Bo the Dog is So Hot Right Now

Unless you've been living in a hole, you've probably seen the repetitive coverage of the Obama's new dog, Bo. Granted, I love dogs but, come on, aren't there more important issues than a cute puppy?

Well, if you can't beat them, join them. The one relevant issue to Bo is that more animals than ever are homeless or neglected because uprooted or recently financially strapped owners have had to give them up.

Adoption is not a fashion news story, per se, but animal adoption is a trend that always needs reinforcing. So, if you have some time this weekend and some extra room in your apartment or house, seriously consider adopting a dog or cat at your local shelter, Humane Society, or ASPCA. If anything, it will give you an excuse to buy some cute walking-the-dog-in the park clothes for Spring.

Forget Citibank--Italy Bails Out Fashion

Leave it to the Italians to get their priorities straight. Instead of throwing taxpayers' dollars at CEOs and insolvent banks, they’ve decided to line the pockets of fashion’s biggest names. Last month, when the Italian government gave $2.5 billion to its auto makers, Italy's Chamber of Fashion head Mario Boselli (yes, they have a Chamber of Fashion in Italy) cried foul and insisted that the government do the same for its stylish economic counterpart. He told WWD, “I can understand helping the automotive industry but wouldn’t fashion deserve the same, if not more, consideration than the furniture industry?” (“Furniture industry”? Wow, that's sassy.) While the amount of money remains up for debate, the Italian minister of economic development, Claudio Scajola, promised that the first capital injections will occur next month.

Needless to say, this makes our country’s fashion elites look almost pitiable as they hope--pray, even--that Michelle Obama gives them an economic boost. Apparently, if this were Italy, all we would need is for Timothy Geitner and Ben Bernanke to don some Ferragamo loafers to get motivated to help the stalwarts of style. Hey, with all the money they’re giving away you never know. If Obama is looking for another cabinet member, I nominate Dianne von Furstenburg for Secretary of Fashion.