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RACHEL PALLY, GEREN FORD AND CYNTHIA VINCENT DESIGN LINES FOR QVC

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Los Angeles-based contemporary designers Geren Lockhart, Rachel Pally, Cynthia Vincent and Karen Zambos are set to launch new collections created especially for QVC in February. CV by Cynthia Vincent and KZ by Karen Zambos are scheduled to debut during QVC’s NY Fashion Week broadcast on Friday, February 10 at 10 PM (ET) with the GF by Geren Ford premiere scheduled for Saturday, February 11 at 10 PM (ET). RP by Rachel Pally is scheduled to debut during QVC’s The Buzz on the Red Carpet – Live from LA on Friday, February 24 at 9 PM (ET) during Hollywood’s biggest awards weekend of the year. Each designer’s QVC lines will include 8 pieces ranging from $47-$110, from feminine tops to boho maxi dresses.

Any QVC shoppers out there? Will you be checking out these lines on TV or online?

{Above is a sampling of some of the new items (from left): GF by Geren Ford Peony Print Sleeveless Ruffle Blouse, $64; CV by Cynthia Vincent Ruffle Front Maxi Dress, $99.50; RP by Rachel Pally Rolling Waves One Shoulder Maxi Dress, $82}

MARC by Marc Jacobs “Bob’s Memphis Trip” colorblock satchel

Vivid shades of pink and red adorn the MARC by Marc Jacobs “Bob’s Memphis Trip” colorblock satchel, which sells for $298 at Zappos Couture. The look for less is $98. Think you can spot the real from the steal?

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Next up from JCPenney, here’s the Allen B. by Allen Schwartz spring 2012 lookbook

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Next up from JCPenney, here’s the Allen B. by Allen Schwartz spring 2012 lookbook. This line is typically a bit flashier, trendier, more celebrity-influenced and filled with exuberant colors and prints. From off-shoulder tops to chiffon maxi dresses, flared jeans and floppy hats, the line captures a jet-set resortwear vibe. With the exception of the outfit above, I can’t say this particular lookbook appeals to my personal style but it’s always good to have options when you’re shopping the racks at JCPenney. Look for these pieces to be released now through April online and/or at jcp.com. Note that the shoes in this lookbook are by Decree and n by Nicole Miller (other JCP brands) not Allen B. What’s your take?

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SNEAK PEEK: TRACY REESE FALL 2012

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Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is just around the corner, and one of my favorite designers sent us this sneak peek sketch of the collection she’ll be presenting. Here’s a quote about the collection from the designer:

For fall 2012, Reese offers an optimistic color palette of vibrant tomato, juniper green and lemon enlivening neutral browns, grays and black. A mixture of fabric, textures and embellishments create dimension on tailored silhouettes, abundant with refined craftsmanship details. Bold pops of fiery tomato orange energize the classic contrast of black and white, as seen on the Black Box Jacquard Pea Jacket with large leather knot button, and Bi-Level Mini, when paired with the Tomato Falling Leaves Ruched Turtleneck and Black Tomato Gold Mixed Media Pump. A subtle peplum updates a classic mini yet remains flattering and wearable.

Balmain Fall/Winter 2011/2012 Collection Is All Glitz And Dazzle

Balmain under Christophe Decarnin was known for its glitzy style and even though the designer was absent at Balmain Fall/Winter 2011/2012 Fashion Show the collection is said to be designed according to his vision. There is lots of glitz and dazzle in the collection to jazz up your fall wardrobe with.

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Balmain Fall/Winter 2011/2012 collection is almost too shiny with all those glitzy pants, dazzling jackets, and mirror-encrusted dresses. Though Balmain is known for its dazzling ready-to-wear the collection has too much of glitter and needs a bit more solid texture to nicely balance out all the sparkling stuff. There are some basic items though but these are too made of glossy fabric. Nevertheless there are some great pieces in Balmain Fall/Winter 2011/2012 collection I want to show you.

