Paul Smith To Design Exclusive Collection For Barneys New York

imageThere are stores I love, and then there are stores I wish I could love more. Oh, and by love I mean shop at. Barneys is one of those stores. Creative Director Simon Doonan has such a refreshingly lighthearted take on designer fashion that other high-end department stores seem to lack, and when the day comes that I lose all self-restraint and decide to blow my life savings on Lanvin bow pumps, I know I’ll need plenty of humor to get me through it. I can count on Barneys for that. In the meantime, I’ll have to focus my sights elsewhere, but when I heard Paul Smith was designing an exclusive collection for the retailer, I figured it deserved some attention! The collection of suiting, separates, and shirts, fittingly titled “Exclusive,” will be available in Barneys flagship stores this fall. Smith had this to say about the upcoming line: “I have been privileged to work with Barneys New York for many years and so it’s really great that I can do something that is especially for them and create an Exclusive collection where the designs are very Paul Smith.” So what can we expect? Lots of striping, check designs, and velvet. So what if it’s for the boys? You know I’ll be there to check it (and the shoe section) out anyway.

Enter To Win A Set Jewelry By Roberta Chiarella!

imageStill looking for the perfect piece of statement jewelry to top off your spring outfits? Look no further than Roberta Chiarella. Her collection of bold and bright earrings, necklaces, and bracelets is nothing short of stunning. Juicy gemstones, sparkling jewels, and colorful baubles adorn her jewelry, and best of all, each piece is so affordable that you won’t have to choose just one! Her collection also includes hair accessories and a bridal jewelry line, perfectly priced for just the right amount of sparkle. Standout picks include a must-have turquoise bib necklace, a pair of floral gemstone earrings, and a pair of emerald stunners– yes, modeled after the ones Angelina Jolie wore to the Oscars! We’re giving away a set of Roberta Chiarella jewelry including three Crystallized Swarovski “emerald” elements: the earrings, a cocktail ring, and a matching bracelet, for a total retail value of $184. Click READ MORE to find out how you can win it all!

Save 25% On Spring Looks From Rebecca Turbow!

The spring and summer seasons are the perfect time to experiment with fun new styles, and this summer, there’s no better way than with Rebecca Turbow. The Brooklyn-born designer started her eponymous collection in 2005 and has gone from playing dressmaker to her indie music scene friends to being recognized as one of the hottest new lines to come out of New York– not an easy feat! But it’s easy to see why: her clothes are simple and modern with a touch of playful wit that makes all the difference. And now for the really fun part- they’ve offered Stylehive readers a special discount! From now through Sunday, April 26th, save 25% on all Rebecca Turbow items with code STYLEHIVE. Click on the video to see more from s/s 2009, and happy shopping!

Karmaloop Welcomes Melody Ehsani’s Fresh New Shoes!

One of my favorite designers, Melody Ehsani, has just dropped her latest shoe collection, now available at Karmaloop.com. The LA based designer has a knack for designing and creating eye-catching footwear. Web-exclusive to her own site and Karmaloop.com, Ehsani’s collection offers a fantastic line of shoes, featuring bold, flashy pieces that have caught the attention of many celebrities. Ehsani has just recently collaborated with fellow designer Richie Rich on a new collection, and has also partnered up with singer Keri Hilson, producing her merchandise for her tour with Lil Wayne. The designer has a strong belief in her inner power as woman, which has allowed her to challenge the status quo and conventional norms. Through her line, she pushes other daring women to overcome barriers and shed any weight of uncertainty about themselves. The Melody Ehsani customer believes in self-expression, independence, and women loving fashion for themselves because of the way it makes them feel. The collection yields nothing short of quality high-fashion products that are stunning, comfortable and affordable. Peep the ‘Love Stinks’ heel and the ‘Javier’ heel and join Ehsani in her fight to upset the equilibrium!

SOPHOMORE Spring Is Online Now!

Faced with the prospect of a so-called heat wave making its way to San Francisco today, I was especially happy to find a refreshing message in my inbox from SOPHOMORE: their spring collection is finally online! Actually, “refreshing” doesn’t do the collection justice. Standing in front of the freezer with the door open is refreshing. The spring looks from SOPHOMORE are just plain cool. Think cutout dresses, easy fitting tanks, simple, original graphic tees, and of course, a fun spin on last fall’s zipper skirt. It’s really all about the colors for this collection- creamsicle orange and dusty blue offer an effortless, lived-in look that couldn’t be more perfect. Click the slideshow for a preview of the looks we’ll be wanting and wearing all summer long!

slideshow (6117)

And The Winner Of The $300 Meghan Fabulous Gift Certificate Is…

Spring is here, and the only thing better than the lovely weather is the clothes! Sure, fall and winter clothes have charm of their own, but aren’t we all done with layering for awhile now? With higher temperatures it’s great to just throw on a piece or two and be set for the day! And when you really want to make those pieces count, turn to Meghan Fabulous. Her quirky, colorful clothes are pure fun, embracing the anything-goes feeling that makes fashion so irresistible. Last week we introduced you to Meghan’s collection and gave you the chance to win a $300 gift certificate to her super-cute shop- all you had to do was sign up for her mailing list! So easy! Click READ MORE to find out if you won!

