This past Thursday night was truly an occasion for champagne. Even though the weather was still in the nuclear blast temperature zone, how can a girl be upset when she gets whisked away via a private elevator to attend an exclusive preview of the Tiffany and Co. Fall 2010 jewelry collection? Show of hands? Exactly.

The newest addition to the FSB family, Fashion Contributor Reese Pereira, accompanied me to the Tiffany and Co. preview as her first event (talk about perks of the job!) We’ll let her tell you a little about the collection:

Who doesn’t love what’s inside that iconic little blue box? This fall, Tiffany & Co. has done it again. Brilliant by design and elegant in style, the 2010 collection has taken us back to an era of timeless glamour.

From the minute I walked into the event I was instantly enamored. Perhaps it was the 20.01-carat, D color necklace with an internally flawless diamond center stone (with a matching $7 million price tag) that caught my attention!

Romance is definitely back; opera-length necklaces, dazzling diamond cuffs, and bracelets with mixed cut yellow and white diamonds set in platinum are additions any wardrobe would embrace. These pieces are sure to make even the most skeptic romantics weak in the knees.

Speaking of romance, perhaps now is the perfect time to speak about the fact that I fell in “Love.” That’s right, I fell in love with Love with the collection of the same name from iconic designer Paloma Picassso.

Just like her famous Graffiti collection, this pendant uses Paloma’s signature handwriting, and it’s made of 18k rose gold and smothered in little round brilliant diamonds on a 16″ chain. I’m still drooling and dreaming about wearing this delectable diamond darling around my neck. This necklace is guaranteed to be a hot accessory to pair
with all those romantic and ladylike clothes be seeing so much of in the Fall this year!

The designs of the famed jewelry company are a return to glamour and will look stunning along with the return to ladylike style this fall. Whether it’s Frank Gehry, Paloma Picasso, Elsa Peretti or any of their classic collections, there’s something this fall for everyone at Tiffany and Company at multiple price points. After all, trends can come and go, but there’s nothing more timeless and alluring than something that comes in a little blue box.

This afternoon, I had a chance to zip to Tiffany and Co., where in the previous Chairman’s office (the view! the furniture! the vases!), I was shown the legendary company’s brand new gem: the Tiffany and Co. iPhone Application, launching this coming Monday.

Want to know what it does? First of all, you can figure out the appropriate ring size for your engagement and/or wedding ring. Oh yes. Pay attention, ladies and gentlemen: place any ring over the sizing circle on the appropriate screen, then select sizes along the right-side navigation scroll until you see the right size circle pop into the center of your ring. It beats the heck out of stealing a ring to have it sized, right? You can do it right there in the house while she’s in the shower!

You can also design your own ring (ladies’ rings only for now). Choose from different cuts, metals and settings, pair them with different wedding bands, and then feel free to publish your choice to Facebook or Twitter. I mean, what drops a hint better than a big splash of social media? Pretty sure they’ll get the picture.

The other thing that’s fabulous is that once you have the right ring in the right size, you can make an appointment with a Tiffany and Co. advisor right there from the application. It’s one-stop shopping at it’s best, people.

So, for those of you who are thinking about rings, getting ready to buy a ring, or you want to make a suggestion to someone that it’s time to put a ring on it, head to the iTunes App Store on Monday, June 14th and go straight for the Lifestyle section. Jewelry shopping from your phone? Yep, there’s an app for that.

Want to know what it does? First of all, you can figure out the appropriate ring size for your engagement and/or wedding ring. Oh yes. Pay attention, ladies and gentlemen: place any ring over the sizing circle on the appropriate screen, then select sizes along the right-side navigation scroll until you see the right size circle pop into the center of your ring. It beats the heck out of stealing a ring to have it sized, right? You can do it right there in the house while she’s in the shower!

You can also design your own ring (ladies’ rings only for now). Choose from different cuts, metals and settings, pair them with different wedding bands, and then feel free to publish your choice to Facebook or Twitter. I mean, what drops a hint better than a big splash of social media? Pretty sure they’ll get the picture.

The other thing that’s fabulous is that once you have the right ring in the right size, you can make an appointment with a Tiffany and Co. advisor right there from the application. It’s one-stop shopping at it’s best, people.

So, for those of you who are thinking about rings, getting ready to buy a ring, or you want to make a suggestion to someone that it’s time to put a ring on it, head to the iTunes App Store on Monday, June 14th and go straight for the Lifestyle section. Jewelry shopping from your phone? Yep, there’s an app for that.

Summertime is the right time for the perfect T-shirt (although, what season ISN’T?) and our favorite Japanese retailer, Uniqlo, has created another super-fabulous designer partnership to make sure your tops fit you to a T this season. Los Angeles-based brand Velvet by Graham and Spencer are set to design a capsule collection of feminine knits includes pants, tops and dresses.

The collection will build on the brand’s beloved line of contemporary tees and tops and will consist of fourteen items, including camisoles, dresses, jersey harem pants and those beloved t-shirts. The sumptuous capsule collection is scheduled to arrive on June 17th, with prices ranging from $15.50-$19.50, a mere fraction of the price of Velvet’s higher-end pieces.

Mark those calendars! This will be a collection you won’t want to miss!

The third and final shipment of the Spring 2010 UNIQLO “ +J ” Collection, created with fashion designer Jil Sander, will arrive Wednesday, April 21st , 2010.  Doors will open at the UNIQLO Soho store at 8am, two hours earlier than normal. This final delivery of the +J collection will focus on women’s styles, offering an exciting range of soft, light spring garments and early summer wear.

