>> Yael Aflalo — best known for the resourceful re-working of vintage styles she does for her easy-wearing line The Reformation — describes herself as a bit of a style chameleon. "My style is always changing and evolving, but elegant and sexy with a funny twist is probably the constant," she explains. We caught up with the designer (who is soon launching a lower-priced collection for Urban Outfitters) in her Chinatown atelier to get the scoop on her irreverantly-gorgeous personal style, her favorite shopping sources, and her real-life fashion inspirations. Click through to read more on this LA-native-turned-New-Yorker, and browse her Summer shopping picks.

Photos by Christina Pérez

>> For the Fall 2011 edition of of J.Crew's higher-end Collection, leopard appears on a shrunken calf hair jacket and a felted wool fedora (the latter done in collaboration with miller Albertus Swanepoel); a pink shift dress features sequins applied by hand; and light florals grace a silk chiffon maxiskirt. See the full offering in the slideshow.

>> Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen can now add shoes to their ever-growing repertoire. The duo has teamed with Toms to offer three takes on the brand's classic espadrille — all with a luxurious, Olsen-cool slant, of course. Made from Italian-sourced wool, leather, and/or cashmere, the Toms + The Row shoes come in an urbane palette of soft greys and plaid.

Retailing at either $140 or $150 — about three times the Toms mainline collection — the selection isn't quite as affordable as your usual pair of slip-ons, but, just like the main line, each pair sold will also benefit a child in need. "Toms + The Row customers will have the ability to give back and create change with a single purchase," expains Ashley. Mary-Kate adds, “Having the opportunity to be a part of something so meaningful has made the collaboration with Toms special to everyone at The Row.” Click through to see the three new styles, available online now at Toms.com.

Courtesy Photo

>> Starting tomorrow through Oct. 3, the wedding gown Sarah Burton designed for Kate Middleton will be on display to the public at Buckingham Palace as part of “The Royal Wedding Dress: A Story of Great British Design." In addition to the gown, Middleton's handcrafted Alexander McQueen bridal shoes (size 8, with three-inch heels), the diamond acorn earrings gifted to her by her parents, the Cartier Halo tiara she wore that was loaned by the Queen, and a silk flower replica of her bridal bouquet are all showcased for close viewing. There's also a 5-minute film about the creation of the dress, featuring Burton.

Among those details that were not visible from the wedding telecast: the wedding train's elaborate individual panels, which were deliberately engineered to hold their shape as the bride walked the long aisle, and the pumps' lace covering. "It was a feat of engineering,” Burton says of her design, adding: “It needed to be light." The dress is estimated to have cost £250,000 (approx. $408,000) and according to curator Caroline de Guitaut, its waist size is "small."

De Guitaut added that it was Middleton's choice to put the dress on display: "The Duchess considered a number of options, and then decided that she would like it to be displayed here at Buckingham Palace, which of course was the scene for the celebrations after Westminster Abbey, so it is very fitting that it should be shown here exactly where the reception took place.”

The Queen and Middleton inspected the exhibit today; a video can be seen here.

>> Jil Sander is moving on from her +J partnership with Uniqlo, but not before one more collection hits limited Uniqlo stores in early September. A first look at the Fall 2011 offering, photographed by David Sims on Arizona Muse.