From Z to A

Me, at left, in desperation need of some hair dye, and Marilla last night.

Last night, Marilla and I were treated to a lovely preview of Spanish mega-retailer Zara's new store in Chicago (the company's biggest store in the U.S. at over 16,000 sq ft). The three-story fast-fashion emporium carries two floors of women's clothing, men's and even their brilliant and adorable children's clothing line. We were treated to a surprisingly fascinating talk about Zara's parent company, Inditex. We learned about their unique business model - Zara’s design process is based on the demands and desires of the customers, putting the stores (and their shoppers) almost in charge of the product. If there is demand for more of this or less of that, the stores report to the design and manufacture teams to have it created as either replacement product (if a particular piece has been popular) or for whole new ideas to be drummed up. This, teamed with continuous product refreshment - new articles reach the stores twice a week - keeps merchandise fresh, on-trend and ensures it is what the people actually want.

And what the people want indeed. Everything was absolutely delirium-inducing. The Zara Woman collection on the first floor was all about volume, texture and embellishment. We're talking strong shoulders, fur, feathers, studs everywhere, sequins. Really anything a girl could ask for. Most items remained under $200, with plenty under $100, which is also anything a girl could ask for. And THE SHOES. Faux snake over-the-knee flat boots in the perfect shade of gray that were totally Devi Kroell. YSL-esque booties and pumps. Chloe and Balmain were also represented in studded flat ankle boots and wild, sexy embellished sandals, respectively. The color palette for most of this line? Grays, Blacks and a touch of camel.

This one was gorgeous.

Sultry shoulders and a feather skirt we flipped over. Must-haves.

The perfect shrunken little leather jacket with studs. Bonus!

We loved the embellishment on this knit dress.

What a great basic turned up a notch with this sewn in detail - instant jewelry!

SO major. I lllllllloved this jacket.

Spotted delights.

Studly.

Great grays.

Love these past season Chloe look-alikes.

Next stop: up the escalator to the second floor for Zara's Basic line. This has a lower price point and a little more of a casual, less fashion-forward/edgy/runway feel. Here were the chunky scarves, fitted blazers, jeans, pretty blouses and more everyday work to casual items. Marilla snagged a gorgeous shawl collar coat in the most sumptuous pale shade from this floor - seriously amazing fit. So pretty and sophisticated yet totally affordable and wearable.

We died over this black jacket with epaulets and white piping.

The third floor, dedicated solely to men, held several different lines, including jeans, suits, trendier looks and, in reaction to the economic downturn, a lower priced diffusion line. Children's clothing was housed on the floor below, in its own large room on the Basic floor. Cute and very fashion-y, divided into color stories - if only I were that chic at age 3.

Thank you to Zara for a fantastic night! We look forward to/dread spending 3/4 of our paycheck on you! xo

Chic of the Week

Who: Actress Claire Danes.

What: Lotsa Gucci (jewelry, shoes, frock).

When: Friday, October 23, 2009.

Where: The Gucci Icon Temporary Flash Sneaker Store Launch in NYC.

Why: Danes is a repeat Chic-er here at FB&F. She has this way of picking the best cuts and coolest, yet at a glance simplest, dresses. She wears what flatters her - always something interesting while being totally feminine. Though she'll pick a crisp line, there's always a softness, maybe from a wave of the hair or pretty print. This is a perfect example of that: just a little dress but it creates a modern shape, leaving her looking lovely and ladylike, and of course, devistatingly cool.







Photo courtesy of InStyle.

The Big Want

I've recently been on the hunt for a pair of denim leggings. These are like a hybrid of lazy, comfy leggings and skinny jeans - a little more stretch, a little more ease. This pair looks just like a sleek pair of skinnies, only even less work than a pair of jeans. Just something to slip into a pair of boots or with a cozy sweater, when you kind just don't want to commit to a legitimate pair of pants (which I feel like is most days for me).

