Lanvin for H&M Debuts This Morning!

H&M Sunset Plaza Window Display

Bright and early this morning, the Lanvin for H&M collection debuted at selected stores across the country.  I woke up at 4:00 a.m. in anticipation of my alarm clock and then realized it was only 4:00 a.m.!  When my alarm finally did go off, I jumped out of bed as if I was a child on Christmas morning.  I threw on some clothes and picked up my friend on the way to Sunset Plaza.  We got there at 7:45 a.m. and the line was as long as I anticipated. We had debated whether or not go to the Beverly Center since it was raining, but then figured the line there would be out of control.  So I brought with me an oversized umbrella and we waited in the rain, which actually stopped.  The line was the length of the H&M store and there was a tented overflow area nearby.  We were handed wrist bands with a time and told we could come back 20 minutes before if we didn't want to wait in line.  As we waited, I noticed actress Tracee Ellis Ross (see photo below) was also in the tented area, guess everyone has to wait in line.  One of the security guards mentioned that there were a few people camping out since 11:00 p.m. last night, in the rain no less. Then as the line started moving and we got closer to the door, celebrity stylist Jessica Paster walked out with loads of garment and shopping bags (see photo below).  I worked with her in a previous life and it was actually quite entertaining to see her all stressed out and crazy, guess some things never change.  Finally, we were able to go in and see the collection and it's as amazing as I imagined it.  I picked up the black dress I featured in a previous post and can't wait to wear it out!  I heart Lanvin for H&M.

Celebrity Stylist Jessica Paster Walking Out Of H&M

More photos after the jump...

What Will Kate Middleton Wear...To All Those Wedding Events?

The big buzz these days is the engagement of Kate Middleton and Prince William.  There is so much speculation about the wedding dress she'll choose to wear, however, I'm dying to know what she'll wear to all those pre-wedding events, including the engagement party, girl's weekend, and bridal shower.  I've put together a few of my favorites as suggestions for Kate.

Engagement Party: This event is all about being classy and well put together, especially for a future queen.  The Vivienne Westwood dress shows off her great figure without being too revealing, plus it supports a British designer. The Miu Miu's keep it polished while the low-heal gives it a bit of style, as does the leopard print Valentino handbag.

Vivienne Westwood Dress, Valentino Aphrodite Leopard Bag, Miu Miu Shoes (Spring 2011 Collections)

Girls Weekend:  Most likely she won't have a traditional bachelorette party, but it doesn't mean she can't have a girls weekend. A Diane von Furstenberg flowy dress for wine tasting and shopping, a Burberry Prorsum dress (yes, I'm trying to incorporate another British designer) to sex it up a bit for dinner and drinks, and a causal J. Crew ensemble for brunch the next morning.

Left to right: Diane von Furstenberg, Burberry Prorsum, J. Crew (Spring 2011 Collections)

Bridal Shower:  I'm imaging a tea party for the bridal shower, since she's British, of course.  A very girly dress with pastel colors is a must for such an event.  The Lauren Moffatt dress is perfect with it's light and airy style.  The Miu Miu handbag adds a little more color and the Louisa Beccaria espadrilles are the right touch for an afternoon of Earl Grey and crumpets.

Lauren Moffatt Dress, Miu Miu Handbag, Louisa Beccaria Espadrilles (Spring 2011 Collections)

Rachel Zoe Confirms She's Pregnant Via Twitter

Rachel Zoe and Rodger Berman at MOCA's Gala

Last night, after an event at Petit Ermitage, I was checking twitter and came across a tweet from Rachel Zoe which said, "Hey everyone! I want to officially confirm to my loyal friends and followers that I am pregnant!..." and "I feel great, Rodger and I are beyond excited and so thankful for all of your love and support. xoRZ & RB." Then Rodger tweeted, "Thanks everyone for all of the well wishes. I can't believe I'm going to be a dad :) So excited!!!!"

After rumors have been swirling around for months, it's finally confirmed. Zoe herself had even denied the rumors many times. Most recently, there were photos of Zoe at MOCA's Annual Gala last Saturday in a black grown with a very visual bump.  I guess there was no denying it this time.

I'm definitely looking forward to the next season of The Rachel Zoe Project.  That will be one stylish baby!

'Tis the Season for Sample Sales!

