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Topshop Dresses Indie Pop Star

Filed under: Stores We Love

Topshop onstage! Florence Welch performs at the Glastonbury Festival in a custom Topshop one-piece. Photo: Hayley Madden/Redferns

Runway designers collaborating with music stars isn't new. Britney was dressed by DSquared for her "Circus" tour and sadly, Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy was busy working on costumes for Michael Jackson's upcoming world tour before the king of pop's untimely death. Now Topshop?

This is one of the few times we have heard of a large retailer designing for music performers, but if anybody could break into the business of dressing bands, it'd be Topshop with its pulse on "fast fashion."

For Florence Welch of Florence and The Machine's Glastonbury Festival performance last weekend (June 27), Topshop outfitted the indie pop darling in a black one-piece with a fitted bodice and long fringe flowing from the arms that was anchored at the sleeve by a row of roses. The look had plenty of thigh exposure with the bottom cut more like a bathing suit, but it is the stage after all. If you've got it, flaunt it!

Continue reading Topshop Dresses Indie Pop Star

Swarovski Crystallized Concept Store - Jewelry Your Way

Filed under: Stores We Love

Create your own jewelry at the new Swarovski Crystallized Concept Store in Soho, NYC. Photo courtesy of Swarovski

Swarovski's new Crystallized Concept Store in Soho, New York City allows shoppers to create their own brilliant pieces of jewelry.

The 5,000-square-foot flagship, which opened on Thursday to much fanfare, is a huge playground for DIY fans. (And some of Hollywood's hottest at its opening soiree.)

You can choose from over 2,000 "elements" -- including crystals (of course!), gems and pearls -- at the "Library of Light," where items are conveniently categorized by color, size and cut.

But with all the mind-boggling choices, a girl needs a little help. Luckily, Swarovski provides a computer program to assist shoppers in determining their design preferences.

Continue reading Swarovski Crystallized Concept Store - Jewelry Your Way

Blake Lively, Evan Rachel Wood, Lucy Liu & Chloe Sevigny Glitter In Swarovski

Filed under: Events: On the Scene, Stores We Love

chloe sevigny, blake lively, evan rachel wood, lucy liu

Chloe Sevigny, Blake Lively, Evan Rachel Wood and Lucy Liu take a break from checking out the bling to pose for a picture at the Swarovski "Crystallized" soiree. Photo: Jamie McCarthy, WireImage for Swarovski North America Ltd

Michael Jackson was playing on high rotation Thursday night at the celebrity opening of SoHo's new Swarovski "Crystallized" store, which took place (every party planner's nightmare!) just hours after the King of Pop's shocking death.

However the "pop" of champagne did wonders to soothe the crowd, at the party hosted by "Gossip Girl's" Blake Lively and attended by Evan Rachel Wood, Chloe Sevigny and Lucy Liu.

The 5,000-foot new concept store at 499 Broadway seems like an amazing corporate extravagance in this battered economy. A glittering, two-story tall chandelier hangs in the stairwell of the serene, crystal-and-white interior which evokes a better, future era -- as if we'd all been transported in a Bedazzled Austrian time machine to the end of the recession.

Continue reading Blake Lively, Evan Rachel Wood, Lucy Liu & Chloe Sevigny Glitter In Swarovski

D&G's Online Boutique - Where Fashion Meets Technology

Filed under: Stores We Love

D&G gets into the online game with a new e-boutique. Photo courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana has been keeping busy these days. After announcing that they had the exclusive on Madonna's beau, model Jesus Luz, for the men's shows in Milan, the Italian luxury company known for its sexy red carpet dresses just launched a new online D&G store.

Powered by Yoox, the online store features the latest in technology meant to make shopping fun. Shoppers can Twitter an item they like, share it on Facebook or MySpace or embed each look into their personal blogs.

Continue reading D&G's Online Boutique - Where Fashion Meets Technology

Best News Ever - Jimmy Choo for H&M! The Line Forms Here.

