I’m eagerly awaiting the Project Runway finale. Inspired by tonight’s episode I made a visit to the Project Runway Web site only to find that they’ve been auctioning off the contestants challenge designs. Currently the Hershey’s episode designs are up for grabs. The finale lines for Rami, Sweet P (yep her name is listed), Jillian, Chris and Christian are ‘coming soon’.

You can also purchase designer illustrated t’s for $24. The sizing starts as small but its noted that the t’s run small.

If you love the jewelry Heidi is wearing each episode you’ll be thrilled to know that its sold on their site. They make it easy for you to accessorize by episode. Strangely they don’t list the jewelery designers.

Blue Notch Jeans, a new Korean denim line, were featured at the Grammy Style Studio, complete with racks of the sexiest-ever skinny denim for sale. These jeans were ultra-comfortable and lightweight and are sewn with denim that is imported from the finest mills in Japan.

My favorite feature of Blue Notch is the stretch – they give a little in all the right places. They really do fit like a glove, accentuating all my sexy petite curves. And they go with everything in my closet.

If the signature charcoal wash and stretch factor aren’t charming enough, consider this: tethered to either the front coin pocket or the back belt loop is a signature barbell or horseshoe earring.

Blue Notch attended the GSS to promote their limited-edition silk denim values, which are valued at $1,000 per pair, a price exclusive to the GSS. Typical pricing for the line runs between $180 and $220.

Sizing starts at 24. Blue Notch is available at Planet Blue in Santa Monica, and Atrium and Henri Bendel in NYC.

Celebrating their 50th birthday, Hush Puppies rewards us by unveiling a line of brand-spanking new designs at the Grammy Style Studio.

In 50 years, you can imagine how things have changed for the company. Most recently, they partnered with fashion-forward celebrity stylist Rachel Fanconi to give the brand a total overhaul, making it more appealing to a hipper audience while retaining the known-and-loved Hush Puppy comfort.

I have to say, ladies, the designs are very cool.

The line is available Fall 2008. Until then, enjoy this preview:

Their green leather Mary Jane “Alise” was both beautiful and functional. It features a lower heel, which is perfect for those days you want to be both stylish and comfortable. The rubber bottoms are a big plus for slick-surface support.

I especially like the “Fallon” and “Ashlyn” styles. They have four designs, including the ankle booties “Divinity,” “Hadley,” and “Adeline,” as well as pump “Ariana.” Aside from the occasional 5.5, sizing starts at 6.

Scanning racks upon racks of elegant gowns is, of course, a highlight of my experience at the Grammy Style Studio. But so is the opportunity to meet the next big names in fashion. Among them, Australian designer Toni Maticevski.

Toni comes to us from the Land Down Under, and this is his first trip to the GSS. And, because I have an eye for such things, I can assure you it won’t be his last.

Soft spoken and enormously gifted, Toni has a perfect eye for the female form, and his designs show it. But they’re definitely not traditional. If I were to describe his work, I’d use the words dark, ornate, unusual, elegant, and edgy. (He agreed.)

Thing is, there’s nothing quite like his designs out there. He’s not competing with an existing brand or trying to adjust a previous line. His avant garde approach is “something that may be out of your comfort zone,” to use his words. He continued, “But that’s the point.” A perfect example: a chiffon and kangaroo patchwork fur coat.  I’m convinced.

Toni tends toward shades of black and white — his gowns at the GSS reflect this preference, though he did have a handful of colorful designs with classic, formal lines. His range is unexpected and — totally refreshing.

While perusing his line, Toni was generous to point out which gowns he considered to be characteristic of his style, the features he especially loved, and why that particular creation made it to the GSS. From dark flowing chiffon and an ornately embroidered cocktail dress, to amazing dresses featuring found objects and chic gowns with all the elegance you expect from the red carpet, Toni’s gowns are an ideal selection for any Grammy diva.

I loved his work, and I told him so. I was thrilled to see a fresh look for the red carpet. I look forward to seeing his work evolve, and I hope to cross his path again.

Though she’s a newcomer the Grammy Style Studio, Jasmine Di Milo is a new favorite designer, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of her in the U.S. She’s so very chic — I was thrilled to see her gowns up-close.

Kate Moss, Madonna, Kristin Dunst, and Christina Ricci are among her many admirers.

Jasmine’s third and fourth seasons were featured at GSS, and they did not disappoint. Contemporary style with hints of traditional and offbeat tailoring, her line has a sophisticated feel with a dramatic flair. Fresh, feminine and urban, and plentiful in both short and long designs.

Did I mention colorful? I perused a full rack with dresses in lighter shades of beige, peaches and pinks; additionally, I saw a felt, bubble-like dress in canary yellow as well as a black-and-white sleeveless dress, which was also in a bubble-skirt design.

