The Weekly Interview Column

I am starting a weekly interview column that will take place every monday, this week I've interviewed Kate Gallagher. I've chosen Kate to start this column off for her "celebrity status" as the very controvesial contestant on the CW's Stylista.

Q: What was your Favorite challenge on Stylista?
A: My favorite challenge was the styling shoot with Lee Greene.

Q: Who is your Favorite Designer?
A: Of all time, Oscar De La Renta. I also like Lauren Conrad,Nina Ricci, Ralph Lauren and brands like C&C, Free People and BCBG.

Q: Any Recent Purchases?
A: I live for Forever 21. I just cleared out every legging in the SF store.

Q: What tops your Holiday wishlist?
A: My mom has a pair of royal blue suede boots from 1990, and I'd like them as a hand me down. They would mean a great deal to me, and they are so cute.

Q: What's your favorite shopping spot?
A: I think the 15 dollar rack at Macy's. You can always find cute tees and discounted IMPULSE clothing.

Q: Do you plan on getting back into Fashion or Journalism?
I have a blog called www.stylistakate.com . I'm also writing a lot, and I personally don't know where I'll go with my writing, yet. Writing is very theraputic for me, so hopefully it will entertain others. During the new year there will be a lot of work managing both my full-time job, my part-time blog,love and life etc., but just keep a look out and I'll keep you posted.

Q: Do you have any splurges you wish you could make?
A: Yes! I really wish I had the XL Surya bag from Louis Vuitton.

Q: Who's your Favorite style icon from the past?
A: Lucille Ball. She's timeless, graceful and she makes me smile. I don't like anything that doesn't make me smile.

Q: What are you currently reading?
A: When you are Engulfed in Flames. I fell in love with David after Me Talk Pretty One Day.

Q: Do you have a favorite independent- boutique?
A: Ambiance in San Francisco on Union Street
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Q: What made you "fall in love" with Lauren Conrad's SS09 collection, I could've made that black jumper out of an old t-shirt?
A: Well I've always been heavily influenced by LA pop culture. My personal style is always up for debate. I think one thing about fashion is about being honest with yourself. Do I like this and will this fit my body are the two questions you should ask. Beyond that your taste is your own and not really up for debate. Of course designers put out collections that are beautiful works of art, but my approach to fashion is practical. If it's pretty and I can wear it, then let me save up a little and buy it. Lauren Conrad clothes on sale are a great find and no more expensive than the Junior's section at Macy's. You absolutely can recreate some of her designs with your own clothes. I think it's great she's using her celebrity to inspire young girls to do just that, because rest assured she's being copied in every high school and college south of the grapevine.

Q: What is your favorite item that you've ever purchased?
A: Probably the most exciting thing was my first Coach bag. It was 400 dollars. I grew up very poor so when I had reached a point in my life that I was able to afford a purse like that, I was very proud. I've grown a lot financially in the past 3 years since that first big splurge, but I still stay grounded to what really matters and look for deals.

Just in readers, looks like inner beauty is the new black.

Happy Holidays!

I hope your Holiday is much better than Ralphie's! Have a wonderful holiday and a happy new year!

Miss Dior Cherie

I just realized that the Miss Dior Cherie commercial was very similar to Funny Face,starring Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire. Great commercial for a great perfume modeled after a great movie! What more could you ask for? Miss Dior Cherie is available at Sephora for $68.00.

Trend Alert//Sperry Topsiders

Designed by Paul Sperry in 1935, the original boat shoe was created to reduce the risk of injury on slippery boat decks. The shoe's sole was inspired by the cracks and grooves in his dog's paws;to create this sole,Sperry used a technique created by John Sipe in the 1920s called siping. The U.S. Navy negotiated the right to manufacture the shoe for their sailors in 1939. The brand is currently owned by the Stride Rite Corporation and is distributed across the Nation.

