Anna Sui’s Target Collection Getting the Love

The day every Gossip Girl Fashionista has been waiting for, Anna Sui’s Target collection is finally online. Many reviews are already up, averaging around 4 stars. Many buyers were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the clothes. However, this collection is definitely on the pricier side. The dresses sell for $45 to $70, and the priciest items is a $150 leather jacket. Several people also noted that they had to go up a size, so if you are buying online, think about doing the same.

I really think this collection is one of the most commercial/mainstream and best marketed. I could really see everyday girls wearing these clothes and easily incorporating them into their wardrobe. It also helps that the looks are based on a character. When you are looking at the slideshow of looks, I’m really seeing Serena, Blair, Jenny, and Vanessa. Du Juan (my favorite Asian model) cast as Blair made me smile. The only thing they have in common is the hair style, but somehow both exude elegance.

The items I selected under ‘My Picks’ not only look good in the pictures but scored excellent reviews. Many have interesting details but are not too bizarre that no one want to go out in public wearing it. Many collaborations sound good but they don’t always translate well commercially. I remember being so excited about Alexander McQueen’s Collection- he had an amazing Fall 2008 collection based on a story of a wood nymph- but his Target collaboration left me scratching my head. Tattoo print prom dresses, anyone?

My Picks

Satin Striped Seersucker Dress - $59.99

Metallic Grey Feather Dress - $69.99
Reminds me of Burberry Fall 2008 RTW

Metallic Jacquard Ruffle Top - $39.99

The Dazzling (Nineteen) Twenties

Chicago (film)

If I could be alive in any era just for the fashion, it would during the 1920s in America. I love the flapper "uniform"- short hems, beads, and feathers. Girls with short bobs and no inhibition. People letting loose and dancing. The 20s exude fun and glamour- at least on the surface. Since time travel is out of the question, it's a bit of a moot point trying to imagine living in that era. However an afternoon of online window shopping yielded some surprising 1920s-inspired treasures so I'll indulge in fantasy a bit more. Because of the recycling of trends and influences in fashion, some of today's designers are interpreting the flapper with modern twist.

Santi Beaded Clutch- $84.00


Gryphon Feather Dress-$644.00



Vera Wang Beaded Necklace- $850.00

Every girl needs some razzle-dazzle. Just one of the items above would make any outfit pop, but together...

... I think I just about died (from sparkle overdose) and went to heaven.

Shoe and Bag Eye Candy

Geeks Unite

Satisfy your inner geek with these quirky, but functional items. They can be worn, make your sofa more comfortable, or even clean, not to mention add character. Your guests will surely take a second look at your Ctrl+Alt+Delete pillows. Of course if you don't want to flaunt your geekiness, you can always give them away as gifts. Who doesn't want Playstation controller soap?

Fred and Friends Ice Invaders: $7.50

Ctrl - Alt - Del Three Pillow Set: $58.00

Nerdy Giraffe Tee: $24.50

Brave Space Design Tetris Bookcase- Pricing upon request

Realistic Xbox Controller Replica Soap : $12.00

Finally!! Leanne's Collection on Bluefly

Since season 4 of Project Runway, all winning designers get to create a collection to sell on Bluefly. I'm actually really enthusiastic this time because I adore Leanne and her 'pleating' skills. The long awaited collection was finally revealed yesterday. I must say, I think it will actually sell!! I remember some of Christian Siriano's stuff heavily discounted during final sales, like 70%+, which is highly unusual for Bluefly so I suspect it didn't sell very well. Leanne's collection is more wearable and generally well priced. The price point is actually lower than the apparel on her website. The only thing that bothers me is that Bluefly states the retail price at $210.00 and then discounts it 20% to $168.00, when really the retail price is $168.00 and there was no discount. I hate when businesses initially mark up an item only to pretend discount it immediately. Anyway, annoyance at Bluefly aside, I think this is a great start for Leanne. Go Leanimal!

The Safety Pin Takes Center Stage

Safety pins have been relegated to the backstage in fashion. When there's a gaping hole between two buttons because your button-up shirt is just a little too tight around the chest area, you use a safety pin. When your bra strap keeps showing, you safety pin it to the shirt. The safety pin is meant to temporarily fix but not meant to be seen. Lately, I have found safety pins to be more than utilitarian, but actually stylish. The unsung hero of fashion is finally getting it's turn in the lime light.

