Hsn
Fun Line from HSN & Lucky Mag
What: Lucky Magazine and HSN have put their heads together for an exciting Designer Capsule Collection, featuring pieces from seven designers, including Rebecca Taylor. The collection is made up of adorable dresses and accessories that are perfect for a night out on the town or a cozy house party; however, it’s all casual enough to be worn just about anywhere. You can shop for the line on HSN either online, or on TV October 16th and 17th. The line is also available at featured Lucky events from November 5th-7th .
What They Say:
Some items from this premiere collection include:
• Shoshanna: Two sexy cocktail dresses, offered in two-three colors each.
• Rebecca Taylor: A chic, drapey cardigan, available in five colors.
• Tracy Reese: One body skimming party dress and one dolman-sleeved jersey cardigan, in four colors each.
• Kooba: A stylishly oversized patent leather satchel, available in three colors.
• Gerard Yosca: Two colorful necklaces with handmade glass drops and two pairs of matching earrings.
• Rebecca Minkoff: Four classic, go-anywhere handbags in two-four colors each.
• Helen Ficalora: Two delicate sterling silver charm sets.
What We Say: While we’re not jumping for joy at the price points of the Lucky/HSN line (there’s a $350 handbag and $129 necklace), we like that most of the line costs under $100, like this $69.90 cardigan. Plus, shoppers can split their payments up over time if they need to.
Any takers?
Badgley Mischka’s HSN Line Debuts Nov. 17
What: Late last month, word began spreading that the design team Badgley Mischka was planning to design a line especially for the Home Shopping Network. Now, just a few weeks later, details about the new collection are starting to emerge. Dubbed the “American Glamour Collection,” the new line will include footwear, apparel and jewelry priced from $39 to $499 when it debuts during a two-hour special on November 17th.
What WWD Says:
“People in parts of the country that didn’t know about Badgley Mischka because they don’t have access to some of the high-end retailers are now going to see this as a destination,” says Lanie List, EVP of Badgley Mischka at Iconix. “When it’s time for them to get their daughter’s first wedding gown or go to an event, they will know [the company] as a favorable brand.”
What We Say: We’re still waiting to see photos before we make out final judgment on the new collection. However, the prices (starting at just $39) do sound promising. We’ll definitely be tuning in to HSN at 9 p.m. on November 17th to see what the designers have got in store. What about you?
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.
Elisabeth Hasselbeck Has a “View” on Fashion, Too
What: “The View’s” talkative token republican, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, has officially unveiled her new clothing line for QVC, with pieces ranging from $40 to $80.
What We Say: Well done. While some of us may not agree with Hasselbeck’s political views, we can definitely find common ground via her fashion line, which is targeted towards 40+ fashionistas who want to have style, without looking like a poor woman’s version of Betsey Johnson (whom we love, but, seriously…). Many of her tops are great for the office, with crisp, clean lines. We’re not, however, a fan of the price point ($40 bucks for a shirt you can buy at Target for $25?) and the animal printed tops…but…..overall, this is a great option for those who want to update their style, without heading into hoochie territory.
ShoeDazzle.com: Kim Kardashian’s Shoe of the Month Club
ShoeDazzle.com is essentially a Shoe of the Month Club. For a monthly fee, receive a new pair of shoes in the mail to keep, especially chosen for you. This is the brainchild of Kim Kardashian (Founder and Chief Stylist) and partners Robert Shapiro (of OJ case fame) and Brian Lee, the founders of LegalZoom.com. The concept is a little reminiscent of Avelle (formerly Bag Borrow or Steal) the designer handbag rental club; there, you can rent designer handbags for a monthly fee of anywhere between $40 (for a Juicy Couture tote) through $400 (for a couture vintage Hermes Birkin.) Fortunately, ShoeDazzle.com is much more affordable. The monthly fee is only $39 a month. And, you get to keep the shoes.
How It All Works: ShoeDazzle.com chooses shoes for you with the help of celebrity stylists such as Kim, professional celebrity stylists, a fashion editor and HSN’s Designer Challenge expert Michael Bassolino. How do they do this? First, you fill out a survey to indicate your shoe taste. Then, after assimilating the answers on your survey, the stylists choose five pairs of shoes for you. If at any point you are not pleased with any of the five pairs of shoes chosen for you, you can request a new list. And third, you choose a pair of shoes from the list. The shoes are shipped free of charge. If you don’t like the pair once it arrives at your door, you can send it back - but you are charged a $5.95 restocking fee.
