Look For Less
Affordable Style Gets En Vogue
What: Affordable clothes are chic, in case you hadn’t already heard. At least judging by recent sales of clothes and accessories made by “accessible” designers like Tommy Hilfiger and Tory Burch. Designers like Tommy and Tory are reportedly bucking the recession by creating “bridge collections” and selling their clothes at a more moderate price point—like skirts for $250 and pants for $175—which American consumers are now going out and buying in droves.
What the Times Says:
“We are positioned very well with accessible, affordable luxury and this is something we have been doing for 25 years,” said designer Tommy Hilfiger.
What We Say: Affordable luxury certainly is an interesting concept. While a lot of the designers mentioned in this article—including Phillip Lim and Alexander Wang—are still selling clothes that are too expensive for us to afford, we do appreciate that they are trying to sell their apparel at a lower price point. However, $250 bucks for a skirt still isn’t cheap (but cheap(er))
Assets by Sarah Blakely Tights: Product Review
What: Angela smooths things over with Assets Tights
The Lowdown: Okay, every celeb and fashionista out there sings the endless praises of Spanx, but at prices ranging from $28-$40 for tights, not all of us have the budget to justify owning a pair. Enter Assets, a budget version of the sin-forgiving body-shapers, from our favorite they-get-that-I-want-to-be-stylish-without-spending-my-kids’-college-fund retailers, Target, and Spanx’s very own Sarah Blakely. So lots of higher-end designers do budget lines for budget retailers these days, but does Assets hold up to the claims of flattening tummy, hips and thighs, lifting the rear, and eliminating panty lines?
In a word, yes. Really, it’s not any more complicated than that. Good quality tights that smooth out the bumps, without making me feel like I’m trapped in a sausage casing (admit it, we’ve all been there). And with Fall upon us, tights that look great, feel comfortable and make me look my best in even my more clingy Fall clothes are, well, pretty priceless.
Yea or Nay: Yea. Sure they’re $14 a pair—but they’ll hold up and do double duty as both an attractive tight AND a shaper.
Norma Kamali for Wal-Mart Available on Roiworld.com
What: Tired of going all the way to Wal-Mart to buy Norma Kamali’s latest frugal fashions? Thanks to Roiworld.com, you don’t have to. The “virtual world” website is letting users try on Norma Kamali’s spring 2010 collection for Wal-Mart with their avatars, and then click to buy the actual items on NormaKamaliCollection.com.
What They Say:
“What makes this interesting is that Kamali isn’t selling virtual goods in Roiworld.com—which is what brands like K-Swiss and Rocawear have done in the past—the designer is using the game as a platform to sell real clothes.”
What We Say: The idea of trying clothes on via an online avatar and then buying them at nearly the same time seems like a cool—and certainly inventive—concept. We’re looking forward to seeing if this is a concept that catches on with web-savvy customers. What do you think?
Jil Sanders UNIQLO Line Now Available
What: We can all collectively jump for joy today, because Jil Sanders’ UNIQULO line, J+, is now available in stores. While some items cost a hefty $149.50, many are priced in the $25 to $40 range.
What They Say:
The collection consists of outerwear, denim, shirts, cut & sewn, knitwear, and other goods. The +J women’s collection price range: Outerwear: $39.50-$149.50, Shirts: $39.50, Pants: $49.50-$59.50, Skirts/Dresses: $39.50-$49.50, Cut and sewn: $19.50-$29.50, Sweaters: $29.50-$49.50, Cashmere: $79.50-$129.50 and Accessories: $29.50.
What We Say: J+ has almost everything we need for fall and winter. While there isn’t anything terribly daring in the collection (from what we can tell), it’s kind of a one-stop shop for this season’s basics. Have you checked it out yet? What’s the verdict? If you’re curious, you can browse the line online.
Mango Mans Up to the Recession
What: You may have passed by a Mango store in the mall, but they’re a relative newcomer to the USA. Don’t underestimate this store - the Spanish brand has been promoted by Hollywood heavyweights Penelope Cruz and Scarlett Johansson. They’re now launching a campaign called “Think Up,” which will feature 90 clothing items from its current collections for prices starting at $24.90.
What They Say: From NY Mag:
This is all well and good, but it begs a question: If Mango can shave significant percentages off its less-than-stellar quality goods, were we being overcharged? Something to think about.
