My Favorite Lines Series: Karen Millen

Who knew selling white t-shirts to friends, made with a borrowed 100£ in 1981, would result in a successful fashion label? Karen Millen and Kevin Stanford developed the line by throwing parties, similar to the network marketing parties popular with Arbonne and other companies.

Karen Millen Metalwork Dress, $206.88 from Asos

By 1983 the duo opened their first store in Kent, with stores in London and elsewhere in the UK following. Soon, the brand was sold internationally and larger companies became interested in acquiring Karen Millen.

Karen Millen Silver & Crystal Cube Ring, $62.06 from Asos

Mosaic Fashions acquired the brand in 2004; most of Mosaic Fashions' brands were then acquired by Aurora Fashions. Aurora Fashions is comprised of Icelandic bank Kaupthig and Mosaic Fashions' management team.

Karen Millen Croc Jacquard Sweater, $170.68 from Asos

Gemma Metheringham, the creative director appointed in 2006, is still with the company and is the head of twelve designers. They are kept busy day in and day out; each season twelve collections are designed and all work is done in-house. According to their website, even the lace is made in-house. This is great for consumers because the price to quality ratio is excellent.

Karen Millen Soft Deconstructed Dress, $284.46 from Asos

Karen Millen clothing is body conscious, well tailored and polished. The clothing still has a modern and youthful feel that transcends women just starting in the workplace to established career women. Karen Millen clothing is versatile, and can easily be worn from the office to happy hour or a date with the change of a jacket and shoes. Buying versatile pieces is important when building a wardrobe that will last for years.

Karen Millen Unstructured Drape Coat, $456.86 from Asos

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Photos from ShopStyle

My Favorite Lines Series: Young, Fabulous & Broke

Young, fabulous and broke. That statement can be applied to many people, myself being one of them. But, Young, Fabulous and Broke is also a clothing line (sister to 32 Flavors).

Young, Fabulous & Broke Francesca Dress, $79 from Gilt

Young, Fabulous and Broke, as well as 32 Flavors, became popular with the young Hollywood crowd, which made the label instantly successful in Los Angeles. Now, the rest of the country is catching on to what the Hollywood fashion icons already know about.

Young, Fabulous & Broke Shayla Dress, $69 from Gilt

Heidi Cornell is the designer of Young, Fabulous and Broke and 32 Flavors. Heidi is inspired by the laid back LA lifestyle, which is why comfortable, feminine pieces are a staple in the collection. The silhouettes are simple with subtle detailing that makes the pieces special.

Young, Fabulous & Broke Bridget Top, $167 from Revolve Clothing

You may remember Heidi as the glamorous blond that resembles Gwyneth Paltrow from Bravo's Millionaire Matchmaker. Heidi was the first millionairess to appear on the program.

Young, Fabulous & Broke Denae Top, $59 from Gilt

The clothes are easy to wear, whether you are looking for work pieces or an outfit for a date. Since the pieces are relatively simple, you can easily personalize your look with shoes and accessories.

Young, Fabulous & Broke Lace Dress, $79 from Gilt

Shop for Young, Fabulous and Broke through their website, Shop Style, Shop Bop, Revolve Clothing and Asos.

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Photos from Shop Style

My Favorites Lines Series: Loeffler Randall

Loeffler Randall is a line created by Jessie Randall when she faced a problem that many of us can empathize with: she couldn't find the perfect shoe. Jessie was searching for a well-made, feminine, yet understated shoe, and just couldn't find the perfect pair.

Loeffler Randall Oxford Dress, $139.99 from Blue Fly

So, in 2005, Jessie launched Loeffler Randall as a shoe line. Just two years later, in 2007, she received the prestigious CFDA award for accessories (fellow winners include Devi Kroel, Eugenia Kim, Kate Spade just to name a few). With success of the shoe line, Jessie ventured into clothing, launching the Loeffler Randall clothing line in fall 2007.

