Duff & DKNY

Actress/singer/songwriter Hilary Duff has teamed up with DKNY to design the Femme Campaign. Ultra huh. The jury is still out for me, however, the collection will launch next month; just in time for back to school kiddies.

*Miz B

Photo Credit: the cut

White Haute

For those haute chics getting prepared for upcoming white parties, you should consider the white suit. When a woman wears a suit, the alternative is sexy, smart, and effortlessly elegant. Pair with your sexiest heels, and you are ready for a grand entrance.

-The Style Maven

Photo Credit: Google

Visual Hemline

You won't find this on many blogs-Hemlines would like to spotlight illustration artist Richard Haines. He stalks the busy NY streets and sketches men who have fresh style. Fashion fact-real designers start with a sketch; an inspiration that will come to life. Haines recently sketched campaigns for J. Crew and InStyle. I for one will be following his work. Ultra haute. Check his blog and become a fan: http://www.designerman-whatisawtoday.blogspot.com/.

*Miz B

Photo Credit: designerman-whatisawtoday.blogspot.com

Weekend Haute Spot

I know it doesn't seem like summer in the bay area, but don't let that stop you. Hemlines weekend Haute Spot is the 2nd annual Oakland Lakefest; this Saturday & Sunday from 10:00am-6pm. Enjoy wine tasting, kid's carnival, live music, and arts & crafts. This event is free. For more info: http://www.oaklandlakefest.com/.

*Miz B

Photo Credit: oaklandlakefest.com

Hemlines Tip

Ladies we all have that shoe (or shoes) that we absolutely love, that show stopper that will carry us from one year to the next. Well, it's important that we take proper care of those shoes so that they remain staples in our closets. Here are some helpful hints to keep those heels looking like new.

Leather: Before wearing spray on stain guard. You don't want to seal in dirt or marks, and remember to spray soles too.

Suede: Clean frequently with a suede brush; it'll keep the material looking new and get rid of any dirt under the surface.

Stilettos: To make a pair really last, reinforce soles and heels right after buying. Store with cedar shoe trees. They smell great, absorb moisture, and help hold shape.

-The Style Maven

Source: InStyle

Photo Credit: Google (shoe by Giuseppe Zanotti)

Behind The Seams

Our First Lady Michelle Obama continues to ravish us with her elegant style. Her un-official stylist is Ikram Goldman. I say un-official because Michelle clearly knows what works for her, and has established relationships with designers. Goldman's boutique is located in the Tony Gold Coast shopping area of Chicago, which features high end designers & accessories; such as-Alexander McQueen, Balmain and Halston. For more info on the styles of The First Lady hit up: http://www.ikram.com/.

*Miz B

Photo Credit: yahoo/ikram.com

Haute Supper Club

For those of you like my myself that have been longing for a Bay Area supper club, our wishes have been granted. Introducing Coda, opening August 1, 2009, mixing live jazz, Cal-Mediterranean fare, and classic cocktails. Also, stay tuned for the Gospel brunch. Located at 1710 Mission St. in San Francisco; the space formerly housed the Lavende Lounge. (Soft opening August 1 and grand opening August 4) http://www.codalive.com/

-The Style Maven

Housewife Hemlines

One of my favorite reality show vixens will get her chance to shine even more when she unveils her shoe line later this year. Yes! That's right, Ne Ne Leakes of Bravo TVs Atlanta Housewives has a shoe line coming out. Haute damn. Two snaps for Ne Ne. I'm looking forward to seeing her collection, and if it will be as sassy as she is.

*Miz B

Photo Credit: Google

Not Just Suits Anymore

There once was a time when you heard the words Brooks Brothers, an image of a stodgy old man may have appeared in your head, but those days are no longer. Founded in 1818, Brooks Brothers is the oldest surviving men's clothier. The historic company is now bringing fresher, more current styles like the pants seen above. Men, don't be afraid of color; it's a balancing act. If wearing colorful pants or shorts, your shirt should be of a neutral hue. These vibrant trousers can be combined with a simple white v-neck tee and loafers for a classic Summer look. www.brooksbrothers.com

