>> Dear Filip Arickx and An Vandevorst... or should I say A.F. Vandevorst,

You have created a monster.  And by a monster, I mean a necklace that looks like its about to eat the model.  I'm surprised that she can even hold that thing up, being it's so heavy, and she's so light.  What would Wilma Flintstone  have to say about all of this?  I mean, it's one thing that you steal her tattered white dress and her big honkin' necklace, but did you have to go and make her best friend Betty's dress into a jacket?  Come on, guys, that's just down right cold.  Not to mention the lack of originality -- it's pretty bad when you have to steal style ideas from a couple of stone-age cartoons.  Think modern times, guys, that means in the now.  Not when people's foreheads jutted out like cliffs.  Guess we'll just have to wait all the way until Spring/Summer 2006 to see if you can do it.

I'll be waiting (not),

fashionologie

Dear Nina Neretina and Donis Pouppis (aka Nina Donis),

I must comment on the quality of your products.  You let this necklace be sold to this poor, naive woman, when clearly it is flawed.  But I'm being too nice.  Flawed doesn't even begin to describe the problem we have here.  I mean, Jesus in a jumpsuit, the thing has a tumor growing on it!  You gotta take care of these things, guys, tumors don't just disappear if you close your eyes and wish them away.  This calls for some serious surgery and follow-up chemotherapy.  Stat!  We can't have your so-called creations exploding festering pus all over their wearers!  So call 911!  Or at least call this woman and inform her that she has some serious fashion victim potential.  I mean, chunky necklaces are good, but bigger is not better.  No way, no how.  And coming from a Texan, that's saying a lot.

Yee haw,

fashionologie

**sources: kto-V-chem.ru, grudge-match.com

>> A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away... (Sorry guys, couldn't resist, I just saw the final Star Wars last night.  And yes, you're free to call me a big dork if you want to.  I'm okay with that.  It's been accepted and I've moved on.) I was reading the March 2005 edition of Nylon... a magazine I adore (and you should too), and I came upon a wonderful photo editorial.  Not only was Miss Valerie Avdeyera (the model) wearing the droolworthy 40's-style ivory corset belt and dotted skirt from the Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Spring/Summer 2005 collection, but also the most adorable little hand-knotted nylon wrist gloves, as well.  Which have stolen my heart (for the day at least, or until something equally glamorous comes along).  They're very feminine, consummate 40's, and yet something about them is very time-transcending.  Perfect for adding a little bombshell bang to your outfit.  Oh, did I mention that their maker, La Crasia, sells these lovelies for $8 a pair, and they come in three lovely colors  (black, white, ivory)? 

While I'm gushing, I might as well continue... Miss Avdeyera also wears teal crochet driving gloves by Miss Dater, which are slightly more expensive at $48 a pair, but well worth it for all you leather-coveting ladies out there.  Unfortunately, it looks like the teal is no longer available, which trust me, I'm just as disappointed as the next girl -- teal/turquoise/blue-green is my favorite color.  But there's still some other great options available.  So pay homage to Jean Harlow, Marlene Dietrich, all those old bags... and get some compliments, too.

So yeah.  Couple of side notes -- if you prefer the fingerless glove look like I sometimes do, La Crasia has a couple of great options.  And as La Crasia doesn't have a shopping cart set up on their site, purchasing information can be found here.

>> "Get koshi : be unique" is her slogan of choice.  And I can't say that it's not true.  koshi began in 2003 with the release of a paper zine, "koshi is... too cool for school."  But the greatness didn't start until 2004, when koshi creator and fashion illustrator Joanna DeVoe launched her line of fabulous one-of-a-kind hand-illustrated bags.  Maybe it's the thought of a custom-designed bag, or just the fun cartoonish drawings that cover it -- all I know is that I am absolutely and utterly smitten.  Joanna herself informed me that she typically sells  the bags before they can even make it to the web, but she has a new batch for iluvkoshi.com that will be going up this week.  Or you could always commission your own bag ($100 and up based on size of the pre-bought leather or denim bag) -- I'm sure she would be happy to oblige you.

You can contact Joanna at iluvkoshi@yahoo.com, and more examples of bags that have already been sold are here.

>> Mon dieu!  Alber Elbaz has been doing wonderful things at Lanvin -- the Spring/Summer 2005 collection alone has outfitted the likes of Nicole Kidman, Diane Kruger, and Natalie Portman (looks worn by each to the left, respectively).  And Lanvin's booming popularity doesn't just stop at the dresses -- his accessories are just as coveted.  The tulle-swathed pearls that everyone wanted back in 2004, anyone?  Don't worry if you didn't get yours last time around -- the pearls are back with a vengeance for Fall 2005, this time more sumptuously decorated and wrapped in orange or black velvet ribbon.

