LBS Fashion News: Isabel Marant for H&M Collection

Breathe, stretch and get prepared for another sold-out designer H&M collection. Designer extraordinaire, Isabel Marant, has partnered with the fab retailer to produce a winter collection for women and men. Yes, men will be included in an H&M special collection for the first time. Yes H&M. Yes.

Marant, who’s been an in-demand clothing savant since ’94, is toting a chic collection that serves her signature Bohemian/gritty/androgynous aesthetic. Are you pumped? I certainly am.

Obsessed fashion fiends have six months to pinch their pennies and prepare for the clothing flood sure to ensue. H&M is being mum on the details. We don’t even have pics, prices or sketches of the digs yet, but if classic Marant shows up – there’s no doubt I’ll be buying.

The Parisian fashion goddess has slayed runways at Paris Fashion Week season after season, premiering collections that are simple enough to wear to the park or a spontaneous date to a bookstore. 

Flowing silhouettes and untraditional hems are Marant’s trademarks. Her layering techniques will work in winter. We’re eager to see what Marant produces. She promises to deliver.

“I aim at creating something real – something women want to wear in their everyday lives – with a certain carefree style,” she said. “I think this is very Parisian: You dress up, but don’t pay too much attention to it, and you still look sexy. The collection is infused with this kind of easiness and attitude. Everything can be combined following one’s own instincts, and my take on fashion is all about personality.”

I’m too ready for this collection. It will be released to 250 stores and sold. I’d drive the three hours to the closest H&M for this one, but thankfully it’s being sold online as well. Sign on at 11:59 p.m. November 13 to get the leverage on the Isabel Marant collection. I think it’s going to sell-out quickly.

Check out the vid Marant did for H&M below:

Are you looking forward to Isabel Marant’s H&M collection?

- Evette Dionne

Steal Her Chic: Rihanna in Leather & Denim Cutoffs

Rihanna is forever slaying. The Barbadian-crooner was spotted at a NBA playoff game giving life in cutoff mini shorts, a Givenchy Nappa Leather Top and Brian Atwood Isabeli gladiator pumps. Riri – who has finally wrapped up her Diamonds world tour – is the epitome of rockstar chic with this trendy, casual fit.

I especially love Rihanna’s decision to don tons of gold jewels to amp this look. She’s decked in bangles, rings and a thin necklace. Ri is her own best marketer. She added a pop of color to the look by sporting her sold-out RiRi Woo lipstick by MAC and a gorg red Céline clutch. I couldn’t even afford the clutch, but we can all steal Rihanna’s chic for much less:

- Evette Dionne

Get The Look:

LBS Runway Report: Jason Wu Fall 2013

First Lady Michelle Obama is one of the most fashionable president’s wives ever. Like ever. She’s the style muse of thousands of sophisticated ladies, like our own Christina. But one of the hundreds of things I admire about FLOTUS is her power in the fashion world. She transforms designers into elite household names. Ask Jason Wu. After Michelle donned two elegant Wu originals for both inaugurations, he’s reached the upper echelon of American contemporary designers.

Wu used his Fall 2013 collection to prove why he’s on FLOTUS’ speed dial. His eye for fashion has matured this season. It is sexier and edgier than past collections, but his signature sleekness was also prevalent on his black-and-white, square catwalk. Geometrical designs, belted waistlines, square shoulders, a darker-hued palette … I’m in love. Wu’s collection, full of tailored pants that can easily transition from the office to a Thai dinner with the girls, is for the grown woman. 

From the red belted-trench with military-style buttons to a chiffon-pleated skirt paired with an edgy mini-leather jacket, Wu found his stride: Elegant women with a purpose. Wu’s collection is for the women like FLOTUS, professional and elegant, but also full of vibrant personality. I especially adore this chic black and white halter dress with leather shoulders and a chiffon bodice. Super sexy. I can see Michelle donning it to a dinner for a dignitary. 

The models embodied the feminine theme of this collection with their sleek ponytails and simply-beat faces. And the chandelier in the center of the runway was the perfect complement. 

We were hoping Michelle made an appearance in the front row, but she had First Lady duties to tend to. Unfortunately, none of our faves were in attendance, but regardless, Wu has earned his stripes with this collection.

What do you think of Jason Wu’s collection? 

- Evette Dionne

Photo credit: Style.com

LBS Runway Report: Tadashi Shoji Fall 2013

New York Fashion Week is upon us again lovelies! Quick, huh? It seems like we were just recapping Spring/Summer collections last week. 

