FAB GIVEAWAY: Diesel's Only The Brave/Iron Man

Did you geek out at Comic-Con in San Diego last week? Haven't had your fill of superheroes yet?
Slick denim brand Diesel and Marvel Comic's Iron Man are teaming up for a FABulous giveaway.

Only The Brave was inspired by rebels. Unless you had your head in the sand, you know Iron Man is a bit of a renegade too.

To win, 'Like' us on Facebook, and post on the Ms. FAB wall on what makes YOU an Iron Man/Woman. The favorite answer chosen by our team gets the special edition comic book and Only The Brave cologne gift set. Winner will by chosen Wednesday, August 11, 2010.

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FAB Sales Alert: Alexander Wang, Barney's

In NYC:
Alexander Wang's much-coveted pieces are up to 80% off. The sale includes bags, shoes and clothes. I just saw a cute asymmetrical leather skirt for $238 (originally $595)
When: Thursday, August 5th - Sunday, August 8th Th (2–7), F–S (10–7), Su (10–3).
Where: 93 Mercer St., nr Spring St.
In LA/SF:
The Legendary Barney's Warehouse Sale is where you will find the most fashionable catfights of the year. Merchandise will be 50-75% off.
When: In SF, through August 8th. In LA, August 5h - August 15th, See website for hours
Where: See the website

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The Sweet Life Limited Holiday Launch

The summer isn't quite over, but I'm in a party-dress mood... Are we ready to shop yet?

Take a look at the photos above, and tell me if recognize the chic styles you see. The fashion forward looks you see before you are none other than shopping mall staple, The Limited.

At a launch party for the mega-brand, I saw embellished cocktail frocks, inventive knit treatments and a sophisticated color palette. Jeweled belts and raw edge chiffon corsages graced the mannequins like many a runway earlier this year.

Guests and fellow bloggers were treated to a free-for-all by Dylan's Candy bar to illustrate the evening's theme of "The Sweet Life". Day looks and evening looks were accompanied by trendy bags and coordinated dog outfits.

The event portrayed what a large clothing company should be. Fashionable, affordable and playful.

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Taboo's Deltah TM 3008 Launch in Midtown

Fresh off a performance at Good Morning America, rapper Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas made an appearance at the Foot Action store of Midtown Manhattan. The occasion was the launch of his new men's sneaker line, Taboo Deltah TM 3008.

Anyone who thinks of sneakers as simple athletic footwear has not seen its possibilities. The Taboo collection brings together urban glam and real functionality. Even better? The price point is a very accessible $65 - $85.

Ms. FAB had a chance to ask Taboo a few questions as he showed off the new goods… When asked if he personally “wear-tested” his own product, he responded with an enthusiastic “Of course!”

As someone who has seen many celebrity fashion projects, I was a little skeptical. I asked which style was his personal favorite. He immediately answered (and demonstrated) the black shiny high-tops were his preferred shoes onstage. He then showed off the red shoes that he wears for playing basketball. Ladies and gentlemen, I stood corrected. I don’t think you could have a better test of a shoe’s durability then having them pounded night after night on a concert tour. If you have ever seen a Black Eyed Peas concert, you know that’s quite a workout.

I was particularly impressed Taboo’s way with the crowd. Before the long line of fans were allowed into the store, he insisted on meeting the store staff. Most celebs would take the obligatory photo and that would be the end. Instead, he personally made contact with everyone around him, giving hugs, thanking them. Those who were shy, Taboo would reach out and drawn them forward. He was the same with his fans, giving each individual attention and appreciation.

I asked him if a full clothing line was in the works. He told me there were definitely plans for the clothing, but his next step would be to offer womens shoes.

The shoes themselves were not for the wallflower. Each had a signature Velcro strap across the top. A shiny embossed plate adorned some of the high tops. The materials were a mix of shiny patent-leather like fabrics with athletic mesh or matte PVC.

For the full event slideshow, see below:

Taboo Deltah 3008 Launch

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Chelsea's First Daughter Wedding Chic

Photo by Steven Stipelman and Courtesy Photo

Has there been a more anticipated/speculated wedding this past year? Chelsea Clinton's nuptials to Marc Mezvinsky had the media interrogating everyone from shopkeepers, gardeners and Rhinebeck residents for details of the event.
The bride wore a custom Vera Wang gown of swirled tiers on the skirt, asymmetrical bodice and a hand-embroidered crystal sash. Mom wore Oscar de la Renta.
First daughter weddings have always held a soft-spot for the American public. Perhaps the second generation represents optimism and continuity of American family values?

Photo by Getty Images
The wedding of Jenna Bush to Henry Hager was planned to be chic and simple. The Oscar de la Renta gown had a relatively simple silhouette. The V-neck back and short train was flattering and looked unstructured. Of course, the entire dress was elaborately embroidered by hand. The bridesmaids wore Bush daughters favorite, Lela Rose.

Photo by Life Magazine
In 1971, Tricia Nixon's wedding gown was so impressive, Life Magazine made it their cover story. The Priscilla of Boston dress was the epitome of what elegant, fashionable brides aspired to wear. This particular gown was a combination of exquisite lace appliqued to tulle and net.

So what will Malia and Sasha Obama wear when the big day comes? With Mom Michelle being a champion of new designers, the fashion press expects nothing less than inspiring.

