“I never have to pack much, because luckily I have the store.”

— Stella McCartney on why she loves LA. From Style.com

Batwing eyeliner? It’s hers. Typhoon beehive? She owns it. Belted cutoffs? Check! Amy Winehouse may not be a model of sobriety but the head-butting “new-Bardot” has got killer style so it’s no surprise Julien Macdonald wants to trot her out as the star of his 2009 Spring/Summer collection at London Fashion Week. Just say NO, Ames. That heartless pelt-peddler will rip you off and toss you away like last season’s fox fur. You’re better off consorting with 2006's fashion flash-in-the-pan, Pete Doherty.

They're getting wiiiidddder. Wideleg pants were all over the Resort '09 collections, but John Galliano split the seams wide open in his collection for Christian Dior featuring widelegs reminiscent of the ones MC Hammer used to wear.

[Dior photo courtesy of WWD, MC Hammer shot courtesy of GettyImages.com]

How awesome is it that John Galliano can create the most breathtakingly luxe collections -- and dress himself like a ragamuffin? LOVE him! [John Galliano at his Christian Dior Resort 2009 show; photo courtesy of WWD]

It's gonna be funky patterns, chunky jewelry, drinks, djs and goodie bags this weekend at the Uptown Emerging Designers Market, an indie designer shopping event! If you go, make sure to look for the Harriet's Alter Ego booth. (India.Arie's a fan.) [photo courtesy of GettyImages.com]

Related Links: It's like Lucky Shops for the Boho set

We asked and you told us how long you can stand in your coolest -- and cruelest -- shoes. From those strappy sandals that should come with a two-pack of Tylenol to the dominatrix boots that hurt so bad they've never left your apartment, we can totally relate. Check out our gallery and get a lil' insight into why Carrie and her Choo-wearing crew needed so many Cosmos!

"These Miu Mius kill my feet if I wear them longer than three hours. But I love them so :-)" -- Kenya

"Custom illustrated for me by Richie and Traver of Heatherette. I can't stand in them for more than an hour because they're plastic and have NO traction or support." -- Faran

"I call these my Rat Pack shoes 'cause, for some reason, when I wear them with black slim pants, a white shirt and black skinny tie, I feel like I'm channeling Sammy Davis, Jr.! They're a little scuffed, but when they're buffed they're cute -- though definitely not to be hoofing around in. I've got about 30 minutes standing in them before I get a little grouchy." -- Malcolm

"Three to four hours max! That peephole can be dangerous." -- Jackie

Three hours for the brown ones and about eight hours for the striped ones." -- Elsa

(left) "These were my wedding shoes and I wore them for 16 hours -- their time limit is actually closer to two hours. I didn't feel two of the toes on my left for about nine days after the wedding." -- Aya

(right) "I couldn't even but a time limit on them because I've never
managed to wear them past my front door... I no longer wear leather, these boots epitomize the bad karma I'm hoping to work my way through." -- Cherrybomb

"They're Gucci -- the only designer shoes that I own, and I bought them on Bluefly... They are semi- comfortable for about 40 minutes, but I actually endured four hours of standing in them for a party once!" -- Kylie

"I bought these Christian Louboutins in London. They aren't the highest of heels -- but the 'buckle' is not very well placed. It digs into the toes like a vice gripping a piece of wood. They are quite pretty though, so I endure the pain. I wore them to our holiday party at the Top of the Rock and thought I was going to hurl them off the top of the building by hour 2. Instead, I had a couple extra glasses of wine, four extra strength Tylenol - and pretended my feet did not exist. :) All of this and yet, I continue to wear them." -- Stacy

The Random News of the Day award goes to AP's story "Young voters' fashion sense often leads the polls". According to the article, Hillary voters are boxers peeps, while Obama's supporters prefer wedgies i.e. thongs. So you know we have to ask...

[Hillary boxers and Obama thongs photos courtesy of CafePress.com]

Related Links: Whatever you do, please don't go the full monty!

At the SATC premiere in London this past Monday, a green ombre hat scultpure by milliner Philip Treacy ate SJP on the red carpet. Today, a Philip Treacy hat nearly gobbled Paris Hilton in Cannes at the signing of her new fragrance, Can Can. [photos courtesy of GettyImages.com]

Related Links: Hats that won't swallow your outfit whole.

Some days after looking through my wardrobe I can't decide if I should join a 12-step program for vintage addicts or open an eBay store; either way these retro dresses are quite beautiful to behold.

