You know the bulk of my posts highlight unique, independent and up and coming fashion designers. Every now and then some of the major brands deserve a little bit of attention. Especially when what they’re pushing is fun and doesn’t cost a dime. Jumping on the whole DIY hand-bag thing (like I’m really going to spend $975 on a Fendi bag I have to color-in myself), Hermes has a playful interpretation of craze on their website. Just go to their home page and click the little cut-out-purse icon and you’re on your way to a PDF download pattern of their classic Kelly bag. From there, let the creativity begin!

If any of you actually do this (ahh to have free time on my hands) be sure to send me pictures of the final product!

Thanks to Coquette for the heads-up!

Amber, from Naperville, IL is the lucky winner of the Star50 handbag contest! She wrote about visiting Jane Addam’s settlement house museum in nearby Chicago. Thanks again to everyone who entered and I promise will try to have more contests in the near future. Lucky for you, the trendsetters at Brandhabit are giving away a beautiful Denise Cox Cultured Pearls & Amazonite necklace. All you have to do is fill out the form on their site for a chance to win! Good luck!

Although I’m not technically giving anything away, I am about to tell you about a site that practically gives away brands like Doir, Lanvin, Vera Wang and Lagerfeld. Ideeli is an invitation-only community where you can get luxury handbags and more for 50 to 90% off. Plus they have weekly giveaways. You have to be sponsored by a member to get in, but I’m a member, so you’re in luck! Click here for your invitation to join ideeli… if that doesn’t work, email me and I’ll send you an invite! There are two levels of membership. . . “1st row” members get the best deals and first dibs on their amazing giveaways!

I love the concept behind Ideeli! Definitely a splurge-worthy site!

TGIF. Seriously. I’m in desperate need of some R&R. Last night at Girl’s Night Out the wine and lemonade cocktails were flowing… all I really wanted was a massage, but the line was literally out the door. I figured the stress it would have caused me to wait in line would negate the whole purpose of the massage… better just to fork over the money and not have to deal with it, you know? Anyway, the scene was full of “look-at-me” ladies, scrambling to snatch up bargains from the various vendors there. Fun times!

Today’s featured designer is Katherine Pont, of Mine, London. I love her ability to do feminine with a twist of tomboy! Katherine takes a holistic approach to design as each collection is composed with a story in mind which unfolds as the collection takes shape.Everything down to the naming of each individual garment is considered in this process. It is this fairytale sense of creation coupled with Katherine’s hand drawn embroidery and print embellishments that give her line it’s signature style. The Mine aesthetic is sophisticated with a playful spirit… it has distinctively vintage feel coupled with a cool modern interpretation.

Stop by her site, check out collections, and be sure to check out Katherine’s MySpace page as well!

Did any of you catch the C’s and Cav’s last night?? What a game! I’m so excited for the C’s success this year. . . but I have to admit it was hard seeing Big Ben and King James lose like that! Speaking of losses, isn’t about time for Hil Hil to throw in the towel?? Okay, I”m done with the personal commentary for today. . . on to fashion.

Doie was “born from the idea that it is possible to be stylish and comfortable while still helping the environment.” All of designer Sara Kirsner’s clothes are made with a combo of bamboo jersey (super-soft, breathable, and earth friendly) and silk. Doie’s luxurious creations are comfy enough for lounging around on the weekends and sleek enough to carry you into the night. The cutest part, is that Sara named the collection after her grandmother who, well into her eighties, is still a style icon! How cute! All of her pieces are made locally in NYC and can be purchased at various online boutiques like Nimli and The Öko Box.

Another Super-Tuesday… without getting too political (check out Wonkette for that sort of thing), lets just say I’ll be glad when this whole thing is over. That being said, when all is said and done, I hope our girl Hillary takes a seat. I’m definitely for Obama.

Anyway, speaking of super-things, be sure to check out Supermandolini. Founded by two graphic designers from Thessaloniki, Greece, Supermandolini is a culmination of their love and passion for design. It started with a range of t-shirts and has branched out into a great collection of handmade goodies like necklaces, earrings, and a limited number of posters and canvasses. Each product on their site is designed from start to finish by Supermandolini and is sold exclusively on their website, (that way we they ensure that each product receives the personal touch and character that distinguishes their products from the rest!). I love their necklaces!

For those of you who have been commenting, I finally fixed the comments box so it fits my template. I’ve been teaching myself CSS which is actually more intuitive than HTML, but the comments box thing really threw me for a loop. Anyway its all fixed, so comment away!

