A few months ago, we were lucky enough to receive a sneak preview of the panties that will make you want to run out and replace all of your  Hanky Pankys.  Bold statement, we know, but completely warranted.

RX Undies are the realization of a joint venture between two very accomplished ladies - a doctor and a mechanical engineer-turned-model - who pledged to design comfortable, hygienic and STYLISH thong underwear.  Ladies, these are actually the first undies made from organic cotton and anti-microbial, bamboo fabric.  The result is breathable panties with super-soft lining, really pretty delicate stretch lace detailing and a backside that stays put.  Oh, and they are machine-washable!

The verdict?  Now that we’ve taken them for a test drive, we can tell you that  RX Undies are so comfortable, you’ll feel like you’re going commando.  You can be sure we’ll have all of the details on how to order your own pairs in the coming months, once they’re are available to the public .

The Liberty Hotel bar has quickly become the place to go, especially now with the introduction of their Fashionably Late Thursday series, which features an “informal” fashion show hosted by a different Boston insider each week.

On April 23, our friend Liana of New Brahmin fame and Boston designer Sam Mendoza threw a fabulous party featuring some of Sam’s Spring/Summer 2009 collection (to see more, go to his upcoming show at The Brattle on May 6th at 8pm).  We loved Sam’s bright colors as much as much as we loved seeing him and Liana shaking it up on one of the balconies.  Yep, it’s going to be a great summer!

Thursday, May 7th 6-9pm
Vlora Restaurant, 585 Boylston St., Boston MA

Our good friend Aileen, Founder of Style Fashion Production is putting on a spectacular event to benefit the Children’s Trust Fund, an organization that works to prevent child abuse in Massachusetts.

The show will feature children and celebrity models in spring styles, and your $30 ticket price goes directly to supporting this great cause.  Get your tickets here and we’ll see you there!

Ever since we became obsessed with (and blogged about) this gorgeous DVF Brady iridescent seersucker jacket last month, we’ve been getting a ton of hits to the site from people searching for it.  This is going to be one of our IT pieces for the summer and it’s now available for pre-order at DVF!  The sad news is it’s not available in the incredible peach color featured in the May ‘09 issue of Lucky (or gold, as we previously reported) but the silver is also fabulous.  Throw it over skinny jeans and a white silk tank and you’re ready to take on a summer evening!  We just snagged ours - what are you waiting for?  Use code DVFFREESHIP for free shipping!

PS - You can also pre-order from Saks but why wait until 6/15 to receive it when DVF ships mid-May?

How can you not love what’s happening in online retailing these days?  Yes, theOutnet arrived today and it is fabulous!  First of all, they promised designer brands and they delivered: Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Mulberry, Matthew Williamson, Derek Lam and so many more (be warned that obviously, limited sizes are available).  BUT WAIT - there’s more!  Not only will they have 72-hour sample sales, but they’ll also have ‘Going, Going, Gone’ sales in which items will start at the original price and drop incrementally over a period of time!

Of course, we couldn’t in good conscience browse the site without grabbing something - we got this Zac Posen ‘Zac Sac’ for $259 (80% off)!!  Seriously - we are in heaven!

So, for a few months now we’ve been teased with talk and speculation about theOutnet.com - Net-a-Porter’s discount diva sister site where shoppers will be able to snag last season’s Louboutins, Diane von Furstenberg, Chloé and more StyleMaxim favorites for 40-60% off.  Well, we’ve received word that the much anticipated launch is rumored to happen THIS THURSDAY, 4/16!!  In the meantime, you can visit the site and register your name, kind of anti-climactic but still, it’s something.  We have officially begun refreshing the page.

You know we’re DVF-obsessed, right? Right! Here’s the scoop on the iridescent seersucker Brady jacket featured in the May ‘09 issue of Lucky Magazine, page 166 to be exact.  After some serious detective work (ok, ok, we just called the number listed in the mag), we found out that the jacket will be available sometime in May and will come in Grey and Gold.  They’ve had so many people call in about the Peach version below that they are considering producing it!  We’ll keep you posted!

