H&M designer collaborations are always something to celebrate. What’s not to love about the world’s hottest designers teaming up with one of the world’s most affordable clothing stores? And their latest collaboration is with the Italian brand Marni is coming soon! Famed for its original prints and inventive spirit, Marni is one of fashion’s most-loved labels, and its founder and creative director, Consuelo Castiglioni, has created a spring collection for H&M for both women and men that captures the essence of Marni. “I wanted to create a true Marni wardrobe by revisiting all our favorite pieces in signature fabrics and prints. As always, I love juxtaposing prints and colors, mixing modern tribal with Bauhaus graphic and adding sporty utilitarian elements,” says Consuelo Castiglioni. The collection will feature silhouettes like full pleated skirts, dresses, cropped pants and jacquard knits; fabrics range from silk to crisp cotton poplin. The collection will also includes jewelry, shoes, bags and scarves.
Looks gorgeous, so far!

image via h&m

Sperry Top-Siders are all the rage – and their collaboration with one of my favorite designers. Milly, is amazing! How amazing are these for spring??

The collaboration I’m most looking forward to BY FAR is the March 15 debut of Diane von Furstenberg for Gap Kids and Baby Gap because, well, it’s Diane von Furstenberg. Hello! The designs are fun, bright, bold, and fashion-forward – and totally affordable… sort of. Definitely pricier than your average Baby Gap pieces, but considering a DVF wrap dress sells for about $350, paying $68 for a kids version isn’t so bad.

image via gap

What collaboration are you looking forward to most?

Last week, I got to meet with Ingrid & Isabel founder, Ingrid Carney (who is completely delightful) and see a sneak peek of the new Spring 2012 line available this week. I was very impressed – the line is full of versatile classics that can take you through your pregnancy and beyond. (Is 4 years too postpartum to wear this skirt? because I really want it.) Their clothes are perfect for wearing all through pregnancy and postpartum – everything is designed to work with every size belly!

Mommies can be super chic and stylish in Ingrid & Isabel! Definitely check them out!

My favorite pieces (that I would wear even though I’m not pregnant)…

Athena Dress, $148

Stripe Tank Maxi Dress, $148

Drape Top, $62

Leopard Everywear Scarf, $42

Its fun and bright for summer, soft and sweet for spring. Inspired by the country’s range of stunning shades – as seen in vivid tulips, windmill-dotted hillsides and bustling canals – the collection’s twelve shades offer a mixture of sophisticated neutrals and highly-pigmented brights. “Holland has a very unique, vibrant beauty to match its open-minded nature,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director.  “Spring is the season of color, and the Holland Collection provides an array of pink, coral and orange hues that capture this energy. The bright lacquers are married with neutrals in new variations like red clay and sea green.”

L to R: Wooden Shoe Like to Know, I Don’t Give a Rotterdam, Thanks a Windmillion, Gouda Gouda Two Shoes, I Have a Herring Problem, Pedal Faster Suzi!, Vampsterdam, A Roll in the Hague, Dutch-Ya Just Love OPI?, Kiss Me On My Tulips, Red Lights Ahead…Where?, Did You ‘Ear About Van Gogh?

I have Vampsterdam on my fingers and I have Red Lights Ahead… Where? on my toes right now:

What about Project Runway All Stars  made you want to be a part of it?
Well, first off I was really flattered by the opportunity. It’s a massive opportunity and I like to challenge myself. You often don’t get offered chances like this and I thought this was a great chance.

How was this experience different than your first time on Project Runway?
The new judges, in themselves, are just really unique. The first time around you are a lot more naïve and not so savvy to the situation…not that it gives you an upperhand, but you just know what you are going into. You know you still go through the same motions…it’s very similar in that manner.

Can you talk about your relationship with Kenley and what people thought of your relationship with her?
The thing is is that you are naturally drawn to certain types of people. You are in this environment with the same kind of contemporaries as yourself. Kenley and I really kind of gravitated towards one another. We were really each other’s sounding boards throughout the whole thing and it never felt like, oh my god, why are you helping it each other…this is a competition. It was more of a case of we are in this together. It’s only natural that you build relationships while you’re in there. I think Kenley is a really special girl…we were just honest and open with each other, as were so many of the contestants. I had no agenda and I didn’t have the agenda to go on and just make friends or go on and not make friends. I love Kenley and everybody knew that, but everyone had their own person that they leaned on…Michael had Mondo and vice versa. Each person just had someone that they connected with. It’s not unusual…I don’t know why people find it unusual. It’s just an honest connection.

