Haute Hunter Presents...Le Chic Urbain

Friday, January 27, 2012

HAUTE HUNTER: January Round-Up Part DEUX....

So now that you've read part one of this 'January Round-Up' ("The Return of Betty Bad-Ass") and caught up on all the fashion news fit to print (or at least the news I felt was interesting to other Le Chic Urbains like myself),let's take a look at some of the best looking 'deals'/'steals' found on my favorite sites during this latest Haute Hunt expedition (in no particular order...like I like it! ;-)):

Boutique 9 Lucite Wedge Heels $140 @Shopbop

Young Fabulous & Broke Maxi Dress $190 @ Shopbop

Kenneth Jay Lane Oversize Gold Plated Ring $100 @ Netaporter

Sam Edelman Pump $100 @ Shopbop

Thayer Halter One-Piece Bathing suit $200 @ Shopbop

Boucle Trim Trench $143 @ ASOS

H&M Metallic Pant (price unlisted)

H&M Metallic Peplum Top (price unlisted)

H&M Blush Leather Skirt (Price Unlisted)

H&M Spring Collection (Prices unlisted)

H&M Colorblock Dress Spring Collection (Price Unlisted)

H&M Spring Collection (Price Unlisted)

H&M Spring Collection Dress (Price Unlisted)

Motel V-Neck Playsuit $87.26 @ ASOS

Beaded Coral Necklace $8.80 @ Forever21

Oscar de la Renta 24 kt Gold Plated Earring $190 @ Netaporter

Rachel Pally Maxi Dress $238 @ Shopbop

Nude Platform Pumps $176 @ TopShop

Nude Leather Harness $80 @ TopShop

Silver Body Chain $85@ TopShop

Asymmetrical Dress $89.90 @ Zara

Floral Tiered Dress $89.90 @ Zara

Glitter Ball Bag $29.90 @ Zara

Studded Biker Boot $159 @ Zara

B by Brian Atwood Fringe Sandal $400 @ Shopbop

Wrap Maxi Dress $76 @ TopShop

Feel The Piece Jumpsuit $163 @ Shopbop

Printed Top $39.99 and Printed Skirt $39.99 @ H&M

Polka Dot Pussy Boy Blouse $17.95 @ H&M

Now, for the 'Fantasy' (or "Lay-a-way") pieces:

Herve Leger Colorblock Dress $1350 @ Shopbop

Herve Leger Bathing suit $690 @ TopShop

Christian Louboutin Spiked Metallic Pump $1495 @ Netaporter

Doo Ri Convertible Trench Coat $1795 @ Shopbop

Lisa Marie Fernandez Silver Bikini $280 @ Netaporter

Lisa Marie Fernandez Glossy One-Piece $315 @ Netaporter

Matthew Williamson Embroidered Caftan Dress $2995@ Netaporter

Sheri Bodell Metal-Detail Halter Gown $546 @ Shopbop

Vionnet Two-Toned Dress $4140 @ Netaporter

Gucci Leather with Gold Metal Detail Bag $2100 @ Saks

Gucci Peep-toe T-Strap Pump $1195 @ Saks

Christian Louboutin Metallic Snakeskin Glitter Platform $1395 @ Saks

Christian Louboutin Feather/Suede Loafer $795 @ Saks

Sass & Bide One-Shoulder Dress $440 @ Shopbop

Charlotte Olympia Bootie $995 @ Moda Operandi

YSL Suede & Metal Plate Loafer $1695@ Saks

Oh, and let me throw in a 'hi/lo' comp for Mz. SWW (since she loves those... .;-)):

Clover Canyon Floral Skirt $185 @Shopbop

Vibrant Skirt $22.80 @Forever21

O.k. Folks....enough shopping....Until next time....
xo
me
P.S.- don't forget to follow me @ MzHauteHunter!

HAUTE HUNTER: January Round-Up: F/K/A "The Return of Betty Bad-Ass!"

