Springs "It" Sweater

This spring, Breton stripes are back in a big way! This, nautically inspired, Chloe "Brenton Strip Cashmere Sweater" ($590.00, Intermix) is absolutely amazing. The soft cashmere sweater is slit from the shoulders to elbows with five gold metal crest buttons on each arm to keep things together. The sweater is cream with black stripes - such a great look!

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This week, as an exclusive to newsletter subscribers, I highlighted the hottest collections and designers at this weeks Paris Couture Spring/Summer Fashion Week 2010. Click here to sign up!

In the News: Kate Moss Launches Bag Collection for Longchamp

Despite it all, Kate Moss has designed her first handbag collection for the French, luxury leathergoods brand, Longchamp. The Kate Moss for Longchamp collection was launched in Paris last night when Kate hosted an intimate party for 700 at the Ritz.

Kate looked stunning at the premiere, and it was reported that the supermodel also did some handiwork of her own and took scissors to a black Valentino number - 8 inches to be exact! Her jacket is a vintage white couture Valentino jacket she bought in Rome.

She has been the face of the brand for the last several seasons, but it is the first time she has had her hand in the design. Kate's collection is made up of 12 different styles, each one named for one of her favorite hunts in London (Soho, Ladbroke, Glastonbury etc..), and the collection will launch in London, on Thursday, February 11th!

I love Kate's style, and she has done an amazing job with Topshop, so hopefully this will be just as successful!

Sequined Versatility

Clothes are so versatile these days, and this dramatic BCBG 'Reversible Sequined Minidress' ($498.00) is no exception. It can be worn two ways - you can wear the v-neck in the back for a subtle sophistication or reverse the dress for a cool classic v-neck front. Not to mention the sequin detail is so intricate, with a contrast sequin embellishment at the cuffs, and crisscross detail at the skirt. This dress will definitely make a statement!

BCBG also has a pretty fun Spring collection that's worth checking out!

Michelle Trachtenberg for Coach: Pearl and Chain Necklace

Gossip Girl's Michelle Trachtenberg, is the latest celebrity designer with a jewelry collection for Coach's Poppy line, and I have to say, I love her 'Pearl and Chain Necklace' ($328.00). It is a great accessory for this spring, especially as bigger jewelry continues to dominate the fashion scene. Her collection is "refined-romantic with attitude," and features gorgeous gemstones and bold hardware.

Shopista on a Budget: All for Under $170!

Perfect for Valentine's Day, this outfit is fun and flirty, and definitely something you can wear again... and the best part, it's all for under $170!

Aqua, by Bloomingdale's, makes a great 'Chiffon Combo Dress" ($58.80 on sale) with a pretty pleated and vibrant skirt. The top part of the dress is a simple, wide-shoulder scoopneck with a flattering drop waist. Pair it with these classic but flirty Nine West 'Bonfire' peep-toe pumps ($41.99 as seen in Life & Style), black tights ($10.00), and this cool Banana Republic 'Crescent Earrings' ($19.99) and 'Octagon Jewel Ring' ($39.99) for a stunning look.

Chanel Couture Spring 2010

Every girls favorite designer, Karl Lagerfeld, totally modernized the classic Chanel suit on this weeks Paris runways with color and metallic flashes - so gorgeous! And did you know it is his 54th couture collection for Chanel?

Also worth noting is that this years show was all about silver - "Not one gold button," Lagerfeld said before the show. And as for black and white - none. "Pastel fluorescent columns flooded the show space with an otherworldly glow," WWD reports. "Neon baroque" was Lagerfeld's concept.

I love the silver shoes :)

Shopista Steal: Velvet Angels Platform Pumps

These Velvet Angels 'Whiskey A Go Go' cut-out platform pumps are so fun (and a steal)! They come in a natural leather (my favorite) and black and are almost a tamed version of the clog trend that's coming back this Spring - not to mention they make your legs look long and lean.

Check them out on Bluefly.com for $185.00 down from $325.00.

In the News: Georgina Goodman to Expand to U.S.

Good news! London based shoe designer, Georgina Goodman recently landed an outside investor, and is in growth mode, possibly expanding to the New York WWD reports.

If you have not has a chance to see Georgina Goodman's designs, you're missing out - they are both fabulous and unique. Fashion and buying director Bridget Cosgrave from London-based Matches described her shoes as ones that "really stand out in the crowd, as they offer a truly specialized product, which is what keeps their clients inspired."

