousers!

This photo was part of the heavily advertised campaign for the boyfriend trouser... I just love the nonchalance required to wear them!
Nina Ricci's 2007/2008 resort collection featured a pair of tailored khakis...
For fall, Proenza Schouler showed several pairs of dark, baggy trousers.
Supermodel Caroline Trentini shows off her khakis backstage. Fabulous!

1st Photo: Gap campaign ad
All other photos: style.com

Boyfriend Trouser

I saw the Gap ads for the boyfriend trouser and I immediately loved the pants. After waiting for months for them to go down in price, they got lowered to $19.99 on gap.com and I just couldn't resist. After getting them, they are even better than I imagined! Wide-Leg jeans and trousers had a significant presence on Fall 2007 runways, too. The Gap version is a great casual alternative to the versions above, and can easily take you from summer dressing and into fall.

Surf Spray

I recently heard about Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray being a fabulous hair texturizer. I decided to give the product a try, so I went to a local salon and bought it for $20. I was a little hesitant to spend so much money on it, but after using it, I love it! It contains sea salt and other ocean-derived ingredients to achieve the "just back from the beach" look.

Photo: lilysapothecary.com