the Fashion BLOC: Heidi Klum takes a stab at being "Designer"

As a host and judge of Project Runway, Heidi Klum has had to evaluate designs from up and coming designers, now she has decided to take a stab at the designing side herself. The always fab model and mother of four is taking on the role as a designer of two Maternity collections, 'Lavish' and 'Loved' exclusively for A Pea in the Pod and Motherhood Maternity.

According to a statement, "I chose to call my collection for A Pea in the Pod 'Lavish' because there is no grander name to express everything you want to give yourself and the child growing within you," Klum said. "For Motherhood Maternity, 'Loved' is a celebration of new life and the love around you and your baby.

Women always struggle with staying fab throughout their pregnancy and I think style, flair, and sexiness should never go away just because you're preggers. Even though this is long overdue, I'm so glad Klum is playing a part in it. She truly exemplifies all of that and more and hopefully, she will bring that to her new lines.

Lavish will include 15 pieces that feature "iconic style and detailed construction," and Loved will feature 14 pieces that "present comfort, playfulness, and supermodel style" at a lower price point.

[Via Luxist]

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the Fashion BLOC: Who cares about Social Responsibility?

Every company has a responsibility (whether they want to or not) to be mindful of the environment: how they dispose of their product, how they make their product, the types of materials used.... I think you get my gist. Its called "Social Responsibility" and every firm needs to be aware of this because otherwise, it gives all of its consumers the impression that they, the company, is only here to make money and could care less about the environment we all live and breath in.  I'm always surprised to hear of ANY company doing anything reckless like: owning a sweatshop (NIKE) or selling a product that you know is harmful to your consumer (Philip Morris)....Not all cases are as extreme as these but still ridiculous, nonetheless. With that said, I was again surprised when I read about both H&M and Wal-Mart discarding and destroying their coats and clothing that have never been worn and throwing them in the dumpsters of Manhattan, NY. 

According to NYtimes.com, directly around the corner from H&M is New York Cares, a collection point which conducts an annual coat drive so, why wouldn't both of these firms reach out to them? Besides, there are countless agencies and non-profit organizations aimed at disposing such donations to prevent any concerns of it being resold into any underground market. As if, that's going to stop something still being sold, but I digress...


Both clothing stores are blocks apart and both spokeswomen, spoke of their company's social responsibility but let's eliminate the cookie cutter responses and get down to the real issue. It is the freezing, bitter cold of Winter in New York City, our country suffers from millions of Americans that are either homeless or poor without access to clothing, food or shelter. Not to mention, this is a reoccurring practice for H & M, according to other articles of clothing observed in the dumpsters on different days. I guess, its just too easy to just look out for those that actually need it...who are REALLY hard-up for a nice coat and gloves, is it too much for one person to stop and think ....."now why are we doing this?" OR "you think I can take these clothes, I know somewhere this could go". 

So...Why did this happen? Why was this an option? OR did they even care? I'm going with the latter. There are countless stories of Wal-Mart's foolery, so for me, I'm not really surprised about them. However, H & M is another story. H & M prides itself on being socially responsible firm and has clear objectives stated on their site of their practices on discarding clothing. For me, do we go to the company's head with this or do we just continue to wonder why no one thought this was a tad 'special' ...and trust, not in a good way. One thing is though,  both firms have stated they will stop destroying their unworn garments however, on the other hand, it definitely says a lot about the reigning H&M and their practices. Hmmm....

Story Courtesy of NYTIMES.COM

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the SHOPPE: Privacy Sales Report 01/08/10!

Today's private sales report varies from handbags, blowouts, home love, and accessory continue... These sample, membership-only sales come with up to an average of 60-80% off! Please feel free to click on the invitation links below or send your email address to theautty@ourbloc.com and join these events!


Editor's Closet: Pop Beauty
Rue La La: Nicole Miller, Hobo International, Nourison Home
Hautelook: Priorities, Michelle Jonas, Cynthia Rowley, Icerok Jewelry, Basq, California Floral & Home, Apilco
One Kings Lane: Celebrity Vault, Calvin Klein Home
Beyond the Rack: Kaporal Jeans, Tom Ford sunglasses
Gilt Groupe: Lutz & Patmos, Christian Lacroix, Marc Jacobs Collection handbags, Cold Weather Sale, Maharaja Jewels by Amrita Singh, Gaia & Gino
Gilt Fuse: SeaVees, Android watches, Cardigan by Lynne Hiriak
Ideeli: Muks, Royal Plush, Joan Vass, Josh Brody,
Billion Dollar Babes: Cocoon Couture, Flit & Flitter, Hotslings

Enjoy & Happy Shopping!