I happen to own quite a few pairs, as I too love to sail. I've recently noticed the classic shoe in more casual settings paired with Skinny Jeans. Elle Fashion's First Look for January 2009 featured the Sperry in Patent Leather which is available at Jeffrey,NYC, for $125.00.

source: wikipedia.com

Chanel Pre-Fall

Chanel's latest collection, Pre-Fall, was remarkable! Karl sure had a village in rural Russia sewing like mad men, or was that just Karl's rendition of soviet uniforms-Chanel style? At first glance, it seems that embroiderers, gold smiths, and shoemakers have been at work for years, but at closer look, it's just the genius of Karl Lagerfeld. See for yourself:

Invitation-Only Sample Sales

New websites that offer major-discounted Luxury Brands are popping up rapidly! I've recently joined Gilt Groupe, Rue La La, and HauteLook, and I must say that the deals are incredible! Gilt Groupe currently offers Badgley Mischka Platinum Label, Rue La La's upcoming sales include: Cole Haan, Waterford Crystal, Michael Michael Kors, Judith Ripka, and James Perse, HauteLook's upcoming sales include: 7 For All Mankind, New Yorkers for Children (offers handbags such as Zac Posen and Valentino), and Alice+Olivia. Snag your invitation quickly because sales last for a limited time!

- www.gilt.com
-www.hautelook.com
-www.ruelala.com

Net-A-Porter Deals

Although Net-A-Porter.com is an expensive Luxury Online Retailer, I've found some deals that won't break your bank.

Little Joe by Gail Elliot Schiffer one-shoulder dress. Was: $315.00 Now: $220.50

Tibi Floral print dress. Was: $340.00 Now: $255.00

Paul & Joe Dishima striped dress. Was: $600.00 Now: $300.00

Maharishi Organic cotton sack dress. Was: $295.00 Now: $147.00

Marc by Marc Jacobs Plaid coat. Was: $658.00 Now: $460.60

Vince silk chiffon Dress. Was: $290.00 Now: $203.00

Elsom Organic skinny leg jeans. Was: $160.00 Now: $64.00

My Favorites:SS09: Video Edition

Chanel SS09

Lanvin SS09

Louis Vuitton SS09

John Galliano SS09

Chloe SS09

Karl Lagerfeld SS09

Carolina Herrera SS09

Gucci SS09

For more exclusive Runway footage visit style.com

My Favorite SS09 Looks Part 1

Everyone loves an Oscar!Whenever a woman wears an Oscar (de la Renta) gown, you know she feels magnificent, so be smart and invest in one this coming spring.

I loved Nina Ricci! His (oliver's) latest collection featured a somewhat delicate-rocker vibe with medieval silhouettes.

Karl (Lagerfeld) has impeccable taste (we all know that) which really showed in his latest collection. This collection featured classic black and white with pops of color which all shared the same rocker vibe.

Gilles (Mendel) always puts on such a good show! He is one of the few designers that still uses Couture elements that used to be present in the Luxury Fashion industry.

Great! Gucci was one of the few Luxury Houses that actually had light, bright colors. I can't help but love this collection!!

Since, Patrick Robinson took over Gap, nothing has been the same, the designs are remarkably better. With our declining economy (U.S.) Gap will surely be a popular destination this Spring with the ever so great Cheap Chic trend.

As Chanel being one of my personal favorites for this coming spring, I thought it was a must to put a look from that show onto my favorites.

This Balmain look is great for Spring because of its grunge nonsense that was completely absent this fall.

John (Galliano) did a fantastic job this season (SS09)! I especially loved this ensemble's silhouette.

These Hermes looks are simply divine with their 70s cowboy chic feeling.

The best thing about this Collette Dinnigan dress is simply that it's unique. When you wear this flapper-esque dress, you'll be sure to be the only in the room with it.

The entire Chloe SS09 show was amazing, but this lovely ensemble especially caught my eye with its vintage vibe.

This Miu Miu frock (surprise!) is great for summer with its classic silhouette and its distressed pleats.This Louis Vuitton frock is perfect for Spring as it resembles a summery safari with a rocker twist.

This Lanvin dress is perfect for a cocktail in the Garden!

For more SS09 collections, exclusive footage, photos ,and more visit style.com

Moon River: Chanel No. 5

This video from youtube.com is extremely well done! The song Moon River, sung by Audrey Hepburn is absolutely perfect for the Chanel No.5 commercial with Nicole Kidman. The lyrics that are set in the song correspond amazingly well with the video. Anyways, I can't get enough of this, so check it out and see for yourself.

