It’s just two days until Sex and the City 2 opens nationwide and fashionistas and fans of TVs most (in)famous foursome are waiting with breath that is baited to see how Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda have evolved since last we saw them.

Since you’ve seen the trailer (so what if you crashed your work computer watching it over and over in high resolution?) you know that that all four ladies and Mr. Big reprise their roles and that a trip to the desert brings Carrie and Aiden face to face (shock!).  But if you’re like me, you’re likely plagued with questions: Will she cheat on Big? Was it Aiden this whole time? Can I pull off a long ruffled skirt with a simple tee? Why are they on camels?  How on earth can you walk through sand in 4″ Manolos?

Sadly, I have no answers, but I do have some shots from the premiere to tide you over until Thursday!  

SJP in fun, flirty, fluorescent Valentino

A dramatic Cynthia Nixon

Kim Catrall stealing the show in Naeem Khan

Kristin Davis pretty in pink

Jason Lewis looking like an Absolut Hunk

A sight for sore eyes, John Corbitt

Mr. Big (Chris Noth) and his real life leading lady, Tara Lynn Wilson

Oh, the internship.  That inevitable right of passage where eager students and wide-eyed career hopefuls seal envelopes, fetch coffee and write copy for their masters, err, mentors.   But the internship is about to be revamped! 

Vogue UK is reporting that Lady Gaga has applied for an internship with renowned milliner (hat maker) Philip Treacy.  The duo has collaborated on some of Gaga’s showstopping headpieces in the past and is said to get along quite well.  Though nothing has been confirmed, a spokesperson for Treacy said, “We really cannot wait to see what happens.” 

By taking an internship, Gaga is following in the footsteps of NY Ranger’s player Sean Avery and Kanye West who both took time to learn the fashion ropes at Vogue and Louis Vuitton, respectively. 

The lesson here? You’re never to young, old or famous to learn something new.   

The Canne’s film festival is in full swing in the South of France. To truly appreciate something, you must first understand it’s history. Allow me…

The Cannes Film Festival was founded in 1946 and is the world’s oldest and most prestigious film festival.  This year marks the 63rd year.  The films are screened and judged by a panel (jury) for prizes like Grand Prix (Grand Prize), Prix du Jury (Jury Prize), Palm d’or du court metrage (Best Short Film) and so on.  Winning at Canne is a sure-fire way to find a distributor and market your film stateside.  This year’s jury is headed by American director, Tim Burton. 

But enough history, bring on the fashion!

Kate Beckinsdale in Balmain

Evangeline Lilly (in Pucci), Michele Yeoh, Naomi Watts (in Gucci)

Michelle William's in SUNO

Czech supermodel Eva Herzigova in Dolce & Gabbana

Eva Longoria Parker in Pucci

There are two things that everyone knows about Calvin Klein: their woman’s denim and their men’s underwear.  Both have seen iconic advertising campaigns and catapulted their stars into the limelight, but is booking a campaign a precursor to success?  More often than not. 

At just 14 Brooke Shields proved that nothing gets between her and her Calvin’s.  The controversial 1980 campaign made her a household name and sought after actress.  After putting away her Calvin’s, Shields went on to star in the cult film Blue Lagoon, and TVs Suddenly Susan and Lipstick Jungle.

After displaying his wares (pun intended) in Times Square, Mark Wahlberg, put his rapping days behind him, was nominated for an Oscar (The Departed) and now produces the HBO staple, Entourage. 

Post CK, Djimon Hounsou was also nominated for an Oscar (Blood Diamond) and pro-created with Kimora Lee Simons.

Antonie Sabato Jr., has stared in a slew of soap operas, Melrose Place and most recently, his own VHI reality show (did he ever find love, I wonder?).

Of those currently parading around in their undies, Mechad Brooks has appeared in Desperate Housewives and the hit  HBO series True Blood, while Kellen Lutz has put his (ridiculous) six-pack to work on The Bold and the Beautiful, 90210, Nightmares on Elm Street, and The Twilight Saga.

The lesson to aspiring stars and starlets? Hit the gym and keep you eyes on the billboard!

Brooke Shields

Kellen Lutz

Christian Louboutin has had enough!  Enough of counterfeiters that is.  The brand has announced that aggressive legal action will be taken to stop counterfeiters who profit from the sale of faux Louboutin’s.  The company launched Stop Fake Louboutin to help educate consumers on websites that sell fake luxury goods and what actions may be taken against them.  The company is so serious about this pursuit that they’ve posted video of knockoff shoes being bulldozed (http://www.stopfakelouboutin.com/index.php/en). 

