We knew it! We've been complaining about this lack of fairness for years. Now, finally, our concerns about been validated. A recent British study concluded that blondes (yes, that's one of them above) have greater earning power compared to brunettes and redheads. How much? $900 a year more. [BellaSugar]

The end of the calendar year produces many assessments (see items No. 5 and 6 below), and Women's Wear Daily has stepped in to assess L.A.'s retail scene. The economic recovery is "sporadic," WWD reports. "Prime stretches of marquee venues — Rodeo Drive, Robertson Boulevard, Melrose Place and Melrose Avenue — are starting to get traction, but second- and third-tier retail enclaves have it tougher." [subscription required]

On the other hand, the blizzard that shut down much of the Eastern Seaboard this week may have cost the economy $1 billion in post-holiday sales. [The Cut] 

Kate Moss wants to ...what else? ....record an album. The supermodel has the right boyfriend for it -- Kills guitarist Jamie Hince, who has allegedly told friends that she wants to record a "set of edgy urban songs." [Daily Mail]

Will this be our last mention of  best- and worst-dressed lists this year? Perhaps. New York magazine points out that some names -- Carey Mulligan and Anne Hathaway, for example -- appear on multiple lists. Naturally, Michelle Obana is "widely adored." Rihanna and Victoria Beckham popped up on some best-dressed lists as well. Taylor Momsen? Not so many mentions on the best-dressed lists. [The Cut]

If beauty's your thing, check out a list of top beauty stories at Fashion Gone Rogue.

Diamonds? Did we hear mention of large diamonds this week? The engagement kind? Let's see, LeAnn Rimes seems to have acquired a 5-carat oval sparkler, and Reese Witherspoon is sporting a 4-carat Ashoka diamond "stunner." How do we know this? People, of course.

--Alice Short

Photo: Reese Witherspoon. Credit: Jason Merritt / Getty Images

 
Been pining for a pair of two toned ballet flats that don the double C’s? Well, you may be one step closer to getting those and other coveted Chanel items, because Decadetwo.1 is holding its annual Chanel extravaganza during which loads of everyone’s favorite French label will be flooding the Melrose Avenue boutique.

On Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Chanel items from the 1990s through present day will be available for up to 70% off retail. Not in the mood to fight aggressive shoppers for the bounty of boucle jackets and quilted bags they’re hoarding? Then you can visit the decadestwo.1 site and shop online from Dec. 11 through Dec. 18.

Good place to get a very lucky friend a holiday gift and of course a little something for yourself. One for you, one for me …

Happy Shopping.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Photos: Chanel quilted bag and boucle jacket from the Decadestwo.1. Credit: Decadestwo.1

A few notable happenings for a more stylish weekend:

SAMPLE SALE:

Faith Connexion Friday and Saturday: Rock 'n roll-inspired contemporary brand Faith Connexion is moving showrooms and needs to purge its old digs of all past-season gear. Expect discounts up to 75% off retail price on slinky, dark evening dresses and separates. Credit cards and cash accepted.

8428 Melrose Place, Suite A, West Hollywood. (323) 966-2896. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.

EVENTS:

GQ's Sperry Top-Sider party Saturday: GQ magazine celebrates the 75th anniversary of the ultimate preppy shoe -- the Sperry Top-Sider -- at an in-store event featuring drinks, edibles and a live DJ. Stop by to shop the fall collection and get fashion tips from GQ style correspondent K. Cooper Ray.

Nordstrom Santa Monica Place. 220 Broadway, Santa Monica. Men's shoes department. (310) 752-2700. 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. www.nordstrom.com

Nicole Richie appearance Saturday: Pint-sized fashion plate Nicole Richie will be promoting her fall collections for Winter Kate (apparel) and House of Harlow 1960 (jewelry and shoes). She will also be signing autographs, so get there early if you're interested.    

Nordstrom Santa Monica Place. 220 Broadway, Santa Monica. (310) 752-2700. Savvy department. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. www.nordstrom.com

Koh Gen Do Cosmetics launch Friday and Saturday: Japanese skin-care and makeup collection Koh Gen Do, which is free of petroleum-based products, synthetic fragrances and composite pigments, debuts at Barneys New York this weekend. The new counter will be staffed with expert makeup artists treating guests to "mini-makeovers." Spend $175 store-wide and receive Koh Gen Do’s Cleansing Spa Water and Pure Cotton Pads.

Barneys New York, 9570 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 276-4400. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday; 12 p.m  to 6 p.m. Sunday. www.barneys.com

Helms Design District Vintage Boutique Saturday: Peruse vintage fashion, wearable art, repurposed vintage and designer apparel at this pop-up shop-cum-vintage expo. Organizers hope to make the show a regular event. 

