Lauren Bush has found a way to allow every girl to design her own look, with her exclusive collection at Barneys, Lauren Pierce Atelier. The designer is hosting one week “in-store Atelier shopping events” at select Barneys store, where the line will be available this spring, in those stores only.

Barneys is a distinguished fashionista’s paradise, and the Lauren Pierce Atelier collection is a perfect fit for the store, known for carrying the latest and greatest in designer ready-to-wear. Lauren Bush worked with the women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa to make this bold line come to fruition. In the DRC, a program called Women for Women International, helps women in conflict and post-conflict areas of the world by giving them job training and emotional counseling.

I had the opportunity to meet Lauren and experience her atelier this past week during her visit to Barneys in Beverly Hills. First step, I had to pick my silhouette; there are 5 to choose from. And I must say, the variation of bodies allows for these dresses to be worn by anyone from my little sister to my mom. They are all fashion forward, but allow you to pick the style that showcases your personal favorite features. After I picked the one-shoulder dress, it was off to step two, picking a fabric. There was an array of brightly-colored, hand-dyed fabrics to choose from. The fabrics are made by the women in the DRC, and each is one of a kind. I opted for a purple and blue tie-dyed fabric, girly yet chic. The fabrics range from simple to extraordinarily outrageous, so every woman can find the colors that compliment her, or pick the colors she wants to be wearing this spring and summer. From there, it was sizing, to find the size that fit me best.

Now, here comes to best part. After completing these steps, any woman in the atelier can place her order. In 6 weeks, she will be delivered her own, customized dress finished off with  a personalized label that includes her name and the name of the woman that hand dyed the fabric that she selected. You have picked the dress and fabric, but how the print lies on the dress will be a surprise as each dress is custom designed by you, the designer, well, and Lauren Bush, too. Plus, with your purchase, you are helping out the women in the DRC, keeping their craft alive and helping to support them and their families.

The dresses are all feminine and sophisticated. Whichever style and pattern you choose, one thing is for sure. You will wear your one-of-a-kind piece with pride. And with prices ranging from $465 to $595, it is the most economically friendly atelier around. With Lauren Pierce Atelier, Lauren Bush allows every girl to become a designer for the day and to create a dress that is uniquely “hers.”

Lauren Pierce Atelier is available at 6 Barneys locations: New York City on Madison Avenue, Chicago on Oak Street, Beverly Hills, San Francisco, Scottsdale and Dallas. Hurry up, and get going on making your dress this spring, so this summer, you can prance around in your very own creation. Lauren is a total dream, and I love that her passion for helping others has sprung into her fashions for a truly fabulous collaborative effort.

For more information, email sales@lauren-pierce.com or call your local Barney’s.

Photos courtesy of Michael Buckner.

Jewelry line Pennyroyal Silver is quite busy lately, with two fabulous collaborations going on. Designer Tim Foster creates jewelry with a message, which is inspired by his true passion for music, as he is an industry veteran. Each piece is designed with a song in mind, and just like those songs, it is the minor imperfections in each piece that makes them come to life, and gives them value. The line started with a hammer and a penny and has grown exponentially since then, with full collections of jewelry that is wearable, fresh and truly inspired.

Most recently, Burton and Pennyroyal Silver teamed with singer Jewel to create a limited edition pendant whose proceeds will go to “Give a Drop,” one of Project Clean Water’s campaigns. Burton’s love of philanthropy and music came together, as Jewel and Burton were able to get creative musically, and support a charity that they both believe in. The silver water droplet pendant is fun to wear and a great way to look stylish whilst giving back. The pendant retails for $90.

Alongside his collaboration with Jewel, Pennyroyal Silver has made a commemorative piece of jewelry for the release of Alice in Wonderland. The “Drink Me” pendant is a bit gothic, showcasing the darker side of the movie, and is edgy yet remains elegant as well. Anne Hathaway recently picked up the necklace to celebrate the movie, and her fantastic role in it. This “Drink Me” pendant retails for $145, and you can use the coupon code “Alice” throughout the month of March for 25% off. There are only 1000 numbered pieces, so hurry up. Alice in Wonderland is the hottest movie of the year, and any of the merchandise is definitely on trend, fun and will be wearable forever.

For more information, and to view and shop these and the other fabulous items from the collection, visit Pennyroyal Silver.

The horrible earthquake that shook Haiti happened over 6 weeks ago, but the road to recovery will last years. The tragedy has disappeared from the front pages of newspapers and the headlines of CNN, but we cannot forget and must continue to help in anyway that we can.

Nepali by TM Design is donating 25% from their online sales of the Hot Coral Bambi Bobi, Bridgette, and Bree scarf styles to the Red Cross. These scarves have a charitable tale of their own as they are all handmade by local Nepalese artisans. These artisans are given fair wages, healthcare, and education for their children in order to better empower these talented Nepalese women and to break the vicious cycle of poverty in the country.

All of the Bambi Bobi, Bridgette, and Bree styles are made of 100% bamboo and are dyed with eco-friendly dyes. They retail for $95 so they are a perfect investment for your Spring/Summer wardrobes.

