If you haven’t had the foresight, inspiration or funds to begin holiday shopping just yet, you are truly in luck this weekend as a bounty of fabulous events officially kick-off the season in Los Angeles. Here’s a sampling to get you started:

Kick your own wardrobe up a notch on Thursday, November 30 at Madewell in Century City. This hot new store, kid sis to J.Crew, pays homage to women in film with an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and music by DJ Valida from 6:30-8:30 P.M. Invited shoppers will receive an exclusive 15% discount and 10% of all proceeds from the event and throughout the weekend will benefit Women in Film, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women achieve their highest potential within the global entertainment, communications and media.

Hint: If you’re shopping for me, this look is on my Christmas list

Madewell is located in the Westfield Century City Shopping Center, 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.madewell1937.com or call 310-772-0428.

Rest up on Friday night as Saturday, December 2 sees the return of the annual SoBev Holiday Block Party. South Beverly celebrates the holidays in a big way with music, entertainment and – brace yourself, this is not a joke – the closure of South Beverly Drive to car traffic to create a pedestrian-only street celebration. That’s right, no cars.

The SoBev Holiday Block Party will feature a performance by cast members of the acclaimed Broadway musical WICKED and a free WICKED gift CD with purchase at participating merchants. Kids will appreciate appearance by Scrat from Ice Age: The Meltdown and Santa Claus, who’ll undoubtedly be hearing lots of Christmas wishes and posing for many, many memorable photos.

Throughout SoBev, participating stores and restaurants including Lisa Kline, Starbucks and the Beverly Hills Watch Co. will be offering discounts, special promotions, and holiday refreshments. The fun takes place from 3-7 P.M. For a complete list of participating businesses and sponsors, visit www.beverlyhillschamber.com.

If you just need a bit of refreshment, visit Meet Me Under The Fig Tree, the second annual community gathering hosted at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel at 101 Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica on Sunday, December 3 from 3 – 6 P.M.

The lovely Fairmont Miramar Hotel

A fabulous and entirely edible 12’ X 14’ (yes, that’s feet, not inches) Gingerbread City” decorated by local elementary schools will be on view and for sale to benefit the Virginia Avenue Project.

An edible beauty from last year’s celebration

Local entertainment including the Santa Monica High School Chamber Orchestra, Santa Monica Playhouse Youth Group, and the Santa Monica College Vocal Jazz Ensemble will keep the seasonal music coming. Complimentary holiday treats include hot apple cider, hot chocolate, and Christmas cookies.

The holiday shopping awesomeness picks up again on Dec. 7, from 5 to 10 pm with the third annual Third Street Block Party, located on Third Street (imagine that) between Fairfax and La Cienega Boulevards. More than seventy participating businesses are offering fabulous and exclusive discounts on gifts for yourself or if you’re so inclined, others. Hot clothing boutique EM & Co. will also hose a live performance from up-and-coming LA band Ultraviolet, food and drink, along with a sweet 15% discount.

Em & Co. is located at 7940 3rd Street in Los Angeles, call 323-782-8155 for more information

Other participating boutiques include Built by Wendy, Flight 001, Milk and Polkadots & Moonbeams.

Happy Shopping, Beauty News-ers!

By Lauren Messiah

Walking into the Original Trends Holiday Bazaar, this year held at Seely’s in Glendale, CA on November 18, you wouldn’t know quite what to expect. Racks of clothes, tables full of jewelry and accessories - this could either be a goldmine or a huge waste of time (the word bazaar doesn’t always summon the fondest of memories). Thankfully, it was a definite goldmine. Putting your average sample sale to shame, the Original Trends Holiday Bazaar had better deals, a greater selection, and there were no bloody noses dealt to get the last leather tote—just a tame, relaxed crowd of fashionistas.

One foot in the door and you’re immediately welcomed with a fabulous goodie bag filled with treasures from Mobile Spa, Drink Hint, Paradise beauty products and much more. What can be better than freebies, you ask? Well, how about fabulous clothes at ultra low prices?

Over 70 up and coming designers showcased at the event, all eager to show and tell all of their hard work (at up to 80% off retail). While all designers were wonderful, here are a few to put on your fashion radar:

- Jodi B Wise showcased a collection beautiful kimono tanks (think your average wife beater tank with dramatic silk kimono sleeves)

- Meghan Fabulous. If you haven’t checked out Meghan Fabulous’ original fashions you are missing out. The selection at the bazaar was amazing with prices lower than wholesale! Her signature butterfly belt that has been seen on the waist of Paris Hilton was it lowest price yet $60 (retail $160).

