THE REASON WHY PAYING YOUR RENT CAN WAIT...THE BALMAIN PEN...

Life's little luxuries just got a little more ludicrous. Case in point: the Balmain Pen. But we're the last to throw insults....on the contrary: we're throwing kudos to Christope Decarnin and the rest of the Balmain team.

new york - honestly, it's all i can do to not run my debit card to buy several boxes of these pens. right now! (but until my billionaire boo finds me, i must practice frugality....) yet i digress....the news of the day is this: balmain pens. apparently, they are nothing new. license agreements struck between the luxury house and manufacturers has made it possible for obvious (fragrance) and not so obvious (pens!!!?) products to bear the prestigious balmain name. i spotted this on the chic report blog on fashion week daily's website. (www.fashionweekdaily.com) as a writer, you know i am beyond thrilled to know that while my salary does not yet allow me to spend several thousand on a sickening spring 2010 balmain jacket, i have the option of spending a portion of my rent (the pen starts at $65) money on an equally luxurious pen set. there is a god - and he adores me!

NOT FASHION: THE COVER OF JAY-Z'S BLUE PRINT 3 ALBUM

www - kudos to whoever designed this. love the concept and execution and it underlies how far jay-z has moved in his aesthetic from his first blue print ablum which featured the somewhat stereotypical image of a rapper (jay-z) with a cigar. (very scarface.) this is more abstract, more modern, and more refined - much like the man himself.

TWO LEGENDS, ONE DVD: YVES SAINT LAURENT ON COCO CHANEL

www - perhaps i am in a soft and pink mood, but reading about this on vogue.co.uk made me tear up just a little. a dvd on mademoiselle coco chanel's life will debut this coming november. the narrator will be none other than the late, great yves saint laurent himself. despite me feeling verklempt, there is nothing particularly soft and pink about the comments served in this documentary. case in point: "First of all, I'm very flattered that Mademoiselle Chanel deigned to take an interest in what I'm doing and that she designated me her successor, but I am not at all in agreement when she says I copy her." "I think the big difference between me and Mademoiselle Chanel is that I try to bring women a style that allows them to adapt their style to my dresses and allows them to develop their personalities. While a woman who wears Chanel resembles Mademoiselle Chanel." oh how i adore a touch of cattiness with my couture!

THIS SHOULDN'T BE TRUE, BUT IT IS: APPLE BOTTOMS LAUNCHES A FRAGRANCE

www - yep. you read right. APPLE BOTTOMS IS LAUNCHING A FRAGRANCE. now if you are anything like me, that statement confounds and astounds you. your spirit cannot rest because something must be wrong with the verbiage. is it the full caps? is it the term apple bottoms? is it the reality that there is actually a product on the market called apple bottoms? or is it the news that the entity titled apple bottoms was actually able to secure funding to launch anything, let alone a fragrance? my dear blaynista, it is all - and i mean ALL - of the above. why? can you explain? but i digress....the news of the day is: nelly, via his successful clothing line, apple bottom is debuting a fragrance which will be in stores this fall. here's what stylecaster had to say about it: "With fragrance notes thought to represent the confident, sexy, and trendy Apple Bottoms woman – the same woman his clothing line is designed to flatter – the fragrance has top notes of fresh citrus, tropical fruit, and pink peony, sensual and feminine middle notes of apple blossom, rose, and coconut flakes, and creamy base notes of sandalwood, cedarwood, golden amber, and velvet musks." so my question is this: are any of these top and bottom notes strong enough to mask the musk of....apple bottom launching a fragrance?

JUST HAD TO SHARE: VIDEO FOR ADIDAS SLVR LABEL COLLECTION

www - so this video highlights the fall 2009/ winter 2010 collection for adidas slvr. its definitely on the artsy/abstract side. if you can rock with that - then you'll love this. personally, i like the concept of higlighting clothes this way. but the old school in me is still going to need a look book, catalog or old fashioned market appointment to get into these clothes.

NOT FASHION....BUT SOMETHING TELLS ME YOU DON'T MIND....

www - alas, i was minding my business reading blogs today to distract me from the drama of deadlines when i came across something very interesting: a photo of footballer terrell owens. this is the ad campaign for his reality show debuting on vh1 on july 20th. if i wasn't going to watch before, i am surely going to watch now. kudos to his stylist.