LightSpace Studio at the Historic Helms Bakery Building. 8755 Washington Blvd., Culver City. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.clevervintageclothing.com

--Emili Vesilind

Photo: The invite to the Sperry Top-Sider/GQ magazine event. Credit: GQ magazine

 

 

A few notable happenings for a more stylish weekend:

OPENING

The Spectacle at Fred Segal: This new high-end eyewear nook is tucked inside Fred Segal Santa Monica and boasts an array of chic glasses and sunnies from brands including Barton Perreira, Salt, Oliver Peoples, Paul Smith, Moscot and Anne et Valentin. Best of all, it's a full-service eyewear boutique -- so you can buy frames and get them filled with your prescription right at the shop. Eyewear runs from $230 to $490; lenses range from $75 to $900.

500 Broadway, Santa Monica, (310) 394-2075. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Monday through Saturday; 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

SALE

Junior Drake Warehouse Sale Friday through Sunday: Slouchy handbag brand Junior Drake (sold at Nordstrom, among other stores) is holding a warehouse sale downtown — featuring past-season small leather goods and bags that typically retail for upwards of $250, marked down to as low as $25. Spend $150 and get a free reversible tote; shop Friday or Saturday and receive an extra 10% off on Sunday.   

740 E. 60th St., Los Angeles. 10 a.m to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 

EVENT

Space 15 Twenty flea market Sunday: The Hollywood specialty boutique will host its monthly flea market, featuring "goodies we've picked up from our recent travels and some various clothing, shoes, and accessories from our group of fabulous flea market vendors." Stop by the Hollywood Farmer's Market around the corner.

1520 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 465-9202. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the store's courtyard.

-- Emili Vesilind

Photo: "Jayla" handbag from Junior Drake. Credit: Junior Drake

Opening

French children's clothing company Catimini opens its first Southern California boutique on Friday (Sept. 3) at South Coast Plaza. The clothes (prices range from $40 to $70) feature fun colors, prints and kid-friendly themes that changes with the seasons. You can find clothes here for babies, toddlers, boys and girls.
3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. (800) 782-8888. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday.

Sales

On Friday (Sept. 3) through Monday (Sept. 6), pick up a back-to-school or back-to-work wardrobe for less dough at Camarillo and Desert Hills Premium Outlets. Outlet stores are taking additional discounts off fashions already marked down from 25% to 65% off. Camarillo now features new boutiques from Tory Burch, Talbots and K-Swiss along with deals from stores like Chico’s (buy one get one full-price Addition’s by Chico item at 50% off). Desert Hills has Splendid joining Coach, Prada, J. Crew and Jimmy Choo with stores like William Rast offering men’s printed T-shirts for $13.75 (reg. $55).

Camarillo Premium Outlets, 740 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo. (805) 445-8520. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Monday. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Desert Hills Premium Outlets, 48400 Seminole Drive, Cabazon. (951) 849-6641. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.  10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday.

-- Max Padilla

Sales

A. Kinney Court in Venice is holding a Courtyard Session sale on Friday and Sept. 3. Eyewear will be marked down as much as 70% off retail, including makes by Oliver Peoples, Paul Smith, Mosley Tribes, Thierry Lasry, Mykita, KBL and Rare Vinatge. Session music will be provided by DJs Mathieu Schreyer and Osamu, and complimentary wine and beer will be served to over 21s with ID.

1423 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice. (310) 392-3400. 6 to 10 p.m.

Jenny Dayco is having an end-of-summer sale Friday and Saturday  featuring her eponymous jewelry collection at 60% to 70% below retail, with prices starting at $10.

7428 Hollywood Blvd., #305, Los Angeles. (310) 621-0680. Noon to 7 p.m. 

Sample Sales

L.A. designers Kristinit and Anita Arze host a one-day sample sale Sunday at Being in L.A. Spa, with a percentage of sale proceeds donated to Oceana, an oceans advocacy nonprofit. Locally manufactured brand Kristinit was picked as a women’s collection to watch by Lucky Magazine. Choose from the designers’ tops, sweaters, dresses and jumpsuits, priced from $50 to $95 (regular prices $225-$450). Perfumer Sanae Barber will be selling her custom scents, while Being in L.A. is offering spa services such as facials and massages. RSVP to kristina@kristinit.com.

2016 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles. (323) 428-3221. 2 to 8 p.m.

Events

On Saturday,  J Brand, Vogue editor Anna Wintour's favorite blues,  is having a fall fashion preview at the new Santa Monica Place Bloomingdales, Meet Jeff Rudes, the JBrand CEO, who is bringing a denim team to help shoppers find the perfect jean. Buy a J Brand pair and receive a gift with purchase. A drawing will be held for a $1,000 JBrand fashion wardrobe (no purchase necessary to enter).

