HAUTE HUNTER:FALL FASHION FRENZY!

HELLOOO! I promise that my New Year's resolution will be to post more often and not let LIFE interrupt my path! Although I've been M.I.A for a few weeks on the website, I have been trying to get my 'twitter game' "on", so make sure you follow me- as I usually have one or two daily fashion 'updates' that you'd find interesting (and a smattering of personal commentary between fashionable folks that might make you laugh! ;-)).

Now, down to business....fashion and beauty business that is!

Starting off in the world of collaborations (for good reason), is big news with regard to the Versace/H&M partnership:

TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT!?! The OFFICIALLY Versace-helmed launch party/fashion show for the Versace for H&M collection is going on NOW at Pier 57 in New York City hosted by Donatella Versace herself! The REAL treat, besides the fashion of course, is that Prince AND Nicki Minaj are scheduled to perform! Wow!!! I don't know how this one slipped between the cracks for me BUT a few of our tres chic urbains will be in attendance! Mz. SH & Mz. TT, make sure you keep us posted minute by minute!!!!
Just to 'wet your whistle', here are a few of my personal favs from the collection:

In other collabo news, Macy's is NOT letting any grass grown under its feet! Fresh off of the heels of the Giambattista Valli launch (which I liked a 'tad' better than the KL collection- which is now on RIDICULOUS sale), Macy's has tagged one of Michelle Obama favorite designers- DOO.RI- as it's next fashion partner! The collection, which will only be available for 8 weeks (both in-store and on-line) starting February 15, will be priced from $39- $159. I don't know about you all, but I'm utterly speechless at the caliber of guest designers Macy's has been able to attract! It has made me a believer because quite frankly, I was NOT historically a Macy's fan! LOL.

I am a long-time fan, however of Tar'get and the designer collaborations they've produced (Alexander McQueen.....#enoughsaid). I'm not sure if you were able to snag one of the Albertus Swanepoel for Target hats, but I'll tell you, $19.99 for a genuine wool/damn near exact replica of his hats that sell at Barneys NY for $275-$385 is a NO BRAINER! I LOVE the three I purchased! In addition to the amazing hat purchases, I'm geared up to visit my local Target this coming Sunday, November 13th for the launch of Gwen Stefani’s children's Harajuku Mini line for Target! Check it out a few of these cute-as-a-button designs:

In other kids-wear news, Victoria Beckham is rumored to be starting her own childrens line- no doubt inspired by her new little princess Harper- who is already decked out to the 9s! I will keep you posted!

While we're on the subject of 'Posh Spice', Beckham's exclusive line for Net-a-Porter recently launched. Click here to see the collection:

http://www.net-a-porter.com/Shop/Designers/Victoria_Beckham/Clothing

In an interesting fashion collaboration 'twist', fashion designer Jason Wu is partnering with faucet brand Brizo with his "Odin" bathroom faucet. Wu's faucet design features "SmartTouchPlus" technology which allows for 'hands free' operation. Mz. NC, I'm quite sure that that you will be the first to install this faucet into one of your fabu bathrooms! Here's a photo.... I must say, it lends to a VERY lush lavatory!

Looking at Wu's brushed black steel design brings me back to H&M and the upcoming Trish Summerville/H&M collection. Famed Hollywood costume designer Summerville, who is currently being praised for her designs for the feature film The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, was inspired to create the 30-piece women's collection by the film's dark character Lisbeth Salander.

The collection will enjoy an exclusive launch at Colette in Paris on November 28th but will be available in H&M stores/on-line (ex-U.S.) on December 14th. Mz. LB, you know that you will definitely have to personally check out the Colette launch while you are in Paris and report back to us IMMEDIATELY! Make sure you pick up one of the leather 'brooding but sexy' pieces for me! :-)

In other 'sad but true' news, Liz Claiborne, owners of Juicy Couture and Kate Spade, has been sold to JcPenny for a little over a quarter of a billion dollars! Also, Filene's Basement is officially closing its doors right after the holidays. Filene's owner Syms Corp. recently filed for bankruptcy and plans to liquidate Filene's through the end of January. I must say, Filene's was my very first introduction to designer bargins so I am feeling the loss.

In the world of fashion BUSINESS, let's just say that the Christian Louboutin v. YSL fight has gotten a bit more interesting.... Apparently, CL's quest to protect his 'red bottoms' by appealing the court's decision deeming CL's patented red sole trademark unprotectable has inspired Tiffany & Co. to issue an "amicus curiae" brief in suport of CL's appeal due to the fact that Tiffany considers its 'robin's egg blue' to be equally as protectable as CL's 'red bottoms'. I, quite frankly, feel that 'Tiffany blue' could withstand the heat any day. Not knocking CL- as you know, I'm QUITE found of Mr. Louboutin and have invested more money than I care to mention on his shoes-but from a legal and business standpoint, Tiffany & Co's "Icon" status might hold a bit more weight....

In happier fashion news, Chanel/Fendi designer Karl Lagerfeld is on a role with yet another fashion line to add to his arsenal! The "Karl Collection" will feature "rock & roll" inspired pieces ranging from $95 to $450 and will launch exclusively on Net-a-Porter.com on January 25 and will be available on KarlLagerfeld.com a month later. Clearly, Karl is trying to attract a younger/hipper/middle-class customer base. I say BRAVO KL!

