Jennifer Lawrence flaunted not one, but four gorgeous Dior looks in one Day, and Nicole Kidman looked freshly elegant in Dior Haute Couture Spring 2013.

The fashion show gave resort a new twist with lace, retro motifs, racer stripes and asymmetric hems. Among attendees were Jessica Biel and Marion Cotillard, both looking chic in Raf Simons’ creations.

This season definitely opens up a new chapter in the life of the iconic french fashion house, and we’re excited to see what Raf Simons will offer next!

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Fall 2013

Nicole Kidman in Dior Couture Spring 2013

Marion Cotillard in Dior Cruise and Jessica Biel in Dior at Resort 2013 fashion show

 We’re crushing hard for Gwyneth Paltrow’s take on spring’s graphic black and white trend, which the A-list fashionista has been seen rocking during her recent red-carpet appearances. From her casual black-top-and-white pants pairing to her daring, avante-garde colorblocked gown, the Iron Man 3 beauty always keeps her looks polished with just a hint of edge. Get Gwyneth’s look on a budget with these affordable finds under $100.

1. Topshop Dress $92, topshop.com
2. Wallis Blazer $46 (down from $58), wallisfashion.com
3. Dorothy Perkins Top $44, dorothyperkins.com
4. Zara Pants $59.90, zara.com
5. Baublebar Earrings  $26, baublebar.com
6. H&M Bag $49.95, hm.com
7. Mossimo Heels $29.99, target.com

-Dianna Baros, TheBudegetBabe.com

A fifth-generation French atelier, Gilles Mendel of J. Mendel is a master when it comes to elegant luxury. Known for his ultra-feminine designs, he combines unique fabrics – such as laser-cut mink, fine leather and beautiful cashmere, to create clothes that are timelessly beautiful and wearable (something that our clients appreciate). We spoke with Gilles about his muses, new bag collection, and his favorite place in the world.

What inspired you to create your fabulous bag collection? Launching J. Mendel handbags was a natural next-step in the evolution of the brand. As a ready-to-wear designer, I have always strived to create what I call “modern heirlooms” – beautifully crafted, stand-alone pieces that you’ll love and keep forever; which is exactly how I would want my customers to think of a J. Mendel bag – extremely chic and modern, but designed to stand the test of time.

What inspires you most creatively?  It’s a combination of things – art, history, street style, movies . . . And women inspire me! My late mother, my daughter, my girlfriend, iconic actresses like Jane Birkin, Charlotte Rampling, Romy Schneider. I have a lot of muses in my life!

We know that many women have inspired you through the years, but if you had to name one, who would be your favorite muse of all time? My favorite muse is my mother. She was incredibly chic and fashion-forward for her time, and I’m deeply sorry she never lived to see me design. I would have loved to have dressed her.

How do you typically begin your design process?  For me, everything begins with the fabric. Once I select my fabrics for the season, it all starts to evolve from there. I do develop an inspiration board with my design team using reference images and so forth, but that generally serves to provide the context for the collection. It’s the fabrics themselves that provide the language.

We know you have worked on special projects throughout your career. Do you have a favorite? One of my favorite creative projects was designing for the New York City Ballet, working with the incredible Peter Martins (Ballet Master in Chief), and costume designer, Marc Happel. The ballet is one of my favorite art forms. It’s all about the architecture and movement of the body, which is the intellectual current that runs through my own design process.

What music gets you going in your studio these days? I love music, and I love to dance, but in my studio I prefer the sound of silence. No distractions!

Of all the beautiful things you have created, is there one item that you would consider a greatest hit or all time favorite? My very first runway collection was, I thought, a perfect articulation of the DNA of the brand: Ethereal, highly-crafted gowns, with clear technical references to the fur masters of my ancestry. To this day, it remains among my favorites.

What was your most memorable career moment? Being awarded the prestigious Cooper Hewitt National Design Award for Fashion Design, and having lunch at the White House with the First Lady, Michelle Obama, was a great honor, and a definite career high!”

If you had to choose only one, what is your favorite store in the world? One of my favorite places in the world is Carette, a little pastry shop and tea-room in Paris that faces the Eiffel Tower. I used to go there almost daily as a boy, and to this day their lemon tarts and pastries are killer!

If you weren’t a fashion designer, what would you be? Either a painter, or lead guitarist in a rock band. It’s probably just as well I’m a fashion designer…

Here are some of our favorite J. Mendel looks.

David Beckham October 2009 WSJ Cover

David Beckham, 38-year old UK’s national treasure and perhaps the most famous athlete in the world, announced his retirement from soccer on Thursday.

Beckham is not only an iconic athlete, but also a family man (he has four children with wife Victoria). Add UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador with focus on Sports for Development Program, a founding member of the Malaria No More UK, a supporter of Help for Heroes, and a philanthropist to the list: he has previously announced that his entire salary during his time in Paris at Ligue 1 will be donated to a local children’s charity.

David Beckham has long been one of our favorite men of style. Here are some of his greatest hits.

Jessica Sheehan

Following my recent trip to Egypt and Oman, I have a new appreciation for scarves. I wore them at all of the Mosques we visited. Scarves are the easiest way to add a pop of color to a monochromatic look, and there are truly so many beautiful ways they can be styled. Silk or chiffon, they are lightweight and effortless to throw on as you run out the door. There are so many great prints, patterns and bright colors this spring. Here are some of my favorites! -Jessica

1. Etro Printed Modal And Cashmere-Blend Scarf $600, netaporter.com
2. Mary Katrantzou Pound Printed Modal And Cashmere-Blend Scarf $620, netaporter.com
3. Weston Calcite printed Silk-satin Scarf $295, netaporter.com
4. Christopher Kane Floral-Print Modal And Cashmere-Blend Scarf $520, netaporter.com
5. Missoni Printed Silk Scarf $210, netaporter.com
6. Lanvin Printed silk-satin Scarf $395, netaporter.com
7. McQ Alexander Mcqueen Printed Woven Scarf $305, netaporter.com

Jessica Sheehan

Osman Fall 2013 RTW

Don’t Get Stuck In A Rut

I have a confession to make: I have an infatuation with safari jackets and their ’70s-style Yves Saint Laurent feel. Not only is the look chic, but with a pocket for anything and everything, it’s very functional. Inspired by a Belstaff ad in a magazine, I went into the Madison Avenue Belstaff boutique, and tried on what I thought would be my next safari jacket. Joe came into the store, saying: “Another safari jacket?!” He reminded me that I had something exactly like that jacket, even in the same color. So I ended up buying a blazer instead, which still has a couple of pockets but without looking like another safari jacket. Now, I have a great alternative addition to my wardrobe.

Shop Your Closet!

The next day, after my experience at Belstaff, I shopped my own closet. I dug through my archives and found my 2008 Prada safari jacket. The only difference was the fit, so I brought it to the tailor and had it refitted. I revived an old jacket, gave it new life and avoided purchasing another safari jacket. I have officially escaped the rut.

If you tend to be a creature of habit, shopping your closet can save you time and money. Uncover the hidden treasures of your own closet! -Jesse

Alia Wang