Ladies, hold on to your wallets, it's sample sale season! This weekend there are a plethora of sales around town which, to quote Rachel Zoe, will make you go BA-NANAS. Here goes the list (click on address for goggle map directions):

Vince
The sample sale features cashmere sweaters, tees, pants, skirts, jackets, and leather for 50-90 percent off retail.
Thursday 11/18, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday 11/19, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
5410/5420 Wilshire Blvd. (between Cloverdale & Cochran Aves., Mid-Wilshire)
[Daily Candy]

Ella Moss/Splendid
Great prices on cozy knits, luxe tees, and basics for women, men, tween, toddler, and baby.
Friday 11/19 and Saturday 11/20, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Cooper Building, 860 S. Los Angeles Street, 11th Floor, Downtown (between E. 8th & 9th St.)
[Racked LA]

Junior Drake
Warehouse sale on their amazing soft leather purses as well as the new Herbie men's line.
Friday 11/19 and Saturday 11/20, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday 11/21, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
740 East 60th St., Downtown (between Avalon Blvd. and S. Central Ave.)
[Racked LA]

Kimberly Ovitz
The sale features their Spring 2009 through PreFall 2010 merchandise, prices as follows:
Coats and Jackets: $100-300 (originally priced $500-$800)
Dresses: $100-250 (originally priced $400-600)
Tops: $50-100 (originally priced $200-400)
Bottoms: $50-100 (originally priced $250-$400)
Leather/Suede: $300-500 (originally priced $500-$1,500)
Friday 11/19, 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 11/20 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
2601 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica (at 26th St.)
[Racked LA, Daily Candy]

Geren Ford
Hundreds of true samples ($10- $50) and recent season overstock up to 90% off ($30 - $125, including leather and shoes)
According to Racked LA, they're also doing a giveaway: First 15 people who come to the sale and drop the supersecret keyword "prancer" at the door get a free Geren Ford tee.
Friday 11/19, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday 11/20, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Smashbox Studios, 8549 Higuera Street, Culver City (at Hayden Ave.)
[Racked LA, Daily Candy]
  
More sales after the jump...

Browsing Spring 2011 Lookbooks...

Designer's Spring 2011 lookbooks are popping up everywhere. While making my way through them, I found a few looks I fell in love with and will have to make part of my spring wardrobe.

I've always adored Elizabeth and James, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's brand (also designers of The Row). I feel no different about their Spring 2011 collection which is all about the slouchy and relaxed look (similar to the twins style but a little less homeless). Fashionista got their pretty little hands on the lookbook early and shared the entire collection online. I'm all about parading around town in trendy yet slouchy apparel and I would literally wear both these outfits every lazy weekend.

Photo credit: Fashionista (Elizabeth and James,*Photos by Roderick Angle)


Speaking of slouchy, Creatures of Comforts new collection brings us back to the days of Laura Ingalls. Refinery 29 featured their Spring 2011 collection today and I'm really digging the bright green shorts and pants. I especially love the high waisted look that's starting to catch on among designers.

Photo credit: Refinery 29 LA (Creatures of Comfort)


As the much anticipated Lanvin for H&M collection debuts this weekend, I'm super excited to finally see the collection in person. Their campaign ad looks so similar to the Gossip Girls promo spots, that I was half expecting to see Chuck Bass' snide look pop up as I clicked through the photos.

Photo credit: Lanvin for H&M


And finally, I leave you with a little glamour as the fashion world welcomes back Tom Ford. Vogue's December issue gives us a sneak peak into his Spring 2010 collection and the fashionistas are going mad over it, including me of course.


Photo credit: Vogue (Tom Ford, *Photos by Steven Meisel)

ELLEments of Personal Style Book Launch Party

Last night, I attended the ELLEments of Personal Style book launch event at White House Black Market Boutique in Santa Monica. The event was hosted by Joe Zee, creative director at ELLE, and actress Tracee Ellis Ross, who is also featured in the book.

Co-authored by Joe Zee and ELLE's deputy editor Maggie Bullock, the book looks in depth at the style of twenty-five fashion icons, from Diane Von Furstenberg to Dita Von Teese to Alicia Keys. With behind-the-scenes interviews, the woman intimately discuss their style inspiration through pieces in their personal wardrobe. While thumbing through the book at the event, I loved the way it encourages personal style instead of focusing on the latest trends. It's sometime everyone can relate to without feeling pressure to keep up with what's in style.

A fashionista in the making reading ELLE magazine at the event

Racked LA Takes You to the Front of the Line at the Decadestwo Shoe Sale

Decadestwo is having one of their famous $150 shoe sales this Sunday. Although it's guaranteed that the line will be blocks long, Racked LA is giving away front of the line spots to a lucky few that email them (la@racked.com) with a picture of their dream shoes along with a witty one-liner.

Decadestwo is known for their impeccable selection of upscale designer clothing. They receive most of their consignments from celebrities and fashionistas, therefore this shoe sale cannot be missed!