Orient Express: Asian-Inspired Looks F/W 2012

I just loved opening this month's Marie Claire and reading fashion editor Courtney Weinblatt's description of one of fall's hottest trends gracing the pages of nearly every high fashion blog and magazine, asian-inspired design & brocade:

"To mark the year of the dragon, follow the Silk Road to gilded chinoiserie and empress-worthy extras."

This trend is showing up in all of the hottest designers F/W 2012 lines, including: Alexander McQueen, Proenza Schouler, Marni, Jason Wu, Oscar de la Renta, Elizabeth & James, Opening Ceremony, and more! 

Features include: bold exotic florals, dragons, cranes, clutches with tassels, embellished fur vests, meditation beads, stylized high collars, and golden brocade.

Check out some of my favorite asian-inspired finds below. I've included a few inspirational pieces by high end designers, several by budget friendly alternatives from stores like Asos, Urban Outfitters, French Connection, and Wallis, - and everything in between!

Check out my editor's picks below:

Orient Express by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Style: Check out StyleSaint & You Could WIN a $300 Asos Gift Card!

Fashionistas, rejoice! Now you can publish your very own online fashion magazines in just minutes on StyleSaint.com. Like Polyvore, Have to Have, and Pinterest which I've mentioned on this blog before, StyleSaint has a bookmarklet that allows you to "tear" your favorite products and photos from nearly any page on the internet. 

However, what makes StyleSaint so unique is its exciting "StyleBooks" feature. On the site you can select your favorite "StyleSheets" (i.e. "tears") from your own profile and everyone else's to add to your own customized look book! In minutes you can create a themed collection that you can share via social media and embed on your blog. Read more about the StyleSaint story HERE. 

Here's my example of the kind of "StyleBook" that you can create on StyleSaint using products from your favorite online shops, celebrity photos, runway photos, or anything else that inspires you on the web:

To check it out and see for yourself, submit your email in the box below. In the coming month they are launching the raddest ever, "StyleSaint Magazine" which will be chock full of go-to guides on how to style the latest trends, lessons in pairing, and DIY tutorials. 

Your entry will give you the chance to WIN a $300 gift certificate to Asos, my favorite online retailer. You may remember Asos from my "Fake It Til You Make It" Part I & Part II posts. They have a truly awesome selection - so sign up and keep those beautifully manicured fingers crossed!

Style: Luxurious Leather - Fall's Hottest Trend

Leather apparel: where to buy it for less and what to wear with it?

Fall's hottest trend is definitely proving to be leather: dresses, tops, and jackets galore! Typically a luxury item, leather apparel can definitely wield a large price tag. However, I've found two staple items for you that won't break the bank: a classic dress by Barney's (100% genuine leather, $99 at Asos) and a peplum top by CO ("vegan" faux leather, $89 at Urban Outfitters). 

I've also included my favorite pumps to complement your look - whether your style is bold glam rocker or a neutral sleek chic, this shoes will adapt your leather look to fit any personality! Think: neon patent leather, color block, suede in bold colors, gunmetal, nude, studs, and snakeskin (most available at DSW for $50-60).

Shop the Look:

Luxurious Leather by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Style: Fake It Til You Make It, Part II

About two weeks ago I introduced you to my newest segment, "Fake It Til You Make It", focused on showing affordable alternatives to the hottest designer trends for the young person on a budget. To view Part I, click HERE. 

This week, I'm bringing you even more fantastic finds that look similar to favorites by Charlotte Olympia, Prada, Burberry, Lulu Guinness, Kate Spade, and Alexander McQueen. 

Check out all 6 sets of the fabulous originals and their wallet-friendly alternatives below:

Fake It Til You Make It, Pt. II by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Style: Talk Nerdy to Me - 24 Essentials for the Chic Geek

So, Comic-Con 2012 was in San Diego just last month, the last Batman film in the Chris Nolan trilogy came out, and NASA successfully landed "Curiosity" on Mars this week...needless to say, this summer it's hip to be a nerd!

Check out 24 of my favorite gifts for the chic-est of geeks from across the interwebs. You'll definitely be saying "woot!" (translation: want one of those) to these fantastic finds:

Talk Nerdy to Me: 24 Essentials for the Chic Geek by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Style: Smells Like Team Spirit

It's the midway point of 2012's Olympic Games and team spirit continues to build. As the final medal counts come in, who will come out on top? 

Show support for your favorite team with these fashionable items I've found for men AND women, many of which are available in prints representing a wide variety of different countries & flags. 

Win or lose, show off those team colors with pride & share them with your friends across the globe - that's what the Olympic spirit is all about!

Click below to view the FULL list:

Style: Fake It Til You Make It

We all love classic brands like Belgian Shoes, Chanel, Bobbi Brown, and Gucci. However, they also carry some hefty price tags. When you're in your first few years out of college you might not be able to save up yet for these very covet-worthy closet staples. Here are a few very convincing alternatives that will save you money in the meantime and keep you looking great!

Fake It Til You make It by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Style: Outrageous Oxfords for Under $100

This season's womenswear collections are strongly inspired by classic men's workwear. The pages of nearly every fashion magazine have done a spread on these looks and tailored suit inspired styles graced the runways of top designers like Stella McCartney. 

The next stop for this hot trend? Definitely footwear. The women's oxford shoe trend is back in full force with a fun feminine touch. Rather than designing oxfords in classic leather, the fashion world has gone all out with neons, tribal prints, metallics, florals, lace, and all of the other amazing trends of this year. Check out my top finds for the most outrageous statement oxfords at reasonable, trend-worthy prices.

