Vera Wang and David Tutera seem to be obvious choices for expanded wedding lines and associated products, but now there’s word Anthropologie is also getting in on the more affordable wedding wardrobe trend with the unpronounceable BHLDN site (seriously, is that blah-den or bee-holden? Let’s go a little more web 1.0 on the name guys), scheduled for a February 14th launch. {Wedding Bells}

Wedding bells and cash register clinks have never sounded more similar apparently, because every time we turn around there’s a new retailer or designer expanding their footprint in the bridal market.

Cynicism aside, this seems like a good move for the Urban Outfitters owned retailer, who caters to a customer that enjoys a vintage looking, bohemian aesthetic. Most wedding dresses, including Vera Wang’s main line and soon-to-be launched line for David’s Bridal, are looks of layered tulle and tissue organza fit for a princess. Yet some brides don’t really want to look like a princess. For those who want a more casual, low key wedding, and a dress that matches that vibe but still looks beautiful, there does seem to be a void in the market.

Perhaps, not for much longer though.

Simon Doonan at Barneys Co-Op in Brooklyn

This week, Barneys celebrated the opening of its first Brooklyn Co-op on Atlantic Avenue in the Cobble Hill section of town. The doors opened at 10 a.m. without a line of anxiously waiting shoppers, but a large crowd eventually made its way through the doors once they were open. {Racked NY}

Much has been made of what the reaction among Brooklyn residents will be to the high-end retailerâ€s presence in their neck of the woods. Brooklyn has become a hot spot for luxury fashion labels in the past few months, as brands like Swarovski Crystal and Anthropologie have been reportedly scouting out locations there, but it has been smaller, trendy shops like Jonathan Adler and Urban Outfitters that have actually been cropping up along Atlantic Avenue of late. {New York Post}

It is still too early to tell exactly what the lasting impact of the Barneys†presence among these admittedly cooler, more laid-back shops will be, but Barneys Creative Director Simon Doonan seems confident it will be a success.

“The Co-op has always had a certain edgy sensibility. The fit with Brooklyn is a natural one,” he said. {New York Post}

Doonan also told Racked NY that the store made no adjustments to its aesthetic for the Brooklyn Co-op, which carries all the designer brands like Alexander Wang, Richard Chai Love, Helmut Lang and Rag & Bone that you would expect to find at any other Barneys.

Apparently Doonan was quite an active presence at the opening as well, chatting with shoppers and even helping to carry baby strollers down the staircase to the storeâ€s lower level. {Racked NY} He also tried easing the minds of skeptical area residents who worry that the store will bring with it a pretentiousness, telling the New York Post, “”It’s not like we’re opening a Chanel.”

We previously reported that Cobble Hillâ€s economics are not actually that far off from the more notoriously wealthy Upper East Side and Upper West Side Manhattan neighborhoods, and a Barneys should not be impossible to sustain in the area, though the state of the economy will likely create challenges even with wealthy shoppers living close by. Today, we feel there is one more barrier to success for Barneys: Cobble Hill may have the wealth for a Barneys, but does it have the right vibe? Just because a certain demographic has money does not mean they want to spend it on luxury fashion, and we wonder if people in Brooklyn even want to shop at Barneys.

Success at the Barneys Brooklyn Co-op will likely prove to be somewhat of a challenge. Doonan and Co. should be up for it, but only time will tell how they fare. We actually applaud Barneys for taking a risk in a time when the economy has many retailers in a panic – because taking chances on new ventures will probably be necessary to remain sustainable into the future for fashion retailers. Someone has to lead the way, and Barneys should be commended for stepping up.

Additional photos at Racked NY

Your favorite fashion accessories are classic, stylish, and never covered in logos or overly apparent signs of flash. A glass of champagne or small sign of special service is appreciated, but extravagant spectacles that would put you in the middle of enormous crowds are the last things you’d sign up for voluntarily.

We covered the top 10 Fashion’s Night Out events for celeb seekers, but if your idea of a shopping good time doesn’t involve battling throngs of adoring fans, there are plenty of events that give a good reason to come out. Silent auctions, charitable contributions, complimentary cocktails and shopping bonuses are just a few of the things on offer.

Akris

Who: Former Anna Wintour assistant Claiborne Swanson Frank, Veronica Swanson Beard, Alexis Swanson Traina, and Vogue Photography Director Ivan Shaw

What: A photography exhibition Indigo Light is a series of portraits by Claiborne Swanson Frank. Partial proceeds benefit Baby Buggy.

