Vera Wang wrote in her show notes that she was inspired by stylish American women such as Lady Emerald Cunard and Wallis Simpson, who mixed with English aristocracy in the 1930s. Their free-spiritedness was probably what she had in mind when she paired technical outerwear with delicate, 1930s-inspired pleated chiffon dresses.

But that seemed to be the extent of this one-note collection. There were fur-trimmed satin parkas, faille sleeveless coats and vests, and a dozen variations on the same chiffon multi-pleated and tucked dress (which requires a rail-thin physique to pull off), done in different lengths and different shades of drab taupe, black, gray and mustard.

OK, so maybe there were a few skirts -- but they looked just like the dresses with the tops chopped off.

This isn't the first time Wang has done endless permutations of the same idea. Maybe it's the curse of designing bridal wear for so long that has made it difficult for her to think outside the box.

-- Booth Moore in New York

Photos: Looks from the Vera Wang Fall-Winter 2011 runway collection shown during New York Fashion Week. Credit: Jonas Gustavsson and Peter Stigter / For The Times.

 

This makes me dizzy. Kim Kardashian interviews Elizabeth Taylor in Harper's Bazaar and does a photo shoot dressed as Cleopatra, as portrayed memorably by Taylor in the 1963 film. The interview seems to focus a lot on the divine Liz's divine diamonds -- but trust me, the 33.19-carat Krupp diamond and the 69.42-carat Taylor-Burton diamond are worth talking about. They chat about other stuff too. The magazine hits newsstands Feb. 22.

Vera Wang launches White for David's Bridal on Feb. 11, and the gowns are everything you could want in a wedding confection. The prices -- $600 to $1,400 -- aren't bad either. [FabSugar]

Despite Internet rumors to the contrary, designer and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham says she will not pose nude -- and pregnant -- for Vogue. [Telegraph]

Patti LaBelle, Dita Von Teese and Suzanne Somers were among the women modeling at Wednesday's Heart Truth Collection Red Dress Show. [StyleList]

Pantone has identified the top colors designers will be showing in their fall runway shows, previewed here Wednesday. The winners? Teal in the women's collections, cedar (kind of a greenish khaki) in the men's. [WWD]

Coco de Mer, home of erotic lingerie and toys, is closing its boutique on Melrose in Los Angeles, meaning there are sales just in time for Valentine's Day. [Mondette]   

Is the reign of boxers over? There's something new in men's underwear. Men are spending more on long-legged briefs. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

-- Susan Denley

Photos: Kim Kardashian, channeling La Liz as Cleopatra and as herself on the cover of Harper's Bazaar. Credit: Terry Richardson for Harper's Bazaar

 

Sofia Coppola is the ultimate jack of all (Hollywood) trades. She's been an actress, director, producer, screenwriter, costume designer and cinematographer, and she's only 39. It doesn't hurt that she comes from Hollywood royalty; her father is Francis Ford Coppola, and famous cousins include Jason Schwartzman and Nicolas Cage. 

As part of a clan of Hollywood elite, Coppola is used to the flashbulbs that come with fame and has a unique sense of style when in the public view. She has a knack for being subtle in her wardrobe choices but always tends to add her own special twist, whether it be a cute clutch bag or, in this case, some sparkle.

At a recent screening for her new film, "Somewhere," Coppola attracted flashbulbs galore in a tank adorned with dark blue sequins; black pleated crop trousers; ankle strap heels and a clutch bag.

Her outfit looks sensible and conservative but fun enough to wear to the after party. And, indeed, sequined tanks are a playful, inexpensive way to spruce up any party outfit. Get your party on with one of these sequined tanks, all frugally priced of course:

 

From left, sequin and fabric mix tank from The Limited for $49.90, Michael Kors sequin tank from blufly.com fro $63, Peter Nygard sequin tank from Dillard's for $35.40, Calvin Klein tank from Macy's for $34.99 or this Simply Vera Vera Wang sequin tank from Kohl's for $48.

Give your new sparkly tank the attention it deserves by pairing it with some simple black trousers:

From left, Pleated crop pant from Express for $29.99, Signature pleated crop pant from Talbots for $56.24, Ella Moss Cassandra belted pant from revolveclothing.com for $74, or the Halogen Twill Drape trousers from Nordstrom Rack for $29.97.

