Anticipation: Isabel Marant pour H&M

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The anticipation is building as the eagerly awaited Isabel Marant collection for H&M draws nearer. As we all know, Parisian designer Isabel Marant has teamed up with H&M to create this autumn/winter designer collection featuring clothing as well as accessories for women, men and teenagers.

“I aim to create something real, that women want to wear in their everyday lives, with a certain carelessness, which I think is very Parisian: you dress up, but do not pay too much attention and still look sexy. The collection is infused with this kind of easiness and attitude. Everything can be mixed following one’s own instincts: my take on fashion is all about personality” say Isabel Marant. The collection is available from November 14th 2013 in H&M 250 stores worldwide.

Nail Jelly: American Apparel Sheer Nail Lacquer

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American Apparel’s “Sheer” Nail Lacquer collection offers six beautifully bold glosses named after beloved California beaches. While the shades are uber vivid, they are sheer enough to layer, mix and match.

Moonlight Beach: royal blue

Redondo Beach: sky blue

Pacific Beach: turquoise

Zuma Beach: green/chartreuse

Manhattan Beach: fiery coral

Summerland Beach: light peach

The formula is thin but very pigmented. In about three coats – you can get full coverage. However, I love the one-two coats for a sheer jelly-like effect and sheer wash of color. Drying time is quick with a glossy finish. The formula has an average lifespan… a couple days – but chips are easily corrected with a brush-over as this polish is great for layering.

The new sheer lacquers are cruelty-free and available in retail American Apparel stores or online here.

Crowning Collaboration: Isabel Marant for H&M

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H&M will team up with Isabel Marant for its latest design collaboration. The collection of must-have clothing and accessories inspired by Marant’s signature laid-back Parisian style will be available in 250 stores worldwide as well as online November 14 – and there will be menswear too, which will mark Marant’s first foray into catering for men.

“I am flattered by this collaboration: H&M works with the best designers and this invitation is an exciting honour,” Marant said this morning. “I aim to create something real, that women want to wear in their everyday lives, with a certain carelessness, which I think is very Parisian: you dress up, but do not pay too much attention and still look sexy. The collection is infused with this kind of easiness and attitude. Everything can be mixed following one’s own instincts: my take on fashion is all about personality.”

Let’s just hope it doesn’t sell out before we can get our hands on it…

Currently Coveting: Rag & Bone Small Pilot Bag

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Currently Coveting: Rag & Bone Small Pilot Bag.

Appropriately dubbed the “Pilot,” this is Rag & Bone’s inaugurate bag. First seen in the pages of Vogue last June and available for purchase in September, Marcus Wainwright, designer and managing partner, says this of the process:

It took like a year and a half. It was very difficult. Unless you launch a huge range of bags, which we didn’t think was the right thing to do, the other option is just to focus on one specific bag, which puts pressure on that bag to be absolutely right. So we spent a long time doing the wrong thing when we started a year and a half ago. About six months after we started that process, we took a step back and just started again by focusing on what we thought the Rag & Bone girl was and what her bag would look like, and I think that’s what we got in the end.

It’s taken from an old army helmet bag—that sort of influences where the shape came from, with those two front pockets. We felt a good place to start was the helmet bag just because it’s very practical, it’s a great shape and it has this sense of history that people are somewhat familiar with and that you can reinterpret and twist into something that is very Rag & Bone and very modern and it looks really cool. So the military influence that we reference in our collection again and again and again is there in the bag. The hooks that connect that strap are actually military hardware.

The Pilot is available in two sizes – small and large – and feature a crossbody strap for hands-free moments as well as top handles. Exclusive to Barneys and Rag & Bone online, one can purchase this bag in the following colors Black, Walnut, Navy, Mocha, Yellow and new for Spring Navy Floral.

Girl Crush: Vanessa Mooney

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Currently crushing on jewelry designer, Vanessa Mooney. Impeccably detailed, her pieces are fresh and always on-trend. Inspired by her travels, Mooney sources her materials from all-over the world. From bracelets to rings, the designs are unique but wearable, perfect for stacking and layering. Mooney is currently expanding her art with collections of handbags and footwear.

Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

Acacia Spike Necklace: $60.00

The Mesa Bracelet: $45.00

Akha Earrings: $79.00

Silver Pyramid Stud Earrings: $38.00 (sale)

The Juliet Black Statement Necklace: $250.00

Pewter Shark Tooth Ring: $45.00

Small Brass Cage Cuff: $200.00

Gold Ghetto Chain Necklace: $70.00

About Vanessa Mooney:

Born in 1980, Vanessa Mooney is a rare breed of a Hollywood rebel, harnessing a unique look and attitude, which transcends into her distinctive accessories line.  The great-granddaughter of Harry Warner (one of the original Warner Bros.) has been infatuated with the freedom that art provides and obsessed with all forms of art, music and fashion, her entire life. It was in 2009 when she founded her eponymous line under a core idea: let uninhibited design intuition lead the way. Self-taught, Vanessa designs everything in her studio in Downtown Los Angeles, combining unexpected materials and techniques that make each design feel brand new.  Eclectic in her personal style choices, she portrays “model-off-duty” fashion with a rock ‘n’roll, boho-chic edge.  An avid traveler with a keen interest for unexpected beauty, she derives inspiration from different ethnicities and cultures.With an ever growing following embracing her designs including celebrities like Katie Holmes, Vanessa Hudgens, Venus Williams, Jennifer Lopez, Lily Allen, Juliette Lewis, Devendra Banhart and Hayden Panettiere… Vanessa Mooney may just be the one to watch.  Her pieces can be found in over 500 of the top specialty stores and boutiques in the U.S. and abroad, including Bergdorf Goodman, Cusp, ShopBop, Madison and American Rag Cie. She can also be found in pages of Harper’s Bazaar, In Style, Nylon, Cosmopolitan, Us Weekly, Marie Claire and Glamour to name a few.  She has scored high-profile collaborations with premiere U.S. retailers like:  Calypso, Urban Outfitters, Club Monaco, Madewell, and is now expanding into handbags and footwear. Handcrafted, often intricate, always unique and ever imaginative; Vanessa Mooney is a brand, a lifestyle, a state of mind.

Springtime in Paris: TOCCA Violette

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The latest edition to the TOCCA family of fragrances is “Violette”. A romantic and whimsical floral scent perfect for spring and summer.

TOCCA DESCRIPTION:

Violette evokes the whirlwind romance between a young soldier on leave and a young girl at the fragrance counter of Le Bon Marche in 1940s Paris. It is Springtime in Paris, vibrant blooms along the Champs-Elysees awaken the youthful spirit of first love.

Top Notes: Italian Bergamot, Ginger Oil, Coriander Seed Oil
Middle Notes: African Violet, Bulgarian Rose, Black Currants
Bottom Notes: Creamy Cedarwood, Cashmere Musk, Benzoin

TOCCA’s Violette emulates springtime in Paris. Sexy yet utterly romantic, it reeks of sophistication. Plus, the “old world” glass bottle looks incredibly chic on the vanity. TOCCA fragrances are long-lasting and never overpowering. Also lovely to spritz on freshly washed bed linens and towels. Comparison: If you like or have sampled Tom Ford’s Violet Blonde, you will love Violette.

THE STORY OF TOCCA:

TOCCA launched in 1994 by a group of friends with a vision for beautiful yet affordable clothes. Their early collection consisted of candy-colored terry cloth tube dresses to sari-inspired embroidered mini dresses. In Italian “TOCCA” is the word for “touch” – named after it’s intricate embroideries and luxurious fabrics. The launch of TOCCA Beauty  came in 1997, with three unique and unusual products: a solid perfume, a dry oil skin smoother and a laundry delicate for fine washables. The first fragrance was a gardenia-based potion called “Touch”. TOCCA Beauty continues to be renowned worldwide as a fragrance house of distinctive and exquisite scents. TOCCA’s coveted fragrances can be found in our luxury candle collection, fine fragrances and bath and body products and are sold in the finest boutiques worldwide.

