Label Love: Penumbra Puts An Effortlessly Dressy Spin On Jersey

imageIf your SAT vocabulary is a little dusty since its last use in high school, the word penumbra is defined as “a space of partial illumination between the perfect shadow and full light.” This is why it’s the perfect name for Courtney Bennett and Stephanie Giorgio’s collection of jersey separates. With the intent to fill the void for pieces that blur the line between casualwear and eveningwear, the founders created Penumbra, which blends simple unadorned fabrics with stylish cuts and innovative tailoring. The result is a collection of jersey tops and dresses that are effortless yet still elegant with feminine details like draping, cut-outs, and cowled backs without the need for embellishment. With its appealing simplicity, Penumbra’s pieces are meant to both be able to stand alone or be accessorized, guaranteeing maximum versatility for any style or season! Check out the Penumbra official site for more info, and don’t forget to take a look at the slideshow for a preview of the collection!

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Label Love: Hit The Beach Like A Star In L*Space Swimwear

imageWith a line that’s already been in existence for over a decade and a faithful celebrity fan base that includes the likes of Jessica Alba, Cameron Diaz, and Lindsay Lohan, Monica Wise’s L*Space is already a leading brand in stylish swimwear. But just because she’s been in the biz for a while doesn’t mean she isn’t always finding ways to switch things up poolside and keep it fresh on the beach. Drawing inspiration from her native coastal Florida and her current SoCal home, as well as her love for jewelry and girlie embellishments, Wise designs with showstopping sexiness in mind, but still never compromising comfort and impeccable fit! Known for her use of shiny hardware, innovative cuts, ruffles, fringe, and wild prints, L*Space suits are anything but simple, yet are created with both beach bunnies and active surfer girls in mind. She’s even working on expanding the line to include apparel and eco-friendly swimwear for the green gals! For a glimpse at some of the slinky suits from L*Space’s latest collection, check out the slideshow!

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Label Love: Leila Shams Makes Superstition Look Chic!

imageJust knowing that designer Leila Shams’ Spring 2010 collection was inspired by “Weird Science” and her latest Fall 2010 collection draws from bad omens like black cats, broken mirrors, and the number 13, it’s pretty clear from the get-go that her taste is on the eclectic side. But despite the wild, edgy prints and liberal use of sequins, her line really isn’t too “out there” at all — in fact, her fondness for sparkle and modern sexy silhouettes is bound to appeal to any glam girl, no Lady GaGa alter-ego required! Shams herself is no newcomer to the fashion world, having served in director positions at DKNY, Express, and Bebe, to name a few, but her collections certainly don’t fail to bring a certain refreshing funkiness in a way that’s still feminine and totally wearable. She describes her designs as an “explosion” of her favorite things: prints, sparkle, and super-short dresses — and her latest collection definitely doesn’t leave us short-changed in that respect! But don’t fret about bad luck coming your way; she insists that her fashionable homage to all things superstitious will more likely help you “get lucky!” Check out the slideshow for some of her most recent creations.

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Label Love: Make A Splash In A SHIMMI Bikini!

imageThe collaborative brainchild of models-turned-designers Scarlett Chorvat and Alison Renner, SHIMMI swimwear focuses on creating bikinis that fuse classic cuts with playful rock ‘n roll influences. The designer duo, raised in the Midwest and now residing in LA, created their debut collection with the “picky” girl in mind, determined to create that perfect bikini we girls go to great shopping lengths every swim season to seek out! With a “no rules” motto towards design, SHIMMI focuses on comfort and lightweight fabrics to create suits that still look modern with sexy innovative cuts and eye-catching patterns to flatter any skin tone. While the designers’ experience as successful models gives them an insight into designs that photograph well and draw attention in editorial campaigns, they also strive to create suits for the everyday woman, not just those who grace the magazine covers! Check out the SHIMMI website for more info on where to snag your own suit, and take a look at the slideshow for a preview of their debut collection!

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Get Coco Rocha’s Sleek Futuristic Look

imageAfter Coco Rocha stepped out at the Grammy’s wearing a piece from her upcoming fashion line, I’ve come to expect her to always wearing her own designs. Yet, when she guest judged the 3rd annual Supima Design competition she didn’t wear her own line – instead she rocked a futuristic look by one of the nominated designers Victor De Souza. She joined the league of uber fashionable ladies, like Daphne Guinness to wear the designers fashion forward looks. While it might be hard to wear the exact look everyday (how does one sit in a patent leather belt/skirt anyways), when paired down it€™s a great sleek mid-season look. Start with a fitted black blazer that has a strong shoulder, Vivienne Westwood€™s Bold Shoulder Jacket has a similar feel, or for something more casual try Superfine’s fitted black denim jacket. Pair that with some basic black leggings like Coco did or add a space age touch with some leather inset leggings. While you could wear some nice flat or heeled boots like Coco did, I suggest taking the look up a bit with some peep-toe black booties. To keep with the minimalist feel of the look, accessorize with a simple cocktail ring worn on the thumb. Check out the slideshow for how to replicate her look!

