What: Charlotte Ronson
Why: Grungy-glam flannels, cute dresses, and rad platform boots are up to 70 percent off.
When: Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 1071 Sixth Ave., at 41st St., ste. 301 (212-789-9606)

Ladybird’s newest party dress is this fabulous piece by WiNK.  The top features a purple organza blouson look complete with a navy cotton peplum skirt-like style on bottom.  Ruffle detailing adorns the arms and neck openings, and the organza lining playfully peeks out along the hemline.

"Jules Dress" - $255

We have plenty of other perfect party dresses too!  Check out the goods below:

Charlotte Ronson "Saturday Party Dress" - $206

Rag & Bone "Felix Dress" - $340

Paul & Joe Sister "Ricci Dress" - $225

Fumblin' Foe "Mini Ruffle Layer Dress" - $150

‘Tis the season to be jolly…

It’s also the season of holiday parties galore… That which presents a challenge for the next 11 days: 3 Christmas parties (Starcom MediaVest, Aritzia and the media industry party respectively), no previous planning in terms of outfits, and the expectation to be a knockout. It’s a chance to show your co-workers the real you outside of the workplace with ample room for fashion experimentation.

I’ve pulled looks from a couple of Fall/Winter 2009/2010 collections — Pieces of inspiration for the three outfits that I’ll be looking for. The themes of this season are well-defined; strong shoulders and an extreme but elegantly-flowing mix of textures (velvet, lace, tweed polyester, silk, beads and sequins). I would never want to restrict myself to one hard-lined conservative look. I need edge and sex appeal mixed with elegance and sophistication… In other words, the happy medium between Blair and Serena.

The following designers have called it right for the 2009/2010 holiday dress season…

Stella McCartney

Charlotte Ronson

Zac Posen

Hervé Léger by Max Azria

In the next 11 days, I present this holiday dress challenge to myself and to those who want to join in on fun. I’ll be posting my progress, purchases, accessory/make-up ideas along with pictures and stories from each party I’ll be attending.

Here’s the schedule:

1) December 3, 2009: Starcom MediaVest Christmas Party – Ontario Heritage Centre

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE exciting!
Happy Holidays
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please subscribe to TWEENTY to receive my blog updates directly to your mobile phone and inbox

The BE ALL and END ALL of jumpsuits was created by Charlotte Ronson (Spring/Summer 2009). Ciara “Work”-ed it in her newest video, Beyonce immortalized it in an interview with VH1 and the rest is history. I am not surprized that people are scrambling to buy it – if they can afford it. What could be easier than throwing on this one piece and not having to worry about the rest…

1. .ATONEMENT BEAUTY.

2. .RECENTLY OUTDATED THINGS.

3.  .SWINGING.

4. .NAPS.

5. .THE PLANET WE LIVE ON.

[Click for my reasoning.]

6. .BROCADE.

[Left to Right] Sienna Miller, Charlotte Ronson Fall 2009, Forever 21, and Alexa Chung

7. .ALL THINGS HARRY.

8. .GUY FRIENDS.

9. .THIS HAUNTING STATISTIC.

10. .MONTAGES. AND THE WORD MONTAGE.

Have a beautiful Tuesday.

Peace,

Sources: bear, long live the queen, that obscure object, alice in wardrobe wonderland, i am the exterminator, bleubird vintage

Online shopping is really great for “big” purchases… If they’re not in your state, no sales tax and often times there are random free shipping offers. So find a site you love, and sign up for their email updates. Spot your fave item and order when they have sitewide sales or free shipping.

Also saves a lot of dissapointment. Nothing worse than being all ready for something, skippin my happy ass over to Barney’s and they don’t have it BUMMER. “No I don’t want to wait, for you to ship, blah, blah, blah”

Anyways. Here’s Blue & Cream and some of my must have items right now.

Alexander Wang Denim Oxford Shirt Dress

Wayne Open Side Ruched Dress

Alexander Wang Slinky Long Goddess Dress

Alexander Wang Baggy Romper

Alexander Wang Rocco Mini Duffel

Elizabeth & James Wilderness Blazer

MM6 Space Print Dress

This jacket is actually from season 1:

Spring 2010 collection <3

Photo’s from style.com

Listening to: Daphne Loves Derby- Pollen and salt

Premium Brand Apparel

55DSL

a.v.max

Anlo

Antik Denim

Betsey Johnson

BLANK

C’N'C Costume National

Charlotte Ronson

Cheap Monday

Christian Audigier

Converse by John Varvatos

Creative Recreation

Crystal Rock

Custo Barcelona

Diesel

DimePiece

DITTOS

Dolce Vita

Domino

Evisu

Fornarina

Frankie B.

French Connection

GF Ferre

GSUS

Habitual

Harajuku Lovers

Hellz Bellz

Iodice

James Cured by Seun

Jean’s Paul Gaultier

Jill Stuart

Just Cavalli

L.A.M.B.

LaROK

LNA

Love Moschino

MadeMe

MEK

Melissa For Vivienne

Westwood  Members Only

Miss Sixty

nOir

NOOKA

Nudie Jeans

oh…DEER!

Paige Premium Denim

People’s Liberation

Pour La Victoire

Puma by Yasuhiro Mihara

Rachel Leigh

Radcliffe

Report Signature

Sass & Bide  Super

Taverniti So

Trash & Luxury

Trovata

True Religion

Unstoppable

Vintage1

Vivienne Tam

Vivienne

Westwo

For fall, gray was the new black. But for winter, army green is the new gray. Retail shops all over Manhattan are selling lines filled with light to darker shades of this military style color. Take a look at some of my picks below to add some green to your winter wardrobe.

-Caitlin

As seen in FABSUGAR’s “10 Warm Winter Coats You Need Now!“  Go here to check out the full story.  Or, stop on in Ladybird to try out this warm, cozy coat – perfect for combating that winter chill!

As many of you know, I am a main contributor for Interview.

Here’s a look at some of my work for them since May 2009 . To see everything I have done online for them (100+ articles since December 2008), click here:

http://www.interviewmagazine.com/blogs/contributors/colleen-nika/

Fashion:

9/25/2009:Illia: Leather at the Fringe

9/21/2009:Matthew Ames Spring 2010 Review

9/15/2009:Rad Hourani Spring 2010 Review

9/14/2009:Y-3 Spring 2010 Review

9/14/2009:Costello Tagliapietra Spring 2010 Review

9/14/2009:Charlotte Ronson Spring 2010 Review

7/6/2009:Spring 2010 Menswear Roundup

6/23/2009:YSL Spring 2010 Video Analysis

6/17/2009:Alexander Wang & Vena Cava for the GAP

6/2/2009:Lorick Lady: Abigail Lorick

5/29/2009:Burberry Day: A Chat with Christopher Bailey

5/20/2009:DSquared2 Debuts At Cannes

Music:

8/13/2009:Pop-Up Riot: Q + A With HeartsRevolution

8/12/2009:Ne-Yo: What Makes A Gentleman?

8/6/2009:Lykke Li:  Upstaging Kanye

8/5/2009:Kasabian: The Church of Kasabian, Witnessed Live

7/30/2009:Elbow: Q+A With Guy Garvey

6/16/2009:TV On The Radio Take The Stage: A Chat With The Band

5/5/2009:Colour Me Black: Q+A With The Horrors

Art & Culture:

7/21/2009: Curtains Pulled: Rufus Wainwright’s “Prima Donna” Review

6/8/2009: In the (Half) Pipe: Q+A With Cinematographer Kenneth Cappello

5/4/2009:  A San Francisco Vibe: Q+A With HAIR Costume Designer & Tony Award Winner Michael McDonald

I spent the better half of my day moving my blog over to wordpress and I’m quite happy I did I really wasn’t able to achieve the look I was going for on blogger so I finally took the time to make the transition.

After searching forever I’ve finally found myself with two blazers I’m absolutely in love with. For those of you that already know about charlotte Ronson’s I heart Ronson line for jcpenney go check it out shes got some nice pieces in there.

( Tank: american apparel, leggings: target, Blazer: I heart ronson, shoes: alice+olivia for payless, necklace made by me)

We’re so excited to give our shoppers the opportunity to score some FABULOUS Charlotte Ronson duds at 25% off!  Such a steal!  Known for her hip, feminine take on casual clothing, Charlotte Ronson pieces are definite must-haves for any gal.  Here are some items we currently have in-store and on sale!

Army Twill Jacket, Regularly Priced at $289

This coat is both super stylish and ultra comfy…just what you’d want for those cold winter days!  Done in an army green color, with warm sherpa lining and a drawstring waist, this piece is the perfect addition to any wardrobe.

Shirt Dress, Regularly Priced at $245

This belted shirt dress is truly gorgeous.  The soft, pretty print against the tough, exposed zipper creates just the right balance.

