Ta ta for now.

Have a question about fashion that’s been bugging you?

Like, what colors look good on a brunette? (Jewel tones like teal and purple are fantastic.)  Or, why do people say you can’t wear white after Labor Day?  (Check out this interesting Time.com article that explores why.)

Make us privy to your fashion dilemma, and we’ll help you solve it (or at least try!).  In fact, we’re giving away $20 Nordstrom gift cards to a few lucky readers who share their questions with us!

Here’s how you can win:

1. Become a fan of File Under: Fashion on Facebook (if you’re already a fan, just go straight to our Facebook Fan Page!).
2. On our Facebook Fan Page, ask your fashion-related question.  But, don’t delay – the due date is August 1, 2010.
3. Feel free to comment or answer questions from other readers, too!  We love to hear your thoughts.
4. We’ll pick 3 lucky winners, who will each receive a $20 Nordstrom gift card.

Even if you don’t win, you might find your question answered either on our Facebook page or in one of our Training Manual blog posts, so stay tuned.

Share this with your friends – post this article to your Twitter or Facebook profile!

Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi & Madonna – sometimes fancy fashion designer names are a challenge to pronounce.  We’ve all been guilty of designer name mutilation a time or two, and as penance, we’ve gathered a list of famous brands and designers, along with their proper phonetic spellings.

Arm yourself with our guide, and names like Nicolas Ghesquière and Proenza Schouler will soon roll confidently off your tongue:

A

Abaeté:     Ah-bye-ah-tay
Agnès B:     Ahn-yes Beh
Alber Elbaz for Lanvin:     Al-BEAR el-BAHZ for Lon-VAN
Alejandro Ingelmo:     Allay-handro In-gel-mo
Alessandro Dell’Acqua:     Ala-SAND-roe del-LA-kwa
Alexandre Herchcovitch:     Ah-le-ZAN-dreh HAIRCH-co-vich
Anais Anais:     Aney-Aney
Andrew Gn:     Ahn-drew Jen
Andy Thê-Anh:     An-dee Tay-Ann
Ann Demeulemeester:     Ann DEH-moo-lah-MEE-ster
Anna Sui:     Ah-na SWEE
Anteprima:     On-tay-PRE-ma
Anya Hindmarch:     Ahn-ya HEIND-march
Aquascutum:     Ah-kwa-SKEW-tum
Arthur Mendonça:     Ar-thur Men-doe-sa
Atelier:     Ah-tell-ee-ay
Azzedine Alaia:     Aza-deen A-LYE-a

B

Badgley Mischka:     Badge-lee Meesh-ka
Balenciaga:     Bah-lin-see-AH-gah
Bally:     BAH-li
Balmain:     Bahl-mah
Baume & Mercier:     Bom ee Mer-SEE-yay
Behnaz Sarafpour:     Beh-naz Sa-RAH-furr
Bettye Muller:     Beh-tee Meu-ler
Bottega Veneta:     BO-tega VEN-e-ta
Boucheron:     Boo-ke-ron
Boudicca:     Boo-dih-ka
Bruno Magli:     BROO-no MAL-yi
Bvlgari:     BOOL-ga-ree
Burberry Prorsum:     BUR-bur-ree Proar-some
Byblos:     BEEB-los

C

Cacharel:     Cash-er-el
Carolina Herrera:     Caro-leena Ey-reh-ra
Cartier:     Car-ti-yey
Celine:     Seh-lyn
Celio:     Chel-yo
Cerruti:     Cher-RU-tee
Cesare Paciotti:     Che-sah-ray Pah-cho-tee
Chaiken:     Chay-ken
Chanel:     Sha-nel
Chantal Thomas:     SHAN-tal To-MAH
Charles Jourdan:     Sharls Zhor-DHUN
Charriol:     SHA-ri-yol
Chloe:     KLOH-eh
Chopard:     Sho PAR
Christian Dior:     Dee-yor
Christian Lacroix:     Kree-styan la-KWA
Christian Louboutin:     Kree-styan Loo-boo-tahn
Clarins:     Clarans
Claude Montana:     Kload Mohn-TA-na
Coccinelle:     KOH-chee-nel-li
Comme des Garçons:     Comb day Gar-SON
Costume National:     KOHS-tyum NAH-sho-nal
Courreges:     Koo-REZH
Cynthia Rowley:     Cynthia RAO-li

