Month: June 2011

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Alexander McQueen Resort 2012

A fusion of military details, Edwardian silhouettes, and the idea of “romantic utility” characterized Sarah Burton’s Resort 2012 outing forAlexander McQueen. While staying true to plenty of classic McQueen elements — high necks, cinched waistlines, gold-embellished gowns — the collection also featured an injection of Burton’s now-signature sense of softness. Corsetless tulle gowns, fitted lace dresses, and soft-ruffled peplums in elongated cuts portrayed a new, easier wearability. African-inspired leopard prints, colorful embroidery, and mirrored appliques added intrigue to the otherwise neutral palette of khaki, navy, ivory and black.

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H&M Divided June 2011 Products

LOVING all the H&M Divided June products that are in stores now. I definitely want the Prada-inspired espadrille wedges-SICK!! All the pieces are very Balmain inspired and can easily transition into fall. 😉 Head over to H&M now to pick up your favs.

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Chanel’s Fall 2011 Eyewear Campaign, Modeled by Claudia Schiffer

For Chanel’s Fall 2011 eyewear collection, Karl Lagerfeld turned to one of Chanel’s most iconic fixtures: the chain. Used to reinterpret classic Chanel eyewear shapes — aviators, square frames, cat-eyes — the chains are woven with lambskin leather and come in muted Fall hues like wine, taupe and navy. For the ad campaign, Lagerfeld employed another Chanel classic: long-time muse Claudia Schiffer. Which ones are your must-haves? I want them all 😉

 

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Bye Bye +J: Uniqlo Ends Partnership With Jil Sander

After three years working together, Uniqlo and Jil Sander are parting ways.

“With the recent completion of the design of the fall and winter collection, Ms. Sander and Uniqlo agreed that they had fully explored the possibilities of their creative collaboration and accomplished what they had set out to do. Consequently, the two parties have decided to wrap up their design consulting agreement with this collection,” Uniqlo said in a release.

Jil Sander designed Uniqlo’s popular +J line for Uniqlo. The collection, especially the outerwear, was really good and really affordable so we’re sad to see it go. One time a friend accidentally grabbed a men’s large version of her J+ wool coat after a late night at a bar and she loved it so much she had it tailored to fit her again and wore it lovingly the whole winter. (Funnier part of the story is that her friend went home with the guy whose coat she had stolen and he was super pissed about losing his Jil Sander for Uniqlo coat–”It looks like a girl’s coat but it’s not!” he insisted.)

The German designer was originally brought on by the Japanese mass retailer to oversee their men’s and women’s apparel, as well as design her own line for the store, but ended up working only on her own line for the retailer, J+, according to WWD.

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Banana Republic Launches New “Mad Men” Inspired Collection

The Banana Republic/Mad Menmarketing partnership is one of the smartest things Gap, Inc. has done strategy-wise over the last five years. Now the two entities are taking their collaboration a step further, creating an actual collection inspired by the hit television series.

“Working with Janie Bryant, Mad Men‘s costume designer to gain a true understanding of the Mad Men look and feel was a delight,” Banana Republic Creative Director Simon Kneen said in a statement. “Janie was instrumental in helping us achieve the series aesthetic and standard of authenticity with this capsule collection.”

The women’s collection features trench coats, high-waisted skirts, 60s-style dresses and leopard print pumps, while the men’s collection includes everything from suits and pocket squares to money clips and knitted sweaters.

The collection hits North American stores and the web August 11, and will feature 65 pieces–some for men, some for women. And Banana Republic Facebook fans can order the collection on August 10.

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Trend: Hi-Fashion Sneakers

If you thought I’d covered just about every angle of menswear-inspired fashion, from offbeat oxfords to slim suits, you’re in for a real treat, dear readers, because I have yet another laddish item to discuss: sneakers! Now,I’m not talking about gym shoes (perish the thought!) or even the worn-in Chucks one associates with indie music fans. No, today’s story is closer to the styles a sneakerhead might obsess over, albeit one who is more of a fashion fan than a collector of kicks. And while this casual-yet-creative footwear was first popularized back in the ’80s, it’s now gaining ground in the high-style realm, convincing tastemakers like Kate Bosworth and designers to ditch their fancy platforms for these coolly casual lace-ups. Whether they’re high-tops or low-tops, emblazoned with flashy prints and neon colors or modeled in earthy, neutral tones, these shoes are proving to be a hot-ticket item for both summer and fall, hence the reason I’m highlighting them in today’s TREND!

