Friday, April 29, 2011

GOD SAVE THE (MC)QUEEN!!!

Wow.... it's been 28 days since my last post! Twenty-eight days is waaaaay too long but I have an 'excused absence'.... April is a CRAZY month for me (for various reasons)! I must say, however, my mind and heart haven't been too far away from "Le Chic Urbain".  Even though I don't post daily, I AM researching/collecting/compiling/'haute hunting' on the regular so no worries... I don't miss a thing- which means, YOU won't miss a thing....;-)

FIRST AND FOREMOST, I MUST ADDRESS THE ROYAL WEDDING!!!
It was a beautiful ceremony but an even more beautiful sentiment that our girl Kate chose Alexander McQueen's Sarah Burton to design her dress!    It turns out that the hoopla over Kate's wedding dress is just in time, as the Alexander McQueen "Savage Beauty" exhibit is scheduled to open publicly at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute from May 4th through July 31st.   Sounds like a 'Fashionista Field-trip' to me!!!!

Now that our obligatory 'coverage' of the Royal Wedding is over, let's get down to BUSINESS.... the 'business' of fashion 'hi/lo' collaborations!  Listen, honey, don't turn your nose up because EVERYONE is jumping on the collaboration bandwagon these days....our current economy damn near dictates it! The 'big boys' and the 'small fries' have to rely upon each other to survive....and WE (high fashion-minded frugalistas) are the beneficiaries! ;-)

First up, the moment we've been waiting for.....The Calypso St. Barth collection for Target launches THIS SUNDAY MAY 1st!   Although I had much higher expectations,  grabbing a couple of pieces/accessories from this collection would be in your best interest.  Most of the clothing pieces are less than $50and are made in 100% silk, 100% cotton, or a cotton/linen blend.    The children's clothing and household accessories are also great bargains.    Take a look at some of my picks:
















Next in collaboration news, Brazilian footwear company Havaianas  has teamed up with Italian design-house Missoni on a line of colorful  flops and espadrilles.  The limited-edition footwear ranging between $60-$130 for each of the four different styles.    I can't wait to rock a pair (which come with a specialized crocheted Missoni shoebag in Brazilian colors).  Special 'shout-out' to Mz. SH for inviting me to the exclusive preview of the collection.  So sad I couldn't make it but I'll take any 'left overs' from the gift bags ;-).




Speaking of shoe collaborations, Givenchy has linked up with Converse  to feature a leopard print hi-top sneaker to be sold exclusively at Givenchy stores in Japan as of this week. 












As Japanese style goes, Uniqlo has definitely made a mark in the US market bringing Japanese fashion sensibilities state-side.  In addition to their multiple J+ collections with Jil Sander, Uniqlo has also launched a follow up collection with design duo Cosello Tagliapietra.   The collection features a variety of asymmetrical styles in jersey.  Take a look....












Also of note, Matthew Williamson's collection for Macy's launched this month to a very receptive crowd.  Although I'm a bit spoiled by his H&M collaboration (can't brag on that enough! Soooo glad I snatched multiple pieces), you can't go wrong with taking advantage of the great deals for Williamson's designs- ESPECIALLY of you use this current Macy's Friends & Family code for 25% off  (MacysFF) submitted by Mz. PW! 
Here is a picture of my favorite piece from the collection priced at $119 but if you use your coupon code: MacysFF, you'll be able to snatch it for $89!








Last but not least in the world of "hi/lo" collaborations, David's Bridal has expanded their collection with Vera Wang to include bridesmaid dressses for around $200.  The seven-piece line will ship in late June and will feature various styles in shades of orchid, charcoal, champagne, and amethyst.  Four styles of bridal shoes will also be added for less than $100 per pair.  Here is a sneak peek of one of the dresses- I would surely wear this to any 'dress up' event....it's HAUTE!  















Leaving the world of fashion 'JVs', I thought you'd be interested in the following newsworthy (fashion) events:

*Saks Fifth Avenue kicked off their Friends & Family discount this week. You have until this Sunday to enjoy 20% off (15% off of jewelry/10% off of beauty & fragrance).  Use the code FRIEND3 at checkout if you're purchasing online.  Of course exclusions apply but you can still come away with some great steals (I was able to snag one of my favorite/HIGHLY EXCLUSIVE perfumes for 10% off!).


*Since we're already in 'high tea' mood, i'm proud to announce that the UK chain store Boots has now launched a US website! Sooo glad I don't have to smuggle their products stateside anymore (although Target does carry a limited selection).  Check it out here: www. shopbootsusa.com.

