I’m feeling a bit under the weather today which is ironic because it’s supposed to be 80 degrees here in the bean. I can’t wait for summer to start!!
Anyway, a few things. One, with spring here and summer just around the corner, its time to start stocking up on some breezy summer-wear. If you’re around NYC between April 30th and May 2nd, be sure to swing by 161 W 22nd Street (this means you Chloe) for Olga Kapustina’s annual spring and summer dress sample sale. At 50 - 70% off you can afford to stock up! Click here for video of her Spring 2008 collection.

Sample Sale Details:

WHO: Olga Kapustina
WHAT: Annual Sample Sale
WHEN: Wednesday, APRIL 30th & Thursday, MAY 1ST, 9AM- 8PM / Friday, MAY 2nd, 9AM- 7PM
WHERE: 161 W 22nd Street, Between 6th/7th Avenues, 3rd Floor
WHY: 50-70% off summer and spring dresses! Silk “party dresses” and cotton office looks. Sizes 0-10.

Two, if you’re around Boston and are looking for something amazing to do around the same time, stop by Style Fixx’s “girls night out” May 7th and 8th. I’ll be there with my ever-so-stylish friend Lauren, sampling all the great services (mani’s, pedi’s, makeovers, massages, etc.) and all the yummy food and cocktails! On top of that, dozens of great designers and brands are going to be there (including your new favorite, Ame and Lulu) so be sure to stop by!
Let me know if you’re going and I might be able to hook you up with a great deal!

Not in Boston? Check back often for upcoming events in LA, Atlanta, and Chicago!

Lastly, this week is Administrative Professionals Week! Be sure to celebrate those wonderful professionals who get you through your day! While you’re at it, stop by the Naughty Secretary Club’s annual sale (celebrating this week of recognition) and get 25% off everything!! Hurry, sale ends April 26th!

“There must have been moments even that afternoon when Daisy tumbled short of his dreams — not through her own fault but because of the colossal vitality of his illusion. It had gone beyond her, beyond everything. He had thrown himself into it with a creative passion…”

- The Great Gatsby

I think I’ve read that book about two-dozen times. Every time I read it I’m blow away by Fitzgerald’s writing. His prose is just breathtaking and of course I love the story and the way each character develops. I never really liked Daisy, but then again she’s not meant to be a likable character. Despite her obvious flaws, one thing is certain, you know she was a fabulous dresser. Remember that part where she and Jordan are sitting on the giant sofa with the wind blowing through the open windows? Well I always imagined Daisy was wearing something like the dress above.

Thanks to Lovenia designer Heidi Handler, such fashion doesn’t have to be left to the imagination. Combining couture fabrics such as natural silks and cottons from the best mills in Europe, quality American tailoring, and fresh silhouettes that are at once feminine and architectural, Lovenia is a modern take on true personal luxury. “It’s all about what feels good on your skin and unexpected proportions,” says Heidi Handler.

I love her light and airy dresses inspired by the Jazz era. She combines classic silhouettes with bold new proportions creating a contrast between controlled structure and ethereal fluidity. There’s ultra-feminine draping and layering plus surreal touches like overlapping bands that graze the arms, low-hanging shoulder straps, sexy shirred bodices and sophisticated peplums. Colors, meanwhile, range from midnight blue to natural oatmeal. “It’s pure glamour, but it’s organic and there’s a modern ease about it, too,” Handler says.

The quintessential Lovenia girl, Handler says, “is both an international glamour girl and someone ‘earthy.’ She’s independent and free-thinking. These are dresses you treasure, ones that you will want to wear forever.”

Gen Art Pulse also loves Lovenia!

There’s nothing like owning a piece of couture. A true hand crafted original. Armour sans Anguish has great, eco-friendly line that I’m sure you’ll adore!
Armour sans Anguish garments are constructed entirely from salvaged and recycled materials. Since 2004 designer and proprietress Tawny Holt has been committed to reclaiming what might otherwise be wasted to create clothing that is at once both shamelessly romantic and wearably modern. Working from her studio in California’s lush Central Valley, Tawny reclaims garments and fabrics from her inspiring surroundings and send them off into the world utterly transformed. Each Armour sans Anguish piece is one-of-a-kind, so if something you like is sold, be sure to email Tawny and something similar can possibly be produced for you! Be careful though, like any great designer Tawny’s designs sell out it fast. If you see something you like, grab it before it’s gone!

Victoria’s Secret just doesn’t do it for me… I mean as much as I enjoy their marketing, the actual products just don’t impress. The bras are fine, but not worth $48. Their undies are cute, but not amazing. That’s why I love Elsie’s custom line On The Inside. She makes everything to order, which means each piece is made just for you! No longer do you have pick between sizes that almost fit … she’ll custom tailor whatever you order to fit perfectly. Her designs are lacy, beautiful, and super comfy (just check out the feedback from her customers). The best part (yes, there’s always a best part), her bras go for around $30!

cov·et: to wish for longingly

Which is exactly what you’ll be doing the moment you click through this fun website. Covet is a Montreal based design house that has mastered the fusion and balance between high fashion and real world comfort. Their clothes are fun, sophisticated and unique…. just like you, of course! Be sure to check out their shopping tab for local boutiques near you.