-The Style Maven

Photo Credit: Brooks Brothers

The Art Of Beauty

Save the date: August 9th, 2009 at the Malonga Casquelord located at 1428 Alice Street. Oakland, Ca. The Art Of Beauty is a benefit fashion show showcasing the bay area's hautest style junkies. Come out and support the Youth Learning Cultural Institute, while witnessing the latest hair & fashion trends. For ticket information contact: theartofbeauty2009@yahoo.com or 510-200-3663

The Wait is Over

Leanne Marshall, the recent winner from the show Project Runway, now has her line available at Bluefly. Her line took longer to produce than previous Runway winners because according to Leanne, designing on the larger scale is much different than the one-of-a-kind pieces she is accustomed to making on her own. The collection is filled with her signature look, and can be found at www.bluefly.com

-The Style Maven

Photo Credit: Google

Models Of The Runway

On August 20th, all you Project Runway junkies will be satisfied as the new season airs now on the Lifetime channel. If you still need a fashion fix stay tuned, because a spin off show will follow called Models Of The Runway. Sixteen models will be competing; for $25,000 and a chance to be in Marie Claire Magazine. Let's see if it's going to be an accurate depiction of a model's world.

*Miz B

Photo Credit: Yahoo

Who Is Frankie Finch?

Whether music or fashion Frankie Finch is ahead of the curve. The recording artist advertised shirts and sweatshirts alongside her music online, and the fashion took off. The go-getter seized the opportunity, and is continuing to fuse both haute music and haute fashion. www.finchla.com

-The Style Maven

Photo Credit: Google

YSL Fall

As we begin to see Fall trends emerge, and we keep an eye on what's hot, we mustn't forget about make-up trends as well. Yves Saint Laurent releases Fall lip gloss next month called Gloss Volupte, the lip lacquer comes in shades like Iced Lychee, Chilled Rasberry, Frosted Plum, and has an SPF of 9. The brilliant glosses retail for $30 and can be found at www.bergdorfgoodman.com

-The Style Maven

Photo Credit: Shecky's

Haute Iron

Introducing the Root Control curling iron & straightener by celebrity stylist Kevin Ryan. Model & actress Joy Bryant is one of his clients & she swears by it. Those of us with natural hair constantly battle with keeping those "edges" straight after working out & sweating. This haute iron retails at $179.99 at http://www.amazon.com/.

*Miz B

photo credit: getty images/amazon.com

"Beauty Challenged"

"They were made to look like us, and they look more like us when they're flawed", said Rebecca Martinez, whose exhibit "Beauty Challenged" is currently on display at the Robert Tat Gallery in SF. The show is filled with pictures of weathered mannequins, the images have been digitally enhanced to add color, blur images, or change skin color. The exhibit runs through August 22 and you can get more information at http://www.roberttat.com/

-The Style Maven

Photo Credit: SF Gate

Forever Home & Beauty

The recession isn't stopping Forever 21, they will be opening Forever 21 Home & Beauty Lines later this year. Details have not been released yet, however, I can only imagine actually smelling like I'm 21 again, and maybe the home section will look like a dorm room. I'm sure the decor will be trendy and affordable as always. Ultra interesting.

*Miz B

photo credit: yahoo

Italian Vogue

Last year, Italian Vogue editor Franca Sozzani made the bold decision to feature only Black models in its July issue. It was a powerful statement to illustrate the lack of diversity in the fashion industry, the Summer issue entirely dedicated to the woman of color quickly flew off the shelves. Fast forward to July 2009, and the mag is not dedicated to Black models, but it does feature the Black Barbie. Some believe that this is a clever promotion for the "So In Style" line of Barbie's due to be released soon. This new line of Barbie's will feature fuller lips, wider noses, distinctive cheek bones, and curly hair; they are said to have more accurate characteristics. There are those that may conceive the idea of devoting magazine spreads to dolls as novel, but I think this further shows the need for variedness, and it's a deliberate snub to the capable Black models that should have graced the pages, and gotten paid to do so.

-The Style Maven

Photo Credit: NY Mag

Fall Preview

Even though I love, love the summertime; there's something about fall that get's me going. Maybe it's the art of layering during the fall season. Today's fall preview is from a catalog that we've blogged before on Hemlines: http://www.alloy.com/. Boots are essential for fall, and these engineer style boots are a must! They retail for only $42.90. I adore the taupe colored ones. You can rock them with your favorite pair of distressed denim, or a short skirt for a bohemian vibe. Ultra haute.

