Luxist

The Rich Will Rescue Christmas

Tom Johansmeyer — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Apparel

It looks like luxury retail is getting ready for a comeback. Shoppers in enviable tax brackets are doing a better job of prying their wallets open, at least if you can believe their stock prices. Tiffany, Saks and Nordstrom all showed signs of progress heading into Black Friday, meaning that investors were willing to bet on the wealthy.

Dan Greenhaus, chief economic strategist at Miller Tabak, explained to USA Today, "We're resting our (upbeat outlook) on the upper-income consumer, who seems to be holding up pretty well." This group, he continued, "is where the vast majority of spending in this country is done."

Research firm Penn Schoen Berland weighed in with agreement: "Well-to-do Americans are feeling much less of a crunch." Households with incomes of greater than $70,000 a year, the firm found, planned to amp up their holiday spending by 27 percent this year. Those with incomes below $40,000 are cutting their holiday joy by 14 percent.

While the bargain hunters turn to the discount retailers, which are expected to do well this year, look for the higher-income consumers to spend more at places like Williams-Sonoma and other mid-range to upscale retail establishments.

So, with deeper pockets starting to open this year, it looks like the wealthy will turn last year's holiday bust around. A good holiday season for Saks shows that those with the bucks are starting to open up, and recoveries start at the top.

The Rich Will Rescue Christmas originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to Choose the Most Flattering Hat

Rigel Celeste — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Apparel

Adding a hat can make or break an ensemble, not to mention either flatter your face and highlight its best features or leave you looking decidedly unattractive. Finding the perfect hat for that perfect look your going for is much easier when you understand how to shop for your body and face shape.

Petite Frame Hats with a small brim, or no brim at all, usually compliment a petite frame by giving the illusion of height. Hats that are very large or have a wide brim can overpower a small person's appearance.

Tall Frame The taller the person the wider or larger the hat they can successfully wear. A hat with a brim that's too small can make a tall person look large and bulky.

The trick to finding a hat that compliments your face and head shape is balance. If your face is angular, go with a softer, rounder hat. If your face is full and round go with something more angular.

Square Face Hats with a full shape and a rounded crown will best flatter a square face.

Round Face Lengthen and balance a round face by wearing a hat with a structured, angled crown. Try one with an asymmetrical brim or wear a regular brim at a slight angle.

Oval Face People with an oval face can wear almost any hat style, just be sure it's proportionate to your frame and that the color suits your skin tone.

Heart Face Draw the eye upward by wearing a hat that's on the smaller side and sits up high on the head.

Other factors to consider...

Skin Tone Hats are worn close to your face so choose a color that flatters your skin tone.

Cheek bones A rule of thumb is that the crown of a hat should never be narrower than a person's cheek bones.

Comfort Perhaps the most important tip of all is to choose a hat that you feel comfortable and confident wearing, and that's appropriate for the occasion.

How to Choose the Most Flattering Hat originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Zappos Opens the Door to Its VIP Club, Four Days Only

Lisa Palladino — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Apparel, Handbags, Services, Cosmetics and Fragrance, Shoes, Men's Style

Shoe paradise Zappos is opening the doors to its VIP Club during a special four-day window from Black Friday, November 27, through Cyber Monday, November 30. Starting at 12:01 a.m. on Friday and lasting until midnight on Monday only, log onto to the special holiday VIP Club page and join for free, overnight shipping forever.

My love for Zappos has been documented on this site, plus all my friends and family know too. I am a hazard to my budget when I get within an inch of the site. But keep watching my posts on Luxist for more from Zappos, including great holiday gift ideas -- Zappos also carries bags, clothing, housewares, beauty items, and more -- a gift card giveaway, design contests, and more about its Couture section, which is what Luxist readers really care about, right?

