The Hills to Washington DC?

Considering we love our city, Washington DC, the brainless pleasure that is The Hills, as well as the obvious one: fashion...it would seem logical to write about Lifetime's six episode reality show The Blonde Charity Mafia, nicknamed The Hills: DC.

According to DC's Examiner, the show will features the unscripted happenings of three twenty-something young adults who dominate the DC social scene.

"Their events are always a hot ticket; their dating lives are gossiped about; and sometimes merely their simple daily activities are chatter within the D.C. social set. Throwing these glamorous soirees every week, they are the young personalities of Georgetown and the darlings of the city's most fashionable clubs and hottest restaurants."

The girls are Katherine Kennedy, Krista Johnson and frequent Kennedy/Johnson charity go-er Sophie Pyle. The show's lead, Kennedy, has her own PR company at 23 years old. She left Georgetown grad school to follow through with an ambitious class project of starting peruse.com, a social networking slash shopping website.

As far as fashion goes, these DC girls are involved in a handful of charitable fashion related events and have massive trendsetting potential. But seeing as how the show just recently started production, we'll just have to wait and see.

Pretty much, the show has potential to be another weekly guilty pleasure or fashion/reality-tv catastrophe.

Valentino: The Last Emperor

Valentino has had quite a busy year: celebrating 45 years in the fashion business, announcing his retirement, taking his final bow at the upcoming Paris Couture Fashion Week and now the fashion legend is being immortalized on the big screen.

Matt Tyrnauer, a special correspondent for Vanity Fair, has spent the past two years shooting more than 250 hours of footage of the designer and his entourage for Valentino: The Last Emperor. The film made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival in May.

According to IMDB, "the film is an intimate and engaging fly-on-the-wall exploration of the world of one of Italy's most famous men." The film documents Valentino's final days of his career and tells the story of his out of the ordinary lifestyle. The film also acknowledges larger themes affecting the fashion business today. At the heart of the film is the unique relationship between Valentino and his business partner and companion of 50 years, Giancarlo Giammetti.

This follows on the heels of the Karl Lagerfeld documentary, Lagerfeld Confidential as well as the Marc Jacobs film, Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton.

The Green-Way Hits the Runway

The exponentially growing green trend has finally hit the major runway circuit. The "Be EcoChic" campaign, which raises environmental awareness, will kicks off its global launch Sept 4 in the form of a group runway show at the Museum of Natural History in Manhattan. According to WWD, designers including Donna Karan, Ralph Rucci, Carmen Marc Valvo, Christian Cota and Vena Cava have contributed looks that feature sustainable, low-impact or recycled fabrics. Women with environmentalist credibility including Mary Richardson and Laura Turner Seydel, will walk in the show. Other models include host Angela Lindvall, Alek Wek, Lauren Hutton, Alexandra Richards and her mother Patti Hansen, as well as TV stars from “Lipstick Jungle,” “Law & Order,” “Gossip Girl” and “Ugly Betty.”

Lindvall who co-stars on Discovery’s “Planet Green” show “AlterEco” tells WWD “Eco-fashion is going high-tech. The fashion industry is beginning to realize that eco-fashion can be well designed, glamorous and, well, fashionable.”

Whitney Port Has Already Started at DVF

Last week we reported rumors of Whitney Port leaving People's Revolution to do in-house PR for DVF. NYU OTR is reporting that she started at DVF on the 26th, but as a PR-department intern. PopSugar has also published a half dozen photos of her shmoozing with an unidentified male outside of the DVF offices.

Michelle Obama Is Fashion Focus At The D.N.C.

Michelle Obama was dressed to the fashion nines on Thursday night as Sen. Barack Obama accepted his nomination in Denver. The possible First Lady wore a pre-spring 2009 Thakoon Panichgul floral kimono dress. The fact that she opted to wear a dress by a young New York designer to her husband's most important speech so far signifies that she has fresh and modern taste, and isn't afraid of change. We've already seen that she's more than willing to break from the political wife-y uniform. Many fashion analysts and writers have mused that if Obama should win the presidency, Michelle could become a trendsetter similar to Jackie O... who definitely has some large 60s patent pilgrim heels to fill.

Today's Outfit- Mix and Match

This fall is all about layering, mixing and matching.  One new piece can add limitless possibilities to any wardrobe.  Here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling.  

1.  Rebecca Taylor - V Neck Ruffle Cami 

2.  Victoria's Secret - Studded Bootie 

3.  Current/Elliott- Skinny Super Loved Straight: Destroyed Wash

4.  L.A.M.B - Classic Blazer

5.  All Saints- Silk Gathered Front Sequin Placement Top

6.  Joie- Deja Vu Fringe Boot in Cognac Suede 

Ideas on how to style it:

We love the look of the boots and dress together, very chic and perfect for a casual daytime look.  Pair the dress with the blazer and booties for a night out.  The tank and jeans with fringe boots are great for the daytime, add the blazer or booties to dress the look up a bit.  

