Jennifer Lopez attended the Blackberry Playbook launch at Best Buy in Los Angeles on Tuesday, April 19th.  It was also the launch of her new album, Love?.  The singer showed-off her firm abs in a bandeau top from Christian Cota, a pair of Tibi pants and a Topshop jacket.  I loved her black peeped-toe Jimmy Choo heels and the dark pedicure was a nice touch.  Her hair was styled in loose curls, and her light brown tresses had pretty bland highlights.

Emma Roberts wore Topshop to the Lanvin for H&M fashion show last night.  The young actress was lovely in a strapless lavendar dress with a sweetheart neckline.  Her dress was sweet and youthful with a flowing tail in back.  Wearing Topshop instead of H&M to this event was unexpected, but delightfully daring.  She accessorized with a belt in a hue darker than her dress, a pair of metallic gold platform pumps and a gold evening bag.  A classic neutral face and center part pony tail completed her look.

European retailers have been migrating to America lately.  Fashion Rollcall selected the three top fashion retailers to cross the Pond in 2009.  They are:

• A. Balenciaga
• B. Hermes
• C. Topshop

Today Balenciaga and Topshop moved on to round two in the Showdown. Both retailers opened their first outlet/store in the United States on the same day.

Many lined the streets of Manhattan waiting patiently to enter Topshop on opening day.  The night before the opening a star studded event was held.  You may view photos from the preview party at Fashionologie.

Many came out to see Kate Moss; her line is a best seller at the retail chain.  Here is a slideshow of Kate Moss’ Topshop line from the The Cut.

Topshop appears to be priced correctly; most items are under a thousand dollars.  The right pricing strategy during a time of economic uncertainty is your best bet.  Retailers have to be more in step with the economic realities. [On the Runway, Cathy Horyn]

The Balenciaga outlet opened with a little less fanfare than Topshop.  Though the opening may not have been as lavish, it does not lessen the excitement and anticipation for the goods that will be sold.

The dramatic silhouettes of Balenciaga will be sought after by many American women.  Balenciaga at a 40 percent discount is a dream for many.

Topshop is the winner in this retail round.  There is a palpable excitement for the opening of this store.  Few things can beat lovely pieces that are reasonably priced.  Take a look at the video from the Associated Press of the Topshop opening in Soho.