I don’t know much about the improvements/ changes that Diesel as a brand has made on their ladies collection, but I was not going to leave the ladies out, so I  complied this list ‘Diesel for the ladies’ from their online catalog.

CYRIL CAP: The cap features inlay jersey embossed logo detailing. It’s 80% wool and 20% nylon. Available in blue and red  colors. $80.00

BREAZE 8JB: This super slim fitting denim will show off what you got ladies. The pair features a rear Diesel logo, tapering leg cut, five pockets, zip fly closure, and belt loops. It’s 99% cotton, and 1% elastane. $200.00 

GUSTO BAG: The bag is made of 100% nappa leather. (aged looking-to give it a vintage look) Other features include: zip closure, internal zip pocket, double handle, detailed logo application, and can also double as a shoulder bag. $290.00

CYPOL DRESS: As part of their spring/ summer 08’ collection, the dress features jersey sequins detailed print, and it’s available in two different color & style options. Made of 60% cotton, and 40% viscose. $130.00

Diesel

Lately Diesel has been unleashing nice, relevant pieces. The Italian brand has also been doing major collaborations, like the one with adidas for a line of denim jeans dubbed “adidas Originals Denim for Male by Diesel’ & ‘adidas Originals Denim for Female by Diesel.” Here is part of their Shirt collection:

SAFFRU: This shirt is 100% cotton and features cuff links, hidden buttons and ruches detailing. It was originally priced at $100.00, but now you get it online for $50.00 

CALIPSY: Also 100% cotton, and it’s a button down with collar, and features a pleated detailing. Will look nice with a pair of fitted jeans. Ideal for the ‘metrosexual mantanorexic’ (skinny jeans, fitted tees, tight shirt, black eye liner…..). Original price was $190.00, now $95.00

SHEVRO: This shirt is also 100% cotton. It features double pockets, button closing flashes, and contrast stitched detailing. Priced at $130.00 initially but now get it for $65.00.

CUBERT: This might be the best bargain. Originally priced at $200.00, now it’s yours for $98.00. Also 100% cotton, with double pockets, button closing flashes, and features embroidery & flap detailing.

Diesel 

Sweet Tater Vintage on Mulberry Street in NYC specializes in gorgeous upscale vintage pieces. Every item has been hand-picked by the shop’s two lady owners, from their tours of the East Coast of the US to the side streets of Italy and Greece (with their native aunts as guides). Their adventures in Mediterranean fashion inspired an in-house collection of voluminous dresses, tunics, and tops - all available in three sizes only, designed to flatter all body types (just like in the Old Country).

The Fall/Winter collection this year consists of simple tweed wool and pinstripe suiting, including the outrageously great Duckhunter Dress (above, far left), a fully lined herringbone wool dress with a kangaroo pocket in front and a button-closed “duck pocket” in the back. Because semi-formal duck hunting never goes out of season.

($156, on sale at sweettater.net)

I first spotted Madame Fortuna’s “Relic” line at a great little shop called Sleep in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and immediately asked the sales lady who designed them. All the Relics are delicate hand-blown glass globes that contain a meaningful object - a Victorian die-cut, a petit-point rose, a scoop of red soil or yellow coral, or my favorite, an exquisite little feather from a robin, peacock, or cardinal.

The prefab pieces are seriously breathtaking, but Madame Fortuna will also custom-make a Relic from the tiny object of your choice - putting an elegant new spin on the time capsule. It’s early to start thinking about Valentine’s Day and all, but I can tell you now that no woman on earth can resist a personalized memento housed in a pretty little sphere - as long as it’s in good taste, of course (hint: not her medication).

From $175 at Etsy.

For me, 2008 is all about classic, understated luxury, and nothing exemplifies this aesthetic like timeless black with gorgeous gold accents. Evocative of art deco and 30’s New York, as well as 1950’s swing, the look is impeccably tailored and delicately trimmed - the gold should provide a whisper of stately grandeur, not an unstoppable torrent of bling. Think Grace Kelly after the wedding or Dominique Sanda in “Il Conformista” - subtly sexy, mysterious, and unstoppable. And besides - what could look better next to a tall glass of champagne? Don’t wear it out til next December…

See more of my Black Gold list at ThisNext.