Printed/Embellished
One of the great things about hi-fashion sneakers is that they can be a canvas for a multitude of playful prints, bright colors, and interesting embellishments. For example, Poppy Delevingne at a Fashion For Relief event in London back in April wearing a pair of leopard-print Christian Louboutin sneakers adorned with gold spikes. The British model looked casually chic in a bright red Rag & Bone blazer, Paige’s Verdugo Denim Leggings ($179) in Super McKinley, and beige Madeleine Thompson beanie, but it was her well-calculated decision to incorporate a pair of printed lace-up sneakers that gave her a look a delightfully quirky flair. Though not as flashy, I’m also smitten with the high-tops Liu Wen wore between shows during Paris Fashion Week late last year. I appreciate the stunning model’s visually intriguing ensemble, especially how she styled her vintage printed palazzo pants with a pair of black and bright blue Opening Ceremony sneakers (which are from a past season and no longer available), for a high-impact look. That same week in Paris, model Bianca Balti also stepped out wearing a pair of stylish kicks. The gray studded lo-tops add interest to her laidback, neutral, off-duty attire.

If you’re searching for similarly striking footwear, you don’t want to miss Creative Recreation’s Galow Hi Fashion Sneakers, which come in 17 spectacular print and color combos, like Giraffe ($105) and Black Splatter ($95). Want a feline-inspired pair a la Delevingne? Good thing you asked, because Ash’s Scoop Sneakers ($200) are a spot-on alternative! I’m also impressed with Coach’s New Barrett Poppy Sneakers ($88) and Palazzo Bruciato’s Denim Blue Sequined High-Top Suede Sneakers ($222); both are sure to give your ensembles an eye-catching finish. And for those who prefer a tough-girl look, be sure to snag a pair of Sam Edelman’s Alexander Studded Sneakers ($150) today!

Neutral/Classic Styles
While I certainly enjoy the artsy aspect of hi-fashion sneakers, I’m also over the moon for the classic and sporty styles seen at Balenciaga and adored by the always-stylish Kate Bosworth! Speaking of the former, I was particularly pleased with the sneakers I saw in the Parisian fashion house’s Pre-Fall 11 collection. In the look featured above—described by designer Nicolas Ghesquiere as “wellness wear” or in other words, a French-chic take on gym clothes—a royal purple alpaca fur jacket was styled with a black tunic over gray tailored trousers and finished with athletic-inspired lace-up sneakers. Bosworth, on the other hand, constructed a more casual ensemble while out at lunch in Los Angeles last month, which included Topshop’s Coral Knitted Stitch Yoke Jumper ($65), MiH London’s Boy Cropped Slouchy Leg Jeans ($253) in Hickory Wash, and her favorite Isabel Marant Bobby Sneakers ($725, available in September). Of course Bosworth isn’t the only one fawning over Isabel Marant’s covetable kicks! Spotted on the streets of Milan a stylish civilian late last year sporting the Perkins Suede and Leather Wedge Sneakers ($660, 212.219.2284) from the S/S 11 collection, which have a very similar look. Both Isabel Marant styles have a hidden, built-in wedge, which offers the appearance of a sneaker, but also gives you a flattering, elongated leg like a heel—what more could you want? Finally, I totally approve of how another savvy civilian incorporated a pair of hi-fashion sneakers into her look and love the idea of pairing this casual footwear with a delicate dress and blazer for an unexpected yet chic daytime look.

If you cant splurge on or wait for the hi-fashion kicks mentioned above, no need to panic, I’ve got some pretty amazing alternatives you simply must check out! I would like to first direct you to Marc by Marc Jacobs’ High Top Sneakers ($150) and Jimmy Choo’s Suede/Patent Leather Tokyo Hi-Top Sneakers ($495), which both offer a neutral color palette and simple design. Prefer classic lace-ups? Prada’s Cap-Toe Sneakers ($295) have a haute Chuck Taylor vibe, while Lanvin’s Metallic Cracked-Leather Sneakers ($565) remind me of a fashionable version of our favorite Vans from high school. Of course, my selection of top-tier sneaker options would not be complete without See by Chloe’s Wedge Lace-Up Sneakers ($345). As a lady who loves some height, I’m quite smitten and think you should pick up a pair pronto!

 
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Attention Aspiring Accessory Designers: Henri Bendel Wants To Launch Your Career

Hold onto your sketch pads! For over 40 years, Henri Bendel has opened its flagship doors to welcome emerging and new talent. This year they have broken the door down (so to speak) with the first-ever Online Open See. Back in the day, Bendels was something like CFDA Fashion Incubator, launching the careers of Anna Sui, Todd Oldham, James PurcelI (and that’s just the shortlist), so it makes perfect sense that their getting back to their pioneering roots with a team-up with Swarovski Elements to help launch the careers of new designers. Between June 23 and July 21, sign onto the recently launched, BendelOpenSee, and submit your original designs in handbags, jewelry, hair accessories, scarves, hats, and small leather goods. The winning sumbission will actually be created with the help of Swarovski Elements and be sold nationwide. In addition to possibly becoming the next household name, the top dog will also walk away with a $1000 Bendel gift card, $1000 cash, and a trip for two to NYC. Leave it to the rest of us (ie: those of us who leave the drawing to the professionals) to bask in the fun of shopping these up-and-coming collections, as the Open See marketplace will be made available to all Henri Bendel buyers. Don’t miss the deadline to submit, this could be your big break! 😉

