LOTC: Mary Katrantzou for Topshop on February 17

There is nothing meek about Mary Katrantzou's prints.  Ever.

The rising designer will continue to put forth her bold prints and designs in a collaboration with Topshop launching February 17th; this Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC) collaboration.  The colors and designs are vibrant and in your face (so think twice before you wear it to a conservative office, but oh yes please do shine in this in a more creative office!)

The prices are a point of interest though because while the leggings are  ₤40, the satin dress seen on the model is ₤350.  Would you pay this much for a designer collaboration piece?  Or it is a worthy investment for a designer whose prices will continue to rise?

 

 

More details of the launch here.

High Street Highlight: Topshop Coral Tuck shift sleeveless dress

Does a bright shade of apparel of jewelry put you in a brighter mood?

I know it definitely does for me and I've also wanted to break out of my dark, neutral colors for the office.

This coral shift dress would be a great work to weekend dress.  Sigh, wish I had seen it at the NYC store!

Coral Tuck shift sleeveless dress, Topshop, $95

Fashion Forward: My favorite picks for Seeing stripes (under $100)

Patterns weren't always for me.  I used to stick to solids and neutrals.  But life is too short to be dressed in basic black all the time (ahh the steroptypical New Yorker in me.)  I've since converted to wearing everything from a skull and butterfly printed DVF dress to oversized floral prints on a no name kimono sleeves silk dress (shout out to random designers found in the Loehmann's back room.)

Stripes have recently struck me ever since I saw this wall.  Stripes don't just signify a French or nautical theme, they also represent a fun and clean way to pair colors unexpectedly; also remember width of the stripe and contrast can also make a huge difference in the overall look.  I've picked some of my favorite striped apparel and accessories and they are each under $100 - savvy and chic (Shopbop and J. Crew also have some fabulous options too in this range for just a bit more!)

1. Striped tunic by Wall G, Topshop, £21.00 

2. Lead me Straight to you Striped Blazer, Ruche, $84.99

3. Plains Zebra Cardigan, Modcloth, $52.99

4. Lady with dog compact, Henri Bendel, $30 (classic, classic Bendel!)

5. Forever and ever striped top by Many Belles Down, Ruche, $34 (who said stripes are just black and white?)
6. Shipshape up dress, Modcloth, $69.99
7. Shirting stripe anklets, Kate Spade, $12 (the first time I've considered wearing socks and a skirt)

8. Going Green stripes shorts, Ruche, $32 (these shorts make me actually want to wear shorts)

9. Pink Studio Paradise t-strap wedges, Ruche, $69.99

What striped items have caught your eye lately?

Every day Lace (Apparel) love

I unabashedly, unequivocally ♥ lace.  Something about those delicate floral/foliage patterns make my inner girl very happy.  You may recall I hunted down a more rare alencon lace for my DIY veil and won a Monique Lhuiller gown on eBay in the same lace.  But lace comes in many forms - alencon, guipure, chantilly, eyelet, etc.  Its uses have expanded beyond gowns and veils and it can be screen printed on a tee shirt or a piece of stationary.

I love how lace is so versatile and transcends seasons (say in the basic black jacket below) - wear it for formal occasions, tea time, and more!

Here are some of my favorite every day lace options ...

 ASOS £75.00 here

Topshop $32 here

Madewell tee $42 here

ASOS£10 here

  

 ASOS£29 here

Topshop $32 here

What do you think of lace apparel?  Is it something you could indeed wear every day?

Luxing it on the cheap (LOTC)- Jimmy Choo/H & M (new pictures)

In a very London-inspired (and generally Chic 'n Cheap) moment, I've decided to add a regular section called "Luxing it on the Cheap" or LOTC.

London is indeed fab. But it is also not cheap.

At first London prices scared me because I was coming across items like choi sum vegetables for£7.5/kilo (seriously) or 6 eggs for £1.5. I was pretty bummed. But there are bargains if you look around (Thank you, Tesco for reasonable grocery prices). In terms of fashion, I've come across wearable/affordable pieces from Next, TopShop, and even Marks & Spencer (besides the standbys of H&M and Zara of course).

So in this first feature, I'm actually covering a designer collaboration we covered before: Jimmy Choo collection for H&M. I found some great new pictures from blogger Bags, Shoes & Beyond and wanted to pass them along. Prices for the handbags, jewelry, shoes, and clothing will range from £40-£200 so it certainly puts Jimmy Choos within reach. Definitely checking it out on Nov. 14 (participating stores will be listed starting Oct. 15)

Here are some faves:

ooh, what an acessory with a LBDLove that it's just a small touch of a print, simple edginess

Ok, I finally got into Gladiator sandals - are they still in?! Either way, love the straps

Great with some tights or a cute dress