*In LA this weekend, Rachel Pally is having another warehouse sale- up to 85% off retail (with a portion of the proceeds going towards Japanese relieve efforts).  Here is the pertinent information:  Friday and Saturday, 10am to 6pm; Sunday 11am to 4pm. 2301 E. 7th Ave, Suite C100.





*On the subject of Japanese relief efforts, check out this limited edition charity bracelet by Gucci! All proceeds of this $100 bracelet will benefit the Japanese Red Cross Society.  The white and red bracelet reads "Gucci Loves You".  The bracelet debuted in Japan this month but will be distributed worldwide soon thereafter.   






 

* On May 26th through July 7th, MAC will launch its new summer collection: "Surf, Baby!".  This ode to surf, sand, and sea consists of four lipstick/lipglass shades, eyeliner pencils, eyeshadows,  two new metallic pigments, bronzer sticks, and powders.  Sounds like just the thing I need to give me that 'summer glow' that's obviously missing sans spray tan ;-) . 









 Now, for my personal style picks:

TopShop's red suede/bronze rope heels are THE BUSINESS! For only $160, these shoes will surely 'sex up' your summer days and nights!





Although I'd change the belt and add a wide brimmed floppy hat (very Coachella ;-)), I thought this $22 summer strapless dress from Forever21 is very 'easy/breezy' for summer Saturdays





Our girl Norma Kamali (who Mz. KH spoke to directly about this Walmart collection and Norma told her directly that she loves/buys her own collection from Walmart.com but that, sadly, her deal will end this year) has done it again with this cute asymmetrical printed tunic.  Pay only $15 at walmart.com.







Coming back to TopShop, this sexy cascading beaded necklace (or "collar" as the British call it) is HOT! I so see this $60 accessory playing  up a very low-cut dress or bikini top while 'stylin' on a very sexy beach or poolside deck. 







Again from TopShop, I thought this Grecian draped dress for $78 was an excellent buy considering the cut and the color (you know Coral is now all the rage..... I'm sporting a coral-ish lipstick right now!)





Lastly from TopShop, this studded leather , backless, flutter-sleeve dress is HAUTE!  You better move fast if you want this $300 'statement dress', as last time I checked, the dress was close to selling out completely!




Not to forget my other favorite UK 'bargain' web store, ASOS is currently featuring this gorgeous floral kimono dress for $89.  Pair it up with a bright heeled sandal or pump and you've got yourself a winner!



This Zara studded nude leather tote bag is a bit pricey for Zara ($199) but not for the quality/size/style of this bag.



Of course I can't just stop at one 'nude' item in my post so check out these leather trim short by Rebecca Minkoff on Shopbop.  Not sure where $225 shorts fall into the budget but these are bangers!



While we're on Shopbop AND clothing that's not quite in the budget, I'd like to highlight this Herve Leger 'Rubberband' dress.  Although it's $3500, I'm happy to see that Max Azria is adding a bit of 'umph' to these otherwise monochrome banded dresses.






So, let's talk about some more items we can't afford! ;-).  This Chloe cut-out leather & wool crepe dress is HAUTE! Soooo sexy yet sophisticated! Available online at Net-a-porter for $2,750.






Last but not least on our wish list (and also at net-a-porter), Zac Posen stepped it up with this ombre silk gown.  Priced at $3,800, you'd most certainly snag your own "Prince William" wearing this!!!!







Well folks,  gotta divert my attention back to the BBC who is now replaying the entire Royal Wedding.... although I caught most of it, my 6:30 a.m. wake-up time didn't allow me to see the arrival and exchange of vows.  With that said, I'm tuning in so I can catching up now! Until next time, "Cheerio, Mates" and all things lovely and British ;-).  
xoxo,
me 




















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Friday, April 1, 2011

APRIL FOOLIN' AROUND...

In the spirit of "foolin' around" in honor of April Fool's day, I am hereby encouraging you to take a break from your day/'real' responsibilities, to take a look at my latest bargain/sale/smart-shopping news!
Before I get into that, I want to share this with those of you still living the "high life"....
Louis Vuitton- has become domesticated!
Yes, LV is joining the rest of us 'family-minded folks' by featuring in-store "family rooms" to provide families/children a comfortable distraction while parents shop til they drop! Check out the first LV' family room' installment in the Louis Vuitton boutique at the mall of the Emirates in Dubai:





In other fashion 'brand' news, looks like we have another 'Jimmy Choo' situation heading our way (i.e. where the actual shoe designer who is the namesake of the brand is no longer actually associated with/designing for the brand)! Sigerson Morrison shoe designers Kari Sigerson and Miranda Morrison have left the brand they built in 1991.  I know Mz. NC is sad about the potential loss of the  'soul' of the brand but apparently both Kari and Miranda intend on continuing their collaboration elsewhere so I'm sure their beloved design collaborations will pop up again soon!

