Just one day after the deep discounts offered from Black Friday into Cyber Monday the dress Pippa Middleton wore earlier this year to the royal wedding is SOLD OUT.  The Alexander McQueen Luxe remakes of the figure-flattering white Alexander McQueen dress Pippa Middleton wore to her sister’s wedding in April sold out in a matter of hours yesterday. The wedding of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge on April 29, 2011 in London England. has proven that even several months out, people are still very much afflicted with Royal Wedding fashion.

Photo credit: Getty Images

It’s called the “Oscars of the East Coast” for a good reason. Every year the Costume Institute Gala, informally known as the “Met Ball”, brings out the brightest stars of fashion, film and the music industry. The ball, which is being held on Monday night, marks the opening of the Metropolitan Museum’s latest fashion exhibit at the revered Costume Institute – an exhibition honoring the late Alexander McQueen and and his 19-year career, called Savage Beauty.

Invitations are like gold dust, signalling an acceptance into fashion’s most elite circle and a nod of approval from the most powerful woman in the industry, Anna Wintour. Each year, she masterminds the party and the guest list. And guess who has been lucky enough to have been invited? None other than NY Knick and onetime Vogue cover model, Amar’e Stoudemire!

With the help of his stylist, Rachel Johnson, Amar’e selected a classic Calvin Klein tux for the occasion. Johnson says she had to work hard to convince Amar’e to slim down his clothes when he first came to her. Sometimes he puts up a fight about her choices, but Johnson says he’s gradually embodying her urban hipster vision all on his own: “The longer he lives in New York, the more that’ll be developed. He sees stuff on the street now, and he’ll be like, ‘Oh, that’s how you put that together.’”

From left: Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier, Marchesca and Alexander McQueen

In anticipation of this Friday’s royal nuptials between Prince Williams and Kate Middleton, we’ve scoured designer runways and lookbooks to find this years hautest bridal fashions and trends.

This year, spring 2011 bridal collections were gliding down the runway embellished with floral appliqués and oversized crystals which felt like you were watching a fashion fairytale. Many of the gorgeous gowns had a shimmery, faceted appearance to create more dimensions. Even feathers are making a statement as a trendy bridal gown embellishment. These fantastical details are being added to very soft and romantic fabrics like net, lace, and organza to create gowns you want to wear! Vera Wang’s Bridal Collection 2011, for instance, consists of a lot of soft fabrics like organza and tulle. This season is all about texture, ruffles, layers and flowers. Our favorite is the use of tulle-overlays. Placing a soft layer of tulle over a different fabric creates a softer look and tones down the luster of high-gloss satin and silk.

Who knows? Maybe the Princess-to-be will take a cue from one the trends we have spot lighted or create some of her own in true royal fashionista style! 

Photo credit: Bauer Griffin

Beyonce popped up in Paris this week, evidently enjoying a sexy getaway with husband Jay-Z, and giving us an eyeful with every outing. The diva showed off her perfect pedicture in Christian Louboutin’s silver-and-blue python Lady Peep slingbacks. The bold beauties added instant glamour, not to mention an extra five inches, to the singer’s sultry spring look. What’s not to love?

Photo credit: Bauer Griffin

Beyonce then wore these knockout Flesh Fish-bone Alexander McQueen platform sandals with intricate gold T-bars out to lunch with hubby Jay-Z and nephew Juelz. Fierce!

American Vogue pays tribute to the late Alexander McQueen with a thrilling retrospective of his work and a preview of the MET’s upcoming Savage Beauty exhibition.

Shot by Steven Meisel and styled by Grace Coddington, the story is a fitting tribute to one of fashion’s true masters.

New York has been in the grips of a particularly brutal winter. Good thing fashion week is back to generate some serious sizzle. From Michael Kors’ 30th anniversary celebration to the opening of Alexander Wang’s first New York store, here are all the warming trends.

A Matter of Kors

Michael Kors’ 30th anniversary celebrations began last June when he accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award from the CFDA, and they culminate next month in Paris with a dinner at the U.S. ambassador’s residence. Here in New York, the front row at his milestone show is guaranteed to be starrier than ever; ditto the after-party being held at his new Madison Avenue store. In other party news: Westway, the former strip club now in the hands of Carlos Quirarte and Matt Kliegman, is shaping up to be the week’s late-night hangout.

Who You Calling An Accessory

Accessory designers used to be consigned to also-ran status, but no more. This season, a handful are presenting new collections on their own. After showing her Spring ’11 lineup at Milk, Ecco Domani winner Pamela Love is doing the same this time around, and she’ll be joined on the roster by specs-maker Illesteva and jewelry designers Erickson Beamon. The latter—that rare brand that’s both Gaga and MObama-approved—has dreamed up an extravaganza, featuring dancers from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy performing in showstoppers like this necklace.

Thom Thom Club

Thom Browne’s menswear presentations are always a must-see, not just for his tailored looks but for his deliriously deadpan performance art-like stagings. Now the designer—whose debut women’s styles are about to land at Colette, Dover Street Market, and Jeffrey—is taking a stab at womenswear theater on February 14. “I think the performance will show people why I’ve been wanting to do women’s clothes,” he says. Browne’s mum on the details, though he did drop a two-word hint about the design of the collection. “Conceptual tailoring.” One night only, folks.

Wang Bang

Alexander Wang usually saves his hot-ticket parties for September fashion week. This season, however, he has an extra reason to celebrate: He’s opening his first store, as any girl who’s spent the past several months staring lustily at the old Yohji Yamamoto space in Soho well knows. Per usual, Wang is keeping mum on the details of his fête, except to say that it will be a more intimate affair than the carnival romp he threw last season. We expect the real madness to happen on February 17, when the Alexander Wang store opens for business.

French Toast

It’s been a while since A.P.C. impresario Jean Touitou graced NYFW, but this season he has good reason to come back. On February 8, he’s opening his second store in Manhattan. Called A.P.C. Specials, the West Village shop will house projects Touitou hasn’t had the space to do justice to elsewhere, such as the Butler Worn Out series of used, rehabbed A.P.C. jeans, and the Quilt Project, limited-edition throws made from archival fabrics. Quilt designer Jessica Ogden—who also collaborates on A.P.C. Madras—will join Touitou at the store’s opening party.

Ice Capades

Necessity is the mother of invention. Elise Øverland was looking for a venue for her Fall show, and when her friend André Balazs offered her the ice rink outside the Standard Hotel, a whirlwind of creativity followed. Her February 12 fashion show-on-ice will feature an installation from the Art Production Fund and figure skaters from the Ice Theatre of New York. And that’s not all: Longtime Øverland client Johnny Weir is choreographing, and will come out for a skate. Special bonus: The designer will be serving glögg in the Standard’s lounge.

Photo credit: Getty Images

In his assessment of last night’s dresses on the SAG Awards red carpet, Vogue‘s André Leon Talley leads with True Grit‘s 14-year-old breakout star Hailee Steinfeld, calling her “spectacular” and the “best dressed of the night.” Indeed, those stripes — which would be a very risky choice for most actresses and are not easy to pull off — are a great match for her age. Talley writes, “What made it so right for the teenager was the just-out-of-bed tousled hair (the style of the evening) looking so natural on her, deft makeup, and no bling. She didn’t try too hard.”

Angie Harmon. Photo credit: Wire Image

Other favorites of the Vouge editor at large included Jennifer Lawrence in a black velvet belted bright pink chiffon dress by Oscar de la Renta; January Jones who channeled Grace Kelly with elegant swept-up hair and a gold lace gown by Carolina Herrera; Presenter Angie Harmon who looked fresh, like she was having fun wearing her froth of pink plumes by Monique Lhuillier, the type of dress you want to see on the red carpet; and Mila Kunis, who really cool, belting her strapless floral print chiffon Alexander McQueen gown (with what looked like a transparent celophane) from the 2011 resort collection — the first designed by Sarah Burton — that was sort of two straps away from Michelle Obama’s hotly contested McQueen State dinner dress.

From left: Jennifer Lawrence, January Jones and Mila Kunis at the 17th Annual SAG Awards. Photo credit: Getty/Wire Image

courtesy Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

Michelle Obama chose a red petal print silk organza gown by Alexander McQueen to wear to Wednesday’s state dinner for the People’s Republic of China at the White House.  The gown, which featured an asymmetrical neckline in a red petal print, has raised a few eyebrows, both for its bold choice and because she chose a British designer instead of an American or American based designer.

courtesy Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

McQueen, who died last year, was the fashion world’s rabble-rouser but this dress was designed by his successor, Sarah Burton and is a variation of one from the Resort 2011 collection seen below.

Paris Fashion Week 2011, proved to be as elegant and magical as the city itself this year. Many designers opted for softer, flowing looks, using sheer materials, and draping fabrics instead of overly complicated construction.  The colors seemed to vary widely from soft nudes to bright blues, and just about everything in between.