Ruffle Dress, Regularly Priced at $210

LOVE the combination of blue and black in this piece!  Such a great stand alone dress, but also divine when paired with a blazer or oversized cardigan.

Shawl Collar Sweater, Regularly Priced at $180

This tribal print wrap sweater is just darling.  In the same category as the comfy cardigans of this season, but with a more polished, put-together feel.  Definitely NOT your grandpa’s cardigan!

Striped Cardigan, Regularly Priced at $148; Gray Sweater Skirt, Regularly Priced at $115

Both pieces are completely functional for the impending winter chill.  The blue and cream ombre gradient fading of the cardigan and the zip-front gray sweater skirt just work. 

Floral Skirt, Regularly Priced at $148

This may just be the perfect skirt.  Featuring zippers all around, which can be worn zipped up for a fun, flouncy look OR zipped down for a more proper, classy version.  And how lovely is that floral pattern??

Leather Skirt (Back View), Regularly Priced at $202

Charlotte Ronson transforms the pencil skirt, fashioning it out of leather and adding lace-up detailing in the back.  This piece can seriously be paired with anything as it will most certainly be the show-stealer of any outfit.

A totally STUNNING Hanii Y leather jacket. $249, less than 2 days left. Somebody is going to buy this.

Missoni Newsboy Cap. $170 with just under 2 days left.

Jean Paul Gaultier Mesh Print Shirt. Notice how the print is made look like you’re wearing and open cardigan.   $76, ending soon!.

Longchamp “Ceci Est Un It Bag” Canvas Hangbag. Currently only $65, ending tonight. Love it.

Somebody please purchase this Tory Burch necklace. This is just ridiculous. How am I going to not bid on this? $78 with 4 days left.

Chris Benz Cardigan. $40, ending soon.

Plein Sud Iridescent Skirt. $22.50 ending tonight. This is another one of those items I would be creating all sorts of excuses to wear frequently.

Jamin Puech Purse. $100 with 4 days left.

Dolce & Gabbana Metallic Skirt. Another piece for the anti-wallflower. $41, ending tonight.

Cynthia Vincent sandals. Retailed for $343. Currently just $36.50, ending tonight.

Philip Lim Dress.$26, ending tonight! Major bargain.

Prada Peasant Top. $72.02 with about a day and a half left. Go for it.

It’s Pendleton. It’s turquoise. I like it. Just $6.49, ending tonight.

Pollini Leather Jacket. I love the brocade fabric panels on the front and on the neck. Amazing. $80. 3 days left. Insane bargain.

This John Galliano jacket used to cost $3000.  Grab it tonight- currently $122.49 ending soon! Insane discount.

Charlotte Ronson Fold Over Bootie. $51, ending tonight!

Fendi Embroidered Clutch. Cuurently in high demand at $222.50, ending tonight.

It’s tough not to take advantage of this lovely Ya-Ya Aflalo top at just $40 with just under 2 days remaining.

J. Lhuillier Beaded Purse. Retailed for $949. Currently $57.05, ending tonight.

Alexis Bittar Turquoise Ring. Retailed for $345. Currently $100 with 18 hours remaining.

A gorgeous Dolce & Gabbana Tweed Jacket. Originally retailed for about $800. Currently, $61, ending tonight!

A sexy Anna Molinari skirt. Major steal at just $30 with a day and half left.

Rebecca Taylor Minidress.. practically being GIVEN AWAY at fixed price of $39… size 8… buy it!

I’m in love with this Nanette Lepore dress… I feel like the only reason I’m not bidding on this is because I’m trying to save money for Christmas shopping… $52, ending soon.

This is a $1400 Tuleh top, now only $104, ending tonight.

And here’s another Tuleh, $49.99 with 19 hours left.

This Oscar de la Renta coat is DEVINE. My mom would lose her mind for this, I swear if this one was her size I would pay anything to win this auction (Xmas gift).

Vintage Missoni Boots. The minute any vintage boot lover finds these, they’re gone. size 9. $120 with no bidders yet. I’d buy these if I needed any more boots right now.

Picture: Imaxtree

Left to Right: Hervé Legér, Twenty8Twelve, Willow

Many designers for Spring Fashion Week, seemed to have this trend in common: prints, prints, prints. From  earthen tone nature inspired grunge to hippy-esque hot pinks and yellows, the prints are eye intensively busy with hints of leopard skin on cold hues, bright Rorschach inkblots stains and flower prints (below). As expected for the Spring, easily windblown fabrics , provide the canvases for these works of art.  

