Bidding Wars!!!

Now that Christopher Kane is on his way to becoming a household name, he is giving back where he can. His latest gesture? Designing a leather tote with electrical specialists Comet, to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. “I wanted to do it as soon as I heard what charity it was for,” said Kane, who’s best known for his neon-hued bandage micro minis. “I have learned so much about making bags, especially ones with so many sections!” Only four of the multi-pocketed carryalls have been produced, and will be auctioned off on eBay at the end of August. I can only imagine the ridiculousness that people will be willing to spend. It's a good thing it all goes towards a cause. Kane noted that he sought inspiration in creating the bag from his girl friends, many of whom, he laughed, were always losing their cell phones or iPods. “This bag has different sections for every gadget,” he explained. “You can carry your laptop, camera, battery chargers, and iPod in secure pockets while looking good at the same time.” Sounds perfect for the on the go lady.

Here's a Heads Up

What do French shoe label Repetto and Earnest Cut & Sew have in common besides being cult favorites of fashion insiders? Well, come September 1, the two are joining retail forces with a 90-day pop-up store within the denim brand’s Meatpacking District lifestyle and concept shop. The collaboration marks the first-ever retail initiative in the U.S. for Repetto, a dance apparel company that has come a long way since Rose Repetto designed her first ballet slipper in 1947. Since then, the simple slipper has gone from stage to street with the help of some of its most famous fans, like Brigitte Bardot. The temporary store will feature an extensive selection of shoes, boasting over 70 styles in 350 different finishes. In addition to the classics, Earnest Sewn president and designer Scott Morrison has created a one-of-kind Repetto Zizi “jazz” model that will be exclusive to the store. A number of celebrity supporters are also on board to add their names and signatures to a limited number of one-off artist-signed Repettos. And as if that’s not enough hullabaloo, as part of Earnest Sewn’s upcoming eco line Greencaste, two exclusive styles of the Zizi and the BB will be cast in organic canvas. Earnest Sewn will christen the collaboration with a party during Fashion Week, but as with all things pop-up, come December 1, both the installation, and likely the shoes, will be gone.

Sales

Even though there is still a whole month and a day left of summer you can find some great sales going on. One of my personal stops to shop right now is Banana Republic. Normally, there stuff is a bit to pricey for everyday purchases but with the end of season sale going in full there are tons of great things to wear for the remainder of the season. Like these:

• For $14.99 how can you go wrong with this trapeze top or this basic top
• A basic T-shirt dress works now and in the coming colder months with a cute cropped jacket.
• Any jersey dress no matter the color is worth it. They are so comfy! Perfect for the end of summer BBQ's.
• And if you really need to dress it up this embroidered dress will do the trick.

Honestly this sale stuff is priced to move like normal prices at Gap and even the new Old Navy. But with quality that makes it all the more worth it.

Heidi Klum Is Taking Over The World

Heidi Klum is more than just a pretty face. A model, TV star here and overseas, designer, and the mother of three recently has just started on a luxury jewelry brand with designer Mouawad (think VS million dollar bra) But, that's not all she's working on. Besides her collection for Mouawad, she just finished designing her next silver collection for QVC which is available on August 7th (now I know where those clover earrings she always wears come from), and she also helped create a personalized makeup palette for Victoria's Secret. Having recently finished shooting the 4th season of Project Runway, which will air later this year, she is currently working on new designs for Birkenstock. She has also developed a skincare line which will be released soon. It's a good thing she likes to keep busy.

For Brooklynites

The borough president who helped bring Trader Joe’s to Atlantic Avenue (and gave hot cocoa to all those walking over the bridge during the transit strike) has set his sights on a new upscale target. He wants to bring a Nordstrom department store to B-town. “Now that [Trader Joe’s] is done, we can go to the next one,” Borough President Markowitz told The Brooklyn Paper several days after leading a jubilant parade from Borough Hall to the Court Street bank building where the gourmet grocer is setting up its first Kings County store. “Nordstrom would be awesome in Brooklyn. Now we have Trader Joe’s, Ikea, Whole Foods (where?) and all the other great retailers. That would complete it,” Markowitz said, still exuberant from his Joe’s victory lap. No wonder the rents are skyrocketing. If he keeps developing Brooklyn it's going to be just as expensive in the city, I mean it already is in some parts. That' s why I now live in the Bronx.

Call A Spade, A Spade

Not anymore. Kate and Andy Spade are leaving Kate Spade, the luxury accessories label they founded in 1993, to spend more time with their two-year-old daughter. The business was bought by Liz Claiborne Inc last November and the Spades' decision to leave their roles as designer and chief executive officer respectively comes as their six-month contract with the firm expires. "This is a hard decision, and I feel very emotional about it," Kate Spade told WWD. "But the emotions would be more about melancholy if I thought we weren't doing the right thing. We are with the right partners we wouldn't make this decision otherwise. This an opportunity for employees, the fabulous teams we have in place, to take the baton and run away with it." Kate will leave within the next few weeks, while Andy will continue to work until the end of the year. Both will remain members of the brand's board following their departure. It seems very surreal to think that your next Kate Spade bag will not have been designed by Kate Spade.

Happy Birthday To Me!

With my birthday about a week away I have been thinking about all the fancy wonderful things that I (can't afford) would love for gifts. I'm sure there are people who could use hints, so here it is. The List:

• I need a new mini-skirt, the ones that I have don't fit anymore. Isn't it a bitch, I lose serious pounds, get healthier, and I'm too broke to buy new clothes. (Size 14)
• I really like this tank top, a bit juvenile yes but still super cute... (Size L)
• I take after my mom in that I really love a good fragrance and Covet by SJP is something that I am, well, coveting...
• I also take after my mother in my love of really unique jewelry like these amazing earrings by Jane D'Arensbourg. V'ta will always have my heart but, these are so cool I've never seen anything like them.
• Trouser jeans are so hot right now and these are a nice affordable-ish pair. I've been waiting for this to come back for too long. (Size 14)
• I can't deny my extreme overwhelming love of handbags and this Libertine for Target bag is a perfect size for my normally overwhelming amount of stuff. What I really want are these shorts but good luck finding them in my size (15).
• On a non fashion related front, I need new Bare Escentuals, the bestest make up ever!
  
• Throw in a mani/pedi and I'm a happy birthday girl...

Most Hilarious Thing Ever

When you don't live in Manhattan like some fashionistas you have to search for places to buy your fab designer duds. Alas, you can't just run down to the Meatpacking District or 5th Ave. but I myself can run to The Westchester and shop it up the myriad of shops from Neiman Marcus to Louis Vuitton. Though, Yesterday if I approached the Westchester I might have run in the other direction and this is why. Naked chic's don't exactly beckon me to shop it up. PETA definitely made their point... Burberry BAD, topless chicks GOOD!