Marc Jacobs
Save up to 40% on Marc Jacobs & Marc by Marc handbags: Daily Deal
The Deal: Save up to 40% on Marc Jacobs & Marc by Marc handbags
The Lowdown: Save up to 40% on Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc handbags. Find amazing deals on classic styles, like the Marc Jacobs Patent Stam Bag (originally $1350, now $810), and the Marc by Marc Jacobs Groovee Bag (originally $498, now $348).
Shop: eLuxury.com
Bebe Sandal, Sothy’s Delicious Scrub, Marc by Marc Jacobs Colors for Spring, J Crew Belt and More
FabSugar finds an affordable alternative to the swoon-worthy Stella McCartney Mesh Sandal (approximately $600) for just $139 - the Bebe Lizzy Mesh Sandal. Not quite the same, but close enough, and far more wallet friendly.
Lemondrop has a delightful new obsession; the Sothy’s Delicious Scrub, a yummy wonder-scrub that revitalizes winter skin and even replaces shaving cream. Little bit pricey though; $44.
Omiru finds an affordable, adorable detail for any wardrobe; the J Crew floral bouquet sash belt, for $35, a sophisticated and versatile accessory.
Designer Dictionary: Guide to Top Designers H-M
Halston
Pronunciation: Hall-stun
If you lived in the 1970s, then you know Halston. Roy Halston Frowick was the guy that dressed pretty much anyone who entered the door of the infamous Studio 54. He was to fashion in the 70s what Marc Jacobs is to fashion today (maybe even a little higher), bringing fabrics like ultra suede to the forefront of fashion. Everyone from Liza (Minelli) to Bianca (Jagger, Mick’s first wife) discoed the night away in his designs. However, when disco fell, apparently Halston’s status as the “it” designer fell with it. Recently, the line has started to gain prominence
via vintage stores and consignment shops.
Hermes
Pronunciation: Air-mez
Since 1837, the Parisian luxury goods company Hermes has made the most exclusive, most coveted bags in the world. So high is a Hermes handbag, that they even dissed Oprah (and course found out that nobody is bigger than Oprah). The Birkin bags (named after British actress Jane Birkin) and the Kelly bag (named after screen goddess and princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly) are two of the most expensive (upwards of $5000) and hard-to-get bags in the entire world. The French company is also known for their exquisite silk scarves.
** Hilfiger, Tommy
Pronunciation: Tom-ee Hill-Fig-ur
There’s no denying that the urban crowd made the Tommy Hilfiger brand what it is today. Hilfiger’s clothes are also commonly seen as All-American and preppy, with fresh-faced jocks and peppy cheerleaders modeling his lines. Tommy Hilfiger started his career with a store called People’s Place in his native, Elmira, New York, and in the early days of his career, turned down assistant positions at Calvin Klein and Perry Ellis to concentrate on his own work. Tommy Hilfiger names music as the inspiration for his designs and its no wonders that rappers and rockers alike are huge endorsers of the brand.
Hugo Boss
Pronunciation: He-you-go Bo-s
German clothing brand Hugo Boss has been around for almost 70 years. During WWII, the company designed and manufactured uniforms for the Army officials and other governmental branches of Nazi Germany. Despite their nefarious past, the brand continues to offer immaculate business suits favored by many leading male celebrities like George Clooney and a solid collection for women. Less expensive versions of the suits can be found at stores like Nordstrom Rack, Filene’s Basement, and K&G.
**Imitation of Christ
Pronunciation: Em-ma-ta-shun of Cry-st
Created by designer and sometime actress, Tara Subkoff, the designs are described as “painfully hip” and aims to “transform undesirable into desirable.” Think trailer park meets Rodeo Drive. The label is very popular with the Olsen twins and other members of the young, hip, SoHo set. For a while, Subkoff had a partnership with comfort shoe maker Naturalizers, for a high end comfort shoe line.
