Book it!

How could we not have known about mrs-o.org? This blog by Mary Tomer has been tracking Mrs. Obama's fashion sensibilities and has now compiled all her wardrobe picks in a book. Mrs. O, the face of fashion democracy includes Michelle's fashions from her wedding to the White House on top of interviews with designers like Isabel Toledo, Maria Pinto and of course, Jason Wu. Click here to order. You know we are! ;) Love, Kelie

Bill Blass to Reveal New Designer Soon

After filing for bankruptcy and shuttering about a year ago, Bill Blass is finally readying for a comeback that will hopefully beat the one Christina Aguilera attempted. Peacock Holdings bought the label for $10 million in late December of last year. Now the rumor is that Jeffrey Monteiro will be appointed head designer of the women's collection. Monteiro moved to New York from Australia to design for Mayle. He later was design director at Derek Lam, and launched his own collection in the fall. Peacock says they'll reveal a new designer in a few weeks. Maybe we'll see them on the runway soon. [WWD] [THE CUT]

Today's events and sales

EVENTS • Bare Escentuals opens a new 1,600-square-foot boutique in Times Square. The first 100 visitors on Friday and Saturday will receive a free T-shirt. 1585 Broadway, nr. 47th St. (212-220-0414); daily, 9–11. • Meet handbag and accessories designer Carlos Falchi at Bergdorf Goodman. Falchi will be signing handbags for all who attend. 754 Fifth Ave., at 57th St. (212-753-7300); 10–5. SALES STARTING TODAY • Clothing, shoes, jewelry, and bags by Surface to Air are 50 to 60 percent off. Through 11/15. 5 Crosby St., nr. Grand St., Ste. 6D; F–Su (noon–7). ENDING TODAY • Save up to 70 percent at the Tibi fall 2009 sample sale. The paisley tie-waist dress is $100 (originally $328), the silk strapless dress is $105 (originally $345), and the beaded shift dress is $168 (originally $528). 409 W. 39th St., nr. Ninth Ave.; W (1–7), Th (9–6), F (9–5). • Merchandise from Martin Margiela, DSquared, and Viktor & Rolf is discounted at the Staff USA sample sale. 220 W. 19th St., nr. Seventh Ave., eleventh fl.; Th–F (10–7). • Current samples and past-season items are up to 80 percent off at the Lewis Cho sample sale. 225 W. 36th St., nr. Seventh Ave., Ste. 702 (212-629-9329); Th (11–8), F (11–7). • Patricia Field and Baileys Irish Cream are pairing up to launch the Baileys Holiday Shoe Store to benefit the Clothes Off Our Back charity. Designer shoes from L.A.M.B., Barbara Bui, Sergio Rossi, and more are $75 apiece (originally $300 to $1,200). 421 W. Broadway, nr. Spring St.; W–F (11–7). • Bathing suits start at $30 and men's button-down shirts start at $50 at the Kathleen Cook and Orlando Carreras sample sale. 147 W. 35th St., nr. Sixth Ave., Ste. 1003; Th (10–8), F (10–7). • Sportswear is 75 percent off at the Lafayette 148 sale. 148 Lafayette St., nr. Grand St.; T–F (9–8). (THE CUT)

Just because we love it!

JCrew flats. $140.

Spotlight on the Sartorialist

November 9Th post: The Sartorialist for Burberry's Art of The Trench (London) We could not resist these two cuties in matching trench coats!

Just because we love it! Boot edition.

Multi zipper ankle boots by Guiseppe Zanotti, $975. Purchase here.

I heart revolution. I've seen it, now what?

Helen Keller said: “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”

I have to tell you about the film I just saw: I heart revolution, we're all in this together. I don't quite know how to put into words the emotions this movie stirred up inside of me. It touched me in ways that I can't explain, but will try any way.

About the film: Hilsong United, a worship team out of Australia, goes on a world tour and sheds light on the social issues they encounter along the way. In those 120 minutes, we see the life of the broken, the forgotten and the abused. The film is not so much about the immensity of the problems we have in this world but more so about the beauty of a single soul. In short, the film is about love.

About a week ago, a friend of mine asked me if I had ever been in love. He then proceeded to tell me what love was: "love is doing everything you can for the other person without expecting anything in return." The I heart revolution is not about charity, it is not about visibility but simply about humanity. It is one human being coming alongside another to offer help with no expectations. It's sitting down with a homeless person, it's helping a child in need with no fanfare, no announcement, no reward. Trying to fix everything that is wrong in this world is terrifying and overwhelming. "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” Here, Nelson Mandela is saying that to fear is nothing but another human emotion that needs to be felt and overcome.

Remember that the goal is not for one person to bring an end to social injustice or stop natural disasters like hurricane Katrina and the tsunami from bringing devastation. But the focus is on that one person in need of a special and unique touch. It's not about the end but about the start. To find out the many cool ways you can join the revolution, start here.