Happy New Year (with reference to both 2012 in general and the Chinese New Year) !!!! I am so happy 2012 is here- so many great things have transpired so far! As you can see, I took an extended vacay for most of December into early January and in the process, gained some understanding as to where I want to be in my life in 2012 and beyond. In the words of Mz TZ, 2012 is the year of the "come back" but, to quote the infamous L.L. Cool J, "don't call it a comeback" the chic urbains "have been here for years"! So, in channeling the "come back" that really is just an acknowledgment that I really never 'left', I've found myself in "Betty Bad-Ass" mode as of late. Not sure if the newness of 2012 has anything to do with it but this 'Haute Hunter' has been finding herself attracted to a more edgy sense of style lately. Don't get me wrong, I'm not necessarily 'fashion-forward' nor would I consider my personal style to be 'avant garde' in any way but my 'eye' has been attracted to a stronger/sharper aesthetic in the last few weeks- as you'll see from the fashion picks I've included in this post. I'm prone to think it has a lot to do with the fact that it's the "Year of the Dragon" and a little bit to do with the Rihanna-red hair I've been sporting since turning 40 :-).

O.k., enough about Moi...let me get down to the fashion business!

All of the fashion blogs have been providing massive amounts of coverage related to the Paris Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2012 shows. I must say that I've definitely found myself utterly transfixed with these current runway offerings. Don't despair, however, if you were a bit too busy to hop across the pond this month, here is a 'quick and dirty' schedule of a few key fashion week festivities happening across the globe from now until Spring....get your passports ready and take your pick!
*January 30-February 1, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Stockholm, Sweden Autumn/Winter 2012/2013 Collections

*February 9-16, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
New York, NY Fall 2012 Collections
*February 17-22, London Fashion Week
London, United Kingdom Autumn/Winter 2012 Collections

*February 20-26,D.C. Fashion Week
Washington D.C.Fall/Winter 2012/2013 Collections

*February 22-28, Milan Fashion Week
Milan, Italy Women's Fashion Fall/Winter 2012/2013 Collections
*February 28-March 7, Paris Fashion Week (Mode à Paris)
Paris, France Ready-to-Wear Fall/Winter 2012/2013 Collections
*March 1-6, Lakmé Fashion Week
Mumbai, India Summer/Resort 2012
*March 18-24, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Tokyo, Japan Autumn/Winter 2012/2013 Collections

*April 30-May 4,Fashion Week Australia
Sydney, Australia Spring/Summer 2013 Collections

Just like fashion is universal, so is music.... Jay-Z and Beyonce both enjoy a tremendous amount of success stateside and abroad, so unless you've been residing in the far reaches of outter-space, you're well aware that hip-hop 'royalty' now has an heir apparent! Jay-Z and Beyonce welcomed baby girl Blue Ivy into the world on January 7th! Unfortunately, however, Baby Blue's entry into the world has been a bit overshadowed by the negative attention being placed on her father's business dealings. First, on the day before Baby Blue's birth, Jay-Z's Rocawear clothing line laid off half of its employees and now, Jay-Z's newly renovated 40/40 flagship has been shut down for health code violations- just days after a star-studded grand re-opening. To quote the man himself, it looks like Mr. Carter is much better at being a "business" rather than a "businessman".

In other fashion layoff news, Gilt Groupe, which is rumored to to be headed towards an IPO late this year/early next year, laid off more than 100 employees last week. That sure is a significant increase from the 50 CEO Kevin Ryan said they would "selectively trim" over the next few months. I hope this has more to do with them trying to look good for the IPO than the fact that Gilt may just be losing its 'it' factor.