Jacobs, Marc
Pronunciation: Ma-rk Jay-kob-s
From coveted handbags to pretty party dresses, Marc Jacobs continues to be one of the most influential young designers in fashion. A media darling, Jacobs transforms the styles you wore in high school (bows, lace, prom like dresses, oversized tops) to styles you can wear as an adult. Jacobs designs not only his own labels- Marc Jacobs and, the less expensive, youth oriented line Marc by Marc Jacobs, but also designs the ready-to wear line for Louis Vuitton.
Johnson, Betsey
Pronounced BET-see JON-sun
Designer Betsey Johnson has always followed her own set of rules. Known for her brightly colored hair and catwalk cartwheels, Johnson utilizes sexy silhouettes, whimsical designs and flowing fabrics to inspire her style. Currently there are over 41 Betsey Johnson stores worldwide.
**Klein, Calvin
Pronounced CAL-vin KLYIN
Born on November 19, 1942, this minimalist designer is known for his use of neutral colors, classic, timeless cuts and styles. However, he’s most known for his jeans, made famous by Brooke Shields in the early 80s. The designer has found great success with mass market versions of his underwear (remember Marky Mark) and perfume lines
Karan, Donna
Pronounced Don-NAH KA-ran
The ultimate New Yorker, Donna Karan saved professional women worldwide from the agony of the “career suit”. Her styles focus on classic lines that fit “real” women’s bodies and tend to shy away from extreme prints. She also has a well known denim/casual line called DKNY (Donna Karan New York).
**Kors, Michael
Pronunciation: My-kal Ko-ors
He may be best known as the beo-tchy judge on “Project Runway”, but Michael Kors is very successful fashion designer, designing classic luxury pieces since 1981. His designs tend to take a glamorous spin on sportswear, resembling a cross between preppy Ralph Lauren and glamorous Escada. He also has a very successful bridge line (a.k.a cheaper) called MICHAEL
by Michael Kors, which is sold at most major department stores.
Celebs who wear Michael Kors: Sharon Stone and Gwyneth Paltrow.
*Lagerfeld, Karl
Pronunciation: Ka-ral La-ger-fell-d
Karl Lagerfeld is perhaps the most influential fashion designer alive today. The German born designer has transformed the design house of Fendi, Chloe, and most recently Chanel, with his keen mixture of classic and street styles. An accomplished artist and photographer, he has also created lines for H&M and Neiman Marcus.
Lang, Helmut
Pronunciation: Hell- Mut Lay-ng
Helmut Lang’s razor-sharp lines and high-tech fabrics are especially catered to those with specific body types (okay, to REALLY skinny people). He was one of the first designers to turn t-shirts into expensive couture pieces, spawning a whole generation of over-priced tees. His razor lines and use of high tech fabric makes him a favorite among the European techie set.
Lanvin, Jeanne
Pronunciation: John La- vin
From her storied feud with fellow french fashion visionary Coco Chanel to building one of the first haute couture fashion empires, Jeanne Lanvin is the greatest designer you never heard of. Starting out as a milliner late 19th century Paris, Lanvin used the dresses she designed for her young daughter as the basis for the design house that became the epitome of French elegance and style. She’s best known for her mother-daughter collections and robe de style dresses, dresses
characterized by a dropped waistline and a full skirt. Lanvin is now led by designer Alber Elbaz.
**Lauren, Ralph
Pronunciation: LORE-in
Designer Ralph Lauren was one of the first designers to build his brand into a “lifestyle brand” and is credited with bringing the preppy blue blood look into mainstream American fashion. The Polo brand, and its iconic logo of a polo player, symbolizes American wealth and leisure (think summers in the Hamptons and winters in Aspen). His more mass market lines focus on comfort,
causal looks with a slight nautical bent, but his higher end lines (Black Label) are known for their elegance, grace and sophistication for both men and women.
Lepore, Nanette
Pronunciation: Na-net LA-pour
Mixing femininity with wearability, Nanette Lepore is like the “chick lit” designer of fashion. Her clothes are fun (they often feature embroidery, lace or other detailing) and accessible (most of the pieces are well under $500). According to her bio, Lepore’s designs are “suitable for a tea at The Ritz or a night out on the town”
Celebrities who wear Nanette Lepore: Hilary Swank, Sarah Jessica Parker and Eva Longoria.
