Miu Miu advertising controversy or advocacy against young models?

Hailee Steinfeld, the 14-year-old star of the blockbuster hit "True Grit" was named the face of Prada brand, Miu Miu, this year. However, her newest advertisement for the brand, depicting her in vintage-inspired garb sitting next to train tracks, is receiving serious backlash and has been banned in Britain.



According to theimproper.com, one of the main arguments is that the ad (shown above)promotes, "youth suicide." However, no train is in sight in the distance, she appears to be more tired than melancholy, and isn't even directly on the tracks. Is this really the main concern or is there another dislike that is fueling the controversy?

Others are not as angry about the ad as they are about its model. Many are generally and uproariously disturbed at the use of young models on the whole; numerous children, as young as 10 years old, are being used in major fashion magazines, in adult fashion advertising campaigns, and are even walking the runway. Liz Jones, style director London’s Daily Mail, compared the use of such models to something as bad as underage smoking and drinking.

Personally, I think that there are pros and cons to every story. First off, getting girls involved so young does, in a sense, take away their childhood. Society tends to see the bad effects of young Hollywood actors who make it big very young and then go into a downward spiral once puberty, and reality, hits (Lindsay Lohan, anyone?). But at the same time, numerous successful models and actresses have also come out of Hollywood. As far as the fashion world goes, Kate Moss, who started modeling at the age of 14, is one of the biggest models in the world--not to mention she is still walking the runway and as relevant as she was when she made it onto the scene. While I am not crazy about the idea of a girl 2 years older than my niece posing in major fashion magazines, as long as it is not pushing the line of provocative I think it is just as cute as a J. Crew for Kids or babyGap ad. If that is what the mini model or young actress wants to do (by her own free will & sans pressure from anyone) I see it as no harm, no foul. Some children are more mature than others, and if they are already acting I don't see a problem.

As for the Miu Miu ad, I think it is gorgeous. Would it have been prettier with a much older model? Appealed to me more? Undoubtedly, but kudos to Harriet for pulling it off with true class.

weekly want: kate spade new york case

I already have 2 silicone cases for my Blackberry, this clever & cute case by Kate Spade New York is so much more sophisticated! It's not only pretty but functional, with a hidden magnet to keep my Blackberry from slipping out of the tiny pouch. But most of all, I love the tiny reminder emblazoned on the front to look at your phone as something more--a gateway to adventure! For only $25 this cute find may just hold a spot on my Christmas wishlist to further breed amazing travel ideas!

Lady Gaga's coming to town!

Tomorrow, the entire 5th floor of Barney's Department Store in New York will be transformed, for the first time ever, into "Gaga's Workshop," where over 170 different products, designed by Mother Monster aka Lady Gaga herself, will be available--from hand carved chocolate skulls, to claw shaped stockings, and one pair of custom made $4,100 shoes. Leading up to the launch Barney's featured the 12 days of Gaga, with new surprise items each day--ranging from a Gaga cookie, all the way to spiked motorcycle gloves (which are still up on the site for purchase).

A giant Gaga installation will greet shoppers on entrance into the Madison Avenue store and the sculptures will continue upstairs where everything will be divided into eight sections, including a candy shop equipped with hair bow lollipops, and a boudoir. There will also be an entire section devoted to books, which will be housed inside a massive pop-up book, as well as a window that will feature a unicorn and Gaga as “Goddess of the Universe.”



"Partnering with her in this unprecedented collaborative way to create the largest and most all-encompassing holiday theme that Barneys has ever mounted is a thrill," said Mark Lee, Barneys New York CEO. "As a New York City landmark, we wanted to celebrate Lady Gaga as a fellow New Yorker and amazing talent.”

And don't feel guilty spending some cash at the Gaga Workshop for the holidays-- Barney's is donating 25% of sales to a charity of Lady Gaga's choice!