Loeffler Randal Military Jacket, $525 from Piperlime

I love Loeffler Randall, not only for the shoes, but the clothes are so simple and easy to wear, yet chic at the same time. When you wear a piece of Loeffler Randall, you will feel feminine, stylish, polished and put together. The clothes are sexy without showing too much, which makes them great for so many occasions: work, dates, shopping, hanging out, nights, weekends, vacations.

Loeffler Randall Faran Flat, $325 from Barney's

The tailoring makes each piece fit perfectly and you will be delighted with the detailing: pleats, draping, beading and more.

Loeffler Randall Mallory, $895 from Zappos Couture

You can shop for Loeffler Randal through their website, Blue Fly, ShopBop, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomindale's and many more upscale retailers.

Loeffler Randall Strappy Sandal, $162.50 from Footcandy.com

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Photos from Blue Fly, Shop Style

My Favorite Lines Series: Gold Hawk

In 2003 Michele Dahan, a native of Montreal, started the clothing company Gold Hawk. So, where does the name come from? A beautiful black horse named Gold Hawk that Michele loved.

Gold Hawk Pant, $165 from Couture Candy

Michele combines romantic details and Old Hollywood inspiration with modern styling to create signature pieces for Gold Hawk. Michele, an avid traveler, also uses the places she has visited to inspire her designs.

Gold Hawk Glam Top, $165 from Couture Candy

Michele loves texture and the movement of fabrics; she often uses silk, cashmere and lace. Gold Hawk is feminine without being overtly sexy, so the pieces are suitable for work, dates, dinner, or night.

Gold Hawk Drape Sleeve Dress, $216 from Couture Candy

Once you slip on a piece of Gold Hawk clothing, you will feel confident, elegant and classy. Know that when you wear Gold Hawk, you are wearing clothing that not everyone else will be sporting.

Gold Hawk Rajasthan Vest, $250 from StyleBop

Shop for Gold Hawk at Bloomingdale's, Couture Candy, YOOX and Far Fetch.

Gold Hawk Dress, $365 from YOOX

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Photos from ShopStyle

My Favorite Lines Series: Zac Posen

Zac Posen is a favorite of celebrities and fashionable women everywhere. His feminine designs have a large following because they are flattering, modern and unique. Celebrity fans include Natalie Portman, Cameron Diaz, Rhianna, Heidi Klum and many more. At only 29, Zac has achieved success that many only dream of.

Zac Posen Wool Dress, $599 from Gilt

Zac grew up in NYC's SoHo neighborhood with an artist father and lawyer mother. He was always interested in fashion and at 15 years old, as a sophomore in high school, Zac landed an internship with Nicole Miller. The prestigious internship prompted Zac to enroll in Parson's New School of Design's pre-college program. During this time, Zac worked under, and found a mentor in Richard Martin, who is the curator of The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Zac Posen Petal Coat, $699 from Gilt

Once Zac graduated high school, he moved to London to study at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design at the University of Arts London. Central Stain Martins is considered on of the top design schools in the world and attending is very prestigious.

Zac Posen Crepe Dress, $399 from Gilt

While studying in London, Zac created a dress that was acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum- quite a feat for a student and at only 21 years old. He also made a dress for Noami Campbell that was seen by fashion VIP's: Lola and Stella Schnabel, Paz de la Huerta, Ingrid Sischy and Ed Filipowski.

Zac Posen Fringed Dress, $399 from Gilt

Upon completing his studies in London, Zac returned to New York and to his parents' home in 2001. He worked in their living room, while receiving a meager allowance of $15 each week. That same year, Zac showed a capsule collection at GenArt's Fresh Faces show, where he won $20,000 and garnered attention from fashion higher ups, including the President of LVMH, the CEO and Director of Christian Dior SA, and CEO and President of Gucci Group NV.

Zac Posen Pleated Dress, $699 from Gilt

With his winnings, Zac established a workroom in Tribeca. Several years later, in 2004, the CFDA awarded Zac with the Swarovski's Perry Ellis Award for Womenswear. Previous winners include Philip Lim, Alexander Wang, Mulleavy Sisters for Rodarte, Derek Lam, Narciso Rodriguez, Marc Jacobs and more.

