Fashion Highlight: H&M For Water (summer clothing and a charity donation too!)

I need no excuse to shop (or at least window shop, I'm an excellent window shopper!) and as I've mentioned before, shopping that combines cute clothing with charitable causes is always a win for me!  Right now, H&M has launched the H&M for water project and 25% of all proceeds from this collection go to water sustainability projects mainly based in Banglasdesh, India and Pakistan.  Florals and a few bright colors dominate the collection, but I mostly like that it is somewhat muted.  There are definitely a few great options for summer here!

Prices range from $9.95 for the sunglasses (hmm I wish I got these the other day now!) to $39.95 for the dress and up to $24.95 for the bikinis.

 
 
 

Photo Love: Waiting for summer via H&M Magazine Summer 2012

Get ready for summer!

H&M Magazine Summer 2012

While I may spend most of my time in a country with eternal summer, there is still something about the coming of June that marks summer for me.  Even here, summer is the promise of warmer weather, longer days, and inevitable days grilling.

Summer is also the time for vacations.  Have you ever noticed how August is just the time to take vacation (especially for European colleagues).  I'm planning my summer vacations already (our anniversary is in the summer after all!) and am wondering if we will do a beachy vacation or a more culturally rich one (the husband usually likes the lazy promises of a beach vacation, but that just isn't me!)
How are you getting ready for summer?

Have a lovely week!

LOTC: Marni for H&M - European Bohemian meets the masses

Fashionistas, mark your calendars for March 8 because that is the day Marni for H&M hits stores.

  

{Source: H&M Press}

This Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC) collaboration definitely bring a label with a different aesthetic to the masses.  This label is usually well known by the well-dressed and well-financed set and makes clothing that is more loved by women than men - think billowy, well-tailored (but not necessarily very fitted) silhouettes.  Bold, but necessarily bright hues (think blues, yellows, blacks, and whites) are a trademark of Marni, as are vintage and African prints; these really create a European Bohemian feel.

I wasn't sure I loved this collection at first, but the quirky, yet refined prints are growing on me as are the reports of well-made construction.  The prices are about $60-$80 for most pieces as well (including coats!) so it is also a great buy.

Will you be checking out this collection?  Oh and when, oh when, will hm.com have online shopping available?!

Check out the video as well of the launch party in LA - isn't Drew Barrymore so cute!

{Fashion} Highlight: H&M Conscious Collection

I'm not exactly a tree-hugger, but I am increasingly becoming more conscious about my actions and purchases as a consumer.  I never thought I'd own a bamboo cardigan, but love my multi-colored one by Stacia.  I also feel a little more responsible when I purchase something that comes from sustainable materials (because at least I can feel good about where the materials came from!)  But let's be honest, the higher price of some eco friendly clothing is a bit more than what we would normally feel comfortable paying for clothing; I bought my Stacia cardigan only because it was more than 50% off at ideeli.  H&M typically has great price points and uses organic cotton, and recycled wool in its Conscious collection in stores now.

I am kind loving the beige dress which was of course sold out in my size.  But if you're in an H&M, definitely feel free to stop by the store and check out apparel that is both safe for your wallet as well as the environment.

Here are a few favorite picks:

Lace dress, $79.95

Beige embroidered blouse, $29.95

Fitted embroidered jacket, $99

Cotton embroidered blouse, $39.95

What do you think of this collection?

LOTC: Versace for H&M lookbook and US pricing

Nov. 17 is V day (the day Versace for H&M launches) and one of the ultimate Luxing it on the Cheap collaborations.  As expected, this collection is not for the faint of heart.  Skin is in, tight fits are expected, and embellishment and electric prints are mandatory.  It definitely conjures and recreates the essence of the house of Versace at a much more manageable price point (everything is under $299).  While I'm not quite daring to wear some of the pieces (red floral pants are gorgeous, but I would need Cameron Diaz's legs), I do love the fun studded patterns on some pieces and the edgy cutout detail on a staple like the little black dress.
Many of the pieces also feel like resort wear to me - perfect for a night out in Bali or a piece that you throw on for a great summer party.

I've included a few of my favorite (and for me, most wearable) looks below along with the price list.  The belt, black dress, and skirt are practically work worthy as well!