Diane Von Furstenberg Brady Jacket, $285

Saks Fifth Avenue received much criticism last November when it jumped the gun with its huge pre-holiday sale and slashed pries by 70%. After seeing this month’s ad campaign, we wonder if there’s a big disconnect between what’s going on in the retail world and Saks’ marketing strategy, which seems very short-sighted and in poor taste (or totally brilliant).

The campaign, which features Communist propaganda-inspired ads designed by Shepard Fairey, revolves around a mantra of conspicuous consumption that Saks has actually been using for a few years now. “WANT IT!”, scream the ads un-apologetically in bold, lipstick red font - and yet there’s not much to want. Saks, like its luxury retail counterparts Neiman Marcus and Barneys, has cut the number of featured designers leaving anemic looking racks.

More importantly, last month, the Wall Street Journal ran a great little interview with Anna Wintour in which she articulated what we’ve all been seeing not only in terms of fashion, but consumer behavior in general; the emphasis has shifted away from materialism - anything “too Dubai,” as Wintour puts it - towards simplicity and quality. On top of that, those who are still purchasing luxury goods don’t necessarily want to make a big show of it. Don’t get us wrong - the campaign is great and we LOVE Shepard Fairey, but it’s just the wrong time and place.  So what exactly is Saks thinking - is this a desperate ploy amidst the rumors of bankruptcy, an ill-timed move or are we just being too sensitive? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

A fun, eclectic group gathered at The Foundation Lounge in Kenmore Square on Thursday, March 19 to sip delicious vodka cocktails, talk Spring fashion and Boston entrepreneurship and support Dress For Success Boston.  The event was produced by the BU Entrepreneurs of Boston University’s Graduate School of Management.

Among us were our good friends, Grace Shin Im (our MC and 1st Runner Up for Miss Massachusetts) and Aileen Benson, founder of Style Fashion Production (our production consultant and runway coach).  Also in attendance, was Kim Todd, the Executive Director of Dress For Success, as well as a TON of friends and entrepreneurs from Boston’s growing fashion/media industry.  Together, not only did we raise over $4,000 for Dress For Success, but we had an incredible time!

The highlight of the evening was the Spring Silhouettes fashion show, which featured looks from Nirva, our favorite Boston designer and Lit Boutique on Newbury Street.  Hair and makeup were done by Phillipo and his team at Phillipostyle Hair Studio.

Click here for more photos from this fabulous event, read the article on BostonFashionIndustry.com and watch a short clip courtesy of New Brahmin!

FAB Gucci Event 2/24/09

We have to hand it to the Fashion & Retail Association of Boston University (FAB) - it organized a wonderful private event for its members at the new Gucci store in The Shops at Prudential Center on Boylston Street.

We arrived with plenty of time to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and browse the store. Our Italian friend, Silvia - a long time Gucci aficionado and retail marketing guru - offered her perspective on Frida Giannini’s impact on the brand since she became Creative Director in 2005. Silvia is unimpressed with the recent crystal GG collection, but maintains that the classics (especially the original Jackie hobo) are must-haves for any serious handbag collector.

Patrick Valeo of Gucci

What we anticipated would be an intimate affair became quite a crowd as FAB members gathered to hear Patrick J. Valeo, Vice President of Stores for Gucci America speak about his career path and the state of Gucci.

Valeo, who has held positions at Baccarat, Kiehl’s and LVMH was suprisingly young, very personable and down to earth. He shared personal career anecdotes and tips for succeeding in the retail industry. Networking is key (”use LinkedIn to make and keep track of contacts”), as is being proactive (”I pass along every unsolicited resume I receive”) and taking the time to listen to both customers and employees is extremely important.  Although he addressed a primarily undergraduate crowd, he gave a shout out to the MBAs in the room by stating that “managing four walls” is one of the best ways to put MBA training to good use.

Valeo also made it quite clear that Gucci is in great shape and has plans to expand despite the economic climate.

Congrats and thanks to FAB for a great event!