H&M 'Hollywood Glamour' Conscious Collection, love or hate it?

We got our first glimpse of H&M's Conscious collection inspired by Hollywood Glamour (and constructed of sustainable materials to boot) when Helen Hunt graced the Oscars red carpet in a custom one-of-a-kind look.  Unfortunately (and many are actually cheering) that the look Hunt wore on the biggest red carpet night of the year did not make the cut into the final collection.

The actual collection is definitely full of red carpet mini-trends such as lace, asymmetrical hemlines, peplums and naturally a big tulle filled fantasy gown.  This is actually where the good parts of the collection end for me.  The rest of the collection is too disconnected and lack a cohesion that is signature to the brand (i.e. cohesive color palette, prints, etc).  The collection covers both menswear and womenswear but there are so many different looks from 3-D elements to fringe that individually could have told a much more compelling story but all mishmoshed together are just too distracting.

Photo Credit: H&M

Check out the collection below and chime in and let me know if you agree or disagree with me:

[NYFW] Day 3: VLOV Qing Qing Wu Spring 2013 Collection!

VLOV designed by Qing Qing Wu was one of my top shows I've been looking forward to being shown at New York Fashion Week as a part of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.  VLOV's Spring 2012 collection shown last year introduced themselves into the fashion world as a progressive, fashion foward and even futuristic approach to menswear.  Exclusively offered in mainland China, the label has plans to expand it's offering outside of China and with this a new fashion direction.

Mr. Wu came into this NYFW with this key goal in mind: "VLOV's showing during New York Fashion Week will be a departure from our previous collections.  As we are now looking outside of China to potentially distribute VLOV, the importance of presenting at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week has becoming increasingly important to our brand." 

This collection was definitely a step back from the futuristic silhouettes of his previous collections, but with the simplistic silhouettes he up'd the ante in the stunning prints, the exceptional usage of fabrics as well as a very approachable color palette.  VLOV is definitely not for the weak at heart but with the simple silhouettes, strong usage of zippers this collection and it's amazing separates ooze an urban sexy cool.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/30/4771745/vlov-announces-collection-details.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/30/4771745/vlov-announces-collection-details.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/30/4771745/vlov-announces-col

Watch the VLOV Qing Qing Wu Spring 2013 show at Lincoln Center for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week:

I seriously couldn't narrow it down, so enjoy the complete collection:

[Chicago Fashion Event] #SummerStyle at Mark Shale Fashion Event Recap!

This past Thursday, July 12th I hosted my very first fashion/style/shopping event at the curator of luxury fashion, Mark Shale.  Myself and and fellow fashion/style blogger, Jen Worman partnered with this amazing retailer to showcase the stellar collections they offer of both men's and women's apparel & accessories.

For the night I dusted off my stylist hat and was on deck providing summer style advice for attendees in search of the perfect ensemble for everything from an upcoming outdoor wedding to finding key pieces that will help with their summer needs as well as become staple transitional pieces come this fall.

It was such exciting night to play hostess, play dress up with some old & new friends, but most importantly helping Chicago discover how impeccable Mark Shale's curated collections were, both on an apparel and accessories front.

Check out my pics I snapped on my handy Blackberry Bold below (yes, I said Blackberry Bold.  I just can't make the jump to an iPhone yet so don't judge me too harshly):

My curated Elevated Casual looks for both Men's and Women's that are perfect transition pieces for now (Summer) and for Fall

Yummy treats to nosh on and sip while shopping.  Overall crowd favorite was hands down the  Q-Tea (Jack Daniels Whiskey with Sweet Tea)

Jen and I snapping a quick pic in between styling sessions

#SummerStyle at Mark Shale!

Isn't his bowtie and boutonniere just amazing?! Get them here!

[Chicago Fashion Event] A Week with Mark Shale: Dope Men's Casual Shoes!

Hey fellas!  This second post in my A Week with Mark Shale is all about you.  With summer in full swing as evident with the  90+ degree heat we've been experiencing lately it's no doubt that comfy and easy breezy footwear is a definite must.  Mark Shale has an astonishing collection of casual footwear that fits all of your summer needs.  Everything from the perfect final touch to a casual beach wedding to the final stamp on a dapper street festival ensemble.

It was extremely difficult to narrow down my Top 6, but after much deliberation here they are (and what's even better is that a few of these I picked are apart of the amazing summer style sale!)

Casual Beach Wedding:

Donald J Pliner

Billy Reid

Milwaukee Arts Fest & Wicker Park Fest Approved:

Frye

Tretorn

All Aboard, It's Boat Time:

Tretorn

Sperry