YOU'RE IN THE HOOD NOW BABY

i know. i thought the same thing when i first saw these pics. but, diamond shaped cut-outs, pleather leather, pony skin, gucci prints, louis vuitton scarves: these are the makings of couture in the "ghetto." and no where is the fashion more fierce than a "prom in da hood." that was the title of a bunch of photos my friend ebony forwarded. i won't lie, some of these dresses (actually most of them) are fugly. but there is something that makes these dresses and pictures beautiful to me. it is that same "something" that makes bob mackie's over-the-top-gowns classics, john galliano's freak show pieces works of art, and alexander mcqueen's overwrought gowns drop dead gorgeous. that "something" is self expression, and that is a sacred, personal and individual thing that should neither be judged or ridiculed. enjoy the rest of these...

YSL UPGRADES GISELE

one man's trash is another man's treasure, and what victoria's secret didn't like about gisele bunchden(you gotta pay the -high - cost to be her boss) yves saint laurent loves. the luxury fashion house has signed gisele to be the face of their upcoming fall campaign. no word on how much they are paying to have her --- but being the face of yves saint laurent is such a step above modeling down a cat walk in angels wings, even if their dipped in swarovski crystals.


gisele in a shot from ysl's fall 2007 ad campaign

Cheap Shots: This Week's Sample Sales

if you are in the new york area, here is a sample sale you need to check out: 24th Street Loft Spring Jewelry Sample Sale. It's a chill, intimate atmosphere where you can meet designers in person and buy one of a kind pieces from them.


a collage of some of the pieces you can get...

the event is on 148 west 24th street, 9th floor. it takes place saturday, may 5th (11 am to 7pm) and sunday, may 6th (12pm to 5pm)

Look Like Tom Ford

do you (or more appropriately your boyfriend) want to look tall, tanned, and rich? then, of course, your fashion inspiration is tom ford, the former gucci creative director/designer who quit with a bang a few years ago. well he's back and better than ever ( i think) with his new namesake store: Tom Ford. find it on 845 Madison Avenue at 70th street. if you have $710 to spend on sun glasses, $3,990 to splurge on a coat, or $8,000 to drop on a suit, it's the place for you.


the perpetually handsome, smiling and poised tom ford.



a tastefully appointed section where shoppers can discuss options with staff.



ready-to-wear suits hang on a rack.



tom looks over products with staff.

on the other hand, if you just want to stare at the merchandise and soak in the ambiance ( i know all about this) check it out too. according to horatio silva of the new york times, there's a lot to look at. read his 'critical shopper' review online at www.nytimes.com.

Another Bad Breakup for Gisele

okay, so maybe it's not as juicy as I made it sound in the title....but, gisele bundchen (below) will no longer represent victoria's secret. the company made the formal announcement on may 1st. according to the fabulous page six ( i live for that gossip column) the super model is actually leaving the company because they refused to up her salary of $5 million a year.

Alice Roi Pops Up in Soho

she's never been one of my favorite designers - but in case she's yours - alice roi is launching her first ever pop up store in the heart of new york city's soho from may 3rd to 6th, on 76 greene street from 11 am to 7pm daily. this may be a prelude to a more permanent store. check it out to get dibs on her spring '06 collection like these below. for more details go to www.aliceroi.com.

WISH LIST- Summer Shoes

With summer right around the corner and beautiful weather already here (at least in New York City) this weeks WISH LIST had to focus on the obvious: Summer Shoes. Assuming you got your pedicures together (i'm about to get on mine!) check out my top five list of shoes I plan on keeping in heavy rotation this summer.

Number 5:



I love these flats because they can take you from day to night, and jeans to dress without missing a beat. Get these for $225 at Urban Outfitters.

Number 4:



Sam Edleman is the name when it comes to classic ballet flats, and these snake skin t-strap versions are a modern take on his timeless staple. Love them! They are $135 at Bloomingdales.

Number 3:



Beautiful color, super comfortable, and easy to fold away once you are ready to put on some pumps. What more do you want? Get these for $78 at Banana Republic.

Number 2:




Because sometimes you just want to freakum! And both these shoes do just that. The gold for when you want to be sexy and trashtastic the black for when you want to be subtle and appealing. The gold ones are by Steven by Steve Madden, $99.95. The black by Stella McCartney for $565.

Number 1:

Comfort and color are key, and these blingy silver flats have both in spades. Best of all, they are by one of the few designers I follow - Stella McCartney. Get them for $495 at Nordstroms.

Coming Soon...

"Is anybody checking for this!?" That's what my little sister, Zeba, had the nerve to ask me, when I said I am going to let my readers know that I am coming back. The answer is probably nobody. But that's for now. I am working with Tara Ortiz (www.borderchild.com) to revamp my blog and plan on dedicating some real time to it soon. So look out! Bye BLAYNISTAS!