Checking out the sneak peak of this week's 'Ugly Betty' episode on The Cut reminded us of when Christian came by the Bluefly office to discuss the possibility of creating a capsule collection just for us. The 'Ugly Betty' ep seems to pretty much nail him, especially on the "fierce" tip. He only said it once.

>Shop our Christian Siriano-inspired collection!

"It's the first of several niches I'd like to build," states Alber Elbaz on his recently revealed fashion secret about the new line of denim he will be creating for Stockholm-based Acne Jeans. He aims to both bring a Lanvin feel and a variety of styles to the denim collection.
[Image courtesy of Getty Images]

Our entertainment icons all want to be one another or at least have similar resumes. Basketball players want to be rappers and vice versa, actors want to be designers, designers want actors to wear their clothing and now a serious style icon, Agyness Deyn will be releasing her very own single via collabo with New York band Five O'Clock Heroes, singing on the track titled 'Who'. Well, why not? Everything Agyness touches is pretty fly.

[Image courtesy of Getty Images]

“ What if you don't want to wear a skinny jean?”

—Designer Alber Elbaz on the variety of jeans he will create for Acne Jeans. From Fashion Week Daily

Shop while you watch Heather get acrobatic in our "hippie chic" collection of hot-weather looks.

Between the thinly-veiled Arabophobia simmering in our post-9/11 culture, the upcoming presidential elections, and the war in Iraq, the fashion world is having a schizophrenic moment. Hence, the patriotic fervor, bright-eyed (and Crayola-colored) optimism, "Summer of Love" escapism, and, yes, Middle-Eastern chic that's been popping up on the runways, in the tabloids, and on blogs like ours. From Chris Brown's keffiyeh cravat to the Sikh-esque turbans that've been head-covering celebs like Beyonce & Mary Kate Olsen, looks like fashionistas are ready for peace -- or at least a few harmonizing pieces to try to make sense of it all.

[Beyonce shot courtesy of Tricesworld.com]

I love fashion news like this! The UK Times recently reported how a new crop of fashionistas are rocking the lastest Pashimina scarves, without the company having to do any serious rebranding! It appears that both the hipster-rocker and fashionista crowds are seriously gravitating to the new style of scarf wearing: Middle-Eastern style (folded into a big triangle at the front and tied at the nape of the neck.) What can I tell you? Humanity will always have a need for a sexy scarf.

The Ethiopian-born supermodel will soon begin work on her third movie, an indie flick entitled Desert Flower, based on the autobiography of the Somalian model, Waris Dirie. Kebede plays the lead role in the $16 million adaptation of Dirie's bestselling autobiography, which traces her rise from a childhood in the Somali desert to the catwalks of the international fashion community, and her role as a United Nations spokeswoman against female circumcision. This appears to be a well-suited part for Kebede as she is a World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador and founder of The Liya Kebede Foundation.

[Image courtesy of Getty Images]

Wow, this is one for the books. In its recent mission to stop all fake-making "inspired" by their designs, Louis Vuitton recently sued (for around $22,000 per day) a student artist, Nadia Plesner, over her "Simple Living" campaign, a fundraiser that benefits the Divest for Darfur organization. The mascot of the campaign is a Darfur victim toting a teacup pooch and an LV-inspired bag, to prove that a Paris Hilton-centric image would get more media attention than real-life Darfur victims. Unfortunately, she was right and though 100% of the profits go to Darfur victims, LV ain't having it. Fashionistas, this is not a good look.
[Image courtesy of Racked.com]

With all the '80s redux, I should have guessed. But the second coming of the neon surf look, circa 1989 -- found here, at Coachella -- still took me by surprise. Really? We’re doing this now? Before you try to dig up your old Body Glove neoprene bikini, try this neon yellow bubble dress, to ease into the trend. {photo courtesy latimes.com]

Valentino’s new Haute Couture Spring 2008 line ads have been released and though I'm digging the flowy dresses with the bold, geometric background, I feel as though Valentino should have done less retro looks. I guess '80s fashion is just going to die a slow, slow, slow, slow death. Yeesh!

