It Takes Way Cuter T-Shirts to Fight AIDS

[Images via HM.com]

I stopped into H&M this weekend and saw their latest Fashion Against AIDS t-shirt collection. Like their last FAA collection, these shirts were all designed by musicians and celebrities who can't design for shit. It's really unfortunate, but it's true.

From Katy Perry's disgusting airbrushed bodysuit portrayal of the human digestive system to Dita von Teese's uber-creative "look, it's my eye. I drew my eye." shirt, it's just a sad scene.

Nicole Richie: Jewelry "Designer"

Nicole Richie has launched her new jewelry collection "House of Harlow 1960" - complete with a lookbook starring... herself! Gotta love that celebutante modesty.

Surprisingly it's more reasonably priced than even Heidi Klum's collection -although to be fair, Heidi does tend to use higher quality materials. Prices start at $18 for a 14K gold plated ring and go up to $170 for a crystal faceted headpiece.

You can find the collection at Shopbop.com - which incidentally has a sale going on until Thursday. It's only good if you're planning to blow at least $200 though (one pair of jeans on this site can get you there) - you'll then get $25 off. Use code: TAXBREAK09

Topshop US Opens on Thursday

Finally!!! Anyone up for a MegaBus ride? I only need the slightest bit of encouragement...

For the opening they're offering free manicures, hairstyling and makeovers by Make Up For Ever (one of my fave pricey brands...) as well as live DJs (inlcuding Justine D. of my fave super-R.I.P. party Tiswas) and other giveaways.

In NYC this week, Topshop vans are all over the island giving out free gift cards: find out exactly where.

Chloe Sevigny "Designs" Second Opening Ceremony Collection

I'm starting to believe she may actually be dreaming these things up herself, because Jesus effing Christ, they are horrendous. I could pull these looks together with $15 and 30 minutes at a midwest Salvation Army. But Opening Ceremony is charging $95-$1,000 ($95, by the way, refers to a scarf.)

Women's Wear Daily has the full slideshow. The only thing I love - and I mean love - are her terrifying boots. And the leather shorts are cool. But I'd rather be stabbed with a blunt object than pair them with a collared shirt.

P.S. - Am I crazy or is that Lissy Trullie (of the band of the same name) standing to Chloe's left? LOVE that chick.

Mirror/Dash is Sweet/Boring

$88 and $98
[Image via UrbanOutfiitters.com]

Just found a few of Kim Gordon's Mirror/Dash designs on UrbanOutfitters.com, and I'm surprised to say that two of the dresses are great. (I'd say three dresses, but the third good one is already sold out. You GO grandma!) Unfortunately the rest of the line goes a little something like this: boring, black, boring, ill-fitting, black. I am, however, willing to take back the preceding statement if she wants to send the dress on the left as a bribe.

Kim Gordon's "Mirror/Dash" Collection

Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth is set to try her had at the sartorial arts once again (remember X Girl, her skater chick line in the mid-90's?) Mirror/Dash, her new label, drops at Urban Outfitters a week from Monday.

So far only two images have been released - one was a $415 (!!!) military-inspired wool coat featured in the New York Times, and more recently the dress shot featured in this post.
Supposedly the line will be less trendy (Soo...why the are you selling at Urban then?) and should appeal to women who might feel a little to old to shop at Urban (again, why?)

Look, I dig Kim Gordon and everything - I was a teenager of the grunge-era after all - but my expectations are not very high. Her personal style is like that of a subdued Chloe Sevigny.

Still, I do kind of like the dress. But only if it's not $415.

[Image via NYT courtesy of Urban Outfitters]

Ditto Does 80's Style Plus

Gossip frontwoman Beth Ditto has signed on to join the growing army of celebrity designers with their own label or capsule collection, thanks to a collaboration with Brit plus-size retailer Evans.
If you're remotely aware of this lady, you'll know that she's majorly into glam rock and 80's style, and she daringly rocks ensembles with a confidence that would blow any catwalk model right off the runway. Most of Ditto's own clothing is custom made by designers. She's always been outspoken about how places like Topshop don't cater to women her size, so her offerings will be the fruit of a personal crusade, and will be inspired by her own 80's aesthetic.
So I guess maybe for once, girls like me will be the ones sighing "I wish they made that in my size"?

Dress Like Amy Winehouse

British Vogue is reporting rumors that beloved crackhead Amy Winehouse is working on a fashion collaboration with uber-boring designer Fred Perry.

If you're not familiar, Fred Perry makes preppy clothes for people who don't think Izod is expensive enough. And Amy Winehouse often wanders London drunk with no shoes on. I can't even picture the hybrid that will result here, so we shall have to wait and see.

What do you think? Would you consider shopping a Wino collection? I guess if Amanda Bynes can have her own line, the bar can't get any lower.

Kate Moss Topshop Holiday '08 Picks

Kate Moss' Christmas '08 Collection hit Topshop yesterday, and according to Black Book Magazine, almost all of the pieces Kate was snapped wearing at events sold out within the first hour they were available online. Crackhead as she may be, girlfriend can sell you dress.

