Closet Detox and $3000 Giveaway

I am a handbag freak.  Love them, I do.  However, I live in Manhattan, in a NYC-size apartment.  I can only fit so many pieces into my over-stuffed closet.  I have had to (tearfully) edit some out.  I have a Judith Leiber jeweled, satin clutch that I love, but unfortunately do not have an appropriate red carpet-worthy gown to wear with it.   I have a cool patent leather Kooba purse up for grabs too.

In the shoe department, you guys are really lucky... I have Burberry heels AND Prada Mary Janes that I have never worn.  Why?  Because I made the supreme mistake of buying them online on sale, and then procrastinating about trying them on until it was too late to return them.  Shame on me, goody for you.

Clothing-wise, I have everything from Tory Burch to Marc Jacobs, so please open some space in my closet so I can be allowed to go shopping again!

Now it’s YOUR turn! Detox your own closet and Hello La Mode will reward one closet with $3000 towards a new wardrobe.  We’re choosing one member on Hello La Mode who lists at least one new item for sale between now and January 30, 2012 to win $3000 in credit to shop the site for designer fashion.  500 other new listings will be rewarded $50 to shop the site.  It’s a win-win!

Shop and sell today!  

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Splurge vs Steal: Burberry Toggle Coat or UK French Connection Toggle Coat

It's winter and it's the battle of the toggle coats.  The toggle coat is a classic silhouette year after year that looks good on mostly everyone.  Burberry makes many of my favorite classics, (I'll hold on to my single breasted trench coat forever) and makes this lovely hooded wool coat pictured above on the left for $895.00.  It has the classic nova plaid lining, leather toggles, can stay in your closet for eternity. 

Now, not everyone can afford to shop at Burberry.  If that's your predicament, Sears has come to the rescue with a MUCH more affordable solution.  They challenged me to style a "Steal" of a look. While we know Sears is the place to go for appliances, they are stepping up their fashion game with collaborations with some big brands.  They have an extensive accessories and party dress collection with the Kardashian sisters, and the UK French Connection line as well.  The wool blend toggle coat I am wearing is currently on sale for $64.00, that's right, less than 1/10th of the Burberry coat.  Yes, it doesn't have a hood, and well, it's not Burberry, but it's cute and keeps me warm this morning.  The navy works well with my bold print Diane von Furstenburg dress from this week's sample sale.  The shoes are another super-affordable find from Spring Shoes, and are surprisingly comfortable for heels this high.  The handbag is a silver leather tote from Coach.

Stay warm, whether you're treating yourself or styling on a budget!

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London: Burberry Prorsum Spring 2011

The biker chick is back.  You might not associate classic label Burberry Prorsum with motorcycles, yet that is the customer it originally served in the 1900's.  Director Christopher Bailey brought the collection full circle with some bright colors, biker jackets and animal patterns.

The traditional trench coat was updated with studs or leather details.  One had bold contrast stripes. Another with leather sleeves.  Many were belted with a bright turquoise or lime green belt.  There were several biker jacket/trench hybrids.  Python and leopard their way down the runway.  Shirred and frilly dresses in pastels balanced out the collection with a delicate look.

Accessories included the bright wide belts and coordinating handbags.

Spotted in the front row: Sarah Jessica Parker, Alexa Chung, Mario Testino

Photos courtesy of Style.com

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