Photo courtesy of WWD.com

• Say what you will about Michael Jackson during the last few years of his life — and with the baby-dangling-out-the-window behavior, bad plastic surgery and child molestation allegations, a lot has been said — but it takes a certain kind of star to turn a single sequined glove into a cultural symbol. WWD.com
• Cheap Chic Weddings just declared a winner of their toilet-paper wedding dress contest. The grand prize went to Ann Kagawa Lee of Honolulu, who made this spectacular confection from nothing more than toilet paper, tape, and glue. NYMag.com
• This is a really interesting shoot..I’m not the biggest fan, she’s got a great body though. Popgloss.com

Photo courtesy of PerezHilton.com

• Our guest blogger today is the designer and blonde’s blonde, Donatella Versace. Versace is in town briefly to host tomorrow’s official opening of Art Unites, an initiative created in collaboration with the Whitney’s education department. NYTimes.com
• The Project Runway Season 5 winner Leanne Marshall for Bluefly collection and today the official images are released. The range include dresses, jackets, skirts, pants and tops made of eco-friendly fabrics except for the gown. Nitrolicious.com
• I’m going to star covering a bit of the fashion (fans and bands) from the 2009 Vans Warped Tour, that started over the weekend in California and is now stationed in New Mexico. See how they’re dressing, and plan what you’ll wear when Warped heads to your city! FashionIndie.com

Photo courtesy of FashionIndie.com

While neutrals are present in many Resort collections, I must respectfully look the other way. Nothing against the hues, but as you ladies know, I’m just not a neutral kind of girl.

This resort reprt is all about color and  here are some of my top selections from the trends this year.

Best of Resort #1: Candy Colors

Sonia Rykiel shorts (Mimosa, anyone?)

Prada Clutch:

Ralph Lauren Collection dress:

Best of Resort #2: Turquoise

Oscar de la Renta:

‘

Chanel (of course) and a Frette towel:

Roberto Cavalli Ring:

Best of Resort #3: Navy and Gold

French Connection top:

Miu Miu Sunglasses:

Proenza Schouler sandal (so hot):

So those are some of my top pieces, but what about complete collections?

A savvy fashionista from NY divulges her top designers, which I must respect and agree with her insider opinion: “[My] three favorite collections shown at New York during Resort 2009 fashion week dazzled me with their lovely, feminine sophistication note. First of all I love their chromatic palettes: white and off-white, grey, rose, crimson red, midnight blue, navy and black and the subtle refinement of the delicate details: ruffles, draping and other embellishments. These are clothes to keep in your wardrobe forever and not just for one holiday.

Carolina Herrera, recently granted with Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award at CFDA, brought out an impeccable chic collection, as always, though with a cheerful, breezy note, perfect for resort: orchid print, wide-leg fluid trousers, sheath dresses with delicate frills, long gowns with bold prints…simply stunning.

Carolina Herrera Resort 2009

Donna Karan showed a romantic resort collection that included delicate pieces in soft makeup colors – blushes, pinks and nudes – emphasized by deep black. Soft fabrics and different textures are cut into gently bubbled silhouettes. Draping or feminine embellishments such as bows add a lot of chic appeal while those breathtaking one-shouldered draped gowns in jersey and silk make you wish a never-ending holiday.

Donna Karan Resort 2009

Zac Posen’s resort collection is just as lovely and chic and, most of all, very wide-range reaching all sort of sartorial needs that might occur during vacation time. Cocktail dresses with floral prints for outdoor parties, crisp tennis whites for smart looks, loose garments for strolls on a beach and even short dance frocks or Grecian evening gowns.”

Zac Posen Resort 2009

While I won’t be sporting these looks at the lake on this holiday, maybe some of you will at more glamorous locations. These Resort picks are styles that will keep you on the edge of fashion whether you are in the Hamptons, on the beach or staying haute in the City.

XOXO

Over time, I grew to learn that other people were not quite so obssessed with Michael Jackson as I was. I remember in elementary school having to defend his honor as many of the other white kids would say that he was gay and other such things. I didn’t care how far he went in going from looking like a black man to a white woman, as far as I was concerned, Michael Jackson was the coolest human being to have ever walked the planet. When Dangerous came out, I was similarly obssessed. I quickly memorized every song and would sing them all, constantly. When there were accusations of child molestation, I defended. I still defend. I still don’t believe he did it. The more I’ve learned about his difficult childhood, the more I’ve sympathized with MJ. And as I’ve grown, I see that, regardless of status, wealth, fame, power, and the like, people are people, and we’re all basically the same and face many of the same struggles. I think he has been greatly misunderstood and badly exploited by various people and groups of people.

