'Fit Room Flicks: H&M September '10 Lineup

Sales people are evil. Sometimes you really just need some good friends by your side to let you know what pieces work and what outfits need to stay on the rack. Sadly though, you don't always have your best buds with you on impromptu shopping trips.  Next best thing to a good friend? A digital camera. So I can share all these looks with you loves! And you can tell me what looks good, and what looks a hot damn mess...

From left: Striped top, $14.95. Army green tunic, $24.95, Striped oxford, $24.95

 So the first top on the left was super comfy and I really did love the stripes. I know I can be "bland betty" sometimes and stick to the neutral colors, but my turquoise chain really popped against the black and white. And at $15, what a steal! The tunic in the middle stood out to me for it's mesh detailing on the shoulders and front pocket. I'm also in love with army green now - big trend for fall 2010! And the oxford on the right was my fave. It had the perfect fit, went well those fitted slacks I tried on and it was just "me".

So I bought it! I plan on tucking it into some boyfriend jeans with bright colored jewelry and tall wedges.

From left: Cinched dress, $29.99, Lace shoulder dress, $29.99, Red tiered cocktail dress, $39.99

I tried on a few fall dresses as well, but I wasn't super stoked about any.of these. The cinched dress on the far left was a cute neutral piece; a good basic to layer with scarves, tights, fringe vests and other goodies for the season. I'm a sucker for lace, so the tunic in the middle had me at hello. But something about the draping didn't sit right with me so I left it hanging. And with the red dress, I really loved the color but it was kind of flat on me. I'd have to really spruce up the accessories on this one.

Attention: images of the following dress may cause tears of joy...(At least it did for me)

Above: Cocktail dress, $49.95

Cue the Carl Thomas ballad, "It was...love at first sight....I know...from the way she looked at me"

I.Am.In.Love. It doesn't happen that often but when it does, I don't question it. I think with my heart, run to the cash register and purchase! Absolutely in love with this dress and it's versatility. It's 3/4 length, shorter in back than in front and if I wanted I could easily tuck the straps in or pin up the sides for a different look!

What do you guys think about my final choices? Yayy or nayy?

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LoveBrownSugar Does Mercedes Benz Fashion Week!

So I'm sure you all remember my Spring 2010 Fashion Week coverage from Mercedes Benz Fashion Week last September; back when I would do absolutely anything to get inside the tents. I had the privilege of working directly with IMG as a volunteer and I had access to a number of amazing shows that I got to see up close. Back in September, I made a vow to myself that by February, I would rack up a few invites of my own. Well this year ladies and gents, I'm in! I've already racked up a sizable number of invites and I'm stoked to be covering the shows for you guys. Stay tuned for details on all the shows I'll be covering but I can tell you already it's gonna be major - some notables invites thus far include Arise Fashion Collective, Rebecca Taylor, Perry Ellis and more...

In the meantime, here are a few of my wishlist items. All I need are a few statement accessories and some trend pieces to pair with my basics...

Fashion Week Wishlist by CeCeSoChic featuring Miu Miu bags

You know they say: it's an unknown rule that the higher-ups in the industry who have multiple shows to go to but too little time, often pass off their unwanted invites to the best dressed fashion groupies in line. Well, if you plan to attempt waiting on line for shows, make sure you're fresh to death!

LoveBrownSugar 's Top 9 Fall Essentials

After careful speculation of the Fall 2009 runway shows, countless fashion mags, blogs and fashion forecasts - I have come up with a list of this Fall's Fashion Essentials!! I know, its only August, BUT you will need to start compiling your back-to-school or back-to-fall wardrobes very soon. So, why not be an informed shopper? I've broken it down to 3 major trends with 3 Fashion Essentials for each trend:

TREND: BIKER CHIC

This is the season of the Biker! Whether you actually own a set of wheels or not, don't find yourself out there this Fall without an all-black ensemble accented with metallic, grommets and studs. Take your pick of the following 3 essentials:

1. Biker Jacket

So, we won't all be as extreme as Mary Kate in this grommeted number, BUT there are really cute and simple options out there.

