Frugal Fashion: William and Kate go cowboy chic on their overseas tour

Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, might have finished their overseas tour of parts of Canada and California, but we're still buzzing. We just can't get enough of the duchess and her confident, elegant style.

The newlyweds are now old pros at dressing for public appearances. While in the U.S., Catherine wore a flowy Alexander McQueen gown to the BAFTA "Brits to Watch" gala, a hand-painted silver dress by Jenny Packham to a charity polo match in Santa Barbara and a white and navy ensemble to paint with kids at an art center in L.A.'s skid row. But who knew the royal couple would look so good when they went country in jeans and cowboy hats?

These outfits came out when Kate and William made an appearance at the BMO Centre in Calgary, Canada. The look was a far cry from something the duke and duchess would wear to tea with the queen, but it's difficult to watch a lively herd of livestock in heels.

William kicked off the Calgary Stampede in a blue and green tartan plaid shirt, a pair of blue jeans and boots, while Kate wore a pair of dark denim jeans, Temperley London rodeo shirt, boots and a silver buckled-belt. The couple stayed clear of the sun in matching crisp white cowboy hats.

To get Kate's look try a white blouse with a prairie feel like the French Connection vintage grace shirt (below, left) for $39.99 at Frenchconnection.com. For some country ruffles try the silk georgette blouse from Forever21.com for $24.80.

For a rodeo, a nightclub or even a leisurely Sunday afternoon, there's no need to throw down a couple of hundred dollars for jeans. For a great pair of jeans under $100 try the Frances 18 low-rise boot cut jeans by Silver Jeans Co. for $75, Meltin Pot jeans from Yoox.com for $45 or the 1969 perfect boot cut jeans by Gap for $69.50.

For her accessories, Kate went the traditional western route with a bold silver-buckled belt and cowboy boots. Lasso the look with the Relic two-tone etched buckle belt from Kohls.com for $24 and the American Eagle Outfitters suede desert boot for $59.50.

The prince, looking more like a stylish Texas ranger in his rodeo gear, perfected the look of a modern cowboy. For a similar shirt, get the Polo Ralph Lauren slim custom-fit plaid sport shirt for $39.99 from LordandTaylor.com, American Eagle Outfitters plaid button down for $39.50, Cockpit navy blue plaid shirt for $44.99 from bluefly.com or the eco-conscious Swell the Josh Organic flannel shirt for $39.50. from Swell.com. Just remember to roll up the sleeves!

Your Morning Fashion and Beauty Report: Duchess of Cambridge Kate looks great at ARK event. Pippa Middleton loses 'Rear of the Year' vote. [Updated]

 

The Duchess of Cambridge mixed designer with high street as she arrived Thursday night at London's annual ARK charity gala with husband Prince William. She wore a sleek and elegant rose-colored Jenny Packham gown embellished with Swarovski crystals and shoes from retailer LK Bennett.  Her loose hairstyle was fresh, modern and the antithesis of stuffy. It was the couple's first offical "formal" event since their wedding. (They met America's first couple in a much more casual setting, sitting out the more formal state events while the Obamas were in town.) [PopSugar]

British television personality Carol Vorderman beat nominees including royal sister-in-law Pippa Middleton for "Rear of the Year," a cheeky (ouch! I couldn't stop myself from writing that) annual contest sponsored by Wizard Jeans and decided by popular vote. Vorderman has an amply endowed backside that we in the states would term "booty," and there's even a fan website devoted to it. Still, ''I am really surprised and flattered to get this award, particularly at this stage of my life,'' said the 50-year-old Vorderman. [Telegraph]

Remember Stella McCartney's much touted collaboration with GapKids? McCartney moved on to develop her own children's line and now Diane von Furstenberg is teaming with the mall retailer for a children's collection for next spring. [People]

Not only will Florence Welch appear in Gucci's fall ads, not only did she inspire its fall collection, but the atelier is dressing her for the upcoming Florence & the Machine tour. [People]

Kate Winslet shows she can strike a pose, looking sultry in St. John's fall ad campaign. [WWD] 

As if Jennifer Lopez isn't busy enough: She's set to launch her Love and Light fragrance exclusively on HSN on July 2. She's scheduled to be on the air for eight hours, taking calls from viewers. [WWD] (Subscription required.) [This item was updated at 9:39 a.m. June 10 to correct the date, which was incorrectly listed as as Saturday June 11 in the linked story.]

