London Olympics: Swimwear that will make you feel like Michael Phelps

With the London Olympics in full swing, even those of us whose usual activity level consists of pressing buttons on the remote may get inspired to become more active.

And to get started, it wouldn't hurt to look the part.

All manner of vendors (Nike, Adidas, Ralph Lauren, among them) are pushing their own Olympics or Olympics-inspired apparel. But among the most intriguing are the swimsuits Speedo and Tyr are offering consumers that have been engineered using some of the technologies they employ in the high-performance suits they've provided to Olympic swimmers such as Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, Amanda Weir, Ariana Kukors and Natalie Coughlin. These suits can help competitive swimmers move faster and beach bunnies look slimmer, as writer Diedre Crawford reports in this week's Image section.

These suits might just deserve their own gold medals.

ALSO:

Designers are part of the team for Summer Olympics

Olympics 2012: Gear, garb and goods for the armchair athlete

Ralph Lauren unveils U.S. Olympic team closing ceremony garb 

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Ariana Kukors in the new AP12 Speedsuit by Tyr. Credit: Tyr

Fashion News: Meet Liberty Ross, 'other woman' in Kristen Stewart affair

The celebrity couple scandal du jour involves not a love triangle but a love square, I guess. Kristen Stewart apologized to Robert Pattinson for cheating on him with Rupert Sanders, her director on "Snow White and the Huntsman, " and Sanders apologized for cheating on his wife, Liberty Ross. She is a successful fashion model and sometime actress, who isn't as well known as the other three, but Google searches for her name spiked to five times their normal rate. [The Cut]   

"Glee's" Matthew Morrison, Lea Michele, Darren Criss and Heather Morris were among the actors mixing with pro surfers at Billabong's annual Design for Humanity block party, music festival and swimwear fashion show Wednesday in Hollywood. [Society News LA] 

Naomi Campbell's reality show "The Face" will also feature models Coco Rocha and Karolina Kurkova as coaches for teams of aspiring models. The show is slated to debut on Oxygen in 2013, and for those who may have missed our earlier report, there is a casting call in Los Angeles on Saturday. [The Cut]  

Photographer and filmmaker Timothy Greenfield-Sanders' documentary "About Face: The Supermodels, Then and Now” is scheduled to air on HBO on Monday night. Isabella Rosselini, Jerry Hall and Marisa Berenson are among the models who talk about their looks and lives, then and now. “Working off your looks makes you pretty much the opposite of self-confident,” Paulina Porizkova says. Carmen Dell’Orefice compares plastic surgery to upkeep on a home: “If you had the ceiling falling down in your living room, would you not go and have a repair?” [New York Times]

Lauren Conrad has signed on to host the second annual "Designs for the Cure" gala event with the Susan G. Komen breast cancer foundation in Los Angeles, event organizers announced in a news release. The gala is scheduled for Oct. 13. Last year's event raised more than $100,000 for the cause.

Southern California denim company Lucky Brand struck a licensing deal with the Parigi Group to manufacture and market Lucky Kid, which should hit department stores beginning in January. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

ALSO:

From Juicy Couture to Skaist Taylor

Frugal Fashion: Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi

Robert Pattinson moves out of house shared with Kristen Stewart

Fashion News, the Olympic edition, featuring McCartney, Branson

 

--Susan Denley

Photo: Model and actress Liberty Ross and director Rupert Sanders attend a "Snow White and the Huntsman" screening in May in Los Angeles. Credit:  Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Shopping L.A.: Sole Society offers shoes for Art of Elysium

Sole Society is having a sample sale Saturday to benefit Art of Elysium's fashion design program. Art of Elysium is an organization that encourages working actors, artists and musicians to volunteer their time to children battling serious medical conditions. Shoes that are normally $49.95-$69.95 will be on sale for $20 a pair. The sale is scheduled for 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and general admission is free. Tickets for a VIP preliminary event featuring actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler (who starred in "The Sopranos") are $45, which includes lunch, a pair of free shoes and early shopping admission beginning at 11 a.m.  The sample sale will be at Sole Society, 8511 Stellar Drive, Culver City. For free or VIP tickets, click here.