[Image courtesy of StyleCrunch.com]

“I accosted them for that purple bag I saw in a magazine! ”

—Model Molly Sims on her obsession with Hogan bags. From Fashion Week Daily

“I accosted them for that purple bag I saw in a magazine! ”

—Model Molly Sims on her obsession with Hogan bags. From Fashion Week Daily

My So Called Life's Angela Chase has long dumped those flannel shirts and dyed magenta hair, but who knew she'd graduated to Gucci? Claire Danes was recently announced as the new celeb face of the label's Fine Jewelry line, replacing Drew Barrymore (who showcased some of those gems topless, btw). The ads will come out this fall.
[Image courtesy of Getty Images]

Though pleats aren't the easiest detail to wear, when they're done right, they can be delightful, hence this A.B.S. black pleated strapless dress .

I tell you, it's good to be a celebrity. Salma Hayek recently became the Godmother for Puma's new boat and its ocean racing team. Hayek, whose significant other François-Henri Pinault's company PPR acquired a controlling stake in Puma AG in February, is expected at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston on May 12 for the boat christening and VIP dinner. On a style note, this ivory chiffon belted feather dress would be a great look for the fairy Godmother.

[Image courtesy of Getty Images]

So with the color obsession that has painted over spring '08 fashion, what's a Minimalist Girl to do? Why, what she wants, of course. Go ahead and glam up the bland the way Bottega Veneta and Calvin Klein did with stony grays, chilly chalks, and fleshy nudes. So are you gonna be rocking the acid colors, the minimalist cool tones -- or both? Personally, I plan to be a walking rainbow this spring & summer.

Scarlett Johannson's album of Tom Waits cover songs Anywhere I Lay My Head will drop on May 20th featuring two cover images. One in which the tone-deaf actress lies on a log with her eyes open and another showing her making a similar effort with her eyes closed. You can’t really tell from the peeping-tom cropping but she’s wearing a frumpy dress with rain boots. If she was serious about channeling Waits she’d be sporting a five o’clock shadow and falling out of a dirty nightie like fellow blue-eyed soul girl Amy Winehouse. Oh, I just love her.

“I would've loved to have seen Andy Warhol in my clothes.”

—Bathing Ape designer Nigo on who he would have loved to dress, if they were alive today. From Fashion Week Daily

It's Friday, it's hot and I'm digging this fun, little, flirty, white bubble dress by Torn.

Last night at a local sports bar (yes, sometimes I want to be around manly men) a few of the patrons took notice of my make-up bag that I use as a change purse/wallet/cosmetics bag, and commented on how fun and tiny it looked (wait, maybe they aren't so manly?) which led me to thinking.....

It's been raining, snowing and downright disgusting in Portland for the last 10 days straight, making the mere act of getting dressed in the morning nearly impossible. I mean, what do you wear when the calendar says spring and the scene outside your windows say mid-December? Thankfully, I can be casual-hip at work (bless the magazine world!) but I'm also glad I had the foresight to purchase last fall in NYC the most useful piece of clothing I've ever owned: The basic, durable trenchcoat. This thing has saved my life, whether I'm rocking jeans or a little dress, it's ideal for work, running to the store - heck, I've even worn it to the gym - because I can fit about four layers underneath. Long live the trench!

“Only in New York can you plant trees in the morning, then get a facial and a nice hairdo in the afternoon.”

—Bette Midler on how she spent her Earth Day. From Fashion Week Daily

Is this trend knocking anyone else upside the head? Days after Heidi Klum hinted at a possible design uniform competition on Project Runway next season, Bruce Oldfield just released a range of designer uniforms for 67,000 McDonald employees in Britain.

"One doesn't necessarily think of McDonald's and chic in the same sentence, but my aim was to design a uniform that was exactly that."

On a style note, this makes a bit of sense as one-piece pantsuits are trending quite hard right now.

This is fabo news! I absolutely adore Linda Evangelista and frankly it's great to see Prada embracing real supermodels, take that ANTM! On another note, am I the only one watching carefully for the release of Prada as an IPO?

{Image courtesy of StyleCrunch.com]

This seems to be a bit of a revolving trend, though I can't say I'm loving it, I do like the vivid color play of the design of the sock against the solid black flat shoe.

