Celebrity Fashion
Femme by Hilary Duff Now Available
What: Another celebrity fashion line has just hit stores, and this time it’s Femme by Hilary Duff. The DKNY collection is, naturally, available on DKNY.com - but it can also be purchased on Macys.com. Prices hover around $60, and include fairly original pieces, like this $69 purple sweater scarf and this $89 boyfriend blazer.
What We Say: First Lindsey and now Hillary….Ok, so this line isn’t as bad as the Lindsey-turn-fashion-designer line and isn’t Miley Cyrus cheap or Lauren Conrad affordable, but it’s intriguing. And some items really do seem worth the price tag, especially this sequin trim halter dress for $49. Plus, when you consider that Ana Sui’s Target line consists mostly of clothes that cost $30 to $60, Femme doesn’t seem so overpriced.
What do you think?
Badgley Mischka for HSN
What: The Home Shopping Network’s been getting into fashion of late. HSN already offers up collections by Molly Sims and Tina Knowles. Now, Badgley Mischka - a pair of designers known for bold evening wear and bridal gowns, is in talks with HSN about a “lifestyle collection” that could launch this fall.
What They Say: From WWD.com:
HSN already offers fashion collections by designers such as Loulou de la Falaise, Randolph Duke and Tina Knowles, and in November will launch a special fashion jewelry collection by Molly Sims. HSN representatives could not be reached for comment.
What We Say: Until we’ve got price points and pictures, it’s hard to say much about this rumor, except that we hope it pans out! It has potential… looking forward to it?
Beyonce - Not So Fierce?
What: VMA show stealer Beyonce Knowles had planned to launch a fragrance called Fierce in 2010. However, Abercrombie & Fitch is trying to steal her thunder. The retailer’s suing the pop star because it already has a “signature scent” called Fierce.
What They Say:
In a federal lawsuit filed on Tuesday in Columbus, Ohio, Abercrombie claims a fragrance under the singer’s “Sasha Fierce” label “poses a likelihood of confusion” with the retailer’s own “Fierce” brand.
What We Say: We think this is probably just a way for A&F to bring attention to its $40 per oz perfume. Probably gonna be good advertising all around. But in the end - we really couldn’t care less if another celebrity is able to launch a fragrance or not.
Thoughts?
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?
Lindsay Lohan “Advises” Ungaro: Fashion is Officially Dead
What: In what may be the most baffling fashion news since the re-emergence of Hammer pants, professional celebrity Lindsay Lohan has joined the fashion house Ungaro as it’s “artistic adviser”, in an effort to help the brand appear “younger” and overseeing the houses main desginer, Estrella Archs. The new collaboration will premier during Paris Fashion Week on October 4th.
Lindsay told WWD:
“When I’m involved in a project, I give my all to it,” she said. “...I’ve always played a big part in what I wear, the costumes. Clothing is something that’s so expressive in so many ways…To be in a position where I’m working with a fashion house in Paris sets it apart from every other celebrity brand.”
What We Say: Are things so bad for fashion houses that they’re now hiring celebrities to promote, opps we mean “design” lines for them. Wasn’t she suppose to be designing a line of $30 leggings? Does anyone even find Lindsay Lohan fashionable? Also, what qualifies Lohan to “oversee”, the house’s designe Archs? With an acting career that has been lukewarm as of late, perhaps she should focus on “overseeing” her career.
P.S. I do love her hair…
Molly Sims Designs HSN Jewelry Line
What: Model/actress Molly Sims has moved on from her five-season stint on the NBC drama Las Vegas and into a new role—jewelry designer. The former Sports Illustrated swimsuit model and host of MTV’s House of Style has teamed up with HSN to launch her very own line of costume jewelry called Grayce, which is set to debut on the network in November.
What WWD Says: “The line is inspired by Art Deco design from the Twenties, ‘understated glamour’ reminiscent of the Sixties and her love for travel and photography.”
What We Say: She may have worn jewelry in her modeling days or talked about it while hosting House of Style, but we’re not exactly clear on what qualifications Molly Sims has to design an entire collection of costume jewelry (and you too Kelly Killoren Bensimon). The trend of celebrity-endorsed lines really is losing steam and Molly isn’t as big as say, Paula Abdul (who also has an HSN jewelry line), so we don’t think this is going to be a real money maker for the shopping network.
