Affordable Designer Styles

Who: Geren Ford and Urban Outfitters

What: Hawks by Geren Ford, a handful of subtly ladylike pieces with ruffles and ruching

When: This onetime collaboration launched spring 2008

Pricing: $42 (for an open-shoulder tee) to $108 (for a tiered tulip dress)

The Piece We're Obsessed With: Hawks by Geren Ford jacquard dress, $98, urbanoutfitters.com

Who: Project Runway star Christian Siriano and Payless

What: Christian Siriano for Payless, an assortment of bold booties, pumps, and flats with cool gold zipper details

When: Launched fall 2009

Pricing: Between $30 and $50

The Piece We're Obsessed With: Christian Siriano for Payless boot, $49.99, payless.com

Who: British designer Christopher Kane and hip British chain Topshop

What: Christopher Kane for Topshop, a tough-gothic collection of clothes and accessories in his signature sheers with loads of gem and eyelet embellishments

When: Launched September 2009

Pricing: $120 (for a dress) to $210 (for a riveted gladiator sandal)

The Piece We're Obsessed With: Christopher Kane lace dress, $160, topshop.com

Who: Lucky favorite Charlotte Ronson and JCPenney

What: I 'Heart' Ronson for JCPenney, a line of flirty options true to her laid-back, '70s-inspired style

When: Launched spring 2009 Pricing $15 (for layering tanks) to $72 (for jackets)

The Piece We're Obsessed With: I 'Heart' Ronson pegged pants, $14.99, jcpenney.com

Who: Brian Wolk and Claude Morais, the designers behind über-ladylike line Ruffian, and Anthropologie

What: Mise en Scene by Ruffian—everything from party dresses to hand-seamed hosiery, and it all has a '40s feminine flair

When: The first installment of a four-collection series launched November 2009

Pricing: $18 (for glassware) to $348 (for a wool and cashmere dress coat)

The Piece We're Obsessed With: Mise en Scene by Ruffian overcoat, $328, anthropologie.com

Who: Rachel Roy and department store Macy's

What: Rachel Rachel Roy, a fashion-forward selection of boldly printed, modern pieces and edgy-luxe accessories

When: Launched August 2009

Pricing: $26 (for accessories) to $249 (for a leather jacket)

The Piece We're Obsessed With: Rachel Rachel Roy leopard-print one-shoulder dress, $74.25, macys.com

Who: Famed wedding gown designer Vera Wang and Kohl's

What: Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohl's, filled with everything from her signature drapey tops and leggings to accessories, intimates, and home goods

When: Launched September 2007

Pricing: $30 (for a tee) to just under $88 (for a puffer jacket)

The Piece We're Obsessed With: Simply Vera Vera Wang embellished cardigan, $39.99, kohls.com

Who: Lela Rose and shoe giant Payless

What: Lela Rose for Payless, a line of elegant, feminine-detailed shoes (think bows and ruffles) at wildly low prices

When: Launched August 2007

Pricing: Most pairs are $30

The Piece We're Obsessed With: Lela Rose for Payless ankle booties, $49.99, payless.com

Who: Reality TV star Lauren Conrad (of The Hills) and Kohl's

What: LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's, a collection of soft, flowy shirts and dresses and classic denim

When: Launched last September

Pricing: $20 (for a basic tank) to $50 (for a chic sheath)

The Piece We're Obsessed With: LC Lauren Conrad brushstroke dress, $34.99, kohls.com

Who: Legendary designer Norma Kamali and massive discount retailer Walmart

What: Norma Kamali for Walmart, a line of basics—cardigans, leggings, and LBDs—with a cool edge

When: Launched last year; will be available through 2012

Pricing: $10 (for a tee) to $35 (for a winter coat)

The Piece We're Obsessed With: Norma Kamali "Sleeping Bag" jacket, $35, walmart.com

Who: The sisters behind the ethereal Rodarte, and Target

What: Rodarte for Target, a limited-edition line of modern feminine pieces made for layering