Zac Posen Moire Top, $229 from Gilt

Zac's collaboration with Target was one of the most anticipated and sold out quickly. Z Spoke, Zac's collection for Saks Fifth Avenue, is popular as well. Shop for Zac Posen at Saks, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Net-a-Porter, The OutNet, Shop Bop and Gilt.

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Photos from Gilt

My Favorite Lines Series: Eryn Brinie

Eryn Brinié is an interesting line with multi-national influences. The company is based in South Korea, but aims to juxtapose French chic with hip, youthful New York style. The name Eryn Brinié comes from a character that the developers of the line came up with in order to inspire their designs. Eryn is a young, chic French woman that enjoys spending time in cafes and going to museums.

Eryn Brinie Metallic Top, $55.99 from Blue Fly

The clothes are feminine, but not overtly girly. You can easily wear an entire Eryn Brinié outfit, but the separates mix well with other lines too.

Eryn Brinie Tie Sash Dress, $79.97 from Piperlime

A writer from NY Mag's The Cut compares the line to Max Azria, but at an affordable price. I love this take on the line; Eryn Brinié's clothes are suitable for many types of women and for all occasions. You can find pieces for work, casual dates, parties, hanging out at home- anything and anywhere you want to do or go.

Eryn Brinie Drape Cardigan, $56.97 from Piperlime

Some of the pieces mix fabrics, have interesting details and embellishments. Most of the clothing is under $150, with outerwear being the exception.

Eryn Brinie Amelie Skirt, $43 from Ssense

Shop for Eryn Brinié at their flagship store in New York's SoHo, find a boutique near you, or shop online at Blue Fly, Revolve Clothing, Piperlime and Ssense.

Eryn Brinie Tunic, $63.99 from Blue Fly

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Photos from Blue Fly, Ssense

My Favorite Lines Series: Haute Hippie

Haute Hippie sounds like an oxymoron...perhaps it is, but it is also a clothing line that you need to know. Haute Hippie was founded just two years ago in the fall of 2008 by Trish Wescoat Pound in New York City. Previously, she worked for Theory and Michael Kors before launching her own line.

Haute Hippie Embellished Bib Tank, $207 from Blue Fly

Haute Hippie Goose Feather Skirt, $695 from Bergdorf Goodman

The line is about freedom, expressing who you are, passion and the blending of various styles from different eras and places in the world. This philosophy embodies what young women are looking for in their clothing, and Haute Hippie as nailed it.

Haute Hippie Stripe Chiffon Halter Dress, $329 from Nordstrom

Haute Hippie Chain of Fools Top, $185.99 from Blue Fly

The line is contemporary, yet nostalgic, and even whimsical, at the same time. The detailing is what sets this line apart from others. Plus, you can find anything from an oversized cardigan to a sequin embellished top to a layered tulle skirt.

Haute Hippie Victorian Blouse, $385 from Madison LA

Shop for Haute Hippie on Blue Fly, Shop Bop, Net-a-Porter, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Madison LA and Bergdorf Goodman.

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Photos from Blue Fly, Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, Madison LA

My Favorite Lines Series: United Nude

United Nude is one of the most buzzed about shoe lines. People are talking about United Nude because the shoes look futuristic, artistic and high fashion, but still wearable and even comfortable.

United Nude Mobius Sandal, $116.93 from Endless

How did the, usually opposed, worlds of fashion and art meet accessible and wearable in a shoe?

United Nude Elastic Mid Pump, $82.47 from Endless

Rem D. Koolhaas designed the Möbius shoe in an attempt to impress and ex-girlfriend. The girl moved on, but Galahad Clark saw the shoe Rem designed and knew this was the beginning of their own story together.

United Nude Block High Pump, $142.97 from Endless

United Nude was founded in 2003 by Koolhaas and Clark to sell the original Möbius shoe. The concept was an instant success, and now United Nude has seasonal collections and stores all over the world.

