Spring is in the Air…Style.com Spring Shopping Guide

Style.com makes spring shopping easy by bringing you all of the hottest styles early! Check out their awesome and highly covetable Spring Style Guide HERE and be prepared to drool!

Unfortunately for us workin’ gals, Style.com’s Spring Style Guide features some of the best designers like D&G, Diane von Furstenburg and even super cute boutique pieces from Petit-Bateau and Les Garconnes. While most of these bags and dresses cost as much as your car payment or mortgage, LeFashionista has these same great designer styles at a fraction of the high-end price!

Check out this must-have list courtesy of Style.com and stock up on these goods at LeFashionista:

1) Bright Graphic Jackets

Kahri Pop Rock Jacket $304.00

2) Knit Dresses

Kahri Rose Tank Dress, $74

3) Pendant Necklaces

Juju Leroux Tela Pendant Drop Necklace, $96

Be sure to scan through Style.com’s Spring Style Guide and if something catches your eye, don’t blow the rent; just look at LeFashionista for designer styles at working girl prices.

Q & A with Madewell Designer Lisa Shulner

Madewell Designer Lisa Shulner

We asked, they answered…the designers of super cute and comfy line “Madewell” were good enough to let us in on some of their style secrets and design ideas. We chatted with Lisa Shulner to get the scoop on this up and coming line:

What designers do you draw inspiration from?

There are so many! I love the easy styling of Alexander Wang, the dressed-down pretty of Philip Lim, the kooky color combinations of Marni, the humble spirit of 45RPM, the arty celebration of Miu Miu…I could go on and on.


What are your favorite fabrics to work with?

We love anything with texture.


If you could have one dream celebrity spokesmodel for your line, who would it be?


Just a cool, real, girl-about-town with an innate sense of style.

What’s one word that describes the feeling of your line?

Casualcool!

What Madewell piece is your absolute favorite from the winter 2007 line?

Love love love the Lola dress.

You can read more about Lisa and all of the other Madewell designers and stylists HERE and don’t forget to check out their awesome Holiday 2007 line. They’ve just opened up a new boutique on Broadway in SOHO, NYC, so if you are in the area, be sure to check it out. If NY isn’t in your neck of the woods, then you can always peruse their website for great holiday gift ideas:

(source)

Fashion Designer: Roberto Cavalli at H&M

Designing Women, Couture in the City Fashion Blog

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen (source)

Call it a monopoly on the fashion industry...Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen are now appealing to almost everyone in the fashion world. Best known for their popular line of clothes for young girls and pre-teens at Wal-Mart (and of course for their long run on TGIF and for producing a gazillion movies and television shows for younger viewers), now their older big sisters' can get a little taste of Olsen style too.

Recently MK and Ash debuted a new line called Elizabeth and James, named after their younger siblings. This line is said to be "more affordable" than Ashley's other women's line, The Row, which offers truly upscale ready to wear items. Elizabeth and James will be launched this fall at stores like Neiman Marcus, Intermix and Bergdorf Goodman, with t-shirts starting at around $40.

While sometimes MK and Ash have questionable fashion taste for their own personal style (bag lady couture, goth vamp and trashy college student are only a few appropriate adjectives to describe their look), I think that Elizabeth and James will be fabulous. When the Olsen twins first started to become more visible around 2003, they were fresh-faced and totally cute, so I know that deep down, they have good style, and maybe they are just trying to find themselves through fashion.

So what do you think...will the Olsen's foray into "affordable upscale fashion" be a success?

Natalie Anne Weekly Steal and Deal at LiveNatty.com

Natalie Anne
Pencil Flair Dress - $206


Natalie Anne
Gurber Daisy Tunic Top $152

Natalie This and Natalie That, 25% off!
Natalie Anne visited the Emerald Isle and discovered the delights of design and artist inspiration. Yes, while you were parked at the pub, the clothing designer was busy studying and perfecting her skills at an art and design college in Dublin.

And her new spring line proves she learned a lot. The collection is full of dresses, tops, and skirts that combine hand-worked details, classic silhouettes, and a contemporary vibe." -Daily Candy, 5/16/2007

Sexy and chic, Natalie Anne is 25% off until Friday. Make your move.