Carolina Harrera SS09

Carolina kept her classic feel while adding a fresh vibe. She included neon and beautiful fabrics. Herrera normally keeps with lovely skirt suits, but not this time, she opted for skinny cut cropped trousers instead of a classic pencil skirt. The beautiful thing about her new collection was the versatility and effortlessness. You could easily pair a short jacket like the one shown to the left on Agyness Deyn with a t shirt and jeans. This collection is easily one of my favorites for Spring 2009. To view the entire collection visit http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/S2009RTW-CHERRERA?viewall=true.

Proenza Schouler SS09

This coming spring's Proenza Schouler show was very interesting. The inspiration appeared to be aviation meets 80s Punk. The dresses were mostly cinched at the waist while the some pants were slightly MC Hammer esque. Proenza Schouler really knew how to translate the trends from fall into spring with clam digger style cropped trousers and bright 80's inspired prints. To view the entire collection visit http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/S2009RTW-PSCHOULER.

Marc Jacobs SS09

Marc Jacobs started his spring show off on time this year! The line became more and more colorful every look, the line had Asian inspired silhouettes with unusual fabrics for Spring such as tweed. Most looks were cinched at the waist by contrasting fabrics. I personally liked the new line complete with every kind of mash-up possible, including,plaid with florals and tweed with silk. Marc greeted his audience at the end wearing a black kilt.
To view the entire collection visit: http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/S2009RTW-MJACOBS?viewall=true.

Lela Rose S/S 2009

This coming season's Lela Rose show was spectacular! It featured everything from track jackets to beautiful mini dresses to tie dye. She started the show off with continuing trends from fall like cropped trousers and ended the show with delicate gowns. Lela Rose really knows how to stay on top of the kill or be killed industry that we know today. To view the complete collection visit http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/S2009RTW-LROSE?viewall=true.

The Rachel Zoe Project

I am so excited for a certain upcoming show on Bravo, this show would be The Rachel Zoe Project. I absolutely am in love with her, everything about her SCREAMS glamour. I look up to her in so many ways, I especially hope to follow her footsteps one day. The new series premiers Tuesday, September 9th at 11/10c and airs every Tuesday (after Sept. 9th) at 10/9c on Bravo.

Chic Simplicity

Get The Look: 80s Punk

My Fall Pick

My absolute favorite pick for fall is the Chanel two-toned Lycra tights in nude and black. I know that most absolutely hate these but, I absolutely love them! You can purchase these tights at Chanel Boutiques nation wide for $140.00.

Project Runway: Season 5: Episode 5

This week the designers got a very pleasant surprise, that they will be designing an outfit for Brooke Shield's (also Guest Judge) character (Wendy)on Lipstick Jungle. Unfortunately this challenge wasn't so easy,they had to work in teams of two. The designers pitched their designs to Brooke and she choose 6 (designers) for team leaders. These six were Blayne,Jerrel,Kelli,Korto,Terri, and Keith. The designers picked their partners and came up with these teams Blayne and Leanne,Jerrel and Stella, Kelli and Daniel, Korto and Joe, Terri and Suede, and Keith and Kenley. The designers quickly got to work (after their trip to Mood of course!) with hopes of having their design on Lipstick Jungle. When their garments were complete their models hit the runway. Korto/Joe and Terri/Suede were both safe. The final 8 were Keith/Kenley,Kelli/Daniel,Jerrel/Stella,and Blayne/Leanne. Jerrel and Stella got much praise for their beautifully shaped dress with Stella's "LEATHA" work. Keith and Kenley surely got their dose of praise as well with their unique ensemble. Unfortunately Kelli and Daniel got a horrible rap for thier "slutty" (Micheal Kors' comment) garment. Blayne and Leanne also didn't get such good criticism with their Old Navy looking outfit. At the end Keith and Kenley got their work on Lipstick Jungle and Jerrel and Stella were safe. Poor Kelli was sent home and Blayne,Leanne, and Daniel were safe.

Vince Fall 08 Trunk Show

The new Vince Fall 08 line has been added to Saks Fifth Avenue and saks.com. This line is full of everything from feminine pops of color to boy meets girl look. To watch the trunk show visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cdzDig4tHo. To purchase the line visit http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductArray.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306433481&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474399545537&bmUID=1218834271239&use_parent=2.

Get The Look: Mary-Kate Olsen

Cheap Chic: Back to School (boys)

Cheap Chic: Back to School (girls)