315 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica. 2 to 4 p.m.

Also on Saturday, Happy LA   is having a third anniversary sale and trunk show featuring brand Paige Premium Denim, Christy’s of London and Bordeaux. Buy three items at the anniversary sale and receive 30% off.

542 1/1 Palisades Dr., Pacific Palisades. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Salon

On Sunday: Frederic Fekkai  wants you to have the red carpet experience if you’re attending the Emmys on Sunday or not. Book three signature services -- blow-out, polish change and makeup – for $75 ($170 value). Clients also get complimentary glasses of champagne.

8457 Melrose Place, Los Angeles. (323) 655-7800. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

-- Max Padilla

Photo: A. Kinney Court interior. Courtesy of A. Kinney Court

Sample Sales

Society for Rational Dress, an L.A.-based contemporary collection, is having a one-day sample sale Saturday at its downtown atelier. Summer 2010 and last season fashions will be up to 75% off, encompassing $30 T-shirts and belts, $75 dresses and shoes and $80 leather skirts.

255 S. Santa Fe Avenue, #100, Los Angeles; (213) 613-0757; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sales

Friday beginning at 9 a.m., Gilt Groupe is hosting a special online preview sale on upcoming Target fall collabs with Mulberry, Tucker and John Derian. The Mulberry for Target handbags, including a quilted denim bag ($14.99), which doesn’t hit stores until October, will surely be hot seller. If you’re not a Gilt Groupe member, you can sign up here.

Seaton & Jill Roberts is having a final blowout Saturday featuring spring and last season fashions at up to 90% off, as it closes that location. Sale items range from $49 denim from makers J.Brand, Current/Elliott and Goldsign. Other already discounted -- from 40 to 70% -- fashions with have an additional 25% lopped off lines ranging from 3.1 Phillip Lim, Rag & Bone, Golden Goose boots, Seaton pom-pom tunics and more.

8920 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood; (310) 550-1232; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Also on Saturday and Sunday, Scout is having a weekend inventory-clearing sale taking 20% to 50% off all vintage plus 10% off new Vessels collection pieces.

1646 N. Cherokee Ave., Los Angeles; (323) 658-8684; Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Events

Fashion and food might not naturally go together but Saks believes so. On Saturday, Saks is having a Fashion & Food party at South Coast Plaza featuring a Kogi truck and informal fashion shows. The store also has a Guitar Hero station, live steel drum band, photo booth, live DJ plus champagne service.

3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa; (714) 540-3233; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

On Saturday, take the kids to 1969 GapKids on Robertson Boulevard for the Garden Theater’s magical bug world along with puppet show featuring Sid Snail and Lucy Ladybug from the Mother Company. There will also be balloon art, toy theater and treats, plus 1969 jeans are buy one, get one for $10.

107 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

-- Max Padilla

Photo: Mulberry for Target denim quilted bag, $14.99. Courtesy: Target

Events

Gap 1969 Kids and the Mother Company are hosting a casting call for kids 3-8 for a new “Ruby’s Studio!” episode on Saturday, with treats, art activities and a sneak-peek screening. Gap 1969 jeans are on special: Buy one, get one for $10.

107 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

New York-based jewelry designer Michael Spirito is having a trunk show at the new Santa Monica Place Bloomingdales on Saturday and Sunday. Check out his pretty gothy handcrafted earrings made in the USA.

Bloomingdales, 315 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica. (310) 985-6400. Noon to 5 p.m.

Sales

Ongoing at Sunset Junction, Zachary’s Smile promises only in-season merchandise on sale -- no sweaters -- through Aug. 31. The ZS summer collection is 35% to 75% off, including the Wilhelmina ($48, regular price $128), Kiki ($118, regular price $158) and Maria dresses  ($128, regular price $168). Vintage is 25% off, including 1970s caftans ($43, regular price $58) and huarache sandals ($36, regular price $48). 

4014 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Sample sales

On Saturday and Sunday, the Avalon Beverly HIlls hosts a sample sale for Tucker, All for the Mountain, Two Gems and Panyc. Tucker by Gaby Basora is a contemporary women’s collection of blouses, dresses, jackets and knits. All for the Mountain and Two Gems feature handmade jewelry, while Panyc has leather bags.

9400 W. Olympic Blvd. Beverly Hills. Noon to 5 p.m.

Friday through Monday, the Runway Outlet is having a sale on brands Myne, Literature Noir, Leyendecker, Bouleem, Pi Organic and Daughter of the Revolution, with items for $25 or five for $100.

2395 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 522-6192. Noon to 7 p.m.