Offer expires on Friday at midnight, 5/25/07.
Shop LiveNatty.com

Spotlight on Tehya, Couture in the City Fashion Blog

Cyrille Tunic
Tehya 2007 Fall Collection










Yellow and Brown print halter
Tehya 2006 Spring Collection

If you didn't think that there was a designer who could successfully blend girly, trendy AND classic all in one super cute line, then you would be wrong...if you love the classical elegance of Jackie O. matched with contemporary lines and fabrics, then you are going to love Tehya NYC.

Designer and company founder Laurieanne Gilner has a history in fashion, working with companies like Theory. Gilner finds inspiration for her lines in her love for the beach and travel, and this love is mirrored in her casual yet sophisticated styles. Gilner studied fashion in The Dominican Republic and France before moving to New York where her company is now housed. Today, Tehya lines can be found in a number of fine boutique across the US and worldwide.

If you are looking for the perfect chic tunic to wear to a fancy luncheon this summer, for a fabulous wedding trousseau or simply for some comfortable and accessibly sophisticated looks to add to your wardrobe, check out Tehya.

Karen Zambos Vintage Couture, Couture in the City Fashion Blog

Karen Zambos Vintage Couture - $429
Sleeveless Phoebe Dress


We love this sweetly sexy dress with flats for day and heels for night.


Karen Zambos Vintage Couture - $264
Hooded Dress


This ingenious little style deserves every bit of attention it's sure to get.

Karen Zambos Vintage Couture - $187
One Pocket Mini


There is nothing better than fabulous Karen Zambos style.

Karen Zambos Vintage Couture - $484
Phoebe Dress


We're all for girly details when they show up looking like this.


Shop Karen Zambos Vintage Couture sold exclusively at ShopBop.com

So Happy in Heather, Gray that is, Couture in the City Fashion Blog

Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson (source)






















Drew Barrymore (source)






















Kerry Washington (source)






















For many, May marks the official start of summer...so what's with all the drab gray? Stars like Ashlee Simpson, Drew Barrymore and Kerry Washington are turning gray from drab to fab in everything from casual wear to club wear and even formal wear.

I for one have never been crazy about gray, but these stars seem to make this color (or rather, shade) work. I could give or take Drew's gray ensemble, but Kerry Washington's dress is simply to die for! The whole thing is working for me, the shoes are cute and the dress is so elegant...I bet it would look good on any figure in almost any color. Fab!

Feel like going against the season and opting for gray as well? Then check out this super cute bubble skirt from Prospect 44. The bubble cut gives it sass and the shade gives it class, making this the perfect skirt for work, formal events, going out, or just a Saturday afternoon.























Prospect 44 Gray Tweed Bubble Skirt, $160.00

Designer Spotlight: Sweetface at ShopBop.com

Sweetface epitomizes glamour and daring femininity with the use of the most luxurious fabrics and fluidity in the silhouettes.
Sweetface
Back Band Gathered Tube Dress - $165



We're showing off a lot of leg in this sexy little dress, and we're loving every minute of it.

Sweetface
Self Belt Detail Caplet - $375



This is the epitome of adorable chic.

Sweetface
Tie Detail Halter Vest - $225



Adorable style that's innovative to boot? We're in love.

Shop Sweetface at ShopBop.com

Kate Moss for Topshop, Couture in the City Fashion Blog

Kate Moss, and a sneak peek at her new line for Topshop, coming out May 1, 2007 (source)



















It's official...one of the most notable style-icon's of our era has designed a line of togs exclusively for uber chic boutique Topshop. Everything that Topshop does is golden and up to the minute (read: super trendy), like for instance, right now you can find the very popular amongst celebs primary colored jeans you've been hearing about.

It is my sad duty to report, however, that Kate's line appears to be a little bit of a snoozer. I expected something a little more avant-guard I guess...instead I got menswear meets glitter. Seriously...think trousers, button up shirts, tailored vests and sequined dresses. Yawn...it all seems like its so last season.

Anyways, if you are amongst the many that think Kate is the living end when it comes to fashion, check out her new line at Topshop available May 1...I know that I'll be skipping it, unfortunately, but who knows? Maybe there will be cuter lines by Kate on the horizon...

