• For her upcoming wedding to Tye Strickland, former Bachelor and Dancing with the Stars star Melissa Rycroft will walk down the aisle wearing an Alfred Angelo bridal gown. People.com
• The Wall Street Journal reports: “No one has ever purchased the Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra. Past bras — including the 2006 Hearts on Fire Diamond Fantasy Bra, worth $7 million — have all been dismantled.” FashionIndie.com

• Models Kasia Struss, Lara Stone, Natalia Vodianova, Christy Turlington, and Gisele Bundchen photographed themselves for Vogue Italia’s December 2009 Twitter Cover Story. FashionIndie.com
• Most blogs we look at wouldn’t use the word “ass” in a headline, so our curiosity was most piqued when we noticed it in big bold letters at the top of a Style.com post. NYMag.com

• It is a wonder that Tom Ford, the former creative director of Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent who turned louche sexuality into high fashion in the 1990s, didn’t try his hand at directing a movie sooner. NYTimes.com
• A gaggle of perfectly well behaved geese, prim as French schoolchildren, waddles down the catwalk, opening an over-the-top hallucinogenic circus parade to celebrate the “Sonia Rykiel pour H&M” collections (one lingerie, the other sweater dressing). Vogue.com

• More Motown covers, Blacksponation and Barbès-Bamako inspiration (Oups I forget the Pocahontas touch, with fringes and hairy mocassins)! Enjoy the last collection of “papa Marc (Jacobs) and the afro hair”, sounds groovy, isn’t it? Popgloss.com
• We teased you last week with this, but as promised, here is Lara Stone’s cover for the December 2009 cover of British Vogue, where the glossy named her the Model of the Year. Modelinia.com

• Leighton Meester (B. on Gossip Girl) looks Ahmazing on cover of Glamour UK. IKnowWhatYouWore
• Ridley Scott is working on a movie to begin filming next year about the downfall of the Gucci family dynasty. However, the Gucci family is freaking out over how scandalous the film could be. NYMag.com

• For the latest H&M Divided Art collection, they’ve tapped fashion illustrator, Laura Laine, hailing from Helsinki to create two illustrations to be printed on T-shirts and tanks. Nitrolicious.com
• Designer Jum Nakao created these incredibly ornate and delicate dresses for the Paper Fashion exhibition at the MoMu in Antwerp. At the end of the runway show the models ripped themselves out of them! CocoPerez.com

Photo courtesy of FashionIndie.com

• Half of the reason why I watch television (and 75% of the reason why I never miss an episode of Gossip Girl) is for the wardrobe. FashionIndie concocted a list of 10 shows, old and new, that we may watch just to see what they’re wearing. FashionIndie.com

Photo courtesy of People.com

• On the heels of Matthew Williamson’s boldly printed summer line, H&M has announced its next high-end collaboration with star-favorite accessories brand Jimmy Choo. People.com

Photo courtesy of NYMag.com

• From the moment LC announced she’d be penning L.A. Candy, the first in a loosely autobiographical young-adult series, we’ve been dying of curiosity. Could she write better than she feigned interest in her Hills jobs? Could she write better than she designed A-line jersey dresses? NYMag.com

Photo courtesy of Nitrolicious.com

• This week the winners for the 2009 CFDA Awards were announced, were they the ones you were rooting for? I’m so happy for Alexander Wang and Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte! Nitrolicious.com

