Ten finalists strutted down the runway at Macy’s Herald Square at the Wilhelmina 40+ Model Search for a chance to win a contract with Wilhelmina Model Agency, a trip to New York City, a makeover with Randall Christensen (Dancing with the Stars costume designer), a $1,000 Macy’s gift card, $1,000 worth of cosmetics from Estée Lauder, and a $1,000 wardrobe from Miraclesuit.  This particular model search, hosted by the charmingly-hilarious celeb stylist and TV personality Robert Verdi, focused on finding the next top model over the age of 40. Women ranging from 40 to 54 years old took the runway by storm in beautiful swimwear by Miraclesuit and designs by Christensen. The models projected confidence, class, and style, which could inspire any individual at any age to take the challenge and pursue a dream. This truly proves that age is just a number and fashion is beautiful on everyone

[Winner, Jaqueline Depaul]

I agreed with Verdi when he openly described winner, Jaqueline Depaul, 41, from California, as a Countess [from the Real Housewives of New York] look-alike. Depaul looked like a modeling natural and had a fabulous amount of fun and flirty sophistication to her. Diana Capozzi, 40, from Massachusetts was first runner-up and Kimberly Clark, 40, from Illinois, was second-runner up.

[Judges, Roshumba Williams (far left) and Randall Christensen (far right) with the winner and runner-ups]

- Ambika Makin

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[Images via Elle.com]

Kinder Aggugini

If you hadn’t stopped to take in the Macy’s ads proclaiming designer Kinder Aggugini’s US arrival, you might want to start to take note. The designer’s eponymous label’s Fall 2011 show was a graceful unity of the simple yet tailored aesthetic he created for the Kinder Aggugini for Impulse line for the mega retailer. There was an architectural symmetry to the knee-length coats and pencil skirts, but a playful exuberance in the floral prints that peeked from beneath. Even a basic tee or two made an appearance, and they didn’t feel out of place for a second.

[Images via Elle.com]

Dolce & Gabbana

A little 1920s gangster, a little “Vogue” Madonna (minus the cones), the Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2011 show juxtaposed the masculine/feminine mix to a tee this season, and yes, we mean that literally. The looks alternated between the male and female-inspired pieces, with emphasis on fur trim, a multiplied star motif, and deconstructed zoot suits. Two secondary prints, a modern brocade and sheet music, provided a bit of whimsy and sultriness to the fall collection. In the accessory department, it seems Dolce & Gabbana left no shape or shade unturned, as star-shaped glasses, coin-purse belts, and bright pink oxfords were just a handful of the items to gush over.

[Images via Elle.com]

Helmut Lang

If Kinder Aggugini displayed an architectural symmetry for Fall 2011, then Nicole and Michael Colovos had architectural asymmetry under wraps over at Helmut Lang. The duo bedecked their bowl-cut model in draped and ruched cashmere, shearling and fur jackets, and cascading knit dresses, all in an elegant palette of black, white, taupe, and grey. The asymmetry came from the fact that there wasn’t an even hem in sight, and silhouettes that seemed predictable ended up multi-layered, one-shouldered, or highly angular. With her little rebellion in the form of black socks and boots, the Helmut Lang girl may don a sleek dress for the party, but she’ll show up on a motorcycle and pull out a cigarette holder the minute she arrives.

-Kaci Hamilton

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Sketches via Iconix Brand Group

Via Ok! Magazine

Madonna and her 13 year-old daughter Lourdes Leon will be launching their junior clothing and accessories collection, Material Girl, exclusively at Macy’s on August 3rd. The line is greatly influenced by how Madge used to dress but as she said to Us Magazine, “The actual design is all Lola.” Having recently debuted sketches for the affordable Fall 2010 collection, retailing from $12-$40, Material Girl is offering a great mix of fun mini-dresses, skinny jeans, flirty blazers and cute accessories.

Taylor Momsen has also been chosen to be the face of the pop icon’s fashion line. Featuring edgy, rocker-inspired back-to-school items, the 17-year-old singer and actress should be a perfect fit for the teen line.

