FWAC on the road.

June was a very busy month for Fashion With A Conscience, New York. We know that as our readers you crave all things fashion and charity! So we braved rain induced bad hair days and got busy on the chic philanthropy trail. We cannot wait to tell you about the inspiring people we've met, along with the designers, models, event planners, personalities and magazine giant we had the pleasure to labor alongside. This quest that is ours: changing the world one thread at a time, is making its way! Thank you for being pioneers in this movement and stay tuned to read all about the June event lineup: - History Starts Now presents Suzanne Rae to end child trafficking. - Bpeace and Aysha Saeed join forces to help women entrepreneurs. - Marie Claire magazine, Redlight Children and Living measure expose youth sexploitation. Bonus: MET : Model as Muse exhibit review! Love,

FWAC

Summerize your hair!

Summer is finally here! It is time to put down your flattening irons and blow driers. Say no to electric heat and walk to the beat of your own hair. With the recession showing no sign of stopping, low maintenance is in. Take this time as an opportunity to be reunited with the real you.

Try these summer hairstyles taken from the catwalk to the red carpet to the sidewalk!

Showdown: favor styles that take hair away from your face during the day. We suggest pulling hair back into a low ponytail. This style is easy to acheave and flattering on everyone. It keeps oils away from your skin and draws attention to your neckline. So keep earing size minimal, decoltage bare and play up your arm and hand accessories. Think about all the fun you can have mixing cuffs, bangles and cocktail rings for a freshly chic look.

Luscious waves: For night, loose waves are hot. Remember that a low maintenance look is what you are going for. Curls should be soft and look uneven. If your hair is naturally curly or wavy do yourself a favor and let nature take over for the summer. If you have issues with frizz there is a wide array of products out there designed just for you. (Actually in this case I should say: for us!)

Profesional tricks:

1. Boost your shampoo by adding a tea spoon of cider vinegar to your regular formula. "Do this every other month to remove product buildup from and your hair will be much easier to style," says Ted Gibson.

2. Give your hair a glossier look by rinsing it with icy water in the shower. This cool trick helps smooth your hair's cuticle so it reflects more light. Side note: cold showers are also great to keep your skin firm and young. Ah! The wonders a cold shower can perform!

Beauty talk: M.A.C. collection preview.

We salute M.A.C. for consistently using exuberant creativity to build their ad campaigns. Above is their new Colour Craft collection ad.

Visit Beauty Blogging Junkie to preview makeup collection.

Photo credits: Courtesy of M.A.C.

OMG moment: Lacroix needs a buyer now!

The Christian Lacroix couture show walks tomorrow in Paris, but things are not looking good for the house, which filed for bankruptcy in May. WWD reports employees were told Friday that the workforce could be cut from 124 to 12. This would effectively reduce the house to a licensing operation. Lacroix could survive if a buyer swoops in and rescues it. So all those clients waiting on couture orders might not get their clothes. Certainly a billionaire with a zoo in their backyard must be interested in throwing some money at Lacroix. Or maybe Julian Schnabel can invest after he sells the Palazzo Chupi. He may as well start wooing the couture clients now that they're likely to have all this extra cash lying around.

As reported in New York Magazine.

Just because we love it!

Grace satin jersey dress by Missoni. $2, 630. Visit Net-a-Porter for purchase.

Just because we love it!

We are very excited about the Missoni/Converse collaboration. The two fashion giants signed an agreement and developed a high top sneaker in the iconic Missoni zigzag pattern. Pure genius! If you are like us, you cannot wait to get your hands on a pair. Unfortunately patience is of the essence here, since Converse is planning to produce and distribute the All Star sneakers in spring/summer 2010. The “Premium Chuck Hi Missoni", the name of the kicks, will only be in their men's collection. All the ladies say boo! Wipe those tears away, I will let you in on a little secret. I learned this trick many years ago when I realized that men had the best sneaker selection: all you have to do is get a pair that is 2 sizes smaller than you would normally wear in a women's sneaker and voila; YOU + MISSONI + CONVERSE = one hot chick in an even hotter pair of kicks.