• Oh, how to describe our excitement at getting a glimpse of Beyoncé’s Thierry Mugler tour costumes! We’ve been waiting for this moment for four months, yet deep down inside we feel like we’ve been waiting for it our entire lives. Looking at these images has brought us to a moment of Zen, perhaps best put into words by Mugler, who says the costumes are rooted in the songs’ meanings: “Feminine. Free. Warrior. Fierce.” She’s not just Sasha Fierce anymore. She’s Sasha Feminine. Sasha Free. Sasha Warrior. NYMag.com
• Stephen Webster’s muse, Christina Aguilera, is back again with a dazzling ’09 ad campaign for the jewelry designer. Check out the songstress looking like a futuristic hottie decked out in Webster’s line of modern baubles. FabSugar.com
• Yikes, if you’ve ever worried about getting older, or have been contemplating anti-wrinkle nonsense then check out Cindy Crawford in Allure magazine first. She looks phenomenal and at 43 she is a perfect role model for aging gracefully/hardly aging at all. Popgloss.com
• How far would you go to rock the nautical trend? LA-based jewelry designer Robin Charlotte Humphrey collects dead sea creatures from local pet stores and resurrects them as assorted earrings, necklaces, and other accessories. TeenVogue.com
• Matthew Williamson’s much-anticipated line for H&M is set to hit stores in just one month. The first shipment will arrive on April 23, followed by a second delivery on May 14 — and we can hardly wait! People.com
• Will the real Kim Kardashian please stand up? Not only did Complex photoshop the heck out of Kanye to make him look like a silver cyber bot for their April issue, they also reduced the size of Kimmy’s curves… FashionIndie.com

H&M releases a bold new ad campaign for 2009 Spring with the fabulous Shalom Harlow, Eva Herzigova and Vincent Gallo. Add your two fashion cents at FabSugar.com . These ads completely contrast the classic feel of previous ads released, featuring models Maryna Linchuk and Isabeli Fontana. They take you back to a retro era seen here at nitrolicious.com

Industry fashion retail leaders are hit with the doom and gloom of the recession. Teen retailer Charlotte Russe goes up for sale, Swiss watch group Swatch’s profits fall over 17 percent while Bulgari profits sink over 45 percent. And Dallas- based Neiman Marcus made huge headlines this week after the company posted a net loss of $509.2 million in the fiscal second quarter that ended on Jan. 31, compared with a profit of $44.3 million, a year earlier. Find their plan moving forward on Forbes.com

Elle dropped its April issue yesterday and who graced it’s infamous cover? The classy and gorgeous Oscar-wining actress, Reese Witherspoon, who reveals to the magazine what we all have been waiting to hear.  Reese speaks out about getting past her divorce from Ryan Phillippe, her relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal and her strict diet of cookies and read wine. YUM! Elle.com

One of the most emailed stories this week on The New York Times involves a lot of women’s favorite ingredient for detox diet, the açaí berry. Everywhere we turn we see they hype over the açaí. Just browse through your e-mail messages or advertisements on Facebook and you’ll get the gist of the claims: “Lose weight with Oprah’s favorite  diet secret!” “Eat the berry that Dr. Oz calls the ‘No. 1’ superfood!” But a Texas A&M food chemistry professor and other sources claim this appeal is merely “Skin Deep.” NYTimes.com

Twilight hottie, Robert Pattinson is on the cover of the April issue of GQ Magazine that debuts next week. The 22-year-old is featured in the ‘What’s Hot in 2009′ section of the mag. When asked how he landed his role as sexy vampire Edward he said: “I took half a Valium and then went into this thing — and all this stuff happened.” It was the first time I’ve ever taken Valium.  A quarter. A quarter of a Valium. I tried to do it for another audition, and it just completely backfired — I was passing out.”  This sexy photo shoot will turn any woman (or man’s) head but alas, this single man is not looking for a special woman right now. Take a look for yourself GQ.com.

It takes just a few new items to re-work what you already have in your wardrobe to create new outfits. A pair of perfect fitting leggings, some great ballet flats, or an adorable yet basic blouse can revolutionize your simplest pieces. Take a look at your closet and dig out your favorite dress from 1999. Think about how a few key accessories or a few precisely placed layers could make it hot for 2009. While it’s great to use what we have, it’s crucial to have some go-to stores to find a bargain and refashion what we already have.