- KUDRA. Gorgeous butter soft leather bags that screamed to be the next “it” bag for $150 a pop, retail price $350 and up.

- Yoga Army, perhaps the most popular spot in the house. With clothes made in the US of A and worn by the hottest celebrities (a la Lindsay Lohan and Kristin Cavallari just to name two) it was no wonder the table was swarming with customers.

If you missed the Holiday Bazaar, be sure to check back on www.originaltrends.com for upcoming events. After all, where else can you score a jersey knit dress for $20 and a pair of earrings for $5?

The private jet emblazoned with “Here Comes The Angels” touched down on the tarmac at the Burbank Airport on Tuesday, and seventy people, dressed mostly in black with hints of Victoria’s Secret signature pink tucked into their carry-on luggage, stumbled out looking jet-lagged and shopworn. In the golden rays of the late afternoon sunshine, I wondered if I’d be able to recognize the supermodels in the crowd.

I got my answer moments later when the 27 models, including supermodels Giselle Bundchen, Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Izabel Goulet and Selita Ebanks, who will each appear as Angels in the highly anticipated Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, bounced off the plane looking, well - like supermodels with flowing hair, tight T-shirts and jeans. The lingering aroma of expensive perfume wafted through the crowd of photographers and videographers who eagerly greeted them on the red carpet.

Two days later, after a whirlwind of high-profile appearances, including accepting the key to the city from the mayor of Hollywood, and an in-store shopping event at the Victoria’s Secret store in the Hollywood & Highland complex, the models and their production team were hard at work preparing for the show in the backstage area.

Victoria’s Secret models wait their turn for hair and makeup

On the far-side of the hair and make-up room crowded with worldwide media, Italo, the key hair stylist for Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2006 was putting the finishing touches on Giselle’s hair. Italo, who is leading the team of hairstylists for the show for the second year, has thirteen people working with him. “Because we are in Hollywood, we had to go glam,” he explained. “The look this year is coiffed, touchable hair, a coquette - an update of 60s sexy - a cross between Bridget Bardot and Barbarella.”

To create the voluptuous bedroom hairstyle for the runway, Italo uses mousse on wet hair and then sets it on large rollers and clips. Later, he uses a vertical curling iron to enhance the waves and finishes it with a gloss. Whether they’re wearing a side or middle part, all of the models’ natural hair is being enhanced by pieces at the crown, but Italo insists that the look can be easily imitated at home. “The key is to let it set for at least ten minutes before you take out the rollers,” he says.

Meanwhile, key makeup artist Linda Hay was putting the finishing touches on model Raquel Zimmerman, a veteran of the Victoria’s Secret runway who is returning for her third year. Is there a difference between prepping for the show in New York City and Los Angeles? “Oh yes,” Raquel answered without hesitation. “This is much more fabulous!”

“The look for this year’s show is Babydoll with very sexy eyes. I use lots of lashes - individual lashes that I glue on by hand - layer by layer,” Hay says. With a team of sixteen makeup artists, including four people working exclusively in the body booth, this is the second year that Hay is in charge of creating the makeup look for the show. “And I’m thrilled to be back,” she says. The models obviously adore her. “Go away! We want Linda to be our mother now,” a model scolded me with a grin.

Makeup Artist Linda Hay puts the finishing touches on Victoria’s Secret models

In a room packed with more photographers and reporters than models or stylists, it was no wonder that the models, scantily clad in pink silk robes, were getting a little tired of the public displays of primping. “Do you get stage fright,” I asked Giselle as she passed by. “No, no.” She dismissed me quickly, attempting to leave the room and grab a moment of what she called “Zen time” for herself. “What question do you wish you’d be asked that no one has asked you,” another reporter prompted. “I wish you’d stop asking questions,” Giselle replied with a smile. “Ask her if she’s wearing panties,” a dark-eyed model seated in a make-up chair nearby offered. Laughing out-loud, Giselle shot back, “ask HER if she’s wearing panties.”

Never mind what any of the Victoria’s Secret models were wearing under their robes backstage - it’s a sure bet they’ll be wearing panties on the runway when they take to the stage for the show that will be broadcast on CBS on Tuesday, December 5th.