D

Dana Buchman:     Day-nah Buck-man
Diane von Furstenberg:     Diane von Fur-sten-berg (pronounced as spelled)
Dior Homme:     dee-OAR OM
Dolce & Gabbana:     DOLE-chay and gab-BON-a
Donna Karan:     Donna Karen
Dries Van Noten:     DREEZE van KNOW-ten
DSquared2:     DEE squared

E

Elie Saab:     EH-li Zahb
Emanuel Ungaro:     Ee-MAN-noo-el OON-Gah-ro
Emilio Pucci:     Eh-mi-li-oh Poo-ch-ee
Empire:     Um-pir
Emporio Armani:     Em-POHR-yo AR-mah-ni
Ermenegildo Zegna:     Er-MEN-a-jil-do Zen-ya
Erotokritos:     Arrow-toe-kri-tose
Etienne Aigner:     Eh-tee-yen On-yay
Etro:     Eh-tro

F

Façonnable:     FAH-so-nahb
Fancl:     Fang-kel
Fendi:     Fend-ee
Furla:     Fer-luh

G

Gareth Pugh:     Gareth Pew
Georg Jensen:     Yorg YEN-sen
Giambattista Valli:     Gee-ahm-battista Valley
Gianfranco Ferre:     Gee-an-frank-co Feh-REH
Gianni Versace:     Jee-YAN-nee Ver-SA-chee
Giles Deacon:     Jy-els Dee-kin
Giorgio Armani:     Jyor-jio Ahr-MAH-nee
Girbaud:     Jir-bow
Givenchy:     Jhee-VON-shee
Gucci:     GOO-chi
Guerlain:     Gher-lahn
Guy Laroche:     Ghee La-roash

H

Haute Couture:     OAT Ku-tour
Hedi Slimane:     Eddy Slim-MAHN
Helmut Lang:     HEL-moot Lung
Hermès:     AIR-mehz
Hervé Léger:     Air-vay Lay-jay
Hussein Chalayan:     Who-sane Sha-lion

I

Issey Miyake:     Ee-seh Mi-yah-key

J

Jacques Fath:     Zhack Faht
Jaeger-Lecoultre:     Yay-ger Leh-KOOT
James Perse:     James Purse (not “pierce”)
Jean Louis Scherrer:     Zhan LOO-ee She-REHR
Jean Paul Gaultier:     Zhan paul GO-tee-AY
Jean-Charles de Castlebajac:     Zhan-Sharls de KA-sel-ba-zhak
Joeffer Caoc:     Joe-fur Kay-ock
John Varvatos:     John var-VAY-toes
Junya Watanabe:     JOON-ya Wah-TAH-nah-bay

K

Kerastase:     Keh-rah-stahs
Kris Van Assche:     Chris Van-ASH
Ksubi:     Soo-bee

L

L’occitane:     Lok-si-tan
L’Wren Scott:     Le-ren Skot
Lacroix:     La-kwah
Lambertson Truex:     Lam-bert-son Tru-ex
Lancome:     Lan-kom
Lanvin:     Lon-VAUN
Les Copains:     Ley Co-pahn
LeSportsac:     Leh-sport-sac
Loewe:     LO-ee-VAY
Longchamp:     Long-shum
Longines:     LOHN-jeens
Louis Ferraud:     LOO-ee Fay-YOH
Louis Vuitton:     Loo-E Voo-EE-ton
Lucien Pellat-Finet:     Lu-see-en Peh-lought Fin-ay
Lulu Castagnette:     Loo-loo Kas-tan-yet