Is Burberry ditching their plaid signature look for studs? Who knows. Anyway, ladies for those of you who are still enjoying the outdoors, (beaches, and swimming pools…….) burberry has unleashed a grey bikini and a mini sundress based on their stud inspired collection. The Stud Trim Bikini (above) $350.00, is an anthracite triangle-shaped bikini with a stud embellished trim. The studs are located under the bust, and the waistband of the bottoms, giving the bikini a matching/detailed look.

 

The sundress is an anthracite bandeau mini-sundress with studs on the hemline $325.00. With a gathering into an empire line, the dress easily slips-on making it ideal for a bikini cover dress, and it would match perfectly with the Stud Trim Bikini. Other burberry pieces with the studs detail include: trench coats, shoes, umbrellas, hand bags/clutches…..more pics here>>

via notcot 

       

Inspired by the 70s retro look, this ‘Taisha Pullover’ by miss sixty features; ribbed fabric with lurex trim, plunging v-neck opening, lapel front that transitions into a hood, extra wide cuffed bottom opening, and a racerback tank style rear with embroidered detailing. The pullover is 43% cotton, 42% viscose and 15% linen. Available here $76.00

 

 Another unique hoody is the ‘Y-3 Wrap Hood,’ inspired by Karate, the hoodie tie wraps at the waist and features a split front kangaroo pocket. Ideal for wearing after a long day of splashing at the pool, can be easily wrapped around on top of your swimsuit/bikini. It’s 83% cotton, 10% polyester and 6% elastane. Available in Xtra small, small, medium, and large sizes. $330.00

The third hood, is the ‘Martin Margiela Hood.’ It’s a really simple grey hoody made of  wool 75%, and silk 15%. Requires dry cleaning for durability. Did I mention that it’s made in Italy, if that will solely make you buy it. Price $245.00. The last piece of clothing (right) is this ‘Amos in Mushroom’ by Mike & Chris. It’s a long knit scarf that can also be worn as a hat. This perfect fall accessory is soft and cozy, and it’s 80% viscose and 20% elite. It will fasten in place with an oversized Mike & Chris button. Price $168.00 

 

For those of us serious about dance - not capital-D Dance in a studio with a bar and a requisite body dysmorphic disorder, but dance! in a space packed with friends, no restraints, no regrets, and no cover - 2 things are essential: amazing music and room to move. Music meaning sick beats that not only make you want to dance, but make you have to dance, and room to move as in hot, free-wheeling joy-clothes and dancing shoes that never hold you back.

 

When celebrities are experiencing a wardrobe dilemma, they know to call upon the Chief of Chic for a few fashionable pointers. Robert Verdi dresses his high-profile clientele in the latest ensembles of the season, helping the fashion-naïve among us separate the so last-year’s from the absolute must-haves.

Donning his famous sunglasses before jetting off to his next Red Carpet appointment, the Chief encourages us to think about style and fashion for the home with as much fervor as our closets. From lavish luxuries to eccentric designs, Robert Verdi is creating a fashion following for impeccable tastes; we found him rounding up the season’s best picks on ThisNext, and checked in for a few pointers of our own:

TN: How did your relationship with MasterCard and Saks come about?
RV: MasterCard and I have been working together on the Saks Fifth Avenue Want It! campaign for two years now. The partnership began last year when MasterCard launched the Saks Fifth Avenue World Elite MasterCard card issued by HSBC. I helped them get the word out to the public about this great card which allows you to earn rewards points faster. To learn more about the card you can visit your local Saks Fifth Avenue or log on to Saks.com

TN: Any future partnerships you can talk about?
RV: None to speak of right now just my relationship with MasterCard and Saks Fifth Avenue.

TN: Any other sneak previews you can share with ThisNext readers?
RV: You know how I am; I keep everything under wraps until the last minute.

...continued: Who is Robert Verdi?

