In anticipation of the third season of AMC’s “Mad Men”, Banana Republic has partnered with the network to celebrate the influential style of the hit series. “Style and fashion are at the core of ‘Mad Men’ with its 1960’s aesthetic highlighting the classic silhouettes that are still popular today,” says Jack Calhoun, president of Banana Republic. “Banana Republic is known for its modern take on these classics, such as the suit, trench coat and classic white shirt, so the partnership is a natural fit for both brands.” I couldn’t agree more, and am totally in love with this partnership. I stopped by my local Banana Republic and absolutely loved the Mad Men inspired windows and style guides- which feature character profiles with corresponding styled outfits and tips on how to get their look. While I’ve only seen one episode of the show (soon to be remedied by my roommates purchase of the DVD sets of the first two seasons), I don’t need a favorite character to have a favorite piece (or two) from the “Mad Men” inspired collection. I love the structured silhouette of the Lightweight Wool Sheath Dress and sweet bow-tie of the Summer Orchid Silk Geo-Print Bow Top.

Source: Stylist.com

Ever since a long weekend in my hometown over the 4th of July weekend, I’ve been feeling a bit homesick and nostalgic for my small town upbringing and the summers spent in the countryside. Don’t get me wrong, I love Los Angeles in the summertime- the weather is great, the beach is lovely, the sunsets are to die for- but it just doesn’t quite compare to those of my youth. Days spent up at the lake, endless fields of wild flowers, being able to bike to the other side of town for the perfect greasy burger, that dusty, warm summer smell in the air and the feeling of total freedom (well at least until the end of August) is something I long to relive. I stumbled across these images of Missoni’s (yes, I just transitioned from small-town-America daydreaming to Missoni, this is how my mind works) f/w 09 campaign and just about died. Something about these images perfectly captures the summertime freedom I’m missing.

The campaign was shot by Ryan McGinley, who also did Stella McCartney’s fall campaign. I need to do some more research into his work, he has seriously stolen my heart with this one.

I may need to cure my summertime blues with a little retail therapy. Somehow, a Missoni scarf seems like the perfect splurge.

If anyone were to feature Bambi and friends in fashion advertising, it would be animal lover Stella McCartney, and for her Autumn/ Winter 2009 campaign that is exactly what she has done. “I’m a huge Bambi fan, and the film reminds me of my mum,” the animal-loving designer told WWD. “And we wanted to have some fun. The clothes in the campaign are looking quite fierce, and we wanted to contrast them with the innocence of Bambi.”

The whimsical ads also feature “almost-as-adorable-as-Bambi” Sigrid Agren, were shot by Ryan McGinley, and will break as double-page spreads in the September issues of French, Italian and British Vogue, V and Another Magazine.

Bambi may actually be, in my humble opinion, one of the scariest Disney movies ever- but I am loving the shot of fun the movie’s characters add to McCartney’s campaign. Makes me want to go frolic in the woods…

What better shoes to take me around the woods than these Bambi-friendly Adidas Stella McCartney Fitness Shoes?

Source: WWD.

I ran across these images from Aussie swimwear label Zimmermann on Refinery29 Pipeline. So sultry and exotic, these images have me seriously lamenting the fact that my current tan lines are from Santa Monica and not some exotic, tropical locale. Not that I don’t realize how lucky I am to live so close to the beach, but the bold tie-dye prints, awesome styling, and still-hot-at-night vibe of this look book make me want to break out the passport and run away to somewhere wild.

Until my tropical vacation dreams come true, I may have to just have to play pretend in this gorgeous Big Chill maxi dress from Zimmermann. Props always help when playing pretend.

Source: Refinery29 Pipeline

Do you have those outfits, or articles of clothing, you find yourself wearing over and over to the point where you are almost embarrassed? Outfits that are brainless, look good on you, and can be mixed-up a little with accessories- yet you kind of wonder if anyone else notices how often you wear them? Well, I sure do. And so does Chloë Sevigny.

Chloë modeling variations of Chloé’s long jacket and scalloped shorts suit, at the label’s L.A. opening bash, the Paley Center, Veuve Clicquot’s Governors Island polo match, and again at last week’s Swarovski Crystallized party. Of course, my well-worn outfits (think skinny jeans and American Apparel tees) certainly do not equate to gorgeous Chloé suits. Then again, I am in little danger of being photographed and plastered all over the internet when I am a repeat outfit offender. So what do you think, is Chloë’s philosophy of finding what works and sticking with it inspiring you to wear your favorite pieces more often?

Not only does Chloë share her name with her uniform’s label, she is also one of the faces of their new fragrance (so maybe there is a reason for her constantly wearing Chloé).

