The holiday season brings about cheerful decor but it doesn’t have to be so traditional. We recently previewed Hen House Linens offerings where tables, couches and beds were well-dressed with their very rich and affordable collection of napkins, placemats, tablecloths, runners and more at the very swanky Chambers Hotel in NYC. For Hen House Linens founder Jenny Davids, orchestrating a sit-down meal for her family could easily become an all-day affair. From corralling kids and husband to getting food on the table, mealtime mayhem leaves little time for fussing over table setting. That’s why Jenny joined forces with dear friend and designer Katherine Poole to create Hen House Linens, a simple, casual collection of table linens and household décor developed to enhance your surroundings without breaking the bank—or a sweat.

In simple, chic, coordinating prints, the no-fuss linens hold up to countless washes and can go from the machine to the table without a stop on the ironing board. The timeless yet modern patterns are designed to be compatible, letting you mix and match (emphasis on mix) in endless combinations—no interior decorating experience required. More than a functional range, Hen House Linens was created to make enriching your home a fulfilling experience rather than a frustrating one—an everyday perk that’s as much for you as for your guests. Born of a desire to add an effortless, fun element to entertaining, Hen House Linens lets you focus on hosting—so you can appreciate the moments you share at the table.

The collection includes:
 Napkins and Placemats ($9): These generously sized napkins and effortless placemats are Hen House Linens’ most basic essentials. Keep six of every color you love on hand.
 Tablecloths and Runners ($52-$78): Tied with black saddle-stitched ribbon and a hangtag, these table linens add a little fancy to your everyday routine. The lovely splash of color makes a simple gathering rich and memorable.
 Cocktail Napkins ($24): Your go-to hostess gift, each set of six napkins is tied with a saddle-stitched ribbon and hangtag.
 Decorative Pillows ($45-$56): In three versatile sizes, these decorative pillows change the look of a room in an instant. Inserts are a luxurious down-feather blend and custom designed for Hen House for a perfect fit.
 Cook’s Apron ($28): This “one size fits every body” apron features an adjustable neck strap and long ties for a custom fit, a roomy pocket to hold tools of the trade and generous length that gives tremendous splash-back coverage.
 Cocktail Apron ($25): Show off your hosting prowess with this cute cocktail apron, tied with a wide grosgrain ribbon and outfitted with a generous pocket to accommodate all your hostess accoutrements.
 Guest Towels ($10): These user-friendly hand towels are as functional as they are fanciful, with sweet trim along the bottom.
 Potholders ($10-$13): Hefty enough to wield a turkey with all the trimmings, these potholders are lined with heat resistant padding—making you the only saucy dish in your kitchen too hot to handle (available in two sizes).

When decorating your home this holiday season, Hen House Linens has what you need including decor that can work all year round by simply mixing and matching prints.

NowLive is partnering with Universal Pictures to livestream Monday’s official red carpet premiere for SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN. Fans can see their favorite stars including Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth, Sam Claflin and Director Rupert Sanders so be sure to keep it locked right here on The Fashion Reporter to weigh in on the live action.

Marni for H&M is now in stores!  Consuelo Castiglioni designed a quirky yet sophisticated collection that flew off shelves within minutes.   “…the prints are significant,” says Castiglioni.  Bold colors, vivid patterns and prints were paired with draping silhouettes on loose dresses which I would be honored to wear with a little ladylike jacket.

The collection also includes cute ready-to-wear pieces – cool graphic tees, sunglasses, chunky accessories (for the neck and wrist), spring/summer flats and bags, bags and more bags!  Marni ensured to keep traditional concepts by blending gold lamé, silk, jacquards and organic cottons for their men and women’s collections at H&M.  The result – sheer perfection.  For a feel and look that screams ‘tailored look just for me’ without breaking the bank, try Marni for H&M.  It’s worth it.

The 45th Annual Country Music Awards was held last night in Nashville, Tennessee and the ladies were ready for the red carpet.  The carpet was filled with gowns of all colors, cuts and hemlines.  It was as if someone secretly planned an unofficial Fashion’s Night Out!

From L to R: Taylor Swift, Sandra Lee, Kimberly Perry of The Perry Band, Faith Hill, Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum, and Leann Rimes

We had the cream of the crop…literally.  Many of our pretigious countries singers were dressed in shades of cream with accents of sequin, beadery, crystals and light shiffon but all were the same category – AMAZING!

From L to R: Reba Mcintire, Nicole Kidman, Miranda Lambert and Susie Brown and Danielle Leverett of the Jane Dear Girls

Some of our country elites chose a more subtle approach and opted for deeper colors.  I’m too sure about this bunch so you can determine whether its a hit or miss…and is that Nicole Kidman or her Madame Tussaud’s wax figure! Overall, the night was filled with great performances, derving music contributors, satisfied fans and not to mention well thought looks that translated well onto photograph.

We were very excited to view the Nautica Spring Summer 2012 collection, remembering the synonymous yacht symbols and ingenuine nautical apparel.  The show was cleverly located in the Empire hotel whose space not olnly provided a great eye’s view of the collection but also NYC.  Nautica’s POV showed how you can go from a morning on the seas and lunch on land to a night on the town.  SS 2012 is filled with clever mixtures of boating shorts with tees, sweaters, polos; khakis with boating shoes, bags, hats, button downs; suits with windbreakers -waist and knee length- sunglasses, high socks.  Nautica combined the comforts of casual and luxury pieces, showing a man of ingenuity, innovation and confidence.