Filed under: Stores We Love

If the shoe fits: Tamara Mellon of Jimmy Choo fame and H&M's Margareta van den Bosch have a model try on the new Jimmy Choo for H&M shoes. Excuse us while we wipe the drool. Photo courtesy of H&M.

It sounds too good to be true, but thank god, it's not. Joking about affordable Jimmy Choos isn't funny!

Jimmy Choo for H&M shoes and bags will land at 250 H&M stores worldwide starting November 14! Yes, our calendars are already marked.

And from previous turnouts for the fast fashion chain's designer collaborations, an all out frenzy will no doubt ensue. Whatever it takes, get there early! As in days...

In addition to the fabulous accessories Jimmy Choo is famous for, a line of women's apparel for the retailer will also debut. And guys can get in on the action too -- the luxury brand will be launching men's shoes, bags, and accessories as well. This is insane!

Tamara Mellon, founder and president of Jimmy Choo, states: "We are privileged to be among the fashion greats who have been affiliated with H&M, to be designing a collection that will appeal to fashion-savvy, street-smart women and to be including some great pieces for men, too," calling the collection "sophisticated, fashion forward, accessible, [and] glamorous."

Continue reading Best News Ever - Jimmy Choo for H&M! The Line Forms Here.

Filene's Basement Sold, But Not to the Highest Bidder

Filed under: Stores We Love

filene's basement

Frugal fashionistas have counted on Filene's Basement for discounted designer duds for years. Photo: Getty Images

Last month, we reported that Filene's Basement had filed for bankruptcy, and that there were several parties interested in acquiring the discount retail store (famous for its annual "Running of the Brides" event).

Now, the wait is over. WWD reports that Syms Corp, a discount chain, along with its financial partner Vornado Realty Trust will take over Filene's Basement. The winning bid was $62.4 million.

Men's Wearhouse and Crown Acquisitions also placed bids, and although they offered more money ($64.9 million), Syms/Vornado's bid was for more stores. Sold!

Neiman Marcus Update - Road to Recovery

Filed under: Stores We Love

Neiman Marcus takes action: Cuts staff, reduces inventory and postpones new store openings in hopes of a turnaround. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images

We spoke too soon! When Neiman Marcus announced it was cutting back hours, we said that it's better than layoffs.

Now, according to WWD, the Dallas-based company has outlined a multi-step plan for recovery that includes, you guessed it, cutbacks on payroll.

Other parts of the plan include reducing inventory and costs (no big surprise there) and postponing store openings.

However, the location opening in Bellevue, WA will debut on schedule in September. Other stores planned include Walnut Creek, CA, in Fall 2011 and Princeton, NJ, in 2013.

Continue reading Neiman Marcus Update - Road to Recovery

Neiman Marcus Profits Plummet

Filed under: Stores We Love

More cutbacks at Neiman Marcus. Getty Images

Ouch! In another recession hit, WWD reported that Neiman Marcus posted a 23.7% decline in revenues for the third-quarter. In other words, the company lost $3.1 million dollars compared to income of $55.4 million in the same quarter last year.

This explains why, according to WWD, the high-end department store is cutting back the hours at half of its retail locations.

Some of the stores, including outposts in Plano, T.X. and Short Hills, N.J., will be closing one hour earlier (at 8 P.M.) Monday through Friday. While the hours at the "marquee units," such as the Dallas flagship and Beverly Hills Wilshire Boulevard store, will not change. Shop accordingly.

An hour less here or there may mean we can't run late weeknight "errands," but it sure beats more layoffs!

Burberry Party - Skyline Gets Lit, Guests Don't

Filed under: Stores We Love, Celebrities with Style

Blake Lively, Orlando Bloom, Claire Danes and Molly Sims attend a party celebrating Burberry Day. Photo: Getty Images

Yesterday was the first official Burberry Day in New York City, and was celebrated appropriately -- with serious style. According to WWD, celebs like Claire Danes, Hugh Dancy, Orlando Bloom, Molly Sims, Rose McGowan, Blake Lively and Penn Badgley braved the inclement weather to attend a party toasting the brand's new New York HQ on Madison Avenue, as well as the addition of a lighted Burberry sign to the NYC skyline.

