Fashion

The Recessionista’s Weekly Fashion Round-up

By Mary Hall | January 7, 2012

Pictured: A Vintage McCalls’ dress pattern, circa 1930.

This has been a big week in the world of fashion and news. I think 2012 is kicking off with a bag, and there are several things I’ve seen in the news and on the web this week that are of interest to frugal fashionistas. Here are few items on my watch list.

Real Housewife Jill Zarin stepped out in NYC this week rockin’ one of Elizabeth Taylor’s giant rock size rings. Huffington Post has all the news and pictures of the ginormous ring on the Real Housewife of New York’s finger. Who would’ve thought that a reality TV star would snap up one of Elizabeth’s jewelry, some of which were once owned by royalty.
Target released preview pictures this week of their new Jason Wu collection coming in February. People StyleWatch has a full page spread on the collection in this month’s edition. I’m not giving this one a rave-up yet, based on the pictures I’ve seen. I hate to see people building these budget fashion collections up like they are the second coming of Christ, sending eBayers and hoarders out to the store to snatch them up and profit. Let’s just wait and see how the stuff looks in person before we declare it to be perfection.
Many Missoni for Target items are back in-stock on Target.com. I just ordered the flats I had wanted using the gift card they sent me when they weren’t able to fulfill my order. I also used a coupon code from Coupon Mountain for further savings. Looks like my original prediction that the returns from the eBayers (who couldn’t sell their items for inflated prices) is coming true. In store, you’ll find Missoni on clearance at Target along with Jose Natori, the Swanepoel hats, and the Dana Kellin jewelry. However, on the Target website, most of Missoni is at it’s original Target resell prices, not the clearance prices.
Project Runway star and fashion menche Tim Gunn was quoted in Marie Claire magazine this week advocating better designs and fashions for plus size women. When the fashion industry considers size 10 and 12 the larger sizes, it’s true that things need to be reevaluated. Tim will be premiering a new talk show called The Revolution on ABC on Jan. 16th and I look forward to hearing more of his honest advice for the fashion industry. Tim’s new show will follow several everyday women on their journey to loose weight, always a timely topic at the start of a New Year.

Pictured: Sweater from the new H&M + collection.

Speaking of plus-size fashion, H&M is launching a line of very reasonably priced plus sized fashions in their stores around the globe. H&M+ will be launched this spring with a range of modern essentials in sizes 44-54 (those are Euro sizes.)
David Beckham has announced a line of bodywear with his label coming to H&M stores February 2nd. The famous soccer star looks breathtaking in the ads.
The New York Times has launched a kick-ass fashion mobile app called The Collection, featuring exclusive pictures and copy from the NY Time’s always amazing and up-to-date fashion coverage. The app is a must have pre-fashion week.
Our favorite Curvy Fashionista, Blogger Marie Denee is turning 3 years old and celebrating her blogiversary tonight in Hollywood. I can’t wait to celebrate her anniversary and toast her with some bubbly. Her blog has been ground breaking for women who are not model thin, but still love fashion. Bravo Marie!! Props to Lane Bryant for sponsoring the blogiversary party.
Blogger The Budget Babe has been participating in the new TV show Jane by Design‘s Challenges. I’ve been enjoying reading along and supporting her via comments on the Jane by Design Facebook page. I love how Dianne, aka The Budge Babe, told us how to get the style look of the show’s star Jane this week. The green pouf dress she picked is to die for!