Fashion News

I have been dying to share something with yall since June and now I finally can!!

Earlier this summer the fabulous Karen Blanchard of wheredidugethtat.com (follow her on Twitter: @KarenBritChick) and myself were asked to be a part of an H&M spread in the September issue of ELLE magazine–with JULIA ROBERTS on the cover! To say that I was shocked and totally honored to be asked is a total understatement! Even having the issue in my hands today-I’m still in total disbelief!

We spent the day “modeling” (I will never refer to myself as an model…you have to be taller than 5′0″ for that!) and playing dress up in H&M’s new Fall collection and it was seriously a dream come true.  Everyone from ELLE was incredible to work with (Eddie and Rebecca, y’all are THE best!)–and the entire team from H&M made me feel so welcome!

Now let’s get to the the clothes…we shot three looks and the first one was my favorite!  It’s the one that ended up in the magazine (pictured right)! All of the clothes perfectly suited my style and y’all are going to LOVE the entire Fall collection!

Here’s what I’m wearing: Cobalt Blazer, $32; Ruffle Blouse; Bow Skirt $29; and Fold-Over Boots.  I’m missing prices on two things, but everything on set that day was under $99…God I love H&M! I’m pretty sure everything I wore is in-stores now and I can’t wait to mix and match these pieces with my wardrobe!

I’m so excited to share this with all of you and look out for some very cool behind-the-scenes and trend videos to come later this week!  And if you want to see some bonus pics from the shoot just click here… [click to continue...]

I’ve never considered Chelsea Clinton any kind of fashion icon.  Smart? Yes.  Stylish? No.  But damn girl…she really pulled out all the stops in this jaw-dropping Vera Wang gown.  Congrats!

Move over Kleinfeld’s the physical J.Crew wedding boutique is finally here! If you haven’t heard yet, last week I was elated to find out that J.Crew had opened the doors to their much anticipated Madison Avenue wedding boutique. While, I am not even close to getting married, a girl can dream! I love all things wedding and all things J.Crew so I could window shop here until my big day…very far down the road.

For many of us pricey designer gowns are a dream, but sinking back down to reality doesn’t mean a girl on a budget can’t look like a million bucks on her wedding! The J.Crew wedding collection features classic styling, great tailoring, and the right mix of trendy and romantic styles.

However, I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s almost impossible to order something as important as your wedding dress online, so now J.Crew loving brides-to-be can have an in-store experience to help them find the perfect gown and then pair it with the perfect accessories, the perfect bridesmaid attire, and even the perfect lacy honeymoon essentials!

The the wedding gowns range from $295-$3500 so there’s definitely something for every budget and I found some amazing gowns for less than $500 so it’s even a great place for us CheapChicas to save on such an expensive event!

The bottom floor, is exclusive to brides and it’s by appointment only, but the upper level is for dreamers like me… featuring formal-wear (dying over the feather vest and sequin everything!), bridesmaid dresses (that you don’t have to be a bridesmaid to wear) and accessories that are sure to make you drool!

On this floor you’ll also find an eclectic assortment: the store’s exclusive 769 Collection, Cosabella lingerie, headpieces and veils by Leah C. Couture, and jewelry by J.Crew, Lulu Frost, Fenton-Fallon, and Miriam Haskell.

But if you’re planning a wedding, better make your appointment fast, the store already has over 350 appointments! Click Here or on one of these hyperlinks to see a short photo tour of the store and some of 769 collection pieces.

PS:let your man know that a men’s store is set to open nearby in August!

Target is the answer to every CheapChica’s prayers, right? No question the place is heaven-in-a-superstore…

I never in a million years would have thought I’d be able to buy Alexander McQueen, Rodarte, Jean Paul Gualtier, etc. while at the same time stock up on toilet paper and rice krispie treats!!!

But I have to admit IMO, the past couple designer collections have been a total snooze…but never fear the current batch of big names will not disappoint. We’ve already seen the magic of Zac Posen but this past weekend, two more of my all time accessory faves debuted their lines Target….Cynthia Vincent and Eugenia Kim!

In the words of Rachel Zoe…BANANAS! I seriously don’t know where to start. Cynthia Vincent’s line of platforms and sandals are truly out of this world…hence her international inspiration with exotic prints and embellishments.

They are the kind of shoes you see on that amazingly chique girl getting off the plane from somewhere and you can’t explain what it is that makes her and her outfit look so unbelievable and then it hits you…it’s her shoes!!!

Next on this list is Eugenia Kim, the woman who brought hats back on the map after J.Lo wore her floppy brim to the American Music Awards back in 2001. Since then, we’ve never looked back, big brims and fedoras are here to stay!

Her Target line is inspired by a “Cuban vacation” (um, hello, who wouldn’t be inspired by a Latin vacation?) has the perfect pieces to take any spring or summer outfit to the next level.

And all of this magic is offered at amazingly good prices so check it out and let Target take you away!!!