Pucker Up! H&M Fashion Against Aids 2012

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H&M Fashion Against Aids (FAA) collection launches today in 300 stores and online. This is the company’s fifth collection raising funds and creating youth awareness about HIV and AIDS.

Just like all of H&M’s collaborated collections, the store went for on-trend bold prints in both clothing and accessories. H&M commissioned prints from artists and illustrators all over the world – Inuit designs from Greenland, tribal prints from Africa, and Maori graphics from New Zealand – and worked them into 50 pieces, ranging from leggings and dresses to jewelry and ponchos.

Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from all sales will benefit youth AIDS/HIV programs, including the United Nations Population Fund, YouthAIDS, and the MTV Staying Alive Foundation.

Kiss For A Cause: For every kiss uploaded, H&M will donate $1.00 to HIV/AIDS prevention. Pucker Up!

Upload kisses here: http://campaign.hm.com/faa2012/

The Classics: Denim Shirt

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A perfect foundation to any outfit, the denim shirt is a timeless attribute to have in your collection.

Just like a trusty pair of jeans, the shirt is available in many washes and styles: dark wash, light wash, deconstructed, western style, classic style.

The denim shirt provides the perfect juxtaposition to this season’s floral dresses and skirts. It can be worn as a jacket/cover-up over these items or tucked-in for a more classic look. A great way to “casual-ize” an outfit is to pair this shirt with your favorite leather shorts or pants for a great daytime look. Or dress it up by adding a blazer or tuxedo jacket. Lastly, throw on over your bikini – for an easy summer cover-up.

The versatile denim shirt is a classic. An item that will never go out-of-style. Find one that suits your style.

Madewell ~ Wayward Jean Shirt: $88.00

Boy. by Band of Outsiders ~ Cotton-Chambray Shirt: $305.00

J.Crew ~ Denim Western Shirt: $118.00

Mango ~ Long Sleeves Denim Shirt: $54.99

Flat Frenzy: J.Crew Ballet Boutique

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J.Crew Spring/Summer 2012 launched an exquisite ballet collection “The Ballet Boutique.” The collection is filled with suede, leather and raffia designs, available in a variety of colors, textures and adorable embellishments.

The Cece design is handmade in Italy and constructed for comfort and style. Dubbed as their official “commuting shoe,” these flats have added padding, an elastic top, a shock-absorbing rubber sole and an interior wedge design for additional comfort and control. Fabric swatches, Pantone cards, art books even candy was used as inspiration to create one-of-a-kind colors.

Embrace this hot season trend without sacrificing comfort. With multiple styles and colors, and a price range of $58-$250, everyone is able to join the flat frenzy.

Classic Wedge: STEVEN by Steve Madden Banndo

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STEVEN by Steven Madden Banndo is the perfect wedge to have in your collection. This shoe will pair perfectly with any color, pattern or style it is coupled with. The sandy suede texture has a soft, comfortable feel while the lightweight synthetic wedge adds support.

Pair these shoes with Spring florals and pastels. They are the perfect height for flared denim as well as a flattering shape for cropped. Available in leather or suede, black or tan, this classic wedge will wear perfectly all spring and summer long.

Spring Palette: Laura Mercier Lingerie Eye & Cheek Palette

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The limited-edition Laura Mercier Lingerie Eye & Cheek Palette is the perfect vehicle to transition into Spring. This warm, neutral palette features six eye colors and two cheek colors that effectively create a multitude of different looks.

The eyeshadows are extremely soft, pigmented and include all finishes: Luster, Sateen, Matte. The blushes appear a bit shocking but apply quite sheer. The formula is buildable and can be used separately or blended together to create a beautiful peachy-pink glow.

This is a great palette to add to anyone’s collection. Perfect for brides, travel or simply everyday, the warm tones will complement any skintone.

Included:

Eye Color: Buff Pearl (Luster), Tawny Apricot (Sateen), Rich Cocoa (Matte), Pale Pink (Matte), African Violet (Luster), Black Plum (Matte) Cheek Color: Rose Desire, French Peach

Sneak Peek: Marni for H&M Collection

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Here is a small preview from the Marni for H&M Collection. The latest designer collaboration for H&M has great resort-wear pieces and affordable jewelry that is bold and bright. Official in-store launch is March 8.