This year, Karolina Kurkova has been chosen to wear the Victoria’s Secret Hearts on Fire diamond Fantasy Bra worth $26 million. And, as if you needed any other reason to tune in, this year’s show will also feature a performance by Justin Timberlake - who probably won’t be wearing lingerie - but definitely knows how to bring Sexy Back.

Mark your calendars, animal lovers! Sexy Beast, a luxury line of pet beauty products, launches at Fred Segal on Thursday, November 9th and Friday, November 10th.

Sexy Beast consists of a revitalizing, deodorizing spray, an oil-absorbing powder (think Bumble & Bumble’s hair powder for pups) available in 3 shades to match every coat, and a glossing mist (so very Frederic Fekkai) to restore luster and shine to fur. The 3-step product system is best used to extend the time between grooming appointments for your pooch. Complementing the line is a bergamot and vanilla infused musk fragrance, aptly named Sexy Beast. It’s low-alcohol to avoid irritation and can be worn by people too!

Since the line is designed exclusively for pets, it makes sense that Sexy Beast is 100% vegan and 100% safe.

For more information, visit www.sexybeaststyle.com.

The first Los Angeles location of The Container Store was launched in conjunction with Step Up Women’s Network on Thursday, October 12th at a private preview party in its new Century City Mall location. The 27,500-square foot venue was stocked full of over 10,000 innovative products, just waiting for those wanting to organize, file and coordinate until their hearts are content.

US Weekly’s 2006 Makeup Artist of the Year and one of LA’s hottest influencers was amongst a select few who had an at-home makeover performed courtesy of The Container Store. Pati Dubroff, celebrity makeup artist to names including Kate Bosworth, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Connolly, had her private storage space for artistry renovated from the inside out. The result: A fantastically sectioned and arranged armoire-esque cabinet, chockfull of divided alcoves and drawers for every imaginable beauty essential.

Replicas of all installations are viewable in the store until November. By the end of opening weekend, $20,000 was donated to the Step Up Women’s Network - a national nonprofit membership organization dedicated to strengthening community resources for women and girls.

So, when in doubt - divide, organize and conquer.

Life and Death at…er, Life & Death
By Edgar Revilla

For once, it really was Life and Death at LA Fashion week.

Due to the over whelming media turnout and a pesky Los Angeles Fire Marshal keeping tight watch, just six media outlets were permitted the pleasure of going backstage at this week’s Life & Death show. After witnessing VIP after VIP being turned away at the door, permitted no access (including the stunning wife of one of the designers), I knew that my meager press pass wouldn’t be enough to get me past the clipboard.

But this intrepid reporter stood by, waiting patiently for just a glimpse of the beauty looks that dominated this collection. Luckily, two models came out for a quick break and I managed to snap just one photo:

While it’s difficult to gauge the makeup look of the collection from just one look, suffice to say it was ethereal, inspired by nature and glam all at once. With a lovely stenciled iridescent leaf on one cheek, natural lips and a smoky eye, I almost felt that my forty-five minutes of waiting outside for just a glimpse was worth it. Almost!

By Edgar Revilla

On Saturday, October 14, it became clear that it may just be true what they say: charity begins at home. In the case of the first annual West Coast Allure on Location, it was an absolutely breathtaking home, Le Rose Chateau in Bel Air. Hosted by Allure Magazine, the event attracted 1,500 guests for a unique beauty bash benefiting Clothes Off Our Back, an LA based charity founded by Jane Kaczmarek, best known as the frazzled mom of “Malcolm in the Middle”. Clothes Off Our Back regularly auctions off celebrity-donated designer apparel to benefit children’s charities across the globe including emergency relief efforts in Darfur, the Children’s Defense Fund and Cure Autism Now.

Guests at Allure on Location gladly plunked down the $40 admission fee ($10 of which went directly to Clothes Off Our Back) to experience luxe spa services including pedicures, manicures, massages and facials from beauty innovators like Nivea, essie, and Lush. For guests who wanted to take part in some PWI (Pampering While Intoxicated, that is), Bacardi Limon Mojitos flowed freely while LA’s own DJ Splyce provided additional atmosphere with an upbeat but chilled-out mix.

Apart from the fabulous spa services and vendor booths, Allure’s Beauty Wheel was a main attraction. For a mere $10.00 a spin, everyone was a winner walking off with goodie-stuffed prize bags and special gifts from the event sponsors. Once the day was done, it was time to hop on the exclusive event shuttle and leave Bel-Air behind. After experiencing a day of luxury, only the delicious goodie bag filled with products, treats, and a copy of this month’s Allure made this LA beauty junkie feel better.