The party, held atop the New York Palace Hotel, included live music and a light show, as well as tunes spun by Alexa Chung. But, it was lacking in one very important aspect -- booze. WWD reports the party was dry by 9:30, leading some guests to duck out early.

Burberry - The Final Countdown

Filed under: Stores We Love, Style in the News



Get your calendars ready, tomorrow (Thursday, May 28 ) has been declared "Burberry Day" by New York City's Mayor Michael Bloomberg. (Yes, you still have to work and no, you don't have to wear plaid!) The New York skyline is about to be changed forever -- check out the time lapse video of the Burberry sign above to get your own countdown started!

In addition to opening its new Madison Avenue headquarters, the brand intends to use its new Burberry Foundation to contribute half a million dollars to local youth projects that help kids realize their potential through creative outlets.

Additionally, according to WWD, our favorite British purveyor of plaid will announce plans to double its NYC retail presence. If all of that isn't reason to break out the good champers, we don't know what is.

Of course, we're not the only ones who think a party is in order. Tomorrow evening, a 50-foot-long Burberry logo at the top of the brand's building will light up, while the 54th floor of the Palace Hotel will serve as the location of a super stylish soiree for 300 fashionable guests.

Celebrities from both the States and across the pond will be in attendance, including the Olsen twins, Blake Lively, Peaches Geldof, Sean Lennon, Helena Christensen, Nicky Hilton and more.

Continue reading Burberry - The Final Countdown

Beauty 360 - The Best New Place to Spend Your Lunch Break

Filed under: Stores We Love

CVS Pharmacy's new upscale beauty store. Photo: Joe Kohen, Kaplow Communications via WireImage.com

CVS Pharmacy's latest venture is good stuff. If you're unfamiliar with their Beauty 360 stores it's because right now there are only three of them - but the company is expanding nationwide and you should keep your fingers crossed that one opens near you. The stores -- attached to regular CVS pharmacies -- stock hard-to-find prestige beauty and spa brands, and offer complimentary express spa treatments so you can pop over for a quick hand massage while waiting for your prescription to be filled -- brilliant!

At the recent Beauty 360 store opening in Ridgefield, Conn., I was pleasantly surprised to see brands I rarely see outside of specialty boutiques, spas and salons -- cult-favorite Bloom Cosmetics, skincare brand Bioelements and luxury hair care brand Neil George, to name a few. On-staff beauty consultant Jerome Mickelson preached the power of regular exfoliation for glowing skin while massaging my hands with the delicious-smelling Coco Loco Smoothie sugar scrub from Nailtini. Fill your prescription for pampering at Beauty 360, stat!

Continue reading Beauty 360 - The Best New Place to Spend Your Lunch Break

C.O. Bigelow to Close Six Stores

Filed under: Stores We Love, Cosmetics

Photo courtesy of bigelowchemists.com

Say it ain't so! C.O. Bigelow, our very favorite apothecary shoppe, is set to close six of its 11 stores by the end of July (shutdowns started last month), according to WWD. (Begin death grip on Mentha Lip Tint now.)

The brand has been heading in this direction for some time, beginning with the elimination of key executive positions a couple months ago. Remaining open are two stores in Chicago, one in New Jersey, one in Columbus, Ohio, as well as the Avenue of the Americas landmark location in Manhattan's Greenwich Village (phew!).

For the time being, at least, we're hoping we'll still be able to stock up on Bigelow brand basics at Bath & Body Works, especially there ever come a day we can't get them from the source!

20 Best Drugstore Beauty Buys

    Save money and still be as adorable as ever, thanks to this honest feedback from your fellow shoppers. Read their beauty product reviews to find budget-friendly buys from Neutrogena, Olay, L'Oreal and more! (Note: Ratings at time of publication.)