Left to Right: Charlotte Ronson, Erin Fetherston, Prada

The recession is bad news for anyone looking to get a job, save some money or sell a house. But it’s great news for fashionistas! Stores that were once dowdy and just screamed “crazy cat lady” are bringing in new designers to create chic lines at lower prices.

Take JC Penney. When was the last time you stopped in there (not counting those post-Starbucks bathroom emergencies)? I know: never. Because their clothes were cheap, outdated and just not cute. Well, that’s not the case anymore! JCP now sells several lines by popular designers (Charlotte Ronson, Nicole Miller, and Allen B. Schwartz, to name a few) and they not only have stuff that is totes cute, it’s totes affordable as well.  I can’t wait to add some of these pieces to my closet…

It’s no secret I am lovin’ all the plaid that’s out right now, and I think this shirt is particularly cute.  Reminiscent of a  lumberjack, with just the right amount of girliness to look feminine and fab.

This skirt is a great addition to your fall wardrobe, as it can be worn bare-legged or with a pair of tights.  Because of the simplicity of the skirt, you can have some fun by amping things up with a funky printed shirt, bold accessories or textured, printed or bold colored tights.

I love the print and details (belted waistline and ruffles) of this dress and, again, it’ll transfer over to colder weather with tights and a cardi or sweater coat.  It’ll look great with flats, boots or a pair of menswear inspired oxfords.

I think this tunic is totally adorable with its cut and flowy chiffon. Or perhaps because I have an affinity for owls thanks to Harry Potter…

Flowy tanks are not only trendy, they’re versatile and they’re great for these transitional months because you can easily layer with ‘em.  This’ll look especially cute with a boyfriend blazer and the bonus is that you can slip it off when you’re in a warm place and still look totally stylin’.

Fall/Winter is all about neutrals, which means grey jeans are a great way to wear denim with a bit of a twist. You can rock grey with black or the popular jewel tones of the season.  And hey, who doesn’t love jeans that are under $15?

Winter is fast-approaching and soon it’ll be time to bust out the scarves, mittens and hats soon.  Houndstooth is a timeless print that translates over for every season and is a great way to add a bit of oomph to your cold weather ensemble without going overboard. And you can get it in four different colors, which makes it that much cooler.

I’m all for wearing an all-black ensemble out to the bar, but only if there is something fun and fabulous to spice it up. Like this bag. Snakeskin, a metal handle, and a hot mixture of gold and black is the perfect combo to add some va-va-voom to your otherwise neutral look.

There are not many things more exciting to me than Fashion Week.  So much fashion packed into so little time! It’s mind-blowing! I know its hard to think of what next spring’s trends will be when we are just getting into fall, but I there are actually a number of looks that are popular now, for the fall, and into the spring, so you can reuse pieces season to season!  And with everyone seemingly on a budget, its always nice to know the clothes you buy now can last you atleast another year, if not longer!

Here are some trends that are popular now for fall, that I also saw on the runways for spring!

Trend: Cute Minis

Believe it or not, mini dresses are in for the fall.  This works especially where we are, since it never really gets THAT cold.  Wear them with tights and layer under cardigans, jackets or coats.  Take those layers off for the spring and voila! Get a mini you can wear now and later!  They were all over the runways.  Here are some of my favorites: (Hold your mouse over the picture to see the designer) 

Trend: Grecian Inspired Draping

Mini’s not your thing? Try this look, it is flattering on all types (as seperates or a dress!) and was just as popular on the runway! 

Trend: Metallics

Don’t be afraid of the shimmer! There are many different options here on how to style it and not over do it! 

Trend: Sequins & Glitter

I wasn’t sure if this trend was going to last, but alas, I was wrong!  With the right pieces it can be fun!

Trend: Jumpsuits/Rompers

This is a trend that I know surprised a lot of people with it’s comeback, but  it looks like it’ll be here for a little while longer atleast!

Trend: Harem Pants

These are also here to stay, which makes me happy because they are so comfortable! and who doesn’t love that?

Trend: Asymmetric Dresses

Whether they are asymmetric in construction or fabric, this style dress is in for the fall and beyond!

Trend: Ruffles & Bows

These little details can make you feel so flirty and romantic.  You can wear them so many ways; from just one bowtie to a whole dress of ruffles.  And they look great in the workplace, love that!

