American Spirit: Red, White & Blue

In the spirit of July 4th, I thought it would be fun to do a post dedicated to red, white and blue!

Jeffrey Campbell "El Carmen" platform, $130
UNIF American Flag shirt, $128
Nasty Gal has quite a handful of American flag print items this season. These two are my favorites of the bunch.


Topshop flag printed hot pants, $70
Na Nin Vintage American flag scarf$24
These items would be fun to wear to a casual BBQ or picnic. And I'd like to point out that the scarf is made in the USA! Perhaps one day all American flag print items will actually made domestically.


Corey Lynn Calter silk crop top, at Gilt $65, retail $141
Corey Lynn Calter pleated skirt, at Gilt $75, retail $158

This blue silk top and red cotton skirt from Corey Lynn Calter are currently on sale at Gilt Groupe. These pieces would be great not just for the holiday, but also the rest of summer! The sale ends tonight, so act fast.

Look for Less: The Shearling Coat

Who hasn't lusted after a shearling jacket after watching Burberry's FW 2010 runway show? I know that I certainly am in need. And while the original costs upwards of $3000, it's already sold out! This fall must-have will add instant luxury served with a tough attitude to the plainest tee shirt and skinny jeans. It also would look great as a topper to a maxi dress or tee.

Anyways as I was wondering what else was available at a price that wouldn't break the bank I found a multitude of options at varying price points.

Acne Rita Leather Aviator at $1190

The Acne version seems to be slightly less tough version in it's khaki tones it appears sweeter and more adorable than the Burberry version. The biker styling and snug to body fit make it easy to wear with just about anything.

Topshop Sheepskin Flying Jacket $650

The Topshop version seems like a darker cousin of the Burberry, the oversize collar and straighter body echo similarities. While the chunky buckle details add a hard edge. This one really gives off a strong aviator vibe.

McGinn Dree Faux Leather Jacket with Genuine Shearling Collar & Cuffs $495

The McGinn version echoes the color palatte of the Burberry version but the shaggy shearling minus the buckles gives this one a more overall feminine cleaned up vibe. I remember seeing this one in person a few months back and the shearling trim was super soft and it appeared to be great quality too!

Rachel Rachel Roy Leather Aries Jacket $299

The Rachel Rachel Roy jacket echoes the snuggly appeal of the Burberry version. With it's full shaggy collar it gives the appearance of almost a comfy blanket wrapped around your body.

ASOS Leather Aviator Jacket $185.35

The ASOS take on the jacket is the most masculine. Although it's fitted to the body, with the chunky rib detailing and pointy collar it gives the impression of it once really did belong to a boy.

Topshop Sleeveless Faux Sheepskin Gilet $125

Finally, if you are on a budget a sheepskin gilet is a great option to get the look for less. Although it won't take you into deep winter, it certainly could take you into fall and would look great over long sleeve tops.

Another option if you're really on a budget or don't have space for another jacket is to add a bit of luxe to just about any jacket you already own is with the edition of this super soft J. Crew Mongolian Lamb Stole that rings in at $98, I saw it in stores last week and couldn't get over how soft it felt! I would personally choose the champagne tone version!

TopShop Fall 2010 Lookbook

I personally don't TopShop too often because in my opinion it can be bit expensive for the quality, but I am always a fan of their lookbooks and styling. Going through TopShop's fall 2010 lookbook, I noticed that a lot of trends from last season are still strong such as: studs, mesh, oxfords, lace-up boots, black and neutrals, all of which I have in my closet! In an effort to attempt minimalism or at least practice a little more self control, I've identified a few key pieces that I'm placing on my wishlist to update my closet.


Cape JacketCape jacket, capelet, swing coat... I've been wanting one of these for years, but I just haven't found one that I've been in love with. They look so elegant over skirts and dresses, and they add a touch of sophistication and drama.


Leather ShortsI love the look of leather shorts - the texture and slight sheen. If I were to buy a pair of leather shorts this season, I would probably go with black to match with my existing wardrobe. If I had plenty of money and space, then I would consider a brown pair to wear into next spring.


Hats & Hair PiecesI have a weakness, and that weakness is for novelty items like pom pom pieces and studded caps. The piece on the left reminds me of the pom pom hat I wanted from Diane von Furstenberg's fall 2009 Nomad collection. Perhaps TopShop will be my affordable solution!

TopMan Online Sale

Banking off of Lani's post - TopMan also has an online sale going on with merchandise up to 70% off. Similar to TopShop, the sale items tend to turn over quickly. Here's some of my picks:

Blue Cowl Neck T-Shirt - $14 (was $28) - almost sold out! I'm all about the cowl neck - it has more room in the neck area and feels less binding than regular crew/V necks. Definitely helps when the weather maxes out at 100+ degrees.

