The MANGO Fall 2010 lookbook is out and as far as I’m concerned, it’s practically perfect. It has all the elements that I loved on the Chloé runway, like drainpipe trousers, high waisted everything, and beautiful shades of camel. At the moment, I’m not particularly interested in discussing the fast fashion’s validity… I can only say that being able to afford dreamy pieces makes me very happy.  Bonus points for JC Penney adding MNG by MANGO boutiques to select stores next week- featuring new collections every 2 weeks! Again, I really just can’t get into the details of fast fashion right now – I just want to enjoy for a little bit.

---Preview sketch of one of the shoes designed by Joss!---

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending a preview of the Nine West Vintage America Fall 2010 Collection. The highlight of the event was Joss Stone, who has designed two shoes for the collection. Joss participated in an intimate Q&A session with a handful of us bloggers; it was an incredible treat to listen to her talk about the inspiration behind her designs and her thoughts on the relationship between music and fashion. Fred Allard, the Creative Director of Nine West, sat with Joss and it was obvious to me that he had a real understanding of why fans (like me!) love Joss’ style. I think they were really able to infuse her bohemian tastes into the designs. More specifically, Joss’ love of flowers (and flower tattoos!) were a big inspiration for the boots. I enjoyed hearing her talk about her ink – Joss said that she got her first tattoo of flowers on her foot when she was 16 and she figures she’ll never really regret it because she’ll always love flowers. I feel the same way about my tree tattoo so that was a really cool moment!

Joss and Fred. Photos courtesy of Nine West.

After the Q&A, we all got a chance to see the collection up close and to chat with Joss individually. And friends, I have to confess, I suddenly became start struck! [note: I handled meeting Barack Obama wayyyy better] The woman is gorgeous! Not to mention, I’ve been a huge fan of her music since high school. And man is she tall! But she was quite sweet – seriously!! – and didn’t seemed phased by my strange behavior.  While I was talking with her, some of her earlier music was playing in the background and she paused to comment to me about it  – saying that her voice has changed a lot since then and so she hates listening to her “baby voice”. I’m pretty sure I gushed some more and said something crazy like “OhmygahIwiiiiishIhadavoicelikeyours.Iloveyousomuch!”. Just Kidding? But actually, yeah that happened. And then I think I gave Wendy Brandes much the same treatment when I introduced myself to her – but I’m really just a huge fan of her wit! Sigh.

The collection will be in stores by the end of August but you can join me in pre-ordering in July using the website www.ninewest.com/vintageamerica. Joss will also be recording a song to accompany the collection and that should be available around that time as well!

A look at the Nine West Vintage America Collection (*these weren’t designed by Joss):

One of Joss’ favorites.

The collection also features some really cool accessories – I loved the texture of this bag.

My favorite shoe from the collection!

I also have my eye on that bag!

Back in April, Hayden Shiebler sent me an email about her San Francisco based online vintage store – Mother’s Daughter. I was immediately smitten but as you may have noticed, I’ve been on a bit of a blogging break. But I’m back and feeling refreshed again and ready to share this internet gem with ya’ll.

I appreciate the styling that goes along with the expertly curated selection. Take the shirt at right, for example. An oversized polka dot button down shirt has the potential to look absolutely tragic but instead the ensemble reminds me of something that Clarissa would have worn. Ya know… “Clarissa Explains it All” and I’m really into that sort of thing. Browsing the site has me wondering if this is what San Francisco style is like and if so, how soon can I move out there?

I encourage you to check out the selection at Mother’s Daughter they carry goodies from the early 1900s – 1990s. You’re bound to find something that you think is delightful. Oh, and before I forget, they also promote and sell artwork from local artists. BONUS.

Just some of the beauties:

You can also find Mother’s Daughter on blogspot and tumblr. And an interesting interview with Hayden on The Examiner.

via I Smell Like Money

She always hits the spot.

Yesterday, I had a lovely time with Melanie! Our intention was to enjoy the glorious early-Spring weather but it honestly turned pretty chilly. Melanie couldn’t even keep her brand new headband on because it was so windy! But she looked awesome and people kept complementing her! I have such stylish friends.

We also went to Sephora and played around with perfume because I’m in the market for an established woman “thing”. Melanie believes that when she’s an established woman, she will have a “thing” for hand creams. I’m not sure that I’m drawn to anything in that way. At first, I thought maybe it would be mascara because I own a lot of them – but they find me, I don’t seek them out! Then I remembered that one Christmas, I asked my parents for perfume because I thought it would make me seem grown. I smelled good but did not mature. So we played around, agreed that Marc Jacobs’ Daisy is pretty good but we’re all about Stella McCartney perfume. I also realized that perfume will not be my established woman “thing”.

My nose can’t handle it.

After Sephora, we grabbed some magazines and read them in Barnes & Noble. Let me give you some really good life advice. If you are ever feeling really down and need some cheering up, head to Barnes & Noble. Go to the magazine section and grab yourself one of these:

Actually, if you can, you should find this particular copy and read the story about the Scotsman and the woman who keeps spilling food on herself in the mall. CHUCKLES.

Two days ago, a friend asked me why I love Band of Outsiders so much. He complained that the line is too preppy. Well, yes, I agreed. It is preppy and that’s the point. There are some of us out there who still love American classics and appreciate quirky reinterpretations of them.

Everyone knows that I love a good blazer; there are 8 (black) blazers in my closet right now. For the record, each of them is a different cut. What I love about these jackets from BOO is that they cut away at the waist. Thank goodness too – because as much as I love the blazer trend, I’ll enjoy having a clearly defined waist once again.

Navy outerwear! Shades of blue carried the collection and I loved that yellow was a powerful accent color. It’s a cheerful combination. Exposed zippers are nothing new but extreme toggles are a reason to get excited. There were hints of the toggle trend last season but I hope it takes off this year. I love a good toggle just as much as I love a good exposed ankle.

On several occasions, I have remarked that I would wear my track spikes out and about  if it wouldn’t ruin my legs and floor surfaces.

Finally, what I love about Band of Outsiders and designer Scott Sternberg is the elaborate set design/ attention to detail used when styling the BOO presentations. This year Sternberg was said to be inspired by Joan Didion amd REI hiking socks – that’s pretty much the coolest inspiration ever. The set also featured a Jaguar that Sternberg rented from a woman via Craigslist as well as models suspended from the ceiling.

Photos via NYMAG & Nylon

* Johnny Depp is probably another exception.

All photos via The Fashion Spot

Check out Osborn Design Studios at their website or at Brooklyn favorites OAK,  Alter, and the Brooklyn Flea.