Photo: Courtesy of Faith Connexion

I just saw this jacket at Ann Taylor Loft. It reminds me of a jacket by Alexander McQueen worn not only by Britney Spears but also by Jennifer Hudson. Both wore in two different settings. Britney was the ringmaster in a red version, and JHud sang the national anthem while wearing hers with a white T-shirt and leggings — something that would we could safely recommend.

There is something so rugged, raw and sweet about this jacket — for only $79.50 — that I felt the need to share and care. The jacket — which is available in navy and black in sizes 00 to 18! — is super-comfy because it stretches.

I also like that you can wear this for a while because the military style has always been popular. It’s modern with the ruffle.

How to style? Maybe not as vaudevillian as circus performer Britney but something you’ll feel comfortable in. Pair with a longer shirt or a chiffon blouse and over jeans, black pants or leggings.

PRODUCT DETAILS
A military-style jacket with stylish, distressed tonal trim at collar, V-neckline, placket and hem.

- Two rows of faux buttons with insignia details
- Hidden hook-and-eye front closure
- Pleating below waist seam with attached tonal waist tie in back
- Sleeves can be worn long with wide cuffs and hidden button closure or three-quarter length with rolled cuffs and exposed button closure
- 19 1/4″ center back length

Buy it here.

Real women are exactly what AGL is all about—the family-run business is run by a third-generation trio of ladies. Thus, AGL designer Marianna Giusti does not create “suffer in the name of fashion” heels, but rather, a collection of sleek, minimalist ballet flats, boots, brogues, and sandals. AGL’s Fall ‘12 campaign (lensed by photographer Paolo Roversi), featuring Tennant wearing AGL’s latest over-the-knee boots and classic patent leather brogues, reflects that same minimalist aesthetic. Style.com has the exclusive first look at the ad campaign video. Watch Tennant (now in her second season with the label) show off the newest collection of covetable shoes, below.

Photo: Paolo Reversi

Available in desert sand or waxy black and sized 5-11, grab whichever is still available — these heels are flying off store shelves now.

It’s simple. These heels look amazeballs because they’re a high heel version of a flat summer gladiator sandal. The natural grain of the wood wedge is stunning, and plays so well against the supple leather upper. (The heel makes me insane — Jess is shorter than you’d expect and always wears a higher heel — she’s my kind of gal). The combination of both circular and faceted square metal studs make it very exotic. The Katee heel has a 4.6 inch wedge with a 1.2 inch platform.

I can see these walking you straight into Indian Summer with Simpson’s heels. Paired with a maxi dress you won’t trip over, a pair of shorts, or the newer slightly cropped bell bottom pants, these heels will be a fave and a keeper. Also…they’re ultra comfortable. Really. You’re not dying on vertiginous heels. Yay!

By Sasha Charnin Morrison for UsMagazine.com. To read more of the Recessionista blog, click here.

I really have to tip my chapeau to Jessica Simpson. I am doing that because this girl produces a line of ultra cool footwear that gets better season after season. Today, I walked into my office wearing a summer sandal called “Katee” and besides my ultra stylish peeps here at Us, my Starbucks barista and a few assorted women on the streets of Manhattan, I have been getting nonstop compliments on this towering inferno.

Most recently, Sander had worked with the Japan-based retailer Uniqlo on +J, her own line of fast-fashion men’s and womenswear. Uniqlo announced last June that its three year partnership with the designer was at an end and that the current collection of +J would be Sander’s last.

Photo: Courtesy of Jil Sander

Introducing: Maiyet, a conscious-clothing label that’s similar in ethos to Edun but with an even more luxe sophistication (and price point). Though the brand officially launched for Spring ‘12 in Paris, Maiyet’s founders—former human rights lawyer Paul van Zyl, former Band of Outsiders president Kristy Caylor, and Daniel Lubetzky—are celebrating the label’s exclusive arrival at Barneys New York stores this week. The collection ($595–$2,400) of military coats, simple blouses, dresses, and jewelry is so sleek shoppers might be oblivious to the fact that it’s the work of hand-block printers in Jaipur or metalsmiths outside Nairobi. How it works: Maiyet and its design team (a group that hails from the likes of Celine, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren) partners with local artisans in countries around the globe to promote self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship in developing economies. A portion of the profits then goes into training and development. Here, in this Style.com exclusive video (below), a look at the artisans at work on the collection.
—Kristin Studeman

Photo: Tommy Ton

Why? It’s cute but still looks a little dangerous. Plus, it has the three aggro-chic staples: leather, chains and denim.

The size and shape of this purse is a nice alternative to all of my gold grommets and studs that have invaded my closet and my life.

I do like to mix the metals every once in a while, too. Skip the silver chains around the wrist and neck and break out that bling. I’ll be wearing this with jeans and a leather jacket or a faux-fur vest. 

What’s also great about this not-your-standard-evening-bag satchel is that I can leave the big old super-sized day bag behind and proudly display this at night and give my back a rest! (Lugging fashion’s “it” bags look a little dopey when you’re out for a cocktail.)

But the best thing is, it’s only $32.

PRODUCT DETAILS
- Striped insets and chain link fringe
- Beaded drawstring closure and 3 interior compartments
- Cotton
- Measures approximately 8″W, 5 1/2″H, 3″D

Buy it here.

Purchase info: Buy it here.

Here, we’re featuring the $48 Armani Exchange Chevron sequined tank. It goes great with shorts or a pencil skirt. Wear it with white jeans, add a strong shoulder blazer and high heels and you are set!

The men- and womenswear line is priced really well, and always brings the fashion when you need things like a strapless jumpsuit or a stretch belt. Armani Exchange items are perfect for date night with jeans that aren’t shredded or completely oversized — something slim and understated works.

Some of the most lovely dresses on the red carpet are designed by Giorgio Armani (Megan Fox in Armani Prive Couture line at the Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen premiere in Moscow, Angelina Jolie at the 2009 BAFTA Awards, Heidi Klum at 2008 and even the Beckhams in their skivvies!) and even though this line has been around for a long time, it’s always good to remember when you want a slice of that couture-looking pie for less, there’s always A/X Armani Exchange.