As I’ve mentioned, I practically lived in UNIQLO’s Heattech clothing this winter and now the revolutionary brand will also be launching two new lines to keep everyone cool this summer. The superfine fibers in the men’s Smooth Dry innerwear line offer a second skin feeling while wicking away moisture, leaving you cool and comfortable during hot summer months. Sarafine will offer the same type of technology for women with an added bonus: coolness when you want to be cool and warmth when you’re in a cold environment (read: subarctic air conditioning). Same technology but taken to the next level. Smooth Dry is available in fourteen styles ranging from crewneck t-shirts to boxer briefs and all items are $10.50. Sarafine is available in eight styles including a camisole, slip and leggings, with all items priced from $10.50-$15.50.

Last but certainly not least, it’s been announced that cutting-edge design darlings Costello Tagliapietra have partnered with the retailer for a Spring/Summer 2010 collaboration. Following fellow designs like Phillip Lim, Alexander Wang and Steven Alan, the Costello Tagliapietra for UNIQLO collection will hit stores on May 20th and will consist of fourteen uniquely-designed styles of dresses in a range of seasonal colors like dove grey, rose, mustard yellow and cornflower blue and in soft, draped fabrics such as silk and slubbed jersey. Best of all, with prices from $29.50-$39.50, the designing duo can offer their designs at a mere fraction of the price of their regularly-priced, highly-coveted wares.

I, for one, will be indulging in all of these lines. Why not join me? UNIQLO is proof that fashion-forward style and technology is truly available for all. That’s a message you can take to the bank.

Gaby Basora will launch her exclusive collection as part of the Go International series at most Target stores nationwide and online at Target.com.  Known for her wearable designs and innovative prints inspired by everything from flowers to candy wrappers, it looks like a total win-win: the designer’s collection for Target will expand her brand and women’s closets everywhere will be the better for it. Look for the fashion collection to launch on September 12th of this year and remain in-store through October 17th.

Meanwhile, the Temple St. Clair for Target® Accessories Collection will highlight the covet-worthy designs of Temple St. Clair Carr. Beloved by the New York town car set (Upper East Siders predominately for you Gossip Girl fans), look for truly elegant jewelry (fingers crossed for cocktail rings like the one above) and hopefully an interpretation of her signature rock crystal amulet to hit stores as a limited-edition collection nationwide and online from August 29th through December 26th.

I love a good bargain. You’re thinking, “You just bought Dior shoes” but honestly, that’s such a rare situation you have no idea. Like everyone, I have a passion for fashion at a really great price. This is why I like designers who can fulfill my needs when it comes to cost-effective style, like the super fabulous Victor Victor Alfaro line from designer Victor Alfaro.

The former CFDA winner has been super busy with his collection for Bon-Ton and I, for one, am in love. Please do note the spectacular craftsmanship and the PRICES! Handbags are between $60 and $72. This is on-trend style that won’t break the bank. Taylor Swift’s been seen quite a bit rocking  a style similar to this chic Victor Victor Alfaro Tassel Hobo ($72), which I also adore.

Clothes, shoes, handbags – this is a fun line at the right price. Head to Bon-Ton and check it out!

Mark your calendars for April 18th because two designer heavyhitters are releasing accessories collections for Target: genius milliner Eugenia Kim and the fabulous accessories designer Cynthia Vincent.

Milliner Eugenia Kim is a celebrity favorite, creating quirky takes on classic headwear shapes. The Eugenia Kim for Target collection is inspired by Havana, Cuba and will include many silhouettes including a cloche, a fedora, sunhats and a pillbox shape using woven and printed fabrics with various embellishments. You can see for yourself how addictive these creations are.

Meanwhile, Cynthia Vincent for Target will focus on the flirty feminine style of the designer. Wedges, flats and gladiator sandals in bright and classic hues with embellishments and hardware will make them some of the hottest shoes to sport this season. Her vibrant use of color mixed with her understanding of what looks good on the foot ensure this will be a highly addictive collection.

Grab your girls and make a date to head to Target so you can check out these adorable collections on April 18th! You’ll be all dolled up for spring AND completely stocked up on your other essentials. Genius, people.

You know that New Yorkers love a good party and we take combat training for a good sale. Well, ladies of Manhattan, it’s time to call in scared for work next Thursday (as in, “I’m afraid I won’t be there today) and take a disco nap because Zac Posen is creating a pop-up shopping party here in our fair city where you can shop his collection for Target BEFORE it’s released in stores across the country. Beginning at 11 pm on April 15th and ending at 11 pm on April 16th, expect fabulous fun fashions from the designing genius at unbelievable prices.

You’ll notice I said “shopping party,” right? That’s because there will be live music and DJs playing to make this a shopping experience like no other! Performances by The Like and DJs Kid America will make this the hottest spot in town for a full 24 hours, in addition to surprises happening every hour at random. I mean it, people: you won’t want to miss this one. See you there!

Zac Posen for Target Pop-Up Shopping Party
Beginning Thursday, April 15th at 11pm – Friday, April 16th until 11pm
481 8th Avenue at 34th Street

To quote ZZ Top, we all know that every girl’s crazy about a sharp-dressed man. This is why I bring you relevant and gorgeous menswear when it comes across my desk. Attention, J. Crew shoppers: this one’s for you.

The Fall 2010 Presentation was recently held in the Penthouse of MILK Studios here in Manhattan and designer Frank Muytjens presented his first offsite presentation for the label in style. The collection, a combination of utilitarian and military-inspired pieces paired with elegant menswear suits & jackets, looks like it will be an incredible success. Gents who shop the retailer can look forward to such luxe pieces as the Ludlow Suit (complete with Loro Piana fabrics – I die) and Alden for J.Crew wingtips. Here’s a sneak preview of the collection you can look forward to seeing come autumn of this year:

So, J. Crew dudes, get your spending list together. Looks like a rather well-dressed season is coming. Plan accordingly.