Great Kate: Kate Moss Holiday Collection for Topshop to Launch Nov 2nd

Topshop will launch a new Kate Moss collection on Nov. 2nd.  The collection arrives just in time for the holidays.  If you're in London, the collection will preview at Topshop tomorrow, Nov. 1st at the Oxford Circus store.  Click here to get the details, and learn about Vogue's Shopping Event. I'll be interested to see what the new collection is all about.  I expect to see evening wear and

Stella McCartney for Target Australia-- Sell-Out

As I reported a few weeks ago the Stella McCartney for Target range launched at  select Targets in Australia on Friday, Oct. 29th.  According to the Sydney Morning Herald, "More than 100,000 people visited the Stella McCartney collection on the Target website"  prior to the Oct. 29th launch.  The Recessionista's special Australian correspondent, Fiona Smith,  was in line early Friday morning at

Los Angeles Treat: Giveaway of Free Admission to the Sassy City Chicks Fashion Bash

This is a little Halloween treat for my Los Angeles/Southern California  readers.  I'm giving away up to 50 free tickets/ Free passes to a the Sassy City Chick shopping event in Los Angeles, on Thursday, Nov. 4th at the Petersen Auto Museum.  Click here to see a list of some of the designers offered at past Sassy City Chick events, and I think you might want to check out the shopping. :) To get

Halloween Goes to the Dogs with Pauley Perrette's Audrey Style

 Pictured: Animal lover Pauley Perette and friends support pet adoptions through the Amanda Foundation. (picture: M. Hall)
This week animal lovers turned out to support pet adoptions at a Halloween styled party in Beverly Hills.  Halloween literally went to the dogs, as the Amanda Foundation put on their Annual Halloween Fete to encourage pet adoptions. The Amanda Foundation rescues dogs who have

Halloween 2010: The Year of the Costume says the National Retail Foundation

 
Although most discretionary spending ( think vacations, dinning out, theater tickets) has been on the decline in the current economy, there is one surprising uptick in spending.  People are spending on their  Halloween costumes. The average consumer spends $65.00 on their Halloween costume.  I just read in Forbes that the "NRF (National Retail Foundation)  said more people plan to dress up for

Sponsored Post: Sue Wong on Sale at Ideeli, Thursday Oct. 28th

 Pictured: One of Sue Wong's trademark fringe dresses that recalls 1920s styles.
I just covered Sue Wong's Spring 2011 show at Los Angeles Fashion Week, and I loved her beaded gowns and Hollywood glamour girl looks.   The workmanship on her garments is impeccable, and the styles are elegant.  But as we all know, sometimes Sue Wong is a bit pricey because of that.  So it's big news that online

Give the People What They Want: Derek Lam to Produce First-Ever Crowdsourced Collection for eBay

 Pictured: One of my favorites from Derek Lam's Spring 2011 collection at New York Fashion week. (photo:  Getty Images)
This just in from The Recessionista's radar alert system.  High-end designer Derek Lam has announced plans to design and produce the first-ever crowd sourced collection exclusively on eBay.  Coach previously crowd sourced a handbag collection by letting customers vote online for

Halloween Costume Picks: Scary Savings

Pictured: Halloween costumes. decorations and even jewelry are available from Kohl's at sale prices
Are you ready for Halloween? Is your shopping done for a costume? Or maybe you're just looking around for some fun treats. There are always a number of ways to go for Halloween costumes.  You can go straight over the top for horror or fun (think Lady Gaga or a Twilight Werewolf) or go in an

More Lanvin for H&M: Pink Leopard?

Pictured: A Glimpse of the New Lanvin for H&M collection from an H&M ad © David Sims
Vogue UK has published another image from H&M of their upcoming Lanvin collection.  I see ruffles, floral and even leopard shoes.  Are the shoes pink leopard? It's hard to tell. Please no more pink leopard after the dreadful Mulberry of Target spotted mess :) That aside, the picture looks intriguing.  I'm looking

Arcona Spa Products and Coach Bags Discounted at HauteLook

Pictured: ARCONA Spa Products on the HauteLook sale this week.
If you haven't checked out the HauteLook sales this week, you need to log in and take a look. They are having a sale on two quality products: Coach Bags and Arcona Spa Products. I've been using Arcona products for a well and recently reviewed the products here on the blog.  I'm a fan, and I'm thrilled to see them discounted on online

Trick or Treat? LVMH Buys 14.2% Stake in Luxury Brand Hermes

I read with great interest in the San Francisco Chronicle today how LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA (aka Louis Vuitton)  is buying an extra 14.2% stake in French luxury brand, Hermes.  When one luxury brand wants to buy up more stock in a competitor brand during what some economists call the 'great recession' I find it fascinating.  Will the Louis Vuitton Alma Bag take down the Hermes Birkin