Visit www.tdmdesigninc.com for other fun scarf styles.

For their Spring 2010 collection, Lutz and Patmos has teamed up with Archbishop Desmond Tutu in creating a adorably fun sweater that is fashion forward and a definite must have. Tutu is a South African cleric and activist and have been a key player int he fight against Apartheid, AIDS and poverty in South Africa and around the world. His work for humanity has won him too many awards to even begin naming, and his quick jump into fashion is just another way that he is working to give back.

The organic cotton, short-sleeved sweater has a scoop neck and a very relaxed fit with a banded collar, and the highlight is the detachable necklace. The necklace is handmade by Hillside AIDS Centre Trust, a South African artisan cooperative. The sweater is available in black, eggshell and tutu pink (pictured), and is a truly classic piece.

Now, for the philanthropic part of this fabulous collaborative effort. $40 from the purchase of each sweater is being donated to the Desmond Tutu Peace Center, and $30 from each necklace purchased will go to the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust. With your purchase of this sweater, you will not only look totally chic, but you will be supporting AIDS and Peace in South Africa and abroad. We are so used to seeing designer collaborations with starlets or fellow designers, but this one is surely different, and a great approach to bring fashion’s tie-ins with philanthropy to the forefront.

The Lutz and Patmos/Desmond Tutu sweater retails for $425 and is available at Lutz and Patmos, Barneys and Kirna Zabete. Two high-profile names, two different platforms, one amazing design. Easily worn with a skirt or jeans, the only choice we can think of is what color you want to frolic around in. Plus, your jewelry is already done, so it is one less thing to worry about.

Here at POSHGLAM, we take giving seriously. The earthquakes in Haiti and Chile have opened all of our eyes to the brevity of human life. Now more than ever, we must cherish what we hold dear and give to those who are less fortunate. No one is exempt from tragedy or hardship so giving when possible is a necessity.

Allison Daniel makes giving chic and easy. She has created three different collections to benefit three different charities. The Hope Collection, featuring the necklace to the right, benefits the Pediatric Cancer Foundation and retails for $49. Proceeds from the Cure Collection go towards The Massachusetts General Diabetes Center with the necklace retailing for $49 and proceeds from the Teal Collection go towards the Lynne Cohen Foundation for Ovarian Cancer Research retailing for $98.

Three perfect ways to start off Spring and three perfect gifts with true meaning.

Visit www.allisondanieldesigns.com for more information.

Loomstate, one of fashion’s favorite eco-friendly brands, has launched a Limited-Edition Dress, with 1% off the proceeds going to 1% for the Planet, which benefits the Organic Exchange. The partnership is not a far stretch for the brand, which prides itself on green style, proving that it is effortless to be chic, sexy, sophisticated and good to the planet.

The Limited-Edition Dress is made of 100% certified organic cotton on the bottom, with recycled scarves on the top. With limited fabrics, there are only a few of each style that are exactly alike, and in total there have only been 800 dresses made. It is available in two silhouettes, one short and one long, and two body colors, black and white.

The Loomstate Limited-Edition Dress retails for $225, and has currently just hit the racks at Barneys, so hurry before you miss out on this flirty, fun dress that will not only look great on this spring and summer, but gives back to Mother Earth too.

“You gotta have heart.” That was the message at the Fall 2010 Heart Truth Red Dress Collection show, one that I look forward to every season!

The cause is as beautiful as the fashions: to raise awareness about heart disease, the #1 killer of women. Visit www.hearttruth.gov for
more information about the disease and what you can do to help! The fact that celebrities lent their star power to such a noble cause made the night even more positive.

Rewind to the beginning. After rushing to our third row seats right before the show started, my girlfriend and I were pleased to see my crush, Reggie Bush, seated in the front row, literally seconds away. To my friend’s horror and utter dismay, I had to go introduce myself. I mean, I was only singing his praises on POSHGLAM last week.

I went to say Hi and Congratulate him on the huge Superbowl win! I was pleased to discover that Reggie is kind and gracious, the perfect gentleman. He even posed for a picture (see below). All thoughts that I may be closer to that wedding were dashed when I realized he was there to support his girlfriend, Kim Kardashian. (I’m totally kidding! They’re cute together and I’m completely happy for them).

Though Reggie Bush caused quite a stir (someone behind me asked, “Is that 50 Cent?”), once the show started, all eyes were on the celebrity models.

And what a sight to see! Underneath chandeliers and with an adorable red and white set in the background, celebs stormed the catwalk in support of heart disease awareness.

Reality star, Bethenny Frankel, was an adorable, pregnant lady in Isabella Oliver.

Desperate Housewives actress, Felicity Huffman, walked out in Oscar de la Renta and took a moment to hug her husband, who was cheering her on in the front row.

Singer and new jewelry designer, Estelle, worked the catwalk in a lovely Zac Posen gown. Her purple eye make-up, courtesy of celebrity artist, A.J. Crimson, was the perfect accent.

The legendary actress, Joan Collins, walked out to applause in Stephanie Rolland.

Crooner, Jordin Sparks of American Idol fame showed off a svelte figure in a form-fitting Badgley Mischka gown.