Sorry gentlemen we have to share this one!

Love,

FWAC

P.S.: Don't forget where you read it first!

Michael the Fashion Icon

An icon can be measured by the extent of his musical talent and the lavishness of his wardrobe. Over the years, Michael Jackson has definitely showed his individuality and star power through his out of this world fashion choices. Remember the one of a kind red leather jacket from the Beat it video?

What about this encrusted sweater he wore at the 1981 American Music Awards? Again in red, my favorite color.

Who could forget this white tux? In his own Michael Jackson way, he paired the chic tux with skinny black pant and a gold belt for the 63rd Academy Awards. Perfect.

Michael has a very special place in our hearts not only for his music that transcended gender, race and generations but also for his fab sense of style. PYT.

Photo credits: WireImage. Visit New York magazine for complete slide show.

Think.

Please forgive us for not writing a witty review or a touching story about a fine philanthropist today. The passing of Michael Jackson took us all by surprise and refocused our attention on what life should be. He was the King of pop, a musical genius adored by billions of people around the world. There will never be another Michael Jackson. At this point we cannot help but ask ourselves: what is life? Take time to reflect on your priorities and most importantly find what makes you truly happy and live it out. That is what we intend to do and Michael's death although difficult to swallow, is steering us in the right direction. Life is a gift that should never be taken for granted. Cliche alert - Life is short so laugh more and love more intensely. Love, FWAC xxoo

Another fallen star at 62.

Farrah Fawcett lost her 3 year battle against cancer today. Our love and prayers go out to her family and friends. We hope her angel spirit can finally find rest.

More

The King is dead at 50.

Our deepest and sincerest condolences go out to the Jackson family and all those close to Michael Jackson. The world is in morning today for it has lost one of it's brightest shining stars.

We love you Michael. Our prayers are with yours.

More on this tragedy.

Just because we love it!

Vintage mesh bracelet by Bijou Heart. $805. Visit Net-a-Porter for purchase.

This bracelet is a definite showstopper! It looks like it was taken directly out of a dream and placed in a boutique. The arrangement of stones on the gold frame is surreal. We love it because it can stand alone and upgrade any outfit.

Even Paris Hilton got more jail time!

As reported in the New York Daily News: Singer Chris Brown avoided jail time for beating Rihanna, which experts say could send a dangerous message about domestic abuse. Singer Chris Brown might have avoided jail time in his vicious attack on Rihanna, but domestic violence experts aren't letting him off the hook so easily.

Advocates fear Brown's plea deal, which gave him five years' probation and community labor, is so cushy that it sends the wrong message to young men and victims. "It sets a very poor example," Roslyn Muraskin, director of the Long Island Women's Institute, said Tuesday."This is a person who attacks a woman for no reason whatsoever and now gets away with the attack."

Brown, 20, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of felony assault in the February attack on Rihanna after the couple left a Grammy party and fought over a text message. After seeing pictures of Rihanna's bruised and battered face, many initially figured Brown wouldn't be able to avoid jail. And now that he's been spared from prison, experts fear other boys will expect leniency for abuse.

"Even Paris Hilton got more jail time!" National Organization for Women President Kim Gandy said in a statement. "Young girls and boys watching this unfold on TV will see than men who commit violence against women practically go scot-free."

Read more

What your favorite color says about you!

THE GREEN TEAM! Green devotees have a high moral sense and tend to do the right thing. They are also known to be caring, generous and balanced. Green is however not only the color of healthy leaving; it is also used to represent envy. This duality can also be seen in green lovers. So, don't let their goody two shoes appearance fool you because they can easily turn into wicked gossips.

What your favorite color says about you!

SAY: SQUEEZE! Orange works hard to be noticed and so do the people who love this hue. Adventurous and extroverted, orange lovers are always ready to have a good time! Their energy is magnetic and very charming. If that is you, select your shade carefully because if your penchant is too over the top, others might avoid you like traffic cones.