Botkier Opens NYC Store

One of my favorite handbag designers, Monica Botkier, recently opened her flagship store in Nolita - I can't wait to check it out! 246 Mott Street (at Prince)

Pre-Fall 2010 Trend: Feathers

For pre-fall, it looks like designers are opting for feathered embellishments, from more formal cocktail dresses, to skirts and collars. Check out some of the looks:

Moschino Cheap & Chic Pre-Fall 2010, Naeem Khan Pre-Fall 2010 (my favorite)

Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2010, Givenchy RTW Pre-Fall 2010

(photos courtesy of WWD)

Shopista Look for Less: Fringe Jewelry

Fringe has been a popular trend we have been seeing for a couple seasons now, but what about your jewelry? Check out this hippie-cool Solange Azagury-Partridge Ring ($6300.00) I saw on Rachel Zoe's website that is absolutely stunning. The band combines 18-karat yellow gold tassels with gold and diamond tips... wow... and you too can have a similar look in either a necklace, earrings, bracelet or ring but for a fraction of the cost!

CC Skye makes a seemingly identical, but gold-plated, "Studio Chain Fringe Ring" ($99.20). And all about the oversized jewelry this spring, Fallon has a fabulous "Infinity Coin Necklace" ($320.00) that definitely makes a statement, and is available at Barneys.

This 18k gold-plated Citrine by the Stones "Laso Bracelet" ($195.00) has a casual cool but glam look and features braided mixed chains and chain fringe. Or if your looking for earrings, Fiona Paxton's "Berlin" Earrings ($138.00) blend leather and glass for an edgy statement.

DVF's Floral Dress

You can now pre-order items from Diane Von Furstenberg's Spring 2010 Runway Show... and I just love this "Zora Dress in Scattered Petals" ($325.00) - so chic. It can be worn with heels for a dressier look or flats for a more boho feel, but either way florals are definitely a look thats worth rocking this spring.

New Newsletter!

Shopista has a new, more stylish weekly newsletter! The newsletter features the "Story of the Week" plus additional highlights - all shopping and fashion related of course. Click here to sign up!

And remember its only once a week (every Friday), so there will be no cluttering of your inbox! Check you last weeks: 10/25/10 Weekly-Roundup!

Shopista Look of the Week: White Blazers

Apparently white is the new black... I have been seeing a lot more white all over the red carpet including stylish white dresses at this years SAG awards, white jeans, and of course, sporty white jackets... and white "boyfriend" blazers are definitely something you can wear a lot this spring. They have a fun relaxed look to them and are so versatile - you can wear it over a dress, with shorts, or throw it over a tee-shirt and jeans.

This open-front Literature Noir Studded Blazer ($255.00) is super chic and has great tonal stud detailing along its notched lapels. I also really like this Madison Marcus "Motivate" silk double-breasted blazer ($312.00) that looks great buttoned or left open.

Anthropologie has a new "White Tie Blazer" ($118.00) that makes the classic tuxedo jacket infinitely more wearable. Victoria's Secret also has a more tailored "Boyfriend Jacket" in seasonless stretch - the fabric resists wrinkles and stays in shape.

Taupe Nails

I was at the nail salon the other day and tried out OPI's 'Over-the-Taupe' nail polish - a new color that is part of the OPI Bright Pair Collection... and it is such a great shade (less gray than my usual 'You Don't Know Jacques!' pick).

Anyway taupe nails are definitely going to be popular this spring, and the shade particularly compliments this springs biggest tends - mid-blue hues, khaki and pretty pastels. Unsurprisingly, this trend started when it debuted at Chanel's S/S 2010 runways show, where models strutted in a "beige-meets-classic palette of creme, tan, black, and red, set against a rustic backdrop." (Essie also makes a similar color, called 'Mink Muffs')

Jodi Arnold Spring 2010 Collection

Yesterday I had the privilege of meeting designer Jodi Arnold, and got to view her Spring 2010 collection... let me just say, it was amazing! I don't know how many times I said "I love this," but between the colors, prints, cuts, draping and versatility it was totally my style.

Jodi describes her collection as "designed for the modern woman whose sense of style is informed by her multi-layered lifestyle, which she manages with aplomb." The collection features unique, versatile styles in seasonless fabrication, perfect for work or personal time.

I got a couple great pieces, including this absolutely fabulous leather jacket that is a total boho chic version of the motorcycle jacket. I bought it in black, but they have an amazing off-white version that is hitting shelves in the next 3 weeks. I also got these high-waist shorts that I love - they can be worn casually or dressed up, and dare I say it, they look great with tights (not normally my style).

