Here are the photographs I took of the "Romantic" collections at the Charlotte Russe Launch Event - Fall 2009 last night in NYC. Stylists merged elements from the lookbook referred to as "Heirloom," "Oh So Chic" and "Desire," each marked by feminine details with a nostalgic nod to the past. Some of the looks have a roaring '20s flapper feel to them that I just love. The Chanel-inspired tweed jacket is a must-have, and don't miss the Jimmy Choo-inspired cutout booties (I was hoping someone would do those on the cheap!).

Left: The "Desire" collection embodies Baroque romance with lace, fur, feather & ribbon details, jet beads, goddess draping and back interest. Right: The "Oh So Chic" collection captures the Uptown girl spirit with satin fabrications, rompers, sequins & studs, cutouts and stone embellishments.

The "Heirloom" collection embodies ladylike-style with cardigans & couture-inspired jackets, tweed & boucle, peacock, mesh & crochet details, vintage cheetah prints, and pretty pearls.

Skirt, available 8/10, $22.99; Satin handbag, available 8/14, $19.99; Pearl bracelet, available 8/11, $6.00

I noticed these are knock-offs of Jimmy Choos Cutout shoe booties, orig. $950 at Bergdorf Goodman.

These shoes are listed in the lookbook under kitson for Charlotte Russe (more on that later) but appeared in the "Heirloom" model exhibit (sorry but I don't know the industry speak, haha). Available 8/6, $34.99

Fast-fashion favorite Charlotte Russe unveiled fashions from their upcoming Fall 2009 collections last night at a launch event in New York. Here, highlights from the "Buckingham Collection," an unapologetic take on Brit punk. I've filled in product details where available. Not my style but there are a couple pieces I could work with, like the plaid pencil skirt. What do you think?

Last night I attended the Charlotte Russe Launch Event - Fall 2009 - in New York City, and while I'm diligently working on my report for all of you, I thought I'd post a rather self-indulgent photo of the gorgeous beaded statement necklace and matching cuff that everyone got in their goodie bags. Fancy, huh? I actually saw someone wearing the necklace at the event and assumed it was Vera Wang or some one-of-a-kind piece by an independent artist that cost a small fortune. Needless to say, I loved it so much and was thrilled to discover that the lust-worthy piece was in fact affordable and in my goodie bag. I don't know the exact prices, but each piece probably costs around $10 if Charlotte Russe's current necklace offerings are any indication, so keep an eye out for these beauties in stores soon! Loads of ladies were wearing statement necklaces last night, a trend that will carry through into the fall for sure.

Kenneth Jay Lane delivers a varied collection of statement-making baubles, often incorporating natural elements like flowers and animals into his designs. Earlier today I was admiring his jewelry at a Gilt.com sale, which included a blue enamel flower ring similar to the style above ($90 at bergdorfgoodman.com).


If you missed the Gilt sale or just want something similar for less, Forever 21 has a dazzling array of flower-themed cocktail rings with a definite Kenneth-Jay-Lane feel. Scoop up the tiny treasure above for just $4.80.

Browse more fabulous rings from Forever 21 below (it's hard to pick just one favorite, no?)…

I've been carrying this black patent leather Guess bowler for about a year now and I absolutely love it. However, I think it's time for a change of bag but still want something in a neutral tone—off white/cream, tan, brown, or even gray. Of course I want something that looks designer but without the hefty pricetag. I'm not big on online shopping and was hoping to see what you could suggest as being a trendy and sophisticated bag for a college girl. Thanks so much! —Haj

OK, so I hear you loud and clear about the online shopping—I prefer shopping in person myself—but if you're willing to take a chance, there's this great under-the-radar handbag designer called Melie Bianco which is sold primarily online that I think you will love. If you read fashion mags and blogs (including TBB), then you've probably heard of Melie Bianco before BUT the chances of you seeing another girl on campus carrying the exact same Melie Bianco bag are pretty slim. A strong incentive to shop online!

Most styles are under $100, which isn't dirt cheap, but Melie Bianco bags are well-made and look expensive. They don't have flashy logos and the styles are on-trend without being too trendy, meaning you'll enjoy these bags for years. Find them at baghaus.com, shopbareaccessories.com, shopecbc.com, and lulus.com, as well as big sites like Piperlime.com and Endless.com.

Here's a sampling of their bags to give you some idea of the available styles (my favorite du jour is the School Boy Tote in Navy)...



Anyone else a fan of Melie Bianco? What other designers would you recommend for cheap bags that don't look it?