Forever21 Twist Presents Limited-Edition Cirque 21 Collection

imageForever21 clothes are the fashion equivalent of a summer fling. The outcome is always the same: I fall hard for an item and before I know it (approximately two months later), it’s gone– chalk it up to less than satisfactory handiwork or perhaps neglect in the form of not taking it out to the dry cleaners (but why do that when you can Febreeze?). Even so, I find myself clicking over to the Forever21 website to scope out potential future heartbreaks. The latest thing to catch my eye? Forever 21 Twist: Cirque 21, a limited-edition collection of big top-inspired looks that will be available in stores and online starting Wednesday, July 29. Think stripes, poufy dresses, cropped jackets, and lots of tulle. There’s no word on future Twist collections, and this one’s really just not my type, but one thing’s for sure- I know I’ll be coming back for more. I just can’t help myself.

What do you think of Forever21 Twist? Check out the slideshow to preview the collection, and let us know in comments!

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Enter To Win One Of THREE Jewelry Goodie Bags From Hello Drama!

imageIf you’ve ever been in high school, joined a sorority, or had a roommate (or even just friends, for that matter), you’ve probably experienced what many like to call “drama.” Think that ship has sailed? Well, not quite! Turns out there’s some drama of a different sort headed our way, except this kind won’t make you run for the hills or do things that fall under the category of snarky/passive aggressive. Hello Drama jewelry was created by designers and Nylon Pink band members Katt and Kaila, who cite rock, lyrics, and anime as inspiration for their girly, kitschy, and over all edgy collection. The jewelry packs some serious attitude, but is cute and clever too! Read on for an interview with the Hello Drama design duo, and find out how you can score a jewelry goodie bag worth $50!

Sophie Hulme Masters Military Luxury

imageWhoever thought sequins couldn’t be minimalist never came across the designs of Sophie Hulme! Directly out of design school, the Brit started her own line for Fall ’08. After a few seasons of gaining steam, her wares are now sold around the world and online at Revolve Clothing. The line fuses together masculine, minimalist cuts with some girly flash. Military-style anoraks and bomber jackets are dripping in sequins that totally up their glamour factor. The collection is punctuated with cool utilitarian accessories as well. Quilted backpacks and sequined harnesses as well some limited edition jewelry add to the “boyish with flair” charm of the line. Each piece of clothing also comes with a special trinket that changes every season. The purpose, you ask? After a few collections, you’ll have enough to make your own Sophie Hulme charm bracelet. Check out the slideshow to see some of the line!

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Hot In The Hive: TokyoMilk Kiss Me Kit!

imageYou always remember a summer fling. With everyone leaving their homes and traveling by plane, train or automobile, you never know who you’ll meet… and get to know! Pack a little more pizazz into those flirty kisses with the Kiss Me Kit by TokyoMilk. These creamy lipsticks come wrapped in an elegant and feminine silver metal and paper and are available in a variety of seductive shades that will have him lusting after those lips well into the winter months! TokyoMilk Kiss Me Lipstick colors are infused with avocado oils, vitamin E, jojoba and aloe extract and protect your pretty pout with SPF 15. So whether you’re the vivacious vamp in the lush rose of “Your Kiss Is On My List,” the seductive sex-kitten in the shimmery champagne of “Kiss and Tell,” or the sexy girl-next door with the sparkly, kissable pink lips of “Kissing Booth,” TokyoMilk Kiss Me Lipsticks will nourish and hydrate your lips while making them luscious and unforgettable. For added spark, the Kiss Me Kit spices up the lip-locking and includes “Knock Him On His Knees” cinnamon mints that’ll have him begging for more!

Price: $22.00
Who Found It: idabone was first to add the TokyoMilk Kiss Me Kit to the Hive.

Lipsmacker Exfoliants and More Drugstore Bargain Beauty Bump-Ups!

imageTo look pretty on less cash, you could yoink your roommate’s fancy conditioner and hope she doesn’t notice. Or you could try out these drugstore and designer beauty bait-and-switches. Either way, you’ll look so good only your stylist will know for sure what you did!

1. Color formulas are generally the same among mascara products, so no need to spring for a department store version. Black is black at $7 or $20. But it is worth investing in a clean mascara wand or comb that you can use to separate your lashes before the cheaper one dries.