When: Launching December 20, 2009

Pricing: $9.99 (for knee-highs) to $79.99 (for a leopard-print jacket)

The Piece We're Obsessed With: Rodarte for Target slipdress, $39.99, available December 20 on target.com and in select Target stores

(Lucky magazine)

I love the Christopher Kane, Rachel Roy and Rodarte dresses.....such beautiful designs. I purposely went into Payless to see the Christian Siriano boot after seeing it modeled on Wendy Williams.....the picture doesn't do it justice, the "crinkled' patent leather and gold zipper accent work well together; it's certainly one of my favorites of all the peep toe booties out there. Now I'm going to head into Wal-mart and check out the Norma Kamali coat.....it looks warm as well as stylish.

"Head in the Clouds"

(mytheresa.com)

I love these new pieces from Christopher Kane.....he certainly puts much thought into his unique and unusual designs.

Now, That's a Little Different

House of Waris Necklace, Rodarte Bracelet, Proenza Schouler Brooch, Rodarte Earrings, Antonio Murphy Mozart Ring & POW! Ring, Maison Martin Margiela Ring, Christopher Kane x Swarovski Bracelet, Yazbukey Brooch all available from Colette.fr (Au Courant)


I love the mozart ring!

How to "Do" Leopard Print

I don't necessarily care for the, "choosing the look by age thing," as it's my feeling that much of fashion is "ageless".....many looks transcend age and can be worn by any age group if tastefully done.



20s: Don’t be afraid to wear dramatic prints. Team your classic LBD with a leopardprint coat and, for a grungy twist, add a pair of chunky boots.
Faux-fur jacket, £75, by WALLIS (0845 121 4520). cotton dress, £45, by KIMCHI & BLUE, from Urban Outfitters (urbanoutfitters.co.uk); Leather lace-up boots, £50, by NEW LOOK (0500 454094); Metal bangle, £12, by EVANS (evans.co.uk); Studded mesh clutch, £28, by ASOS (asos.com).

30s: Take a classic, chic look – a pencil skirt and cardigan – and rework it with leopard-print and this season’s must-have leather skirt.
Cotton cardigan, £29.99, by RIVER ISLAND (riverisland.com). leather pencil skirt, £495, by JOSEPH (020 7610 8441); Suede and leather clutch, £79, by JIGSAW (jigsaw-online.com); Gold-plated bangles, £49.50 each, by ANGIE GOODERHAM (angiegooderhamstore.com); Patent-leather mary-janes, £125, by STEVE MADDEN, from mywardrobe.com.

40s: Modernise your everyday look with an animalprint accessory. A chunky scarf worn with your favourite jeans will take you through winter.
Silk-mix t-shirt, £95, by L’AGENCE, from Dover Street market (020 7518 0680); Denim straight-leg jeans, £215, by J BRAND, from selfridges (0800 123400); Cashmere scarf, £458, by CHRISTOPHER KANE, from matchesfashion.com; Ponyskin belt,£59, by TWIGGY, from Fenwick (020 7629 9161); Faux-leather duffle bag, £32, by WAREHOUSE (warehouse.co.uk); Faux-suede ankle boots, £19, by PRIMARK (0118 960 6300).

50+: Keep the print soft, subtle and feminine, and wear with classic pieces such as black court shoes and a tailored blazer.
Silk dress, £59.90, by ZARA (020 7534 9500); Cotton blazer, £45, by GAP (0800 011 1427); Velvet bag, £225, by LULU GUINNESS (020 7823 4828); Croc-print leather maryjanes, £155, by LK BENNETT (0844 581 5881).