For more ways to shine on New Year's Eve, check out these tips from resident stylist Melissa Magsaysay.

Happy shopping.

Have an outfit you're dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? E-mail us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

-- Jenn Harris

Upper photo: Sofia Coppola attends the New York screening of "Somewhere" at the Tribeca Grand Hotel in New York City. Credit: Jemal Countess / Getty Images

Middle photo, from left: Sequin tank from The Limited. Credit: The Limited. Sequin tank by Michael Kors. Credit: Blufly.com. Peter Nygard sequin tank. Credit: Dillard's. Tank by Calvin Klein. Credit: Macy's. Simply Vera Vera Wang sequin tank. Credit: Kohl's

Lower photo, from left: Pleated crop pant from Express. Credit: Express.com. Signature pleated crop pant from Talbots. Credit: Talbots.com. Cassandra belted pant by Ella Moss. Credit: Revolveclothing.com. Halogen Twill Drape trousesrs. Credit: Nordstromrack.com

-- Kate Middleton? Ever heard of her? Just a few hours after the royal engagement was announced (Booth Moore's take on the fashion icon in waiting is a good read), Middleton madness launched into full force. “ 'It’s open season on Kate Middleton,' Andrew Neil, the journalist and former Lord Rector of the University of St. Andrews during Middleton’s and Prince William’s time there, told the BBC on Tuesday." [WWD] 

-- Can't wait for the sequel to the 1982 film "Tron"? Well, then, check out the Opening Ceremony/Disney collaboration that is on sale now. [The Cut] And catch up with more Tron paraphernalia, thanks to our very own Adam Tschorn.

-- Can't wait for Urban Outfitters to get a little more preppy? Oddly enough, the wait is almost over. J. Press, purveyors of "pretty sportswear for men," is teaming up with the chain for a collection that goes on sale Dec. 1. [The Moment]

-- Can't wait to get a Burberry trench just like the one Emma Watson was recently wearing upon arrival at JFK, the one with the leather sleeves? Well, you can't. It's a one of a kind. The good news is that Burberry is rumored to be offering a customizing service for e-shoppers in the spring. [People]

-- Can't wait to order your Vera Wang bridesmaids' dresses from her stores? Well, there's been a change of plans. The House of Wang has decided to design bridesmaids gear only for David's Bridal. [The Cut]

-- What else? Well, just a few days ago Melissa Magsaysay put "Gossip Girl" style under the microscope. So guess who's on the cover of Vogue's best dressed issue? Blake Lively. [The Cut]

-- And, finally, in another sign of the changing times: the cover girl for Shape magazine's December issue? Kelly Osbourne. You can check out the latest bikini body on Nov. 22.

-- Alice Short

Photo: Christmas is coming! Workers at Aynsley China have already started to produce commemorative plates, cups and mugs to mark the engagement of Britain's Prince William to Kate Middleton. Credit: Christopher Furlong / Getty Images

 

A few notable happenings for a more stylish weekend:

SALES

Rock & Republic Warehouse Sale Friday through Sunday: Get ready for discounts of up to 90% at this blowout sale for one of L.A.'s sexiest denim companies. Denim ranges from $40 to $70; shoes from $20 to $100; and kids-wear and T-shirts from $5 to $30. Cash and credit cards only — and no handbags or strollers allowed inside.

3525 Eastham Drive, Culver City. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Antonia A Shoe Boutique sale Friday: Get 25% off all regular-priced shoes and handbags from brands including Diane Von Furstenberg, Vera Wang Lavender, Bernardo, Belle by Sigerson Morrison, Elizabeth & James, Pour la Victoire, Charles Jourdan and Lamb  — along with a free gift wrap.

906 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. (949) 644-6910. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Gilt Groupe Warehouse Sale Saturday: Nab women’s, men’s and children’s apparel from the membership designer fashion website at this one-day warehouse sale in Hollywood. Brands on sale for up to 75% off include Alexander Wang, Marc Jacobs, John Varvatos and Hugo Boss. Tickets are $5 at the door. Cash only.

