HAUTE HUNTER: Divas Don't Wear Burlap....(Part 1)

 So, it's no secret that I've been M.I.A for all of August and most of September. 
Well, I wish I could say that I was busy on some kind of "Eat, Pray, Love" self-elevating sabbatical but it was more of a self-imposed hiatus. 
Honestly speaking, I have felt that talking 'fashion' was a little 'trite' in this day and age were physical suffering and social injustices are abound.    When I shared my thoughts with a dear friend, who is currently beating the pants off of stage four breast cancer, she put everything in perspective when she said to me "well, we can't go around wearing burlap , can we?".  
Her comment made me recall a line from the famous Marianne Williamson poem that states: " Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?". 
So at that moment, I decided to get moving on my latest report!   Hope that you enjoy! (P.S. Follow me on Twitter @MzHauteHunter)!

 

Of course my  decision to 'boycott' fashion couldn't have come at a worse time in the industry.... Not only did I boycott Fashion Week but I totally decided that this year's "Fashion Night Out"  would be more like "Fashion Night IN"  for me.    I guess, however, I wasn't the only one feeling both OVER- and UNDER-whelmed by the whole experience.  Apparently, certain Vogue staffers and retailers have been hinting that FNO might be a done deal moving forward due to the organizational headache and exorbitant expense  involved in producing the event.    Of course this is all speculation but trust me when I say that I, for one, can live without it in its current iteration.  

 

On a more positive note, it seems as though Marc Jacobs has officially signed on to be the lead designer/creative director of Dior replacing disgraced designer John Galliano.    Don't despair as to the vacant seat left at Louis Vuitton, as  it is speculated that Celine designer Phoebe Philo (a Kanye West favorite) will replace Jacobs there. 

Speaking of Kanye West, Kanye has confirmed reports that he will indeed launch his fashion label in the very near future.  Kanye has already tapped designer Katie Eary as his lead designer.  As Eary previously designed both menswear and womenswear, it can be safely assumed that Kanye's fashion house will cater to both genders.  I hate to admit it but I'm looking forward to seeing what Mr. West has to offer! 

In more 'hip hop goes couture' news,  Kimora Lee Simmons, ex-wife of music mogul Russell Simmons, was just been appointed as President and Creative Director of JustFabulous (JustFab.com).    Definitely can't knock Kimmy Lee's hustle!

Adding himself to the new 'Creative Director' list is makeup artist Sam Fine.  Fine was recently named Creative Director of the Fashion Fair makeup line.   In addition to joining the Fashion Fair family, Fine will also launch his own makeup collection -"Sam"-next Spring.   Well done Sam...I am definitely a fan!

Speaking of Spring launches, H&M Home is FINALLY coming to the U.S.  offering affordable and fashionable bedding, housewares, accessories, linens, and more.   I'll keep you posted!

In more current retail launch news,  I am happy to announce that my favorite discount department store- Century 21- has officially opened on NYC's upper west side at 66th St. and Broadway.    Although the downtown Manhattan store is the  chain's "crown jewel" offering a more diverse array of merchandise, I think this upper west side location may be in the running for a close second place prize.  During the VIP preview day, I spotted great prices on Dolce & Gabanna, Tom Ford, YSL, Missoni, Brioni, Pucci, Halston,  Hunter, and Manolo Blahnik!

Moving a little bit farther 'west'  than the west side of Manhattan, Topshop and Topman enjoyed their launch on Chicago's Michigan Avenue earlier this month.  The Chicago outpost is the chain's  second North American location.    I do suspect that the brand will continue to expand westward toward L.A. in the near future!

As previously reported, Zara launched its online shopping function earlier this month but did you know that right now, there is free delivery to all 50 states?  Great way to incentivize potential shoppers!

I also informed you in my last post that H&M's Fall 2011 Conscious Collection would be launching very soon.  Well, I know have a date and a sneak peek!  Check out this amazing lace sheath dress, which is just one of the many  sustainable/recycled/organic pieces that will debut at select H&M stores on October 6: 

Moving on to collaboration news, Manolo Blahnik and Mimi Plange (the Ghanaian-born designer who has taken the fashion world by storm)  have joined forces to design shoes for her Spring 2012 collection.  Check out one of the two African-inspired designs below:

In 'Hi/Lo' collaboration news, Thierry Mugler designer/Lady Gaga image-maker Nicola Formichetti has teamed up with Uniqlo to  not only become the Japanese brand's fashion director but to create a sportswear line called "The Innovation Project" with all pieces retailing for under  $200. 

And speaking of Uniqlo, don't forget that the last +J  selections were delivered to Uniqlo outposts a few weeks ago.  If you haven't gotten a chance to grab a piece from this Jil Sander/Uniqlo collaboration, this is your last chance!

On the heels of their Karl Lagerfeld joint venture, Macy's has announced that Giambattista Valli will be its next fashion house collaborator.   The Giambattista Valli/Macy's line consisting of items priced between $50 and $150 will debut on October 26. I'm hoping that the Giambattista Valli line will offer a better selection at a better price-point than the lukewarm KL collection. 

Apparently, the Rory Beca line for Forever 21 did so well that they're launching a second round with new designs.  The pieces are priced between $15.80 and $27.80 and will hit Forever 21 outposts on October 21st.   I wasn't moved by the first release but maybe I may have to take a closer look this time around.  

Lastly in the world of Hi/Lo collaborations, BAND-AID brand is creating a line of limited edition 'designer' bandages with Cynthia Rowley.   Get them now at Cynthiarowley.com or at your local drug store in December of this year.   Wow, everyone is trying to get in on this 'hi/lo' action, huh?!?   

In 'hi/lo'  'nail notes', Alexander Wang has teamed with Sally Hansen to create an exclusive line of nail polish colors.  The polish line made its debut during Wang's Spring 2012 show during fashion week and is expected to hit retail stores soon! 

In more beauty news, MAC just launched their latest foundation formula this past week.  MAC Matchmaster foundation was created to compliment MAC's  “All Ages, All Races, All Sexes” creed with a SPF15 infused  demi-matte, medium coverage formula created to moisturize, eraducate  lines, and reduce excess shine.   They may definitely be giving Armani foundation a run for their money! Check out the range of  hues below:

Lastly, for you west-coast ladies, don't miss the Fred Segal/Ron Herman blow-out sale that started this weekend and is expected to continued (with deeper discounts) throughout this week.    The sale starteed this past Friday with merchandise reduced by 50%.  This week, the merchandise is slated to be reduced to 66% off and whatever is left by next week will be reduced to 75% off.  THIS IS A NO BRAINER LADIES!!!   MZ MLH, MZ FA, MZ SI, hit me up and let me know if bargins are  actually as good as it sound!

Now, in the spirit of looking 'fashion fly' on a 'burlap dime', let's look at some hi/lo comps:

Asos $155

Alexander Wang $650



Tory Burch $1295

Forever 21 $49.50





Moschino $730

Forever21 $37.80

Hi/Lo Comps Continued in "Divas Don't Wear Burlap Part 2".....

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