What We Say: You can learn more about the campaign on the Mango Think Up blog, which apparently has nothing to do with fashion on a budget. So, we’re not totally “getting” it. But we don’t really care - $24 for clothes and accessories that would normally cost $60 and up? We like. The fact that we may have been charging too much all along? We don’t. Still a bit confused on when we can all cash in…let us know if you’ve got the scoop!
Sonia Rykiel’s Holiday Collection for H&M
What: French designer Sonia Rykiel is partnering up with H&M to develop the retailer’s first-ever co-branded lingerie line just in time for the holidays. The new collaboration will include a line of “modern” lingerie available at H&M stores nationwide on December 5th, along with a spring knitwear collection, which will go on sale in February.
What They Say:
“It is a hallmark of Sonia Rykiel to think of all women because fashion is about a certain spirit more than a question of means,” said Nathalie Rykiel, president and artistic director of Sonia Rykiel. “This collaboration fits perfectly with our philosophy.”
What We Say: The whole designer-collaboration trend seems to have been done to death by now, although the fact that Sonia Rykiel is designing lingerie does add an interesting element to this collaboration. As always, we’ll be excited to see what Rykiel and H&M are able to come with, and just how frugal the prices will be.
We’ve got the Photos: Jimmy Choo for H&M Photos
Think of this as an early christmas present. More photos after the jump.
More Photos
More to Love About the Jimmy Choo H&M Collection
What: The world wide web’s been abuzz with leaked photos of the new Jimmy Choo H&M collection hitting stores November 14th. While most the pics have been taken down, they give us a hint of what to expect. in addition to a huge assortment of colorful and edgy shoes (ranging from stilettos to boots), shoppers can look forward to statement jewelry, studded belts, handbags, and even…brace for it…a jumpsuit.
What They Say:
Jumpsuits are a pretty polarizing garment these days, but the belted one in this line looks like it might fall on the more flattering end of the jumpsuit spectrum.
What We Say: November 14th can’t come soon enough…are you as excited as we are? We’re hoping the prices leak next…
Norma Kamali’s New Line On eBay
What: Designer Norma Kamali, who designed a line of affordable work-wear for Wal-Mart earlier this year, is branching out once again. The fashion legend is launching an exclusive line of clothing called Norma Kamali-bay, which will be available exclusively on eBay with prices that are $250 or less.
What Norma Says:
“We did a little experiment over the summer on eBay and we found that people wanted Norma Kamali design—like, really design—so it’s the antithesis of the Walmart collection, which is timeless style, simple little black dress, great trousers, that kind of thing,” Kamali says.
What We Say: We love shopping online and getting discounted designer clothes, so Norma Kamali’s new collection for eBay is a match made in heaven from our point of view. It’ll be interesting to see how the collection is received by buyers, and whether more designers choose to follow suit and jump on the eBay bandwagon in the future.
Lauren Conrad Line for Kohl’s Now On Sale
What: Lauren Conrad wasn’t kidding when she said she was coming back to fashion. While her previous line folded, the Lauren Conrad LC collection is now available for sale on Kohls.com.
What They Say:
The collection features tops, bottoms and dresses for $20 to $60. LC’s collection are wardrobe basics like jeans and knits, so don’t expect anything fancy or ‘designed”, some pieces feature stripes and prints, that’s about it.
What We Say: We really love the LC Lauren Conrad Watercolor Ruffled Dress, but we don’t love its $60 price tag. Still, there are other more affordable options - like this $20 seamless camisole - but none are all that interesting. In fact, one would expect something a little more vibrant to come out of such a young, “hip” designer. What do you think of the line?
Jean Paul Gaultier and Target?
What: Jean Paul Gaultier - whose muses include Madonna and Lady Gaga - is apparently in talks with Target about an upcoming line. If the rumor’s true, JPG would be the latest designer to partake in Target’s series of “Designer Collaborations.” Anna Sui and Alexander McQueen are his predecessors.
What They Say:
The muse always plays a big role in Target’s Designer Collaboration series (Alexander McQueen chose the Duke Spirit and Leila Moss, Anna Sui chose the girls of Gossip Girl). So whose would Gaultier’s be? A diva, most likely. As long as the pleather is kept to a minimum and shiny stuff is included, we are onboard.
What We Say: It’s been a long time since we’ve heard such an exciting rumor, and we really, really, really hope it’s true. If JPG and Target do end up getting together, we think the outcome will be super interesting and edgy. Are you crossing your fingers for this new designer collab?
