by coutorture While jeans are the stuff of Americana legends, the denim skirt has not fared as well in the cultural lexicon. Perma-tanned and perma-toned sorority girls and their ilk are the first thing that comes to mind when we are presented with a denim skirt. The ubiquitous mini is the most popular of the denim skirt family which means it is little wonder the fashion pack hasn't whipped out lavish praise for it. The classic Guess mini is so 90s oversexed that popping one on can do a girl no favors, it hasn't even achieved retro ironic status yet. And yet there are denim skirt alternatives lurking at the fringes of fashion. Fashionation is thoroughly convinced the garment is having a revival. The sexy but still long enough to be appropriate Mineral Wash Stretch Bull Denim Slim Skirt from American Apparel is a favorite of ours because of its cut and its blast from the past subtle acid wash treatment. We are also fond of this high waisted skirt from Charlotte Ronson. Its all still a little cute young urban girl by and large but then we suspect that a Marni loving 40 year old Art Director was never going to ask if the denim skirt was coming back or not. But for those of you still young enough we say make a beeline for the sale items and snag one today. Its perfect for August. For More Shoutouts Click Here

by coutorture Maria Cornejo, who collaborated with shoe designer Eileen Shields for the footwear in her Fall 08 runway show, will be releasing the collection this fall. Pink haircalf loafers never looked so good. LVMH is still making money despite the fact that no one else really is. They reported 7 percent first-half profit growth with Louis Vuitton leading the way, earning double digit profits. A spokesperson for the French conglomerate was quoted in saying, "We have seen no slowdown in the U.S. or Europe or China,” he said. “Every year we find a new pocket of riches around the world”. Artist Damien Hirst purchased 16,000 in punk clothing which he soon discovered were knock-offs. The clothing, thought to be from the 1970's shop that Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren (Sex PIstols) once owned, was confirmed by McLaren to be fake. Now Christie's is calling McLaren, paranoid that their collection is also a rip-off, but the merchant who sold Hirst the clothing is insisting that McLaren is crazy. We're open to both possibilities.

by coutorture One of our favorite parts of fashion is it's ability to let us realize our greatest hopes and dreams. In today's Must Read posts, you truly realize how limitless the possibilities truly are. Makeup and Beauty Blog falls under the lure of a cult product. Some things are just too good to resist, and she's got the proof to prove it. Living in New York can truly make you appreciate the merits of a good handbag. Style Finds finds plenty of reasons to love great design, even if you don't live in the city. Speaking of life in NYC, Fashion Orgasm finds a photo of our greatest hope for a ride on the subway. Who wouldn't want to be surrounded by other luxurious chic commuters? Bizarre find of the day award goes to Fasshonaburu, for discovering denim held together by glue. Yes, real life glue. Is this inventive or just plain tricky? Some days call for you to turn that frown upside down. On such a day Painfully Hip finds plenty of reasons to smile, and we can't agree more.