[Images Courtesy of Payless]

Before any model graced the runway at Lela Rose, the designer played “Imagine” in its entirety, a song reminiscent of peace; one world, one people. Only then did she begin her runway collection of beautiful, whimsical, overtly feminine pieces. Rose drew on a variety of inspirations from Vegas neon signs, the Coney Island amusement park, and graveyards to create signature checked spring jacquard and “carousel” cotton prints. Cinched waist dresses appeared in navy, white, gray, yellow, pink and more. Airy polka dotted skirts flounced by, cute cardigans made a sweet statement, and gold metallic floor length gowns reigned. A striking orange jacket, sure to stop traffic, left a lasting impression in classic structure. Pattern, embellishment, and even a few feathers made an elegant appearance on this runway. She also unveiled the latest Lela Rose for Payless ShoeSource collection. The footwear proved to be as vibrant as the clothing with graphic shapes and resin studding. When all is said and done, Lela Rose successfully crafted an approachable, girly collection for SS12.

-Alana Quagliariello

Z London Glitter Flat, $24.99 (loving that they have a “sidewalk sparkle” quality to them!)

I’ve always said that one can never own too many pairs of flats…and still stick to it! They are just so practical and constantly come in handy – plus when was the last time after a long day and tired feet you fantasized about slipping your foot into a pair of six inch stilettos? I wouldn’t recommend wearing flats every single day, as a little bit of heel actually can be good support and help your arch (just ask my podiatrist), but a few days a week, a super cute flat is a must. Take my latest two as a prime example- one fun and girly, the other sophisticated and chic, and both work appropriate. Thank you Payless BOGO, for helping me rationalize to add even more flats to my collection!

Lela Rose Carolina Flat, $34.99 (the silken fabric and hardware details won me over)

There were too many great sales happening to do just one post about them. So if you’ve got your calendar all booked up from our last sample sale post, here are few more dates to mark. We know it would be criminal to keep these deals and steals to ourselves.

• Who: Lela Rose

What: Get ready for January with knits from $50 to $250, and come ready to roll up your sleeves and rifle through the $25 bin.
When: Wednesday Dec 1, 8 AM – 7 PM, Thursday Dec 2, 9 AM – 6 PM, and Friday Dec 3, 9 AM – 5 PM
Where: 224 West 30^th Street, bet. 7th & 8th Ave, , 13th Floor

[The author with Ted Gibson, getting hair prepped and styled for the show]

BACKSTAGE BEAUTY:

Backstage Beauty for Lela Rose this season was complete starting with skincare from Arcona, nails by Deborah Lippmann, makeup by Stila and hair by Ted Gibson. I was suuuper lucky to get to speak with all the “Keys” (head stylist/artist)  Ted Gibson, and Sarah Lucero, key makeup artist. The look for nails was a soft coral color which tied in with the burnt sienna stained “velvet matte” lip. The skin was made flawless by prepping well with products by Arcona (the Triad Pads for removing makeup and the Desert Mist for hydrating and plumping – my two newest obsessions) followed by Stila’s One Step Makeup foundation for a natural matte finish.

The hair was big and sexy, but not in a Jerseylicious way…with a loose braid to the side and lots of natural volume through the top and sides rounded out the runway look. The complete beauty look complemented the collection through color with a bold lip and overall I would have to say I would DEFINITELY wear this look – the entire thing from hair to nails… and I may just do so tomorrow!

LELA ROSE RUNWAY SHOW:

Inspired by a feeling of Peruvian or Brazilian coastline meets tribal inspired patterns, the collection really showed a good range from casual to eveningwear.  The color palette was vibrant and bold, featuring a deep forest green, bright fuchsia, vibrant coral, and playful navy.  Neutral colors were cool in tone with a pale gold, light greys, and muted silvers, black and white. My favorite casual outfit was the short sleeve top with solid black stripes mixed with stripes of a mesh-like fabric, paired  flowing floral shorts and neutral platform peep toe double strap shoes (Lela Rose for Payless!!).  For evening, I LOVED the pale gold, deep V neckline, short belted dress with an off-kilter gather in the front.   Overall the collection for Lela Rose SS11 was a very easy and fun collection that any woman could wear.  Shoes displayed on the runway were part of the collaboration between the designer and Payless.  I found this collection easy to relate to and something to be excited about after months of wearing your winter darks!

