HAUTE HUNTER: LIVING LA VIDA LOCA!

 I must say that although life has been a bit 'crazy' for most-if not all-of us lately, I've decided to try to turn that 'crazy' from a negative to a positive and instead of allowing my 'crazy' life to  'live' me, I am going to 'live' it! 

In another crazy move, I would like to pretend for a moment that the Dow isn't dropping it like it's hot, the U.S. hasn't  lost its triple-A credit rating, and the entire world is not  in a major crisis in some form or another  so that I can report some  momentary 'fluff' to you....

Crazy, right? Here it goes....

Starting off with not so 'fluffy news', H&M is joining the fight against Breast Cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October by launching their new "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" collection which will be sold in all H&M stores starting October 6th.  The cost of the lingerie collection will range from $4.95 to $19.95 with 25% of all proceeds benefiting the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer efforts.  BRAVO H&M!

In  celeb fashion news,  we all know that Jay-Z and Kanye's album "Watch The Throne" is being released in brick and mortar stores today but what you probably didn't know is that the album artwork was designed by Givenchy's creative director Riccardo Tisci!  Take a look at the 'royal' CD cover .....it's muy 'fancy'!

Speaking of Jay-Z, last week, Jay-Z's fashion label Rocawear obtained licensing rights to Pharrell Williams' Billionaire Boys Club brand.  Williams will continue to work on the brand's creative direction while Mr. Carter will head the business functions.  Work it out boys!

Talking about Pharrell Williams brings up memories of Mz. TT during "the good ole days"! Speaking of Mz. TT, she recently introduced me to a new line of sandals  called Bali Soles (http://www.balisoles.com/).     The shoes, which are priced from $140-$170, are made with sustainable rattan from Indonesia.  The first collection, which is a collaboration between Curated Designs and Michelle Roy, feature three lines: Glam Rock, Resort, and Couture.  Take a look at my favs (which are so fabulously 'tribal'....grrrrrr!):

After quoting Ricky Martin earlier, I have to make my first collabo story about another Puerto Rican icon: Mz. Jennifer Lopez!  J-Lo is featured in the September issue if O magazine which hit newsstands this week.   'Jenny From The Block' is joined by various 'real life women' who are all wearing pieces from her upcoming Kohl's collection.  Here she is in  her creations...the outfit is  kinds cute! 

In other celebrity collabo news, designer Rachel Roy seems to have found her perfect mate in Amare Stoudemire ....fashion 'mate' that is!  Apparently Roy and Stoudemire have joined forces to create a women's clothing collection for Roy's Rachel Rachel Roy secondary line.   Roy said the collection was inspired by the energy and the fans of Madison Square Garden which has spawn a wide range of athletic-inspired pieces consisting of sweat pant, t-shirts, jackets, and dresses based in a heather gray color palette with orange accents  ( in honor of the NY Knicks).  I'll definitely be on the lookout for photo previews of the line to share with you!

Next in hi/lo collaborations, I am VERY pleasantly surprised at the press images from the Karl Lagerfeld for  Macy’s collection!  Take a look at these photos of the collection (which launches on August 31st with price-tags ranging from $50-$170) and I dare you to tell me that these pieces are NOT signature Karl!  While you all know I am not a huge Macy's fan, I WILL be front and center to pick up a few pieces from the Chanel designer! This is even better than his H&M collabo!!!

Last but not least in hi/lo collaboration news, preview images for the Missoni for Target line, which I previously reported will launch on September 13th,  are finally here!  I must say that I think I'm impressed! Mz. MLH, please restrain yourself from buying up the store! LOL

In beauty news, Salma Hayek finally launched her skincare/cosmetic line for CVS drug stores this week.  Nuance by Salma Hayek is an exclusive collection of over 100 products inspired by Hayek's grandmother.    As I previously reported, Nuance combines her grandmother's homemade beauty recipes with today's technology.   Visit a CVS near you or go to CVS.com to view/purchase the line priced from $2.99 to $19.00. 

Adding to her ever evolving brand, our girl Rachel Zoe is now a lipstick queen!  Lipstick brand Exude has now tapped Zoe to be their brand ambassador.  The $29 lipstick tube was even designed by Zoe.        

Lastly in the world of cosmetic collaborations introduced this week, Dolce & Gabbana and celebrity make-up artist Pat McGrath recently announced the debut of their Secret Eyes Lengthening Mascara. Secret Eyes features a brush designed to ensure a perfectly defined lash in one swipe and is smudge-proof.  The sexy gold case is worth the $29 price tag alone! 

 

Now, for my favorite part, FASHION!

Here are some of my picks for the week.  You'll see that for whatever reason, I've been feeling beautifully soft blouses/detailed jackets, flowy dresses, 'statement' shoes/accessories, and animal texture/prints these days....go figure! Check it out...

Blouses/Detailed jackets first:

Asos Sheer lace blouse for $51.72.  The lace/the color...how romantically sexy!

Very funky Funktional Blouse @ shopbop for $130

The color pops on this Vera Moda Side Button Blouse @ Asos for $60.

I also love the color and construction of this bow top from Asos for $32.80

Asos is winning again with this ultra-feminine Frill Neck Blouse for $54.

The asymmetrical bow tie on the neck of this fitted blouse is hot on this $43 top from Asos!

This TopShop Drape Blouse for $70  is equally as funky as it is classy!

Forever21 puts a casual spin on this drapey top for $19.80.

This H&M poncho for $24.95 is a steal and is definitely on-trend for this fall!

This $118 TopShop tuxedo jacket is a MUST! Google "Diane Kruger/Jason Wu" to find out why!

Now on to dresses:

I love the fit/length /price of this Forever21 dress for $24.80!

This Rachel For Rachel Roy Alladin Dress for $149 is FIERCE!

This zebra cut-out dress from TopShop for $100 is SEXY!

There is something very architectural about this Asos Folded Sleeve Dress for $60.59

This Asos Pussy Bow dress is a great dress to carry into fall for $49.

I love the hue and style of this Asos waist bow dress for $86.50. Very classic with a sexy, modern spin!

Speaking of sexy, Asos does it again with this Pencil Dress for $68.96. Check out the shoulders!

H&M will not be outdone in the 'sexy' department with this $49.95 Bustier Dress. HOT!

Zara is adding a futuristic tone  with this metallic mini dress for $189

Close out this summer with this easy, breezy one-shoulder dress from Forever21 for $24.80.

And OK, this is not a a dress but damn, this Zara Open Back Jumpsuit is HAUTE-esp. for $79.90!!!!

 Now for the statement shoes/accessories:

TopShop's suede and ponyhair booties for $156 are THE BIZNESS!

Don't sleep on these TopShop Burgundy Ponyhair Pumps for $160.



Another addition to the TopShop Ponyhair shoe arsenal are these $190 booties. A MUST  in your closet this fall!

These metallic butterfly/suede open toe booties from Zara for $169 will make your Fall as hot as the Summer!

Another Open-toe bootie from Zara for $159 in metallic leather

This Zara Beaded Collar for $79.90 looks like a museum piece!

Zara is winning again with this chain-mail scarf. $49.90

And what a way to close out this segment- this leopard print fascinator from Zara for $35.90 is TRES CHIC!

 While I did have a few hi/lo comps to share with you all, this post is getting kinda long and my fingers are getting a bit worn out from typing so I'll have to save it for later.   Until then, take care of yourselves and may your vida be muy loca (in a good way ;-)) .

xo

me