Sunday Savvy: Sign-up for Norma Kamali's Special One Day Sale

Pictured: Sales Alert at Norma Kamali! Sign-up to get the fashion savings.
Psst...here's a good deal that The Recessionista wants to pass on to all good shoppers.  Fashion Superstar Designer Normal Kamali is having an exclusive one day sale on her high-end collection (not her Walmart line) via the Internet or her store in New York.  Here's what you need to do to shop the sale and get the deals,

Tucker for Target Hits the Clearance Rack

If you liked the Tucker for Target collection, then good news, it is all on sale now in-store and on Target.com.  Above is one of the pieces I liked, the Herringbone Jacket.  Check the reviews on Target.com, it's a winner.

Unfortunately, Temple St. Clair is not yet on sale, and most of it is gone, but a few Targets still have some, so watch for a sale on it.   I stopped in a Target in North

Lanvin for H&M News! NY Runway show coming Nov. 18, Vegas Sneak Peak to Follow

Pictured: From an H&M advertisement, the new Lanvin collection. (photo H&M)
The bible of Women's fashion, Women's Wear Daily has the scoop on the upcoming Lanvin for H&M Collection. According to WWD,  " Lanvin will stage a fashion show in New York on Nov. 18 showcasing designer Alber Elbaz’s creations for Swedish fast-fashion retailer Hennes & Mauritz, including some one-off customized outfits

The Show Must Go On: Los Angeles Bloggers Step Up to Support Local Designers

Pictured: L'une by by Anh Volcek is one of the Los Angeles Designers that will show in LA tomorrow.
It's sad when up and coming designers invest to show their designs to the public, and their exhibit is canceled via no fault of their own.  According to the Los Angeles Times, "Designers, publicists and fashion fans are baffled by the sudden cancellation of World Coast Management's L.A Fashion

Gilt Groupe Offers a Special Wedding Shop Sale

Online shopping club The Gilt Groupe has a special sale this week on all kinds of items that you can use whether you are attending a wedding as a guest, or the bride.  There is also a fabuless selection of wedding gifts at nicely discounted priced to check out.   If you visit the sale you'll find:

Reem Acra Bridalwear
Bridesmaid dresses
Attire for the Groom and Groomsmen
Jewelry
Handbags
Shoes

Petite Bateau Expands US Presence with a Los Angeles Store Opening

Pictured: Petite Bateau's new ad campaign features actual customers (photo : M.Hall)
French Children's Clothier Petite Bateau  (Little Boats) is expanding their US presence with a new store in Los Angeles, off upscale shopping mecca Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Although this over 100 year old brand is extremely popular in Europe, it's been hard to find their stores in the states. To date the

Lanvin for H&M : Let the Teasing Begin

I haven't seen any leaked preview pictures yet for the Lanvin collection for H&M, but believe me I am looking! Me and probably a million other frugal fashionistas who would love to get some affordable fashions from the French design house.  What has surfaced in lieu of pictures, is a teasing  trailer that H&M is previewing exclusively on the ZET Fashion blog.  Props to Zet Fashion for entering

Special Gilt Sale: Harper Collins' Fashion Books

Gilt Groupe is having a special sale today on books about fashion from Harper Collins.  I not only love beautiful clothes, I am also intrigued by the story of the designers who conceptualize the garments, and those that wear them and add their own personal touch.  That's why I like the Gilt selection of fashion books.  I've already bought the biography of Coco Chanel by Justine Picardie.   Coco

Sale Alert: Loft Extra 40% Off Sale Styles

Heads-up my bargain shoppers.  Loft has just taken extra mark downs on their sale items including tops, cardigans and pants.  The basic fall staples are now further discounted, so you might want to check it all out at Loft.com.  I'm eyeing this Military style cardigan, which is also part of Lofts 2 for 1 sweater sale.

 Pictured: Part of Loft's sale:  this Military Sweater Coat for $128. USD.