Meanwhile, Marc Jacobs is preparing to launch his new fragrance, Oh, Lola, this summer. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

Designer, film director and now beauty maven: Tom Ford has developed a new cosmetics and skincare line. [WWD] (Subscription required.)  

And finally -- and sorry, I just think this is weird -- Steven Tyler of "American Idol" and Aerosmith fame -- reportedly has a new fashion gig with MESH, which will be sold exclusively at Macy's this fall. Sorry, Steven, love your music. Love "American Idol." But not so sure about the fashion cred. Then again, that's never been a factor for celebrities. And I still don't get Lady Gaga. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

-- Susan Denley

Upper photo: Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge arrive at the ARK gala. Credit: Reuters

Lower photo: Diane von Furstenberg. Credit: Justin Lane / EPA 

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Your Morning Fashion and Beauty Report: Sheryl Crow's wardrobe malfunction at CMT Awards. Chloe Sevigny's high-school themed fashion show.

It seems to have been a week for wardrobe malfunctions. Lady Gaga's heavy skirt pulled down her top, leaving little to the imagination at Monday's Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards. Khloe Kardashian exposed more than she meant to on Tuesday with an accidental "nipple slip" while appearing on "Fox and Friends" on Fox News. Then at Wednesday's CMT Music Awards in Nashville, Sheryl Crow had her "oops-it's-going-viral-on-the-Internet" moment when she accidentally flashed a view of her underwear under her short skirt. Hey, we think Sheryl deserves some credit for wearing underwear. Proper foundation garments could have saved Lady Gaga's dignity; Khloe Kardashian's too. Oh, right, dignity doesn't seem to be among those two ladies' attributes. Crow took her faux pas with a sense of humor. "I was wearing underwear because I'm good, clean, wholesome family fun," she said. [Us]

Helena Bonham-Carter -- she of the interesting (some might say wacky) red carpet style -- is starring in Marc Jacobs' fall ad campaigns. Bonham-Carter is known for wearing the unexpected -- mismatched shoes, a Union Jack garter and such. Jacobs is known for casting the unexpected, such as a then 13-year-old Dakota Fanning in one ad campaign. Sounds like a match made in fashion advertising heaven. [Telegraph]  

The first runway show for actress Chloë Sevigny's collaboration with Opening Ceremony took place in a high school gym, complete with rattling basketball hoops and ceiling fans and cinder block. The clothes had kind of a '90s vibe with a mix of babydoll dresses, pleated minis and crop tops. Why the sweaty gym as a setting? "I wanted you to come in and be transported back to the way you felt when you were a teenager," Sevigny said. [Cut]

Louis Vuitton has launched a website where aspiring artists can share their work, be inspired and learn more about the art world. Recreative was a year in the making, developed by young people working with the Hayward Gallery, the Royal Academy of Arts, the South London Gallery, Tate Britain and the Whitechapel Gallery as part of the Louis Vuitton Young Arts Project. [Telegraph]

Gap, which has been struggling in the U.S., will try to revive itself by making stores here look more like those abroad. That's part of the strategy, at least. [WWD] (subscription required)

Lauren Conrad has moved beyond her reality show drama and into serious fashion design, working on her new clothing collection, Paper Crown. The collection has a decided L.A. vibe and Conrad says she was aiming for it to feel chic and "effortless." [PopSugar L.A.] 

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-- Susan Denley

Photo: Helena Bonham-Carter, at this year's Golden Globe Awards, displays her quirky style in a dress by Dame Vivienne Westwood and mismatched shoes. Credit: Jason Merritt / Getty Images

 

 

 

Your Morning Fashion & Beauty Report: McQueen exhibit extended and it's a wrap (dress) for Gap

The blockbuster Alexander McQueen retrospective exhibition "Savage Beauty" has extended its run the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City for a week.  [WWD]

William and Kate's first official public engagement since returning from their honeymoon will be a June 9 charity event. It's a gala dinner being described as a "glamorous event," so we're sure the whole world will be focused on who is wearing what. [People]

The paparazzi seem to have surreptitiously snapped some photos of Margherita Missoni on the set of the Missoni for Target ad shoot. Among the pieces visible are a roller bag, a laptop case, a mini-dress, headband and pair of pumps. We're liking what we're seeing so far. [Cut]

The rumored Diane von Furstenberg for Gap Kids collaboration is apparently moving forward, with a spring/summer 2012 delivery for girls. Pint-sized wrap dress, anyone? [WWD]

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Your Morning Fashion & Beauty Report for May 30

-- Booth Moore

Photo: A look from the Alexander McQueen Met exhibition in New York, which has extended its run for an additional week. Credit: Solve Sundsbo / Metropolitan Museum of Art

 

Frugal Fashion: Rihanna pre-'S&M' at the Billboard Music Awards

The fashion at music events can be transfixing -- more compelling, at times, than the Oscars. The attendees seem a little less stuffy; the dresses and personalities sometimes border on outrageous; and there never seems to be a shortage of moments where I find myself thinking, "What was she thinking?"

Last Sunday's Billboard Music Awards were no exception. Model Nayer draped herself in mens' neck ties, Sinbad attempted to rock a bejeweled pirate blouse, and Fergie went dominatrix in a Hervé Léger by Max Azria Atelier mini. On stage shades of pure white popped up in the form of a military trench for Mary J. Blige, a Michael Jackson-ish suit for Far East Movement frontman Kev Nish and a futuristic Tron-inspired number for Nicki Minaj.

Fire-haired songstress Rihanna, who took home awards for radio artist of the year and best female artist, stole the show in white leather lingerie for a steamy performance of "S&M."

But before Rihanna saddled up for some hip thrusting, pole dancing and a pillow fight with Britney Spears, viewers got to see a very different, much sleeker side of the artist when she walked the red carpet in a tailored men's Max Azria white suit, super-low V-cut blouse, a gold tassel necklace and nude Christian Louboutin heels.

Rihanna's menswear look is sexy and sophisticated, making her all-white attire perfect for your upcoming summer soirees. For a similar style jacket try the Linen boyfriend blazer by Armani Exchange for $130, linen blend blazer from Forever21.com for $27.80, or the Epaulet blazer by Calvin Klein for $99.

For the trousers, you'll want a pair that is high-waisted for more of a feminine touch. Armani Exchange makes a great pair of trousers called the 20th pleated trouser for $88 or try the Nic + Zoe cotton side zip pants for $88.20 on Zappos.com. This look would also work with a pair of wide-leg trousers like the Bebe sailor pant for $54.99.

Rihanna's shirt features an extremely low V-cut. This may be appropriate for an awards show but for your next outing you can go as low or as high as you want with these frugal finds: The Sheer pocket shirt from the Gap for $59.95, Bellatrix pleated blouse from Nordstrom.com for $78, or the Sparkle & Fade Dolman blouse from Urbanoutfitters.com for $29.99.

Tassels have come back in a big way this season, adding a fun and frilly touch of '70s art deco. For a silver option wear the Twisted dropped-chain necklace from Charlotte Russe for $7.50 or for gold, the mesh loop tassel necklace from Topshop.com for $30.

Happy shopping!

Have an outfit you're dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? Email us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

-- Jenn Harris
Twitter.com/Jenn_Harris_

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Photo: Recording artist Rihanna arrives at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena May 22 in Las Vegas. Credit: Isaac Brekken / Getty Images.

Blazer photo: From left, Linen boyfriend blazer from Armani Exchange. Credit: Armani Exchange; linen blend blazer from Forever 21. Credit: Forever21.com; epaulet blazer by Calvin Klein. Credit: Calvin Klein.  

