Fashion Star Episode #9: The H&M Buy

Don't get me wrong, the Kara Laricks trench coat at Macy's is a totally buy-able piece. I'd get both the red and tan if American Express and my husband, who abducted my American Express card, would let me. Sadly, neither are in the mood to comply these days.

Ronnie's white pantsuit didn't do it for me so much, namely due to the fit of the pants (too short for my long inseam). But honestly, the jacket didn't blow me away, either. I thought the length of the jacket looked awkward on TV, and felt the same way in-store.

His dress at H&M is a different story. This is a fantastic day piece, every girl should run to the nearest H&M and buy if you can. It's work-appropriate and sexy in that stark, menswear way.

Also fantastic at H&M: Orly's jackets and her pants, which, even with the side pockets, are super slimming. Go ASAP if you want the yellow jacket as there were only a few left in 6, 8, and 10 this morning.

Kara's dress: OK, honestly, Kara, I wouldn't call it sexy, either, but I love it!

Next week, for the finale? I was surprised Luciana didn't make the cut, and I think Orly is just hitting her stride, and John Varvatos put a plug in for Ronnie. But today I was kind of snoozing over Ronnie's pleats and folds. They are starting to feel one-trick-pony like Nikki's maxis. I find Kara to be a much more interesting designer, so I'm standing by my pick! Go, Kara!


H&M Herald Square & Penn Station
34th Street at Sixth Avenue, and 34th Street at Seventh Avenue

Macy's Herald Square
34th Street between Broadway and Seventh Avenue

Fashion Star Episode 4: My Picks

If you aren't convinced that Sarah Parrott is going to be a very well-employed designer after Fashion Star, go try on her red dress at H&M today. I say today, because tomorrow it will most likely be sold out. The red dress rack at Herald Square H&M was looking sparse this morning at 10am.

Will Sarah be a Marc Jacobs or Rodarte? No, but she could aspire to be a future DVF or Donna Karan. Her red dress (above) is perfect for work, and the white is perfect for after-work. Nikki's maxi (above) knocked me out on the "runway" last night, but in store I wasn't as 100%. I loved the long sleeves, the satiny cuffs, the pattern, and the neckline. But somehow the cut on the bottom wasn't slaying me. I think this is my shape issue, as I would want this longer.

The biggest surprise? Barbara's printed, halter-neck dress that can be found at Macy's Herald Square. It is beautifully cut, fit is perfect, and I love the print. Last night, though, I didn't like it on the runway. The color on TV wasn't doing it for me. But Caprice, the Macy's buyer, knows her customer. It's not my style, but a lot of women are going to get huge value all spring and summer from this perfect and pretty $99 dress. If I played the designer game with Barbara, I would peg her as the next Ellen Tracy or Dana Buchman.

Cross-promotion alert: my sunglasses throughout are House of Harlow from the Macy's Fashion Star party


Macy's Herald Square 151 W. 34th Street between Broadway & Seventh Ave
H&M Herald Square 34th Street and Broadway

Fashion Star Episode 2: Trying on the Clothes

This is where I try on the clothes Macy's and H&M bought from Fashion Star contestants.

How sweet is Lisa's dress at Macy's? It's not really my style, but totally suits its purpose: simple, lovely work or summer-day-affair type dress. Meaning, you're-meeting-his-parents-at-church type affair.

This week it's pants for Sarah at H&M.

Ugh iPhone pics, forgot my camera!

Fabric is lightweight and slightly stretchy, and the pants hung nicely on the leg. I love the pocket detail and the black band on the waistband, but the fit was off for me again this week, namely because I have a very long inseam. Just a bit too short, otherwise I would have definitely picked up the blue. The white I adore, but they are too see-through for work wear.

Back to Macy's, where the Fashion Star is on the third floor, Broadway side: girls, go try on Nzimiro's shirt. It rocks.

There's also some Week One selections further back towards the Starbucks on the third floor, including lots of Lizzie's tunic in purple (only a few in black), a few of Nikki's caftan in white eyelet, and lots of Edmond's dresses in white (just a couple left in black).

Hm. I'm feeling very Jane Austen/I need to go read in the garden. Not exactly me.

Whoa, mama! This is a dress? One wrong bend and you're seeing that which should not be revealed in public. I'd definitely pair it with leggings, though!


H&M Herald Square 34th Street & Sixth Avenue
H&M Penn Station 34th Street & Seventh Avenue
Macy's Herald Square 34th Street between Broadway & Seventh Avenue

Fashion Star Episode #1: Sarah's Dress

This post is all about the new TV show Fashion Star. If you didn't see it and want to learn more, click here and here.

Did you watch Fashion Star last night? I did, and am now addicted. Here's what I loved:

• YOU CAN BUY THE CLOTHES ONLINE RIGHT AFTER THE SHOW! Yes, I'm screaming. It's brilliant.
• H&M and Macy's, two of our biggest retailers on 34th Street, are sponsors and have reps on the buyer judging panel. Which brings me to...
• YOU CAN BUY THE CLOTHES AT MACY'S AND H&M THE NEXT DAY! .
• This show is about the big seller, not the runway piece. Which brings me to...
• The designer panel is perfect, even though there are two celebrity designers. And speaking of...
• Nicole Richie has the best stone face ever. I got scared just looking at her non-reactions
• Jessica Simpson is smart about fashion. Seriously. Telling Sarah to go with the teal was smart. Also, she has a billion dollar apparel and accessories business. That's super smart.
• Can we do an Olsen twin next season? 
• The buyer panel is equally well-balanced and diverse, but I was most taken with Nicole, the H&M buyer. Her choices were dead-on, and Sarah's dress sold out online immediately after the show. Speaking of the dress...

Sarah's dress is lined, constructed beautifully, cost $19.95, and is most likely already sold out at our two H&Ms on 34th Street. Talk about fast fashion! The jacket on the right is new at H&M and fabulous.

My only complaint? The cut is small. Two women trying on the same dress in a dressing room next to mine were raving about the dress, but complaining about the sizing. One said to the other "I'm going to go get a size up, do you want me to get you an 8?" Her response? "I don't want the 8, I want the 6! Do you think I could get it altered so it's bigger?" I was laughing but then realized that I had on a ten, it was a little snug, and there was no way in hell I was trying on a 12. Retailers must have psychologists on staff as consultants, don't you think? I must ask La Belette.

Soon I'll be stopping by Macy's to check out their Fashion Star selections. And natch I'll be doing a weekly Fashion Star post, how can I not? Now please enjoy my slapdash photoshopping:

At the Macy's Herald Square Fashion Star premiere party last night before the show with Midtown Girl. Go here for her gorgeous shot of Elle McPherson, the Fashion Star host.

H&M Herald Square 34th Street & Sixth Avenue
H&M Penn Station 34th Street & Seventh Avenue
Macy's Herald Square 34th Street between Broadway & Seventh Avenue