Michael Bastain x Uniqlo: Your Perfect Summer Wardrobe Solution

It's been hotter than Hades in the shade in New York and you know what that means: tank tops and flip flops. Ugh. 


But if you're a guy with an office job, you can't exactly rock a board short and $1 thongs, nor can you commit to the 'proper attire'. 


Somewhere in between is the sweet spot and now New York based American Menswear designer and the 2011 CFDA Menswear Designer of the year,  Michael Bastian, just collabed with Uniqlo on a whole range of Summer work wear answers 

Mostly polos, the assortment that also includes button front shirts, tees, shorts and pants delivers considerable style at a fraction of the cost of Bastian's mainline. 

But mostly it just fills a major void for Summer menswear with some structure and oomph 





I liked so many, but the one I sprung for is this retro style with mini paisleys. The navy collar is perfect for concealing perspiration while the white feels crisp and the cotton lightweight 

Genius! Grab some now, from $19.90 http://www.uniqlo.com/us/search/bastian

Melissa Hearts Vivienne Westwood

And my stylish pal, Jenny B hearts these heels except for long walks in Park Slope

Thanks CFDA for this beautiful pic! 

Song of Summer 2012: My Predictions

Summer has just begun (and based on the little jacket I'm wearing today, is already on vacation) but it's never too early to try to guess what folks will be shimmying to on rooftops and barbecues alike all season long



1. Drake and Rihanna "Take Care"


Slow boiling languid songs are built for Summer laziness, cookouts and convertibles (see: last year's Song of Summer Kelly Rowland "Motivation")







2. Goyte "Somebody That I Used to Know"


I'll be honest, I don't get the appeal of this lesbian coffee shop, hippie jam. Ugh, but it be everywhere.






3. The Wanted "Glad You Came"


Boy bands are back? Well, they never really left the world of British music so no surprise this Brit band is on the scene, but boy if they aren't making a real go of it here in the states.







4. Carly Rae Jespen "Call Me Maybe"


Poppy, addictive little ear worm perfect for gettin' your wiggles out. Just ask Rebecca Minkoff, Hilary Rhoda and Man Repeller who cast their Song of Summer vote with this cheeky little getting ready for the CFDA Awards vid

(Umm.... Hilary Rhoda be real good lip syncer!)

What's y'alls thoughts? What will the song of Summer 2012 be???

Kudos to Krakoff!

Congrats to Reed Krakoff for winning the CFDA 2012 Accessory Designer of the Year award!

Well deserved for The Boxer bag (which I have joined the long list of admirers)

Your success couldn't happen to a nicer guy! (Full disclosure: I once worked with him and in my experience he is super cool and laidback)

Why Was There So Much Bad Fashion at the CFDA Awards?

For years the CFDA's were held behind closed doors and reserved only for the fashion elite. Now that they are finally being broadcast the whole world can see what those in the know wear to honor their own.

And it ain't good.


Seth Meyers and Alexi Ashe

She's in Band of Outsiders. He's in my dreams as a cutie with a sharp wit. Serving as host, he looked better when he donned a take on Marc Jacobs' MET Ball sheer number

Grrr....




Anna Wintour

Speaking of Mr. Jacobs, this fashion dictatoress could choose any ensemble lain at her fingertips and this simple Marc Jacobs shift is what she goes with? It's perfectly fine, but not at all inspiring. The same could be said for American VOGUE though....




Tory Burch

Presumably in Tory Burch. Painfully all one color.





Donna Karen

Presumably in Donna Karen. Obviously did not visit the tailor. But then that's what happens when you're running late from tap class. Ugh.




Jessica Stam 

Ooh girl, now is not the time to retread that old Elvira costume.





Zac Posen and Crystal Renn

A bit dramatic, yes, but finally some folks are gettin' in the spirit (or spirits for that matter. Go ahead!) Although, Crystal, girl you have wittled away your once robust frame and over tanned.... I thought you were Paz de la Huerta at first. Yikes!



Alisson Mosshart and Eddie Borgo 

She's such a peach and I may have sold that shirt to her once upon a time. They're a bit too cool for school, but this is a fashion event and at least they look stylish, be it in a rocker, St Mark's way, but style nonetheless.



Phillip Lim with Theo Hutchcraft from HURTS 

Oh I love HURTS and how cute a couple would they be. Although, Phillip, that suit. Jesus.



Shala Monroque

Artist and editor, Monroque is rockin this cute little dress from... well I'm not sure yet. Gee I hope it's vintage or some unknown designer. Something under the rader and low key and personal. In my head that's how it plays out and therefore she be doin' it!



The Olsens and Lauren Motha-F-in' Hutton 

Bow down for the queen in cream.

CFDA Awards Fashioned Quite the Sexy Host

in Mr Sexy SNL, Seth Meyers

And as we all know from his time behind the Weekend Update desk, he cleans up oh so nice

.

(I couldn't resist) 

And this year marks the first time they're being televised. Coincidence? Me thinks not! See you Monday eve, Mr Meyers. 

Last Nite's Party: An Evening with Ralph Lauren

(Just the usual Lauren family Christmas card)

Boy am I beat from all the well-moneyed elbow rubbing at last nite's "Evening with Ralph Lauren" hosted by the big O

A small gathering of real close friends benefiting the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention and Lincoln Center for Performing Arts, it managed to bring out some real elite beauties. Let's judge they obligatory Ralph Lauren ensembles!

