Calvin Klein is doing this supposedly very clever thing where it’s putting up billboards with the “QR code” (whatever the eff that means!)  featured here and nothing else. The hope I guess is that the curious will try to uncover the mystery via online search where they will be directed to  use their Smart phones (don’t know what that is either!) to access a video of the brand’s Fall 2010 ads. According to Mashable, where the image is from, this all started  in Japan (of course) to push the consumer to engage with the brand and track how many people care. Personally I find the scheme intensely irritating, not in small part because for all its edgy marketing, this is a brand that makes most of its money selling off-price crap at Costco and in outlets. That being said, Lara Stone (more images of her later) is tied up in all this and since I’m obsessed with her I feel compelled to post about it. Yes, I was the sucker born on my day.

After the flip is a Calvin Klein fall 2010 ad, which features Stone. Whether or not it’s the same one tied to the billboard I have no idea.

Today I just might post only celebrity images. For no special reason, it just seems it might work out that way. Here we have Eva Mendes who is featured on the August cover for Allure magazine. Photographed by Michael Thompson, in this shot she’s wearing Dolce & Gabbana. On her own stunner looks, Mendes admits she’s not always so convinced, especially during photo shoots. “If a negative thought pops into my head, I talk to the voice within me and say, ‘I know you want to tell me that I’m less than desirable, but not now. You can come back in a couple days and cut me down when I’m done with this shoot. I promise to let you in then,’” she says.

Nicki is looking her usual very together self for the August issue of Black Men’s magazine. Photographer Howard Huang was the photographer and the bodysuit she’s wearing here is by Ashton Michael. I have to say, as much as I do admire all this Trini-born, Queens-raised woman has accomplished, from a style perspective the brightly-colored wig thing doesn’t do it for me. But oh well young female, do what makes sense for you.

Images via Nick-Minaj. More across the line, including one featuring Nicki in a set of earrings by Melody Ehsani.

Courtesy of Ruthie Davis

The reports say that edgy  shoes will become less and less a focus, with silhouettes becoming simpler, less adorned. Ruthie Davis, to our joy disagrees,  with her “Spike” shoes, which will steal the attention of any outfit. Available soon at Neiman Marcus. Another angle of hotness on the next page. Lots more Ruthie Davis coming up!

Never in my freaking life could I understand this show. Every episode seemed to be dominated by attractive yet boring people talking behind each other’s backs in hushed tones at expensive restaurants and clubs. With everyone always serious and no one ever funny, it was akin to watching a mob of penguins and attempting to follow four of their life stories. And it’s not for lack of trying. Repeatedly! I like sitting around talking about crap TV (team Kardashian all day!) and not getting this show made me feel left out and lonely. So I’m glad it’s over if only because I don’t have to feel stupid anymore. My symphathies to those of you who are bummed about this. Though no doubt half of these chicks will be members of “Real Housewives of Orange County” five years or so from now.

Y-3 continues to innovate with the introduction with a heel silhuette for it collection with adidas. Another color on the flip. Available here,  spotted at sprgablog & notcouture.

Found these shoes, which have me humming Alicia Keyes’ “Superwoman….yes I am” over at my new favorite blog, Fashiontography. They’re shot by Camilla Akrans for Self Service magazine. Unfortunately no credit is given to the designer so I’m calling on all my fashion geeks so I can give proper representation!

UPDATE: Cecilia in the comments tells us these are Prada, Fall 08. You guys should go check out her site, Mymagicdiary, which includes a line of accessories she designs….she has some very cute items!

They say imitation is the highest form of flattery, however, when a mega brand like  Madewell replicates the same  pattern  of socially-conscious label A Peace Treaty’s  ”Chesil” scarf from  Spring ‘09 you really wonder. It’s not like a polka-dot print or even a checkered print  that can be fair game.  We had a lot of love for you Madewell, but now we’re frowning! Yes technically the colors are not the same, and the pattern was inverted, but the similarity is clear.   If you like A Peace Treaty  so much why not do the coolest thing, commission special designs, pay them a nice chunk of change  and therefore contribute  to their social causes. More images of both on the flip.

Karmaloop got it hands on a batch of vintage sunglasses from heavy hitters including Carrera, Dior, Gucci and Paloma Picasso (featured on this page). Check out many more on the flip.

For Fall  ‘10  we know it will be about pants and a modern 50’s silhouette but a  unique  pair of leggings  can always add a little extra pizzaz. Available at Forward. More images on the next page.