Hippie Chicks!

Ombre my God!

Every decade seems to be having its moment this season, and today we're going back to the 70s. Peace-loving, bohemian chic was clearly one of the messages designers were channeling for this season, with ombre dresses, tunics, sandals and bags jumping from the runways to store windows to the streets. Groovy, no?

We've roped in some of our favorites for your viewing pleasure. Check 'em out - we guarantee they're to dye for!

[Click image to enlarge]

Clockwise from top left:
Lacey Parker Silk Ombre Gown, $398, Intermix
Badgley Mischka Jeweled Ombre Dress, $665, Neiman Marcus
L.A.M.B. Ombre Patent Manchester Tote, $495, Nordstrom
Moon Katz Blake Ombre Strapless Dress, $258, Intermix
Prada Vernice Sfumata Small Hobo, $1395, Saks Fifth Avenue

Some Sunday Splendicity

Haute posts from the Splendicity Network:

Beautiful Makeup Search cannot get enough of this palette from the new Heatherette for MAC Collection.

Haute and Bothered's seeing stars

eye4style offers up the cutest polar bear pendant ever as a reader giveaway - enter to win now!

Wardrobe oxygen wonders if a backless bra made for busty women will live up to its claim.

Snarkstress hated to do it, but she had no choice. See Fashion Maven Eva Longoria get her first (and much-deserved) Snarkstress Shredding.

Teen Style Lounge reminds you to enter to win a $50 e-Gift card to Arizona Jeans Co. Monday is the last day for entry, so hurry over!

She Knows Best wants your opinion on skinny ties.

Style It Less shows the new Twisted Silver Earrings, a promo code and chance to win a pair.

Style Tots thinks the Chloe Kids Collection needs a bit of color.

A Touch of Blusher can't live without this foundation.

The Scented Life tried Mariah Carey's limited edition perfume, M by Mariah Carey GOLD

makeup loves me discovers the mystique of spring's newest nail trend grey polish . Come see it for yourself!

The Raging Rouge Beauty Blog is wild about tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess. Oh heavenly tan!

Beauty Banter talks exclusively to Earnest Sewn's gorgeous publicist and partner to find out what are her favorite, must-have beauty products!

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic gets some advice from Brad Johns on maintaining her blonde highlights!

Beautynomics shares her Scrub Story about The Face Shop Sake Gel Clarifying Body Scrub

The Latest Luxe enjoys life in the luxe lane with the Anya Hindmarch Lulu Clutch.

Chic of the Week: Nanette Lepore's Collage Floral Jacket

Who: Nanette Lepore
What: Her Collage Floral Jacket
Where: $375 at Bloomingdales
When: This season, natch!
Why: Because you can wear it to work or pair it with jeans... Because it hits every note of the fashion season: Floral, check! Fuscia, check! Shirred, empire waist, check, check and check!... Because when you throw in its embelle-ished collar, you've got one big chic of the week!

Hip HOP

Today's obsession is the hautest hare this side of anywhere. We're kinda embarrassed to admit it, but this British bunnyhas a far better wardrobe (and likely more Karats) than we do, but then again, she is an "haress" afterall. Meet, Fifi Lapin, a hip hopper with an eye for fashion and flair.

Fifi as the many faces of Chanel

Fifi strutting in Pucci

Fifi in Temperley!

And our personal favorite, Fifi in Carolina Herrera!

In addition to a fun little blog, Fifi has an etsy store which will reopen in April (she's been so busy it being Easter and all...) To see the rest of her couturrific wardrobe, hop on over to fifi-lapin.blogspot.com.

Perfect Summertime Gloss

The loveable Al Roker gives word that today it's to hit 60 degrees here in NY, a balmy delight after the long winter we've weathered. Which reminds us (or at the very least makes for an ideal segue) - while at the mall over the holiday weekend, we had a chance to check out the entire Heatherette collection and we've deemed their Lipglass Sock Hop the perfect summer shade. A soft, neutral coral, it'll flatter pretty much all skin tones and look uh-mazing with a tan. And, even better, we think it'll be the perfect replacement for our favorite discontinued (how could you!) Lancome gloss in coral. Now, if the sun would just come out to play stay.