*Miz B

The General Store

The Portland General Store is an online body care retail store exclusively for men. The products are made from the most natural and highest quality ingredients, but what is most unique about the products are the scents. They bring to you toilet water scented of Whiskey or Tobacco, and coming soon is Wood deodorant stick. For more old-fashioned and natural saloon swag visit: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7129122&section_id=6088558

-The Style Maven

Photo Credit: Google

Pooch Hemlines

Every fashion savvy pet owner recognizes the need for their dog to be just as fly. The new pet apparel line Scutte is here to assist. The SF based company specializes in casual everyday clothing and accessories, and they are having a launch party Thursday July 23rd from 5Pm-8Pm at the Cheeko B Pet Boutique. For more information visit: http://www.scutte.com/

-The Style Maven

Photo Credit: scutte.com

Billy & Sidney

Some of you may remember the 1992 film "White Men Can't Jump". It featured Woody Harrelson as Billy Hoyle & Wesley Snipes as Sidney Deane, and they portrayed hustling Venice Beach street ballers. Well, Nike has released sneakers in honor of the characters; the Nike Hyperize "Billy Hoyle" comes in a white, green, and blue color pattern, while the Nike Hyperize "Sidney Deane" comes in black, blue, and red. The long awaited shoes were released in Australia at Footlocker on July 18, 2009, but I'm sure resourceful Nike fans in places elsewhere will be turning to eBay to get their sneaker fix.

-The Style Maven

Photo Credit: myairshoes.com

Raising the Bar

The tie bar had a great presence in the 1920's, but like most fashion trends they lost popularity, but resurface about every 20 years or so. Also known as the tie clip, today's versions have a much more minimalistic look with clean lines, and simple patterns; unlike the tie bars of the past that displayed prominent designs, or small badges indicating membership or club affiliation. For a wide selection of tie bars visit: www.cufflinks.com

-The Style Maven

Photo Credit: Google

Haute Diggity Dog

What is a Summer without baseball and hot dogs? You may think the words upscale and hot dogs are a contradiction, but Show Dogs has broken culinary barriers, and has been serving all natural links since their debut on July 9, 2009. With a menu dedicated strictly to the dog, they offer about a dozen different selections a day, and about 10 different local brews to boot. To sample exotic franks like the wild boar dog or lemon chicken sausage, visit Show Dogs at 1020 Market St. in San Francisco. http://www.showdogssf.com/

-The Style Maven

Haute Rods

Undeniable beauty, and sleek bodies; I'm talking about classic cars of course. On Sunday July 19, 2009 from 7AM-5Pm, San Francisco will host their version of Concours d'Elegance. Maseratis, Bentleys, Jags, and other luxe vehicles and muscle cars all for your viewing pleasure. Once you have had your Ferrari fill, take a break and make your way over to the cigar and Scotch lounge. Cost is $50 and you can get more information at: http://www.sfconcours.com/

-The Style Maven

Photo Credit: Google

Hemlines Hint

Men, give your wardrobe a brand new look. You can remix your attire by mixing various patterns and textures as seen above by Hunter Parrish of HBO's Weeds. Bringing together unlikely fabric combinations like denim and tweed, you instantly bring new life to what's already in your closet.

-The Style Maven

Photo Credit: Just Jared, GQ

Tried, and the Truth

This rejuvenating moisturizer is sure to heal the roughest of hands. No-Crack Super Hand Cream is one of the few emollients that I have found to have true lasting power. Once I apply my lavender rosemary scented cream, my hands remain soft for hours. No-Crack is also available in other yummy scents like cucumber mint, grapefruit ginger, and Meyer lemon among others. The 16oz. size retails for $16 online at www.restorationhardware.com and the 4oz. jar can be purchased for $8 at Restoration Hardware retail stores.

