["Iris" styles for Eyebobs]

“Getting older ain’t for sissies,” style icon Iris Apfel once told Into The Gloss; And hence, if there is one person we’d love to imitate as we grow older, it’s decidedly Iris Apfel. Known for her signature glasses and for staying active in the fashion industry, Apfel’s newest collaboration with Eyebobs is available this Spring 2012, with a complete collection to come out in 2013.

Eyebobs prides itself on “stylish, smart and a little sarcastic” eyewear, for those of us who may initially shun the idea of eyewear over contact lenses. The Iris, pictured above, a polarized sunglass and sun reader, is available in hard-to-find magnifications and retails for $99 and $75 respectively at eyebobs.com.

With Iris Apfel on board, Eyebobs has found itself the ideal candidate to prove that glasses are not something to be averted, but instead, adorned.

-Alana Quagliariello

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As if all of their recent designer collaborations were not enough, Target is thrilled to announce the launch of their newest partnership, The Shops at Target, beginning on May 6th. The new program has Target working directly with shop owners of specialty stores and local boutiques across the country to create affordable, limited edition collections for shoppers. Think small shop set-ups inside a megastore that has anything that you would possibly need, all at a good value.

[Colorblock Cardigan $32.99, Floral Print Bikini Top and Bottom $22.99 each, Cap-Toe Wedges $29.99, Belted Dress in Flamenco Print (exclusive to Target.com), $42.99]

[Striped Hats in Navy and Coral, $19.99 each]

See images above from The Webster at Target Collection‘s Lookbook, just one of the many alliances recently formed. The Webster owner, Laure Heriard, co-created apparel and accessories for men, women and baby that maintains an art-deco “Miami vibe” that the boutique is so well known for. Ranging in price from $7.99 -$49.99, the collection will be available at all Target stores and Target.com on May 6th. The first flight of shops will include The Webster, The Candy Store, Cos Bar, Polka Dog Bakery, and Privet House.

Check out this YouTube video for more information regarding this innovative endeavor!

-Alana Quagliariello

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Stars, such as, Jennifer Lopez, Kris Jenner, and Kelly Rutherford, have been spotted wearing Lisa Perry designs recently, as the designer modernizes a 1960s aesthetic. Known for her collaborations with various artists, Lisa Perry debuts her newest collection and first time collaboration with living pop artist, Jeff Koons.

The limited edition capsule collection includes apparel, accessories, and handbags, featuring the artist’s most iconic works, such as Loopy, Rabbit, Monkeys, and Pink Panthers in vibrant colors and imagery. The collection retails at $295 – $995 for accessories and $150 – $4,500 for apparel and is only available at Lisa Perry’s Madison Avenue store and soon will also be available online.

- Ambika Makin

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Baubles that give back!

Sustainable jewelry designer Melissa Joy Manning is Anthropologie‘s freshest recruit for designing a spectacular collection of one-of-a-kind jewelry. Crafted from purely recycled metals and organic stones, Manning’s jewelry will take your breath away.

Available as of April 1st, this is certainly a collection worthy of admiration. Top off any ensemble with the dangling Stalactite and Silver Drops ($868), pictured above. If the hefty price points intimidate, praise from afar the new ways to explore our earth’s natural beauty.

-Alana Quagliariello

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We pride ourselves in bargain shopping, and Target never ceases to impress us with its affordable variety of apparel and accessories. Brands like Merona, Mossimo, and Mossimo Supply Co. feature the newest fashions we’re all craving. Incorporate any of the above clothing, shoes or jewelry into your outfit and you’ll be sure to have that carefree, summer-Friday mood every day of the week! The Target Spring 2012 collections will be available in stores and online at Target.com starting in February of 2012.

-Alana Quagliariello

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The Standard’s Le Bain in NYC’s Meatpacking District made an ideal backdrop for a collection that was edgy, girly, and a bit 60’s bohemian as Kate Young unveiled the collection she helped style as INC International Concept’s new Editor at Large.