Oh, and don't think that since Karl Lagerfeld celebrated 78 years on this earth this year, he intends on slowing down! In addition to the new fashion line as discussed above, KL has collaborated with Sephora on a line of beauty products that have been exclusively released this past weekend in Singapore and European Sephora outposts!

Meanwhile, the Burberry brand is refusing to be left out of the beauty business while all of the other fashion labels/couture designers rack up the 'dough' (e.g. Tom Ford's recent VIP launch of his beauty line at Bergdorf Goodman in NYC resulted in $52,000 in sales in that ONE NIGHT!). Although Burberry debuted an exclusive cosmetic line at select Nordstrom departments stores last summer, they now have an official beauty counter at Sak's Fifth Avenue's flagship in NYC! It's definitely worth checking out!

MAC has announced that beginning on November 14th, their three-piece collaboration with Miss Piggy - YES, I SAID MISS PIGGY- will be unveiled. The line includes MAC's take on Miss Piggy's fake eyelashes, her frosted pink eyeshadow, and signature kohl-heavy eyes via a jet black liquid eyeliner. Looks like Miss Piggy's Harper Bazaar feature created some real fashion opportunities for her- I am NOT mad at that pig (excuse my 'french' :-))!

In 'nail news' Nicki Minaj has joined forces with OPI to create a 6-piece nail polish collection slated to be released early next year. Each shade is inspired by/named after songs from her first album (i.e. "Dit It On Em", "Pink Friday" and "Super Bass Shatter"). Do it Nicki!

And lastly, actress Paula Patton was recently announced the new face of CoverGirl's 'Queen Collection'. Congrats Paula!

Now, let's get down to real 'bizness'! I always love this part of my post where I get to share 'hi/lo' comps AND my 'Haute Hunt' picks with you!
First, I want to offer you some extraordinaire 'comps' and then I'll finish up with some fashion 'steals' and 'aspiration pieces'. Here we go!!!!!

Asos Felt Hat $26

Gucci Rabbit Fur Hat $495

Asos $26.19

Rachel By Rachel Roy $129

H&M Lace Pencil Skirt $59.99

Elie Tahari Lace Skirt $398

By Marlene Birger Snake Print Dress @ Shopbop $375

H&M Snake Print Dress $14.99

ALC Leopard Print Pant $396 @ Barneys

Giambattista Valli For Macy's Leopard Print Pant $99

Aubin&Wills blouse $220 @ Net-a-porter

Forever 21 blouse $17.80

Asos bathing suit $57

Sunseeker bathing suit $128 @ shopbop.com

Halston Heritage Hot Pant $325

Forever21 Hot Pant $22

Asos Chiffon Jump Suit $116

Lanvin Gown $$$$$

DVF dress approx $500

Asos as worn by FLOTUS $70

Now that you see that even Shelly-O is into the 'hi/lo' comp game (albeit, her situation may be more of a 'knock-off' scenerio vs. legitimate comparison ;-)), let me show you some findings from my "Haute Hunting" throughout the past few weeks! Don't you love the randomness of the placement/price points?!?!??!! ;-)

Charlotte Olympia Calf Hair Leopard Pumps $905 WORTH EVERY PENNY!

Forever 21 Kimono Top $19.80. Pair this with some 'rich' wide-legged trousers and you have a winner!

Rachel Pally Aurora Dress $246 @ Shopbop. A solid investment and very versatile but sexy dress!

Issa Open Back Dress $775 @ Shopbop. OK- you HAVE TO see this dress from the back! HAUTE!!!!

Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Plated Earrings $95 @ Net-a-porter. A no-brainer. They look like an exquisite museum piece!

Nicholas Kirkwood Shoe Booties $1,385. I'd save up for these two-toned booties!

Forever 21 Glitter Flats $16.80. Adorbs!

Forever 21 Leopard Print Tam. $9.80. A WONDERFUL Fall addition to any wardrobe and an AMAZING price! Look at the texture....que rico!

Pamela Love Mountain Cuff $938 @ Moda Operandi. I'd feel like "Wonder Woman" in this!

Dolce Vita Bijoux Pike Pump $189. Check out the luscious red patent leather and row of spikes down the middle- S.E.X.!

Christian Louboutin Duvette Metallic & Patent Pumps $675 @ Net-a-porter. Great investment- these are gorgeous!

Forever21 Beaded Clutch $28.80. This is an amazing accessory for a brilliant price! The colors/pattern POPS!!!

Soo Ihn Kim Jinx Cuff $58 @ Shopbop. BEAUTIFUL & SHOW-STOPPING CUFF AT A STEAL!

TopShop Wool Coat $400. This is such an elegant coat, length, and color. So classic!

Topshop Chain Scarf $30. What a FUNKY piece for such a small price! This would rev up any look!

TopShop Mesh Flame Bootie $150. SHOW-STOPPERS. PERIOD!

TopShop Snakeskin Platform Peep toe Pumps $200. Very 'couture' if worn with the right outfit and attitude. DO THE DARN THING!

Asos Black Lace Midi Dress $120. So classically sexy!

Asos Feather Bustier Dress $450. While I may have to wait for this to go on sale, I just love the 'sweet sexiness' of this dress (AND I have a 'thing' for feathers to boot ;-)).

Forever21 Damask Skinny Jean $29.80. So rich and funky!

Forever21 Cropped Shag Jacket $29.80. Take a close look at the size of the looping and blush tone; this jacket worn correctly could give you a luxurious yet fun vibe!