Anywhoo, pressure is always high on the first day of NYFW. The first designers set the bar for everyone that follows. Tadashi Shoji stepped up to the challenge and scorched it! Listen, Tadashi brought the heat – or rather the cold to this collection. The celeb fave channeled the elegance of Russian winter with killer gowns in heavier fabrics than we’re used to.

I’ve never read “Anna Karenina” and I haven’t watched the film. Historical period movies aren’t really my steelo. But after seeing pre-revolutionary Russia descend on Tadashi’s catwalk, I’m renting it from Redbox ASAP.

Three words: Tadashi killed it. His collection has a very wintery feel with the black, blood red and ivory palette and the use of heavy fabrics. If Dracula were real and he had a wife, she would be donning a Tadashi Shoji masterpiece. That’s how elegant and retro this collection is.

Octavia Spencer’s go-to designer used loose silhouettes and square shoulders to really capture the daintiness of women from the 1870s. There were gorge gowns flowing with feathers, sheer and lace, which is an odd combo. But the Japan-native nailed it.

I live for chic pink cape-style jacket with three-fourth sleeves. It screams Victorian-era class and sophistication. Tadashi Shoji’s collection gives us permission to be dainty and graceful, which is always a plus. The models minimal makeup and “just rolled-out-of-bed” ponytails were the perfect contrast to the high-end classiness of their gowns. I’m taking that messy-meets-chic cue into fall and winter.

So here’s what I know now: Simple makeup is in. Lace has survived another season. And I must rent Anna Karenina stat.

Did Tadashi Shoji nail this collection? 

- Evette Dionne

Photo Credit: The Associated Press

NEWS: Prabal Gurung x Target Collection

Target’s newest designer collab is with Prabal Gurung. Swoon. Gurung, who has dressed Zoe Saldana, Sarah Jessica Parker and even Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, is toting his 80-piece collection from the grittiness of New York and elegance of Singapore to every corner of the U.S. And I am geeked!

The collection will be released on February 10, 2013, which gives us a little more than four months to pine for everything in the sneak peek photos and begin niching out a few budget dollars. And I do mean a few. Prabal’s t-shirts will retail for $19.99 with accessories, shoes and jewels ranging from $13 - $40. The priciest item? A $199 leather coat. I live for these prices.

Gurung’s collection will be filled with lots of his signature aesthetics: bold prints, flattering silhouettes and vibrant pops of color, which get all the love in spring-summer wardrobes.

The popular designer shares our excitement.

“I am so thrilled to be working with Target on a collection that brings my designs to a wider audience,” Gurung said. “This collection was inspired by love and if Target’s guests can feel even a little bit of the love that I felt while I was designing this collection, then I will consider it a job well done.”

I’ll be asking for a few items for Valentine’s Day. Since it’s the first collaboration since Jason Wu, I don’t think the booskie will mind.

Check out these sneak peek pics of the collection being shot in NYC with starlet Olivia Thirlby:

Are you excited for Gurung’s collection at Target? 

- Evette Dionne

Shoe Candy: Giuseppe Zanotti Sneaker Wedges

"Basketball Wives" dynamo, reality star and fellow shoe addict Evelyn Lozada, recently gave us a glimpse into her recent shoe obsession. She's got some pep in her wardrobe step courtesy shoe designer extraordinaire Giuseppe Zanotti. She ‘grammed a peep photo of her shoe candy for the road last week - their trendy zip-up wedge sneaker ($595.00). We remember spotting singer Brandy wearing a pair of Giuseppe sneaker wedges this past summer at the Global Fusion Festival.

Photo from Evelyn Lozada's Instagram

I’ve fallen for this trend. It upgrades the tomboy look from slouch to sleek. Even Christina has caught on!

Taken from LoveBrownSugar Chic: Sneak Peek

So, Ev’s tan and black Giuseppe Zanotti wedge sneakers are completely in tune with the modish fall trend. I prefer to sport the wedge-sneaker combo with the most feminine outfit I can find. It is an amazing contrast that turns plenty heads. Now lovelies, her strutters are retailing for $595 at Barneys (which is rent and insurance money in my world,) but never fret! You can partake in the trend for much less.

Check out the Top 10 Sneaker Wedge steals we’ve nabbed below:

Tell us - are you feeling the sneaker-wedge?

- Evette Dionne

Shoe Candy: Sergio Rossi Spring 2013

So, I’m a shoe fiend prone to unexpected shoegasms at the mere sight of a bold pair of wedges or killer platform stilettos. I believe that no outfit is complete without a flawless shoe. Now that I’ve got that admission out of the way, let’s move on to the Sergio Rossi S/S 2013 Collection, shall we?

