JCPenney grand opening celebrations

Saturday, August 1:
1:30 to 3 p.m. Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza in-store appearance
4 to 6 p.m. Telemundo novela celebrity Catherine Siachoque

Monday, August 3:
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bra fit event

Tuesday, August 4:
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Allen B. Schwartz in-store appearance
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bra fit event
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. & 5 to 6:30 p.m. Gold Toe representative

Wednesday, August 5:
4 to 7 p.m. David Cook Sketchers footwear event
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bra fit event
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. & 5 to 6 p.m. Gold Toe representative

Thursday, August 6:
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bra fit event
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. & 5 to 6 p.m. Gold Toe representative

Friday, August 7:
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shapewear fit event
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sterling silver charm event
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bra fit event
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. & 5 to 6 p.m. Gold Toe representative

Badass Boots

Rainproof, too! By Hunter at ASOS:

The Neighborhood Below

Where and how to while away a summer day along (and beneath, and beside) the city’s favorite new public space.

It was a dark and stormy night

And day. And month. And summer.

And I am so over it.

Plus it's such a disaster getting dressed every morning. Maxi dresses get gross wet hems, it's too hot for jeans and I feel like I need to galoshes to keep all the rain out, but it's just too hot.

Last night my girlfriend Kiki had on these rubber shoes from Pearl River which might help my mornings. And they're only $15!

What’s on Sale

The markdown situation on Lexington Avenue this week.

At Ricky’s Soho location

There's a man in heels on a treadmill promoting Ricky's new "Help" line of products -- specifically, "I have a blister" kit:

Balenciaga + Licensing = Um…

Talk about licensing messing up brand image -- I got a pitch in my inbox this morning that said:

AIR TAHITI NUI UNVEILS FRESH LOOK WITH NEW UNIFORMS DESIGNED BY FASHION POWERHOUSE BALENCIAGA

LOS ANGELES, CA, July 22, 2009 -- Air Tahiti Nui flight and ground crew are donning new uniforms this month designed by fashion powerhouse Balenciaga. One of the only airlines in the world to have its flight crew change after take-off from conventional suiting to more relaxed, traditional attire, Air Tahiti Nui hired Balenciaga to create a series of new looks in honor of its 10th anniversary.

Hm, interesting partnership, I thought, Balenciaga for Air Tahiti? Then I saw the photos and was flabbergasted -- has Nicolas Ghesquire completely lost the plot?

Well, turns out that the uniforms are designed and manufactured by "Balenciaga Uniforms," a brand license controlled by The Creation and Image Group, who also control the license for "Balmain Uniforms."

When I asked if "Balenciaga Uniforms" is related to Balenciaga in Paris, the publicist says, I quote: "It's a division dedicated to designing uniforms."

Tricky.

I remember reading, years ago, about how Calvin Klein ran their licensing before the company was purchased by PVH -- how Calvin and his business partner were incredibly meticulous about licensing agreements, maintaining 100 percent control of the brand image. Seems like a good idea to adopt, really, especially with a label like Balenciaga...

Cariad Harmon, Musician

“I wear a lot of flowers in my hair. These orchids are pretty and feminine and perfect for the summer.”

Karl Who? The bag.

A friend of mine told me he saw this bag all over Paris during men's collections. Loves it. Get it from Colette for EUR50.

Loves: Swarovski gloves / Three As Four

From Colette.