A Diva State of Mind

Last Thursday, I attended the CapFabb & Macy’s Impulse Collection launch party at the Macy’s Metro Center location.  The Impulse Collection includes MICHAEL Michael Kors, RACHEL Rachel Roy, Else, Bar III and more.  Guests enjoyed desserts, free manicures and a fashion presentation of this year’s spring trends.

Free Manicures

Else Jeans

Rachel Rachel Roy Jumpsuit & Jacket

Bar III

Rachel Rachel Roy pants & Bar III jacket

Head to toe Rachel Rachel Roy

Else polka dot jeans

Bar III printed short suit

Else jeans, Rachel Rachel Roy blazer

Bar III maxi dress (diva must have!) and jacket

Rachel Rachel Roy jumpsuit & Michael Michael Kors belt

Print handkerchief pants

Bar III Top and Else Jeans

Major trends to expect this spring season: pastels, prints (and combining prints together), shades of blue, printed jeans & pants, leather (faux leather) and bright colors.

I really like the offerings and the way the pieces were styled together. I want to go back and check out the collection when it is less crowded in that area of the store.  I think the Else printed jeans, jumpsuit and navy handkerchief pants need to be added to my wardrobe!

Based on the pictures, will you be checking out the new Impulse Collection at Macy’s?

In exactly two weeks, 235 Macy’s stores and online will feature the new Karl Lagerfeld collection Impulse.  The collection features 45 pieces including dresses, leather pants/gloves (assuming faux leather given the price points), skirts, shorts, tees and tanks.  Prices average between $50 to $170.

My favorite looks from the collection are the structured outfits, probably because they would work great for the office and after work events (happy hours, networking events, etc). I love the leather looks too.  I don’t own a pair of leather (or faux leather) pants or a pair of Fall/Winter season shorts.  I’m thinking those items need to be added to my wardrobe this Fall!!

Check out some of my favorite looks below along with the rest of the collection in the slideshow:

[Show as slideshow]

12►

Source: New York Magazine

I am in dire need (or at least I think I am) of new shoes! Flats, heels, wedges, I need them all. So while on my quest to find some new shoes online last week, I came across the Ivanka Trump Footwear Collection.  That’s right, THE Ivanka Trump; daughter of Donald Trump and Executive Vice President of Development & Acquisitions at The Trump Organization.

The shoe line is divided into 4 collections; weekend, modern classics, red carpet and white; categories that address the basic needs of every woman. Ivanka describes her shoes as stylish yet refined. I totally agree with her! The combination of stylish and refined is perfect for young professional women, like me, who juggle a work life and social life (i.e. happy hour and various events after work).

Below are some of my favorites from each of the 4 collections:

Weekend: Hali ($130)

Weekend: Larima ($120)

Weekend: Magnoli ($120)

Modern Classics: Bulbli ($125). I need these in my life. HOT!

Modern Classics: Fennia ($130). Also available in Black. Yep I need these too!

Modern Classics: Gurdia ($120). Also available in Ivory. Ladies, this shoe would look great with a tailored suit!

Modern Classics: Pinki ($125). Can't go wrong with an essential; the classic black pump

Red Carpet: Dermani ($130). Also available in Black & Ivory. Love the color!

Red Carpet: Alluvia ($160). Available in Black & Ivory Satin

Red Carpet: Dicota ($150)

White: Cushion ($130). Love this style; hope this shoe is created in more colors.

White: Dimund ($150).

The Ivanka Trump Footwear Collection is currently available at Nordstrom and Macys.  Looks like I found a new shoe brand to add to my closet.

Along with over the knee boots, another favorite trend of mine this fall is fur!  Fur will come in a variety of styles, but the faux fur vest is is the biggest fur trend you can expect to see (what I like to call recession proof fur).  The faux fur vest is a statement piece and the great thing about this trend is that it is A LOT more affordable than real fur, so anyone can rock this trend!

There are a number of retailers where you can find faux fur vests. These stores include EXPRESS, Chico’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Rachel Zoe on QVC, and Bloomingdales.

Source: Loehmann's

One thing I do love about fall is boots! If you’re tired of wearing the same old leather boots, spice it up with Over The Knee Boots, Lace Up Boots, and Peep Toe Booties!  These boots will add a little character and edginess to your look.

Over The Knee Boots

Over The Knee Boots are my new obsession. I must find a pair this season to rock with my new fur vest! Nothing screams sexy and fierce fashionista more than an Over The Knee Boots!

 Lace Up Boots

You can’t go wrong with Lace Up Boots.  They are a nice change to classic leather and suede boots adding a little flair.

Gianvito Rossi

Nine West Casilda

Peep Toe Booties

Peep Toe Booties were on the fashion scene last year and stayed around this year. They are great to wear during the transition from summer to fall and winter to spring.

Alexander McQueen Faithful

Jimmy Choo Jedd Peep Toe Bootie

Pair Over The Knee Boots and Lace Up Boots with leggings, skinny jeans and skirts/dresses. Peep Toe Booties look great with skinny jeans and skirts/dresses.  You can find all three styles at ANY retailer that sells boots. Steve Madden and Macy’s are great stores to shop for boots because they always have a promotion. (Macy’s coupons every weekend and Steve Madden is notorious for 10-20% off purchases).

Pictures courtesy of Late Night Affair, Q Fashion Blog, Browns Fashion, Kaboodle, The Funhouse, Bootsaholic

We were first introduced to the military trend last year and it is here to stay!  Popular colors for this trend include black, camel and olive green.  What’s nice about the military look is that it’s easy to incorporate into your wardrobe; military booties will look great with a pair of skinny jeans or paired with a skirt/dress and tights.  Rock a military jacket with lace up boots or over the knee boots and you’ll definitely turn heads this season!

Popular places to shop for the military style include EXPRESS, H&M, Top Shop, Lord & Taylor and Macy’s.

Military by A Diva State of Mind featuring a strapless dress

Military Bandeau Dress by Love**
$68 - topshop.com
Strapless dress »

LOUBOUT 150 FLANNEL/MARINE BOOTIES
543 GBP - mytheresa.com
High heel boots »

Guess Owens Bootie with Button Detail
$211 - asos.com
Leather boots »

H&M – Military-style coat
hm.com
H&M coats »