After a successful run as a marketing consultant on Wall Street, it was time for Miss Meghan to pursue her life-long obsession with shoes.  Now we know her as America’s Shoe Expert, a shoe therapist and doyenne, the fashion authority of all things shoe. From her hit television show Shoe Therapy ™ on the Home Shopping Network, to her podcast series Shoe are You?™ on iTunes, thousands of women across the globe pour out their shoe stories to learn key tips and strategies on finding the latest shoes. When Miss Meghan isn’t dispensing celebrity shoe secrets and teaching us how to walk in stilettos, she can be found rounding up the latest finds on ThisNext. We caught up with this ‘sole therapist’ for the latest trends in the shoe department:

TN:  Any sneak previews you can share with ThisNext readers?
MM:  Well, I can say that there is a very hot ankle boot we’ll be featuring on the debut of my new show on Home Shopping Network on the 20th (8 pm). It is a patent bootie with a suede cuff that has this super sexy slit up the front. Is very eighties but with a cool modern heel. I looove it! And keep tuning in to my show Shoe Therapy on HSN because we are going to be bringing people some really hot shoes this Fall and Winter and a lot of hilarious surprises.

TN:  Biggest response a blog post of yours has received from consumers?
MM:  We got a lot of response from my Shoe are You? podcast with Jason and Randy Sklar — they have a huuuge following and the podcast was so hilarious, I practically stopped interviewing because I was just laughing so hard. You can check it out here or on iTunes.

...continued: Who is Miss Meghan?

Sameunderneath is a Portland based clothing company which started as a very idealistic and naïve attempt to change the world through education. Their mission is to create not only a clothing company, but also a way of life. They believe that society must not always focus on the things that we don’t have in common, but should magnify the ones we have in common.

“Our objective is to unite those who don’t judge others by religion, race, hobbies, color, creed, and/or sex. Sameunderneath supports the largest race in the world, the HUMAN RACE. Sameunderneath speaks the loudest language, that being love. Sameunderneath sponsors the greatest hobbies and sports of today, LIFE. We are not a clothing company for one specific group; we’re a product lifestyle company for the world. Sameunderneath’s mission is to change the way people look at each other.”

         

Their Fall collection for both men and women include, bamboo-fiber clothes, as well as a new line of cashmere pieces. The men’s collection also features custom fitting tees with nice designs, jackets and zip-ups, while the ladies can choose from various interesting pieces. click here to view the entire collection.

(joshspear)

A native New Yorker, Jennifer Bartok launched Celebrity Catwalk to combine her talent in fashion with her passion for the National Animal Rescue. A daschund owner herself, she’s in full support of raising awareness about animal abuse. She slows down her celebrity-packed schedule for a quick Q&A with ThisNext.

TN: Any sneak previews you can share with ThisNext readers?
JB: Audience members will be treated to their favorite celebrities in hot fashions-I think they’ll be surprised at some of the celebrities “catwalk personalities.”

TN: Biggest response a part of Celebrity Catwalk has received?
JB: The biggest response has been to the charity and to the celebrities.

TN: The product that’s had the biggest influence on your career?
JB: Clothing for sure-it’s provided me with the fashion show and jobs!

...continued: Who Is Jennifer Bartok?

Jax is a Brooklynite, a co-chair of the NY HIAS Young Leaders, a Bluefly copywriter, Jax is—

A ThisNext user.

So she’s sexy.

So sexy that she played Q&A with us—we found out the usual about whether or not she’d pick the suburbs over the city—we’re waiting for the day when someone says they’d rather live in the Valley than the Big Apple—and we also found out what’s key for fall double-oh-seven.

TN: What are the key pieces for the perfect fall wardrobe?
JW: For women you’ll be seeing more tunics with leggings, mini dresses, more mod influence, patent leather accents, more metallics, and a lot of use of the colors grey, cobalt, and red. And for men you’ll see a lot of graphics and designs, a little more fun for the man in your life.

...continued: Who is Jax? The Bluefly Shares What's in for Fall

“Puma and Starck continue the story of evolution with the introduction of Starck Naked Body wear for Spring Summer 2007.” French designer Philippe Starck has collaborated with Puma before for a line of footwear. Check out the story on How their collaboration story began. Here>>> It’s interesting. The Naked body collection features 15 pieces for both men and women. The pieces are both functional and sexy. They are available in simple colors of pure off white and reduced charcoal. The skin tight pieces are made of seamless lycra, and feature various transparent inserts that reveal skin in all the right places.

