By ManhattanMataHari

We have always admired Ivanka Trump’s classic and sophisticated sense of style, especially when contrasted against the likes of other heiress-turned entrepreneurs. Our pure sense of curiosity pulled us to Lord & Taylor to check out the debut of her ready-to-wear collection.

Despite the fact that Lord & Taylor leans to a more mature crowed, we were hoping that this clothing line would breath a bit of sophisticated youth into the 185-year-old department store. Unfortunately, the collection was a bit more matronly than we would have hoped and contained too many prints to be considered a must-have classic.

Nonetheless there were a several worthy items. Our favorite picks are the pink pleated cotton Audrina skirt ($145), the double-layered Betta dress ($155) and Trump’s structured take on the classic black pencil skirt ($125). Ivanka’s traditional trench coats and colorful safari-style dresses are spring and summer staples.

Ivanka’s collection is priced quite reasonably and ranges from $50 to $225. With Lord & Taylor’s frequent sales and promotions, this means you can look forward to snagging most items for 20% to 50% less during sales time. Unlike many other celebrity clothing lines, Ivanka’s collection seems to reflect her signature aesthetic. We can easily see pieces fitting into her busy lifestyle and we can likely use a few items too.

Those who share or curiosity can meet Ivanka in person and receive a signed sketch with any Ivanka Trump purchase at tonight’s L&T launch event. Best of all 10% of the launch’s proceeds will benefit the United Nations Foundation’s Girl Up Campaign.

Ivanka Trump Clothing Launch
Wednesday, March 28
7pm to 8pm
Lord & Taylor, 5th floor
212-391-3344

Norma Kamali’s much awaited KamaliKulture is officially available. The current lineup features several variations of black dresses and suit styles. Later this spring, the line will expand to swim suits and eye-glasses . The best part of Kamali Kulture is that everything in the collection is under $100!

Usually we aren’t big fans of diffusion lines — a designer’s lower price point collection– but the clothes here are well worth the value and are quite stylish. Right now most of the online collection is offered in black and red but many more patterns and colors will soon be available.

While looking through the cloths, we had a long fashion chat with Norma. She says she was inspired to create a collection that had timeless style and could be enjoyed by everywoman. “I wanted to offer a valued purchase that women were not afraid to use. Everything is durable, wearable and affordable,” Norma says.

KamaliKulture hits every mark. Each item is classic and true Kamali style, from the “All in One Dress” to the pencil skirt. Norma explained  age and experience has made her increasingly appreciate maintaining a distinct personal style over following trends. Betraying your personal style illustrates lack of self and lack of personality, the designer says. “Nobody is going to benefit from wearing neon,” she adds.

In the coming weeks, exclusive items from KamaliKulture will be sold on Amazon.com and Zappos.com. We’ve already started picking the foundation of what will be our summer wardrobe and know that we will be coming back for a lot more. (Shopping Hint: The KamaliKulture sunglasses are basically the same as the collection sunglasses. Get them while they are hot… or before it gets too hot.)