Meanwhile, in other designer collaboration news, a lot is actually going on....
First, a few more pieces from Jil Sander's spring/summer collection for Uniqlo have popped up and I kind of like what I see.   Here are a few of my favs:







Secondly, Gap + Pierre Hardy are at it again with a new spring shoe that is absolutely lovely!  Check out this ultra lady-like heel for $125.00. ADORBS!



Last but not least, Payless is adding another 'notch' to its designer collaboration belt with Colombian designer Silvia Tcherassi collection will be priced between $40 and $70 and the pieces will, according to Tcherassi, have the "delicacy of a ballet dancer, and, at the same time, the strength of a rock star." This Latin-influenced collection will be available in 15 U.S. markets, Puerto Rico and across Latin America, including Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and El Salvador, starting in May, as the first of four semiannual collections she has signed on to design.  Take a look....MUY CALIENTE!









Now, for some 'real' bargins we can take advantage of NOW:
J. Crew is offering an additional 30% discount off all clearance items on its website via the promotional code "LOVEIT".  

And here is Bloomingdale's current offer expiring this weekend.  You can print the coupon below to take to your local Bloomies store or use the following code online- "SPRINGFF".




Wishing you happy shopping with these promo codes!

Speaking of 'happy shopping', nothing makes me happier than discovering a great 'hi/lo' comp to share with you all.  Here are my latest finds:

I'm sure you all saw Jennifer Lopez & Jennifer Hudson rock the same Chloe leather dress last week... FIRE!  Well, Asos is offering a similar version with a bit more detail making it not only a more embellished option but a MUCH cheaper one.  Check it out:


Chloe Nude Whipstitch leather dress: $3135




Asos Mauve Laser-cut Leather dress: $280


In my second set of 'hi/lo' comps for this week, I must admit that when i saw this  $800 Herve' Leger bikini, i went BONKERS!!!!  Can I tell you how FLY & FLATTERING his bathing suits are? Not only do they 'suck you in' (and they run big like the dresses so you gotta size 'down'  in order to get the full 'bodycon' effect: which def helps the ego ;-)) but they are SEXY as all hell!  One caveat.... you can't swim in them.... Yes, ladies, they are for 'sunning' and 'stunting' but NOT swimming ;-).  Who needs water anyway?!?  
BUT if you DO want the option of splashing around a little with a MUCH MUCH MUCH more inexpensive price-tag, H&M's new Spring/Summer line has included a 'Leger-like' bikini that is almost as impressive in style and fit (you all know I swear by the style/price of H&M bathing suits anyway!).   Check it out for yourself and guess which one is which ;))(:





Now, let me offer you some more 'fly but frugal' fashion picks from some of my favorite online stores/designers:

@ Asos this week:

I thought this was a cute spring/summer chiffon work dress for $150.


For $134, this cute little summer cocktail dress would def make heads turn- i like the colors and the flattering 'folds'.




Coming up at H&M: 


LOVE LOVE LOVE the color, shape, and 'flow' of this strapless maxi dress


Use your imagination to see how this Kimono dress could be oh so cute this spring. Gold platform heels would kill it!

Not so much of a fan of the chartreuse frock to the right but the purple/gold banded dress to the left screams GUCCI Spr. 2011!!!!! Get the look for less ladies! ;-)



Another H&M bikini that I thought was cute.



And new in @ Zara:



You can't beat the style and comfort of these $99 wedges that are getting LOTS of buzz from the media this week!

This multicolor high-healed sandal is also an amazing buy for $99

Elsewhere on the 'net:


Another cute blush wedge from Report Signature: $250

Forever 21 antique gold braided collar for $9 def adds to the 70's inspired 'Gucci Spring 2011' look


Last but not least, Mz. TS would like to invite all of your fashionistas to the launch of a very promising new handbag line! Please see details below:






Alas, I think we've done enough 'foolin around' for one day.  Have a safe & happy weekend!
TTYL!
xoxo
me




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