Vera & David Walking Down the Aisle

I never thought I would see the day where Vera Wang would be sold at a retail chain store. Brides, hold onto your veils. Vera Wang is partnering up with David's Bridal in Spring 2011. If you've been dreaming of saying "I do" in a Vera Wang, then you know you have to tighten your purse strings, since her extraordinary gowns start anywhere from $3,000 on up. Well, now you can another choice to the menu because Vera Wang gowns at David's Bridal will range from $600-$1500. Buh-nanas! I know. So why the collabo? Vera Wang said in a statement, “With this new challenge, I hope to speak with a level of taste and authority that will resonate with brides everywhere...This association represents the next logical step for someone who has spent 20 years building a relevant and respected bridal brand.” (quote taken from FWD) While some people are against it, I think it's a smart move for her. With this economy, it pays to start thinking outside the box and branch into other money making opportunities. Why not make high-end more mainstream? The official name of the new collection is still unknown, but 20 designs are all set to hit stores next Spring. All the more reason, "You'll love David's Bridal"...

Get Involved: Ilya Peckerman Silent Auction 2010

I know Pamela and Michelle from BagTrends and they are just fab. So when I got this e-mail and invite, I had to help spread the word.

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Join the Peckerman family as we host a silent auction on May 3rd for the first annual Ilya Peckerman Fund Silent Auction in honor of our late father/husband, benefiting the Vasculitis Foundation.


You’ll have the chance to bid on fabulous items from Stuart Weitzman, Kooba, Coach, Swarovski, Rebecca Minkoff, Clara Kasavina, NFL, HP, and more, plus priceless experiences, beauty packages and more. Guests will enjoy wine, tequila and dessert.


WHAT: Ilya Peckerman Fund Silent Auction benefiting the Vasculitis Foundation

WHERE: The Gates, 290 8th Ave. btw 24th and 25th Street in NYC

WHEN: May 3rd, 2010 6pm – 9pm

RSVP: $36/ticket** (100% going to the Vasculitis foundation) Please click to RSVP: Ilya Peckerman Silent Auction to Benefit Vasculitis Foundation
**Why $36 for tickets? It’s double “chai” (18), and means “living” in Hebrew. Our father wore a “chai” charm around his neck and when he lived, he really LIVED. So, to life and let’s LIVE and honor Ilya Peckerman and help others afflicted with Vasculitis diseases live longer, healthier lives.

Want to RSVP another way?
Via Check: Make out to “Vasculitis Foundation” and in memo write “Ilya Peckerman Silent Auction 2010”; on separate paper list names of attendees and send to:
Pamela Pekerman c/o Silent Auction
2768 East 63rd Street
Brooklyn, NY 11234

About Vasculitis Disease
Vasculitis diseases, particularly the one Ilya Peckerman was afflicted with, are rare “orphan” diseases that need lots of attention and funding. There is no cure, no set idea as to why it starts, and no age/race/gender preferences.

Want more information on the Vasculitis Foundation? Click here.

Cesare Paciotti Sample Sale

Thanks to @MissMeanShoeCom, I heard there is a Cesare Paciotti sample sale going on next week! Here are the deets:

When: May 5-7 | 10a - 6p

Where: 12 West 57th St., suite 901, NYC

What's on Sale? Men & Women's shoes, bags and accessories 80% off.

Have a Denim Story? : Casting Call for ESSENCE magazine

Ok ladies, it's time to show off your jeanius!

ESSENCE Magazine is looking for African American ladies, 18 to 30 years old. We are casting a denim story for the following body types:
•Thick Thighs

•Thick Middle

•Slim with no Hips

•Petite and Curvy

•Full Hips and Thighs with a Small Waist

•Long Legs, Tall

•Slim with a Big Butt.

If you fit into one of these categories, wear your favorite pair of jeans and come to our office on Thursday April 29th, from 6 to 8pm. And be sure to bring a picture to leave behind.

Participants must be available to shoot in New York City on May 12th, for a one-day shoot. Must live in the NYC or surrounding area to be eligible for this casting.