I actually have the day off because my crazy (and I mean that in the endearing sense) friend from college is getting married. She’s the one in the “about” section who has climbed Mt. Everest several times. She loooves Nepal and it’s only fitting that I post about a great online boutique, Uttam Direct.

The brand was founded over 10 years ago by Uttam, who in 1994 began selling knitwear from his home country of Nepal, in London’s popular Camden Market. Uttam’s hand-made goods, constructed with vibrant colours, hand-stitched embroidery, and creative embellishments, gained local and international popularity. The continuing growth and success of the brand led to the development of the Uttam Direct website, and the launch of the stylish new Yumi brand.
Inspired by the East, Uttam Direct’s designs embrace the traditions and beauty of Nepal, India, and Japan. The site only sell clothes by Uttam and Yumi, whose styles are created by a design team renowned for using techniques such as patchwork, tie-dye, appliqué, hand-stitched beading and embroidery, and printed knitwear, chiffons, and silks. The collections are developed carefully – often involving several sample stages until the design is perfected.

You’ll love their colorful designs (you guessed it) just in time for summer!

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My inbox is still flooded with contest entries!! The chance to win Star50’s bag-a-kini will be open until March 12, so keep the entries coming!

In the spirit of all things good for the planet and all things fun to wear, I felt compelled to introduce you LA-based fashion designer Amanda Shi and her creative label, Avita.

She developed the name Avita from the Italian word “vita,” meaning life. And it is obvious that her vision encompasses not only the richness that clothing brings to our lives, but in the case of eco friendly apparel – “vita” means making our planet a better place to live.

Her aesthetic designs blend classic with contemporary touches, and include sweaters, tanks, dresses and a variety of sheer over-lays with bold patches, asymmetrical lines and strategically placed cutouts. The result is unique, offbeat designs that can be worn for work or play.

Avita is committed to ethical and sustainable fashion, and championing the idea that luxury can be socially conscious. By utilizing recycled, organic and earth-friendly materials, Avita has crafted collections that are truly eco-friendly, indulging customers in high fashion and social awareness.

One of the coolest things about her collection is you can literally shop right off the runway (at very reasonable prices)!

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Of course I’m sure you all want to know about the contest. Urban Socialite is giving away the bag-a-kini!! Just in time for the summer!

The e-mail responses have been overwhelming, that being said, it’ll be hard to pick a winner!

Some highlights:

- A ghostly entry from Virgina has enlightened me about the state’s mythical “Fairystones.”

- Sydney, in Ohio, has to deal with those annoying cicadas every 17 years (we have them on the Cape too… ewww!!!)

- Shana, from Michigan, loves to camp in the “thumb” of the mitten every summer.

- Naomi, in Kansas, says that trees there grow at an angle because the winds are so strong.

- Anne says that everyone in Florida is from somewhere else, and she’s proud that her kids are 4th generation Floridians!

I love the pictures that some of you have been posting with your responses. Keep this up and I’ll have to do giveaways more often!
Sue, who organized the whole giveaway, and I are really excited about the fun responses we’ve been getting. Keep ‘em coming!
Just e-mail something cool or unique about your state to brooke@urbansocialite.com or use the form in the contact page and select option “contest entry.”

If you’re a designer and would like to set up a giveaway to UrbanSocialite readers, just drop me a line at designer@urbansocialite.com .

One of the most frustrating things about a lot of my featured designers is that I could never wear them to work. It’s always a super-formal suit with a cool pair shoes and maybe some flashy jewelry, although nothing too flashy. I always get excited when I find a designer that’s versatile enough to wear to work and fun enough to wear on the weekends. Hence, my obsession with designer rag & bone. The company was founded in 2001 and all of their clothes are made in the USA. I love their sleek sexy lines and their sophisticated take on classic cuts. To shop check out shopbop, cusp, or tobi.

Lalesso is a brand I fell in love with a while back and I thought today would be a perfect day to share this wonderful Kenyan clothing line with you!

Lalesso was created by Alice and Olivia who met while studying fashion design in Cape Town. The pair traveled to Olivia’s home country of Kenya over a holiday where they were inspired by the beautiful “khanga” or “lesso” which prompted the creation of their trademark Lesso skirt. The ‘lesso’ is actually a spotted handkerchief brough to the East African Coast in the 19th century from India. Kenyan and Tanzanian manufactures loved the scarves and began creating their own, using the rich vibrant colors that you see today. (For more check out “The History of the Lesso“).

