What's Hot for Spring 2010

Get the latest trends on a budget!

With the Spring season quickly underway, everyone is looking for a way to upgrade and revamp their wardrobe on a minimal budget. While it’s nice to dream about being clothed in our favorite designer or the pieces that we see on the runway, we must remember sometimes it’s only a dream. But don’t fret, metrostyle’s spring collection is everything you could truly dream of...on a budget!

Spring Trend #1: The Tweed Suit

(left) Tory Burch 2010

(right) Metrostyle Skirtsuit $69.99

Spring Trend #2: The Drapey Dress

(left) Erin Fetherston, Spring 2010

(right) Metrostyle Tulip Dress $39.99

Spring Trend #3: The Multi Print Dress/Printed Dresses

(left) Thakoon, Spring 2010

(right) Metrostyle Knit Dress $39.99

Spring Trend #4: The Boyfriend Blazer (Still a hot item for 2010!)

(left) Ronson, Spring 2010

(right) Metrostyle Boyfriend Blazer $34.99

By: Lauren

Runway to Real Life: Safari Style

Each spring, the “Safari” look comes back as a key trend. And each year, it’s slightly different than the year before.

This year’s Safari style is a little less structured and a little more relaxed, with a hint of military-inspired detail. Key items include the trench coat, shirtdress, safari jacket and cargo pants.

What’s great about this look is that it’s very “wear now” … It’s warm enough to wear at the end of winter, but has a fresh “new” look that we’re all craving right about now.

If you’re looking for a splurge, check out the new safari-inspired looks by designer MaxMara (visit style.com to see the runway show). For the luxe silk and linen look shown above, expect to dish out between $1,500-$2,000 (guess-timated).

Of course, if you’re looking for a steal, check out the soft twill version from metrostyle. The blazer ($35) and cargo pants ($30) will be available for purchase beginning 2/22/10.

By: Bren B

Today I'm Going to Be...

Maybe it's because I'm not rich and famous, so I wouldn't understand, but do celebrities wake up one day and decide they're "bored" of being rich and famous for what they do, and try (and mostly succeed) something else just for the fun of it? Kate Moss for Top Shop and Gwen Stefani for L.A.M.B are only some of the success stories for this new breed of celebrities turned designers.

We all remember Full House and the cute little twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley that made us wish we were a part of the most loving, dysfuntional family in America. Well they grew and got bored of the whole acting thing and wanted to try their hand at fashion.

In 2001, they launched an affordable clothing line and sold it through Wal-Mart to tweens all across the country. It sold like wild fire. So now they're 23 and even more "billionaire" than before and have become a fashion force worth paying attention to with their new lines, The Row and Elizabeth and James. Of course normal people can't buy into these new fashions, some sweaters weighing in at $400 and coats at $3,000 - I'm not sure if this will be like wild fire...maybe more of a smoldering ember. We'll just have to wait and see what kind of trends their designs trickle down to the stores for the masses. In the meantime, I'll shop at my fashionable (and affordable) metrostyle.com.

What's in store for the Olsen twins? Are they going to be the next hot pop music sensation or walk their skinny little behinds down New York's catwalks? Who knows?
By yn

The unique look of 'Mad Men'

I'm a huge fan of 'Mad Men', a series on AMC set in the 1960s which chronicles the lives and relationships of employees of Sterling Copper, a New York City advertising agency situated on the prestigious Madison Avenue.

Season 3 premiered last night and watching it served to remind me of just how timeless great fashion can be. I found a great article where the show's lead costume designer, Janie Bryant, explains in detail the thinking behind each character's unique look. Check it out here.

Any other fans out there?

By Jon

What's In A Name?

I was with one of my co-workers driving to pick up lunch the other day and she began complaining about the condition of her recently purchased designer watch. The watch she was wearing had a white leather band and was purchased from a high-end accessories designer for $160(sale price). The white leather was already wearing out and making the watch appear dingy. I said to her “isn’t it funny how you think when you pay big bucks for designer merchandise that you don’t actually always receive a higher quality product” I don’t know about you but when I spend my money on a product I don’t just want to pay for some designers name to be on the item, I want the item to be well made.

by Sara

Don't Label Me

I used to buy only expensive, designer label clothing. I really was convinced they looked better! Then, as with everyone else, money started to get a little tighter and I started to look for ways to cut my expenses. So I decided to try mixing in some value brand fashions.

I’ll admit, while I liked the look of the items I saw at metrostyle, I really thought it was too inexpensive to be of any quality. But I bought a few items and loved the fit and fun colors. While not all the fabrics are as nice as my designer ones, I can still mix them in and no one is the wiser. In fact, I still get just as many compliments…I guess I don’t need the label to look good after all!

