Happy Halloween!

click on this image for a closer look!

Tonight I am the legend, not the man.

Olsenboye at JC Penny this February

This just in from WWD! Please oh please I hope this one pans out. I LOVE the twins and their style. Look at what these two fashionista's have on the horizon.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are expanding their fashion reach.

The sisters, entertainers and marketers almost since their infancy who last week became members of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, have signed a deal with J.C. Penney Co. Inc. to launch Olsenboye, a junior brand that will be exclusive to the chain.

The collection will have a major rollout, set for 600 Penney’s stores in February. But the company aims to generate curiosity among teens well before the launch with what amounts to a new marketing approach for the retailer built around previews, limited offerings and digital, guerrilla and viral marketing tactics.

The effort kicks off Monday with an Olsenboye truck cruising around New York selling merchandise and giving out cupcakes, balloons and pins, and empty racks in 50 high-profile stores will be covered in Olsenboye shrouds. Beginning Nov. 6, Olsenboye will be available on jcp.com and in those 50 stores, including the Manhattan flagship, for a limited time.

There also will be a teaser video for the preview collection on olsenboye.com featuring teen characters.

For the full launch in the spring, there will be broadcast spots, magazine print ads and direct-mail pieces. There also will be an interactive digital campaign on jcp.com, Penney’s teen Facebook page and Twitter.

For the last several seasons, Penney’s has been unleashing new labels and designer exclusives while culling out brands that have lost relevance, striving to modernize its image, catering to more of a teen and contemporary crowd and offering something different.

Among its consumer base, “the propensity for trying and adapting new brands is terrific,” said Liz Sweney, Penney’s executive vice president and general merchandise manager of women’s. “We are stepping up our style to attract a younger customer” with such recent launches as Bisou Bisou, I [Heart] Ronson, Allen B., Oxford & Regent and Twelfth of Eleven, all contemporary lines done in collaboration with designers and brands. Last month, Penney’s launched its first contemporary label, called she said, created by its own design team. Arizona and Decree are among the key junior brands at the store, but the retailer also still sells more traditional lines geared to a more mature crowd, such as Worthington, and has just signed a deal with Liz Claiborne Inc. to be the exclusive retailer for the Liz Claiborne line. “We love our older customer, as well,” Sweney noted.

When it comes to price, however, Penney’s has maintained its moderate, value-driven, promotional posture. Olsenboye, which is the Olsens’ ancestral name, will fall into Penney’s good and better price tiers. Olsenboye is a casual sportswear and accessories collection that includes denim, bottoms, tops, dresses, skirts, shorts, jackets, handbags and shoes. The line will retail from $20 to $50 and is being designed to be mixed to create different looks. The brand also will periodically flow in travel-inspired mini collections, each reflecting the looks and trends of different cities.

“It’s very fun, fashion driven, trendy and wholesome at the same time,” Sweney said.

While it’s got the Olsens’ spirit, it’s not limited to their size, ranging from sizes 0 to 15. “It’s really important that Olsenboye serves lots of girls,” Sweney said. “It’s not just about girls size zero or one.”

The Olsens, who are 23, haven’t penetrated the middle market yet with a collection, but do sell to luxury stores with The Row for men and women, and their contemporary label, Elizabeth and James. But they have been marketing clothes, furniture, cosmetics and other products to mass retailers such as Wal-Mart for years through the company they own and for which they design, Dualstar Entertainment Group.

“Mary-Kate and I watch current trends and see our partnership with J.C. Penney as an opportunity to add something unique to the marketplace, especially in the current retail climate,” said Ashley. “Olsenboye is an extension of the Dualstar brand and we feel this collaboration complements and strengthens our business portfolio, delivering trend-based fashion at affordable prices.”

Regarding the various initiatives to market Olsenboye, Mary-Kate said: “Ashley and I felt strongly about creating a unique experience to reach the teen customer, using relevant marketing strategies that would effectively reach this key customer demographic.”