Lim, Phillip
Pronunciation: Fill-lip Lem
Lim is known for taking ordinary fashion and giving it some extra bling—case in point; the Swarovski-encrusted headband or the silk blouse with an oversized self-tie below tacked on below the chin. Stars such as Natalie Portman and Kate Hudson are frequently seen sporting his cutesy designs. Phillip Lim hasn’t stopped at 3.1 Phillip Lim; he now also designs menswear, eyewear and childrenswear.
Louboutin, Christian
Pronunciation: KRI-shtaan Lu-bu-TAHN
If you are a fan of the movie “Sex and The City” you know about footwear specialist Christian Louboutin), whose high heel shoes are often compared to a work of art. His styles range from Georgian and Oriental to Wedgwood porcelain and Louis XV. You can identify Louboutins’s by their trademark bright red soles. The shoes can be quite pricey, so get them on sale at Bluefly.com
Louis Vuitton
Pronunciation: Lu-wee Vee-tuhhh
What started off as a luggage store in Paris in 1854, is now a global status symbol. In fact the brand’s iconic “LV” logo is considered one of the first designer labels and was created in the late 19th century to, believe it or not, prevent counterfeiting. According to the brand’s Wikipedia page, only 1% of Louis Vuitton branded products sold around the world are authentic. The brand, which now includes clothing, shoes, and other accessories, conveys a sense of classic luxury and wealth (summers on the French Riviera) and is led by designer Marc Jacobs.
Malandrino, Catherine
Pronounced KATH-er-in Mal-an-DREE-no
Combining “the energy of Manhattan with the romance of Paris”, designer Catherine Malandrino creates clothing with a soft elegant style. Malandrino states, “I want to create irresistible clothes that make a woman desirable, clothes that a man just wants to discreetly take off, clothes to keep as a secret, clothes that stay darling to you forever.” And forever is just what she delivers, because actresses Demi Moore, Julia Roberts, and Halle Barry swear by her designs. If you’re lucky, you might be able to find her pieces at Off Fifth, the Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet.
*McQueen, Alexander
Pronounced: Al-ex-AHN-der Mac-KWEEN
Born March 17, 1969, in London, McQueen isn’t your typical designer: shaved head, tattoos, and risque-yet-fun catwalk shows. He’s known for his master tailoring and in 2001 became the chief designer for Givenchy. McQueen’s famous “bumster” trousers helped him receive the British Designer of the Year award in 1996. He is known for his liberal and non-traditional use of plaid and recently premiered a limited edition line at Target.
Miller, Nicole
Pronounced: Na- Koal Mill-r
Miller’s is known for mixing bold prints with very feminine cuts, resulting in trendy, yet wearable garments. She’s a big, Hollywood favorite (everyone from Halle Berry to Angelina Jolie wear her designs). To find Miller’s higher end line for less, check out Bluefly.com or Smartbargains. For those of us who are “living-it-frugal”, check out her Nicole by Nicole Miller line at JCPenney.
Missoni
Pronunciation: Me-son-nee
Missoni is one of the premier knitwear design houses in the world. When Ottavio Missoni designed his first tracksuit in the 1940s, little did he know he would create garments that would become the epitome of high end knitwear. In 1958, the label “Missoni” was finally sewn on to the products. The classic zigzag designs in bold and rich colors are a trademark for this designer’s work. Missoni wearers include: Demi Moore, Cameron Diaz, and Sharon Stone.
**Mizrahi, Isaac
Pronunciation: Eye-zak Miz-ra-hee
With a new TV show on Bravo, it’s easy to forget that Isaac Mizrahi is also a very talented fashion designer and costume designer for several Broadway shows. He’s also the man who brought the high/low look to the masses. His line for Target revolutionized the fashion world, bringing high-end fashion to the masses and creating classic clothing that real women can wear at prices they can afford.