In brighter news, the U.K.'s version of our CFDA (which just set this year's Fashion Night Out date as September 6) - the British Fashion Council- recently announced their most recent award recipients. Congrats to these amazingly talented designers! Here's a few of the winners who I really admire:

Designer of the Year: Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen
Designer Brand: Victoria Beckham
New Establishment Award: Christopher Kane
Accessory Designer: Charlotte Olympia
Red Carpet Award: Stella McCartney
Emerging Talent Award – Ready-To-Wear: Mary Katrantzou
Emerging Talent Award – Accessories: Tabitha Simmons
BFC Outstanding Achievement: Paul Smith

Another favorite European powerhouse is also making news. Hermes has announced that they are responding to the current financial recession by raising prices in the U.S., Europe, and parts of Asia. These mark-ups, estimated to be around 9 percent, have already been instituted in European and applicable Asian markets. Domestic hikes are expected at the end of this month. I guess this means I'll have to save a bit more for my Birkin!

Speaking of French fashion powerhouses, French shoe designer Christian Louboutin, who is celebrating his 20th anniversary in business, has been making several appearances in the headlines lately. Firstly, the court battle between CL and YSL has been heating up ! Just this past week, CL's attorneys appealed the court's decision to deny his injunction against YSL. The 'red sole battle' has now enlisted Diane von Furstenberg, who is appearing on the front lines to support her friend CL (ironically, the first time I ever set eyes on a pair of CLs was at a DVF sample sale with Mz. DW and Mz. TK. At that point, the "red bottoms" weren't the universal hit they are today and CL had to share DVF's space ...I picked up several pair - which I have today- for around $100/$150!).
Not sweating the small stuff, however, CL is turning his attentions to the creation of four new tableaux for the fame Crazy Horse cabaret in Paris. The tableaux will be created for their current Desirs show, which I was so honored to view a little over a year ago, and will be included in the show from March 5 to May 31st of this year. Looks like I need to make another trip to Paris before May 31st- as I think both Crazy Horse and CL are 'Tres SEXY'!
As if he wasn't busy enough with his lawsuit, 20th anniversary, and Crazy Horse collaborative effort, CL has also announced that next Spring he will open a men's store around the corner from his NYC Meatpacking boutique. The men's store, similar to the men's boutique he recently opened in Paris, will most likely give male shoppers the opportunity to have their shoes 'tattooed'.

Another very busy fashion icon is also making news. Karl Lagerfeld finally released his 70-piece KARL by Karl Lagerfeld collection! The collection, deemed "affordable luxury," is priced between $35 to $1350 and is classic 'KL'. From the looks of it, this collection is definitely a step up from the pieces he designed for Macy's last year!

Victoria's Secret has also 'stepped up' by announcing the release of their new 'high-end' designer collection. The prices extend upwards to almost $300. Take a look at some of the pieces and you decide whether it's worth the splurge:

In other 'launch' news, Ebony magazine's dynamic duo Desiree Rogers (CEO) and Amy Dubois Barnett (Editor-In-Chief) have done it again! Besides the immense success the duo has achieved with the new look and feel of Ebony magazine, they have been receiving amazing accolades in connection with the re-design and re-launch of Ebony.com. Lookin' good ladies!

Another dynamic woman of color receiving a lot of attention lately is emerging rap 'it girl' Azealia Banks! Banks, who is often compared to Nicki Minaj because of style/uncensored lyrics, is now garnering comparisons from the one and only Lady Gaga! This comparison to Lady Gaga is based upon the fact that Banks has retained Gaga's stylist, Nicola Formichetti. I have no doubt that Formichetti, who is also Thierry Mugler Creative Director, will take this young Harlemite to superstar heights!

On the subject of young fashionistas, Versace, Lanvin, and Isaac Mizrahi are all getting into the children clothing business! The Young Versace line debuted this summer and Lanvin Petite was just unveiled this winter. Mizrahi's baby line will follow this fall. Although I love my 'mini' to be freshly dressed in the latest designer duds, not sure how inspired I'll be to pay full price for any of these items.

Not to be outdone, Louis Vuitton has also announced their new product venture....a fragrance! Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud, who created Dior Addict and Stella by Stella McCartney, is charged with devising LV's signature scent. Hmmm...when you think of an LV bag, what 'scent' comes to mind (besides rawhide of course)?
Likewise, both Aldo, Repetto, and Nine West have all released or plan to release fragrances to compliment their shoe lines. This new trend sure does give new meaning to the phrase "smells like feet!".