According to Sweney, the Olsens came to Penney’s with the Olsenboye concept. “They actually contacted us,” she said. “They knew we had a wider reach, that we can provide a great digital experience and that we know how to treat brands and that their brand would be pure in our store” and not be “Penney-ized.”

Penney’s remains mired in the recession as much as any of its competitors. On Friday, at an analysts’ meeting, Myron “Mike” Ullman 3rd, chairman and chief executive officer, said, “Clearly the consumer is still under enormous pressure,” though the company is starting to see “some stabilizing and modest improvement in traffic.” It’s 1 to 2 percent down these days, he said, from more than 3 to 5 percent in the summer, and higher before. “We are a bit more upbeat about the opportunity to sell.…We are confident in our ability to execute against last year’s trends. Competitively, we are doing well.”

The company has been hurt mostly by weak jewelry and home sales, but has seen improvement in the textile, bedding and window-covering businesses in the last 60 days.

Jewelry remains difficult, ahead of its profit plan but behind in the sales plan, Ullman said.

Penney’s officials said the new Manhattan store is exceeding plan and, based on its early success, the company is encouraged to pursue additional inner-city opportunities. According to Ullman, the Manhattan store is not cannibalizing the Bronx or Queens units, and they are producing comp gains. As a result, Penney’s has had its eye on Brooklyn and Dallas (inside the Beltway, where there are two million people). One source said Harlem has been eyed, as well. Said Ullman: “One hundred fifty thousand people have moved into the Dallas inner market. Where we think there is a J.C. Penney customer, we are going after those opportunities.”

However, more capital will go into renovations, the Web and information technology than store openings, considering commercial real estate development has virtually come to a halt due to the economy. About 75 Sephora shops will be installed in Penney’s stores next year, and the company will use the occasion to remodel stores and renovate fitting rooms and bathrooms.

The lack of commercial development “allows us to invest in our existing fleet.…We are looking for opportunities now for inner-city locations, but if we compromise on the box size, it hurts us,” Ullman said.

Today's AdelitaStyle Self Portrait: Chillaxin!

Weekends are for chillaxin. I grabbed my tie die slip, Lil Star's beanie (check out her new blog!), a ballerina wrap from SUCRE SOIR and Daddy's old wool football socks and settled in for a movie, Tim Burton's CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY!

What the *?! All Grown Up!

On the cusp of her 17th birthday, Miley Cyrus makes her emancipation from mouse ears in "Party in the USA." Twenty years before in 1989 Janet Jackson declared her independence from childhood on Rhythm Nation's seventh single, "Miss You Much." So what pulls a girl into her womanhood? For many of us girls it's a biological change followed by a series of hair, makeup and wardrobe choices that would make our daddy’s blush! As a stylist, I notice EVERYTHING. Was it Miley's "daisy dukes"? Her dark eyes? Those amazing country kicks Did Janet make it happen with her new "exposure"? Her fabulous, sophisticated updo? Was it Antonio Sabato Jr.? It was all of these things and more! But the pièce de résistance? Say “cheese” and smile! No one can smile like a woman, confident, happy and yes, sexy. I am on my way to pick up some Crest Whitestrips right now! Like Yeah!!

Today's AdelitaStyle Self Portrait

Left the house today in a rush! 7:30 a.m. photoshoot pick up, this will be a long day. A comfortable DIANE MEDAK side weep tank, THREE DOTS rouged capris, a great big crocheted scarf/wrap from H&M, my new favorite "leather" jacket and vintage boots will make the day fly by!

Gaultier Target Collaboration

Jean Paul Gaultier getting a smooch from Agness Deyn photographed by: Jean-Baptiste Mondino

This just in from WWD! Jean Paul Gaultier to follow Anna Sui's collaboration with Target.! Let's hope this Parisian can pull off designer cheap and chic. I wasn't too thrilled with Sui's line. Someone needs to alert these fabulous designers that inexpensive trendy doesn't have to mean literally "throw-away" clothing. Target seems to do well with their MOSSIMO line but for the past year or so I have been fairly disappointed in their clothing for GO INTERNATIONAL and it's Designer Collaborations. No photos have leaked yet so, cross your fingers girls!