Miyake, Issey
Pronunciation: E-say Me-ya-kay
Art, nature, and technology are the inspirations behind influential Japanese designer Issey Miyake’s line of clothing. He past collections included updated versions of traditional Japanese clothing like kimonos and sashiko coats and “Pleats Please” dresses printed with works by Miyake’s favorite contemporary artists. As one first Asian designers to gain global prominence, he lead the way for other major Asian designers like, Yohji Yamamoto and Comme des Garcons’ Rei Kawakubo, to become global fashion powerhouses. From a fashion perspective, his pieces are more like works of art than ready-to-wear, and most of his couture pieces are considered collectors items.
Previous: Top Designers A-G
Next: Top Designers N-Z
Are we missing an important designer? Want to update a description? Want to a add or correct an entry? Send me an email.
Web Round Up: Marc’s Muses, Spring Handbag Trend Guide, Flower Accessories, Free Lotion
The Cheap Chica digs up a great coupon find: print it out for a free sample of Pink Energizing body lotion!
Marc Jacobs has this to say about his modeling muse, to Vogue UK. (Marc’s Muses)
Handbag Heaven compiles a comprehensive Handbag Trend Guide for Spring 2009.
Cheap Chic Daily is feeling inspired by the New York Fashion Week runways and chooses flower hair accessories at from $3-$38. (Flower Shopping)
Save Up to 70% at Yoox.com’s Fall Winter Sale
The Deal: Yoox.com’s Fall Winter Sale now up to extra 70% off
The Lowdown: Okay, we admit it—even we weren’t sure where to start with Yoox.com’s Fall Winter Sale items (unlike most end-of-season sales, the selection is, while not always fabulous, a bit overwhelming). In terms of basics here, like shoes, handbags, accessories, underwear—you won’t find anything earthshattering (or even terribly cheap). So we decided to focus on what you go to a site like Yoox for to begin with—designer stuff.
Love Marc Jacobs? A quick search turned up this spring-ready Marc by Marc Jacobs fuchsia dress, on sale for $184. Or is Stella McCartney more your style? How about these kinda funky satin lace-up heels on sale for $304? Practical? Non. But Yoox.com (or designer for that matter) isn’t really about practicality, is it? At least it’s all on sale.
Shop: Yoox.com
City Opera Thrift Shop Fall Preview Event
What: The City Opera Thrift Shop’s Fall Preview is set for Thursday, Sept. 11, in NYC
The Lowdown: Budget fashionistas will be in frugal fashion heaven at the City Opera Thrift Shop’s Fall Preview event, which will feature a huge selection of designer goods, from Manolo Blanik, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, L.A.M.B., Gucci, Diane Von Furstenberg, to name but a few, at prices between 50-70% off. Yep, we said 50-70%. If that’s not enough, the event will also feature furniture and home accessories as well, at big discounts. We love the City Opera Thrift Shop, because all proceeds support the creation and design of costumes for new productions at New York City Opera, and all donations are tax deductible. So you’re supporting the arts, shopping green (recycling, right?), and getting incredible bargains all at once. Everyone wins.
The Details: The event will take place at 222 East 23rd Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues) on Thursday, Sept. 11 from 5-8 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door.
For more information, visit www.nycopera.com
Two Very Interesting Facts About Louis Vuitton
I just learned these very interesting facts while researching part 2 of my Ultimate Guide to the Top Designers:
1. The iconic “LV” logo was created in the late 1800s to prevent counterfeiting.
2. 99% of all Louis Vuitton branded products in the world are fake.
So, now I get why their panties are in a bunch over the whole fake issue.
On a somewhat related note, Marc Jacobs designs Louis Vuitton’s ready to wear and two of his own lines. Exactly when does he time to do fun stuff like sleep and eat? No wonder he always looks like he’s one Murakami bag away from being committed to the psych ward. Marc, I’m sending a big hug your way. It looks like you need it.