More Casting Info:
When: Thursday, April 29th Time 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: ESSENCE Magazine 135 W. 50th Street, 4th floor
Ask for Raquel Boler.

Read more: Essence.com

Christian Siriano's Closet Confession

Thanks to Bluefly, we get a special peek into the fiercest closet around. And don't worry Christian, we won't hold the fact of you being from Annapolis and owning boat shoes against you. I had a pair of boat shoes back in the day too, and I'm from Brooklyn.

Check out the Closet Confessions series on Bluefly.com and see closets of the celebs you heart.

Show some iSkin: Silo Laptop Carriers

I am on the market for a new laptop, but when I do get one I definitely want an iSkin silo laptop carrier. They are just too chic for words. Technistas, you know how a laptop is an extension of you, so why not let the outside match the inside. These new carriers have personality, so I am sure you'll find one that coordinates. By the way, my personal fave is the Ami silo Slim (pictured left).

iSkin offers 3 distinct styles: silo Slim ($140), silo Tote ($145), silo Messenger ($150).

Ready to show your iSkin? Go to the iSkin Online Store.

Shoe Love Quickie: I died and went to VERSACE!

Real quick. I was perusing ShopStyle, looking at "Platforms" and when I got to page 20 of 319, I literally gasped. I swear my wallet needs to speak Versace.

These are hot off his runway. They are orange python, pink and tan leather boots with a cutout and peep-toe style.

I always go for shoes that make a statement. I like to leave onlookers with something to say. So you might not like them, but these are definitely "On My Radar", and "On the Agenda" to eventually buy.

Versace python cutout platform boots. $1,995. Net-a-porter.com 

Hey Dude! Take Care of Your Skin.

Guys, it is okay to have a proper grooming regimen. Your manhood is never in question when your medicine cabinet is stocked with personal hygiene. Believe me! I know there is a ton of products for us girls, but out of every 10 lines that pop up for us, you guys do get a really good one...so when that happens, I have to report it. Enter Hey Dude Skincare. Hey Dude Skincare ™ is a line of men’s skin care products designed to give today’s man the essential tools he needs to combat the natural effects of aging and external conditions on his face and body. Made from high quality organic ingredients like hyaluronic acid and essential nutrients, HDS products perform the most vital of functions to help a man protect, repair, and maintain his skin...functions that include moisturizing and cleansing deeply into the cellular level of a man’s facial skin. I know some of you guys are victims of not moisturizing...and yes, I do consider that a crime. So, in order to not get a fine, check out Hey Dude Skincare.

To clean up your complexion...shop for Hey Dude skincare here...Go Hey Dude!

BONUS: Enter to win Hey Dude Skincare's 4 Your Eyes Only!!!**

About 4 Your Eyes Only--
A unique eye cream that boasts a powerful combination of active ingredients designed to both moisturize and repair/protect the sensitive skin around the eyes. The eye area lacks the natural oils that appear elsewhere on the face. With continued use, 4 Your Eyes Only will reduce any dark circles and puffiness under the eyes, all while strengthening capillary walls.

What's inside?
Jojoba Oil Emollient

Apricot Kernel Oil Emollient - prevents evaporation and provides lubrication to the skin’s surface.

Squalane - A natural extract found in olive oil, boasting regenerative and moisturizing capabilities.

Arnica Montana - A dried flower used to treat bruising and to reduce swelling.

Vitamin K1 - Strengthens eye area’s capillary walls to lighten dark circles.

Oxido Reductases - Powerful anti-oxidant agent that helps to reduce oxidation; It also acts as a free radical scavenger.

Soy Peptide - Natural amino acid refines skin’s texture.

**How to Win: Let me know what's in your medicine cabinet! E-mail The Fashionisette with your name, city and state, what grooming products you currently use, and why you could use Hey Dude Skincare in your life.
Send your entries to thefashionisette@gmail.com. 1 winner will be chosen at random. Entries must be received by June 18, 2010 by 5:00pm (EST). Winner will be contacted via e-mail, so a valid e-mail address must be provided. Once contacted, winner must provide a valid shipping address for prize to be shipped.

