A few words to describe the experience at Savage Beauty: Alexander McQueen at the Metropolitan Museum of Art this weekend: Hot. Crowded. Worth the trip, no matter what.

Vogue UK is reporting this morning that the McQueen exhibit is the Costume Instituteâ€s most popular ever at the MET with 5,100 people showing up on opening day, and @WorldMcQueen tweeted that the MET reported a record 43,000+ visitors to the exhibit in less than a week. We certainly believe it.

We got to the museum around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and headed straight for the special exhibit, which was unveiled at the Costume Institute Gala last Monday and opened to the public May 4, making this the first weekend ordinary folks could visit it. On reaching the entrance the crowding was apparent, but there was no line. However, upon exiting the Savage Beauty exhibit about 90 minutes later, a 45 minute-long line had formed and was snaking its way throughout the European paintings.

Savage Beauty will remain at the MET until July 31, so if youâ€re really not into the idea of a potential long wait, holding off for a few weeks might be a good idea. Weâ€re of the opinion, however, that this special exhibit is worth the 45 minute line.

McQueenâ€s pieces possess a certain magic, and being in the presence of his work had a goose-bump inducing effect, particularly in one of the multiple rooms of the exhibit which contained mounted television screens running clips of some of McQueenâ€s most memorable shows like “What a Merry Go Round” and, our personal favorite, “Itâ€s Only a Game.” Seeing the “Armadillo” shoes and several looks from “Platoâ€s Atlantis” was also amazing. You can truly appreciate McQueenâ€s attention to detail and perfect execution when viewing his work in person. We couldâ€ve stared at some of the pieces for hours without becoming bored.

The exit from the exhibit included a Savage Beauty gift shop with all of the expected memorabilia including Savage Beauty T-shirts and wall calendars. Also available was a catalogue by Andrew Bolton, which can also be purchased online in addition to a commemorative skull scarf (for $495, of course).

If we had one gripe regarding Savage Beauty, it would be the banshee music in the second room. The exhibit consisted of multiple rooms, and in each the different music was appropriately haunting and set the tone perfectly. In room two, however, the music consisted of a repeated banshee howl, which was actually a bit corny and somewhat annoying as movement through the exhibit slowed with the growing crowd. One other minor inconvenience: no pictures are allowed. It’s an understandable rule, but still disappointing that the museum docents were strict about enforcing it.

Surprisingly, the large number of visitors to the exhibit doesnâ€t fall into the category of pitfalls. Though the crowd had its annoyances, it was actually an additional fascination. So many different types of people were there, from fashion types to mothers and their kids, groups of girlfriends and a few older groups. It was at once surprising and refreshing to see such varied and large interest in a fashion exhibit, since it often seems widespread interest in fashion is restricted to shopping.

Bottom line: no matter who you are or how much knowledge of or interest in fashion you have, Savage Beauty is worth the trip to the MET. Get yourself there. ASAP.

Exhibition renderings by Joseph Bennett via the Metropolitan Museum of Art Blog

From opening till 10 am, snag a sweet 25% discount on any item, or swing by later to pick up some threads at insanely low prices.

Remember to strap on some serious running shoes and fill up your tank with lots of caffeine before hitting the shops — but please, also keep in mind the spirit of the holidays and stay courteous and safe.

Read the full story {The Fashionisto}

We have to admit we’re getting a little tired of all the Nantucket prepster boat shoes rolling out in droves this fall/winter season, but we’re willing to change our minds for the co-branded collaboration between footwear companies UNDRCRWN and Rockport.

The D.O.C. Delta Boot has the classic boat shoe shape, but with quirky pink laces and a suiting-inspired pinstripe exterior the shoe goes beyond basics and offers a unique take on a silhouette that seems to be everywhere right now. We also love the luxe leather/wool/suede fabrication — much more chic than all those other canvas docksiders!

With a limited-edition run of only 100 pairs (and that’s worldwide!) we’re sure there will be a mad dash to UNDRCRWN (both retail stores and online) to pick them up at the November 27 launch, so get on your running shoes and catch them while you can.

Read the full story {Hype Beast}

New in the store are some great pieces for the boys, picked by Carl from The Fashionisto: we absolutely love the roomy long-sleeve crop top, shown left, which looks stunningly slouchy when layered with soft draped jersey.

Unfortunately the Oak web store is [and has been] down so, aside from chanting and hoping for our own Faustian bargain, all we can do for now is drool over images and think of how to buy these for our boys so we can steal borrow them for ourselves.

UPDATE:  The site is fully-operational again!  Catch all the new arrivals for men at the Oak website.  The black cropped wide sweater we love so much is 100% wool and is available now for $162.

Read the full story {The Fashionisto}

Need an invitation? http://www.gilt.com/invite/signature9 will get you in on the designer discounts.

We love the oversized collar and slim fit, which add modern updates to the traditional bird-hunting jacket worn by die-hard Southerners.  The Italian wool fabrication adds a lovely touch of unexpected luxury, and at $508 (a 30% discount!) the quality is a steal and the style is a classic that will last you for years.

Channel this runway season’s Americana trend and, if you’re a bit more adventurous, get started on your fashion beard to complete the mountain-man-who-lunches look.

Read the full story {Kempt}

We’re loving the new arrivals at online retailer Alex & Chloe: up now are sweet pieces from edgy, urban-chic designers Brian Lichtenberg and Obesity & Speed.  Catch them while you can, because numerous styles have sold out already and we don’t anticipate the more popular pieces being available for much longer.

With prices starting at $40-80 for tees/tanks and shooting up to $980 for a patchwork velvet bodycon dress, the two collections are definitely in the “splurge” category — but we’re still willing to sacrifice a couple month’s-worth of lattes (we don’t need them anyway) for, say, the unisex Misfits-inspired lace skull sweatshirt, or the absolutely stunning Complex Geometries-esque hooded poncho.

The beauty of the Alex & Chloe web shop is that the the pieces offered are largely unisex, so both guys and dolls can get a taste of the A&C pie.

Brian Lichtenberg and Obesity & Speed available online now at Alex & Chloe.

The YSL  Roady bag won’t  be the type of “It” bag that has everyone toting the same black satchel around for the season. From Nov. 19 through Dec. 1, customers in LA and NY will have access to in store artisans who will take orders with instructions for unique design details to create a unique, personal bag. With 29 handle choices and 4 different bag models there are lots of possibilities. As all luxury items go, the price isn’t what we’d call modest – base prices are $1,195 – $1,795 and additions will cost between $225-$515. The idea is great for those who want the season’s “It” bag with a bit of individuality. If enough people participate, perhaps we’ll see the concept in YSL stores worldwide.

Read the full story {StyleList}

This one, in simple black with ruched hems and a hint of military can be a comrade for years to come.

VPL Chute Suit $187.50 from Shopbop.