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the SHOPPE: Private Sales Report 01/07/10!

Today's private sales report varies from fab clothing, blowouts, home love, and accessory blowouts continue... These sample, membership-only sales come with up to an average of 60-80% off! Please feel free to click on the invitation links below or send your email address to theautty@ourbloc.com and join these events!

Editor's Closet: Jane August
Rue La La: William Rast, Lela Rose, The Canyons Grand Summit Hotel Boutiques

Hautelook: Lucca Couture blowout, Emerge, Adrienne Vittadini, Dav rain boots, Alexis, designer jewelry and accessories blowout, Raw 7 Men

One Kings Lane: Couleur Nature, Renaissance Carpet, Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman

Beyond the Rack: Christian Audigier watches, Zeugari swimwear, XOXO hangbags, Pilar Abril footwear

Gilt Groupe: Cynthia Vincent shoes, Eva Solo, Revitalash, Rag & Bone, Ferragamo watches, Halston

Gilt Fuse: Unknown Factory

Ideeli: Badgley Mischka, Antik Denim, Taverniti & Yanuk denim, Karoo, Sweet Bella stationery

TopSecret: JS Collections, JS Boutique

Gomatta Girls: Groove Footwear

Secret Sales Club:  Cyberjammies, Power Craft

Enjoy & Happy Shopping!

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The Travel Agency: JetSetter Deal Ends at Midnight!

A Lower East Side Story

Where:

Hotel on Rivington, 107 Rivington Street, New York, United States

What:
•Floor-to-ceiling windows everywhere
•Prime L.E.S. location
•Frette linens and robes
•Chauffeur-driven limos and SUVs
•THOR Restaurant & Bar
•Massive showers & soaking tubs


Deal:
High Floor King - $215/night (Hotel Website $289)
Studio Suite - $340/ night (Hotel Website $489)


Why:
"From my room in the Hotel on Rivington, I have a front row seat." -Dennis Sarlo, Jetsetter Curator

Log in to JetSetter, using my Personal Invite Link ...Enjoy & Happy Travels!

Courtesy of JetSetter

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the SHOPPE: Private Sales Report 01/06/10!

Today's private sales report varies from fab clothing, blowouts, home love, and even, classic accessories. These sample, membership-only sales come with up to an average of 60-80% off! Please feel free to click on the invitation links below or send your email address to theautty@ourbloc.com and join these events!

Editors' Closet: Ralph Lauren
Rue La La: GF Ferre, Corison, Calphalon
Hautelook: Wittnauer, Methven, DEPT Blowout, Carla Mancini, Elave
One Kings Lane: Modern-Twist, Heys USA, Thomas O'Brien
Beyond the Rack: Burett watches, Colcci, Ja Bene
RowNine: Gaia & Gino
Gilt Groupe: Paul & Joe, Acne, Filippa K, Golden Goose, L'Autre Chose, Gustto, Designers Guild Home Fragrance, Elizabeth Showers, M2 by Mary Margill
Gilt Fuse: Free People, Jessica Elliot, Shumaq
Ideeli: L.A.M.B., Ellen Tracy, Elaine Turner, Country Love
TopSecret: Joia de Majorca
Gomatta Girls: Corey Lynn Calter
The Fairest: Cake Beauty
Billion Dollar Babes: Chanel Vintage Accessories, Jenny Han, Pop Beauty

Enjoy & Happy Shopping!

Photo Courtesy of Amber Alvarez

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the SHOPPE: Introducing the Private Sales Report!

As an introduction to 2010, I want you to meet the private sales report. The private sales report will be a culmination of sample, membership-only sales with up to an average of 60-80% off. Please feel free to click on the invitation links below or send your email address to theautty@ourbloc.com and join these events!

Rue La La: Vera Wang, Sperry Top-Sider

One Kings Lane: Emile Henry, Campo Marzio, Pancake & Franks

Gilt Groupe: Zac Poser, Alexander Wang accessories, Cosmedicine, Soixante Neuf, Vivienne Tam

Gilt Fuse: Walter

Reverse: Primp, Paige Premium Denim

Secret Sales: Dyrberg/Kern Watches & Accessories, Bombay Duck, Maniyak, Bebe Jr, Topwear, Swimwear, etc. Clearance

 

Enjoy & Happy Shopping!

 

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the SHOPPE: RowNine Sales!

Use my Personal Invitation link to log in to RowNine and take advantage of these fab sales!

Alexander McQueen Eyewear - Up to 70% OFF!

Furla Handbags - UP TO 65% OFF!

My Personal Invite Link is: http://www.rownine.com/invite/theautty@ourbloc.com

Log in & Happy Shopping!

Courtesy of RowNine

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