The Recessionista Reviews Irina Shabayeva’s INC Spring 2011 Collection at Macy’s

Pictured: Irina Shabayeva for INC Silk Chiffon Ruffle Dress, Use Code: PRESIDENT at Macy’s.com to save 10% on this dress

Project Runway season six winning designer Irina Shabayeva’s INC collection arrives in Macy’s store today. Look for it in the INC collection, as a standalone display. I stopped by my local Macy’s to check out the collection. As promised, the collection was full of Shabayeva’s trademark form fitting dresses and separates, notably tops, skirts, jackets and even denim.  In addition to garments, Irina for INC offers plenty of footwear, mainly very high (5 inch) heel sandals, with ankle ties. They are pretty, but may be difficult to walk in, at least for me!   Most of the collection is priced at under $100.00. But here’s a warning, wear your Spanx or supporting foundation garments to the store when you try on Irina’s collection so you can see how it might  look best on you.  These are not loose-fitting garments.  The Irina for INC. dresses will hug every curve and they are rather unforgiving.  Having said that, they are well done.  I really liked the Cap Sleeve Rhinestone Bandage Dress and the Cap Sleeve Beaded Neck Keyhole Back Tee. The rhinestone dress is gorgeous and for $129.00 its well priced because of the embellishments and design on the front. It almost looks like exploding fireworks.  To me, the beaded keyhole tee is more practical, and something I could get more wear out of.

Pictured: The collection’s show stopper, the Rhinestone Bandage Dress

Most of the collection consists of form fitting “bandage” dresses like those popularized by Hervé Léger and frequently seen on the red carpet.  It will be interesting to see if the average Macy’s shopper is comfortable with the bandage style which emphasizes the female shape.  The versatile short Dolman Sleeve Textural Cropped Anorak Jacket with the tie at the waist, priced at $119.00)  is a more traditional choice for Macy’s shoppers. This neutral jacket will go with everything and it’s perfect for the office or for going out. Some of the collection, like the yellow ruffled chiffon dress pictured above, and the silk baby doll dress, are on sale this weekend with coupon code PRESIDENT via Macys.com for President’s Day.  Check online to see which pieces are discounted for President’s Day.

Overall, I like Irina’s collection, but I wish she hadn’t done so many (total of 8) “bandage” dresses.  How about just 1 good work dress, that doesn’t scream SEXY?  Usually a collection is a little more varied and has an assortment of styles.  I can just hear the voice of Nina Garcia looking at this and asking, “Why didn’t you show us something more than a group of Hervé Léger like Bandage dresses?”  And then you know Tim Gunn would have to chime in “Don’t bore Nina!”

I saw Irina’s NYFW Fall 2010 collection and her recent designs from her Fall 2011 collection.  She has more more talent and versatility than this INC collection indicates.  To me, this is just a glimpse of Irina, not the full on designer.