Stone and Navy Tape Shorts - $40 (was $70) - again almost sold out. The side detailing provides a nice touch while still maintaining a clean look.

Navy Hooded Cardigan - $20 (was $64). Button up cardigan with checkered detail. There's also lots of other solid color deep v cardigans for $20 bucks a pop.

Charcoal Cotton Peacoat - $40 (was $120). Theme of the day - limited sizes and quantities. The back of the jacket also has a couple of straight darts which helps give some structure.

TopShop Online Summer Sale

TopShop just added a bunch of new items to their online sale.. Hurry, because items at TopShop sales always go fast! Here are some of my picks:


Lace Bodycon Dress by Kate Moss, now $40 (was $145)
Pair this dress with some combat boots for a rocker looker or fierce heels and lipstick like a vixen!


Floral Tube Pocket Dress by Rare, now $40 (was $118)
Worn with a statement necklace, this dress would be perfect for a summer date. Limited sizes left, 8 and 10 only.


Serita Cardigan by Yuki, now $60 (was $98)
I love the breeziness of this top. It would look great paired with some skinny jeans and could be worn into fall with layers.


Belted A-line Skirt, was $30 (now $70)
This isn't my usual style, but this skirt would be so fun for summer. It could look super cute and nautical paired with a white top and some red accessories.


Ruffled Flower Chain, now $7.50 (was $30)
This feminine necklace would look great with a soft t-shirt or dress.


Diamond Studded Bangle Set, now $10 (was $40)
These bangles remind me of something Erin Wasson would wear. They're an easy accessory to wear with just about anything.

Topshop Tour Bus Hits NYC

Remember that fun Topshop van that everyone was following just before Topshop opened it's doors last April? Well now that they've been in town for a while they decided to continue to promote the store on wheels, this time taking a tour bus on the road packed full of activities and keys to get you to visit the store.

Who: Topshop
What: Topshop will have a tour bus travelling the city to different offsite locations for various planned activities. Also, to get you to visit the store, 400 special keys will also be given away. Be sure to mark your calendars, one special key will unlock a wardrobe at the TOPSHOP store to reveal a daily gift. Activities include Makeovers, Personal Shopping & Customization!
When: June 23-26, 2010. noon-7pm Wed-Sat. In addition vistors to the Topshop store during the tour dates who spend $80 or more will receive an exclusive gold chain key necklace!
Where: Various locations across NYC as listed below.

Wednesday June 23, 2010. MAKE – UP MAKEOVERS @ Union Square
Makeovers, video tutorials, live tutorials, tips & tricks. The first 100 visitors to the Tour Bus win a free make up bag! The first 400 receive special keys, but only one key, opens the wardrobe at the TOPSHOP store that holds a beauty box of goodies for the lucky winner!

Thursday June 24, 2010. PERSONAL SHOPPING @ Washington Square Park
On the Tour Bus! - TOPSHOP’S ever so stylish Personal Shoppers will be on hand to provide trend tutorials, key looks and insider fashion summer tips and tricks. The first 400 visitors receive special keys. Try your hand at opening the wardrobe for a chance to win a $250 shopping spree and an appointment with one of our Personal Shoppers!

Friday June 25, 2010. CUSTOMIZATION @ McCarren Park
Make, Mend & Customize. Rejuvenate your summer wardrobe with NY stylist Whitney Fierce. TOPSHOP provides the white tees and Whitney provides the tips on how to re-do and makeover your style. Be the first 400 visitors and receive special keys to try your luck at winning a collection of limited edition TOPSHOP dresses.

Saturday June 26, 2010. POP UP SUMMER @ TOPSHOP
Come join us for a bit of island fever, just outside the TOPSHOP store. Put your feet in the sand, lounge and listen to live music. Gone shopping? For any spend over $50, refresh and rejuvenate with a glass of frozen lemonade from the tour bus. Be sure to come on down; on this final tour date, 400 keys will be given away, but only one will unlock the wardrobe to reveal a $250 summer spree!

*Keys will be color-coded each day; keys must be tried the same day they are distributed.

Preview: Mary Katrantzou for Topshop

Remember last March when I said that Mary Katrantzou would be a designer to watch? Well apparently Topshop felt that way too and is now bringing a collection collaborated with the Ms Katrantzou. Hurray, now the lovely digital printing and trompe l'oeil effects can be yours for under $100!

I believe that these pieces are slated to set for around $70 a piece. The collection will be available at the US store and online next week. My personal fave is the body suit! I need :)

Louise Goldin x Topshop Shoes

Hot on the heels of her recent Topshop knitwear collaboration, Louise Goldin launches first footwear collection for Topshop this February.