“I have hat envy!”

— Editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar's Glenda Bailey on not having enough time to properly accessorize the right hat for the Central Park Conservancy Luncheon. From Fashion Week Daily

Just when I was ready write off Season 10 of Top Model, the lovely Whitney was crowned belle of the ball last night. The 20-year-old Florida college student is the first "full-figured" gal to win the competition, which frankly still baffles me considering Tyra's crusade to redefine standards of beauty for young women. But no matter: It happened! Whitney won. She will grace the cover of Seventeen and assume her duties as a Cover Girl. I look forward to watching her career evolve and seeing whether this small step could be a giant step for healthy-sized women who want to dress as well as they feel about themselves. I'd love to see Whitney model swimsuits, actually, as her body is rocking and she would look hot in a bright two-piece.

I just came out of my first meeting with Mr. Ferosha Coutura himself, and I am pleased to report that our fave rising star’s exclusive collection for Bluefly is beyond FABULOUS (yes, I am forcing myself not to use that other “expired” F word). To be unveiled in late July, Christian’s collection will consist of gorgeous jackets, tees, dresses, skirts & pants with signature Christian detailing (ie. ruffles, pleating, and skinny pants galore). And--as if the thought of finally getting my hands on one of those gorgeous elaborate blouses isn’t enough--all styles will be 20% OFF!

Be ready to get it first, before (in Christian’s own words) "my mom buys it all."

I'm not so sure about this look.......black pumps yes; with white socks.....

I adore these shoes! First they are the perfect spring to summer transition shoe as they are not quite a sandal nor quite a pump but a little of both. What caught my eye was the two-toned shaded coloring, the peep-toe, the zippered and lace-up fronts mixed into the prominently featured insert of patent leather as well as the cut-away spaces on the sides of the shoes. Yum!

“My husband put my Spanx on me tonight because I had wet nails.”

—Thandie Newton on getting dressed for the Costume Institute gala. From Style.com

The most exciting news from the Valentino camp isn't from the dearly-departed Mr. Valentino's recent birthday bash, but from corporate HQ, which has announced some ambitious plans that include catering to a younger, trendier, and more penny-pinching crowd -- i.e. me! More Valentino for the value, it's music to my ears.

Don't get it twisted, Fashionistas. This is no ordinary fanny pack. Take style note of the ruffle detailing, dope dealer chain trim and studded belt turned waistband -- all courtesy of the funky Styleaholic, rocking it proudly!

Once reserved for those who prefer comfort over style (at least those who aren't Native American), the Moccasin Shoe seems to be reemerging as the latest hipster footwear. To drive the point home, I just spotted this shoe in my local el cheapo store done in metallics. (Of course, since I'm a closeted trend groupie, I tried them on, but they looked awful!)

How fly is this fashionista? Drenched in sunlight and wearing a Mona Lisa like smirk, she told me to create her Curbside story. Ha!

Okay... so she's Irish, an au pair to Andy Warhol's grandchildren (work with me) by day and an incredibly popular burlesque dancer by night...or she fell so in love with The Devil Wears Prada, that she chained herself to a park bench outside of Vogue's offices until Anna Wintour gave her a lowly intern position.

Whatever her deal is, I'm totally diggin' her felt, black raffia hat.

“I think that every influential person should have clean underwear in their closet!”

— Designer Marc Ecko's fashion advice to the Time's 100 Influencers' list. From Fashion Week Daily

This week we're focusing on Time-Limit shoes, those heels you can wear for only about an hour or two but are too beautiful to get rid of. But what of those special spring sandals in your closet that are both stylish and comfy? Granted, these are the Holy Grail of footwear, as attractiveness and comfort rarely meet in one special shoe. (But when they do, you're guaranteed to wear them all season.) These lower-heeled pairs from Isaac Mizrahi, Dolce Vita, and Gucci are a good place to start.

As much as I am over all things '80s, I couldn't help but snap these wonder twins. Dressed like they just stepped out of LL Cool's Around the Way Girl video, Coco & Breezy not only belong to a retro crew, but model, dance and design. Love it! Check out our Kanye-inspired shades, retro tees and funky leggings to get this day-glo look.

Related Links: If you're a lil' scared of neon, Nina Garcia's got some ideas how to light things up without blinding anyone.

