Patiently A-Waiting: Gossip Girl

Well it's Friday and after a long stylish day, I have no other choice but to indulge in the confection that is Gossip Girl. I;ve even developed a sophisticated countdown clock until the season 2 premiere. {It is 17 days, 5 hours, 47 minutes and 51 seconds until Monday, September 1, 2008 at 8:00:00 PM to be precise} And don't look at the screen that way, come September 1st at 8pm everyone in the age range of 10-50+ will sit anxiously in front of the television and discuss how viciously cruel, fun and delectable Serena and Blair's antics are. Well since I know that when it comes to GG, everyone has a sweet tooth, enjoy this little bit of candy.

Dark Fluorescent Jewels

Costume Jewelry. Statement Pieces. No matter what you call it, you will see it everywhere this fall. And this bracelet happens to be one of my fave picks for my fall wardrobe. But this isnt your normal statement piece that goes the way of leotards in the 80's. This Swarovski crystal and Rhodium cuff by Tom Binns is a piece that can be used for multiple season to come. Its destined not to fall inbetween the cracks of your drawers only for you to find it 15 years later upon moving to a new home. The cuff is from Binns new collection entitled Dumont Noir Florescent.

A Look @ Edie Rose

**Image courtesy of Edie Rose for DKNY

I made a promise to all of my readers in March that when Rachel Bilson's line for DKNY dropped I would definitely show you the details. Bilson stayed true to her SoCal roots and definitely incorporated glimpses of beautiful California sunshine in the small collection. While the website for Edie Rose is up and running it will not be available in stores until mid-September. The website features a contest where you can be flown out to LA to meet Bilson as welll as keep up with her launch events for the line. In additon that, you get the additional joy of learning what type of things inspire Bilson {speaking of that, Bilson and I both ♥ Cookies n Cream ice cream}. While things with the celebrity lines are 50/50 lately {half trash and half over prices... My fave, overpriced trash} Bilson's very affordable line is the perfect medium. You get exactly what you pay for.

**Images couresty of DKNY Jeans & Edie Rose

THE OLYMPICS, 8.8.08, IT'S FINALLY HERE!

Scenes from the Opening Ceremonies

The Painting Scroll

Moveable Type Printing

Confucius's 3000 Disciple

Artists Perform for The Opening of The 2008 Olympics

Sailing Boats

The "Birds Nest" The Stadium, An Art Performance

And so, we let the games begin. The Olympics, the international stage where the world is represented. Much more than a global sports competition for medals, I feel it is the one time during which we can come together as one in respecting our shared humanity, our shared respect for our respective history, and our shared respect for planet earth. While some of us will be watching the medal count, some of us will be watching the bigger picture as well....How many souls will truly be as one? The Olympics---A DREAM WORTH HAVING.

For a tv listing go to: http://www.nbcolympics.com/tv_and_online_listings/index.html

"Dreams come true. Without that possibility, nature would not incite us have them."---John Updike


Lovin Life, Truth Is

Louis Vuitton Wins Record Fake Goods Payout (Canada)

Next stop US.
Louis Vuitton Malletier has been awarded more than CAD1m (US$0.94m) in damages and costs after rogue traders in British Columbia sold fake copies of its accessories.
The luxury goods company, part of the LVMH empire, had sought to set a precedent in bringing the case against 46353 BC Ltd, which traded under a number of retail names including Wynnie Lee Fashion, Wynnie Lee, Francisca Hung-Yee Ngan, Lisa Le Dung Tran, 560148 BC and Jacqueline Lee, all based in Richmond, British Columbia.
Sitting in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Justice Mary Ellen Boyd said the defendants had acted "wilfully and knowingly" in selling fake copies of Louis Vuitton scarves, handbags, purses, wallets and belts.
Awarding a record amount of C$20,000 per violation, Justice Boyd said the retailers had continued to sell the fake goods over a six-year period, ignoring a series of court orders, Federal Court judgments and cease and desist notices.
They had sought to avoid detection by hiding the items in drawers in the shops and refusing to offer receipts for goods, the court heard.
Louis Vuitton Malletier had originally brought the action after seizing hundreds of fake items from a Wynnie Lee store in 2004.
"We are extremely pleased by this precedent-setting victory in our global fight against counterfeiting, particularly in Canada where the legal framework for the enforcement of Intellectual Property rights is not as strong as in other countries," said Nathalie Moulle-Berteaux, intellectual property director of Louis Vuitton.
Louis Vuitton also pointed to an earlier case brought against Lin Pi-Chu Yang in British Columbia last November, which led to a payout of over C$260,000.
"Through these decisions, the judges have sent a strong message to counterfeiters that their illegal activities will not be tolerated by the Canadian courts," said Moulle-Berteaux.

Thankyou Mary Dan from Just Style for the story.


"Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing."---Abraham Lincoln

Lovin Life, Truth Is

On The Campaign Trail: K by Lagerfeld

**Image courtesy of K by Karl Lagerfeld

So it's been a while since I have done a "Campaign Trail" post. So for my triumphant return I present to you an image from the K by Karl Lagerfeld ad campaign for Fall/Winter 08/09. The images were taken by the Karl himself, who released a book of photography earlier this year in May. This campaign features models Jeisa Chiminazzo and Brad Kroenig both of whom Lagerfeld has used for his previous campaigns. I hope you all enjoy.