Bruxe

Positioned just left of the intersection between streetwear, skate culture and contemporary design, Bruxe is a premium and multifaceted Lifestyle Brand. Bruxe designs address functionality and streetwear sensibilities while insisting on unique and meticulously crafted design aesthetics. We are dedicated to designing quality products which stand the test of time.  This season their collection has proven to be durable and fashionable, making travel comfortable and dually fashionable.

Last night actors and artists arrived at the Teen Choice Awards held at Gibson Amphitheatre on August 7, 2011 in Universal City, California.

From L - Kaley Cuoco (host), Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Cameron Diaz and Blake Lively

As we scoured the red carpet – the premiere place for the fashion inclined and the fashion blind – we encountered we saw an earth toned/nude trend from some of our favorite actresses adorned in nudes and yellows.

Fergie

Fergie also wore yellow with black stars EVERYWHERE, to remind herself as well as the million viewers who were watching that she was still famous, and yes she is a star!

Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks took the all black catwoman fit route to remind us the she still has it, but does she?

TV personalities Khloe Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian and Kylie Jenner showed the world  that the entire family is sizzling hot!

The best dressed undeniably goes to Rachel Bilson and Kim Kardashian.

Photo Credit: Wire Image/Granitz

Teens seem to be dressing sexier than ever nowadays including Lucy Hale and Alexa Vega.  Zoe Saldana did a great job at showing the girls how to strut your stuff without baring it all in this peasant styled dress paired with gold pumps. Plunging necklines aren’t the most appropriate for Teen Awards, however are more so expected of the Grammy’s and upcoming VMA’s.

Gucci Fall 2011 - Men's Collection

Gucci Fall 2011 - Men's Collection

2011 is Gucci‘s 90th anniversary, and Frida Giannini’s men’s collection for Fall 2011 is a celebration in itself.  The collection has a master class in subtle opulence, from ostrich trench coats and the double-breasted croc blazer to an astrakhan sweaters. Though it may appear to be an eclectic palette, it played as quite easy, even restrained, due to the muted colors and casual attitude.

Whether jet-setting to an exotic locale or driving up the coastline for a weekend getaway, these luxurious basics from I AM BEYOND, take the modern woman effortlessly from day to night. With sumptuous wrinkle resistant fabrics including cotton slub & french terry modal and impeccable detailing, these chic layering pieces give the perfect mix of fashion and functionality and are great for short and long plane rides and  are just as good on a “staycation”.

I AM BEYOND is a luxury lifestyle brand founded by Jodi Guber. I AM BEYOND operates under the fulcrum of fashion and functionality, combining the best elements of active wear and style to form a collection that is chic, flattering and above all, accessible. Inspired by Jodi’s personal experiences growing up in Hollywood, and struggling with society’s ideas of body image, I AM BEYOND is designed with every woman’s figure in mind – a celebration of curves and the perfect fit for all shapes and sizes.

AIKO is a modern concept primarily based around reinventing the classic “sweatshirt.”  Led by creative director Cynthia Mittweg and the founder of Katayone Adeli and Joie, the first collection was launched in the spring of 2010.  Since the launch, the relaxed yet luxurious collection has expanded into numerous new categories such as outerwear, dresses and pants.  “Aiko, in essence is the Japanese translation for ‘lovely child’ and is a symbolic character; she is the type of girl who takes on many forms,” Mittweg explains.

AIKO is available at fine retailers, such as Barney’s New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Ron Herman, Harvey Nichlos, Lane Crawford, as well as over 150 specialty boutiques around the world.  The collection ranges in price from $70 for jersey pieces to $800 for leather and fur items.

VEDA is an assortment of leather layering essentials that has expanded into everyday apparel.  To end her search for the perfect leather jacket, designer Lyndsey Butler reinvents it from outerwear and makes it everyday wearable.  VEDA jackets are specifically tailored to the female form with dramatic necklines and a long slender sleeve.  Spring 2011 is particularly inspired by: Tim Burton’s socks, magical thinking and John Waters.  Butler is also introducing a capsule collection of handbags for spring and recently launched a lower-priced collaboration with Urban Outfitters, Lazerade by VEDA.

The VEDA collection can be found at the VEDA boutique NYC, Opening Ceremony, Barney’s New York, Harrod’s, Curve, Louis Boston, Harvey Nichols, shopbop.com, and Intermix. The collection ranges in price from $150 to $780 and already has garnered a celebrity following, including: Cameron Diaz, Naomi Watts, Jessica Alba and Halle Berry.

Paris Fashion Week 2011, proved to be as elegant and magical as the city itself this year. Many designers opted for softer, flowing looks, using sheer materials, and draping fabrics instead of overly complicated construction.  The colors seemed to vary widely from soft nudes to bright blues, and just about everything in between.

Knee length A-line dresses and high slits seemed to be a very common thing amongst the designers as well.  Let’s hope that our favorite starlets opt for age appropriate frocks hence 50 plus should not wear thigh bearing looks.   You can also do a well constructed mini dress like Lanvin if the slit isn’t for you, pair it with an eye catching shoe (see Dior) and you are set!

Leave it to Kenzo and Alexander Mcqueen for the theatrics, and awe-inspiring, haute couture aesthetic All of the pressure was left on Sarah Burton last season after the untimely death of Mcqueen, and she managed to pull through with grace and ease. She may not have given us the usual over the top theatrics as her predecessor did, but the nature inspired line was still dramatic and enchanting enough to remain true to brand and keep you wishing for more. Overall, the Paris shows maintain their reputation as the one of the most inspiring markets and as shoppers make way to the racks this spring, they will be able to take advantage of a broad spectrum of wardrobe for their age and shape.