Hot under {$100}LOTC: PLAY Comme des Garçons (and fun hearts) at J. Crew

Sometimes, there are some fashion brands that you may admire from afar, but think you will never really buy.  Maybe it was too funky, too expensive, or it seemed inaccessible.  PLAY Comme des Garçons isn't totally Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC), but it is a fun line with a slightly lower price point.  It is a different, but interesting brand for J. Crew to carry as well since Comme des Garçons and its following are much more exclusive and edgy than J. Crew.  At least it's nice to have options while shopping online!  What do you think of this collection?

PLAY Comme des Garçons Converse Sneakers, J. Crew, $100

PLAY Comme des Garçons printed heart tee, J. Crew, $72

Tip: J. Crew has a good discount off all items (FABFEB just ended), but keep on the lookout for additional ones to use on designer items like this!

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} LOTC: Jason Wu for Target apparel and accessories

I've fallen in love with Jason Wu slowly - from the dress he created for Michelle Obama for the inaugural ball to the wallpaper newspaper in his apartment to his close connections to his (Taiwanese, go Asian men!) family.  I am also loving him a bit more because his collection for Target is getting closer by the day (I'll be setting a calendar reminder on February 5th!)

These Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC) designer collaborations can certainly be hit or miss. But I like that Jason Wu has stated that he didn't just want to make designs from his runways in more affordable fabrics.  He created new pieces for this collection  - "an American girl in Paris" - and while they retain his touch for delicate details, they are also more casual and whimsical.  I love the brightness of the striped pieces and the fun prints (the cat tote is both cute and chic!)  These looks definitely translate from a more casual work outfit to the weekend.  I'm just crossing my fingers that Target's website is prepared for the traffic!

I've included my favorite picks from the collection below:

Textured Pleated from Gold Peplum top - $32.99, Pleated skirt in black - $29.99, floral lace clutch in black - $29.99

Straw and Canvas clutch in cream - $29.99

Short sleeved tee in navy/red stripes - $19.99, cuffed shorts in admiral blue - $26.99

Flared dress in white with black patent belt - $59.99

Cat tote in cream - $39.99

Poplin dress in navy - $39.99

Trench coat in black - $54.99, Flared dress in black with nude patent belt - $59.99

Long-sleeved sheer blouse in white with black ribbon - $34.99, Pleated canvas skirt in Belize blue - $29.99

{Source}

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?

Decor Thoughts/Luxing it on the Cheap: Jonathan Adler for HSN

Sometimes a name just says it all...Happy Chic!

Happy Chic is Jonathan Adler's houseware collection for HSN and provides many pieces for Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC).  It is of course affordable and has a few cute classic pieces for the house.  I don't love all of the finishes on the vases (hmm metallic paint on stoneware?), but the Greek key items like the throw and pillows are classic and contemporary at the same time (the throw also has decent reviews so I am definitely tempted!)  I love that interior designers are branching into mass market collaborations as well.

Do you see any pieces that you like?

Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler Greek Key Woven Throw, HSN, $39.95

Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler Ceramic Accent Lamp, HSN, $59.97

Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler 32-piece Dinnerware Set, HSN, $29.97

Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler 4 Wine Glasses, HSN, $39.99

Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler Greek Key Pillows, HSN, $49.95

Save!
- New Customers save 15% with code C70121
- Go through Mr. Rebates first for additional cash back!

LOTC: Missoni for Target sneak peek

Missoni for Target may be the ultimate Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC) collaboration for Target to date.  This 400 piece collection launchs Sept. 13 and has both interior designer lovers and fashionistas swooning.  I've wanted a classic Missoni print dress or cardigan for a while now, but was always hindered by the price.  Now that the price is $7.99 to $199.99, I can definitely drape myself with a beloved Missoni print or five.  Of course one should look out for quality (it's been hit or miss in my experience with the designer collaborations at Target).   But shipping is usually free for orders over $50 and returns are easy.

Here are a few favorite picks from the collection so far...

Home decor

Accessories

Women

Kids (and Baby - so.unbelievably.cute)

...and a bicycle...so random and so awesome!

More details on the Facebook page here.

{Fashion} Highlight/LOTC: Prabal Gurung for J. Crew (bow lovers welcome)

Fashionistas, have you ever lusted after Prabal Gurung's pieces, but been unable to afford his prices?  Things just got slightly easier for you to luxe it on the cheap (LOTC) with this CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund's capsule collection for J. Crew.
See the whole 6-piece, limited edition, limited release collection here.  Pricing ranges from $198 for the Fit to be tied pants below to $225 for the exploding bow blouse and $395 for the exploding bow dress.  I'm seriously contemplating the exploding bow blouse in all its cotton candy pink perfection.
I shouldn't wait too long, because these pieces are being produced in limited quantities (so pre-order or get to a J. Crew soon!)

What do you think of this collection?

 {Source}

LOTC/Decor Thoughts: Calypso St. Barth for Target Housewares

The vibrant colors and the fun shapes of the Calypso St. Barth collection for Target are the decor equivalent of summer.  The collection launches in stores May 1st and seem to be perfect for patio parties or a fun, tropical vibe in your kitchen/living room all year round.

Here are a few favorite picks from the collection.  Will you stop by to check it out?
Hmm I have absolutely no reason to get the elephant tea pots but they are so adorable!  I'm wondering if I could use it in alternate ways - perhaps as a penholder in the office?

What do you think of this collection?

Elephant teapot in coral, Target, $12.99

Elephant teapot in turquoise, Target, $12.99

Two-tier tray in coral, Target, $19.99

Two-tier tray in turquoise, Target, $19.99

Pouf in gold, Target, $59.99

Pillows, Target, $24.99

Pouf in silver, Target, $59.99

Metal candle holder, Target, $24.99