Haute Splurge: Nanette Lepore Hush Hush Leather Jacket

Michael Jackson popularized the little red leather jacket back in the 80’s and we’ve been coveting them ever since. But the key is finding that just-right shade of red, and a cut that works with everyday looks. Nanette Lepore’s Hush Hush Leather Jacket is one of the best red leather jackets we’ve seen in some time, and should be made yours (and ours!) this fall. The merlot color is as lush as the wine itself, and blends right into the mix of standard fall hues. The luxe leather is slightly wrinkled, giving it that favorite, worn-in look. And the cut – oh, the cut! The front features a pleated shawl collar and pleated vertical flaps complete with a Victorian-style hook-and-eye closure. The back is the best part – asymmetrical, off-center pleating and slightly ruffled detail draped to one side. This jacket is lovely - tough and girly all in one.

Buy for $848 at shopbop

R.I.P. Alexander McQueen

The fashion world suffered a huge loss today. On the heels of the start of New York Fashion Week and several weeks before before he was set to unveil his new collection at Paris Fashion Week, it has been reported that iconic fashion designer Alexander McQueen has died. Reportedly, McQueen took his own life, three years after his close friend and mentor Isabella Blow, herself committed suicide.

McQueen, in our eyes, was a fashion innovator and genius. He took all the right risks, always pushed the envelope with his creativity and continually made us fashionistas fall in love with his fashions, time and time again. His apparel collections were vibrant and over-the-top, and at times paid homage to his native England. His shoes and handbags were innovative, ranging from Victorian-style to gothic (with signature skull details), to funky (his alien-footed shoes from his Spring ‘09 show) and even paid homage to icons (we see the Michael Jackson influence in the McQueen Faithful Glove clutch).

In the fashion world, where trends are fleeting and icons are rare, his influence and stamp on the industry will be everlasting, and sorely missed. Rest in peace Alexander McQueen.

Check out our favorite McQueen picks below:

An exclusive pop-up sale we can all shop - Balmain on The Outnet

You may have heard about the House of Balmain – the brand that EVERYONE has been wearing, especially over the past year. If you don’t know the name, you at least know the clothes – edgy, acid-washed distressed denim with strategically placed padding and seams; military-style jackets worn by the likes of MJ, Kanye, Beyonce and Rihanna; large shoulder padded blazers and embellishments everywhere. Now that we’ve refreshed your memory, head on over to The Outnet where the Balmain pop-up sale will be live today. Register and gain access to over 60 iconic runway and real-way styles at up to 85% off! For one week only! Pieces include:

Balmain embellished collarless jacket
Balmain embellished tulle dress
Balmain distressed denim jeans
Balmain asymmetric silk gown
Balmain studded mini skirt
Balmain palm tree t-shirt

Don’t miss out!

MJ-inspired: Proenza Schouler studded leather boots

Halloween is quickly approaching and while we won’t waste our time considering this as a possible costume, we might consider dressing as someone who is actually worthy, and famous for something substantial. The King of Pop (Michael Jackson) is bound to be a popular costume this year, but we found some shoes that would do him justice without looking too costume-y. The Proenza Schouler studded leather boots are simple black leather ankle boots with a low heel and silver stud-covered vamp. They’re pricey ($1,055!) but perfect with those highwater pants, nonetheless. Now we can’t promise they’ll improve your Moonwalk, but you’ll still look and feel like a dancing machine.

Weekly Shopping and Goodies

What’s Haute Magazine pays tribute to Michael Jackson and his fashion, and shows you how to get the King of Pop’s style.

The Fashionable Housewife shows us the top 5 most comfortable shoes & sandals for summer!

A Few Goody Gumdrops shows us how to look ever-so-chic in Tres Sleek. Enter to win!

Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy is mad for Modcloth!

Couture In The City shows us how to steal Anne Hathaway’s Marchesa look for less!

Fashion Fille gives us a first look at the incredible 25 Park clothing shop…along with an always awesome discount code!

Fashion Hippo shares the eighteen Best Summer 2009 Handbags For Every Budget!

Princess Dominique Dishes Fashion shares a Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz fetish the Alex and Ani Expandable Bangles! Enter to Win It.

Quinta Trends returns to the forties with Bienvenida y Paula

Shopping and Info remembers Michael Jackson with a glove clutch bag.

SomeoneSpoilMe.com is giving away a Laura James Vintage Cocktail Ring. Enter to win!