Here are Oligoville’s Top 5 Wallet-Friendly, Yet Trendy Store Picks:

5. Old Navy
After the anorack and fleece stage died down post high school, I went on an Old Navy freeze for a few years. I recently incorporated them back into my rotation and have been quite pleased with their selection. Just last night I wore a black dress I purchased this summer at Old Navy to a big fancy press dinner. I felt cute and nobody knew it cost $25. (If they did, they didn’t say it while I was within ear shot.) Either way, Old Navy is the perfect place to pick up classic essentials to build upon what you already have in your closet.

4. DSW and Shoesteal.com
Shoes are the perfect place to switch it up and recreate your favorite outfits. DSW is a hot spot for finding amazing deals on designer shoes. I purchased some orange Steve Madden slippers there last Spring and I still wear them on a weekly basis. Just yesterday I was introduced to the most amazing website ever for shoe deals, www.shoesteal.com. They have some of my favorite brands from L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani, to my all-time love affair, Camper.

3. Vintage/Second-hand
The best place to find unique accessories to dress up what you already have is at vintage and second-hand stores. I also find that I treasure what I buy second-hand much more than what I buy brand new. I have a tougher time throwing it away than pieces I buy brand new. Second-hand pieces are timeless and worthy of the search it takes to find them. Imagine how fabulous a distinctive vintage sweater or eclectic old broach can make the simplest of outfits.

2. Forever 21/H & M
Though daunting, Forever 21 and H&M are the best places to find what’s trendy while being wallet-friendly. Scour their accessories section to find unique pieces that will keep you up with the Joneses. They always have the latest looks from a ruffled blouse to high-waisted jeans, it’s a one-stop fashion-friendly shop. My only advice is to avoid them on the weekends because if you’re like me and despise shopping in crowds, there’s one word only—hell.

1. Target
Target, oh my beloved Targé. Target is my favorite spot to find basics on a budget. At this very moment I’m wearing black leggings from Target. They are eons above Walmart and Kmart when it comes to affordable designer threads. From their monthly guest designer, to their trends that rival Zara, Target is the best spot to make a quick purchase without spending all your Benjamins.

They started just like earmuffs and mittens. They were merely just a winter-weather item worn to keep warm. Our grandfathers wore them. Our baby siblings wore them. However, in recent months they’ve become a full-blown year-round phenomenon—SCARVES! Scarves have evolved into a must-have accessory. They add a dash of color and a whole lot of style to any outfit. The best part of this trend is that they are budget friendly—i.e. friendly to all budgets.

Scarves come in a multitude of shapes, sizes, materials, colors, and cuts. Therefore, they can be used to express anybody’s personal style or mood.

Palestinian Scarves

A Palestinian scarf is a square piece of cloth, usually cotton, with black checks and a unique fringe. They are now found in a multitude of hues lurking on the shelves of H&M and Urban Outfitters. These scarves are largely seen in hipster circles folded in half (triangle-wise) and tied around the neck. What many fashionistas don’t know is that these scarves, a symbol of Palestinian nationalism, are quite controversial. However, paired with jeans and a tee or over your favorite dress, they are also still extremely hip.

Necklace Scarves

Necklace scarves have become a rage more recently. They are usually lightweight and droopy. They can be worn as a cowl neck or even as a choker. There are a multitude of necklace scarves out there with fabric twisted, sewn, and draped in various shapes and colors.

Knit Scarves

Knit scarves are the ones that Granny made you back in fifth grade. They are generally made of wool and usually long and narrow. They look sleek wrapped around your neck with the ends draping over your front. My favorite way to wear my knits is: fold in half, wrap around neck, and loop loose ends through loop. It looks a bit more put together and keeps you quite warm.

Square Scarves

While Hermès may not have created the classic silk square scarf, they definitely perfected it. Vogue editor, Anna Wintour is rumored to have a white Hermès scarf on her at all times. While it’s not necessary to spend hundreds on a label-brand scarf or have one on your person every time you walk out the door, a silk square scarf is an extremely versatile accessory. It can be wrapped and tied, almost like a choker—very French. (Cappuccino and croissant s’il vous plait?) It can also be draped around the head or casually rested on the shoulders. A classic square, silk scarf create a classic sleek, sexy style.