Zappos Opens the Door to Its VIP Club, Four Days Only originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sculptz Legwear & Shapewear Makes NYC Debut

Lisa Palladino — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Apparel

Legwear and shapewear experts Sculptz made their NYC and U.S. debut earlier this month with an upscale cocktail party and display at The Glasshouses in Chelsea. What made this show special was that there was a mix of mannequins and live models, so you could really see how the products worked and ask the models questions about their outfits. Hosting the event were Sculptz president Jean P. Vernor and "tastemaker" and celebrity stylist Robert Verdi.

Scultptz, which makes products along the same line as that other shapewear company (beginning with an "S" and ending with an "x"), only less strangling, more affordable, more colorful, and more wearable, has been in business since 1974 and is headquartered in Philadelphia. All products are made in the U.S.A. I tried one of the products, and like the slogan says, it was so comfortable I did indeed forget I was wearing it. (When I tried that other brand, I wanted to pull it off as soon as I got in the door.)

The NYC event was titled "A Girl for All Seasons" and featured models dressed in Sculptz products, à la iconic '40s and '50s pinup girls, in displays that represented the four seasons. Another model walked the room and a sixth was in a classic evening display complete with faux fur rug and garter belt. (See the gallery.)

Sculptz products promise to "flatten the tummy, lift the rear, and slim the hips and thighs, while providing the freedom and confidence to wear everyday styles from day to night." The collection features shorts, sheers, tights, slips, body shapers, camis, bras, and briefs. There also are sexy thigh highs and pants-friendly trouser socks. New for fall 2009 are leggings and capris in lots of fun, autumnal colors as well as classics like red and black. All the colors feature clever names, too. Black is "A Girl's Best Friend," for example, while copper is "All Spiced Up" and white is "String of Pearls."

Sculptz prices range from $15 - $70. Products are available only online right now, although plans are in the works to be in retail stores soon. Sculptz also has sites in Britain and Canada.

Special for Luxist readers: Get 25% off Sculptz shapewear and legwear from Sunday, November 29, 2009, until Thursday, December 10, 2009. Just enter promo code B809 at Sculptz.com.

Gallery: Sculptz Legwear & Shapewear Makes NYC Debut

Sculptz Legwear & Shapewear Makes NYC Debut originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miss Feeney's Candy Cane Tie

Deidre Woollard — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Apparel, Holiday Guides, Men's Style

It's time for the annual reappearance of the Christmas tie, the holiday standard often seen at holiday parties and around the office this time of year. Miss Feeney's Finery takes this tradition and adds a little fun. The brand has a whole line of silk ties that are formal on the outside but flip over to reveal a vintage pinup illustration on the inside. Their Candy Cane tie features a pin-up girl dressed as Santa's helper. The crimson Candy Cane tie sells for $85. Check out their whole line of ties and a fedora or two on the Miss Feeney's website.

Miss Feeney's Candy Cane Tie originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Topshop Rents Out Celebrity Dresses For Good Causes

Deidre Woollard — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Apparel, Auctions

London fashionistas will have a chance to wear a celebrity's designer gown courtesy of Topshop. The brand has created the Dress Me Up Campaign which features designer dresses owned by stars like Kate Moss, Freida Pinto, Scarlett Johansson, Naomi Campbell and Dita Von Teese. Later dresses will be auctioned off with all proceeds from the rental fee and the auction going to Topshop's chosen charities Age Concern and Help the Aged.

Topshop Rents Out Celebrity Dresses For Good Causes originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Custom Eyes Makes the Eyeglasses You've Always Dreamed Of

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Apparel, Men's Style

We bet you didn't even know you dreamed of eyeglasses, but this will help you catch up. Lorgnettes were all the rage in the 19th century, Roosevelt made pince-nez Presidential, and that guy in Los Feliz with the monocle is a sight to behold. Nevertheless, over-the-ear eyeglass still haven't had their golden age centuries after they were invented. Nader Zadi's Custom Eyes, in New York's Upper East Side, could put a change to that.

