FABULUSH

While it may be the first day of Summer, Christmas must be coming early since H&M announced its collaboration with Versace to design an iconic collection for Autumn 2011. The first look features lots of sleek black and slimming silhouettes that will give anyone that leggy model look, in addition to the well-known and celebrated embellishments, studding, and glitzy gold detailing that screams Versace.

H&M is killing it with their designer collaborations that bring luxury to the masses at wallet friendly prices. While normally creative director, Donatella Versace‘s luxurious excess and decadent designs are for the eyes and not for the wallet, this exclusive collection will honor the heritage of the Versace brand while full of leather, print, color and exuberance in exclusive materials at fantastic H&M prices. Miss Versace will be following in the footsteps of past designers like: Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Comme des Garçons, Jimmy Choo and, most recently, Lanvin.

Donatella will be bringing a piece of the past to the present as Versace is known for it’s skin tight silhouette, skimming hemlines, vibrant shades and prints. The collection is not emblazoned with the traditional Medusa head logo, but Versace purveyors will notice the iconic and more rectangular pattern featured on dressed and jackets. The high/low fashion will be representing youth and virility at it’s finest.

Men will join in on the fun on this collection as well with sharp tailoring, including the perfect tuxedo, as well as belts and jewelry. Women will have a selection of dresses perfect for the upcoming party season with indulgent details featuring studded leather, silk and colorful print, with accessories including high heels and costume jewelry. To change it up this time around, Versace will be the first collaboration that features Housewares, more specifically cushions and bedspreads. Perhaps a nod toward the upcoming Missoni for Target line?

The limited line drops November 17th in 300 stores worldwide and on-line , so buy accordingly before your Thanksgiving carb overhaul. If you want to wait until after the holidays, you’ll still be in luck as Donatella Versace has also designed a pre-spring collection for H&M which will be exclusively available in countries with H&M on-line sales from January 19, 2012.

Images Courtesy of: H&M Press Room

 

This past Tuesday afternoon, the big reveal heard round the world started with eighty Mystery Boxes around the nation and specifically at six Neiman Marcus locations, including the NorthPark and Fort Worth stores.  The news spread like wildfire virally due to word of mouth, news outlets, and the omnipresent help of social media as TOMS founder, Blake Mycoskie unveiled the next chapter of the philanthropic brand.

Onlookers patiently waited with refreshments and DJ melodies in-store while huge cylindrical tubes under lock and key mysteriously tempted consumers of what new surprise Mycoskie had in store.  Huge applause, smiles, and congratulations were abound as the new concept for TOMS Shoes is that they are no longer just a shoe company, but a one-for-one company.  The SMU alum and Arlington native boasted of the quite literal visionary venture that TOMS is undertaking by branching out into an eyewear line.

For every pair of sunglasses sold, TOMS will help give sight to a person in need through medical treatment, prescription glasses, or sight-saving surgery through a partnership with the Seva Foundation. While the end goal is to help give sight to people in need all around the world, the TOMS team will begin in Nepal, Cambodia, and Tibet.

Blake was quoted, “ TOMS could be more than a shoe company – it should be a one for one™ company. With so many different needs around the world, I felt TOMS had an obligation to try to improve as many lives as possible.”

The TOMS new collection of sunglasses is priced from $135 to $145 a pair, available both in men and women’s styles.  The motto is that every stripe tells a story. The design of each pair ties in the charitable story and background of yourself, the person you’re helping, and toms the brand that binds it all together.  Head to your nearest Neiman’s to scoop up a pair or two and someone overseas will thank you for your shady behavior.

Neiman Marcus is located at 400 NorthPark Center, in Dallas, or you can find more information and purchase the new TOMS collection online at http://www.toms.com/eyewear/our-movement/.

Miami is an expansive city with tourists abound, but that doesn’t mean you have to dress like one. The wonderful ladies April and Erin of Boutiquing.com asked me to pick the Top 5 Shopping Gems of the Magic City to share with their readers and I was happy to oblige.

So click on over to their amazing site to see what boutiques I’ve uncovered, and while you’re at it peruse with open eyes and an open wallet. BOUTIQUING™ is a company dedicated to connecting the best boutiques around the nation to the savvy shoppers who seek them.

Thank you Erin and April for all the sweet words in the feature and hope to see you in Vegas again soon!

