Fab Interview

Last night, Mulberry celebrated its 40th birthday, drawing a crowd of fashion week front-rowers and stylish celebs to NYC's Skylight Studios West to fête the anniversary. While the crowd sipped Prosecco and noshed on miniature rice-crispy treats, Kasabian rocked the rooftop lounge, drawing Alexa Chung and Anna Dello Russo to the dance floor. There, we spotted Gossip Girl's Georgina, aka the lovely Michelle Trachtenberg, and found out exactly what the actress has on her Fall wish list. Check out Michelle's fashion must haves, and then click through for a glimpse of all the celebs at last night's bash.

• On the perfect pair of pants: "I think I'm of the age where I need to start investing in smart pants. I'm not talking anything pleats, I'm just talking about menswear-inspired, as opposed to always reaching for my black skinny jeans."
• On the search for a great coat: "I'm looking for a great gray [coat] — kind of like a mix between a wool and a silk trench coat if that makes any sense."
• On the perfect Fall shoe: "A really great statement shoe, a colorful heel."

Fashion's Night Out in NYC yesterday was, as expected, a crazy, rockin' time. In between shopping and mingling, we caught up with the wonderful Diane von Furstenberg and chatted about her favorite thing about FNO, (not) staying sane during fashion week, and what to expect in her upcoming Spring '12 show. Listen up for the 411 from one of the world's most successful designers.

Now check out more images from her fun FNO party in SoHo!

Photo courtesy of marQue dimesa

We've all done our fair share of scrounging around vintage and consignment boutiques in hopes of finding a great designer deal, but we all know how hard that can be. Now, what if we told you we found a shop where you can buy some amazing vintage and past-season designer shoes, clothing, and bags — from the likes of Celine, Dolce & Gabbana, and Thakoon to name a few — all online. Amazing, yes? That's where newly conceived online designer consignment shop The Real Real comes into play. Not only did we check out and shop the site ourselves (one of our editors scored on an amazing pair of Chanel shoes for $145!), we spoke with one of its founders, Marcy Carmack, to learn more:

FabSugar: How do you determine authenticity with the items you receive?
Marcy Carmack: We rely on a team of experts across the US including former executives in all top fashion houses.

FS: How many new items do you receive on a weekly basis?
MC: It just depends, we got 500 pieces in one day from a celebrity. That is not an everyday occurrence, yet!

FS: Your site sells past season and vintage items, what are some timeless designer pieces every girl should invest in?
MC: Chanel, Louis Vuitton luggage, Hermés handbags, and quality costume jewelry. Good design is not just this season but there is good design every year.

Now that you have the down low, check out our top ten designer picks from today's curated selections then sign up (it's free) to be a member and start shopping!

Over the weekend, Alexis Bittar gave SF an intimate look at his Fall collection. Afterward, we caught up with the designer to talk jewelry essentials and his favorite pieces. The design genius has been busy — super busy — balancing editorial demands, the launch of his Spring collection, as well as a fine jewelry line to come. So, when we found ourselves with a moment to pick his brain, we couldn't help but ask what the jewelry guru might recommend for us. Granted, there's a part of us that just wants to dress up in one of the head pieces he's designed for Lady Gaga, but in terms of wearability it may not be our best bet. Instead, click through to see which jewels Alexis Bittar would select for your workday, date night, and beyond — then peruse the gorgeous baubles.

There are few things better than a Madewell store opening in your city — unless of course, you get a tour with one of the brilliant fashion minds behind the brand. Enter marketing director Gigi Guerra, who joined us yesterday in the new SF store to walk us through the label's latest, her favorite pieces, and how she styles it all up to hit that quintessential Madewell-cool. According to Gigi, it's all about "stuff that’s very boy-meets-girl, not super feminine but more inspired by your boyfriend stuff so it has a little bit of the tomboy edge to it" — click through to shop her picks and see how it's done.

"No matter the occasion, it is most important for a woman to feel great in what she is wearing," said Tracy Reese. That said, it's time for an exclusive look at her Plenty Holiday collection — we know; it's still Summer but the festive season will be here before you know it. The line, which Reese designed with the “party girl” in mind, shows off throwback '60- and '70s- inspired silhouettes. "The plenty collection is more youthful [than my signature line] with flirty silhouettes in gem tones," said Reese, who cited the classic black dress as her closet go-to. Regarding her use on prints, the designer noted: "I usually gain inspiration from my surroundings. Whether in New York or when I take trips to foreign cities, I am inspired by the people, architecture, and art that I encounter." Check out the slideshow to see more holiday inspiration from the Plenty byTracy Reese collection.