Well, this is definitely not your mother’s J Crew. Or mine, even.

Jenna Lyons has done it again, this time transforming the prepster cool looks into an almost unrecognizable mashup of prints, color, and texture. Familiar highlighter pinks and citrus tones make their return for Spring. They bring with them familiar J Crew standbys like chambray, slubby silks, and sequined stripes.  The styling was part Tory and just a touch menswear…if you peered really deep, you can see a little bit of 2011′s Spring J Crew peeking through.

Was it tailored? Yes.

Playful? Yes.

J Crew? I’m not so sure.

Ms. Lyons has thrown me for a loop this time. Is this another J Crew revolution or just an update to their current recipe for success? I’m going to have to let this one sink in for a little bit. What’s your initial reaction?

I’m sorry, but was there a convention for the completely chic that I was not invited to? I’m just gonna go ahead and say it, I. DIE. Die.

My mouth is hanging open like Eli Manning at a press conference. I cannot get over this collection!

From dressy elegance to casual cool, every single look was a win. Fluid fabrics worked seamlessly back to tough leathers, chunky knits, and structured shapes. Bold hued looks were grounded by all white, ethereal ensembles. This collection is totally glam, utterly cool, and very, very wearable.

Which look is your favorite? Clearly, I’m having trouble deciding.

The Spring collection from Marc by Marc Jacobs was surpsringly simple. Bold, bright, feminine-all typical of MMJ, but the simplicity had me scratching my head. The looks had very few prints, just a tiny bit of whimsy, and were relatively plain. This divergence from the expected lent quite a bit of sophistication to the collection, with MMJ being a line that has traditionally been marketed to the Contemporary market.

Is simplicity a bad thing? I say no. The interest in this collection is found in its dramatic shapes, beautiful folds, and eye-cathcing brights. The A-line shapes, perhaps a nod to the 80s and 90s mood we are currently seeing in fashion, make the skirts and dresses completely wearable for a variety of customers. Clean, crisp, and smooth-Marc threw me for a loop but had my heart in the end.

Rebecca Taylor’s Spring collection brought a single word to my mind: fluid.

The slinky shapes, the way the colors changed from one to another with each series of looks, the movement of the fabrics all were simply fluid. Classic skirt shapes in fun colors instantly grabbed my attention, but the new silhouettes with assymetrical hems, raw edges, and midi lengths are just too fresh to pass up. True to Rebecca florals were grounded by casual, loose knit sweaters. Bold hues balanced by soft greyish whites. Subtle shimmer and in-your-face paillettes adorned many of the sweater bodies and are a nice intimation that we won’t be kissing any of that of-the-moment sparkle goodbye anytime soon!

I personally can’t stop thinking about the orange cropped tank…what’s your favorite?

DIY-ing with the girls from Honestly…WTF
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Exploring all the neighborhoods of NYC inside Lord and Taylor
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Loading up on Missoni for Target at the Pop-Up Shop
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And I’ll probably wrap it all up with a free Foster the People show at Lacoste…all in a day’s work, my friends!

Cocktail parties, fashion presentations, meet and greets, and perhaps a free drink (or three)-there’s bound to be something happening in your neck of the woods!

Check out the offiicial guide for all the fashionable functions and hot happenings!

For Custo Dalamau, the designer behind the Custo Barcelona line, there is obviously no such thing as a solid color. But who needs solids when you can strut fabulously in mixed prints? Whoever says that you can’t mix your polka dots and stripes has obviously not seen what Dalamau is capable of. Patterns were ingeniously assembled into one coherent piece that is surely built to turn heads.

In a hat tip to the seventies, feathers and fringe also dominated the runway, giving each piece movement and boldness (as if the colors and patterns weren’t already attention-grabbing in and of themselves). Feathers were found on tops, bottoms, shoulders – you name it. Likewise, fringe was everywhere – including swimwear.

Dalamau managed to combine geometric shapes with the antithesis of flowing feathers and fringe, creating an avant-garde collection fit for anyone desiring to command attention. He received a thunderous applause from the queen of fabulosity herself, Miss Kimora Lee, alongside a few other celebrities who graced the front row.

Do you think the line is a hit, or a miss?

About a week and a half later, they got back to me with said details – I was being asked to walk in a Fashion Show, hosted by Kelly Ripa, on September 8th, along with nine other incredible fashion bloggers.

Oh. Emm. Gee.

I was being asked to wa…hold on while I gather my composure and pretend like I don’t think this is a big deal.

So, tomorrow, September 8th, I will be exuberantly crossing something off of my bucket list by walking in a runway show – something I had pretty much filed under the bucket list category of “Don’t Be Absurd Erika, You Will Never Get To Do This But Since This Is A Bucket List You May As Well Write It Down”.  I know what you’re thinking so I’ll just go ahead and acknowledge that yes, I know I should probably work on shortening my category titles but hey, IT’S MY LIST PEOPLE.