Weekend Sale at Natty.com 25% off Designer Zoa

This sexy-sweet New York-based line is a big hit with celebs like Sienna Miller, Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears, Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, who love it for its vibrant colors, and so-soft comfort. If you don't know Zoa, now's your chance. Cute and sexy Zoa tops and dresses are 25% off at livenatty.com But only this weekend, so you might want to get on it.

Zoa - Short Sleeve Tie Waist Tunic
$56.25 was $75.00




Zoa - Bubble Tube Dress
$65.25
Reg: $87.00


Bubbling over with Style

Zoa - Two Tone Side Pocket
$51.75
Reg: $69.00



Looking sexy was never so easy.

Shop Zoa at LiveNatty.com

Le Doux Brazilian Swimwear Line

Co-founded in 2005 by mother/daughter team Juliana and Marly Renz, Le Doux combines Brazilian sexiness and the relaxed Californian lifestyle to create an amazing swimwear collection for Summer 2007. Originally hailing from the beaches of Brazil, Juliana and Marly set out to develop a line which captures the Brazilian essence and style while “adding a little extra fabric” to meet the demand of the American customer. Designed in their Beverly Hills studio, all suits are manufactured in their own facility in Brazil by a team of expert seamstresses. All styles are made in either crochet or lycra fabric, and hand-embellished using beautiful semi-precious stones, crystals, wood, shells, mother of pearl, or embroidery.

Couture in the City favorites


Fatale

Hippie

Rose


Surfer


Army

Visit Le Doux Swimwear to see more of this amazing collection.

Fab Fashion Blogs Friday

Q&A: How to Wear Skinny Jeans if You’re Short [Omiru]


Which Hairstyle Do You Like Best on Beyonce? [FabSugar]


Tips On Facial Rejuvenation From Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul S. Nassif [RealSelf Blog]


Chic Home Retreat [Shopaholics Anonymous]


Parasuco “it” Denim [The It Lists]


Looking For Love [Style Critics]


Food: The Wondeful Banana [Mom's Buzz]


Tory Burch Shoes: Haircalf Reva Ballet Flat [I HEART LUXE]


J Brand Wide Leg Palazzo Jeans [Denimology]

Girly Girl Trends. Couture in the City Fashion Blog

Lee Angel Double Curb Chain Charm Bracelet - $125

Lee Angel Who knew that the flat chain links that make up this bracelet were called "curb" chains? You learn something every day.

C&C California Butterfly Tank - $55

A tank that's sure to become an iconic spring and summer item, so grap it now!

Bensoni Silk Charmeuse Tuxedo Bib Cami - $298

Bensoni This is one of the most elegant evening camis you will ever find.


Crispin & Basilio Empire Bow Dress - $360


Crispin & Basilio Feminine and ultra sophisticated... a can't miss combination.

Shop all of these girly styles at Intermix Online

Designer Erika Pena Spring/Summer 07 Lucite Jewelry Line

About Erika Peña:
Peña moved to New York City, on her 18th birthday, to pursue her career in fashion and attend Parsons School of Design. After working with top designers Donna Karan and Josie Natori, the Puerto Rican native was inspired to launch a clothing line called “epe”. It was during that period that Peña collaborated with a number of different designers on various projects that led her to the launch of the Erika Peña line. Inspired by her move from Puerto Rico to New York, Peña conveys this experience through her jewelry, which is a bit rough and edgy, like New York, and a bit light and airy like the Caribbean. As the company grows, more prominent stores are carrying the Erika Peña line, with the most recent being Henri Bendel, Fred Segal, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Calypso and Paul & Joe International. Not only has the line had a great response with the retailers, but also with the press and celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Beyonce, Ashlee Simpson, Fergie, Kelly Clarkson, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Aniston and Brooke Shields have been sporting the hottest accessory line, Erika Peña.





The Kika collection includes twelve pieces ranging in price from $58 to $130. The line consists of various styles of lucite designs that translate easily from day to night. Kika combines an eclectic mix of lucite charms and beads with gold vermeil and sterling silver chains. Special attention has been paid to create the color palette for the Kika line, from differing shades of earth tones such as browns, blacks and clears, to bright, vivid hues including pinks, blues, greens and purples. ‘Blanca Earrings’, chandelier style teardrops and the ‘Ramon Necklace’, faceted oval lucite beads in combo colors strung on long sterling sliver chains, are highlights of the Kika collection.

Visit Erika Peña online at www.erikapena.com