Seneca Denim Leggings, $88 (available at Juicy Couture).

The Big Want

Tiger's Eye is one of my favorite gemstones. I love the different shades of brown - it's so rich and mysterious. I think these creamy cocoa shades are so perfect for fall, too. How gorgeous would this ring look with deep purples and greens and grays for autumn? I am shopping for a gigantic ring right now and think this more than fits the bill.

House of Harlow 1960 Tiger's Eye Dome Ring, $65 (available at Shopbop).

FB&F Favorite Online Shopping Sites

This post started out as one of our periodical pointers, InStyle recently had a great feature on online shopping that we wanted to share with you, but then we saw the opportunity to share our favorite shopping sites with all of you and seized the day. Check out the list below of our favorites for inexpensive finds and let us know if we missed any of your favorites!

Multi-Designer Retailers:

• Shopbop - One of the largest online retailers, you can scroll through the pages of denim for days. If you can't find it at Shopbop, you may not be able to find it anywhere. They carry tons of designers in every price point, and the stylists put together inspiring look books that allow you to shop by trend or style.
  
• Colette - A little French influence, gorgeous clothes and accessories, plus home, beauty, music, and books - what more could you want? Well, free shipping would be nice, but sometimes the cost of overseas shipping is worth it and if it's from Colette it is probably one of those times.
  
• Net-a-Porter - If you are on an FB&F budget, Net-a-Porter is strictly for wish list items. N-a-P carries looks straight off the runway from Balmain, L'Wren Scott, and Ralph Lauren to name a few, as well as keeps your feet and hands stylish too with Christian Louboutin, Fendi, Manolo, Balenciaga, and more.
  
• ASOS - British retailer carrying their own designs - which are inspired by celeb style so you can buy dresses inspired by Agnyess, Alexa, and Kate - as well as clothing from French Connection, Twenty8Twelve, and such. Great jewelry and headpieces from the likes of Jennifer Behr. Bonus they carry beauty!
  
• Oak NYC - This NYC-based boutique carries clothes, and styles them in their photo shoots, with an edgier vibe. They mix hard and soft for a look that is very New York, and the site recommends which pieces will compliment the item you have already selected to achieve this look.
  
• Revolve - Where do you start?? With more designers carried on Revolve than you can count, it is a little daunting at first, but you can always find something new for your closet here in whatever price point you need. Also, their magazine and "The List" can provide great inspiration and styling suggestions for items you already have in your closet.
  
• Etsy - This site is so good it has developed a cult following. Hundreds of artisans sell handmade goods on Etsy, so it is easy to spend hours searching for (and finding at a reasonable price) the perfect headpiece or piece of jewelry, or even art for your apartment that is truly original and unique.
  
• CUSP - As much as we love Neiman's (yes shopping with moms is the best), their sister site CUSP carries the younger brands that we all love like Blake Standard, J Brand, Vince, etc...and as a result the merchandise is often closer to our price point than Neiman's.
• Fred Flare - Super low price points, boots for $30 and cocktail dresses for $40, but buyers beware on this site as the quality of the items can be questionable. If you want something that is on-trend and don't want to spend a lot, check out Fred Flare which carries inexpensive favorite BB Dakota.

Retailers:

• Forever 21 - For the same reasons we love the store, we love the website. Forever 21 is perfect for fun pieces that you don't mind having last only one season. We covet the jewelry section, dresses and tees are great from online too, but, due to inconsistent sizing, you may want to visit the store for pants or anything else where you might want to check the fit.
  
• Topshop - Obviously. You can always find a must-own on British retailer Topshop's site. The prices are slightly higher than what you might find at a similar retailer like H&M or Zara, but the ability to shop from our desk makes it worthwhile. Great for blazers, waistcoats, dresses, skirts, blouses...they have somehow captured the effortlessly cool British style we all love, and given us American girls the chance to rock it on this side of the ocean.
• Miss Selfridge - Another one of our British favorites, and Miss Selfridge likes to party - a large section of the site is focused on going out outfits (a term we haven't used since college, but still appreciate). In addition to carrying fun items like sequin blazers, short skirts, and satin rompers at reasonable price points, there is also a large petite section for those of you who are.
  