1050 North Orange Dr., Los Angeles. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

EVENTS

Vera Wang Bridal trunk show Friday and Saturday: See the latest collection from bridal wear's biggest superstar. Call for an appointment.

8445 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 602-0174

Aqua Luxe Fashion Show Saturday: Celebrity stylist Jen Rade (who's responsible for Angelina Jolie's ensembles) hosts a special runway show of Bloomingdale’s in-house brand, Aqua Luxe, in Santa Monica. Get treated to a makeover by Dior makeup artists afterward, and receive a free gift when you spend $150 or more on Aqua Luxe.

Bloomingdale's, 315 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica. 2 to 4 p.m.

OPENING

The Limited: The mass-market fashion chain has returned to the Glendale Galleria after closing a store there in 1996 with a new glass-walled shop that features a built-in runway — it's also 30% bigger than most of the brand's outposts.

1103 Glendale Galleria, Glendale. (818) 956-9582. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

--Emili Vesilind

Photo: A dress from Vera Wang's latest bridal collection. Credit: Vera Wang

 

 

Before there was Lady Gaga, with her outrageous take on fashion, there was Cher. Both had tongues wagging at Sunday's Video Music Awards. As she accepted eight awards, Gaga had numerous costume changes, with outfits including a voluminous black gown with spiked headdress and a dress that looked like it was made from a slab of meat. Cher channeled her look of 20 or 30 years ago in the number above, and it looks like something Gaga might wear.

Gaga is the hottest celebrity around, and Coty chalks up a win for snagging her for a fragrance deal. [WWD]

Judith Leiber handbags have been must-have accessories for women as different as First Lady Barbara Bush and "Sex and the City's" Carrie Bradshaw. Now Leiber herself is buying up as many as she can, with plans to start a museum of her work. [Wall Street Journal]

Like a number of other high-end designers who are having to adapt to a damaged economy, Vera Wang has expanded into mid-range and budget markets. It can be a risky strategy, but it seems to be paying off. Wang gets headlines for gowning brides such as Chelsea Clinton and Hillary Duff, but it's her line for Kohl's and licensed products (Serta mattresses, Wedgwood china) that bring in the bulk of the dough these days. [Wall Street Journal]   

Could there be a more unlikely pairing than UGG and Jimmy Choo? The match-up has given birth to limited- edition boots in the familiar UGG silhouette studded with glitzy gold and silver grommets. Model Amber Valletta models them in an ad for the collaboration. [FabSugar] 

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Cher at the VMAs. Credit: Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images

-- Apparently, we're still talking about Chelsea Clinton's wedding and her Vera Wang dress dress (each of Chelsea's bridesmaids also wore Wang creations in the form of a strapless bias cut lavender chiffon gown with a side drape and contrasting plum bow) ... and the ivory silk dress she wore to her reception. Women's Wear Daily has a full report. [WWD] And the New York Daily News proclaimed her a "modern-day princess." [NYDN]

-- We can't help but talk about Madonna, who launches her Material Girl clothing clothing line this week. [Style Section L.A.]

-- You might end up talking about David Beckham, who has been convinced, by his wife, to start a menswear line. [Vogue UK]

-- It turns out that Chelsea wasn't the only celebrity bride of the weekend. Alicia Keys wed Swizz Beatz in her own Vera Wang gown. (The groom wore Tom Ford.) [People]

-- And, finally, we feel compelled to acknowledge the release, from a Lynwood jail, of Lindsay Lohan (who served briefly as an "artistic adviser" to the house of Ungaro). She "thanked everybody as she left" and is entering a treatment program at UCLA. [LAT]

-- Alice Short

Photo: Chelsea Clinton and her new husband Marc Mezvinsky. Credit: Genevieve de Manio / Reuters

She was the picture-perfect bride. Dressed in an ivory Vera Wang gown -- a strapless raw-edged laser cut swirling silk organza ball skirt and train with a silk tulle diagonally draped bodice, accented by an embellished belt -- Chelsea Clinton glowed in front of guests who attended her Rhinebeck, N.Y., wedding.

There was speculation over which designer Clinton would go with for her big day. She was spotted leaving Vera Wang’s studio (her face shielded from onlookers by a giant floppy hat from Hat Attack) last week, but rumor still had it that the dress could also be Oscar de la Renta.