The one-and-only Kim Kardashian was a radiant beauty in a Marchesa gown that showed off her famous curves. She worked it on the runway, stopping long enough to blow a kiss to Reggie in the front row.

Kimora Lee stormed the catwalk in a short, embellished dress from her new line, Kouture by Kimora.

Raven-Symone was the ultimate runway diva in Tadashi Shoji, even kicking off her shoes before making a dramatic exit to backstage.

The lovely actress, Regina King, sashayed down the runway in a one-shoulder Tracy Reese dress to to Alicia Keys’ “Put it in a Love Song.”

Newscaster, Robin Roberts walked out to thunderous applause in a  J.Crew Collection gown that highlighted her toned upper body.

Heart Truth Red Dress Collection fixture, Heidi Klum, stole the show in a gorgeous John Galliano gown. She’s even more beautiful in person!

After the runway show, I had the pleasure of meeting Robert Verdi and Micah Jesse, whose blog made our Top 25 list last year. I even got to see Wendy Williams, my favorite radio jock turned TV show host. The fun-filled fashion show was the perfect end to Day 1 of Fashion Week. Stay tuned for more insider coverage.

Xo

Jessica

Pictures Courtesy of InStyle.

Let’s face it, condoms are not really fashionable, however, it’s definitely to your benefit to strap up. Going out to buy condoms is a chore that neither partner wants to pick up. However, eclectic, cool fashion retailer and brand Opening Ceremony has teamed up with Proper Attire to create a limited edition condom just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Starting February 14th, Opening Ceremony shoppers can buy their favorite shoes, dress, jewelry and condoms, to complete the package. Opening Ceremony incorporated their signature red paisley bandana print onto the Proper Attire packaging for a condom that is chic, and funky. Opening Ceremony is really the perfect partner to create condoms with, as the retail destination is a hot spot for young trendsetters and edgy fashionistas, who will now not only sport the latest in fashion, but also the latest in condoms. After all, these are some classy condoms. “We jumped at the opportunity to partner with Proper Attire and make a custom condom for our Ace Hotel customers. We’re big believers in safe sex, women’s health, and all of Planned Parenthood’s efforts,” said Humberto Leon, creative director and co-founder, Opening Ceremony.   

All proceeds from the collaboration will go to Planned Parenthood, and they will be available beginning February 14th at Ace Hotel New York, Opening Ceremony locations in New York and Los Angeles and online at Opening Ceremony and Proper Attire.

So, forget the chocolate and lingerie, and stick to giving your honey bunch the gift of strapping up in fashion this Valentine’s Day and beyond. Support Planned Parenthood and have safe sex in style.

Things get pretty heartfelt at Bryant Park for the fashion week as make-up czarina Bobbi Brown teams up with The Heart Truth for the fifth year in a row. Apart from sponsoring the Red Dress Collection 2010 fashion show which is slated for the 11^th of this month, Brown has also created an exclusive limited edition Bronze Shimmer Brick in partnership with the foundation.

The Bronze Shimmer Brick ($40) is the perfect palette for that sought after goddess glow with warm earthy tones and copper hues. It comes with a mini face blender and there are only 500 of these limited-edition beauties available. So hurry up and grab yours while it lasts. And always remember to stick to the tagline and ‘listen to your heart’.

Available online at Bobbi Brown.

-Dyuti Mishra

Designer Nicholas Clements-Lindsey of the stunning line NCL couture has a passion project up his sleeves. It is innovative, fun and offers a new take on fashion collections. Nicholas’ newest line, James Embry, releases a new piece each month for the calendar year, culminating in December with a 12-piece collection all founded with the same inspiration. And even better, Nicholas paired with the American Red Cross, giving a portion of the proceeds of James Embry to the charity.

All the pieces, debuted a month at a time, are sold through December 31st. After the last day of the year, the collection will be no longer available. 2011 will bring forward an entirely new collection which will also have 12 new pieces to bring it all together. In essence, the pieces become collector’s items.  .

James Embry is an androgynous line, meant for men and women alike. As a result, Nicholas found a really fun way to handle sizing. The sizes are Infinite Haute, Haute, Double Haute and Haute Love (from smaller to larger respectively). January introduced the Original Haute Thermal and February brings in the Haute Spike Jacket. Each piece comes in a variety of colors, and can be made to order by contacting the designer. However, with the listing of colors available, you most likely will find exactly what you are looking for.

For those women that like their clothing a little on the loose side, James Embry has the perfect offerings. Menswear always seems to fit women with such ease, and Nicholas tuned in on this for his collection. The thermals, especially, are soft and fabulous for all seasons. I love the burst of color. It may just be the ultimate layering piece.

James Embry retails for $54.50 to $600 and is available at James-Embry. His idea to offer a new piece each month for a year’s time is such a fabulous concept. Additionally, these basics are sure to never go out of style, making each piece a worthwhile investment. Each James Embry garment will leave you waiting in anticipation for the next month’s offering. Come December, you’ll be dressed head-to-toe in James Embry, looking sophisticated, casual and super cool.