Style Eyes is loving a fresh but classic take on the nautical striped dress

The Bare Skinny exposes Rihanna’s fashion failure.

TheFind Blog goes fun flirty and feminine with this summer’s fabulous floral trend.

Unfunded wants you to know about Darkhorse’s Pucci.

Haute Topic: Kings and Queens of Pop (and Bling)

This week we’re paying homage to Michael Jackson - the man, the mystery, the music legend, humanitarian and fashion innovator and icon. Jackson’s unique sound and dance moves may have put him on the map, and his philanthropic efforts kept him there but it was really his fashion sense that really made him stand out and made us take notice. Early on he set trends with prepster looks (like his yellow cardigan and bowtie during the Human Nature era); colorful zippered leather jackets (a la Thriller), then later, sparkly socks and that single jeweled glove. Blinged out military-style jackets covered in sequins and crystals became his uniform alongside cropped black pants. Jackson’s style may have been a little over the top, especially for day to day, but designers and other celebrities paid attention and began to emulate his style. This season’s ever popular Balmain bandleader blazers were insipred by the King of Pop, and celebrities from Beyonce to Rihanna to Kim Kardashian to Victoria Beckham were all spotted wearing Jackson’s signature look. Want to rock Michael Jackson’s style? Click the links below to cop your own ‘Queen of Pop and Bling’ look.

1. Les Chiffoniers Sequin-sprayed jacket, $755
2. Stuart Weitzman Girly, $230
3. Alexander McQueen Faithful Glove Clutch, $899
4. sass & bide Black Rats Metallic Smocked Leggings, $176
5. Ray-Ban Classic aviator sunglasses, $135
6. Balmain Waxed Ribbed biker jeans, € 1,274
7. Thakoon Cropped Disco Mirror Jacket, $2,750
8. Andrew Hamilton Crawford Starry Night Ring, $114
9. Spring Court M2 Glove Metallic in Silver Fox White, $160

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

Celebrating Michael Jackson - the music, humanitarian and fashion icon

The loss of Michael Jackson shook the world on Thursday. Michael Jackson the entertainer not only impacted the music world in tremendous ways, he was also a global humanitarian, lending his support to 39 charity organizations either with monetary donations through project sponsorships. He received recognition in the 2000 edition of the Guiness Book Of World Records for breaking the world record for the “Most Charities Supported By a Pop Star”. Despite media allegations, Michael Jackson loved all children, and took time out while touring to secret visting sick children and even had special roms at his Neverland Ranch for sick and terminally ill children.

The influence of Michael Jackson in the music and entertainment world is beyond measurable. Drawing initial inspiration from his idol James Brown, Jackson adopted his own style that is truly unmatched. From his trademark sound and innovative dance moves to mini-feature length music videos like the iconic Thriller, most of today’s singers acknowledge being inspired by him.

His inspiration extended to the fashion world as well. Jackson’s style first made us take notice in the eighties, when the innovative pop star dazzled the stage with red, multizippered leather jackets and  high-water pants, white socks and loafers, and then on to aviator sunglasses with militaristic, bandleader-style crystallized jackets, socks and that infamous sequined glove.

Recently, Michael Jackson-influenced fashion was making a comeback, as seen in Christophe Decarnin’s spangled bandleader jackets for Balmain, reminiscent of the jackets Jackson has worn in the past. His likeness was even seen in Jean-Charles de Castelbajac’s collection on his Fall/Winter 2009-2010 runway. Celebrities like Kanye West, Rihanna and Beyonce were all seen sporting the King of Pop’s style. Recently Jackson was spotted out wearing Riccardo Tisci’s (Givenchy) studded jackets, and Tisci was set to create looks for Jackson’s upcoming “This Is It” tour that was set to begin in London on July 13. Swarovski crystals were also a favorite of Jackson’s, with the crystal studs covering almost every inch of his ostentatious collection of jackets and performance outfits. Jackson was also working with Swarovski to design his stage wardrobe for his tour. The sets and Jackson’s costumes would have featured 300,000 crystals in 43 sizes and 27 colors. Nadja Swarovski, the company’s vp of communications told WWD on Wednesday: “As the King of Pop, it is only natural for him to be crowned in crystal.”

Rest in peace Michael Jackson (1958-2009). You will certainly be missed but your influence in the realms of music, philanthropy and fashion will be everlasting.