Heatherette Lipglass in Sock Hop, $14, M.A.C

Breaking: P&G to Acquire Frédéric Fekkai

Looking to get expand into the prestige hair care market, WWD reports that P&G has announced it has signed an agreement to purchase Frédéric Fekkai.

Seeing Stars

The plexiglass stars that appear in YSL's Manifesto ad campaign have already started spurring knockoffs from here to Chinatown, but we were surprised to come across this version by Boudoir by Disaya that was included in her fall '07 jewelry line.

My stars! They're everywhere!

Kate in YSL's Manifesto ad campaign

Boudoir by Disaya's starry eyes surprise. Check out boudoirbydisaya.com for shopping info

The inevitable copy - available in rainbow or different hues of a variety of colors for $50 at Simply Must Have

If it looks like Goldenbleu and walks like Goldenbleu

...is it Goldenbleu?



How does Steve Madden, which is arguably a step above a Forever 21 get away with ripping off every designer under the sun - without even trying to hide it?

Above at right is Goldebleu's Parker Patent tote. And at its left is Steve Maddens near-identical imitation. We don't get it. Re-jail him we say! Take the keys and lock him up!

Marimekko's Moment

Marimekko's Unikko pattern (at right) is blooming all over the place! In addition to a fashion collection at H&M (see sneak peek pics below!) and a beauty line slated for year-end with Avon, several major fashion houses are getting in on the poppy trade too! What is going on? It's poppy madness!

Jumper from the upcoming H&M Tribute to Marimekko collection

Dress from the upcoming H&M Tribute to Marimekko collection

Tunic from the upcoming H&M Tribute to Marimekko collection

And now designer poppy (the poppy copies?):

D&G Dolce & Gabbana Floral Print Satchel, $845, Neiman Marcus

Manolo Blahnik was inspired this season by Marimekko and partnered with the company to use its Unikko pattern on a number of shoes. Here, the Mary Jane Slingback, $675, Bergdorf Goodman

Egg-cellent Spring Dresses

Being that today is Good Friday and all, I couldn't resist offering up dresses in easter egg-inspired hues (Peep couture?). Happy holidays chicklets!

Miu Miu Pleat-front mini dress, $760 at Net-a-Porter

Marc Bouwer Glamit! Empire Chiffon Mini Dress, $430, Saks Fifth Avenue

Peep! Norma Kamali Peasant Scoop Neck, $350, Nordstrom

Robert Rodriguez Silk Petal Dress, $429, Neiman Marcus

Karta jewel patch shift in turquoise. $242 at Pink Mascara

Hafize Ozbudak Iris Cap Sleeve Ruffled, $450, Forzieri

Heatherette for MAC

Let's hear it for the boys! Richie Rich and Traver Rains' limited edition collection for MAC is dancing its way into stores on Thursday and while the packaging is Barbie dream house pink, the palette is a far tamer than the faboyant duo who designed it.

"The packaging is the candy part, but the makeup you can wear to the prom or school or whatever," said Rich. "All the creative people with MAC thought we might want neon-neon, and then we wanted wearable makeup. There was a collective sigh. It is Estée Lauder after all."

Reports WWD:

"About a year ago, Rich and Rains started the product development process by scooping up the contents of their studio — sequins, glitter, swatches, bows and rhinestones — and bringing them in a bag to a meeting with MAC. The compacts' holographic foil mirror ball decal with the Heatherette logo can be traced to those sparkly origins."

Gotta love that! The collection includes 4 lipsticks, 4 glosses glasses, 3 eye shadow trios, 4 eye liners, 2 powders, and natch - it is Heatherette afterall - 2 glitters and lash sets. Prices range from $14 to $32.50.

Milly NY Actually Coming to NY!