Where: 835 Madison Avenue

Anthropologie

Who: Landscape artist Jim Denevan, the subject of a documentary by filmmaker Meredith Danluck.

What: Denevan’s drawing on Siberiaâ€s Lake Baikal is displayed on Anthropologieâ€s digital exhibition space, www.theAnthropologist.net. Attendees will get a sneak peek of Danluckâ€s documentary about the artist’s Siberia expedition while enjoying cocktails.

Where: 75 Ninth Avenue

Banana Republic (Soho location)

Who: Banana Republic designers offering style tips from 6-8pm.

What: Sparkling wine, hors dâ€oeuvres and shopping incentives on full-priced merchandise all night long and a presentation of the 2010 Fall/Holiday Collection. Purchases of $100 or more and gain entry into a drawing for two tickets to the Banana Republic Spring/Summer 2011 fashion show.

Where: 550 Broadway

Blanc de Chine

Who: Musician Dana Leong, performing live. Leong is a cellist, trombonist and composer whose music combines hip-hop, jazz and electronic music.

What: Catering, a gift with purchase, raffle for one of Blanc de Chine’s $400 travel blankets and the opportunity to view one-of-a kind items from the Museum of Chinese in America’s historical collection. A percentage of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to the museum.

Where: 673 Fifth Avenue

Hermès

Who: Hermès scarf specialists

What: An evening of scarves, seemingly built around the style spotting site Jâ€aime mon carré. Show off  your own Hermès scarf or stop by for scarf-tying demonstration showcasing fall styles from 6pm – 8pm.

Where: 691 Madison Avenue

Shopping at Forever 21 has always been a budget-friendly endeavor, and the new collection will not deviate from the fashion-forward (often drawing the ire of designers who feel the store’s designs aren’t original enough) and reasonably priced apparel and accessories.

Lichtenberg has been styled big name celebrities like Lady Gaga, and explains how this venture is a positive one for the Forever 21 shopper and his own career saying, “It is going to be for the customer that is younger and has seen my work on celebrities and musicians, but doesnâ€t have the money to plunk down for my main line. This is definitely going to be a great opportunity to be on a more global scale.” {College Fashion}

This collaboration is just the beginning of a series of collaborations that the brand is planning to embark on to offer more upscale merchandise at their signature low prices.  It seems as though the brand is taking cues from competing stores like H&M and Target who have had numerous designers (think Madonna, Roberto Cavalli, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Proenza Schouler) launch capsule collections for their brands in the past.

With over 50 copyright infringement lawsuits under their belt for drawing a little too much ‘inspiration’ from names like Anthropologie, Anna Sui and Diane Von Furstenberg, it’s seems like a smart idea for Forever 21 to bring in their own designers to catch consumer attention instead of copying others. {the Cut}

Soft Joie makes a lovely little ruffled navy dress in a soft, lightweight jersey perfect for a lazy weekend. The navy dress has a simple silhouette with a few feminine details thrown in, like a ruffles at the neckline and braided material for straps. A lightweight stretch belt in white and light cognac keep the airiness of the dress grounded and gives a bit of definition. Slip on some mid-height wedges in tan from Clarks to add height and, as a bonus,  your feet will be happy all day. A cuff with some subtle details keeps things streamlined while adding a hint of color. Top off the whole look with bright, nylon tote to add a pop of color and provide a place for everything you need to hit a festival or beach.

Soft Joie Ruffled Jersey Dress

$158  Sizes: XS-L {Nordstrom}

Cake Decoration Belt

$38 Sizes: S-L {Anthropologie}

Laguna Cove Wedge

$72 Sizes: 5.5-12 {Clarks}

Feather Buckle Wrap Cuff

$38 {Free People}

Nylon Buckle Tote

$49.50 Shown in Yellow, also available in Teal, Khaki and Black {Banana Republic}

Yesterday, we told you what luxury retailers are doing to remain relevant and marketable into the future. Namely, high end brands are figuring out how to market to generation Y, which will surpass baby boomers as the largest consumer group in the United States come 2017.

Today, the New York times reports on the hot spot for New York luxury fashion labels to sell their products in years to come – Brooklyn, a.k.a. the “new bastion of cool for many New Yorkers.”

Barneyâ€s Co-op, a younger, more accessible division of Barneyâ€s New York, will open its first store in the Cobble Hill section of the borough, with Swarovski Crystal, North Face and Anthropologie reportedly scouting the scene in Brooklyn.

The question is whether this is a smart move in keeping with the push for high end brands to appeal to a younger crowd.