I am now a musician, myself, and while I may not owe a lot to Jackson, stylistically, he very much kept me interested in music, and without that, I might not be the musician I am today. I wouldn’t describe his music or career as one that changed the landscape of music, but it certainly was influential on plenty of people. When my childhood wasn’t what I needed it to be and my parents and others failed to be the type of guardians and guides I needed, there were times when music and the career of this man were very helpful to me. I grew to love the music of Stevie Wonder in high school and college. Then, it was Mos Def and Herbie Hancock and various others. Now, I listen for anything that sounds like nothing I’ve ever heard before, but I can still sing you every word of “Rock With You” or “The Way You Make Me Feel”. The Backstreet Boys or even Usher or Ginuwine were never musicians that I was very much interested in and any interest in any song of theirs would’ve come with some amount of shame, but even though Michael Jackson was merely the king of pop, I’m going to be looking for any posthumous work, and just like every album before that no one expected to be worthy of any note, I’ll surely memorize the entire thing and defend it for as long as I can. Michael Jackson was my first hero and most influential on me and, for the poor judgement he may have often shown, for the lack of mind-altering music he may have made, for having shown a nack for acting in a manner that caused so many to think him quite a freak, he will be sorely missed and I’m sad that we won’t be getting more of his otherwordly talent on display. R.I.P. King of Pop.

I’ve got a dear friend’s birthday coming and up and I’m at a loss as to what to gift her. She is a girlie girl, statuesque and always in vogue. Sounds easy right? Well, she is also has it all and claims she doesn’t want a thing. What to do? –Gifting Goddess

Dear GG,

When you say your statuesque friend has it all, do you mean a closet full of designer duds, a dream job, and a hot boyfriend on the side? If so, I’m a bit too envious to offer any advice, so take hers and don’t get her a thing. JUST KIDDING!

I too have found myself scouring my fave department stores and boutiques in search of the perfect present, only to come up short. However, after years of buying gifts for my besties, I’ve noticed that jewelry is always a hit. Every girly girl loves a new addition to her collection of accessories. Plus, taking the time to find something you know she’ll adore is thoughtful nod to your friendship, and she’ll think of her super-stylish gal pal (i.e. you!) every time she wears it.

Antique jewelry is making its way onto shelves everywhere this season. A big cuff, pair of drop earrings, or even a vintage-esque barrette are timeless pieces she’ll wear forever. Don’t be afraid to check out off-the radar antique shops or even a consignment boutique—they usually house a great collection of to-die-for jewels you won’t find anywhere else.

And if you haven’t already, you must take a peek at Gina Cartwright’s Charmed Circle collection. Her bracelets, necklaces, and charms are in a word … adorable! Inspired by treasured moments spent with her family, each piece is handcrafted by Cartwright, whose love of jewelry is matched by her passion for gift-giving. I’m a huge fan of the “Words to Live By Bangles,” engraved with quotes from Ghandi and Coco Chanel. The chandelier charm is equally chic, and can be worn on a charm bracelet or necklace. Both come in sterling silver and gold-plated sterling silver, which is perfect since many ladies (myself included!) have strong feelings about their signature metal. (I’m a silver girl in case you were wondering.)

You can see (and shop!) the entire Charmed Circle collection Online.  Don’t be afraid to send the link out in an Email blast when your birthday rolls around!

Photo Courtesty of PopSugar.com - Cameron Diaz

Click and flash. Movie premiers have always been a great source for whats hot in fashion and what’s not. Some celebs get red carpet fashion right all the time such as SJP, Julia Roberts, and Reese Witherspoon. But others tend to miss the mark. That’s why when other stars strut their stuff on the red carpet and impress me, I have to applaud them and their stylists. Time and time again Cameron Diaz has not disappointed me this year, so it doesn’t surprise me that she hit another home run with her fabulous choice of a J. Mendel asymmetrical white dress to the premier of her new movie My Sister’s Keeper. This dress’s lines and intricate pleats are so gorgeous and for some reason slightly remind me of Project Runway Leanne Marshall’s winning designs. Cameron’s look is an iconic summer dress for outings that can be worn in a variety of ways. Her signature bright red lipstick, makes her features pop and compliment the dress petal design.

