it's been a while since i did a Designer Q & A , but this week it is back with a bang as I have been lucky enough to get an interview Larissa Noble, Creative Director at the brand that really kickstarted the whole premium denim industry - 7 For All Mankind . 1. Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing?  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 »

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This week's Designer Q & A is with the two Steves, first of all the founded Iron Army and now they have moved on to start another denim brand City of Others . 1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing?  read more »

This week's Designer Q&A is with Tadd Zarubica, founder of Denim Of Virtue . 1) Why do you think after 200 years jeans are still one of the most popular items of clothing? Firstly, jeans feel great as they are usually at least 98-100% cotton, secondly, they wear great for any occasion from cool to casual and thirdly, they reveal through time like the rings of a tree the adventures we've had... 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 »

Reader Amber writes:  read more »

I was recently asked to review a new line of bags called Jumeau that is being sold at bagsbuy.com . Jumeau is described by the company as, Jumeau [is] young and hip with a fun modish feel to it. They have four lines of bags under Jumeau : Institution Collection: Fusion between form and function. The Institution collection uses "NeauStop" next generation rip-stop fabric, wrinkle-free with soft exterior. NeauStop makes the bags in this collection virtually indestructible. ($75-$229 Retail) Now Collection: designs that are trendy, cutting edge, and progressive. Now is an ageless look for anyone who wants to be exciting and in fashion Now. ($55-$99 Retail) Commando Collection: a tough progressive series that goes beyond any limitation. These urban designs give functionality and style for those individuals that are on the go and mean business. The commando collection uses our proprietary and patented "Triple-Dense Nylon" - high density, Extra-strong, extra-light, durable nylon. ($75-$139 Retail) Green Collection: The green collection is the style of the future. Focusing on natural materials such as organic cotton, bamboo and natural dyes, this collection takes fashion to an Earth friendly sustainable level. ($75-$229 Retail) I received the Calder in the Cappuccino Color, and the Elon in the Neptune/Bark color combination; both bags are from the Institution collection. I chose these two bags because these bags are not my typical style for a day bag. I felt the Calder would be a great bag to tote around my books and papers for work and classes, and the Elon reminded me of a bag I have used for years as my tourist bag: can wear as a handbag or over the body, pickpocket-resistant, slim-line and durable. Both bags arrived quite quickly and were packaged with individual fabric dust bags (a very nice touch).  read more »

Hi Allie -
Do you think boots are appropriate for summer (like tan ones for summer) for casual wear, with skirts or shift dresses, or is it better to save them for cooler weather?
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Fashion-Forward and Funky; 2008 Jovani Prom Dress Collection Focuses on Current Trends The Jovani prom dress collection for the upcoming 2008 season focuses on its trademark elegance, with original prints, bold colors, and fresh designs. Are you the type who wants to show up to prom without looking like you choose your dress out of a tired prom catalogue?  read more »