Posts

Posted on

Fash’s Friday Obsessions! Flouro Pop!

 

What better way to celebrate the start of the weekend than with pieces that pop. Bring on the sweltering temperatures — I know I’ll stay cool in Popsicle hues. From a colorblock Marc by Marc bangle, to a glossy Kate Spade clutch (with the cutest tropical clasp), these are the pieces I have to have right now!

1) Christopher Kane Keke Lace Top, $745;  2) House of Harlow 1960 Audrey Sunglasses, $110;  3) Kate Spade Clutch, $225;  4) Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte in Orange Shiver,$34;  5) Richard Ginori Protea Salad Plate, $75;  6) Michael Kors Vachetta Sandal, $595; 7) Marc by Marc Jacobs D2 High Tide Colorblock Bangle, $68

Posted on

This Weekend’s Events and Sales: Henri Bendel’s Semi-Annual Sale; Half Off at Oak

EVENTS

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
• Get a free pair of movie tickets when you make a denim purchase at Bloomingdale’s. 504 Broadway, nr. Broome St. (212-729-5900); S (10–8), Su (noon–8).

ONGOING
• Get a complimentary skin-care consultation from Trish McEvoy experts at Bloomingdale’s and learn how to achieve this summer’s beauty trends. 504 Broadway, nr. Broome St. (212-729-5900); M and F (10–9) T—Th (10–10), S (10–8), Su (noon–8). Call 212-729-5126 to make an appointment.

SALES
STARTING SATURDAY
• Shop storewide discounts of 25 percent at Henri Bendel’s semi-annual sale. 712 Fifth Ave., nr. 56th St. (212-247-1100); M–S (10–8), Su (noon–7).

STARTING MONDAY
• Select merchandise from Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Proenza Schouler, Thakoon, and more is 40 to 70 percent off at Edit. 1368 Lexington Ave., at 91st St. (212-876-1368); M–S (10:30–6:30).

• Merchandise from Acne, Alexander Wang, Ksubi, and more is 30 to 50 percent off at Oak’s bi-annual 30-40-50 sale. 208 N. 8th St., nr. Driggs Ave. (718-782-0521); M–S (11–8), Su (11–7). 28 Bond St., nr. Lafayette St. (212-677-1293); M–S (11–8), Su (11–7).

ENDING SATURDAY
• Jewelry is up to 80 percent off at the Made Her Think summer sample sale. The Black Track necklace and bracelets are $50 to $120 (originally $506 to $828), the Chain Mail necklace is $75 (originally $322), and the Thorn Claw earrings are $50 (originally $110). 195 Chystie St., nr. Stanton St. (212-228-2144); F (1–7), S (noon–6).

• Jewelry is 50 to 70 percent off at the Slane sample sale. 260 Fifth Ave., nr. 28th St.; Th–S (9–6).

ENDING SUNDAY
• Clothing and jewelry from Thayer, Margarita Splala, Lulu Frost, and more are 50 to 60 percent off at Sucre. Current/Elliott jeans are $94 (originally $188), T by Alexander Wang tanks are $49 (originally $81), and Margarita Saplala printed silk dresses are $145 (originally $295). 357 Bleecker St., nr. Charles St.; M–W (11–7), Th–S (11–8), Su (noon–7).

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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 😉

 

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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!

 
Posted on

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! 😉

Posted on

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!