Y’all know how I feel about fabulous Fashion Week.  Now here’s your chance to win an exclusive package for two to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in February 2010. The sweepstakes, sponsored by Rowenta (the brand’s irons and steamers have provided expert garment care for 100 years), is valued at $4,850!
Visit Rowenta’s website for your chance to win Rowenta’s Exclusive Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sweepstakes.
Here’s what you’ll win:

Entrance to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York and tickets to select shows in February 2010.
Roundtrip coach airfare for two (continental U.S. only).
Airport transfers.
3 nights hotel accommodations (double occupancy) in Manhattan and select meals between February …read more

Have you ever had one of those days when you couldn’t raise your hand, because you weren’t sure?  Yesterday was one of those days for me.  In a futile rush to get to work on time, I forgot something rather important — my deodorant.  
As a beauty and style blogger, I’m sent a lot of freebies (it seems that may change soon) and I eventually get around to sampling most of the products I receive. And it’s a good thing I had the Koko Haze Natural Deodorette (0.30 oz; $10) by Mbeze sample I picked up during Fashion Week in my …read more

I love swag.  During Fall 2009 Fashion Week the freebies were less plentiful than other seasons, but I still scored a few choice goodies.
Notably at the Ottavia et Emma party at the Bryant Park Hotel’s Cellar Bar, where the canvas swag bag was stocked with the following fashionista finds:
OKA b.’s catch phrase is “Shoes That You Love,” and I do love these girly and sturdy “Lucy” flip-flop sandals ($40).  I can’t wait to wear them on my next vacation, which I could really use right about now.
Want  a fashionable and recyclable way to wrap a gift?  BOBO’s Zebra Wrapping scarf …read more

Designer Yigal Azrouel has teamed up with eBay to sell garments from his Spring/Summer 2009 collection for a worthy cause.  Proceeds of the eBay sales will benefit Natural Resources Defense Council, a leading environmental action organization.
I met the young and might I add pretty darn cute designer (see the awkward photo to the left; Why do I look like a school girl with a crush on her hot teacher?) at the eBay Suite at the Royalton hotel during Fashion Week.
Last year, I had the pleasure of attending Azrouel’s Fall 2008 show in a Chelsea loft and that was my introduction to his hip …read more

The Academy Awards are on tonight and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Hollywood starlet wearing one of the gorgeous gowns I saw during Fashion Week at Joanna Mastroianni’s showroom presentation.

Like several of her peers, the New York designer opted not to show in the Tents and the intimate showing gave the press a chance to get up close and personal with her Oscar-worthy Fall 2009 collection highlighted by cocktail dresses, gowns, and separates made with silk, embroidery, cashmere, fur, metallic fabric, organza, and patent leather.

Image credit: Tracy E. Hopkins

As I mentioned earlier, this season’s Fashion Week was a little lethargic.  The energy in the Tents was frenzied, but mainly due to disorganized check-ins and never-ending standing room lines.  There also seemed to be less stars present, and the only “celebrity” I saw up close was Tori Spelling.
Yet, the runway shows themselves are still like mini theatrical productions with blaring rock and hip-hop soundtracks starring sullen models, and are worthy to be praised.  This was my third trip to the Tents at Bryant Park, and each season at least one presentation gives me chills.  This time it was Tibi’s …read more

Maybe the anemic economy is to blame, but this Fall Fashion Week has been a more subdued affair.  The clothes, however, have still been dynamic.  And I thought I’d get an expert to weigh in.
Based on the shows she’d seen so far, here’s the Fall trend forecast from Jamie Thomas, Women’s Editor for StyleSight.com:

The Urban Warrior trend:  The Ohne Titel show featured clothing accented with chain mail and breast plates, and knits with crystals sewn on the front. Over the knee, lace-up boots in black and chocolate and booties with chains will also be hot for Fall. 
The Layered Look: Max …read more

I’m not exactly sure why this young lady is “famous.”  Hailed as a the hip-hop protegee of uber-producer Pharrell Williams a couple years ago, Teyana Taylor has yet to release an album.  That doesn’t stop the outspoken fashion risk-taker from popping up on MTV every chance she gets (she had her own “My Super Sweet 16” episode and was on a recent edition of “Made“).  
 

So I’m not surprised to see Teyana was at Fashion Week (at the coveted Barbie show from the look of the bowed box in her hand).  But do you like what she was wearing?  The …read more

Even though I can’t wear heels — chunky, stiletto or otherwise — I’ve admired designer Laura Poretzky’s clever and affordable Abaete shoe line for Payless ShoeSource from a far.  After attending this afternoon’s Abaete Fall 2009 Collection Show, I’m also a fan of her clean, well-constructed clothing.

 
Although I’m eager to cast off my winter coat and boots and splash on colorful spring fashion, Abaete’s collection — inspired by extravagantly dressed, French Revolution dandies — has me looking forward to fall. Transforming fashion popularized by avant garde men into wearable women’s garments shows the designer’s creativity and flair.  
The highlights: high-waisted skirts, one-shouldered …read more

 
I’ve recently become a perfume-nista and the luxury brand Bond No. 9 is my favorite. I first discovered Bond’s “Bryant Park” ($45 – $198) fragrance during New York Fashion Week several seasons ago, and I’ve been jonesing for the subtle floral scent ever since.
The best way to find the Bond fragrance that’s right for you is to order a few colorfully-wrapped samples (six samples for $15 including shipping and handling at www.bondno9.com).  Since discovering “Bryant Park,” I’ve also become fond of the “Andy Warhol Lexington Avenue” ($135- $195) scent with hints of fennel, toasted almonds, sandalwood and pink peony, and the …read more