M

Madame Gres:     Mah-dam Gray
Mainbocher:     Maynbo-shay
Maison Martin Margiela:     MAZE-on-Mar-TEEN mar-GEL-ah
Manolo Blahnik:     Ma-no-low Blah-nick
Marchesa:     Mar-KAY-sa
Marithé et François Girbaud:     Mah-ri-TAY eh Frans-SUAH Jeer BOW
Martine Sitbon:    Mar-teen-sih-bohn
Missoni:     Miss-own-ee
Miu Miu:     Mew-Mew
Monique Lhullier:     Mo-neek Loo-lee-ay
Moschino:     Mo-SKI-no

N

Narciso Rodriguez:     Nar-SEE-so-Rod-RI-gehz
Nicolas Ghesquière:     NEE-ko-la guess-KYAIR

O

Olivier Theyskens:     Oh-LI-vi-yay THIGH-skens
Oscar de la Renta:     Os-car deh-la Ren-ta

P

Piaget:     Pya-jay
Piazza Sempione:     Pi-YAT-za Sem-pi-YO-ni
Pierre Balmain:     Pi-air BAHL-mahn
Pierre Cardin:     Pi-air Car-dain
Plain Sud:     Plan Sood
Poleci:     Policy
Prada:     Prah-da
Proenza Schouler:     Pro-EHN-za SKOO-ler

R

Raf Simons:     Rauph SEE-mon
Ralph Lauren: Ralph LAUR-en (not Lor-EN)
Rei Kawakubo:     Ray Kah-wah-koo-bo
Rochas:     RHO-shas
Rodarte:     Ro-dar-tay
Romeo Gigli:     Ro-meoh Gee-lee

S

Salvatore Ferragamo:     Sal-va-TOH-reh Fair-a-GAH-moe
Shu Uemura:     Shoe Ooh-eh-moorah
Sonia Rykiel:     Saun-ya Ree-kee-eel
Sophia Kokosalaki:     So-fee-a Ko-ko-sah-lah-kee
Swarovski:     Swore-off-ski

T

Tag Heuer:     Tag Ho-yer
Tapeet by Vicini:     Ti-peet by Vi-ch-ee-knee
Thakoon:     Ta-koon
Thierry Mugler:     TEh-ree MOOH-gleh
Thomas Maier:     TOH-mas MAH-yer
Tibi:     Tbi or Tu-by (not Tee-bee)
Tiiu Kiuk:     Tee-you Quick
Tocca:     Toe-ka
Trussardi:     Troo-sahr-dee

U

Ungaro:     OON-ga-ro

V

Vacheron Constantin:     Va-sha-RON Con-ston-TAN
Veronique Branquinho:     Ve-ro-NEEK BRANG-kee-no
Versace:     Ver-sah-chee OR Ver-saw-chay
Vionnet:     Vee-oh-nay

X

Xuly Bët:     ZUH-li Bet

Y

Yohji Yamamoto:     YO-jee Ya-ma-moto
YSL Rive Gauche:     YSL Reev Gosh
Yves Saint Laurent:     Eve Sane LAUR-ahn

Z

Zac Posen:     Zac Poe-zen

If you like, you can also search for audio recordings of many of these designer names on the Forvo.com website.

Via several helpful sites, including: ValetMag.com, ErmouMag.com, PopCulturePost.com, HypeBeast.com, InStyleCebu.com and the Wall Street Journal.

Did we leave a tricky name off the list?  Let us know in the comments!

There’s an almost dizzying array of amazing products to be found on Etsy.com – everything from funky handknit scarves to exquisite retro hair pins – and we’re constantly amazed by this online treasure trove of quirky, unique and pretty things.

In that spirit, we just had to share some of our favorite spring fashion from Etsy.  We encourage you to support these independent designers, among others on Etsy!

Our Etsy fashion finds:

Who knew Etsy was so glam? These gorgeous made-to-order gowns are positively Oscar-worthy.
Above, from left: 1. Silk Rose Gown ($495) by RedDoll; 2. Midnight Stroll Dress ($1,000) by SarahSeven.

