sweepin' the clouds away

Diane von Furstenburg and Big Bird

Vera Wang and Abby Cadabby (why do I not remember this character??)

Derek Lam and Thakoon Panichgul with Bert & Ernie!

Calvin Klein's Francisco Costa and Grover!

Carolina Herrera and Elmo (my fave)

Rodarte's Laura and Kate Mulleavy with Cookie Monster!!

Oscar and Oscar..ha!

I know what you're thinking...Miss Piggy and now Sesame Street? Yeah but its the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street! It used to be one of my favorite shows to watch when I was a kid. I was really happy to see this in Harper's Bazaar's September issue because I've found their editorials of the last few issues to be dull and uninspired. This one is by no means spectacular but it reminds you that fashion is supposed to be fun, playful and not taken seriously.

♥

Paper bag princess

Recession chic is the new black. The economic crisis is inspiring designers to show looks with a nod to an increasingly unstable financial world.

The trend of the past five or so years has been for haute designers to collaborate with stores like Target (Thakoon), Kohls (Simply Vera, Vera Wang) and H&M. Side note: the mega-successful Swedish chain's next guest designer is Matthew Williamson whose much-anticipated line will be available this summer. Read more about it here.

Alexander Wang's RTW collection was infused with fresh urban street influences. The look was undone, evident in pieces like the baggy sweater with sheer-spun rayon webbing throughout and the tough black leather fringed and pierced platform sandals (LOVE those!). You can get your hands on Wang's wares at shopbop.com

Tom Binns, jewelry designer du jour and my current obsession did a very tongue-in-cheek pair of medal earrings with precious stones' names engraved in rhodium. See a photo on Style.com's Spring 2009 Accessory Report.

I dream about the day when I'll be able to thrift vintage Alexander Wang or Tom Binns at Frenchy's or Value Village... but I'm not holding my breath.

Photo credit: Jenna Bienenfeld