These strutters are fun, bold and wild, which makes them perfect for the Spring and Summer. If I had to sum up the collection in one word, it would be vibrant. Lovelies, there are fringes, straps that will kill a pinky toe and even zebra prints. Metallic and leather is blended together, making the shoes edgier than those from past collections.

To highlight their inspiration for the Spring 2013 collection, Francesco Russo, the creative director, joined forces with super-director Drake Doremus to produce a mini-film about a woman using the summer sun to guide her out of a forest. I need to get myself to a locale where summer is still happening. These cold fronts are not the business! Anyhoo, check out the vid below and leave some feedback in the comment box.

Tell us - are you feeling these wild stilettos?

- Evette Dionne

LBS Runway Report: J. Crew Spring 2013

J. Crew nabbed the ultimate stamp of approval when First Lady Michelle Obama endorsed the retail giant several seasons ago. We’re reminded of the spunkiness of J. Crew every time Michelle O. steps onto the White House lawn in one of their designs. But even without the paparazzi snapping MO in J. Crew, the commercially-viable brand is still a couture fashion contender.

There’s so much love to give here. J. Crew nailed their Spring 2013 collection, honey! I am still geeked with excitement over how “sophisticated-chic” these digs are. The clothing is fresh, upbeat and funky with a signature quirkiness that separates the brand from all the imitators.

I’ve been asking where traditional spring and summer colors are in these unveilings. There have been tons of darker hues that are common in the fall and winter. With their psychic-like intuition, J. Crew effectively balanced the fashion closet with their preppy blazers, pastels and pajama-esque prints. Pinks, greens, festive yellows and royal blues ruled this collection.

Lovelies, there were neon-green Peter Pan dresses with an undeniable 1960s vibe, large thick-rimmed glasses, printed ties and even paint-splattered jeans with baseball hats. It was signature J. Crew – vibrant, fun and youthful – with a retro aura.

There was no traditional catwalk. Instead the models, with their light makeup, sleek ponytails, and orange lips stood stoic as photographers and celebs, including our beloved Solange, fawned over their looks.

Solange Knowles, Jenna Lyons

Tom Mora, the head womenswear designer, referred to the collection as an “Instagram-like palette.” She’s right. I’ll be purchasing some of these pieces and snapping photo after photo of my gorg outfits.

So, here’s what I know. We need to be bold in our spring and summer wardrobes! Invest in lots of contrasting, but flattering prints that can accent one another. And neon accessories are still the rage. When will April be here again? We cannot wait.

Thoughts? Did J. Crew nail this collection?

- Evette Dionne

LBS Runway Report: Michael Kors Spring 2013

A ticket to a Michael Kors show is one of the most coveted invites in the business. He’s a go-to designer for celebs (and me, since I’ve spotted a few of his bags and pumps in TJ Maxx. Hallelujah!) So the stars aligned – as usual – for his Spring 2013 reveal. We spotted Catherine Zeta-Jones and her hubby, Michael Douglas, Katharine McPhee (who I adore!) and Olivia Munn in the front row.

The who's who packed into the Theatre to gauge trends for their spring and summer wardrobes. With this elegant, classic collection, there are tons of pieces to choose from and be inspired by!

Kors offered up a signature blend of sophistication, modern aesthetics and simplicity that are his earmarks as a designer. He relied on primary colors paired with bolder accents to continue the stripes  and color-blocking fashions of past seasons. There was a chic punch packed into the solid blacks, reds, yellows and blues that were present in almost every piece on his runway, from bodysuits to light sweaters.

It wasn’t flashy or overtly sexy. Instead, the sexiness was subliminal. Elegant swag is attractive, after all. The whimsical 60s have been on constant display this week. Michael Kors relished in that era. He offered up mod silhouettes in sexy separates for the office, late nights with the gals or even a business casual dinner with colleagues.

One of the looks I’m most fond of is the white trench coat with the gold-buckled waist. It screams retro chic! I know these are spring and summer collections, but I want this now! Let’s hope he releases a similar piece to the TJ Maxx racks soon. Lovelies, if I stumble on one during my deep bargain dives, I’ll be sure to share it with you first!

 I’ll also be picking up a few inspired pieces for my hip-hop meets prepster boo. 

Overall, I’ll give Michael Kors an "A" for maintaining his signature, while also giving us something to look forward to in the spring. Bravo, Michael!