This aqua gingham romper and orange skirt will brighten up any wardrobe.
Above, from left: 1. Embellished Gingham One Piece ($78) by AlexandraGrecco; 2. Pom Pom Skirt ($42) by Supayana.

These stylish separates go with almost anything.
Above, from left: 1. Romantic Wrap Top ($75) by Lirola; 2. Crossley Organic Sweater ($85) by SimpleBear.

What could be cuter than a colorful skirt and a Parisienne-inspired striped tee?
Above, from left: 1. Isle Skirt ($80) by modaspia; 2. New French Tee ($45) by modaspia.

Pretty corset gowns, custom-fit for a princess.
Above, from left: 1. Tiny Dancer Dress ($485) by clairelafaye; 2. Parisian Princess Gown ($1,295) by clairelafaye.

A full-skirted dress and a floral print are ideal for your next tea party.
Above, from left: 1. Tea Dress ($94) by sohomode; 2. Frill Top ($127) by Nadinoo.

We love this striking, strapless dress and unexpected purple on the dip-dye trench.
Above, from left: 1. Haute Couture Dress ($89) by Nostalgia; 2. Gradient Purple Trench ($69) by YongS.

A pretty slip – in sustainable bamboo velour!  Plus, the prettiest t-shirt dress ever.
Above, from left: 1. Organic Bamboo Slip Dress ($95) by Econica; 2. Side Ruffle Black Spring Dress ($72) by dyanahar.

We’re wowed by the unexpected pattern on this jacket & the cuteness of this strapless top.
Above, from left: 1. Venus Floral Bolero Jacket ($190) by PenelopeRed; 2. Ellen Strapless Blouse ($50) by AzureJoy.

A classic LBD and a fun summer dress for those days at the beach.
Above, from left: 1. Pencil Dress with Ruffles ($250) by cippcipp; 2. White and Blue Summer Dress ($98) by cippcipp.

A black bow blouse goes from work to afterhours – and a striped, sleeveless version is perfect from the boardwalk to the beach.
Above, from left: 1. Sheer Black Bow Blouse ($185) by AnastasiaChatzka; 2. Nantucket Sailor Blouse ($75) by desirapesta.

Remember Leanne from Project Runway? Her beautiful, pleated gowns are on Etsy too!
Above, from left: 1. Chelsea Gown ($615) by leanimal; 2. Helene Wedding Gown ($1,295) by leanimal.

50’s glamour in a mustache-printed, bow-tie blouse, plus the girliest, ruffliest top we could find.
Above, from left: 1. Flying High Bow Tie Blouse ($68) by BombnBelleClothing; 2. Sweet Spring Top ($95) by NattyBoho.

What’s your favorite Etsy clothing line? We want to know – share with us in the comments!

Above, from left: Joan Holloway; Roger Sterling; Don Draper; Betty Draper (all in doll form, of course).

Mid-century American fashion is the definition of ladylike elegance, which is why I’ve always been enamored of the immaculate wardrobe featured in AMC’s “Mad Men” - especially Joan Holloway’s pencil skirts and Betty Draper’s pretty swing dresses.

Now toymaker Mattel is partnering with the television series to produce several “Mad Men” Barbie and Ken dolls.  However, according to an article in the New York Times, the dolls will come replete with appropriate 50’s-style accessories, but “no cigarettes, ashtrays, martini glasses or cocktail shakers.”  Don Draper would not approve.

The Joan Holloway-inspired doll seems a bit too svelte to emulate the gorgeous Christina Hendricks, and Don and Roger’s suits aren’t quite as tailored as they are in real life, but nitpicking aside, I love these.  (And, actually, the Betty Draper doll is pretty spot-on.)  It would be terrific if you could buy a Sterling Cooper dollhouse, too!

There will be 7,000 to 10,000 copies of each dolls, which are expected to retail at $74.95 each.  They will be available in specialty stores as well as online at amctv.com and barbiecollector.com.

