You’re invited to a front row view online to the watch the master of beautiful lace, lines, and draping LIVE! Oscar de la Renta Spring/Summer 2012 Live from NYFW. Join the conversation by tweeting with the hashtag #ODLRLIVE on Twitter.

Image Credit: Jamie Beck

Haven’t slept a wink due to the Missoni for Target madness, but shop online RIGHT NOW! The selection is even more impressive than the preview images from the look book. Currently, my cart has over $1,500 of Missoni the limited edition collection merch with no end in sight. Out of the 400 piece collection, view the slideshow for our editor’s picks of the creme de la chevron creme.

Lucky Magazine is proud to present its second Fashion and Beauty Blog Conference (FABB), happening on the eve of Fashion Week, featuring the digital fashion and beauty world’s most influential bloggers, innovators, executives and pacesetters.

Photo Credit: Nicole Marie Melton

Watch the IFB Conference LIVE! Independent Fashion Bloggers hosts some of the best in the industry to discuss new media trends, fashion, blogging, and much more at depth.

This past Tuesday afternoon, the big reveal heard round the world started with eighty Mystery Boxes around the nation and specifically at six Neiman Marcus locations, including the NorthPark and Fort Worth stores.  The news spread like wildfire virally due to word of mouth, news outlets, and the omnipresent help of social media as TOMS founder, Blake Mycoskie unveiled the next chapter of the philanthropic brand.

Onlookers patiently waited with refreshments and DJ melodies in-store while huge cylindrical tubes under lock and key mysteriously tempted consumers of what new surprise Mycoskie had in store.  Huge applause, smiles, and congratulations were abound as the new concept for TOMS Shoes is that they are no longer just a shoe company, but a one-for-one company.  The SMU alum and Arlington native boasted of the quite literal visionary venture that TOMS is undertaking by branching out into an eyewear line.

For every pair of sunglasses sold, TOMS will help give sight to a person in need through medical treatment, prescription glasses, or sight-saving surgery through a partnership with the Seva Foundation. While the end goal is to help give sight to people in need all around the world, the TOMS team will begin in Nepal, Cambodia, and Tibet.

Blake was quoted, “ TOMS could be more than a shoe company – it should be a one for one™ company. With so many different needs around the world, I felt TOMS had an obligation to try to improve as many lives as possible.”

The TOMS new collection of sunglasses is priced from $135 to $145 a pair, available both in men and women’s styles.  The motto is that every stripe tells a story. The design of each pair ties in the charitable story and background of yourself, the person you’re helping, and toms the brand that binds it all together.  Head to your nearest Neiman’s to scoop up a pair or two and someone overseas will thank you for your shady behavior.

Neiman Marcus is located at 400 NorthPark Center, in Dallas, or you can find more information and purchase the new TOMS collection online at http://www.toms.com/eyewear/our-movement/.

Walking into Topshop can be overwhelming as the multi-leveled, fashion megastore from over the pond can be quite daunting as you wade through the masses and peruse through mountains of the newest fashions. Every moment in the Big City is valuable so don’t waste it wandering aimlessly.

On a mission as I explored for holiday gifts, a personal shopper showered me with attention and expedited my experience. My hands were laden and overburdened with new finds and in the nick of time, Neka, my personal shopping savior, came to the rescue.  Tucked away behind the Boutique area in a serene and secluded shopping area with spacious dressing rooms, Topshop’s Personal Shopping will change the way you scour the sales floor. Pick your favorites and they’ll see what else suits your personality. They’ll create outfits and looks and set them up on the wired walls so you can envision what fabulous fashion could be like.

Prance around and they’ll give you the honest opinion of what works and when to save or splurge.   Saved me energy, time, and I was able to finish shopping for my brothers.  Rest your tired legs and snack on goodies as they ring you up.  For those with a sweet tooth refuel on mini cupcakes, sparkling water, tons of candy jars filled to the brim and be sure to try the branded licorice.

Various types of appointments to appeal to every side of shoppers.  Best of all this specialized service is free and you’ll get the heads up on exclusives and first dibs on what’s new. So whether your need is for one look for a night out on the town, a wardrobe revamp, or a few new things for a pick me up; the TopShop personal shoppers have got you covered.