For information on Clothes Off Our Back please visit: http://www.clothesoffourback.org

By Dina Fierro

Tired of the bar scene? Too uncoordinated for bowling? Perhaps it’s time for a more innovative evening activity. Lucky for Los Angelenos, New York City storytellers group The MOTH makes its West Coast debut this week. Perfect for a date, The MOTH’s events are consistently thought-provoking and conversation-invoking; mark your calendars and don’t miss out. If you have a story to share, fortify yourself with some liquid courage at the Tangier Lounge, 2138 Hillhurst Avenue at Los Feliz Boulevard. Tuesday, October 10 marks the first in a monthly series of StorySLAMs, open to storytellers with an engaging tale of deception to tell. The event is hosted by Andy Borowitz. Get there no later than 7pm to sign-up and share your own story. If you’d prefer to just sit back and listen, The MOTH’s stories continue on Thursday, October 12 at UCLA’s Royce Hall with “Out on a Limb: Stories from the Edge”. The 8pm show features an amazing lineup including: Jonathan Ames (author, Wake Up Sir! and I Love You More Than You Know) Margaret Cho (comedian, “I’m the One That I Want”) Cindy Chupack (writer, executive producer “Sex and the City”) Darryl “DMC” McDaniels (of Run DMC) Steve Osborne (NYPD Lieutenant) The MOTH also offers regular events in New York City. For more information and a full calendar of events, please visit www.themoth.org.

TNT is the national sponsor for the MOTH.

By Sarah Vance

Cutting The Edge: LACMA’s New Exhibit Features Contemporary Fashion As Art

Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s Breaking the Mode: Contemporary Fashion from the Permanent Collection runs from September 17, 2006 - January 7, 2007 on the plaza level of the Ahmanson Building. You don’t have to be a fashionista or Project Runway addict to enjoy this user-friendly exhibit that features the rule-breaking contemporary designers who have challenged the fashion establishment to create dramatic new looks in fashion over the past 25 years.

Using over 100 works of contemporary dress from LACMA’s own dress collection, Costume and Textiles Curators Kaye Spilker and Sharon Takeda have put together a bold and intriguing exhibit organized to emphasize the ground-breaking changes in silhouette, construction, materials and textile production techniques. Historical examples of established fashion design from Gilbert Adrian, Christian Dior and Charles James are displayed alongside the rule-breaking contemporary designers who have been leading this new breakthrough in fashion, including Japanese designers Issey Miyake and Rei Kawakubo, as well as Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Martin Margiela. This dynamic juxtaposition between the old and new modes makes it clear that fashion has come a long way, baby.

Starry Eyed Surprise
By Sahra Susman

Michael Stars and Harper’s Bazaar teamed up to present ‘Michael Stars & Martinis’ at the designer’s The Grove, Los Angeles store. The September 15 event celebrated the famed t-shirt maker’s Fall 2006 collection.

Almost 200 guests attended the affair, perusing the season’s new collection of luxurious cashmeres along with favorite tee styles in fresh new colors and cuts. Nibbling sweets and sipping blueberry, orange and raspberry martinis courtesy of vodka purveyor, Stolichnaya, the fashionable crowd socialized and shopped.

The swank shopping frenzy was stoked by the offer of gift bags with purchase; crisp white shopping bags –like a favorite t-shirt- included a Michael Stars’ camisole, candle and product by Murad, nail lacquer by OPI and of course the latest issue of Harper’s Bazaar filled with loads of fall fashion.

In addition to new styles and colors by the favorite t-shirt designer, a new sure-to-be favorite made its debut: cashmere. Tissue weight yet supple, Michael Stars’ cashmere pieces are both timeless yet modern in design. Long sleeve styles including crew necks, scoop necks, and ruched and kimono sleeve tunics were shown in a rich fall palette including twig-a fresh tan, peacoat-a rich navy and siren-a deep shade of maroon.

With a long styled cut, the Michael Stars Cashmere collection perfect for paired with this season’s must have accessory-waist belts. This gal left inspired to shop for fall!

The Feminine Mystique
Delicate Designs, Girly ’Dos, and Fresh Faces at Cynthia Rowley
By Stefanie Schwalb

Alice in Wonderland met Willy Wonka at Cynthia Rowley’s Spring ’07 show “Candy Is Dandy But Wicker Is Slicker.” Looking through this hourglass of fashion we saw vibrant colours and patterns in full bloom on silk dresses and tops. Some of which featured wicker details such as cuffs and covered safety pins as well as leather insets. Tunics, top coats, and flower bed dresses were among my faves. To coincide with the collection, fresh and feminine looks were provided by Gavin Harwin for Redken (doing the ‘dos) and makeup maven Bobbi Brown (boosting the models’ beauty.)

