Thanks to being a blogger/socialite, I don’t need to be psychic to know exactly what’s going to be in stores the upcoming season. Although, it would be kind of cool (and much easier to invest) if I actually were psychic. Earlier this week, I made an appearance at the Chelsea Art Museum to preview the Bar III Spring 2012 collection featuring their Women’s, Men’s, Home, and Jewelry collections. If it ever left (which I don’t think it ever did,) it’s safe to say that boho is back. Bohemian chic is here to stay along with complimentary chunky bracelets and necklaces that always mix well with the boho look. We’re going to have to endure quite the winter before we can go back to boho, but in fashion, you always have to be six months ahead.
Don’t you love this picture with the live models wearing the spring 2012 clothes? I have to give myself bonus points for its candid artistic qualities.
Think all those genuine Louis Vuitton bags and Louboutin heels you see all over the city are first generation? Think again. Aspiring Socialites everywhere are discovering the wonderful world of consignment. reFINEstyle.com is an online marketplace of pre-loved designer fashion and accessories. Curated by a hand selected team of sellers across the country, an ever-changing selection of consignment merchandise is offered to the fashion-minded buyer at greatly reduced prices. Buying designer goods from a respected consignment website is a lot better than buying from eBay. In fact, I don’t suggest buying designer goods, especially bags from eBay. Unlike on eBay where it is basically the luck of the draw, reFINEstyle.com works with reputable sellers vetted by the website that only supply the real thing.
Having bought used designer goods myself, I can tell you that much of this so-called “pre-loved” couture, looks as if it has never been touched. The Dallas-based website founded by former HR exec, Megan Masoner, (I love it when fashionistas start their own businesses) has an ever-changing selection of over 800 premier brands. Sales last between 7-14 days. Buyers on reFINEstyle can either “bid” on items or select the “buy it now” option for the price listed. G3 sales (“Going, going, gone!”) allow for the possibility of scoring great deals on items whose prices are reduced up to 15 times over the course of the sale. So start strategizing now on how to navigate this dynamic site full of designer treasures. It’s every Aspiring Socialite’s best-kept secret.
P.S. – This $2,000+ Chanel probably wasn’t the best choice to display affordability, but it was so cute that I had to use it. However, they do actually have a lot more affordable pre-loved designer bags.
The impressive Karl Lagerfeld for Macy’s Impulse line that I recently previewed will hit stories today. On this day in fashion history, even fashionistas with not so deep pockets such as myself can own something designed by the fashion God. Just found this awesome video of the genius at work. It seems we have a lot in common. Like Mr. Lagerfeld, I don’t like counting, especially when it comes to balancing my finances. This sophisticated limited edition collection is in my opinion, the best of the Impulse lines yet. The next collaboration will be with Giambattista Valli, launching Oct. 26.
As an Aspiring Socialite, I can truly relate to young up-in-coming designers. Lauren Gabrielson, is a hot young designer and entrepreneur who has hit the scene with some of the classiest Blake Lively style outfits on the market. The 23-year-old who opened her first store in Sag Harbor in the summer of 2010 has created some of the most incredibly sophisticated designs destined to hit the red carpet. Gabrielson’s line is centered on fabric quality. Since everything is designed and produced in New York, the quality is the best of the best and supports the local economy.
As a designer who understands that no two socialites are alike or want to be seen wearing the same outfit which could result in a disaster, custom-made outfits are also available with short two week turnover. I highly recommend looking into her for custom bridesmaid dresses. Her clothes are so flattering and classic that your friends will love you for it. Though being a bridezilla is a natural reaction to wanting a perfect wedding day, I have no patience for brides who are insecure enough to purposely make their bridesmaids look bad. Watch out for Lauren Gabrielson because her signature Layered Chiffon Dress is said to become as iconic as “the wrap.” This classic design both accentuates and adds a slimming effect to the waistline making it a must-have. Other style dresses include adorable 60s and 20s inspired designs along with the incredibly figure flattering Juliet Dress which looked impeccable on Real Housewife of New York, Bethenny Frankel.
Want more of Lauren Gabrielson? For a custom made outfit, make an appointment to visit her showroom on Madison Ave. For fab off the rack merchandise visit her world class boutique downtown on Mott St. You can also follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. The opinions are all my own.
Macy’s Impulse is coming out with yet another line this time by famous fashion man Karl Lagerfeld who tweeted today that, “Luxury is the ease of a t-shirt in a very expensive dress.” I for one could not agree more with that statement. Predominantly filled with different shades of pink and black, Lagerfeld’s Macy’s line adds a socialite flare to an office ready outfit. These looks combined with comfortable fabrics will have you feeling business casual when you are actually business dressy. Besides, it never hurts to wear something that says “Karl Lagerfeld” on the tag.
In honor of this new very flirty Fall 2011 Capsule Collection that of course I got to preview before anyone else, I ventured downtown to the Yellow Korner on Wooster St. where the clothes were being shown on live models. Aspiring Socialites are always looking for new ways to bring the socialite life into their everyday activities. Karl Lagerfeld’s Impulse collection for Macy’s is line that shares that vision. These outfits are Happy Hour chic while still being completely Midtown office appropriate, a must if you are going to live the Manhattan double life. If there weren’t enough people already in Manhattan, many of us also seem to lead multiple lives comprised of commonplace office work by day and A-list parties by night. I guess that explains why I am always so busy.
This 45-piece collection is set to hit Macy’s stores on August 31st. Lagerfeld described the collection to Vogue as “a coup d’oeil to the dresses I designed for Chloe and the girlish, more romantic mood of the seventies.”
Love this pink and black color combo seem throughout the collection. This my favorite outfit in the line by far. It’s very office chic.
More of the collection.
Popping bubbly! Champagne is a classic part of every fashion event.
