If there’s one publisher that can make buying books Tres Chic, its ASSOULINE. Not only because they publish the most complete set of Fashion Related books, but the store itself resembles a personal library. Books are displayed on over sized wood tables, there’s a quaint sitting area, and the cash wrap simply floats with no register in sight. They held their Grand Opening today hosted by Model, Author, and Real Housewife of New York Kelly Killoren Bensimon. Upon entering the shop I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by Kelly. She was perched on a table with her legs crossed.

Kelly Killoren Bensimon signing my book.

Dressed in a black tank top, cropped leather jacket, Hervé Léger skirt, and Manolo Blahnik shoes she was surrounded by piles of The Bikini Book and American Style which she penned. Kelly was extremely kind in noticing my outfit and was very happy to accommodate my request. I had a copy of The Fashion Questionnaire book and asked if she would answer a question or two and sign it. She not only signed it but she answered almost all of the questions (I’ll post her answers soon). After my moment with Kelly I continued browsing through their selection of books and realized that I own quite a few of ASSOULINE books. Now if they ever add a cafe, I’ll be blogging from ASSOULINE Las Vegas via my BlackBerry.

…Click to continue reading | Assouline Las Vegas Grand Opening with Kelly Killoren Bensimon

This really shouldn’t be news as it should have been done years ago but it is. Don’t get too exited as you wont be able to purchase a Chanel 2.55 in caviar online but you will be able to get Chanel No 5 and later eyewear and accessories. Developed by R/GA New York the platform will launch near the end of the year. Unlike Chanel the Marc Jacobs site will feature select pieces from various collections as well as accessories and fragrances. The Marc Jacobs ecommerce is set to go live in August.

Jimmy Choo is giving those in the high end kicks/sneakers market; the likes of Prada, Lanvin, and Louis Vuitton a little competition. After the Jimmy Choo X UGG Australia debacle/news I cant wait to see these in the shops in May. The capsule collection includes 8 styles, 5 high tops and 3 low tops. Like all things Jimmy Choo the materials are luxurious. The sneakers are crafted out of Patent Leather and Suede, there’s even a snake embossed pair. Hitting the Jimmy Choo stores and online in May, the sneakers range from $465 for low tops and $595 for high tops. The Black Patent and Suede pair is calling my name, will I answer? I’ll let you know in May.

Jimmy Choo Sneakers Capsule Collection. Image: WWD

Although I am coming down from my Bag and Shoe high and focusing more on clothes, I cant help but covet some of these clutches. From Fendi to Miu Miu these clutches will take you from the office to the nightclub and even behind close doors (not judging but someone has to pay for that Judith Leiber).

Day and Night

The Miu Miu Oversized Leather Glazed Clutch is the perfect clutch for the busy city girl. This clutch is large enough to fit your essentials for work and by hiding the strap you can go from the office to the tents at Bryant Park.

Miu Miu Oversized Glazed Leather Clutch $995 via Net-A-Porter.com

Sleek-ster

I heart Lizard but as you know since it is an exotic it can be costly. Not the case here with this Stamped Lizard Fendi bag done in a patent leather finish. Its sleek enough to wear with Jeans and a Balmain Jacket while taking the kids to Dalton or out on date to Cipriani with that certain Russian playboy.

Fendi Small Patent Leather Shoulder Bag $785 Via Net-A-Porter.com

More Fabulosity after the jump
…Click to continue reading | Can’t Clutch This! From Fendi to Miu Miu.

When Jil Sander was first tapped to design a line for high-street giant Uniqlo, no-one could’ve predicted the madness that was about to ensue. +J for Uniqlo, with its sleek tailoring and minimalistic elegance, had a huge build-up (not least by Grazia Daily, ehem) but this was far surpassed on the launch day. On October 1st from 8am, a mahoosive queue was meandering its way down Oxford Street. The day’s sales targets were made five times over by the close of play, and the Uniqlo website nearly crashed as sales increased by an incredible 1,750%. A second drop of the collection even had to be done just a week after the first to meet demand. Wowsers!

With their Rodarte for Target collection due in Target Stores on December 20th, Laura and Kate Mulleavy have teamed up with fashion blogger Tavi Gevinson for a promotional video of the collection. Tavi the 13 Year-old fashion guru has been making her mark on Fashion. First with her blog StyleRookie and last season during New York Fashion Week when she received prime seats at Alexander Wang and Marc Jacobs. Shot in North Dakota, the video plays like a moving scrapbook with various high profile interviews, the musings of Tavi, and the inspiration behind the collection.

Following Alexander McQueen and Ana Sui, Jean Paul Gaultier may be the next designer for Target’s Designer Collaboration series. A source told WWD that the collection wont be in stores for months but Target has the ball in motion. According to a Target spokesman, “We don’t have anything to share other than we admire his work and incredible design aesthetic”. Based on the source and the previous quote I’ll be saving a few Euro’s for Jean Paul Gaultier for Target. If the collection is anything like his work for his namesake label it will be wild, over the top, with a street chic edge.

Jean Paul Gaultier

Join Tory Burch at her Meatpacking District boutique tonight in celebration of Fashion’s Night Out. Tory herself will be on hand to help you pick put some amazing stuff for the fall and while supplies last you will receive a free Tory Burch Camo Tote. Plus DJ Cassidy will be on hand and the bubbly will flow all night. So head to the freezer take your credit card out and let it thaw out because you have some major swiping to do tonight.

Fashion's Night Out with Tory Burch

Outerwear
Jackets, Coats and Sweaters speak in Volume to me. Think about it when its cold and you are outdoors it’s the only thing people can see so never mind that awesome T-shirt you got at the Cher concert (remind me to kick you in the shin later).

Jackets: They should be dark and a size bigger. I know you want to cinch your wait but it won’t serve its purpose if you can’t wear layers underneath it. Quilted ones are great, puffy ones, short ones, long ones just make sure its warm and is graphic free and preferable logo free.

Burberry Down Filled Puffer Jacket $425 USD Saks.com

…Click to continue reading | Recession Proof Your Closet Pt. 2 Outerwear and Shoes

With the recession talk still buzzing I’m deathly afraid to even talk trends as anything trendy could be considered frivolous. As excess and flash continue to make its way out, I now wonder is your closet recession proof? Do you have great season-less pieces or everything Cavalli put out last season? You do huh? Don’t fret because I have a list of staples that any closet must have. From slacks to pumps I’ll show you some pieces that are more necessary to your closet than your husband’s Amex. The examples below are for illustration purposes only. I am in no way shape or form saying that you need a Burberry Polo or an Alexander McQueen T-Shirt for $300 USD as I don’t believe in spending an arm and a leg on clothes. Shoes and handbags are a different story.

TOPS
Tops are essential because they will make up a large part of your closet.

Button Downs: You should have a least 1 – 4 button downs in neutral colors i.e black, white, light blue, grey, etc. These will be great for work, PTA meetings, lunch with the husband ect.

DKNY Button Front Shirt $175 USD

…Click to continue reading | Recession Proof Your Closet: Pt. 1 Tops and Bottoms