Macy’s is on a roll. Last month, the retail giant debuted collections by Karl Lagerfeld and Anna Dello Russo, and now, a covetable series of looks created by Giambattista Valli. Drawing on his experience as a world traveler, the Paris-based designer’s capsule collection for Macy’s Impulse offers a wardrobe for the chic jet-setter, at prices ($50 to $150) that don’t strain your wallet like a trip to Bali might. If you recall, earlier this month, the designer cited very similar inspirations at his ready-to-wear show in Paris. So you’ll find the Macy’s Valli girl is likely to cross paths with shoppers of his namesake line, equipped with safari-inspired animal prints and pink rosy florals. The pieces, like the flirty red dress, are individually injected with the same zest Valli is known for. Both Giambattista devotees and newcomers looking to get a taste of Valli’s signature flair will be pleased. The tan leopard-print pants and the jacket are both likely to be top sellers when the collection hits stores across the U.S. at the end of this month.
—Kristin Studeman

Photos: Courtesy of Macy’s

Clogs were a major statement on the runways for Spring 2010. So, it’s time to re-examine the once-dated footwear trend. There will be high-heeled clogs at Chanel, Gucci always keeps a suede stacked heel style around — a la Janis Joplin — and heavily ornamented styles often come from Louis Vuitton.

Buy it here.

They’re baaaaack!

And although this look hasn’t completely gone away (Crocs, anyone?), you will be surprised to see how crazy this made designers for spring. I love these Silver Wooden Swedish Clogs because they’re cute and well-priced at $95. One thing’s for sure: These shoes — sized 5 to 11 — are obviously attention getters.

Last night I had a craving for a holiday-inspired, blingy headband. Something cute and flashy — but not silly — like a little hat with a veil. I mean, those are sweet but probably best for a poodle or a toddler?

PRODUCT DETAILS
- Wide satin covered headband with a dual row of plastic jewels
- .75″ band width, 13.5″ length
- One size fits most
- 100 percent polyester
- Imported

So, I stumbled on this $4.80 find from Forever 21. It comes in lovely dark stones as well as multi-jeweled tone stones. The black and gray are a nice subtle touch, and if I take care of the sparkle up there, I can stay simple on the neck and the ears. I also like the fact that you can wear glitter and stones and shine all year round as well as all hours of the day.

Buy it here.

Photo: Ben Gabbe / BFAnyc.com

Fenton jewelry designer Dana Lorenz is still going with her “more is more” approach, but for Spring she lightened up her look with layers of pastels, pearls, and geometrics baubles inspired by Miami Art Deco. Some of the dyed agate, jade, and moonstone statement necklaces—a few of them trimmed with feathers—are almost sizable enough to be a chestplate (left), but it’s the studded collar that caught our eyes. It had that dark, almost gothic edge of some of her previous collections.

Speaking of past seasons, Lorenz has once again joined forces with Alexandre Plokhov. (The two collaborated before she launched Fenton.) Tomorrow, Plokhov makes his return to New York with his debut womenswear collection after spending time working for Versace.

“He wanted the jewelry to be really graphic and strong but almost seamless with the clothing,” Lorenz tells Style.com of the oversized cuffs she created, in basic black and white as well as “shocking” colors. “We used rough-cut diamonds as inspiration—the result is a multifaceted, enormous cuff; they are huge!”
—Kristin Studeman

Check out the Max Azria Final Cut Corner here.

I am a fashionista and I like a price break every once in a while. I was cruising the BCBG site and found that that they have a little trend corner called Final Cut where all the end of season dresses, separates and accessories go. I found this super cute dress that’s been marked down from $348 to $174! But if color-blocked cobalt ain’t your thing, check out their multi-tiered strapless party dress marked down from $238 to $119. Sizes are limited, but I have to say, there is stuff to be had at this site.

Celebs like Demi Lovato, Kristin Bell, Angelina Jolie (remember the infamous backward dress?) love Max Azria’s stuff, and so do I! Every time I go on a shoot, I am loaded with dresses from his line because they work on everyone. And when you roam the site or go into the store, there are so much great pieces that you will find yourself leaving with a full wardrobe for a season. There are accessories galore, shoes, handbags, evening wear, day dresses…I mean, if they offer you water, you never have to go home again!