    Total Beauty

    20. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, $8.09

    Avg. rating: 9
    Why it's great: "I used to only use eye makeup remover but realized that my cleanser, Cetaphil, is just too gentle to remove all of my foundation, blush, etc. I bought these wipes to do a 'once over' before cleansing and I will never be without them again! I was pleasantly surprised at how well they removed stubborn eye makeup -- even my waterproof mascara!" -- Tangerine3, TotalBeauty.com member

    Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

    Total Beauty

    19. Olay Regenerist Thermal Contour and Lift, $29.99

    Avg. rating: 9*
    Why it's great: "Short of an expensive spa treatment, this product cannot be beat. It's easy to use (you can apply this treatment in the shower or bath, or over the sink); it is not time consuming; and the results are phenomenal! ... It left my skin instantly firmer, more supple [and] wonderfully hydrated, and [took] care of some tiny wrinkles that, at 36, I might have had to squint to see." -- lsmith, TotalBeauty.com member

    Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

    Total Beauty

    18. Maybelline New York Full 'N Soft Washable Mascara, $5.99

    Avg. rating: 9.1*
    Why it's great: "I've spent top dollar on mascaras -- but I keep coming back to this. It doesn't clump, it goes on smooth, it builds and lengthens, and it stays all day without irritating my eyes or flaking off. Perfect! Several color choices -- perfect price!" -- BlackberryAddict, TotalBeauty.com member

    Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

    Total Beauty

    17. Conair ION Shine Ceramic Turbo 1875 Watts Dryer, $32.99

    Avg. rating: 9.1*
    Why it's great: "I have used a zillion different hair dryers and this one is the best. It leaves my rather coarse, very curly, unruly hair shiny and smooth. And it costs considerably less than what I have paid for other dryers!" -- CSMark, TotalBeauty.com member

    Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

    Total Beauty

    16. Revlon ColorStay Makeup with Softplex, $11.69

    Avg. rating: 9.1*
    Why it's great: "I try many foundations looking for one with a good price that looks natural and has staying power. This is the best yet. I used the one for oily/normal skin. Very good foundation and stays looking good for an entire day." -- mgbaloo, TotalBeauty.com member

    Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

    Total Beauty

    15. Wet n Wild Ultimate Expressions Eyeshadow Palette, $4.99

    Avg. rating: 9.1*
    Why it's great: "I like the combos in these little sets. They are super cheap and much better quality than they look. I would like a 'brights' palette from them because all the choices they have now are very natural. If you're looking for a good neutral everyday office/school look, you'll have some good options here." -- corizotti, TotalBeauty.com member

    Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

    Total Beauty

    14. Suave Professionals Sleek Shampoo, $2.99

    Avg. rating: 9.2*
    Why it's great: "I ONLY use this shampoo on my hair. I have tried numerous other products, just to find that I paid a lot of money unnecessarily. I lighten my hair but with shampoo, my hair isn't as dry and straw-like. And the price is very affordable." -- MarieMatthews, TotalBeauty.com member

    Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

    Total Beauty

    13. Herbal Essences Color-Me-Happy Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair, $7.49

    Avg. rating: 9.2*
    Why it's great: "It's not heavy like a lot of thick conditioners are. It rinses clean and doesn't make my hair feel heavy or greasy. And the smell is amazing. Very subtle but very delicious. My hair shines and has way less frizzies. I'd use this product even if my hair wasn't colored." -- Chicka, TotalBeauty.com member

    Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

    Total Beauty

    12. Jane Lipkick Rich Color, $4.49

    Avg. rating: 9.3*
    Why it's great: "I have tried expensive lipsticks that could not come close to Jane lipstick it has staying power and great colors. The bonus is for the price of one of the more costly brands I can get 4-5 Jane lipsticks." -- mistressfaerie, TotalBeauty.com member

    Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

    Total Beauty

DecadesTwo - LA's Chicest Celeb Haunt Visits NYC For a Hot Minute

Filed under: Stores We Love, Style in the News

Claire Danes with store owner Christos Garkinos. Photo by Mike Coppola, Getty Images

Last night marked the (tragically) temporary opening of the venerable LA fashion mecca DecadesTwo's pop-up store in New York City. If you're a fan of fashion like attendee Claire Danes, and crave gently worn Chanel, Fendi, Louboutin, Balenciaga or Chloe, this is your haven.

