Lookbook: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Launches September 15!

31philliplimfortarget_lookbook1Who (besides me) is excited for 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target? Launching September 15 in stores and online (with some exclusive pieces only offered online!), the collection features a Fall palette of neutral tones and versatile items that can easily transition from day to night. With 3.1 Phillip Lim’s signature chic tailoring and work-appropriate aesthetic, the collection features apparel, outerwear, handbags, and shoes (and some fun patterns too!).

31philliplimfortarget_lookbook2 (more…)

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Maison Martin Margiela for H&M On Sale Thursday Nov. 15…DIY It Maybe? And Grab a Metal Hair Ring!

So the $10 million dollar question is…are you going to wait in line for the Maison Martin Margiela collection at H&M?

I’m debating whether to swing by the mall on Thursday and check out a couple pieces, though probably not buy.  It’s not like I need them after all.

What do I need want are the color variations of the perfect metallic hair-ring…I picked up gold the other day, and now I’m kicking myself for not picking up silver and copper.  Similar to what was seen on the Dries Van Noten runways for S/S 2012, H&M has put out their version (which looks similar to a couple plastic ones with metallic foil on them I’ve had since the 80’s…I think they were Goody, originally.)   Deliciously minimalist, problem-solving construction so your hair isn’t falling out of your DIY napkin ring/copper plumbing piece you’re making do with.  Sometimes DIY is not always the answer to a basic construction problem…and buying at retail price will save you a lot of time and frustration.  I have fine hair and find that anything metal and heavy will slip right out of it.  The H&M piece has an inner ring that secures the hair elastic, and a snap closure that’s easy to apply, and is only $4.98.

By strange coincidence, all the metal I was wearing today was H&M…gold metal hair-ring and copper choker bought Sunday, and gold elongated pyramid earrings purchased back in June or so.  Nails are suede-finish Amber by Julep, a perfectly-matte, velvety-finish dull gold.

As for the Margiela collection, I’m thinking possible DIYs for that hitched-up turtleneck (safety-pins applied under the hem to hitch things up)…that trompe l’oeil bodysuit (just tack on a black bra to a nude long-sleeved leotard)……that glove clutch (attach gloves to your clutch bag with some leather glue)…those skirted trousers (throw a similar-colored skirt over a pair of wide-leg trousers)……those hand-painted loafers (paint your black loafers with some white latex [not acrylic, and not leather] paint)…that pieced-together coat (2 different coats, stitched together into one)…

…and those plexi wedge pumps…though I’m questioning whether time and effort is better spent just buying those heels as-is.  Sometimes just plunking down the $4.98…or in the case of the plexiglass heels, $299…is an actual cost-savings when it comes to something that needs to bear weight and be flexed multiple times in a day, like shoes…

Also, the $20 million dollar question: Will you buy something knowing that it is extremely recognizable [and may remain so for years] in the collective conscious as from a certain collection, store, or designer?

xoxox

Carly

Margiela for H&M Collection photos from Refinery29.com.  See the whole collection here.

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Ash & Dans Sample Sale in New York, Sunday, Oct 9

If any of you peeps happen to be in the NYC area, there is a great sample sale happening this weekend at the Brooklyn Winery where items will be up to 90% off!    Ash & Dans will be offering sales from their collaborations with Beirn and new buzzed-about line Porter Grey, so if you’re all about their chic simplicity (and 90% off!!) head out to Brooklyn around 2 PM to get your fashion fix.

xoxox

Carly

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Britney Spears’ Limited Edition Collection for Candie’s at Kohl’s

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Britney Spears has kept somewhat of a low profile since all her media snafu’s in the last couple years – but now she’s designed a line for Candie’s (yes, purportedly designed), available exclusively at Kohls.

Check out her video below introducing the collection:
http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf

And the runway show of the pieces themselves:
http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf
What do you guys think of this?

