Summer Wardrobe Pieces from Express to Wear into Fall

when it comes to clothing, making items work year-round makes them so much more affordable (essentially, the more times you wear something, the more it pays for itself). Express has some great items that will not only work for summer, but, when paired with other items, will keep you looking fabulous well into the fall season.




this figure-flattering Draped Mesh Mini is perfect for summer when paired with a simple tank and strappy or gladiator-style sandals. for fall, wear it with a crisp blouse and fun booties.




who doesn't need an all-occasion dress? this Belted Sleeveless Dress can be dressed up for a night out, summer party or wedding. when the chill of fall comes, add tights and a fitted blazer or cardigan for a classic look that is office-friendly.




your favorite pair of "skinnies" would look perfect with something like this Semi-Sheer Lace Tank (a great date-night look!). when the chilly fall breezes begin to blow, throw on a leather jacket to give your look an edgy, rocker feel.


hope these picks inspire you to make your own summer essentials autumn-appropriate! find the items featured at your local Express boutique and online at express.com

xo

Zac Posen for Target

Target's collaboration with Zac Posen launched in nyc last night, but will become available to the rest of us next week! as usual, i'm excited to see these pieces in person-- i love the dress pictured above and plan on trying it on first.

i admit, the past few GO International collections haven't thrilled me, especially so after seeing them in person, but let's hope this one is different (especially since most of the items sold out very quickly last night)!

watch this video of Zac showing off the limited edition collection:



ranging in price from $16.99-$199.00, the Zac Posen for Target line includes a variety of party-ready frocks and day-to-day wear in graffiti prints and bold, spring-appropriate colors-- click here to see the collection.

Zac Posen for Target launches april 25th - may 30, 2010 at most Target stores nationwide.

are you excited for this new collection??

xo
source: Target via The Cut

Spring Looks: Day to Night

spring to me means wearing dresses and lots of color! i always find that wearing bold colors keeps me in a better mood. here are some fun ideas i put together that incorporates a dress-- and some color-- for a happy spring lifestyle.

the looks, left to right:

for running errands, i would pair a lightweight sweater over a simple tunic dress. i like to keep a sweater on hand-- it can get chilly in some stores! neutral wedge sandals keep the look casual and a mustard yellow bag adds a fabulous pop of color.

for a lunch date with friends (which basically never happens, but if it did, i'd wear something like this), a gradual floral print dress with a statement necklace and pearls is very light and feminine. strappy sandals and an over-sized bag in purple makes for a great finish.

for a night out, i'd go with a simple dress that had a fun detail, like the pink one pictured. add some sparkle, and up the glam factor, by wearing some fabulous crystal earrings and sequins peep-toe heels-- i chose these blue ones because they look so fabulous, but a black pair like this would work too, of course. :)

xo

Get Gorgeous: ELLE's 'Make Better' Challenge

ELLE magazine has given the traditional "makeover" a makeover and recently launched it's 'Make Better' program, a multiplatform initiative surrounding fitness, fashion and beauty. the Make Better program is a fabulous new outlook on how to approach fashion, beauty and fitness.

through small, simple, yet strategic adjustments to everyday life, big changes can be made. no more spending unnecessary time, money and energy on a new wardrobe, overhauling your closet or engaging in expensive beauty and fitness regimes.



you'll find info throughout the magazine this year and 3 exercise dvds have also been produced, starring model Brooklyn Decker. they can be purchased separately-- Elle Beauty Sculpt (interval-based, full-body workout), Cardio Body (improve your fitness level and tone up), and Workout Yoga (features two dynamic, progressive yoga routines)-- or in a set of three.

sounds fashionably healthy, don't you think? visit elle.com to start your 21 day Make Better challenge-- trust me, it's fun! through it you'll get organized and learn tips from the pros in all areas of fashion, beauty and fitness.


tell me: will you participating in the ELLE Make Better challenge?

xo
info and images courtesy of ELLE

Behind the Scenes at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Runway Show

hosted by Frederic Fekkai, Lisa Love and Sally Singer, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund held its annual runway show featuring 10 finalists competing for the chance to receive a year of mentorship and support in launching their careers.

discover the inspiration for the hairstyles-- created by Frederic Fekkai-- along with the fashion fund finalist inspiration for their collections in the info and video below.


look #1: the wet look



the first look is a sculptural, edgy ponytail inspired by some of the graphic trends shown in the collections. described as modern, young and sexy, the texture tells a story through the wet and twisted hard hair. to add an effortless look, pieces are left out in front.

to achieve this look:

*use your hands as styling tools to create this piecey look.

*apply Fekkai COIFF Extra Control Styling Gel to damp hair and comb through with fingers, no blow dry required.

*pull hair into textured sections before twisting together into a low ponytail just above the nape of the neck.

*secure the twist with bobby pins, letting shorter pieces fall to the side.

