HAUTE FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME!

IT'S BEAUTIFUL OUTSIDE!!!! 
As the summer slowly comes to a close (can you believe it's AUGUST already???), I can't help but lament about how much time I've wasted not taking full advantage of the summer days that have passed thus far.  I am, however, hoping to 'get it in' between now and Labor Day so as to mitigate the potential regrets altogether.  With several trips on the horizon (ranging from local day trips to exotic  long weekends to week-long excursions with the family), I'm determined to catch this summer by the tail!  So, utilizing that same enthusiasm, let's talk shop! 


First in fashion tidbits from 'the weeks that were'.....

It looks like the revival of the iconic Halston brand has been a 'bust'!   In the wake of the departure of Sarah Jessica Parker, Harvey Weinstein, Tamara Mellon, and Creative Director Marios Schwab, brand owner Hilco Consumer Capital Halis is frantically trying to regroup.  

It seems as though former BCBG Max Azria president Ben Malka is being named head of Halston Heritage and may be joined by Marie Mazelis who is currently the creative director for the Herve Leger and Max Azria lines.    Not sure if the lack of 'star power' previously fueled by Parker/Weinstein/Mellon will hurt the brand's chances of reclaiming its position in the fashion world but I'm sure the next collection will be telling....

In more news, Mz. JS will be thrilled at the fact that TopShop will  be opening in Chicago  later this fall  and Mz. KPN will be happy to hear that H&M is opening a couple of locations in Dallas starting August 18th and later this winter.   There is also buzz that H&M will be opening an outpost in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.    I feel like Oprah: "YOU GET A TOPSHOP! AND YOU GET AN H&M! AND YOU GET AN H&M!!!". LOL!  In similar expansion news, U.S.-based Forever 21 opened its first London store last week on  famed Oxford Street!  


On the subject of international stylin', our resident 'fashion therapist' Mz. PS is bringing the beauty of India directly to us with the launch of  her Beloved Star resort line last week in NYC.  The luxury brand's debut collection features an array of beautifully handcrafted beach cover-ups, caftans, and tunics which will be available exclusively at www.fx4boutique.com later this month.

Another lady on the move is super-celeb stylist June Ambrose.  Ambrose recently announced the August launch of her new website "Juniverse" where she will document her day-to-day life as a celebrity fashion stylist.  I spotted the fashionista at the Super Saturday charity shopping extravaganza this past weekend as she looked so fly chatting with Starr Jones. I look forward to checking out Ambrose's world with her new website!

I always say "better late than never"....I know most of you think I use the adage to excuse my constant tardiness but there is something to be said about actually 'showing up' at all.   With that said, for all of you latecomers to the Met's Alexander McQueen "Savage Beauty" exhibit, here is your final opportunity to 'show up'!  This upcoming weekend, the final weekend of the exhibit, the Museum will be open until midnight!  I strongly suggest that you take advantage of the extended hours because this exhibit is NOT to be missed....  Mr. McQueen is nothing less than GENIUS! 
 

While true artistry on McQueen's level is rarely accessible the general masses, here is something fun, easy, and inexpensive that could very easily be included in McQueen's "Cabinet of Curiosities"!  Paperself's fantabulous paper false eyelashes are unique eye accessories based on the ancient art of Chinese paper cutting.  These reusable false eyelashes are easy to cut to fit/style/fix with standard eyelash glue and come in the following styles: Butterfly & Deer, Peacock, and Under the Sea.   Purchase for approximately $20 at www.nonesuchthings.com.    Check it out here:

  

In more U.K.-based beauty news, Nail Inc.'s new Magnetic Attraction nail polish will be giving the 'shattered nail' trend a run for its money!  The U.K.-based company has created nail technology utilizing magnetic fields.   Just apply any one of the three metallic shades containing iron powder and and wave the nail polish cap (which contains an embedded magnet) over the fresh polish to create the 'magnetized ripple' effect.  
 
 
In nail news state-side, airport nail salon XpressSpa will begin offering manicures at select Sephora locations (NYC's Times Square and 34th St. outposts are the first Sephora locations to offer this service beginning tomorrow) which will allow customers to select nail art options, buy the base polish of your choice, and then chose a nail technician to produce the style chosen.  Prices range from $22-$75 depending on the number and complexity of the design. 

Now, to get to the 'meat' of the matter....


As I discussed in my most recent post, Balmain is debuting its lower-priced secondary line for both women and men this December.    Although the pieces from the 'Pierre Balmain' collection will retail for a fraction of the cost of the main line, the prices are still on the 'steeper' side, ranging from $172 to $1,291.   Check out some of the recent images from the collection:

Also as previously discussed, Brian Atwood's secondary line 'B Brian Atwood'  is actually becoming a reality and recently enjoyed an exclusive pre-sale debut this past week on http://www.saks.com/.  Check out the details and ultra lux feel of these B Brian Atwood picks below:
  

 

Another new addition to the world of lower-priced, secondary  lines is designer Matthew Williamson.  MW by Matthew Williamson is Williamson's new diffusion line that is meant to appeal to a broader range of clients at lower price-points.  Again, I'm still so in love with my Matthew Williamson for H&M pieces that these new MW pieces would totally have to 'wow' me to convince me to indulge because I was not impressed by his Macy's collabo!  Will try to spy some photos soon.