A mere hour after I had just wrapped up interviewing, shooting, and one of the quickest outfit changes of my life, I was back at the Sunglass Hut Flagship store on Fifth Avenue with all the fabulous finalists.  You can call me the quick change queen, as I had a mere 15 minutes to pull it all together from the moment the driver dropped me off and from when we were about to leave for our group dinner.  I pulled out the all the sequins stops in my vintage Lilie Rubin dress from Vintage Martini, Wolford tights,studded black booties, my good luck Chanel bag, and some vintage fur to brave the brisk NY chill.

The transformation of the room was incredible; as just moments before I was interviewing in the very same room, which went from business power hour to cocktail hour.  I mingled and met the stunning Kelly Choi, who has never been to Dallas, but will be making a visit very soon to check out the arts and food scene after a convincing conversation with me.  She is a New Yorker through and through and loves the the fashion and food scene.  Also in attendance were our guest judges, Wendy Lam from Nitro:licious, Bryan Grey-Yambao from Bryanboy, Lori Bergamotto from Lucky Magazine, and seated nearby me was the new media marketing master, Jen Osbon from Megaplayer.  Other judges and affiliates of Sunglass Hut and Luxottica also graced our presence in addition to some press heavy hitters like Amy O’Dell from The Cut and Andrew Bevan from Teen Vogue.

Felt like an episode of the Oprah Christmas edition where the surprises were over the top and non-stop.  After mingling  and playing with the Social Sun, we all sat down to our amazement to our own personalized iPads with the Top Chef curated menu on-screen.  After squealing and in disbelief, all guests enjoyed the company of some of fashion’s finest over an incredible meal.

While I felt like Cinderella and hoping that the clock would never strike midnight, all the people associated with Full Time Fabulous are our fairy godmothers.  They are more than happy to help make our dreams come true and eager to make each individual feel incredibly blessed and special.  To also be apart of a group of like minds who all work hard toward our passions is inspiring and we all bonded as a new sorority of sisters deemed the FTF house.

A huge thanks goes out to Angie and the rest of the Sunglass Hut crew who keep sharing the positivity, energy, and love for Full Time Fabulous, fashion and blogging!

The brisk New York air outside that cuts right through you completely vanishes as you enter warmth and friendliness of the W Downtown New York Hotel.  During my brief, but ever so luxurious stay in NYC, Sunglass Hut and the W made sure it felt like home. Home being complete upscale urban luxury living as they put the W in Wall Street.  This was my first time to stay in the Financial District, but definitely not the last.  This W location, located on 123 Washington Street, is the new kid on the block; just a few months fresh from opening in Summer 2010. The 630-foot-tall building is 57 stories high and has expansive views of the Hudson River and overlooks Ground Zero.  The shiny exterior, modern lines and curves, contemporary design and glossy lacquered surfaces all just make you Ooh and Ahh nonstop.

Everyone was beyond accommodating and friendly. You will become quite familiar with the staff over the duration of your stay and they will feel like a second family while you’re away.  Javonn, the welcoming check-in agent, who is charming, inviting, and filled with NYC tips.  On the plus side, if you’re engaging enough, he’ll even follow you on Twitter.

Nicole, the chic concierge, came through in a major way from Whatever, Whenever when I forgot some toiletry essentials (rookie mistake) and I didn’t want to bare the cold to make the walk to a nearby drugstore.  Apparently they say no request is too big, so if you’re ever in need then give them a dial and Whatever, Whenever will come to the rescue.

Rob, the European bell man remembered every detail of my days, made sure I never broke a nail by handling my bags, and could always provide a helping hand.  He never complained or huffed and puffed from the strain and pain that came from carrying my overweight bags.  Even when I was frantically trying to stuff newly purchased items into my bursting-at-the-seams bags, he calmly took control and expertly maneuvered it so I was all zipped up and out of the hotel in time for my flight.

Be sure to find Andres, the adorable welcome agent with a pocketful of SIP tickets. Become fast friends and you’ll have a few on him at the Living Room bar.  For those who partake in some afternoon day drinking (is it 5 o’clock somewhere?) or late lunchtime activities,  you’ll find Tony behind the bar making the best cocktails with a side of great conversation.  He kept me company while I noshed and waited for my car to the airport while we discussed the world of blogging and why New York City is just so great.  The Living Room has free WiFi access, so I made sure to take full advantage of it on my newly gifted iPad.