Cynthia Rowley Debuts New Line for Tots
What: Cynthia Rowley—the kitschy fashion designer and TV personality with a housewares line at Target—has yet another collaboration in the works. The designer has announced plans to team up with Babies"R” Us to launch a collection of children’s clothes beginning in September. The new line, called “Hooray by Cynthia Rowley,” is set to feature “fashion-forward” baby clothes and accessories, including playwear, bibs, blankets, and diaper bags, with prices ranging from $5.99 to $39.99.
What Cynthia Rowley Says: “I’ve been dying to do baby clothes for a long time….I just wanted to find the right partner. I think that baby clothes should be reasonably priced and accessible. People can’t believe the combination of the quality, the price and the style—it makes everything so easy,” said Cynthia.
What We Say: Based on how much we adore Cynthia’s flirty clothes and her bright and cheerful housewares line for Target, there’s no reason to think her latest collection of baby-wear will be anything less than spectacular. Plus it will be a great alternative to the recent trend in expensive children’s clothes.
Miley Cyrus Line on Sale at Wal-Mart Now
What: News hit that Miley Cyrus and designer Max Azria were pairing up for a budget-friendly Wal-Mart line a while back, and lots of people had opinions about that. Well, now that the line’s finally out let the judging commence! The collection includes tie-dye v-neck tees, denim skirts, colorful skinny jeans, and leggings - much of it inspired by the UK fashion scene. Nothing costs more than $20, and in fact, many items are a mere $6.
What They Say:
What We Say: There are certainly some funkier aspects of the line, but a good chunk of the tops and bottoms are pretty basic and anything but original. Regardless, at prices like $6 and $7, one really can’t complain. If you’ve got back to school shopping to do, or you’re super petite, there are definitely a few unique standouts worth checking out - like this $12 plaid tunic.
Susan Boyle Gets Glam in September’s Harpers Bazaar
What: Britain’s Got Talent and YouTube Supastar, Susan Boyle goes glam for a photoshoot and interview in September’s Harper’s Bazaar.
Quotes from the article:
On finding salvation through singing: “As a kid, I was in my own wee world when I listened to records in my bedroom,” she says. “I didn’t mix with other kids much. I was frightened of people because of their reactions toward me.” / “It’s complicated,” she says quietly. “But the best way I could express myself was in the bedroom, singing along and imagining I was entertaining people.”
On becoming an overnight YouTube sensation: “YouTube? What’s that? A tube of candy? I don’t think so!” She laughs. “That was a shock. The YouTube thing was like a demolition ball. It was just overwhelming—to find TV stations camped outside your door and the phone ringing 24 hours a day. It was good. But overwhelming. It was too big for anyone to handle.”
What We Say: Love it, Love it, Love it. To see the photos click through to the next page
{pagebreak}
Alicia Silverstone Creates Eco-Conscious Beauty Line
What: Longtime environmental and animal activist Alicia Silverstone is getting in touch with her roots. The actress has partnered with the company EcoTools to create a line of makeup bags and brushes made out of environmentally-friendly materials like natural hemp, recycled PET, and non-toxic ink. The collection, slated to launch at stores like Target and Walgreens in December, will include train cases, overnight bags, cosmetic kits, and makeup brushes priced from $8.99 to $19.99.
What They Say:
“EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone is a collection of chic carryalls that have a floral design inspired by Silverstone’s favorite flowers: lavender, rose, chrysanthemum, cosmo and thyme.”
What We Say: We may be tired of celebrities “designing” fashion and beauty lines, but there seems to be no doubt that the trend isn’t going away anytime soon. At the very least, it’s good to see that Silverstone isn’t selling out in her product launch, since the brand EcoTools seems to align so closely with the eco-friendly ideals she’s spoken out about for so many years.
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.
What Do You Think About Celebrity Fashion Lines?
Question: What do you think about Celebrity Fashion Lines?