Anyway, I have a feeling that it’s going to be a long week… time to get in some of that last-minute relaxation. Tonight’s guilty pleasure? Stomp the Yard. It’s like the cutest movie ever!

WANTED: Cool, comfortable clothes, socially conscious designers, and a great story.

To find? Look no further than Sublet Clothing, a great New York clothing company with close ties to the environment, the community… and of all things, Craigslist!

After responding to a Craigslist sublet posting during college, Inessah found herself dragging two suitcases up three flights of stairs to meet her new roommate, Tara. Finding themselves with a lot in common such as Inessah being unable to find a more permanent place, and Tara living her motto,
“The more the merrier,” the initial two weeks turned into three months.Two years later, after having worked traditional careers, Tara and Inessah missed the spontaneous community, independence and creativity they felt when subletting. So over lunch one day, they decided they would create their own permanent sublet through Sublet Clothing.

I love the Amirah dress! Can’t you just picture me walking down the beach in Jamaica, the wind blowing through my hair, sipping some fruity drink in this flowy little dress? I can… but alas, now I must go to work.

So much fashion, so little time. My to-do reviews are literally stacking up on my desk… Great clothes, cool jewelry, and of course, my favorite, MAC make-up. By the way, does anyone want some of MAC’s latest collection? I have some fabulous samples just looking for a new home (the trade off is, you have to send me a review of whatever I send you). Anyway, I digress and I’m running très late, so I will leave you with one of my favorite eco-friendly designers, Kate D’Arcy of Toggery.

Combining the notion of sustainability with her innate sense of style Kate D’Arcy launched Toggery, a new line of organic clothing for a new age of consumer.
The clothes are a special blend of contemporary design with environmentally conscious fabrics. They are soft and luxurious, flattering to the figure and a smart choice for the fashionable.
With a passion for fashion and a dream of creating a collection of essential pieces, Kate decided to not only create a collection of beautifully stylish pieces but to be environmentally responsible in how they are made. Using all 100% organic cotton and bamboo fibers, the entire collection is produced by a certified socially responsible apparel manufacturer right here in the USA.
Women can nurture themselves in the finest fabrics nature has to offer in the fashionable line of women’s contemporary knit styles including fashion tees, basic tees, dresses and leggings. There is a good feeling knowing that no compromise was made via humanity or the environment for a quality signature style.
Purchasing a piece from Toggery by Kate D’Arcy is not only an investment in fashion but also in the environment. As Kate always says “We all have to do our part, why not look fabulous while you do it!”

Although I love posting about great urban designers, I often get frustrated. Lets just say, my job is super formal and there’s no way I could ever get away with wearing some of my favorite designers to work. That’s why Anna Cohen has a special place in my heart. Her gorgeous designs are crisp enough for even the most formal occasions. At the same time, there’s a distinct sense of individuality, playfulness and fun in every piece. Not only is her line extremely versatile, Anna Cohen runs her company with sustainable practices taking into consideration all parts of the process from raw materials to end-of-life use. All design, production, sourcing and business decisions are made with the intention of being as environmentally and socially responsible as possible. I love the Matanzas Jacket, the La Habana Shirt (above right) and her Havana Jacket and Pant.

More on the designer:

Anna Blossom Cohen worked as a designer in the fashion and textile industry in Florence, Italy for Max Mara, Patrizia Pepe, Guess and Binicocchi. She returned to the US in 2004 and worked for adidas co-designing the Women’s Performance lines for the US market. In 2004 she was one of fifteen designers selected worldwide to participate in a fashion design competition and showcase in Florence Italy; awards were given by Ferragammo, Pucci, and Pitti Imagine. Anna has now returned to the US in Portland, Oregon, a center for sustainability, to create this “Italian street couture” line of sustainable fashion apparel.“It is our conscious choices every day that affect the resources on which all life depends. We must make this transition into personal responsibility a beautiful empowering process.”

True that!

Monday Monday Monday. I’ve been relaxing all weekend with the understanding that this week is going to be low key… It just so happens that every time I do this, I get slammed with work I either didn’t know about or didn’t see coming. Anyway, enjoy Leananimal!

Leanimal is designed by Leanne Marshall, a graduate of The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco, and recipient of their Levi’s/Dockers Fashion Designer of Tomorrow award. Marshall began designing her own ballet costumes at the age of 12 and has been designing clothes ever since.
Living in green savvy Portland, and becoming a creature of environment, the incorporation of eco-friendly materials has become a more recent evolution of the Leanimal line. While not 100% sustainable, the usage of these textiles such as hemp, bamboo and organic cottons is seen as a sort of necessity in today’s world and will implement them as much as possible.
Creating beautiful, conceptual garments that are ultimately wearable remains the focus of the line. Leanimal’s signatures feature structural tucks and pleats, non-traditional combinations of fabrics and textures, and always figure-flattering silhouettes.

I love how all of these designers are creating beautiful things with an eye towards the environment. If only we could get the “big guys” to be as progressive!