H&M Leather Bomber, Fall'09 Collection

2. Lace Up Booties

We spotted Rihanna wearing this pair in our previous Fierce or Foolish post.

Here's an inexpensive pair I found at Endless.com:
GUESS Peep Toe Lace Up Boot, $94.90

3. Fingerless Gloves

Fingerless gloves are the quintessential accessory to finish off this look. If you're daring enough, you can just cut up your old leather gloves from last season instead of buying a whole new pair (although I myself wouldn't do that).

And always remember with the Biker look, stick to one trendy piece at a time. Too much at once can have you looking like you belong to the Harley Davidson clan. Unless you actually do, exercise moderation with this trend.

TREND: 40'S GLAMOUR

I know prim & proper doesn't seem to fit in with this season's trend, BUT it always finds its place. Polished blazers, prim accessories and ruffled blouses are still on this season. Here are 3 essentials for this trend:

4. Bib Necklace


I consider this a direct continuation of the statement necklace trend. It now has a twist with the new bib shape. These are perfect for those nights when you just feel like throwing on a little black dress. BAM! You got something special on the neck and you look FLYY!

H&M Bib Necklace, Fall '09 Collection

Forever 21 has a great affordable assortment of Bib Necklaces as well:

Textured Flower Bib Necklace, $16.80

5. Floral Dress

Michael Kors, Fall '08

I know it seems weird to suggest florals in the winter. But who says, winter has to be drab and dreary?? Cheer up your mood with a nice floral print in a thicker material. This trend continues from Fall '08. For a more appropriate Fall look, throw a dark menswear-inspried blazer over a floral print piece. Stay away from cardigans, as you might look like you're on your way to Easter Sunday...

Urban Outfitters is the master of floral prints, so don't hesitate to hit up the site for options:

Urban Outfitters, Cupcake Dress, $59.99

6. Velvet Piece

Lanvin, Prada, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Proenza Shouler, Sonia Rykiel, Stella McCartney

Velvet was huge on the Fall 09 Runways. Although this sin't my favorite trend, it is one to be duly noted as I've already seen a number of mainstrema stores like H&M carrying bold pieces in this fabric. If you indulge in this trend, I would suggest keeping it light with something simple like a velvet vest or pencil skirt.

Joes Jeans, Velvet Lapel Vest, $79

TREND: 80'S ROCKER

That's right, the 80's just can't seem to go away. Can't complain though...that's my birth decade whoo! So pull together those fun graphic tees, leggings in unexpected colors & materials, tights slashed on the sides and MJ-inspired military jackets, because it's on! Here are my 3 Essentials for the trend:

7. Strong Shoulder Jacket

That's right kiddos, get your old shoulder pads out of hiding (well, if you're my age you never wore em') or find your momma's! You're going to need them this season.

Although nobody does a strong shoulder like Balmain...

Rihanna in Balmain Quilted Leather Jacket, $11,277

...most of us don't have $11K to spend on one. But the best thing about the strong shoulder trend is that they are super easy to find vintage versions of. Just yesterday I found a really cute navy blue blazer w/ shoulder pads at my nearby Thrift store, only $7.99.

Topshop also a nice version at a fairly reasonable price:

TopShop Premium Panelled Jacket, $135

8. Legging Jeans

Yup, you heard right - legging jeans! We all know leggings have been "in" for years now but the new interpretation is the incorporation of the skinny jean trend.

Juicy Couture makes a simple pair that almost anyone could pull off:

Juicy Couture Denim Leggings, $88.00

9. Over-the-Knee Boots

Boots have been taken to higher heights this season. They don't stop at the knee, now they surpass them!

For those of us who LIVE in flat boots during the Fall/Winter Season, these Chinese Laundry pair are great:

Chinese Laundry, $79.95

To conclude, I believe the overall theme for this Fall's trends is EDGE. With the penetration of the color black, hard accessories like metal and studs, and strong silhouettes apparent throughout, it will be pretty hard not to feel like a badass this Fall. Enjoy! I know I will...