What do you think of this collection?

- Evette Dionne

LBS Runway Report: DKNY Spring 2013

I’ll admit it: I haven’t anticipated a DKNY collection in ages. Their designs scream “prepubescent preteen with no fashion direction” and I matured out of the juniors department almost a decade ago. But I tackled this recap because nothing tests passion more than perseverance. That’s my positive message of the day. 

Moving on … if there’s something we can take from this collection in the distant spring and summer seasons, it’s the need to find our inner inhibitions and unleash them in our wardrobe. That seems to be Donna Karan’s goal. She’s reminding us that fashion is joyous and we should be entertained when we open our closets in the morning. 

DKNY aimed to redefine the traditional New York uniform for the street, work and sport, with a monochrome color scheme accented by yellows and silvers. The Spring 2013 collection is hip, fresh and perfect for the college student who wants to blend youth with professionalism. DKNY struck an excellent chord with the adorbs sneaker wedges gracing each model’s feet, the offbeat leather jackets and bathing suits worn as shirts. 

DKNY paired basics, like denim skirts, with versatile pieces that could easily transition from the office to a late night Thai dinner. There was mesh, nylon and fanny packs galore. Even camouflage made a guest appearance on the runway. This collection reminded me of how amazingly fun fashion can be when you stop following rules. 

A-listers present in the first row included Louise Roe (who was also at Herve Leger), Kelsey Chow and Lianne La Havas decked in chic onyx digs. I won’t be rushing to the racks for a DKNY blouse, but I’ve developed a fresh regard for the brand.

Has DKNY "wowed" you with this collection?

- Evette Dionne

LBS Runway Report: Hervé Léger Max Azria Spring 2013

 You haven’t met a workaholic until you’ve witnessed Max Azria release two collections in one week. Pulling one reveal together is exhausting. You’ve watched Project Runway. Most designers spend months organizing the details. But one show is child’s play to Max.

Hervé Léger Max Azria consistently draws some of our fave chic celebs to the first row. And we were not disappointed with the wealth of gorgeousness and influence in the front.

There was Jessica White adorned in Cleopatra gold, Petra Nemcova, Daisy Fuentes and Louise Roe among others. 

Here’s a creation tale: Spiderman met a roman gladiator. They procreated. Wahlah! We have Hervé Léger Max Azria Spring 2013. Gracefully slender models stormed the catwalk in quilted monokinis and sexy body-conscious jumpsuits that were perfectly nipped with leather at the waist.

Intricate patterns dominated the collection, which used lots of neutrals (blacks, beiges, etc.) and blues to showcase a love for patchwork and decorative quilting. What was stranger than the appeal of these clothes was the muse.

Max Azria was inspired by the women of Gee’s Bend, Alabama, who spend their afternoons detailing quilts. He wanted to paint a “story of the sultry South through handcrafted embroidery, patchwork and applique."

I envision sweet tea and dainty ladies with gloves and sun hats when I think of the South. But I get Max’s vision. I think. If nothing else, I adored the side braid that all models rocked and the range of neutrals selected. Lovelies, here’s the takeaway: Invest in lots of beiges and leather belts.

What do you think of this collection?

- Evette Dionne

LBS Runway Report: Monique Lhuillier Spring 2013

Monique Lhuillier is the queen of creating impossibly gorgeous gowns that require vast quantities of tulle and pounds of beads. If I had millions to blow and a schedule that required me to don red carpet sizzlers, I would have her number memorized. A group of these “I’m wearing this to the queen’s diamond jubilee” gowns closed the show, but they were preceded with classic cocktail looks that command attention from the boardroom to the yacht.

Water was Monique Lhuillier’s inspiration for the Spring 2013 season and this was evident in the splash of sea creatures that appeared on her catwalk. From koi to fish scales and the tropical blues throughout the collection (especially in the modish eyeshadow), Monique captured the beauty of the ocean aesthetic in her peplum-dominated performance.

Peplum, peplum and more peplum. Monique worked peplum into several pieces, which added a modern vitality to a collection that was heavily invested in the 80s-inspired shoulder and hemline emphasis.

She was designing for a woman motivated by success and power. This might explain the deeper color palette. Or maybe we should just prepare for the dark wave in our spring pep.

Front row celebs were scarce, but we did spot Jay Manuel of America’s Next Top Model fame working those brows to death!

So when I hit the lotto, Monique Lhuillier, I’m calling you.

What do you think of the collection?

- Evette Dionne