With all the talk over the last nine months or so about Vera Wang’s upcoming collection for Kohl’s, I’ve pretty much shrugged off the topic. I’m so ambivalent about top-end designers creating mass-produced lines, that I decided not to get involved this time. After all, look at Target: Isaac Mizrahi has become a genuine bore, and Proenza Shouler had potential, but the cuts are all wrong. I didn’t expect much out of Vera (or anyone else making the same attempt for that matter), but I was happily proven wrong after seeing the collection for myself. None of the pieces will blow you away, but the combination of chunky knits, simple silhouettes and classy-looking accessories will fit right into Fall trends. Overall, the collection has a lot of promise — even if it is for Kohl’s.

I can’t remember where, when and how so I will start with “awhile back.” Awhile back the CEO/amateur photographer of American Apparel said that he wasn’t interested in photographing young-looking women so that it would be borderline kiddie porn. What he was really interested in doing was pushing the envelope and making beautiful ads. Yes, the CEO shot some of the ads himself. And I am dying to show link to the quote. So take the paraphrase for granted. We Americans are a little too stiff for CEO Dov Charney, so when American Apparel wanted to debut the ads they really wanted to put out, what did they do? They did what Carine Roitfeld has said gives French Vogue a leg up creatively on American Vogue, they showed tits. But that would be way too simple. So Charney I am guessing decided it would be ok to show someone who looks underage kinda, sorta naked.

Where am I going with this?

I love and hate American Apparel ads. But this one, I am thinking kinda, sorta goes from cute kitsch to way beyond tacky. My take on it is, alirght, we get it, you’re doing the whole 70s, quasi-porn, drug-induced, exploitative lifestyle thing. Thank you, can we move on?

The color of sunshine and how I answer my phone is the name of this adorable sleep boutique, YELO. Welcomed with fresh water, a cashmere blanket and lulled to rest by an impending thunderstorm, Yelo offers what most spa goers steal any way—sleep. Take 20 winks or 40 in their cabs that surround you with a feeling of safety and rock you in zero gravity. Nothing ruins a good outfit like raccoon eyes, and nothing makes you feel better than what you skimp
on. $12 for 20 minutes.

Where can you find Brooklyn Tees when you’re not in Brooklyn? Is Hermes really bringing Lux to the masses? Does Nanotechnology really mix with fashion? To find out all of this and more, check out what’s going on the fashion web this week:

55 Secret Street
Nichelle celebrates the first anniversary of 55 Secret Street with her 55 Summer Favorites list.

Bag Snob
Hermes announces aggressive worldwide expansion, luxury for the masses! From Bag Snob.

Coquette
Nanotechnology and Fashion? Coquette uncovers how Olivia Ong’s fashions can keep you healthy.

Ebelle5
eBelle5 Purse Deal Alert: Christian Dior Rebelle Handbags Clearance

FASHIONTRIBES
Fashiontribes has your summer entertaining essentials: all the fashion, food & fixins for a fab, al fresco fête.

Girlawhirl
Neutrogena Sheer Bodytint gives Girlawhirl an instant easy glow

KRiSTOPHER DUKES .com Kristopher loves crocodile Emma Hope shoesfor Pops. Though the croc is mock, and not an endangered animal mightbe a deal breaker.

LA-Story.com
LA-Story.com: One Does Not Have to Go to Brooklyn for Great Tees– Brooklyn Tees are Online and All Over

My Fashion Life
My Fashion Life suggest some pieces to get you totally tropical!

Second City Style
For the love of fashion! Enough is enough.Second City Style’s Fashion Manifesto: Why celebrities should endtheir affair with fashion design.

SheFinds
Freebie Friday: You Could Win a Champion Sports Bra!

StyleBakery.com StyleBakery.com wants to make sure you’re fully protected this summer, check out their top tested sunscreens

Stylehive
Stylehive presents the top five ways to pimp your office!

The Jewelry Weblog
The Jewelry Weblog is excited about new looks for old engagment ring designs.

eBeautyDaily eBeautyDaily says a great big "Thank You" toreaders for their participation in Comments For a Cure and reminds themto bid on the monster beauty auctions next week!

Our favorite store for disposable clothing has introduced a new collection to their growing brand. Forever 21 recently announced Twelve by Twelve . The collection will me marketed as a more luxe-sophisticated line. Offering pieces that appeal to almost any age of fashion lover, the prices will not be as low as we’re use to at Forever, but won’t break our pockets either (under $100). The company is so sure this line will do well they are opening a store in Beverly Hills and website dedicated to the new brand. Hopefully you’ll be able to get more than one or two wears out of the new collection…