A new collection called Suno by new designer Max Osterweis has landed at Opening Ceremony this week. Osterweis, a screen-writer and film director, is already being touted all around town because of his intriguing and original designs. The new line includes dresses, skirts, blazers, tanks, and swimwear made from East African Kangas (a type of sarong) he began collecting more than a decade ago. Many of the kangas are printed with Swahili aphorisms that were originally worn to send messages to fellow villagers, like one that loosely translates as: “Watch your roosters, there’s a new hen in town.” He commissioned about 1,000 pieces, chopping up fabrics from his textile collection so that each piece would be original. His designs cost from $95 for a bikini to about $595 for a tailored jacket or dress. The prices are a little high, but you can be sure you will be wearing a one-of-a-kind piece. Check out the lookbook at http://www.sunony.com/
This March, Barbie celebrates her 50th anniversary sans saddlebags and droopy eyelids (if only!) To mark the occasion, 50 designers at New York's Fashion Week unveiled their interpretations of America's favorite doll. Designers included Nicole Miller, Diane von Furstenberg, Monique Lhuillier, and of course Bob Mackie, the man that has dressed Barbie more than anyone else. You have to check out some of his previous designs at http://www.bobmackie.com/barbie.aspxSome looks from the show...Baby Phat Barbie. I think this one is my favorite. She's so fierce!
DVF Barbie
Bob Mackie Barbie
Monique Lhuillier Barbie
Nicole Miller Barbie
Watch the full Barbie Runway Show in 3 separate partsPart 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5EqsgDv86MPart 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K991y1B2iAM&feature=relatedPart 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJAXqBXaLJQ&feature=relatedIf that's still not enough Barbie for you, head over to Bloomingdale's on 59th Street & Lexington Avenue in NYC and check out their Barbie display....50 YEARS OF BARBIE DOLL DISPLAY February 11, 2009 - March 15, 2009 In the biggest public display ever in the U.S., 120 iconic Barbie dolls will be showcased in 60 beautiful vitrines, celebrating five decades of Barbie doll fashions, pop culture and inspiration.
This tank just struck me as a great basic. The shape is really modern and flattering. I love that it is a cotton/spandex mix. I do not buy 100% cotton tops. They lose their shape. This cobalt blue is more versatile then it seems and it's a unique color. I don't see many people sporting it. 
express.com, $34.50The classic black and white contrasting print skirt. This is great because it works with black, white, and almost every other color in the rainbow. Black and white is timeless, elegant, and never goes out of style. This is an investment piece you will reach for each Spring. 
express.com, $69.50
The maxi dress is making a reappearance this season. This is a very easy, simple style that you can reach for year after year. Because this doesn't have a print, it won't look dated next year. Also, this is a great dress if you have any formal occasions coming up. With some long gold or silver chains, strappy sandals, and chandelier earrings, you can take this look from day to evening.
express.com, $79.50
The perfect Spring dress in a really fun print. This can definitely be dressed up with heels or dressed down with flats, but no matter which way you choose to wear this, you will be turning heads. This also comes in a variety of colors, but the print is by far my fave.
express.com, $59.50
You can't swing a dead cat without hitting a jumpsuit (or someone in a jumpsuit) this Spring. Express is showing a few different styles (strapless, halter...) but this is my favorite. It comes in more color choices (although I would steer clear of the white) and is more versatile in my opinion. The halter style seems like it's for dressier occasions only.
express.com, $79.50
I am absolutely loving the new Spring styles at Gap. Totally laid back feel and bright (but not too bright) colors. Everything screams Spring in a slightly more muted palette. Classics that you will reach for again and again.My must-haves list: 1. Quintessential white capris. A closet staple on Spring weekends. This pair has some spandex so it will stay fresh looking all day. 
gap.com, $59.502. The easy going white shirt. Love how the sleeves are rolled up. Makes this look so relaxing. The shirt actually has a print...it's a very lite stripe. More interesting than just plain white. 
gap.com, $48.00
3. the finely ribbed cardigan sweater. The navy and white stripe of this cashmere/cotton blend lend this sweater a nautical vibe. A great piece to throw over a tank to keep warm on chillier days.
gap.com, $48.00
4. the rolled pant. Wear it rolled with a metallic gladiator sandal or heels. Wear it unrolled on colder nights. Either way, this pant is cute, comfortable, and will go with almost anything you pair it with.
gap.com, $59.505. the platform sandal. Pierre Hardy collaborated with Gap to create these suede sandals. Hardy is best known for his eponymous shoe line, as well as having been a shoe designer for Christian Dior and Hermes. 
gap.com, $98.006. the essential T. Hands down the greatest T-shirt I have ever owned. Classic Gap style with just the right amount of stretch. So comfortable it feels like a second skin. Wear when lounging or pair with slacks and a blazer for a corporate look. 
gap.com, $16.50
Can't get tickets to Fashion Week? Here are some of the other things you can do in NYC this weekend to get your fashion fix...Visit Teddy Willoughby's pop-up store, at 45 Canal Street, from Feb. 14 to 20. He will be carrying his provocatively wicked cigarette pins ($30 and up), a limited-edition bag by the men’s designer Thomas Engel Hart, and reclaimed sunglasses and thermal knits from his brand, Bland (about $150).Pop in at Prada in SoHo at 575 Broadway. Beginning Feb.13th, you can see a special installation of the spring collection as reinterpreted by Alexandra White, the fashion director of W magazine. Not in NYC? Visit prada.com for a 360 degree virtual gallery. Stand in line for the two-day preview sale of Alexander McQueen's Target collection, starting Feb. 14, at 330 West Street. Can't make it? The full line will be available on target.com beginning Mar. 4th.
From today until February 16th, Mango is taking 30% off selected accessories, including bags, shoes, and jewelry. I am really digging these cool silver tipped boots and this tribal beaded necklace. Statement necklaces will be back for Spring, so this is a perfect complement to the season. For more on Spring trends, check out my upcoming post, "Spring '09 Must-Haves." 
mngshop.com, $124.99 
mngshop.com, $26.99
Looking for a fun time AND a bargain this weekend? Brooklyn Flea, an indoor flea market, has moved to DUMBO (an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) in Brooklyn at 76 and 81 Front Street. Play free carnival games, eat cupcakes, hot cocoa, and other tasty treats, shop for clothing, jewelry, and furniture, or just look around for visual inspiration. Open Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 6pm every weekend until March 29.Visit http://www.brownstoner.com/brooklynflea/about/ for more the details and a list of vendors.
How cute is this?!?!?! Just had to post it. This paisley print tunic/dress is on sale at Ann Taylor Loft for $49.99.This can be worn on its own with sandals or over jeans or a pair of leggings. 
To get things started, below are two great dresses with even greater price tags. I couldn't believe these were from Old Navy. These are the perfect spring dresses and, for $20.00 and $29.95, I just can't pass on them. Both would look equally good dressed up with a pair of high strappy sandals or dressed down with metallic gladiator sandals. They can also be used transitionally if styled correctly. I just can't wait until the weather warms up, so I'll pair the navy blue one with with a thin turtleneck sweater underneath, a leather belt, a pair of tights, and a killer pair of open toe booties. I'll pair the pink one with a long belted cardigan and an edgy grey pump to contrast with the bright color of the dress.
OldNavy.com, $29.95
OldNavy.com, $20.00
mngshop.com, $58.99
Forver21.com, $32.80 
Forever21.com, $10.80 (this belt would work with either outfit)
traveljerseyonline.com,$166 
forever21.com, $19.80