United Nude Cosmo Snake Sandals, $505.50 from Asos

United Nude's designs include heels that are horizontal, chunky rectangle heels, looped heels on boots, puffy boots, elastic booties and more. These shoes can provide a focal point to a simple outfit, or compliment your best fashion finds.

United Nude Fold Hi Boot, $85.22 from Endless

No matter which shoe or style you pick, you will undoubtedly feel fabulous wearing United Nude shoes and receive countless compliments. Shop for United Nude online at Endless and Asos, find a United Nude store near you and see their designs online.

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Photos from Shop Style

My Favorite Lines Series: Carrie Bilbo

I have picked another jewelry designer to feature as one of my favorite designers in the series. Jewelry and accessory design is an important profession that makes all of our wonderful clothes that much more interesting and special. A piece of jewelry can be worn for decades, passed down to children or grandchildren, and often times have sweet memories attached.

Carrie Bilbo Cicada Pendant, $140 from Etsy

Carrie Bilbo creates "art jewelry;" which, as you can imagine, are creative pieces of art worn as jewelry. Carrie's work is definitely contemporary, but it is delicate with a sense of timelessness as well.

Carrie Bilbo Moth Necklace, $160 from Etsy

Carrie approaches her work just as an artist would; her latest collection is called The Attachment of Fear. She created pieces based on people's phobias. Interestingly, the person that may be afraid of spiders, will be wearing a beautiful, jeweled spider. Carried wanted people to think about their fears and by wearing them, they are becoming part of the person.

Carrie Bilbo Arachnophobia Brooch, $450 from 1000 Markets

Carried graduated from the Pratt Institute, studying painting and drawing. However, she soon realized metal was her favorite medium. She excelled in her jewelry design classes and began working on her own line right away. Carrie lives in Brooklyn, NY where she continues to design and make her art jewelry, which she describes as organic and expressive.

Carrie Bilbo Rough Cut Cone Ring, $170 from 1000 Markets

Visit Carrie's website to learn more about her work; to buy her pieces, go to her Etsy store or 1000 Markets.

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Photos from Etsy, 1o00 Markets

My Favorite Lines Series: Geren Ford

Geren Ford is one of my favorite lines because the clothing is contemporary, but also has a classic feel. The pieces feel modern with a bit of timelessness. I know when I buy a Geren Ford piece, it will not go out of style in a season or two and will not look dated in the years to come. On the other hand, Geren Ford clothing still feels fresh.

Geren Ford Keyhole Top, $152 from Blue Fly

I like Geren Ford because the clothing is easy to wear, whether you are going to work, hanging out with friends, going on a date or headed to a party. The simplicity lends itself to great accessories, and lets you individualize your look accordingly. You will wear the clothing, not the other way around.

Geren Ford Shift Dress, $312 from Shop Bop

Geren Lockhart created the brand in 2002 and launched it in 2007; she was inspired by travelling and wanted women to have functional clothing that is "wordly chic." She was raised in New York's SoHo and in the San Francisco Bay Area by her artist parents.

Geren Ford Ruffle Top, $49.50 from Geren Ford Site

Geren started her career in advertising, which led to travelling the world. While traveling, she made her first garment: a pair of pants. She then left the corporate world and studied design at Parsons. Her goal was to design clothing to fit the lifestyle of the urban, bohemian, yet sophisticated young jetsetters.

Geren Ford Tie Waist Dress, $167 from Shop Bop

Hawks, Geren Ford's diffusion line, was launched in 2008 in partnership with Urban Outfitters.

Geren Ford Asymmetrical Hem Dress, $340 Geren Ford Site

Shop for Geren Ford at the Geren Ford Site (20% off for first time buyers on full priced items), Bloomingdales, Blue Fly, Shop Bop

Shop for Hawks at Urban Outfitters.

Geren Ford Crepe Grommet Top, $143 from Blue Fly

Still need inspiration? See some of my favorite pieces and my lookbook.

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Photos from Geren Ford, Blue Fly, Shop Bop