Hello SweetHautes/fellow Haute Hunters!
Congratulations on BARACKING THE VOTE with me! FOUR MORE YEARS!!! Let's GET IT!
It appears that I only come out for 'special occasions' these days considering the last time we chatted, it was in the midst of the 2012 Olympic Games! Nonetheless, we 'won' then and we're 'winning' now and that's what matters most!
Although I've been conspicuously absent (for reasons which I won't bore you with at this time), I have been thinking about you DAILY! I've been literally 'fiending' to share my 'haute hunt' finds with you but first, let's talk about what's going on in the world of fashion!
Not sure you've heard but Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquière is calling it quits! According to WWD, the French designer who was hired as Balenciaga's creative designer back in 1997 will vacate the fashion house on November 30th of this year. Your guess is as good as mine as to Ghesquière's replacement....
On the heels of divesting itself of its Jetsetter travel site, Gilt Group is also on the executive search hunt. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the luxury members only e-commerce site is actively attempting to replace co-founder Kevin Ryan as the company's chief executive.
In other unfortunate news, the Ralph Lauren Corp. has decided to shut down their Rugby diffusion brand.
Congratulations on BARACKING THE VOTE with me! FOUR MORE YEARS!!! Let's GET IT!
It appears that I only come out for 'special occasions' these days considering the last time we chatted, it was in the midst of the 2012 Olympic Games! Nonetheless, we 'won' then and we're 'winning' now and that's what matters most!
Although I've been conspicuously absent (for reasons which I won't bore you with at this time), I have been thinking about you DAILY! I've been literally 'fiending' to share my 'haute hunt' finds with you but first, let's talk about what's going on in the world of fashion!
Not sure you've heard but Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquière is calling it quits! According to WWD, the French designer who was hired as Balenciaga's creative designer back in 1997 will vacate the fashion house on November 30th of this year. Your guess is as good as mine as to Ghesquière's replacement....
On the heels of divesting itself of its Jetsetter travel site, Gilt Group is also on the executive search hunt. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the luxury members only e-commerce site is actively attempting to replace co-founder Kevin Ryan as the company's chief executive.
In other unfortunate news, the Ralph Lauren Corp. has decided to shut down their Rugby diffusion brand.
On the brighter side, PVH Corp, which acquired the Calvin Klein brand almost a decade ago, has consolidated with the Warnaco Group, who just so happens to be licensee of the brand's denim and underwear brands. Vogue UK reports the deal to be valued at almost $3billion!
On the subject of acquisitions, Jay-Z and Mz. Bey may be considering a trademark acquisition.... As you may have heard, the Carters' attempt to trademark baby Blu's name went BUST and the current owner of the the trademark - a Boston based wedding planner- is open to make a deal! I bet you when the Blue Ivy wedding planning company trademarked its name, they had NO idea what was in store! Hopefully they can cash in on their name in a mighty big way courtesy of the Carters!
For you legal eagles who have been following the Christian Louboutin/YSL red sole cat-fight, it seems as though the mess is finally over! Although courts ruled in YSL's favor when CL decided to try to stop them from selling shoes with red soles (even though the validity of CL's red sole trademark was reaffirmed by the courts), Vogue UK reports that YSL has decided to dismiss their lawsuit challenging the trademark's validity altogether and that "(b)y dismissing the case now, Yves Saint Laurent also wishes to ensure that the Court will not make any further rulings that put at risk the ability of fashion designers to trademark colour in appropriate cases." Louboutin has gladly accepted the truce!
Coach has also just scored a legal victory when it was awarded $257 million in a lawsuit against almost 600 websites selling fake Coach merchandise. Umm, good luck tracking down your cash from these bogus websites Coach....
Speaking of tracking down cash, the Italian tax bureau has charged Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana to with tax evasion- which is considered a criminal offense in Italy! Whoa...not sure how well D&G will fare in jail (but hey, they may not be mad at it ;-).
Worse than being in jail, however, is dealing with a woman scorned! Chris Burch, Tory's ex, is now on the offense after suing his ex-wife on several contractual claims. Tory not only answered those claims in a recent filing BUT, according to Fashionista, she made several counter-claims against Chris (mostly concerning his C.Wonder franchise)! Oh oh....this is going to get real messy!
And, in more news about women scorned, several fashion models have joined forces and initiated a $20million lawsuit against Ford, Elite Models Management, and Wilhelmina to recover monies they claim they lost when the agencies concealed funds from them. Good for them going after the 'big boys' of the industry!
Now, let's get to the GOOOOOOD STUFF!
As you all know, I'm a sucker for these designer collaborations- and have been really excited about the Narciso Rodriguez for Kohl's DesigNation collection currently available at Kohl's stores and online at Kohls.com. Beware, however, because Mz. TK has been serving as our 'man on the street' and recently visited a Kohls location to check out the line in person. She reports that although the sizing is off (as in cut waaaaay too big) and some of the fabrics are a bit flimsy, there are a few pieces worth securing (especially for the price).
As you all know, I'm a sucker for these designer collaborations- and have been really excited about the Narciso Rodriguez for Kohl's DesigNation collection currently available at Kohl's stores and online at Kohls.com. Beware, however, because Mz. TK has been serving as our 'man on the street' and recently visited a Kohls location to check out the line in person. She reports that although the sizing is off (as in cut waaaaay too big) and some of the fabrics are a bit flimsy, there are a few pieces worth securing (especially for the price).
Although Narciso's collection is receiving mixed reviews, the fall capsule I'm eagerly awaiting is the Maison Martin Margiela for H&M line!
Set your alarm clocks for 8:00 a.m. on November 15th because H&M is opening the door early to let you in! Here are a listing of U.S. stores where you can find the collection stateside (courtesy of Nitrolicious.com):
*640 5th Ave & 51st St
New York, NY 10019
*731 Lexington Ave.
New York, NY 10022
*111 5th Ave.
NY, NY 10003
*150 East 86th ST
New York, NY 10028
*60 Columbus Circle
New York NY 10019
New York, NY 10001
*505 Fifth Ave
New York, NY 10017
*Queens Center Mall
90-15 Queens Blvd
Elmhurst, NY 11373
*100 Newbury St.
Boston, MA 02116
*Garden State Plaza Rte. 4 & 17
Paramus, NJ 07653
*435 7th Ave.
New York, NY 10001
*515 Broadway
New York, NY 10012
*1725-1727 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
*1025 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
*231 18th St
Atlanta, GA 30363
*8001 South Orange Blossom Trail Suite 1400
Orlando, FL 32809
*3101 PGA Blvd E-129+P-223
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
*551 Lincoln Road,
Miami Beach FL 33139
Chicago, IL 60611
*22 N. State Street
Chicago, IL 60602
*8687 North Central Expressway – Suite 1620
Dallas, TX 75225
*13350 Dallas Parkway – space 2750 & 2760
Dallas, TX 75240
*11410 Century Oaks Terrace
Austin, TX 78758
San Francisco, CA 94102
*520 Pike St, suite 100
Seattle, WA 98101
*340 SW Morrison St, #2380
Portland, OR 97204
*334 Sanatana Row
San Jose, CA 95128
*3500 South Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89109
*7014 E. Camelback Road #1409
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
*3000 East 1st Ave, Unit 126
Denver, CO 80206
*30 S. Main St. – Suite 130A
Salt Lake City, UT 84150
*8500 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
*891 Americana Way
Glendale, CA 91210
*8580 W. Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
*10250 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90067
*3333 Bristol Street Suite#2819
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
*7007 Friars Road – Space # 713
San Diego, CA 92108
Set your alarm clocks for 8:00 a.m. on November 15th because H&M is opening the door early to let you in! Here are a listing of U.S. stores where you can find the collection stateside (courtesy of Nitrolicious.com):
*640 5th Ave & 51st St
New York, NY 10019
*731 Lexington Ave.
New York, NY 10022
*111 5th Ave.
NY, NY 10003
*150 East 86th ST
New York, NY 10028
*60 Columbus Circle
New York NY 10019
New York, NY 10001
*505 Fifth Ave
New York, NY 10017
*Queens Center Mall
90-15 Queens Blvd
Elmhurst, NY 11373
*100 Newbury St.
Boston, MA 02116
*Garden State Plaza Rte. 4 & 17
Paramus, NJ 07653
*435 7th Ave.
New York, NY 10001
*515 Broadway
New York, NY 10012
*1725-1727 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
*1025 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
*231 18th St
Atlanta, GA 30363
*8001 South Orange Blossom Trail Suite 1400
Orlando, FL 32809
*3101 PGA Blvd E-129+P-223
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
*551 Lincoln Road,
Miami Beach FL 33139
Chicago, IL 60611
*22 N. State Street
Chicago, IL 60602
*8687 North Central Expressway – Suite 1620
Dallas, TX 75225
*13350 Dallas Parkway – space 2750 & 2760
Dallas, TX 75240
*11410 Century Oaks Terrace
Austin, TX 78758
San Francisco, CA 94102
*520 Pike St, suite 100
Seattle, WA 98101
*340 SW Morrison St, #2380
Portland, OR 97204
*334 Sanatana Row
San Jose, CA 95128
*3500 South Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89109
*7014 E. Camelback Road #1409
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
*3000 East 1st Ave, Unit 126
Denver, CO 80206
*30 S. Main St. – Suite 130A
Salt Lake City, UT 84150
*8500 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
*891 Americana Way
Glendale, CA 91210
*8580 W. Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
*10250 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90067
*3333 Bristol Street Suite#2819
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
*7007 Friars Road – Space # 713
San Diego, CA 92108
Note: Please be sure not to spend all your money on MMM at H&M, because , as I previously reported, on December 1, 2012, Target and Nieman Marcus will launch their cross-promotional 50 piece holiday collection featuring the clothing, house ware, and accessory designs of 24 CFDA designers. You can nab a piece from Jason Wu, Rodarte, Oscar de la Renta, or Tracy Reese for $7.99 to $499.99 simultaneously at Target and Nieman Marcus! Take look: http://abullseyeview.com/target-neiman-marcus-holiday-collection-lookbook.