• American Apparel - This is the absolute go-to for leggings, bodysuits, tanks, tights, and other closet-stocking basics in every color imaginable!
  
• J. Crew - A classic. Great for styling inspiration from the best, plus girly versions of closet necessities like cardigans, super soft tees, cords, blazers, jackets and more.
  

Discount Retailers:

• Gilt Groupe - This invitation-only site emails daily offerings from every designer (from Oscar de la Renta to Tibi) at deeply discounted prices. In addition to Womenswear, Gilt offers Menswear, Travel, Housewares, and Children's clothing. Shoppers beware, Gilt is addicting and since they email you every day and store your credit card and address information, shopping on Gilt can easily become your daily guilty pleasure.
  
• Outnet - A little sister of sorts to the ultimate splurge site Net-a-Porter (see multi-designer retailers above). The Outnet takes the hand-me-downs, or excess merchandise, from Net-a-Porter and sells it with prices slashed up to 80%. Amazing for luxury items at low prices.
  
• eBay - If you have the patience for the auction process, eBay can be the perfect place to find vintage or sold-out-everywhere clothing, accessories, shoes, and especially handbags. However, you must be careful and only buy from verified sellers as it is easy to be duped by scammers with fake merchandise.
  
• RueLaLa - Another invitation-only discount site featuring brands that everyone loves like Cole Haan and Citizens of Humanity.
  
• Shop Style - This idea is genius! You search for an item you want to buy (for example the Proenza PS 1 bag) and this site aggregates every retailer carrying it online and tells you the price. This is the perfect way to find whatever you are looking for on sale somewhere.
  

Vintage:
Although FB&F advises buying vintage at a store rather than online because each piece fits so differently and can be hard to judge quality online, here are some sites that have been highly recommended to us. Proceed with caution.

• Vintage Vixen - This reasonably priced self-acclaimed "vintage heaven" website has been around for 12 years so you can assume the products are legitimate. Vintage Vixen carries clothing, jewelry, purses, shoes, etc...they do have a couture section, but last time we checked Anne Klein was in there so couture might be an overstatement.
  
• Decades Two - The online version of the very famous and fashionable L.A.-based vintage boutique - you may have seen it featured on The Rachel Zoe Project recently. Decades only carries high-end vintage, so expect to find previously loved pieces from designers like Balenciaga, Gucci, Chloe, and more.
  
• Nasty Gal - Maybe it is unfair to put Nasty Gal under the vintage category since they carry a combination of both new and vintage pieces. This site specializes in '80s and that influence is evident in their styling and selection of new merchandise - think fingerless gloves and studded leather vests. You can definitely find some unique standout pieces though (we especially love the jewelry section) in a flat broke price range.

Phew! So how did we do? Let us know if we missed your favorite as we are always looking for new shopping sites!

The Big Want

I'm all about a bucket bag right now. I'm borderline obsessed with my little Chris Kane for Topshop version (it's little and black and tassled), but already have my eye on amassing more. Gray is one of my favorite shades, so this immediately caught my eye. I love the worn-in, soft leather and the cross-body strap is a nice touch.

Leather Duffle Cross Body Bag, $110 (available at Topshop).

Professor DVF

As you all already know, we at FB&F watch The City, we loved her S/S 2010 collection, we think her clothes look chic in any setting.... She is an incredibly accomplished, talented, smart woman who is still leading the way in fashion (36 years after debuting her infamous jersey wrap dress) while also mentoring young standout talent like Alexander Wang. I guess you could say we at FB&F adore Diane von Furstenburg in a major way!