June 22, 2009: Fashion gives back

Mojito, rum, peartini or...so many drinks to choose from, so little time. The event is indeed coming up rather quickly. June 22nd is the date to remember. What event you ask? Fashion Gives Back presented by History Starts Now, of course! History Starts Now is a New York based non for profit organisation which focuses on raising awareness on child sex trafficking. Did you know that right now children are being sold in America, some of them being as young as 1 year old? In New York alone, 10, 000 children are abducted, sold and abused in the sex industry. Stunned? You should be. Rachael and Kristina, the founders of HSN, want you to know that: at this moment you have the power to make history. Why not help raise funds to end child trafficking and give a child their childhood back?

Fashion Gives Back is a one-night Fashion Show Benefit. Although the designer's identity shall remain a secret until the music starts, we thought you should know- scoop- his, or her, duds are being sold for thousands of dollars (retail price) as we speak! The event will be held at the Stone Rose lounge in the Time Warner building in NYC. The marble table, leather couches and dim lighting space was donated for the event. Kudos, Stone Rose!

Then, sitting by the lounges large window overlooking Central Park Rachael said, "but I love wine..." So one thing is certain: there will be wine but to find out which other drinks made the cut you'll have to come party with us for a good cause. And when the corks stop popping you'll remember HSN's motto: History starts now with you and me. Purchase tickets here.

CFDA awards tonight.

Tonight at the Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center in New York City, the 2009 CFDA Awards celebrates the top fashion designers and First Lady Michelle Obama.

The nominees for fashion's biggest awards ceremony include Marc Jacobs, Narciso Rodriguez, and Rodarte for Womenswear Designer of the year; and Italo Zucchelli for Calvin Klein and Michael Bastian and Scott Sternberg for Band of Outsiders for Menswear Designer of the Year.

The event will also pay tribute to First Lady Michelle Obama for her style inspiration through a Board of Directors Special Tribute. More nominees and awards:

Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang and Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler for Accessories Designer of the Year

Anna Sui will receive the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award.

- As reported in the Examiner.

The Obama's French tour.

A relaxed Michelle with her daughters at the Eiffel Tower, Paris. She wore a beautiful floral scarf by Prova, shirt and biker style jacket by Rick Owens, his specialty.

The First Ladies of fashion went head to head in white last week to commemorate the 65th anniversary of D-day. Who do you think wore it better? Michelle in a coat by Michael Kors, belt by Givenchy, and shoes by Jimmy Choo? Or, Carla in Dior?

Just because we love it!

Endurance sunglasses by Carrera. $150 Visit Net-a-Porter for purchase.

If you are wondering what I am coveting these days: these are IT! I love the twist on these aviator style frames. Gotta love neon pink, perfect for any fresh face.

The New York skies are hidding right now, so entice them with your new look. Maybe these Carreras will bring the sun out!

Just because we love it!

Strapless silk mini dress by Tibi. $365 Visit Net-a-Porter for purchase.

Zac Posen to show Facebook-inspired spring collection?

At the 2009 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards this morning, Zac Posen described the resort collection he showed this week in New York as "market driven." He said he doesn't pay attention to trends, and isn't afraid to put on shows that will get noticed, if not solely for the clothes. Take his fall 2009 collection, for which he had five pianists play live on the runway, and which included clothes he described as "really far out there and close to costume" and "everything that a New York fashion editor is not looking for." He continued, "There's definitely fashion editors who get really bothered by the fact that I'm out and about and promoting my work. It's not what they desire as 'cool,' or what they think is interesting, and it probably de-myths their own existence." Perhaps hinting at his spring 2010 line, he said he wants to make a wearable collection next and cited Facebook as an inspiration.

Posen also confirmed to us he's working on a scripted

television show. The project is still in the very early stages. When asked if he's writing it himself, he replied, "I'm not a script-writer, but I'm very interested in writing in the future, whether it's a book or for a film or theater."

- as reported in New York magazine.

Just because we love it!

Silk mosaic-print dress $2, 075 by Miu Miu. Visit Net-a-porter for purchase.

OMG moment - Rumor BUSTED!!!