MARKET RESEARCH: VINTAGE CHANEL ON E-BAY

www - anyone who knows me, or reads my blog, knows i am a chanelista. (i definitely jeopardized my tuition payments for a sickening black chanel tote.) but i digress. to ease my mind, and to stimulate yours i took a stroll on ebay to see what tasty vintage chanel finds i could discover. needless to say, it was abundant. herewith, a few snaps of the ones that stood out to me. if you have a couple of hours and a couple of hundred (actually more like $600 to $1700) i suggest you log on and check it out. if the spirit moves you, don't hesitate to buy a thing or two for your fave fash blogger. besos.

www - listen, i'm the first one to admit that i totally hate a trend story. i mean i figure that my readers and myself are clued in enough to not need an editor or fashion writer to tell then whats haute. besides, it's all about timeless pieces. that said.....(don't you love me!?) i must highlight a perennial and ever favorite summer trend: white jeans. believe it or not, i have yet to try them myself: i am a bit rough with my pieces and so pristine white denim's always scare me. that said, i've been admiring them from afar and totally adore how some stylish celebs from beyonce to cindy crawford to rihanna have been rocking theirs. assuming you haven't already scored a few pairs yourself, i encourage you to check out two versions i'm lusting after by mandees and levi's. i love their versions for quality, style and ofcourse - price. !



all images from bauer griffin

WE LUST THIS: THE GILT GROUPE!

www- for the past few weeks now, i've had the pleasure of receiving daily emails from one of my new, favorite groups. hint: it's always around 11:45am and it's always good news. any guesses? none other than the innovative and praiseworthy gilt groupe, informing me of the soon-to-begin sale and revealing what fab designers are in store for the day. the members-only group founded by friends alexis maybank and alexandra wilson allows a lucky set of discerning shoppers to have access to substantially marked down (usually hovering around %70 off) designer and luxury goods. everyday, a new sale with different goods is offered at twelve noon- sharp, and only lasts for one day. think of it as something like a virtual sample sale- sans the stuffiness and catty clawing to get to that last zac posen dress. but, the venture certainly isn't lacking in the popularity department. despite the exclusivity of its strict invitation-only rule, marchesa, vera wang, marc jacobs, chloe and the likes often fly off the site before you can click "purchase!" yesterday it was geren ford, bill blass handbags, and richard chai; today it is thakoon and prps, amongst others. the prices are jaw-dropping, and the high-end threads are just as impressive. guilt-free shopping has never looked so good! sydney cannon

WE LUST THIS: A LUX CLUTCH

Stella McCartney, $995
Stella McCartney, $515

Jimmy Choo, $1595 (OUR TOTAL FAVORITE!)

Anya Hinmarch, $670

www - There’s no time better than summer to invest in a clutch (or few), and as all seasoned fashionistas know, accessories really do make or break an outfit. So as outdoor concerts, BBQs, and the wanderlust fever of summer creeps up, don’t let your lug of a bag get in the way of your fleeting feet. Instead of hauling around that hefty tote, enjoy carefree evenings with a lightweight clutch. With designers offering a range of casual, funky, and fancy, here are a few favorites to take you from dinner to dancing.

What: The essential summer clutch
Where: netaporter.com
Why: Think of it as getting rid of all that baggage, and getting into a fun summer fling.
Cost: $515.00- $1,595.00

Sydney Cannon

BEAUTY BEAT: MAC STYLE WARRIOR COLLECTION

www - i love mac and it's slickly packaged and marketed collections. what i can't figure out is....is there ever a real difference between these products besides a totally cool, conceptual package? please help this budding beautynista get it. in the meantime, the products are available right now at www.maccosmetics.com. zandile blay

JUST HAD TO SHARE: TEYANA TAYLOR'S LATEST PHOTO SHOOT

www - so i spotted this on clutch magazine's stylistic blog and while they referenced this as taylor's "latest" photo shoot they didn't specify which book it's for. this leads me to believe the shoot was done and leaked expressly for bloggers which is savvy. now on to the pics...what do you think? this little teen clearly has a sickening body, a very great look, and is talented - not supremely so - yet talented nevertheless. so why did she/is she not catching on? especially with pharell williams and mtv's 'my super sweet sixteen' as the original battery behind her stardom. blaynista's explain. my personal theory is....work ethic. is that crazy? i think the secret to celebrity is a healthy combination of looks, talent, a natural star power, but above all a certain ethic and vision that propel's you. but alas....what do i know.....zandile blay

