sponsor spotlight SMASHING DARLING

Sure, Smashing Darling was a sponsor on the latest INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // holiday 2009 - but still the truth is that the Smashing Darling website is the first place that I go to find inspiring independent fashion designers. Many of the designers in the new Little Black Dress feature in the guide were first seen on Smashing Darling, including one of my favorites the Pin-tuck Ballerina Dress by Prizi Sebastian (above).

This love-fest doesn't end there. WHATdesigners is hosting the 2009 INDEPENDENT DESIGN BLOG OFF with $500 of prizes from Smashing Darling. We will be selecting our favorites blog posts and announcing the winners in the first week of January.

The Prizes:
One First place prize of a $250 Smashing Darling gift certificate
One Second place prize of a $100 Smashing Darling gift certificate
Three runner up prizes of $50 Smashing Darling gift certificates

The Rules:
1. Write a blog about independent design or an independent designer
2. Include a link to the 2009 INDEPENDENT DESIGN BLOG OFF in your post
3. Leave a comment here with a link to your post.

Deadline:
December 30th, 2009

fashion LITTLE BLACK DRESS

I've spent the last few days searching high and low - online - for dresses for the feature The New Little Black Dress in the upcoming INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // holiday 09. All the designs are from independent designers, and so far the choice has been amazing.

This morning I came across the work of designer, Mahta Bazimi - and just love it. The 4 little LBD's from the line cover all bases - cocktail, casual, maxi and classic. Here's the best thing - the glam little numbers all retail for...wait for it....under $100. So you can understand why I had to stop what I was doing and share it with you.

For more information visit the Mahta Bazimi website

designer YANA COLLECTION

Sleek sillouettes and a tailored femininity make the Yana Collection the perfect modern power dressing line. Timeless and stylish.

Check out more at the Yana Collection website