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

Deal of the Day: Target Travel Totes

Have you guys seen these? I haven't been on the Target website since getting my Thakoon cardigan so I haven't noticed these adorable totes until now. The best part is that they are 50% off so you can get a travel worthy tote for only $6.49. I can already see them stuffed with beach supplies.

Budget-Wise: The $100 Head to Toe Party Outfit

For this party look, I wanted to create something both sweet but edgy. The bow necklace, clutch, and tiered dress are the feminine details. The buckle and stud booties and mineral wash vest suggest something more rock star. They keep the whole look from being to saccharine. Leave the vest open so it frames the ruffle details of the dress.

Clockwise from top left: Aldo Deroruce, Ann Taylor Loft Strappy Tiered Dress, Target Mini Bow Clutch, ASOS Side Buckle Cowboy Ankle Boot, Hue Opaque Tights, and Forever 21 Mineral Wash Sleeveless Cardigan

Calculating total cost: $9.98 + $19.99 + $16.99 + $27.00 + $6.25 + 18.24 = $98.45

Leaving us with $1.55 to spare.

Thakoon- Finally!

I haven't been this excited over a Target Go International collection since... probably Erin Fetherston. Okay, Richard Chai got me pretty excited too, but the other collections of late have been unimpressive. Now Thakoon on the other hand is a pattern mixer master. The green plaid-ish dress from F/W 08 is divine and I've been spotting it everywhere. And Michelle Obama wore his dress during Barack's acceptance of Democratic nomination speech.

So I'm a day late heading over to Target but this is what I find in Thakoon's collection. I love the Shibori print in white and navy. The cardigan is a winner, I just know it. Whether it'll still be available in my size months later at 50% off is questionable.

$32.99

There's also this purple trench coat that looks almost like a Pollick painting from far away. It would look great with a grey scarf, black tights, and patent leather boots.

$44.99

Thakoon's Shibori dress is also worth taking a look at. The image provided on the target site (right) was not that flattering, but when it's umbuttoned and tied around the waist, it's très chic.

$39.99

While over at Target, I couldn't resist taking a look at Hayden-Harnett's collection as well. I was initially put off by the ad on Vogue because I hated the square-formed-from-four-triangles hardware on some of the bags. However, once taking a look at the entire collection, I'm actually impressed. I love the stud work on these clutches and bags.

Clutch: $19.99 Handbag: $44.99

I also think this patterned bag is a great piece for fall (although it's already winter!). Pair it with the same color brown riding boots and you've got your fall look.

$49.99

Target Window Shopping

Richard Chai for Target® Colorblock Tie Dress - Passion Purple

$44.99

Mossimo Large Satchel- Color Teal

$19.99

Recycled Metal Layered Necklace- 23"

$49.99

Mossimo® Deann Flats – Floral

13.99

Subversive® for Target® Shell Ring Bracelet with Faux Pearls

$9.99

Go International® Boyfriend Vest - Ebony with Metallic Coating

$8.74

Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Gail Leather Moccasins – Pink

$20.99

Xhilaration® Ombre Hobo Bag - Blue

$14.99

What's That Bag?

Do you recognize these bags? Coach, you say, Guess, Dooney & Bourke?

Nope, nope, and nope. This is actually Target’s Limited Edition Handbags collection. The prices range from $15 to $40. This new line by Target is super chic for cheap. I think the design resembles Coach with the curved caps around the bottoms. I’m seriously considering getting the $15 clutch. Only thing I don’t like about these purses is their fabric lining, which is always a sign of a cheap bag. I would have to take a closer look before I buy.

Target offers several other design-savvy collections. It has collaborations with Gryson, Loeffler Randall, and Cynthia Rowley.

Personally I’m not a big fan of Gryson’s woven pattern, but I do like the navy drawstring tote.

The Loeffler Randall collection is pretty cute and everything is 60% off. I really like the bow tie clutch and its price, $6.24. Amina Akhtar from The Cut reviewed the collection and said that the bags apparently smell funky but are pretty cute.

Cynthia Rowley has adorable totes for the beach.

Rain, Rain Go Away

When I woke up today, it was dark and cloudy. But I was in a rush to get to class on time, it didn’t occur to me it might be raining outside. I decided to wear my new sandals from Old Navy that I just blogged about, capris, t-shirt, and a light jacket. It wasn't until I walked outside and saw the puddles of rain did I realize that I made a grave error in my attire. It wasn’t very heavy and I didn’t want to be late, so I kept on walking. And then the rain got a little heavier. Mind you, my jacket, while water resistant, did not have a hood. By the time I got to class, I looked like a drowned rat. My arms, my feet, my legs were all freezing wet and the air conditioning in the room didn't help. I couldn’t even put on my jacket because the edges of the sleeves and collar were soaked. All in all, I was pretty miserable. I wished the rain would just go away or at least get me some rain boots! So now I’m going rain boots (window)shopping.

Target offers a wonderful selection of colorful rain boots for about $20. The argyle is classy but the floral boot brightens up rainy days.

I also really like blue dots as you can tell. The Target(left) one is really good for me because it has a wedge heel that is always flattering for the vertically challenged, but the Western Chief rain boot has a nicer pattern.

Classy rain boots from Coach(left) and Burberry. I really like these but with a price tag over $100, I can only stare longingly.