Fall 2011 Fashion and Accessory Alert: Peter Pan Collars

In versions ranging from oversized, prim, embellished, and even detachable, Peter Pan collars are popping up everywhere this fall. For a precious, good-girl look, style yours peeking out from a cute little cardi. Wear one embellished with beads, sequins, and jewels to go glam. Or, pair with black (see below) to give this darling detail a bit of an edge.

Peter Pan collars turned up all over the Fall 2011 runways. Here, versions from DKNY (right), Giambattista Valli (center), and Louis Vuitton. Source: WireImage

Here are a few of our favorite Peter Pan options available this fall! Hope you enjoy!

What could be more ladylike than this Alice + Olivia blouse, which pairs a Peter Pan collar with a peplum skirt:

We love how the volume of the peplum skirt perfectly balances the on-trend and oversized Peter Pan collar. Both these details make the piece over-the-top feminine. Finish with a metallic skinny belt (the belt is not included with the top) for a decidedly modern yet dainty look. The blouse is available at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman for $198.

Replace your go-to black t-shirt with this Oasis top to add some sparkle to your wardrobe this fall:

At $64, this top will cost a little more than your basic black tee, but we think the versatility it will bring to your wardrobe is worth the extra cash. For example, you can wear it with black cigarette jeans for a more casual day-time look, or pair it with a flirty skirt and opaque black tights for a polished evening ensemble; the beaded Peter Pan collar will add that perfect pop of glamor to any look.

Speaking of versatility, a detachable Peter Pan collar is a great way to embrace this trend and incorporate it into your wardrobe without spending a lot of money.There are lots of beautiful and affordable options available on Etsy, including this lovely piece with purple sequined wings, $24, from artist IWillFly:

Another one we love (especially as styled here, with nautical stripes) is this black lace collar, $20 USD, from UK artist luminia:

Now, if you want to go in the opposite direction, and drop a ton of cash for a detachable Peter Pan accessory, Lanvin, Isaac Mizrahi, and Louis Vuitton all sent dazzling versions down the runway–but our favorite was this dreamy diamante style Chanel debuted for Resort 2012:

Sigh…a girl can dream, right?

Finally, we love the pointed Peter Pan collar in this cream and black dress from ASOS:

The sharper collar execution and sexy black mesh panels balance the soft color, pleated skirt and ladylike silhouette very nicely; what you end up with is a very sweet dress with an irresistible edge. Originally $82, this dress is now on sale for $45.

Get Kate Middleton’s Fairytale Wedding Gown for Less

Kate Middleton–excuse me–Her Royal Highness Catherine, Duchess of Wales, exceeded every expectation this morning as she wed her Prince Charming, William. Designers around the world are scrambling to debut knock-offs and spin-off and “inspired-by” gowns aimed at replicating the genius of Alexander McQueen designer Sarah Burton. While they work at a breathless pace, we wanted to feature a few gowns already available that offer the same Fairy Tale look as Kate’s.

This Oscar de la Renta gown, from the designer’s Spring 2011 collection, echos the classic style of Princess Grace that Kate emulated:

Sources say that Catherine, who worked closely with Sarah Burton in formulating the design of her dress, wanted to combine Princess Grace’s traditional, classic style with the modernity and artistic flair that Alexander McQueen is known for.  You can easily see the influence of Grace’s gown in Kate’s and the regal Oscar de la Renta dress:

This Vera Wang gown from her White Collection for David’s Bridal also takes a nod to Princess Grace’s dress with it’s classic lace overlay and three-quarter length sleeves:

Wang brings her own signature style to the timeless design with an airy ebony bow that emphasizes the bride’s narrow waist and adds a touch of whimsey and romance. The best part about this gown–it’s only $1,300!

For a similar look with a bit more modern sex appeal, consider this “Arugia” gown from Elie Saab’s 2011 Pronovias collection:

Saab’s creation plays homeage to Grace’s gown with it’s embroidered lace, but, like Kate’s dress, captures a more modern allure with it’s v-neckline.

These are only a few of the Kate Middleton look-alike gowns available at the moment. And stay tuned–over the next 24 hours expect to find direct knock-offs flooding the market! In the meantime, want a better look at Kate’s gown? Check out Fashionista’s suite of pictures–they’ve got photos of the Royal Bride and her dress from every angle.

It’s Personal: Target’s Proenza Schouler Knock-Off

Fashion blogs are buzzing this morning with knockoff accusations against retail giant Target.

Designers Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough of Proenza Schouler are “disappointed”  with Target after learning about a Mossimo bag currently on the sales floor at Target that bears an uncanny resemblance to their own PS1 messenger bag.

Here's the original PS1, which retails for $1995 at Net-a-Porter.