YOU CAN NOW BUY YOUR MICKEY MOUSE EARS ONLINE!

www - the recession is even forcing corporations like walt disney to get crafty. to make up for lost revenue in it's theme parks division , they have now launched an e-commerce site where disney-nistas can purchase paraphanelia only found at walt disney theme parks. log on to www.disneystore.com to take a gander.  zandile blay

YOU CAN NOW PURCHASE MATTHEW WILLIAM$ON ONLINE

www - file this under the striking while the iron is hot category. one of my fave designers, matthew williamson  - of the legendary and of the moment h&m collaboration - is launching a new ecommerce site. it will sell pieces from his catwalk collections as well as his toned down commercial pieces. accessories and online exclusives will be available. the site is being developed in partnership with a uk based company called pod 1.  founder  of pod 1 said  of the site, " ... for a celebrated designer of matthew williamson's caliber, it is vital this his client base can access all of this in one dedicated area..." agreed. that said, i am super confused. isn't it 2009? why are so many designers and retailers seemingly JUST getting e-commerce on their sites. by now they should have evolved past this to new technologies that allow clients to have a fuller and more dynamic retail experience. not to mention a blog on each site whichsyndicates the blay report! amen somebody!! 

 zandile  blay

DO YOU SHOP AT REPLAY? WELL WE'VE GOT NEWS FOR YOU!

www - replay is now available to purchase online!!! zerogrey has inked a deal with italian denim giant (yeah, i never knew they were italian either) to manage replay's new e-commerce site. now fan's of the jeans can view products, check availability and of course purchase them from www.shop.replay.it or log on directly to replay's homepage. in addition fun features like sharing with friends or posting on your facebook will be available on the site. zandile blay

ad campaign for replay; image via burnio.com

I KNOW YA HEARD...NETAPORTER.COM TO DEBUT A DISCOUNT SITE

www - it's funny how news trickles down. as i was researching this tidbit, i discovered that it was announced as far back as january 18th by blackbookmag.com that netaporter.com is launching a new online outlet called outnet.com. i'm just finding out now. the site is set to stock brands we love like alberta ferretti, chloe, louboutin, and dvf at 40 to 60% less than normal retail price. as cute as this sounds, i'm thinking it will definitely undermine netaporter.com. what are your thoughts?

photo: blackbookmag.com

FASHIONABLE OR FUGLY? BARACK AND MICHELLE OBAMA NAILS

online - i got this picture of barack and michelle obama inspired nail art as a forward in my inbox. i won't pass judgement. i think these creations inhabit that special place between hope and futility, crass and class, fashionable and fugly....what sayeth you my dearest blaynista?

SOOOO LUSTWORTHY: CHLOE THREE CHAIN SHOULDER BAG

www - my wonderful friend, stephanie scott of 3lab brought my attention to this sumptuos bag. its one of chloe's latest creations and features a killer combination of rich leather and glossy gold hardware. and at a price point of $1, 695, you won't have to work all year to save up for it ( a good four months should do.) i heart this bag and am willing to let you buy it for me. seriously, i won't stop you. stephanie, thanks for spottting this fierce buy!

image via fashionweekdaily.com

IF YOU LOVE ME, YOU WILL BUY ME THE NEW CHANEL FISHING ROD SET

www - faithful readers of my blog know about my chanel habit (currently saving my coins to get my next pair of ballet flats, plus a bag for the spring). i am looking forward to mommyhood for the sole purpose of carrying a chanel diaper bag. and now, i may have to take up fly fishing, because karl lagerfeld and his team at chanel have graciously designed a new fishing rod for fashionistas who like to catch trout in their spare time. this inspired me to look up other uber-luxrious-if-not-necessary-chanel-goodies. enjoy this feast for the eyes.....(times like these, i am tempted to become an escort to raise more capital...)

images via fashionweekdaily.com, chanel.com

BLAY REPORT OBSESSION: LUPE FIASCO CHUCK TAYLOR'S FOR PRODUCT RED

www - wait, lupe fiasco is still relevant!? i'm not throwing any shade, just asking as i haven't seen - or most importantly - heard him in a while. but what do i know... in anycase, he has co-designed a siiiick pair of kicks for the product red line. i truly love these. they are scheduled to be on the market in january. listen, don't hesitate to buy me a pair. i wear a 7 1/2.