The girls at Fashionista were lucky enough to hear Diane von Furstenburg speak yesterday at Teen Vogue's Fashion University and posted the highlights of her advice-filled speech on their site here. Definitely check it out today if you have the time.

My favorite highlight is "She (Diane) takes pride in understanding women. Diane believes that clothes should be like close friends: 'When you’re standing in front of the closet in the morning, and you feel like shit, you should go for the reliable one that makes you feel good.'"

The Big Want

Everywhere you look right now, you see a little spotted something. Everyone appears to be following their animal instincts, opting for a hint of cheetah or leopard on a scarf or skirt or a cardi. I think this drapey sweater in an unexpected shade of dark blue is a great way to incorporate this animalistic print into your wardrobe - the deep tone makes it a little more wearable and subtle. Just pair with a tee or simple dress for a pop of print and go.

Cheetah Shawl Cardigan, $19.80 (available at Forever 21).

Jealous of Gisele

As if the amazing face and figure, gorgeous husband, and mega paychecks were not enough of a reason to harbor a little jealousy towards Gisele Bundchen-Brady (not sure if she is actually hyphenating her name, but oh well!), the picture above was released in the Daily Mail yesterday giving us yet another reason. Gisele is pulling off the rock chick look better than anyone I know, and she is doing it while 7 months pregnant! The perfect motorcycle boots, the perfect fitting black jeans, the perfect well-loved rock tee, the perfect bomber jacket, the perfectly tousled hair......oh and apparently she is taking helicopter flying lessons and her teacher says she is "one of the best student they've ever had." Grrrr.....

The Big Want

Let's kick this week off appropriately - with a shoe. Sea of Shoes' Jane Aldridge has just launched her holiday collection with Urban Outfitters, three new styles to add on to summer's trio of shoes. I love this style the best: it feels like current Chloe, with a dash of Proenza Schouler. I think these would look great with some rolled up jeans or cords.

J. Aldridge by Sea of Shoes Tall Wedge Lace Boot, $128 (available at Urban Outfitters).

The Big Want

Sometimes you just get in the mood for a little luxury....and a lot of label. Now, obviously a full designer getup, or even part of a designer getup, is aspirational, not an actuality, for the most of us. So thankfully there are things like scarves, sunglasses, belts and small goods to help us have a touch of luxe in our lives. I think this Prada makeup case helps to scratch that high-end itch. Its gleaming gold details and delicate yet playful ruffle are molto Prada. Use this for travel or as an extra pouch for your purse or even take it out for a twirl as an evening clutch. While it's not the same as taking home one of Miuccia's velvet and tweed frocks from her fall line, it's a little something lovely to love.

Prada Cosmetic Case, $235 (available at Neiman Marcus).

Chic of the Week

Who: Actress Zoe Saldana.

What: A ruched white Calvin Klein.

When: Monday, October 19, 2009.

Where: At the 16th Annual Women in Hollywood Tribute in Los Angeles.

Why: Well, I'll always love Zoe and anything she does since I'm a girl and therefore obviously loved Center Stage. But also because she looks so pretty here. So feminine and bright and pretty, yet modern and fashion-forward. She just totally radiates here.











Photo courtesy of ELLE.

The Big Want

I'm all about a statement necklace, be it a bib or ribbon-festooned or a just plain colorful style. So today's Want is unsurprisingly just that - a bold, bright and slightly tough piece of neckwear. I am crazy about the splash of neon pink in it, juxtaposed with a coiled metal chain. The textures and combinations are just totally divine. This would look so cool paired with something sort of casual or plain to add a little flair (in a cool Taylor Jacobson kind of way, not a TGIFriday's way).

Dannijo Dexter Rope Necklace, $270 (available at Intermix).