As reported by New York magazine:

"After Diane Pernet reported on her blog A Shaded View on Fashion that Karl Lagerfeld supposedly didn't renew his contract with Chanel, we inquired about the rumor's veracity directly with the label. A spokeswoman responded with an emphatic "No!" So there you have it. Update: A spokesperson for Lanvin has also denied the rumor that Alber Elbaz will replace Karl at Chanel."

Thank God.

OMG moment: Karl Lagerfeld leaving Chanel?

Everybody freak out!!! Karl Lagerfeld did not renew his contract with Chanel according to a solid rumor. There goes my dream of moving to France, joining Chanel and being mentored by, you guessed it, another one of my favorite designers.

Apparently, Lanvin's Alber Elbaz would take his place. In turn ex-Nina Ricci designer Olivier Theyskens would replace Alber. The designer musical chairs is still only a rumor but keep your fingers crossed anyway.

We know that you are an icon and can basically do whatever you want from this point on but, we beg you, Karl: please don't go. (in French below just in case...)

Nous savons que tu es une vedette and que tu peux, en fait, faire tout ce que tu veux à partir de maintenant, mais nous t'en supplions Karl: s"il te plait, ne t'en va pas. (French)

If in the end this rumor turns out to be rubbish, we'll be happy. But for the record, to whomever started this rumor: you are NOT funny!

MTV Movie Awards

Just in case you missed the MTV Movie Awards red carpet this past Sunday, you didn't miss much. Here it is in a nutshell. - No comment.

Therefore, these celebrities shall remain nameless for their own protection. :)

OMG moment: Roberto Cavalli selling stake in his company!

It is official! One of my favorite designers, Roberto Cavalli, is selling a stake in his company. Earlier this week, he signed a letter of intent to sell a 30 percent stake in his company to Clessidra. Clessidra which means hourglass in Italian is a private equity firm with stakes in transportation and telecommunications companies.

Although this letter is not a contract it is, just as good as one. Once they are able to determine what 30 percent of the 426.4 million+ dollar company is worth, it will be a done deal.

They plan to finalize this deal by the end of this month so stay tuned to find out how much my pal Roberto will be taking to the bank!

I cannot help but think that this might be yet another sign of the times. What do you think? Could this be the beginning of the end?

Just because we love it!

Beaded gladiator sandals by Antik Batik. $123 Visit Net-a-Porter for purchase.

Swine flu outbreak at Vogue

We thought all of you Anna and Andre faithfuls would want to know... The swine flu epidemic is continuing its rampage and now even the rich and famous are not safe. In fact, the following memo was sent out to all Conde Nast's employees this past Monday, after one of their own was diagnosed with Influenza A. According to information received from the CDC the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, is a sub-type of Influenza A. The Flu advisory however did not specify the name of the victim. It only pointed out that this person worked on the 12th floor of the 4 Times Square building which is the very floor Vogue magazine calls home. From: [Redacted] Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2009 11:56:41 -0400 To: Conde Nast NY - All Conversation: Flu Advisory Subject: Flu Advisory We were recently notified by an employee working on the 12th floor at 4 Times Square that a doctor confirmed a positive test outcome for Influenza A (according to CDC, the H1N1 virus is a sub-type of Influenza A). This employee also confirms being under a doctor¹s care and currently recovering at home. In line with CDC recommendations, please monitor any flu-like symptoms should they arise and check with your health care provider about any special care that may be required should you be pregnant or have a chronic health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or emphysema. For more information about the flu, visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/. We pray that mother superior, Wintour, is safe and adorned with a fashionable face mask! We cannot help but wonder what her mask of choice would look like. What do you think?

Model as Muse exhibit at the MET in NYC

If your fashionable feet have not yet led you to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the Model as Muse exhibit, here is a sneak peek. Maybe this will put a little bit of pep in your step!

What your favorite color says about you!

SHE'S GOT THE BLUES

Cool, calm and collected can be said of people who hold blue is high esteem. If this is your case you are gentle, discreet, peaceful and loyal. You are definitely on the softer side of the spectrum. However, one must be careful when interacting with blue lovers. They tend to form strong attachments and feel deeply hurt when their trust is betrayed. Just like the ocean and blues music your emotions run deep.