Did you feel it was just drummed-up TV drama, or did Mila ever verbally express this in your presence?
No one ever expressed it in our presence. You know, we each had our own sort of rhythm in the workroom and some people work quieter and some people work a little louder. There were two sewing rooms and Kenley, myself and Mondo were in one of them and we actually gravitated towards that conversation…I think it’s just different personalities. I think Mila doesn’t open up as easily, whereas Kenley and I are very open and free-spirited. I don’t think anyone disapproved of it…maybe they disapproved of the fact that we were louder than they hoped, but you can’t fine-tune the workroom to suit you…you sort of have to adapt and that’s part of what the show is about…really adjusting and adapting and making it happen.

Do you feel that Mila should have been sent home instead?
When I look back at it, it obviously is just the worst of the two, but I don’t know how the backend works and how they make those decisions.

Now that you are gone, who are you hoping to see win? I’m guessing you’re going to lean towards Kenley, but is there anyone else you’d like to see win this season?
I love Austin too…I love Austin and Kenley. We were quite a tight-knit group of besties, but I do think that Austin has phenomenal talent. Looking at the group, Michael, Mondo and Austin are really in key with what’s going on…as I say, they adapt the best in the circumstance. May the best man win…or woman…man or woman.

You now have two children, ages 2 and 4. When you were on Project Runway last time you did not have any children. In this episode it seemed like you were really missing your family. How did that affect this experience?
My initial reaction when I got the call to be on the show, was oh my gosh, I can’t be away from my kids. I was like, I’m in a different place, but I spoke to my mentor and she said this is the kind of mother you are…this is who you are…you work, you do your thing, your kids love you for that. So, in my contract I made sure I could see my children, but it wasn’t regular and it was very difficult. I’m a very hands-on mother and it’s not easy being away…you’re out of your comfort zone and you have to adapt to this environment. Anyone away from their kids is going to be devastated, but I had to do what I had to do. If I am going to leave them it is going to be with conviction and purpose…trying to do the best for myself and for them and the future. I don’t do things now for myself…I do things knowing they could have a consequence that could lead to be potentially great for me and my family.

How did you feel about Joanna Coles as a mentor, as opposed to Tim?
They just have such different agendas…I mean, they don’t have an agenda, but Tim felt more like your best friend in the workroom…a critic and best friend…he, sort of, stepped up and helped you, whereas Joanna stepped back…just a different perspective. She would give a much more worldly, out there business perspective where Tim made it more like a school environment. It was like high school versus college…they are both equally great.

You said you didn’t think the Broadway challenge was for you…could you talk a little about that?
A lot of the designers come from a costume-design background, so they have more of that aesthetic idea on how it needs to be, whereas I come from a ready-to-wear. For me, regardless of last night’s challenge, I come from a very commercial background. In my business, the showmanship pieces don’t sell very well and the wearable ones do. It’s always hard to be there and translate what I’ve learned over the years in commercial success into something visually stimulating for the television. The challenge was just like any other and I needed to step out of my commercial comfort zone…everybody has their strength and that certainly isn’t my strength.

What Trina Wore: Basic white tee from Express sized up to be longer layered over a basic black tank from Target.  Grey flyaway cardigan from Target’s clearance rack {similar} and red scarf tied at the corners to create an infinity scarf {similar}.  Black skinny pants from Express {similar} and Steve Madden boots from 6pm.  Ring is from Rue21 {similar} and the heart mani was inspired by love, Maegan.

What Jo-Lynne Wore: Red DL1961 jeans from Jennifer on the Avenue with black tank (Lands End Canvas) and gray drapey sweater (Nordstrom). Gray Dansko Buffy ankle boots, silver link bracelet (David Yurman) and statement necklace (Stella & Dot).

What Maria Wore: The husband and I got a weekend away in Georgetown and I had to keep warm AND look cute…tough when dealing with arctic temperatures! I took off my coat to take this picture, otherwise it would have been a waste. Nothing is new, everything straight out of my closet! Jeans by Primark (UK), boots by Benetton, floral blouse: Cath Kidston (was a pregnancy blouse, but I accidentally  shrunk it and it fits perfect!), scarf by Banana Republic, Sunniesby  Ray-Ban, Blazer by  Uniqlo and Bag by Esprit.

What Melissa Wore: I went to a lunch at the Philadelphia Horticultural Society. Black sweater by Loft, Jeans by 7 for All Mankind, awesomely awesome python heels from Target.