Though like many of you, I wish this trend would die a quicker death than Britney's career, I fear this one is here to stay. When you've got both your g-boys and your straights rocking murses, you can bet it's gonna stick around. On a style note, the latest look in the murse bag seems to be plaid briefcases.

Now that we're in the second layer of chatter surrounding that polygamist sect out in Texas, everyone's commenting on their style. Truth be told, there's secretly something close to fierce about their look, no? Some of these ladies' elements work: peep that shoulder looking like that Edwardian trend from a few seasons back! Catch that high hair, which, with a little more shine and control, could look fresh from the TREsemme hair salon! Note that methodical use of color! Some are even saying it totally screams Marc Jacobs . It wouldn't suprise me one bit to see irony-obsessed Williamsburg girls incorporating this look, or even a designer in spring. At the very least, expect to see it this Halloween.

As I prepare for my Miami birthday trip next month, I'm faced with the dilemma of finding a swimsuit that will maximize my hot spots and hide my oh-not-so-hot areas. My biggest issue? The bosoms, as in too much, which looks great in a cotton v-neck top, but becomes serious fashion drama when trying to find a sexy swimsuit. I'm thinking this Vitamin A tankini halter might be the solution to my problems.

Bangles show no signs of disappearing from our lovely arms anytime soon, and I'm okay with that. Warm weather, warmer breezes and icy mochas bring out the Bohemian in me; long, flowy skirts, funky sandals and of course the "it" wood bangle of the summer. In this case, three of them, as I'm digging this Kenneth Jay Lane set of 3 - wooden mixed bangles .

I usually would never think to carry a bag just for my cellphone; I already carry a make-up bag, a wallet and a purse, but this gold embossed leather cellphone holder by Chanel is sweet and has me rethinking.....

Oh, man, this photo had me slapping my knees and rolling on my hardwood floors. Check out Ms. Campbell trying to make nice with the same two officers she assaulted a few weeks back at London Heathrow airport. No wonder this diva stays on permanent 'tude mode; if I looked that crazy when I smiled, I would too. On a style note, she's killing it in those skinny jeans.

[Image courtesy of PopCrunch.com]

“I designed the collection and all I got were these scraps.”

—Designer Eugenia Kim joking on the design of her Coach hat made from vintage Coach materials. From Fashion Week Daily

You may not compost your kitchen scraps or drive a hybrid, but you can still make an Earth Day fashion statement. The once-hippie-now-hip realm of eco-fashion is as chic and easy as sustainable bamboo blend tops and organic denim jeans. No patchouli or hemp necklaces necessary. [Image courtesy of Sprig.com]

'Tis the season for getting hitched once again. CBS's Showbuzz has a nice photo gallery of pics from last week's New York Bridal Week; and over on Jezebel, a swift panning of Vera Wang's contribution this year. This got us thinking about weddings, and those of us who don't have a couple thou to drop on a big white dress. (I actually count all of my newly married friends in here, trying to shave some bucks off this price-gouger of a day in any way possible.) Here, one way to save: Wedding-ready gowns courtesy of Nicole Miller, all under $1,000. Can't beat that.

So, the new way to spot a fake Gucci (or "Fucci") belt is if someone's wearing it like a Miss America sash. As I walked down Canal Street on my way to meet a friend for dinner this past Friday, I saw two dudes sporting their Fucci belts across their chests as they brokered deals with tourists for more of the fake stuff. Hakim paused to pose for me before returning to handle his business. If you want the real thing, get your Gucci here -- and send a letter to Diane Von Furstenberg.

It seems that no one can get enough of Christian Siriano. Scheduled to play himself on an upcoming episode of Ugly Betty, the Project Runway winner will be wooed by several magazines to work on a custom spread. After working with the UB cast, Siriano confesses: “Vanessa Williams is the queen of fierceness and Becki Newton is the princess… I’m inviting them all to my Spring 2008-09 collection — it’ll be a great front row!”

[Image courtesy of StyleCrunch.com]

“I don't want it to be that fashion-y.”