Celebrity stylist Kate Young is known for working in the moment, and her carpe diem attitude was captured in the INC collection for Macy’s this spring season. The styled looks provided something for every day, yet a glam aesthetic also prevailed.

Faux Wrap Dress, $79.50

Our choice for the must-have piece is the Cutaway Jacket (on Young, pictured at top), $99.50, with its good girl gone bad vibe. The collection also includes, but is not limited to, coated pants, straight leg denim, studded and beaded tees, ruffled skirts, and a ruched polka dot dress in black and white. Young admits to contrasting edgy, tough details with feminine shapes to enhance her trademark “classic with a twist”.

As for accessories, the solid cuffs made the perfect statement. They’ll add just enough energy without overpowering the ensemble.

Young knows this spring is certainly all about color, fun, and ultimately, letting one’s individual taste really shine through. As she says, “Don’t be afraid to sparkle.”

Visitors to the INC shop on Macys.com will find Young’s seasonal must-have, as well as tips on everyday dressing. The first delivery of products is now available in stores and online. New products styled by Kate will be delivered each month through May. Such trend-savvy shopping is bound to be fun!

-Alana Quagliariello

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Clarins Feed 25 Bag, $90

Fashion gives back in each and every one of the following charitable design initiatives. Take a second to reflect and be grateful, and disseminate good. Join in the spirit of giving and add one of these to your gift list this holiday season!

Clarins and FEED

In collaboration with Lauren Bush, the co-founder of FEED Projects, Clarins has created the Feed 25 Bag aiming to provide 1 million meals to underprivileged children through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The bag’s stenciled number 25 represents that the sale of one bag brings 25 nutritious meals.

The Clarins Feed 25 Bag ($90, but a value of $150+) includes four full-sized versions of Beauty Flash Balm, One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, Moisture Rich Body Lotion and Smoothing Body Scrub for a New Skin, four of Clarins’ most loved products. Not to mention, you’re getting a fantastic, functional tote.

The bag is available at Bloomingdale’s. Clarins has always aimed to create a more beautiful future, and to destroy the struggle of daily hunger may create the most beautiful future of all.

[picture via the Talenthouse Art&Sole Facebook tab]

UGG Australia Art & Sole

Who doesn’t love a little DIY? UGG Australia is hosting a DIY contest allowing users to virtually design their own UGG Australia boots. The winning design will be produced and sold online and in stores across America and a portion of proceeds will go to the Boys and Girls Club of America.  The winner of course gets recognition too! He/She will receive $5,000, a complimentary pair of their boots and a bag, not to mention global exposure!

The interactive application is available on the Talenthouse.com website, and the Art & Sole Facebook tab. Submit creations now through Dec. 26th and/or vote for your favorite Dec. 27-Jan. 5. Simply download the template, design boots and upload!

Nicole Miller

Hand crafted, brightly colored accessories make up the fantastic Indego Africa line to empower women in Rwanda. The enticing color-popping bangles have already made headway, but the wrap skirts and shorts (both $65) are new, fun tributes to this global friendly initative. Nicole Miller visited Rwanda herself to teach sewing, draping and tailoring techniques. While Rwandan women gain confidence, power and skills, let’s work to multiply the impact.

[image via Vogue.co.uk]

Isabel Marant for Gap

French designer Isabel Marant and Gap have used fashion to make the world a better place in their recent t-shirt design collaboration. Gap’s classic boyish heather grey tee (£24.50, $38.50) is printed with a splotched paint pattern, available online at gap.eu, to help support World Aids Day. 50% of the proceeds go to the Global Fund to help eliminate Aids in Africa.

Large Fabric Bag, $75

M. Missoni for Orphanaid Africa

Margherita Missoni’s capsule collection for M. Missoni was created specifically to benefit the vulnerable children and their families of Ghana, West Africa. The cheerful collection of dresses ($165), t-shirts ($125), a skirt ($105), belted coat ($255) ballerinas ($195), pouch ($80) and a hobo bag ($75) in the signature zig-zag pattern are trendy and fun in red and pink. Proceeds from each purchase go to Orphanaid Africa as they fight poverty, hunger and disease.