The Pasadena Bead and Design Show, featuring 300 artisan booths, galleries and displays of jewelry, beads, clothing, art and accessories is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday at the Hilton Pasadena, 168 S. Robles Ave., Pasadena. Admission is $10 and is good for all four days.

Ted Baker London sample sale is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at the Ted Baker showroom in the Cooper Design Space, 860 S. Los Angeles St., Suite 220, Los Angeles. Women's dresses will be on sale for $55, men's knitwear for $45, men's leather bags for $60 and women's wallets for $30. Cash and credit cards accepted.

Baubles and Bubbly, Shop Design Spark's summer jewelry trunk show, is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Rachel Z Boutique, 217 Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills. All jewelry will be 15% off. Blow Angels will provide hair braiding and blowouts, and there will be mimosas and sweets treats. RSVP on their Facebook page.

Clothes, bags and jewelry from Tucker, Clare Vivier and Ariel Gordon will be on sale at 25% to 50% off at a pop-up shop and sale from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday at the All for the Mountain space, 2118 Lincoln Blvd., Venice.

MediaNoche, Letters from LA and Lady -- boutiques that are walking distance from each other on the same street in Eagle Rock -- are all having sales this weekend offering discounts of around 50% to 80% on apparel and accessories. Utter the "secret" password "Eagle" for an additional 10% off. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Friday through Sunday. MediaNoche is at 5048 Eagle Rock Blvd., Letters is at 5022 and Lady at 4974.

Unique Vintage is offering designer wedding gowns at up to 40% off this weekend. The sample sale is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the boutique, 2013 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank.

Jewelry designer Lynn Ban is scheduled to present her collection from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, at Maxfield, 8825 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, and from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Maxfield Malibu, 3939 Cross Creek Road.

Other Sample and Warehouse Sales

AG, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Cooper Building Lobby, 860 S. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles. Cash and credit cards accepted.

Kelly Wearstler, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 7961 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles. 

Rachel Pally,  55% to 86% off, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Aug. 3 and 4; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and Aug. 5, 2301 E. 7th St., Suite C100, Los Angeles. Cash, Visa or MasterCard only.

Cynthia Vincent, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, at the Cooper Building, 860 S. Los Angeles St., Suite 422, Los Angeles. Credit cards accepted but additional discount given on cash sales.   

Trina Turk kicks off a sample sale offering up to 75% off during the West Third Street Summer Stroll, which is scheduled for 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday. Merchants in the West Third district will be offering promotions and discounts that evening. The Trina Turk sale will continue Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the boutique at 8008 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles. Store hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Openings

Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy opens a Natural Beauty Bar with special promotions and services from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, at 15150 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades.

ALSO:

Beads come of age

Juicy Couture founders develop new line

--Susan Denley

Photo courtesy of Sole Society

 

 

Fashion News: Katie Holmes' clothing line sales up, post-Cruise

Katie Holmes and stylist Jeanne Yang plan to present their Holmes & Yang women's ready-to-wear line at New York Fashion Week for the first time in September. Interestingly, reports say that sales of the clothes have increased since news came out about Holmes' divorce from Tom Cruise -- the couple is pictured here in happier times. [The Cut]

Naomi Campbell's new model-search reality television series, "The Face," has a casting call scheduled in L.A. on Saturday, according to a news release.  It's slated for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the W Hollywood, 6250 Hollywood Blvd., in Hollywood.  Applicants need to be 18 years old or more and at least 5 feet, 7 inches tall. More information is available on the show's casting website.

You might have thought the days of dressing for success at work were over, given the encroachment of casual Friday into the rest of the week. But you'd be wrong. A new survey says co-workers will look down on you if you come to work in hoodies and flip-flops. Unless you're Mark Zuckerberg. [Los Angeles Times]

Rag & Bone debuted its first advertising campaign on Tuesday, starring Kate Moss photographed by Craig McDean. And Wednesday it opened its first European store, in London. [The Cut] 

Spanish swimwear designer Dolores Cortes has made a 10-month-old girl with Down syndrome the face of her 2013 kids collection. The tyke, Valentina Guerrero, walked the runway at Cortes' show during Miami Swim Week, and she's pictured on the catalog for the collection, called DC Kids. The designer told AdWeek, “People with Down syndrome are just as beautiful and deserve the same opportunities. I’m thrilled to have Valentina modeling for us.” [Styleite]