Via The New York Times & AMC Blog.

Wondering where the deals + steals went?

They’re now on our Twitter page!

In order to make our Deals + Steals even easier to access, we’re now posting online promotions and coupon codes on Twitter.  This way we can share coupon codes as soon as we find them – no need to wait for the weekly Deals & Steals posts.

Check out Twitter.com/File_Fashion to see the deals we’ve collected!

If you want to submit a deal, feel free to send it to us via email at memo@fileunderfashion.com!

All Image Layouts by FileUnderFashion.com unless noted otherwise.

What’s the difference between an Hermès Birkin and an HermèsKelly bag?

There is probably no inanimate object in this world that comes as close to legendary status within the realm of fashion as an Hermès bag.  Actually, we’re referring to two handbags: the Hermès Kelly and the Hermès Birkin.

Many other purses come close (the Chanel 2.55 comes to mind), but none possess the same level of internationally-recognized social standing.

The Birkin and Kelly are also widely confused because of their similar appearance.  While both are extremely coveted amongst fashionphiles, there are a few differences that give each bag its distinctive style and character, which we’ve listed in full detail below.

The Kelly:

• Is generally considered the more formal style.  (Think ladies that lunch and old money – although the Kelly has recently gained some notoriety for being increasingly popular among WAGs and reality TV stars.)
• Has a single handle that seems particularly apropos hanging from the crook of the arm of a lady with perfect posture.
• Has a more structured shape than the Birkin.
• Comes in either rigide (outside stitching, more expensive) or souple (inside stitching, softer feel).
• Available in a 25cm, 28cm, 32cm or 35cm size, the most popular being the 28cm and 32cm.
• Comes with a removable shoulder strap.
• Is named after the elegant actress Grace Kelly, who, after her marriage to Prince Rainier of Monaco, covered her pregnant belly from photographers with her structured, crocodile Hermès bag.

The Birkin:

• Is generally considered the more casual and younger of the two styles.  (Also extremely popular amongst jetsetting celebutantes – you’ve probably seen it countless times between the covers of US Weekly.)
• Has two handles – the most obvious difference between the two – which gives it a sportier look.  However, like the Kelly, the straps are short and the bag is not designed to be worn on the shoulder.
• Has a less rigid, slightly slouchier shape and a wider opening.
• Comes in a range of sizes: 25cm, 30cm, 35cm, and 40cm.  There is also a 45cm travel Birkin with slightly longer straps (to be worn on the shoulder).
• Was created in 1984 for the British-born actress and singer Jane Birkin, who was on the same flight as Jean-Louis Dumas-Hermès when her overstuffed purse caught his eye.  The Birkin was designed to be larger and more practical; however, Jane Birkin later confessed she stopped using it because the heavy bag contributed to her tendinitis.

Both the Kelly and the Birkin are:

• Entirely hand-made, from start to finish.  Supposedly, the craftsmen who make Kelly or Birkin handbags are trained for 7 years – they are first tasked with making belts, wallets, small leather goods and other handbags before moving on to the Birkins and Kellys.  It can take an artisan up to 20 hours to construct a Kelly or Birkin bag.
• Embellished with a number-coded padlock and keys, which are housed in a small leather sheath.
• Available in various types of hardware: gold, silver palladium, burnished ruthenium and guilloche, which has a diamond-cut pattern.
• Made of various leathers, from smooth or pebbly calfskin, to exotic lizard, crocodile or ostrich skin.  Togo, which is a scratch-resistant textured calf leather, is considered the most popular.
• Very pricey: each starts at around $6,000 – but prices can go up into the six figure range, depending on the materials used.

Would you save up your pennies for an Hermès bag?  Let us know in the comments, and vote for the Birkin or the Kelly in our poll.

References & Further Reading:

• “Hermès v. Hermès”.  The Washington Post.
• “Hermès”. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
• Hermès Reference Library at The Purse Forum.

Have a style-related question you’ve been dying to ask? We’re at your service.  Feel free to email us at memo@fileunderfashion.com.