While defending your good name and the authenticity of a product is certainly expected, this kind of destruction strikes me as wasteful.  The more charitable (and news worthy) alternative would be to donate the pieces to the numerous nonprofits and shelters striving to help women survive adversity by providing clothing and shoes for job interviews and outings.  Perhaps getting these women back on their feet in some faux Louboutin’s gives them the opportunity to walk around in a real pair someday…

Louboutin Cate Trash Slingback (ironic, right?)

Iconic eye wear brand Ray-Ban is revamping its classic line of shades and launching six new Aviator designs.

The brand, a favorite of celebrities and rock & roll icons, is hoping to reestablish their 60-year-old line with styles like Ray-Ban Craft, Titanium, Metal Glide, Road Spirit, Tech and Ultra Gold.  The Metal Glide and Road Spirit will come in bright colors like yellow, blue and fuschia while the Tech, Titanium and Ultra Gold will feature new construction like carbon fibers and titanium.   Retail prices begin at $139.

The new looks were officially launched a celebrity filled party in Brooklyn attended by Kate Bosworth, Iggy Pop, Juliette Lewis, Charolotte Ronson, Justin Long, Kelly Osborne, Agyness Deyn and Jessica Stam.

Kate Bosworth

Iggy Pop

Jessica Stam

When someone says “wicker” to me I picture patio furniture, an overdone floral living room at Grandma’s house and a Nicholas Cage movie, but wicker is about to become fashionable. 

Diane Kruger, who convincingly played the most beautiful woman in history (Helen of Troy), was recently spotted in France carrying a basket purse.  Basket purse?  Yes, Kruger completed her chic (Chanel Spring 2010) look by carrying her lady things in an actual basket.  (A trend is born!) 

If you simply cannot avoid cliched images of picnics and fairy tales when carrying a basket, try Straw Studios Wicker Tube Clutch ($46).  

Kruger with basket and boyfriend Joshua Jackson

For many readers, summer is a time to put away the textbooks, political memoirs and book club brain crushers and kick back with some lighter pulp.  Two suggestions for your warm weather leisure time:

Sex and the City 2: The Official Companion Book ($14):  If you watched the series,  loved the first movie, are dying to see the second (mark your calendars, May 27) and absolutely obsessed with the fashion, this is a must read.  The 500 pager offers insight and wardrobe notes into the fashions worn by your Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha and some behind-the-scenes photos from the set. 

Style, Naturally: The Savvy Shopping Guide to Sustainable Fashion and Beauty ($10): Summer Rayne Oakes sets out to help you blend your sense of fashion with an eco-conscious sensibility by explaining the basics of fair trade and sustainability as they relate to the clothes we wear.  She also introduces the reader to like-minded fashionistas like Stella McCartney, Levi’s, Edun and others. 

Slip on that sundress, your strappy sandals and sunscreen and get to reading!

Promo shots for this weekends Miss USA pagent have been released and are under fire for their racy content.  

From the looks of things, Miss USA , once a celebration of the nations most wholesome beauties, has shifted gears in favor of the lingerie, fishnets, heavy eye-liner and bedhead so prominent in men’s magazines.  Despite the public outcry, pageant officials are defending the shots calling them “hot, yet tasteful.”  (Isn’t that what infamous pageant queen Carrie Prejean said about her own racy photos and solo sex tape?)

It’s been reported that several contestants voiced concern over how the wardbrobe would affect their image, but consented for fear they wouldn’t be considered contenders without them. 

I worry about how these shots might influence the talent portion of the competition…

Miss Connecticut

Miss Iowa

Miss South Dakota

Miss Virginia

Believe it or not, there is still a law on the books in Paris that bans women from wearing trousers (pants).  The law was implemented back in 1800 by the police chief and has managed to withstand numerous repeals.

Over the years, the law has been adapted slightly to include exceptions.  In 1892 women were permitted to wear pants as long as they were “holding the reins of a horse.”  In 1909 a woman could wear pants on a horse and while riding a bike. 

Most recently (2003) President Sarkozy’s political party penned a letter to the minister in charge of gender equality to protest the law.  (The President is married to former model and fashion plate Carla Bruni who does wear pants.)  The minister declined to repeal making the pants law in Paris one of the most archain laws of fashion. 

The law hasn’t deterred Parisian women from wearing pants, but if you want to steer clear of the long arm of the law, I suggest you stick to skirts. 

Carla Bruni Sarkozy in pants.