Enter To Win A $300 Gift Certificate To Meghan Fabulous!

Need to jumpstart your spring wardrobe? Have we got the thing for you! If you’ve never heard of Meghan Fabulous, start listening. Now. Having studied at F.I.T. and the CFDA, Meghan’s talent is clear, and it comes through in each of her playfully original collections. Taking inspiration from global travels, Elsa Schaperelli, Galliano, and her peers from the design world, Meghan designs timeless silhouettes updated with embellishments and vibrant touches of color, her goal being that women wearing her clothing experience a sense of confidence, femininity, and individuality. Oh, and did we mention fun? Picture strutting down the street in a ruffled silk habotai tunic dress that’s sweet and sassy all at once, or a fabulously flirty sequin paneled skirt. Each piece is so unique that you’ll never have to worry about walking into the room wearing the exact same outfit as someone else… unless you happen to hang out with Mary-Kate Olsen, Kristen Bell, or Ashley Tisdale… yup, they’re just a few of the many celeb fans of Meghan’s work! Want to win a $300 gift certificate to Meghan’s shop? Read on to find out how, and be sure to catch the video to see one of her pieces up close!

Meet Koi Suwannagate, Stylehive’s Next Big Thing!

Fashion designer Koi Suwannagate first came to my attention when she collaborated with Phillip Lim for his Spring 2007 collection (remember those rosette dresses that were sold out everywhere?). Also in 2007, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Vogue chose the designer as a finalist for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award. Born in Bangkok and now designing out of Los Angeles, Koi is known for her romantic designs and signature draped cashmere pieces. It’s easy to see why Kirsten Dunst, Oprah Winfrey and Christina Ricci have all worn pieces by Koi! We got a chance to talk to Koi, amidst her busy schedule, about who her favorite designers are and what we can expect from her next! Read on to see the interview and check out the slideshow to see her favorite pieces from her Spring collection, as well as a few beautiful looks that you can purchase from her online store.

slideshow (6014)

All The Nu Rave

Fashion can start onstage and make its way down to create its own culture. In early 2007 neon leggings and bright colored t-shirts started to dot the runways, club scenes, and raves. Starting in London, this Nu Rave fashion spread throughout Europe from clubs like The End to Yelle’s latest video. Clothing labels such as Ice Cream and Genetic Denim have given way to these fashion trends in New York and LA. Nu Rave is a term derived from a similar fashion style of the late eighties and early nineties that was brought from the club scene and pop icons to the catwalks and fashion magazines by designers like Stephen Sprouse (who was among the first to bring a street art/graffiti look to his clothing). The sparkle headbands and oversized neon glasses with matching leggings was first noticed in the underground clubs of London. It then hit the streets of Paris where artists and musicians started to embody the Nu Rave image. Today, musicians such as Yelle, Ed Banger Records, New Young Pony Club, Uffie, LMFAO and New York native Lady Gaga are beginning to deck themselves out in designers such as Jeremy Scott, House of Holland, and Cassette Playa. Even Kanye and M.I.A. have started their own labels bringing this edgy, rocker, rave look to the their fans. This aesthetically attention-grabbing look not only embraces individual creativity, but embodies a culture. Nu Rave is a counter part to a lifestyle inspired by urban music and art. It captures a feeling and a lifestyle. Take a look at WhatsWear.com for more spring trends, fashion movements, and style news!

Enter To Win A $500 Handbag From Beautiful People Design!

Searching for a new handbag can be harder than it sounds! You want something stylish but not too trendy, something noticeably high-quality but not drenched in labels, and something that you can lug life’s necessities around in… without spending your monthly rent. Oh, and it has to look good too. Sound familiar? Turn to Beautiful People’s collection of classic, feminine styles the next time you’re yearning for a new handbag. Designed by former children’s book illustrator Johanna Boccardo, Beautiful People handbags are full of inspiration and whimsical appeal, balanced with clean lines and supple leather for an everyday, yet extra special look. The current Spring/Summer 2009 collection, titled CAPULET, has just what you’d expect from a Shakespearean-inspired line, with subtle rose details, soft, feminine shapes, and deep, earthy colors. Take a look at the big bucket bag, in smooth or crinkled calfskin with plenty of pockets. For a playful evening bag, the little rose is on our wishlist- the rosette detail combined with the classic chainlink strap is irresistible. Click READ MORE to learn more about Johanna and Beautiful People in our interview, and see how you can win the ‘Juliet’ handbag for yourself!

slideshow (5871)