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Birkin Bag Art Project on Fire

Francesca Eastwood (in photo) fuels the flames as she and photographer Tyler Shields set a $100,000 Birkin Bag on fire for an art project.
Recently, Clint Eastwood’s daughter Francesca and her photographer boyfriend Tyler Shields, set a $100,000 Hermes Birkin bag on fire–after hacking it in half with a chainsaw–to make a political statement about luxury consumerism. They were immediately attacked for not selling the bag and donating the money to charity. They even received death threats. Not surprisingly, the blogs lit up with angry comments about the act, not to mention even angrier statements about anyone who’d spend $100K for a bag in the first place.
But it looks like that $100,000 might be re-directed in the right place after all. Shields, just announced that he would sell the photos and give the money to one lucky family.
In an interview with Artinfo.com, Shields had this to say: “The Birkin photos are for sale. If somebody were to buy — all right, let’s do this. If somebody wants to buy one of the Birkin photos, I will donate $100,000 — not to a charity — but to a family. I will give one family in need $100,000".
Do you think that this was a publicity stunt? For sure. Eastwood is part of the new reality TV series “Mrs. Eastwood & Co.,” which debuted last week on Entertainment Network.

Ugg's "I Do" Collection

We all have friends who wear UGGs, wearing them all winter long, an even during the summer with shorts. But wearing UGGs with a wedding dress when you walk down the aisle? Well the folks at UGG Australia think some bedazzled UGGs would be a welcome addition to a bride’s trousseau.
The “I Do,” collection consisting of three styles.
The jeweled Bailey Button – I Do has a genuine Swarovski crystal button adding sparkle and style to that special wedding day.
The iridescent sequins of the Classic Sparkles – I Do that glimmer in white and pink are wedding day perfect.
The Fluff flip-flop – I Do charms in white and baby blue. All over shearling luxury provides wedding style and comfort for the Bride on her special day. (Retails: $80 to $225).
Although we suspect there won’t be too many brides who would opt for UGGs over heels on their big day, UGG brand has scored some points in creative marketing—even if many in the blogosphere said “I don’t” to the collection.
People even asked readers to weight in on the idea— and guess what? about 27% said they would wear them on their wedding day.

JWoww's Swimwear Collection

Why hasn’t anyone else thought of this? Jwoww of Jersey Shore fame has recently launched her new bikini collection JWoww By Perfect Tan Bikini! The guys and gals of the shore love being tan, but HATE tan lines! This bikini is the perfect solution. All of the swimwear is lined with a sticky adhesive silicone that sticks to your body. The hotter you get the better your bikini stays on-no straps needed! They were modeling them on Access this afternoon and they look amazing! So many cute colors and prints!! This is definitely a must have, of course you must have a rocking body.

Visit www.jwowwptb.com to order yours and use the code “jwowwptb20’ at checkout to receive 20% off!!

Up-To The Minute Fashion Trends

If you think that you can’t do the trends popular for the summer, keep reading.
Many trends come and go, showing up and being seen everywhere before disappearing as fast as the appeared. Remember last year’s feather extensions? This year, you won’t see them; it is all about adding rainbow tints to your hair.
Some trends become a staple classic like ballet flats. You probably have your favorite pair on right now, don’t you? They go great with dresses, denim and all things in between, but only a few short years ago, they were the on-trend, must-have piece. So, what makes a trend and what makes a classic? Mostly it is about what works in the average woman’s wardrobe. Military or safari jacket in your closet? What you should look for is a great-fitting blazer in a neutral shade. A classic piece never goes out of style. Add pins or rosettes or any other kind of detailing will take you to the trend of the season…just undo and go on to the next trend next season.
A standard LBD is a must-have in any closet. Black is versatile, so it is a great staple, but you could choose a cranberry or navy dress. All these can work just update with the latest accessories.
Women are draping their necks with statement necklaces, or showing off their toned arms with bold cuffs. If you prefer earrings, go with a pair of glitzy drop earrings. Will update any outfit even if it is a little white tee.
Purses can be very expensive. A favorite neutral shade bag that you love: just tie a scarf in the season’s hottest color and you’re on trend. Truth be told, it does not matter what trends are out there. If you love it, then make it your own. If you love the way polka dots make you feel vintage, then who cares if next season is all about floral prints? You will feel amazing in them anyway.
Fashion is about following what is in or out. Style is about creating your own signature look.

“Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably, and they remember the woman.” - Coco Chanel

Caring For Your Fashion Jewelry

Experts say that Jewelry has no age, I believe that a women’s best friend are her trinkets. :-)
It makes sense to take proper care of your life long jewels.
# Always wipe your jewelry with cotton.
# Always apply perfume before you put on your jewelry.
# Never keep them jumbled up- always keep them properly in jewelry boxes or pouches.
# Never mix jewelry-do not keep silver and gold items together.
#Always polish your Gold and Silver Jewelry.
# Do not leave your trinkets out in the air – the color may change.
# Keep your earrings together in pairs. It helps to find them easily.
It is ideal to keep your fashion jewelry someplace where it is readily available but also storage suitable. We all know that if you don’t see your jewelry or accessories we forget what we have. How many times do you spill out the contents of your jewelry box to find that earring? Here are a few ideas to help get you organize...blinorganize!
If surface area in your bedroom is scarce, try a wall-mounted solution on for size. A cabinet gives you the room you need to organize all your jewelry so it’s easy to find. Best of all, it doubles as a wall-mounted mirror.
Clean your jewelry before storing. Jeweler's cement and glue is used to create many fashion pieces. Never soak in water or use commercial or ultrasonic cleaners. Instead, gently wipe with a damp cloth and dry with a soft cloth before putting away. Hair spray, perfume and perspiration may cause jewelry to become dull if not cleaned off.

Who rocks the look?

Two stars, one look. Tell us who you think wears it better: Christina Aguilera or Kim Kardashian. Both showing their curves in an orange Roland Mouret dress. The Voice's judge adds glam pumps on the show's set, and Kim pairs it with strappy sandals in L.A.

Fashion Star's Star

So, it's all come down to this. The finale! And with such a great prize to win - a collection in Saks, Macy's and H&M worth $6m. Kara Laricks, 38, was named winner of NBC's exciting, new reality competition "Fashion Star." "I don't know what to say," she admits. "I'm so thrilled I have the opportunity to keep going, to continue designing. This is just fantastic, this is so thrilling - this is my dream come true."
Throughout the season, 14 talented designers competed in a series of challenges and eliminations, trying to win the ultimate prize to sell one unique collection in each of three of the country's largest retail stores. Laricks exclusive collection for Macy's highlights her avant-garde aesthetic and unique approach to traditional women's fashion, and is available at 110 Macy's stores across the country and on macys.com for a limited time beginning today. You can also find her capsule collections in Saks, and H+M NOW!

Maternity Making News

Jessica Simpson is designing a line for Destination Maternity, which seems fitting because hers was one of the most watched and maybe the longest celebrity pregnancies of the year. The line is scheduled to launch in the fall. Her daughter Maxwell was born earlier this month.
Jessica who also is a judge on "Fashion Star" which only had a modest ratings in its freshman season, will return for a second season.
While we are on the topic of pregnancies, Rosie Pope, host of Bravo's "Pregnant in Heels," gave birth to a daughter on Mother's Day -- and this being modern times, she tweeted through labor. When the going got rough, her husband took over the tweeting so fans didn't have to miss a thing.

Lady Gaga

Imitation is the ultimate flattery. Lady Gaga's fans are crazy for her in Japan and they show it! Take for example this concert goer who did a pretty good job of copying Lady Gaga's outrageous (and adorable!) Hello Kitty costume. Notice her eyes are closed, but painted to look like Hello Kitty's open eyes!

Freaky !!
Anyhow, we love the creativity and Lady Gaga apparently does too. She has an affinity for the Japanese fashion industry and loves her fans there, donating lots of cash to the post-Tsunami restoration efforts.

Amazon Going Luxe

Amazon is so serious about its next big thing that it hired three women to do nothing but try on size 8 shoes for its Web reviews. Full time. Now that’s a job I would love to have.

Most businesses aren’t happy with losing millions of dollars a year but Amazon is happy to as long as it keeps their shoppers happy, and returning to shop some more. Doing damage to the publishing industry and making the toy industry jumpy Amazon is taking on high-end clothing and is going big and sparing no expense. Mr. Bezos said in an interview that the company was making a “significant” investment in fashion to convince top brands that it wanted to work with them, not against them.

The traditional retail world and many major brands that want no part of Amazon — are gearing up to fight for their lives. Since Amazon sets prices and charge whatever they want this maybe a huge threat for designer brands. Mr. Bezos says the company’s new effort is not about selling clothes at deep discounts but at prices that ensure that “the designer brands are happy.” Until now, fashion has been one of the few categories that Amazon has tried to dominate without success. In addition to its own site, Amazon bought the shoe site Zappos.com for more than $1 billion in 2009, started the shoe site Endless.com and MyHabit, and bought the boutique Shopbop in 2006.
In the retail-clothing world, fears are growing that few will be able to compete with a stepped-up Amazon.