J.Crew does Jewels

Earlier this week I talked about a potential J.Crew collaboration, and today I've learned of a totally different J.Crew collab that just went into effect! The brand Fenton-Fallon, by designer Dana Lorenz, has united with J.Crew to produce a "seven-piece limited-edition collection of chunky statement necklaces and bracelets, called Fenton-Fallon for J.Crew." And it's complete fate that I learned of this today as yesterday I spent a good hour perusing bling bling J.Crew jewels online! The Fenton-Fallon collection ranges from $95-$295, which is quite reasonable as these pieces are STUNNING. See for yourself:

Gaga over 21

Lady Gaga has worked some pretty fierce looks. One such look includes her crime scene tape number in the music video "Telephone." If you didn't know, that look was designed by Brian Lichtenberg, who has also dressed Rihanna and M.I.A. Well, now it looks like Mr. Lichtenberg will be collaborating with the fine Forever 21 on a line of graphic t-shirts. And if they're anything like what we've seen his A-lister clients wear, they're bound to be a hit.
(Read about it here)




Some of Lichtenberg's current designs

Floral Denim

Thoughts? Is this cool or are we just in crazy land? I'm kinda digging it (considering I'm obsessed with the rocker look + baby florals combo).

Designer Hospital Gowns

Just read this article about new designer hospital gowns. Kind of a tangent from what I usally talk about (collaborations, discounted fashion, etc.), but I couldn't resist and had to post.

The Department of Health recently ran a competition "in a drive to improve patient dignitiy and privacy." Designer Ben de Lisi (who has dressed Kate Winslet and Rachel Weisz) won the competition with his non-backless gown that is a more like a long t-shirt with "plastic poppers up either side." These will even be available for purchase by hospitals next year at the very same price as the old version of hospital gowns. What a fashionable way to "make a difference!"

Lots o' fashion news

Isabel Toledo lends her skill to Payless

Let's start off with crazy exciting bit o' news #1. Remember that divine dress and jacket combo Michelle Obama wore on inauguration day? The shimmery gold and regal look? Isabel Toledo really knocked it out of the park with that one. Such a fine number. Well, it looks like Ms. Toledo made such an impression on the fashion world that she's been asked to collaborate with the one and only Payless! Amazing! The collection will include "elegant flats and quirky rainboots" and handbags, and all items will be priced under 40 bucks!


A taste of "Threads & Heirs"

Next up -- Macy's is coming out with a slew of new designer collaborations this spring season. One of the more exciting collabs is that called "Threads & Heirs" and features men's casualwear that is designed by couture designers Ruffian. The line includes tops and jackets intended for a 20-40 year-old audience. Prices will range from $24-$99. Yet another reminder that men can be quite chic!

Say WHAT?!

Just read an article (see below) that says Jenna Lyons (J.Crew's creative director) would like to see J.Crew collaborate with a shoe designer such as Manolo Blahnik or Christian Louboutin. Seriously, this would be BEYOND amazing.

Sounds like a winner...

All Men Are Fashionable

Like raiding your boyfriend's closet? Always wonder why your hubby's sweatshirts and t-shirts are always so much softer and so much more broken in? I can't answer those questions for you (for they likely vary with a couple's level of commitment and a man's cleaning regimen). However, I can tell you a secret; you needn't turn to your boy toy's sweaty, worn in garments for that perfectly perfect sweatshirt or t-shirt anymore. The new shop in town, 21Men, another fine product of the ever growing Forever 21 brand, is selling all things cotton-y and comfy cozy, and while they are intended for men, I'm scoring some cute hoodies and man purses for myself! I don't normally post SO many images from a store's website, but I couldn't resist today. I'm in love with so many of 21Men's items. They are too good to be true. And the prices are a dream. Happy shopping!

21Men for men AND women!

Something to Talk About...

When one is in love, it is impossible not to speak. One wants to run through the fields, wind blowing through hair, and exclaim "Joy! I feel joy!" and wrap arms around the sun-filled sky.

Maybe I'm going a little overboard here, but I do, really, think I've fallen in love. And it was quite unexpected. You see, I was doing my daily look-through-shopbop.com-to-see-if-Foley-&-Corinna-city-tote-bags-are-on-sale, and stumbled upon a new brand of which I'd never heard. "JADEtribe" is its name, and he and I are sure to be quite content together.

JADEtribe bags and accessories combine two of my favorites things -- bold bright colors and that hipster-chic trend that has me crying "Love! Love!" The ikat patterns, the hardware details, the uniqueness of each piece - this brand is REALLY something special. It is the first time, in quite a long time, that I feel a "connection" to a brand. None of this mumbo jumbo "I'm from Roslyn, where are you from? What do you do for a living? What are your lifelong dreams? Ambitions" No - none of that first date awkward crap. For JADEtribe and me, it was love at first sight.

And how did he seal the deal? Well, most of the bags are under $200, and for a designer purchase, that ain't too shabby. The bracelets make THE perfect gift -- they are perfect for your best gal pal, for a friend that needs a little pick-me-up, for that aunt who always listens to you bitch and whine. Perfect for every lady, for every occasion - this JADE is never gonna fade.

JADEtribe as featured at shopbop.com

It's Hard to Top Topshop

I am growing more and more in love with Topshop. Every time I look at its website, I fall for each and every piece. There are so many romantic and edgy things to choose from. And I honestly feel like everything is SO unbelievably wearable. I'm super duper into the whole hipster-chic thing; you know, street meets soft and feminine combined with the tough tomboy thing. It's a shame that most of the Topshop offerings are a bit on the pricey side, but it's definitely the kind of "shop" that sets you up for fashion success (in the form of "ooos" and "ahhhhs" from passersby).

Soooooo amazing

When in Doubt, Check the Lookbook

I am a big believer in the lookbook. Some days when I am unsure about what to wear or what clothes to buy, a simple glance at a lookbook, catalogue, or even a mannequin's getup, is all I need for some inspiration. Take the J.Crew clothing catalogue. That baby has saved me time and time again when I try to turn up the preppy in my wardrobe. Or the crazy cool lookbook at www.chickdowntown.com. It's easier than you think to model your outfits after stylists' impressive concoctions.

But what about when you want to actually OWN all of the clothing shown off in the lookbook? I can't even count the number of times I've opened up an Anthropologie catalogue and wished I could afford every item worn by that perfectly dressed model. From the headwrap on her head to the immaculate silk dress to the perfectly proper shoes -- I've wanted it all. So what if your bank account is telling you that you can't have it all?

I'm always looking at the Forever21 website for cheap and chic inspiration - the stylists over there are doing a fantastic job. But sometimes the outfits can be a little too, um, how should I say it, teenage-like for my 27-year-old self? On the other hand, Forever's fairly new sidekick, Heritage 1981, has an amazing lookbook featuring the kinds of styles that I can wear on the NYC streets AND the kind of fashion I can afford. Brilliant!

Heritage 1981

Crazy for Keira's New Look

In the past few years, Keira Knightley has changed. And I'm not talking about her diminishing figure; I'm talking about her personal style. Her fashion sense has dramatically evolved from sporty and spicy to French and ladylike. Needless to say, I am currently obsessed with her newfound refined and Amelie-like style. Here are some of my favorite looks:


www.eonline.com


www.teenvogue.com


www.glamour.com


http://burbanked.com


http://latimes.blogs.lattimes.com


www.splendicity.com