Fashion Highlight: UNIQLO in NYC and Kisses and cats via Lulu Guinness for UNIQLO

I fell in love with UNIQLO all over again during my last visit to NYC (ok I know they are in Singapore too but their stores in NYC are just so much cooler!)  See my first two pictures as evidence (similar one of another rotating display shared on Instagram, I'm chicncheapliving).

Life size Barbie?!  My 10-year-old self just squealed and I absolutely adore their rotating mannequin displays too.  But I really just love their affordable, well made interpretation of basics and got a great Velvet x UNIQLO dress for the beach and an awesome $10 striped dress.

One of UNIQLO's current collaborations is with Lulu Guinness - that quirky accessories designer from across the pond.  All of the t-shirts feature Lulu's signature prints and are priced at $19.90.  I'm not normally a t-shirt girl, but these are pretty adorable!  I almost, semi-seriously want to get a cat t-shirt for my cat obsessed friend (hmm she loves them, but would she wear them?)

 

See them all here.

LOTC: Designers Invitation Project - Uniqlo and Costello Tagliapietra, Charlotte Ronson & Vena Cava

Uniqlo is here again in another edition of Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC).  It is partnering with nine designers this year as part of its Designers Invitation Project.  The designers are:  Costello Tagliapietra, Charlotte Ronson, Vena Cava, Double Standard Clothing, Nine, Suzuki Takayuki, Theatre Products, Tiny Dinosaur and Zechia.  Jersey and knit is prevalent and Charlotte Ronson's themes evoke springtime nautical themes while Costello continues to demonstrate great draping.
Each designer collection is released at a different time this spring season.  Costello will be introduced first and will hit stores April 21st.  The best part?  Each piece in the collection is $29.99.  This is another reason to stop by and love Uniqlo - they are one of my favorite fast fashion retailers and they're extremely generous too).


Here are some of my favorite pieces from the first trio of designers: Costello Tagliapietra (1,2), Charlotte Ronson (3,4) & Vena Cava (5,6).


I am LOVING the nautical motif!

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LOTC: +J for Uniqlo Spring Summer 2011

I remember when Uniqlo launched in NYC a few years ago.  What was this edgy yet classic Japanese cool Gap presenting great options for Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC)?  Over the years I've picked up a few great cashmere basics (during an awesome Black Friday sale) and have been really intrigued by their collaboration with Jil Sander.

+J for Uniqlo is Jil Sander's ongoing collection for the company.  It embodies "pure sophisticated design, dedicated to quality and innovation" that "underlines the beauty of a personality."  I appreciate the clean cuts, attention to detail, and almost sculptural chic lines.  It translates both the Jil Sander and Uniqlo spirit at an affordable price point.

Spring & Summer 2011 is for "modern nomads who seek the sublimes in full day light."  The collection launched in stores Jan. 26.  I want that last silk tank top ($39.90) and all the dresses.  They are super simple yet styling.   The brighter colored dresses won't be available until March.
Prices range from: outerwear - $149.90 - $229.90, dresses - $129.90, and knitwear - $59.90 - $229.90.  Fortunately Uniqlo is in Singapore so I'm hoping there are pieces in the store this weekend!

What do you think of this collection?