image source: Mrs. O

Political discourse has never been so engaging, and by that, we mean dialogue about “current events” like what is Michelle O wearing right now.  Sure, she’s not the only political lady that rocks a mean sense of style, and there have been plenty before her who have played the style card beautifully.  (Insert appropriate homage to Jackie O!)  But there’s something so approachable about Mrs. O; she’s worn H&M dresses, and she shops at Target, but then on the other hand, she’s catapulted fashion careers for young designers.

Most recently, the first lady was seen wearing the Ann Taylor Promenade Coat from the Spring 2012 Collection in California!  Politics aside, how freaking cool is it that our first lady can pull off colors like tangerine orange with a bright yellow top? 

More: Michelle Obama Wears Ann Taylor Coat

Doo-Ri Chung‘s line hasn’t even meandered its way to Macy’s racks yet, but the department store is at it again.  Italian designer Alberta Ferretti‘s carrying the designer collaboration torch with an exclusive collection for Macy’s Impulse contemporary department.

Inspired by the Amalfi Coast, the 30 piece collection features feminine dresses, peasant blouses, garden-party looks, and abstract floral prints.  We can expect soft, chiffon-like fabrics that are comfortably pretty and elegant.

“The collection I created is fresh and bright, featuring light summer clothing that evokes the spirit of my beautiful country and is at the same time true to my style,” Ferretti said.

The collection will launch on April 17 and continue for 10 weeks at 185 Macy’s locations as opposed to 220 locations for previous designer collections. .

Martine Reardon, Macy’s executive vice president of marketing, said, “We are trying to understand where these collaborations work very well, and where it’s not working so well, but in each case we always want to make sure that we are giving solutions to customers.”

While we’re unsure of which items will be sold at which Macy’s retailers, one thing is for sure.  The capsule collections aren’t stopping anytime soon.  Reardon confirmed that the department store is already in talks with several other designers, and they hope to continue to release about five capsule collections per year.  

More: Alberta Ferretti Designs for Macy’s Impulse Line

It’s pretty much a given that Sephora’s Beauty Advis0rs are cutting edge and ridiculously trendy when it comes to the makeup department, but now, they’re getting a makeover in the wardrobe department.  CFDA award winning fashion designer Prabal Gurung designed new “cast costumes” for the Sephora Beauty Advisors in North America.  The new uniforms maintain the integrity of Sephora’s brand image, while incorporating Prabal’s fresh reinterpretation of Sephora’s classic colors of black and red.  Prabal’s design includes a versatile shift dress and fitted pant suit with blazer for women and sleek separates for men.

More: Prabal Gurung Designs Sephora Cast Costumes

Who says scientific advancement and research are separate from stylish endeavors?  Kohl’s has found a way to  merge the two with fashion designer Dana Buchman’s exclusive collection at all 40 Wisconsin Kohl’s stores and online at Kohls.com.  The collection features everything from beaded bracelets to the oh-so-popular graphic tee trend to stylish lunch totes!  Splashes of pink make appearances on Dana Buchman’s signature safari print, and the best part?  The collection is oh-so-affordable with most items costing $5-10.

“We are delighted to offer exclusive cause merchandise by designer Dana Buchman,” said Julie Gardner, Kohl’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “Dana designed this limited edition collection to empower women to support a cause close to their hearts. Her pieces are synonymous with timeless style and offer customers the opportunity to be fashionable and value-conscious while supporting the fight against breast cancer.”

100% of the net profits will be donated to support the fight against breast cancer, and the collection is available until the end of April. See the entire collection at Kohls.com/Cares.

More: Dana Buchman for Kohl’s to Support Breast Cancer Research