Target confirmed on Monday that Jean Paul Gaultier will be the third in its series of Designer Collaborations, a relatively new concept intended to boost the discounter’s cheap-chic status.

The program features well-established designers who draw inspiration from a collaborative partner, muse or creative element. Designer Collaborations is separate from Target’s Go International initiative.

The exclusive Jean Paul Gaultier for Target collection will debut on March 7 in more than 250 stores nationwide and on target.com. The collection will be available through April 11. Gaultier’s Designer Collaboration will have a tighter distribution than the last participant, Anna Sui, whose collection was sold in about 600 Target units.

Jean Paul Gaultier for Target pays tribute to the American woman, celebrating the forces of style both past and present in American pop culture, the retailer said.

Gaultier, who has always identified with popular culture — producing costumes for Madonna in the Nineties — is known as one of the industry’s master tailors. The designer was one of the first to feature innerwear as outerwear on the runway. He has based many of his collections on street style and ethnic influences.

Target’s Designer Collaborations series kicked off in March with Alexander McQueen, whose McQ Alexander McQueen for Target, was inspired by Liela Moss, lead singer of The Duke Spirit.

Sui followed last month by channeling one of her favorite TV shows, “Gossip Girl.” Sui’s collection included leather jackets for $149.99, metallic jacquard dresses and silk wrap dresses, $59.99, and was in stores through Oct. 17. Target created a pop-up store for Sui at a private four-story town house at 54 Crosby Street in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood. It opened to big crowds on Sept. 9 and closed Sept. 11.

It could not be learned whether Target will do a pop-up store for Gaultier as well.

Phillip Lim Flagship Store in Korea

South Korea’s style enthusiasts’ welcome Phillip Lim’s fourth boutique which debuted in downtown Seoul on October 16th. Lim considers this store his “thank you” to his devoted Korean patrons. Lim articulated, “My Korean customers have been very supportive since the beginning so I wanted to provide them with a complete and total vision of the brand through a unique and luxurious shopping experience.” Along with the store opening, Lim was invited to open fashion week (Seoul Collection) with his spring collection earlier this year. Take a look at this master’s amazing fall '09 pieces now residing in this flagship store!

Babies

click on this image for a closer look!

It's all in the eyes. Sometimes the camera is able to capture the soul in side. Jelly Bean is lively and energetic, she only wants your approval; Lil Star has depth and experience beyond her years, her innocence lies beneath; Snoopy is shy and slow, a sleepy pillow. They are all my babies.

Today's AdelitaStyle Self Portrait

click on this image for a closer look!

I went "boy" when it came time to decide what to wear to the 5th Ave Theater's JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT starring American Idol's Anthony Federov. Here's what I wore: Xuly-Bet recycled men's shirt, vintage wide legged pants, my wedding shoes, SIGAL DEKEL's men's wear tie and fabulous embroidered coat. Lil Star wore an atypically girlie ensemble so I thought it only made sense to "man-up" and be her date.

Today's AdelitaStyle Self Portrait

I always exercise my right to change my mind. Take a look at my desk. I have several cards to choose from; my graphics only KIMCHEE GIRL folded card, one of 30 different photos on my super skinny MOO cards, a simple GREEN TEA DESIGN square card, an ADELITA card with an illustration of a woman who bares a strange resemblance to FRIDA KAHLO, or maybe one of my sporty photoshoot cards. You can have one of each if you like! I'll just take one last swig of my salty Russian seltzer water that's sitting beside my collection before I leave.

Where am I headed off to today? I am going location scouting. In this chilly fall weather it's important to layer, we may run into rain, wind, maybe even a little sun peeking through the clouds. With my UGG boots and LTB skinnies I paired a deep cowl neck from SUCRE SOIR under a cozy ARMANI EXCHANGE gillet; a vintage hat, handmade necklace and TANO bag are the perfect accessories!

Another Teen Star Clothing Line: Eco-Friendly Selena Gomez

click on this image for a closer look!