WWD brings exciting word this morning that Milly's Michelle Smith is scouting shopfronts in NYC - fitting considering her website is MillyNY.com, and all! The designer and her husband Andrew Oshrin, Milly pres., are hoping to open a flagship on NY's Upper East Side (come downtown, Michelle my belle!) within the year.

Additional stores will be considered dometically in strong markets like Chicago, Boston, Dallas, San Francisco and Atlanta.

Fashion Cross-Dressers

Tons of designers are moving into areas they hadn't previously occupied (mostly accessories which are volume movers). So rather than individually report, we thought we'd give a round up of the best fashion cross-dressers!

Gryson Tie-up Ballerina flat, $295 at Gryson

Botkier Isis sandal, $475 at Botkier

Jimmy Choo Rock Sunglasses, $430 at Neiman Marcus

Badgley Mishka Platinum Scarlet Tote in Mustard, $495 at Luna Boston

3.1 Phillip Lim Camera Bag, $685 at Barneys

Who are your favorite cross-dressers?

Chrome Hearts Attack

Last night I was perusing Bergdorf's giant spring catalog - a true feast for the eyes, when I was taken off guard by a pair of sunglasses of all things. Sitting among Jimmy Choos, Chanels and Guccis was a pair of Chrome Hearts sunglasses priced at a heart-stopping $1195. Now, yes this is the jewelry brand of choice of Czar Karl, and yes, I'm sure it's top top top quality, but $1200 bucks for sunglasses? C'mon! I mean seriously - they're not really made of Chrome - I'm sure I could still bend 'em, twist 'em, mangle and lose 'em!

How much is too much? What's the most you'd spend on shades?

Breaking: Botkier for Target

It's a big bulls-eye day over here at Haute & Bothered!

First we announced that Subversive for Target was on sale early. Then we gave word that Gryson was collaborating on an accessories collection slated for April. And now, we just got word that the giant discounter has signed Botkier to do an accessories collection come summer.

The handbag collection - the fifth of its kind - is due in stores July 21. We implore you though: USE. REAL. LEATHER. That said, to whomever is signing designers we applaud you! They're Botkier with us!

Subversive for Target Aptly Arrives Early

CFDA fashion fund finalist Justin Giunta's limited edition accessory line, Subversive for Target, wasn't supposed to bow until March 23, but a quick click over to Target shows the pieces ripe for the picking. Most of the pieces won't ship for 2 weeks, but at least you can guarantee a bauble or two. Recommendations include:

Multi-layered beaded necklace, $59.99

Blossom Cherry Pendant, $29.99

Crystal Charm Bracelet Pink, $29.99

Lucite Hinge Cuffs, $14.99 each

Multi-strand watch fob, $59.99

In related news, Gryson for Target will launch April 6th nationwide. Stay tuned...

Gap Designer Whites: The Sequel

Coming soon to a Gap near you: 3.1 Phillip Lim! Band of Outsiders! Michael Bastian! Philip Crangi! And Threeasfour!

Since last year's showing was such a sleeper hit (and by sleeper hit we mean just try getting your hands on a small size), the retailer is bringing its design limited edition program back as part of its partnership with the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.

The collection, which this year in addition to iconic white shirts features men's wear and jewelery, will bow tax day (April 15th) nationwide, with a much wider distribution, including more stores here as well as the UK, Japan and Canada.

Despite the A-list design roster, Gap was only able to book no-name models like Chanel Iman, Jessica Stam, Lily Donaldson, Du Juan, Catherine McNeil, Anya Rubik, Doutzen Kroes and Irina Lazareanu to appear alongside the designers for its print ad shoot. Wonder what all the real models were doing?

[WWD]

If it looks like a Gucci, and walks like a Gucci..

is it a Gucci?

Nine West's gold sandal looks an awful lot like Gucci's Sevigny high heel, wouldn't you say?

Splendid Weekend Reads

The weeks Splendid best!

Beauty Secrets Revealed is giving away spa products worth $48.