Celeb fashion lines seem to come and go with the seasons. We keep thinking that they’re on their way out for good, but some new pop singer or reality TV star always comes around ready to clothe us, all the while ensuring they’re property overexposed. Most of the time, a fashion line with a famous name behind it is just that… it has little more purpose than to rip off shoppers. In the past year, some celebs bowed out before it got too embarrassing - like Mandy Moore - while others managed to churn out some crappy albeit creative ideas, like Katherine Heigl’s hospital scrub line.
Are there celebrity fashion lines out there that inspire, rather than sicken? Have you bought something from Averil Lavigne’s line at Kohl’s, or tried on one of Taylor Swift’s sundresses at Wal-Mart (assuming you’re petite and can wear stuff in the Juniors section)? What do you think of Celebrity Fashion Lines?
Eva Longoria: Look for Less
Eva Longoria Parker has had some hits and some sure-fire misses, but we straight out adore her dress from the Critic’s Choice Awards. We especially love that it’s not something only teeny tiny Eva could pull off - the banded waistline hides any sort of pooch. Although our alternative doesn’t sport the beautiful jeweled belt, it’s got plenty of room for you to breathe. And we actually think it’ll do more justice to your legs than the original.
We’re guessing Eva spent upwards of $1,000 on her version, so we found a version for the tax-refund-busting amount of $390 (yeah, we know, not cheapest, but if you’re a Hollywood celeb $400 bucks is what you spend on non-fat soy lattes each month)
Here’s how to get the look for, hmm, less:
The Dress: Sue Wong Jeweled Bubble Dress from Neiman Marcus, $390
The Shoes: Patent Pumps from Charlotte Russe, $22.99
The Purse: Heritage Canvas Soft Clutch from Liz Claiborne, $24.99
Miley Cyrus and BCBG founder Max Azria to Do Wal-Mart Line (No We’re Not Kidding)
What: Disney Superstar Miley Cyrus is partnering with higher end fashion designer Max Azria for a budget friendly line called “Miley Cyrus and Max Azria” (we pray that they shorten it to something like MC + MA) at Wal-Mart of tops, shirts, tee, and accessories all for under $20
The trend-right collection will bow in all Wal-Mart stores and on walmart.com in early August, the sources said, adding the line will include tops, pants, graphic T-shirts and shoes, priced under $20.
What I Say: Miley + Wal-Mart = LOTS of loot. Wal-Mart (and Marshalls and TJ Maxx) are the only stores that are doing okay right now. While some sources think Miley’s parents (Billy and Trish) were the masterminds behind this deal, I think the Jonas Brothers are secretly working as business development consultants for the mega retailer. Taylor Swift does a duet with the bros? She has a line of dresses at the Wal-Mart. Miley dates one, she gets a fashion line at the store. Selma Gomez, who has been spotted having dinner with the bros, will probably have her own line of make-up at the store.
Look for Less: Paris Hilton
Even though she can be found skanking it up at a club, mysteriously showing up at a movie premier she has nothing to do with, sunning on the beach, or pretending to not notice the paparazzi as she shops in LA, from time to time Paris Hilton can rock a look. Here she’s sporting a dress that probably looks familiar to you - you’ve seen this belted, tea dress more than a few times, but usually the sleeves are a lot longer and more fall and winter-friendly. But we like the shorter sleeves, especially as summer approaches. We’ve rounded up a few affordable lookalikes.
How to get this look for less:
The Dress: You have options: There’s a $54 safari dress from Spiegel (choose soft gray), an $139 Antonio Melani Percy Dress from Dillard’s, and a $159 Emlia Gray Day Dress in Heather Grey from Couture Candy
The Belt: (if desirable) Apt. 9 Macrame Belt in Black, $14.40, from Kohl’s
The Purse: $18 Daisy Fuentes Two-tone Clutch from Kohl’s in Black
The Earrings: Double Loop Sterling Earrings from Amazon.com
Victoria Beckham: Look for Less
Victoria Beckham is not really a t-shirt and jeans kind of gal - after all, she’s the “posh” one. However, from time to time, she does bust out a casual look that those of us not married to a handsome superstar soccer playing husband can pull out, like the look shown above, which is pretty achievable for the average fashionista on a small budget. It’s a laid back outfit that still is sexy as ever - notice how sheer, or better yet see-through her top is. (Wear an undershirt if you’re not feeling so bold.)
