Target Holiday 24 Look Book

So by now I'm sure you've heard about the exciting Target collabo with Neiman Marcus, featuring 24 luxury designers such as: DVF, Derek Lam, Rodarte, Brian Atwood, Carolina Herrera, and so many more!  The collection hits stores Dec. 1, but here is a peek at the full collection along with prices.  With more than 50 different items and the wide selection of designers, there is a lot to choose from.  My favorite, favorite piece has to be the Brian Atwood Leather Gloves for $49.99- the question is whether or not I will brave the crowds in order to snag a pair. See below for my other top picks that are somewhat budget friendly. The holidays are coming, get excited!

Will the real Burberry please stand up!

Right before I left for Europe, I made a trip to Plato's closet to sell some goods. While I waited, I spotted a Burberry trench coat nestled away in the racks. I couldn't believe my eyes (it was excitement similar to the time I found the Chanel wool trousers at the Salvation Army)!  The price tag said $30, which seemed too good to be true.  I was in a rush, but tried to authenticate the coat via some online resources before I purchased it.  One thing with thrifting designer goods, is that the quality of materials is usually the biggest distinguisher.  I've heard a lot of women tell me that they just don't know enough designers to be able to spot a luxury good. Pay attention to the weight of the material, the stitching, the fabric- if it's a high end item, all of these things will be present.  When you touch the item, it will just feel  more solid, well constructed.

So back to this trench coat- well the first thing that caught my eye was the label with the name "Burberrys'" versus "Burberry", that seemed odd to me.  But I found some sources online that states that there are at least two types of Burberry labels, the first one reads 'Burberrys' (First character is capital B, the rest are small and with s. The single quotes are also written) and the second one reads BURBERRY (all capital, without s). Apparently the company changed the label from 'Burberrys' to BURBERRY back in the 90s. 

Some other tips I found online were: Pay attention to the colors (The plaid should include a light tan, white, navy, and red. Any other colours, such as green, yellow or brown, are not authentic); The Burberry plaid should be symmetrical and line up evenly at seams. The pattern should always be continuous; The stitches should be high-quality and even; The true Burberry pattern is three faint navy stripes crossing each other with white in between the lines; The label should be sewn on neatly.

So I ended up buying the coat, everything seemed to match up to the info I found online and the coat was heavy and felt quality made.  Now I just need to get it dry cleaned, and for the weather to cool down, and we're in business!

Trend: Wedge Sneakers

I just returned from our European vacation, which was amazing to say the least!  London, Amsterdam, Paris, Venice, oh my...I loved the culture/history, architecture and diversity that Europe had to offer. Walking down the street was always a visual and audible treat- seeing all the buildings with beautiful ornate details, visiting historical monuments, seeing so many people of different nationalities and hearing so many dialects. It was sensory overload, but in a good way.  (I'll post some pics soon for your viewing pleasure).

Of course the other thing I took note of while in Europe was the fashionable style of the European women.  I noticed their shoes the most!  From oxford loafers, to moto boots with studs, to wedge sneakers, and riding boots, those European women knew how to dress up their feet.  Fashion is such a part of the culture, especially in Paris and London (for obvious reasons), that I came back inspired to further develop my own personal style.  I fell in love with the wedge sneaker, which I believe Isabel Marant started/created. I saw a pair at a boutique in Paris, but quickly put them down when I saw the $250 € price tag. So I left Europe sad not to have a pair of these sneaks in hand, but I knew I could find them in the states for much less.  So when I came back last week, the search begin.  I went online and found the ASH version, which I love but were still pricey. I happened to be at F21 (Grapevine Mills location), and saw their version and was really thinking about getting this pair when I found out that Target had their very own version. Target you always come through for me! I ended up getting the Target Xhilaration pair after trying them on (they are much cuter in person and on). I plan on wearing them a lot this Fall/Winter, and will be taking a style cue from Anne Hathaway (pic below).

Grapevine Mills' Celebratin​g Women Preview

This past Saturday, I spent the morning at one of my favorite stores at Grapevine Mills- Last Call by Neiman Marcus. I was attending a blogger event, which was a preview to the big Celebrating Women event happening on Oct. 19th at Grapevine Mills (see our cute pic below of the fellow bloggers). The preview was lots of fun, met some great DFW fashion bloggers and got to check out some of the fashionable fall trends.  From color blocking, to leather, to fur, to hot season hues such as green and blue, it was quite the preview.  We also got to check out some of the other stores at Grapevine, including the newly opened Coach store, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH.  Did you know that the H&M store at Grapevine Mills is one of the only locations in Texas (maybe in the US) to carry full lines for maternity, lingerie, and active wear? Totally awesome!  Come check out the "Celebrating Women" event on Oct. 19th at Grapevine Mills, there will be a high fashion runway show highlighting the season’s hottest style trends and “Style Stops” throughout the evening, with proceeds to benefit the Grapevine Relief And Community Exchange (GRACE). Hope to see you there!