Guest Blogger: Lolita from Boston, MA

Things for Spring!

I declared 2009 the year of me. I’m not talking about diets or New Year’s resolutions, just plain and simple embracing the positive and continuing to be hap-hap-happiest person I can be. Part of my happy agenda includes a little cruise with one of my favorite groups from the past…New Kids on the Block! Not only am I excited for the cruise to the Bahamas with NKOTB and two of my good friends, but I’m excited about shopping for it! I’ve already started.

I am totally excited about the new spring metrostyle collection! I’m not always the person who buys the Spring/Summer items before it’s time to wear shorts, so you know how jazzed I am about this season. I love the new styles and the color choices we have. Even while trying to pull photos for this blog I found more things I want for spring! So, what’s in my shopping bag on metrostyle.com?

M by Shakara cargo skirt- I’m lucky enough to have had the chance to touch it, feel it and try it on at the office! The fabric is described as “cotton,” however if you could feel it, you would love this light weight cotton with a paper-ish kind of feel to it. Very flattering Shakara design!

Border Print Tunic- Totally wild about it. I love the color choices, the fit and especially the price! I like the Topaz, but I might get the Tangerine as well.

Knit Wrap Dress- Another one of my must-haves. It’s great for the cool evenings, will pack well and is also a great price.

Embroidered Peasant Top- I’m deciding between the peapod multi and zest multi. I’ll have to make up my mind by tonight though because I need to place my order!

Well, I hope you found some great things you love as well. Spring begins March 20th. I know I’ll be ready! Happy shopping.

by Kyndall

DESIGNER FOR A DAY

DESIGNER FOR A DAY

So my wish is granted and I am the head designer for the day at metrostyle
I am adding one more style to the line

Hmmm? What should it be?
Ok, we already have clothes, shoes and accessories?

Ala ka Zam Sha Bam (that is the sound of my magic wand)
A Rolls Royce of Course!! Duhhh

I know, I know that it is not clothes
But can you imagine offering a Rolls Royce at a low low price??

I’m talking $39.99. We would all have five!
A girl can dream can’t she?

The Same Look For A Whole Lot Less!!!

Why pay $1,150 for a Max Mara wrap dress in taffeta when you can get it in cotton/spandex from metrostyle for $39.99? You may think that taffeta is more dressy and is great for attending a wedding but not anymore. Cotton dresses are becoming more and more popular to wear to weddings. With the tough economy, people are not having expensive black tie weddings. So next time you get invited to one, do not worry about spending over $100 on just the dress, find the look for a lot less!

By Allie

Splurge vs. Steal

Hey Recessionistas…..

Love the look of high fashion, but not the high prices that go with it? It seems like many of us are in the same boat. Not to worry! You can steal designer looks without having to drop the piles of cash that designer duds demand. Here is just one example...check out this jersey wrap dress from metrostyle that is just as figure flattering as the higher priced alternative from Diane Von Furstenberg.

By Sarah

A Little Politics…Michelle Obama’s Inaugural Gown!

The soft ivory gown worn by Michelle Obama to the 10 inaugural balls was artistic and sophisticated. The one shoulder goddess silhouette was a great selection for her physique. You’ve got to admit that our new first lady is in great shape and has the toned arms that can carry off this look! The glam gown was bedazzled in sequins and fluffy appliqués on chiffon. The curious fluffy appliqués are both amusing and very unexpected. She a serious woman, but her gown shows us she is also a fresh and fun fashionista!

If you love Michelle’s look you can get your own goddess gown for less at http://www.edressme.com/012209.html. Or you can see the real one of a kind dress by designer, Jason Wu, at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History this summer.

If Michelle left you disappointed…I will have to argue with you that her dress is still way better than Laura Bush in 2001!

What do you think about Michelle Obama’s look for the inaugural balls?

By Jenny

Runway to Real Life: The Holiday Dress

My love affair with holiday dresses started when I was 7 years old. That year, my Great Aunt took my sisters and me to see the Nutcracker ballet and bought us each a special dress for the occasion.

My dress had an ivory satin top with a deep red velvet skirt. It was gorgeous, and the moment I slipped it on, I was transformed from tomboy to glamor girl. I barely remember the ballet (sorry Auntie!)…but I’ll never forget that dress!

Now, each year, I watch the winter runways with childlike anticipation. I’m always excited when my favorite trends are plucked from the runway by retailers and transformed into real life, ready-to-wear styles.

Here's what I'm wild about this year...

Amazing Lace:

Not your mama’s macramé, today’s lace is sheer, fitted and sinfully sexy (in a tasteful, sophisticated way, of course!).

There's so many ways to go with this trend, but I think the biggest bang for your buck has got to be the lace dress.