For more style, check out

I had my makeup done and felt fabulous. What is it about getting your makeup done? I always feel amazing – even if I buy the exact same tools and products, it still never looks the same as when a makeup artist does it! Seriously look at my cheekbones – that is all makeup! She used bronzer under, then blush on the cheekbone.

And of course we spent great amounts of time doing what we do best…

It was a lovely, relaxing time in our super busy day – kudos to Dawn and Elizabeth for putting together such a lovely event and for gathering such an amazing group of bloggers together!

Getting down to business does not mean you have to ignore your sense of fashion. Some times it is in the little things… a splash of color, a thin animal print belt, a fun ring, a ruffle here, a pleat there.

Here is a business look put together from the multi-shop that is Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, and Loop 18:

• Beet Root Purple Skinny Belt, $30 (for two) from Lane Bryant
• Bright Blue Banded Bottom Drape Neck Top, $40 from Lane Bryant
• Low-Heel Pump, $23 from Fashion Bug
• Wider Wide Leg Pinstripe Pant, $65 from Lane Bryant
• Ruffled Sateen Jacket by Qristyl Frazier, $100 from Lane Bryant
• Multi Comp Bag by Derek Alexander, $215 from Lane Bryant
• Onyx and Pearl Pierced Earring, $110 from Loop 18

The great thing about these pieces is they can be easily integrated into the rest of your wardrobe whether it be business or casual. You can still be plus size, fashionable, and serious when it comes to business.

1.  How do you describe your style?
Classic with a modern twist.  Over the years I have learned what looks good on me and what doesn’t, but I also enjoy trying new trends.  So, I stick to the classics and infuse some “of the moment” pieces.

2.  What is your favorite thing in your closet? 
My practical side says my SAVA Chocolate Brown Blazer. I reach for it most often and it never disappoints.  My impractical side says my Nicole Miller skinny leather pants.  I have worn them only twice and they were pricey but I feel like I can take on the world when I wear them.

3.  What is your “best buy” story? 
Most of my designer shoes are extremely generous gifts from my husband.  I have scored on my own, ONCE, with a pair of sandal/bootie hybrids (sound hideous but are fabulous) from Last Call Neiman Marcus.  They were originally $700 and I got them for $150.  SCORE!!!!

4.  What are your favorite stores to shop? 
As you can tell from my blog, I am a TOTAL boutique shopper.  I adore the brands/labels that you won’t see everywhere on everyone.  I shop at local Jersey Shore boutiques like Lola’s and D. Monaco in Point Pleasant, Katherine’s in Manasquan and when I am in Philadelphia I shop at SAVA, Third Street Habit and Nicole Miller.  Of course I shop national brands as well for convenience.  My favorites are Old Navy, JCPenney and Banana Republic.

5.  My most valuable tool in my makeup/skincare bag:
This is a tie between my Clarasonic and Arbonne Liquid Foundation. I am officially obsessed with both!

Be sure to follow Carly on Twitter and Facebook - you will love this lovely blog, folks!

Are you a Chic Blogger? Join our Chic Blogger Network!

coat | black boots | tan boots

After sufficiently mourning the loss of Rami, the designers got to work on their next challenge: designing a look for a rich, as in super rich, broadway character.  In honor of the 40th anniversary of the musical “Godspell,” the designers had to create separates for a very ostentatious wealthy female character who steals from the poor to show off her wealth.  It was specifically dictated that there should be a quirky feel because the items come from the other characters, but basically she should look rich and a little evil.

The workroom is a flurry of fur and gold as the designers get to work.  Austin is practically on cloud nine over getting to sketch in the theater and create a look for a prestigious broadway play.

The results?

To the runway!

[spoiler alert]

CHALLENGE WINNER: Mondo, although Austin came prettttty close.  But even the hairstyle of his model showcased the rich, evil brewing within.

PERSONAL FAVORITE: I was rooting for Austin the whole time.  His enthusiasm is contagious!  And I seriously wanted to steal that stole.

SENT PACKING: Kara, which surprised me considering this challenge was her best yet in the competition.  The judges just couldn’t see past the large bow and felt that she could have pushed the outfit to be more eclectic.

PERSONAL WORST:  I think I’m holding a grudge against Jerell.  He’s just not doing it for me.  His outfit was okay, but very matronly.  And his sleeves looked like they were shedding.  I’d have to throw Kenley in here too…her outfit looked more ‘Barbie’ than ‘Broadway’.

Who do you think should have won?  Been sent home?  Sound it out on Rate The Runway!

Missed our previous recaps? Catch them here: Episode 1  – Episode 2  -  Episode 3  -  Episode 4  – Episode 5  – Episode 6