25 Years of London Fashion

1984
The British Fashion Council brings disparate designer exhibitions under one body in the capital, and London Fashion Week is born. The synthesis of talent generates a buzz. Championed by Lynne “Ab Fab” Franks, designers included Betty Jackson and Ghost, but one stood out – John Galliano. “Galliano’s graduate show was stunning – a free spirit,” remembers Joan Burstein of Browns, who snapped up the entire collection for her boutique. Picture: STEPHEN LOCK

1990
A new decade, a new mood. Eighties excess caved in to minimalism, as seen in Rifat Ozbek’s White Collection, a volte face from colourful kaftans to palette-cleansing neutrals. 1992
Alexander McQueen floors editors with his sublime debut. “Here were capelets made out of crows’ feathers, tailcoats with dramatic sihouettes. The designs were radical, disturbing and viscereal at a time when taste meant sleek and minimal,” recalls Harriet Quick, fashion features director of Vogue. “McQueen’s language is life, death, sex, religion – he’s a true great.” Picture: EDDIE MULHOLLAND

1994
Hussein Chalayan bursts onto the scene with his lofty concepts, executed with a precision bordering on the pedantic. His “After Words” collection in 2000, with its wooden table-cum-skirt, sealed his reputation as London’s premier visionary. Picture: JEFF GILBERT

1995
Frenzied scenes ensue as Kate Moss walks in Stella McCartney’s graduate show. Kylie Minogue also takes a spin on Antonio Berardi’s catwalk in a cleavage-revealing red dress. Picture: ANDREW SHAW

1998
“I remember my first 'proper’ women’s show in 1998,” says Sir Paul Smith. “I was so nervous as I had only made presentations in Paris.” Picture: DAVID ROSE

1999
Her first show was called “Daddy, I Want a Pony”, to which the fashion pack chorused, “Luella, we want you!” Her blend of punk and prep wins an instant following with London’s hip, young crowd.

2001
The Prince of Wales presents the Designer of the Year prize to Alexander McQueen at the British Fashion Awards. In his days on Savile Row, the designer had famously scrawled an expletive inside one of the Prince’s jackets.

2002
London plays swapsies with New York so the show dates don’t fall on the first anniversary of 9/11. US Vogue editor Anna Wintour attends to show her gratitude, giving a boost to the city.

2003
Katharine Hamnett, who famously wore a “58% DON’T WANT PERSHING” T-shirt to meet Margaret Thatcher in 1984, returns with “STOP WAR, BLAIR OUT”.

2004
Fashion Fringe launches. The competition nurtures cutting-edge designers with creative direction and funding.

2005
Gareth Pugh finally fills the creative void left by McQueen et al. A flamboyant showman, Pugh’s first show sees latex masks and padded coats sculpted from black PVC.

2006
He opted for neon brights when black was in and did figure-hugging when full-flowing ruled. Christopher Kane’s first collection should have failed; instead, he is hailed a star.

2007
A year crammed with highlights, but Matthew Williamson’s return show from New York stood out for one big reason - Prince’s impromptu solo. “All dignity was abandoned as I, and many others, stood, camera-phones pointed at the legend, dancing and clapping like idiots,” says Jo Elvin, editor of Glamour. Picture: STEPHEN LOCK

2009
Burberry, Matthew Williamson, Jonathan Saunders, Pringle, Clements Ribeiro – this year’s line-up has the BFC clapping its hands with glee but also throwing them up in despair, as it works out how to accommodate all the big names. Nevertheless, it’s a huge coup – and one which will surely bring many memories.

(Daily Telegraph)

"From Safety Pins to Studs"

Moschino

Givenchy

Sonia Rykiel

Christopher Kane

Stella McCartney

Marni

Emanuel Ungaro

Maje

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Marni

Current/Elliott

Clements Ribeiro

Catherine Malandrino Emanuel Ungaro

"Dressed up Denim"

Denim is always a must. It's versatility allows for a great deal of mixing and matching and dressing it up or dressing it down. All items courtesy of www.brownsfashion.com

1.-3. Junya Watanabe

4. Charles Anastase

5. Meadham Kirchhoff

6. & 7. Lanvin

8. Surface To Air

9. Christopher Kane

10. PRPS