Knee length A-line dresses and high slits seemed to be a very common thing amongst the designers as well.  Let’s hope that our favorite starlets opt for age appropriate frocks hence 50 plus should not wear thigh bearing looks.   You can also do a well constructed mini dress like Lanvin if the slit isn’t for you, pair it with an eye catching shoe (see Dior) and you are set!

Leave it to Kenzo and Alexander Mcqueen for the theatrics, and awe-inspiring, haute couture aesthetic All of the pressure was left on Sarah Burton last season after the untimely death of Mcqueen, and she managed to pull through with grace and ease. She may not have given us the usual over the top theatrics as her predecessor did, but the nature inspired line was still dramatic and enchanting enough to remain true to brand and keep you wishing for more. Overall, the Paris shows maintain their reputation as the one of the most inspiring markets and as shoppers make way to the racks this spring, they will be able to take advantage of a broad spectrum of wardrobe for their age and shape.

In a recession there are many things that people will always buy or pay for a drink, a meal/groceries, train/subway pass, rent (most of us), costume jewelry and shoes!  How many pairs of shoes does one need, you ask!  There is something a bout a good pair of shoes that bring cheer on any given day. This season, its all about embellishments. Time to tone down your wardrobe and turn up your shoes. Whether your pockets are obese or on a diet, there is a brand on the market suitable for all budgets.

Photo Credit: Joel Ryan

British designer Alexander McQueen’s memorial service, which took place today (09.20.10) has been attended by, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Anna Wintour, and Sarah Jessica Parker.

Photo Credit: Wire Image

The stars paid tribute to the British designer, who took his life on the eve of his mother’s funeral in February alongside family and friends at London’s St Paul’s Cathedral.

Rev. Canon Giles Fraser opened the ceremony with a tribute to the iconic designer, saying: “It was a life lived in the public gaze, but it was as vulnerable and retiring as it was glamorous. Despite the dazzle of his world, he never forgot his East End roots and how much he owed to his loved ones.”

The 40-year-old designer was named British designer of the year four times between 1996 and 2003 and was also awarded the CBE for his work in the fashion industry.

McQueen took a mix of cocaine, tranquilizers and sleeping pills before hanging himself at his London flat, an inquest concluded.

Photo Credit: Wire Image

At the time, Designer for Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld said: “I found his work very interesting and never banal. There was always some attraction to death, his designs were sometimes dehumanized. Who knows, perhaps after flirting with death too often, death attracts you.”

1. Mask Earrings ($68, bcbg.com), 2. Issa Strapless Silk–Crepe gown ($825, net-a-porter.com) 3. Wide Rhinestone Embellished Stretch Bracelet ($29, ardenb.com) 4. Tory Burch Raphael Leather Logo Clutch ($315, neimanmarcus.com) 5. Alexander McQueen Red/Blue Sandal ($469.80, zappos.com)

The 4th of July is just a few days away so that means you only have a few days to get you look together. Whether you hit the mall or browse the web, The Fashion Reporter wants you to look your best with just a few day and night style suggestions.  It is fun to show patriotism and dress in our glorious nation’s colors, however Please DON’T over coordinate your outfit.  Too much mixing and matching of red, white and blue can be a disaster waiting to happen. Be subtle with your selections. If you plan on wearing a red dress, top or bottom, DON’T do red footwear.  DO try a red lip and neutral accessories.  Men, please don’t coordinate the color of your plaid bermuda shorts with your footwear and if you opt for a hat, please DON’T wear sunglasses.

1. Tailored Striped Waist Coat ($85, karenmillen.com), 2. Stayton Dress ($114.99, modcloth.com), 3. High Waist Denim Sailor Short $44, ardenb.com), 4. Hobbs Metropole Cotton Skirt Navy/White ($150, polyvore.com), 5. Mango Osito Handbag ($49.99, mango.com), 6. Emporio Armani Sequin Brooch ($142, yoox.com), 7. Gap Women’s Nautical Floppy Hat ( $24.50, gap.com), 8. Skinny Jean in White ($29.95, ae.com), 9. Alexander McQueen Blue/Red Geometric Cuff ($139, alexandermcqueen.com), 10. Two Way Sequin Box Bag ($55, topshop.com), 11. Banana Rd Patent Pump Louboutin ($610, polyvore.com), 12. Michael Antonio Denim Wrap Heel ($24.50, ardenb.com),   13. Sailor Knot Bracelet ($5, urbanoutfitters.com), 14. Brahmin “Melbourne” Croc Embossed Drawstring Tote ($295, nordstrom.com), 15. Geneva Platinum American Flag Watch ($24.99, target.com), 16. Critia Ruby Satin Sandal, ($99, ninashoes.com)