Ralph and Ricky look rich and calm. I guess owning the West Village will do that for a couple. 

Mr Seth Meyers you are the cutest thing ever and that tux is a new but incredibly sexy visual for the collage of you in my head. 

I love you, you crazy B! One of the many reasons is no matter what envelope opening you're attending you always make it seem as the president of the CFDA that it's the only place you'd want to be. You're either 100% invested or the fakest b***h this side of "Bad Girls Club"! 

Normally Chanel Iman I get a 'happy model' vibe from you, but man did someone lay on the sourpuss big time! I guess if I was stuck in a frock that looks like my sister's go-to 90's wedding guest dress I'd be all pussed up too. 

Former model Hanneli Mustaparta is showing the new blood up big time! And she's got designer of the moment, Prabal Gurung on her arm. Girlfriend knows how to show up to a dinner she's got no intention of eating! 

The beauty of being so rich is that you can dress like Paz de la Huerta and no one calls you out on it. Am I right, Wendi Murdoch? 

It would have been pretty easy to win best dressed at this event since most people wore the same simple long sleeve dresses and fur jackets that litter the Upper East Side on a daily basis, but oh no that's not good enough for Kerry Washington. No, no this b***h had to kill 'em dead! This is like the fashion chic equivalent of Jason Voorhees: no one stands a chance so just get the hell out of the woods! 

Your abundantly apparent disinterest in Ms. Wintour's ramblings only makes my heart beat faster, Mr Seth Meyers. Purr...

DON'T: Phone in a Corporate Tie-In Celebration

From CFDA's Steven Kolb's Twitter, a pic of a Walmart's birthday "celebration" for Maybelline cosmetics:

And people are starting to warm up to the idea of a Walmart in New York City?

Fashion Trend Death Knell: "Fashionista"

Revising a certain pr company's event announcement for the store, I was trying to find the right wording for our clientele. "Hmmm... I got it. I'll say 'we have something for every fashionista,'" to which I received a symphony of groans for my hard work. Turns out my co-workers are over the word "fashionista" and its too oft evocation.


And what should I stumble upon during last nite's Twitter perusal, but Executive Director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Steven Kolb stating

"fashionista". If you call yourself that you are not. 

When I asked Mr Taurus about this he replied that the word is synonymous with "cheap" for him. Visions of Long Island girls in Juicy Couture track suits drinking Diet Coke and going to Diva Nails to get some tips come to mind

(The New York Times piece on Tween Fashionistas)

He summed it up with "Wendy Williams uses that term"

Ok I get it, there's too many people with too little knowledge of fashion throwing the title around when they merely mean they like shopping.

Now the question arises, what does one call themselves if they truly are interested in fashion, the history of fashion, design houses, models, textiles, cuts and how people pair items together?

A "style junkie"? No sounds lascivious. A "clothes whore"? Increasingly unsavory. A "fashion freak"? What kinda treatment is there for that? A "clothes horse"? What, can I ride that to Barneys?

I kinda like a "clothie", but there's some World of Warcraft term floating around already with that (true!). What about "style savant"... that's got a nice ring to it.

Whatever will supplant it, the point is 'fashionista', the bell tolls for thee.

PS: Buy the "anti fashionista" sticker seen above at http://www.redbubble.com/products/configure/308583-sticker

Best of 2011 CFDA Awards Fashion

Work it out fashion fags and ladies who (skip) lunch!


1. Karolina Kurkova in Diane Von Furstenberg

My fave look of the nite, but from Grace Jones to Kylie Minogue, a hooded jumpsuit wins my heart every time!



2. Kerry Washington in Calvin Klein

A girl of color can work a white dress like it owes her rent, honey!



3. Chanel Iman in BCBG

Or a shot of POW color. Is there anything they can't do?






4. Kirsten Dunst in Patrik Ervell

She's such a sourpuss. What's her problem? Mix match bun too tight? Not having fun at the CFDA's is a crime, sugar. The only thing missing from this look is a big old fat Cheshire Cat grin!





5. Leelee Sobieski in (and with) Adam Kimmel

Perhaps Kristen should have taken Leelee's lead and accessorized her hot men's suit with a hot man. Grrrr...



6. Phoebe Philo in Celine

Go ahead Pheebs! Win that International Design Award! There were a lot of ladies in suits. (Admission: there were also a lot of "crop out that pesky Kanye West" photos)



7. Dr Kimberly Shaw in Pamela Rowland

Still wickedly crazy I see. 

xo -m

8. Michelle Harper and Cameron Silver

It's hard to upstage a top hat, and Decades owner, Cameron Silver even tossed out an arched eyebrow and smirk combo. Sorry, Cameron, you're a nice guy and all but this "professional muse" will not be out-shined in some headpiece and vintage gown you just know she spent a fortune on. God, I need to get on with my "marry well" goals. -sigh-

Did Gerard Butler Get Sexy?

Is it me or did Gerard Butler get kinda sexy out of nowhere?

Former muscle head turned New York party scenester and CFDA award presenter is working a slimmed down look and while the Chelsea blond hair could go, feeling the trim build, buddy.