Fashion Blog: Versace for H&M UK - Back in Stock!

A few days before the Versace for H&M launch I wrote this post about some stylish wearable investment pieces from the collection. H&M in the UK has restocked selected pieces from the Versace for H&M range online. View them here.

These two pieces remain Couturenet favourites.
1. Versace Silver High Heels with Gold Signature button £69.99
2. Versace Cocktail Ring £19.99

Fashion Blog: Super Offer... Extra 30% off Jackets at TheOutnet.com UK

For the next 72 hours TheOutnet.com (UK) have a super deal, an extra 30% off 614 jackets, the discount is applied at the checkout. View the full collection here.

Couturenet likes this Helmut Lang Jacket, perfect for autumn casual luxe, but just structured enough to add a "well put together" finish to an outfit. A perfect multi wear investment piece for Autumn.

Fashion Blog: Couturenet Picks... You can still buy Versace

A full day after the aftermath of the UK Versace for H&M shopping haze that saw all the products sold out in in less than 30 minutes, I checked my inbox, there are emails from disappointed shoppers who read my Versace for H&M Investment Picks post from a couple of days ago and were victims of the busy hm.com website.

The Versace for H&M range has sold out, but that doesn't mean there aren't Versace bargains out there to be loved and bought, if you have fallen in love with the signature style. Ebay will always be a good resource for picking up mainline Versace pieces vintage and modern. Also Yoox.com for discount Versace. Some ideas below...

1. Lot Notice : I spotted this 1990s Versace Medusa Head Pendant on ebay, it can be worn long or short, it's mainline Versace, currently at $149 or £94 on ebay with three days to go.

And this Versace coin bracelet, same start price $149 / £94 with 3 days to go.

2. Yoox.com have a huge range of clothing from all the Versace Brands, there are some Versace Collection and Versace Jeans Couture bargains, tops starting from just £22. View the range here.

3. Check back online and in-store over the next month as H&M may have store returns.

Fashion Blog: USA Super Offer... £5 off, BOGO 50% off and free shipping at at Target

I often make the time to look around in Target, there are some hidden gems to be found there and very satisfying when you get your paws on something special. Target have three super "online only"offers on the table right now.

1. $5 OFF WITH PROMOTION CODE TGTARJUJ

Offer expires 11/16/11 at 11:59 PM EST

2. BUY ONE, GET ONE 50% OFF 

Offer expires 11/16/11 at 11:59 PM EST

3. SPEND $50, GET FREE SHIPPING

I like this Albertus Swanepoel for Target® Dora Hat In Orange. $19.99. It's 100% wool. A bright hat in the correct lux shade is the perfect finishing touch to outerwear on a cold grey day. This orange colour is synonymous with the Hermes brand, it has a lux feel to it and complements most day outfits from casual 70's chic to smarter city wear. It adds a really polished finish to an outfit whilst keeping hair sleek and in place.

Fashion Blog: Versace For H&M, UK & USA

The Versace for H&M Collection is due to hit stores this week! Available to buy in the UK on the Thursday 17th and the USA on 19th November 8am.

Couturenet picks investment pieces from the collection.

Versace Leather sandals UK £69.99 & USA $129.00

Elasticated strap at the back. Stiletto heel, 12 cm. Leather soles.

Versace Bracelet UK £19.99
Wide multistrand bracelet in gold-coloured metal with a large decoration. Supplied in a beautifully patterned case.

Versace Chunky Ring £19.99 & USA $19.95
In gold-coloured metal with flowers strewn with sparkly gems. Supplied in a beautifully patterned case.

Versace Square Silk Scarf. UK £24.99
Size 92x92 cm.

Picking investment pieces from a designer collection for a value high street store such as H&M requires some thought. On first glance of the whole collection it all just looks stunning and beautiful. On second glance you have to look for certain features that will make pieces worth buying, very wearable and a multi wear item that you may be able to keep long term.

Why I chose the Couturenet investment pieces.
The silver shoes appear to be well made with nice stitching, leather lined and leather soles, silver is a timeless colour and the design classic and elegant, but still very Versace. I also picked key items that show the signature gold Versace button, like the shoes and the bracelet. The cocktail ring is a good price for such an exquisite piece of jewellery. The scarf is pure silk and again a typical Versace design and colour palette. All of these pieces are multi wear items and very wearable items that will complement different day to night outfits, all at the right price.

You can view the full collection here in the UK.
And here in the USA.

Time Out: Tie Dye With Tiggy Rawlings

I have been privileged enough to take a tie dye class with the queen of indigo dye herself Tiggy Rawlings. Inspired by regular trips to India and writing her blog "I'd rather be in India", not only can Tiggy produce a a kaleidoscope of professional dye finishes, but her warm and generous nature makes the class pure enjoyment, it's more like a coffee morning with friends. I took a Monday morning two hour class. Our group was small, the dye colours were rich and the possibilities were endless.