Pants photo: From left, 20th pleated trouser by Armani Exchange. Credit: Armani Exchange; Nic + Zoe cotton pants. Credit: Zappos.com; Bebe sailor pant; Credit: Bebe.

Blouse photo: From left, Sheer pocket shirt from the Gap. Credit: The Gap; Bellatrix pleated blouse from Nordstrom. Credit: Nordstrom.com; Sparkle & Fade Dolman blouse. Credit: Urbanoutfitters.com.  

Necklace photo: From left, Twister dropped-chain necklace from Charlotte Russe. Credit: Charlotterusse.com; Mesh loop tassel necklace. Credit: Topshop.com.

Get 30% off at the Gap by cleaning out your closet

 
In case you need another reason to clear out the back of your closet and do some serious spring cleaning, the Gap is making it a little easier this season. Bring your old clothes into a Gap store, from May 19th to May 29th and receive 30% off your total purchase, including on sale items. All donated clothing will be given to Goodwill and sold at one of their 2,500 stores to raise money for their job training programs.

The one-stop, drop off and shop event comes just in time for some summer or Memorial Day shopping and should inspire anyone who procrastinates when purging the contents of their closets to finally get rid of the jeans that just don’t fit any longer. Hopefully you’ll leave with fewer bags than you came in with. 

 

Melissa Magsaysay

 

Some summery offerings from the Gap/Gap

Patrick Robinson out as Gap design head

Patrick Robinson, tapped as head of design for the Gap brand four years ago, has left the company, according to a news release posted Thursday at the Gap Inc. website. 

"After spending the last three months in New York with the creative team, I've made the decision to make a change within our Gap Adult design team," Pam Wallack, head of the Gap Global Creative Center, said in the release.

Robinson, who held the title of executive vice president of Gap global design for adult and body, is the former artistic director at Paco Rabanne. He joined Gap in 2007, and presented his first Gap collection during New York Fashion Week in February 2008. 

The announcement said Jennifer Giangualano, senior vice president of kids and baby design, would step in to provide "leadership and direction" while the company searches for Robinson's replacement.

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-- Adam Tschorn

Photo: Patrick Robinson a Gap 1969 pop-up store on Robertson Boulevard in 2009. Credit: Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times

Preview: Gap goes leathery for fall and embraces the full maxi-skirt

Since designer Patrick Robinson stepped into the creative-director role at Gap in 2007, the mall retailer has upped its style quotient considerably, overhauling its denim (which now fits like a dream), then revamping the fit and feel of its pants, separates and accessories. 

For Fall 2011, the ubiquitous retailer is playing with leather, adding panels of the sensual stuff to denim skirts and and pants — and debuting a chic line of simple, chain-strapped leather shoulder bags. There are also faux-leather leggings, a style that's enjoyed surprising staying power over the past few years.

The brand is also endorsing fall's full maxi-skirt (see Jil Sander's full skirts for spring and fall), offering a navy, pocketed version with '80s Ralph Lauren-inspired pleats.

Of course there are great basics too, including workday flared trousers and a bow-tied button-front blouse in a pretty pale peach that can easily move from office to cocktail party.

The collection also features a handful of ultra-wearable marled-knit sweaters, including a gray scoop-neck pullover with 3/4-length sleeves that we can see pulling out of our closets repeatedly once the clime cools off.

-- Emili Vesilind

Photos: Looks from Gap's Fall 2011 collection. Credit: Gap.

 

Style L.A.: What are you wearing? Reader photo of the week, spring is here

Spring has arrived with this week's reader photo of the week, uploaded by Rei Fernandez from the fashion blog The Common Grounds.

Fernandez is ready for the unpredictable weather spring brings with plenty of layers in a light denim jacket from the Gap, varsity cardigan by BDG, white button-down by the Gap and slim fit khakis by Old Navy. His "Lumber Up" boots by Eastland are perfect for splashing through April showers or strolling on a sunny day.

"This photo was taken from a small photo shoot I had recently for my blog post where I discussed the transition from winter into spring," wrote Fernandez. "We're all excited for the warmer weather that spring brings, but might not come right away."