Lipstick, Powder 'n Paint thinks that the K-Palette Real Lasting 24 hours Liquid Eyeliner is the best thing since sliced bread. See why.

Raging Rouge listens to expert advice from Dr. Jeanette Graf on how to stop (and reverse) the aging process!

Hot Mama Daily talks about a new color obsession for Spring 2008.

Aging Fabulous asks, Do you use eye cream?

She Knows Best wants Justin Timberlake to give Iggy Pop some lesson.

Haute and Bothered's psyched to see a Murakami grow in Brooklyn.

Style It Less wants to show Britney Spears how to wear a white halter dress for less.

Style Tots asks, an Xbox 360 or a Burberry Peacoat?

STYLEnosh quips that confidence is the most stylish thing you can wear.

Wardrobe Oxygen reviews plus size couture line Trentacosta New York.

A Touch of Blusher will be buying the latest fragrance from Stella McCartney.

My Wardrobe Today reviews a few beauty products from Benefit and Philosophy.

Snarkstress shares a lesson on how to completely overwhelm a small frame, compliments of the lovely Hayden Panettiere.

Teen Style Lounge is budget shopping in 5’s, finding 5 Super Sweet Easter Dresses under $20 and 5 Short and Sassy Prom Dresses under $75.

The Fashionable Kiffen celebrates St. Patrick's Day.

Raging Rouge listens to expert advice from Dr. Jeanette Graf on how to stop (and reverse) the aging process!

Beauty Banter speaks exclusively with Smashbox Cosmetics Lead Makeup artist, Lori Taylor, backstage at our dear friend, Nicky Hilton's, L.A. Fall Fashion show. Find out the inspiration for the look... and what products she used to achieve it!

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic shows you how to recreate the look Stila created for Wayne Lee, Fall 2008

A Betty Says What?

Betty and Veronica have taken over Jeffrey's, sparking the age old debate, "Are you a Betty or a Veronica?" Modeling this seasons wares, the famous blonde and brunette toons appear larger than life in the entranceway sporting their best makeover to date (Archie would SO be drooling).

We've put the pair in a saucy Marc Jacobs and a sweet Miu Miu, but we can assure you, they look far better in person than our dicey photoshopping job. Fashion fun, right about now we're thinking a Betty says, "THANK YOU!"

Rachel Bilson for DKNY Jeans

She's constantly snapped around LA rockin' her laid back jeans & a tee style (plus she's easily one of our top five fave fashettes), so it really shouldn't come as a surprise that Rachel Bilson has signed on to design a line for DKNY Jeans.

Interestingly enough, it was Bilson who contacted DKNY, to see if they'd be interested in collaborating with her. "This is something that I have been interested in doing for such a long time," said Bilson. "I was just waiting for the perfect opportunity for it to be done right."

In addition to designing the line, Bilson will star in its fall ad campaign. "Rachel has real personal style and she is very involved in every step. You can really see that in the collection," said Kevin Monogue, president of DKNY Jeans. For the launch, the line, which will be called Edie Rose (after her grandmother and a close family friend), consists of 15 items including tops (sweaters, jackets, tees, button downs), dresses and two styles of jeans, all moderately priced.

Added Bilson, "For me, I love vintage clothes and I shop vintage all the time. It's fun to play and put things together. You don't have to spend a lot to get a great look."

We're fairly confident the collection will be oOC (get it? get it?). Look for it in Nordstrom, Macy's and Lord & Taylor.

It's Coming! A Murakami Grows in Brooklyn

The Takaski Murakami/LV exhibit that's been in Los Angeles is heading east.


Soon, more than 90 works in various media as well as a pop-up Louis Vuitton store will be installed at the Brooklyn Museum, for the exhibit's April 5th opening date. But enough about art! To coincide with the exhibit, Vuitton will premiere a new collection, which will launch in the museum boutique on June 1, and select Vuittons starting June 15 (take that LA!).

[WWD]