New York Fashion Week used to be all about exclusivity, but recently many events have become open to the public!

Saturday, September 11^th: Joonbug.com will be hosting STYLE360’s kickoff party at Griffin.

ATTENTION SBS Readers: You can actually buy tickets to this cool event DJed by Sam Ronson here:

CLICK: Joonbug.com event The-Griffin-NYC-Fashion-Week-Spring-2011

As soon as Labor Day arrives, I shall part with my white clothing and transition into neutral colors and stock my wardrobe with my beloved Faux Fur. The humidity shall cease, the winds will be picking up, and I know that Fall is approaching. Finally, we can cleanse our closets of zebra stripes and hot pink leopard spot prints and embrace, yet another, PETA-friendly trend... hopefully they'll know the difference and keep the lid on the red paint.

I’m not one to promote real fur, and the fact that faux fur is a cheaper alternative to actual fur, makes it logical to include a few pieces in your closet for autumn. It costs a fraction of what real mink or fox may cost, and it looks fab..

Since the 90’s, faux fur production has improved; now the synthetic material can be dyed, to look more authentic to actual animal fur. If you are the sort to stand out, then flaunt your fauxness. If you're not, but still want a bit of an edge, go for the faux fur that has a subtle color tint, no need to look like a Muppet.

Custo Barcelona has produced a gorgeous and reversible, let me repeat, reversible faux fur coat. Being declared “glamorous on one side, vintage on the other”, available in hunter green or burgundy. In addition to this already fantastic piece, the coat is machine-washable, allowing you to take a break from you dry cleaner. Yet another advantage of faux fur.

Whether it be an entire coat or just a fur trim, the texture of faux fur is a perfect contrast to this season's fall fabrics. Indulge on a timeless piece,consider it an investment. For over a century, fur- as well as faux fur, has been considered  . Thus, with a faux fur accent piece, you save the lives of several furry and save money... I say- Double your pleasure, double the fun.

So I have a confession, I have a girl crush on Alexa Chung, but yet again who doesn't? Since she launched her television show on MTV back in 2009, the way she dressed along with her music taste made me feel as if we were soul sisters. Plus, I was glad that there was a British invasion in the States finally. This past April, I attended an Arctic Monkeys concert. After hours of lounging outside a bar late at night, I heard, "Alexa Chung! Alexa Chung!" As fast as possible I ripped off my dark sunglasses, looked to my left, and BAM. I catch a glimpse of Ms. Chung's lengthy legs. Yes, this is a pathetic story, but in the end I also met Alex (the lucky man who is dating Chung) and Matt from the Arctic Monkeys. That was definitely the best night of my life thus far.

Back to Alexa Chung. She has earned the title of being an "it-girl" with the perfect indie closet of short shorts and wedges to make us fashionistas green with envy. Mulberry has marketed off of Chung's fame coming out with the "Alexa" bag; a cross-body bag in buffalo leather with a golden buckle. Yours for $1,150. Yes, I admit it is a wonderful multi-purpose bag (also coming in various colors), but my goodness the price is a tad too much. Either way it is a wonderful praise towards Alexa for having a bag named after her– for the others that have a Mulberry dedicated to them are of the Royal Family.

Becoming even more fashion oriented as of June 2009, Chung was made a contributing editor of British Vogue and is currently in the works of creating a fashion line with Madewell.The line was inspired by the 60's with short shorts and tea dresses; the skirts are belted, vintage themed leather shoes, and knee-high socks that add a darling flair to many an outfit. This laid-back collection is bound to get the buzz it deserves with affordable prices and simple but "well-made" designs.

image1* www.whatsonxiamen.com

image2* www.netaporter.com

image3* www.refinery29.com

WNBA player Cappie Pondexter and partner Lisa Smith-Craig_­ pulled from the hottest of the hot at 4 Season Style Management’s styling presentation at the super stylish Eventi Hotel last Wednesday night.  The combination of  WNBA stars and other key players like model hostess Jessica White and accessory designers Coco & Breezy made the night an eccentric and edgy grouping of all things cool.

The fashion presentation was so cohesive that many members of the press (excluding SBS) were wrong in believing that the pieces were originally designed by the unstoppable duo themselves. Pondexter and Smith-Craig did an excellent job styling the models with a wardrobe selection pulled from a variety of collections including Alexander Wang, Mary-Kate and Ashley’s The ROW and Elizabeth + James. Pondexter and Smith-Craig emphasize the need to consider clothing for the athletically sexy body type of the average female athlete. Pondexter stressed the difficult task to dress these specifics in the high-glam couture she admires.