Though Oscar de la Renta befits a young and modern bride (remember Jenna Bush wore a fitted, embroidered gown from the designer during her 2008 nuptials), Wang has been creating wedding gowns for so many celebrities (Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson and Khloe Kardashian to name a few) and perhaps Clinton wanted the classic, romantic and fairy-tale princess aesthetic that Wang does so well.

Her dramatic veil and the silver-jeweled embroidery that wrapped around the gown defining her dainty waist were very romantic touches and certainly made the gown feel much more special than your average strapless style. And the elegant touches such as her monochromatic ivory bouquet and simple makeup and upswept hair were smart choices as not to interfere with the volume of her dress and veil.

Not one to feel restricted on the dance floor, Clinton did a costume change and donned a Vera Wang silk tulle Grecian gown with a crisscross back and narrow grosgrain black belt for her reception.

Chelea's bridemaids also wore Wang creations: strapless bias-cut lavender chiffon gowns with a side drape and contrasting plum bow.

It will be interesting to see how many women are inspired by Clinton’s look. Watch out for silk tulle and silver jeweled sashes on brides-to-be.

Melissa Magsaysay

RELATED:

Chelsea Clinton wedding a lavish -- and very private -- affair

More photos of Chelsea Clinton's wedding

Photo: Former President Bill Clinton escorts his daughter Chelsea during her wedding ceremony on Saturday in Rhinebeck, N.Y. Credit: Genevieve de Manio / AFP/Getty Images

-- Chelsea Clinton has been trying to keep details of her pending wedding to investment banker Marc Mezvinsky under wraps, so it made news when she was seen ducking into Vera Wang Tuesday afternoon, hidden under an enormous floppy hat to try to ward off nosy reporters. She met mom Hillary Rodham Clinton there, and the secretary of State also stopped by Oscar de la Renta. How many changes of clothes do we think the mother-daughter pair will go through during the reportedly three-day, $3-million-plus festivities in Rhinebeck, N.Y.? [WWD]

-- One thing we do know about the Clinton wedding is that French hairdresser Isabelle Goetz, who recently bought a Georgetown salon, will tend to the secretary of State's tresses. [WWD]

-- Essence magazine is being criticized by some readers due to rumors that it has hired a new fashion director who is white. The lady in question, Ellianna Placas, has worked for US Weekly and O: The Opah Magazine. Essence has made no announcement, but rumors -- and outrage -- are bouncing around the Twitter-sphere.  [Clutch]

-- Do you dream of getting away from it all on a well-deserved summer vacation to de-stress, unwind and soothe your soul? Fugiddaboutit. A new study says vacationers are no happier than those of us (that's right, All the Rage isn't getting a summer vacation) who slog right on through at work.  [Newsweek]

-- Tommy Hilfiger prepares to celebrate the brand's 25th anniversary. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

-- Vogue doyenne Anna Wintour is opening her home to President Barack Obama Wednesday night for a Democratic National Committee fundraiser. [WWD]

-- With the pending launch of the Material Girl line, Madonna and daughter Lourdes Leon were hands-on, styling budding rocker Taylor Momsen for the ad campaign. [People]

-- A budding trend that's a throwback to the dandy era: ballet flats for men. [Telegraph]

Soccer is called "the beautiful game," and its practitioners in the Chelsea Football Club should look pretty good when they are out on the town in Dolce & Gabbana: The fashion label and club just signed a three-year "fashion partnership."  [Telegraph]

If you like the look of Rihanna's edgy undercut but don't want to lop off half your hair, not to worry. With some gel and a blow dryer, you can fake the look. [BellaSugar]

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Rihanna's undercut: You can fake it.  Credit: Max Nash / AFP/Getty Images

The stories clothes tell: With her mother slipping away to Alzheimer's, author/photographer Jeannette Montgomery Barron held onto the memories by creating a fashion diary. Just published,  "My Mother's Clothes" (Welcome Books) is a transporting read. [Wall Street Journal]

Not to be outdone by its rival across the river, the Brooklyn Museum on Friday launches its own sartorial exhibit, "American High Style: Fashioning a National Collection." [wwd, subscription required]