Finally a teen line that Lil Star can embrace! No crazy tees with a Disney face plastered all over it. This new line from Selena Gomez is for the serious fashionista. Take a peek and read about the latest news from WWD and the teen star scene:

In her latest role as fashion designer, Selena Gomez is dreaming loud.

The 17-year-old star, best known for her leading role on The Disney Channel’s “Wizards of Waverly Place,” is getting into some new territory with the fall 2010 launch of her first fashion brand, called Dream Out Loud by Selena Gomez.
“Growing up in Texas, I was sort of close-minded and kind of a tomboy, but as I’ve traveled, I found such a love of clothes,” Gomez said while primping for a day of filming on the set of “Wizards of Waverly Place.” “It’s really always been a dream of mine to have a line.”

So with the help of a group of industry experts, Gomez teamed up to create her brand which focuses on “pretty, feminine and bohemian” clothing — a line, she said, that mirrors her own style. To get her started, her agent at Creative Artists Agency in Los Angeles set Gomez up with Tony Melillo, former Generra designer and designer of his own namesake men’s wear brand, and Sandra Campos, who has spent about 20 years on the business end of the industry at brands such as Nautica and Polo Ralph Lauren. Melillo and Campos had just started their own licensing and brand building firm to develop and market global lifestyle labels specifically for celebrities. That company, called Cynosure Holdings, was already speaking with CAA clients when they came across Gomez.

“She has such a good sense of what she likes and what she doesn’t like,” said Melillo, who is the creative director for the Dream Out Loud by Selena Gomez line. “It was surprising as I’ve never worked with someone so young, and never really expected her to be that smart. She has a desire to be involved, and nothing is sent out there without her approval. It’s nice to see her have this genuine interest.”
And, Gomez said, she has been quite picky about every detail.

“When I met Tony and Sandra, I was instantly comfortable with them and now they are like family to me,” she said. “They are so creative and I love how I can just call them up whenever and talk to them about everything, even if it’s just about changing a button. They’ve been so cool about everything.”

To manufacture the line, Melillo and Campos teamed with New York-based Adjmi Apparel and formed Adjmi CH Brands LLC, the holding company for the Dream Out Loud brand. Together, the partners hold the master license for the label and are in the beginning stages of meeting with licensees for products such as handbags, footwear and jewelry. To start, the company plans to launch a full sportswear collection for fall 2010 selling — Boho dresses, floral printed tops, jeans, skirts, jackets and some accessories such as scarves and hats. Most of the collection is made in an organic soft cotton and all fabrics are recycled or eco-friendly in some way, which was important to Gomez. All items within the collection are made to be mixed and matched, even with the ability to mix prints.

As the youngest UNICEF ambassador ever, Gomez said she wants to be someone her fans can look up to in everything she does. So it was especially important for her to incorporate this message into her line.

“With my line, I really want to give the customer options on how they can put their own looks together,” she said. “I want the pieces that can be easy to dress up or down, and the fabrics being eco-friendly and organic are superimportant. Also, the tags will all have some of my inspirational quotes on them. I’m just looking to send a good message.”

Today's AdelitaStyle Self Portrait

click on this image for a closer look!

While I'm leaving my place to make a styling house-call, Beethoven and I notice some mischief in the dining room. "Down Jelly!" I belt out. But, this great outfit; a vintage tie-dye slip, a motorcycle jacket and boots have me feeling like EASY RIDER. "Peace" I say, "Peace little Jelly. I'll see you on the flip side."

Desi and Melanie at Hip Zephyr

click on this image for a closer look.