Yankodesign

Summer last year Samsonite, the luggage premier company announced that it would collaborate with renowned international fashion designer Alexander McQueen for its Samsonite black label brand. The collection dubbed “Samsonite black label by Alexander Mc Queen was unveiled in January this year, in France at the menswear trade show. The luggage which includes a weekend wheelie resembling a rib cage with the bones showing, has caused quite a controversy, especially with the recent launch of ” Feed the model a cheese burger campaign” I made up that campaign. Another interesting collaboration is the one between: Alexander McQueen + Puma = ManCat. ” It depicts the fusion of the man Alexander McQueen and the animal.

yankodesign

That the actress formerly known as Carrie is the latest A-lister to roll out a clothing line is hardly le shocking.

But that SJP, made famous for playing a Manhattanite who showed millions of women how to tastefully go into debt, designed duds to be priced at $20 below and available at Steve & Barry’s is.

Though I suppose Ms. Simp has already cornered the market on $50 versions of $500 Louboutins.

Were it not for the profound tag line “Fashion isn’t a luxury; it’s a right” —

Your K’s five-inch heels in mocha latte suede, beaded flapper frocks, amd snaky bags are all function over form.

— I might be questioning Mrs. Matt Broderick’s un-Manolo move, and wondering:

Early April Fool’s?

(Via Catwalk Queen)

With spring double-oh-seven ‘round the corner, with rolling back the clock and sunlight shining longer, your K understands you’re clocking more hours and you’re hustling hard, but—

But.

But, it’s time to free up enough space in your life so the sun shines through, it’s your season to scheme bigger  and live larger than clutching at some tiny dark thing that just fits in your palm, it’s right now to invest in—

This Jean Paul Gaultier perforated “Cabas” bag. Bright white is pure, perforated leather is light, and such a big bag carries your all—

From your dipping in Miami peach Bellinis between Manhattan power lunches. 

Though, really, a sleeky chic Meriden leather python-print wristlet wouldn’t do your spring into spring so bad either, doll.

...continued: Light There Be Light

While our Sean gets his e-grub on at least three times a day, your K is busy virtually voguing and devouring fashion and beauty blogs—

Instead of eating.

Though my questionable (non-)eating habits are mostly due to my self-imposed diet of soy lattes and a mini fridge full of vintage fur, versus food, I’m considering passing the buck and maybe blaming steady consumption of Vogue and glammy glossies for my breaking up with myself if I grow past a size two. ‘Cause it can’t be your K’s fav fashion and beauty blogs, as they’re hardly shrines to twiggy, super duper models.

Chat with Shiny Shiny’s Catwalk Queen, and instead of worshipping at the altar of Kate Moss, or daily dishing Prada Pucci Gucci gear—ahem—the Oprah of fashion blogs is talking to you like your BFF. ‘Cause—

“If you’re like me, then exercising can be a real drag,” blogs Catwalk Queen’s Helen Lee.

...continued: Virtually Vogue

60-something and still fiercer than Tyra Banks’s sloganning of the word, Vivienne Westwood’s punky chic constantly catwalks in like a lion, though—

“The provocations with which Vivienne Westwood once surprised fashion have now become the norm,” writes Voguette Nicole Phelps for Style.com, reviewing Vivienne Westwood’s fall 2007 ready-to-wear collection for Paris fashion week.

How’s that, honey? Are you partly thinking so since the grand punk madame did a diffusion line with shoe maestro for the masses Nine West? Does it vibe funny that she went from exclusive “pirate” boots—“I [had to] hunt them down from a store in London,” says trend forecaster Zoe Schaeffer—to made-for-mall Nine West “Romann” sandals?

All glossy straps and a clean four-inch heel, while the limited-edition stilettos were ready to rock easy for almost any doll, they still—

“—kind of have a dominatrix kind of feel to them,” says ThisNexter Keirsty 81. “So you can feel innocent and commanding all at the same time.”

So your K’s not sure what the unfuss is about Ms. Westwood rocking slightly mainstream, though I’m sure—

“You can see, for instance, her draped and twisting silhouettes with their unusual volumes in the Japanese collections,” continues Nicole. “The assimilations have sapped some of the shock value from her shows, but they haven’t dampened her enthusiasm.” 

...continued: Paris Fashion Week Fall Double-Oh-Seven: V. Westwood