-- Max Padilla

Photo: Tiiu Kuik in the Zachary's Smile Wilhelmina dress. Credit: Zachary's Smile

We almost forgot to mention that Stila cosmetics is in the middle of an online warehouse sale to make room for incoming fall/winter inventory. That means it's offering discounts of up to 75% on all kinds of lip glazes, eye shadows, mascaras and smudge pots for the next three days. And if you spend at least $50, shipping is free.

That means the Step Out & Shine Color Collection pictured at right (clutch included) will run you $22 instead of $36, for example, and smudge pots in shades of electric blue, pink noir, pomegranate and ultraviolet can be snapped up for $8 a piece (down from $18).

But don't dawdle, because when the weekend's over, so is the sale -- it's scheduled to end at the stroke of midnight PDT Sunday.

And we all know there's no makeup for lost time.

-- Adam Tschorn

Photo: Savings at Stila's online warehouse sale  -- which runs until midnight PDT Sunday -- include $14 off the Step Out & Shine Color Collection. Credit: Stila

Events

The grandly renovated Santa Monica Place is open to the public on Friday (Aug. 6) and some stores are hosting grand-opening events.The first 500 guests arriving by Third Street before the mall opens at 10 a.m. are eligible for Santa Monica Place gift cards valued from $10 to $500.

Erin Fetherston, Juicy Couture’s guest designer, is in from New York to toast the brand’s fourth SoCal location (level one) from 2  to 4 p.m., where she'll sign limited-edition prints featuring a holiday sketch from her Juicy Couture capsule collection (available as a gift with purchase). The first 200 customers to stroll through Juicy Couture’s doors will also receive shop cards worth up to $50. Spend more than $200 in the Santa Monica Place boutique and receive a logo tote.

On Friday (Aug. 6), Charlotte Russe is celebrating the unveiling of its new concept store from 12:30 to 1 p.m. (level two) with a fashion show for DFFs -- a gal's best friend -- where dogs will strut the catwalk in the store's fall looks tailored for four legs. Adopt a pet or make a donation to Much Love Animal Rescue and receive a complimentary Charlotte Russe dog collar.

395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica. 

Also on Friday (Aug. 6), for the U.S.Open of Surfing at Huntington Beach, Quiksilver is sponsoring a free screening of the film  “Scratching the Surface,” starring surfer Julian Wilson at the Orange County Performing Arts Center Samueli Theater. View webisodes here.

615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Screening starts at 7 p.m.

On Saturday (Aug. 7), O’Neill is hosting an hourly raffle at Jack’s Surfboards for a free pair of Bobby Martinez “Hyperfreak” boardshorts. You can also pick the $20 O'Neill "Oil and Water Don't Mix" T-shirts with proceeds donated to Surfrider Foundation "Not the Answer" offshore drilling campaign.

101 Main St., Huntington Beach. (714) 536-4516. Noon to 4 p.m.

Events

Paul & Joe, designed by Sophie Albou, is showcasing its fall collection Thursday direct from Paris. Shoppers will receive 10% off all purchases. Enjoy complimentary cocktails and macaroons. 

138 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 655-5541. 7 to 9 p.m.

Model Liya Kebede’s LemLem collection is having a trunk show through Friday at the Jenni Kayne boutique. The collection -- handmade in Ethiopia -- features $65 onesies, $35 belts, $30 bloomers, $95 tunic sets, $80 hoodies and a $135 dress that comes with a scarf. Plus 10% of sale proceeds will benefit the Simunye Trust, which supports pediatric healthcare around the world, especially in Africa.

614 N. Almont Drive, West Hollywood. (310) 860-0123. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sample Sale

On Friday, Swirl, DailyCandy's online sample sale, is having a brick-and-mortar sale taking up to 95% off fashions from its stable of designers, which includes Twinkle by Wenlan, Orla Kiely and Corso Como. Complimentary Vitaminwater Zero offered to shoppers.

Cooper Design Space, 860 S. Los Angeles St., Suite 213, Los Angeles. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

-- Max Padilla

[For the record, 12:27 p.m. July 30: An earlier version of this post said that Swirl.com was a partner of DailyCandy. The two are one company.]

Photo: LemLem Tibet Hoodie, $80. Credit: LemLem

Opening

Hervé Léger boutique opens Thursday at South Coast Plaza. The first Orange County boutique for Hervé Léger by Max Azria, which covers 1,022-square-feet, will carry the ready-to-wear collection basesdon the iconic bandage dress plus swimwear, shoe and bags.

3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. (714) 549-5932. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Sales

Ladies, set the alarm on Saturday (July 24), Decadestwo is holding another $150 one-day shoe sale on labels Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo and others.

8214 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 655-1960. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.