LA Spring Market is coming up but before the buyers hit the Lala land, Desi and Melanie take a roadtrip in Desi's Honda Element with their showroom as backseat drivers. Lines like BELLA MATTO, CRASH N BURN, EVA FRANCO, FRENZII, REVOLVER, PURE FAITH and UNA LUNA compact themselves into blue garment bags waiting to be shown at various stores up and down the west coast. I met up with this adorable team at HIP ZEPHYR a boutique in the kitschy neighborhood of Greenwood. (This tiny store is exploding with great clothing.) You wouldn't believe the "man" power these two lovely clothing reps display when hurling hundreds of clothing items onto creaky but faithful garment racks! And when they open the zipper for the big "reveal", my eyes start to water and yearn for old days. This is what I miss... CLOTHES!! Clothes I get to see before every one else, clothes that Desi refers to as "she", clothes I know have been dreamed of, patterned over and over then finally sewn up before they get to me (and these are just the samples for God's sakes, APPRECIATE girls!), clothes that I HAD to try on. I gladly "modeled" for the ladies at the store. Take a look at that Caftan from one of their spring lines. (You will see it in HIP ZEPHYR'S window come January or February.) So, while you all may take for granted the gorgeous garments that magically appear on shelves and hangers in specialty boutiques, I will educate you. My heart has a special place for these soft items and I will always get choked up when I think of how many people literally touch a dress before I get to wear it. Clothing works hard to get on your backs and people like Desi and Melanie carry it straight to chic little boutiques like HIP ZEPHYR with style and finesse. All I can say is, "Thank you" and "I miss you"!

The Ultimate Me

click on this image for a closer look!

So for today anyway, this is the ultimate me. Some think of themselves as their most sexy in the nude, I picture myself fully clothed head to toe; wrap me up in CHANEL, MIU MIU or as in this sketch LOUIS VUITTON!! I am definitely NOT one of "The Girls Next Door" type of bunnies; I am the mad fashion hare. Here I am walking down the Paris runway wearing an amazing MARC JACOBS' Fall09 LOUIS VUITTON creation. I'm dying to squeal, holding back my smile. You can barely make out the shoe of a celebrity on the left. Perhaps it's VICTORIA BECKHAM! Can't you just see RACHEL ZOE going "bananas" front row center? I can. And isn't the vision all the more clear picturing yummy Marc primping me behind the curtain? My stomach in butterflies from his touch, who cares if he's gay, what a MAN! Sigh, I can just imagine the ultimate me.

Contributors: Kamie Change Kahlo as illustrator and model, sketch from Louis Vuitton Fall 09 Collection

Today's AdelitaStyle Self Portrait

click on this image for a closer look!

On the run in my L.A.M.B. suede Zeyn boots, LTB skinnies and super soft flower detail SUCRE SOIR top. Life is sometimes a blur so it helps to dress comfortably for those fleeting moments.

Recession Special by Emily Abt

As IF! Found this great little film at Bloomies of all places. Check out their young film festival shorts. This one was right up my alley!

Adelita Style 101: Vocabulary Lessons

click on this image for a closer look!

Ever heard of the term, "On Form"? This is referring to styling on a mannequin or dress form. Here I am with my fabulous "model" getting her all ready for her grocery store duty. This button down reminds me of those old fashioned candy store clerks. How cute!

contributors: Troy Wilkinson as photographer, Kamie Chang Kahlo as stylist

Lazy Dayzy Rolly Polly Sunday

Aww Sundays! Ever had a day like this? Yes, he did, like most of us, finally get up off the ground.

Today's AdelitaStyle Self Portrait

click on this image for a closer look!

Okay, get ready... I am officially entering my black period. I may mix it up with grays and I might take a walk over to creams and browns if I am feeling particularly colorful but it will mostly be about black on black on black. Texture and textiles. I don't usually tell you what to do but, you MUST take a look at this image closeup so don't forget to click on it before you leave! Today I will be carrying my KOOBA patent leather handbag and inside it my TANO oversized wallet and HK KUROMI keys. Taking me there will be my wedding shoes. Yes! I wore these amazing, fantastic RICHARD TYLER satin pumps in black when D and I eloped, in fact I wore all black. (Have to show you that picture later.) And keeping me warm, layers; THREE DOTS leggings, BEBE slit pinstriped mini, THREE DOTS long sleeve leaf print top, a vintage butterfly shell and my new XHILARATION faux lamb gilet. Since it's getting darn chilly I will bring my FOREVER21 faux leather jacket for backup. And in case anyone is looking, I am wearing the classic OPI polish in Lincoln Park After Dark.