For hair, updos (low ponytails and some new takes on the French twist) took center stage - a tress trend that we’ve seen a lot of this week. Gavin’s creations showcased messy, piecey, and textured lock looks. Using Redken’s Fabricate 05 on dry hair, Gavin teased the tresses to give them lift and worked his fingers through the strands before pinning pieces up in sections that formed asymmetrical shapes flowing back into the elastics. The tousled results are a bit rock and roll, yet the styles still seem to retain a girlishly groomed charm. A few of the ‘dos also incorporated brilliant accessories designed as sophisticated swirls of purple and blue.

Gavin revealed to us backstage that punk rock princess Patti Smith is a hairstyle icon he’s enamored of, and that the key to successful strand looks for spring is to try not to try too hard. “Don’t look like you’ve spent hours on your hair,” he says. “Because then the style seems contrived.” So that means there’s beauty in imperfection, and in a natural-looking appearance that’s easygoing. Although shine sprays and sleek, straight strands may be headed south for a bit, locking in your style (especially for the runway!) is critical to your ‘do. To ensure his styles stayed in place, Gavin used Redken’s Workforce 06 Hair Spray to seal the deal.

For makeup Bobbi Brown created clean, fresh faces using a color palette of soft and muted tones. For cheeks, Baby Violet Blush complemented lips lit by Violet Heather Lip Gloss. Brows were natural so that the focus remained fixed on the eyes, which featured Ivory Eye Shadow all over, Ultra Violet Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow on the lid, and two coats of Everything Mascara. The result was some illuminating looks that were perfectly in sync with Gavin’s messy girl strand styles and Cynthia’s bright colour palette. As the adventures of Fashion Week come to a close, let’s toast to its success and get excited for Spring 07. Tea and tarts anyone?

CLEAN FACES, SHIMMERY EYES AND WISPY UPDOS AT DOO RI
By CS

The masterful collection of Doo Ri left me practically speechless as Fashion Week drew to a close after a week of collections that were varied in texture, patterns and color. The elegance of her outfits would have surprised even the veterans of high design. From the perigrey sheer jersey blouse with metal embroidery to the crème twill dress with crystal floral detail, every piece felt as though it belonged in a Gainsborough or Sargent painting.

The makeup was done by Tom Pecheux for Shiseido, who achieved perhaps the most “nude” look for the face that I’ve seen throughout Fashion Week. Pecheux used Shiseido The Makeup Dual Balancing Foundation on the models’ faces and the Shimmer Hydro-Powder (H9) in Beige with gold highlights. “The makeup is a very minimalist and very feminine makeup,” he says. This means “ bare skin, matte T-zone and a very shimmery eye.”

If there’s one thing we’ve seen in the Spring 2007 collections, it has to be that the makeup used is all about highlighting the individual’s unique features. Doll up that eye with luminous eye shadow. If you’ve got a natural pout that would put the lip-plumping industry out of business, then romance it with fuschia lipstick or a clean gloss (alternatively, use concealer and lip balm).

The hair for Doo Ri was created by Orlando Pita, who told us that for this show, the hairstyles have “a little bit of texture and are not perfectly combed.” Pita pulled the models’ hair into a bun at the top of the head after setting it with curlers. He used only one product, a hairspray by Kerastase, to spritz and finish.

At the end, when the models strolled down the catwalk, the uniformity of the hairstyles did not take away from the dresses because the hair was pulled up into tight buns (but not too tight so as to allow some strands and wisps to show). The faces were matte and clean, without the faintest trace of makeup except for the eyes.

So the wash-go, uncombed, wispy and slightly ruffled look is vogue for Spring 2007. We dare you to be a bed head.

To see the complete look, click on our video podcast.

SWINGY, SEXY PONYTAILS AT PAMELLA ROLAND
By CS

The bold colors of flamingo and ocean blue commingled with elegant mainstays of ivory and classic black came to grace the runway of Pamella Roland’s show on Monday evening. Even if the dresses sounded familiar (“White taffeta top”), they were paired with the unexpectedly elegant (“with plisse-ruffle jabot”).

For the hair, Roland gave the stage to Paul Labrecque, owner of the eponymous salon. “Pamella’s inspiration was the Galapagos islands and we wanted to give her something that was very free, natural and sexy,” says Labrecque. “We’re doing ponytails with a lot of movement. It’s all about the swing and bounce as the girls are walking down the runway. It’s little bit less contrived.”

The products used on the models’ hair were Paul Labrecque’s own concoctions, each brand new. A popular choice was the “Straight Finish” humidity control hairspray that is very light in touch.

The effort paid off: the ‘dos looked laid back yet elegant on the runway, especially paired with luxe numbers like the silk taffeta trench with chantilly lace trim and the ecru silk crepe gown with beaded middle (numbers that made you want to conjure the image of Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina).

The makeup was done by Artistry and Makeup Forever. Makeup artist Wendy Karcher said that the Galapagos-inspired look include a “pretty mango lip, a powder blush, and a bronzer to give the apperance of a tan.” Kareth Whitchurch, another makeup artist for Makeup Forever said that they used “coral colors on the cheeks and lips with a little bit of shimmer on the brow bones, and a sheer foundation for face and body.” Products applied included the Face and Body Foundation (a sheer, water-based foundation water with silicone), Blush # 5 in coral, and lipstick # 241 in coral. The eyes were a soft smoky brown.

To see the complete runway look, click on our video podcast.

MARILYN REVISITED AT TAMARA POGOSIAN
By Gillian Weeks

At Tamara Pogosian’s Fashion Week debut, it was Marilyn all over the runway. Tobi Britton from Face Atelier created a makeup look that recalled Ms. Monroe’s delicate sensuality yet shied away from full-on bedroom eyes. This version was slightly more foyer than boudoir.

Britton used pale beige shadow to highlight the lids and brows, then a dusty pink to deepen the creases. She suggests snipping off the inner third of a pair of false eyelashes, then attaching them to the outer corners of the eyes to create a flirtatious yet ultimately lady-like look.

Britton raves about Face Atelier’s line of foundations, which she says ought to change the minds of some die-hard base opponents. She recommends using a powder brush to blend foundation across the face, leaving it opaque and seamless. As a final touch, she adds a light dusting of bronzer to the models’ cheeks in order to create continuity between the darker chest and lighter face.

Britton owns The Makeup Shop, located at 131 West 21st, which provides airbrushed makeup, emergency makeovers, and lessons from pros like herself. Get her tips to look more Marilyn Monroe and less Anna Nicole at www.themakeupshop.com.

RIGHT ON TARGET
By Lauren Baccus

Carolina Herrera, Sass and Bide, Calvin Klein…and Payless. No, this isn’t an updated Sesame Street educational tool, it’s actually the buzz on what not to miss under the Bryant Park tents this week. As industry analysts break down every color trend, signature shape and runway must-have for Spring/Summer 2007, a number of unlikely parings have also made quite a strong showing throughout the week.

While there’s nothing particularly revolutionary about high end designers joining forces with more budget-conscious brands, never before have these alliances earned such a respected place alongside fashion’s elite. As part of the Bryant Park shows this year, Olympus has dedicated space under the tents for 28 accessory collections, many of which are designer collaborations: Vivienne Westwood, Thakoon and Sopia Kokosalaki for Nine West, Rafe and Paul & Joe for Target, and Abaete for Payless.

Sharing space with designers Judith Ripka, BCBG Max Azria and Susan Farber, clearly this was a designated “no poo poo-ing” zone. In fact, I fell so completely in love with the large wool Paul & Joe shoulder bag with owl appliqué, that I wasted no time logging into my Target account (believe me, I’m a highly valued customer) with credit card in hand.

The process was anticlimactic. I panicked, imagining that the bag had sold out already (it’s not Hermes for crying out loud!) then a zen-like calm came over me when I realized that the item had not been added to the current inventory. Oh Target, why do you tease me so?

I was much more relieved to discover that Nine West was currently carrying its featured designer collaborations for a limited duration. Whether the cheeky tartan and leather stacked Vivienne Westwood’s boots manage to remain in stock past the designated four weeks, however, is a different story.

While they aren’t quite tearing down the walls of the elite fashion houses, brands such as Payless, Nine West and Target are definitely making a good case for the “little” guy. As designers become more comfortable with balancing style and relevance with mass appeal, it will be interesting to see how relationships develop with more main stream brands. Who knows what the next power couple will be…..Wall Mart and Vera Wang?

Well, let’s not get carried away