If Saville Row is where you get your suits, Custom Eyes is where you go for vintage and bespoke glasses. For the classicist Custom Eyes has rimless and semi-rimless antique frames and components in white and yellow gold, some of them 200 years old, and full frames from the early 19th century. Should you insist on the unique, after selecting your frame and bridge preferences Zadi will take your measurements and handcraft a set of eyewear -- even the lenses are ground and shaped by hand -- that would make both Ben Franklin and Jackie O. jealous.

Before it comes to all that, you need to make an appointment -- you know how the highest fashion rolls, darling. However, he will come to your office, hotel, or West Wing if that's how you roll. And if you really want to play the period game, Zadi will be happy to design a lorgnette or a set of opera glasses. We can't say they will make Strindberg's The Stronger any more comprehensible, but you'll look dashing and timeless while you try to figure it out.

Custom Eyes Makes the Eyeglasses You've Always Dreamed Of originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michelle Obama's Naeem Khan Gown

Deidre Woollard — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:02:00 EST

Filed under: Apparel

Michelle Obama wowed the crowd at the first official Obama administration state dinner last night. To welcome Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, and his wife, Gursharan Kaur the first lady wore a gown by Indian-American designer Naeem Khan. The strapless gown was decorated with sterling silver sequins in a floral pattern on a nude silk chiffon dress. The Mrs. O website reports that it took three weeks of work by 40 people to create the dress. The work was done in Naeem Khan's family workshop in India. Mrs. Obama accessorized the dress with drop earrings and gold and diamond bangle bracelets.

Michelle Obama's Naeem Khan Gown originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gangster Chic Ties from Duncan Quinn

Jared Paul Stern — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Apparel, Men's Style

Duncan Quinn, the London-born, New York-based menswear designer whose Savile Row-with-a-twist togs are favored by the likes of Sean Combs, Entourage star Adrien Grenier, LeBron James and alt-rockers Green Day among others, has come out with a new line of silk ties sporting gangster chic motifs to complement his killer new fall collection we previewed here. The designs (above) are partially inspired by Russian prison tattoos - think Viggo Mortensen in Eastern Promises - and are made of 100% silk handwoven in England, cut, stitched and finished by hand in New York City. A lot of Quinn's inspiration comes from the "long and well-recorded history of members of the criminal fraternity frequenting Savile Row for their sharp suits and other attire," the designer notes - the ones played by Michael Caine at least.

Gangster Chic Ties from Duncan Quinn originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Ultimate Resource for Vintage Hermes Scarves

Deb West — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Apparel, Handbags

While the economic slump may still be in full bloom, and some people are rushing to invest in gold, others are buying tangible assets of a different kind. Artcurial, a French based auction house and the only one to dedicate two sales annually to the Hermes label, recently pulled in over 1 million dollars during their latest sale held on November 10, 2009. Some items, including a Birkin bag sold for above the estimate and even the original retail price.

If you don't want to have to wait until spring and the next auction, Luxury-scarves.com has the most comprehensive collection of vintage Hermes scarves on the market. The site is the brain child of an antiques dealer, who began collecting the "carres" while scouring markets and secondhand shops for his other business. What began as a personal collection over ten years ago really has developed into an incredible resource for collectors and fashionistas alike.

There are plenty of dealers who collect and sell Hermes items. What makes this site so unique is not only the size and scope of the collection but the manner in which it is organized. One can search for a scarf based on name, color, size, condition, material or designer. Once a chosen item is located five different views of the scarf are shown along with its name, who designed it, when the scarf was first produced, subsequent reissues and available colorways and materials. The condition and any other point of reference, for example if the item has an "S" stamp is also noted. The price of the scarf is listed in both euros and dollars. There is in fact an on-line database of over 1,000 scarves with photos to be used for research and non-commercial purposes.