Outrageous Oxfords for Under $100 by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

The 30 Most Iconic British Names in Fashion

In celebration of the London 2012 Olympics and the Opening Ceremony tonight, the media just can't stop talking about all the fabulous fashions from across the pond. Having lived in the UK just last year, I had to put in my 2 cents!

Today I've curated for you THE list of the 30 Most Iconic British Names in Fashion. Most of these names have already hit it big in the USA with boutiques lining the streets of all the major US cities' shopping districts.

(The few that do not yet have US locations offer overseas shipping.)

So....on to my Gold Medalists! Who made the cut?

The 30 Most Iconic British Names in Fashion by victoria-harman on polyvore.com

Products of the Day: Rolling Stones Edition

50th Anniversary Logo designed by street artist Shepard Fairey

Today is the 50th Anniversary of The Rolling Stones' first show!

Show off your "Moves like Jagger" with these products featuring their iconic lips logo:

Be a Groupie - The Steal:

The Rolling Stones Neon Tongue Drape Dress by Amplified

$33.14 at Asos

Buy it HERE

The Rolling Stones Neon Tongue (left) and USA (right) T Shirts by Amplified

$29.83 at Asos

Buy the Neon Tongue Tee HERE

Buy the USA Tee HERE

The Classic Fan with a Feminine Twist:

Rolling Stones Rock Band Sweatshirt

$59 at Urban Outfitters

Buy it HERE

Rock Star Status - The Splurge:

Like a Rolling Stone 22kt Gold Leaf Cuff Bracelet by Evocateur

$324 at Endless

 Buy it HERE

Style: Tax Day Sales Galore

Dogeared: 20% off selected items w/ the code "SURPRISE2012" (ends 4/16)
Piperlime: 20% off sitewide w/ the code "TWENTY" (ends 4/17)
The Stationery Studio: 17% off $75+ w/ the code "TAXDAY2012" (ends 4/18)
Bobbi Brown: 20% off $65+, no code needed + FREE Shipping (ends 4/18)
BeautyBar.com: $15 off $75+ w/ the code "GREENB"
C.O. Bigelow: 20% off any C.O. Bigelow candle w/ the code "CANDLE"
Casa.com: 15% off any one item w/ the code "GREENC"
Betsey Johnson: 30% off all clothing, no code needed (ends 4/18)
Old Navy: 15% off w/ the code "ONMONDAY" (ends 4/16)
Asos: Mid-Season Sale, up to 50% off
HSN: New Clearance Items, up to 60% off
Shopbop: 20% off sitewide w/ code "INTHEFAMILY20" (ends 4/18)
Last Call by Neiman Marcus: 20% off w/ the code "CNMSAVINGS" via Ebay Fashion Outlet (ends 4/30)
Lord & Taylor: 25% off almost everything, 10% off fragrances w/ the code "FRIENDS"

Check out my picks from these sales by clicking on my HavetoHave list below:

Style: Look Smashing in Smoking Flats

I just love the latest shoe trend, smoking flats (or smoking slippers, as some call them).  They're a great blast from the past available in all shapes & materials - modernizing the classic piece. While there are some well-known established smoking flat retailers, such as beloved Stubbs & Wootton, these fantastic shoes have historically been very hard to find at a price level affordable to all.  Below I have selected some of my favorite smoking flats that will fit all budgets. They span every style from needlepoint to animal print, classic velvet to tweed - all fit for everyone from preppies to rock stars!

[CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE]

1. Regan Smoker Flats and 2. Rula Smoker Flats, both $19.99  at Beyond the Rack; 3. Madee Flats, $199.95 by Steve Madden; 4. Anchor Print Cotton Smoking Slippers, $125 at Saks (by Charles Philip Shanghai); 5. Gatsby Flat and 6. Gatsby Leopard Flat, both $69.95 at DSW (by Jon Josef); 7. Capri, $49.95 at Sole Society; 8. Sophie Wool Herringbone Slippers, $135 at Saks (by Charles Philip Shanghai); 9. Loafers, $39.99 at Kohl's (by Rock & Republic); 10. Baron Flat, $49.99 at Piperlime (by Mia); 11. Vectra3 Studded Slippers, $56 at TopShop; 12. Jillted, $89.95 at Steve Madden; 13. Vilda Smoker Flat, $19.99 at Target (by Mossimo); 14. Leandra Suede Loafer, $50.13 at Asos; 15. Monsieur Metallic Trim Slipper, $60 at TopShop; 16. Bees on Lime Needlepoint Loafer and 17. Frog Needlepoint Loafer, both $195 at By Paige; 18 Leo Slippers, $62.67 at Asos; 19. Suede Slipper Loafer, $98 at C.Wonder; 20. Slipper Loafer, $49 at Joe Fresh; 21. Leo Slippers w/ Tapestry Detail, $50.13 at Asos; 22. Velvet Leopard Slip-on Flat, $25.50 at Charlotte Russe; 23. Ling Linen Lofer, $325 at iomoi; 24. Faux Snakeskin Flats, $19.99 at Old Navy

Style: Spring Sales Galore!

Milly - 20% OFF

Code: SPRINGSALE

Tommy Hilfiger - 30% OFF ALL SALE

Code: MARCH30

ASOS - 30% OFF

Code: PLUS10

Old Navy - Easter Sale $5-15 Items

No Code, FREE Shipping on Orders $50+

Betsey Johnson - The More You Spend, The More You Get