***LANCEL***

There is simply no explanation, no description, no words, for the absolute artistry I'm about to bring you. I'll have to admit that I'd only heard of them once back in 2004 before this blog was even born. I even venture to say it was one of those conversations that was you really don't take seriously. Now that I'm writing this blog I take everything seriously because you never know where you next big lead is going to come from. LANCEL, please don't forget someone told you about them only to be reminded of them later on like I did! I know, I know, I just did handbags yesterday! Believe me when I tell you, you'll be glad I did LANCEL today. (Just so you know, when you get to the website click on The Maison Lancel, then click Lancel Vintage)

Vintage 1930---Clutch Bag in Brown Crocodile with Calman's head and feet added. Interior taupe with a zipped pocket, vanity mirror and a purse. Special Order

Vintage 1937 Black and Blue Leather Surrealist Umbrella Bag with a Faux Ivory Ball Handle. Middnight Blue moire interior with a small pocket. Reeditioned in 1996.

Vintage 1930 Evening Clutch Bag with Flap and Inside Compartment in Black Elephant Skin and smooth leather. White metal logo clasp. Black Lambskin interior.

Vintage 1890, Minaudierie in Morrocco leather with a "Bookbinding" tooled finish on one side. Green woven Satin Interior. Contains a purse, vanity mirror, and a powder-puff sleeve. Purse in a "cordoue leather" style, lined with morrocco leathered and green woven satin.

Now that's a WOW! I'd pay for these bags with out any reservations! Besides their Vintage Collection of Bags their line for this year is outstanding too. Check it out! Sales on the Internet as well as stores in Chicago, Detroit, New York and Washington , DC.

"We need men who can dream of things that never were."---John F. Kennedy

Lovin Life, Truth Is

America's Lingerie Spectacular

Few trade shows can boast a lingerie runway show as part of their program of events - except, of course, Lingerie Americas, the semi-annual gathering of the intimate apparel industry in the U.S. In some respects, for those in attendance Lingerie Americas’ Monday, Aug. 4, show in New York arguably eclipsed the popular televised Victoria’s Secret Angels show - maybe not in terms of star wattage (no Heidi Klums or Gisele Bundchens here), but it hit the mark as a creatively produced Folies Bergere-like spectacle inspired by the art of cinema, which featured professional dancers and a huge breadth of international lingerie brands all bathed in golden light and reflected in the Art Deco mirrored columns of Cipriani’s 23rd Street. The two-part show, which featured nearly 100 looks from more than 40 brands from their Spring/Summer 2009 collections, opened with a choreographed dance number with dancers outfitted like the stars of “A Chorus Line” in black bodysuits, bowler hats and bow ties, followed by a runway presentation with models wearing French brands such as Aubade, Princess Tam Tam, Simone Perele, Gerbe and Huit commenced, showing the latest and greatest underpinnings find their way to the boudoir. A second dance number introduced the next section of the show, a collection of American and international brands including Badgley Mischka, Jessica Simpson Intimates, Nautica, Allure Inside Out, Blus and Feraud. The three-day Lingerie Americas event concludes today, Tuesday, Aug. 5, after showcasing about 200 intimate apparel and swimwear brands and included the launch of the Playboy White Label, set to hit stores next February in time for Valentine’s Day, as well as first-time exhibitor Jessica Simpson Intimates.


Thankyou Renata Espinosa for the story and FWD for the photographs.

"What are the three words guaranteed to humiliate men everywhere? HOLD MY PURSE!"

Lovin Life, Truth Is

Sean John Appoints Dawn Robertson As President

Sportswear brand Sean John has named former Gap, Inc. executive Dawn Robertson as its new president, effective immediately.
In this role, Robertson will work directly with Sean "Diddy" Combs, the musician who is founder and chief executive officer of Sean John.
Robertson most recently served as president of Old Navy for a two-year spell. Prior to that she was managing director of Australian department store chain Myer.
Before Myer, Robertson served as president and chief merchandising officer of Federated Direct, a division of Federated Department Stores overseeing the online and catalogue businesses for Macy's and Bloomingdale's.
Sean "Diddy" Combs said: "We are very excited to have Dawn join the Sean John team on the eve of our 10 year anniversary. As the new president, she will help continue the dynamic growth and expansion of our brand. Her experience in fashion retail is a great asset to the Sean John brand."
Dawn Robertson said: "This is a great opportunity and exciting challenge. Sean's marketing genius combined with his design inspiration creates enormous value in the Sean John brand. Our plan is to build this brand into an international powerhouse."

"Vision is not enough, it must be combined with venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps, we must step up the stairs."---Vaclav Havel

Lovin Life, Truth Is

Treesje & Jennifer Alfano

I was going to start off nice and slow. You know take my time and shop just a little bit...But...well I kept seeing bags that were not only simply beautiful, but bags that were practical and well made. Treesje & Jennifer Alfano round out this week's splurge. I hope you enjoy it, I sure did!

Treejse/ Harlow, Harlow Collection

Treesje/Divino, Divino Collection

Jennifer Alfano/ "Gramercy Hobo Bag"

Jennifer Alfano/ "Get Away"

Actually there are many more bags at their respective sites. Just a smorgasbord of style and luxury. Check them out when you get a chance.

"Jealousy is the tribute mediocrity pays to genius."---Fulton J. Sheen

Lovin Life, Truth Is