 L'Oreal Paris has launched a hair color consultation app. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

A gauzy white Louis Vuitton frock seems to be the most popular dress of this spring, appearing on at least nine magazine covers around the world and seen on red carpets worn by actresses Elle Fanning and Fan Bingbing. [Fashionista]

ALSO:

Teen Choice Awards brings out the Barbies

Juicy founders return with new line, new look

Sneak Peek: Nicole Richie debuts for Macy's Impulse

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise before their split. Holmes' fashion line with Jeanne Yang is reported to have become more popular since she filed for divorce. Credit: Gabriel Bouys /AFP/GettyImages

Fashion News: Stars turn out for HollyRod fundraiser

A galaxy of stars attended DesignCare 2012 on Saturday, the 14th annual fundraiser for the HollyRod Foundation, established by Rodney and Holly Robinson Peete to provide assistance to people with Parkinson's Disease and autism. Among the famous mingling at the event on a Malibu oceanfront estate were Paula Abdul, Arsenio Hall, NFL veteran Al Cowlings, Lisa Rinna, Harry Hamlin, Brooke Burke, Spice Girl Melanie Brown, Jane Seymour, James Keach, Shaun Robinson and Shannon Tweed. [Society News LA]

Fashion designer Victoria Beckham confirmed she and the other Spice Girls are reuniting to perform at the closing ceremonies of the Summer Olympics in London. [Vogue UK]

The J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles announced via news release that it is extending its popular exhibit of photographs by Herb Ritts through Sept.2.  "Herb Ritts: L.A. Style" is organized by the J. Paul Getty Museum and curated by Paul Martineau, associate curator of photographs. After its L.A. run, it is scheduled to go on display at the Cincinnati Art Museum from Oct. 6 to Dec. 30 and at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, Fla.,  from March 1 to June 2, 2013.

In the latest phase of its reinvention, J.C. Penney is opening shop-in-shops for Arizona Jeans and I Jeans by Buffalo.  [WWD] (Subscription required)

MTVs "House of Style," a 1990s staple, is returning as a digital-first program. [NY Magazine]

The M.A.C. AIDS Fund Announced that sales of M.A.C.'s VivaGlam lipsticks have raised more than $250 million for people living with AIDS. [Elle]

Nars plans to start a new skin care line. [WWD] (Subscription required)

ALSO:

Teen Choice Awards brings out the Barbies

Juicy founders return with new line, new look

Sneak Peek: Nicole Richie debuts for Macy's Impulse

--Susan Denley

Photo: Enjoying the HollyRod fundraiser, from left, are Elise Neal of "Scream 2," Holly Robinson Peete, Yvette Nicole Brown of "Community" and celebrity stylist Elgin Charles.  Courtesy of  Elise Neal.

Juicy no more: Boho looks from Skaist Taylor's two free spirits

I may be the only person on the face of the planet who simply wasn't into the Juicy Couture track suit craze that swept style capitals of the world a few years back. Plenty of people were, people like Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie.

But as for me, I'd prefer a pair of jeans or a maxi dress to a sweat suit with writing across the rear end. And that's just one of the reasons I was thrilled to learn that Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor, the designers who created Juicy, are into something totally new -- and this time it's  something I can't wait to wear.

The pair sold Juicy several years ago, making a fortune on the deal, and now are debuting a completely new and different line, Skaist Taylor. This one is sophisticated  boho, with that gypsy-jetsetter vibe known as gypset. Writer Caroline Ryder talked to them about their segue from Juicy to the new line for a story in The Times' Image section. The clothes are supposed to hit stores in August in time for the fall season.

But I wondered, can I get my hands on them now? Then I remembered that Nordstrom's annual anniversary sale, offering fall merchandise on sale ahead of the season, started Friday. And sure enough, there on Nordstrom's website, are a few early offerings from Skaist Taylor. Not on sale, but ... score!