To illustrate the "masculine-feminine dichotomy," Givenchy's Riccardo Tisci has cast a transsexual model in the line's fall/winter photo campaign. [Huffington Post]

How important is good grooming? She has loads of talent, but Scarlett Johansson credits hair and makeup with making her a movie star. [People]

This could be a sweet gift for that special mom in your life: Top Chef host and new mother Padma Lakshmi has designed a limited-edition pair of gold and garnet earrings, on sale for $350 at Neiman Marcus, and 20% of the  proceeds will go to benefit the Endometriosis Foundation of America. Lakshmi co-founded the organization to raise awareness about the condition. [People]

Need more Mother's Day inspiration? Find out what Zac Posen, Vera Wang, Gisele Bundchen and 17 other designers and models would like to give and get. [Vogue]

Giorgio Armani is dressing Alicia Keys for her current European tour. [Telegraph]

Shoe designer Elisa Ferare, a Northern California native whose footwear was sold at Neiman Marcus, Maxfield and others, has died. [wwd]

Double whammy for Elizabeth Arden: The company is reporting third-quarter losses AND reportedly once employed the Times' Square bombing suspect. [wwd and wwd]

Check out Forever 21's beauty and the beach collection. [FabSugar]

Versace wins $20 million in Los Angeles counterfeiting case [British Vogue]

Ann Taylor's oh-so-cute vintage floral sheath dress sells out in two days, and is now going on EBay for $200 more than retail. [Stylelist]

-- Susan Denley

Photos, from top: Scarlett Johansson. Credit: Marvel Entertainment. Padma Lakshmi's limited edition earrings. Credit: Neiman Marcus

Vera Wang launches wedding gown partnership with David's Bridal. [WWD, subscription required]

Remember when Nordstrom did that "Twilight"-themed collection for "New Moon"? They'll do it again when "Eclipse" comes out this summer. [WWD]

Penelope Cruz is guest editor of French Vogue -- and she brings her A-list friends with her. [People StyleWatch]

Chanel Iman, Alexander Wang and Agyness Deyn were some of the famous fashion faces at Coachella. [Fashionologie]

Estrella Archs -- the fashion designer who famously worked with Lindsay Lohan at Emanuel Ungaro -- leaves the French design house. [Vogue UK]

Is Madonna Dolce & Gabbana's campaign girl again? [Vogue UK]

Sorry, Kate Hudson: Apparently breast implants are totally passe. [N.Y. Post]

Grace Jones yawns -- not fawns -- over Lady Gaga. [N.Y. Post]

Are retailers making clothes bigger so customers feel better? [Huffington Post]

-- Whitney Friedlander

Follow All the Rage on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo: Estrella Archs and Lindsay Lohan at the end of the Emanuel Ungaro spring/summer 2010 runway show. Credit: Peter Stigter and Jonas Gustavsson / For The Times

Charitybuzz.com, an auction site specializing in philanthropic campaigns, is hosting an auction that includes merchandise and experiences courtesy of some of the fashion industry's most illustrious players.

The auction, which kicked off on Thursday and ends May 6, is a companion event to biggie art auctioneer Christie's "Earth Day -- Green Auction: A Bid to Save the Earth."

The collection of more than 200 items, many of which are "dream" experiences, includes a personal fitting for "his and hers" bespoke suits made of sustainable fabric by eco-friendly designer Stella McCartney; a chance to dine with Vera Wang and a $10,000 credit at her flagship store; two front-row tickets to a Missoni fashion show, plus lunch and a fitting with designer Angela Missoni; and -- perhaps the mother of all fashion offers -- an outfit chosen and styled personally by Giorgio Armani to attend the Vanity Fair Oscar After-Party in 2011.

The auction also includes experiences and merchandise from Nina Ricci, Gucci, Ermenegildo Zegna, Marni, Proenza Schouler, Harry Winston, Irene Neuwirth and Sharon Khazzam.

The funds raised will benefit the campaign’s partners: Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council, Central Park Conservancy and Conservation International.

-- Emili Vesilind

Follow All the Rage on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo: A customized Bottega Veneta handbag, up for auction as part of the Earth Day lot on Charitybuzz.com (estimated value: $20,000). Credit: Charitybuzz.com