Who do you have a burning torch for you? I mean, it is February after all. Despite the fact I’m not a big fan of Valentines day (pressure if you’re attached, depressing if you’re not) it is the month to give your burning torch some special attention. While you’re at it, check out designer Karen Craven’s fabulous label, Burning Torch.

As the logo suggests, Burning Torch’s foundation is based on transformation and freedom; the brand, like each of its individual pieces, is built on respect for individuals and their cultures. The collections are driven by a vision that melds vintage, modern, organic and global sentiments. Unique to the company is Craven’s commitment to recycling materials and to the idea that the energy of all time and history is in each and every garment.

She’s recently opened her online store and I’m loving her Argyle Cardigan!

I’ve had so many great site suggestions lately! (For those who have sent them in, I’m still weeding my way through December e-mails so I should be getting to all of them sometime soon).

Nicacelly is one of the most unique urban designers I’ve featured on this site. I adore her line!! Her clothes are fresh, colorful, and super creative. Each one-of-a-kind or limited edition garment contains handpicked fabrics from around the world. I love her “remix project” where she takes hip hop graphics and pairs them with one of kind appliqué and trim detail from exotic fabrics. Her line is truly “sneaker and stiletto friendly!”

One of my moms favorite expressions is, “the best things come in small packages.” In this case, one of the best collections I’ve seen in a long time, comes in a small collection. Designer Alyson Fox takes eco-couture to the next level in her highly wearable collection. She uses sustainable fabric, no zippers, organic elastic, and (get this) her buttons are made from fallen tree branches. A small collection, as is name suggests, is a small collection. It consists of 6 dresses, 1 skirt, 1 pair of shorts, 2 tops, and 1 wrap. Alyson does a great job of displaying them, not only with her gorgeous photographs, but with creative videos that show just how the clothes move. Be sure to check out her highly entertaining site!

I adore fashion designer, environmentalist and author Ma Ke and I’m quite certain you will too. A friend of a friend recommended her and I have to say the moment I clicked on her site I was hooked. One of China’s brightest young designers, Ma Ke delights with flowy fabrics, clean lines, and comfortable feel. Her label, Mixmind is creatively designed and executed with great attention to detail. Don’t you just love that dress on the right??

Inhabitat has a nice little write up about Ma Ke’s use of sustainable fabrics and materials. Additionally, check out Point One by Ma Ke, featuring some of her creative works as well as an overview of past collections.

I’m sitting here trying to write something poignant, but my mind is kind of numb. I think its the mix of post-Patriots buzz and the impending stack of work I have waiting on my desk tomorrow. Since I know I’ll be in a hurry in the AM, I thought I’d leave you with something now in case I don’t get to it in the morning. I wrote about Linda Loudermilk briefly in my Deeper Understanding Post. I love her stuff and adore her faucet necklace. She’s the fabulous designer who coined the term “Luxury Eco.”

Luxury eco™ redefines sustainability with design that gives back to the earth. Linda Loudermilk clothing outfits the movement, providing the uniform for this new kind of earth warrior – an infusion of hope for an abused but resilient planet.
Food, shelter, clothing, water and energy—all of which our mother earth has provided us are no longer in endless supply. Energy is running out fast; water has become an issue of human rights. Imagine that.
Luxury eco™ is an emergency survival plan, fueled by design.
[Loudermilk’s] fabrics are made of sasawashi, bamboo, sea cell, soya and other exotic self-sustaining plants. [Their] belief is that the clothing and accessories we wear, the products we use and the vehicles we drive are a perfect conduit for the spirit of this complex, colorful and rockin’ earth: this is luxury eco™.

Her faucet necklace ($70 on her site and $65 and Uncommon Goods) is made from reclaimed silver and features a single glass “drop.” With each purchase, Loudermilk will make generous donation to support organizations with clean water initiatives. I always love things that look great and that you can feel great about buying.

As soon as Chloe sent me a link to this site, I considered keeping it myself. I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen such a great collection of vintage fashion! I kind of wanted to keep it under wraps, at least until I ordered what I wanted (specifically, I’ll be very upset if any of you score that adorable Moschino jacket she’s putting up on Thursday!!). But that’s not why I’m here. Plus, you all are so good about sharing wonderful samples and products with me, that of course I had to tell you all about the URBANcollection. Aptly named for readers of the site and generously shared by the infamous New York Chloe, this site is an Urban Socialite’s dream. Its so rare to find people who do vintage right. Dree does a fabulous job of not only finding great clothes, but shoes and accessories as well. She’s having a HUGE apparel update this Thursday, so be sure to stop by, or browse before you buy here (but seriously, that jacket is mine!).

In the spirit of sharing, MAC sent me samples their Moisturelush collection and I must say I’m more than pleasantly surprised. I’m really picky when it comes to moisturizers and though I’m a big fan of MAC makeup, I was skeptical (to say the least) about this new collection. I’m completely hooked on the eye cream. Living up to its promises, this cream rejuvenates, reconditions and refreshes. It visibly lifts and firms skin around the eyes and works wonders on early morning puffiness.