So where was I? Oh, right.

HOLY SCHNIKES, I’M GOING TO BE IN A FASHION SHOW.

(Why did I eat french fries for dinner last night?!)

Walking in the show hasn’t been all glitz and glamour – it came with a challenge: create the perfect white-hot weekend look for the runway, polished with teal accessories (teal is the official color of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month).  Naturally, I whined a bit – it was the end of summer, so how would I ever find something in white that is suitable for a RUNWAY?! Oh, and did I mention that I live in LA – as in LOUISIANA?  Home of if-you-can’t-get-it-at-a-department-store-you-can’t-get-it-anywhere, sugah?

Luckily, after THREE very intense shopping excursions and at least one whiny phone call to LA Stylist Mom (who lives in the real LA, people) I found myself with two very viable options, a delicately draped strapless dress from White House Black Market, and a Grecian-inspired Calvin Klein dress that I purchased months ago but have never had the occasion to wear.  My original intention was to wear the dress from White House Black Market but after speaking to Mindy, the stylist for the event, on the phone – I decided to bring both options and see what worked the best for the show. I’m not sure what dress I’ll actually be wearing in the show yet, though I will find out today – but you’ll have to tune in to the show live on September 8th to see the final look!

Strapless Drape Blouson Dress from White House Black Market

So, returning back to the important part of this article, and the whole reason that I have this opportunity; beginning on September 8th (that’s tomorrow!) you can help to do your part to support this very worthy cause as well.  Ovarian Cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer in US women, and The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2010, 21,880 women will be diagnosed with it, and 13,850 women will die from the disease. (via OCRF.org).  By visiting the Wash ‘n Care lounge at Kelly Confidential, you can support the cause by entering to win a Perfect Steam washer and dryer from Electrolux, as well as a daily shopping spree.  Each time that you enter by pressing the Perfect Steam button at Kelly Confidential, Electrolux will donate $1 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

In addition, if you’d like to watch me potentially make a fool out of myself on the runway, simply by looking gloriously happy to be struttin’ my stuff, you can watch the live stream of the show at Kelly Confidential or on the Kelly Confidential Facebook Page.  The show will be live on September 8th at 1 pm Eastern time (for those of you counting backwards, that’s 12 pm Central, 11 am Mountain, 10 am Pacific).

You should definitely watch.  I’ll do a little wink, and you’ll know it’s just for you.

For now, good night from New York City, the home of fashion and NYFW, where for one delicious season I will be on the runway and not in the audience.  Wish me luck (I need it!).

(My participation in the ‘Rumpled to Runway’ Campaign was sponsored by Electrolux, who provided me with a $150 stipend to style my look as well as travel arrangements to and accommodations in New York to participate.)

Pamella Roland.

If you’re my friend on facebook or you follow me on twitter, this is a song that you know the lyrics to already.  But I don’t care.  Since it’s my favorite song, I’m singing it anyway.  Roland quite literally took the industry by storm when she released her first collection at age 42 – instantly winning over critics and gaining a huge celebrity following.  Her red carpet looks are to. die. for.  Yes my friends, when I die please make sure I’m wearing Pamella Roland.

Her fall 2010 collection was inspired by Venetian Glamour, and I was inspired as well.  Inspired to go out and buy it all.  True story.  Ah, the fashion writer’s dilemma.  The collection was extensive, from chunky, colorful knits, regal purple gowns that were dripping with sophistication, and fresh takes on the wool shift dress.  The evening gowns, always a favorite of mine (I blame the Princess complex), were nothing short of stunning.  Roland sent a final piece down the runway – a bridal gown – which was simply a perfect, airy confection that seemed to float down the runway.

I threw a few photos that I took from my seat during the show into the graphic above, but if you really want a good feel for the show, check out the video below courtesy of IMG.  Some of the best 3:40 of your day, I promise.

Swoon with me in the comments, please.

Some of you may not know, but I love to people watch. Sit me down on a bench and I could be content for hours just watching people walk by!  I get inspired seeing how people translate looks to make them their own. People watching during Fashion Week with all the uber-stylish people is even that much more inspirational.

I loved the look ELLE’s Market Editor, Jade Frampton, pulled together. Not only did she address the outside elements of winter cold and snow, but managed to look effortlessly chic in multiple layers. Her look is easy to recreate.