Lingerie store Kiki de Montparnasse at 79 Greene Street is playing NYC host through May 17th. But judging by the demand for by-appointment-only shopping slots -- 800 requests in the first hour! -- perhaps it'll stick around a little longer. Fingers crossed!

Continue reading DecadesTwo - LA's Chicest Celeb Haunt Visits NYC For a Hot Minute

Henri Bendel to Strip Down

Filed under: Stores We Love, Accessories, Style in the News, Clothing, Cosmetics

Henri Bendel on Fashionable Fifth Avenue. Photo by Getty Images

Henri Bendel, our favorite brown-and-white striped, high-end department store, is about to drop trou! The famous Fifth Avenue destination (which appeared in "Confessions of a Shopaholic" under a pseudonym and has a recurring role on "Gossip Girl") will cease selling clothing to focus on accessories and beauty products, exclusively.

It's not a total shocker since they are best known for their carefully selected, on-trend trimmings. I mean, it's common knowledge among the fashion set that if you need a hair accessory, you got to Henri Bendel. Period.

But don't fear that the 1895-founded shop is just another victim of the recession; they're actually rolling out six accessories-only stores this summer, featuring Bendel brand gifts (like an $18 box of tea) and HB beauty products.

So the good news, they could be coming to a mall near you!

U*tique Shop Hits Los Angeles - Don't Call It a Vending Machine

Filed under: Events: On the Scene, Stores We Love, Cosmetics, Beauty Tips


Don't call it a vending machine.

The world's first interactive, automated upscale store has come to La La Land's Fred Segal Santa Monica.

Just insert your credit card, toggle the computer's touch screen until you find that $85 hand cream you desperately need, and voila, the bottle magically drops into your palms. Okay, so I don't quite understand how it works, but no one ever said this was a tech blog. It's a style blog. All you need to know is that it works.

In fact, it works so well, that U*tique has the potential to haunt the hallways of airports, train stations, malls and churches across America. Why?

Continue reading U*tique Shop Hits Los Angeles - Don't Call It a Vending Machine

How You Voted

    Curly or Straight?
    While 30% of you think she's so beautiful that her hair doesn't even matter, 49% of you prefer her curls. Get the full story here.

    Kevin Winter, Getty Images | Jon Furniss, WireImage

    Offensive or artistic?
    Just over 50% of StyleList readers said they weren't offended by this shirt, but didn't know if it was totally appropriate to wear in public. Unfortunately, that wasn't the opinion in Dubai. Get the full story here.

    Photo: eBay

    ebay

    Strapless dresses on 13-year-olds
    StyleList readers think strapless dresses should be saved for older girls -- 41% of you think the look is too mature. Get the full story here.

    Getty Images

    Is Megan the new Angelina?
    Half of you think Megan needs to get her own identity and quit copying Angie, but more than a quarter said Jolie doesn't stand a chance against this Fox. Get the full story here.

    Getty Images

    Did Calvin Klein respond to public's outcry?
    The controversial "threesome" billboard in Soho has been replaced with this one, but 51% of you believe it was just to keep people talking about the brand, not because CK caved. Get the full story here.

    Rachel Been, AOL

    Calvin Klein's Racy Ad
    Is it art or practically pornography? About 40% of StyleList readers found this billboard obscene. Get the full story.

    Maggie Coughlan, AOL

    Palin's Pedi
    Do you think Sarah Palin's funky pedicure was appropriate? If so, you're in good company -- 68% of you said it was fun and fabulous. Get the full story.

    Getty Images

    Bright, Light, or Dark as Night?
    How do you like your toenails painted? Over half of StyleList readers prefer their piggies with bright, perky polish. Get the full story.

    Getty Images

    Nipple cream as lip balm?
    StyleList readers are willing to try anything! 80% of you either love the idea or, at the very least, think it's worth a try. Get the full story.

    notsogoodphotography on flickr

    Skip the skinny jeans
    Skinny jeans might be bad for you, but more than 50 percent of you never wore them anyway! Get the full story.

    Getty Images

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