In more beauty news, outspoken singer Beth Ditto is creating a limited-edition MAC line to come out this June. Similarly, Rimmel London and supermodel Kate Moss have joined forces to create a line of lipsticks. I'm quite sure that this is just the beginning for Kate's make-up endeavors with Rimmel.

Like Ditto and Moss, our gal Lala Vazquez-Anthony has joined forces with Motives makeup to create a full line dedicated to the beauty needs of women of all shades. Looking forward to seeing what the sexy, fashionable, and talented Mz. Lala has to offer!

Speaking of sexy, fashionable, and talented, photos from Rihanna's Armani Jeans campaign have been released! Check out Mz Rihanna showing her money-maker here....

And on the topic of "money makers", H&M must really be banking on their collabo with David Beckham! The fashion chain has paid around a reported $3.5 million to air a 30-second commercial featuring Becks during Super Bowl XLVI! The bodywear line is slated to debut in H&M stores on Feb. 2 and will consist of men's underwear and pajama bottoms. That's certainly a lot of money to pay in order to sell 'tighty-whiteys' but hey, I will NOT be mad about looking at Becks in his undies during the game! ;-)

Immediately after the David Beckham line drops, H&M will be pressing ahead to launch its designer capsule from Marni! The collection, consisting of both women's and men's clothing, accessories, and shoes, will be available on March 8th and will feature the Italian designer's signature designs/prints/colors. Sofia Coppola is taking the helm of the collaboration's ad campaign. Here is one of her first ads:

In more immediate fashion collaboration news, however, the Jason Wu for Target capsule was previewed last night in NYC in preparation for its February 5th debut. Take a look at a few if the frocks from the capsule and tell me what you think:

A few days after Wu's Target opening on February 8, Dita Von Teese's "Von Follies" lingerie will arrive in Target stores in Australia. Anyone want to make a quick trip 'down under' to grab us a few sexy Von Teese-designed undies????

Target, who is also installing special Apple 'boutiques' in about 25 of its stores, is obviously keeping busy in order to maintain its position as the 'originator' of these 'hi/lo' fashion collaborations.

Not to be outdone by H&M or Target, however, Macy's Impulse is preparing for the February 15 launch of their Doo-Ri Chung 33-piece collection. I will certainly be on the 'haute hunt' to grab a piece or two from this capsule- especially considering the price range of $39-$159!
With all of this collabo news, let's not forget one of the most exciting jvs on the horizon....Mary Katrantzou for Topshop!!!! Although I don't have a specific date as of yet, I'm hearing that this 14-piece capsule will launch sometime in the next month or so. I'm sooooo excited because Katrantzou, as Mz. Wendy Williams would put it, has been a "friend in my head" for sometime now and I honestly adore her work! The prints/vibrant colors/cuts are outrageously wonderful!

Also of note, designer Prabal Gurung has joined forces with beauty megastore Sephora with his design of their new uniforms. The designer discussed the particular pieces with WWD stating “(t)he dress incorporates one of my favorite design elements, offering a flash of vibrant red, while the women’s pant suit and the separates for men give a sleeker, more tailored look.”

Lastly, one of the most 'interesting' and 'unique' fashion collaborations announced lately has been Oscar de la Renta's design of Dr. Dre's 'Beats' headphones. The $695 fox fur headphone set is on sale at http://www.oscardelarenta.com/ . If I had $700 to spend on a fur accessory, it wouldn't be these headphones but they are definitely cute!

Now that we're done 'ke-keing' about the business of fashion, let's get down to taking a look at some 'stand-out' pieces from my 'haute hunting' expeditions over the past few weeks. I tell you, I really LOVE this part of my job where I collect 'eye candy' for you but being a Haute Hunter is VERY dangerous for my wallet because I want to buy EVERYTHING! :-(

Click on the next post "January Round-Up Part Deux" to see the 'steals' , 'deals' and 'lay-away'/'fantasy' pieces I've found in the last few weeks....