Love, Kelie

Upcycling!

"Out with the old and in with the new", they say. But, how about taking the old and making it new? Now there's a concept worth looking into. In this economy, every little bit helps. Some pretend that the economy is doing great and continue to shop away. Some choose to shop their closets and add a few fashion pieces to it. Others choose not to shop at all which we do not recommend- there is nothing more depressing then wearing the exact same outfits as last season. No matter which category you fall under, here is something that you might want to consider: upcycling! Upcycling is recycling your clothes upward! "How?" you ask. Our latest contributor, Gloria's closet, will help you embrace the upcycler in you. Follow her as she tells you how to make a bubble skirt from a pair of old pleated trousers. Here is what you will need: - A pair of pleated trousers - Scissors - Elastic - Seam ripper - Thread (same color as trouser) - Sewing machine - Tape measure - Pins - Chalk Procedure: 1. Decide how long you want your skirt to be. It should be above the knee but not too short since this style rides up a bit while walking. Add 2" to that measurement to allow for the elastic to which we will sew to the hem to create that bubble effect. Fold pants, measure and cut. 2. Remove the inseam stitch using a seam ripper. Sew fronts of legs together at Center Front seam and backs together at Center Back, mimicking the original seam. 3. Measure length of elastic. Should be long enough to walk comfortably, but short enough to create a cool gathered effect. Add 1" to overlap the ends when you sew them together. 4. Sew the elastic ends together, overlapping 1". 5. "Quarter" the elastic into 4 equal sections, marking with pins or chalk. Pin to the bottom of the skirt on the inside folding 1/2" of fabric from the bottom of the skirt over the edge of the elastic and lining up the pins on quartered elastic with the four seams of the skirt (2 sides, center front and center back). Elastic should be narrower than the skirt bottom. 6. Sew elastic, stretching it as you sew and using zigzag stitches. 7. Turn over and sew again using zigzag stitches. And voila! Love, Gloria's Closet

That's new!

Michelle Obama is known for her use of accessories, belts being one of her main staples. Here, we see her harvesting the White House vegetable garden in one of her favorite Azzedine Alaia belts. Don't mistake it for the black studded belt she usually wears though. In this photo, she is switching it up and wearing the purple version, for the first time, over a purple cardigan, lavender tee and matching kicks. Now that's chic gardening! Love, Kelie

Best of InStyle magazine: Power dressing

I am glad this day is coming to an end. I don't like to look at the glass as being half empty but today was just one of those days. I am sure you know what I am talking about. But now that I am in front of my computer everything is getting back into place. And I must say that it brings me great joy to finally tell you about this month's InStyle Power Dressing segment.

In this article InStyle presents a how-to to dressing in modern American style perfect for the workplace. To do this they used staples found in our own Michelle O's closet. As you know we have been following the First Lady's fashions for over a year and so has InStyle. Here is what they had to say:

Long Coats: In an airy neutral tone or bursting with color, a clean-line coat that comes to the knee makes a tasteful statement. Combine it with a matching dress or skirt for pulled-together polish.

Bold Cardigans: The new business chic swaps restrained suit jackets for spirited sweaters, often belted. Crewneck or V-neck, worn open or closed, solid or patterned-these lively knits look both approachable and office-appropriate. Plus, they're comfortable.

Textured skirts: The knee-length silhouette may be simple, but the fabrics are quite the opposite: rich brocades, nubby tweeds, and dazzling metallics. Instead of offsetting the skirt's sumptuousness, play it up with a bright belt or an embellished sweater.

Bright sheaths: There's something inherently optimistic about a vibrant dress, especially when it's in a solid hue-and this classic, body-skimming shape is a figure flatterer. Anyone can pull off these juicy tones, as long as they're worn with confidence.

Key accessories: Pearl chokers are the jeans of the jewelry world-they go with absolutely everything. Wide belts give definition to boxy jackets and unstructured cardigans. A cluster of oversize brooches adds oomph to classic blazers. And a pair of low heels in snakeskin or metallic leather are in step with any occasion.

I read it all so you don't have to!

Love, Kelie

Just because we love it! Boot edition.

Chichi moto boots by Juicy Couture, $450. Available at Bloomingdale's.

Donatella Versace for charity!

You might not know this but, Donatella Versace as fabulous as she may be is also an absolute sweetheart. She has a real heart of gold. This summer, she launched the Art Unites program at the Whitney Museum of American Art in Manhattan. But that's not all. She also partnered with Starlight Children's foundation to create her next IT bag. In fact, several children from the foundation had the chance to try their hand at handbag print design. Their mandate was to draw pictures on the theme of friendship.

