Photo Credit: www.thebudgetbabe.com

Collaboration is the new black.  We’ve seen partnerships between the likes of Versace and H&M, Vera Wang and Kohls and now Jason Wu and Target.  Collection goes on sale online and in stores on Feb. 5th!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

GIFTS FOR THE GIRLS

2011 Women’s Gift Guide: Subscriptions and Memberships

Subscriptions and Memberships

Clockwise from the Top:

1. Birchbox; $10/month

2. Massage Envy; Approx. $59/month

3. Bag Borrow or Steal; Starting at $25

4. Spa Finder; Starting at $25

5. Conde Nast Subscription to Vogue, Lucky, etc.; Approx. $20-30/year

Simple and thoughtful, giving the gift of a subscription or membership makes a great impression.  Subscriptions and membership applies to a range of products, from fashion magazines to massage therapy to makeup and skincare.  And just think: each time your loved one receives her magazine in the mail or schedules her monthly massage, she’ll think of you!

2011 Women’s Gift Guide: Custom/Personalized Style

Custom/Personalized Style

From Left to Right:

1. Rose Gold and Diamond Initial Necklace ($214.99); Photo Credit: Overstock.com

2. Monogram Louis Vuitton Speedy 35 with Personalization ($1,100; without Initials- $800)

3. 14k Gold-Plated “Carrie” Style Name Necklace ($49.95); Photo Credit: Mynamenecklace.com

There’s nothing like a customized gift to show how much you care.  Always popular, initial or name necklaces never go out of style.  And if you want to give an uber-chic gift, Louis Vuitton offers personalization on select items in a variety of festive colors.

2011 Women’s Gift Guide: Fashion Gadgets & Entertainment

Fashion Gadgets & Entertainment

From Top to Bottom:

1. A Patricia Field Trifecta: The Devil Wears Prada, The Sex & the City Movie, and Confessions of a Shopaholic (Approx. $20 each); Photo Credit: IMDB.com

2. iPad 2 Tablet (starting at $499); Photo Credit: Apple.com

3. Purseket: The Original Purse Organizer (Approx. $20-30); Photo Credit: Purseket.com

Fashion and film go hand in hand and make a great gift for any fashionista who’s also a film buff.  Iconic stylist Patricia Field made fashion magic in the Sex and the City series on HBO and other successful shows like Ugly Betty.  Naturally, Pat styled both Sex and the City Movies and others such as The Devil Wears Prada and Confessions of a Shopaholic.  For fashionistas who love history, I also recommend Valentino: The Last Emperor and Coco Before Chanel, starring Audrey Tautou.

If you’d like to give the gift of gadgets, well you can’t go wrong with an iPad 2.  Want to go the extra mile?  How about an iPad preloaded with fashionable movies like those listed above!  Also, there are a variety of fashion apps that can be added to keep the most dedicated fashionista up-to-date.

For fashion and functionality on the go, I think a purse organizer is a great idea.  I’ve seen several on TV: just place keys, a phone, makeup and money in the pockets, and drop the entire organizer in your purse!

GIFTS FOR THE GUYS

Guest Post by J. Edward

2011 Men’s Gift Guide: The 3-Piece Suit

The 3-Piece Suit

From left to right:

1. Photo Credit: Askandyaboutclothes.com

2.Ralph Lauren Suit (Starting at approx. $1500); Photo Credit: Esquire.com

3. Photo Credit: Monkeysuitvintage.com

Every man wants to be stylish, and nothing says class and sophistication like the 3-piece suit.  Whether it’s muted tones and stripes or bold lines and lapels, the true character of any man comes forward with this ensemble.  As a gift to your loved one, or to yourself, this is one gift that will add to any man’s wardrobe.

2011 Men’s Gift Guide: The Professional Tablet Case

The Professional Tablet Case

Top Left: Fossil (Approx. $40); Photo Credit: Ipadcaseden.com

Bottom Right: Louis Vuitton in Monogram and Damier Patterns (Approx. $350); Photo Credit: Most-expensive.net

Who carries around laptops anymore?  The business world is about speed and ease, and the introduction of tablets into the boardroom has changed how we get the job done.  So who wants to be ordinary when you can be fabulous…and why not accessorize what is now as commonplace as our cellphones?  For fashionistos on a budget, consider the very sleek and simple offering from Fossil.  If you have a little more to spend, and really want to standout, visit your local Louis Vuitton retailer to see their selection.