In the meantime, don't forget to follow me on twitter @MzHauteHunter for more instant updates/comments/news/general musings....
xo
me

HAUTE HUNTER: "Black Friday" BOYCOTT!

So, no, I will NOT be cluing you in to the sale hoopla that will commence on "Black Friday" through "Cyber Monday"! As I'm boycotting! All of this is mostly because my body, mind, and wallet are STILL recovered from all the Versace for H&M madness!
I won't bore you with a full-on Versace/H&M 'post-mortem' as I originally planned, however, the one thing I will say is "THANK MZ. PW FOR HOOKIN' A SISTA UP AT THE VIP PRE-PARTY!". I was able to snag the butter-soft leather trench (which recently sold on eBay for $500 MORE than the original cost!), chain mail dresses, shoe booties, and other goodies! Look at me cheesin' with my bounty! :-)

No worries, however, for those of you 'across the pond' who weren't able to snag any of the 'goodies'...as previously reported, a second Versace for H&M collection is rumored to launch ON LINE ONLY (which is why it is not available here in the U.S.- as we don't get to enjoy H&M e-commerce state-side :-( ) in February of 2012. The Spring 2012 collection “features fruit print bikinis, gold strappy sandals and bundles of Versace bling” according to Mirror UK. I'm sure the limited availability will cause another EBay melee but I personally won't be a part of that because I'm quite filled to the brim with Versace/H&M right now. I'm DONE (I hope...;-))!

So, yes, I may be 'over' one H&M collabo but that doesn't mean I'm not looking forward to the next...ESPECIALLY IF IT'S TOM FORD! Yes ladies, my man Tom is rumored to be the next designer collaborating with H&M. As per a recent write-up in Business Week, the international discount retailer is “keen to follow up its Versace collection with a fashion range designed by Tom Ford.” I'll keep you posted as to the veracity of this story!

Speaking of Ford, however, photos of his Spring 2012 collection recently debuted on Vogue.com with limited fanfare. Regardless of the critic's opinions, however, Tom is still my main man who knows how to dress a woman like nobody's business! "Don't NOBODY talk bad about my Tom!" (in my best "In Living Color" Benita Buttrell voice ;-)).

So in case you missed it, last night Lady Gaga made an appearance at Barneys New York for the launch of her 'Gaga's Workshop' concept 'store' which contains approximately 170 products ranging from Gaga-inspired 'disco stick lollipops' to $4,000 shoes. Barneys will be donating 25% from all proceeds from the 'Workshop' to Gaga's 'Born This Way' Foundation. It's a win-win for all! Check out one of the promotional balloons that dotted NYC yesterday in honor of the grand opening:

Also noteworthy in the world of fashion this past week was Joseph Altuzarra's CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund win! Altuzarra won the $300,000 grand prize at the Fund's 8th annual event. One of my favs- jewelry designer Pamela Love- was a runner-up receiving $100,000 (along with Creatures of the Wind's designers Shane Gabier and Chris Peters).

Another big buzz worthy topic this past week has been Tamara Mellon's exit from Jimmy Choo! The co-founder/chief creative officer and the company CEO- Joshua Shulman- both resigned on the heels of Choo's 15th anniversary. Choo's parent company Labelux, who acquired the company last spring, will retain the current creative team to continue to run the design side of the luxury shoe company. Mellon, however, is rumored to kick start her own lifestyle brand as soon as she's done with her post at the end of this month. I find this all very interesting considering the origins of the 'Jimmy Choo' brand in the first instance. Hmmmm....

Speaking of corporate hiccups, designer Christian Siriano's collaborative efforts with Payless is currently under fire! Designer Management Company (DMA), who represents Siriano, is suing the Project Runway alum for commissions due on the Payless deal! DMA is claiming that they never got their $53,000 commission for negotiating his agreement with the discount shoe retailer. A Hot Mess!