If you haven’t checked out the fragrance for yourself, you totally should. It is light, floral, simple and delicate, with just a hint of spice. Perfectly suited to the label and Miss Sevigny.

I’m such a sucker for luxury goods commercials disguised as “short films”. A killer wardrobe, great cinematography, a few famous faces and a good soundtrack are all that I need to start proclaiming “Oscar!” and contemplate blowing my life savings on small leather goods I certainly don’t need and perhaps don’t even like all that much. A big budget, which most luxury houses can still afford, makes everything in these films look expensive and fabulous. Ah, the lure of luxury, you can’t help but want a part in it. Even the small, non-speaking role of the consumer. The short “Lady Noire” film for the Lady Dior handbag is no exception. If you’ve got 7 minutes to spare, it’s definitely worth watching to see Marion Cotillard walk the beams of the Eiffel Tower in heels I wouldn’t attempt to walk up stairs in…

If you are anything like myself, after watching this film, you’re probably feeling the urge to purchase something Dior as soon as possible. May I suggest the awesome aviator-style Black Tie 88/S Sunglasses?

Part Two, “Lady Rouge”, is coming soon… I’ll be sure to post it.

I’m not sure why, but perfume advertisements, real and faux, have been catching my eye as of late. I discovered a new favorite this weekend. The trippy, ethereal commercial for Flora by Gucci is seriously awesome.

The song- a borderline-creepy Donna Summer I Feel Love remix- was produced and arranged by the commercial’s director, Chris Cunningham and provides a perfect soundtrack. The sun-drenched field of flowers, gorgeous dress, and visually stunning metamorphosis at the end, paired with the great remix, prompted me to re-watch this on YouTube several times. Heck, I’ll admit it- I seriously want to buy a bottle of Gucci Flora thanks to this commercial. Somehow, I think that’s what they were going for.

A clever commentary on the hype and hysteria bestowed upon luxury goods in our society, Francesco Vezzoli’s project Greed is a thought provoking and subversive dig at our world. The fake ad campaign for an imagined perfume includes a short film starring Natalie Portman and Michelle Williams and directed by Roman Polanski, posters featuring portraits and endorsements from leading ladies in history as well as a perfume bottle featuring the image of Vezzoli in drag. Vezzoli is known for creating trailers, premieres, and now advertisements for product’s that don’t actually exist: a pilot show for a reality dating show starring Catherine Deneuve and Marianne Faithful; a trailer for a remake of Caligula starring Helen Mirren and Courtney Love; and Democrazy, a campaign for two political candidates- Sharon Stone and Bernard- Henri Lev. While intrigued by Vezzoli’s fascination with media and our consumerist culture, I love this project simply because Portman and Williams- favorites of mine- are so great in it.

If you are intrigued by Vezzoli’s work you should check out The Needleworks of Francesco Vezzoli, a book featuring his obsessively embroidered portraits of celebrities that explores the construct of fame.

Source: Wallpaper.com

I am obsessed with this shot from Jak & Jil street style photographer Tommy Ton’s campaign for Lane Crawford. Both women are stunning and wearing very chic outfits, but what caught my eye about this photo is that it is striking how different these women’s styles are from the each other and yet how well they work together. The slacks and tank outfit is dressed up enough with the ankle strap heels and the colorful dress on the other woman is toned down enough with her minimal hair and makeup, that there is no question to whether they are actually heading to the same event or not. While I love both outfits, the separates are just amazing effortless cool and totally the look I will be going for this spring and summer. Here is how I’d create this outfit:

I covet this Orange Popsicle colored silk tank from Alexander Wang.

Not as slouchy as the above slacks, I still love these High Waist Crop Pants from 3.1 Phillip Lim.

Love the sawtooth detailing on these L.A.M.B. heels.

Image Source: Lane Crawford

Pam Anderson is certainly not who comes to mind when I first think of British fashion, far from it. Yet she is the star of Vivienne Westwood’s spring 09 ad campaign, in which she wears all four of Westwood’s labels- Red, Gold, Anglomania and MAN. I have to say, I think the campaign is totally awesome. Also featuring Westwood and her husband Andreas Kronthaler (who almost steal the show), the campaign was shot at Anderson’s Malibu trailer by Juergen Teller. The vibe is kitschy, kooky and fun- much like Westwood herself (and her designs).

According to Fashionista, Westwood was surprised to see Pam sitting front row in a smashing gold dress at September’s Red Label show during London fashion week, and when it came time to pick the models for the spring campaign she instead decided to go with Anderson. A great move, as the campaign will no doubt have a lot of people talking, and it is a lot more fun to look at than your average celebrity ad campaign.

The asymmetrical stripes and grunge feel of this top are too cool. It would look great with skinny jeans, or ripped shorts for spring:

Source: Les Mads via The Cut, Fashionista