Top to bottom:
1) Stolen Girlfriends Club white minidress- image source Fashion Toast
2) Ongwat Jewelry Pin Me Necklace
3) Image source- Sartorialist
4) Sou Brette Jewelry Hexagon Pendant
5) Bodhi Safety Clutch- image source Gilt
6) The Docent Safety Bracelet

It's interesting how different people have used the same objects. Some looks were rock and roll, others were gothic, and others exuded glamour and elegance. One thing is consistent; they all made a statement- 'don't overlook the the safety pin.'

W.I.N. (Want it Now!) - Embroidered Heels

Lately I've been falling in love with embroidered heels. They are ornate and decadent. They go perfectly with a simple cocktail dress or they can be the hidden gem under long dark-denim jeans and a casual top. I love how detailed embroidered shoes are but because of the details, they tend to be very pricey. If I were to ever own one, the pair would be the star of my shoe collection.

Mary Norton Desire : $148.50
Gold on black is so classic. This pair is GORGEOUS!



Dior Paraiso Embroidered Slingback $750.00
Raffia is an unusual embroidery choice, but this sandal is anything but ordinary.

Plenty by Tracy Reese for Keds : $80.00
Tracy Reese brings sophistication to the sneaker brand Keds with a stunning embroidered wedge. If only they got rid of the Keds label on the side.

Alexander McQueen Embroidered Ankle Strap Shoes : $420.00
I bet these would go amazing with a Balmain blazer.

Sergio Rossi : $385.25
If shoes could kill, I would be knocked dead with one of these. Champagne colored leather, elaborate floral embroidery, and a sprinkling of crystal equal one luxurious shoe.

Sergio Rossi : $280.00
I saw these on Gilt Final Sale for $78.00 and wanted one badly, but they were in someone's cart for the longest time until it finally sold out. The design reminds me of organic art nouveau prints, but these much better because I can wear them on my feet.

Jessica Bennett Havana Embroidered Pump : $49.94
A.k.a. - Sergio Rossi Knockoffs



Christian Louboutin Pink 'Let's Go' D'orsay Pumps : $1,223.99
These are one pair of Louboutins that won't go unnoticed. Girly and decadent, these are definitely in my top 10 Louboutin list.

W.I.N. (Want it Now!) - Contrast Piping

Contrast piping looks smart and posh especially on jackets.

JCrew Cotton Cricket Cardigan

Gianni Bini "Blythe" Dress

St. John Contrast Trim Jacket

Chombert Long Mink Coat

Talbots Cavalry Twill Blazer

Yoana Baraschi Bustier Dress


Forever 21 Contrast Ruffle Trim Top


Moschino Dress


Vera Wang White and Black Cropped Jacket

Black House White Market Birdseye Peplum Jacket

Laundry by Shelli Segal Pipe Trim Trench Coat

A Little Indulgent

Sometimes its good to treat yourself, especially when it doesn't cost too much. Nothing too expensive to make you feel guilty but a little something to perk you up. I scoured the web for things that are unnecessary but totally worth it. In the mist of all that studying, staying up all night, and barely feeding myself because I feel so nauseous, I think I deserve something special.

Smith's Rosebud Salve: $5.59
I'm a firm believer in lip balm over lipstick or lipgloss. The Rosebud Salve is highly hydrating and a little glossy, just what my lips need in the winter. It also smells wonderful. Since keeping my lips hydrated is something I tend forget about (because my lips don't get cracked often), I suppose lip-anything is indulgent.

Vanilla Bake Cupcakes: $3.25
These cupcakes from the Vanilla Bake Shop are beautiful and delicious too. They are the perfect 'carrot' to get me motivated about studying. A cupcake for each hour spent bent over textbooks? With flavors like Chocolate Raspberry, Toasted Dark Chocolate Coconut, and the new Blackberry Passion Fruit, it's hard to have just one.


Report Dharma Scuff: $ 5.01
I have dreams of wearing these as indoor slippers. I can be the shah of the apartment and play out a Persian fantasy. Comfortable and sparkly, I'll have no problems keeping these on my feet as I lounge around the apartment. I might even debut them outdoors and hope they don't get too scuffed.