Should you desperately want a vintage Hermes bag to complement your scarf feel free to browse the sister site Luxury-shops.com which features all types of vintage designer items including several new and used Birkin bags ranging in price from $10,000 to over $50,000 for one made of matte alligator.

Gallery: Vintage Hermes Scarves

The Ultimate Resource for Vintage Hermes Scarves originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Agent Provocateur's "Heloise" Corset, Not for the Delicate

Lisa Palladino — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Apparel

The "Heloise" underwire halter neck corset is part of Agent Provocateur's kinky new lingerie collection, Soirée. It's made of black ribbed duchess satin and lined in soft black leather, with a deep plunge neckline and hand-embellished biker studs. À la Scarlett O'Hara, this corset really will pull in the waist. The hips are "emphasized" (I'll say) with 2-inch metal spikes -- back view below. Not for the fainthearted or shy, or one who wishes to snuggle. $4,900

Gallery: Agent Provocateur's "Heloise" Corset

Agent Provocateur's "Heloise" Corset, Not for the Delicate originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Luxist Awards for Best Accessories

Carrie Coolidge — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Apparel, Jewelry, Timepieces

Do you know of a magnificent jewelry line with pieces that are to die for? Which is the finest watch line in the world? Which designer creates the the most exquisite leather goods line? Which department store or boutique is the premier destination for those in search of the highest of quality? Which clothing designer is fashion's finest? If you have opinions about who are the premier creators and carriers of the finest luxury goods there are to be had, we want to hear from you!

The Luxist Readers' Choice Awards for Best Accessories will be awarded based on your nominations and voting. We're currently seeking nominations for the best-of-breed in the following categories:

Best Jewelry Line
Best Watch Line
Best Leather Goods Line
Best Department Store or Boutique
Best Clothing Line

Submit your comments below about your favorite luxury goods and we will compile a list of those that are the most popular, along with related articles. One nomination per category, please. Submissions can be filed until December 15th, 2009.

The Luxist Awards for Best Accessories originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chanel Set To Open In Shanghai

Deb West — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Apparel, Handbags

Chanel is opening a new boutique in Shanghai on November 25. Peter Marino is the architect for the new space and was inspired by the Paris apartment of Mademoiselle Chanel. It is a fitting city for the famous couture house to unveil a new store as Shanghai is known as "the Paris of the East".

According to the architect, the idea was to give this new boutique a residential feel by combining hand picked art, antiques and other objects with a refined store decor. The fashion house has also commissioned original artwork by french artist, Jean-Michel Othoniel, to be displayed. The art of shopping is to be a subtle experience at this unique salon where customers enter the apartment-like space, can sit on sofas and have individual items brought to them as opposed to jostling elbows with other shoppers while browsing the merchandise. It is to be a different, more elegant, experience for the customer. Peter Marino is quoted "The result is comfort, quiet elegance, timelessness. The chic of Chanel."

Karl Lagerfeld has also designed exclusive products only to be sold in the Shanghai location to celebrate the stores opening. These include a classic quilted flap handbag with an inside signature "Shanghai Karl Lagerfeld", sling-back heels with a metallic CC logo, various items of clothing including a tweed jacket and skirt with gold trim.

The boutique has an excellent location in the newly opened The Peninsula hotel. The latest addition to the luxury travel market the Art Deco styled hotel has a terrific location on the Bund, the waterfront promenade in Shanghai.

Chanel Set To Open In Shanghai originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peter Nitz Zurich the Ultimate in Understated Bejeweled Handbags

Deb West — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Apparel, Jewelry

Peter Nitz creates unique leather goods that represent his own personal vision of what a sophisticated luxury aesthetic embodies. A former Assistant Director of Acquisitions at an auction house, Peter has a unique eye for quiet luxury and handcrafts each piece himself. He refined his abilities for two and a half years at the knee of a former Hermes craftsman, who he encountered on a weekend trip to Paris. During this time he mastered centuries-old techniques that, while demanding precision and patience, result in products that are truly refined.

