August is John Varvatos Month in LA. Actually, not so much, but maybe it should be: the beloved menswear designer (known far and wide for his signature laceless Chuck Taylors) is opening two SoCal outposts in the next few weeks.

Having recently opened up shop in NYC's former punk club CBGB's digs (sigh), Varvatos is taking a decidedly lighter turn at swanky Malibu Country Mart (specifically, 23410 Civic Center Way). Above are some extremely preliminary shots from outside, but the space is set to soft open at the end of August.

Meanwhile, the designer's first shop-in-shop will also be launching this August at Fred Segal Man in Santa Monica. And, in the vein of the rock-themed NYC decor (pictured below), will be adorned with black automative painted walls, concert posters, album covers and even an one-hundred speaker wall installation.

First, LC's good news: Apparently she had a Bobby Flay-catered BBQ bash in Malibu at Donna Karan's DKNY Jeans beach house with Hills peeps in tow, so life can't be that bad, or rather, it's very, very cush. Per Glamour mag's Slaves to Fashion blog, Audrina Patridge gave her take on Malibu style: "Some dress up, some dress down—but the key is that they all try to look like it came easy. And I think people show a little more skin here—bare shoulders, a beautiful collarbone, maybe upswept hair and the nape of the neck." Not to mention the legs, taught belly, and cleav, as Audrina displays right with fellow cast member Stephanie Pratt. [Slaves to Fashion]

Now, for LC's less than spectacular news: Trendy retailer Kitson has dropped her eponymous collection from its roster. The chain's owner Fraser Ross told The Cut: "Sales were lackluster...Initially it was great." Ross pushed for a personal appearance, but it was a no go. "They need to realize it’s no different than selling your album, your TV shows, your movies. You have to keep promoting it," he told the blog. [The Cut]

London artist and fashion designer Simeon Farrar has created an exclusive collection of unisex scarves for Ron Herman, now avail online and in-store. Ranging from $120-$180, the hand printed washed cotton scarves come in an array of prints (butterfly, dip dye, rose, pin stripe and graphic) and have four-inch fringe on each side. Perfect for LA weather, we would happily wear any of them.
· Simeon Farrar for Ron Herman [ronherman.com]

The exclusive Paige Premium jean for Ron Herman we posted about earlier, which was said to be available Memorial Day, is now online. In the denim label's Laurel Canyon style, the 5-pocket jean is distressed with a flared leg, and has a little bit of Spandex. It's $218, which, exclusive or not, seems a bit much. Not only that, the inseam is the usual 34 inches, which means alterations, adding onto the expense, unless Ron Herman does that gratis. Are the days of spending ridiculous amounts of money on jeans, especially not particularly special ones, over?

Per an article in Women's Wear Daily: "Over the last several months, the prolonged war in Iraq, the subprime mortgage crisis and soaring fuel prices have stoked fears of a recession and left consumers thinking twice before parting with their disposable income. Denim hasn't been immune." Though, apparently, market research group NPD found "Women's jeans sales...totaled $7.77 billion for the 12 months through March, a 4.9 percent increase over the $7.41 billion reported in the same period a year ago." Though, most of these sales are not at premium prices: "...the bulk of the market is made up of affordably priced denim. Jeans priced between $10 and $30 account for more than 53 percent of the overall market, and the average price of women's jeans came in at $24.50, a 7 percent increase from $22.91 the previous year." How much would you spend on a pair of jeans these days?
· Ron Herman [ronherman.com]
· By The Numbers [WWD, subscription req]

Speaking of Seven For All mankind, the premium denim, apparel and accessories brand has just opened in the Malibu Country Mart, joining just-opened Sigerson Morrison to the upscale shopping area. To match the beachy vibe, Women's Wear Daily reports the company went for lighter woods and driftwood rather than the "dark wood fixtures, marble and metals" of the Robertson Boulevard and Dallas shops. All "the stores will serve as a showcase for the label's expanded product range. In addition to its core denim offering, Seven has added bags and accessories, dresses, skirts, sweaters and tops. Next up will be outerwear and the introduction of footwear next spring." As to future retail, "The brand is looking to open 100 stores in the next five years and expects to launch 10 stores this year." On a Storecasting note, "Earnest Sewn has signed to open at Malibu Country Mart by September."
· Seven For All Mankind Heads to the Beach [WWD, subscription req]

Photo via Daily Mail

The Pamela Anderson estate sale happened alright. Shoppers came to Anderson's rented home in Malibu to buy up loads and loads of stuff. Per Ecorazzi "Among the products sold were broken light bulbs, a hot pink butt blaster exercise machine, various children’s toys and oh yeah…HER LINGERIE!!!! Pam also parted with a new golf car, several chocolate fondue fountains (cause who needs more than 2) and a flat screen TV." Across the pond, the Daily Mail reports: "Among her extensive fashion collection on offer was a chain-mail bra, numerous satin negligees, seven-inch high 'stripper-style' heels and feather boas. Baywatch fans hoping for a historical reminder of the international hit TV show could buy a signed red float famously carried by Pamela's character C.J. Parker as she bounced along the beach." Because apparently everyone is interested in what's in Pam's drawers.
· Pamela Anderson Holds Yard Sale For PETA [Ecorazzi]
· Pamela Anderson sells her clothes, shoes, Baywatch props and even used underwear at garage sale [Daily Mail]