I finally managed to visit a big Forever 21 store in an upscale mall to check out the Love 21 line, which is Forever 21's sorta grown-up contemporary line for young women in their 20s and 30s. Dare I say Shopbop on a budget? Cuts are supposed to be more modest and silhouettes more sophisticated so you can wear this stuff to the office, then out with the hubby or boyf. I spotted a stylish 40-something as well as several mature tweens browsing the section with equal levels of enthusiasm. I liked a lot of what I saw, Rebecca Taylor-ish dresses, BCBG-ish tops, even a Nanette Lepore-ish green blazer. Unfortunately I didn't have time to try anything on, but the sizing definitely seems to be more misses than juniors as I eyeballed items on the rack. Lots of potential here for mixing and matching Love 21 with quality basics purchased elsewhere…maybe a designer bag, some nice shoes, and you've got yourself covered. Anyone a devoted Love 21 fan?

More pics after the jump.

New Balance has teamed up with DSW for a special sneaker collab, the New Balance for DSW Collection. Priced around $59.95 per pair, these stylish sneaks feature a lightweight upper, a TPU banding detail in the forefoot for "flair" and a translucent polished sole unit that "adds a glossy pop." It's now available at DSW stores and online at DSW.com. I wonder if this means more collabs are in store for DSW, although I'm kinda collab-ed out at present. LOL.

More pics after the jump.

Earlier I shared the Macy's Ready-to-Wear Fall 2010 Collection Lookbook, now here's a look at the Young Contemporary lookbook highlighting three main trends: Back-to-School, Smoke & Mirrors and State of Play. Let me explain: Back to school means texture and functional details that reference outdoor utility dressing with lots of layering and rich fall colors of burnt ochre, chestnut brown, deep purple and midnight blue. Smoke & Mirrors translates to a darkly glamorous yet moody aesthetic featuring feminine elements paired with strong tailored pieces, instilling a vintage inspired mood with tones of dusty pink, slate blue, ash grey and mustard yellow. Finally, State of Play evokes folk and native patterns with a modern edge. Oversized garments and bright hues take on an active aesthetic, while matte and shiny sequin stripes look fresh for the upcoming season. I can't wait to see more from the Jessica Simpson clothing line (no shame!) but I can't help but wonder, where are all the jackets and sweaters?!

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L.A.M.B.'s 'Devin' cage buckle heels are on sale for $159.99 (reg. $325) at piperlime.com. They are also on sale in grey and natural for $162 now at ideeli (limited time only).

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Get the look for less with this inspired-by find at Charlotte Russe, $40. Click either image for more info.

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