-Jen Paelmo

Jen Paelmo is FPD’s resident makeup artist and friend extraordinaire who not only has covered backstage for FPD but has also created some backstage beauty looks for the Spring 2011 runways. Check out her portfolio and work here.

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Keds Eco-Friendly Willow Organic Cotton Sneaker,  $54.95

Lela Rose for Payless Fillmore Slip-On, $28

Albertus Swanepoel Khaki Fedora for The Gap, $39.50

Felix Rey for Target Large Canvas Tote in Blu, $22.48

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So many sample sales, so little time to shop them all!

Rebecca Minkoff: Up to 70% off those fabulous bags! May 6th-May10th, 10-8pm daily at 33 W. 17th Street.

Be & D Sample Sale: Wednesday, May 13 – Thursday, May 14 9am – 7pm at 35 West 36th Street (between 5th/6th Avenue), 10th Floor. Get 30-75% off Handbags, Shoes, Belts and More including Iconic and Celeb Favorites including GARBOS and KAN KAN’S and some ONE-OF-A-KINDS!

Loeffler Randall: May 7-9th: Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m at 525 Broadway, 2nd floor.

Botkier : Bonus, shop with your Mom to get an extra 10% off. Shop May 7-10th: Thurs., noon-8 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Head to 172 Mercer St.

Tibi: we love her prints!!! Shop May 13-15. Wed., 1-7 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m at 409 W. 39th St.

Lela Rose: At 50-75% off retail, you’ve got to at least check it out.
Shop May 13-15. Wed.-Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m at 224 W. 30th St., 13th floor.

Cole Haan: Save up to 75% off bags, shoes, leather gooda, and more! Sunday, May 17th through Thursday, May 21st: Sun/Mon/Tues/Wed – 9-6:30, Thursday – 9-6:00. Located at Soiffer Haskin, 317 West 33rd Street.

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Herve Leger by Max Azria:

Bondage is taken to the next level with futuristic puffs, sharp shoulder edges, leather paillettes and metallic detailing — loved it!

Lela Rose:

Sticking to her uptown girl theme, Lela Rose showed a collection of put-together looks that remained interesting  yet classic at the same tim.

Thuy:

Loved the skirts with “hip accents”, exposed zippers, watercolor prints, and bright yellow dresses.

Karen Sabag:

Her best collection to date, Sabag meticulously worked applique into evening gowns that managed to come across as refined and incredibly beautiful.

Akiko Ogawa:

According to Akiko, gradients are still in, especially in darker color palettes like deep, stormy blue and navy.

Susan Cianciolo:

We went backstage to observe the hair and makeup of eco-friendly designer Susan Cianciolo, held at the Philip Pelusi Tela Salon.

e.y. Wada:

I love the idea of a prim & proper lady with a sense of humor; e.y. Wada’s girls know how to confiedently pull that off with quirky detailing like oversized star cut-out appliques.

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We recently attended the Payless Spring 2009 preview, and are excited to announce the continuation of fabulous designer styles by the likes of Abaete, Lela Rose, and Alice + Olivia. In addition to the designer collaboration collections that we love,  two pleasant new surprises are on the way: a  hand-dyed collection by Lela Rose in silhouettes that you will actually want to wear to a wedding or formal occasion  and the incredibly innovative (not to mention adorable and afordable) green footwear collection.

We were most impressed with the incredible consideration put into the eco-line, dubbed Zoe & Zac, making everything from the upper materials, soles, rubber, detailing and more in an eco-conscious way.  Payless partnered with Summer Rayne Oaks, a model-activist,  spokesperson, and consultant in sustainable development to make sure the collection was ground-breaking in the realm of green and stylish. We can’t wait to get at least a few pairs once they hit stores in April of 2009!