Saturday, February 26, 2011

Up for the Crown: Selena Gomez

Yup, we've got another Disney starlet taking a shot at a fashion line. Dream Out Loud by Selena Gomez, launched in August 2010, is sold exclusively at Kmart in the junior's department. The Dream Out Loud design team is formed by fashion industry professionals-- a former Generra designer and a former Ralph Lauren fashion pro. The collection includes everything from tops, dresses, leggings, shorts, jeans, sportswear, hosiery, socks, shoes, hats, hair accessories, jewelry, scarves, handbags, belts, and shoes. It's perfect for tweens that look up to her and desire a young, fun look. Selena Gomez described the line to WWD as "the whole Texan cowgirl meets the glam Boho chic of Hollywood." The entire collection's pieces sell for under $25! I would definitely say that it is a trendy and affordable line. I honestly think she could have done a little better than Kmart, like Target for instance, but what are you gonna do. Another thing I wanted to mention is her awareness on environmental impact, in her section on the Kmart website, she states that they are "using a percentage of eco-friendly fabrics and using factories with established sustainability practices in the reduction of waste, water, and energy; they will also be donating to charitable organizations such as UNICEF." Good job Selena! Keeping all of this information in mind... I award Selena Gomez four out of five stars.

♥ Cheryl

Her collection can be found at:
http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/dap_10151_10104_DAP_Dream+Out+Loud

Here are some pieces from Dream Out Loud by Selena Gomez:

Selena Gomez working on the collection.

Selena Gomez featured in Women's Wear Daily (WWD).

Dream Out Loud's section in Kmart.

Promotional Advertisement for the collection.

Tee Shirt Dress, $18.00

Solid Crossbody Style Handbag, $15.00

Dream Out Loud by Selena Gomez Women's Zahara, $14.99

Floral Pleated Chiffon Blouse, $6.99

Crocheted Clasp Belt, $9.00

Textured Stripe Tunic Top with Rope Belt, $18.00

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Up for the Crown: Ryan Sheckler

At the age of 13, he became a professional skateboarder, at 17 he had his own reality tv show on MTV, at 18 he founded his charity foundation, and at 19, he started a clothing line. It's pretty apparent that at only 21 years old Ryan Sheckler is a force to be reckoned with, but is his clothing line, RS by Sheckler, worthy of the crown?

RS by Sheckler was launched just in time for the back-to-school shopping in Fall 2009. It consists of graphic t-shirts, hoodies, thermals, woven tops and denim ranging from $12-$55 for both boys and young men. When talking about his line, Sheckler says "Skateboarding is my life and skating in something comfortable and stylish is a must. Ultimately, my goal is to take the clothes that my friends and I enjoy wearing and make them available to a larger audience at an affordable price". Being avaliable at places like JCPenney and Pac Sun, I would say Sheckler definitely accomplished what he went out to do. Taking a look at the line I would say it's overall a pretty decent line; I really like the red flannel shirt and the basic polos with the color detail on the placket. I have to say though, the argyle polo with contrasting sleeves and collar was quite the blunder. But other than that little mistake, it looks pretty much like all the other action sportswear clothing lines out there, just with a little flair with the RS signature logo on them. It was a nice touch to add in the polo shirts into the line, those aren't usually a staple in skate clothing but I think it added a little class to the line, so way to go on that one Ryan.

It's no secret that Sheckler is one of the hottest guys out there in the action sports world and well anything to make your man look anything remotely like him is definitely a plus, but sorry Ryan, I can only give you 3 crowns! After a little google searching, the RS by Sheckler line is no where to be found on the Pac Sun website and is all on clearance on the JCPenney website! I think with a little revamp and maybe a sweet fashion show/skate launch party we could get this line up to 5 crowns in no time :) What do you think Shecks, up for the challenge?

xoxox emma rose

Super cute polo with a little splash of color on the placket

Originally $30.00

Clearance: $9.99

Originally $26.00

Clearance: $7.80

Totally cute fleece, right?!

Originally $45.00

Clearance: $12.99

Now this polo is definitely not the best.....

Originally $30.00

Clearance: $8.99

This flannel was definitely my favorite.

Originally: $36.00

Clearance: $14.40

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Up for the Crown: Lauren Conrad

While Lauren Conrad’s first fashion line was a bust she now has a new line at Kohl’s. Her first line was a bit price with tank dresses selling for around $225 at Bloomingdale's and Kitson. Celebrity clothing brands are particularly volatile, because their success is closely tied to one person whose popularity can fluctuate violently. Still, some Hollywood-born labels have managed to survive, including Sean "Diddy" Combs' Sean Jean label, launched in 1998, which has annual sales hovering around $500 million. Jessica Simpson's self-titled shoe and accessories line draws $500 million per year in annual sales. The key to success, experts say, is playing to the "celebrity" factor, while letting the brand breathe on its own. The most successful celebrity lines tend to have lower price points, mass market appeal and are sold at mainstream chains like Kohl's, Target, and Macy's. Low prices are no guarantee of success such as Sarah Jessica Parker's brand, Bitten, which disappeared in 2008 when the retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

"The Fall collection speaks to what I want to wear this season, which includes a lot of layering pieces such as leggings and cardigans," Conrad said in an e-mail interview. "I also love feminine details such as lace dresses, ruffle skirts and chiffon tops." Prices for the California-inspired collection include $34 for a tiered camisole or an embellished floral T-shirt, $44 for a long cardigan and $60 for a boyfriend blazer. An array of denim silhouettes, including leggings, skinny and boyfriend styles, are priced at $55 or less.

Hopefully this new line will do better than her last one. Other celebrities such as Britney Spears and J Lo have had success with their clothing lines at Kohl’s. Although MTV recently turned down her idea for a new reality show featuring her work on the fashion line she has a good chance at regaining her fame with the name Kohl’s backing her. I give this line 4 crowns. It's a cute spring collection at an affordable price.

<3 Heather

LC Lauren Conrad Ponte Tapered Pants

sale $29.99

LC Lauren Conrad Rosette Chiffon-Trim Tee

original $34.00

sale $19.99

LC Lauren Conrad Tiered Tank

original $40.00

sale $23.99

LC Lauren Conrad Tiered Embellished Dress

original $60.00

sale $35.99

LC Lauren Conrad Floral Shirred Top

original $36.00

sale $24.99

LC Lauren Conrad Trench Coat

original $84.00

sale $57.99

LC Lauren Conrad Floral Ruffle Dress

original $60.00

sale $41.99

LC Lauren Conrad Floral Ruffle Blouse

original $40.00

sale $27.99

LC Lauren Conrad Faux-Leather Motorcycle Jacket

original $72.00

sale $49.99

LC Lauren Conrad Floral Ruffle Chiffon Dress

original $60.00

sale $41.99

LC Lauren Conrad Ruffle Camisole

original $34.00

sale $22.99

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Up for the Crown: Madonna

Why yes this is the same woman who has sold platinum records worldwide and has been quite the fashion icon. She has created a fashion line for juniors, in which she collaborates with her daughter, Lourdes, and is partnered with Iconix Brand Group Inc. This line is designed for teen girls that want a great mix of edgy and sweet pieces in their wardrobe. The Material Girl collection offers clothing, handbags, accessories, and footwear at an affordable price. The entire collection's price ranges from $12 to $40 and is sold exclusively at Macy's. Kelly Osbourne, recently replaced Taylor Momsen as the face of this collection since Taylor has been building a bad reputation with her scandalous wardrobe and over-the-top rock 'n roll attitude. I think Kelly is better for the job anyway, since she tends to alternate her look between edgy rocker and sweet 'n girly in the same way this line is crafted. Personally, I really like the brand because there are a lot of pieces that are easy to mix and match. But some of the collection seems a little mature; I wouldn't really consider it to be for 13 year olds, so I'm going to award this line four out of five crowns.

Just a heads up... The new Material Girl campaign will be revealed in 17 days. And it is rumored that they plan on introducing perfume and other beauty products early this year! Keep an eye out!

♥ Cheryl

Check out the collection at www.macys.com, Macy's stores, and www.materialgirlcollection.com.