NAU’s Shroud of Purrin has all the features you need in  multi- purpose outerwear. Incredibly lightweight, sleek design , double zippers, wind and water resistant. The trench is  warm enough for a brisk winter day but also light enough for this Fall/ Spring weather we’re  having  lately. Made of recycled polyester, you can toss in the wash with no worries. Needless to say I’m still roking mine. Available at Nau. More images on the next page.

For Spring 2010 Asos launches a capsule collection made with Artisans from Africa in fair trade facilities. the collection features simple shapes using traditional prints on the next page a closer look at some of our fave styles from Asos Africa.

This Marc Jacobs storefront shot was taken on Thursday of last week at the Mercer Street store in SoHo. It’s a cute bag made snazzy by the unique fringe detail.

On the flip, images from the Prada store on Broadway, also in SoHo. (If you have any NYC storefront requests….let us know. Maybe we can fulfill them!)

May Kosaka’s Mothe Label gives us a preview of their Spring/Summer 2010 Collection, where she uses, cut-outs, piping to create  simple very wearable pieces that we know will be a hit during the warmer days. A closer Look at Mothe Spring/Summer 2010 on the next page.

Not sure if the bag highlighted on this page is a man’s or a woman’s (because, alas, I cannot speak Japanese) but come on, if this belonged to a Dad or a boyfriend, any smart female would immediately appropriate it.

After the jump are more of Lanvin Collection’s spring 2010 offerings now available. The silhouette don’t exactly make my pulse rise, but the quality is so rich that my heart can’t help but melt.

In high fashion,  this  snobette  usually can justify  a certain price tag as it relates to quality, craftmanship  or even  prestige . However when a simple cotton t-shirt with random cut holes is priced at $1625, I have to publicly disagree . Unless of course there  was only one tee  in the world and it was cut up by Pierre Balmain himself.  Something that would never happen since the house was originally a symbol of couture and classic  refinement .  Descarnin’s new spin  on  the label has received well deserved praise since he took design lead in 2005, but this  is one I think the House of Balmain  can live without.  I love  a ripped tee but , but  can you really  justify the price ? I’d love to know the markup on that one… Via net-a-porter. Detailed view on the next page.

Forever and a day I’ve wanted to visit Valley Spa, located in SoHo. Manicures and well done nail art are a very big deal to me and I had a feeling stepping into Valley compared to all the Brooklyn salons I normally visit would feel like a homecoming. And it did.  For downtownistas who have gone form salon to salon like a nomad in search of nail technicians whose aesthetic and product sensibilities are in line with theirs, Valley will hit the spot. Not only are their colors and processes in step with fashion, they hold the same oath as doctors, ”do no harm.” So no acrylic nails or any other product that damages the nails or the nail bed. I tried out a glitter gold, gradiated Cal-Gel process and nine days later I swear to you it is still as perfect as the day I got it. Can you imagine, a manicure lasting so long that you actually grow tired of it?? I can’t (and btw, I’m still not tired of it).

Before, during and after getting my nails done, co-owner Julia Werman (her sister, Nina, is her partner) and I chatted about how business is going, plus hot nails trends and whether or not matte nails are on they’re way in or at. Flip to the next page to read more and see more images, too.

One of the big emerging shoe trends came into focus at the Kids’ Choice Awards, where celebs traded in complicated footwear for simple and classic pumps, preferable in nude tones. From left to right: Rihanna and Rosario Dawson, both of whom are wearing Brian Atwood, and Tyra Banks (whose shoes look about a size too big!).

All images from Wire. After the flip, Rihanna’s complete look, plus Zoe Saldana in Louboutin, Miranda Cosgrove in Pat Field X Keith Haring and Pixie Lott with a Chanel clutch.

The Kids’ Choice Awards took place this weekend and Key Perry knocked it out with a Princess Hijinks look that has become her signature. Her dress was by The Blondes and as you can see here, she had a coordinated 3-D mani. On the following page, check out her sparkle, Christian Louboutin heels and her stage look, which featured a bright blue wig. (All images from Wire.)

Italian Vogue is featuring a fun video with Grace Jones, who explains how she is “style not fashion,” meaning she has a specific look she goes for and it doesn’t change with the runways. So however hot a trend may be if it’s not her style, she keeps it moving. (I just noticed this is from the February issue, but oh well, missed it then and maybe you did, too.)