I found a few amazing dresses in particular — one made with felt, the other with wool. Each was detailed with a great amount of layering, bringing depth to the design. Every detail was impeccably stitched and red carpet elegant.

My favorite were the cocktail length dresses. All were extremely beautiful and I loved the draped fabric. The long-sleeved, pink cashmere-and-sequin dress was amazing. It was cut to mid-thigh and featured a draped, open back.

Jasmine Di Milo can be found at Maxfields in L.A., Saks in N.Y., and boutiques in Chicago and Miami. Like me, the U.S. has been very receptive to her designs, so I suspect we’ll soon see more of her line in our favorite boutiques. And, ladies, her ready-to-wear gowns are affordable with a $1,200 price tag. She’s also sold on YOOX.COM.

Sizing starts at 2, though it runs small, catering to a thinner figure. That said, her designs are not exclusive to size 0s. Jasmine celebrates a woman’s form, and the designs are sized for everyone.

With so many wearable dresses, and such a pleasurable team showcasing her line, I sincerely hope to see many of her designs on the red carpet.

Think shiny and old Hollywood glam.

In other words, think glamour. Because that’s exactly what Elie Saab brought to the Grammy Style Studio.

With three racks of his 2008 Spring ready-to-wear collection, Elie’s designs are ultra feminine and classy, fitted and very different from the Matecevski or Di Milo hip and urban lines. With Elie, elegance, shine, and color rule.

Some common themes include sequins, golds, purples, teals, and blacks. I did have a favorite: a floor length, sleeveless purple chiffon sequined beauty (notice it on the mannequin).

Elie’s rep was my size (probably a 0P) and mentioned that Elie’s designs run small — so small, in fact, that she occasionally has difficultly zipping them up. Now, that’s not something you won’t hear every day.

The rep also explained that because of the few award ceremonies this year, those attending the Grammy’s are looking at both long and short dresses — whatever it takes to be the most glamorous.

And, although she’s not petite, Beyonce’s stylist stopped by for the long emerald-green gown.

For those unfamiliar, the Grammy Style Studio is the official styling suite for the Grammy’s and other Grammy events. Here, nominees, performers, and presenters are invited to select one-of-a-kind pieces from designers who lead either the international red carpet or the lifestyle brands us fashionistas love. Hair and make-up stylists are also present to further beautify the Hollywood it-crowd.

Coach Nobelius is hosting this year’s fifth annual event. Celebrities, along with their stylists, the media, and additional invitees, pile in for a bit of über-networking and, perhaps most importantly, an opportunity to view designer apparel for the Grammy Award Show.

Although fashion for both men and women is present, I’m focused entirely on the women’s lines, including Toni Maticevski, Jasmine Di Milo, Karl Lagerfeld, Thrive, Elie Saab, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Rodo, and Hugo Boss.

Held over four days, talent and stylists flit through the racks to eventually select the perfect red carpet gown. Of course, there’s a great deal of mingling and socializing going on as well.

In addition to clothing designers, the Grammy Style Studio also showcases a handful of product lines, including Korea’s Blue Notch Jeans, Hush Puppies new funky shoe designs, and TechnoMarine watches, which are engraved specifically for the Grammy’s in commemoration of those nominated for awards.

I spent my first day talking with designers and their reps about this year’s fashion. I’m over-the-top excited about two discoveries in particular: Toni Matecevski and Jasmine Di Milo. I’m in love. The gown designs for Elie Saab were also truly outstanding.Continue checking serafina throughout the week and weekend for Grammy Style Suite updates!

Also, a special shout out to Coach Nobelius –especially Holly – you’re golden! Thank you!

Which do you love more, Gucci or New York City?

Fortunately, one need not choose as Gucci is opening its largest flagship store on Fifth Avenue. And, get this, they’re doing it during the Big Apple’s fashion week.

To help mark the event, Gucci has also launched a “Gucci loves New York” Web site with a preview of its beautiful new retail space, which was designed by Frida Giannini (Gucci Creative Director) and James Carpenter (celeb-architect).

The Web site is a groovy destination with loads of info about Frida and James. It also features the stylish words of fashion-bloggers Coquette, Fashion is Spinach, and Style Bubble, all of whom are currently blogging about their love of NYC and Gucci.

You can enter to win a “Gucci loves NYC” bag by submitting a photo of your favorite NY spot (with a Gucci accessory in hand, of course). Gucci will select the top four for a limited edition Gucci bag. Winners will also have their spot featured on www.guccilovesny.com!

Start your 2008 out right with a whole new wardrobe thanks to Shopbop’s $5,000 shopping spree contest. Stop by serafina to enter daily! Contest ends 12/31/07 and the drawing takes place 1/10/08.