District L

Curiously conquering the aftermaths of our eventful Saturday evenings, DL-and-friends met for Sunday brunch at Caliu.

“Perfect. Just small enough for us to get kicked out,” we mused aloud, as we descended upon the cozy West Village establishment in leather, fur, and last-night’s hair. We quickly began our bottomless mimosa session, sunglasses barely concealing our caustic glances at neighboring tables, and ordered enough Papas Bravas to soak up the afternoon.

Jenni Kayne

Rachel Zoe

Our second stop was the Tribeca Grand Hotel for serious coffee consumption, gold-flecked chocolate tarts, and… an afternoon nap. Yup, it’s all fun and games until someone passes out in The Lounge.

Thankfully, this Pre-Fall season was all about uncomplicated brunch-dressing – easy layering, oversized fur, and playfully grown-up accessories. And it’s okayyy… we’re not real adults yet.

No. 21

Post by Amanda LaMela

I sat down in Lincoln Center's Theatre on Monday evening distracted with heartbreak for narrowly missing Norman Ambrose's show. Although it hadn't been the first show I missed this season, it was certainly one of the more anticipated young designers on my schedule.

Then, the booming sounds of City Grrrl by CSS quickly ejected me out of my disappointment. Betsey Johnson's show had begun.

Betsey's daughter, Lulu, took to the runway, for the first time in 10 years, in a sexy, Brigitte Bardot-themed collection. Circling to songs like Ice Cream by New Young Pony Club, Lulu feigned bashfulness when the crowd cheered – that is, until mother dearest entered center stage dancing to Ass & Titties by DJ Assault.

Not a bad Monday, wouldn't you say?

Our Tuesday started with a mystifying presentation by Improvd. The dramatic collection was a crowd-pleaser with its dark elegance and theatrical choreography.

We then left Lincoln Center and headed down to The Lambs Club for the relaunch of Models by Michael Gross. With Nicole Miller, Carmen Dell’Orefice, and Robert DiMauro on the guest list, we partied as if the re-rerelease was its first. After picking up my copy of Models, I bumped into the controversial author himself.

“Ohhh, you’re young! A newbie in this industry,” Michael Gross cooed, “They’re going to chew you up and spit you out in a heartbeat!”

"Don't say that!" I replied defensively.

“Oh, no, babe. I know for a fact. Because in my day, I would have been one of those who would have done that!”

Taking Michael’s advice to heart, I switched gears and preceded downtown for the Holy Ghost! Fashion Week Party at the Tribeca Grand Hotel. Daniel Franzese was loitering out front with friends, discussing his new role in Jersey Shoresical, a musical poking fun at the reality show. Inside, fans danced wildly as they were instructed to hold on… and hold tight.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Jules Kim of Bijules launched her style-centric film Amasia with an event at the Tribeca Grand Hotel yesterday evening. Showcasing a "fish scale" three-piece ring, the cinematic project revolves around environmental movement, the power of water, and the beauty in nature's power. Juxtaposing natural footage with special effects, the film uses shots taken during Kim's latest trip to Iceland.

The vivacious designer told District L about the initial moments of her project: "I warned [Diane Pernot], 'Are you sure you want me to be part of this? I'm gonna fuck your shit up.'" Kim, who is known for her tongue-in-cheek humor and irreverent creativity, repeatedly praises the collaborative aspect of the film. “I watched the finished product for the first time on my floor with my laptop -- and I was immediately brought tears," admitted the designer.

Post by Amanda LaMela

NYC Internet Week 2011 is upon us.

Grab your OAK mesh-pieced leggings or CMYK necklace and head out to meet the youngest brood of Zuckerberg-wannabes. The Tribeca Grand Hotel would be the perfect place to debut your newest piece of Plastique at tonight's IWNY After Party.

Images from Vogue Italia (2003) - Steven Klein

The weekend began with EFFEN vodka and edgy electronic beats by Savoy – and it ended with Sunday’s sidewalk visit to Hulbert Waldroup, the infamous artist on West Broadway. Toss in a few glasses of champagne, a brunch session at Freemans, one major OAK sale, and a lazy afternoon at the Tribeca Grand Hotel…

No amount of youth is being wasted on these PYTs.

And if the rumors are true, spring is right around the corner. Toss your winter coats into storage and prepare to match your wardrobe to that new abundant social calendar:

Brunch at Marc Forgione: Two-Toned Heels by Kathryn Amberleigh (219 Mott Street)

Art Shopping on West Broadway: Crescendo Dot Dress by Lois Eastlund (153 Ludlow Street)

Nighttime Rooftop Pregame: Impact Silk Crop Jacket by Stylein (EVA New York)

Post by Amanda LaMela

Three-day weekends are like invitation-only sample sales or open-bar fashion week parties – and District L hates abrupt, unwelcome endings. We celebrated the weekend’s start with a few rooftop cocktails at the Park Avenue Gansevoort. Despite the strong G&Ts and modern décor, the DL team kept Friday’s gathering short in order to make the most of our Saturday morning trip to Philadelphia. As we headed southbound on Saturday with Starbucks in tow, we enjoyed an AM impulse purchase from Plastique.

After arriving in Philadelphia, we held a fashion-fueled meeting with Lisa from Local Boutique. Although we were in the land of the Liberty Bell, we certainly maintained our New York state of mind.

We returned to New York later that evening and celebrated the day’s accomplishments at White Noise. Classic glamrock vibes kept us going until the wee hours of the morning. But Lou Reed quickly turned to Reade Street, with just a short nap separating our night-time follies from our brunch-time activities. We took to the streets of TriBeCa for some Sunday indulgence and stopped by Marc Forgione for bottomless mimosas and contemporary dishes. ­­After a few hours of excessive consumption, we sauntered around the neighborhood, visiting buzz-worthy shops like Working Class Emporium.

When the cold became too unbearable, we stumbled into the Tribeca Grand Hotel for a warming cappuccino. Finally, with the help of Nurse Bettie and her Rosemary Gin & Tonics, we returned to the Lower East Side for our Sunday nightcap.

We woke up to a work-free Monday and sartorial plans with Lois Eastlund. Wall Street was on a “red alert,” as we staged a rooftop photo shoot with a February theme.

After Lois left, our Monday melancholy returned with a vengeance. Fortunately, we will be curing these blues tomorrow at Irina Shabayeva’s preview event. From 5:30-7:30pm, District L will be swilling cocktails and chatting with the designer at Trump Soho.

Post by Amanda LaMela