*shape the hair into a long sleek ponytail.

look #2: the dry look



the second look is a modern, angelic take on a tousled, bohemian style. the hair is full and voluminous with an airy soft texture that allows for movement; it's dramatic, yet romantic and very wearable. pieces are left in front to frame the face and accentuate the jewelry shown in the collections.

to achieve this look:

*apply Fekkai COIFF Strong Hold Mousse to damp hair and scrunch with fingers as you blow dry completely to create the wild texture.

*wrap hair in big sections around twist-ties (fabric curling rods) to create volume at the roots and soft curl for movement.

*tease hair at the roots using a fine comb, and apply Fekkai Au Naturel Powder Clean Dry Shampoo to add thickness and extra structure, but without added weight.

*pin the sides to the back of the head and secure with bobby pins.

*to secure height at the crown, finish with a fine mist of Fekkai Full Blown Volume Lifting Hairspray.

find Fekkai products at Sephora (in store and online), Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue and other fine retailers. to find a retailer near you, visit Fekkai.com


xo
first image: wireimage.com
hair images provided by Full Picture PR

The Rachel Zoe Project's Taylor Jacobson Venturing Out On Her Own

Taylor Jacobson, Rachel Zoe's right-hand gal is finally going out on her own.

i guess that should read, "former right-hand-gal"...

anyway, according to Fashionista.com, Taylor sent an email to her contacts saying:

"after four amazing years at Rachel Zoe Corporation, i'm saddened and exhilarated at the same time to announce my departure. after much thought and consideration, i have decided to take the challenging leap to go off and style on my own."

on the flip side, People reports she was fired, which caused her to finally take the leap.

either way, this is definitely exciting, especially since i -- and millions of others-- have seen she has a great sense of personal style, and really knows how to make others look good as well. i can't wait to see what she will do on her own!


Tay Tay & Brad :)

if there is a season 3 of The Rachel Zoe Project (love that show!), i wonder if this would be an included "storyline". i guess we'll have to wait and see...

good luck Taylor!

xo
source

Rachel Zoe Loves Prabel Gurung's Cashmere Capelet

via The Zoe Report, Rachel Zoe shared that she has been inspired by this luxurious Prabal Gurung little red riding hood-esque coat.

as part of the young designer’s debut collection, today's cashmere capelet proves Gurung's status as a rising star in the fashion world. the precisely tailored silhouette will flatter a variety of body types by elongating the arms and accentuating the waist— Gurung really understands how to create clothes for women. it's no wonder he's already adored by red carpet veterans like Demi Moore— i've dressed her in two of his looks. :) apart from the coat's stunning shape, i LOVE Gurung's chosen cherry red fabric. fall is all about accenting your grays and blacks with statement brights, so get ready to swap out your neutrals! xoRZ



i think it's gorgeous, but it's pricey. thankfully Rachel shared this Somerset Cape (pictured above) from Anthropologie that is a lot less and just as chic.

subscribe to The Zoe Report or visit RachelZoe.com to get RZ's faves-of-the-moment!

xo
images: anthropologie.com and style.com

Michelle Obama's Style Lessons

in these uncertain times, one thing is certain: Michelle Obama knows her own style. from casual to dressy, the first lady knows what looks best on her and realizes that it's ok to wear your favorite pieces over again. she admits to loving fashion and spending money on shoes like any other woman who loves shoes, and i think it's safe to say america has really looked to her as being a style icon.

there are a few "lessons" from Michelle (based on her clothing choices alone) that you can adopt into your own style:



• wear bold colors: from head-to-toe hot pink and lemon yellow, bright colors photograph well and brighten your skin tone.




• belt it: if your waist is a small part on your frame, wearing a bold belt will show it off.



Michelle in a cardigan from the Gap and skirt by Michael Kors

• mix high with low: is it ok to wear Gap with Michael Kors? absolutely! you don't have to break the bank on a cute cardigan.




in a Tracy Feith dress on jan. 21 (left), and may 5 (right)

• wear your favorites over and over: never repeating an outfit is so passé! Michelle wears her wardrobe favorites often.


xo

via instyle
images Landov, Mandel Ngan/Getty Images, Win McNamee/Getty Images, Spencer Platt/Getty Images, Martin H. Simon/Corbis, Washington Pool/Sipa Press

Anni Sui's Gossip Girl- Inspired Line for Target

if you're a fan of Anna Sui, you'll be happy to know that her line for Target will be available september 13 through october 17! inspired by the show Gossip Girl, each look has a specific character in mind: Serena, Blair, Vanessa and Jenny.

Anna says: "i have always been a fan of designer partnerships with mass retailers. i think it is a great way to bring fashion to everyone. i love Go International and was intrigued with Target's new take on designer partnerships. it's a fresh approach. i was able to select a muse or source of creative inspiration to focus the collection around. it is an exciting challenge to try and interpret my aesthetic into a mass-produced product with a specific inspirational source as the focus."

take a look at the 19-piece collection...

Serena




Blair




Vanessa




Jenny



what do you think? are you excited about the Anna Sui/Target collaboration?

xo
source source