2011 Men’s Gift Guide: John Varvatos Chuck Taylor All Star

John Varvatos Chuck Taylor All Star

John Varvatos Shoes (Approx. $145); Photo Credit: Shopstyle.com

When you’re lounging around on a weekend afternoon, is there anything more stylish and comfortable than a pair of Chuck Taylors?  John Varvatos has lent his style expertise to the brand to create a super cool yet casual rendition to their line.  When you are wearing these All Stars, people will know you didn’t just walk into the local shoe store.

2011 Men’s Gift Guide: The Pocket Watch

The Pocket Watch

From Left to Right:

1. Vintage Watch (Prices Vary); Photo Credit; Gstatic.com

2. Harley Davidson (Approx. $202.50); Photo Credit: Harleyitems.com

Why limit your accessories to the usual… step outside of the norm.  Pocket watches have been around for centuries, and yet remain rare and stylish.  Harley Davidson offers a cool version of the classic time piece.  If you are like me and like antiques, visit your local retailers and trade shows to see what they have to offer.  Never forget that one person’s junk could be another person’s treasure.

Hopefully these gift ideas will find their way onto your gift lists or at least give you some great ideas.  Starting at just $10, there’s something for everyone, and every budget, listed here.  So Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

Fashionistas,

The Very Best of Versace for H&M Collection is available at Northpark Center in Dallas starting TODAY.  There is already a line outside the store!  There is such a fashion frenzy that H&M has set up a shopping system to make scooping up your favorites a bit easier.  The Ladies’ Collection ranges from about $29.95 to $399 while the Men’s Collection is priced about $17.95 to $299.  If you love bold and bright with a touch of rock ‘n roll edginess, then this is the Collection for you.  Happy Shopping!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

Photo Credit: Style Crunch

Dear Fashionistas,

I love this recent article from the Boston Herald about fashion’s boy wonder, Zac Posen.  Known for his youthful, fresh and dynamic designs, Posen took the fashion world by storm in his early 20′s.  Now at 31, he is returning to the city that holds a significant place in his career: Boston.  Today, Tuesday November 4th, Posen will hold a trunk show at Neiman Marcus, Copley Place from 6-8pm featuring his resort and Spring 2012 lines.  Highlights from the Boston Herald article:

1. Connections are key: Alexis Maybank and Alexandra Wilkins Wilson, co-founders of the wildly popular flash sales site Gilt Groupe, were both Harvard Business School students in 2003 when they invited Posen to speak to their class.  Posen’s dresses are now featured on Gilt Groupe, often selling out.   Also, Posen counted Oscar-winner Natalie Portman as his muse.

2. Good design is an investment: In 2004, Sean Combs’ Sean John label was so impressed with Posen that it invested in the young designer’s business.

3. Design karma is real: Creating fashion is hard work and Posen believes in making the process enjoyable.  In turn, the joy that goes into making the garment is transferred to the customer.  Happy customers, happy career.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

Midnight Madness Sale!

Fashionistas, one of my favorite boutiques is turning one and having a spectacular sale too!  Hope to see you there, Nik

Langford Market celebrates their One Year Anniversary!

WHAT: Langford invites you to join us from 6-9pm October 13, 2011 to celebrate their One Year Anniversary!  Come help us celebrate our birthday with bubbles, bites, and beats.  Our birthday treat for you is our $100 sale! Pick out $200 worth of merchandise and only spend $100.

Sounds Provided by Nabiya De Grace 

WHERE: 249 W. 2^nd Street Austin, TX 78701

Time: 6pm-9pm

WEB: http://www.facebook.com/langford.austin

ABOUT: Langford Market is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, offering carefully chosen, classically feminine clothing, accessories, furniture, and gifts. Striving to make women feel beautiful and unique, and to lend warmth and personality to your surroundings through the perfect finishing touches. Langford Market emphasizes authenticity, quality, and impeccable service, as well as our take on wearable trends and creative style.

 OMG Fashionistas, look what was in my inbox today!  Huge thanks to my friends at GW Boutique for the heads up- this is an event you won’t want to miss!!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik 

*******************

GOODWILL FORT WORTH PRESENTS THE GOOD EXCHANGE

Support a Good Cause And Refresh Your Wardrobe Through A Clothing Swap

WHO: Event emcee Miss Texas, Kendall Morris (TCU Alumna); Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth executive management including David Cox, senior vice president retail sales & marketing, Kristen Bostick, marketing communications coordinator

WHAT: Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth will provide the community an opportunity to support a good cause and refresh their wardrobe through a clothing swap. For every article of clothing (limit five) donated to the Goodwill donation station at 5970 Park Vista Circle #154 (Hwy 377 at Kroger Drive) between October 7-13, participants will receive a voucher for a new article of clothing, to be picked out at the Good Exchange, to be held at the GW Boutique in Keller October 14. Individuals that do not donate in advance of the event can donate at the door, along with a $5 entrance fee to participate. Participants will enjoy refreshments and free hair and makeup styling’s courtesy of Goodwill during the event.