Originally from South Carolina, Peter moved to Europe and traveled the globe in a quest to find the best producers of exotic skins, linen thread, hardware and other materials necessary to open his own atelier. Each bag is designed from an initial plan, but influenced by the specific exotic skin used, to produce a perfect union between design and material. Some of the bags feature vintage fine jewelry Peter acquires by scouring auction houses and private collectors, and each piece is one of a kind.

There are two main collections:
The Atelier collection, which include classic Peter Nitz designs, but can be special ordered in whichever skin and color a customer desires. This results in a truly bespoke bag that suits a clients specific needs.
The Masterpiece collection, which combines exquisite vintage fine jewelry with exotic skins resulting in a piece that is closer to art than a handbag.

Each piece comes in its own handmade leather-covered drawered box with a customized handle made from the same leather as the individual bag. Prices for the bags without jewels begin at $2,500 and can reach as high as $9,000 to $20,000 dollars depending on both the type of skin used and the value of the jewels that adorn the bag.

Gallery: Peter Nitz Bejeweled Handbags

Peter Nitz Zurich the Ultimate in Understated Bejeweled Handbags originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Victoria's Secret Fashion Show - A $3 Million Bra and some Crazy Photos

Annie Scott — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Apparel

Every year, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is crazier than the last. This year, at the Lexington Avenue Armory in New York City, we saw an array of outfits that were by equal turns beautiful and baffling. We love how Victoria's Secret always manages to dress the Angels in elaborate designs that sit just next to their bodies -- giant wings and capes that cover nothing ... you'll see what we mean in the gallery.

Pictured here is the most expensive item of the evening, the diamond-clad three million dollar bra, being caressed by Marisa Miller, who had the privilege of wearing it. Honestly, it's a bit of a yawn, but we'd feel cheated if they hadn't BeDiamonded something. What's really fun is the crazy pictures in the gallery. It's only once a year that models get to dress up like harlots from the future and it's like, a big honor. So check it out.

These outfits speak for themselves, but that didn't stop us. Why did we include some of the most awkward pictures? Because we're jealous. Enjoy.

Gallery: Crazy photos from the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show - A $3 Million Bra and some Crazy Photos originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cynthia Rowley Legwear is Hot

Annie Scott — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Apparel

Your dress may be an inexpensive LBD from a discount shop, but no one will notice if you're wearing fabulous designer tights.

This holiday season, times are (ugh) still tight, but the opulence and flashy glamour of the 20s and 30s speakeasy culture are in. The way to follow the trend without breaking the bank is to focus on your accessories: make them as eye-catching as you dare. Textures, dark jewel tones, and all things that sparkle are your friends, and we just love these Cynthia Rowley tights.

Also, as with other accessories, you can get them for a far more frugal price than, say, a Cynthia Rowley dress. The tights range from just $15 for Antique Dot Tights to $250 for the breathtaking Embellished Tights shown. It's a smart way to buy into a designer who might otherwise be out of your budget.

Now, go spend your money on presents!

Cynthia Rowley Legwear is Hot originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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James Bond Items on Offer in Pop Culture Auction

Jared Paul Stern — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Apparel, Auctions, Men's Style

Daniel Craig's aviator sunglasses designed by Tom Ford for last year's Quantum of Solace (above) are among a collection of James Bond items in Christie's London's Vintage Film Posters and Entertainment Memorabilia auction on Nov. 24. The shades, estimated at £1,000 - £1,500, are among the more modern 007 mementos in the sale, along with a poker table chair and barstool graced by Mr. Craig's derriere in 2006's Casino Royale, estimated at £1,000 - £1,500. On the vintage front there are some key items from 1974's The Man With the Golden Gun, such as a two-piece black silk evening suit made for Roger Moore for the film, offered at £3,000 - £5,000. Also from that film are the arch villain Scaramanga's custom triggers for the golden gun itself, made in the form of cufflinks which he used to assemble the lethal weapon, estimated at £2,000 - £3,000. On offer as well are a pair of black leather of Salvatore Ferragamo dress shoes worn by Moore in 1977's The Spy Who Loved Me, signed on the inside in gold ink along with a jocular note from the actor, for £800 - £1,200.

