required reading: bridget foley's diary

This week, for her "Bridget Foley's Diary" column, WWD Executive Editor Bridget Foley wrote one of the most articulate, thoughtful treatises on why designers matter that I've ever read. The question of brand vs. designer has been a hot topic lately thanks to upheaval at storied houses like Dior, YSL and Jil Sander, and Foley hits the nail on the head when she writes that "the elite designers, those who drive fashion, those few who will be remembered, do more than design to the bottom line. At its best, their fashion codifies, or even instigates, something in the larger culture, often presenting alternatives to the status quo." Anyone interested in fashion should read this piece. Check it out here.

cityloft is back!

It's baaaaa-aack! Somerset Collection's CityLoft pop-up shopping concept has returned to Woodward Avenue for its second summer, anchoring the rebirth of Downtown Detroit Days. I reported on CityLoft's return for Hour Detroit before I left for Stockholm (you can read my article here!), so I couldn't resist scoping it out on opening day.

ciao, bella!

On the cover: 3.1 Phillip Lim top, $450, Alexis Bittar bracelet, $325, and ring, $275, and Stephen Dweck earrings, $295, Neiman Marcus, 248.643.3300. Stella McCartney pants, $525, Saks Fifth Avenue, 248.643.9000. Madewell belt, sylist’s own.

My return flight from Sweden touched down late last week, and I was greeted by a beautiful site: the latest issue of StyleLine! I had the privilege of styling the cover and accompanying fashion spread alongside an incredible team, and I'm so proud of the results. StyleLine's editor, Karen Buscemi, gave photographer Lians and I a "color burst" theme. My interpretation was inspired by film noir - what would classic black-and-white noir look like if was shot in color? Thanks to the incredible creative team, beautiful model and a limited edition Gucci Fiat 500, pretty glamorous, if you ask me! Check out the full shoot below:

summer beauty obsession: ysl rouge pur couture in le orange

I recently started working with Hour Detroit, a fantastic local city magazine, as a freelance style editor. When I was working on one of my first pieces for the mag - a round up of beauty products that offer SPF protection - I discovered my new summer beauty obsession: Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Pure Color Lipstick in Le Orange.

I have always loved a classic red lip, but I was seriously nervous about orange lipstick. Orange is so bold and juicy - I just didn't think I could pull it off. This gorgeous shade completely changed my mind. It's bright and no question orange, but it has just enough red in it to work with my pale rose complexion. The beach-ready SPF 15 formula is so creamy and smooth that it feels more like wearing a lip balm, and the color lasts for hours.

Check out YSL's Rouge Pur Couture lipstick and more SPF beauty products in the July 2012 issue of Hour Detroit.

YSL Rouge Pur Couture, $32
www.yslbeautyus.com

movement 2012 fashion recap

Every Memorial Day, the tents go up at Hart Plaza and thousands of party people descend on downtown Detroit for the annual electronic music festival. Movement, or DEMF as it's still called by those who remember the first Detroit Electronic Music Festival in 2000, has had its ups and downs, but one thing has always been consistent: epic festival style. Movement is a sartorial smorgasbord that runs the gamut from rainbow bright candy raver to so hipster it hurts - and literally everything in between. Here are some of the looks I couldn't resist snapping this year: