Exclusive Rachel Roy + Estelle Facebook pop-up shop

At last year’s Fashion’s Night Out, I visited the RACHEL Rachel Roy pop-up store and it was amazing. There was a graffiti wall, a drag queen DJ, celebrity appearances and of course, Rachel Roy’s hot collection of apparel and accessories for Macy’s. Well, if you didn’t get a chance to make it, don’t worry – next week Rachel will be hosting a digital pop-up store on her Facebook page.

Rachel Roy, along with singer (and her close friend) Estelle, created a limited-edition jewelry collection. If you’re her fan on Facebook, you’ll get a chance to preview – (and shop!) the collection before it even goes into stores. The pop-up shop launches on February 9 and will stay open for only three days. You’ll have the chance to buy Rachel and Estelle’s collaborative jewelry collection includes funky rings, ear cuffs, and statement necklaces. Prices will range from $34 - $50. Plus, you will get the chance to buy an ultra-exclusive full-finger petal ring that was designed for Rachel & Estelle’s closest fashion and music friends. The petal ring will only be available through Facebook!

Mark your calendar to shop this exclusive sale of February 9!

Click to fan Rachel on Facebook

For more on Rachel Roy, visit Rachel Roy online.

Barbie Basics black label collection of little black dresses

Barbie is the luckiest girl in the world. Who else can say that they have a closet full of little black dresses (LBDs), designed just for them by 12 of the world’s top designers?

To celebrate the launch of Mattel’s new Barbie Basics doll, featuring twelve customized Barbies with varying hairstyles, skin tones and a basic LBD and accessories, the company also invited Council of Fashion Designers America (CFDA) designers to customize twelve one-of-a-kind dresses for Barbie. Designers include Deborah Lloyd (Kate Spade), Isaac Mizrahi, Rachel Roy, Tory Burch, Alexis Bittar, Betsey Johnson, Devi Kroell, Justin Giunta (Subversive), and Monica Botkier. Wouldn’t you just love to have a closet full of their stuff?

Each designer is auctioning their doll on eBay until February 7. Starting bid is $100 and net proceeds will go to the CFDA’s education program and scholarships.

And tonight, I’ll be tweeting live from the first-ever Barbie tweet-up, where we’ll get to take a peek at these one-of-a-kind dolls. Follow us on Twitter: we’re @WhatsHaute!

And follow @BarbieStyle for more updates on the dolls!

Find holiday gift ideas online with exclusive sample sales

Looking for last-minute holiday gift ideas? Need an outfit for those holiday parties? Don’t feel like dealing with the crowds at the mall? Shop exclusive online sample sales at Gilt, Gilt Fuse, ideeli, Row Nine, Rue La La, Billion Dollar Babes, Editor’s Closet, Beyond the Rack, HauteLook, Jetsetter, Gilt Man, The Top Secret, The Skinny, and Rent the Runway. Just click on the links to sign up and start shopping!

Rent the Runway is currently invitation-only. In order to join, please email me at editor (at) whatshaute (dot) com

Gilt Groupe
Monday, 12/7/09: Rodarte, Dannijo, Carolina Amato, Leigh & Luca, Anzie Jewelry, Graphic Image, Judith Leiber
Tuesday, 12/8/09: Anthousa Home & Personal Fragrances, Tracy Reese, Marco Bicego, Tibi shoes, Katherine Kwei, Vera Wang Bedding, Vera Wang Collection
Wednesday, 12/9/09: Ben-Amun, Rachel Roy, Alexander Olch ties, Steuben glass, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Bochic, Christofle, sunglasses by Lanvin, Nina Ricci and Proenza Schouler, Carlos Falchi
Thursday, 12/10/09: Bedat watches, Estate Jewelry, Burberry umbrellas, Yarnz, Thread Social
Friday, 12/11/09: Kate Spade paper, Crane & Co., Lorick, Voluspa Candles, Marc Bouwer Glamit!, Bianca Nero, Tara Pearls, Sofia Cashmere

Gilt Fuse
Monday, 12/7/09: Black Halo, Cara Couture
Tuesday, 12/8/09: Cruise Essentials, Beach bags, straw hats, beaded jewelry, Vix swimwear, VBN
Wednesday, 12/9/09: Dav, Generra, Chamak, Nixon watches, Lorelei
Thursday, 12/10/09: Twinkle by Wenlan
Friday, 12/11/09: Swarovski jewelry, The Lake & Stars, Sperry Topsider
Saturday, 12/12/09: Autumn Cashmere

ideeli
Sign up to enter the ideeli ‘thanks a million’ giveaway!
Monday, 12/7/09: Teri Jon, Candace Ang, Thro by Marlo Lorenz, Eight Sixty, Urchin Tokidoki
Tuesday, 12/8/09: Faith Connexion, Blaque Label, Pur Cashmere, Latico, Chic Doggie by Corey
Wednesday, 12/9/09: Christopher Kon, Swiss Legend, Collective Concepts, Donna Ricco
Thursday, 12/10/09: Industry
Friday, 12/11/09: AteLier

Rue La La
Monday, 12/7/09: Andrew Marc, Julianna Rae, Brics, Bellino
Tuesday, 12/8/09: White + Warren, The Ultimate Winter Experience, KC Designs, Swanson Vineyards, MD Skincare
Wednesday, 12/9/09: Rich & Skinny, BOSS Black, Movado, Frontgate, Tea Forte
Thursday, 12/10/09: The Gifts She Craves, The Gifts He Craves, Sea + Sun in Costa Rica: Windstar Cruises, The Vera Wang Collection by Wedgewood
Friday, 12/11/09: Cole Haan, Argento Vivo, Silver Oak Cellars, D.L.&Co.

HauteLook
Monday, 12/7/09: J Brand, Stila, TechnoMarine, LnA, Kalorik, Erica Anenberg, Project E, Emjoi, Steiner, Omaha Steaks
Tuesday, 12/8/09: Haute Hippie, Decades Two, Giogio Armani Parfums, The Wrights, Joshua J., Portolano
Wednesday, 12/9/09: Dylan’s Candy Bar, Hale Bob, D.L. & Co., Lorac, Haute by Carol Malony, Stitch’s, Soia & Kyo, Joe’s Jenas, Marie Chavez, Elegant Baby
Thursday, 12/10/09: Amrita Singh, Elini, Cocobelle Bo’em, Lollia by Margot Elena, Bodhi
Friday, 12/11/09: Custo Barcelona, Christian Audigier, Bio-Therapeutic

Billion Dollar Babes
Monday, 12/7/09: Riller & Fount, Institute Liberal, Michelle Roy Designs
Wednesday, 12/9/09: Designer Fragrance Sale, 213 Industry, Azuri, Danielle Stevens
Friday, 12/11/09: DermaNew, Jacquie Aiche, Maj

Beyond the Rack (Personal invitation code NEH7308F05D)
Monday, 12/7/09: Robb & Hugo, Puma, Valentino, Blee Inara, Captiva, Underwrap, Emporio Armani, PKG Laptop bags, Designers Remix Collection, Dish, Ben Sherman
Tuesday, 12/8/09: Seychelles, Burberry, Juicy Couture, Karmel & Alden
Wednesday, 12/9/09: Covet, Jump, Married to the Mob, Alexander McQueen, Marithe & Francois Girbaud, Ocean
Thursday, 12/10/09: Samsara by Matt Nat, For Joseph, Vicente Agor, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Welder, Covet, Bolle

Editor’s Closet is a free, highly exclusive and invitation-only sample sale site. In order to join, please email me at editor (at) whatshaute (dot) com
Monday, 12/7/09: Swiss Legend, Penguin by Munsingwear
Tuesday, 12/8/09: Kenneth Jay Lane, La Fiorentina
Wednesday, 12/9/09: Kosta Boda, George, Gina & Lucy
Thursday, 12/10/09: Seduna Swiss Care Treatment, Rough Roses
Friday, 12/11/09: Murano by Armande, Dior, Alzerina

RowNine
Monday, 12/7/09: Gemstone Jewelry for Her, Scatola del Tiempo
Wednesday, 12/9/09: Bedat & Co.

The Top Secret
Monday, 12/7/09: Judith Jack, Josh Brody
Tuesday, 12/8/09: Patricia Hurley
Wednesday, 12/9/09: KC Collections, Ed Hardy intimates
Thursday, 12/10/09: Kenneth Jay Lane
Friday, 12/11/09: Designer scarves

Gilt Jetsetter
Monday, 12/7/09: Hotel Keppler - Paris: Parisian Chic off the Champs Elysess, The Osprey - Beaver Creek: Slope-Side Luxury in the Colorado Rockies
Tuesday, 12/8/09: Bardessono – Napa Valley: Eco-modern design in Wine Country, Hotel Palomar D.C.: Art-house design in Dupont Circle
Wednesday, 12/9/09: The Chedi Club – Bali: Paradise in the rice fields outside Ubud, The Legian – Bali: Beach-side serenity on the Indian ocean
Thursday, 12/10/09: CuisinArt Resort – Anguilla: A Grecian-inspired escape in the Caribbean, Hotel Jerome – Aspen: A Gold Rush Style Mountain Getaway
Friday, 12/11/09:

Gilt Man
Monday, 12/7/09: Inhabit, Graphic Image, Report Collection, Ike Behar, Hartmann
Tuesday, 12/8/09: Vera Wang bedding, Ski Shop, Anthousa Home & Personal Fragrances, Cole Haan, Marco Bicego, Cockpit
Wednesday, 12/9/09: Alexander Olch, Bochic, PRPS, John Varvatos, Christofle, Nixon
Thursday, 12/10/09: Bedat, New Balance, Adidas Porsche Design Sport
Friday, 12/11/09: Voluspa Candles, Sofia Cashmere, Malo, Cross Pens
Saturday, 12/12/09: Motorcycle Federation

The Skinny
Current sale: Tammy Fender (ends Wednesday, 12/9/09)

Fashion’s Night Out #FNO09: RACHEL Rachel Roy pop-up store

I headed over to the RACHEL Rachel Roy pop-up store and the line was down the block! Not surprising since this collection has been buzzworthy for months. And once inside, I saw that it was worth all the fuss. Usually designer diffusion lines are poorly constructed or cheap fabrics are used, but this collection was very well-made and just lovely. I wanted to grab just about every piece in the store but only left with the ‘Love’ script necklace and Peace Sign earrings.

The store was like one big party - in the front there was an area filled with graffiti panels designed by renowned tag artist SenOne. Guests could leave their own tags too. Drag queen/DJ Lady Bunny put on his/her own outrageous show, twirling around the store and dancing like a madwoman….or madman.

I chatted with a few celebs - RACHEL Rachel Roy model Karen Blanchard. I adored her bag, which I initially assumed was some couture designer creation but was actually scored on the cheap at a vintage store. And she studded it herself! Fabulous and resourceful - my kind of girl! I also ran into Malvin Vien of the current season of Project Runway. We chatted about what he’s been up to since the show - he’s designing his own line and also involved in non-profit work. I also spotted Renee Neufville of former R&B group Zhané. I gushed over her music as well as her style. She looked amazing in a brown and white zebra print hooded jumpsuit (vintage Diane von Furstenburg), a gold belt from her mom’s closet and a red leather clutch by Alexander Terekhov (Terexov). Loved her throwback wide fingerwaves, blue nails and neutral makeup. She revealed that she’s working on a solo album that may drop in December. I for one can’t wait! She was at the event to see her friend Estelle, who was scheduled to perform but I took off before she got there - had to finish my shopping rounds.

In New York? Visit the store:
RACHEL Rachel Roy pop-up store:
111 Spring Street (between Mercer and Greene)
September 9th through September 16th
Open 11am-8pm, Monday to Saturday and 10am-8pm on Sunday

Next up: the Anna Sui for Target pop-up store.

Stay tuned to What’s Haute for New York Fashion Week coverage!

Shop this week’s online sample sales

This week’s online sample sales include womenswear by C&C California and Rachel Roy, Bulga and Furla handbags, DKNY and Y-3 Adidas shoes, jewelry from Citrine by the Stones, denim by Paige Black Label and 7 For All Mankind, Burberry scarves, Dior sunglasses and much more! Just click on the links to sign up and shop!

Gilt Groupe
Monday 8/31/09: Alexander McQueen, Chloe and Nina Ricci sunglasses, ila&i jewelry
Tuesday, 9/1/09: Rachel Roy, See by Chloe, Rebecca Taylor, Ali Ro, H2 at Hammerman, Calvin Klein Collection shoes, Erno Laszlo skincare
Wednesday, 9/2/09: Kate Spade, Designer denim, Greenbeads, Adina Reyter, Michael Aram home, Antica Farmacista
Thursday, 9/3/09: Milly, Notte by Marchesa, Gurhan jewelry
Friday, 9/4/09: Mary Louise designs, Citrine by the Stones, Labor Day accessories sale, Paige Black Label, Y-3 Adidas

Gilt Fuse
Monday 8/31/09: Ettika Jewelry, C&C California
Tuesday, 9/1/09: DKNY shoes
Wednesday, 9/2/09: ABS Allen Schwartz
Thursday, 9/3/09: Susan Farber

ideeli
Sign up for ideeli to win the Emporio Armani Petal Clutch, a $2,500 ideeli shopping spree and a Mont Blanc Boheme Mor pen!
Monday 8/31/09: Calvin Klein, ideeli Escape (Brought to you by Luxury Link), Furla
Tuesday, 9/1/09: Lacoste watches
Friday, 9/4/09: Tahari

Hautelook
Monday 8/31/09: Chopard, Mackage, Burning Torch
Tuesday, 9/1/09: Alessandro Dell’Acqua, Cosmedicine, Locman and Corum watches, Designer sunglasses
Wednesday, 9/2/09: Neil George, Paige maternity, Heather Hawkins
Thursday, 9/3/09: Rock & Republic
Friday, 9/4/09: Lollia by Margot Elena

Billion Dollar Babes
Monday, 8/31/09: Bulga, Dream Society, Saint Grace
Wednesday, 9/2/09: Multi-designer sale, Borba skincare
Friday, 9/4/09: Heidi Merrick, Local Celebrity

Rue La La
Monday 8/31/09: Yanuk, Links London women’s and men’s jewelry, Freeze 24-7
Tuesday, 9/1/09: Ted Baker London women’s and men’s, Tumi
Wednesday, 9/2/09: James Perse women’s and men’s, Superga
Thursday, 9/3/09: 7 For All Mankind women’s and men’s, MD Skincare by Dr. Dennis Gross, Signoria Firenze

Beyond the Rack (use personal invitation code NEH7308F05D)
Monday 8/31/09: Juicy Couture sunglasses, Burberry scarves and purses, Sam Edelman
Tuesday, 9/1/09: Vicente Agor, Katherine Barclay
Wednesday, 9/2/09: fcuk watches
Thursday, 9/3/09: Balenciaga

Editor’s Closet is a free, highly exclusive and invitation-only sample sale site. In order to join, please email me at editor (at) whatshaute (dot) com
Monday 8/31/09: Swiss Legend watches
Tuesday, 9/1/09: Dior sunglasses
Wednesday, 9/2/09: Via Spiga
Thursday, 9/3/09: Designer handbags blowout sale

The Top Secret
Monday 8/31/09: Bask
Tuesday, 9/1/09: Cyrus
Wednesday, 9/2/09: Jenlari bracelets

RACHEL Rachel Roy collection now available in stores and online

I was excited to learn that Rachel Roy’s new affordable collection called RACHEL Rachel Roy, is now available at select Macy’s stores as well as RachelRoy.com. I first told you about the RACHEL collection back in April, with just a preview of the accessories. Well now the full line is here and it has been worth the wait! The RACHEL Rachel Roy collection includes affordable contemporary sportswear, along with footwear and accessories. The RACHEL Rachel Roy collection was designed to “capture a fresh and youthful look that reflects today’s culture by mixing elements of downtown cool with uptown chic at affordable price points”. I love the look of all of the pieces but my personal faves include the necklace tee, the ‘Love’ scripted necklace, and a few of those right on-trend studded bags. The line retails from $59 to $299 for sportswear, $79 to $199 for footwear, $40 - $195 for jewelry and $69 to $109 for handbags.

Check out the images of the complete collection below, and visit RachelRoy.com to shop!

Haute Bauble: Michael Kors’ chain link necklace - as seen on Rachel Roy

Rachel Roy really loves her Michael Kors chain link necklace! She first wore the silver version at the Cinema Society & Hugo Boss screening of “Inglourious Basterds” at the SVA Theater in New York City. Then she wore the gold version at “The September Issue” premiere at The Museum of Modern Art. The 24-karat electroplated gold over brass and sterling silver-plated over brass link necklaces go for $700 a pop. But since we’re not all couture fashion designers like Roy, here’s an affordable substitute chain-link necklace that is just as hot!

Spellman/Wireimage

Shop this week’s online sample sales

Just click on the links to sign up and shop!

ideeli
Sign up for ideeli to win handbags from Emporio Armani and Longchamp!
Monday 7/27/09: Donald J. Pliner, Heartlooom clothing
Tuesday, 7/28/09: Paige Novick jewelry, Knitwit cashmere
Wednesday, 7/29/09: Mac & Jac ready-to-wear
Thursday, 7/30/09: Denim of Virtue, Sweet Pea women’s tees and tank tops
Friday, 7/31/09: Nicole Miller dresses

Gilt Groupe
Monday 7/27/09: Heidi Weisel scarves and wraps, Melinda Maria and Carolina Bucci jewelry, Zac Posen
Tuesday, 7/28/09: Lee Angel jewelry, Helmut Lang, Warren Tricomi, Kiki de Montparnasse lingerie, Casadei
Wednesday, 7/29/09: Rachel Roy, Perricone MD Cosmetceuticals, Inhabit, Carlos Falchi handbags, Gara Danielle and Rosena Sammi jewelry
Thursday, 7/30/09: Behnaz Sarafpour, Dana Davis shoes, Marc by Marc Jacobs swim, Susan Hanover jewelry
Friday, 7/31/09: Foley + Corinna, Marc Jacobs and Valentino sunglasses, Rachel Leigh jewelry

Haute Look
Monday 7/27/09: Delman shoes, Designer ready-to-wear sale, Beyond Yoga, Zoe Chicco jewelry
Tuesday, 7/28/09: Doris Panos jewelry, Lancôme makeup, Philip Stein watches, Marc Jacobs sunglasses
Wednesday, 7/29/09: GoldHawk clothing, Vix swimwear, Junk Food tees
Thursday, 7/30/09: Gorjana jewelry, Viking knives
Friday, 7/31/09: Sweetees, Carol Malony lingerie

Billion Dollar Babes
Monday 7/27/09: Priorities Clothing, Wren
Wednesday, 7/29/09: Gustto Handbags, Whitley Kros
Friday, 7/31/09: Project Alabama, Seneca Rising

Rue La La
Monday 7/27/09: Casadei, Dream Society clothing
Tuesday, 7/28/09: Furla handbags, Invicta watches
Wednesday, 7/29/09: Cosabella lingerie, D&G Dolce & Gabbana jewelry, Riedel wine glasses
Thursday, 7/30/09: Dior sunglasses, La Befana

The Top Secret
Monday 7/27/09: Denim of Virtue
Tuesday, 7/28/09: CC Couture clothing

Beyond the Rack (use personal invitation code NEH7308F05D)
Monday 7/27/09: Boxfresh clothing, Scanty sleepwear
Wednesday, 7/29/09: Techno Marine watches, Michael Stars clothing
Thursday, 7/30/09: Parasuco clothing
Friday, 7/31/09: Joe’s Jeans, Kenneth Cole glasses

Editor’s Closet is a free, highly exclusive and invitation-only sample sale site. In order to join, please email me at editor (at) whatshaute (dot) com
Monday 7/27/09: Francesco Biasia handbags
Tuesday, 7/28/09: Sequin jewelry
Wednesday, 7/29/09: Burberry sunglasses
Thursday, 7/30/09: Love and Thorn jewelry
Friday, 7/31/09: Designer blowout sale

Juxzy is a free, highly exclusive and invitation-only sample sale site. In order to join, please email me at editor (at) whatshaute (dot) com
Member’s exchange – sell your own stuff!

CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) awards 2009 - winners and losers

The CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) awards are all about honoring and recognizing the most talented designers in the fashion industry, but the real fashion winners and losers at the 2009 awards were seen arriving to the event.

Two of the night’s fashion ‘winners’ were Claire Danes and Kerry Washington, who both opted for full-length gowns with plunging necklines. Claire Danes looked chic in a sleek black number designed by friend Narciso Rodriguez. Kerry Washington wore a sparkly silver frock by Doo.ri paired with a silver clutch and Jimmy Choo shoes.

Zoe Saldana kept it simple in a beautiful sheer grey off-the-shoulder Calvin Klein dress and nude T-strap sandals. Diane Kruger wowed in a red Jason Wu minidress with black embroidered shoulder details and also accessorized with T-strap sandals and a navy satin clutch. A very pregnant Heidi Klum shined in a ruched, metallic one-shouldered Michael Kors dress complemented with a metallic clutch and metallic Christian Louboutin ankle-strap pumps.

The night’s fashion ‘losers’ included Michelle Trachtenberg (Gossip Girl) who wore a silver top and too short/too tight black skirt by Behnaz Sarafpour and pulled her hair into a high ponytail. Ashley Olsen looked frumpy in an orange vintage gown that was just a bit too large. Perhaps they should have switched?

Vera Wang wore one of her own designs – a gold sequined dress with a white tank, bib necklace, netting at the hem, black tights and chunky black shoes. Can you say “accessory overload”? Kirsten Dunst wore an asymmetrical Rodarte minidress that made her look like a wrapped mummy and her clunky grey shoes would have been more appropriate with a pair of jeans. Rachel Roy also wore one of her own designs – a one-shoulder frock with a pretty print but too much going on at the waist.

Check out Women’s Wear Daily to see which designers won at the CFDA awards.

Rachel Roy to Launch Diffusion Line for Macy’s

Capsule collections and designer collaborations are now the norm. Your favorite designers, formerly out of the average person’s price reach, can now be bought at stores like H&M, Mango, Target and J.C. Penney. High-end designer Rachel Roy is the latest to join the ranks of the low-priced line designers. No, she’s not surrendering her luxury roots, but she recently announced the launch of the Rachel Roy diffusion brand for Macy’s. Rachel Roy’s collections are always full of luxurious, sumptuous pieces that any woman could wear, but not every woman could afford. Now the CFDA member will be bringing her glamorous design to the masses and I for one, am excited! Here’s more about the line:

The line will retail from $59 to $299 for sportswear, $79 to $199 for footwear, $40 to $195 for jewelry and $69 to $109 for handbags. The collection includes an array of sportswear options, including stonewashed denim skirts; fake leather jackets and fake fur vests; long, chunky cardigans; Modal jersey dresses, jumpsuits and tops; crystal-embellished cotton jersey T-shirts; brushstroke-printed jackets and coats, and bright pink leopard-printed skinny jeans. In addition to apparel, there will be a large selection of accessories, including footwear, handbags and jewelry, all retailing for under $250.
-Source: Jones Apparel Group

Images via Nitrolicious

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