 

Photo courtesy of ivonnestacystyle.com



Hello, again!

So I know it's been a while (ok a long while) since my last post...To be honest I was feeling a little lost, troubled with certain struggles in life and blogging just didn't fit into the equation. I found myself not caring about fashion, as it can sometimes be a vain, empty and a temporary satisfaction. There is always a new designer, always a great sale, always something that someone else is trying to convince you to buy that you probably don't need (I should know, I work in the advertising industry). But soon I began to reflect on why I love fashion and why I started this blog in the first place. It's not to be the premier style/fashion expert, but rather to create a place where I can share my fashionable finds with you, in the hopes of helping you find your next great treasure. I get excited to share great deals, and to have you share yours with me. I love luxury goods, but I also love me some Target. Being stylish isn't about how much you spend on an outfit, it's how you put it together to make it your own. Ralph Lauren said it best when he said, “Fashion is not necessarily about labels. It’s not about brands. It’s about something else that comes from within you.”

Recently my good friend Jaclyn featured me on her blog Streets of Sparkle   (if you are not subscribed to her blog, please do so NOW. It is fantastic, stylish and always entertaining). Her post reminded me again that fashion is about so many other things than the actual clothes, it's about how fashion can transform you, allow you to express yourself, and help you sparkle in your very own way. And so I plan on continuing this blog, and making it bigger and better!  Hope to see you along the way.

Photo courtesy of Streets of Sparkle

Buffalo X

I happened to be at Buffalo Exchange (notice how I say that as if I stumbled upon it and didn't actually plan to stop by this shop ahead of time:)), always looking for an excuse to stop in to one of my fav resale shops. I never have a problem finding something at Buffalo X, and today they had their racks full. I went in actually looking for a yellow or turquoise top, and I saw some great DVF, Trina Turk and J Crew tops, but none in the colors I was looking for. So I wandered over to the cases where they have the designer accessories and found this Matthew Williamson mosaic-print bangle for $17, which I quickly scooped up.  MW is a high end designer brand, and I was curious to see how much this little gem retailed for originally. I went online and saw it for $375 (crazy I know), it was on Net-a-Porter for $120. So of course I was ecstatic to get it for $17!  Check out Buffalo X, you never know what you might find...

It's time for semi-annual sales!

So it's that time of year, when retailers start their sem-annual sales. And what better time to start then the week before the Memorial Day holiday. Nordstrom and Anthropologie are currently having their semi-annual sale.  Nordstrom has a mass amount of women's and kids items on sale now, with some items at 50% off. Below are a few items from Nordstrom, that I'm currently lusting over :  Vince Camuto Romper- $70; Dolce Vita Sandals- $45; Top Choice Satchel- $15. Oh I want it all!

The Shops at Target: Webster

So by now you've probably heard about The Shops at Target (a carefully curated collection of products from select small boutiques and specialty shops around the country in Target stores), which launched in-store earlier this month. I was surprised to find lots of items still in stock when I checked one of my local Targets (Medallion location).  The first round of featured shops include five U.S. based specialty shops; San Francisco's The Candy Store, Aspen, Colo.'s Cos Bar, Boston's Polka Dog Bakery, Connecticut's Privet House and Miami's The Webster. I'm loving the Webster items, especially the flamingo print ruffle skirt, which is a great deal at only $29.99.  I snagged some in-store pics from my recent visit...you know me, I'll be waiting until these items go on sale before I make a purchase!

Betsey Johnson Going Out of Business Sale

Very sad news...but yet another brand is forced to close shop. Betsey Johnson has filed for bankruptcy and the going the out of business sales have now begun in store and will continue until all merchandise is sold.  "Discounts on this brand are uncommon so we expect merchandise will sell out quickly. We strongly encourage customers to shop early while the greatest selection of sizes and designs are still available,"said Robert Grosskopf in a joint statement.  I decided to go to NorthPark to check out what they had in store and how discounted items were. Right now all merchandise is 20% off, and there was one rack with items that are 50% off. They still had a lot of merchandise, so I don't think many people have been in yet.  Below are a few sad pics I was able to sneak.  Loved this striped maxi dress (was marked down to $59, I believe) and of course her signature party dresses, below is a black one with rose detail (was marked down to $225, I believe).  We'll miss you BJ!

Hello Friday!

Oh Friday, I have missed you all week...I thought I'd keep it casual today, and break out my new Vans!  I got these at the Vans outlet at Grapevine Mills for $10. Yes!  I paired them with my Gap blazer, FNO tee, Mossimo Boyfriend jeans, my chunky necklace from H&M.  Love this look and ready for the weekend! Make it a good one...