>>  We all have those fashion-related words we hate.  Mine?  Think "fashionista," "hipster," "stylin'," "trendy," and the like.  I mean, granted I don't like hearing them, but only at Vogue would a phrase be banned.  Nevermore will you see "style maven" gracing the pages of that illustrious magazine, quoth The Daily.   

>>  You know, Target.  Yes, that's right, since today we're speaking about designers at discount prices, Luella Bartley is doing a line for Target that will kick off in February.  Everything about the collection has been off the record, on the QT, and very hush-hush, but lucky for us, The Daily's spy scooped up some dish:

My favorites were citrus-colored skintight jeans, like stovepipe jeans, and they had Luella heart embroidered pockets on the back, really cute.  Bright Hello Kitty-colored fitted polo shirts with the little Luella crest on the breast, black and white striped denim jackets with denim skirt, but it’s a really thick hand-painted stripe, and the skirt was mini.

There were amazing high-waisted little bubble skirts, really crazy, they sit right on the waist and they’re like only 13 inches, very small, bright colors and a really wide waist band with belt loops shaped with little arrows, gathered around the waist and puffed out. It was very YSL from Stefano Pilati’s first collection.

I also liked the little checked short-sleeve puff blouses with big bow collars; you tie them to make a bow at the neck, they were sweet. A leather jacket for $120 was the most expensive piece, and the cheapest piece is like $16…I don’t know what it was, maybe those little polos.

As for accessories, she did little tote bags with cherries on them, and little pencil case bags with cherries or apples. I know she uses apples a lot, but she was really into cherries this time.

But the thing most like her runway collection were these amazing black and white striped sequined tank tops, like fully sequined in thick stripes, just like from her last collection when she did a dress like that for the runway.

Oh, and there were two prom dresses, little taffeta side-ruched prom dresses with a side bow across the bust.

It was a really short collection, maybe 10 looks, but I loved it.

Sounds fabulous indeedy do, especially after Luella's spectacular Spring collection.  Cheers!

>>  Matrioshka dolls are so cute I just want to pinch their cheeks...too bad they're wooden and already have really red cheeks as it is.  In any case, I happened upon this adorable little bag by Ivana Helsinki and promptly melted.  Yeah, I know it's a little hokey, this bag, but I like it anyway -- we all have our weaknesses every once and a while.  Unfortunately, I couldn't find it for sale anywhere on the internet, but there's a store listing on the collection site.

>>  Apparently that's what it was yesterday at H&Ms 'round the world.  As one shopper told Gawker:

"One mad shopper pulled an empty metal rod and started hitting a display which had sweaters that were out of arms reach. Not even the mannequins were safe — people tore the samples from them."

Aww jeez.  I'm not even close to an H&M right now, but I don't know that I would have even gone if I was.  No need to scratch and bite for a skirt.  Besides, the collection is already popping up on ebay. 

**sources: IS, papermag blog

>>  Hot from the presses of NY Daily News:

Recovering anorexic and NYU dropout Mary-Kate Olsen is finally dishing to the glossies after rehab and a long silence. Lowdown hears that the 19-year-old brunette Olsen twin will grace the January cover of W Magazine and share her insights on fashion and film in an accompanying interview. Acclaimed photographer David Sims shot MK on Monday night at Milk Studios for the spread. Olsen's PR rep, Michael Pagnotta, explained: "Ashley did a solo cover for Harper's Bazaar last summer, and this was an opportunity for Mary-Kate to do her own. She's feeling great and wanted to do something beautiful. It was her decision."

Now this will be something to see, whether it's good or not.

**sources: ny daily news

>>  Since we're talking about Vogue editors today, I have some more news.  Carine Roitfeld, that chic jolie laide who is editor of Vogue Paris -- you know, the one with the dead-straight hair that covers half of her face and the best shoes ever, who says things like "Teal!  Horrible color, teal.  Only looks good on ducks."  Yes, her.  Mme Carine has turned her hand to design and collaborated with sweater label Lutz & Patmos.  For the Spring/Summer 2006 collection, she has done a cashmere top called the "tramp," featuring elbow patches and designer tears.  Sounds interessant.

I just hope that Mme Carine didn't rescind her offer to let Kate Moss guest edit the December/January issue of Vogue Paris that should be coming out soon...

**sources: vogue dailies, the daily dish, vanity fair april 2005

>>  Looks like even though Miss Anna Wintour has kept her cool about her ex-assistant's novel we all know as The Devil Wears Prada, she may care a bit, after all.  Radar Magazine is reporting that Miss Wintour "has been doing everything in her power to ensure the film version of The Devil Wears Prada fizzles -- even threatening to blacklist some of the fashion world's biggest names if they agree to do cameos."  Too bad Valentino has already recorded his appearance.  All Vogue Spokesman Patrick O'Connell would say about the whole matter was a simple: "That's rubbish...We presume that people will participate and that's their business.  There will be no retribution if anyone does...Anna's happy about anything that supports fashion."  Hmmph.

For a more extensive report, go here.

>> Don't worry, these babies aren't being auctioned on the ebay (like everything else I've been talking about lately), so they won't even get sold and their price will never go up.  They're flats, they're black, and they have a funky kitten heel.  Did I mention the way-cool chunky cuff with corset-like detailing?  Or, you could get the bright pink versions to add some panache to any old outfit.  A little bit of '80s neon to pump things up.  Bravo.

>>  Seriously clinically obsessive compulsive with the ebay now.  I think I'm dependent.  Addicted.  Something.  Found an adorably cute secretary blouse with mutton sleeves (love those), and a tie ascot (love that).  Looks great under a blazer with that adorable secretary-ey plaid it has.  The auction is done in approximately four hours, so have at it (I won't be around this evening, or I would)!

>> After all these years, when I got fed up with trying to find anything good (and not fake) on the ebay, my faith has returned.  Yesterday, I came across some great stuff -- stuff that I've been wanting for a while and haven't been able to find anywhere.  And I finally understand what all the fuss is about.

With all the Victoriana that's been running through my head lately, I've been on the lookout for some kind of cameo something or other.  The ebay served up this lovely vintage black strand necklace (left).  I liked the placement of the cameo off to the side, the darkness of the black glass, and as always, the grecian look of the cameo itself.  Too bad I missed the boat -- this necklace only sold for $13.  I'll just have to keep looking.   

Ballet flats have been on my list of must-haves for a while now, but I've never really found a pair that quite did it for me (the black leather low-cuts by London Sole probably came in closest, but they're pretty much never in stock).  Which is why when I came across these lovely black pointe-style Repettos (worn by the likes of Charlotte Gainsbourg and Brigitte Bardot), I got excited.  I love the flat toe of pointe shoes, and always thought they were infinitely sexier that ballet flats.  Really, when you can dance on pointe, why would you ever go back?  Unfortunately, these are in a size 6, so it's a no-go.  But you're welcome to have a looksie -- auction ends tomorrow.  Me, I'll have to stick to the gold version for sale at Toast -- the gold is a little too metallic for my taste, but apparently it ages with time.  Delicious.