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In honor of it being Fat Tuesday, I decked out my digits in some festive gilded glitter polish from Nicole by OPI in Brilliant Idea. After a dreary and bed-ridden Monday, this shiny yellow-golden nail polish perked up my spirits just in time to celebrate Mardi Gras (and perhaps get those last minute sins in!)  Filled with glistening microglitter and larger hexagonal chunks, Brilliant Idea, at only $7 a bottle, is a great alternative to pricier polishes like Deborah Lippman’s Glitters.

To get the most pop out of your glitter nail polishes:

1. Remember a sticky base coat is always your best friend. I use Nailtek II for strengthening reasons.
2. Dab on the polish instead of swiping; this makes all the difference.
3. Forget less is more… multiple coats make an impact. 3 coats produced the opaque look I was after.
4. For a sleek & shimmery shine, glide on the top coat over the glitter to avoid the gritty feeling.
5. When the party is over and you want the glitz gone, soak nails in acetone. If they’re really stubborn, cover nails with acetone soaked cotton balls then wrap with aluminum foil for 5 minutes.

So bust out those beads and show me some finger bling! OPI for sent over some new amazing new shades, and I can’t wait to share them all with you, so be on the look out for my new faves and craves.  Thanks Karissa!

This past Tuesday was the 6th anniversary of a friend’s death and instead of pulling the emo card and mourning, my dear friend Jessica and I spent the day together embracing life, paying homage and celebrating Jolene’s spirit. Each passing day reminds me of how precious people are and to never take anyone for granted. Even in a somber black and blue mood, I pulled myself together in a Geren Ford top, J Brand ‘Maria’ skinnies, a gifted Kensie ‘Permeation’ cardigan, and gifted Zodiac ‘Omni’ boots.

“Your beauty is beyond compare
With flaming locks of auburn hair
With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green
Your smile is like a breath of spring
Your voice is soft like summer rain
And I cannot compete with you, Jolene”
RIP Jolene.

If you or a loved one are looking for suicide prevention and crisis help, do not give up hope and please seek support at: Suicide Hotlines or The Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas.

Ushering in the resurgance of glitz and glamour, these eight leading ladies of Hollywood pulled out all the stops for the red carpet of 83rd Annual Academy Awards. This year’s Oscars included major fashion trends, such as: minimalism, embellishments, haute reds, shades of purple and merlots, punchy brights, and some nice and naughty neutrals.

Hailee Steinfeld - The young True Grit star collaborated with Marchesa to produce this custom-made and very age-appropriate princess dress.  Kept it fresh and simple and sweet with a thin headband

Mila Kunis – Her svelte Black Swan ballet body resonated loudly in a gorgeous lilac Elie Saab Haute Couture gown.  Peek-a-boo lace detailing and hand crafted chiffon draping made this dress the top pick of my list. Best Dressed by far!

Michelle Williams - After her fashion mishap of a indie daisy print dress during the Golden Globes that landed her on many ‘Worst Dressed’ lists, the Blue Valentine star bounced back into everyone’s hearts donning Chanel. Back into fashion’s good graces

Cate Blanchett – In a sea of standard dresses, this Oscars presenter stood out of the crowd with a bit of edge with feminine  refinement in a Givenchy Haute Couture gown. The structured softness remains airy and light with a twist of embellishments.

Mandy Moore – The Tangled performer made a fairy tale fashion statement in a sea of floating sequins and angelic and glowing tulle. While some nude shades can wash one out, her glitzy Monique Lhullier dress highlighted and hinted at her creamy porcelain skin.

Jennifer Hudson – Out to make a statement in her skinnier self, this Oscars presenter donned a brightly hued, tangerine Atelier Versace dress.  The dress embodies and exudes much self-confidence as she went for a complete “Bombshell Beauty” look.

Sandra Bullock – Anne Hathaway should have taken some cues from this Oscars presenter and followed suit as she rocked the red carpet with a form fitting red dress by Vera Wang.  Wang does justice to her womanly curves and enhances an hour glass shape. Anne, I hope you’re taking notes!

Gwyneth Paltrow – As if the dress was casted in metal onto her body, Country Strong performer glowed in the sleek Calvin Klein Collection dress.  Not to overwhelm the dress, she kept it simple and sleek with by adding a jeweled skinny belt.