The Big Want

There is something so elegant and dramatic about a long leather glove. After seeing a picture of Natalia Vodianova pairing a black leather opera-length pair with an architectural yet ladylike short sleeve white Calvin Klein ensemble at the designer's fall '09 show, I quickly saw that they can be simultaneously sophisticated, young and cool. I love this deep purple pair in supersoft leather. I think they would look so incredible with a crisp short sleeve jacket or tee and vest, or really anything similarly short of sleeve to showcase the gloves' length and maximize their impact. Whether you go for Uptown sophisticate or Downtown cool, either way they'll make a fantastic statement.

Long Leather Glove, $110 (available at Ann Taylor).

15% Off at Shopbop

Just in time! Shopbop's Friends and Family 15% off discount is letting me finally get the Dolce Vita dress, Thayer double-breasted blazer, and possibly even the Sergio Rossi suede pumps I have been storing in my online shopping cart for months! What will you finally buy?

Style Source: Sylvana Soto-Ward

Although part of me is burning with jealousy of Sylvana Soto-Ward's enviable job (Director of Special Events at Vogue - which means she plans the Met Ball and rubs elbows with Anna Wintour and every designer) and the fact that she has the job at the young age of 28, and that she graduated Cum Laude from Princeton, I was playing around on Vogue.com today and found that I couldn't peel myself away from her Five Days, Five Looks, One Girl. I was so inspired by just the first day (see above) that I spent the rest of the morning searching for more photos and apparently Sylvana never disappoints.

Her daytime style tends to be a simple silhouette, dresses or skirts paired with cardigans and belted at her waist, but she keeps it interesting with different textures like brocade and fur, and statement-making accessories. Before taking on her new job, SSW was the Accessories Editor at Vogue (promoted from Anna Wintour's assistant) - you may remember FB&F's post of her showing 60 Minutes' Morley Shafer some neon booties in the Vogue accessories closet - and it appears she obviously uses her eye for accessories in her own wardrobe.

Overall Sylvana's daytime wardrobe is classic (blazers, cardigans, silk blouses, pleated shorts, flats) while at the same time contemporary and age-appropriate (studded booties, bright colors, and cropped trousers). She looks effortlessly chic and pulled together.

Her nighttime style is also incredibly chic. She can wear long gowns without them wearing her (although it might have been worth a quick onceover with an iron!) just as easily as a short black number dressed up with heavy and impeccable, accessories . Also, FB&F named her Chic of the Week back in June for the perfect fit of her grey Rouland Mouret dress paired with orange Louboutins.

And for her party look, well the girl certainly is drawn to sequined dresses! I found not one, but three recent pics where she was sporting a sequined dress. I have to say I admire that she knows what she likes and she knows how to work it - the dresses show off her figure and the sequins remind us that she is only 28.... to which I have to add a jealous UGH!

The Big Want

I'm kindasorta obsessed with Missoni. It all is just too luxurious, jet-set and sort of glamorous 1970s for words. If I could drape myself in their knits from head to toe all the time, I would. But sadly that's only a coulda and woulda situation as even their diffusion line, M Missoni, is out of my price range. So, until I have the funds to devote to their beautiful dresses and sweaters, it's all about the small accessories. One such way to get the look is through the instantly identifiable Missoni scarf. I love this version and its slightly retro color palette and cozy mohair blend. And - gasp! - it's straight-up, bonafide Missoni for under $200. Need I say more?

Missoni Green Knitted Striped Scarf, $178.20 (available at MyWardrobe.com).

The Big Want

Out walking around on Saturday, I popped into BCBG for the first time in a few months to kill a little time and check out new fall clothing. Lots of winter-ready vests and coats, highly covetable and cool jewelry (more on that later), great sweaters and eye-catching shoes. What made me go truly wide-eyed and open mouthed? The srray of little leather and mixed material jackets. I especially loved this awesome and totally tough leather number. The motocross-inspired stitched detailing adds this texture that is so amazing and special and the whole thing feels very Balenciaga meets Balmain (I know, I know, again with the Balmain). What to wear it with? As far as I'm concerned, anything and everything.