Site I Like: PeakUniques.com
I love the internet because it’s creating a community of women who are truly doing their own thing. Like the two women behind the web boutique PeakUniques.com. The store carries a variety of cute accessories for working women. My favorite piece is the white bag (price $249.95) shown above that is actually, believe it or not, a laptop bag. The bag looks like a Marc Jacobs bag except $1500 cheaper and without the pretense. The bag isn’t the cheapest laptop bag (for cheap, but stylish bags head to Target), but for working fashionistas who are forced to cart around heavy laptops, this bag is worth every penny. Fashionista readers can ease the pain on their wallet by using coupon code FASHIONISTA15 at checkout. The coupon is good through June 1st. THIS COUPON HAS EXPIRED.
Have a site you think I would like? Contact me
Neiman Marcus First Call Sale
THIS COUPON IS EXPIRED. FOR CURRENT COUPONS AND DEALS, PLEASE VISIT TBF’S ONLINE COUPON PAGE.
The Neiman First Call Sale started on Monday at NeimanMarcus.com and in store today. Save up to 65% off (bringing the items to an affordable price range) major designers like Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, and more. Plus use coupon code: NMSALE for free shipping. (thanks California Style for the tip).
Quickie: Marc Jacobs on Oprah Today
Ohhhh.. Just got this tip from a reader. Marky Marc is going to be on Oprah today. Now you know I love Marc Jacobs almost as much as I loved Ralph Tresvant from New Edition when I was 12 ( um . . . okay. . . I still have a crush on Ralph Tresvant) and Oprah has dinner at my house every Sunday (in my mind), so you know I will be watching. I hope he drops some bombs, like Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen are really the same person or Naomi Campbell buys her underwear at K-Mart.
(Thanks Tania for the tip)
Big Sale at Saks Fifth Avenue
This Sale Has Ended. Visit Our Coupons and Deals Page for Current Deals
Saks Fifth Avenue is having a major sale both online (and in store) with discounts so great that many of their overpriced items are affordable. Plus receive FREE SHIPPING on any order.
Spring Fashion Tips and Predictions
From this week’s newsletter
My predictions for 2006 . . .
- You will be the boss. Retailers are will try every trick in the book to get you to shop.
- Vera Wang will premier a line at Kohl’s. Santa sweaters become chic.
- Marc Jacobs will premier a line at Wal-Mart. A girl can dream.
- Lace will replace sequins. Buh-Bye tunic tops.
- Celebrities will stop trying to be fashion designers. New designers will finally get a chance to shine.
- Floral hair pins will make a comeback. Every fashionista will have a glue gun.
- Red will be the new white. Target employees rejoice.
- Gray will be the new black. Accountants rejoice.
- Round toed shoes will stomp out their pointy sisters. Dr. Scholl’s declares bankruptcy.
- More shoppers will shop online. Massive lay-off of Wal-Mart greeters.
- The “monied” look will return. So will names like Muffy, Buffy, etc.
Post your predictions below . . .
Bargain Shopping: DSW Shoe Warehouse
To say that I love DSW is an understatement. I actually wrote a love letter to the store in my book. I know pretty much all the stores locations in the PA-NJ-NY tri-state area. I shopped there way before the commercials (which are brilliant). What I like most about DSW isn’t just that it has low prices on designer shoes like Marc Jacobs, Via Spiga, Stuart Weitzman, etc at amazingly low prices—but the store has amazingly low prices on designer shoes in hard to find sizes. I wear a size 11 and for years the only designer discount spot in town was the shoe rack during Nordstrom’s Half Yearly Sale (or Nordstrom Rack if you’re lucky enough to live near one). Then DSW came along and leveled the discount designer shoe playing field not just for big foot fashionistas like myself, but also for our very petite, size 6 and below sistas.
The trick to finding the best deals at the store is go on a Thursday or Friday in the morning (or during your lunch break). On the weekends the store can be messy and the staff non-existent.
Feel free to email me any pictures from your shopping adventures, with the date, store, and location of the items (stuff *at* thebudgetfashionista.com) and I will try my best to post them on the blog.
Here’s one of my finds last week at a local DSW:
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