London Calling: Forever21 Heads Across the Pond to the UK

One of my favorite reads, The Guardian UK reports that Los Angeles purveyor of cheap and trendy fashion,  Forever 21 is expanding to the UK.  The recession seems to be bringing Forever21 to the mass market.  First it was announced that Forever21 was moving into Sears.  Now, they are taking on the "high street" of European discount fashion , ie: H&M, Zara, Mango, New Look, TopShop and even some

Sue Wong Puts the Sparkle in LA Fashion Week

 Pictured: The designer, Sue Wong at her Los Angeles Spring 2011 show. (Photo: M. Hall)
You really can't say that LA Fashion Week is LA Fashion Weak with designer Sue Wong on the scene.  Friday night she bought the sparkle, and the missing glamour, to LA Fashion Week with a curated show at her design rooms.  The show was entitled, " Glamour Goddesses: A Tribute to the Goddesses of the Pre-Code

Reminder: QVC presents “FFANY Shoes on Sale" Oct. 15th

Pictured: Fergie in her Pink Hope shoes.
On Friday, Oct. 15th,  QVC present will “FFANY Shoes on Sale" via QVC TV and their website.  The sale will include the newly launched Fergie Footwear brand.  The purpose of the QVC sale is to raise funds in the the fight against breast cancer. The Pink "Hop"e shoe, from Fergie’s Fall 2010 collection, will be available during the QVC presents “FFANY

Fendi Fabuless? Shoe Fortunes and Some Discounts

Pictured: psychic Stacey Wolf with Fendi customer Janet telling a shoe fortune. (photo: M. Hall)
Do you see shoes in your future? Heels of flats? PVC or real leather? It might be time for a Fendi shoe fortune telling.  What is Fendi Fortune Telling? Well, it's a bit of free fun you can enjoy with your shopping buddies at select Fendi Boutiques.  Fendi has hired Cosmopolitan magazine astrologer

Shopping at South Coast Plaza: Get the Angelitos Card and Save 20% until Oct. 20th

Pictured: Look for this sign at shops in South Coast Plaza to get an Angelitos Card and save.  This sign is in the window of Anne Fontaine.
Tonight I discovered a new way to save when shopping at fashion mecca South Coast Plaza.  It's called the Angelitos card.  These cards offer the bearer a 20% discount at over 115 stores and restaurants at South Coast Plaza until Oct. 20th.  The cards were

Celebrate the ELLEments of Style with ELLE Magazine and RueLaLa

Did you know that ELLE magazine is turning 25 years old? Yes, ELLE has reached the quarter century mark with over 6 million readers. As you might surmise by its French title, the book was founded in France. Today, the magazine is read all over the world and covers not just fashion, but beauty, health and lifestyle. With 39 international editions in over 60 countries, ELLE is the world’s largest

Conversations with Edith Head: A Play Worth Seeing

 Pictured: A photo of an old advertisement featuring Edith Head. (photo: M. Hall)
Many people consider Paris, New York, London or Milan as the fashion capitals of the world. But the fact is Los Angeles has been the home of many wonderful designers.  Many of these designers were part of the movie industry.  They were not just great dress makers, they were illusionists, bringing glamour and

The Recessionista Reviews Mulberry for Target

 Pictured: The Mulberry for Target display at my local store.
I've had my Mulberry moment at Target tonight and it was fleeting. My local Target finally put the new bags out, and I have to agree with my fellow bloggers, Fashion Trend Guide and Target-Addict that this collection is not a must have. The Target bags are  replicas of Mulberry's luxury handbag designs, but they don't look as beautiful

Mulberry for Target: Going , Going, Gone?

Mulberry for Target maybe more elusive than the Holy Grail.  I was at my local Target store and didn't see a one.  I checked online and the only style left is the Cerise pleather, leopard spotted version.  Is this a surprise? I think not.  A few styles are not due in stores or online until Nov.   Did any of you see Mulberry in-store? I know Target-Addict saw it and was not impressed. 

I had

LA Fashion Week: The Left Coast Version of Fashion Week is about to Start!

Pictured: A view of downtown Los Angeles, with some thoughts on LA Fashion Week from FashionWeekLA.com
I'm just starting to sort through the LA Fashion Week shows and the invites in The Recessionista's In-Box.  Poor LA Fashion Week, it seems to be widely regarded as a poor cousin to the bigger  fashion events around the globe particularly New York Fashion Week.  Although we have a burgeoning

LA Confidential Halloween Inspiration: 1940's Glamour at Blogger Prom

Pictured: The Blogger Prom committee in their 1940's best at the Blogger Prom at Yamashiro restaurant (photo courtesy of Heather Kincaid photography.)
Several weeks ago, the social media glitterati of Los Angeles gathered for one spectacular night at Yamashiro in the Hollywood Hills for our very own evening of glamour, thoughtfully entitled  "Blogger Prom."  We all took the night off from

Run Don't Walk to Get Jil Sander's Third +J Collection for Uniqlo

The New J Collection by Jil Sander is just in at Uniqlo.  The collection features terrific outerwear and tailored jackets for both men and women. The New York Times Blog gives the collection a big thumbs up.  That's a high reliable source in my opinion.  I wish I was in NY or London so I could shop at Uniqlo.  Unfortunately, there is no store here in Los Angeles, so I have to do my shopping on