The entire Spring collection is set to hit shelves in the next three weeks, and it is definitely worth checking out. Also, right now there is a great sale on her Winter/Holiday Collection. You can view it online at www.jodiarnoldnyc.com or visit her store at 56 University Place in NYC (the corner of 10th).

"By mashing-up soft and tough, abstract and literal, and other irreverent combinations, I hope to give women a platform to explore their own personal style." - Jodi Arnold

In the News: Bloomies Coming to an Outlet Mall Near You

As shopping has slowed during the recession, I often wonder, what do they do with all the extra merchandise? Well, Macy's Inc. said Thursday it will open its first Bloomingdale's bargin-priced outlet stores this summer and fall in a bid to attract the style conscious shopistas on a budget!

Bloomindale's Outlet, as it will rightfully be called, will open at outlet malls in Bergen Town Center in Paramus, New Jersey; Dolphin Mall in Miami, Fla; Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise, Fla; and Potomac Mills in Woodbridge, Va.

CEO Terry J. Lundgren said in a statement that the company has been studying the "off-the-mall outlet business for some time, and the timing now is right given the consumer's particular focus on value in addition to fashion and quality."

The Bloomingdale's Outlet Store will offer a range of apperal and accessories for men, women and children - a mix of Bloomingdale's regular stores clearance items and items intended to be sold only at the outlet stores, WWD reports.

Back to Basics: White Shirts

A basic white shirt is a must for any wardrobe, can be worn so many different ways, and offers a look thats easy, feminine and flattering. Also layering is such a popular trend, and these shirts make it easy to mix and match so many different styles - you can belt it with a cardigan, throw on a chunky necklace and leather jacket, tuck them into a cool pair of shorts etc... Check out some great options below:

DKNY "Tuck-Front Tunic Top" ($125.00) has a concealed button front and extended back hem for a fun, relaxed look. Also, James Perse, whose entire collection reinvents the basics, has an amazing "Sheer Cotton Shirt" ($195) that has a flattering longer fit and seasonless style.

Elizabeth and James offers a slightly more fitted "Tuxedo Laurent Shirt" in white ($245.00) that has a casual but dressy look. Or for something totally different, Free People has a sheer "Burnout Button-Down Top" ($68.00) that exudes effortless louche style.

Shop for a Cause: Support Haiti

There has been a tremendous outpouring of support for the terrible tragedy that happened in Haiti... and now in an effort to help Haiti in their recovery, the brands below are donating a percentage of sales to various relief organizations:

• Alexis Bittar is donating 100% of ALL sales on Alexisbittar.com to Catholic Relief Services.
• Hanky Panky is donating 10% of web sales in January to the American Red Cross.
• Havanas will team up with Lucky Magazine to give 30% of the proceeds from the sale of the "Little Bird" sandals on LuckyMag.com to the Red Cross from January 22 to March 1.
• Kooba will be donating 15% of their online sales to the Haitian relief efforts of Doctors Without Boarders. This applies to all merchandise, sale items and gift certificates between January 21st - Friday 29th.
• Toms Shoes for the next 48 housr will donate $5 of every One for One purchase to disaster relief in Haiti through Partners in Health.
• Shop the "Love" items for Valentine's day on Tucker Paisley to support the Haiti relief effort.

Do you know of more brands that are doing this? Better start shopping.

Itty Bitty Bra - Who Ever Said Bigger is Better?

Finally, a lingerie company that caters to smaller chested women! Itty Bitty Bra® designs a line of bras that give us (the customer) the best fit, comfort and selection in smaller sizes. According to Jane Hodgdon, IBB Designs President and CEO, "many women whom nature 'blessed' with less than a 'C' cup size, need a bra that not only provides support, but is also stylish and comfortable." Meaning they don't gap, pucker or slip!

I recently got the NEW strapless version, that is not only sexy and comfortable, but perfect for your shoulder bearing tops and dresses. The cup is slightly padded for shape, and the fabric is a smooth nylon/spandex blend, so your clothes drape nicely overtop.

Itty Bitty Bra comes in a range of sizes from 32AA through 38B and offers matching camisoles and panties. The bra's retail from around $45-$65 nationwide, and are generally offered in specialty boutiques as well as on their website at www.ittybittybra.com.

Nice Shades

These glasses are super cool and edgy and have a total Mary Kate vibe to them - you have to be the right person to pull them off.

And they are so unique, not only will they protect your eyes from the sun, but the shades are clip on, so you can wear them to work. These "Spitfire" shades ($46.00) come in one size and are available at OAK online.