-Jaimie Sanita

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In the world of fashion, black is always a safe, chic choice. I easily have eight lbds that I wear on a regular basis,  with brands ranging from Target to J.Crew and Calvin Klein to Norma Kamali with styles ranging from boatneck to strapless, empire to full-skirted numbers. The one thing that always remains the same across all of these styles? The ability to include a ‘stunner’ – a terrific accessory- be it footwear, earrings, necklaces, or bracelets, that give your lbd a tremendous amount of personality and individual style. I decided to start this ‘Give it Some Personality’ series to show how you can take things you already have and breathe new life into them. I was inspired by these floral Marlee Tea Party Pink Floral Canvas Sneakers by 80%20 to create the look — the canvas shoes make the look very urban and playful, as well as practical (my feet log a lot of miles each day!). I’ve recently fallen for 80%20 shoes, interviewing designer Ce Ce Chin earlier this month, and after receiving a complimentary pair of shoes from the spring collection, I wanted to make them work in a way that was meaningful to me. I received this glass and metal necklace from my Mom for my birthday yesterday, and thought it married its sophisticated, modern aesthetic well with the downtown cool vibe of the shoes (and looked great with my Hudson Clutch!). Stay tuned for more ‘Give it Some Personality’ features!

-Julia DiNardo

Have you ever heard of Echo? Perhaps you recognize the name from their line of luxe scarves, however now they’ve broadened their horizons to include a wide range of accessories. Having begun in 1923, this family business (which it still is!) started with an innovative idea to create fashionable scarves so that women working in the factories in the 1920′s could protect their hair while still looking chic.  Since then, Echo Design has grown into a high-end brand, with their scarves being sold in leading retailers such as Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom for years. From knit popcorn hats and iPhone compatible gloves for winter (which allow you to keep your hands warm while you stay in touch; I tried them and they are genius!) but also colorful tunics for summer and fashionable umbrellas for the rainy season Echo Design most definitely has you covered full multi-season wear.

Knowing all of this, when I toured their showroom I was surprised, however, to see a fully made bed in the mix. It was explained to me that Echo Design also creates bedding and wall paper. My favorite surprise of the day was that even the plate and napkins I used to eat at the event  were adorned with Echo design (they were polka dots)!

To find Echo Design products, visit a major retailer like Macy’s or Bloomingdale’s, or simply head directly to EchoDesign.com.

-Jaimie Sanita

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Michelle Dress, $54.50

Sheen Bubble Pleat Dress, $14.50

Style&co. Pintucked Sleeveless Voile Dress $32.20 (was $46)

Splendid Heather Modal V Neck Dress , $80 (was $160)

Mara Hoffman Tube Dress Black, $95.70 FINAL SALE

JOHNNY MARTIN Ruffle Chiffon Dress, $15

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Before and After

We’ve still got Zac Posen’s s/s ’09 collection on our minds, and it’s not just because of the fabulous clothes. We were intrigued by his use of electric purple lipstick contrasted against the pale pink garments, that made even the sweetest-faced models look fierce, and of course instantly cool. Beauty experts agree that purple is the new “it” color for makeup this season, so we decided to put our favorite sheer lip gloss aside, and try this bold new look.

We found out that MAC did the makeup for the Zac Posen show, so in order to truly mimic the look, we first filled in our lips with the MAC Magenta Lip Pencil, ($13, Macy’s), as a defined base. Layered over the pencil, we took the big step and coated our lips with a thick and even stroke of the nearly black MAC ‘Cyber’ Lipstick ($14, also Macy’s). To soften the intense color and to add shine, we finished with a few finger dabs of the fuchsia MAC ‘Violetta’ Pro Lipstick, that can be found at MAC Pro stores (7 West 22nd St. in New York), or you can substitute with the Urban Decay Trainwreck Lipstick ($22,Sephora).

After our transformation, our reflection in the mirror was barely recognizable, but we loved it! To get  the complete Zac Posen look, use a neutral colored eyeshadow, like a slightly shimmery brown, to make the purple really pop. MAC also created a light pink lip style for the show using MAC ‘Viva Glam II’ Lipstick, and MAC ‘Nymphette’ Tinted Lipglass, both $14 at Macy’s. However, if you’re looking to spice it up, or reinvent your habitual style, we think the purple lip is the perfect way to do it!

–Sarah Ferguson

Courtesy of MAC