Let’s follow the company ambassador and become global ambassadors ourselves by helping a country in need! Shop now at yoox.com.

U.S. Fund for Unicef

With one of the worst humanitarian crises occurring at present in the Horn of Africa, Threadless, BBH New York and the U.S. Fund for Unicef have united in their efforts to launch GOOD SHIRTS, a unique clothing line to support the drought and famine in Africa. 100% of the donations will go to the U.S. Fund for Unicef holiday initiative. Each t-shirt design, shown here, pictures a much-needed aid item.

Depending on donation amount, each design mirrors the product those in the Horn of Africa will benefit from. For example, for a donation of $18.57, the cost of three insecticide treated mosquito nets, supporters receive a t-shirt featuring a mosquito. For a donation of $500, the cost of a community water pump, supporters receive a t-shirt featuring a water pump.

Schick Quattro for Women

Help Schick Quattro for Women in their partnership with Feeding America, the #1 hunger-relief charity! Give a loved one, or pamper yourself, with this high-performance razor. Visit www.facebook.com/schickquattroforwomen to download a $2.00-off coupon for any of the brand’s razors or refills. In return, they’ll donate 50 cents per coupon download to Feeding America. A coupon that gives thanks – two in one goodness!

Talbots Quotable Tote

Tote around your support or give as a gift the Talbots Quotable Tote, $20, with 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of this tote benefit the Talbots Scholarship Program, which gives assistance to women pursuing a college education later in life. The tote features inspirational words by women who have challenged themselves by heading back to school. The totes are available in-store, at Talbots.

Each gift mentioned above is guaranteed to put a smile on more than the face of the receiver.

-Alana Quagliariello

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Planning your spring wardrobe already? We hear you. Click through the slideshow above and read below for some great collections to look forward to this Spring 2012 season!

House of Harlow, WinterKate

Nicole Richie’s distinct look came from being constantly surrounded by entertainers, costumes, designers, and other inspirations. Costume dressing is most important to the House of Harlow jewelry and Winter Kate apparel collection. Half bohemian goddess, half tribal queen equals one fully covetable collection.

M. Patmos

Marcia Patmos continues to be inspired by art, architecture, and design. Her goal is to make easy, understated clothing that incorporates strength, ease, and grace. Easy summer cardigans and tees are paired with light, breezy shorts ideal for the casual woman.

Leroy & Perry

Two adventurous friends drew on their love of fashion to create this eco-friendly  line. Think easy, nonchalant and seasonless with casual separates. You’ll make the most adorable fisherwoman with their nautical striped pieces!

Lauren Moffatt

A love for all things vintage began Lauren Moffat’s design career. Already named a designer to watch by both WWD and Vogue, Moffat’s love for art and color shows in Spring 2012′s lovable swimwear, airy blouses, and adorable printed dresses.

-Alana Quagliariello

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For the first time ever, Forever 21 has announced a capsule jewelry collection with punk designer label Alex & Chloe for Holiday 2011. Sharp spikes, mean metals and anything-but-preppy pearls make up an original 12-piece collection, priced from $4.80 to $15.80, for both men and women, available now.

Distinct geometric shapes characterize Alex & Chloe’s aesthetic; we particularly love the cross ring for its obvious edgy appeal. Or shake up the pearl’s status quo for a formal affair with the spiked pearl earrings. Available in stores and online, each edgy piece is sure to add sass to your repertoire of accessories.

-Alana Quagliariello

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Are you ready to welcome the avant-garde into your wardrobe? H&M just recently announced a Spring design collaboration with the  ultra-chic, print-and-texture-happy Italian brand Marni. Available starting March 8th, 2012 in stores and online, the collection will feature both clothing and accessories for men and women.

Consuelo Castiglioni, Marni founder and creative director, mixes print and color in new ways, crafting playful combinations of modern, graphic, and tribal fabrications, and finishes it all off with sporty elements.  This African-inspired line will be rife with classic Marni silhouettes: cropped pants, full pleated skirts and dresses, jacquard knits and more!

-Alana Quagliariello

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