According to yesterday's fashion trade WWD, there's a new retail trend happening in New York at the moment—and "it's no micromini."

We're talking about bedbugs. Yes, those nasty critters that feed on humans, causing red welts—which aren't pretty, to say the least.

These bugs have been identified in three Manhattan stores recently. And the infestation, which was first documented on the news after numerous sightings in hotels and apartments, comes just "when you thought things had started to turn around for the industry—people starting to shop again; luxury experiencing an uptick," WWD reports.  

Happy Monday! Instead of grabbing those high heels while getting dressed this morning, you may want to grab some flats.

Yes, heels like these Christian Louboutin Prive pumps will make you look taller, slimmer and even sexier.

But at what price?

New research suggests the long-term effects of wearing heels can be more serious than a couple of blisters and some calluses.  

The holiday previews are in full swing.

Tonight, I popped into the Old Navy, Gap and Banana Republic Holiday 2010 presentation at the company's headquarters in New York's Chelsea neighborhood.

The holiday collections hit retail stores in October and the presentations give editors a preview of what will be in stores. (But I'm giving you a glimpse here—even before the magazines!) 

The word "comfort" for a long time meant no style, the kind of shoes you wear when you're doing errands and don't want any shoe to cause you problems.

Not Cole Haan FLX. The collection combines the best of both worlds: comfort and style. The shoes feature Nike Air technology, rubber soles for flexibility, padded foot beds and more. Beyond those key comfort details, the styles are sleek and city chic.  

Ann Taylor Loft's Holiday 2010 collection looks fabulous—tons of sparkly baubles, fur trim, shiny sequins and more, but the crowd at the preview party on Tuesday night also took the limelight on this particularly hot, humid day in New York City.

Here were some of the most stylishly dressed gals at the party:

1) At left, Lindsey Calla of SaucyGlossie.com, looking effortlessly amazing in a straw hat, cotton tee, long skirt and accessories from Zara.

 

Talbots has long been associated with extremely classic clothes, but it's currently experiencing a fashion transformation.

It may be as major as the kind of reinvention that turned Ann Taylor, Loft and J.Crew into brands with buzz. 

The Material Girl may be about to launch a junior's clothing line at Macy's, but the grown-up Madonna is modeling in Dolce & Gabbana's Fall Winter 2011 advertising campaign.

Shot by Steven Klein, the vintage-looking black and white photos depict the svelte singer in several natural scenes, and were inspired by the life of a typical woman and her role as a mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister and cousin. 

It's already Friday and the weekend again! Here's something to cheer about: a free mascara.

And it's not just any mascara. It's Lancome's latest mascara, Definicils Precious Cells, available exclusively at Nordstrom and Nordstrom.com.

If there's one thing Lancome knows, it's mascara.

This mascara is different in that it regenerates the condition of the lashes, reduces lash loss and makes your lashes look long and lush.

The mascara contains apple lysate, also found in the Absolue Precious Cells skin-care collection. And thanks to the helix-shaped brush, it covers every lash, ensuring maximum volume.