While we're talking boho, a couple of other stories in Sunday's Image section have the same flavor. Writer Janet Kinosian found a number of artisans who have turned the quaint craft of beading into next-level, artistic accessories. And Jessica Gelt found a free-spirited pair of performance artists, The Bumbys, who can sum your personality -- and grade your appearance -- in under three minutes just by looking at you. (It's more fun than it sounds.)

 ALSO:

Cleobella, handbag maker to the stars, opens shop

Colorado shooting: Boutique uses 'Aurora' trend as sales tool

A fix-it if you've ripped it: Self Edge offers denim repair

-- Susan Denley

Photo:: Fashion designers Pamela Skaist-Levy, left, and Gela Nash-Taylor pose for a portrait in Skaist-Levy's backyard in Beverly Hills. After selling their phenomenally successful Juicy Couture label, they've  created a new line, Skaist Taylor.  Credit: Anne Cusack/Los Angeles Times

Grown-up friendship bracelets inspired by a 'Semi-Charmed Life'

Writer Nora Zelevanksy, whose work sometimes appears in the Los Angeles Times, has just published a novel: "Semi-Charmed Life," the comedic coming-of-age story of a young woman who ends up as the ghost blogger for a famous socialite in Manhattan.

Just out in July, the book has already spawned a collection of friendship bracelets made of semiprecious stones (get it?) such as smokey quartz, Peruvian opal and citrine dangling from a 14-karat gold chain. There are three versions -- the one shown here is called Night. And the bracelets have already caught the attention of fashion industry bible Women's Wear Daily.

It's easy to understand the connection of semiprecious stone charms to a book with the word "Semi-Charmed" in the title. But where does the friendship come in?

The bracelets were designed by Cayli Cavaco Reck, founder of the Style Sovereign blog and a lifelong friend of the author's, along with another mutual friend, Jeet Sohal, founder of the Bare Collection of jewelry and handbags. On her blog, Reck says, "The trinity of bracelets, this was not an accident, represent the many facets of friendship."

They are for sale on the Bare Collection website for $150 each. A portion of the proceeds is to go to Friends In Deed, an organization that offers support to people with life-threatening illnesses and their caregivers.

ALSO:

Beads come of age

Cleobella, handbag maker to the stars, opens shop

Juicy Couture founders return with a new line, a new look

-- Susan Denley

Photo courtesy of the Bare Collection

 

Fashion News: Lady Gaga's fragrance will be the first black perfume

Haus Laboratories has posted a short video clip on the making of Lady Gaga's soon-to-be-released fragrance, Fame. In it we learn that Fame is the first ever black perfume -- "Black like the soul of fame" -- and that it takes a lot of industrial equipment and some shirtless men to make it. [The Cut]

Nelson Mandela's fashion line -- you read that right -- made its North American debut in New York City on Wednesday, which was also International Nelson Mandela Day and his 94th birthday. The collection of women's clothing and accessories is called 466/64, for his prisoner number and year in which he was sent to prison in South Africa. The brand is meant to boost South Africa's economy. [Styleite]

Stella McCartney announced she will fund a scholarship for exceptional fashion students studying at Central St. Martin's. [Telegraph]

Opening Ceremony opened a pop-up shop in London's Covent Gardens on Thursday, just in time for the Summer Olympics. [The Cut]

And Max Factor makeup artist Caroline Barnes unveiled the "official beauty look" that is to be worn by female athletes and presenter escorts during Olympics awards ceremonies. [Stylist UK]

Barney's New York is making its warehouse sale (Aug. 23-Sept. 3) available online -- so even if you live in one of the other 49 states, you can shop. [Fashionista]

 ALSO:

Photos: Starlet style at Comic-Con 2012

Nail art goes from Niche to mainstream

Kendall Jenner stars in Beverly Center Fashion's Night Out ads

--Susan Denley

Fashion News: 'Pretty Little Liars' for Bongo. 'Runway' celebrates 10.

Bongo is featuring “Pretty Little Liars” stars Lucy Hale and Ashley Benson in its multimedia marketing campaign for fall. Titled, “On Set,” the ads give fans a "behind-the-scenes look at Lucy and Ashley’s life on set by giving them a glance into their dressing rooms and trailers," according to a news release. Above is a behind-the-scenes look of the shoot. 