Get Ready for Cold Weather: Outerwear sales from Jones New York and Nautica

Pictured: Jones New York is offering savings on classic coats for colder weather
As the temperatures grow colder, a couple of brands have announced savings on outerwear.  Two good sales on my radar are from Jones New York and Nautica. Both are offering substantial savings before things get too chilly.  JNY is having a 30% off event on their website right now.  Nautica is offering more sporty

Stella McCartney for Target Australia in Oz stores Oct. 29th

Big news from the land down under.  Stella McCartney has designed another collection for Target Australia that will arrive in stores Oct. 29th.   The preview pictures/lookbook are online at the Target Australia website now, and honestly, they look amazing! I bought some of Stella's last Target collection for Australia via eBay, and I am still wearing it.  Not all of it worked, as some pieces

Sponsored Post: Los Angeles Designer Gypsy05 on sale at HauteLook

Pictured: A Gypsy05 kimono sleeve blouse in a  gorgeous blue on the HauteLook sale.
Last week I had the opportunity to preview clothing from Los Angeles Design House Gypsy05.  I received one of their special tie dyed scarves for attending in a gorgeous lavender color.  Since then, I've been eager to learn more about Gypsy05 and of course, find a good sale on the brand.  Now online club HauteLook

New Look's 50% Off Sale Has Begun

Cheap n' cheerful retailer New Look has just started their mid-season sale with reductions up to 50% off.  With shipping to over 34 countries around the world, New Look is something most of my readers can enjoy and grab a bargain on.  Be sure to check out their Giles Gold collection  sale items for great styles from leading UK superstar designer Giles Deacon.   They are also showing some amazing

Rent the Runway: Rent a Special Designer for a Special Night

Have you ever thought about leasing or renting a designer gown just like you would an expensive car?  It's an attractive option.  But where do you go to find such a service? Online of course to start-up Rent the Runway.  Representatives from Rent the Runway were in town a few weeks ago, and I had the opportunity to meet with them over dinner at a favorite dinning spot in LA, Dominick's on

Gap's Recycle Your Blues Campaign Returns: Donate your old denim, get 30% off on new 1969 blues

The recycling containers are returning to your local Gap Store.  Yes, the Gap Recycle Your Blues campaign is coming back starting this Wed, Oct. 6.  From October 6th through October 20th., you can donate old denim that will then be given a “new life” by being converted into UltraTouch natural cotton fiber insulation and donated to communities in need.  The two-week denim drive is part of Gap’s 

Sears to Partner with UK Brand French Connection + Forever21

Pictured: A page from an old Sears & Roebuck catalog advertising hats. 
Who gives a FCUK about changing their image? Sears.  In an effort to get a new, perhaps hipper image, Sears is teaming up with the UK brand French Connection to put a little  bit of Euro fashion into to their stores and catalog. I remember when FCUK hit stores in the UK.  They created a tremendous marketing stir and buzz

Now Playing: Conversations with Edith Head

One of the great things about living in Los Angeles is that there is always something interesting going on.  In addition to wonderful weather, the mountains and the beautiful beaches, Los Angeles has been the home of many wonderful designers.  Many of these designers were part of the movie industry.  They were not just great dress makers, they were illusionists, bringing glamour and fantasy to

Swiss Luxury Watch Maker Alpina Gets Hip and Trendy with a Hollywood Party

Pictured: Actor Laurence Fishburne with Alpina Watch President, Ralph Simons
Tonight I attended a special event in Los Angeles sponsored by the Alpina Watch company.   I think many American shoppers might read this and say, “Who is Alpina?”  Alpina is a luxury Swiss watch company that is over 100 years old.  In Europe,the watches are well known for their workmanship and their lifetime guarantee

Los Angeles: Fred Segal 50% Off Sale

Alert the media! The game is on, and the Fred Segal 50% off sale has begun.  As a frugal fashionista, this is the only time of the year I step foot into the eclectic Fred Segal store, which is really a collection of little private boutiques.  They have treasures you won't find anywhere else.  They even sell my beloved English scents from Penhaligon's now, plus LA brands like James Perse and

Sponsored Post: Spa for Less: Bliss at Gilt Groupe

Sometimes by the time the weekend arrives, I have to go on lock down.  I'm so exhausted I have been known to turn into the vegetable species known as coach potato.  The weekend becomes a time to replenish and repair.  Perhaps even make a time to visit the local spa, providing there are good deals to be found.  Luckily, I just stumbled upon some nicely priced discount packages for "bliss " spas