Fashion evolves at a frighteningly fast pace. Keep up by checking out today's Must Reads from:

The Budget Babe finds the long and short of plaid shorts for Spring.

BagBliss takes notice of the Zac Posen Madison bag.

Answering a reader's question, BunnyShop reveals exfoliation secrets.

The Manolo highlights men who up their game in heels.

Denimology has a Q&A with Denim of Virtue founder Tadd Zarubica.

With Earth Day approaching, Eco-Friendly designers are given extra consideration. Our network partner, Clothes Pin, reported on designer Camilla Norrback and her range of eco-friendly clothing. For her Spring 08 collection, Norrback rummaged through clothing patterns from the 1980's and 90's to inspire a collection which balances the playfulness of adolescence and the need for a sophisticated aesthetic. The garments are considered 'eco-luxury', and, as Clothes Pin reports, "The cultivation, processing, and colouring of the fabric has as little impact on the environment as possible using natural alternatives to toxins and chemicals". Norrback's range of sweet silk jersey and knit clothing just proves that eco-friendly clothing no longer sacrifices its aesthetic in spite of its cause.


Click for Clothes-Pin's report on Camilla Norrback
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You never know whether something homespun and quirky will catch on with the cool kids. The new "small business turned into a small business", Bevans Shoes, has potential though. Designer (and part-time comedian) Bevan Mahaney started painting on canvas sneakers in Martha's Vineyard before finding representation in New York and making it a real-live business. It's funny that we see these canvas slip ons painted with sharks and lobsters and outerspace depictions, as fitting in seamlessly with both the Martha's Vineyard crowd and the young New York City scene. It's a little bit clam chowda' and woopie pies, a little bit Miranda July and track bikes. The shoes, as they are hand painted, retail for around $100. We're a bit skeptical of this price point, however, we like that for a little bit more, Mahaney will custom paint your shoes. We're thinking if she's able to paint them in the likeness of those Chloe sandals we've had our eye on, we're sold. Either way, this is a prime example of a brand that will thrive on retail representation. If the shoes show up in the right stores, we predict, people won't be able to tell the difference between these, a Corpus sweater, a pair of Acne jeans, or a Commes de Garcon wallet. It's all going to the same place afterall. Namely, Bushwick.

For Spring 08 Chloe turned out a slew of thick-strap patent sandals in teals, aquas, and nudes. One of our favorites, are the the patent crisscross buckle sandals in turquoise. With a fuschia cone heel, 2 1/2" straps, and metal buckles (similar to those on ski boots), we think these sandals give every pair of Havaianas (yes, even in New York people wear them) a big, decisive 'Outta my way'. For the other shapes and styles, check out our spread below. No matter which pair you choose, bright patent leather that locks onto your foot the same way athletic gear might, is something we don't think anyone will argue with.


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Levi's, the all-American brand if there ever was one, is banking on consumers in China, India, and Russia to get them through the recession. In the next three to five years, Levi's expects to see the bulk of its sales overseas. Levis president John Anderson, is quoted in saying, "Last year was the best year we've had in a decade." This revenue is due, in part, to the company's expansion to foreign markets.


Ports 1961 opens their first U.S. flagship today in Los Angeles. The Canadaian brand is also in the process of renovating a 150 year old town house in New York's Meatpacking District. The store opening is projected for the end of this year, as construction challenges prove to make the renovation difficult. Click to see the Fall 08 collection.


Valentin Yudashkin opens Moscow Fashion Week with his Fall collection of svelte and metallic designs before a crowd of notable spectators including Mayor Yury Luzhkov. Yadashkin’s runway show can be viewed here. If you missed the whole thing, we'll be recapping the shows from Russian Fashion Week which commenced this Sunday, April 6.


Hugo Boss plans to launch a new store this summer in the New York's Meatpacking District. The major fashion label will house all eight men’s and women’s collections within the same building. The new shop (er, warehouse), located next to the Apple Store, anticipates heavy traffic. Very few twenty-somethings amble around the neighborhood, save for going to the Apple Store, and so we anticipate Hugo Boss will have cornered two markets at once.


At the opening show of his Love Revolution European tour, Gucci’s Frida Giannini designs twenty ensemble pieces for rockstar Lenny Kravitz. Expect tight trousers and oversized accessories which happen to be Kravitz’s signature aesthetic.


Research Assistant: Zoe Su

Puddles, print dresses, and skincare lines fill the Coutorture Community. Find out Spring's secrets and more in posts from:

Ask Alison helps a reader find shoes to wear with a grey print dress.

The Coveted has a case of cabin fever after viewing Beckermans Fall 2008 collection.

Even Benefit is getting on the mineral shadow bandwagon, reports Kiss and Makeup.

I Heart Makeup features Pratima Skincare.

Celebrate Spring by stomping in puddles says Fashion Nation.