While pearls are all good and well, the Lanvin Fall 2005 runway accessory that I really wanted to spotlight is the headband.  Nearly every model wore one, and coming after a flurry of headbands on the Spring/Summer 2005 runways, I wouldn't be surprised to see them popping up on heads everywhere.  Whether that is the case or not so much, it's still a great look -- so inexpensive and streamlined.  Go with a simple wide black band, or add a brooch left over from last  season for a sleek look.  Or fold a scarf and tie it behind your head, for an Anna Sui/hippy-inspired version (right).  If you prefer classic Chanel, braid three strips of cloth and then tie those back (left).  Whichever you prefer, try it, even if you haven't worn a hairband since the second grade.  If Mr. Elbaz knows one thing, it's what looks good.   

**sources: style.com      

>> Hair hair...a toast to the ridiculously-easy-to-mimic Spring/Summer 2005 runway 'dos.  Tiny braids paired with bed-head hair were all over the models for the Jean Galliano collection (left).  I cannot stress the greatness of this runway trend -- we all learned to braid when we were like two (it's not like you're trying to put a chandelier in your hair or anything...cough...Dior), and little braids are cute no matter where you're going...even if it's just to the grocery store.  For a more sophisticated look, go for the Heidi-esque style seen on the Moschino models (right).  Take advantage, people... just make two pigtails and then bobby pin them so that they criss-cross over the top of your head.  Or, if you're still after that boho look, just braid your hair into a couple of loose pigtails and let them hang. 

Braids even showed up the the runways of lesser-knowns: Chado Ralph Rucci (left), for example.  But don't worry, ladies, this trend has showed up again on Fall 2005 runways -- Tess Giberson's models had double braids extending down their backs, and Louis Verdad's Frida Kahlo-inspired collection involved intricate braided updo's.  So rest assured, by the time you perfect your preferred braided look, it won't already be out of vogue again. 

If you are severely lacking in the braiding department, don't fret, dreamweaver braiding will help remedy that, easy.  So no excuses -- if you don't try this out, I might have to severely upbraid you.

>> "Hi! I was wondering if you knew what brand where the boots the MK was wearing in the #2 outfit (the one with the blue scarf and coffee thermos)? Thanks!" - Chi

Using some mad detective skills and the use of Exhibit A and Exhibit B (right), in which MK is wearing the same exact cowboy boots, I was able to deduce that the boots she is wearing are the Black T Bird Boots from R. Soles, a brand also favored by the likes of Sienna Miller, Kate Moss, et al.  They run for ₤295.  Hope that helps! 

  **sources:  olsen-twins-news.com

>> Bermuda shorts are literally everywhere these days -- you can even get them from your local Abercrombie or American Eagle.  Who wants to look exactly like everyone else they pass on the street?  Not me, for one.  It's like sailing into the Bermuda triangle -- guaranteed death. 

To avoid such a frightful doom, I suggest taking the lead from a look seen on the Spring/Summer 2005 Chloe  runway.  Just take those shorts and roll them up a bit.  Its seriously the easiest diy project you've ever undertaken.  Effortless perfection, if you will.  These exact Chloe cotton shorts with cummerbund are available at net-a-porter.com for $650, but are selling out quick.  Satine boutique is preselling another option:  Rebecca Taylor's roll up long shorts for $202.  I personally am using the cropped wide-legged pants shown at the top of this post, available from anthropologie for $58.  Trust me, they look just as cute.

**sources: style.com

>> Wow.  I came across another pair of drool-worthy shoes...my shoe fairy godmother must be watching after me today or something.  If you're looking to channel some serious Edie Sedgwick, these boots are the place to start.  They're go-go boots sans heels, giving them a slightly edgier and modern look.  I personally suggest you go-go get some before they sell out -- $79 at yoox.com. 

>> Behold the gorgeousness that is Jocasi's Parax Moon Bag.  I was looking for a bag to travel with at the end of next month, and this one is just exceeds all my expectations.  It has a zipper closure to discourage those with sticky fingers, and it's a great size.  Did I mention the supple leather? I just want to stroke that thing.  Pardon us for a private moment or two...

Brown: backordered until June at blaec -- $140

Black: available at luvcharlie.com -- $160

P.S.  If you're going to check out Jocasi...take a look at their belts too -- they're all to die for. 

>> Oh my goodness.  I'm still out of breath.  I was just going through the list of the normal sites I hit up on a daily basis:  La Coquette, Style Diary, The Fashion Spot... when I got to Lucky.  SHABAM!!  The most adorable little ballet shoes smacked me right upside the head...like I was a rat king or something.  And they're $14.  And they come in scrumptious colors.  Breathe...  Unfortunately, they're backordered until July 6th.  Damn those bajillions of Lucky readers.  But I may have to fall into the trap anyway...that apricot color is calling my name.