With Liberty...

Us FB&F girls will be celebrating in the Southwest this Fourth of July, but while we are away, surely consuming too much beer, too much food, and just too much in general, we wanted to leave you with a salute to all things American. Our wonderful American designers that is.

I pledge allegiance to Calvin, and to the republic of Donna, one nation under Ralph, indivisible, with liberty and Michael (and Marc) for all.

Spring/Summer 2008 runway looks and accessories from (clockwise from top left: Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Donna Kara, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Marc Jacobs.

Have a happy (and fashionable) Fourth of July!
xo, The FB&F Girls

Runway photos courtesy of Style.com.

Chic of the Week

Who: Lauren Santo Domingo (nee Davis), socialite/Vogue Contributor, with Andre Leon Talley.

What: A tee by The Row paired with a Proenza Schouler feathered skirt.

When: Tuesday, July 1, 2008.

Where: The unveiling of "Couture Mascot" Daphne Guiness's The Phemonology of Body at the Crillon, Paris.

Why: The rumpled (yet somehow voluminous) icy blond hair. The slouchy (yet somehow form fitting) charcoal t-shirt, that you can tell is the softest of the soft. The risky (yet somehow refined) feathered skirt. All (somehow) perfection.






Photo courtesy of Fashion Week Daily.

Minnie Mouse

Devon Dress, $240

With the Fourth of July just a day away, the modern-Americana looks of Minnie Mortimer, socialite-cum-designer, feel just right. The collection is centered on crisp shirtdresses, red stripes, tailored shorts and gingham. Perfect with just a few gold bangles, a pair of espadrilles and fuss-free summer hair. Clambakes, outdoor cocktail parties and cookouts on the beach - here we come! Now if we had a sprawling estate in the Hamptons to call our own...

All styles available at Minnie Mortimer.

Georgia Dress, $200

Lilly Blouse, $185

Tatiana Dress, $240

I Can See Clearly Now...

From WWD:

PARIS — See by Chloé has created a bag line to be presented to buyers here starting today. Geared to the 18-to-30 age group, the line will hit stores at the end of May. Executives said the line will be distinctive for its graphic plays on the See by Chloé logo and quirky fabric and color combinations, with a strong focus on fabrics rather than only leather. "It's more playful, young and sporty — more cool," said Myriam Serrano, manager of accessories for Chloé and See by Chloé. Often playing on matte and shiny contrasts, coated cotton gabardine, nylon and plastic are among the fabrics in the collection, and leathers include calfskin and sheepskin. Styles from the eclectic line include shoulder bags that echo sports bags from the Seventies and glittery, soft clutches, as well as a range of vibrant, logo-splashed cotton canvas shoppers. Certain styles feature detachable straps, and highlights from the small leather goods include a dinky mouse purse and animal key chains. Prices range from around $300 to $470 at retail for fabric bags to $500 to $700 for leather styles. Small leather goods sell for $40 to $120.

UPDATE: Will now hit stores this August. Not too much longer, girls!

Photo courtesy of Style.com.

Bag Lady

I love me some Urban Outfitters, don't get me wrong. But while they are a go-to for sunglasses, hats and the occasional skinny jean (and yes, I'll admit, I definitely bought ironic t-shirts there during high school and college), they aren't my first or favorite destination for bags. I certainly own baubles, scarves and every other accessory under the sun from there, but never bags.

Visiting their website today, however, I received a pleasant surprise. They have some great bags! That aren't all made out of PVC!!! Standouts include the Folio Briefcase bag, that has a very vintage/Lanvin feel to it, the slouchy Sabina Leather Convertible satchel and the obsession-worthy Leather Tooled Doctor bag. These are definitely on my radar for fall, with their rich color palette and easy, throw-on-with-jeans-and-a-sweater shapes.

Clockwise from top left: Leather Tooled Doctor Bag, $98; Sabina Leather Convertible Satchel, $245; Folio Briefcase Bag, $58; Suede Tassel Hobo, $68; Coast to Coast Camera Bag, $34; Sabina Convertible Leather Bag, $245.

Come Fly With Me

Let's talk about Bird LA. This Los Angeles Boutique, opened by globe-trotter Wendy Vaughan in 2001, focuses on hand-selected merchandise that is more unique, less "It." No bags-of-the-moment or logos inside these doors. The result? Well-edited pieces from designers both unheard of and much buzzed about from magazine to magazine. Think VPL, B. Romanek, Repetto and Havaianas alongside Demitasse, Hanro and Gary Graham. A great collection of jewelry from multiple labels, underpinnings that are the right combination of soft and sexy and dresses, tops and jackets that would look at home in any of this world's hemispheres.

Some looks wind up more in the fabulous than the flat broke price range, but there are many deals to be found as well. And isn't it always worth spending a wee bit more for a look that is special and personal? Let's face it - we all deserve a little splurge every once in awhile (especially on ourselves).

Clockwise from top left: Bear Head Necklace by Disaya, $588; Elastic Sandal by VPL, $295; Green Round Star Ring by Luc Keifer, $185; Flash White Thong by Havaianas, $20; Sweet Valley Bikini by Kushcush, $210; Ultra Night Sky Jelly by Melissa, $325; Suede Necklace by Isabela Caputo, $275; Tiare Coconut Milk Candle by Burn Candles, $55; Brown Breaker Tank by VPL, $165.

To Love is Human...

From today (July 1) until Sunday (July 6), Pink Mascara is offering a buy one, get one at 50% off sale on their popular collection of Love Quotes scarves. These soft linen and viscose blend scarves (retail: $85), available in every shade of the rainbow and beyond, are favored by celebs from Cameron Diaz and Hilary Duff to Lauren Conrad, Jessica Alba and Rachel Bilson. Better yet? For every scarf sold, Love Quotes donates 10% of proceeds to international children's charities.

Just use quote LoveQuotes to receive the discount.

Clockwise from top left: Lindsay Lohan wearing her Love Quotes (in Cosmopolitan); Pearl Blue; Lime Ice.