I took inspiration from the SS2011  tie dye from Bottega Veneta. With great instruction from Tiggy, all who dipped their fingers into the dye that morning came away with some very nice samples and pieces.

I took plain white T-shirts and a piece of cotton suitable for a scarf. We intricately folded and spiralled our fabrics, then daubed with rich colourful dyes, ICI Procion dyes suitable for natural fibres (cotton, silk, viscose). The dyes take about 24 hours to achieve a deep colour, so after two hours of folding and daubing we went off home with the wet dye soggy fabrics in plastic, the next day I rinsed the pieces through in cold water, beaming at the swirls of colour contrasting against the white ceramic of the butler sink. Looking back, it was such an interesting morning and the results both rewarding and inspiring.

The T-Shirt

The Scarf

Fashion Blog: Super Offer... 30% Off at The Gap UK.

If you have signed up to Gap UK email, check your inbox for a 30% off voucher.

Shop in store at Gap, GapKids, babyGap and Gap Outlet from 7-13 November 2011. Simply hand the voucher to the sales associate to save 30%. You can also redeem this offer online at Gap.eu. Enter your voucher number at checkout.

This pair of Gap montreal grey jeans £45.95 has a Gucci feel about them in style and colour, the classic cut and grey colour make them a good choice for winter through to spring. With 30% off this pair of jeans are £32.17.

Time Out: Couturenet Picks... Another 12 stylish gifts under £20

A while ago I blogged my favourite 12 quality gifts for £20 or less. The popularity and positive feedback from said post has prompted me to jot down some notes to share about other lovely gifts I gave discovered, been given of bought for others.

1. Fortnum & Mason Terracotta Wine Cooler £15.50.
A glass of white wine tastes best when slightly chilled, so place your pre-chilled bottle in this terracotta wine cooler and enjoy the results. It has the added advantage of looking elegant on the table, thanks to the rustic terracotta and Fortnum’s logo. From fortnumandmason.com. UK based, delivery worldwide.

2. Alessi Black Gianni Storage Jars £12 - £13.50
Fun glass storage jar which features a plastic lid with a little man hanging on for dear life on the underside. Designed by Mattia Di Rossa. From johnlewis.com

3. Classic Eye Test Chart Tea Towel by Luckies £12.50
Natural cotton eye chart tea towel for an original gift or a compliment to the kitchen. From Liberty.co.uk, UK based, worldwide delivery.

4. Pair of Teacup and Saucer Egg Cups by Jansen £14.95
Two small white egg cups in the shape of a teacup and saucer. From Liberty.co.uk, UK based, worldwide delivery.

5.Lanvin Dresses Notebook £20
Small note book with elastic closure and original Alber Elbaz Miss Lanvin 'dresses' sketch. Something beautiful to hold in your hands from lanvin.com. Delivery worldwide.

6. Diane von Furstenberg Roxie Tassel Key Ring £19.75
This key ring features a print leather band and zipper trim at the faux-leather tassel. Spring-lock clasp. Tassel is 4" (10 cm) long. From ShopBop.com. US based, delivery worldwide.

7. adara Organic Virgin Coconut Oil $12.00
100% extract of organic coconut milk. Available in a range of scents. Couturenet loves the Jasmine. From b-glowing.com. US based, delivery worldwide.

8. Weleda Lavander Duo £15.99
Large size relaxing body wash and a relaxing body oil. From Garlands Organic Berkshire UK. The Weleda brand is also sold in good chemists and Waitrose.com.

9. Dents Charcoal Grey Leather Gloves £19.99
Stylish charcoal ladies gloves with animal print faux fur and soft lining. From TXMaxx.co.uk UK.

10. Prestat Jewel Box £15.98
Best-selling Chocolate Gift Box designed by artist Kitty Arden to conjure up the great stages of London’s West End where Prestat lovers like Sir John Gielgud and Dame Peggy Ashcroft filled the theatres of their days. Filled with 16 chocolates. Worldwide Delivery from Prestat.co.uk. Also available from Waitrose UK.

11. The Guide to Natural Housekeeping £19.99

Enjoy a chemical free home with this great book from Cabbages & Roses UK. Ships worldwide.

12. The Little Dictionary of Fashion by Christian Dior £12.90 / $19.95

Christian Dior reveals the secrets of style in this handbook that covers everything from what to wear to a wedding and how to tie a scarf to how to walk with grace. Illustrated with photographs and drawings, this classic is the perfect gift for stylish women. From ShopBop.com. US based, delivery worldwide.