- The Wall Street Journal has officially dubbed French phenom Isabel Marant's "Otway" boot the official "it" shoe of 2009 (despite its hefty $1295 price tag). Gauging by the slew of knock-offs, we're pretty convinced they're on the right track, though even more interesting is the news that Marant's soon-to-open boutique in Soho is giving some local boutique owners (who've made a killing selling the designer's wares) heart palpitations. [WSJ]
- In JC Report's latest gossip dispatch, it sounds like Anna Wintour did not approve of Andre Leon Tally's new stint as the fourth judge on America's Next Top Model, despite "numerous pleas from Tyra." [JC Report / Twitter]
- Yesterday, a mysterious and horrifying spectacle slowly unraveled in Soho -- a massive line of people waiting to get into the Uggs store. The Uggs store. People, where is your dignity? [The Shophound]
- Good news on the retail front: Consumer confidence rose in the month of December. Here's hoping those good vibes continue into the first half of 2010. [WWD]
- The latest craze in China? Blond-haired, blue-eyed models. [HuffPo]
