CaliforniaApparelNews.net

So, you've been good. There's a recession and you're trying to shop your closet, as they say. You don't even go bonkers at Target, which is an act akin to... I don't know, something nearly impossible. Treat yourself and score some amazing goodies at great prices this weekend at the Society for Rational Dress sale or at the Grey Ant moving sale. Both are going to be amazing.

First up: Society for Rational Dress

Date: Sat., March 13

Time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Would-be denim maven, Ben. (Image courtesy of HBO)

Denim is full of intrigue. There are lawsuits and rivalries and feuds that often outlast the brands that spark all the drama. And there's the talent and magic it takes to turn bolts of rough blue fabric into sexy/cool status symbols for in-the-know guys and girls.

Collaborations are to J Brand as pop-up shops are to designers. That is to say, they're fun and temporary and showcase a new side of a brand. All good things.

Images courtesy of Style.com

British designer Alexander McQueen passed away today at 40, one month short of his 41st birthday. The designer, who represented youthful, daring and avant-garde couture fashion and managed to distill unexpected concepts into catwalk extravaganzas, was found dead in his London flat.

Only American Apparel could launch its latest model search with an, er, straight face. The company, which is known as much for its cheap and fashionable basics as its racy image, is on the search for the best butt in the world. Two lucky winners of the search will be the new "face" of American Apparel's intimates and briefs lines. How cheeky!

Agenda drew a crowd of street/surf/skate brands and buyers to Huntington Beach, Calif., January 8-9. Held at the Hyatt Regency on Pacific Coast Highway, the show also benefitted from rad waves right across the street. (I say that not from any personal experience - the only time I've ever "surfed" I kicked some coral and sent my board flying into a stranger's cranium. I'm only reporting what I heard.)

Artist Kimberly Brooks has made a name for herself painting dreamy, colorful paintings inspired by Los Angeles' landscapes and fabulous people. Now, she has turned to stylists and fashion industry insiders (both in Los Angeles and New York) as the inspiration for her latest collection of oil paintings, "The Stylist Project."

2009,

It’s not us, it’s you. We don’t think we should see each other any more. In the beginning we liked you because you were dangerous and new. But your cheeks have lost their luster and you’ve proven yourself to be a total jerk. Bad news bears.

Let us count the ways you have wronged us through fashion:

What did Luella ever do to you? (Image courtesy of Style.com)

Shoppers in Los Angeles' Fashion District have seen improvements to Santee Alley, bus stops and even sidewalks thanks to a project spearheaded by the Los Angeles Fashion District. The $1.3 million project culminated this month with the installation of custom crosswalks at the corners of Los Angeles and Olympic and Main Street and Olympic. In total, 12 intersections received special treatment.

Kill City jeans, as worn by Rihanna, just one of the many options for do-gooders. (Image courtesy of JustJared)

Punk-inspired brand Kill City has launched a holiday jean swap to benefit the homeless. As part of the program, shoppers are being encouraged to bring their used jeans to the Kill City retail store in West Hollywood for up to 40 percent off a new pair of jeans. The used jeans will be donated to the Los Angeles Mission. Total win-win situation.