{Source}

What do you think of this collection?  Are there any pieces that belong in your closet?

{Green} Fashion Highlight: H&M Conscious Collection

I'm sure no one will say they don't want to be green, but how does one actively ensure they make green choices when it comes to fashion?  H&M has made it a whole lot easier with the launch of the H&M Conscious collection - it is a small, carefully cultivated collection of sweet and simple white pieces.  I love the unabashedly feminine details like the scallop hems, lace sleeves, and ribbons.   Materials include organic cotton (H&M plans to increase use of this by 50% every year until 2013) and recycled polyester.

Prices range from £12.99 to £34.99.  Find the complete price list here.

4 great stores for designer collaboration collections/apparel

I'm constantly surprised and impressed by the number of savvy and chic options available for a lady on a budget.  I would have never considered buying clothing and facewash at the same store.  But today that is not only an option, but one that is attached with designer labels.

Here are four surprising stores for Chic 'n Cheap wardrobe options:
1. Target
I have always loved Target for its everyday low prices and enviable selection of housewares and personal care items.  But I only started wandering into their apparel section in 2006 when GO collections was launched in collaboration with various hot designers.  I've gotten a few pieces like a Behnaz Sarafpour jacket for which I'm constantly getting compliments.  I've also highlighted their collections with Zac Posen, Eugenia Kim, Anna Sui and Temple St. Clair.  William Rast just launched their collection for Target recently so if you're looking for great denim, check it out!

Luckily for us, Target is releasing 34 GO Collection dresses from past seasons next year.  Keep an eye out for some options at your local store!

Anna Sui for Target

2. H&M

Their designer collaborations have been well publicized and highly successful at making luxury a bit more accessible - Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Sonia Rykiel, Lanvin - need I say more?  I'm still stalking the Lanvin for H&M pink ruffled dress and tuxedo.   Luckily I actually have most pieces on my wish list through a combination of my lovely brother and online shopping.

The awesome thing about these collections is that they always retain a signature of the original designer - zipper pulls by the ankle for Jimmy Choo shoes and large oversized ruffles typical of Alber Ebaz's Lanvin.  As Alber said, it's pretty cool that H&M can go luxury as well.

I just got this on eBay and for a discount too!

3. QVC

I never quite understood the allure of QVC, but they must be doing something right, especially if they pull in big names like Rachel Zoe and Janie Bryant (costume designer for "Mad Men").  There is a large selection of accessories endorsed by these big names.  If you love prints, particularly animal prints and faux fur, this is the place to go!

Rachel Zoe watercolor print scarf $32.18 here

4. Wal Mart
I first brought up their Norma Kamali collection here and it continues to be simple, chic, and super affordable.  It's great everyday wear and possibly work wear!  Walmart? Clothing?  Don't reject it immediately especially if you are offered super versatile options from a known designer like Norma Kamali.
Oh and this collection has great clothing for traveling or even for bridesmaid dresses too like the one below.

Less than a nice lunch at $10 here

Do you have any favorite designer collaboration pieces?

LOTC: Lanvin for H&M collection (pictures and a few favorites)

Dear Husband,
All I want for Christmas is Lanvin for H&M and you of course.  See list below.

♥,
Chic 'n Cheap Living

While we don't have a store here, I'm so glad that my brother is currently in New York and can (hopefully) grab a few of these Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC) pieces.  This is certainly one of the coolest, craziest, covetable, designer/high-street collaborations that will drive women to go guerilla shopping like their last breath depends on securing a one-shoulder, ruched number.  Alber Ebaz, the mastermind behind Lanvin said "I loved the idea that H&M was going luxury, rather than Lanvin was going public".

From the pictures my lovelies, this IS indeed a luxurious collection worth visiting.  Styles are replete with Lanvin's feminine, whimsical, and luxurious details.

Here are a few favorites.

 $199

$99

$99

 $199

 $199

$59.95

$99

$149

$49.95

$199

$199

$149

$99

$39.95

All pictures from Fabsugar

Updated with complete product list on three handy sheets.  Thanks Priya!

Drool some more after watching this video depicting most pieces in the collection.

Will you be getting anything from this lovely collaboration?