Meanwhile, Lanvin launched its fall campaign, using "real" people instead of celebrities or models. One is a stunning 82-year-old former dancer who is also one of Ari Seth Cohen's "Advanced Style" subjects. [Fashionista]  

"Project Runway" celebrated its 10th season Tuesday night with a party in NYC. The event included a life-sized interactive runway installed on the High Line. Attendees included former contestants such as Mondo Guerra, Austin Scarlett and Kenley Collins. Host Heidi Klum and mentor Tim Gunn hammed it up. [WWD]

A coffee table book dedicated to the work of model Kate Moss is due out from Rizzoli in November. Interestingly, it is edited by Moss' former boyfriend -- father of her daughter Lila -- Jefferson Hack. [Telegraph]

Jason Wu is partnering with Nordstrom on a diffusion line to be introduced in January. The first pieces from the Miss Wu line look as if they could have been inspired by Jane Birkin and Marianne from the 1960s, says The Cut's  Charlotte Cowles. [The Cut]

Shopkick and Macy's rolled out a phone app that gives customers rewards points just for walking into a Macy's store. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

Louis Vuitton is appealing a judge's decision dismissing its lawsuit against Warner Bros. for using fake Vuitton luggage in "The Hangover II." [Styleite] 

Ever have a colleague, friend or companion who reeks? And I mean that in the most literal sense. A company called G.B. Proudfoot's Natural Body Care Products has come up with a solution allowing you to anonymously send a "Deodogram" with a somewhat tactful message and a stick of deodorant.  [The Cut]

ALSO:

Photos: Starlet style at Comic-Con 2012

Nail art goes from Niche to mainstream

Whitney Houston, "Sparkle" stir memories on "L.A. Hair" finale

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Tim Gunn and  Heidi Klum attend the "Project Runway" Life-Sized Interactive Runway installation on The High Line In New York on Tuesday. Credit:  Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for Lifetime

Shopping L.A.: Planet Blue remodeling sale. Lanvin pop-up opens.

Planet Blue is starting a remodel of its Malibu Essentials location next week, and before work begins everything in the store has got to go. From now through Sunday, shoppers will find women's clothing, accessories and a selection of beauty products, lingerie, baskets and home decor items on sale at steeply reduced prices. Blue Life label items are on sale for $35, and Blu Moon for $45. Everything else is half-price. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 3835 Cross Creek Road, Malibu.

Lanvin has opened a pop-up shop in Malibu Village to highlight its Hiver & Ete 2012 men's ready-to-wear and accessories collection, created by designer Lucas Ossendrijver and artistic director Alber Elbaz. The pop-up is slated to be open through Oct. 31. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday,  at 3832 Cross Creek Road, Malibu.

Henri Bendel is opening its newest store at Westfield Topanga with a champagne party from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday. All weekend the shop will have special promotions, including a chance to win a two-night stay in NYC and a $1,500 shopping spree.  The store is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at the mall, 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park. 

Toms is hosting a "Style Your Sole" party from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Buy a pair of shoes on the day of the event and you can have them customized by a local artist. For every pair of shoes purchased, Toms donates a pair of shoes to a child in need. The event will be at the Avalon Hotel, 9400 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills.

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale -- the chain's largest sale of the year -- starts this Friday at Nordstrom locations throughout the nation as well as on nordstrom.com. Fall merchandise from top brands will be discounted through Aug. 5. Select stores, listed here,  are throwing an early beauty bash to kick off the sale, giving away free beauty goodies and coffee and doughnuts to the first 300 customers from 7 to 9 a.m. Friday.

The second concert of The Grove's free summer series sponsored by Citi starts at 7:30 p.m. July 18 featuring Kellie Pickler and the Gloriana. Also planned this summer are performances by Dia Frampton, Tony Lucca, Juliet Simms and Chris Mann of "The Voice" at 7:30 p.m. July 25 and Jordin Sparks with Karmin at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 1. The shopping and entertainment complex is at 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles.

ALSO:

The right makeup for summer

OPI's latest lacquers put Germany at your fingertips

Frugal Fashion: Shop for Naya Rivera's Comic-Con look

--Susan Denley

Photo: Planet Blue's Malibu Essentials. Courtesy of Planet Blue.