“Someone needed to be first, and now that Barneys Co-op has done it, others will follow,” said Karen Bellantoni, an executive vice president for the retail brokerage firm Robert K. Futterman & Associates. Executive Director of Retail Services at Cushman & Wakefield Joanne Podell adds, “Brooklyn has the demographics to support this kind of retail, but until now, no national store was willing to take the chance.” {New York Times}

Therein lays the key: demographics. Dawn Brown, vice president of publicity for Barneyâ€s, said the store chose Cobble Hill because surveys showed many of their current customers lived there.

Cobble Hillâ€s economics compared to that of the wealthy neighborhoods in Manhattan where Co-Ops currently reign, with the average apartment/home price topping $1 million and household incomes well over the $100k mark aren’t extremely far apart. This isn’t as much as the $177,000 and $181,000 HHIs of the Upper West Side and Soho, respectively – the locations for Barney’s current NYC Co-op locations, but definitely a desirable group.

But it would be really innovative if Barney’s pushed the envelope even further in terms of the retail model (a la Neiman Marcus’ new “laboratory” store). With retail just starting to rebound, and location planning taking years to come to fruition, we understand going with the safest new option. However, bringing a Co-op into a neighborhood filled with the same audience that high end retailers have targeted for years could overlook the change in habits of future shoppers. Keep in mind, this is the same audience that declined to shop as regularly at luxury fashion retail stores throughout the troubled economy. Indeed, it is the same audience that may very well have realized it can get on just fine without current season (read: full priced) designer clothes even once the economy has improved. While most of the Co-op brands – Marc by Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstnberg and Opening Ceremony among others, are already in a more affordable range than the labels at Barney’s flagship, there’s still likely to be a demand from shoppers still bent on getting the best value. Given the popularity of discounters and sale sites among $100,000+ shoppers, would a Barney’s outlet make more sense?

Donâ€t get us wrong: the Barneyâ€s Co-op in Cobble Hill will probably do just fine, and we hope that it becomes a strong anchor for Brooklyn retail. But in terms of looking ahead and marketing to current and future, younger shoppers, the retailer could have brought in more unique  retail options that reflect the signs of the times.

Leave the diaper bag, laptop case, and backpack at home.  This stunning Louis Vuitton is the perfect size for holding everything from books (net or text) to baby bottles. The beautiful burgundy color goes with everything and masks any and all stains.

L Mahina Leather {Louis Vuitton}
$2800

If you’ve ever worked in a predominantly male office, chances are you’ve experienced the mysterious temperature divide that always leaves you freezing, while the guys walk around in t-shirts complaining about how hot the 60 degree room is. Staying warm is no problem with a versatile cashmere-silk cardigan over a tank and fitted pants.

V-Neck Cardigan {Martin + Osa}
$99.50

This simple Lee Angel piece pulls the entire outfit together with just the right balance of rhinestones, feminine fabric details, and twine accents.

Glinting Bois Necklace {Anthropologie}
Lee Angel
$178

There’s no need to completely forgo comfort for style. GAP’s skinny stretch pants feel great yet look polished.

Skinny Stretch Pants {Gap}
Available in petite and tall
$49.50

Whether you’re running between meetings, classes or chasing after a little one ballet flats are a timeless, classy and stylish option. Want to sneak in a little extra comfort? Go half a size up and insert an athletic insole.

Abby Toe Cap Ballet Flats {J.Crew}
$128

Imagine our squeals of joy as the news rolled in that the ever-elusive yet oh-so-coveted line Ruffian officially launched its collaboration with retailer Anthropologie.

The Mise en Scene collection is chock-full of the darling neo-Victorian flourishes and timeless romance that we’re used to from Ruffian, with a more palatable price-point for those of us with skinnier wallets.  In our fashion dreams, we’d brandish the silver-tone ombré wine glasses (a delicious $18!) and stroke the lovely wooly softness of our swingy new coats ($328) while toasting our sartorial luck.

Available live at Anthropologie and online at anthropologie.com.

Read the full story {Pipeline @Refinery29}

Despite the fact that everyone and their cousin seem capable of having a reality show these days, we never thought that a retail store would make one – or that we’d actually want to watch it. Man Shops Globe, which airs on Wednesday night at 10pm on the Sundance Channel, follows the trials and tribulations of Keith Johnson, the man who travels the world searching for the unique and unusual items that make it into Anthropologie stores. Beyond the fact that we love Anthropologie’s quirky decor, we also love the gorgeous locales of the show’s first episodes – France, South Africa, and Turkey.  Sounds like a winning combination!

Read the full story {Unbeige}