Each of their illustrations will then be made into a Versace tote. Each tote will be sold for $250 with all the proceeds from the sales going to Starlight Children's Foundation who caters to sick children in America and to Jet Li One Foundation, which helps 2008 earthquake victims in China's Sichuan province.

When can you get one, you ask?

Well, the totes are now available online exclusively through Gilt Groupe. And, if you make your purchase by December 1st, you will receive %20 discount at any Versace boutique in the U.S. Now that's really sweet!

Love, Kelie

Best of Harper's Bazaar

There is nothing worst than being unable to fall back asleep after waking up in the middle of the night. Well, actually there are far worst things, like being stuck in an elevator with a men with uncontrollable flatulence, but I think you understand the point I am trying to make.

You can feel the fatigue all over your body but cannot find a single z. That was me last night. Imagine the joy I felt today when I stumbled upon an article on how to fall asleep and stay asleep. I was actually reading this month's Bazaar for the second time during my morning commute, tearing out interesting articles like the one on Donatella Versace and going over this fall's hottest trends. This article did not catch my eye the first time I glanced over page 206 but this morning was different. Here is what it said:

FALL ASLEEP AND STAY ASLEEP

- Reveille repetition: "Going to bed at the same time is good, but it's better to have a set rising time,"says J. Kirby Pate, a Nashville sleep specialist.

- Don't panic if you wake up: "We sleep in about 90-minute cycles, and it's not unusual to rise after the second," explains Pate. "After four to five hours, sleep is not particularly restful. You may wake up a few times, but you'll typically go right back to sleep."

- Keep dreaming: Find yourself half awake at 2.00am? Woodson Merrell, chairman of integrative medicine at New York's Beth Israel Medical Center, advises, "As you are coming to consciousness, hold on to your dream. Don't let other thoughts come in." Or take a few Boiron Quietude homeopathic tablets ($10.79), which won't make you drowsy later.

-Passing out isn't sleeping: Alcohol may help you conk out, but you're likely to wake up and not be able to get into deep slumber.

- Take a dip: At least an hour before bed, take a bath with scented salts or calming lavender oil. Try Origins Calm to Your Senses Lavender and Vanilla Milk Bath ($17.50) or Jo Malone Amber & Lavender Bath Oil ($65).

- Save the meds for jet lag: "It's safe to say that prescriptions (the big three: Lunesta, Ambien, and Sonata) aren't chemically addictive, but you can become psychologically dependent," notes Pate.

- Check out Valerian: "It's like an herbal sleeping pill," says Merrell.

Hope one of these can work for me tonight. I read it all so you don't have to!

Sleep tight.

Love, Kelie

Spotlight on The Sartorialist

It is safe to say that we are obsessed with The Sartorialists work and invite you to visit his blog. Here is a photo posted last Saturday that caught our attention. October 17th post called: On the street...Olivia P, London.

The mixture of patterns and proportions make for a very eye catching outfit! Wouldn't you say so?

Feel good shopping: Pink ribbon for your home.

It's been a while since we've shopped for a cause. October is breast cancer awareness month. What better way to show our support than by bringing you a variety of items that are as cute as they are helpful. Plus, they are pink! What more could you ask for? Ten percent of sales of these pretty nesting bowls goes to Continuum Cancer Centers of New York. They are exactly what you've been missing in your kitchen. Floral sculpted nesting bowl, Zak, $32/4. Purchase here. Why not bring some life to your office and join the fight? Every time you look at your orchid you'll feel good knowing that ten percent of the net sales benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Pink Ribbon Orchid, Pro flowers, $50. Purchase here. Organize your recipes with style. Ten percent of sales goes to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Gold label recipe box, Sugar Paper Los Angeles, $96. Purchase here. Love, Kelie

Just because we love it! Boot edition.

Winter sneaked up on us but this doesn't mean we should be sad about it! The best is yet to come. Boot season is officially open and we should celebrate! Here is one of our faves this season by Juicy Couture. Juicy Couture, "Izzie" ruffled ankle boots. $395

Be on the look out for many more it this "Just because we love it! Boot edition."

Love, Kelie.

Septashion - Part 2

With September behind us we reminisce on how good it's been to us, fashion lovers.

Coco before Chanel, the film:

If you haven't seen it yet, what are you waiting for? Released on September 25Th, the film depicts the life of the legend showing both her professional triumph and personal tragedy. I refuse to spoil this movie for you so this is all I am going to say.

London Fashion Week Sept. 18 - 23: We give our hat to London Fashion week for making all it's shows available on video. You should definitely take a look. It's like you were there minus the airfare. If you are really into it, dress up and invite some friends over for a night of fashion a la London! View shows.

Milan Fashion Week: Milan is by far one of the best dressed cities in the world. For your viewing pleasure, here are some of the looks seen on the streets of Milan during fashion week.