-The Style Maven

Celebrity Hemlines

When I saw Solange's darling romper(yeah, that's Solange in the upper left corner, in B's shadow), I was immediately smitten with the bold fit, and had to get the scoop on the designer. Well...she is Maya Lake of Boxing Kitten, and she produces one of a kind garments that celebrate the spirit and lives of women who have come before mixed with the playful vibrancy of the women of today. Her collection is filled with fearless color, and unique separates she refers to as "ethnic rockabilly". www.boxingkitten.com

-The Style Maven

Photo Credit: Just Jared

Cowabunga!

JC Cellars is hosting their annual beach party on Sunday July 19, 2009 from 1PM-4PM. The cost of entry is $20 in advance, and $25 at the door. Admission includes a souvenir wine glass, sampling of over 12 different wines, light bites, Trucker's Syrah & Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, and a DJ spinning classic summer tunes. Grab your flip flops and head over to JC Cellears Winery at 55 4th street in Oakland. More info can be found at: http://www.jccellars.com/events.html

-The Style Maven

Ford Models??

Okay, as a professional model myself, I can no longer sit back and take this fiasco! I'm sure alot of you have seen ex-stripper, and video vixen & Kanye West girlfriend; Amber Rose. Word has it she has signed with Ford Models. ULTRA YIKES! What are we doing Ford?? This is a disgrace to all the Supermodels that have represented this agency. I need all industry peeps to follow the rules of fashion. Let's get back to basics, such as height requirement and healthy hair, skin, and teeth. Is the recession really this bad Ford? Maybe I should start over and swing from a pole; date a well known musician and then maybe I can get a couture campaign. Your thoughts fashion community- This is not hate peeps I'm merely stating the facts! Is Amber Rose America's Next Top Model?

*Miz B

photo credit: google

Trade Secrets

When you are looking for a spin on comfort favorites such as brisket sandwiches, a stiff Manhattan, or other classic cocktails, Trademark is where it's at. Trademark opened earlier this month, and is the American bistro sibling to Elite Cafe on Fillmore. Visit Trademark at 56 Belden Pl. in San Francisco for happy hour, power lunch, or business dinner. More information at: http://www.trademarksf.com/

-The Style Maven

Meow?

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the apparel manufacturing company Kellwood Co. could be forced to file bankruptcy soon. Russell Simmons sold Phat Farm & Baby Phat to the Kellwood Company back in 2004. This recession is indeed horrible, however, can't say that I own any Baby Phat in my closet, and yikes if you do.

*Miz B

photo credit: yahoo

Sunburn...911

We still have many days left of fun in the sun. After a day of lounging at the beach we can sometimes experience the sunburn blues; Beekman 1802 After-the-Sun soap to the rescue. The soothing soap is made with natural ingredients like goat's milk, organic green tea extract, aloe, and lavender. The small bars can conveniently be thrown in your beach bag for on the go relief, and the ten mini-bars retail for $14.95. To soothe your scorch visit: www.greendepot.com

-The Style Maven

The Art Of Beauty

Save the date: August 9th, 2009 at the Malonga Casquelord located at 1428 Alice Street. Oakland, Ca. The Art Of Beauty is a benefit fashion show showcasing the bay area's hautest style junkies. Come out and support the Youth Learning Cultural Institute, while witnessing the latest hair & fashion trends. For ticket information contact: theartofbeauty2009@yahoo.com or 510-200-3663.

*Miz B

Photo Credit: Sandreka

Tools of the Trade

The Double-Ended Grab'n Go Brush is the perfect solution for the haute chic on the move. You have an eyeshadow brush, and a loose powder or compact foundation brush all in one. The adorable applicator retails for $32 and can be found exclusively at www.sephora.com

-The Style Maven

Haute Gizmo

The WowWee Cinemin Swivel is a lightweight gadget (approximately the size of a candy bar) that will turn the nearest flat surface into a movie screen. This small, but mighty projection device works with ipod, iphone, mp4 players, or anything that can store digital video. Just plug it in, and in minutes you can entertain friends and family with your favored flicks. It retails for $349, and pre-orders are available at http://www.wowwee.com/en/products/tech/projection/cinemin/swivel

-The Style Maven

R&B Hemline

Just like one of his beats Pharrell Williams thinks outside the box and I love it! He was recently on the red carpet sporting these brown knee length boots, with slouchy jeans. Take notes fellas, ultra haute.

*Miz B

photo credit: wire image