Leather Jacket with Stitched Detail, $448 (available at BCBG).

Mango = Major

There's a touch of Alexander Wang and a hint of Christian Louboutin. A whisper of Balmain, Chloe and YSL, too. No, I'm not talking about Net-a-Porter or Barneys. I'm referring to the inspiration behind Mango's latest shoe collection.

To be perfectly honest, I rely more on H&M, Zara and Forever 21 for my fast-fashion offerings. Mango doesn't often blip on my radar. Nor really do shoes from these discount duds purveyors. It's kind of become an official rule with me. They usually look too cheap and always seem to me that they'll end up being utterly, truly uncomfortable. But I think I just had nothing short of a change of personal policy upon spying these offerings from Mango.

I adore the lug sole Dr. Martens-esque patent lace-ups and on the totally other side of the spectrum, the flirtatious lipstick red bow pumps. And the booties! We have multi-buckled Western tinged, studded stilettos and barely ankle-grazing platforms. And that's pretty much just the half of it. Best of all, everything stays around and under the $100 mark.

Here are some of the best.

Martin Boot, $99.90 and Punkita Boot, $99.90 (both available at Mango).

Clockwise from bottom left: Lobo Shoe, $99.90; Dora Boot, $99.90; Flami Boot, $109.90; Parys Boot, $109.90; Mimi Shoe, $69.90 (all available at Mango).

Ruff 'n' Ready

It's here - the collab between Ruffian and Anthropologie has arrived. Mise en Scene, the name of the line of clothing exclusive to the chain retailer, which includes accessories and homewares, is now available online and in stores. Though the line retains the posh wearability and sophisticated femininity of the design duo's main label, the numbers on the price tags are something new: even the highest priced items - two elegant coats in classic camel and black - remain under $350.

Here are some favorites from the inaugural collection.

Clockwise from top left: Quilted Velvet Jacket, $188; New Standard Overcoat, $328; Mod's-The-Word Dress, $248; Lacy Floral Tights, $38 (all available at Anthropologie).

The Big Want

Eat your heart out Decarnin! This Balmain-esque spangled dress has my heart a-flutter. For those of you still enjoying pleasant weather, make it all about legs, legs, legs and a major heel. For those of you, like me, already being kicked and punched by WINTER, opt for tights and, depending how daring you're feeling, an over-the-knee boot or a slick bootie. And maybe even a cozy beanie to sort of Erin Wasson it up.

Spirit Dress, $398 (available at French Connection).

Chic of the Week

Who: 90210's Jessica Stroup.

What: A Chloe purple long sleeve minidress, black patent pumps and House of Lavande earrings.

When: Wednesday, October 14, 2009.

Where: 2009 Voice Awards in Los Angeles.

Why: Now I am in general against this Beverly Hills redux and am just not into any of the shows starlets (they are just no replacement for Kelly, Brenda and Donna...or even Andrea), but for once I found myself nodding in agreement upon seeing one of these young ladies' red carpet moments. I like the short wavy bob and dramatic yet fun earrings. The dress is on-trend with its long sleeves and looks fresh and cool, while the heels are simple and flattering. Though I think the show is a big FAIL, this look is definitely a win.






Photo courtesy of JustJared.

Congratulations to the Class of S/S 2010

Do you remember class awards? Best dressed, Best couple, Worst couple, Most Likely to Succeed, Most Likely to Live at Home... any of those ring a bell? The awards were thought up harmlessly and all in good fun, the results were compiled and the awards winners put into the yearbook for all to see, and then the awards either haunted or honored the recipient for years to come (personally I won Daddy's Girl which I'm convinced was an accounting error since I of course should have been Best Dressed).

Anyway, Vanity Fair has taken this idea and applied it to all the designers who showed Spring/Summer 2010 collections in this article. There is Best Athlete (Alexander Wang), Most Likely to Win an Oscar (Marchesa), Cutest Couple (well in this case a threesome at Chanel), and a few others that we thought were spot-on. Check out the complete list here.

