Shopping

For long-time fans of Diane von Furstenberg’s famous ’70s wrap dresses, get ready for a comeback – well, at least of the fun and graphic prints. The woman has been going 40 years strong in the fashion biz, no small feat and as CFDA president too. Available starting today at DVF stores worldwide and via the brand’s online site, 20 archived images and prints have been re-commissioned for a new spinoff line simply called Diane. Take a look at some the images; with plenty cheerful prints, it’s perfectly in tune with Spring’s ’70s revival, natch. Continue…

H&M has been teaming with buzzy collaborators as of late (ahem Alber Elbaz of Lanvin) and it looks like the in-house design team has been spurred into stylish action too. We received images of the retailer’s eco-conscious collection today and with breezy peasant blouse cottons and general cool girl bohemian vibe, we’re pretty much sold. Guys buying with a conscience will find more pared down and minimalist threads. Plus, you know its organic cotton, Tencel and recycled polyester and not some cheapo rayon blend. Continue…

Call it the aftermath of a dark and dragging recession, but Spring 2011 looks downright cheery all the way down to the accessories. We’re happy to report that from necklaces to bracelets and rings, it’s a bold mix of brights, rope accents, hardware and tongue-in-cheek humor. Here our favorite picks of the season. Continue…

NYC was battered by yet another snowstorm this week and while it makes schlepping in hot heels a bit tough, we’re headed to the mountain this weekend! No better way to take advantage of the powdery stuff than shredding down a heart-thumping steep slope. That’s not to say style is out the door. Here’s our favorite shopping picks for slopeside style. Continue…

What with Burberry’s live streamed shows and Ralph Lauren’s 4-D effects, fashion is finally catching up to technology. As such, it just won’t do to showcase your newly finagled iPad or sleek as a Jil Sander coat laptop in a frumpy black puffer. Try on Alaia and YSL’s recently released cases instead. Here, our current faves: Continue…

For those of us who aren’t out to tote designer logos, the brand-less bag can be something special. We of that tribe particularly pay attention to materials, construction, usability and of course design. That design-minded ethos is shared by Berlin-based Gretchen. The four-year old accessories line  designed by Anne-Christin Hofmann offers updated patchwork leather hobos that veer more towards modern not retro. There’s also small leather goods too in jewel tones for this Fall/Winter 2010 season. With stockists in Berlin and also in Paris’ storied Galeries Lafayette, we’re keeping our eye trained for an US debut and so should you. Continue…

Wearing razor blades on your wrist might not be the most ideal accessory trend out there (unless you’re of the Sylvia Plath type). But for those who like an edge to their jewelry, NYC-based Eddie Borgo has smoothed and polished those dangerous points into something more wearable. His latest collection of razor blade-inspired pieces in sterling silver are just in at one of our fave online retailers Oki Ni. I’m partial to the blade-heavy bracelet, but for those that like a bit more subtlety there’s also a crossed “razor blade” pendant, an edgy ring and a more sinister version of your usual charm bracelet. Though London-based Oki Ni is a men’s site, we think the pieces are quite androgynous; Kate Lanphear wannabes would find plenty to rave about. Plus, lucky for us globally-minded shopping types, there’s free worldwide shipping for a limited time.  Continue…

For those whose sartorial lusts were drooling over the Valentino for Gap collaboration announcement back in September, here is some good news. The high-low team up is technically available only in Europe, but this being the digital age, the duds are (of course!) available online. Cool Parisian retailer Colette has just stocked up, so start your mousing and clicking now! The prices are plenty reasonable – the most expensive item is a frilled canvas parka going for $263. Here are images of what’s still up for grabs. Continue…

Copenhagen-based Henrik Vibskov has made a thriving business out of the unconventional – the designer has showcased everything from runway collection titled The Human Laundry Service (with striped “cogs” in the background for industrial effect) to art installations all over Europe. More recently Vibskov seems to be flexing his consumer savvy. Along with a Spring 2011 collection that Selectism called the designer’s “first collection which has potential for mass acceptance,” the lanky Dane is kicking off a new retail program called 100 days. Each pop-up shop will open for 100 days in each city.  First stop on the global trek will be mellow Amsterdam, which will debut a Vibskov shop on Dec. 9. “Inspired by all the travelling, and by not committing to a long term lease, we are free to experiment with spaces and installations and present the full collection -including showpieces, one-offs and pieces that were edited out of the collection before the show,” Vibskov explained of the program. Continue…

For anybody who can call themselves a fan of fashion photography, Cecil Beaton’s influence runs in the same family as Avedon, Penn and Elgort. For fashion-philes, Beaton has mostly been remembered as a photographer with an eye for capturing portraits – Pablo Picasso was a famous subject – but the Brit also had other creative enterprises including designing costume for the theater and, in a firm rebuttal against those who poo poo craft, a scrapbook devotee. Now Assouline is releasing images from Beaton’s never before published visual diary via the tome Cecil Beaton: The Art of the Scrapbook. Going for $250 a pop at Assouline stores and via Assouline.com, it’s not exactly a bargain book, but the 392-page hardcover will make for a beautiful gift for admiring aesthetes. Continue…