2. Instead of giving yourself a spritz of pricey perfume, get a more subtle version of the scent all over your body. Spend less for the fragrance’s body lotion or cream and blend with unscented generic-brand lotion.

For even more great tips on how to balance your budget at your local drugstore, click on over to our friends at Lemondrop!

Fabulous Flapper Fashions For Vintage Fashionistas

imageToday’s modern woman thinks nothing of blow-drying her short hair, slipping into a skirt and blouse, driving to work and then heading out for a cocktail at the end of the day. But all these things wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the rebellion of the young ladies of the 1920s known as Flappers. These women–gasp!–showed their knees, exercised their independence, embraced their sexuality and did it all with style. Their unusual habit of walking around with their galoshes unfastened, making “flapper” sounds, lent them their name and fortunately they left behind some real gems for today’s vintage fashionistas. Just click the slideshow to see the selection!

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Hot In The Hive: Jules Smith Twilight Jewelry

imageGet your wallets ready, Twilighters! Jewelry designer Gina Nigrelli of Jules Smith designs has recently released a vampire-inspired collection in the light of the upcoming release of Twilight’s sequel. As of now, the New Moon collection features an Edward’s Smile necklace, a Jacob’s Nemesis bracelet, and a Bella’s Good Luck Charm bracelet, each bearing a toothy vampire grin charm of either silver, gold, or gunmetal. Unfortunately for Team Jacob fans like myself, hand-carved wolves are nowhere in sight (though I guess there’s no point in wearing a wooden charm unless Jacob’s the one fastening it to your wrist), but the collection’s current pieces are still pretty sweet — edgy, yet dainty enough to avoid being too tacky (or too creepy).

Price: $20-$65
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add Jules Smith New Moon Collection to the Hive.

Luggage Fit For A King (Or Queen!)

imageMCM is a brand synonymous with classic luxury travel pieces. They followed on the heels of modern travel and were carried by royalty and celebrities alike. Style, quality and durability were the main goals and after decades, these pieces are still cherished and revered by the fashion press and customers the world over. They are even tested to make sure they are up to the task of being thrown in and out of 747 jets! This season’s totes will be sure to stand out among the crowd in “eye-popping colors” such as bright blue hues. Their iconic prints will get spiced up with contrasting piping and yummy crocodile and snakeskin will make a wonderful addition to the leather as they adorn purses and hobos in shades of purple and orange. To read more on MCM luggage, click on over to WhatsWear!

Buzzworthy Deals From Shopbop, Bloomingdale’s, Tory Burch, And More!

imageThe markdowns keep getting deeper… how I wish I could say the same about my pockets. Sigh. Time for retail therapy. Oh yeah- here are today’s Buzzworthy Deals.

Today’s the last day to take an extra 20% sale items at Shopbop! Use code SALE20 at checkout.

Shop the Bloomingdale’s end of summer sale for 40% off warm weather favorites!

Tory Burch is having a private sale with markdowns as high as 70% now through 7/28. Click here to enter!

Lacoste has taken new markdowns on their semi-annual sale- shop now and save up to 65% off! No coupon code required.

Today only, take an extra 15% B*fly designers on Bluefly– this includes BCBGMAXAZRIA, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Nanette Lepore, and more!

Runway to Real Way: Balenciaga Spring 2009

imageThe visionary designer for Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquiere, has once again created an awe-inspiring collection for Spring 2009. His sci-fi futuristic collection took inspiration from space suits and sexy martians to scuba gear and even solar panels, which made for a jaw dropping, show-stopping presentation. Since the collection is out of the price range for most of us mere mortals, not to mention totally outrageous for everyday wear, it’s best used as inspiration. Combining some spaced aged futuristic clothing into your everyday wardrobe will get you looking totally far-out. First of all lose the full body suit- while the conceptual piece may work on the runway, it’s not good for everyday wear. A perfect sparkly dress can stand on its own, especially if it has a chiffon sleeve detail that mimics the layering like Antik Batik’s ‘Sigma’ dress. Or wear a sleeveless shift dress over a long sleeve black or nude leotard from American Apparel. All of the Balenciaga looks each had a shiny little clutch; this woven metallic clutch by Stella McCartney is a nice substitute at a fraction of the cost. Finish off the look with some space-aged platform shoes and a Bijules rock ring that resembles kryptonite. Check out the slideshow to get the futuristic Balenciaga look!

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