This is the Mossimo version.

Hernandez and McCollough have dealt with knockoff and copyright cases in the past, but they’re taking this situation personally because of the collaborative relationship PS has built with Target. In the past, Hernandez and McCollogh created a Go International collection for the store, and, because of the recent Go International anniversary reissue, part of the collection is being sold now.

“So our product is in Target right now, and then this bag comes out,” Shirley Cook, Proenza Schouler’s CEO said in a statement to Cathy Horyn, author of the New York Time’s On the Runway blog. “It’s just disappointing, especially from someone we worked with.”

Here are the two bags again in brown:

The PS1 in brown.

Here is the Target version in brown.

As Horyn notes in her post: “To be sure, the bags are not 100 percent identical. The Mossimo bag ($34.99) is made of fake leather, while the PS1 ($1,595 for the medium-size version) is of genuine leather. The placement of the straps is slightly different, and the PS1 utilizes a distinctive fold-down closure in antiqued brass whereas the Target model has an ordinary turn-key closure. But other design parallels are hard to ignore.”

What do you think? Let us know–take our poll or post a comment!

Spring 2011 Trend Alert: Linen Shoes

Linen shoes are on our radar for spring 2011, and it’s no wonder–linen offers both sophisticated simplicity and versatility. Whether cream, navy, or black, linen is a crisp neutral that adds understated polish to any warm weather outfit, and as one of the lightest, most wearable materials it’s the perfect fabric for feet suffering from sweltering summer heat.

These vintage pumps from the 1940s, available on Etsy, capture the timeless charm of linen:

For an update on this classic design, check out these Nina Calhoun SS Linen D’Orsay pumps, on sale for $30.

These peep-toe Stuart Weitzman Lace-Up Booties, featuring adorable tweed linen with frayed edges, offer vampy schoolgirl style:

With sleek patent leather details, these black linen Manolo Blahnik heels have real elegance. Check out the tapered toe and the sophisticated Mary Jane strap. (They’re now 20% off on Bluefly.com!)

Finally, you can’t beat the sweet simplicity of these Stella McCartney flats, on sale for $178 at Outnet.com:

We love the gold flecks in the sand-linen blend and the sweet bows that make these casual flats girly and very chic.

What do you think?

 

Get Kate Middleton’s Issa Engagement Dress for Less

“Fetching.” It’s that elusive, slightly archaic adjective that, once upon a time, was used to describe young ladies with an ineffable beauty and charm. These days, fetching seems to almost exclusively apply to Kate Middleton–or should we say Catherine–who has become a bit of an “it” girl since her engagement to Britain’s dreamy-despite-balding Prince William.

The happy couple posing for photographs following the announcement of their engagement on November 16th.

For the royal announcement Kate wore an understated silk jersey Issa dress the same color as her beautiful new engagement ring, and we’ve been swooning over this fetching number–and the switch to her proper name–ever since. The dress was said to have sold out internationally only 24 hours after the announcement, back in November, and only now are stores receiving new inventory. If you’ve gone Issa-mad too, here’s some info on where to find the dress, and, a few places where you can get the look for less!

Always reliable Net-A-Porter recently added The Dress to its clothing line-up, where you can buy it (before it sells out again) for $535:

The Kate Middleton Effect (a statistical term) means this dress can "fetch" a steep price: $535!

British brand Tesco has made a much less expensive knock-off they’re calling the Pepita Dress, for 99 pounds (about $150 US). This viscose version captures the look of Kate’s silk Issa by featuring a deep V-neck, draping, and a wrap waistband:

the Pepita knock-off

BCBG’s version is available on Neiman Marcus’ Last Call site, where it’s marked down from $148 to $89 (sale goes through January 26th):

BCBG's version

For a flirty version of Miss Catherine’s dress, check out this shorter sapphire blue silk jersey wrap dress, featuring asymmetric draping–it’s on sale at FoleyandCorinna.com for $238 (originally $340):

If you have royal fever, check out this edgier version of Kate's dress. Hot!

For something more ladylike, consider this Calvin Klein stretch knit sheath dress, in the same stunning sapphire blue as Kate’s. It’s on sale at Bluefly.com for $80.10 (originally $128). The ruffle at the waist and pleating at the neckline are two details that make the dress very fetching:

Another Bluefly.com frock that looks Kate-worthy is this Wyatt royal blue jersey dress with a great twisted knot detail. It’s on sale now for $79.20 (originally $125):

We love the flattering pleating of this twist knot design.