Since we talked up Target..... once they clean out the shelves on their holiday joint venture with NM, they will resume their solo collaboration efforts on February 10, 2013 with Prabal Gurung! Gurung, one of Flotus' fav designers, has created a line of clothing and accessories ranging from $12.99 to $199 "'inspired by love' said Gurung" as reported on FabSugar.com.
Japanese retailer Uniqlo isn't going to sit back and allow H&M and Target to have all the fun! Although I never thought they could make a 'collabo comeback' after they ceased production on their +J collection, they are peaking my interest once again with their new "T Down" collection with uptown girl (and guy) favorite- Theory. The "T Down" collection hits selves at both Uniqlo and Theory (and Theory.com) on November 15 and will consist of a range of hooded jackets retailing around $149. I'm sure going to take a look!
Uniqlo isn't the only Japanese company solidifying meaningful 'cross-continental' relationships....
Sanrio has re-upped their partnership with Forever21 to create a sophomore capsule in their "Hello Kitty Forever" collection. The new offerings will be available on November 16th and will consist of over 110 clothing and home items ranging from $4.80 to $29.80. I saw a couple of the clothing pieces and they were really cute. Mz. CA will be VERY happy!
Sanrio has re-upped their partnership with Forever21 to create a sophomore capsule in their "Hello Kitty Forever" collection. The new offerings will be available on November 16th and will consist of over 110 clothing and home items ranging from $4.80 to $29.80. I saw a couple of the clothing pieces and they were really cute. Mz. CA will be VERY happy!
In other fashion 'hook up' news, Fashionista has hipped us to the news that rapper M.I.A. is sharpening her fashion design skills with Donatella at Versace! I'm very interested to see what these two ladies have in store for us....
And he may not be a rapper, but Nigerian-born/U.K. designer Duro Olowu is a star in my eyes so I'm so glad I can FINALLY afford one of his pieces! How, you may ask?!? Well, Olowu is teaming up with J.C. Penney (yes, you heard me...) to design a limited-edition capsule of clothing and accessories under $100 featuring his signature prints. Look out for Olowu's J.C. Penney collection this coming March.
And he may not be a rapper, but Nigerian-born/U.K. designer Duro Olowu is a star in my eyes so I'm so glad I can FINALLY afford one of his pieces! How, you may ask?!? Well, Olowu is teaming up with J.C. Penney (yes, you heard me...) to design a limited-edition capsule of clothing and accessories under $100 featuring his signature prints. Look out for Olowu's J.C. Penney collection this coming March.
Speaking of rappers/stars, former 'hip-hop wife' Rachel Roy is 'going guru'....spiritual guru, that is....
Roy and Deepak Chopra have made a 'spiritual connection' with their line of t-shirts and jewelry ranging from $38 to $245 featuring Ayurvedic mantras and symbols.
In other jewelry collaboration news, Vera Wang for Zales is now including rings for the groom! How's that for "equal opportunity"?Roy and Deepak Chopra have made a 'spiritual connection' with their line of t-shirts and jewelry ranging from $38 to $245 featuring Ayurvedic mantras and symbols.
Likewise, Karl Lagerfeld's Fossil watch collection, which will make its debut next year, will be marketed to both women and men and "will come in an assortment of colors and be decorated with pyramid studs, metallic leathers and shiny chains. Also, each one will incorporate an engraving of the Kaiser's unmistakable ponytailed profile", according to Racked.com.
In beauty news, supermodel Iman is expanding her cosmetic line to include Beauty Balms or "BBs" (a combination of foundation, skin corrector, and sunscreen all rolled into one) according to Racked.com. Personally, I'm really excited and very proud of Iman for being such an innovator!
Another lady on the move is actress/producer turned Cover Girl Drew Barrymore. Barrymore is preparing for the end of her Cover Girl contract this coming January by solidifying plans to launch a make-up line exclusive to Wal-Mart. WWD reports the line will be a collaboration between Barrymore and Italian beauty supplier Inercos.