[via Duncan Quinn]

James Bond Items on Offer in Pop Culture Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Christian Siriano Creates Exclusive Online Store

Ariston Anderson — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Apparel

One of our favorite young designers is no stranger to fusion lines. Christian Siriano has teamed up with Payless to design several lines of edgy shoes and Victoria's Secret to create a line of makeup in Mediterranean hues. But now the star designer is bringing fashion to the public in a completely new way. In just another testimony to Siriano's business savvy and creativity, he recently released a line exclusively sold on his website, with six limited edition pieces all under $200. Now, finally fashionistas everywhere will have an opportunity to own their own authentic Christian Siriano piece. What makes the line truly luxurious, other than the delicate silk fabrics and gorgeous drapes, is that the line was inspired by his own Spring/Summer 2010 collection, which had models walking on water in seafaring colors and swaths of oceanic prints. By creating high-quality, affordable pieces taken from his same runway fabrications, Siriano is clearly out to revolutionize the fashion industry.

We spoke to Christian more about this in depth, and why he decided to incorporate these shapes. "The collection is very similar to my ready to wear collection," Siriano tells Luxist. "The fabrications are the same but the shapes are simple and very easy for women to piece into an existing wardrobe. Also these shapes are a limited collection and are not available anywhere else. Therefore the price is able to target the younger and fashionable Christian Siriano Fan."

Siriano says that he created the lower-priced collection for one reason alone: "We receive e-mails everyday, all day from fans who cannot afford anything over $200. It is my way to have my brand more accessible to women everywhere. That is the main goal at the end of the day, to have women wearing my clothes, feeling fabulous."

Our favorite piece is the Oceanic Scarf, a print taken straight from the runway, which is sure to add a fabulous pop to any monotone outfit this season. Check out the rest of the line in detail below. Click here to shop now, because these pieces won't last long.

Gallery: Christian Siriano Online Store

Christian Siriano Creates Exclusive Online Store originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche Design revives the iconic Yoko Ono Sunglasses

Noah Joseph — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Apparel, Celebrity Design

Back in her heyday, Yoko Ono was almost never seen without her shades on. And these were them: The original sunglasses from Porsche Design. She wore them on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, she wore them at press conferences, she wore them during recording sessions and when she was on vacation. She's still wearing them, even though they haven't been made in years. But now the German automaker's product design studio is bringing them back as the P'8479, complete with visible gold-tone screws and Beta-Titanium frame. Make no mistake about it, the 80s are back.

Gallery: Porsche Design P'8479 Yoko Ono sunglasses

Porsche Design revives the iconic Yoko Ono Sunglasses originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Luella Fashion Line Closing Up Shop

Deidre Woollard — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:02:00 EST

Filed under: Apparel

The talented Luella Bartley, anointed Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards in 2008, is the latest fashion victim of the recession. Her label, Luella, is being forced to close down following the loss of one of its main suppliers and has stopped trading. Last month Luella's Italian production company Carla Carini shut down which meant that the orders for the spring/summer 2010 collection could not be fulfilled. This started a chain reaction in which the company in charge of distribution, VSQ, announced it was withdrawing its backing.

Luella's punk-meets-pretty aesthetic has been much beloved by England's young and fashionable including Alexa Chung, Lily Allen and Pixie Geldof. Bartley launched Luella in 1999 and opened her flagship store on Mayfair's Brook Street in 2007. In a statement she said that she hopes the Luella girl aesthetic can go on in some form and is considering ways to keep the brand alive.

Luella Fashion Line Closing Up Shop originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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