If you want the easy elegance of an Issa dress without looking like you’re completely obsessed with Kate Middleton, try this slate gray one, which features a similar length and draping style to Kate’s.  It’s available at MyTheresa.com for $650.05:

Another dress that’s similar in silhouette and features flattering draping (but, differs in color) is this Sinclaire 10 Pleated Knit dress, on sale at Saks for $136.49 (originally $325):

 

This Sinclaire 10 knit dress has a gently pleated bodice and skirt that capture the elegance of Kate's look.

This Tibi dress is another Issa look-alike, in a deep jewel-tone purple, on sale at TheOutNet.com for $177.75 (originally $395):

We love the wrap effect of this Tibi dress.

It’s no wonder Kate’s style is spawning look-alikes left and right–what woman doesn’t want a dress that delivers her easy elegance. Miss Middleton, if being a fashion icon becomes one of your royal “duties”, we’re on board.

Did Katy Perry Nail It with her new OPI Black Shatter Nail Polish?

Given Katy Perry’s wild nail style (remember her Russel Brand manicure ?) it makes sense that OPI would ask her to collaborate on a new nail polish line.

The highlight of the limited-edition collection is the Black Shatter top coat that’s generating buzz as the next nail trend. Once applied to the dried base coat of any nail polish, the black top coat begins to disappear, leaving behind a crackled, sort of leopard print pattern on each nail and transforming your manicure into nail art, Katy Perry style.

Here's what each color is supposed to look like with the Black Shatter top coat. From L-R the colors are: Last Friday Night, Not Like the Movies, The One that Got Away, and Teenage Dream.

How does it work? Two incompatible solvents in the black shatter top coat cause uneven drying, so as the top coat sets it results in the crackled pattern.

After test-driving the new shatter coat, here are some of our tips:

• This may seem obvious, but be sure to only apply the Black Shatter top coat over completely dry nail polish–otherwise, there are gloopy consequences.
• Because the shattering effect is almost instantaneous, you need to apply the top coat fairly quickly–as in, a once over. If you double back for a second coat then you’ll get black shatters on top of black shatters.
• A thinner coat of Black Shatter will result in a look with smaller shards, while a thicker coat will make the crackled look more chunky.
• The shatter top coat dries matte–really matte–with the look of old, dried-out asphalt. So, for a more “polished” look, add a top coat for a glossy finish that will make the black look more liquid.

Black Shatter top coat over Not Like the Movies, a silvery metallic shade, with a clear top coat.

What do you think?

Good Deal, Great Deal: Dramatic Blue Party Dresses from Phillip Lim and Poleci

Put either of these two dramatic blue dresses to work during the upcoming holiday season this winter, then pull it out again next summer for weddings or parties. Flattering draping, a classic silhouette and vivid blue hue make both very versatile and perfect for special occasions. Best of all, they’re both on sale–one for $272 and one for $149. Enjoy!

Good Deal: This Phillip Lim dress, originally $680, is now on sale for $272 on Outnet.com. The balance of the intense turquoise silk-satin dress  with the delicate, sheer silk-chiffon panel at top gives this dress a lot of allure.  The ruffled bodice and draping through the skirt ensures a flattering fit. Best of all, there are slit pockets hidden at the side of the skirt.

Here's the front...

...and the back.

Great Deal: Poleci offers a more economical version that’s just as glamorous. Right now it’s on sale for $149 (originally $162) on Ruelala.com (Join Ruelala for free by clicking here). The draped, pleated skirt and sweetheart neckline gives the dress a real sense of romance, while the semi-sheer mesh neckline adds some edge. We love the deep sapphire color–and the way they’ve styled the model with black tights–together it’s a great look for winter holiday party.

Details on Katy Perry’s Elie Saab Wedding Gown and the Gray Bridal Gown Trend

It’s official! Katy Perry, a.k.a, Mrs. Brand, married her husband Russel Brand last Saturday night in front of approximately 80 guests at the Aman-i-Khas wildlife reserve and resort in Rajasthan, India. While pictures of Perry’s wedding gown haven’t been released, a source revealed to Us Magazine that she wore a dove gray haute couture gown by Elie Saab that featured lace sleeves. We’re wondering if it’s this stunning gown from Saab’s Fall/Winter 2010 -2011 Haute Couture Collection:

Saab’s collection, which was inspired by the concept of the Phoenix rising from the ashes, features dreamy, red-carpet ready gowns ranging in color from fire-engine red to the gorgeous, dove gray tone of this bridal gown, which closed the designer’s Couture 2010 Fashion Show.

The gown Perry may have chosen features layers of ash-gray silk tulle accented with gray and gold sequins, and has a dramatic eight-foot train that would certainly appeal to the singer’s whimsical style. Saab’s decision to use a delicate lace fabric to form the gown’s sheer sleeves provides a fantastic contrast to the strong shoulders, made up of beautiful shimmering flower applique. The same sheer lace is overlaid on the bodice, and sewn on the bias, which creates a very flattering silhouette.  It’s certainly not for the traditional bride, but we can easily see Perry getting married in it!