For me – A) I have serious doubts that she actually designed the collection, and B) the collection in no way stands out from anything I’ve already seen on hundreds of shelves in retailers from Macy’s to Target to catalogs like MetroStyle and online stores like Ami Club Wear.  It looks pretty indistinguishable from the multitude of low-priced teen fashion that is out there – and nothing about it seems “special” or says “Britney” in any way.  (Though what does nowadays?)  Add to the fact that Brit’s signature style (if she ever had one) and iconic status has all but disappeared over the last decade’s debacle of media outbursts, family scandal, indecent public exposures, questionble mental capacity, marriage woes, and legal trials – and the fact that she is no longer thought of as a “fashion icon” at all – and it makes me wonder why Candie’s thought this a sound move.  I’m also wondering what the price point for these pieces will be.  Will they be a steal, manufactured offshore in China and Bangladesh?  Hmmm.

In any case, Britney looks healthy and confident – which is truly a great thing.

If you’re really, really interested in all this – you can get behind-the-scenes videos, more photos, and an interview with the photographer for the campaign here.

The limited edition collection of day and evening looks, handbags and jewelry, titled “Britney for Candie’s,” will be available at Kohl’s and www.kohls.com starting July 1st, while products last.

Anyway – discuss!  I’d love to hear where you guys stand.
xoxo
Carly

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Alternative Apparel’s Exclusive Collaborations with Richard Chai and Jeremy Scott

Jeremy Scott long sleeve dress

Launching TOMORROW (April 20th) and available for purchase exclusively on Refinery29.com, Richard Chai and Jeremy Scott’s collaborative pieces with Alternative Apparel are designed not to break the bank.  With prices ranging from $69 – $129, the pieces will only be available for a limited time (until May 20th) – so if you’re a fan of the brands (or these super-soft jersey pieces appeal to you), you’ll have only a  little time to snap them up before they’re all gone.

Richard Chai long sleeve ruffle tee

Inspired by Alternative’s fashion-forward styles and unprecedented comfort, Chai and Scott each designed a series of signature looks utilizing Alternative’s high-quality, cutting-edge fabrics. The NYC-based Chai, who was recognized earlier this year for his accomplishments in menswear with a nomination for the 2010 GQ/CFDA Fashion Award, worked with Alternative’s luxurious linen jersey and modal silk fabrics to create several reworked and reinterpreted t-shirts, bringing a cool, laidback edge to the classic tee. Using Alternative’s super-soft and refined micro-modal spandex fabric, celebrity favorite Jeremy Scott created three sexy, sophisticated “little black dresses” which take on various incarnations with raised necklines, hoods, and shoulder details.

Since I’m now anti-American Apparel (due to their unusually degrading images of girls in their advertising), I’m all for this brand, which does the soft, slinky tee…well, to a T…and whose burnout tees I’ve been practically living in for some time.  (They’re also, BTW, one of the most affordable and trendy tee brands when it comes to wholesaling in small quantities to screenprinters and designers…American Apparel wholesale prices are almost TWICE Alternative’s…a little factoid I found out when I was tees to screenprint for my line.)

Jeremy Scott hooded dress

 

Richard Chai long sleeve ruffle tee

So what do you guys think?  Cute?  Buyable?  Will you be racing to the site come tomorrow and clickety-clicking?
xoxox
Carly

About Alternative Apparel
Alternative has been challenging the concepts of fashion since 1995, when Foun der and Chief Creative Officer Greg Alterman set out to create the perfect t-shirt—one designed for fashion, made for comfort, and tailored for a flawless fit. Today, Alternative has elevated the tee from casual basic to fashion-forward staple, simultaneously broadening its horizons to offer a complete collection of ready-to-wear clothing and accessories, including an eco-friendly line of sustainable apparel, Alternative Earth.

As a lifestyle apparel brand at the forefront of the fashion industry, Alternative exists to inspire authenticity and comfort—both inside and out. Our mission is about more than just designing clothes that look and feel great: we want our unique community of wearers and supporters to feel comfortable in their own skin, laying the groundwork to inspire others and make a difference with how you live—and what you wear.

Alternative creates apparel and accessories for men, women, babies and toddlers across the United States and ab road, including Canada, Italy, Germany, Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom. The company is headquartered in Atlanta with showrooms in Los Angeles and New York.

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