What awards would you give to the S/S 2010 collections?

By the way, I know the images above are random, but I thought it is always fun to see what supermodels looked like in high school.

Inspiration Bored/Board

I love to put together some of my favorite street style moments, creating sort of a virtual inspiration board, to gawk (of course), but also to figure out what trends I'm seeing and what I want to sneak into my own wardrobe. Looking at some snaps courtesy of Scott Schuman from the shows, I have already started thinking of tweaks I'd like to make to my own styling and what I also might want to purchase for the season. What I'm seeing (and what I can't wait to wear)? Menswear-inspired, slouchy/sexy looks. Tweeds, trousers, pleats, sturdy belts, cuffs, loose fits, parkas. A little bit unbuttoned, a touch of ankle, an accentuated waist, a hint of fur - all tiny twists and details that add femininity and sex appeal.

Also having a moment: unexpected color combinations and surprising pops of color. Black and gray is revived with neon brights. A gelato orange shade paired with teal (and pink heels!). Ripe, autumnal red-orange worn with green, brown and blue. I can't wait to see what I can mix and match in my own closet - maybe green, yellow and gray? Purple and blue and orange?

Time to play some serious dress-up (and maybe a little dresser drawer mad scientist)!



Photos courtesy of The Sartorialist.

Nearly Known

Fashion Week is not just about the clothes, the star-spotting, fantasizing about traipsing around Paris and Milan in femme fatale YSL stilettos...sigh...it's about the models. Seeing the new faces, wondering who'll be back, off-duty style. In other words, hooray for models! Here are some of my favorite not-yet-household-names:

Elsa Sylvan
Elsa Sylvan rocks. The 22 year old Swedish model is one of the truly awesome gals out there right now. For the spring shows, she walked Louis Vuitton, Proenza, Chanel, Rodarte, Celine, McQueen, Chloe...yeah, she had a good season. She has some great brows and killer face structure and is just that perfect combination of doll-like and doe-eyed with odd and ferocious. The result? A total combustion of cool.

Sylvan walking Rodarte and Proenza Schouler's S/S 2010 runways.

Looking amaaaazing in the August issue of Vogue Paris.

Backstage at Zac Posen's fall 2009 show.

All photos courtesy of New York Magazine.

Imogen Morris Clarke
Delicate British Beauty Imogen Morris Clarke is only 17, but her face has already graced the pages of Vogue Italia, Dazed & Confused and W. Her runway resume is not too shabby either - this past month she stomped the stage for the likes of Miu Miu, D&G, Vuitton, McQueen, Prada, Chanel, Giambattista Valli, Chloe, Dries Van Noten, Luella and Erin Fetherston among others. I adore her saucer-sized eyes and 1960s throwback looks - she'd look just as at home in Mary Quant as she does in futuristic Alexander McQueen.

Walking the fall 2009 runway for Pringle of Scotland and Marc Jacob's spring show.

In Vogue Italia, July 2009 and March 2009.

Photos courtesy of New York Magazine.

Tao Okamoto
With her amazing cheekbones and bold cropped cut, Tao Okamoto stands out from the crowd. And in such a good way. From channeling the incomprable Tina Chow for Vogue Paris this past September to sparking comparisons to Peter Pan in i-D, Tao can do it all. And walk with the best of them - this September she did Akris, YSL, Donna Karan, Vuitton, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Dries Van Noten, Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld, Narciso Rodriguez, Gareth Pugh and others. She's even one of Ralph Lauren's new ladies, appearing in one of his fall campaigns looking gorgeous in tweed.

A killingly cool portfolio polaroid and walking for spring 2010 Fendi.

Tantilatingly Tina in Vogue Paris.

At YSL and full of love backstage at Karl Lagerfeld, both S/S 2010.

Photos courtesy of Models.com and Style.com.