Hasta La Ideas

The astoundingly versatile Alexander McQueen—for our money one of the most talented fashion designers alive—is branching out, this time with Puma. It was likely a match made in the boardroom, as Puma is owned by French conglomerate Pinault-Printemps-Redoute (PPR), which also owns Gucci Group, whose brands include Alexander McQueen. The designer has previously collaborated with Puma on footwear, and now the company is launching a McQueen-designed line of clothing (for men and women) and accessories. The collection, Alexander McQueen Puma, debuted yesterday in a short film shown during the Milan men’s shows and will hit stores this fall, WWD reported. Among the “performance-inspired” looks: men’s knitted rugby shirts with bat-wing sleeves, high-waisted combat pants, and women’s boots inspired by boxers’ footwear. McQueen isn’t likely to reprise his pugilistic Puma line’s “ergonomic cuts” and “combat bandage details” in another forthcoming collaboration: his McQ collection for Target, which bows in March.

Previously on UnBeige:

Weddings are deeply rooted in tradition, so much so that the white gown and coordinating taffeta bridesmaid dresses are just the buttercream icing on the classic tiered cake. But these days, more and more brides are opting for a more modern approach, and as little twists such as wedding cupcake arrangements make way for bigger ones like shorter dresses and atypical venues, it’s only a matter of time before the biggest little wedding tradition- the ring- follows suit. Edgy jewelry maker Alex & Chloe has taken the traditional wedding ring and given it an ultra-modern spin with their 14k gold “Holding You Forever” rings, available exclusively on Revolve Clothing. With inverted princess-cut diamonds, square bands, and concentric circles, you’ve truly never seen rings like these! The men’s ring is identical, minus the diamonds (and a couple dollars). The rings can be purchased as a set or individually, and are custom-made and shipped within two weeks. They’re just traditional enough to be elegant, and the style, while definitely not the usual, is indeed timeless- just the way things should be.

Looking for a jacket that’s timeless yet on-trend and will get you through winter and well into spring? Look no further! Military jackets have been seen all over the runways from Gucci to Moschino, worn on celebs like Mischa Barton and Victoria Beckham, and featured on street fashion blogs from Los Angeles to Paris. Military jackets are usually characterized by bold knob buttons, a double-breasted fit, and come in neutral and classic colors like black, cream, or navy. Whether they’re mid-length or cropped, you can find something that suits your style and climate. Worried about price? I’ve found military-inspired jackets that hit every price point from $40 to over $700. The cape cadet coat from Elizabeth & James brings a dramatic military flair to any ensemble, while a wool-blend tweed jacket is suited for everyday wear. So snap into attention and get shopping! To see more on-trend military jackets, click the slideshow!

For a while there, it seemed as though fashion was starting to quickly solidify itself inside of bright, obnoxious colors, a la 1983. Fortunately, the economy collapsed, the happiness has been drained from nearly every industry, and now things can get back to normal. So it would seem if fashion shows are any gauge. The New York Times reports from two shows in Milan, one for Burberry and the other for Missoni, both of which seem to be trying to cultivate a look that’s a cross between cast members from Oliver! and professional pallbearers. It’s pretty gloomy. And the AP confirms this, taking in shows by houses like Prada and Dolce & Gabbana, all of which seem to have shifted to an absolute fear or color and/or joy. What does all of this mean? For starters, that things are lousy out there. But the good side is that those grey pants you wore out but never threw away will look amazing with simple cloth patches. All the better if you can learn to say “Please sir…” in a convincing British accent.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media

Sophie Kinsella’s “Shopaholic” books were a permanent fixture on my nightstand for quite some time, so to say I’m excited for the February 13th release of the Confessions Of A Shopaholic movie (starring the oh-so-adorable Isla Fisher– remember her in Wedding Crashers?) is a complete understatement! To celebrate, we’re bringing you the Confessions Of A Shopaholic- PASSION FOR FASHION Giveaway, and this is one that you definitely won’t want to miss! In case you didn’t know, the film takes fashionable heroine Rebecca Bloomwood (Fisher) out of her native London and plants her in New York City, where the only thing soaring higher than her journalism career is her shopping-induced credit card debt. And if you thought reading about that was fun, well… imagine seeing all of the designer duds and drama unfold on the big screen! Wish you could live vicariously through her compulsive spending, minus the whole debt part? Click READ MORE to see the contest and prize info, and your wish may come true!