Ready, Set, Shop: Zac Posen for Target Launches April 25th

Target is at it again with another amazing designer collaboration.  Drum roll please!!!  This time it's Zac Posen.  If you aren't already familiar with him as a designer, his dresses have been described as "sultry, body-hugging, thirties- and forties-inflected party frocks".  Lucky Magazine interviewed the designer about his collaboration for Target, and was asked if  there were going to be any revivals of his iconic pieces from his main line.  To the delight of all who love Zac Posen, he replied:

"We definitely looked to our archive for inspiration and did takes on two of my most iconic pieces: the snap dress and the trumpet dress. But this collection wasn't as much about reinventing the old as it was about exploring the new and uncharted."

The collection opens up to the general public nationwide at Target and Target.com on April 25th.

READER TIP:  Here's a little secret I have used over and over again for these designer collaborations.  This works best for those of us on the west coast- The items go on sale online around midnight EST.  I start stalking the target website about 9:00 PST to see when the merchandise becomes available.  It beats standing in line, but you don't get to try the items on first.  Another plus, you get to shop the collection before your friends who don't know this tip, so you get to choose from the best selection.

Image(s) courtesy of Lucky Magazine
Quote from http://www.style.com/fashionshows/designerdirectory/ZPOSEN/seasons/

News Alert: Alexander McQueen, Designer, Is Found Dead

An email I received from the NY Times says McQueen is DEAD!!!  What a loss for the fashion world....

Begin forwarded message:

From: NYTimes.com News Alert <nytdirect@nytimes.com>

Date: February 11, 2010 7:52:53 AM PST

To: *******

Subject: News Alert: Alexander McQueen, Designer, Is Found Dead

Reply-To: nytdirect@nytimes.com

Breaking News Alert
The New York Times
Thu, February 11, 2010 -- 10:52 AM ET
-----

Alexander McQueen, Designer, Is Found Dead

The British fashion designer Alexander McQueen, 40, has been
found dead at his London home, his spokeswoman told the
Associated Press.

Read More:
http://www.nytimes.com?emc=na

-----

NYTimes.com
620 Eighth Ave.
New York, NY 10018

Copyright 2010 The New York Times Company

Anna Sui for Target: Restyled Dress #1

The Anna Sui for Target line that was launched late last month had some great fashion finds at really affordable prices. Is that what we are all looking for these days? A shopping tip- don't let a dress on the hanger steer you away from trying something on. Remember that "trying on is free". Don't hesitate to find out for sure whether or not something will look good on you. If you like the fabric, give it a try.

I'll save you from the horror of what this dress looked like on me styled as suggested in the picture (left). One a full-figured woman, these high neck/shapeless dresses are often a big NO NO. But I could see it had potential with just a little bit of tweaking. Below are the pictures of one of the dresses I restyled from the "off the rack" version, into a fall-perfect outfit.

Dress #1: Metallic Jacquard Dress $59.99

First of all, I had to remove the fabric belt that came with the dress (see picture above). I replaced it with a stretch leather belt I already had (one that came with another shirt I had purchased years ago). The thick black belt showed nice contrast against my large chest. The black leggings kept me warm but also balanced out the heavier black leather belt from the thin fabric of the dress, as did the shoes. The proportions of heavy materials to light materials in this outfit keep any one part feeling too heavy.

Because I am not a huge fan of my arms (hey, we all have something we don't love about our bodies), I threw a black motorcycle jacket on top. It really set off the black booties and kept me warm on this foggy SF summer day.

Note the fall trends I incorporated:

• motorcycle jacket
• leggings
• booties
• belted dresses

Due to the shinny dress fabric, I kept the accessories minimal. The belt brings attention to the small part of my waist, and the cut out booties/leggings bring attention down to my feet. Because of the high neckline of the dress and jacket, I didn't use a necklace and just worse small silver studs in my ears. The only thing missing? A great chained handbag...

Top image and product details from Target.com

Anna Sui for Target

Two days left until we get to shop the new Anna Sui line for Target. You can start purchasing online at midnight or be a little less of a fashion diva and make your purchase when the stores open at 8:00am :) I'll be in Daly City at 8am on Sunday waiting in line with the other San Francisco "frugalistas".

Target "targets" the Frugalista

Target just launched their new StyleBoutique (formerly Target Design for All). They've target-ed the rise of the Frugalista, "defined as “a person who lives a frugal lifestyle but stays fashionable and healthy by swapping clothes, buying secondhand, growing own produce, etc.” This could become the nom de guerre of the 'recession warrior'.1” Target knows that "Frugalistas know how to out-dress, not out-spend." And they plan to show you how to do it as well, simply by signing up for the email newsletter.


1 http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/23/magazine/23wwln-safire-t.html
Images courtesy of Target.com

Coming Soon.... March 2009

Be Berry and Might... I Mean Merry and Bright This Season

Red can be seen all over the place during the holidays.  Stockings, tree trimmings, and holiday parties near and far.  This is on time of the year you can pull off a red dress and not look like a traffic light.  Here are some great suggestions at all price levels:

Milly $450

Moschino Cheap & Chic $750

Nanette Lapore $199.50

Limited Edition Target $39.99

Images courtesy of Shopbop.com and Target

Botkier for Target- SHOP NOW!

I love Botkier so much I purchased one for a family member for Christmas. Don't I wish they had come out with their Target line at these affordable prices? The bags are all priced between @20-$50, instead of the average $500! The Target line included wristlets, satchels and clutches, all encompassing the Botkier design philosophy using hardware and functionality.

They can be found in select Target stores and Target.com. But hurry, they went on sale July 21st, and are only around until September 14th!





Botkier for Target® Satchel - Gray Python











Botkier for Target® Hobo Bag - Gold