>>  INSIDER WIRE —Despite all the rumors about Russian Vogue editor Aliona Doletskaya taking over editorship of Vogue, in reality, her name has only been pitched into the pile.  Anna Wintour's done quite a job entrenching herself as necessary to the magazine, but just in case you want to know who else beside Aliona might stand a chance at getting a piece of the pie, a quick rundown . . . [The Cut]

While absorbing Paris Fashion Week from a computer screen comes at little cost, wearing the clothing is another story. Given the state of our economy, our wise bloggers are either covering straight runway or finding opportunities to talk about "look for less" options. That said, we picked three to note.

Kingdom of Style is possibly the biggest penny saver of all having made her own organza skirt for a night out on the town. The results are pretty fantastic, but we're also putting a few bucks on her styling abilities. 

Pretty Legit scoped out Old Navy's Fall deliveries, confirming our recent penchant for black sequins and more long blazers than is necessary for one person to own. 

Platinum Blonde Life gave up the info on Banana Republic's recent shoe offerings. We've been meaning to pick up a trench coat from them and we might just have to add a shoe or two to the basket. 

Looks like we're going on a mini-shopping spree, seeing as it's all in one place. 

>> Alessandra Facchinetti doesn't show her collection for Valentino until tomorrow, but since Giambattista Valli — whose name has been thrown around as her successor at Valentino — showed today, all eyes were watching to see what kind of move he would make.  Valli himself was noncommital about the rumors — "I have no comment to make on that. I wish Alessandra the best of luck with her show tomorrow. I think she is doing a wonderful job." — but he didn't convince everybody.

Many saw Valli's collection as a tryout for the job: Hilary Alexander was convinced she saw clues: "the print on the silk and organza dresses was inspired by fading Roman frescoes and his mood board featured photographs of numerous Roman statues – and we all know Rome is the HQ of the legendary house of Valentino."  Suzy Menkes — though less explicit — saw it too: "the show looked too much like a résumé for someone who wants to take over a couture house."

And just for posterity, Fashion Week Daily reaffirmed the general feeling: "If there was any doubt that Giambattista Valli is in the running to become the heir apparent at Valentino, he surely quieted non-believers and made a strong case for the job with today's show. The collection was filled with the sort of red carpet fare that the house of Valentino depends upon."  So how long do you think before there's an announcement?
*image: source

Beloved Lower East Side boutique, Shop, famous for carrying cotton basics, hard to find contemporary French brands (like Iro), New York City's best accessories designers (like Jenny Yuen), and Siwy jeans, has moved a few blocks South--to a bigger and better space. The new location, 94 Orchard Street, is now twice the size and located in a section of downtown that's gentrifying like mad with hip new galleries and restaurants. 

Shop is one of our favorite stores because it's sweet and homey (you'll still find a worn pink floor and lingerie on clotheslines at the new location) but still on the cusp of what's happening in contemporary fashion. A perfect example? Shop was one of the first stores we can remember to carry Phillip Lim's line, back when he first left Development, and before anyone even knew who he was. The list, in that regard, goes on but you won't find Shop getting all high and mighty about it--the thing is, they're just not those kind of girls.

If you should find yourself in New York this month, Shop is celebrating another designer they've long supported and has since gone on to become a huge sensation, namely, Michelle Siwy of Siwy denim. Michelle Siwy will be giving individual fittings to guests who can also enjoy cocktails, cupcakes, and a 20% discount on all the Siwy in the store. We don't know about you but next Thursday you'll find us wearing Siwy with a cupcake in our hand. 

>> BLOWING THE COVER —The November 2008 issue of Vogue UK features an unlikely trio of British beauties, photographed by Emma Summerton: history-maker Jourdan Dunn, up-and-comer Eden Clark, and blueblood Burberry face Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.  The latter is an interesting choice to round out the three, since Jourdan and Eden are runway models through-and-through, while Rosie is better known for her Victoria's Secret work. [Models.com Daily Feed]

>> After storming Milan Fashion Week, Sacha Baron Cohen's alter ego Bruno is back for another round — this time in Paris.  From his perch second row at Stella McCartney this morning, a sleeveless leather vest-sporting Bruno sat smoothing his hair during the show, showing "wild approval for some looks, disdain for others."  And then the fun began.

Apparently, he leaned forward, a red thong clearly visible above his jeans, and pushed those sitting front row in front of him aside so he could get a better look at the models.  Clapping along to the music, he pulled a tampon out of his vest and sucked on it, continuing the act until Stella McCartney came out for her bow, when he moved his hand to indicated he deemed the show okay, but not great.

So did Stella invite Bruno?  He did have a seat, after all.  WWD thinks so and Stella's response to act indicated that she might have — when asked if she knew about it, she broke out into a broad grin. "Bruno?" she exclaimed. "I had no idea!"  And then she laughed.
*image: source

While absorbing Paris Fashion Week from a computer screen comes at little cost, wearing the clothing is another story--given the state of our economy, our wise bloggers are either covering straight runway or finding opportunities to talk about "look for less" options. That said, we picked three to note.

Kingdom of Style is possibly the biggest penny saver of all having made her own organza skirt for a night out on the town. The results are pretty fantastic, but we're also putting a few bucks on her styling abilities.

Pretty Legit scoped out Old Navy's Fall deliveries, confirming our recent penchant for black sequins and more long blazers than is necessary for one person to own.

Platinum Blonde Life gave up the info on Banana Republic's recent shoe offerings. We've been meaning to pick up a trench coat from them and we might just have to add a shoe or two to the basket.

Looks like we're going on a mini-shopping spree, seeing as it's all in one place.