Pomegranate Soap: $5.75
I love the taste and smell of pomegranate. It's a bit difficult to eat; you have to open up its hard shell and carefully pluck the juicy seeds. However once you extract the edibles and bite into the seeds, the juice just bursts out. The flavor is sweet but tart, which I love. And I've never had a bad pomegranate so there isn't the disappointment of biting into something too sour (as sometimes happens with berries). I'm curious how pomegranates translate to soap. I normally don't use bar soap anymore, instead opting for the easier to dispense liquid soap. However, the soap looks so lush and delicious that I might indulge in bar soap once in a while. And maybe indulge in a bubble bath too. Me, a hot tub of water, a loofah, and pomegranate suds sound like heaven.

$19.99 Nine West Apparel Sale

Although Nine West is mainly known for their shoes, in recent years they have expanded their apparel section. They focus mostly on career oriented clothing, much like Ann Taylor.

Right now they have 80+ sale items for just $19.99 and several other pieces for 75% off. It's a great time to stock up on inexpensive but nice quality blouses and work jackets.



Top With Contrast Band: $19.99, Front Page Flyaway 2-fer Jacket: $19.99, Modernism Snap Front Swacket: $19.99, Agent Button Front Sweater: $29.99, Satin Bell Sleeve Dress: $19.99, and Cotton Voile Tunic: $19.99

During their apparel sale last year, I purchased a silk button down top, a cute bowtie blouse, and a wraparound sweater for under $50. This year, I might get the Flyaway 2-fer Jacket and a few dresses. And they have free shipping!!

For A Rainy Day

On rainy days, I just can't wake myself up. I don't know if it's because those mornings are too cold and damp that I don't want to leave my warm and comfy bed. Or perhaps the dark overcast makes me think that the morning hasn't begun yet. The unfortunate fact is rain is highly correlated with sleeping through my inner alarm clock and being late for class! Not only am I running late when it rains, but I also hate going out in the rain. The bottoms of my jeans get wet. Also when it rains heavily, earthworms (with their peculiar earthy smell) litter the sidewalk. Unpleasant sums up my opinion of a rainy day.

But rain wouldn't be so bad if A) I was in Venice B) and using such a cute umbrella like the prima donna in this picture.


She makes rainy days seem glamorous! Since I can't exactly take a trip to Italy- instead I'll settle for an amazing umbrella I'll be happy to stand under.



Sky Umbrella MoMA shop: $48

When it's gloomy and rainy outside, I can still look up at a perfect blue sky with this umbrella.


Venice Canals Umbrella Ebags.com: $24

Venice happens to be one of my favorite places in the world. No other place is as romantic and charming as the City of Water. I love how this umbrella embodies the Old World charm of exploring the alleyways by gondolas.

Jean Paul Gaultier Cupidons Umbrella Raindrops: $175.00 (cad)

Gazing at this umbrella is like staring in awe at a Botticelli-painted dome inside an Italian cathedral.

Raindrops, a Canadian rain gear shop, has an amazing collection of unique but highly desireable umbrellas.

ArtistGifts is another great place to purchase an umbrella. They take famous artworks and print them on everyday objects like umbrellas.

I'm sad the "Rainy Day In Paris" umbrella is sold out. The painting is perfect for an umbrella!

Monet Water Lilies Umbrella MyDanilo: $20

A Monet watercolor captures the mood of a rainy day quite well, don't you think? Hazy and blue.

The Real vs. Fake Dilemma

Every so often when I go out with friends, I'd lean over to my best friend, point to a woman carrying a Louis Vuitton Speedy, and say "God, that is sooo fake- it's definitely not made in one piece." My friend swivels her head to look and then we share a knowing glance. I know, we're brutal, but I honestly don't understand why women buy bags that are obvious knockoffs.



That is until I saw this Balenciaga knockoff from Bauhaus. If you've read my previous posts, you would have noticed my ongoing obsession with the Balenciaga bag. Unfortunately, I just can't justify buying a thousand dollars purse no matter how gorgeous. It just makes my heart stop to see this replica cost only $25. I really want it when it's so reasonably priced. Sure, any fashionista or Balenciaga follower can tell it isn't real, but it's still slouchy, studded perfection. Sure it may not be real leather, but I've been to Neiman Marcus and felt up the bag and the real thing isn't buttery soft either.

In the battle between real vs. fake, my lust for Balenciaga-esque bag is winning. But women carrying faux status symbols still rubs me the wrong way- because it makes no sense to buy something that screams 'I have money,' but when people look closely, it really screams 'I don't have money.' I think I might buy the knockoff anyway but only carry it around friends who don't know what's Balenciaga and therefore not know it's a knockoff.