Smith-Craig, working behind the scenes while still looking awesome, pulled from their favorite top designers of today while maintaining their cohesive sexy, grungy and dark aesthetic evident from the music choice to the models (including the seriously sexy Shaun Ross). After speaking with Pondexter and Smith-Craig, it became excitingly apparent that all this is just the beginning. They hope to design and launch their own line in the future but not before Pondexter plays a little more basketball– and look amazing while doing it! Overall it was a great night and I was pleasantly surprised at the level of sophistication in stylistic choices. Good luck with everything 4 Season Style!

image* Jessica White and Cappie Pondexter www.gettyimages.com

Yes it is currently August. Yes, Fashion Week starts September 9th. It may be one month away, but in a blink of an eye Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week will hit New York city like a perfectly styled twister.

Fashion Week is an exciting opportunity for designers to showcase their collections on one of the biggest international platforms in the world. Fashion insiders, media outlets, fellow colleagues, and hungry consumers get first glimpses of mouthwatering new looks.

With a change of venue (Lincoln Center), Scene B Seen will be in the trenches of fashion week to cover some of your favorite designers and new up and comers. What are the new trends for Spring 2011? The new must have? Over arching themes? Stay Tuned!

image* www.secondcitystyle.typepad.com

Monday, August 2nd: Both sparkling in gold lamé, the Double Happiness girls pulled off nothing less than the usual glamour that follows them from their home town in San Diego, California. 

Stephanie Wells, jewelry maker and author , and sister, Alisa Rottenberg, Director of Daisy Mae Public Relations, played fab hostesses to a fun and flirty event celebrating Double Happiness Jewelry and The Earring Style Book by Wells.

As I two-stepped it to the 80's / Western music around the room to view the collection and snack on the delicious Carousel Cupcakes, I found the contemporary jewelry to be well-crafted, tastefully designed and full of personality. My favorite piece: a single studded long blue velvet necklace draped with chains, pictured below.

City chic appeared to be the motif of the evening outfitted with cran-vodkas provided by NadaRed Vodka and the girl-glamour décor provided by the Norwood Club. In fact, I was honestly tricked by a stylized faux Warhol painting thinking it was Edie but realized it was only Lindsay Lohan with two black eyes on a hot pink background. From the hairy lamps and oversized plush couches, to the handmade chandelier earrings and turquoise-fragmented rope necklaces, the event was super cohesive and a ton of fun!

*photo 1: Alisa Rottenberg, Ralph Lauren Model- Christopher Collins, and Stephanie Wells

In Miami it is constantly hot, and Mercedes Benz Swimwear Fashion week has caused South Florida to get even hotter. Even the humidity couldn’t ruin the good times. The week-long event produced miraculous bathing suits, of which they are so gorgeous that the beach isn’t worthy to come in contact.

A.Z Araujo designs shimmered under the spotlights from the Swarovski crystal embellishments; the black and white suits were well constructed to fit the models, but due to the laced-up one pieces and the corset-like tops, the collection seemed more like lingerie rather than swimsuits. Onto newer territories, the Brazilian company A. Z Araujo, launched his jewelry collection for its premier run at Miami Fashion Week. I compliment the designer for pairing and creating beautiful jewels such as bauble necklaces and hoop earrings that are the perfect size–just big enough, without taking any attention off the suits.

Those who had the pleasure of viewing the show included Real Housewives: Nene Leakes, Sheree Whitfield, Kim Zolciak, and Kandi Burruss. Being a perfect time to be cheesy, the housewives weren’t “tardy for the party”.

A timeless swimsuit collection that will last for many trips to the pool was the Marysia Swimwear line. This was definitely one of the best shows out of the entire week. The swimwear tops were ruched at the bust and the pale pastels complimented all hues of sun kissed skin. What was interesting was the Asian influence. It added a perfect touch to the models walking on the catwalk–who were also topped off with a Thai straw hat–merging textures between the straw and the silky sundresses.