The shoes were first seen on the runway of Louise's Spring/Summer 2010 Collection and are inspired by 90's high glamour and Baroque Opulence. There are 2 versions of the sexy high heel pump. The first is studded on the toe with diamante around the heel which is available in black on black or cream and gold. The second design has the reverse; studded heel and diamante toe and is available in rose with crystal.

The shoe is set to retail for $310 and slated to hit online on February 5, 2010 in Black & Rose, with Ivory to follow at the beginning of March. The shoes should be available in-store by Mid-March.

Mark Fast Gets FASTER: New Diffusion Line

Mark Fast who I wrote about last February as a new designer to watch has definitely made his mark in the fashion world! Last season he caused quite a stir when he sent down a couple plus sized models in his creations proving that anyone can wear his sexy knits. Now WWD reports that the Canadian born designer is now launching a diffusion line in time for Spring 2010. He decided that he wanted his work to be accesible to a wider audience.

When I first discovered Mark Fast, I was a bit bummed that he hand knit each piece piece so I did not see it coming to my wardrobe in the forseeable or affordable future. Fortunately I was wrong, the new collection will be made in an Italian factory. His designer label will continue to be created by hand. Currently his designer label wholesales for $2,500 but his new line dubbed Faster will wholesale from $25 to $400. Curve and Seven in NYC are set to pick up the line for Spring 2010.

Also, in Mark Fast's future? A Topshop collaboration is also slated to be coming soon!

Preview: Ann-Sofie Back x Topshop Collection

Slashed grey T-shirt dress - $100
Beaded slashed grey vest - $100

Topshop has collaborated for the third time with Swedish designer Ann-Sofie Back to create a collection of six slashed tee-shirt dresses & tops for Spring 2010. The collection incorporates sweat shirt material in mushroom, charcoal and black that have been shredded and torn. Ann-Sofie comments “I looked at traditional American stereotypes such as horror movies. The sequined tops, dresses and sweats are slashed by Freddy Kruger himself."

The collection will be available online January 6, 2010 and at Topshop New York on January 27, 2010. What do you think of the collection? Freddy Kruger always freaked me out growing up but I reallyam really feeling the edgy casual vibe and the modern organic textures created by the slashed cutouts.

Slashed back sweatshirt - $100
Beaded slashed grey long-sleeved top - $110

Slashed black sweater dress - $120
Beaded slashed charcoal sleeveless dress - $140

Black Friday!

RebeccaMinkoff.com/Shop

BingBangNYC.com

Rock&Republic.com

FUEL UP AT TOPSHOP
Set your alarms this November 27th – Topshop will open at 8am! On the
menu are English sandwiches, served up with tea and hot chocolate to keep
you shopping fit on your feet all day.

MORE TREATS & FREE GIFTS
To kick off the shopping madness Topshop style, the first 400 Topshop
customers spending $100 or more will receive a complimentary piece of
jewellery from Freedom. Choose from either a jewel encrusted owl ring or a
romantic beaded necklace. That’s not all! Pick up a Topshop gift card
between $1 and $300 and receive a free stylish wallet. Come quickly, while
stock lasts! Terms and conditions apply, see TOPSHOP.COM.

GET YOUR MAKEOVER MIDDAY
Need of a beauty revamp? For a short time only, Topshop has teamed up with
leading hair salon John Freida, makeup experts Rimmel and nail specialists
M2M to create an in-store relaxation makeover haven to get you party
perfect. Email broadwaydressingroom@topshop.com or call 212.966.9455 to
book for up to 6 friends! First come for served, or try your luck on the
day. December 14-21 daily 1-7 pm. Located on the ground floor. All
treatments are free, guests are asked to kindly make at $5 donation to The
Lower East Side Girls Club.

WRAPPED UP!
Take away the hassle of holiday gift wrapping, and let Topshop
professionals do the work for you. Come visit our complimentary gift wrap
station open December 1 – 24, 12 -9 daily, 1 – 6 pm Sundays.

HALF-PRICE SHIPPING
As if that wasn’t enough, when you shop on-line at Topshop.com shipping
is now half price at just $7.50. Don’t miss out – this offer lasts
until December 25th.

Preview: Louise Goldin for Topshop

I love that Topshop continues to support young design talent. No exception to this is their recent pairing with London based designer Louise Goldin. The collection is debuting in stores and online on November 14, 2009 (Something to look forward to besides H&M's Jimmy Choo). Louise is a knitwear specialist who was a previous recipient of New Gen funding and also shows in the Topshop show space during London Fashion Week.

Her collection was inspired by Transformers and is meant to transition from day to evening. The collection will retail for £35 for the leggings to £75 for long jumpers (approx $39-$125). What do you think of the pieces? I'm really feeling the leggings and the Top w/ sheer panels.