PS: If you’ve picked something up from either collection let us know what it was and what you think in the comments!!

I get so excited when I get word of a new guest designer at a favorite store of mine. As every cheap chica knows Target rules the roost with a steady showing of high end guest lines. Their latest guest star is a line developed by Zac Posen who developed a line of show stopping silhouettes and prints to satisfy every fashionista’s craving.

I love Target for grabbing basics as well as unique finds for a fraction of the designer cost. Zac Posen’s line delivers a mix and match collection that you can funk up or funk down as you please, giving you more options to diversify your style selections.

Favorites from this collection are the sexy red one piece swimsuit for $34.99 and the little black dress for $49.99; Posen adds design into the fabrics with piping and texture while keeping his signature flattering shapes. Click here to check out the collection….in stores April 25, 2010!!!

UPDATE: Many of you have asked where I was able to find these two pieces…I bought them in LA at the H&M in the Beverly Center–they put the items out 3/24 and were sold out of the smaller sizes in under 30 minutes.  As far as I know, Philly ONLY has a sampling of the collection while NYC and LA have the COMPLETE collection.  If you can’t find them in your local store, try EBAY–I found both of the items pictured above! Click here!

In case you forgot, The Garden Collection is officially in all H&M stores as of last week, but get there fast–the items are sooooo cute and amazingly priced so they’re selling out fast.  I bought the two dresses pictured above + the red one in Ivory  for a grand total of $100 bucks!  I can’t tell you how unbelievably GORGEOUS the one of the left is…I love it so much, I want to wear it around the house!!

Well she did it again! Lauren Conrad’s line for Kohls is back and better then ever. Her take on California’s laid back style is seen throughout her entire collection. From lightweight jumpsuits to airy and ruffled camisoles are just a few pieces of LC’s fab line.

Though the California bomb-shell made her debut on MTV’s hit T.V show Laguna Beach she proved to all of us she’s one fashion icon and designer that is here to stay!

Though her pieces for this spring are really cute they’re not that original but hey…. who cares right? Lucky for us these LC garments will range anywhere from $20 to $60.

After looking at LC’s collection for Kohls there were countless items I would deffinetly purchase including this “LBlueD”, which retails for $39.99. I really love the color and find it super cute for any summer function, not to mention it totally reminds me of 3.1 Phillip Lim’s yellow mini dress LC wore back in ‘09.

And while you fill your online shopping cart with a few of LC’s Spring pieces don’t forget that Kohls is offering Free Shipping on all orders of $75 or more!

Sorry for all the shoe overload today, but with all of these new styles coming out for Spring, I can’t help but daydream about my upcoming footwear purchases!

As many of you know, Nicole Richie launched her House of Harlow 1960 collection with a small yet fabulous jewelry sampling last year and now she’s added footwear to the line!

The shoe collection is exactly what you’d expect from her… 70’s inspired platforms and boho-chic flat sandals with a serious Navajo influence.  I was not a huge fan of the flat ankle boots–those are so not my style– but I loved the flats and almost all of the heels.  However, there was one standout pair that I kind of need to own right now…

These $225 snakeskin pumps might just be my birthday present to myself come April…I can think of at least a dozen outfits that these would be perfect for and since they’re a true multiple, that makes them worth the investment in my book.

Nicole’s shoes range from $168-275 and you can check out the rest of her collection at Kitson.com where all of the styles are available for pre-order.

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It’s always fun to watch fashion week unfold and to see the similarities and differences between each collection. Although it is a long wait until Fall 2010…there is no reason to get a head start on the great new trends. Here’s a look at my 3 faves:

Trend: Feathers
Collection: Alice + Olivia
Love it…because what’s better than accessorizing your clothes from simple to glamorous? Update those sequins, glitter and chains to some lightweight feathers. Tacking it on hair accessories, skirts and shoulder pads for an extra feminine touch, Alice + Olivia created a lovely and TDF trend.

Trend: Layers
Collection: Rebecca Taylor
Love it…because you can shop right from your closet! Rebecca Taylor paired frilly skirts, thigh-high boots, long-sleeve T’s and oversize sweaters to create a chic and fabulous look. I am digging this trend!

Trend: Hip Line Dresses
Collection: Diane von Furstenberg
Love it…because who doesn’t obsess over everything Furstenberg creates? Although I love the beauty of waistlines and cinching sweaters and dresses for that perfect figure, there is something girly and romantic about moving that hemline down a few inches. Between an array of lightweight fabrics and beautiful patterns, Furstenberg once again hits the mark on making pieces that flatter a woman’s figure.

…at a beauty counter near you!  Like the rest of the world, I was shocked to hear that my 2nd favorite person on The Rachel Zoe Project had left her fearless leader.  I kind of knew this was coming and hearing her ask Rachel time after time for more responsibility to no avail must have been really frustrating for her.  An endless cycle of returns–albeit at stores that I can’t even imagine setting foot in –was not exactly challenging for our dear Taylor Jacobson.