—John Varvatos on the design of his new boutique which replaced legendary rock club CBGB. From Fashion Week Daily

As it reached over 70 degrees the other day here in NYC, I started contemplating what type of sunglasses I would be rocking this summer; should I go all white, futuristic a la Kanye West or 70's vintage, CHiPs inspired? Either way, the two looks captured here, though high on "cheese factor" were still fun to check out.

I can't say for sure, if this is going to be a huge trend or not for spring, but this all over lace dress caught my eye. Take style note of the pockets, cropped sleeves and the vintage look of the lace pattern itself.

Dissed by bitty buddy Nicole Ritchie in a 12-step act of self-determination and dropped by her long-time agency, Magnet, after daring to utter her own name in the same breath as Anna Wintour’s, Rachel Zoe has now been damned by Halston designer Marco Zanini who reportedly ordered his people to “remove” her from the internet. It’s gonna take a lot of bling and bronzer to accomplish that, particularly since the little hunger artist is about to launch a new reality series.

Related Links: Be on point for the revival.

So by now you've seen the pics and trend watch pieces on spring's museum/gallery pieces. Personally, I'm digging every paint-splattered minute of it -- just stay AWAY from the jeans. Check out the surrealist chic Chloe, Dolce & Gabbana and others sent down the catwalk -- then let us know how you feel about the Art Basel-ification of spring fashion.

Yes design, not inspire. Haeftling, a new design company in Germany is trying to break into the fashion business selling stylish clothes designed and produced by prison inmates.
(I guess they decided to forgo the working toddlers in China.) They wanted the clothes to be beautiful, durable and tell a story; many of the inmate's pieces are created and tagged with a blurb about the prisoner's background. Part of the proceeds from sales go to organizations that support prisoners' rights and better conditions for inmates, if not directly to the inmates themselves. FYI--"Haeftling" means inmate in German.

Style.com took notice of the two schools of model style backstage. The first group wore classic cool looks--jackets-and-jeans, with chunky boots and cooler-than-thou-attitudes; the second group lead by Agyness Deyn accessorized their eclectic wardrobes of bold, vintage retro pieces with megawatt smiles. I must admit both Chanel Iman and Behati Prinsloo look great in their own way.

[Images courtesy of Style.com]

I've personally been rocking gladiator sandals for the past two summers, but this year it seems that everyone has finally caught onto these comfy, yet funky sandals. Though, I have over two pair, these blood red sandals by Balenciaga are worthy of a debit card swipe.

“There are two schools of dressing backstage at the shows. ”

—Unknown. From Style.com

Anna was standing over me on the Queensbound E train when I snapped her in her key lime pie-green sateen trench, print scarf, argyle knee-hi socks and rosette-buttoned ankle booties. I loved the way she mixed spring's acid color trend with fall's cloud-gray pieces. And I loved even more that she wore this to her job as a paralegal. Yay for workplace self-expression!

I'm jonesing so hard on patent leather! These steel grey oxford style shoes are not only right on trend but give a funky, updated twist to a classic.

Quite a few fashionistas have been rocking suspenders with everything from high-waisted jeans to short-shorts. I don't find this to be the most democratic accessory.

Ah, the LBD, a perfect classic that can do a fashionista no wrong. My personal belief is that a new LBD is needed on an annual basis with the intention of getting a piece with an updated silhouette and fabrication. This embroidered crepe mini dress by Twelfth St. By Cynthia Vincent is a great look for both those who have to be corporate chic by day and cool glam by night.

Having been thoroughly inspired by Tuesday night's finale of "The Biggest Loser" - where "skinny" was uttered at least 10 times and meant as the ultimate compliment - I chuckled a bit when I read about the recent move by French officials to make the promotion of extreme thinness punishable in court. I applaud the French for even attempting this legislation: Maybe they're feeling guilty about essentially creating all unrealistic notions of beauty? Perhaps. If any country can establish new criteria for couture-ready bodies, it's France. But like everything in fashion, it's ultimately up to the consumer to define how she wants to look, dress and style herself. Fortunately for her, nearly every body shape and size are welcome these days, especially with curves-friendly designers like Shoshanna making spring a cinch (even if you aren't a twig).