If you aren't lucky enough to live in NYC, the workshop also has it's own website & next to everything will be available online. Click here to check it out!

weekly want: versace for H&M

Although I'm more than positive that this dress is already sold out at every H&M in New York, I still could not resist putting it up here. I just love the intricate detail and vibrant color. It's a total summer party dress & with all this cold weather, I'm dreaming of 80 degree weather on a daily basis. But then again, Versace has no season (& neither do shift dresses!), so I can totally see this on New Years Eve or even just a fancy date with the boyfriend or a night out with the girls, just add some pumps & tights & you're set. Versace for $199? You simply cannot beat it (well, maybe you can with Chanel for that price, but I'll take what I can get)!

Versace for H&M.

My eyes literally BULGED out of my head in the middle of the library reading my Google Fashion Alert... VERSACE IS COMING TO H&M!



Set to launch November 17th, the brand's H&M Collaboration named after the designer, Gianni Versace SpA, includes "floor-length "goddess" gowns, dresses dotted with Grecian buttons and fluorescent micro-minis." The line will feature everything from cheap lingerie to an outerwear line ranging into the early hundreds. And for those of us who do not want to make the trip to the mobbed stores on the day of the release, no worries because the Versace has also designed a pre-spring line that will hit the online H&M shops in mid-January!

The Versace brand, founded by its namesake in 1987 & ruling the runway ever since, is using this collaborative opportunity to not only get their name out to buyers who may not know of the brand's legacy (according to associate editor retail at fashion forecaster WGSN Jayne Bibby,numerous H&M customers will experience Versace if they are not aware of its history and, in the future, "trade up" to the designer's collection), but to give the fashionista on a budget the opportunity to own something luxurious.


(Christmas gift, anyone?)


Personally, I am INSANELY excited for this collaboration! H&M, like Target, always team up with amazing designers (Lagerfeld & Choo, to name a few) & just the fact that I can own something designer on a reasonable college student budget is beyond fantastic. Hopefully this release will leave people with more than bedsheets (a la Missoni for Target) or size 12 Choo heels (circa summer 2009)! Check out the video for an inside look on the collection!

weekly want: adorable etsy find

After losing one of my beloved Isotoner gloves last winter, I have been on the hunt for a great, warm, interesting pair of gloves. Upon my window shopping for the perfect pair I stumbled upon these adorable Fox Mittens from a seller on Etsy. Not only do they look insanely warm & cozy but they each pair is hand made by the seller, not to mention can serve as a great gift under $50 for the holiday season. I will definitely be putting these on my wishlist next to my Shark Mittens! Who can resist something cute & functional for winter? I definitely can't!

live life without elephant feet this winter!

Now that the snow has fallen and the fast forward through fall has begun, Uggs are in abundance everywhere you turn (Iona being the prime example). However, WashingtonPost.com's Talking Fashion Live Q&A with Holly Thomas says that, "Uggs should be a last resort -- or better yet, reserved for the ski resort." Many people disagree, practically living in their Ugg boots, possibly all year long. But have these ugly, hoof-footed boots transcended trend to become a full, blown out epidemic? Do you find yourself wearing leggings for pants? Sportswear as full time clothing? If you think that any of these may apply to you, Uggcitrin, the Ugg boot vaccine, may be for you. Check out the inspirational video below for more information:

I myself am an owner of Ugg boots and find myself doing almost all of the things mentioned in the video. To those who have never owned a pair, get the vaccine, it may just save your winter-boot life, despite how cold your feet may be. I've made it my business to not have elephant feet this winter, have you? Make sure to click the link below for more information!

weekly want: hedgehogs in love sweater

As soon as the temperature drops I instantly become a sweater, boots, & jeans girl. No layering, no fancy dressing, and very rarely will I sacrifice my warmth to wear something cute. So my shopping quest for the season usually consists of finding cute sweaters with charm. This adorable hedgehog love sweater from Cooperative, a quirky modern knitwear brand, looks toasty, is adorable without being too cutesy, & acts as a total conversation piece. Come on, how many people do you know with a hedgehog sweater? Exactly!
You can buy this lovely Intarsia Sweater at Urban Outfitters!