>> Everyone can sniff a last-minute gift from a mile away. You know the kind: bath salts, random CDs and DVDs, bad wine . . . or worst of all, the re-gifted gift. This year, all you laggers — us included — can trick your fam and friends with our thought-out picks from Yves Saint Laurent, Current/Elliot, and Urban Outfitters. Also, don't forget to order ASAP to avoid any shipping mishaps!
>> Pre-Fall 2011 collections have been rolling out, with focus squarely on the clothes. And justifiably so — designers like them because they sell extra-well, and we're game because we always like something new to look at. But lest we forget our favorite finishing touches, may we present the best Pre-Fall 2011 accessory offerings thus far, including Oscar de la Renta's feathered confections, left, and Jason Wu's Elsa Schiaparelli-inspired cigarette heels. Peruse the slideshow for more from the likes of Burberry, Michael Kors, and Rag & Bone.
Clog boots have lately become a popular Winter staple, and we're loving it. For a directional edgy look, we suggest you pair them with black accompaniments like this street-snapped cutie. Accessorize slouchy black trousers from Fletcher by Lyell with a bold leather belt like this version from Isabel Marant. A nude tee from Topshop provides contrast, while a chain embellished blazer from Rachel Roy lends a little zest.
Left to right: Rachel Rachel Roy Chain Blazer ($159), Isabel Marant Show Belt ($436), Topshop Scoop Tee ($16), Ted Baker Leather Leopard Clutch ($274), Guess Bountiful Boots ($233), Fletcher by Lyell Pleated Pant ($78), Deena & Ozzy Ribbed Eternity Scarf ($34)
Photo courtesy of the lookbook.nu
>> Instead of donning a not so pretty (albeit warm) jacket over your perfect holiday dress, opt for something just as festive. Whether it's a jacket, cardigan, or full-on coat, we got you covered. Peek our optimal picks from Diane von Furstenberg, J.Crew, and Markus Lupfer for more festal coverage.
>> Will the impending red carpet awards season finally take things up a notch? Last year's Golden Globes saw Cathy Horyn bemoaning the "soggy n’ safe red carpet," and decreeing: "Most of the dresses last night offered little more than a paper-doll variation on styles of the past few years."
It seems that celebrity stylists agree, according to articles published in both the New York Times and WWD yesterday, and are ready to switch things up. Jeanne Yang, who has three 2011 Golden Globe nominees among her clients, told WWD: "The days of the beaded, silvery, gown-y thing are kind of done. I don't see anyone wanting that." And stylist Robert Verdi noted: "Women were so safe on the red carpet that it looked more like a Miss America contest. They were always one wave away from having a sash on.”
Stylist Jessica Paster, who pointed to Dior and Dolce & Gabbana as examples of where she sees the red carpet looks going, added: "A lot of the spring collections had vibrant, beautiful colors. Hopefully we will see a lot of that, plus softer silhouettes." In other words, out with the neutral-colored, strapless, body-hugging gowns of red carpets past.
The Times highlighted Kate Bosworth's recent Spring 2011 Jil Sander look of white tee and long green skirt and Elle Fanning's choice of Rodarte earlier this week as indicators of the tides of change. But stylists aside, maybe Christian Siriano put it best on why things are bound to change: "Everybody got so bored that nobody cares about being on the worst-dressed list. The attention span is so much shorter that even if someone does wear something over the top, everybody forgets two days later — which is bad for us designers, but good for them.”
>> Samsung and US private equity firm Prodos joined forces to bid on the bankrupt Gianfranco Ferre in September — and last month, Italy’s minister of economic development approved the offer — but a source told WWD that Samsung is now having “second thoughts at the altar.” Furthermore: “Samsung is not giving the administrators the guarantees they had requested, such as keeping the company’s employees or on long-term projects. Now it’s up to the administrators again, and they are evaluating how to proceed.” Originally, Prodos had committed to keeping all of the company's 150 employees, whereas it was more unclear whether Ferre's current designers, Tommaso Aquilano and Roberto Rimondi, would stay on. Now, the source suggests the holdup is contingent on the fact that Samsung, Prodos, and the administrators "may have agreed on strategies, but not on the operative decisions, such as the choice of a chief executive or of a creative designer.” [WWD]
