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 |