Though this a bit too skateboard-goth fashion for me, I can totally appreciate the Batman logo on this hi-top sneaker....sheer genius!

I can't say for sure how new this trend is, but literally within a space of 60 seconds, I saw these pair of black boots with this reddish-chocolate brown trim yesterday in Soho; I'm digging both!

“She's a pure merchandising icon.”

— Artist Tom Sachs on his recent Hello Kitty exhibit. From Fashion Week Daily

Boy, oh boy, it seems the men truly are taking fashion cues from their feminine counterparts (remember the men in skinny jeans trend alert?) I caught these floral printed sneakers on the feet of a few stylish gents (and yes, they appeared to be straight.)

Legions of Stevie Nicks fans will descend on New York this weekend to commune with their gypsy muse at tonight’s 18th annual Night of a Thousand Stevies (NOTS). The angel-wing blouses will flutter and the amulets will swing as the Legends of Stevie Realness channel the original gold dust woman from her romantic enchanted boho days with Fleetwood Mac through her white-witch-in-platforms solo career. NOTS is a definite DO for connoisseurs of capes, coq feathers and coquespoons.

Back in the day -- when I was 19 and cursing Giuliani's crackdown on underage clubbing -- I used to be able to cover miles of dance floor & NYC subway platform in shoes like these for hours. Now that I'm old enough to value my blood circulating throughout my body, I've arranged all the shoes in my closet based on time-limit. These 5" Balenciaga stilts were good for an hour and a half at last night's H&M fete on the Gramercy Park Hotel Roof Deck. With very limited movement. Do you have any time-limit shoes? E-me pics of your time-limit shoes at nana.brewhammond@bluefly.com and tell me how long you can go in 'em before you've gotta kick 'em off for those flip-flops you keep stashed in your oversized bag. I'll post the coolest shots right here on FlyPaper.

Related Links: ahhh, the highs and lows of fashion footwear

At last night's H&M event on the fab Gramercy Park Hotel rooftop, fellow fashion blogger, Wendy a.k.a. retrogurl of nitrolicious.com was totally "Spring & the City" in this cropped jacket, high-sheen black leggings and wildflower-print tunic. Here's a hint.

Related Links: More wildflowers here!

Though I personally believe that Marc Jacobs can do no wrong, I'm not sure how I feel about this new Marc by Marc Jacobs logo tote.

Like many of you, I've learned how to camouflage my "problem areas" and highlight my goodies. The tunic top has been the fastest, most stylish and easiest tummy toner ever invented. LOL. I'm digging this Romeo & Juliet Couture blue tie-dye jersey banded tunic, because the tank style will showcase my arms, neck and shoulders, while the waistband and blousy silhouette will hide my not-so-toned tummy.

I absolutely adore this look, but the realistic side of me, knows that this is a jumpsuit that very few of us can wear.

When I was assigned to write a travel story about Jacksonville, OR - that tiny, quaint, impeccably preserved gold-rush town in the Southern part of the state - I did NOT expect to encounter gorgeous (and pricey!) French-made clothing (like that of the label Cop.Copine). I fell in love with a striped tunic-dress that, at $214.00, was sadly way outta my budget. But thankfully Parisian inspiration is everywhere these days: This striped jersey dress with lantern sleeves is not only a steal at $73.00, it's just as cute -- even more functional, actually -- than that sleeveless number I salivated over in J-ville. And this scoop-necked, very "Paris in the springtime" shirt by by Nanette Lepore is just as adorable as anything I saw down South. Who knew a trip to cowboy country would net me a case of French fever?

It appears that there has been a recent return to the preppy style of yesterday via the classic striped dress shirt.

“It looks good pressed or just run through the wash. You can wear it with a suit or jeans. You can wear it with or without a tie," states Tommy Fazio, the men’s fashion director at Bergdorf Goodman.

Personally I have to agree, I especially love this look with a pair of dark wash True Religion jeans and brightly colored canvas sneakers.

Starting Monday, 20 celebrity-designed one-of-a-kind bags will be available on eBay to raise money to help breast cancer sufferers in time for Mother's Day. Celebrities including Leah Remini, Susan Sarandon, Hayden Panettiere and Miley Cyrus teamed up with Swarovski to each design a glam, crystal-encrusted gym bag. Bidding will last through May 15 with proceeds going directly to the Libby Ross Breast Cancer Foundation.
[Image courtesy of NY Daily News]

Though we still have yet to see a single stitch of his Pastelle collection, Kanye West will be launching a global line of eyewear in October in collaboration with cult Australian fashion label Ksubi.