FashionBombDaily.com recently featured a limited edition nail collection resulting from a collaboration between OPI and Mariah Carey. Mz. Mimi's line features exciting finishes and textures that are sure to please.
And in more nail collaboration news, the Bauble Bar jewelry website and Essie have gotten together to create six $50 bracelet/nail polish combos. Check out www.baublebar.com to take a look!
Now that we're in the fashion 'know', let's tempt ourselves with some 'haute hunt' fashion finds!
Because I was able to acquire TONS of 'hi/lo' comps in the last four months, let's start with a sampling of just a few of what I've collected this fall!
Because I was able to acquire TONS of 'hi/lo' comps in the last four months, let's start with a sampling of just a few of what I've collected this fall!
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| Michael Kors Cable Knit Sweater $150 @Netaporter |
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| Narciso Rodrigues Gold Cable Knit Sweater $58.80 @Kohls |
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| Kaelen Contrast Dress $625 @Shopbop |
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| Love Illusion Contrast Dress $44.28 @Asos |
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| Derek Lam Oxblood Leather Dress $2485 @ Netaporter |
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| Urban Code Oxblood Leather Dress $166.89 @Asos |
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| Dolce & Gabbana Cherub Dress $1545 @Netaporter |
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| Cherub Dress $66.28@Asos |
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| Hakaan Blouse $980 @Netaporter |
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| Zara Blouse $79.90
|
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| Balenciaga Leather Tuxedo Stripe Pant $$$ |
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| Wax-coated Tuxedo Stripe Pant $27.80 @Forever21 |
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| Alexander Wang Leather Combo Dress $765 @Netaporter |
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| Alexander Wang Leather Combo Skirt $1150 @Netaporter |
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| Alice & Olivia Leather Combo Dress $596 @Shopbop |
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| Leather Combo Dress $258.69 @Asos |
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| Just Cavalli Leopard Print Blouse $765 @Shopbop |
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| Leopard Print Blouse $22.80 @Forever21 |
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| Rick Owens Shawl-Front Blouse $395 |
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| Shawl-Front Blouse $89.90 @Zara |
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| B Brian Atwood Green Textured Metallic Pump $350 @Shopbop |
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| Fall 2012 Green Metallic Snakeskin Pumps $$$ |
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| Alice & Olivia Wedges $295 @Shopbop |
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| Wedges $99 @H&M |
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| Victoria Beckham Sheath Dress with Leather Sleeves $2825 @Netaporter |
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| Leather Sleeve Sheath Dress $99 @Zara |
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| Valentino Puff Sleeve Dress $3100 @Netaporter |
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| Puff Sleeve Dress $99.99 @Zara |
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| Blaque Label Cape Jacket $88 @Shopkissandtell.com |
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| Sass & Bide Cape Jacket $758.82 @Asos |
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| Camilla & Marc Blazer $720 @Shopbop |
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| Blazer $32.80 @Forever21
|
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| Long Sleeve Jumpsuit $99.90 @Zara |
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| Valentino Fall 2012 Long Sleeve Jumpsuit $$$$ |
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| Valentino Studded Pump $895 |
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| Schutz Studded Pump $185 |
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| Dolce & Gabbana Open-toe Lace Bootie $925 |
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| Silvia Tcherassi Open-toe Lace Bootie $49.99 @Payless |
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| Free People Sequin Pant $168 @Shopbop |
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| Sequin Pant $79.99 @Zara |
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| Oscar De La Renta Earrings $440 @Netaporter |
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| Kirna Zabete for Target Earrings $7.49 @Kirnazabete.com |
Now, check out some smart buy 'flyness' in the area of shoes and accessories that I've gathered during my latest 'Haute Hunt' expedition:
SHOES:
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| Topshop Gold Heeled Platform Shoes $130 |
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| Iridescent Hunter Boots $180 @Topshop |
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| Senso Wooden-heeled Platform Booties $299.03 @Asos |
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| Glitter-heel Pump $110 @TopShop |
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| Oxblood Platform Pump $176 @Topshop |
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| 'Funny Face' Platform @124 @Topshop |
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| Wedge Boot $199 @Zara |
ACCESSORIES:
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| Aqua Lens Ray Bans $155 @Shopbop |
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| Necklace $34.95 @H&M |
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| Hope Bracelet $45 @Holbrooke by Simone Berry |
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| Chain-link and rhinestone Necklace $19.80 @ Forever21 |
In the meantime, check me out on twitter (pending my pre-existing technical 'glitch') and instagram @MzHauteHunter!
xo
me