Biggest Fashion Week Trend: A T-Shirt?

Will everyone at fashion week be wearing plain black t-shirts? According to WWD, in order to raise awareness of the disappearing Garment Center, Anna Sui has teamed up with several designers to create the “Save The Garment Center” T-Shirt to “galvanize members of the Council of Fashion Designers of America to find a way to preserve the Garment Center”. The back of the tee has e-mail addresses of important New York City officials.
Since many landlords are redeveloping their buildings into luxury lofts and hotels where they can jack up the rent, many factories are forced to leave since rent can no longer be affordable.

Model Gemma Ward Retires from the Runway

Current model-of-the-moment Gemma Ward is reported to be leaving the glitz n glam of the catwalk for Hollywood. The Aussie is officially retiring from modeling to pursue her love of acting. She recently creeped us out as a psycho killer in The Strangers and will appear in The Black Balloon as a loving teenage girlfriend. Critics have given the movies good reviews, so hopefully her decision will benefit her in the long run.

Whitney Port to Diane Von Furstenberg

Whitney Port, the level-headed bohemian bombshell from MTV's The Hills, is rumored to be moving up the fashion ladder. Earlier in the summer, New York Mag’s “The Cut” reported a rumor that Whitney Port would leave People's Revolution during this fall’s fourth season of The Hills to do in-house PR at a major fashion label. Fashionista has just reported that she's going to Diane Von Furstenberg. DVF's representatives have said they "can't confirm" anything…but, “The Cut's” spies report that they've “recently seen reality-TV producers over at the DVF office”. “The Cut” believes these producers might be in negotiations for a reality show.
Personally, Whitney is my favorite character on the Hills, so for her to have a spin off (featuring DVF no less….) I would be a little more than okay with.

Celeb Style: What They're Wearing Now

Charlize Theron with Stuart Townsend taking a stroll and trying to avoid paparazzi. Charlize rocks a white cardigan over a long belted gray tank and body-con skirt.

Workaholic Agyness Deyn in an effortless ensemble consisting of her classic cut up ironic t-shirt, gray skinnys with a splash of leopard and Ked sneeks.

Blake Lively heads to work in Ralph Lauren’s SS 08 Jacket and the "Watch me work" bag by Celine.

Mary-Kate Olsen grabbed dinner with New York artist boyfriend Nate Lowman at a restaurant in New York City on Saturday. She toted the Chloe “Paraty” Bag in black python and Marni sunglasses. This is the same Chloe handbag Katie Holmes has been carrying around to all her Broadway rehearsals.

Last Friday, Tom Cruise and Suri accompanied Katie Holmes on her way into her All My Sons rehearsals. Katie wore a bohemian white blouse over black Jbrand skinnys and a bulky printed scarf.

Today's Outfit

Giles & Brother Tiny Wishbone Necklace, Rachel Leigh Capsule Necklace, Dolce Vita Bermuda Sandal, Foley & Corinna White Jetsetter Bag, American Apperal TShirt, Thrift Store Sweater, Paper Denim Cloth Jean Shorts

Fall Denim Guide

Style.com Gets a Facelift

In case you were away this weekend, couldn't make it to your computer because of a fabulous social life, or hiding under a rock -- Vogue's style.com has had some work done. According to Style.com 's creators, its new look is "clean, airy, and modern" and the site's navigation is easier than ever. New features include a Beauty Counter blog and starting September 2 "Shop Now" will keep readers up to date with online fashion finds. Just in time for NY fashion week (Sept 5), socialistas, models and editors are being made in avatar form for "virtual front row." Little funny cartoon versions of our favorite fashion heavy weights? This we can't wait to see. Lastly, it's a good thing we can't get enough of model Coco Rocha because she's stepping in as their new video host.

What They're Wearing Now

Rachel Bilson - Alternative Apparel Burnout tee in White, Current Elliott Boyfriend jean in super loved destroyed, Zac Posen woven patent leather drawstring bag, Modern Vintage fernanda sandals, Chanel sunglasses
Victoria Beckham - Marc by Marc Jacobs Heartleaf Print dress, Christian Louboutin 'Rolando' pumps in black patent leather, Hermes 'Birkin' bag in 'Violine' ostrich leather and Dvb '6' sunglasses in black
Nicole Richie - Abercrombie & Fitch Nicolette light destroy denim shorts
Lauren Conrad - TT Collection ruffle skirt
Kate Hudson - Velvet By Graham & Spencer Maxidress, Jimmy Choo bag
Audrina Patridge - LaRok metal fringe jersey halter dress
Jessica Alba - Matt Bernson KM Gladiator sandal finished with gold studs, Prada Havana sunglasses
Eva Longoria - J Brand Lightweight Pencil Leg Jean in ink, Old Navy jacket, Yves Saint Laurent tan canvas 'Tribute' platform mary-janes

Nicky Hilton - Alternative Apparel burnout tank, Zac Posen Aurora Frame bag, Ray Ban original wayfarer sunglasses dark turquoise, Missoni scarf

Suprisingly, Audrina's LaRok dress is my favorite out of all of these. What do you think?