By Sasha Charnin Morrison for UsMagazine.com. To read more of the Recessionista blog, click here.

And at $36.99, these are perfect with short skirts and tights, jeans or leggings. Just about everything. What I also like about these is that they can stay in style for a long time because they seem to have an evergreen appeal — because they’re minus the studs and chains and grommets, they can work season after trendy season.

I think you will be happy with these. But like all great Target merchandise, the sizes are flying fast both in store and online. Run, don’t walk, to get your pair!

As I was cruising around the mall this holiday weekend, I stumbled on these slouchy boots at Target.

PRODUCT DETAILS
- Boot Style: Ankle
- Boot Shaft Height: Approximately 5″
- Heel Style: Wrapped
- Heel Height: Approximately 3″
- Sole Style: Textured Sole
- Closure Type: Pull-On
- Shoe Upper Material: Faux Leather
- Shoe Outsole Material: Thermoplastic Rubber
- Shoe Insole Material: Man-Made Materials
- Shoe Lining Material: Man-Made Materials
- Lightweight Design

I was alone and didn’t have my BFF with me to spread the cheer, so I think I may have scared a few holiday shoppers with my bubbling enthusiasm as I grabbed them and shared my find on the racks.

All four colors — brown, cognac, gray and black — were there and all were working for me. They have that vintage feel without being too small, too narrow or too stinky.

Buy it here.

Today in New York, Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti announce the new, virtual Valentino Museum, a downloadable foray into the designer’s world. After downloading the application at valentino-garavani-archives.org, users connect to an online database that includes more than 300 archival dresses as well as sketches, illustrations, advertising campaigns, editorials, and red carpet moments from the house’s history. Anne Hathaway, Vogue Italia’s Franca Sozzani, and Google’s Amit Sood join Garavani and Giammetti at the Museum of Modern Art at 11 a.m. EST to announce the new project; the press conference live-streams below. The application will be available for downloading immediately afterwards.

I don’t remember seeing so much color in a Calvin Klein show in seasons. The label presented its accessible collection for Spring this week, and while the looks were mostly monotone, they didn’t want for brightness. Skinny jeans came in yellow, shades of coral , red, and aqua, and red suits were paired with contrast orange button-downs. Blasts of cool, summery white, as in warm-weather-perfect white trousers and an all-white suit, offered an alternative. But what really caught my eye was a long shirtdress in bright vermilion. It had the fluid lines and easy drape of many of the pieces in the collection, as well as a slightly seventies chic. It’d be perfect to wear during a summer day in the city, or to take away on a trip, pairing it with the flats and raffia bags that were all over the Spring runways. I’m planning my winter holidays in sunny Brazil at the moment, and I only wish it was in stores now.

—Marina Larroude

Photo: Courtesy of Calvin Klein

These are comfortable on the feet, the range is extensive in colors and they look very lovely on the foot. A ton of these cheap sandals I own fall apart and actually hurt, the thong cuts into my toe and I end up spending more and more on the cheap crap. They are not made well. So, if you want what Angies got and want them to last more than one wearing, these are for you.

These TKEES flip-flops are $48, and we love them (so do Angelina Jolie, Lauren Conrad and Ashley Greene!) . Before you all jump all over me and say “This isnt cheap!” and “Target and Forever 21 have better!” or “You suck, and Im leaving!” …take a look at these. They are chic, celebrities love them and they are made to last.

Pick up a pair at Bloomingdales.com for $44. As a bonus, the Shadows metallic line is on sale for $32!

By Sasha Charnin Morrison for UsMagazine.com. To read more of the Recessionista blog, click here.

I love the way these look. And for those of you who are looking to buy one really good sandal, this is it. Whats super fun about these is that theyre designed as makeup for your feet. They come in groups like Liners (simple, rich colors), Foundations (neutrals to elongate) and Highlighters (sparkly!). I know a lot of people who just need something thats simple and pretty to wear for warm weather destination weddings when you need to forgo the heels, or if the weather is the same temperature all year round and you want something in a fall shade but in a season-less silhouette. Well, heres your sandal!