The Shoe Selection: $39 a month seems incredibly affordable for a pair of trendy new shoes every month. Since the price is so low, the quality of shoes is a first and foremost concern to us: how can we even conceive of committing before we see the shoes in person, and before we get to try them on? The majority of ShoeDazzle.com shoes come from the Michael Antonio brand “and other stylish, high quality shoe designers.” Michael Antonio shoes are generally very trendy, as they frequently imitate the latest best seller and runway styles. Some of the most obvious imitations we spotted: the Michael Antonio CHAI Strappy Gladiator Heels, $47.95 versus the frequently copied Dolce Vita’s Chastity, $162, the Michael Antonio Ember Dress Sandal, $27.77 versus the Dior Extreme Gladiator, ~$1000, made popular by Sex and the City movie last summer. Many of these shoes have “leather-like” and “man-made” uppers - in other words, they’re constructed out of pleather. Cheap pleather simply doesn’t last long, often scruffs easily, and doesn’t conform to your feet with regular wear as leather does.
The Value: That brings us to the value aspect. $39 is very affordable. The true Budget Fashionista, however, can find much better deals and much better quality. Firstly, Michael Antonio shoes frequently cost much less than $39 each - we even found a pair of slinky pewter snake platform heels for only $3.99, and many non-sale in-season styles for under $30. Secondly, $39 can easily be spent at the sales racks of affordable shoe stores such as Aldo and Nine West, where the majority of shoes are constructed of real leather.
The Style: That leaves the the handpicked, individualized styling of these shoes as the main draw of ShoeDazzle.com. Kim makes a great case for the individualized styling which is conducted by her team of stylists. She enthuses: “It’s like walking into a high-end boutique where you actually get personalized recommendations, while getting a great value for beautiful shoes!” While we disagree with the value claim, we do see some appeal in the notion of trying out shoes that someone else picks for you. Often, we don’t know what looks good on us until someone else inspires us.
The Verdict: Even though the monthly fee is only $39, a closer look at the main brand behind those shoes, however, leaves us wondering about the quality (down with pleather!) and overall value.
However, Kim’s enthusiasm for her stylist team’s desire to style you is appealing. Kim implores, “We can’t wait to pick out shoes for you! It’s so much fun and what better way to feel fantastic about yourself than letting us pamper you?” That does sound fun… but is it worth potentially being stuck with low quality look-a-like shoes?
Iman on Global Chic and Fashion for All: A TBF Interview
Iman has long been a style icon for those of us here at The Budget Fashionista, not only because she exudes elegant sophistication, but also because she’s consistently demonstrated a commitment to beauty and fashion for women of all colors and all ages. The icing on the cake? She’s all about making it available to women on a budget, too—from her IMAN cosmetics line for women of color at JCPenney to her current Global Chic line for HSN. Gearing up for a July 12 appearance on HSN to introduce some brand new items, Iman took a few moments to speak to TBF about beauty, fashion, and what’s to come:
TBF: We’ve previously featured some of your Global Chic items from HSN on The Budget Fashionista, because we found them to be super chic and reasonably priced. What inspired you to create this collection, and why did you decide to work with HSN?
Iman: With the Global Chic Collection, I will dress you, jewel you, and accessorize you from head to toe—giving you an extensive line of fashionable show “toppers” and trendy looks to be instantly incorporated into your life, with zero effort. I always say that it is the “extras” that add personality and unique touches to outfits – I am providing all women with those “extras!”
TBF: You’ve long had a commitment to beauty/fashion products for the “average” woman—in fact, Kathryn Finney remembers one of her first makeup purchases to be from your line of cosmetics for women of color at JCPenney. What prompted you to start that cosmetics line, and what keeps you focused on affordable beauty and fashion for the fashionista masses?
Iman: When I first began modeling I used to be asked if I brought my own concealer by the makeup artist. I then began mixing my own shades as nothing exactly matched my tone. I thought – why not create a line specifically formulated for all women with skin of color. Beauty comes from the inside, but you also what to feel good about the outside! IMAN Cosmetics offers more than 17 shades in various products and are high-quality formulas without being too expensive.
TBF: Another issue you’ve spoken to is beauty for all ages, which a focus here at The Budget Fashionista as well. What’s your take on how the fashion/beauty industry is addressing this issue currently? And how does your HSN collection speak to this issue in particular?