Photo credits: Thanks to The Sartorialist for the FAB pics!!

Love, Kelie

Best of InStyle magazine: Nails

We are loving

Matte nails page 351:

Best way to get this look is to use Essie's matte about you finisher. Visit Essie's website for purchase. Upside down nails page 330:

This look originally from the '20s is making a come back. For a fool proof finish use semicircular French-manicure stencil stickers.

Mixed metals page 330:

This is a chic way to update any manicure. The trick? Use metallic foil strips like Kami's.

All these looks are explained in depth in this month's InStyle mag. I read it all so you don't have to! ;)

Love, Kelie

Best of InStyle magazine: 10 ways to look more polished

Some say you're born with it; we say the secret lies in a classic beauty routine. Page 325. 1. Manage your manicure 2. Don't forget your signature scent (always wear perfume) 3. Practice your posture 4. Skip the scrunchie (wear a tortoise barrette instead) 5. Lose the shine (on your face that is) 6. Plan ahead (book professional services in advance) 7. Find your beauty uniform (makeup that works in and out of season) 8. Stock on hairspray (spray onto your brush to tame frizz) 9. Leave a flatiron at work 10. Wake up in time to get ready I read it all so you don't have to! Love, Kelie

Septashion - Part 1

September is by far the most exciting month of the year for the fashion industry. With Mercedes Benz Fashion Week's dust barely settling, London Fashion week half way through and the September issues flying off news stands a quick recap is of the essence. Here are some of September's best fashion events.

The September issue, the film: "There is something about fashion that can make people very nervous" is one of the first statements Anna Wintour makes in this film. Her observation set the tone for the rest of the piece and presented this question to the audience: where do you fit in? R.J. Cutler who produced and directed the film and his crew followed Vogue's heavy weight editors across the globe in the hopes of producing the best fashion documentary and in our opinion, they did. The documentary was released in New York on August 28 and U.S. wide on September 11. It covered the creation of Vogue's September 2007 issue from start to finish .

In a world where everyone bows down to Anna, it was refreshing to see one person who was not afraid to stand up to her. Grace Coddington, Vogue's creative director started working for American Vogue at the same time as Anna did. The mastermind behind the fashion spreads knew what she was talking about and was not shy about defending her work. We saw quite a lot of her in this film which was nice. The documentary also allowed us to not only see Anna's professional life but her personal life as well. We were introduced to her daughter who had different views to that of her mothers as far as fashion was concerned. The aspiring lawyer told us that there are far more interesting things out there than fashion. Ouch! Over all it was good, however, we wish we could have seen even more of Anna and most importantly more of The Andre Leon Talley, who took La Palme for the most memorable scene in the movie: the tennis court scene. Spoiler alert! How funny and typically Leon was that? Simply following orders from the Wintour to adopt a healthier lifestyle Talley picked up tennis. But we have never seen anyone look as fabulous and move as little as he did while playing tennis. So Talley.

All in all, the movie was the epitome of life in fashion. Unfortunately the film was too short and as everything in fashion , left us wanting more.

The September Issue won the Grand Jury Prize for Excellence in Cinematography at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. Fashion's night out (Sept. 10): On that faithful Thursday the streets of New York were buzzing with excitement. Your majesty Anna Wintour, the mastermind behind the event launched the festivities in a Macy's in Queens. We zeroed in on Soho for a night of shopping, music, sweet treats and drinks. Our steps led us to Intermix, Miu Miu, Banana Republic and Prada. While at Prada we fell in love with not only Little Rascals performance but with a gorgeous Terracotta colored tweed jacket. Although it seems like fashion night outters did more socializing than shopping the event brought excitement back to a rather dreary year in fashion. We loved it and will be there next year!

Mercedez Benz Fashion Week (NYC) Sept. 10 - 17: We posted pictures (credits to Getty Images) for you everyday. The mood was to gray, ivory and other neutrals with few splashes of color this season. Thank God however for designers like Michael Angel, Ports 1961 and Vivienne Tam who in spite of the economy favored color and prints. Max Azria and Nicole Miller along with other designers, probably tired of the present, opened a portal onto the future through their collections. Regardless of the times Ralph Lauren, him, remained faithful to his classic American style.

Michael Angel, getty images

Ports 1961, getty images

Vivienne Tam, getty images

Nicole Miller, getty images Max Azria, getty images Ralph Lauren, getty images

Now we are looking forward to the Milan and Paris shows along with the release of "Coco before Chanel", the documentary about the infamous Coco Chanel. September is getting better everyday!

Image via Wikipedia

Anna Wintour, the reining Queen B of fashion has outdone herself this month. She kept the spotlight on our industry and we are grateful for it. Keep those ideas coming Anna.

Love, Kelie

NYFW Day 8: Ralph Lauren