"I love the sunnies Ksubi has produced over the years, and it's an honour to collaborate with them on this first instalment of Pastelle frames," West tells STUFF.CO.NZ.

The collection will be designed by Ksubi's George Gorrow and feature limited edition gold sunglass frames.
[Image courtesy of Getty Images]

“I've never met anyone who knew more about sunglasses and other cool stuff.”

— Kanye West on why he decided to collaborate on an eyewear collection with design label Ksubi. From UK Vogue

Right on the heels of her blatant lack of promotion of her dVB denim line, Posh is now rumored to be suing Rock & Republic (they were creating the jeans for her) for $100 million, because despite the business split back in '06 (Rock & Republic, states that Beckham did very little to promote the brand), Beckham claims the jeans were more profitable than previously thought and she is owed the remaining payout. This is going to get UGLY. Hee, hee!

[Image courtesy of Getty Images]

As the new face of Chanel, she’ll be advertising the brand's signature No. 5 perfume. The ads will be directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, the same director that helmed the actress' star turn in Amelie. It will be interesting to see if he'll put a magical realism spin on the fragrances campaign.

[Image courtesy of Getty Images]

Many times we tend to only take note of London, Paris and NYC's Fashion Week (none of us would ever admit out loud to checking out LA, though we do), but as I checked in over at FWD, I couldn't help but notice the fly fashion coming out of Australia. The most eye catching looks included goddess-inspired one-shoulder dresses, heavy gold brocade trim, in vibrant white, gold and purple chiffon as well futuristic jumpsuits in white patent leather. Loved the variety of ethnic faces and the "healthy looking model" theme too.

[Image courtesy of Getty Images]

Every time I turn around there's another trend that came straight out of my junior high closet, circa 1980-something. The latest trip down memory lane? Cut-off jean shorts. Go with the full-on fray for the authentic sixth-grader-in-the-summertime look, or embrace the 21st century with Earnest Sewn's cleaned-up cuffs. [photo courtesy People.com]

Who knew so many designers were inspired by the Justice League? Spidey, Iron Man and Batman inspirations were on full display as supermodels mingled with superstars in super cool gowns. [all photos by Chris Moore]

Related Links: At these prices, these dresses are pretty super too.

I am definitely 'Hung-Up' on these black python pumps by Christian Louboutin and at 50% off, why would I not?

“Don't let the rappers wear more bling than you do!”

—Donatella Versace's fashion motto. From Fashion Week Daily

It feels a bit like a moving photoshoot, but as always she looks quite beautiful and I'm diggin' that black, motorcycle leather jacket.

Who

Patricia Field has lent her over-the-top-style to a limited-edition diet Coke City Collection bottles, sold exclusively at Selfridges. "The designs represent diet Coke as a sexy, sassy brand perfectly compatible with today's woman," Pat said. Personally, I'd love to see these bottles resized to fit a funky charm bracelet.
[Image courtesy of Selfridges.com ]

Although we know the Met Gala is "the biggest night in fashion," sometimes it's a little hard to care when not only are you not invited but it's not even televised. No more of that: We learn from Fashion Week Daily that E! will be making the rounds this year, for a show "The E! Met Special," set to air on May 8 at 8pm (set those Tivos). Look for Audrey Tatou, Kate Bosworth, and Thandie Newton in Chanel, and Maggie Gyllenhaal in Peter Som.

These beige suede basketwoven leather wedges by Bottega Veneta are fab! I feel pretty confident that we will see more shoes this summer with this all over basketwoven heel style.

“[I’m a] Christian Louboutin freak!”

—Vanessa Hudgens on her obsession with Christian Louboutin shoes. From StyleCrunch.com

Leona Lewis, the on the rise British pop star, is apparently in the process of discussing possibilities to create a line of vegan fashion and accessories. She’s super adamant about the protection of animals and never wears any leather shoes - after performing on American Idol last week she told the media that she was wearing cheap shoes because then at least she knew they weren't made out of leather. She’s hoping that a full line of vegan clothing will bring about more awareness to animal cruelty. Well I guess one more vegan line couldn't hurt; I hope Leona's is as stylish as Natalie Portman's vegan collection.
[Image courtesy of Getty Images]

With the Miley Cyrus controversy swirling in the pop-culture ether, the Disney-generation has a Nina Garcia-sanctioned alternative: sheer, transparent pieces that trick the eye and layer well over other clothing. Nina also sanctions underwear as outwear if you promise to show just a peek.

