District L

"Nobody wants to be a hipster." -Dov Charney, CEO of American Apparel, Avid Hipster

Like all good hipsters, Dov denounces the lifestyle he pioneered. But, ya know, it's like... whatever.

Single consonants have recently become the key to monumental fashion publicity:

Since Sally Singer took Stefano Tonchi's spot at T in early June, her name has elicited more fervor than DVF's hairy encounter with Olivier Zahm. Tonchi's new life at W is no clandestine affair either. As his editorial makeover was unveiled, the fashion world went wild, simultaneously applauding and analyzing his creative process. In the meantime, V generated a buzz with this month's New York issue, featuring some annoying model with her equally annoying new 'do.

Although concision was never his forte, Shakespeare once wrote, "Brevity is the soul of wit."

And with that being said, dear readers, TGIF.

Post by Amanda LaMela

As you all know, Bryant Park will no longer be home to the bi-annual mayhem that is Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Because it is already mid-August, it is about time we start agonizing about the changes we'll have to endure. And while agonizing might make us feel better, the act of complaining means nothing without consequently forming a plan of action.

Here we are, Lincoln Center, bitching and planning:

Pre-Show Caffeine:

Starbucks - 1889 Broadway near Columbus Avenue

Starbucks - 152 Columbus Avenue near 67th Street

Cafe Fiorello - 1900 Broadway near 64th Street

Post-Show Cocktails:

MObar - The Mandarin Oriental's fashionable 35th-floor lounge, with plush seating and panoramic views, will certainly fill up with industry professionals for S/S11.

Per Se - Already known to be a spot for celebrity sightings, this culinary heaven will be serving more drinks than food for just one week.

Mid-Day Nourishment:

Jamba Juice - 10 Columbus Circle near 8th Avenue

Transportation:

Since Conde Nast will be moving downtown, maybe Anna will let me carpool with her from FiDi?

With an explosion of pink, patterns, and lemonade cocktails, Betsey Johnson descended upon her Soho store to celebrate her 68th birthday. After climbing out of her fuchsia limo, Betsey and her team of look-a-likes swooped in to drink, dance, and eat decorative cupcakes.

Betsey's birthday speech was a rhapsodic monologue that highlighted the keys to enjoying her golden years: Good friends, good men, and a good doctor.

We swirled our Chambord concoctions, admired Betsey's runway compilation video, and witnessed the undeniable fashion legend as she celebrated nearly seven decades of being fabulous.

"Isn't it great to be 68?"

Post by Amanda LaMela

Friday's EyeScoop announced the death of the fedora, and the simultaneous resurrection of the big, floppy hat.

You know what that means! All Goodwills south of 14th Street will begin morphing into Prohibition-Era millineries in...5 ....4 ....3...

Blame it on nostalgia. Blame it on slow summer news.

Whatever the reason, we lucked out, because WWD did an article on Daria yesterday. The MTV cartoon character from 1998 had her time to shine yet again in a fashion-focused "interview."

The piece, which drills into Daria's "minimalist" look, highlights her dark color palette and commitment to combat boots.

We'd like to meet the MTV PR rep who was in on this coverage push.

Be In Style, a site that focuses on fashion and style, just named District L Best of the Web: Style Blogs of the Week. Click on the link and give it a read!

Be In Style Online Shopping

It happens twice a year.

In the midst of a season, whether it be the heat of summer or the dead of winter, our transient fashion tastes shift before the weather. While the new suede oxford platform ankle boots may look great in our closets, they don't always work when paired with the fabrics fit for 100-degree Manhattan afternoons.

Lucky for you, we have outlined transitional looks to take you through August and early-September, with the help of a libertine party photographer.

We recently talked about a revived interest in yellow. Today, WWD highlighted a resurgence in brush stroke-inspired patterns. Kirill captures both of these looks in one PYT-filled photograph.

Go back in time. It's hard to go wrong when you tastefully induce nostalgia. Bow-tie details, streamlined looks of the 60s, and two-toned spectators feel fresh without feeling heavy.

Decontructed menswear is the easiest way to introduce your autumn accessories. We witnessed it in February and still feel it now. But don't take our word for it; Take Richard Chai's.

Post by Amanda LaMela

It's the first week of August already, which means New Yorkers watch their city transition yet again: The Garment District slowly begins to shed their interns, our favorite LES bars begin to regain their Manhattanite feel, and New York Fashion Week preparations are underway. But before we rush through the remainder of summer too quickly, let's reflect on the warm-weather industry happenings thus far:

PumaCity Events. Some were chic, some were wild, some weren't worth mentioning. Regardless, the sheer volume of industry parties thrown at the PumaCity venue in South Street Seaport exhibits how soccer, for a fleeting moment, became fashionable.

Creators Project. Sponsored by Intel and Vice Magazine, loved by all attendees. Creations included performances by Die Antwoord and Interpol, art exhibitions by Hojun Song, and a short film by Spike Jonez, just to name a few. The New York event, which took place on June 26, rocked Milk Studios with music, mingling, and a 12-hour multi-level open bar.

Sidewalk Catwalk. We love it. We talked about it. And it's still going strong. Unveiled on June 24, this outdoor art will stand fashionably between Herald and Times Square until Labor Day.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Have your friends noticed that you continue to check in at the same lame clothing stores on Foursqaure every week? Well, my friends, you are in luck.

Local Boutique, an App by Virtual Real Estate, locates nearby under-the-radar boutiques with independent appeal. District L favorite, Lois Eastlund, is listed on the locator, along with other select retailers.

Post by Amanda LaMela