JCPenney's Ultimate Designer Collaboration

On the heels of Prabal Gurung’s collaboration with Target, another successful designer is partnering with a big-box store to bring fashion to the masses. Nigerian born and London-based designer Duro Olowu has partnered with JCPenney and created a limited-edition Spring/Summer line that will be available both online and in stores March 2013.

The collection is JCPenney’s first designer collaboration in an attempt to reach a flock of fashion-obsessed customers.

Prices range from $10 to $100 making this African-inspired collection an affordable splurge. Eccentric bright floral and geometric printed pieces are incorporated into flowy spring dresses, skirts, shirts, accessories and even home goods.

Given that our fashionable First Lady Michelle Obama is a fan of Duro Olowu (as seen on the Oprah show), I would say the collection is bound for success. JCPenney stores better brace themselves as I foresee an abundance of elbow pushing, overflowing “bumper carts” and swiping plastic cards this March. 

A Festive Autumn

The seventy degree weather and sunny skies today made the first day of autumn that much more exciting. The one thing I can definitely say I love about living up north is the change in seasons. 

With autumn being my favorite, I went festive and finally whipped out my four dollar velvet New York and Company dress. I was a little hesitant when I initially purchased it, however I feel that velvet is a re-emerging trend that looks great if worn the right way. 

I decided to pair the maroon dress with yellow, white and tan wedges along with an American Apparel bright yellow clutch to add a pop of color. 

Searching for hidden gems

Found an amazing pair of Sam Edelman wedges...one size too big

Union Bay yellow and white detailed wedges

American Apparel yellow clutch 

Steve Madden rose sunnies

Fashion Week Snags

Chris Benz hand picked Essie nail polish from left to right ( A Crewed interest, French Affair, Sew Psyched and Action

My very first Fall Fashion Week in the city was nothing short of pure fashion bliss. From five inch heels struting the runway to the fabulous after parties, I certainly got my share of  Fashion Week glee.

At the Chris Benz party, guests were handed paper handbag's filled with freebies including a variety of Essie nail polishes handpicked by Chris Benz himself. The polishes were unique in both color and name. I have already began experimenting and have a feeling Sew Psyched (army green) will be the go-to color this winter.

Although Allure's beauty sale didn't have any freebies, it was a total steal. For a total of $5 I managed to snag a Nars dual eyeshadow set, Mac lipstick and gel eyeliner.  I reconsidered shopping for more when all the other beauty product fanatics had completely swarmed the very small room.

NARS Pandora dual eye shadow pallet, MAC Lustre lipstick and MAC liquid last eyeliner in point black

NARS Pandora Pallet in Shimmery white and black 

Making a statement

Wearing War headpiece by FRIDAY 

Making a statement with a particular piece of jewelry has always been significant to me. You could have the most simple ensemble thrown together yet those gorgeous earrings, statement necklace or killer headpiece is what gives you that extra touch to your final look.  

 During my interview with Annicia Lynton, owner of  FRIDAY  accessories I was impressed with her business savvy approach and unique ideas on fashion. At twenty-one years old, the girl seems to know what she is doing. Student at LIM pursuing a career in fashion merchandising, Lynton has already kicked off her very own successful business creating and selling fashion forward accessories.

Her line consists of highly detailed Egyptian-like headpieces in gold plated metal, bronze, silver and dark gold rust, all unique in their own way. Each piece sells for around $25 a pop and I am OBSESSED. Comparable to Nicole Richie's House of Harlow headpiece line that can sell for more than $100, FRIDAY has a unique array of carefully designed pieces that compliment every girl for half the price. 

Q & A 

When did FRIDAY kick off?

"FRIDAY started after I was asked to create headpieces for a fashion show at school last April. So many people continued to ask me about the pieces and were requesting to purchase them. That's when I decided to continue to make them."

What piece did you create for the show?

"I made the War and Egypt piece for the show. This is one of my most popular pieces."

What is your go-to fashion piece?

"My go-to fashion piece is a simple pair of comfy skinny jeans with an eye catching printed shirt...and of course a FRIDAY accessory."

What Inspires you?

"People who have great style. Someone who has that key piece that catches my eye."

What kind of girl wears FRIDAY?

"She is chic, loves to accessorize but understands that simplicity is best. She is a city girl between the ages of seventeen and twenty-four. She loves fashion and shopping."

Any other works or plans in the future?

"I am currently working on expanding my line into a unisex men's line. I just launched "HIM for FRIDAY". When creating the line, I envisioned the everyday man who has his own individual style. He is not afraid to add key pieces to complete his look. I wanted to create a line to compliment, not to compromise his everyday style."

A little bit of history...and something new

New York. A mixture of stiletto heels, chiffon blouses, cashmere sweaters and old pre-war brick buildings.

  Inspired by the retro-feel New York gives me, I decided to dig up three of my favorite gifted vintage pieces and new foxy heels. 

Bridesmaid gift from my best friends wedding: Vintage multi-colored clasp bracelet from the 50's

My grandmothers gold trimmed silk tank top from the 50's 

My mothers army green YSL belt from the 80's

The new addition to the closet : Jeffrey Campbell Foxy T-Strap heels in nude suede