Last night The Metropolitan Museum Costume  Institute held a gala was to celebrate the opening of the new exhibit American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity.  The exhibit runs through August 15 and will explore “developing perceptions of the modern American woman from 1890 to 1940 and how they have affected the way American women are seen today.”  The study will focus on American femininity as expressed through clothing and how changes in style have affected women’s liberation and progress in society and politics.  

Naturally, the event drew a slew of fashionable women.  A few of our favorites:

Anne Hathaway in Casadei

Camilla Bell in Jason Wu

Gwen Stefani in LAMB with Gavin Rossdale

Kerry Washington in Thakoon for Gap

Kate Hudson in Casadei

Twihards rejoice!  You may now be betrothed just like Edward Cullen and Bella Swan of the The Twilight Saga.

Author Stephanie Meyer and Infinite Jewelry Co. have co-designed an engagement ring to the exact specifications of the one Edward gives Bella in the novel Eclipse: a domed-oval gold ring with brilliant cut diamonds.   Each hand-cut ring boasts thirteen diamonds weighing a total of 1.06 carats and is available in white gold or 14k yellow for $1,979.  A less expensive “fine” version and a costume piece are available for $479 and $35, respectively.  

Eclipse is set to hit theaters this June.  (I certainly do!)

The ladies in Hollywood are breaking out their stems and looking good.

Gwyneth Paltrow is making the rounds promoting her new flick Iron Man 2 looking effortlessly glam (as usual).  Here she is at the premiere in a gold Giorgio Armani jacquard shorts suit, Chopard jewels, Christian Louboutin clutch and Gianvito Rossi booties. 

And while you may not be a fan of GOOP, it’s hard to deny that her obsession with cleansing and fitness does a body good!

Gwyneth Paltrow at the Hollywood premiere of Iron Man 2

Amanda Seyfried of Mama Mia fame donned a similar outfit (but in black) at the Tribeca Film Festival.  Seyfried (below) in Viktor & Rolf shorts and blazer and matching Roger Vivier shoes looks sexy yet smart.   Like Paltrow, Seyfried is meticulous with her diet (she details the pangs of eating raw in Esquire magazine).

Dare we say a (fashion) star on the rise?

Amanda Seyfried at the Tribeca Film Festival

If you’ve seen the trailer’s (and I trust you have), you know the ladies take their fabulousness out of NYC and to the sandy desert.  Based on the trailer and the (scant) details we’re acquired thus far, here are a few things we think will be trending this summer and into the fall:

1. Scarves: Not just for grandma’s and cold weather, scarves are about to hit the fashion big time.  Go for color and wrap yours over your head and tie at the nape of the neck or around the front of your forehead (headband/bandeau style).  And if you happen to be in a convertible (or on a camel), don’t be afraid to channel Jackie O.

2. Long, feminine dresses: Ranging from floral to hippie-chic to luxury maxi’s in metallics, dresses are definitely in.  They work well with an embellished flat or strappy sandal and are the perfect way to beat the heat without sacrificing the fashion.

Josh Brody Maxi-Sleeveless

3. Shoe, shoes, shoes:In the series and in the first film, Ms. Bradshaw solidified what many of us already knew: it’s all about the shoes!  It looks like the ladies will continue their shoe game in the second film.  Invest in the staples like  classic black and nude pumps and permit yourself the luxury of buying a statement shoes to build an outfit around. 

Rock & Republic Pandora Chain Sandal

4. Fun, fearless females:  The journey the ladies take in SATC 2 seems to be all about embracing life and being fearless, fun and female; something that never truly goes out of style. 

Miranda, Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte

Also look out for all the subtle trends the film is keeping under wraps (like the iPhone cameo in the first film).

Every one’s favorite Republican/Geography Wiz was spotted wearing Juicy Couture sunglasses at the Phillies v. Diamondbacks game on Sunday.   She wore the shades with her signature coif, perfectly polished makeup, silver hoops, a black top and navy khaki’s. 

We’ll give her a point for relevancy, but she’s got nothing on our political style icon FLOTUS.  

Signing a ball for her adoring fans

Palin flanked by daughters Bristol and Piper

There is something wonderful and undeniable happening in the fashion and entertainment world right now: the casting of un-enhanced, real looking women.   (Okay, okay, size 4 is not exactly a real woman, I hear you!)

A decade ago, plastic surgery seemed as necessary as a killer resume and signature walk.   Now, casting agents are in hot pursuit of talent that bypassed Barbie conveyor belt.  For example, Fox Broadcasting has been casting young women from Australia and Europe to avoid the “sameness” that the LA standard of beauty has created. 