Photo Courtesty of PopSugar.com - Sofia Vassilieva

On the other hand, Cameron Diaz’s co-star Sofia Vassilieva wore a strapless metallic silver dress that matched her modern attire. Styled by George Kotsiopoulos, Sofia looked quite edgy and stunning in her modified D&G dress paired with Brian Atwood heels. Both Cameron and Sofia’s looks are sleek, modern, yet pleasantly detailed and embellished for one-of-a-kind red carpet looks. Im so proud to see Sofia styled and glamed up, as she is definitely differentiating herself from her casual teenager role on Medium. Both Sofia and Cameron got their Hollywood celebrity fashion styles right at the NYC premier and shine even more in their new movie.  We hope to see their ensembles encourage you to style your own modern look for your next event.

So, check out the fashion widget to find a variety of looks inspired by both the J.Mendel and D&G designs to get your summer party dress whether you are on or off the red carpet.

Earthy  yet ethereal. Rough yet fluid.  Organic yet geologic. Teresa Robinsons’s stone&honey line is a study in the beauty of opposites. The year-old collection features thin slices of variegated agate—oceanic blues, woodland greens, desert umbers– -overlaid with geometric tracings in silver or gold. The pendants are bold enough to take center stage, yet airy enough to be just right for summer’s bare necklines. Robinson also offers pendants of unadorned (but not plain!) slivers of agate,  delicate slices of amethyst, and her handcrafted honeycombs and pinwheels . If flora and fauna are more your thing, then check out smallthings, Robinson’s premiere line, offering charming cameos,  earrings, and other adornments in a variety of wonderfully wee shapes inspired—according to the designer— by “stuff that I think is cute.” Read on to find out what else is on Teresa Robinson’s mind these days.

Oligoville: I know you have two brands–how are they different from each other, and what do you think sets them apart from your competition?

Teresa Robinson: smallthings was my first line, which i started about seven years ago.  All of the smallthings work is much more delicate than stone&honey, and very image based.  Most of the the work in the smallthings line consists of hand cut images layered over stained glass, with a major focus on natural imagery: birds, flowers, and insects.

I started stone&honey as a side project about a year ago really. I got a little bored in the studio one day and started fooling around with agates and abstract images.  It was sort of one of those things that was just weird enough to work!  So the stone&honey work is much more modern and organic, and I have a lot more freedom to take it in new directions.

Oligoville: How did your career or interest in design begin?

Teresa: While i was getting my art degree in college, I took six months off to study in Mexico.  The plan was to live there, learn Spanish, and paint.  I took a jewelry design class on a whim, and I was hooked.  For the next six months I spent far more time in the jewelry studio than painting, and worked with a great group of people down there.  When I returned to school we didn’t have a jewelry program, so I finished up my studio art degree and went on my merry way to Portland, Oregon.  After a couple years though, I was still thinking about jewelry, so i got myself a torch, pulled out my silver scraps from Mexico, and got to work!  I started selling work at a couple of local shops on consignment, and quickly realized that I would much rather be making jewelry than schlepping through my day job. So I threw caution to the wind, got a proper studio, quit my job, and that was that!

Oligoville: What’s your design inspiration?

Teresa: smallthings  is really inspired by the natural world around us every day and–to be honest–stuff that i think is cute! stone&honey is much more ethereal, I think.  The stones and imagery still feel really nature-based, but with a more modern bent.  I like the idea of repeating patterns, and the contrast between crisp linear metal and the more rough natural stones.

Oligoville: Describe a typical day for you.

Lately, my days are getting less and less typical.  I have two people who work with me part time: Becca does production work on the smallthings line, and Shelley does all of our final assembly, shipping, and keeping me on track!

Most days find me getting to the studio just a little later than I should, spending the morning dealing with the administrative end of things, emails, etc., and then afternoons are devoted to design and production.  All of our work is still made by hand. All the metal is hand cut, so it’s pretty labor intensive. I tend to focus more on the stone&honey work these days, unless I’m doing a new collection for smallthings.

Oligoville: Describe your fashion style.

Teresa: Pretty laid back I suppose.  The sad fact is that making jewelry is rather dirty work, so my weekday wardrobe is pretty basic–jeans,
t-shirts, cardigans, and flats.  And the truth of it is, I don’t wear a ton of jewelry!  I tend to get stuck on certain pieces and then wear them to death.  I’m of the mind that it’s best to have on one really great bold piece of jewelry than a whole bunch of little stuff.

When I do get to actually play dress up a little more, I’ve been really into jumpsuits these days!  I have this amazing hooded denim wide-leg 1970’s number that’s pretty fantastic, but that requires a rather special occasion.

Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected setbacks you have faced since starting your business and what you’ve learned from the experience.

Teresa: Well, the most recent setback has been the economy.  Things have definitely slowed down for us this year.  I’ve been really fortunate in that I’ve never had to do much marketing.  We were always so busy with referrals and word of mouth (and one or two well placed ads)  that I never even had time for it.  So the big lesson this year is marketing, marketing, marketing.  It’s actually a little hard for me to actively promote myself, because I’m a pretty shy person, so I’m learning to put myself out there a little more these days.

Oligoville: What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Teresa: Working for myself is amazing.  I feel really lucky that I managed to make something that people like enough that it supports me financially.  I will always always make things, whether it’s jewelry, other art, even little projects around the house.  Being able to make a living from the things that I make is immensely rewarding.

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years.

Teresa: Hmmm, this is a tough one!  These days, it’s hard to know where I’ll be next week!  I would just really like to continue making new work, and evolving both lines.  I’ve always wanted to do a higher end collection, so hopefully I’ll be able to make that happen a little bit down the road.

Oligoville:  What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Teresa: This is totally cliche, but if you want to start a design business, or start making a living off of what you do, just go for it!  I think that one of the factors that made things click for me at first was that I just decided that this would be my job, and even in the very beginning, when I had hardly any orders, I was at the studio making things every day.  If you stick to it, and you’ve got a good eye for things, something great will happen eventually.

The other thing i would say is, if you really want to make a living of this, pricing, pricing, pricing!  Make sure you are being realistic about how much time goes into your work, and are paying yourself accordingly.  Your time and design skills are worth something!  Don’t be afraid to price your work accordingly.

Oligoville: What song never fails to make you happy?

Teresa: These days:  “Scenic World” by Beirut.And um, Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face.”  I can’t help it!  It’s just so gooood!

Terry Graziano makes “beautiful multifunctional hats for women using eco-friendly mill-end surplus fabrics.” A 15-year veteran hat designer, Graziano personally handcrafts each hat with individualized care and attention in her New York City studio. Each hat is purposefully designed to be worn in many different ways allowing its wearer to custom-create her hat to fit her mood and outfit. Eclectic and eco-savvy, Terry uses only surplus fabrics. Every hat is silk-lined for comfort and adjustable for big heads to small heads. “For me, it’s all about flexibility. A shirt, a skirt, a pair of pants: these can be worn many ways— why should hats be any different?” They shouldn’t! Thank you for artistically and eco-friendlily teaching us that, Ms. Graziano!

Photo courtesy of Popgloss.com

• Christina Ricci on June 19, Victoria Beckham on June 10, and Megan Fox.Trends don’t always go from the runway to the masses overnight. And looking, um, cold is no exception. Popgloss.com
• Previously stereotyped by pajamas and pillow fights, movie nights are finally getting a touch of glamour thanks to the almost impossible to find nature of The September Issue. Set for release in September, fashion insiders are so desperate to see the film they have resorted to bootlegging! FashionIndie.com
• Milan Men’s Fashion Week just wrapped up, so don’t miss the last batch of our mantastic spring 2010 runway slideshows from Italy. As you can see, short shorts are definitely in. NYMag.com

Photo courtesy of NYMag.com

• Harem pants have to be one of the funniest trends of ‘09. To be super clear, here’s the definition. Do a ShopStyle search of “harem” + “pants” and you’ll be very entertained — I was. But some are more outrageous than others… FabSugar.com
• Rumor has it that Patricia Field might part ways with the Sex and the City sequel, over creative differences with Sarah Jessica Parker. Fashionista.com
• Goodbye, Sweetface. J. Lo’s contemporary sportswear brand is on “hiatus” until it finds an “entirely new fashion point of view.” We’re guessing that means it wasn’t doing so hot. Style.com

Art has always and will always imitate life - as well as other art.  Fashion and art are one in the same; fashion will forever be a medium for expression, interpretation and serve as an extension of ourselves.

My fashion insider concurs, “As more segments of society begin to understand the power of clothing as a mechanism of expression, the natural merger between avant-garde art and fashion will continue to grow. With a great multitude of artists continuing to communicate the need for changes in the way we view ourselves, our relationships with each other and the environment we live in, it seems only natural that the canvas of the human body is next in line as the foremost bearer of this message.”

Just ask Marc Jacobs. The forward-thinking designer recently paired back up with Takashi Murakami to to mark six years of collaboration.  After the release of the Jacob’s Multicolor Spring Palette, Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami launched a colorful anime short film as a sequel to Murakami’s “Superflat Monogram” anime short from 2003.

Entitled “Superflat First Love” the film showcases a school girl experiencing all the fascinations of Murakami’s characters which are part of his latest project with Louis Vuitton with this mystical journey starting outside the store.

