August 2011 – Page 8

08/02/2011

Zara Is Launching US E-Commerce in September

I AM SUPER EXCITED ABOUT THIS NEWS!! I LOVE ZARA 🙂

Last September, Zara launched e-commerce in select European countries, and this upcoming September, it’s finally the United States’s turn. A Zara rep has confirmed that the retailer’s US e-commerce site will launch Wednesday, Sept. 7, just before Fashion’s Night Out. A look at what will soon be available for purchase with a click of the mouse in the slideshow: a selection from Zara’s Fall 2011 collection, which just hit their website for perusal.

08/02/201108/02/2011

Lauren Conrad’s Paper Crown Line Has Officially Launched: A Look Back at the Top 10 Trends Set by LC

Lauren Conrad’s role in fashion has gone from the Cali girl everyone wanted to dress like to a budding designer with some actual talent–her latest line, Paper Crown, hit stores Saturday.

While on The Hills, millions of viewers watched Lauren Conrad cry over boyfriends and fight with Speidi. But what we were all really paying attention to–subconsciously or not–was the Laguna Beach native’s easy to emulate style.

Even with her reality days behind her,Conrad continues to inspire and fuel beauty and fashion trends. We’ve rounded up ten of LC’s signiture looks–from the ever popular side braid to her new tie-dyed ombre tresses (and matching nails).

On her new beauty website, the Beauty Department, Conrad lists ombre hair and nails as her latest obsession. The ombre look is all over Hollywood right now, but few have managed to master the look quite like LC.

Way before this season’s lengthier hems, LC did the maxi as part of her relaxed Cali-girl look at New York Fashion Week in 2008 to show her Lauren Conrad Collection.

It’s not the first cat eye ever done, but she definitely pulls it off better than most, without a stitch of eyeshadow to counter.

A sky-high ballerina bun is her go-to event look when she’s not sporting the signature wavy middle part–she even sports it on the cover of her book, Lauren Conrad Style.

Cuffed jeans paired with a tank and flip flops may sound like a no brainer, but after Conrad wore the look in pretty much every episode of The Hills‘ first season, this west coast uniform went national.

The Kardashians are practically poster children for the middle part. But imitating LC just seems more plausible to the average gal. So when Conrad changes her hair, we all feel like we can pull it off, too.

Before The Hills black nail polish was for emo kids and goths. Who knew dark nails could look so cool paired with feminine attire?

Conrad is no Blair Waldorf, but man did she love her head gear. Aside from her Chanel bags, we’re pretty sure headbands–whether a scarf or a thick black band–were her favorite accessory in her reality days.

Plaid button-downs saw a surge in popularity a few years ago, and Conrad was on the bandwagon. A plaid shirt with jeans was her go-to off-camera look.

08/02/2011

15 Transition Pieces to Wear Right Now . . . And This Fall

Easy does it. Make a seamless transition into the new season with these 15 gorgeous Pre-Fall essentials. In Autumn-perfect hues, versatile silhouettes, and seasonless fabrics, these pieces pull double duty easily, making between-season dressing a breeze. Put them into heavy rotation right now, then layer them together for a September-perfect look come this Fall.

Alexander McQueen Wicca Mini Satchel, $1,095

DKNY Stretch Silk Crepe de Chine Blouse, $195

J.Brand Veruca Dark Bootcut, $270

Kate Spade Vanston Small Maryclare, $395

Thakoon Addition Button Front Skirt, $450

Tom Binns Fauve Hand-Painted Swarovski Crystal Necklace, $975

Topshop Black Skull Leaf Print Scarf, $36

08/01/2011

A Look at Matthew Williamson’s New Diffusion Line, MW Matthew Williamson

After flirting with the idea via collaborations with H&M and Macy’s, Matthew Williamson’s is finally premiering his first diffusion line, MW Matthew Williamson. The approximately 250-piece collection — which is hitting shop floors now — has an average price point of $400-$560 and a slightly different slant than Williamson’s main line. The designer explains: “The main line is known more for print and color and that sort of red-carpet aesthetic, glamour and jet-set and all those kind of ideas. So whilst those ideas have some synthesis within the diffusion line, I wanted to make it more about an urban wardrobe and less about specialty pieces.”

08/01/2011

Marc by Marc Jacobs Launches Full-On Denim Collection

'70s Flare Jean in Deep Crease Wash, $198

For the first time, Marc by Marc Jacobs is dedicating itself to denim in a big way — instead of only producing denim pieces sent down the runway, the label is focusing on building a denim collection that stands on its own. For launch, there are nine new styles in 12 washes — including dark-wash trouser jeans; they start hitting stores this month and run $138-$228.