Customize your Louis Vuitton Suitcase with Mon Monogram

LV's Mon Monogram personalization option already includes the Speedy and Keepall, and is now being expanded to include the Pegase 55 suitcase. Choose from 17 different colors for your two-tone initials (up to 3 letters) and stripes (either vertical or diagonal) - for more than 200 million (!) possible combinations per bag.  An in-store computer lets you see how your bag or suitcase will look, after which the order is sent directly to a LV workshop. Patience, however, is required as it can take between six to eight weeks to create and hand-assemble.  Available in 100 of LV's flagship stores worldwide (find the one closest to you at LouisVuitton.com).

- Lesley Scott

Meet bebe's New "It" Girl

bebe recently partnered with ELLE, Elite Model Management, and LOOK Model Agency to find the first bebe "it" girl.  1 million unique visitors and 6,500 submissions to the contest website later - not to mention 600 semi-finalists along the way, and finally, 6 finalists - lucky Rachel Pisciotta will be not only be featured in bebe’s online advertising & in-store marketing, but landed a six month contract with Elite and LOOK, and will be featured in an ELLE September issue advertorial. (from left: winner Rachel Pisciotta; finalists Maitlyn Simmons (red jeans), Ewa Lukawska, Destinee Baus, Khrystyna Kazakova, Erin Coleman, Rachel Pisciotta).

- Lesley Scott

Best of the Net-a-Porter.com Sale #2 (out of 5)

Orange pumps....oh, the possibilities. If they're not calling your name, then you probably lack a fashion pulse...

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Mermaid-like Touches of Blue Green Make for Fresh Summer Style

 

Update your summer wardrobe without spending a bundle through the magic of accessories - cute sandals, a roomy tote, fun watch & other bling - in the season's must-have turquoise'y aqua. For extra style points, be sure to touch up your toes in a coordinating shimmery shade (our pick: SEPHORA by OPI in "Mermaid to Order").

WHERE TO SCORE THE GOODS:

Enter the Winning Tee & Appear with Isaac Mizrahi on WNYC

Unleash your inner designer on the tee of your choice - cut it up, screenprint it, dye it, bedazzle it, make it out of unconventional materials or otherwise accessorize it in any way you see fit - and win a chance to appear live on WNYC's Leonard Lopate Show with Mizrahi on Wednesday, June 10 to discuss design (along with scoring a signed copy of the designer's latest book, How to Have Style).  "What's more fun than a classic t-shirt made chic and glamorous?" adds Mizrahi. "I can't wait to see what you dream up!"

Upload a photo of you wearing your fabulous creation here. Contest rules and info on The Leonard Lopate Show can be found at WNYC.org.

- Lesley Scott

Hot Summer Fashion Trend Alert: Ombre

Tie-dye's more sophisticated older sister is popping up on everything from summer dresses to handbags, shoes, scarves and even makeup. Ombre summer dresses are pretty and feminine with many sophisticated styles to choose from, while ombre accessories look fab with white denim. Composed elegant styles keep it looking less "Summer of Love" and more Ibiza, Capri or Santorini - suitable for a casual day at the beach, or a chic warm-weather wedding.

Our picks for Summer Ombre Style:

Hail a Taxicab Yellow Bag

Even at a tender young age, Danielle Nicole DiFerdinando harbored a passion for the finer things, in particular, accessories.  After later studying at NYC's F.I.T. followed by a stint in Europe where she looked to the design prowess of houses like Fendi, Hermes, Prada, and YSL, she then apprenticed at Be&D, Anthony Luciano, Bergdorf Goodman, and Gucci.  Her eponymous line of luxury bags features Italian lambskin, crushed patent leather, and French embroidery fabric. 

This fab, siren yellow number is even lined in ultrasuede - meaning it's washable!  "Gina" yellow patent clutch available at Danielle-Nicole.com.

- Lesley Scott

Succulent Summer Shoe Porn

Even if you don't live a lifestyle that includes wearing this fabulous of footwear (not to mention...footing(!) the equally bodacious bill) daydreaming is what makes summer fun.  Clockwise from top left:  Alexander McQueen, Nicholas Kirkwood, Gareth Pugh, Roger Vivier, Alejandro Ingelmo, Dolce & Gabbana, Marni, and Pierre Hardy.

- Lesley Scott

Best of the Net-a-Porter.com Sale #1 (out of 5)

Sales are a great time to stock up on fab non-basics and all the other stylish goodies you've been lusting after from NET-A-PORTER.com, like this fuchsia Miu Miu shift and kickass Sonia by Sonia Rykiel cardi.

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Don't Buy...D.I.Y Your Own Shredded Style Statement

Along with the return of all things 80s has come a resurgence in "deconstruction"...ie. rips, tears, shreds, and garments seemingly torn asunder.  L.A.-based designer Raquel Allegra recently showed tattered L.A. County Jail shirts fashioned - unbelievably - into fabulously floaty tops and dresses (above), while Erin Wasson looked unbelievably tacky trendy in a pair of well-ventilated TopShop jeans. Fashion bloggers like Rumi at FashionToast, Outsapop, and Camille of Childhood Flames (who works some serious shredding magic with a seam ripper and a Hanes tee) have all blogged about the grooviness of a shredded top.  And shredded tights look tres au courant with a dark mini, sweaterdress, or anything frilly (just not plaid...too 1992).

Instead of shelling out for pre-ripped tights, here's how to actually do it yourself: