How to Best Navigate Designer Collaborations + Pieces Scored at Isabel Marant X H&M

I am excited that many amazing designers like Isabel Marant and 3.1 Phillip Lim are collaborating with stores like H&M and Target these days. More fashionistas can finally own some fabulous designer pieces and not break the bank. While these collaborations are great, they are often difficult to navigate unless you are on top of your game. Here are my first-hand tips on how to best score some pieces on your wish list. 

Isabel Marant patterned silk top and pants, $99 each. Can be worn to look like a jumpsuit as shown here.

1. Get there early, at least an hour before the store opens - it's the only way to scoop up the most coveted merchandise…usually bags and shoes go first. If you are unable to get to the store at an ungodly hour, try offering an intern or local student a gift from the collection worth $25 - $50 for doing you the favor of waiting on line.

2. Make sure you choose the largest store in your area---they will have more merchandise and better your chances of getting your favorite items.

2. Be a scavenger and shop in dressing room...make friends with the other girls and trade sizes and styles with items you are not taking. 

3. Go back to store last day of returns (usually the seventh day) to see what is available. I did this for the 3.1 Phillip Lim collab with Target and ended up with one of the bags that was sold out within the first ten minutes.

4. If you absolutely can't get to the store, you need to be glued to your computer and log on to the site the second the collection becomes available. Warning: Quite often, the sites can't handle the barrage of traffic, and crash.

5. Vaunte, an on-line consignment shop featuring the clothing of socialites, stylists and editors picked up pieces from the recent Isabel Marant collaboration with H&M. You can buy current merchandise from their site directly for the same price. Subscribe to get the email when the items arrive.

6.. If you are really bummed out about not scoring any pieces, there is always eBay! The prices are usually double the retail price.

 

Isabel Marant blouse in silk chiffon with printed pattern, $99. Pura Lopez low cut high heel bootie, $410

Here are some of last week's purchases from the Isabel Marant X H&M collaboration. This collection is almost identical to several runway pieces from earlier regular collections and the quality is excellent for the price point. 

Isabel Marant denim jacket with embroidered detail, $59.95

Back of the denim jacket details.

Isabel Marant sleeveless racerback linen tank top, $29.95. Black wool jacket with silk lapels, $149.

Details on the back of the black tuxedo blazer.

Isabel Marant knit scarf, $49.95. Pura Lopez low cut high heel boots in black, $410.

Note: I was unable to get everything on my wish list so will be returning to H&M on Thursday to see if I can snag a pair of the leather pants and some sweaters!

All You Need is Nars: Eye & Cheek Palette

Nars does it again! A few weeks ago, I spotted and tried this fabulous Nars eye and cheek palette at SpaceN.K. apothecary in Brentwood. This go-anywhere compact has all you need for a day to night look and is perfect for travel. The shades are simply gorgeous and work well on all skin tones too. Included are four eyeshadows plus Orgasm Blush (a cult favorite), and Laguna Bronzer. Here's how to use it:
 

At Space.N.K. apothecary in Brentwood, CA. Pictured at the bottom: Nars, The Happening Eye & Cheek Palette, $65

Step 1: Use a large blush brush and generously apply Laguna bronzer all over face. 

Apply bronzer all over face after using your favorite foundation and concealing under eye circles and blemishes. 

Step 2. Using a flat smaller brush, apply the sheer peach with gold pearl shade as a base and under the brow bone. 

Step 3. The boysenberry shade (aubergine) is infused with gold and  goes in the crease. Blend with the taupe brown to control color. 

Applying color in the crease of the eye.

Step 4. Apply Orgasm blush first to the apples of the cheeks. Then stroke up. 

Step 5. Use a thin flat top brush and apply the deep brown shade to line the eye. Tip: You can use to fill in and enhance your eyebrows too!

Lining the eye.

Step 6. Add the dark brown to the corners of the crease for a more dramatic look.

Add a little lip gloss and...All You Need is Nars! 

Cocktail Party: Tips and Ideas

My husband and I threw a fun cocktail party at our new home in Los Angeles catered by The Kitchen for Exploring Foods. Passed hors douvres included tuna tartar, lollypop lamb chops, salmon carpaccio, specialty drinks, and more. Here are pics from the event and some ideas to try when planning your next soiree.

Ramy Brook dress (this one is no longer available). Check out other amazing Ramy Brook dresses at RamyBrook.com and Bergdorf.

Shop in your closet.  I had this fabulous red Ramy Brook dress that I wore once in New York over a year ago and thought it was perfect for the event. 

I made my own flower arrangements from roses in our garden. The roses and their petals that were not up to snuff for the arrangements made their way into a giant glass vase. This makes a nice centerpiece.

I made my own flower arrangements from roses in our garden. The roses and their petals that were not up to snuff for the arrangements made their way into a giant glass vase. This makes a nice centerpiece.

How to make this arrangement: Buy assorted roses from the farmers or flower market. Pull them fully open. Cut short and place in a square glass vase. Line the vase with a banana leaf to hide the stems. Arrange randomly. Perfect!​

How to make this arrangement: Buy assorted roses from the farmers or flower market. Pull them fully open. Cut short and place in a square glass vase. Line the vase with a banana leaf to hide the stems. Arrange randomly. Perfect!​

Candles, candles, candles! I ordered 72 votive candles including holders wholesale for $39.99 from QuickCandles.com. Set them up in groups or clusters everywhere...they create an atmosphere of simple elegance.

Candles everywhere! Rose petals on the walkway add a nice touch.

Candles everywhere! Rose petals on the walkway add a nice touch.

Antipasto platter and crudite.​

​Wood burning pizza station was a big hit! Offer several different varieties.

​Guests (including my daughter Rachel) enjoying chocolate covered strawberries!