Fashion Collections by Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are as successful as fashion designers today as they were as actresses when they were young. We have to thank them for sticking to where there true talents lie, and that may be in eyeing fashion trends and applying their cutting edge style to their own designs.

It began with The Row, a contemporary high-end line consisting of knitwear and cardigans, as well as luxury items like banded strapless dresses and lamb fur coats (retailing for over $3,000). The collection is sold at Maxfield in Los Angeles, Barneys New York nationwide, and Harvey Nichols in London.

Then came Elizabeth and James, a contemporary sportswear line, named after the Olsens' younger sister, Elizabeth, and older brother, James. The name is a reflection behind the style and inspiration for the line, a play on masculine verses feminine and casual versus. Apparel pieces for Elizabeth and James has featured masculine inspired tailored blazers, washed leather jackets, and boyfriend jeans, while still delivering femininity with super soft oversize T-shirts, cashmere sweaters, silk dresses and sequin mini dresses. The collection has expanded to deliver accessories, jewelry and footwear.

Most recently, the fashion icons and moguls have released another fashion line this year. Adding to their current portfolio of successful trend-setting brands, Textile Elizabeth and James, is a three-piece denim collection inspired by the 70's.The three styles are appropriately named after the icons of that era, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell. Joni is a high-waisted style, cropped at the ankle with a frayed hem. The Stevie is a low-slung style with flared leg with a vintage wash and dark pocket impressions, while The Jimi is a bell-bottom jean in a bright blue wash. The fall collection begins to expand into a full lifestyle line offering rugged sweatshirts and men-inspired flannel shirts (priced between $65 and $275), the perfect addition to the existing line of denim and new denim and corduroy styles (priced between $195 and $265).

The line can be found in retail stores such as Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Intermix, as well as online retailers such as ShopBop.com.