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.

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

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Photos from Gilt

Zac Posen for Target

Target continues to differentiate itself from other discount retailers by continuing to offer designer diffusion lines. April 25 will bring us Zac Posen. If paying over $1,000 for a top isn't your thing, your're not alone. Zac Posen's line for Target is sure to be much kinder to our wallets with prices ranging from $14.99-$149.99.

The line is full of young, flirty dresses, plus, shorts, swimwear, tops and cool belts. If you are daring, give colored socks with Mary Janes a go!

Zac Posen for Target, Available April 25

Don't hesitate though; this collection is only available in stores and online from April 25-May 30.

More pics here!

For wardrobe & image consulting visit TheStylista Website

Photos from College Fashion

NY Fashion Week Trends

Fall/Winter 2010 will see metallics. Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrera, Rachel Roy, and Monique Lhuillier all showed metallics. Also, Zac Posen, Marc Jacobs and Carolina Herrera showed fur. Tracey Reese focused more on separates as a way to let women update their wardrobe in pieces, though fur and metallics made appearances. Tadashi Shoji showed beautiful draping and a variety of metallics.

Marc Jacobs showed coats with metallic beads. Hemlines were also longer, and Joe Zee, the creative director of Elle, said that Jacobs showed real clothes this season that make you feel "elated." The color palette was neutral and perfect for the season. The fur purse that was paired with a taupe skirt is fabulous! There was also a lot of fur trims on coats that look so cozy. However, Jacobs did show a suit that included culottes. Yes, culottes, aka a skort. Scary!

Zac Posen is trying his best to become more wearable and more relatable. Posen used "older" models so they did not appear so sickly thin. His palette was neutral, but did include copper metallics, fuchsia fur, and reds. Plus, what I am most excited about: fur covered heels. I am very interested in colored fur and think it would look great as a bolero with a black jumpsuit and colored heels in a complementary color.

Carolina Herrera also used fur. In her collection she showed fur as lining and collars. She used blues and reds, which gave the collection a Russian feel. Beading and metallics also showed up on coats and dresses. Wide brimmed hats were featured and could make the leap from the runway to the streets. There was one yellow, floral dress presented that felt more spring/summer than fall/winter, especially when compared to the rest of the collection. However, I do love fur, hats and rich colors, so this collection really excites me.

Rachel Roy was all about gold, using it on jackets, dresses, skirts and tops. Her gold of choice is slightly tarnished. She also showed high waisted pants, so it doesn't look like we are rid of that trend as of yet.

Monique Lhuillier, well known for bridal, showed a beautiful gold, beaded bodice with a full, tiered black skirt. Chinese inspired pieces included gold beading, rich reds and embellished shoulders. This is one of my favorite collections thus far due to the color and the delicate gold embellishments.

Pictures from Rueters/Natalie Behring, Rueters/Carlo Allegri