The Black Stiletto's Readers of the Month

Sure we appreciate established designers and stylists here at The Black Stiletto, but what we appreciate even more is how you, our readers, put together smoking outfits for every day wear. Here are three readers we’d like to feature for their unique senses of style and creative ways they interpret runway inspirations.

Thank you everyone who submitted photos! Here is The Black Stiletto’s very first readers’ style edition.

#1 Fashion Chalet
First outfit - Forever 21 jacket, NYC blouse, Calvin Klein shorts, Gifted wedges and vintage belt.
Second outfit – Brown slouchy bag, vintage scarf, gladiator kitten heels and long torso white tank.
Third outfit - Vintage Levi's, Aldo shoes, vintage bag and mixed jewelry.

#2 Aly-gator
First outfit - Miss Shop bag, Jay Jays jeans, a tablecloth and Tempt top.
Second outfit - Rebirth dress, Justjeans jeans, mother's scarf, Forever New flats and bag.
Third outfit - Miss Shop top, Super skirt and Forever New shoes.

#3 THE HOUSE OF STYLE
First outfit - White oxford, large pearls, black belt, pencil leg tan pants and white loafers.
Second outfit - Navy blazer, gray shirt dress and yellow peep-toes with wooden heels.

AdoreVintage.com

I have no idea how I stumbled across this Web site, I was probably surfing fashion sites when I should have been doing something more productive like…I don’t know…sleeping? (Yes, sometimes my greatest online finds are at 3 o’clock a.m.) Anyways, I’m pretty sure the site hasn’t been updated since 2007, but it’s look book is chock full of inspirational outfits a la Twiggy, Kate Moss, Mischa Barton, Jane Birkin, Edie Sedgwick, models backstage and many more. So get your fingers moving and satisfy your Tuesday morning craving for fashion icon inspiration, both past and present.

Mad About Plaid

We’ve seen plaid here and there during the summer months and past fall seasons, but be prepared for plaid-topia as we head into fall 2008. Designers had plaid on the brain at the fall/winter ready-to-wear shows including Dsquared2, Preen, Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Dolce & Gabbana, Michael Kors, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Karen Walker, Ralph Lauren, Y 3, Karen Walker, and Ralph Lauren.

Christian Dior

Although nothing from Galliano should surprise us anymore, the 60s Barbie-like models with gigantic eye makeup and massive hairdos wearing monotone plaids and western hats was almost too much for us to handle. However, in agreement with style.com, the collection minus the hair and makeup is quite wearable.

Dolce & Gabanna

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana incorporated a romantic plaid into their fall/winter collection. Excellent tailoring, fur-printed chiffon blouses, long skirts and puffer jackets all in an autumn leaf pallet made us excited for fall foliage.

Vivienne Westwood Red Label

Tartan kilts, knits, and coats all baggy-hemmed and asymmetrical were staples at the Vivienne Westwood Red Label show. Westwood always brings something new to the table with her collections and to the delight of Westwoodiens worldwide, her f/w 08 show didn't fail to disappoint. With a mixture of English countryside tartan and urban London tube socks, the show was anything but ordinary.

From Runway Inspiration to Every Day Wardrobe

A little bit of plaid goes a long way. To avoid looking like a table cloth or a catholic school uniform gone horribly wrong, please wear plaid sparingly.

Dior - To pull off a Dior-esque plaid look: pair a houndstooth coat with some sort of patent leather ( clutch). Add stacked heels and you’re ready for a glamorous night out.

D&G - A shearling coat over a plaid button down, jeans and brown laced heels is a look that screams D&G but is made up of reusable wardrobe pieces.

Plaid Coat - Invest in a quality plaid coat now and thank yourself later. Pieces like the classic Burberry coat are elegant and chic and will pay you back later.


A newer designer with a taste for the current yet classy is Marc Jacobs. His plaid coat is the perfect foundation for a funky fall wardrobe.

Plaid Skirts - We're not huge fans long winter plaid skirts, but that's just a personal preference. However, if you're the same way, here's a high waisted skirt by Tibi, perfect for the last remaining days of summer.




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