Free as a bird was Kooey Swimwear collection. The models were adorned with black plucked feathers around their neck and tousled hair. Beginning with traditional string bikinis then progressing into geometric one-pieces and finally high-waisted bottoms paired with strapless tops in mostly a red hue, peach, orange, and tangerine. The tribal outlook on the collection could not be overlooked as seen through the use of feathers: near the bangles, in the model’s hair, and even in the swimsuits themselves as shoulder pieces. However, the best piece out of the collection that works with all body types was the ruched high waisted black bottoms. Whatever tummy bulge you may have is hidden beneath the ruching–much better than doing reps of crunches.

*photo 1: courtesy of fashion.broadwayworld.com

*photo 2: courtesy of nypost.com/p/pagesix

Yes, there are luxe images and media whispers of fall preview collections alerting us of the next must-haves for the upcoming season. Now, I am all about fashion forecasting and knowing the "it" items ahead of time, but dare I say I'd like to stay a little autumnally aloof? Afterall, summer is here in full force! (hello heat waves!) To celebrate the success of Mercedes-Benz Swim Fashion Week in Miami, below are my top 3 splashy favorites straight off the runway.

How unabashedly summer is this Tyler Rose bikini (pictured above?) A flirty ruffled fuscia top paired with a rainbow splashed low cut bikini brief is candyland chic. This look embodies everything summer should be: playful, exciting, and indulgent.

Crystil Jin's take on the one-piece is sexy sophistication done well...really well. The color palette is both eye catching and understated at the same time. Two tone rich copper hues and plunging deep V adds visual interest–playfully highlighting sunkissed skin.

Kaftans can be a quick way to look pulled together post swim or beach lay out. When choosing a coverup I tend to look for versatility: something relaxed enough to wear lounging during the day but also appropriate for social happenings throughout the evening. Cia Maritima's piece from his collection does just that. This beautifully designed tribal inspired kaftan is oh so delectable. Such an eye catcher–strong in aesthetic yet soft and ethereal in form.

Want to see more sizzling suits from Swim Fashion Week? Simply click here.

To all the DIY fashionistas who are tired of browsing Etsy for cool finds: six NYC girlfriends– who constitute the ALIOMI team– are putting an end to your endless web browsing by creating a new go to shopping site for urban cool!

July 14th marked Bastille Day for many, but for the ALIOMI ladies, it meant the much anticipated launch celebration of their eco conscious e-commerce boutique at The Gates. Large prints from ALIOMI’s line and renderings of the website as well as models rocked the brand's custom-made, indie, avant-guarde, vintage, and DIY offerings.  An open bar featuring yummy specialty cocktails started off the event on a great note while attendees nibbled on Popchips and mini tasty cupcakes by Tawny Ong.

In true ALIOMI spirit even the Step and Repeat was DIY. The tote gift bags, specially desinged by Mark Santangelo for ALIOMI, were available in limited quantities. As a frequent event-goer I have more than my share of tote bags, but this one is my current favorite by far. It not only contained additional info on the brand but also two adorable pins - one with the ALIOMI logo, the other featuring a vintage glamour girl. There was also a pair of wayfarer type sunglasses in black and green - perfect to hit the streets of Brooklyn during the NYC heatpocalypse.

The event's climax was the long awaited unveiling of the street wear inspired e-boutique. Co-owner Naomi Melati Bishop explained their vision for their store to functions as “your own personal fashion designer, but without the hefty price tag." Also adding that “20 billion pounds of clothing are needlessly discarded in the U.S. per year, so we urge people to buy vintage not only because it’s fashionable, but also because it is cost-effective and environmentally friendly to recycle pre-loved items. Each garment is unique, handpicked, and carefully selected by our team. Our items are limited release. Once they’re sold out, they’re gone!”

The launch turned into a festive moment as  guests started a countdown giving the event a NYE feel. Low and behold, there it was: the official premiere of ALIOMI's summer campaign video (which is currently still on the store opening page to let you take a look). The video guides you along a day in the life of an ALIOMI girl seen with a sexy soundtrack by Glass Candy. Click here to watch and be ready to add this awesome site to your favorites!

image* facebook.com/ALIOMI

Well I am now officially 16 years old, my how fast they grow up ;)... For my sixteen years of existence, I have chosen sixteen aspects of fashion that everyone should include in their wardrobe. These sixteen precious things have grown on me, and I include them into my outfits day after day. Thus far, they have treated me very well, and I hope they do the same for you!