At night, enjoy a cocktail with Trevor, a beefcake bartender who will have you laughing so hard you may just spit out your tasty treat that he just poured. He recommends the Hot Toddy, Downtown Mule, Five Points, Brooklyn Bridge, Bond Street cocktails; all different drinks that suited each and every personality of the Full Time Fabulous finalists.  We were a sight to see as Kristy, Jinna, Brianne, Jenna, Treasure, Allie, and I were bonding as FTF sorority sisters and playing with our new techy toys.

I always found myself smiling and talking aloud in the elevator, just beaming at the adorable greeting on the mat. What a wonderful way to start your day, and as the hours passed the greeting would change accordingly. Once while texting and walking, I entered and loudly exclaimed “Good Evening!” to the mat only to be surprised to hear “Buona Sera” from a group of Italian men in response.  Throughout the hotel, you’ll find that guests and staff are so sociable that there’s never a moment of that awkward elevator silence.

For those lucky enough to have car service, Jimmy is your main man that always made sure I was on time and never late for my important date with fate.  Upon arrival, he gave a thorough tour of the hotel and its history.  No car service?  No problem and forget about hailing a cab.  The W Downtown partnered up with Acura to let guests ride in style in the new Acura MDX models. Constantine, my Acura Experience driver, took great pleasure in scooting me about town and discussing business plans.

I am a purveyor of the minute details, as those are what separates the good from the great.  The small surprises that await you always bring a smile.  At the end of each night, I gladly sank into my cozy down bed that I can only imagine being similar to sleeping on the Marshmallow Man or the fluffiest cloud.  I had many Rachel Zoe moments in my comfy waffle bathrobe and worked on my assignment with lightning fast in-room internet.  You can literally watch your step as you enter the shower, or marvel in the snakeskin printed walls as you bathe yourself in Bliss products.  The sun shade that lowers to dim the shining sun and provide some privacy is adorned with a contemporary graphic that if you look closely is composed of tiny little Ws.  I won’t ruin anymore of the surprises that await you as you should find them yourself.

And to the others that took such great care of me, but sadly your names escape me at the moment, I apologize but thank you for one of the most pleasurable and memorable stays.  Sunglass Hut spoiled me rotten and I hope I can call the W Downtown New York my home for the next year.

Some call New York City the Big Apple, Gotham, even Center of The Universe; while others just call it home.  The city of bright lights and big dreams serves as a source of inspiration to the fashion obsessed, artists, designers and frankly to the entire world. New York possesses significant impact on global commerce, the fashion industry and media; with its influence from magazines, editors, buyers, shoppers, designers, manufacturers, photographers, models, and PR houses.  The world is watching its every move.  Whether there is a flash of genius from the streets, people watching, architecture, food, culture, or even that strange smell emanating from that subway grate; it’s undeniable that New York City is an influential force to be reckoned with.

1) The Pace of Fashion

In NYC, life is constantly moving at a rapid fast pace that it becomes the pulse of which the fashion industry lives and moves by. It’s the city that never sleeps; so ideas are constantly generating, creativity a buzz, business ebbing and flowing, and the fashion market is always on the move.  The city houses some of America’s major media and magazines (hello Conde Nast!) that are reporting fashion worldwide at an energized and electric rate.  New York Fashion Week, which occurs twice a year in the Fall and Spring, sets the pace and the tone for the rest of the weeks to come in other countries.  NYFW is the industry leader; think of it as a Balmain-sporting drum major of a fashion forward marching band.

2) Hard Work and Dedication

A little hard work never killed anybody and New Yorkers make this mantra their livelihood.  Designers working around the clock, PR girls schlepping from event to event, photographers capturing the next big campaign, models sashaying and vogueing, reporters writing endlessly and the rest of the city that works tirelessly with them to bring the nation and the rest of the world the latest and greatest American ideas.  Alexander Wang doesn’t dress all the coolest “it” girls because he’s an overnight sensation, but through countless hours and blood, sweat, and tears.  While one fashion season may seem to end, it’s nonstop work into the next.  New Yorkers are determined to achieve their dreams, even with spacial constraints (have you seen how tiny the closets are?) they think outside the box are are always pushing the limits of their creativity.