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Helios & Luna Collection for Fall 2012

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One of the pieces that caught my eye in the February issue of People StyleWatch was a vibrant orange leather skirt by a new-to-me brand called Helios & Luna by Patricia Clyne. So when I received this sneak peek of the designer’s Fall 2012 presentation, I was instantly intrigued. Here’s a quote from the designer about her inspiration for the collection which will be shown next week during New York Fashion Week:

“This season I went to an art gallery for my inspiration for the new Helios & Luna Collection for Fall 2012. I became obsessed by the paintings of British conceptual modern artist Martin Creed. His graphic bold strokes and colors reflect the spirit of the woman the collection is deigned for.”

Giambattista Valli’s Spring 2012 Couture collection

Giambattista Valli’s Spring 2012 Couture collection is fantastic, one of the best we have seen so far. It features amazing ballgowns, red-carpet-worth floor-length dresses and chic cocktail outfits. To finish the looks the designer topped models’ heads with flower-inspired headpieces.

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Giambattista Valli was born to design couture. I am not saying his prêt-a-porter collections are bad. They are fresh and interesting. But his couture ranges (two of them have been presented so far) are absolutely incredible. The one he unveiled for Spring 2012 left me breathless.

Giambattista Valli’s ballgowns impressed me the most. Pompous, luxurious and sophisticated at the same time these came as the climax of the designer’s Spring 2012 Couture show. Floral prints were amazing and the colors looked great.

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Other floor length gowns were more demure but they were also chic and exquisite which automatically put them into the range of future red carpet choices. The drapery was outstanding and finished with golden flowers used as necklaces, and collars it created an incredible effect.

Just like his more sumptuous designs Giambattista Valli’s cocktail dresses and ensembles from the Spring 2012 Couture collection were clearly inspired by flowers which realized in a variety of patterns and lovely details that made the garments look interesting.

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Top 5 Must Haves For 2012

The wide leg pant.
While heavy wool or lined pairs might not be ideal for the heat, wide legged pants in lightweight fabrics or denim can easily make the transition to spring. Lighten up dark coloured pants for the warmer months by pairing them with light colours up top – and swap the boots for wedges or high heeled sandals.

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The tuxedo jacket.
An easy option for heading out after hours, it’s is a classic that goes well beyond the A/W 2011 season. For spring white or cream takes are a dream with everything from dresses to shorts – but fall’s classic black dinner jacket is also a keeper.

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The tuxedo jacket.
An easy option for heading out after hours, it’s is a classic that goes well beyond the A/W 2011 season. For spring white or cream takes are a dream with everything from dresses to shorts – but fall’s classic black dinner jacket is also a keeper.

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The high slit dress.
While the runways for both seasons have seen plenty of evening wear takes, you can also work a casual slit into your wardrobe come spring. Pair a slit skirt with a cotton tank for an effortless summer take.


The ’60s peter pan collar.
From the black and white strictness of Louis Vuitton to the fresh, candy colours of spring: a sweet sixties look is still lifted by the addition of a round peter pan collar.

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Rory Beca’s collaborations with Forever 21

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Rory Beca’s collaborations with Forever 21 have been a success, and now the designer has created a resort collection for 2012. Consisting of breezy tops and light-as-air dresses in a colorful palette, this capsule is made for warm nights and sunny days. It’s priced from just $13.80 to $24.80 and you can shop it now at forever21.com. Don’t delay if you love something – my favorite piece, the colorblock pleated peplum top, is almost sold out.

Christian Louboutin shoes from Fall/ winter 2011/ 2012 collection

Christian Louboutin shoes are perhaps the most recognizable shoes in the world. Those red soles are liked by fashionistas for their exquisiteness and elegance. And celebrities also love those for their versatility – Louboutins could be worn either with luxurious dresses on the red carpet or denim shorts during shopping.

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Christian Louboutin Fall/ winter 2011/ 2012 collection comprises shoes, sandals, boots and sneakers of all possible forms and colors. You will find bright purple and lettuce green pairs together with nude and grey ones. Wedges are also present in the range though they are scarce.

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Made of patent leather, reptile leather, suede and silk, and trimmed and fur and embellished with sparkling stones

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