Retail Minded!

Super thanks to Retail Minded who recently put us IN THE SPOTLIGHT, a new feature on their blog for everything retail! We're so excited! Take a look, leave a comment and then come back to shop. Recession be damned! ;-)

Three Recession-Busting, Super-Versatile Accessories to "Make" Any Outfit

You don't have to be Paul Krugman to know that the economy isn't, uh, doing so well. But that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. Even a cheapie Hanes tank top can look like couture if it's paired with great accessories. The trick is to find a killer piece that makes a statement — that way, you'll look like a million bucks, even if you've been staying on a budget. Here are some of our faves — all under $125:

• Archives Marriage Charm Necklace: This brass necklace looks amazing with a cami or v-neck sweater. Give it as a gift for the bride-to-be in your life, or treat yourself if you're the lucky engaged one.
• Geren Ford Three-snap Belt: Not only is this belt a great deal at half-price, it's a slimming and waist-defining powerhouse. Buttery-soft leather and an ever-so-slightly retro color palette make this incredibly versatile. Use it to dress up an otherwise blah dress — it's a cinch.
• Bloch London Soft Jazz Shoes: Our BFF just came back from Italy, where, she said, everyone was wearing metallic sneakers and jazz shoes. Have a Roman holiday of your own with these ultra-comfortable flats. They totally pop with dark denim or black tights, turning a basic outfit into sartorial splendor.
  

AND! In case you have been derelict in your fashion news and haven't signed up for our mailing list, this weekend only (Thursday, Feb 26 - Sunday March 1, 2009) take an additional FIFTY PERCENT OFF EVERYTHING (we think it deserves all-caps, don't you?) with code SHEFEB09. Consider it your own personal stimulus package.

Go Green With a Black Clutch

Call us treehuggers if you want, but we're all about eco-friendly designers — especially when they happen to be creating sleek and sexy bags like Matt & Nat does. The brand has had a pretty major overhaul in the past couple of years, shifting from cool but slightly crunchy sacks to fashion-forward bags carried by the likes of Natalie Portman and Charlize Theron. We're loving how they make us look like we've just stepped off the pages of Jalouse, while saving the planet, too.

Actually, even if this vegan Kogan clutch weren't made out of recycled plastic bottles, we'd be into it. It's small enough to tote to a cocktail party, but its pockets have enough room for your Blackberry, lipstick, cash and all other going-out essentials. And since New York Fashion Week was all about dark, moody clothing and accessories, we're hopping on the trend a little early. This bag + dinner at Green Zebra = fabulousness, vegan-style.

We Heart Vena Cava

Vena Cava, the Brooklyn-based design duo that's an fashion editor favorite, is on a roll. After scoring runner-up honors at November's CFDA Fund Awards, debuting their shoe collaboration with Via Spiga later that month, and finding their frocks on up-and-comers such as Blake Lively, what was next? A well-received and much-praised fall 2009 collection, as shown in New York this week.

These girls are going places, and with pieces like their Netherworld Dress, it's no wonder why. Light silk chiffon, a leather drawstring waist, and shades of grey make this a super-versatile investment dress. It's soft and ever-so-slightly tough at the same time. (And might we add that Vena Cava cuts forgivingly, so you don't need to be a 5'10" beanpole to look amazing in their creations.) Wear this dress with matte black tights and Jill Stuart boots to a show at the Metro, or slip on some heels and a slouchy cardigan for a hot-librarian vibe. Either way, you'll be able to say you knew Vena Cava before their inevitable world domination.

SHE Does Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week is underway, and we're loving every minute of it. Big trends to look forward to: Dark color palettes, menswear-inspired tailoring, and, um, black lip gloss. (We'll pass on that last one.) Yesterday's highlight was, believe it or not, the Barbie fashion show. We know, we know, it's just a doll — but judging by the crowds swarming the tents at Bryant Park, it was the place to be. Celebs such as Heidi Klum filled the front row as 51 designers (think Alexander Wang, DVF, and Calvin Klein) sent doll-inspired creations down the runway.

Catherine Malandrino, who created this floaty chiffon American flag dress in 2001, has brought it back for this season. She's worn it to her own fashion shows, and she selected it for the Barbie show. What better choice than an American flag for the most American of dolls? If you've always wanted to be a Barbie girl, you can scoop up the dress (use code shesaves09 to save 30% until Feb 19) right now. As far as finding Ken, sadly, you're on your own — but a sexy dress like this can't hurt.

Pretty in Pink

Finally! The much-anticipated cover of Vogue's March issue is out, and we're guessing that First Lady Michelle Obama will help this issue sell out. We're also willing to wager that her Jason Wu sheath dress will kick off a fuschia trend to perk up dreary gray days. That bold color is just what we need in this last slog of winter, but — let's face it — we're not going to wear a fuschia dress every day.

Instead, since we're all about investment dressing, we recommend hopping on the color trend with a versatile accessory. Something like, say, this Zac Posen fuschia shoulder bag. It's a total pow! of color that livens up an otherwise conservative outfit. Wear it with skinny jeans and a thin black tee for a Joan Jett-gone-posh look, or glam it up by pairing it with a sleek black dress. It's the kind of near-magical piece that can transform your style while transporting your stuff. (Did we mention it's on sale? Score one for your personal style stimulus plan.)

Kerrigan's Silk Batwing Dress, also on sale at 50% off, is another coup for savvy Recessionistas. The man-tailored references will surely remind you of your favorite failed investment bank.

And, if you really need to be stimulated, you still have time through Friday, February 13th to win a Zac Posen bag for free. (Sure it's teal but a free bag that retails for $1350? Yeah, we didn't mind the inconsistency either.)

Lookin' good in the Nuj

We're all about breaking tradition and finding new ways to celebrate Valentine's Day. A box of chocolates is nice and all, but the thing that really makes our heart go thump comes from NY-based designer Nuj Novakhett. She's been getting attention over the past few seasons, becoming a buzzed-about name in New York's up-and-coming designer scene. (We spotted an Vogue editor at her last presentation — perhaps it's only a matter of time before La Wintour shows up herself?)

For V-Day, we're loving her Girl's Boy Shirt. It meets the "Three C" requirements — crisp, cool, and chic — while being just a little bit flirty. The silver and red heart cuff links give a nod to Cupid without being cutesy about it, and the fit is subtly sexy. Pair it with jeans, match it with a high-waisted pencil skirt, or layer it with a black cami — but don't be surprised when your lovah wants to rip it off your bod on the 14th. Believe it or not, the best cotton shirts can do that to a man.

Coming in Feb: James Coviello!

Take It for a Spin: James Coviello's "Spin Art" print gown coming in February to SHE Boutique

WHAT: James Coviello's print gown for Spring '09 is coming this February to SHE and we are in love. This flowing gown with a plunging front is patterned in bright bold swaths of color. It just shouts spring, optimism and an ebullient joie d'vivre.

The painterly swashes of color give this gown a sense of spontaneity, a quality reinforced by the drapey, billowing folds below the waist. We love it cinched Empire-style as in Coviello's runway show (left).

WHERE: SHE boutique, of course!

WHEN: Coming in late February to the website!

Subscribe to our mailing list to get first notice of this amazing dress.