3) Cultural Melting Pot

New York is a meeting place of minds and with it’s undeniable magnetism that draws people in from around the world.  NYC is known as the cultural melting pot, where all walks of life come to live.  Different cultures mix, but still remain distinct in their own ways and influence the overall attraction of New York fashion.  There is a universal appeal because it is an immigrant mix of backgrounds, cultures, ages and everyone can see a piece of their heritage – their former homes and history.  There’s worldwide appreciation for the Center of the Universe and everyone wants a piece of the Big Apple.  So next time you’re rocking that turban, shibori tie dye prints, French chic stripes, or obi belt; remember to thank New York for the harmonious whole with a common culture influence.  Could you imagine another city to be the host of the United Nations, but I’ll stop before I get all Schoolhouse Rock on you.

4) American Pride

New York City is always showing fashion and offering to the rest of the world a view of what’s bigger, better, and bolder.  We’re the land of super-sizing and Freedom fries, so you know New York has an over the top display of American pride.  The fashion industry sees American pride synonymous with the classic lines of Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger.  People flock by the hoards to move to New York City to venture out their way to their dreams.  This is where people come to begin their careers, hone their skills , showcase their designs, become the next “it” model, and break out into the fashion industry.  Emerging new designers vet for their time to shine, classic American designers show what makes this nation great and New York brings people together to celebrate the Americana lifestyle.  NYC has a “can’t stop, won’t stop” attitude, and it translates loud and clear into the fashion world.

5) Rebuild and Rebirth

Life happens.  Events occur.  Fashion and more so, people change.  New York City is a strong and resilient place, and it’s sentiments of recovery resonate loudly throughout the world.  New York and all its great people do not shut down and close up shop, but forge forward and continue on to change their lives, the fashion industry, and the world for the better.   Major retailers have their flagship stores on some of the most expensive and historic real estate, because it literally makes cents and sense. Boutiques add their value to the retail industry by adding their own unique flavor to the mix.  Headquarters and showrooms fill those sky high skyscrapers with cutting edge lines and designs, which the rest of the world are waiting to see.  Anna Wintour rallied up the consumer troops and created Fashion Night Out in order to jump start retail sales during the recession, which now has a global presence.  A unified New York City commemorates it’s past, present, and fashionable future.

6) Street Style and Arts Inspiration

You have your starving artists, hipster kids, models off duty, businessmen and women, tourists, shopkeepers, and everyone has their own unique style and flavor.  The notion of dressing up in hopes of being snapped by The Sartorialist and other street style photographers doesn’t seem so crazy after all.  The fashion industry and the rest of the world has its eye on NYC’s streets not only for the unique urban street style, but also for the art sprawled on every surface imaginable.  Museums, galleries, and spare walls house some of the most inspirational and influential art.  Bloggers eat up NY street style with a viral hunger that translates into worldwide acknowledgement.

7) The New Yorkers Uniform

New Yorkers also influence fashion with their own uniform of the quintessential black.  They are the experts of effortless layering, uptown glamour, masters of accessorizing, and pulling it all together for a simple chic look that no other city can replicate. While you always hear season to season that  _________ is the new black, well, New York City invented black.  Here’s my take on the New Yorker’s Uniform - The vintage leather jacket, Kain tissue weight sheer tee, Express sequin skirt for a bit of sparkle, studded booties to stomp around in, Christopher Kane for Versus hobo bag for lugging around city essentials, classic Ray-Ban shades and Chanel Black Satin nail polish to pull it all together.  All black everything.

So in the wise words of Jay-Z’s Empire State of Mind:

“If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere,
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,
There’s nothing you can’t do,
Now you’re in New York!!!
These streets will make you feel brand new,
the lights will inspire you,
Let’s hear it for New York”

So I heart NY, and hope to call this great influential city my future home.

Photo Credit: All images were taken by me!

Thousands voted and made me the winner to be one of Sunglass Hut’s Full Time Fabulous Fashion Blogger contest. Things kicked off yesterday and will be on a roll until the end of the month on Dec. 31st. Read daily, rate it, like it or hate it. Join the conversation and let me know your thoughts.

See you in NY!