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FAB Exclusive: Byron Lars - First Lady Favorite

Byron Lars is one of Ms. FAB’s fashion idols. He is also on the FLOTUS short list of go-to designers. Our most fashionable First Lady, Michelle Obama, wore Byron Lars Beauty Mark to a high profile concert event held at the White House in June. PBS will air Paul McCartney: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song In Performance at the White House" tonight on your local PBS station.

FAB Ritika got lucky and snagged an exclusive interview, a studio tour and a top secret peek at the 'First Sketch’ of the dress.

Mrs. Obama sketch in Byron Lars Beauty Mark

Byron at work in his studio

MsFABulous: What were some of your inspirations as you were designing the Fall 2010 collection?


Byron Lars: My inspiration for the Fall Collection was primarily color and texture based. Any fabrication that had either color which I couldn't get off my mind or that had a texture which compelled me touch it was included in this collection.
The themes involve vintage hybridization. For instance, a bulky cotton tweed boxy jacket that your grandma might have worn gets crossbred with a zip-front hoody, resulting in something that both a skate punk and your grandma could rock.

MsF: How do you develop your collections? Do you have a specific muse in mind as you design?
BL: Each collection is developed from many points of reference at once. Construction alone may inform some of the pieces while the attitude of a particular customer might inform others.
The one thing that I always try to keep in mind while developing new collections is to make sure that I’m providing clothes that help my customer look better. This is why so much attention is paid to proportion and detailing.

MsF: Do you think a great designer piece is a luxury or a necessity?
BL: I’m not so lost in fashion as to think that any designer piece is an absolute necessity. I am fairly certain however, that anyone who has once experienced wearing a designer piece that really fits properly and is made out of superior fabric might see things differently.

MsF: For design aficionados who can't always afford designer pieces, what is your suggestion to update their Fall 2010 look. Is there one piece you feel is a must have?
BL: I would have to say that the one must-have fall update item is a great fishermen cable sweater. Paired with a super dressy bottom that you already own (for instance that seldom worn beaded or sequined skirt that you got for your cousin's wedding), this staple becomes fashion that be worn for day or evening.

MsF: What sacrifices did you have to make to have this career? Would you have changed anything looking back?
BL: I haven't really had to make any sacrifices for this career that wouldn't had to have been made for any other career. Of course in fashion, as in any career that you are passionate about, there are many long hours and working weekends however, I would love it if I didn't have to be away from home as much as I am.

MsF: Michelle Obama wore your dress to a recent white house concert. What would be the perfect dress you would suggest for her from your fall collection? Or are you working on a super secret design project for the white house that you can’t talk about…..yet?
BL: There are no super secret design projects for the First Lady...at least not for me anyway.
It was of course a great honor for me to see that Mrs. O chose to ware one of my dresses.
I always have so many dresses in each collection that I think Michelle Obama could rock splendidly that it's hard for me to narrow it down to just one.
If, however, I had to choose just one dress for her from the Fall collection it would be this simple scoop neck black sheath that has a lace tank under pinning. it's classic, has a touch of the unexpected and is super chic...just like Mrs. O.

MsF: Can we get a sneak peek at what you’re working on next?
BL: There won't really be anything to sneak a peek at until I make my next sample development trip to China, which is coming up in the next couple of weeks.

MsF: The last question comes from one of our readers. She wanted to ask if you plan on working with Vogue patterns or designing another Barbie in the future?
BL: At present, I don't have any future plans to work with vogue patterns but, anything is possible down the road.
My relationship with Barbie and Mattel is ongoing so, there will be more dolls...a new one every year in fact.
The most recent series is designed around the idea of a sister from Harlem traveling the globe and putting her fashion spin on the culture that she has experienced abroad.
Working with Barbie is probably one of the funnest parts of my job! This is one item that you can always afford at every price point.

Byron Lars at work

The "First Dress" for Mrs.Michelle Obama

If you have never worn a Byron Lars dress before, you are missing out. One can rarely find an outfit that combines unique construction, quality and artful design in the same piece.

To find a dress similar to Mrs. Obama’s, shop on-line at Carina New York. The dress comes in Dove and Blue and retails for $316. Tip: Shop now as anything Mrs. O. wears usually sells out within hours.
Isn't it nice to know that First Lady style is democratically accessible?

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Sharise Neil's Rock n' Roll Kandy Wrappers

The artsy Sagamore hotel in Miami beach was host to the Kandy Wrappers cocktail party for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. Designer Sharise Neil was on hand to present the sexy collection to the Ms. FAB team.

The vivacious Neil told us that the line took inspiration from imagining the progeny of a rock star and a surfer girl. Of course, that is more than a tag line. Sharise Neil was married to and toured with Motley Crue’s Vince Neil. She spent much of her school life in the ocean and on a surf board. Her designing experience started with styling hubby’s outfits on tour. She collaborated on an intimates line for low-cut jeans to follow friend Daniella Clark’s denim line.

Fans of Sharise Neil’s collection include Heather Locklear, Fergie and Kate Hudson. This year, Kandy Wrappers was also the official swimsuit supplier for the Miss USA pageant.

The Kandy Wrappers collection for 2011 featured fun, feminine details like ruffles and novelty prints. The bright colors were designed to make you stand out on the beach or backstage. The Brazilian cuts are meant to flatter the fit ‘booty’. Many of the suits were reversible, giving the customer multiple options. The rock n’ roll touches included pyramid stud embellishments and animal prints.

View the full video interview below:

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