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Justin Bieber Will Be at Macy’s Herald Square This Thursday to Promote His New Fragrance Someday

Justin Bieber‘s highly anticipated fragrance launched yesterday at Macy’s! You can now own a Marc Jacobs rip-off bottle of your very own. There has been so much leading up to the release of Someday, from an experiment with scented dog tags, to a WWD announcement, to a commercial and ad campaign starring Dree Hemmingway, and Justin Bieber has just announced to his Twitter followers that he will be making a promotional appearance at Macy’s Herald Square tomorrow!

No word yet on what time the Biebs will be making his presence known, but that doesn’t matter. Gothamist reported there were already 15 people in line a mere hour after Bieber sent out the tweet 2 days ago!! This is going to bonkers, you guys!

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Subscription Shopping Sites To Know

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s a big world out there, full of pop-up shops, sample sales, and concept boutiques. Subscription shopping sites are just one more thing crowding the overwhelming world of e-commerce that sends you options of products that are matched-up to your own tastes. Sigh, isn’t life just the worst? Lucky for you, I’ve put together an easy how-to guide on the biggest subscription sites out there. So sit back, sign up, and let the good things come to you.

SoleSociety—Though we’re less than enthusiastic about being forced to describe ourselves with such trite terms as “bohemian,” “rocker,” or “classic” (staples of most style quizzes), SoleSociety actually comes pretty close to spot-on. The selection is fairly limited, but you’ll get a pair of shoes each month for $49.95, regardless of the retail price.

Jewelmint—Backed by Kate Bosworth and stylist Cher Coulter, Jewelmint takes a decidedly sleeker spin on the celebrity-endorsed subscription site. After filling out a personality quiz, members receive one $29.95 credit per month (with the option to opt out each month), good for any piece of jewelry, which means some serious steals. You tend to get what you pay, but since you’ll receive a new piece of bling each month, it’s no huge deal if your jewelry’s lifespan is only a few months.

Birchbox—With so many millions of online clothing options, it’s easy to forget about beauty. Birchbox offers the same monthly credit setup as Jewelmint and Solesociety, but instead of shoes and jewelry, you’ll get incredible beauty samples, both from brands you know and love, and from lesser-known specialized lines. For $10/month or $110/year, you’ll get a deluxe selection of high-end samples: Enough to get a feel for the product without the commitment of buying a full-sized bottle.

Shoedazzle—As with every fashion movement, a B-list invasion is inevitable. Kim Kardashian’s subscription shoe site is one of many to claim a celebrity “stylist” (although the actual level of involvement is anyone’s guess). Shoedazzle is also part of the cross-section of subscription shopping that presumes to predict your selection by putting you through a questionable personal-style quiz upon sign up. Based on your responses, Shoedazzle creates a personal showroom of around 20 items. If you’re looking to emulate everyone’s favorite Kardashian, this is the place for you—you’ll find plenty of strappy stilettos, and unsurprisingly, rhinestone-studded weight loss sneakers.

Just Fabulous—Just Fabulous creates a personalized selection of products based on your tastes. For $39.95 a month, you get to pick any item (with free shipping). Just like the other sites, it’s easy to opt out of a month or purchase more than one item, in high-taste styles, like a mini-shoe collection from the girls behind Who What Wear.

Doyle Mueser—Men can get in on the subscription action as well, with a process that’s a bit more personal. Those in NYC have an opportunity to get bespoke shirts…for a price. Ultra-tailored shirts are available in subscription packages (four shirt each season for $1,300, one shirt every other month for $1,800, one shirt every month for $3,300). Prices may be steep, but this deal should be enough to tantalize the most hardcore of custom-shirt guys.

 

 

 

 

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Versace for H&M !!

The moment the world has been waiting for…H&M announced their next designer collaboration will be with VERSACE! I did find it a bit surprising but especially this time since Donatella Versace did say she wasn’t quite interested in a H&M collaboration back in 2008. Anyway, I guess H&M’s creative advisor Margareta van den Bosch is that good! “I am thrilled to be collaborating with H&M and to have the opportunity of reaching their wide audience. The collection will be quintessential Versace, perfect for H&M and Versace fans everywhere,” says Donatella Versace.

Designed by its creative director Donatella Versace, the exclusive collection will recall the vibrant heritage of the brand, complete with leather, prints, color, and exuberance in exclusive materials at fantastic H&M prices. The collection will include lines for both women and men and selected pieces for the home.

The US will release the collection on November 19th in select stores. The collection will be available in about 300 stores worldwide. In addition, Donatella Versace has also designed a pre-spring collection for H&M which will be exclusively available in countries with H&M on-line sales from January 19, 2012.