The silver/gray color palette has been an emerging bridal trend since 2009, when Sarah Jessica Parker wore a now iconic Versace Couture gown made up of 1000 layers of tiered gray tulle in the series finale of Sex and the City (“An American Girl in Paris: Part Une”).

 

Gray brings an unexpected, sophisticated drama to bridal gowns.

It’s a fantastic option for brides looking for an non-traditional gown, and can be especially lovely for winter weddings.  If you’re looking for a gown inspired by Perry’s, check out these choices:

Vera Wang featured gray gowns in her 2009 collection, and then mixed in black accents for her Fall 2010 collection:

 

Fall 2009

Fall 2010

You can get a great deal on gray wedding gowns by searching on websites like Preownedweddingdresses.com–many, like this gray chiffon dress with an exquisite sequins and beaded bib halter neckline–are sample dresses and have actually never been worn. This gown, new with tags, is available for only $245:

This beautiful pearl gray Priscilla of Boston gown is $2,000 (originally $5,293–you save 62%):

Vintage sites can also be a great resource if you’re looking for an “offbeat” gown, like a gray one. For something short and flirty, check out this one shoulder Derek Lam dress, a steal for only $450 at a “new vintage” (1990 to present day) online store, Relic NY.com. The pleated silk creates just enough volume to add some drama, while the silhouette still stays streamlined and sophisticated.

Check Out Designer Consignment Deals at Covetshop.com

I’m a big fan of thrifting.  You get the quality of designer clothing at a reasonable price, and by recycling former-owned items, you can celebrate the environment as well as fashion. I can definitely vouch that pre-loved designer items have treated me well.

However, there is perhaps one downside: the thrill of the thrifting hunt requires a measure of patience. Luckily, if you don’t have time to comb through your local Goodwill or flea market, there are tons of online designer consignment stores that will do the digging for you. One of our favorites is Covetshop.com. Launched just over a year ago by a fashion industry vet and her graphic designer husband, Covet specializes in designer finds from names like Chanel, Zac Posen, and so on and so forth. The store offers pre-loved clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories, including these brand new Burberry plaid gloves (only $105!), which were featured in In Style‘s  November issue.

Here’s a quick run-down on the fine print: First of all, Covet guarantees the authenticity of each item, and offers an easy return policy (notify them of the return within 24 hours of receiving it, and then return it within 14 days). The store also gives each item a Condition Rating–from 5 to 1 stars–that describes how much love the item previously received. 5 stars indicates brand new with no wear (like the Burberry gloves, these items usually have the original tag still attached), while 1 star items are in fair condition (they likely show flaws that may be cleaned or repaired). We didn’t find any 1 star items posted–all the merchandise seemed to be 5, 4, or 3 stars. Finally, the merchandise changes daily, so if you like what you see, consider signing up for their new product email alerts.

So what did we find? We were most impressed with Covet’s dress offerings. For casual to formal occasions, Covet had a great range of dresses.  Here are our top three picks:

• Put this pleated Tory Burch Gardenia Dress, $89.00 (originally $295) to work during the spring or summer wedding season, or pair it with black matte tights, pumps and a cardigan for a great fall office look.

• This Fisherman Sweater Dress from Thread Social is a great pick for fall and winter. The turtleneck knit top and wool skirt will keep you cozy and at $235 (originally $680) you’ll be able to keep more cash tucked away for a rainy (or snowy) day.

• Looking for something for a special occasion? Check out this Ruched Cocktail Dress from Marc Jacobs for $240 (originally $1,200–that’s almost $1000 off!). The black silk is gathered at the front to form a delicate rose detail, while an exposed zipper in the back gives the dress some edge.

 

The off-the-shoulder neckline is very flattering.

Whether you visit Covet to shop or window shop, we have the feeling you won’t be disappointed.

Rad or Ridiculous? “Designer Band-Aids” by Cynthia Rowley

Designer Cynthia Rowley has teamed up with Johnson & Johnson’s Band-Aid brand to offer “Dress Up” designer bandaids. The collection, which features several designs, comes in an old-school tin for $10.

A few of Rowley's designs.

One dollar from the sale of each tin will go to Design Ignites Change, an organization that engages high school and college students in design and architecture projects. The Band-Aid tins can be purchased on CynthiaRowley.com and in Cynthia Rowley stores.

Luckily, so far, there haven’t been any reported images of celebrities wearing the band-aid’s inappropriately (can you just imagine a precarious Designer Band-Aid Lil Kim “outfit”?).

What do you think?