Okay, so prob'ly totally inappropriate, but I wore short shorts to work this past winter. (It was Fashion Week and I wanted to look haute.) While I was doing the rounds backstage at the ADAM by Adam Lippes show, I saw model Jill Bauwens in a pair too -- thereby making me feel even hauter and giving me the idea to smother the tiny shorts with big, loud accents. Take note of the fire engine-red scarf -- which you could easily exchange for a big chunky necklace -- and cropped print jacket. What do you think? What are your thoughts on short-shorts?

Pete Wentz has signed a deal with Nordstrom to design a junior unisex sportswear line. The line will consist of t-shirts, jeans, hoodies, and accessories. According to E! news, Pete said the line will have “interesting cuts and designs that are a little bit out of the box.” I'm sure it will only be a "little bit."

[Image courtesy of PopCrunch]

Hoping to hook the Internet generation with a new online television station, Tommy Hilfiger launched Tommy TV based in London. The online station will broadcast the Hilfiger Sessions, mini concerts produced by the fashion label, with stars such as Wyclef Jean and undiscovered acts from around the world, alongside user generated videos and playlists. Though their site won't have any actual shopping, Bluefly certainly does and we're giving 15% off shoes today only!
[Image courtesy of Getty Images]

Okay, summer's coming and so, bless 'em, are Daisy Dukes.

[photo courtesy of wintrest.com]

“My staples are my black Stella McCartney pencil skirts and my Chanel pumps.”

—Lake Bell on her must have basics. From Fashion Week Daily

“My staples are my black Stella McCartney pencil skirts and my Chanel pumps.”

—Lake Bell on her must have basics. From Fashion Week Daily

Every summer, I subconsciously decide whether I will lean toward bohemian, sultry or sporty with my basic summer wardrobe; especially when it comes to my basic cotton summer dress. I can totally see a funky pair of sneakers with the gray jersey by YAYA AFLALO, but on the other hand the tent dress by Joie would be oh so comfy with ballerina flats and help me cure my addiction to 80's style....options, options.

Always a popular subject, Kate Moss, or rather artist renditions (a polymer gravure etching and a graffiti screenprint) of the supermodel will be sold in London this week. The pieces are expected to fetch prices up to $98,000. In the name of shopping for iconic fashion check out this Bottega Veneta tote bag.

According to People.com, Mrs. David Beckham has been M.I.A. as far as promoting her denim line, dVb is concerned. Sources say the line isn't getting the love it deserves. Or is it? Pics of Posh in her superwide flares are all over the Net, so maybe she’s going for the stealth approach. And in the meantime, you can get your flare jeans here.

In the world of fashion we rarely get a non-scripted peek into the inner world of our fashion icons. FWD catches up with Jason Wu to discuss his favorite key lime receipe, his doll making fetish and designing with Manolo Blahnik.

[Image courtesy of Fashion Week Daily]

“I had forgotten my hairbrush and had to borrow my friend's boots.”

—Elizabeth Hurley on how nervous she was with her first meeting with Estee Lauder. From Fashion Week Daily

As the spring season approaches, I find myself with plunging necklines that are begging to be adorned with fun jewels. Besides shoes, necklaces tend to be the easiest accessory to be daring with. The CC Skye gold braid necklace though bold, is safe enough to wear to the office whereas the charm by A.V. Max screams late night flirting.

Vogue & the Fragrance Foundation have an open call out for 1-3 minute shorts about one of the 2008 FiFi nominees.

Do you have this problem every spring and summer? The weather warms up, you put on your cute tank top or spaghetti-strap dress, and then proceed to walk into a freezing-cold office? An office cover-up is required, but the twin-set cardigan option can get old (and paired with a higher-necked tee, it's 1950s housewife time). I've been trying to switch it up with a knit hoodie or the grandpa-style v-neck cardigan--and am finding some sweet options from Autumn Cashmere, Tocca, and Yaya Aflalo, above.

I'm digging this floral cardigan; the bright spring colors, sequins and swing silhouette really pop this classic piece!

“Now that I'm done having babies,I can invest in some couture. ”

— Socialite Samantha Boardman Rosen on why she's excited to be able to wear luxury clothing again. From Fashion Week Daily

To kick off the return of their limited T-shirt project (which features Japanese pop culture icon Manga); Uniqlo has launched an advertising campaign