The next couple categories are staple pieces that we can wear practically year-round, and they will never go out of style! These were the most popular on the runways:

Staple: Cool Jackets

This is a great time to think about buying jackets, because it is just beginning to cool off.  Because of our beachy atmosphere, any of these jackets can be worn for spring or fall. 

Staple: Cute Shorts

We can’t deny we love shorts here.  On the runways I’m seeing some super-cute ones though!  And I’m not talking about really short, up-the-butt shorts, but more like pleated, feminine, and flowy.  These are perfect to pair with tights for fall!

Staple: Maxi Dress

This is another beachy classic that we can wear year-round.  Wear them under cardigans or jackets when the weather gets cool.  There were actually way more on the runway, these are just my favorites!

Staple: White Suit

Since the rule, “no white after labor day,” apparently no longer applies, grab yourself one of these.  If you don’t feel comfortable in an all white outfit when its not summer, wear the pieces seperately with more season-appropriate layers.

I also saw a few styling trends on the runways that are always under the radar and never go out of style.

Styling Trend: Strong vs. Feminine

This a great way to balance any outfit.  Wearing a strong, structured jacket or shoes with a feminie dress or skirt is a great way to find the median between being girly and edgy.  When it gets cooler, substitute the jacket for a chunky sweater and it’ll have the same effect.

Styling Trend: Mixing Patterns

This is one of my favorites!  It can be tricky, though, to find the patterns and colors that work together without looking like you got dressed in the dark.  Mixing bold colors could be easier and has the same essence.  Take these as inspiration:

Looking ahead to Spring, there were a few new trends on the runway.  Just thought you might want to keep these in mind:

New Trend: Satin & Silk Like Fabrics

Surprisingly, this was all over the runway!  These fabrics could definately be worn for fall here, too.

New Trend: Variation on the Classic Shift

I saw a bunch of different looks that took the classic shift dress shape and added some sort of twist.  Whether it be extra detailing, a little bit more sleeve, a lower neckline, a different hemline, or a more relaxed fit.  It’s a good way to update one of your staples.

Finally, I just wanted to share with you some of my personal favorites from New York Fashion Week.  In these I can’t really tell what exactly is going on, or how the designer exactly constructed the pieces,  but I like it : )

And these are just so freaking cute I would seriously wear them straigh off the runway! (wouldn’t that be nice??!)

Well, I hope you enjoyed your little Spring preview from New York Fashion Week.  Next up is London.  We’ll see if they can keep up with the competition!

One very interesting trend that popped up a lot for spring was the use of sheer paneling and cut-outs. I personally like the sheer trend because it’s a subtle kind of sexy that is substantially revealing without leaving you totally exposed. Last week I went out in Hollywood and all the girls were wearing strapless and backless and sleeveless and that made me realize that perhaps less isn’t always more.

Sheer can be just as sexy:

L-R: Yigal Azrouel, BCBG Max Azria, Nicole Miller and Threeasfour

Nicole Miller and Charlotte Ronson

Chado Ralph Rucci and Michael Kors

Conclusions:

• Sheer is sexy.
• Sheer is chic.
• Sheer is in for spring. Wear it.

I bought this dress today for my engagement party in Austin, which is tomorrow. From the looks of it, these dresses are selling like hot cakes! And of all places, the dress was at JC Penney’s. I fell in love with this dress as soon as I saw it yesterday… even had someone take it off the mannequin. But to my dismay, it didn’t fit. Thanks to Jon’s advice, I called another store and they held the dress in my size. Wah-la! I picked it up today and I couldn’t be more happy and relieved.

Check it out, it is I Heart Ronson by Charlotte Ronson for JC Penney’s. You know, Samantha Ronson’s sister & Samantha is on-and-off again girlfriend to Lindsay Lohan?. Hello? Duh! Just kidding, like I know. It’s just like Vera Wang selling her clothing line at Kohl’s though.

What do you think? Pretty cute; vintage-looking and mod all together! Check out some fab pics of her 2009 Fall Collection. If you like fun and funky, visit your local JC Penney’s now. Hope it looks good on me! I am dressing it up with a black coat and heels.

I Heart Ronson Peacock Dress

Part Deux on NYC’s Fashion Week is short and sweet but HOT. Bathing suits and body suits we’re all over the runway. Bright bangles and chic headbands were small but oh so necessary accesories that any woman could wear pool side. Sorry guys there’s no pictures of Beyonce, But I’m sure these sexy ladies will do!

“It’s classical meets street”, as the designer simply put it herself.

[Images via Getty.]