Not sure Rachel Zoe is as concerned about 'accessibility' as Balmain, Brian Atwood, Matthew Williamson, etc. BUT she is quite concerned about the lack fashion options for her new baby boy Skyler.   Naturally, Zoe is taking matters in to her own hands and has announced that she's creating a high-end childrens clothing line where boys clothes will be her obvious focus. 

Moving on to hi/lo brand collaborations:

David Beckham recently announced the debut of his new 'lifestyle brand' initially featuring a bodywear and fragrance line.   Beckham has partnered with H&M to carry his new bodywear line beginning in February 2011.  I am PRAYING that he will convince his wife to follow suit, as my  'dream' collabos for  H&M actually include Victoria Beckham and Tom Ford!

New developments have been made in the Karl Lagerfeld/Macy's collection.  The one-off limited edition line priced between $50 and $170 will be sold in 235 Macy's stores across the country and on Macys.com starting on August 31st. 

While we're all still in shock over the Jennifer Lopez/Marc Anthony split, J Lo and Marc are attempting to 'work it out' - in the fashion biz that is....
Apparently "the show will go on" with regard to the couple's Kohl's collaboration due to launch this September -although the lines will now be advertised as two separate collections. 


"Holla Back Girl" Gwen Stefani- is partnering with Target with 'Harajuku Mini" - a line targeting babies, children, and 'tweens.   I will definitely keep my eyes/ears open on the development of that collection!

 

Sadly, the final collection of the +J collaboration between Jil Sander and Uniqlo is debuting this fall.  Here are a few photos from the final ad campaign. 

On the subject of Uniqlo collaborations, this one is pretty interesting! 

The Highline in NYC's Chelsea neighborhood has joined Uniqlo in the creation of a new 8,000 square foot outdoor roller-skating rink located at W. 30th and 10th Avenue that will be open now until September 26th of this year.    The greatest thing about the collaboration is that you can skate AND shop (at the Uniqlo brand 'Cube' which will offer jackets, t-shirts, and accessories for sale) at the same time!  "Rooooock, Skate, Roooooolllll, Bounce!"


Lastly, America's favorite mascara: Maybelline's Great Lash is celebrating its 40th birthday with a bang!  Great Lash is partnering with designers Tracy Reese, Vivienne Tam, and Max Azria in order to create a limited edition tube design collection available for $6.99 exclusively at Target in September.

Now that we've gotten all of the latest fashion news out of the way, let's look at my most recent 'haute hunting' finds'!

Forever 21 Side Neck-tie Blouse $22.80 (color and style screams Valentino ;-))

Asos Chiffon Jumpsuit $112.  Sexy and Angelic at the same time!

Asos Color-Blocked Jumpsuit $112.  Nail multiple trends in one with this piece!

Asos Aqua Deep V-Neck/Open Back Dress $151. HAUTENESS PERSONIFIED!

Asos Twisted One Shoulder Dress $77.58.  I love the detail and color of this sexy number!

Mason By Michelle Mason One-Shoulder Gown $341 at Shopbop.  Tres' Chic!

Floral Dress from H&M's upcoming Fall "Conscious Collection".  Very 'Mad Men'

TopShop Contrast Sleeve Leather Biker Jacket $300. Great Fall Piece!

Asos Leather Leopard Pony-hair Biker Jacket $275.  A Funky Approach to a Fashion Staple!

Forever 21's Faux Fur Animal Print Fedora is a steal for $8.80 and a great addition to any fall wardrobe.

This Asos Leather Envelop Clutch for $90 IS THE BUSINESS! ENOUGH SAID!

Love these Marc Jacob Over-sized Aviators in White at Shopbop for $98.  KILLIN' EM!

Lastly, I'm not a sneaker girl BUT I have to give props when I see a great pair of 'sassy' kicks! These $50 TopShop Leopard/Patent Leather High Tops are adorable!

Here are some 'break the bank' items that recently caught my eye....

Cushnie Et Ochs Falling Drape Dress at ShopBop. So simple yet funky-with an equally as funky price tag of $1995.

Theyskens Theory Patent Leather Suede Ombre Wedge for $495 at Netaporter. Ok, can we talk about the graduation from patent leather to suede here? The 'technique' of this shoe is equally as fly as the look of it!

Christian Louboutin's Ziggy Heel for $1395 is a show-stopper!

Lastly, I've died and gone to heaven with these Charlotte Olympia Origami Pump for $1,195 on preview at Moda Operandi

Well folks, all good things must come to an end.  'Marinate' on these findings and I'll be back soon to put some more temptation in your path!
xoxo
me