Dress – $99.00

Jacket – $99.00

Sunglasses – $19.95

Bracelet – $19.95

Silk Dress – $129.00

Sandals – $59.95

Fine Functionality: Sonia Kashuk Luxe – Agent Provocateur Train Case

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Sonia Kashuk Luxe - Agent Provocateur Train Case

In the market for a new makeup travel bag, I stumbled upon the Sonia Kashuk Luxe – Agent Provocateur Train Case.

Available exclusively at Target.com, the Sonia Kashuk LUXE Collection contains an assortment of stylish one-of-a-kind travel and beauty accessories. From brush sets to beauty clutches, each item looks chic and classic.

When I received the train case, I was blown away by the size. I was not expecting the massiveness of this train case and apparently neglected to view the description box:

Dimensions: 9.5 ” H x 18.5 ” W x 12.5 ” D.

This train case features an inner zip pocket and removable foam modular trays, customizable for your specific makeup collection. One can section off space for bottles, tubes, compacts, brushes… any beauty need.

The Sonia Kashuk Luxe – Agent Provocateur Train Case is perfect for a lengthly trip or to simply display on the bathroom counter. Stylish and functional this train case can be purchased for $34.99 at Target.com.

Get Naked! Urban Decay Naked Palette

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Urban Decay Naked Palette

Everyday makeup couldn’t be easier with Urban Decay’s Naked Palette. Great for back to school, this palette contains every shade needed for neutral makeup looks.

This palette arrived for Fall 2010 and flew off the shelves. Now available as a staple in Urban Decay’s collection, the Naked Palette can be found wherever the brand is sold.

Urban Decay Naked Palette contains twelve shades, ten with shimmer or glitter and two matte. The two matte shades, Naked (beige-brown) and Buck (dark beige-brown) are two of the best shadows I have ever used. They can perform as eyeshadow, contour or even to fill-in light to medium colored brows.

Each of the twelve shades are soft, buttery and richly pigmented. Shades range from delicate champagnes and warm golds to rich chocolates and dark charcoals. The colors are universally flattering and can can be used on all skintones.

Included with the palette is a mini Urban Decay Primer Potion and a pro-quality “Good Karma” eyeshadow brush. This is an essential palette to have in your collection. With twelve beautiful neutral shades to choose from there are hundreds of looks that can be created.

Couture Collaboration: Karl Lagerfeld for Macy’s

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Pictures from the Karl Lagerfeld for Macy’s press preview were unveiled yesterday. The collection hits 235 stores on August 31 and are priced from $50 – $170.

Karl Lagerfeld has been a freelance designer for many fashion houses, Balmain, Patou, Chloe, Fendi and Chanel. Currently, Lagerfeld designs for three companies, his own label, Chanel and furs for Fendi of Italy.

Karl Lagerfeld for Macy’s is comprised of dresses – floral and structural, tweed separates – shorts and vests, and faux leather jackets. All of the 45 piece collection is in black and white, with subtle pops of pink.

Collection is available online and in stores August 31.

Sun Shade: MAC Suntints SPF 20 Liquid Lip Balm

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MAC SUNTINTS SPF 20 LIQUID LIP BALM

MAC Cosmetics newest collection, Surf, Baby! features three new Suntints. These liquid lip balms nourish and protect the lips from summer sun, wind and salt.

Suntints reveal a slight hint of color but produce incredible shine. It’s jelly-like consistency is thicker than most lip balms but provides long-lasting coverage.

As are most MAC lip products, Suntints have a light vanilla scent and taste. They feel sticky and slightly tacky on the lips but very moisturizing.

The new Surf, Baby! Suntints contain SPF 20 and are available in three colors, Lilt of Lilly (creamy pink/lilac shade), Pink Tinge (pink/gold shimmer shade) and Full of Grace (crisp watermelon shade).

These lip balms are packaged in a 10 ml striped squeeze-tube that resembles a retro surfboard. Suntints are a great option for protecting your lips this summer, all the while looking fabulous.