2013 S/S INSPIRATION: RACHEL ZOE

I'd like to start off by saying I am so EXCITED for the new season of The Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo!

 After watching the preview I decided to check out her 2013 S/S Collection and it really got me excited for spring! The collection is very 60's inspired. I would say the collection is very Ralph Lauren but instead of a preppy style it has a boho flair to it. Style.com reviewed the line and said it looked "over merchandised and it was easy to overlook the clothes". I totally understand their concern but I think her brand is meant to showcase her love for accessories and ability to style. You can tell by the line that she aspires to appeal to a mass market and in a way, helping her fans achieve her "style".

When it comes to being a budget fashionista, I believe in finding inspiration from designers and finding a budget friendly alternative. So I've taken some of my favorite looks and translated them into trends and key pieces for my spring wardrobe wish list.

Key pieces and trends inspired by RZ:
1) rompers/pantsuits.
    thin oversized open cardigans
2) equestrian hats
    really small clutches
3) flowy, loose and silk like materials
4) headpieces such as turbans, and wraps and jewelry head piece
    flowy and light maxi skirts

Now I will be hunting for these pieces and hopefully I can add them to the East Urban Collection so you can enjoy them with me at a lower price !

Until next time,
 Mel

My Essential Shoes for Fall

I decided to pull out some shoes out of my closet to make my outfit choices a little easier this fall. I think you'll notice a pattern with the shoes I buy haha. My two favorite places to buy shoes is Zara, usually when they have a sale, and forever 21, mostly because they are inexpensive so I don't mind if they get scuffed up. Its all about fashion on a budget!

1.Combat-ish boots-Zara // 2. Patent Faux Leather Loafers-Zara // 3. Booties-XX21 // 4.Mary Jane-XX21 // 5. Sneaker Wedges-Sample for EU // 6. Wedge ankle boots-Zara

My newest pair are the Sneaker Wedges and I am so in love with them! This past summer I bought a similar pair from H&M in a nude pink color without the heel but rarely ever wore them because they made me look so frumpy and short! These are the perfect pair because they add length to my frame and are still as comfortable as regular sneakers! Whether these will be available on East Urban will depend on the demand.

And here are shoes I'm looking forward to adding to my Collection:

Fall Shoe Wish List by fashionxphilosophy featuring pointy boots

Zara boots
zara.com
 This is actually a splurge for me, not quite sure if I'm ready to bite the bullet for this one, but I am in love with this Chloe dupe.

H&M high heel pumps
$80 - hm.com
Must have for fall are closed toe classic pumps!

Forever 21 pointy boots
forever21.com
I love combat boots, and I love this pair in particular because of the heel!

Forever 21
forever21.com
 I prefer these over the Lita's because its a little more refined and slightly less grungy, however, that's just my personal style.


Now I'm off to dreaming about these shoes!

Love,
Mel
 

Nicole Richie for Macy's

I looove Nicole's boho chic style and jewelry line, House of Harlow, so when I first heard about this, I was really excited to check it out! (Officially in stores and online now).

Overall, I enjoyed the collection and thought it really exuded her signature style. I wish they would have used a different background in these pictures though, it's really hard to tell what some of the pieces look like.

Well anyways, here are my favorites:

Pieces Range from $39-$129. Source: Macy's

I don't think I'll actually buy anything but if I were to, it would the the leather sleeve top. 

Does anyone else plan on shopping her collection?

-Mel