WHEN: Friday, October 14, 2011;  5:00 – 8:00 p.m. 

WHERE: GW Boutique; 750 S. Main Street Keller, Texas

WHY: Goodwill is a non-profit leader in providing education, training and career services for people with disabilities, such as physical or mental disabilities, lack of education or work experience and homelessness. Last year, Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth helped place thousands of people in jobs.

For more information on Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth, please visit www.goodwillfortworth.org.

Laced with Romance- Matt McCoy

Dear Fashionistas,

Are you ready for Vintage Glamporium, “an exhilarating shopping experience that brings together the best vintage clothing and accessory vendors of Texas and beyond?”

This Saturday, October 8th and Sunday, October 9th, at ZACH Theatre, be sure to check out a host of top notch vintage vendors, who have carefully curated the best ensembles and accessories for men and women. 

Vintage all-stars include local favorites such as Laced with Romance, Big Bertha’s Bargain Basement, Fabulous Mess Vintage, and Feathers Boutique AND  stylish neighbors such as Vintage Martini (Dallas, TX), Style Station (Waco, TX), Cheap Thrills (Tulsa, OK) and The Vintagemobile (Dallas, TX).

This is a weekend you won’t want to miss!  And PLEASE, for those attending please snap a few photos to share with the rest of us.  I would be there myself, but I have other fabulous events to attend, as two of my dear friends are getting married this weekend- to each other!  Also, I’ll be celebrating my own one-year anniversary!  Ah, l’amor!  :  )

WHO: Founded by Angie Ferrer Domecq Owner of Angelica DeBiase online boutique & Masha Harmeier Co-owner of Feathers Boutique

WHEN: Saturday, October 8, 2011 from 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm Sunday, October 9, 2011 from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

WHERE: ZACH Theatre 1426 Toomey Rd. Austin, TX 78704 ADMISSION: Daily Early Shopper Tickets (12:00 pm – 1:00pm): $10 Daily General Admission: $5 Tickets are CASH ONLY and are available at the door PARKING: Free parking in the Zachary Scott Theatre lot or on the street

WEBSITE: http://www.vintageglamporium.com/vintage/Welcome.html

 http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=209440835745466

*Note some vendors will accept cash or credit, others will accept cash only

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

Thursday presented one of those rare occasions where I had a little bit of free time. Being Fashion Week and all, I decided to do a quick cameo at a couple of free events, both on 2nd Street. I saw some familiar faces and some fabulous fashions. Check out Eliza Page and Langford Market.

Fashionably Yours,
Nik

Eliza Page Boutique

Catherine Nicole at Eliza Page

Kendra Scott at Eliza Page Boutique

Maslo at Eliza Page

 

 

Mari Andrade at Eliza Page Boutique

Langford Market

Langford MarketLangford Market

Langford MarketLangford Market

Langford Market

Langford Market

Dear Fashionistas,

This week marked a momentous occasion for thread-conscious fashion enthusiasts in Texas… our H&M has finally arrived.

If you’re like me, chances are you’ve been waiting years for H&M to move to Texas.  And while it’s been a long time coming, I can tell you, it was worth the wait.  (Even socialite Gregg Asher made an appearance.)

So, why Dallas, why now? Well as it turns out, H&M has been eyeing the Dallas market since it opened its first U.S. location (New York) in 2000.  And the clothing giant has plans to expand to even more Texas markets in the future, said spokeswoman Jennifer Ward.

The two-story, 24,000 square-foot shopping mecca is brimming with a variety of styles to suit every discriminating Dallasites’ taste, at any age (teens, adults and children) and for any occasion (casual, business, and party wear).  Fortunately, H&M will continue its practice of collaborating with the world’s hottest designers to bring us high-end, yet affordable, clothing.  (BTW, I died for the Lanvin collection.) 

After all, high-end, yet affordable, fashion is what H&M is known for and what sets it apart from other retailers world-wide.  Accessories start as low as $5, denim as low as $15 and dresses $30…you can spend less than $100 for an entire ensemble and still look like you stepped off the runway.  This is the magic of H&M, which I witnessed firsthand during its Papercity Preview Party this week. 

So without further adieu, I present to you our H&M.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik