Cute Collabo: Jil Sander and Damiani Jewlery

Jil Sander has teamed up with jewelry house Damiani to give a nod to the punk rock generation, think safety pins as earrings, but adorned with gold and stones (aquamarine, onyx, smoky quartz, citrine), Tahitian pearls/diamonds to create a punk, edgy, and all the while feminine ear spear I mean earring. These lovely pieces added a bit of glam when paired with Jil Sander Spring 09 black/white minimalist collection. Each pair has had me mesmerized for months and mesmerized I shall stay because they retail between $4,500-$10,000. I know it’s wrong to say, but I’m hoping some designer in the $40-$100 dollar price range a gets “inspired” by the two design houses and creates similar pieces for the masses!

photo cred: Marcio Maderia/Jil Sander

Cute Collabo: Christian Siriano for Payless

Note: This Collection is NOT a hot tranny mess!

Warning: These shoes aren’t for the faint at heart

Okay now that we got that out of the way I LOVE this shoe collection! Christian Siriano for Payless is beyond a Cute Collabo and is one of the biggest things that has happened with shoes in a while and definitely the biggest thing that has happened to a Project Runway winner. The shoes ( as well at two purses) are categorized as ready to wear, but scream runway as they should because they did debut at NYC’s fashion week. The Fall 09 collection ( yeah you have to wait until September 2009 to buy) is inspired by the Egyptian landscape with of course mean rich colors, and pyramid details. There are five styles of shoes to choose from the Slither, Saunter, SheDevil, Sand Strap, and Strut, and of course I have favorties .... the SheDevil and Sand Strap (pictured). There are also two handbags the Shanbag tote, and the Sassafras Clutch to add a little runway to an everyday outfit. So starting September 2009 the Christian Siriano collection will be available in stores at Payless Shoes or online at http://www.payless.com/. Until enjoy this video…..



Heavy Metal: Christian Siriano Fall '09 from Payless Fashion Week 09 on Vimeo.

Cute Collabo: LnA and Nylon

I haven’t done a cute collabo post in a while because frankly nobody has done anything worth talking about, that is until NYLON magazine once again caught my eye with their collaboration with LnA for men's/women's shirts and my favorite legging. LnA, took their famous super lux, soft cotton leggings and adorned them with NYLON’s logo. What makes this an even better collabo is that these exclusive zipper leggings are actually cheaper ( 45 bucks) than LnA’s unadorned ones. I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before the buzz gets out about these babies so I suggest you pick them up quickly!

photo cred: LnA

Cute Collabos: Hawks by Geren Ford

photo cred: Urban Outfitters

How many ways can I say it “I heart Urban Outfitters” from their cheap chic stuff, to their brand boutique. Well now UO is bringing even more to the table with it’s collaboration with Geren Ford called Hawks by Geren Ford. Hawks by Geren Ford seems to be a sailor inspired collection of separates as well as dresses and is just one of five capsule collections that are to be spread throughout the year at UO. Other UO slated designers are Steve Alan, Charlotte Ronson, Corpus, and Paul& Joe Sister. The roll out of the Hawks line is scheduled for May although there are two items online right now. One odd thing about these capsule collections is there seems to be almost no marketing behind it I’ve only seen info about this on one other blog and WWD. I’m sure if your anything like me you’re chomping at the bit to see more!

Cute Collabo: Celia Birtwell for Express

photo cred: Express

Odds are the average Express shopper probably has no clue who Celia Birtwell is. For those of us who know of the British textile designer and former Topshop collaborator it’s time to be excited she has decided to cross the pond with a limited collection for Express. The line is filled with paisley, dots, and flower printed flowy dresses, and Victorian inspired blouses. I’m not really into the collections dresses, but the light airy blouses will look great with some of my highwaisted-wide legged jeans I have yet to wear. The good news is this is one of four limited collections that Birtwell is set to design for the company bad news is Express does not offer online shopping and the collection is only being sold at a limited number of stores , so stock up!

Cute Collabo: Tara Subkoff for Bebe

I’m really late on this one, but I had to talk about this capsule collection which still doesn’t make me love the overpriced cookie cutter hoochie mamma mecca Bebe, but it does make me give them a little nod of respect. Tara Subkoff formerly of the hipster fashion label Imitation of Christ debuted her collection with Bebe in February 2008 with its highlight being the now sold out ruffled heart dress (pictured). The greatest thing other than bringing Bebe out of the fashion hell in which it exist is that Tara Subkoff donates a portion of each purchase to Millennium Promise, a non-profit dedicated to improving lives in Africa. There are currently only about 3 selections left online which just happened to be the 3 items I of love the most (especially that heart purse), but you can check your local Bebe store it may have a larger selection. If you can’t find anything in store of online there is of course always ebay!

Cute Collabo: Lisa Grue for Nylon

This collaboration is perfect for any “hipster”, Nylon Magazine ( a.k.a Hipster Bible), fashion forward artist Lisa Grue, and Urban Outfitters a perfect trifecta! Who would think a magazine would team up with an artist to make a trendy capsule t-shirt line that is so cute. Best yet the artist, Urban Outfitters, Nylon collaboration doesn't even leave your boyfriend out there are Men’s Styles ( artist vary) as well.

photo cred: Urban Outfitters

Cute Collabos: Gryson for Target

Yes, one of the originator in the “cheap chic” movement is back and better than ever and I have to say this is personally the most highly anticipated the -Gryson for Target line. Handbag designer Joy Gryson brings her signature style to Target using a simple color palette that's basic black to a wonderful forrest-y green. Joy also managed to add some classic and fashion forward weaving as well as some signature hardware throughout the collection too . The price point is a manageable $19.99-49.99 a far cry from the $595-2,950 the Michelle Williams’ and the Jessica Biel’s of the world pay for Gryson's “high end” line. Unfortunately I have to wait to buy my Gryson for Target Cross body bag ( pictured) because it won't be in stores or online until April 6th until then you can window shop here.

To see some of Joy Gryson more “lux” items check her out online.

photo cred: Target

Cute Collabos: Designers for Payless

photo cred: Payless Shoesource

I have to give credit where credit is due, props to Payless Shoesouce for taking a cue from Target and H&M by introducing designer lines from the likes of Lela Rose and Abaete. This is a huge jump from a company who got “celebrity cred” from Star Jones Reynolds. I’m currently kind of in “like” with the Alice +Olivia for Payless line it definitely exudes the girly, fun, flirty and always on trend styles that designer and Alice + Olivia creator Stacey Bendet brings to her pricey clothing line. I already placed my order for the Louisa Ballet Flat (pictured) and I’ll let you know how cute they look on me! With prices for all three lines ranging from $ 25-$ 40 dollars and also include sunglasses, watches, and handbags it can’t hurt to trot on down to your nearest Payless Shoesource or at least check some out online.