Cocktails and Clothes: Allison Parris S/S 2010

For the first time since the founding of the company, the Allison Parris design room is opening their doors to the public.


Come out and enjoy champagne & shopping, meet the designer, and enter for a chance to win tickets to the exclusive Allison Parris New York Fashion Week Show this September.

When: May 19th & May 20th

Time: 3p - 9p

Location: 208 W. 29th St, ste. 505, NYC
Current season styles will be available for sale and the upcoming season’s merchandise will be on display for preview.

Please RSVP to rsvp@allisonparris.com.

Just Reading: NY Times - "For the Sweet-Toothed, Cocktails and Cake"

My weekly ritual is to scan The New York Times online and see what's going on in the Fashion & Style section. Natch, when I saw the article, For the Sweet-Toothed, Cocktails and Cake, I had to click on it to read more. It's about this new hot spot called, Red Velvet Lounge, and it is definitely "On My Agenda" to check it out. Apparently, they have liquor-laced cupcakes and larger than life paintings of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI. Btw, Baked by Melissa teamed up with the lounge to make the cupcakes...and if you ever had one, you know how sinfully delicious and addictive they are. To echo Marie Antoinette, "let them eat cake..."

Need to know more about Red Velvet Lounge? Keep on reading here: Cocktails and Cupcakes

Team Cacique or Team Network: Lane Bryant Commercial

If you haven't heard yet, FOX and ABC banned the latest Lane Bryant commercial that was scheduled to air during Dancing with the Stars and American Idol. The TV stations said that the commercial was a little too provacative to air and would only play the commercial if they were allowed to edit it. I saw the commercial on The Wendy Williams Show, and couldn't believe that we are even discussing this. There is nothing wrong with this commercial, no more than what Victoria's Secret shows on a regular basis. I hate to say it, but this is pure weight discrimination...and as a fuller-figure gal myself, I am offended that the TV stations thought it was too much. I guess it's okay for smaller girls to show off, but regular sexy women must hide. The model, Ashley Graham, looks ah-mazing in this ad, and she showed no more than the Playtex commercials. I think we need to see the full spectrum of body sizes and shapes on TV, since body types are not cookie-cutter. I am on TEAM CACIQUE

Here is the commercial...



What do you think? Was FOX and ABC right to ban it?

See what Inside Curve (the blog of Lane Bryant) has to say...Inside Curve

On My Radar: CONTRARIAN S/S 2010

So I love being a fashion blogger because I get introduced to collections I would otherwise not come across. (A personal Thank You to Deanna!) When I opened my e-mail and saw everyone's country sweetheart star, Taylor Swift in a cute (and sexy) lavendar dress at a concert, natch the collection intrigued me. The "Bibb" dress she is wearing (pictured left) is by CONTRARIAN, a new collection by designers Alexis Laken and Barbara Laken. Get this, they are a mother-daughter duo. Don't you love when fashion DNA is passed down? The collection was officially launched Spring 2010, c'est tres nouveau. Already their line has caught the eye of Drew Barrymore and Rihanna. Normally, the age gap between mom and daughter causes a rift, but Alexis and Barbara seamlessly come together for the greater fashion good. They take the quality and wit of French Couture and the edginess and cool esthetic found in downtown street style, and voila! You get Contrarian. The collection is made in NYC and will be sold at specialty boutiques nationwide that include Koros, Sarca, Legends, Pixie, Harajuku, She Boutique, and more.

Take a look at their S/S 2010 collection and see why they are opposite of the fashion majority:

                

Pictured from left to right:

1. Colette Dress

2. Full back trench.

    Extended sleeve t-shirt with limited edition Mark Squires print.

    Baggy cuff pant.

3. Two way cape.

4. Kimono cardigan. (my personal fave!)

5. Adjustable bottom dress.

6. Waisted shirt dress.

7. Cropped oversized hoodie.

    Bandless skinny pant.

8. Extended sleeve t-shirt with limited edition Mark Squires print.

    Mesh mini-skirt with tap short.

9. Extended sleeve t-shirt.

    Mid-length full-skirt.

Manolo Blahnik "Secret" Sample Sale

Ladies, ladies. I am a woman on a serious shoe mission, and believe me, you are going to want to accept it too. Manolo Blahnik is having a secret Sample Sale and guess who's playing emcee: Andre Leon Talley. Yes!! This is going to be, as Rachel Zoe would say, "Mah-jor!"

Here are the deets I have so far...
When: Thursday, April 29th

Where: Warwick Hotel | 54th Street & 6th Avenue

Time: It is open to the Press and VIPs from 9 - 11am. Afterwards it's open to the Public.

Last year's sale, Manolo lovers were able to score shoes for $100. So on your mark, get ready...

Go Green: HAPPY EARTH DAY 2010

See what you can do to make a difference

http://www.earthday.org/

Celebrate Earth Day at H&M

Donate Clothes for Kids

Receive 20% off your next kids purchase when you donate your gently worn children’s clothes at our kids department. Valid April 22-28, 2010 in select stores.

Spring Sample Sale!

Thanks Lacee for the sale scoop!

On The Tele: Glee

Okay. I have never watched an episode of Glee before, but last night I just had to finally watch and see what all the talk was about. I loved last night's episode which covered Madonna songs. I had a Glee Attack and I think I am officially a Gleek. I feel like the show is The Office meets Fame. The writers are just genius! (Btw, love how the cheerleaders are called Cheerios)


If you missed The Power of Madonna episode of Glee, here are some quotes that had me LOL:

"You don't deserve the power of Madonna."

"WWMD. What Would Madonna Do?"

"Somewhere on the English countryside, in a stately manor, Madonna is weeping."

Mind Loop: Telephone by Lady Gaga f/t Beyonce

Once you kill a cow, you gotta make a burger.

Beat the Heat with LUXE by Lisa Vogel

Your cheat sheet to LUXE by Lisa Vogel

It's that time ladies. While my body is nowhere near beach ready, you might be ahead of the game. LUXE by Lisa Vogel is a new, modern, high-fashion inspired swimwear collection designed by Lisa Vogel (a swimwear expert). Featuring everything from a one-piece to a maxi-dress, the collection has all the 4 requirements we look for when we want to be island chic: fit, quality, detail, and support. With a rich palette, bold colors, and figure flattering styles, the 2010 collection definitely puts you in the resort frame of mind.

 

You can purchase the collection at SwimSpot. (Price range: $104 - $165)

Payless for Christian Siriano

I cannot wait for Christian Siriano F/W 2010 Collection to hit Payless! His collection is definitely shoe-tastic. And I hear the prices will fall $50 and under. I am there. The collection is due to hit Payless stores and on Payless.com beginning this September.

You can see more the looks here: http://paylessontherunway.com/2010fallcollection_cs.html

   

Desert Glam!

New Hotel: Checking in to Fashion26

I just found out that there is a new hotel in the Fashion District. I am seriously getting ready to book a room at the new Fashion 26 - Wyndham Hotel. It's steps away from FIT, so be prepared to see photos and designs from the students. This 280 guestroom hotel recently opened its doors this Spring 2010. The artwork and design of the hotel was inspired by the garment district. Guests can dine at Rare Bar & Grill, located in the lobby, which is more than your average burger joint. My bags are already halfway packed...since I am just a hop, skip, and Prada jump away.

Want to book a room? Fashion 26 - Wyndham Hotel
Located @ 152 West 26th Street & 7th Avenue, NYC

Beauty: You've got to be seen Green

Earth Day 2010 is April 22nd!

And you can do your part, and look beautiful while doing it. DermStore.com is launching a Natural and Organic section (with over 4,000 products!) and donating a portion of the proceeds from sales to the Earth Day Network.

Green is a shade we all look good in.

Screen Saver: The many faces of Tyra

Now you can learn how to "smize" and "be on top" of your model game. It gives you something to do in your cubicle/office, or at home. I totally have this photo as my desktop background. (Yes, I secretly practice.)

Socialite-ing!: Samantha House Spring Trunk Show Event

Get to know her line at Hayden-Harnett.