Iman: My HSN collection provides chic, affordable, handbags, jewelry, and fashion accessories that are classic for all ages. It is how you mix and match and re-make the old. I would pair one of my favorite pieces – the Blue Python City Tote with crisp white jeans and a white tee, while a teenager could pull-off the same bag with trendy black gladiator sandals, skinny jeans, and a logo tee. It is about dressing for your personal style and feeling great!
TBF: Now to the fashion—any tips for sprucing up that tired summer wardrobe this season?
Iman: Yes, again it is all about the extras! Your summer staples, such as white jeans, colorful tees, and bright sundresses can be dressed up or down with the right accessories and hand bags. Add personality to basics with a vibrant ombre bag like my Global Chic Signature Tote, or dress up your favorite go-to skirt with a wrist full of jeweled bangles. It is all in remaking the old!
TBF: Looking ahead, we know you’ll be appearing live on HSN on July 12 to introduce new items for the Global Chic collection. Anything else on the fashion/beauty front we can look for from you in the near future?
Iman: I will be appearing live on HSN again this fall beginning in September through the holiday season with new items such as the Global Chic Doctor Satchel and Global Chic Bow Clutch that are perfect for all your winter festivities.
Tune in to HSN on July 12 to see Iman and her Global Chic line; to shop it now, go to HSN.com
Pamela Pekerman on HSN: News Alert
What: Pamela Pekerman, bagtrends.com founder and VH1 fashion correspondent will appear tomorrow night, June 27, starting at midnight and throughout the day on HSN to discuss CALLA handbags. Tune into HSN or HSN.com, to purchase the Today’s Special CALLA Concord Satchel in croco-embossed black, rose, bronze, steel or camel material for $59.90. Pamela will talk about the function and fashion appeal of the bag as well as fall handbag trends.
What We Say: CALLA is a new diffusion line from Charm and Luck designer Jenny Syquia. Charm and Luck handbags have been seen on the arms of Hollywood startlets and now is your time to purchase budget versions from the same creators! This particular bag can be worn any time of the day since it has lots of room for the stuff you need to lug around during the day but it’s also really cute for night time, too.
R.J. Graziano Jewelry at HSN: Adventures in Home Shopping
It still takes a little getting used to—well-known designers hawking their wares on the Home Shopping Network. It’s not that we’re not grateful, however—designer goods, in our price range, and as close as the click of a mouse. Fantastic.
And it’s not just clothing, but accessories too. Reeling in some quality fashion jewelry has been on our minds this week, and voila! R.J. Graziano’s line for HSN to the rescue. Since we’re in the business of spilling what we know, here are the picks we, er, took a shine to:
R.J. Graziano’s “Pop Rocks” triple tier drop earrings, $27.50.
R.J. Graziano’s “Blazing Bangles” two-piece metallic bangle set, $29.95
R.J. Graziano’s tortoise print bangle, $29.95
R.J. Graziano’s “Star Style” crystal star pin, $29.95
R.J. Graziano’s “Shine Time” graduated metallic bead necklace, $37.50
Tina Knowles Launches Line for HSN
Who: Tina Knowles, Beyonce’s mama and the woman behind her “Barbie in Vegas” look launches a fashion line called Miss Tina for “Forgotten” women ages 30-50 on the Home Shopping Network.
What the fashion heads say: WWD—“....I love the fact that the sizes go all the way up [2 to 24],” (Tina) Knowles said. “There’s a forgotten woman who wants a pencil skirt, too, or a blouse that’s a little lower cut. Beyoncé has backup singers who are full-figured women. Being a woman over 50, I try to think about the things I have going for me and the things I want to hide, like my arms. I’m giving them options with shrugs. I’ve been a stylist for so many years, I know how to accentuate the positive.”
What I say: I’m all for offering more options to the “grown and sexy” fashionista, but Mrs. Knowles has a reputation for going a bit over the top with her designs, with a tendency for a more gaudy than fashionable look. Plus the price points are high- from $39 for a t-shirt, $250 for a suede hobo, $150 for a pair of boots.
Also while we can appreciate the nod to sizing (sizes 2-24) and to age, the philanthropic spin that is being put on this and other celebrity backed lines is a bit condescending . Like Sarah Jessica Parker and the Bitten line, it makes business sense to target your line to a wide ranges of sizes. However, I can see Mrs. Knowles actually wearing some of the clothes from her HSN line on the red carpet and for that, I’m totally willing to give it a try.
Turn in to HSN on August 15th to learn more.
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