Shawls

Shawls are larger, chunkier, and resemble a chic blanket. Shawls are ideal for nights out when you just don’t want to bring along a big coat. Shawls create a Euro-inspired look and an air of mystique. Shawls can also be eveloped around the neck to create a thick, necklace type cowl.

Over the Head

I love wearing hoodies. I always have, I always will. I’m wearing one right now in fact. Large scarves can be wrapped around the head to create a hooded effect. They shield you from rain, wind, or unwanted peeping Toms. While it’s possible to buy a premade hooded scarf, its equally fabulous to just wrap yourself (head included) in an over-sized scarf.

• British designer Matthew Williamson will be next to design a capsule collection for H&M. Designs are slated to arrive in stores Spring 2009. He will join the ranks of Comme des Garcons, Stella McCartney and Viktor & Rolf. An extensive summer collection will follow within weeks after the spring arrivals, which will contain Williamson’s first venture into menswear.
• ShuAddikt is a new shoe boutique that opened up earlier this year in Dallas but this boutique is reinventing the online shopping arena by offering complimentary personal shoppers. Business professionals, busy mothers and fashionistas alike are taking advantage of ShuAddikt’s elite services. Their free service will undoubtedly make an addict out of me!
  
• DNR RIP, mens fashion trade paper dead at 116, DNR, known as “the bible of the menswear industry” died this week. It is suspected that both a faltering economy and management blunders have led to its demise. This is especially sad because it was actually this publication that launched the Fairchild publishing empire. LAT
• Style icon, Sarah Jessica Parker, is now searching for a home for her clothing line Bitten after parent company Steve and Barry has filed bankruptcy for the second time this year. She stated to NY Magazine “We have to make sure that any partner we enter into an agreement with wants the same thing for the brand as we do, which is to serve the customer first.” NYM
• Skin Deep: Out With Fancy Spas, In With Budget Salons $300 dollar massages seem a little excessive to those who can still afford it. Instead they are trading down for more economic venues as seen in this NY Magazine article.

Photo Courtesy of Matthew Williamson Spring Summer ’09 Collection

• Natalie Massenet, Chairman and Founder of Net-a-Porter, is interviewed this week by The Business of Fashion. This is a first in a series of talks with fashion entrepreneurs and business leaders about their approach and solutions to our current economic crisis and the effect on their business.
• Fashion’s New Circuit: Social Networks by WWD, was especially interesting to us at Oligoville. It proves that customers are responding well to this innovative and fun way of shopping online and large retailers are finally taking notice.
  
• The verdict is in! A picture gallery of shoppers leaving H&M with their Comme des Garcon purchases reveal some pretty happy faces. Fashion bloggers webwide–including us– speculated earlier this year as to the success or possible failure of this collaboration. The Guardian
• Okay…so we are a fan of capsule collections everywhere. Who can turn down a designer handbag at mass retailer prices? Not us.  Target is once again making us salivate with their sneek peak of their Hayden- Harnnet handbag collection. Gallery available from Fab Sugar.
  
• The 2008 Latin Grammy green carpet fashions are highlighted by People En Espanol Magazine. They have excellent coverage of the 9th annual event with images of the nights most memorable performers.
• The 42nd annual Country Music Award also took place this week. Pop Sugar’s site spotlights the nights best fashions.

Collaboration made in heaven? Maybe its too early to tell but all things indicate, not quite. The Swedish giant H&M is known for it high fashion translations into affordable clothing for the masses and Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo’s desconstructed designs may prove to be too out there for most.

Past H&M memorable collaborations include Roberto Cavalli and Viktor & Rolf. They both created much pre-launch buzz but this time around the reviews have been lukewarm. Even W magazine’s feature article and interview with the designer admit that these two are a mismatched pair and the only common ground here is the desire to do something different. Not exactly a stellar endorsement but I guess time and sales will tell.