Despite the popularity of digital design and photographic imaging, fashion illustration is back en vogue. No longer limited to glossy anthologies and nostalgic archives, the classic art form combines a modern touch with an archaic appeal.
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The posh yet rebellious Pencey girl could give Holden Caulfield a run for his money. Fittingly, the New York label takes its moniker from the fictional boarding school Caulfield was expelled from in J.D. Salinger's classic The Catcher In the Rye. And, with a recent foray into resort designs, it seems like Pencey's wares just might get the ladies kicked out of the yacht club too.
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No longer restricted to Goth kids and Halloween costumes, black lipstick is now appearing everywhere from catwalks to cosmetic stands—Rachel McAdams even wears it on the cover of the New York Times fall issue of T Style Magazine. Though the look is not exactly the easiest trend to pull off, when done right, it's at once modern, slightly sinister and fashionably eye-catching.
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Camilla and Mark' s Miranda pencil skirt adds a spice of color to your work wardrobe and takes you away from the monotony of the everyday dress. After hours, throw on a light tank, your favorite pair of heels and paint the town red. Buy it for $370 at www.net-a-porter.com.

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"Bali is a great holiday destination. It's laid back but very international—one of the few places that we go to really unwind...." read more »

West London welcomes a new addition to the destination shopping map: The Convenience Store. This concept shop—the brainchild of Andrew Ibi—recently opened in a vacant shoe mender's space under an old concrete apartment block. Set in the shadow of iconic '60s brutal landmark Trellik tower, this retail haven is no ordinary boutique.
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For autumn/winter '08-'09, wrap up in something warm yet stylish with Eternal Child's new collection of knit couture. New York-based designer Gül Gürdamar draws inspiration from her Turkish roots as well as contemporary artist Karen Kilimnik for the chic line. The result is a collection of fine knits made into cozy garments such as sweater dresses and reworked cardigans.
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As Australia's answer to Opening Ceremony's private label, Rittenhouse is much more than a casual and hip collection of separates. Though the Sydney-based label is known for updating traditional basics, designers Sally McDonald and Micah Hamdorf stay true to their subdued aesthetic with versatile fabrics and prints.
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Mike & Chris' cadison fleece jacket is a casual yet cool addition to every man's wardrobe. Plus, the asymmetrical flap closure and zip-off hood let you mix it up—a convenient function when investing in winterwear. Buy it for $262 at www.oaknyc.com.

For many, the coveted Birkin bag is a symbol of wealth and iconic luxury, but for American author, Michael Tonello, the handbag was a way of life. After years of success as a stealth Birkin bag-buyer and eBay re-seller, Tonello decided to ditch the profession and put pen to paper in his first ever memoir, Bringing Home the Birkin: My Life In Hot Pursuit of the World's Most Coveted Handbag. Released last April, the book became an immediate must-read, and has been the choice beach entertainment for fashionistas from the Hamptons to Bali this summer. Coming off a whirlwind two-month book tour, this newly inked author took time out of his busy schedule to talk to us about getting his start in the business, how the tell-all has affected his life and the secret behind Hermès' inexhaustible appeal.

JC Report: First thing's first, do you personally own a coveted Birkin bag?

Michael Tonello: No, although I currently have one for my tour, which is borrowed from another online luxury reseller.  read more »