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Label Love: Born Famous Couture

imageI can appreciate the much-touted model off-duty style as much as the next girl, but some days, all I really want is a standout t-shirt, something a little different than the American Apparel basics I’d throw on any other day. Then I came across Born Famous Couture, a line of not-so-basic tees with fun embellished details for a one-of-a-kind feel. Designed by Todd Rosen, the tees are inspired by celebs like Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, and Jordin Sparks, and the most expensive one is just $33! Tie dye prints, layered chains, slouchy pockets, and zippers give these tees a touch of couture styling, while the standby silhouette (a v-neck, a racerback tank) keeps them in casual territory. They’re just the thing to pair with your favorite jeans, denim shorts and minis, or even your favorite black skirt. These tees do the accessorizing for you, so let them be the center of attention — after you, of course. My picks? A lacy pieced tank, a purple and black dyed zip-front tee, and an acid washed studded pocket tee… but at around $25 each, do I really need to choose? See the slideshow for more from Born Famous Couture, and see all of the styles on their web site!

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Label Love: Alice By Temperley

imageThere’s nothing we enjoy more than the news that one of our favorite designers has released a diffusion line, meaning owning a piece of their creative brilliance isn’t going to break the bank… completely, anyway. Alice Temperley’s Temperley London label has been around since 2000, but she’s recently unveiled Alice by Temperley, a quintessentially London-inspired line containing flirty printed and striped sundresses, skinny pants, dresses, and jackets. The pieces were made for mixing and matching for a youthfully irreverent look full of breton stripes, florals, and polka dots. It’s a playful take on Temperley London’s signature bold, embellished ensembles, at a significantly smaller price point ($95 for tops to $595 for a leather jacket). Click on the slideshow to see my favorite looks from the Alice by Temperley Spring/Summer 2010 collection!

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Label Love: Wren Spring 2010

imageThe Spring 2010 collection from Wren has me so excited! A playful but practical color palette of deep blues and muted pinks are mixed with flattering neutrals and whites. The looks are nonchalant and vintage-inspired, reminiscent of a summer breeze blowing through a day by the docks. Loose, slouchy cuts skim all the right places, while layered ruffles and bare shoulders add an insouciant touch. Most importantly, each piece looks comfortable and light and there’s nothing better than fashion that’s not only fun to look at, but also fun to wear. Click on the slideshow to see the sweet, laid back appeal of Wren’s Spring 2010 collection!

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Label Love: Boy By Band Of Outsiders

imageLA-based brand Band of Outsiders is most prominently known for making “clothes and other stuff like that.” In other words, they’re the quintessence of looking effortlessly put-together without appearing pretentious, and consistently provide well-tailored preppy-chic pieces that still manage to give off the unbuttoned casual vibe. Their collection “Boy.” has already made a name for itself having been photographed on Leslie Mann and Marisa Tomei, praised by Anna Wintour herself, and even donned by Bella Swan in “New Moon,” but the brand never ceases to amaze us with each new wave of season-friendly styles. With tomboy-inspired separates that are both comfy yet perfectly constructed and detailed, the pieces are one part retro-cute, one part nautical, two parts preppy, and unmistakably feminine despite the line’s newsboy flavor. Read more on Band of Outsiders on their website, and check out the slideshow for some of our favorite pieces from their latest available collection!

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Label Love: Contrarian

imageContrarian is a label designed by a mother and daughter duo who use their differing generational views on fashion to produce a line that is trendsetting, versatile and the perfect for mixing and matching your way to the style you want to achieve. Based out of New York City and made in the USA, Contrarian features apparel ranging from sophisticated dresses, blouses, skirts and trousers mixed in with interesting garments inspired by the Edwardian era, including blazers and sweeping tailcoats, as well as unique and flattering pieces like kimono cardigans and military style jackets. The signature look of Contrarian, however, is their backless pieces which are sexy and different. Already a favorite of celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Taylor Swift and Rihanna, Contrarian can be found in boutiques nationwide including Sarca, Pixie and Ivy, Harajuku, She Boutique, Red E and Pik Nik. Click on the slideshow to see more of Contrarian’s sweet and feminine looks for yourself!

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