Richard Chai’s New Line
What: Richard Chai, the indie designer best known for his androgynous style and his limited edition collection for Target in 2008, is branching out. In addition to his high fashion (i.e. super expensive) collection, Chai has announced plans to launch a lower-priced label called Richard Chai – Love for men and women. With wholesale prices ranging from $50 to $100, the new collection is set to preview at fashion week this month and officially go on sale in spring 2010.
What Richard Says:
“It’s inspired by my girl, who’s in love with the guy that I dress,” said Chai. “They’re not carbon copies of each other, but they go hand in hand.”
What We Say: For anyone who’s ever looked at her boyfriend’s t-shirt and wondered if she could wear it as a mini-dress, Richard Chai’s collection is for you. Although it won’t be priced quite as cheap as his Target collection in 2008, Chai’s new line still seems like a great deal.
Luxury’s Losing
What: More and more is being revealed about the luxury apparel market. Even though prices have started to stabilize, luxury clothes just aren’t coming off the shelves and racks fast enough for retailers. It’s not just the “Recessionista” who’s taking advantage of lower prices - even the rich are scaling back their clothing budgets. That means the luxury market isn’t recession-proof - as originally thought - and may endure more long-term than short-term effects. That’s okay news for shoppers, of course.
What They Say:
Shoppers will see more merchandise focusing on the low- to mid-tier luxury prices. That means more dresses from $400 to $600, and fewer priced over $1,000. The average prices for European luxury handbags are now anywhere from $1,600 to $1,700, lower than the $2,000 average seen more than a year ago, acccording to Hana Ben-Shabat, a partner in the retail practice of management consultancy A.T. Kearney.
What We Say: We have to wonder why the luxury market used to be so economy-proof, and suddenly isn’t. We also have to wonder if perhaps high-end apparel was just way overpriced pre-recession and is only coming back down to planet earth now. While the recession certainly won’t hand us over any couture for rock-bottom prices, it will make it easier for us to splurge from time to time.
Do you think the gap between high and “low” fashion is starting to shrink?
Photo by Ileana
Look for Less: Marley Shelton’s Makeup
Marley Shelton, up-and-comer/actress in the ‘09 movie A Perfect Getaway, has one of the fresher faces out there in Hollywood. Mark’s celeb makeup artist Mai Quynh let us in on how he created her stunning yet simple look, which costs under $50.
Face
“Marley wore a beautiful, red Grecian dress so we wanted her look to be summery with a bronze glow. I started by applying mark Face Expert Flawless Touch Makeup in Honey with a foundation brush and then dusted mark Powder Buff Natural Skin Foundation in Honey with a powder brush. Then I swept mark Bronze Pro Bronzing Powder to her forehead, cheeks and chin to give her that summer glow. I finished by applying mark Good Glowing Mosaic Blush in After Glo with a blush/bronzer brush to her cheeks.”
Face Expert Flawless Touch Makeup in Honey, $9
Bronze Pro Bronzing Powder, $9
Good Glowing Mosaic Blush in After Glow, $7
Eyes
“I started by applying mark I-Mark Custom Pick Eyeshadow in Tiki from the lash line to the crease using an eyeshadow brush. I also used the same shadow to smudge along the bottom lash line with the eyeliner brush. I then used mark Eyemarker in Java to rim the bottom of her eyes and finished by applying two coats of mark Lash Splash Waterproof Hook Up Mascara in Black.”
I-Mark Custom Pick Eyeshadow in Tiki, $4.50
Eyemarker in Java, $5.50
Lash Splash Waterproof Hook Up Mascara in Black, $5.50
Lips
“I completed Marley’s look by applying mark Tinted Sheenstick Hook Up Lip Balm in Au Natural to her lips.”
Urban Outfitters Debuts Latest Designer Collection Online
What: Urban Outfitters’ latest limited-edition capsule collection is finally hitting shelves. The hipster retailer—which announced plans to collaborate with hat designer Eugenia Kim and jewelry maven Annie Costello Brow just last month—is officially debuting its latest collection together with designer Emma Fletcher from the indie fashion label Lyell. Although the full line won’t be available in stores until August 15th, a number of items are already popping up online, including silk tap shorts ($58) and a v-neck sweater dress ($88).