Begin the look with ASOS’ pleat detail tulip skirt {$45} and a GAP long sleeved white t-shirt {$16.50}.  Layer a T by Alexander Wang striped tank dress on top {$110}.  Add Banana Republic’s black classic belt {$49.50} at the waist for definition. Step into a pair of black flat boots like these Tori boots from Ciao Bella {$99}. For the final layer add a classic trench coat.  Try ASOS’ Gap Linda Trench {$139}. Add a scarf at the neck to complete the look and stay warm! Have some fun and play with printed scarves to add your own flair to this classic look.

Have a styling question you need answered?  Comment or tweet me your question and I will feature it on my next “Questions for a Stylist” column. Have a fabulous week!

Speaking of never doing things on time – this brings me back to why I’m here.  Remember back in September I went to NYC to attend this little thing called Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week?  Well, while I was there I was invited to the CVS Reinventing Beauty Lounge – a pop-up spa like experience where I was basically pampered by having my nails, makeup, and hair all done.  While I was there, I was able to hang out with both Robert Verdi and Nigel Barker.  If it sounds like heaven…well, that’s because it is.

The highlight of the event was having my makeup done by Cover Girl Makeup Artist Jake Bailey.  He explained all of the different Cover Girl products to me, and gave me a rather stunning makeover with all of the products.  My absolute favorite of the bunch, which I have now incorporated into my daily routine, is the Outlast Lipstain.  It looks and works much like a marker — just paint it on your lips and go!  Jake also showed me a technique using a lip brush to get a lighter color from the lipstain that just made me look like I had these fantastic, naturally flushed lips.  I also fell in love with the Simply Ageless Foundation – and I am very loyal to my Clinique foundation, so that was a big jump for me!

Jake Bailey and Erika Lehmann

Not that you are at all surprised, but I also made this video of my experience at the CVS Reinventing Beauty Lounge – it’s a lot of fun, and a little of me being silly (imagine that!) so enjoy!

]]> http://www.chicshopperchick.com/2009/10/cvs-reinventing-beauty/feed/ 3 http://www.chicshopperchick.com/2009/09/pamella-roland-spring-2010-collection/ http://www.chicshopperchick.com/2009/09/pamella-roland-spring-2010-collection/#comments Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:49:35 +0000 Erika http://www.chicshopperchick.com/?p=2134 WOW.

Before I arrived at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, I was only slightly familiar with designer Pamella Roland.  Yesterday, however, I had the opportunity to attend her Spring 2010 Runway Show, and I must say, I was absolutely blown away. Roland presented a collection inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe – and what an inspired collection it was.  So diverse, so imaginative – I truly believe there was something in the Spring line for everyone.  Tailored, flowing, dramatic, conservative — each piece was dramatically different than the last yet gorgeous in its own way.

The delicate florals, the red carpet looks (which are a personal favorite, though I never have anyplace remotely that fancy to go!) and the bright colors all won me over – I have emphatically told everyone that asks what my favorite show has been that it was Pamella Roland.  I think it’s because, while other shows and designs were fantastic, I could picture myself wearing almost every piece from this collection.  And for me, that is saying something.

Right before I went into the show, I ran into my friend Anna (who is the most amazing designer and has her own line of handmade jewelry!) who was taking photographs of the show.  She helped me film a part of the video below, and we also took some fun pictures together on the runway after the show. We had a bunch of fun hanging out together and it was so nice to be able to catch up!

Anna Sabino and Erika Lehmann

Erika Lehmann and Anna Sabino

In addition, Anna is a talented photographer, and she gave me permission to steal some of her high-quality photos from the show to post here.  Check out some of the amazing pieces from Pamella Roland’s Spring 2010 Collection.

Pamella Roland Spring 2010 - Photo by Anna Sabino

Pamella Roland Spring 2010 - Photo by Anna Sabino

Pamella Roland Spring 2010 - Photo by Anna Sabino

And last, but not least, I made a video of my experience at the show.  I was sitting in the second row, in the middle of the runway, so I had a great view.  I was directly behind Nigel Barker and across from Amanda Bynes, Bethany Frankel, Lisa Rinna, and Luann de Lesseps (“The Countess”), among others.  I managed to catch almost the entire line on video, so watch and enjoy!

I’M IN NYC AT MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK!

(Are your ears ringing from my loud shrieking?)

Lifetime has given Audrey and I the opportunity of a lifetime (no pun intended) by sending us to New York to cover Fashion Week for Lifetime Moms.  We will be updating our coverage every day on Lifetime Moms, and if you head over there to comment then you can win one of five $200 CASH prizes (that’s cold, hard cash people!!) just for leaving us a comment!  That’s it!  Simple!

In the meantime, you should check out our video recap from yesterday, when we attended Carolina Herrera, Jill Stuart, and Donna Karan.  They were all breathtaking, but, well, you can hear more about them if you watch the video below!

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week September 14th Recap from Erika Lehmann on Vimeo.