It sounds like a truck showroom but Elite Models, Utah -- slated to open May 30th -- is the prestigious modelling agency’s newest satellite office. Head honcho Neal Hamil says it will turn out "tall, wholesome types” like pretty baby Ali Stephens (pictured left) whose lucrative contract with Calvin Klein proves that, once you get past the prairie gowns and pompadours, those Mormon girls are hot. Hamil told gossip ghoul Cindi Adams the models would be kept in a townhouse where “our people live with them and mentor them." In what? Tilling, quilting and vogueing?

Diane von Furstenberg is creating a capsule collection in partnership with DC Comics of ready-to-wear, small leather goods and footwear that loosely takes its cues from the super heroine. Sounds groovy, I'm in! [Image courtesy of Getty Images]

Am I the only one who can truly appreciate a fun, bouncy piece of costume jewelry? These pretty baubles caught my eye the other night; I'm especially digging the strawberry ring.

“It'd be worst dressed in Us Weekly but best dressed in Vogue.”

— Socialite Genevieve Jones on her artsy outfit combo of a Fendi top with a Carlos Miele skirt. From Fashion Week Daily

The perfect stylish search? Google's new design project where they've recently teamed up with 70 fashion designers to create a series of themes for its spin-off iGoogle, which allows users to create personalized homepages. Designers involved include Tory Burch, Oscar de la Renta, Diane von Furstenberg, Dolce & Gabbana, Mark Ecko, and Nigo among others. The image to the left is a sample D&G iGoogle page. A very stylish idea, no?

[Image courtesy of Fashion Week Daily.com]

Say it ain't so! SATC will be premiering to a niche, group of influencers in London on May 12th; personally, I don't get it, NYC is not only the fifth co-star to this legendary fashion flick, but the flyest city on the planet! Gawd! I'm a bit insulted. Well I guess I'll go re-watch an episode on DVD and sip some bubbly from my fave stilettos.

Once upon a time, Gwyneth Paltrow was a style icon (and then she took time off to have kids). Now a sexy mother of two, Paltrow is either a trend-setter or an example of when bad-clothes-happen-to-talented people. I can't decide! On the one hand, it's exciting to see her pop on the red carpet in this thoroughly unmatronly (and very mermaid-ish!) Jean Paul Gaultier cocktail dress. On the other hand, seeing her in a lace mini with a, uh, mini tuxedo jacket? Not so good. I love adventure, but it's usually best to avoid ill-conceived, layered ensembles (especially in the spring). She should have gone for, say, a colorful, strapless dress by Nicole Miller. Sometimes Gwynnie, simple is best.

Now this is juicy news! Juicy Couture is suing Victoria’s Secret because their Pink line is a blatant rip-off of both Juicy's signature pink color, hoodies and pantsuit silhouettes and even their packaging as the Pink line is sold in packages that resemble lollipops and ice cream. Twisting the knife, Juicy wants the entire Pink line destroyed. Good for Juicy!
[Image courtesy of StyleCrunch.com]

“Before Karl, we all looked to couture for inspiration and direction.”

— Architect Zaha Hadid on how Karl Lagerfeld has changed the fashion industry. From Fashion Week Daily

As I fleshed out my vacation attire and celebrated on finding the perfect bathing suit, I was faced with another dilemma midway through my "jumping for joy dance" in the dressing room yesterday; I realized that I needed a beach cover-up for those "out of the water moments" since I don't want to drive folks crazy with my Naomi Campbell curves. LOL. I'm digging this black paisley wrap cover-up by BCBGMAXAZRIA.

Related Links: Ford Model, Alejandra was pretty psyched when she found this beachwear too!

Masseuses in Indonesia are being encouraged by their bosses to wear chastity belts while working. One parlor owner said he came up with the idea when men "bombarded" his staff with requests for sex (in a massage parlor? No!) so he, among other parlor owners, is making his workers wear no-nookie pants, black trousers that zip up at the side, where a padlock is slipped through two cloth loops and snapped shut each time a masseuse meets a client. This strikes us as pretty sexist -- 'cause it's the women's fault the men want sex, you see -- but also sounds very chic in an early Vivienne Westwood way, no?

Related Links: This Vivienne makes pretty hot pants too.