The Spring Update: Designer Fashion for Less

If you read my blog each week, you've probably noticed that I'm a sucker for a great hi-lo collaboration. This spring, we've seen some amazing new partnerships between designers and big name stores. While you can’t expect the same quality as the more expensive versions, the signature prints and designs are worth your time. Here are some of the hottest spring collaborations available online.

 

Duro Olowu for JC Penney offers a beautiful mix of color, texture, and pattern with an international spin. This collaboration is not only full of amazing clothes, but also kitchen sets, household items, and accessories.

Sleeveless Mixed Print Sundress, $40 

Abstract Leaf-Print T-Strap Platform Sandals, $50

Faux Horn Collar Necklace, $25

Print Sweater, $40

Umbrella, $25

Belted Leaf Print Trench Coat, $70

Derek Lam for Designation features amazing outfits for both work and play. Believe it or not, the entire line is available at Kohls!

Striped Drop-Waist Dress, $32.40

Pleated Crepe Crop Pants, $32.40

Solid Bomber Jacket, $42

Animal Georgette Maxi Dress, $52.80

Striped Sheath Dress, $42

Pieced Crop Pants, $32.40

As I posted on Facebook a few months ago, one of my favorite New York boutiques, Kirna Zabete, is now featured at Nine West! They've released a new line for summer filled with metallic accents and jeweled emellishments, but much of their collection from earlier this year is still available and on sale!

SunFishGirl, $49

Sandcastle, $79

Otay, $69.99

Alitra, $89.99

Prabal Gurung for Target is another collection filled with playful prints, colors and silhouettes. I love all of the flirty dresses for summer!

Drop Waist Dress in First Date Print, $12.24

Dress in Meet the Parents Print, $15.74

Lace-Front Blouse, $12.24

Colorblock Long-Sleeve Sweater, $10.48

Even your children can look fabulous for less with collaborations such as Diane von Furstenberg & Gap Kids. This is her second collaboration with Gap Kids, and you can still expect adorable wrap dresses and her signature bold prints. 

T-Shirt Dress, $40

Pleated Tank Dress, $70

Printed Two-Piece, $45

Skinny Cropped Jeans, $50

Shirtdress, $45

Wrap Dress, $50

Diaper Bag, $150

Sustainable Fashion? So Stylish

It's no secret that I believe fashion is more fun when it's ethically produced. Therefore, where I heard about the collaboration between ASOS.com, the UK's largest independent online fashion and beauty retailer and Soko, a fashion workshop in Africa, I was ecstatic! Joanna Maiden, the mastermind behind Soko, created the store in 2009 in order to further support the sustainable fashion movement. She aims to produce beautiful high-quality garments made from fabrics sourced straight from Kenya, while also supporting the community through employment and local projects.

The collection, ASOS Africa, first appeared on the e-retailer in 2010 featuring vibrant prints and Swahili inscriptions. Within 24 hours of their debut, every item was sold out! Luckily for us, ASOS Africa has continued to be successful through the seasons and the A/W '12 collection is still available online. Even out first lady is a huge fan of ASOS Africa, seen in pieces from each season of the collection. Most recently, she was spotted in the November issue of O magazine wearing a belted ASOS Africa mixed-printed pencil skirt paired with a bright turquoise short sleeve shirt and a cropped cardigan.

You too can wear one of the First Lady's favorite fashion lines!

This peplum jacket is perfect if you are looking for something new to wear to the office.

ASOS Africa Peplum Jacket, $78.93

Love this pattern but need something more casual than the peplum jacket? Who isn't always looking for a cute, interesting top that won't break the bank? This is it!

ASOS Africa Top with Binding Detail, $70.16

This spring is all about patterned pants. These are perfect for those looking to try a new trend!

ASOS Africa Floral Jacquard Pants, $78.93

This bold patterned shirt is so versatile, you can wear it almost anywhere!

ASOS Africa Shirt in Mirror Print, $70.16

Still looking for a stylish way to keep warm? This two-toned coat is made of wool, perfect for these last cold days of winter.

ASOS Africa Coat with Detachable Gilet, $263.10

Neiman Marcus + Target + 24 Awesome Designers = The Best Hi-Lo Collaboration Ever

On Dec 1st, a beautiful thing happened. Target and Neiman Marcus partnered to launch the Holiday 24. If you have read my blog loyally, you know that I have a big weakness for a good partnership, and an even bigger weakness for telling you about great deals! This partnership was perfectly timed and perfectly executed. Basically, 24 amazing designers created one or more exclusive pieces of clothing for adults and kids, housewares, luggage, and so much more! Many items are already sold out online already, but you can probably still find them in store at Target and Neiman Marcus. Here's a look at what the Holiday 24 has to offer:

These Altuzarra glasses and shaker look vintage but are brand new and beautiful. What a great gift for your holiday host and hostess!

Joseph Altuzarra Cocktail Shaker ($50) & Double Old-Fashioned Glasses ($50)

Traveling over the holidays? This suitcase is small enough to carry-on, and the neon detailing makes for a chic airport look. 

Alice+Olivia Rolling Luggage $180

Who knew that Band of Outsiders made Cookie Cutters?! They would definitely make your holiday baking a little more entertaining. 

Band of Outsiders Cookie Cutter & Stamper Set $30

Like I said in last week's Holiday Outfit Must-Haves post, a sparkly clutch is necessary this holiday season. If you don't do sequins, go for a metallic/shimmery clutch like one of these by Marc Jacobs. 

Marc Jacobs Metallic Zip Clutch Bag $70

This is the yoga mat I tweeted about. DVF, Lululemon, and a good yoga flow... what more do you need?

Diane von Furstenberg Yoga Mat $50

Is this not a fabulous party top? Balance its shape with skinny black pants and spiked heel booties. 

Tracy Reese Sequined Blouse $80

Sometimes when you're wearing black-tie attire, it's hard to find a coat that doesn't ruin the look. This lightly sequined cape would solve the problem and look awesome with denim, too! Also, this is a lot more affordable than the exquisite $5,000 cape I tried on this week at the Etro store on Madison Avenue... 

Prabal Gurung Sequined Cape $80

It wouldn't be the holidays without a proper party dress! The colors, floral pattern, and shape make this Lela Rose dress super feminine and sophisticated. 

Lela Rose Watercolor High-Low Dress $100

Don't you wish this came in adult size?? This Marchesa dress is angelic without being cheesy. Adorable!

Marchesa Girls' Hand-Beaded Dress $100

Studded leather for boots, jackets, and now gloves. At only $50, these long Brian Atwood gloves are a steal!

Brian Atwood Studded Leather Gloves $50

There is even something for men. The retro-looking white piping detail on this Thom Browne blazer makes it a little more formal. If you know how much Thom Browne usually costs, you know what a great deal this is!

Thom Browne Rib-Trimmed Blazer $150