Versace for H&M!

Donatella Versace announced this morning that she'll be collaborating with H&M for not one but two separate collections, one to launch on November 17 of this year, and the next to debut as a pre-spring collection that will be available on January 19, 2012. Included in the collection(s) are menswear, womenswear, and homeware, which I'm REALLY excited about! If the homeware items are anything like the luxurious duds in Donatella's home (see photos below), they'll be sure to go fast. 

As for the clothes, Vogue UK says to "expect leather and colourful prints for the girls; sharp tailoring and plenty of bling for the boys."

Sneak peek photos of the clothing collection:

Photo credit: huffingtonpost

Decade Influences on Resort 2011 Runways

Resort 2011 Runways were sprinkled with 60's and 70's inspiration, with the 60's garments having graphic prints, polka dots, and Jackie-O style, and the 70's with palettes in golden tones, vintage, and ethnic patterns which resulted in a casual elegance. Below are some of my favorites from each category.

Alice And Olivia

Christian Dior

Christian Dior

Christian Dior

Salvatore Ferragamo

Chanel

Chanel

Balenciaga

Which style appeals most to you?

*All photos are from style.com

Resort Wear 2011: Pink

Pink was all over the Runways in Resort Collections for 2011, which makes me so happy. Pink is my favorite color and if I could, I would paint my house pink. Unfortunately, that wouldn't fly with the fiance.
Here are some of my favorite pink runway looks:

Christian Dior

 Giambattista Valli

Monique Lhullier

Carolina Herrera

Carolina Herrera

Christian Dior

Christian Dior

As you may be able to tell, Christian Dior was my favorite of all the Resort wear Runway shows. I will be doing a separate post on that because I loved every single item from the show.

Runway to Real Way:

1. D & G Satin Crepe Wrap Dress

2. John Lewis Cashmere Coat

3. Black Halo Dress

4. Bird by Juicy Couture Cardigan 

5. Pink Chanel Flap Classic

6. Christian Louboutin Declic Glitter Pumps

7. Diane Von Furstenberg Pink Luggage

8.  Michael Kors Pink Aviators

Word of advice: Don't go overboard with wearing pink, always add a neutral color like black to your outfit so you don't look like a walking cupcake!

Rent The Runway

I had been wanting an excuse to try out renting a designer dress from Rent The Runway since the company debuted, and last month I had the perfect opportunity; one of my dearest friends got married in the beautiful Napa Valley, and I knew I wanted a long dress to wear to the wedding since I don't usually get the opportunity to get decked out in long gowns! I ordered my dress about two weeks prior to the wedding, where I was asked to select an arrival date. Once I chose the date, Rent The Runway's calendar application automatically told me when I had to send the dress back. You have the option of renting for 4 or 8 days. What I love most about Rent The Runway is that they will send you the same item in another size (of your choice) for FREE just in case. When my package arrived, I was so excited to open it up and try my dress(es) on! I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the package and had FOUR dresses (all the same, in different sizes). I'm pretty sure this was because the dress I chose was floor length and they sent me my two sizes in addition to the same sizing with "regular" and "long" lengths. Each dress came in it's own garment bag (for me to keep), return labels for free shipping via USPS, and a cute little bag of Hollywood fashion tape, a foam sheet, and lint removing sheets.
The dress I rented was by Mark and James by Badgley Mischka, which retails for $550. I rented it for $75.
Unfortunately I didn't get any photos of myself (full body) in the dress, but below is one that I got of the upper half.

 Sending the dress back was SO easy, I just slapped the label on the ready-to-go box and dropped it in the mailbox @ USPS. I will definitely be renting more dresses, especially for my wedding festivities this Spring!
Click Here to Sign Up for free!

Sweater Dresses

It's finally time for Pumpkin Spice Latte's, Halloween decorations, color change in the leaves, and crisp cool air (albeit not quite yet in Northern California). As you may be able to assume, Fall is my favorite season for several reasons, especially for my love of fall clothes. This fall/winter I am planning on stocking up on sweater dresses. They are so easy to throw on with leggings and boots while still looking put together. Below are some sweater dresses from the Runway @ F/W New York Fashion week 2010, followed by my top picks.

DKNY

Halston

 

Rag and Bone

*Photo credit: google images

Theory Cutaway Sweater Dress

Bird by Juicy Couture Puff Sleeve Sweater Dress

Bop Basics V Neck Sweater Dress

L.A.M.B. Cowl Neck Sweater Dress

Mossimo (Target) Turtleneck Sweaterdress

Look For Less: Leather Mini Skirt

Leather jackets, vests, pants, and skirts are hot for F/W this year and I love it! One of my favorite shows from fashion week that featured lots of leather was Jen Kao. Her pieces are rocker-chic while still embracing pretty, feminine details.

and the look for less:

Top:Alice and Olivia Skirt, $395
Bottom: H&M Faux Leather Skirt, $24.99

Are you ladies into leather this fall? If so, what leather items will you be buying?

Fall 2010 Fashion Report: Leopard

The Animal print clothing and accessories trend has been around for quite awhile, but the Fall/Winter 2010 runways were chalk full of leopard prints, more than ever before. See below for a few runway looks...

From Left To Right: Philip Lim, Dolce and Gabbana, Oscar De La Renta

From Left to Right: Blumarine, Moschino, Balmain

Here are my favorite leopard pieces for fall:

Diane Von Furstenberg Della Dress

 Rebecca Taylor Cashmere Leopard Print Sweater

 J Crew Leopard Patent Belt

Asos Leopard Drop Waist Shift Dress

I love mixing different prints with leopard accessories, over the summer I've been big on floral dresses with my J Crew leopard belt around my waist. What are your opinions on mixing prints and the animal print craze for Fall/Winter 2010?

Fall 2010 Fashion: Army Green

Military influences are back again for Fall 2010, a trend I wasn't so hot on at first but now I can't get enough of Olive-green utility pieces. See below for Runway examples of this trend from the Fall 2010 Runway and then my own take on the trend.

Eryn Brinie

William Rast

 Marc Jacobs
...and how I would style olive hued clothing...

Are you guys loving or hating this trend?