While most agents and directors admit that a little nip tuck will not likely end a career, extreme surgeries, especially on older ladies, can lead to casting doubts.   Faces that are dramatically altered not only make a character hard to identify with, but can be distracting. 

Breast implants in particular have become problematic.  Most agents, directors and costume designers prefer women with natural breasts, especially for period pieces (implants are not consistent with certain periods of time and can detract from the authenticity of a film).   It is rumored that a young Hollywood actress, renowned for her beauty, was not cast in a Batman movie because the director believed her breasts were fake.  While her implants didn’t affect that particular role, the director worried that her choice to enhance herself called into question her acting abilities and understanding of the craft. 

The recent casting of more life-sized models, naturally aging women and untouched celebrity photo spreads call attention to our own notions of beauty.  So, what do you think?  What is beauty in 2010?

Is this beauty?

Maybe this is beauty?

How about this?

Or this?

Calvin Klein will (reportedly) stop booking the size zero model.  Francisco Costa, creative director, said that casting has become “a little too formulaic” and is looking to use healthier, more realistic models in his upcoming campaigns and runway shows.  The brand will now book size 2-4 rather than 0-2. 

Rumor has it Costa has booked Lara Stone as this fall’s face of Calvin Klein.  Stone is notorious for speaking out against the inachievable expectations the industry places on models.  (She’s a gorgeous size 4.)

With this shift, we real women have more hope that the fashion world is finally on it’s way to embracing the female figure as we know it. 

While I fervently believe that every day is a great day to hug a tree, today is the official 40^th celebration of the planet (Earth Day).  From drawing inspiration from nature to using eco-conscious materials and means of production, we’ve learned that fashion and the environment go hand in hand.  In the name of both worlds, here are some simple ideas for maintaining your wardrobe in a way your mother and Mother Nature would be proud of.   

Limit Your Dry Cleaning. The dry cleaning process uses toxic chemicals like percholorethylene which are bad for you, your clothing and the planet.  Most items dubbed “dry clean only” can actually be hand washed and air-dried, a do-it-yourself method that will also save you some money.  If your wardrobe demands the care of a professional, look for a “green” cleaner who uses a wet cleaning or carbon dioxide cleaning. 

Turn something old into something new.  Take a tattered denim jacket and transform it into this season’s hottest vest.  Dresses become skits and tops, flare leg jeans become pencil legs, and those worn out pants become sexy cut-offs.  Get creative; you’ll be amazed at the life left in last season’s favorite pieces.

What’s mine is now yours.  If you can’t make something out of something else, have a clothing swap instead.  Invite your friends to clean out their closet and create a make-shift thrift store in your living room. You’ll save money and the planet by exchanging pieces rather than buying new.  (This works especially well if you’re friends have great taste!)

Donate what you don’t wear.  If you haven’t worn it in years, if the tags are still on it, get rid of it!  There is no reason to clutter your closet with pieces you don’t wear and no reason to torture yourself over what you can’t wear.  Donate unworn (and gently used items) to shelters and programs that assist those in need.

Store clothing with care. Properly storing your clothes from season to season helps protect them and prolong their life. It will also help you keep an organized closet which, in turn, allows you to shop smarter. Because, let’s be honest, how many white tank tops and black cardigans do we really need?

Fight nature naturally.  Moths destroy clothing and moth balls destroy the planet.  Dried cloves, thyme and lavender repel moths and keep your closet smelling fresh and clean.

Be a conscientious cleaner. Nontoxic, biodegradable detergents are not only earth-friendly, but they’re actually gentler on your clothes and skin.  Air-dry when you can instead of using the dryer.  It saves energy and extends the life of your clothing. 

Is it possible that retailers are altering the sizes of garments to boost customer morale?  Likely, says the Times UK.  Vanity Sizing, a ploy to flatter women by making clothes bigger and attaching smaller size labels, is the latest retail trend. 

Brands have always designated their sizes based on their clientele: a size 10 at a trendy youth store is not the same as a size 10 in a women’s boutique.  But with the trend of Vanity Sizing, today’s size 10 may not the same size 10 from a few years ago no matter where you’re shopping. For instance, in 2004 Gap, which uses inches to determine sizes, listed a size 14 garment as a fit for a 37″ bust, 29″ waist and 39″ hip.  Today those dimensions are 37.5-29.5- 40″. 

Next time you’re shopping, it may be difficult to tell if you’re fitness formula is working or if Vanity Sizing is in effect.  (Just in time for bathing suit season!)