Karl Lagerfeld Shoots Plus-size Model for V Magazine

COCO A NO-GO...
Recently Karl Lagerfeld -fashion God behind Chanel- shot a spread for V Magazine highlighting Miss Dirty Martini, a"Plus-size" Burlesque performer. I am totally one for plus-size modeling, but really?... This is a bit much. Girls read fashion mags for inspiration. I don't know anyone who would want to aspire to such an unhealthy size as Miss Martini. But, in a world of emaciated wafer-thin models, I shouldn't be so surprised by the extreme contrary. Well Mr. Lagerfeld is a super-genius, so maybe he's on to something...???

[Picture: Courtesy of V Magazine]

Everything's Coming Up Rachel Roy

Rachel Roy for Rachel went-to-work on her Spring collection, and she didn't disappoint! Expect bright colors , fun silhouettes, and great prints! I am a big fan of Rachel - Rachel Roy, as any budget fashionista would be!! Think designer looks for not-so-designer prices. Check out a preview of the collection, set to debut next month at Macy's.

($38)

($99 Jacket, $69 Shorts)

($99-$109)

($129)

($50)

[Photos: Melissa Hom]

Spring Trend Forecasting with Nieman's Fashion Director

New York Mag's fashion director, Harriet Mays Powell, sat down with Nieman Marcus VP and Fashion Director, Ken Downing, to talk Spring Trends. Check out the video to see what he said were the hottest items to have for the up-coming spring season!

SPOILER ALERT: Zac Posen and Target Collabo

It's official! Zac Posen will collaborate with Target as a part of their Go International campaign! Are you as pumped as I am???...well you should be! Recently, a handful of lucky Editors (names unknown) got a sneak preview of the line. They're not giving up many details, thanks to the confidentiallity agreement Target made them sign. But, what we do know is that the collection will include a few accessories, a gown (a first for Target and Go International), separates, bathing suits, a tuxedo, a MJ inspired red leather jacket, and tons of fun eye-pleasing prints...available at amazing prices of course!! Target expects Posen's line to blow Go International alum , Alexander McQueen out of the water (I agree!)...so they have amped up distribution. Hopefully some pics will get leaked soon so we can get a handle on all this fashion madness!!

Haute or Not: Ombre Hair

Whowhatwear.com recently reported on the ever-growing hair trend...ombre hair...faded hair that goes from dark to lighter gradually. Is this trend Haute or not?

Fashionista "Pick" Me Up: Nylon Street

Trends originate from the street...so leave it to the uber stylish fashion-forward mag NYLON, to deliver us fun and inspiring street photos featuring the most fashionable people around the globe. A good fashionista "pick" me up. Buy here.

Local Spotlight: Gretta's Specialtees

[Gretta Barton of Gretta's Specialtees with Erin Abagnale of House of Sage, at a local fashion event at Shine]

Recently I got the opportunity to meet Gretta Barton, local Chuck-town t-shirt designer/entrepreneur responsible for Gretta's Specialtees. I fell in love with her collection of local inspired t-shirts, so I decided to interview her for The Fashionista Forum.

Her cute "local tees" have been spotted around town, worn by anyone from college kids to well... their parents! Gretta's Specialtees currently include t-shirts that represent the following areas: Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Folly Beach, West Ashley, and North Charleston. I actually own a couple of these myself. I love the soft fabric and the vintage style. I have worn mine dressed down, with skinny jeans, a cardigan and flats...or funked up with a boyfriend blazer, cuffed shorts, boots and tights. Definitely pick up a few for yourself (they only retail for about $26!), but don't leave out your friends and fam...these will make great gifts for the holidays!!

FF: Tell me a little bit about yourself and where you are from.
GB: I am from Pittsburgh, Pa. I have 2 brothers, a sister, and a brother-in-law all that live in Pittsburgh. I love spending outside, reading and listening to great music. I grew up with a creative mother who had her own jewelry company. My mother always pushed us to use our creative outlets. I was classically trained on the violin for 7 years, unfortunately, I don't play much anymore. I think it's important to be involved in your community. I volunteer at the Children's Hospital and I am on the Cystic Fibrosis board.

FF: Where did you go to school?
GB: I went to the University of Dayton in Dayton, OH

FF: What brought you to Chuck-town?
GB: My sister lived here when I got out of college and I was ready for some warmer weather! I have been here for about 4 years. FF: What made you want to start designing tees? How did the idea come about?
GB: I was home last Christmas and was brainstorming with my mom about something I could bring to Charleston. Something that would be my own and something that no one has done before. Since tourism and college students are what seems to consume this town I decided they should be my target market. It was important for me to design something that I would wear...everyone loves a good tee!!

FF: Do you make the tees yourself or do you send them off to be printed?
GB: I create the design and then send them off to be printed locally.

FF: Any details about the tees (organic fabric/dye)?
GB: The shirts are made from organic and recycled materials. The dye, however, is not organic. I would like to have organic print at some point, but right now it isn't in my budget.

FF: Do you have any new designs/ideas up your sleeve? Maybe a James Island or Summerville tee in the near future?
GB: I have some designs on my computer and in my head that I hope to get on shirts soon.

FF: Website or Facebook page?
GB: I do have a Facebook page and I hope to get a website up soon.

FF: Is t-shirt designing your full-time job or do you have another occupation?
GB: When I got let go from work a couple of months ago I made the shirts my number one priority. I do little jobs here and there to help out.

FF: Where can you be found on a typical Sunday afternoon?
GB: At Kudu coffee with my dog Indie.

FF: Where can we buy your tees?
GB: Currently, they are at House of Sage in downtown Charleston, at II Brunettes in Mt. Pleasant, and at Alchemy Coffee in West Ashley.

FF: Is there anything else that you want people to know about why your tees, why they are special to you?
GB: I wanted to give something to our community that people to share as a gift or just to show love for their neighborhood.

Thanks Gretta!

Nicole Richie New Fashion Line: Exclusive Pics!

From jewelry, to footwear, and now to clothes... this Bohemian Beauty spreads her wings of creativity and delivers us, Winter Kate. With her jewelry line House of Harlow 1960, a full fledged success Miss Richie wastes no time as she stakes her claim in the world of fashion design. Move over Mary-Kate and Ashley..welcome Miss Richie and Winter Kate.

Her line Winter Kate (taken from the middle names of her daughter Harlow), consists of 40 different pieces. Expect anything from slip dresses to vests, and vintage-inspired bed jackets to kimono style tops, sprinkled with delightful paisley and floral prints...a collection any Bohemian Babe would lust for.

Nicole didn't wander too far for inspiration for her debut collection. You can definitely find influences from the fashionistas own personal style...classic California ease with feminine and vintage touches.

Winter Kate will be available around the world starting February 2010.

[Images: Courtesy of Winter Kate]

Real Moments with Rachel Zoe: Bedtime

Miley Cyrus Lil' Sis Halloween Costume Flub

Miley Cyrus's little sister Noah (Miley Jr.) attended a Halloween Party last weekend and was snapped in this horrific ensemble. Umm...how did her mother let her go out like that!! The girls' hemline is two centimeters from showing the world her Underoos. What is this costume anyway? Apparently it is a 9-year olds interpretation of a dominatrix/witch?...and those boots!!?? I didn't know Hot Topic sold kids shoes?! Seriously Miley, take a break from your Disney-pop star- teenage-shenanigans and get your mom and little sis in check!