Goodbye August.

My favorite part of August.

The Collaboration Trend Continues: Neiman Marcus and Target

Another example of collaboration between big name high-end fashion players and affordable retailers.

Neiman Marcus and Target Join Forces on Unprecedented Holiday Collection

I've noticed this strategy become more prevalent over the past few years.  Target saw great success with the affordable Missoni collection.  H&M continues to feature designer collections that please their fashion-forward consumer.

According to the NM tweets, each designer will provide 1-3 designs. My first thought was "Will the retailers provide different pieces?" Surprisingly the answer was "no" per NM.  Each retailer will provide the same pieces at the same prices.  I'm definitely looking forward to the sneak peak of the ‪#Holiday24‬ collection.  

I am happy to see this collaborative effort continuing.  However, could this mean more than just a short collaboration for Neiman Marcus?  Will Neiman Marcus be branching out into providing a more affordable contemporary collection in the future?  I'm highly anticipating seeing the collection and what more is to come from these two retailers.

What to Wear for... I was recently invited to my first museum party. It was a fabulous evening cocktail party with an energetic and creative crowd. I was inspired by the colorful, light dresses the fashionable crowd wore to stay cool. Sometimes you need to get creative when you live in Texas...the weather is a force to be reckoned with.

What to Wear for... by hellochristina featuring short dresses

What to Wear for...Mother's Day Brunch

What to Wear... by hellochristina featuring prada handbags

Nanette lepore dress, $398
Prada platform pumps, $1,100
Prada handbag, $310
Prada round sunglasses, $245
Calypso
Wide brim hat

What Would Rachel Say?

Ask Rachel: Music Festival Buff

Excellent advice from one of my favorite stylists, Rachel Zoe.  I would also suggest to add a pop of color to your festival wardrobe. Here are some affordable examples.

Urban Outfitters 

Urban Outfitters 

Bag Lady

My obsession the past month or so was to find the perfect new black handbag to replace my fabulous Isabella Fiore bag I found in Vegas (R.I.P.).  

I decided the perfect bag for me was a black leather Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag. (Unless someone can convince me otherwise!)  But it's hard for a girl to choose just one.  Here are some I love and some I can only dream about:

Marc by Marc Jacobs 

Chanel Spring/Summer 2012

Chanel Classic Large Flap

Marc by Marc Jacobs 

Fendi Mink-Trimmed Beaded Clutch

There to be a few obstacles in my way in obtaining my fav bags:

1. As of recent developments, I’m on a budget (that’s a whole different story...sigh...)
2. I live in Austin, TX.  This means shopping choices are limited.  I’ve checked the selections at Saks, Neimans, Nordstroms and a couple key boutiques.  This means I am forced to consider buying a new bag...GULP...online.  Unless I know for sure what I want, I am one of the old-fashioned shopping gals that prefers the hands-on experience.   I invite you to share with me any secret purse gems or shopping locales! 

Old Fashioned...

Created new Inspiration Boards for Spring 2012.  These are the old fashioned kind...Follow me on Pinterest as well.