In some lighter fashion news, hot girl Rihanna is entering the fashion game by creating a denim and lingerie line with Emporio Armani/Armani Jeans. The collection will made available this month and many pieces will feature Rihanna's logo and/or likeness. Check it out.

In other designer collaborations, the Spring 2012 collection of Vera Wang's "White by Vera Wang" line for David's Bridal is now available. I must tell you that I recently saw a BEAUTIFUL bride- Mz. K.O.- up close and personal in one of Wang's original 'White' designs and it was no less than STUNNING! Check out a few of the new offerings:

Attention to you L.A.-based Le Chic Urbains, Japanese department store Uniqlo and U.K.-based TopShop are rumored to be opening in L.A. in 2012! Although TopShop is planning to hit the west coast in Vegas first, a L.A. opening is planned very soon thereafter. I know Mz. MLH, Mz. FA, and Mz. SI are happy about that news!

Lastly, in the name of love and beauty, I was introduced to an 'adult novelty toy' company called 'The Screaming O' that recently manufactured a line of 'adult toys' targeting women and designed as beauty products called "The Studio Collection". The Studio Collection consists of 'lipstick', 'make up brushes', 'mascara', 'eyeshadow', and a 'compact' all designed for a woman's pleasure! Look at the 'lipstick'! Oooh la la!

Now that we've talked about everything that makes us girls happy - shopping/fashion and "the screaming o", I would like to offer you some visuals as to the fashion portion of our conversation.

Check out the 'hi/lo' offerings I discovered in my "Haute Hunting' ventures this past week:

J Crew Floral Skirt @ Net-A-Porter $150

H&M Floral Skirt $39.95

YSL Metallic Tributes $795

B Brian Atwood Metallic Platform @ Shopbop $350

Rihanna Garter Tights $$$$

House Of Holland Garter Tight $34

Forever21 Garter Tight $6.80

Of course I'd like to throw in some random Haute Hunt finds for your viewing pleasure before I depart...

ENJOY!!!

B Brian Atwood Feather Sandal $350 @ Shopbop. $350 for Brian Atwood?!? NO BRAINER! (I LOVE feathers ;-))

Ok, so this is definitely an aspirational piece but this is a work of ART! Dion Lee Silk Dress $1880 @ Shopbop

On the more affordable front, cute dress from Forever21 for only $24.90. Pair with a wide metallic obi belt and some strappy metallic heels and you will look FIERCE!

H&M Does it Again! HOTNESS for $39.95. THE FRINGE IS DRIPPING SEX!

H&M Spring 2012 Kimono Play Suit

TopShop Python Print 'Mullet' dress $76. I hate the terminology they are using for this style right now but this dress is simply chic!

Zara Blush Wedge Thigh-High Boot for $189. You get several styles in one! Totally Hot Color too!

DVF Cover-up $265 @ Shopbop. Ok, maybe it's just me but I'd rock this as a dress ANY DAY!

Zara Leather Fringed Shopper $169. So versatile and cute!

Ok, I know what you're thinking but this Forever21 Crop Feather Vest for $32.80 would be sooo cute if worn correctly. I totally see the potential in this - esp. for the price!

Forever21 Sequin Leggings $19.80. Ok, maybe your legs won't look like Mz. CMP's in these BUT for the price, it's worth the attempt! ;-)

Forever21Wool Blend Cape $37.80. Adorbs and so classic!

Suede Wedges from Rachel Bilson's collection for Shoemint

Now my dears, I hope you liked what i had to offer today. If not, tough cookies because I'm off to prepare for my 'Day Before Thanksgiving Pig Out Purge'! Happy Turkey Day! TTYL!

P.S. - Please excuse the 'hi/lo' comps that are trailing below...having technical difficulties AGAIN! CALGON- TAKE ME AWAY!!!! UGHH