Alice and Olivia not only create beautiful clothes, they run a holistic company as well. By using the ‘khanga’ Lalesso supports the threatened cotton industry as well as the textile manufacturing industry in both Kenya and Tanzania. The fabric is hand washed in the Indian Ocean before being individually hand crafted into one of their gorgeous designs. The brand manufactures in Kenya using previously unrecognized talents of local seamstresses and tailors. They employ seven people and pay their employees much higher than the average wage. Their goal is to create beautiful garments while increasing the quality of life of their employees. I especially like their employment of the ‘beach boys.’ They describe the beach boys as a group of young men who had been type-cast as “useless outlaws” who had been “rejected from the their families.” The company hired them for their “coconut button project” where they make hand made buttons for the garments from coconuts. Alice and Olivia certainly made the right decision as the details in their clothes are yet another thing that sets them apart. Furthermore, the ‘beach boys’ lead by Mohamed, Jumaa, and ‘co.’ have shown incredible initiative with the project. “Not only this, but now have a stable and adequate income, not just for themselves but they have been re-accepted into their families as they can now contribute.”

Lalesso is definitely a brand you can feel good about buying and you’ll definitely turn heads in their gorgeous designs and beautiful fabrics!

For an interview with the designers check out Jamati Online (April 7).

Be sure to check out the Bazaar section of the site to shop (sometimes the site takes a minute to load, so be patient! It’s worth the wait!)

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!

Remember candy necklaces from your childhood? The way they tasted (mmm… sugary), the way they looked, and the way they kind of disintegrated on your neck as the day wore on? Rekindle those childhood memories with this adorable gold and silver necklace from Atypk. Its fun, colorful and will certainly bring its fair share of smiles (though not the colorful kind of its candy counterpart). Atypk is a great site. They have tons of cool products, great creative ideas and things that will definitely make you laugh. Be sure to stop by!

One of my favorite things about summer, besides the fact Boston actually thaws a bit, (and besides the beach, of course), is golf season. If you’ve never tried the sport before, you should. Every urban socialite should know how to golf! Its fun, stress relieving, and and great excuse to spend half a day outside. I was thrilled when I discovered Ame and Lulu. They’re based right here in Brookline Massachusetts and have been around since 2003!

Their story goes like this: company visionary and avid golfer Amye Kurson was looking for trendy sophisticated golf headcovers. I guess she got sick of looking at all the giant Disney characters and hand-knit covers with fuzzy balls on the end. Anyway, after searching through boutiques, pro shops, etc. she came up empty handed. Amye sought to put an end to the void and designed her own prototypes for golf headcovers, shoe bags, tennis bags, and yoga bags. The stylish fabric and dulcet colors have become a match for those seeking to make a fashion statement while playing in the great outdoors. This hand made gear is both adorable and intricately designed to provide longevity and durability. They also make great gifts!

You can shop Ame and Lulu on-line. They’ll also be at an up-coming girls night out event that I’m sure you’ll be attending. More later. Off to work.

Finally! The weekend! I still have very mixed feelings about Urban Outfitters, so I was reluctant to write about these earphones (U.O. was the only place I could find them!)– but they’re just so hot! These rich, decadent oversized DJ headphones are designed by Boosted and are the ultimate upgrade for your personal sound system. They’re compatible with mp3 capable cell phones and your iPod. They feature wide dynamic range with booming bass and low distortion. They have all the phone gadgets- including a slim profile answer/end call button and in-line microphone for use with mobile phones. Most importantly, they’re adorable! I would have killed for these back in the 80s!!

Yesterday was one of those days where I literally couldn’t do or say anything right. The worst part was, as I knew I was messing up as I was doing it, but I still couldn’t help myself. It was like “word vomit” from the movie Mean Girls. The day dragged and dragged and by the time I got home I looked how I felt: exhausted. Recently, I received a sample of Presciptives Good in Bed and have been using it for the past week or so in place of my usual night cream (yes, I use night cream… after my days, I figure both my body and my skin can use some TLC). Anyway, yesterday was the true test, and true to its promise, this stuff works miracles. I actually woke up with a “morning glow.” Despite the fact I feel like I could go back to bed and sleep for another 6 hours, I look refreshed and ready for round ….. 4 (it is Thursday, right?). In all candor, I did get this product as a sample, but there was no pressure to write a post and I don’t get paid to chat up their wonder-moisturizer. The bottom line? If it works for me in my crazy life I’m sure it will work for you. Definitely worth the splurge at the makeup counter!

Today’s fashion fix comes from WAFFO . The name comes from lateral thinker Edward de Bono and it means “opposing cool.” “It is the first two letters of WArm and FOrm, describing the average human being expressing his or her full potential and less likely to be warped by peer group pressure.” (Yikes!).
Anyway, this socially and ecologically progressive compnay is located in San Diego and is home to many great indie designers. Enjoy!