She announced she was leaving the company last fall and after months of wondering where she went, she’s finally re-appeared as a spokesperson/brand ambassador for a company called Everyday Minerals.  She’s even got a super cute blog on their website with details on where you can find the things she can’t live without…Raybans, a sideways Cross necklace, and her super dark nail polish!

It seems like she’s serving as a muse for the brand and I personally love Taylor’s style so hopefully we’ll be seeing more Taylor-inspired products…and I for one hope we get to see Taylor styling some of Hollywood’s biggest names in the future! She might just give Rach a run for her money!

Don’t forget to head over to Lucky to check out my guest posts starting today!

I’ll be blogging for their site all week and have some fun and fabulously frugal finds to share that you!

Up first, the best boots on the web for less than $100…

click here to check it out!

To be perfectly honest, I didn’t tune into the SAG awards on Saturday night because it was a good friend’s birthday  (Happy 25th Julie!) and we had other plans…but after seeing the dresses online, I’m kind of bummed that I didn’t watch!

It was clear that white was a dominant color on the red carpet and the ladies above look radiant…Kate Hudson is totally wow-ing me with her choices!  Who even cares about the rest of the cast of Nine, when she’s wearing this white hot,  plunging back Emilio Pucci gown accessorized with over $1.75 million worth of Cartier diamond jewelry!?!

But my favorite of the night is Diane Kruger.  And I know this won’t be a crowd favorite but like I said last week–I really appreciate a risk on the red carpet and this shade of marigold is no short of a very, very bold risk.

Her off-the-shoulder Jason Wu gown is everything I love about retro Hollywood glamour and Kruger is really stepping into her much deserved role as a movie and style star.

And let’s not forget about the hair and make up…perfection!  But perhaps my favorite thing about her entire look is the Harry Winston ruby jewelry.  Like Angelina did last year, she went for contrast instead of complimentary jewels and those earrings totally made the dress!

Target is at it again!  The mega-store has partnered up with Zac Posen to bring help bring his designer vision to the masses.  This latest round of designs looks very true to his style and while it’s full of girly dresses and light on the separates side, I’m never one to complain about that.

The prices range from $16.99 for a “Zac” tank top that I’m totally buying to $200 for a red leather jacket that screams Michael Jackson and there’s even a few swimsuits in tie dye and gold lame…obvi to wear on the yacht you’ll be staying on this summer!

But you won’t have to wait until the summer for this fun and feminine collection, his designs hit stores on April 25th!

Oh awards season, how I love you!  This is just the start of my sports season and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the rest of the shows.

Now, just like everyone else on the blogosphere, I’m entitled to an opinion about what I think the BEST and WORST looks of the night were, so feel free to agree or disagree but here are my picks…BTW, I literally shed a tear when I had to list two of my absolutely fave women on here, Marion Cotillard and Ms. Cruz.  On first sight, I was totally amazed with Marion’s Christian Dior…the color, the sculpted bodice and the simplicity of her hair/make-up, but then E! had to go and do their pan down and to my horror there was some kind of lace slip where the slit should be? WTF? Oh and don’t get me started on her Steve Madden (circa 1998) strappy platforms.  I mean you have access to Atwood and Louboutin…why Marion, why?

Now on to PP.  I love her and she is a fashion dynamo, but this Giorgio Armani Prive dress proves that no matter how much money you spend on a designer dress, horizontal stripes (even in black) make everyone look fat.  Sorry, but she looks about 30lbs heavier that she truly is.  Big mistake.

Tina Fey: See exhibit above.  No words needed.

Then there’s Julia’s sorry excuse for a dress.  Did she think she was going to dinner at The California Pizza Kitchen?

Now for the good stuff…topping off my list were the following women who despite the monsoon like rain, killed it on the red carpet!  And excuse me, where did Jennifer Garner get that body??? Didn’t she just have a baby like six months ago?

O.Wilde can do no wrong in my book and I think she’s a totally sexy screen siren and that Gucci dress is totally amazing on her!

Emily Blunt I heart you and your Dolce & Gabanna dress and BTW, you look so good in love! The fit on this dreamy chiffon gown is incredible and the color proves that you don’t have to spray tan to pull off a lighter color.  Her skin tone looks radiant against this soft pink.  And props to her (and her stylist) for wearing her hair wavy and not trying to fight the downpour. It might feel a bit messy to some of you, but it was a lose lose situation tonight because of the weather.  Humidity sucks!

Finally to Drew…I forgive you for your last red carpet disaster ONLY because you’re rocking this rediculously unique and one-of-a-kind Atelier Versace dress.  The shoulder detail is so hot right now and it’s perfectly balanced with the hip detail.  Not to mention, the hair is perfect and so is the make-up…she looks beautiful!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this dress! If only I had 20K and a Golden Globe nomination!!