vanitas

Vanitas is all over the place these days. That's why I did a double take when I saw this Karen Zambos Vintage Couture Sleeveless Phoebe Dress ($215, originally $429) in the same exact fabric. Wait a minute . . . isn't that the print of Vanitas' Kimono Red Silk Dress ($284)? Yes it is!

It's a very small fabric world out there. Chances are both brands visited Premiere Vision, a fabric trade show, and liked the same print. Can you blame them though? It's a beautiful retro-inspired pattern. This happens from time to time, but the reason we don't see it more often is because many brands design their own fabric. That's probably a wise decision considering you don't want clones of your clothing walking around. Just some fashion for thought.

Have I mentioned how much I love a blonde in green? What a glamorous combo. A very pregnant and very blonde Christina Aguilera hit up Kitson for a Rock the Vote party in a green silk ruffle dress by Vanitas. Looks like she's following Nicole Richie, who also wore Vanitas while pregnant. The patent Yves Saint Laurent bag and T-strap Loubs are also divine. Talk about hot mama-to-be!

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I knew Nicole Richie's dress was familiar as soon as I laid eyes on it - I did a Designer Spotlight on Vanitas almost a month ago! Although this is not a traditional maternity frock, it sure looks good on her. The navy blue and red pattern is very vintage. And Nicole continues to stick to the Willy Wonka theme with her white round sunnies. She's really spearheading a whole movement of wearing non-maternity clothes while pregnant. But then again, she's skinny enough to pull it off.

Flynet

I'm telling the truth when I say I am not an avid watcher of The Hills. But, I will admit to some "background TV" of the show, and stopping mid-action to tune in. I swear that is the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me God. With my testimony out of the way, who will be tuning in for the premiere of The Hills, Season 3 on Monday?

One part of this guilty pleasure I do pay attention to is the clothes. With these girls' wealth, fame and bods it's no surprise they are into fashion. Oh, and those Teen Vogue internships may have something to do with it too. These gals may not be the most fashion forward or eccentric, but they know their It bags, designer denim and party tops, as pointed out by this week's Life & Style. Here are my picks for some fun party tops to try on, Hills style.

P.S. I threw some cute lower-priced items in for good measure.

Only two out of the three Vanitas (Latin for "the Vanities") founders are biological family (Jennifer Band and Katie Wacha), but they all consider themselves sisters. That may be because Jennifer is married to Taryn Band's brother, Alex, singer of the band, The Calling. Now that we got the whole family thing straightened out, let's focus on the clothes, as they're definitely worth gushing about!

None of the Vanitas girls have formal training in fashion design, yet they manage to create beautiful and feminine dresses. Their frocks are so hot, A-listers like Mischa Barton, Cameron Diaz, Mandy Moore, Jewel, Kate Walsh and Gabrielle Union can't resist them.

You can find their goods at Couture Candy, Maneater Threads and Beu Clothing. Prices range from $158 for a top to $229 for a frock.

To see the rest of Vanitas' Fall collection, read more

A pair of easy breezy trousers makes me want to swing dance as if in one of those infamous GAP commercials. The light weight, the ease of movement, the casual chic of these cool pants are so Katharine Hepburn. Not one for suiting, I do appreciate the look and feel of a casual trouser. And, they can give you height! Wear them with a loose tank and some open-toe wedges and swing dance throughout your day.