How to Get the Look for Less:
Shirt: Alternative Apparel Beater Tank in Charcoal, $24, from Revolve Clothing, or try this basic $25.99 tank top from Surf Fanatics
Pants: RVCA Dem Pants in Vintage White, $52, from Revolve Clothing
Shoes: Taupe Ivory Satin Heels, $69.95, from NathanShoes.com
Sunglasses: Flight Small Aviator Sunglasses, $24, from FreePeople.com
Bag: Taupe Tianni Hobo, $30.25, from Endless
Adrienne Bailon: Look for Less
Former Cheetah Girl and up-and-coming singer Adrienne Bailon sure knows how to strut her voluptuous stuff. Nude photo scandal aside, we love the dresses this ex-Disney star has chosen for the many red carpets she’s walked. Any woman graced with awe-inspiring curves could stand to take a view style tips from Adrienne. And we’re here to help, of course. The idea is to show off your figure, not hide it.
How to get the look for less:
Dress: Mossimo: Black: Strapless Ruffle Dress Deep Love, $39.99 (pictured) at Target.
Shoes: Miss Me Women’s Dream-2 Open Toe Ankle Strap Pump, $41.95, from Endless
Bracelet: Logo Bangle Bracelet Set, $19.99, from Liz Claiborne
Taylor Swift: Look for Less
Taylor Swift has a sweet but mature style. Instead of pulling a Lindsey Lohan, she’s refrained from showing tons of skin and instead taken a much classier look. We especially love this delicate one shoulder white dress. If you don’t have Taylor’s loot, we tracked down a similar version for $69 at Dillard’s. If you’re not digging the black band, try a more expensive option like this one or this one.
In sum,
Dress: Teeze Me On-Shoulder Flower Dress, $69, from Dillard’s
Shoes: Stefani Nacy II Gold Sequin Heels, $36.45
Bracelets: Floral Wooden Bangle, $4.80 and Round Rhinestone Elastic Bracelet, $7.80, from Forever21
Earrings: Double Loop Dangle Earrings, $27.50, from SoapOperaJewelry.com
Zooey Deschanel: Look for Less
Zooey Deschanel has been hailed a “style icon” by many, but let’s push that buzz word aside for a moment and really deconstruct her look. Is it daring or darling? Angsty or adorable? It’s all of those things. So, how does she do it? Contrasts. Case in point: here she’s wearing a sunny yellow skirt but navy blue tights, and a dark blue top with an unexpected black ruffle that doesn’t quite match.
Here’s how you can get the look for less:
Top: Draftbird Deep Scoop V Sleeveless Tank in Yankee Blue, $59, from RevolveClothing.com
Bow: Silk Bow Pin, $14, from Spiegel.com
Skirt: Cotton sateen gâteau skirt, $59.99, from J.Crew
Lauren Conrad’s New Line at Kohls: Do We Care?
Kohl’s, the Midwest based discount department store taking a huge chunk of Target’s business, announced the launch of the a new line by MTV star Lauren Conrad and the real question is do we care?
From the Kohl’s Press Release: Kohl’s Corporation (NYSE:KSS) today announced the exclusive launch of LC Lauren Conrad, a contemporary lifestyle brand that will launch in the women’s department in approximately 300 Kohl’s stores and Kohls.com this October. The brand is ultimately planned to expand to all stores nationwide… “We are very excited to announce our partnership with Lauren Conrad, a pop culture icon whose style resonates with our contemporary customer,” said Don Brennan, senior executive vice president of Kohl’s Department Stores. “
I haven’t seen the line yet, so I’ll hold off any judgment in terms of style, function, etc, but….but… isn’t the whole celebrity-turned-designer-trend done? I bet you this deal was signed last year. Didn’t Lauren Conrad’s last line not do so well? And course, when we think of pop icons, LC is the first person to come to mind, right up there with Madonna, Beyonce, and Susan Boyle.
Lauren talking about her line:
Advertisement
Featured on TBF
Copyright 2003-2009 TBF Group, LLC.