1. To kick things off I love Burberry, and truthfully I don’t own any Burberry items, mainly because they are far too expensive for me. But every since I have laid eyes upon Burberry Prorsum on the catwalk I fell in love. Burberry is a beautiful line that incorporates English influences while still using the trademark plaid to make coats, handbags, and heavenly smelling perfumes.

2. When I was younger I detested tights, partially because it was such a hassle to put on, and because it never seemed to fit just right–well I still have that problem but I have learned to deal with it. I have a large assortment of tights varying from floral patterns, bright colors, and just plain black tights. Tights, as well as, knee highs and thigh highs are perfect for a plain dress, making your legs appear longer and slimmer.

3. For an easy and laid back outfit, I pair a rock band t-shirt with skinny jeans and everyone immediately just thinks that I’m cool. Wearing a tee gives off a slight edgier attitude. Each graphic t-shirt has a different story behind it, allowing me to reminisce about the concert at which I got it, and some with an autograph or two on the back, giving others a great conversation starter.

4. Red, yellow, and blue, are the fundemental colors of the color wheel... and they are great colors to brighten up your closet. Whether it is a cherry red scarf, or an ultramarine blue clutch use one of the three primary colors to brighten up your looks, and if you want to go for the distance then make it a mod outfit by using some black liquid eyeliner.

5. Fendi is one of my favorite designers because unlike some other designers who thrive off of handbags, I actually love the clothing. From recent collections, the draping and color palettes always make me want more.

6. Oversized handbags have always occupied my closet. They are so practical with unlimited space, however, the only disadvantage is that it can hurt your shoulders if you overpack. But in moderation I have made the most out my dark leather woven bag, and will continue to do so for many years to come.

7. Alright well I know that not everyone has positive feelings for Sperry shoes, but growing up in Florida it is a necessity. Being able to be paired with a tank top and shorts, Sperrys are a great addition to your wardrobe. Plus, it’s not a big deal if you take them to the beach and get sand in them.

8. Horizontal Stripes are the basics behind the nautical theme and the main colors such as black, navy blue, and red are always used with white on cotton fabric. If you want to follow through the nautical theme then add a rope headband or an anchor necklace.

9. Tassels are there to add some pep and texture into an outfit that can be both sexy and flirty. Handbags, shirts, and even jewelry with tassels are always going to be a great addition to your closet, so make the most of them.

10. I have a little business on Etsy which thrives off of bows; so bows as well as bow ties are a dear friend to me. What I love are bows that are sewn onto dresses, a striking touch to bring others eyes upon you, and a feminine detail that is just simply beautiful.

11. Cardigans have been sort of an obsession for me; I have around 10 in all sorts of different colors, for any occasion. The button-up aspect of cardigans makes any outfit look more professional even if it is covering up some graphic tee.

12. I believe in thrifting and just wearing vintage threads in general, I usually have day outings with my friends where we just go to thrift shops and fight with each other over who gets the cute leather boots. So the hard work put into finding some cute clothes out of all the granny dresses is a hassle at first, but each piece is a one of a kind, not just some mall find.

13. Throughout the winter all I wear are military influenced coats. I have at least three and I would never regretting buying one more. And to have equilibrium between feminine and masculine, I purchase military jackets with a cut that suits my body type, and I even have a coat that is complete with ruffles on the back and brass buttons... perfect for summer nights.

14. Wayfayer sunglasses have always been in style since “Risky Business” and since last summer they once again became well known thanks to Ray-Ban. Yes I have given into the trend, and I am not ashamed to say so because wayfers are one of the rare sunglasses that suit my face while making me look cool at the same time.

15. I have blogged earlier of my love for turbans, and I have yet to find the perfect turban, but once I do, I will share it with you all, and then wear it all the time. I can just picture how well it will go with practically anything as long as my wavy hair is down.

16. Clothing fusion is a seldom used technique in garment making; sewing two different types of fabric together to create a single piece. I only wish that clothing fusion makes its way onto the runway more often so that others can bask in its glory.

*image 1: Burberry Prorsum Double-Breasted Trenchcoat

*image 2: DVF Warhol Scarf in Red, Fuchsia, Yellow or Ivory

*image 3: Be & D Barclay Tote

*image 4: Versus Belted Cardigan

*image 5: Ray Ban Large Wayfarer Sunglasses

*image 6: MARC by Marc Jacobs Which Way Patchwork Top