The plush character ho atars in the new film can now be sen in Jacob’s stores, uniting fashion and art.

Previous work from Murakami led to the creation of the iconic Monogram Multicolore which has become a popular fixture replicating itself on various fronts.

Similarly NY Magazine’s  The Cut feature, ”Sergio Rossi’s Resort Collection Inspired by Art, Architecture” highlights another cutting edge designer motivated by his artistic surroundings.

“There’s nothing we like to look at more than shoes. Seriously, we could do it all day, people. So imagine our bliss at being able to preview the Sergio Rossi Resort collection, which will be available on the designer’s website and at Saks Fifth Avenue come fall. Creative director Francesco Russo was inspired by art and architecture, citing Zaha Hadid as a reference. The super-skinny stiletto heels (the reps swore they were very stable and easy to walk in) are ultra-feminine and sophisticated for night, while the thick wedges with soft napa leather straps are more graphic and practical for day. Of the vibrant collection, we especially love the hot-pink suede slingbacks (a big color this season) and the towering sky-blue leather platforms with sexy double ankle straps. The prices are steep ($450 to $925), but there’s no harm in looking (and lusting!).”

A new Oligoville artsy find is also the proud company who was selected as the number one choice at the Bazaar Bizarre for the San Francisco Bay Guardian’s Best of the Bay, Nouveau Motley.

The boutique designs beautiful handmade Steampunk jewelry of the highest quality for the discriminating Neo-Victorian enthusiast. And they are gorgeous. Find their award winning collection here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=18695&order=&section_id=&page=2

Their name alone may very well describe their philosophy better than even I can articulate:
Nouveau- [NOO-voh] adj. Recently created, developed, or come to prominence. New and different, often fashionably so.

Motley- [MOT-lee] noun.  diverse and varied. Assorted: consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds (even to the point of incongruity). A woolen fabric of mixed colors made in England between the 14th and 17th centuries: the traditional costume of the Court jester or the Harlequin character in Commedia dell’arte

Got it? Maybe this visual will help (that also happens to be in my shopping cart):

“The Queen’s Jewels,” well if the shoe fits.

And I know all of you lovelys read my cocktail ring trend report, but I must revisit the fabulous accessory to bring you “The Museum Collection” by Lisa Paik. This divine collection is comprised of 8 fun and unique cocktail rings that are each inspired by a work of art or an artist’s collective works. All rings feature Swarovski crystals and are priced under $90. Check these jems out here:  www.lisapaik.com.

My favorite of the bunch can be seen above and just happens to be inspired by one of my favorite paintings.

Paik describes the piece as a ring that aims to “capture the swirly brilliance of Van Gogh’s genius Starry Night, featuring a large topaz…a great update to the classic round cocktail ring.”

I must agree and note that the Starry Night Ring also happens to be my favorite collegiate color. Coincidence? I think not.

XOXO

{Images Courtesy of the New York Times.}

Not only has our new President brought youth, hope, and organically farmed produce to the White House, he’s also brought a sense of style that few—if any—other politicians possess. President Obama (along with the buff and beautiful Michelle) has a casual elegance in everything he wears. From sleek, power-tie accessorized suits at the office to shades and board shorts at the beach, Mr. Obama knows how to present himself. Before his days of political power, President Barack Obama—or Barry as he was called—was a self-aware, image conscious freshman at Southern California’s Occidental College.

Lisa Jack, a classmate of Barry’s and a student of photography, was tipped off that handsome freshman Barry would be an ideal subject to shoot. Barry showed up with a bomber jacket, flared jeans, a pack of ciggs, and a Panama hat. He clearly had put careful, purposeful thought into what he chose to wear and how he wanted to be portrayed. At the tender age of eighteen, Barry knew that “clothes function like identity flashcards.” These photos, first featured in Time magazine are currently on display at the M+B Gallery in Los Angeles.

While I am all for rolling out of bed, throwing on what’s comfortable and not stressing over what to wear, this (apparently) won’t make me the next Commander in Chief.  Image is everything and first impressions do last. Though most professionals won’t acknowledge putting much importance on fashion, looking good matters. Putting deliberate thought into how you present yourself goes a long way. While I’m not advocating transforming into a label-slavin’ Gucci Prada Mama, I am advocating putting careful consideration into how you present yourself to the world by starting with your style. Being naturally good looking, charming, and stylish (like young Barry) doesn’t hurt much either.

Next time you consider heading out in shabby sweats and a faded tee, take a moment and think about the journey of young, self-aware Barry and ask yourself, “is this really how I want to present myself to the world?” I know I will.