Still, there are plenty of good pieces left, if you're prepared to drop some (in some cases major) cash on limited edition items. Here are my picks:

Beaded cami, $250; 1920s dress, $310; Sequin dress, $260; Flying hearts dress, $100; Jersey scarf top, $36; Breton tee, $70; Wet look jean, $90; Fringe jacket, $160.

The one piece I'm bummed is sold out? The sequin cummerbund belt. Sigh...

What Would Tim Gunn Say?

Word has it she designed this herself? Looks like she did!
What I wouldn't give to see Michael, Heidi and Nina weigh in.

Rachel Bilson for DKNY

Here are the first images from "Rachel Bilson designed" DKNY line Edie Rose, set to hit stores like Macy's this fall. The clothes will range from about $20-$60, and judging by the promo shots alone, are pretty basic and tolerable. I'm especially digging the black dress with the sweetheart neckline and skinny yellow belt - very classic and versatile.
Whoever wore a Rachel Bilson mask while they designed these, nice job!
The next step is hunting these down in the store and checking that the fabric and fit are as nice as the images.

Barton's Bags

Mischa Barton's line of handbags hits British stores (John Lewis, Debenhams, and Fenwicks) on July 2. There are 30 designs and they range from $50-$350.
She swears she actually designed them herself.

Would you buy a Mischa bag?
	Yes, they're cute.
	Maybe - I'd need to see the other 28.
	Nah, too expensive.
	Hell no, they're fugly.

Boobs McGee Starts Selling Bras

Next spring the Jessica Simpson brand is expanding beyond shoes (great designs - though they run big by about 1/2 size), apparel and accessories and launching a line of bras and panties.
Not a bad move for a girl known for her boobs!
Her brand is expected to top $300 million in sales this year.
Meanwhile Nick Lachey is... doing... something? Bwwaahaha.

Perez Hilton: Mall Fashion Designer

Only Hot Topic would do this.
Starting June 6 a line from gossip blogger Perez Hilton will hit the shelves at the mall-ternative teen t-shirt haven.
The collection will consist of women's t-shirts, hoodies, accessories and footwear and will range in price from $1.75 to $46.
All items will also be obnoxiously named: Gossip Gangster Flip Flops, Perezcious Pink and Purple Lip Gloss, P-Nasty Shades...
You know, as long as his face isn't all over everything, it could be okay.

Update: Here's a pic...

Little Miss Wet Seal

Ashlee's new jam and clothing collection both drop 4/22.

Starting April 22 you'll be seeing more than just Ashlee Simpson's face at the mall. You'll also find her "designs."
Those heading to Wet Seal to get their polyester skank on next month will find a rack (no pun intended) of tops purportedly created by the 22-year-old pop rocker. The tops will feature designs inspired by her "personality, sense of style and album artwork." [2 versions of album artwork for her soon-to-be-released CD Bittersweet World above]
Prices will be "in line with" regular Wet Seal pricing. My bet is between $20-$30 a pop. No photos of the tops have been released yet.
Her bassist BF Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy) just nailed down a deal to sell his Clandestine Industries apparel line at Nordstrom starting April 2.
All that's left is for Jessica to start a fried chicken shop in the food court and the whole mall will be Simpson-ized.

It's Official

Nicky Hilton really has talent. Last year I saw glimmers of it, and now it's full-fledged. The educated Hilton sister put out a cohesive and wearable equestrian-inspired collection for her label Nicholai at L.A. Fashion Week this past Wednesday.
Check it out (it's here, past all the annoying photos of an over-tanned Paris.)

Rachel Bilson? Really?

DKNY is teaming up with O.C. has-been Rachel Bilson, who will "design" a collection for them this fall, which she's calling Edie Rose.

"The Edie Rose for DKNY Jeans line consists of about 15 pieces for the launch, including a sportswear mix of button-down tops, sweaters, jackets, T-shirts, dresses and two jeans styles — a straight leg and a skinny leg, both available in a dark wash." Reported Women's Wear Daily.

WOW. Sounds groundbreaking.
According to the DKNY Jeans prez , they picked her because their customer "has a real emotional connection with Rachel."
HUH? Yes totally- that girl who was on a teen drama that ended 3 years ago (and a bit part in a Zack Braff masturbation that nobody ever saw), really made an impression on me. I always think to myself, she's so unique. I wish she would design some clothes. And by design I mean tell people with talent to draw some things she likes. Yay!

L.C. Thinks She's a "Designer"

Lauren Conrad, rich kid and star of MTV's craptastically scripted "reality" shows Laguna Beach and The Hills debuted her own line at L.A. Fashion Week last night.

"It's not something that I really want to be part of a reality television show. It's a career I want beyond my 15 minutes," she told the Associated Press. (Her MTV crew wasn't there to shoot it.)

Okay, look at these designs. Straight out of Wet Seal with the tags cut out.
Reality check: LC won't be allowed to have this career after her 15 minutes! And she wouldn't be able to pretend she was having this career right now if they weren't still running.