Every week we'll choose a new reader photo from our Style L.A.: What are you wearing? gallery to feature on our blog. Upload your pictures here. We can't wait to see what you put together.

Photo credit: Ken Soleta

Frugal Fashion: Mandy Moore, between 'Tangled' and 'Falling Slowly,' flexes her fashion cred

Sometime between Mandy Moore's hit song “Candy” in 1999 and now, I blinked, and she became  “someone to watch” in the fashion world. The singer, songwriter and sometimes actress was always adorable, but she’s given herself a complete revamp, turning the “cute” spaghetti-strap-tank-wearing, midriff-baring teeny bopper into a chic, sophisticated woman.  

Moore recently popped up on our fashion radar when she blew away our own Melissa Magsaysay in an elegant, sparkly Monique Lhuillier dress at this year’s Oscars. Moore has also made recurring appearances on best dressed lists, such as InStyle magazine's Look of the Day feature.

The 26-year-old appeared most recently as the voiceof Rapunzel in Disney’s "Tangled," and is slated to appear in the film "Falling Slowly" opposite the dreamy Rodrigo Santoro next year, finding plenty of reasons to impress on red carpets everywhere.

Moore attended Lucky Magazine's First Annual "Lucky Shops LA" at Siren Studios in Los Angeles recently in a sheer top, double-breasted collarless jacket, black tapered leg pants and two-tone ballet flats. She accessorized her carefree look with a ring necklace and a white simple structured tote. Her barely there, fresh face makeup and effortless pulled-back hairstyle helped her nail the look.

Every part of Moore's outfit is super versatile and accessible for the fashionista on a budget. Each item is a great find to pair with any number of pieces you may already have in your closet. Moore's sheer T-shirt happens to be one of my closet staples. It's perfect to dress up or down and super comfy. For a scoopneck shirt that will easily become your go-to "T," snag the Favorite scoopneck T from Gap for $12.50. Dress up your shirt with a collarless, cropped sleeve jacket like Moore's. The 212 Collection tweed jacket from Kohl's is $31.99 and great to wear with office wear or a new dress.

Moore's pants remind me of the tapered-leg style often worn by stylish Brits Kate Moss, Alexa Chung and Sienna Miller. Get the look with the Rory cotton-twill pant by Miller's brand Twenty8Twelve for $57.50 on Outnet.com or the Belted Twill pants from Forever 21 for $22.80.

Moore's structured tote looks great and can be the perfect "everything" bag -- it's big enough to fit your keys, makeup, wallet, phone and the rest of your life nicely. Aldo makes two great totes, the Cyphert tote for $45 and the Bazer tote for $34.98. Dillard's also carries an all-purpose tote by Kate Landry Paris for $55.30.

A good pair of flats is always a smart investment, especially ones you can wear to work, the store, lunch  or your favorite bar. To get Moore's two-tone look try the Annie Cybil cork and black patent flats from Zappos.com for $49.95. The cork texture is fun but the patent leather dresses up the shoe for that nighttime feel.

Happy shopping!

Have an outfit you're dying to buy but need a frugal alternative? Email us a picture. We're up for the challenge.

-- Jenn Harris

twitter.com/Jenn_Harris_

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Photo: Mandy Moore attends Lucky Magazine's First Annual "Lucky Shops LA" at Siren Studios on April 7 in Los Angeles. Credit: Frederick M. Brown /Getty Images.

Shirt photo: Gap scoopneck T, left. Credit: Gap.com; 212 Collection tweed jacket, right. Credit: Kohls.com.

Pant photo: Rory cotton twill pant by TwelvebyTwelve, left. Credit: Outnet.com; Belted twill pant, right. Credit: Forever21.com.

Bag photo: From left, Cyphert tote. Credit: Aldo.com; Bazer tote. Credit: Aldo.com. Kate Landry Paris tote. Credit: Dillards.com. 

Shoe photo: Annie Cybil flats. Credit: Zappos.com.