While it's not news when a celebrated designer creates a lower-cost clothing line, it's always exciting to get top-name labels for a bargain. The nicole by Nicole Miller line, exclusively at J.C. Penney, features monthly collections -- in the $25 to $50 range -- that reflect Miller's eye-catching prints and feminine silhouettes. We asked Miller about her inspirations, her pet peeves and what every woman wants.Q What influenced your spring collection?
A My March collection for the nicole by Nicole Miller collection is called Oceanic Cruising and is inspired by the ocean and also inspired by things I have done on the runway. Styles include tie-dye and printed tunics, sheer shirting, soft easy-fit cardigans, draped tank tops and Bermuda shorts.
Q What is your favorite thing to wear right now?
A Tunics and leggings. I love to layer things.
Q Any style pet peeves?
A Too many ruffles.
Q I've heard you're a gourmet. What are you cooking up now?
A I like making bouillabaisse in the winter. Also, we always have a Swiss fondue. I tweet a lot of recipes (@NicoleMillerNYC).
Q Name five things every woman should have in her closet.
A Leggings, a great black skirt on the longer side, a comfy sweater, layering pieces like a long-sleeve tee or tank top, and a favorite jacket.
Q What is the one thing a woman should have to update her wardrobe?
A A classic black button-up shirt dress. It's a modern take on the classic style.
Q Give us a sneak peek at your fall lineup. What is your inspiration for that?
A Modern art. I love the idea of making geometric shapes curve onto the body.
Past fashion benefits present Vintage fans won't want to miss this one: Hope Chest for Breast Cancer has been collecting clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories by designers such as Valentino, St. John, Moschino, Yves St. Laurent, Ralph Lauren, Missoni, Bill Blass and Armani. They're bringing it all out for a one-day event to celebrate the shop's 10th anniversary. Look for everything from Jackie -O-style dresses to a vintage Bianchi wedding gown complete with white mink fur trim and a long train. As always, proceeds from Hope Chest aid local breast cancer patients.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat., Hope Chest for Breast Cancer, 3850 S. Shoreline Dr., Wayzata, 952-471-8700, www.hopechest.us.
Pick of the week: Dots to Dots Blouse, $16, jeans, $22, and bangle set, $6, available at Dots
It's a challenge to find fast fashion for grownups, but Dots carries trend-forward sophisticated clothing and accessories, all for under $35. For spring, you'll find Bohemian-inspired looks as well as stripes and animal prints in sizes 0 to 24. There are now eight Minnesota stores, including the newest in St. Paul. This month, you can enter to win a $100 gift card at www.dots.com/go/stpaul.
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thu., Midway Shopping Center, 1474 W. University Av., St. Paul, www.dots.com.
SALES AND EVENTS
FRIDAY
Peter Millar trunk show: The entire spring line of men's, women's and children's clothing will be available.
Through Sat., Twill by Scott Dayton, Galleria, Edina, 952-922-2711, www.twillbyscottdayton.com.
American Girl Fashion Show: The Junior League of Minneapolis will hold the 10th annual fashion show. The event features 47 outfits from the American Girl Fashion lines, including Kaya, Kit, Ruthie, Julie, Addy and Kanani.
6 p.m. Fri.; 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sat.; and 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sun. Edina Country Club, $45 to $75 tickets, available at www.jlminneapolis.org.
SATURDAY
Buy more, save more sale: Spend $25 to $49 and save 10 percent on your entire purchase or spend more than $50 to save 20 percent.
Sat., Second Debut, 4300 W. 36 1/2 St., St. Louis Park, and 1825 W. University Av., St. Paul.
Winter clearance at OPM and Helen Wang trunk show: Final markdowns of up to 70 percent, including jackets, sweaters, dresses and handbags by Catherine Malandrino, Alice + Olivia, Diane von Furstenberg and more. The event kicks off with a Helen Wang trunk show with 20 percent off the local designer's jewelry.
Noon to 4 p.m. for trunk show. Sale runs through March 19, Excelsior and Grand, 3700 Grand Way, St. Louis Park, 952-567-7399.
SUNDAY
Smart and Chic Beauty Lounge sale: Take 20 percent off all merchandise, including Nelle Handbags, Bethany Lorelle Hair Accessories, K Squared Clutches and S&C Jewelry. Free makeup applications and skin-care analysis available.
Noon to 5 p.m., 20 University Av. NE., Mpls.
Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177 • sglassman@startribune.com
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