Above: 1. Vivienne Westwood for Melissa Rubber Heart Pumps ($132) at FarFetch.com.

When I was in grade school, Valentine’s Day was one of my favorite holidays. We’d spend the afternoon cutting out hearts and pasting them to white paper doilies to make valentines.  Then we’d gorge ourselves on Sweethearts and heart-shaped Red Hots and red fruit punch.  Life was good.

So it should come as no surprise I’m still a sucker for the holiday after all these years.  Here’s a collection of gifts that are perfect for your Valentine (or yourself)!

A pair of vintage lead type from an actual printing press hang from this necklace. Perfect for one of your initials and the initials of a loved one!
Above: 1. Double Letterpress Silverplate Necklace ($65) at EricaWeiner.com.

Perfume with a quirky edge – and a card that’s too cute for words.
Above, from left: 1. Comme Des Garçons Play Eau De Toilette ($94) at FarFetch.com; 2. “love you big heart” Card ($5) at Etsy.com.

This tiny gift from the World’s Smallest Postal Service comes enclosed with the message “You are as Cute as a Button”.  A tiny vintage button completes the package.
Above: 1. “Cute as a Button” Package ($10) at LeafcutterDesigns.com.

A heart-shaped clip with a birdcage veil is vintage kitsch and glamour all rolled up into one.  And a purple leather paperweight instantly prettifies any desk.
Above, from left: 1. Rockabilly Pink Heart Valentine Hattie ($40) at Etsy.com; 2. Leather Heart Paperweight ($35) at LineaPelle.com.

Wear your heart on your sleeve, or rather, on your dress, with this adorable red cutout frock.
Above: 1. Gingham “I Heart You” Dress ($54) at FredFlare.com.

It might not seem romantic, but load up the new “Nook” e-Reader with romantic poetry and photos of you and your sweetheart, and it’ll make anyone swoon.
Above: 1. Barnes & Noble Nook E-Reader ($259) at BarnesandNoble.com.

Product photos courtesy of their respective websites. All Image Layouts by FileUnderFashion.com unless noted otherwise.

Above: 1. Tretorn “Skerry” Pink Rain Boots ($44 – on sale!) at Zappos.com.

The best reason we can think of for inclement weather is probably a change of wardrobe. Tank tops, flip flops and sunny weather can get boring, right?

So even if you’re going out in gloomy weather, our roundup of rubber boots might actually make you feel right as rain. Or at least keep your feet dry.

Classic rain boots in an unexpected, color, print or material.
Above, from left: 1. “Zetta” Kelly Green Rain Boots ($19.99 – on sale!) at Target.com; 2. Chooka Printed Rain Boot ($59.95) at Nordstrom.com; 3. Chooka “Herringbone” Boot ($70) at Piperlime.com.

So sleek, you almost forget they’re rain boots.
Above, from left: 1. London Fog “Wales” Boot ($109.99 – on sale!) at Piperlime.com; 2. Jeffrey Campbell “Voom” Boot ($64.95) at Nordstrom.com.

A funky leopard print or classic yellow.
Above, from left: 1. Stuart Weitzman “Puddles” Rain Boot ($98) at JildorShoes.com; 2. Moov “Super Gloss” Rain Boot ($224 – on sale!) at MoovBoots.com.

Go neutral with matte gray boots, or stand out in a fun Orla Kiely print.
Above, from left: 1. Moov “Le Signature” Gray Boot ($196 – on sale!) at MoovBoots.com; 2. Orla Kiely “Multi Stem” Rain Boots ($128) at eDressMe.com.

Product photos courtesy of their respective websites. All Image Layouts by FileUnderFashion.com unless noted otherwise.

Hello everyone! Apologies for the delinquent state of updates – jet lag and playing catch up at all aspects of life has rendered me highly unproductive.

Had an amazing trip to Asia, but it’s good to be back in Los Angeles – despite the bizarre amount of rain we’ve had in the past week. Hope you’re all staying warm this winter.