This weeks' Designer Q & A is with Kelli Delaney, Creative Director at Earl Jeans. 1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing? Jeans are functional and fashionable, they can be worn everywhere now from work to a sexy date.. The aging process of the indigo changes with every wash and wear and makes your jeans very personal. We fall in love with our favourite pair of jeans. Nothing can make you feel more sexy and confident than the right pair of jeans with the perfect fit and attitude. 2) Last time I counted there were over 200 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes your jeans stand out from the rest?  read more »

This week's Designer Q & A is with Jim Boldes, Owner and Technical Designer of Red Engine Jeans . 1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing? Denim is neutral, and a perfect foundation. Denim, at its best, is uncomplicated yet makes a statement. you get to choose the degree and impact of the statement based on personal choice. 2) Last time I counted there were over 50 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes your jeans stand out from the rest?  read more »

Two years ago when I bought my fitted Juicy black blazer with velvet lapels, I thought I was done with this staple. One good quality one is all I thought I'd need. But then this other black blazer popped up on the rack and it had gorgeous silk mini ruffles on the neck collar and black subtle pinstripes AND it was 70% off. I couldn't resist. Then this summer, there was this super fitted dark gray (with a hint of sparkle), 3/4 sleeved blazer with this to die for fancy double layered collar thing also on sale- I had to have it. So really, one can reasonably conclude that I've reached my quota for black blazers. For the record, I have had great mileages for all of them- so they were all completely worth it. Unfortunately recently, I find my eyes wandering again in the black blazer arena.......  read more »

This week's Designer Q & A is with Kate Eccles, Owner/Designer of Ruby London Denim . 1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing? Most versatile, workable, reliable garment, best investment for money in fashion terms and the key item in a wardrobe that remains fashionable season on season. 2) Last time I counted there were well over 100 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes your jeans stand out from the rest? RUBY is known for its great fits, quality denim, relablilty and for the tonal knot detail found on ruby back yokes and pockets, as well as key fashionable organic styles. 3) Who do you imagine is a typical customer? Hard to say we go from Lindsay Lohan to Joe Whiley. 4) Where do you get your inspiration from?  read more »

*Out of tragedy* After her brother's murder, Donatella Versace inherited his family fashion house. It was in trouble - and so was she. Jess Cartner-Morley hears how she turned both around *Jess Cartner-Morley * *Saturday February 9, 2008* *Guardian* The late Gianni Versace once said, "If I were to marry, I would look for a girl like Donatella." Four decades ago, when Gianni was a young man and his sister, eight years his junior, still in her early teens, he would drive Donatella, her hair already bleached blond and coiffed under his instruction, her outfit approved, to the only disco in Calabria, southern Italy, with their friends.  read more »

We all have safety nets in our wardrobe. These are items we collect because they are comfy, they are cheap and they often remind us of younger, happier and more fun days (come now, who doesn't get excited when the weather warms up enough for flip flops?). Problem is, many of these wardrobe safety nets are devoid of any style and often end up destroying the personal style we otherwise may possesses on a given day. How do you keep it easy, breezy, yet maintain your personal style? The Flip Flop Alternative Don't get me wrong, I love flip flops as much as the next gal. This weekend when grabbing a pair so I could play in the yard with my dog, I rifled through eight different pairs to find my beloved Reefs. I have stacked ones for longer pants, crocheted ones that are a tad dressier, aqua ones to match my bathing suit, ones that work well in wet conditions, ones that work with certain sun dresses or beach coverups in my closet. The thing is, flip flops are not real shoes. They don't look like real shoes, they don't wear like real shoes (any orthopedist will tell you they are terrible for your feet), they are often dirty, run-down and ruin the line of your silhouette. Flip flops are great for the beach, the pool, the casual cookout in your friend's backyard or putting around your own; but what does a gal grab when heading to the market, to work and other places where flip flops are just not a chic choice?  read more »

Image: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/surgirl/23cover-395.jpg nytimes *Part 1/2* ---Quote--- Movers & Shakers * The Patroness* Image: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/surgirl/23patron-600.jpg Matthias Vriens From left: The artists John Baldessari, Carsten Holler, Nathalie Djurberg and Thomas Demand; Prada?s Patrizio Bertelli and Miuccia Prada; the curator Germano Celant; the artist Francesco Vezzoli. By MICHAEL KIMMELMAN Published: March 23, 2008 *On* a gray afternoon in Milan, while models, electricians and seamstresses scrambled with last-minute preparations for that evening?s Prada show, several dozen elderly women attended Mass across town at Santa Maria Annunziata in Chiesa Rossa.  read more »

This week's Q & A is with Lou Doillon who has just designed a collection for Lee Cooper . 1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing? Jeans were made because a very practical reasons, because people were looking for something easy to wash, a fabric that could have cuffs rolled up and not fall (practical), and that technically didnt need any form maintenance. 2) Last time I counted there were over 50 brands of premium denim jeans, what makes your jeans stand out from the rest?  read more »

Hi Allie, I wanted to ask your opinion on something. I have a really difficult time buying pants, especially jeans. I have the flattest butt you will ever see in your life, however, my stomach is far from flat. I also have pretty skinny thighs. Most pants hang off my butt awkwardly and have lots of room in the thighs, and if I go a size smaller, they're too tight across my stomach and I get major rolls. Since sit-ups and squats aren't exactly my favorite, I'm not seeing my body shape change too much in the near future...Do you have any suggestions for brands that aren't made for girls with big booties?  read more »