Seeing Double: Tribal Influences

I came across a Nitrolicious report while perusing the fashion blogs today: H&M will be launching its third Fashion Against AIDS (FAA) campaign on May 20, 2010, donating 25% of sales to relevant projects. Launching just in time for the summer music festivals, the designers at H&M apparently took their cues from the Coachella set. I do not quite understand this H&M quote regarding the FAA collection, but I'll re-post it. Make what you will of it:

"The style of the festival is a global trend that’s all about freedom of expression and shared experiences. For girls, fashion this summer means a mix of rock, bohemia and glamour, with added ethnic touches, such as denim hot pants or patterned leggings matched with embellished tunic tops" [emphasis added].

Huh? Denim hot pants serve as ethnic touches?

Not sure what H&M is trying to say, but that's besides the point. I was struck by the similarity between the H&M flats (pictured on the right, via Nitrolicious) and the House of Harlow heels which I posted last fall. Is it in poor taste to link back to one's own blog? Because I just did.

I'm not sure which pair I prefer. The HOH heels have an undeniable sex appeal, but I think the H&M flats would be incredibly fun to stomp around in all summer - and would be a killer addition to a weekend wardrobe. Thoughts?

Image of House of Harlow heel via Stylist.com.
Image of H&M footwear via Nitrolicious.com.

Inspired: Ashish, Viral and Vikrant

Ashish, Viral and Vikrant for Virtues has a truly fun and youthful collection of dresses and ensembles that pay homage to their Indian roots. The look this season seemed quite bohemian-chic, cutting delicious fabrics (re: a mixture of Indian textiles pieced together with popular western fabrics, like denim) so that the authentic beauty of the materials remained clearly visible. In fact, I would say the collection is uncommonly well conceived: these pretty and interesting pieces emphasize the fabric choices subtly and chicly. What's particularly nice is that, despite the obvious nod to heritage textiles and prints, the looks are urban and versatile. I imagine women will be loving these pieces from Bombay to LA and everywhere in between.

Images via Vogue India.

Erin Fetherston's Spring 2010 Dresses

I hate to write a blog post about something as mundane as the weather - it's more appropriate conversation for a bad date or a job interview. But I love this time of the year: New York and her locals tend to be in a state of total rhapsody, shedding both woolen layers and surly attitudes. There's nothing I want to do more than drool other delicate dresses in pastel colors - and a gorgeous tan to keep me from looking ridiculous in them.

Less jabber and more fashion. I've been a fan of Erin Fetherston's concoctions for a while, but it's hard to fantasize about her dresses in the middle of a blizzard. Her Spring 2010 collection is incredibly pretty and wearable; very lady-like sans the prissy factor. Last spring, Fetherston's collection was less structured, and it seemed more fitting for a beach vacation, although there were a lot of tiered cloud-like dresses (I preferred the look on shorter hemlines, but that's partly because I'm of a diminutive stature myself, and I don't fare too well in long dresses).

Anyway, old is old. My favorite look this spring is the Rose Bobinette Top with the Rose Bobinette Capelet and the Miniskirt in Floral Cloque. With such a perfect combo of youthfulness and a classic sensibility, it's no wonder that doe-eyed ingenue types like Zooey Deschanel and Kirsten Dunst have modeled her confections.

Images via Erin Fetherston.

Zac Posen for Target

How I love The Cut, particularly for posting images and prices of Zac Posen's entire Target line. The collection drops April 25, and it's bound to be a huge hit. The Snap Tape Dress is unbelievably cool, although I'm inspired to attempt the bikini-top-and-skirt combo. Too much?

A sampling:

-Snap Tape Dress in Blue, $69.99.
-Black Cardigan, $49.99; Ruched Halter Bikini Top, $19.99; Floral Print Brocade Skirt, $49.99; Black Braided Belt, $24.99.
-Halter Dress, $24.99; Black Braided Belt, $24.99.
-Tie-Dye Print Tank Dress, $29.99.
-Red Two-Piece Ruffle Dress, $79.99.
-Brocade Tie Dress, $74.99.