What Teen Vogue Says:
“Ms. [Emma] Fletcher already has a loyal following, but if you’re not yet familiar with her handiwork, prepare to be charmed. Her designs are enchantingly vintage-looking but spare the wearer the strategic tailoring decisions that come with real vintage pieces…”
What We Say: She may not be as famous as some other designers who’ve collaborated with Urban Outfitters, but Emma Fletcher’s Lyell line is already hugely popular with downtown fashionistas from New York to LA. Judging from the few pieces that have debuted online, it looks like her limited-edition collection will deliver all the signature details Fletcher’s known for, but with a much cheaper price tag.
The Purple Pump: Fall Fashion Guide 2009
1. Steve Madden Tayla , $100 at Piperlime.com
2. Franco Sarto - Essence (Violet Suede) , $88.95 at Zappos.com
3. SHIMMY- Frill T Bar Shoe, $125 at Topshop.com
4. Python Slingback Platforms , $29.98 at CharlotteRusse.com
5. Vince Camuto Women’s Gellar Pump , $68.72 at Endless.com
Top 5 Shorts Under $50
Whether you’re aching to show off those fantastic legs of yours, or you’re not really all that warmed up to the idea of wearing shorts, no matter how warm it gets outside (they’ve always been way unforgiving of your figure), we’ve got a very chic collection of budget-friendly shorts right here. And they just may get you rethinking this often overlooked clothing item. Shorts can be worn out on the town, and they’re not always dull when they’re denim. See for yourself with this selection. Afraid of baring too much? Wear a long sleeve top and you’ll feel comfy out and about.
Alexander Wang Khaki Pleated Shorts, $39.99, from the Gap
City Style Floral Camo Shorts, $12.47, from New York & Company
Catch My I Dress Shorts, $24, from Dillard’s
Serena Williams Debuts Skincare Line
What: Tennis superstar Serena Williams has taken on yet-another side project. The Wimbledon champion—who already has her own lines of clothing and jewelry—has teamed up with Mission Skincare to release her own line of beauty and skincare products available on HSN and select retail locations. The new line, which debuts on HSN next week, will feature facial cleansers, body scrubs, and lip balms designed for active women that will “feel luxurious” but also “perform efficiently”—with prices ranging from $3.99 to $39.99.
What Serena Says:
“Whether on the court, on the red carpet or with family and friends, I don’t have a second to waste! That’s why I was so excited to help create a beauty line developed specifically for the active woman of today. I tried it, I put it to the test, and the results were immediate and amazing!”
What We Say: While celebrity-backed clothing and cosmetics lines have pretty much become the bane of our existence as of late, this line does seem to have one main difference—it’s got Serena Williams at the helm. She’s got a great game (hello, Wimbledon) and pretty great skin, too, which is more than enough reason for us to give the line a shot.
Vogue Gets Budget Friendly?
What: You know recession-chic has gone mainstream when even Vogue is buying in. The fashion bible has gone “budget-conscious” for its July issues by introducing “Steal of the Month” items, along with a section full of clothing and accessories all under $500. The frugal focus is part of the magazine’s attempt to become cost-conscious—in light of the economy—and incorporate more products from designers like Phillip Lim and Alexander Wang, who have created high design collections for lower priced retailers in recent months.
What They Say:
“It was a very deliberate decision,” Ms. Singer [Vogue‘s fashion news and features director] said about the cheaper items. “In the past year, I feel a greater need to signpost certain elements we’ve had in the magazine. Maybe we need to make sure the reader can find them more easily.”
What We Say: Call us crazy, but the $145 beach chairs and $449 croquet sets offered up as “recession friendly” options in Vogue hardly feel like budget buys. Nonetheless, it’s nice to see a high-fashion magazine at least attempting to make an effort to list the frugal finds everyday people can afford—even if we’re still not sure who these everyday people are spending hundreds on designer croquet sets.
Top 5 Under $50: Maxi Dresses
Trend: Maxi Dress
Why: They are easy to wear and serve double duty (as a beach cover up/causal summer dinner
Here’s our maxi dresses picks for under $50:
Daydream Floral Maxi Dress, $29.80, from Forever 21
Roxy Best Match Colorbock Maxi Dress, $49.50, from Nordstrom
Chiffon Maxi Dress, $49, from Rampage
Sleeveless Tiered Mix Print Maxi Dress, $19.99. from Ann Taylor LOFT
City Style Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress, $29.99, from New York & Company
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