It’s feminine, festive and just all-around fabulous.



Royal Velvet:

Velvet has long been a staple during the holiday season, but this year it is beyond stunning.

Sparkling gemstones, embroidery and flared hemlines give it a royal air that's perfect for holiday parties and occasions.

And while I will always hold a special place in my heart for velvet dresses, I have to admit I'm nuts for this year's velvet separates. Lush blazers, skirts, pants and accessories that can be mixed and matched with, well...anything.

If there's one thing the runways teach us, it's that mixing things up can create a custom look... Velvet blazer with jeans for a casual Friday. Velvet pants with a silky top for an after-work event. Velvet top and skirt for a family affair...or even a night at the ballet with my own little nieces?!

It think it's time to start a tradition!


By Bren B

Splurges & Steals

Hey Bloggers…..

Do you have your eye on designer duds, but not enough cash to fulfill your need? No worries! There are so many great looks out there at affordable prices.

The key to looking like a million bucks is in the details, not the designers. When shopping, keep a few simple rules in mind and you can transform runway chic into everyday reality.

First, realize that fit is everything. Just about anything looks quality if it’s a perfect fit. A little tailoring can go a long way… Keep it classic. Neutral tones and natural fabrics can help make clothing at any price look high end. Pay attention to small details. A little something that makes an item special is key….overdoing it is a no-no.

Check out these finds that are just as desirable as the original...but at a much friendlier price.

	Party Dress Splurge: Ali Ro Paillette mini dress $225 Steal: metrostyle black sequin dress $59.99
	Activewear Splurge: Juicy Couture puff sleeve jacket $138 Steal: metrostyle cargo pocket jacket $19.99
	Shoes Splurge: Linda Pritcher snakeskin-embossed oxford $435 Steal: metrostyle embossed patent oxford $34.99

By Sarah

Top Model: And then there were four…

As you know metrostyle has used some of the winners from America’s Next Top Model. Well, I’ve been a fan of the show since cycle 1 – the girls get wilder and Tyra gets kookier every season. Did anyone watch the show last night?

Last night the remaining five contestants were challenged to travel by boat through the streets of Amsterdam to their go-see appointments. Five designers waited as the girls frantically tried to see as many of them as possible in a short amount of time. Whoever got the most bookings, and made it back in time was the winner.

As usual, Marjorie was a nervous mess…the poor thing….she spent most of her time running around in circles and only made it to 2 go-sees. Samantha was too commercial for the designers and Elina had too many tattoos. Analeigh tried too hard, but ultimately won the challenge - $18,000 worth of designer merch - because McKey was disqualified for being 5 minutes late…too bad for her because she had the most bookings of all.

Then later in the show, the one and only fierce and ferocious Tyra photographed the girls herself. Each girl had 2 shots – one not made up and the other all dolled up. At eliminations, Miss Jay practically undressed Elina. Come to find out, she’s only 18! Just barely legal, but I guess that wasn’t enough – she was voted off. Sorry Elina, you are not America’s Next Top Model.

And by the way, can we make it through just one elimination without Tyra posing...please?

By EM

M by Shakara

If you haven’t checked out the new M by Shakara collection, you have been missing out! This new line debuted last spring and is designed by the fashion model herself. She brings excitement to the brand with clothing that is influenced by her own personal style as well as runway trends.

Shakara’s line is unique and stylish. But best of all…it’s affordable! The latest collection ranges from $19.99 to $129.99 with a mixture of great denim, fun tops and even a few dresses.

The Holiday line is made up with rich colors like emerald, purple, and berry. The clothes are festive, perfect for the upcoming holiday festivities. And there is a vintage feel to this collection…1920’s inspired. You’ll see the flapper style dress, cloche hat, and luxurious details like beading and fur (faux, of course).

You can view the line at the metrostyle website and also learn more about the model on the site as well. The website offers a video featuring Shakara at the photo shoot for her first M by Shakara collection.

M by Shakara gives us one more great reason to love metrostyle!

By Sarah

MY IMAGINARY LIFE

So, in my imaginary life anything is possible. I could have world peace, cure diseases and cease all wars…blah…blah ….blah. What fun would that be? Not!!! As it would be the real world. So I chose to be shallow and use my power for evil, shopping. In my imaginary life I can buy whatever I want, whenever I want and not have to worry about it.

Top of my list is Balenciaga.... hmmmm! Just rolls off my tongue…BALENCIAGA.
I want any pair of boots from this line, Nicolas Ghesquiere is my idol! Oh Suki suki now!
If only in my real life, I could afford to spend $2000 on a pair of boots.
But enough woe is me…back to my fake life.

I have my Balenciaga boots on right now and I am FAB-U-LOUS!

By Lee Lee