Bensoni

>> MAC & Milk, the downtown centralized New York Fashion Week venue alternative to Lincoln Center, is expanding its venue offering as it heads into its fourth season. Until this season, all shows have been centralized in the Milk Studios building, but through a partnership with The Standard Hotel, MAC & Milk will have a satellite venue at the hotel's High Line Room in the Meatpacking District, set to be used by up and coming designer labels like Study NY, Bensoni, and Honor.

“We have a new lineup with some new designers, as well as a satellite operation at the Standard Hotel for presentations and shows, including some new emerging designers, which is a new dimension,” John Demsey, group president of Estee Lauder and MAC, said. “We have expanded the geographical territory of using the Meatpacking District.” Mazdack Rassi, creative director of Milk Studios, added: “It’s a community idea as well."

MAC & Milk is working on 20 Lincoln Center shows, 39 staged at MAC & Milk, and 32 off-site shows in total for the Fall 2011 season. And there may be even more big changes by next season — IMG Fashion, which currently has a five year contract to host Fashion Week at Lincoln Center, is rumored to be in talks with MAC & Milk about a partnership that would see IMG help run MAC & Milk in future seasons. Both MAC & Milk and IMG declined comment on the matter.

Blair Waldorf mixes patterns with perfection in episode 14 of Gossip Girl. B's high-waisted Theory shorts, splatter-print Bensoni blouse, and embellished Valentino jacket come together to make an outfit so cool, it's hot. We added a little extra flair with purple suede pumps and a signature "B" pendant. Shop now for Ms. Waldorf's exact shorts and other similar items.

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Photo courtesy of The CW

Just a little pronounced piping and Rebecca Romijn's blazer goes from basic to statement. The pretty piping details caught our eye, not just because they brighten up the ordinary — piping plays up your look two ways: adding a little abstract excitement, and defining your shape. It's a flattering fit on most. Just be sure to keep the rest of your look more minimal — like Rebecca — while your piping goes bold.

While Zoe Saldana stuck with cool separates at the How to Make It in America screening in NYC, Olivia Palermo decided to pop in her sky blue frock by Bensoni. This refreshing hue is cooling to the eyes and makes such a flirty, feminine statement. I like how she smartly contrasted it with black tights and a patent belt for a wintry vibe. Come Spring, all you need is a pair of hot sandals and mirrored shades.



>> New York Fashion Week is a little more than a week away, and the tidbits are flowing freely — a compilation of the highlights from the past few days:

Launches

• Marchesa is launching its first accessories — 28 clutches and evening bags (above); They will retail $995 to $5,000 and are made to coordinate with the mainline dresses. [WWD]

Peter Som is making his way back, Ruffian goes Picasso »

I'm already on the prowl for a unique peplum jacket for Fall. To get you up to speed: peplum, defined. Now we can talk. Peplum dresses are already in stores, but for a less '80s, more tailored option, consider one of these cuties. I adore the sweet flounce at the waist and the cool fusion of this Topshop biker jacket — part moto, part peplum. This might be the one I've been waiting for . . .