Phillip Lim + Target
(Whew, it’s been awhile. Let me dust off my blog for the summer and try to jump back in to habit.)
If it isn’t apparent already, I love Target designer collaborations. I was all over the shoes from Prabal Garung + Target, I swooned over the bar set from Neiman Marcus + Target, I was coveting items from Jason Wu + Target, and the list can go on. Target is doing it and they’re doing it right.
Earlier this month, they announced their next Target designer collaboration will be with Phillip Lim, the NYC-based fashion designer who has a modern aesthetic that I’ve adored but the price point is well over my budget. With his line dropping on September 15th, I’m already itching to make a Target run.
Selena Gomez + Nicole by OPI
With a mix of glitters and creamy pastels, Nicole by OPI is releasing a collaboration collection with Selena Gomez. I’m not a big fan of glitters, so I’ll eliminate any desire for the top row of polishes. I could do the blush pinks, though.
“Selena is not only a chart-topping singer and actress, she’s also a clothing designer and an active philanthropist,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, VP and Artistic Director of the brand. “Like women around the globe, Selena has many interests and passions; this collection, with its diverse range of hues, offers a perfect match for every occasion!”
Available in January 2013 for $7.99 at retail outlets such as Target, Walgreens, and CVS Pharmacy.
Zara launches Zara Home
I was taken by surprise when I heard because I never came across news about the launch of Zara Home. Now that I’ve had time to let it sink it, it makes complete sense that they would launch into home goods: their beautiful fabrics, design aesthetics, and affordable price point.
Striped pillows, floral cushions, silver and gold rimmed stemware. I’m already working myself into a frenzy!
Enough of the blogging, I’m going to shop now because it’s free shipping through the end of October!
You should, too. www.zarahome.com
Monday Morning: Breast Cancer Awareness + Essie
Happy October! It’s Breast Cancer Awareness month. In recognition, Essie launched a “31 days of Pink” calendar so you can go pink every day of the month. Nothing can beat a good cause coupled with nail polish!
NARSskin Collection
I’m not a huge makeup guru, but I do know I love NARS lipstick and blushes.
They released a new 10-product line of skincare back in mid-August called NARSskin. Francois Nars said he was focused on capturing the light in these anti-aging products that range from moisturizers to exfoliators with a price point between $25 and $72.
On top of that, look at that stark white packaging. Gorgeous! I haven’t tried the product yet but I wouldn’t mind buying it JUST for the way it will look on my bathroom counter. :X
Smellin’ Good
One of the best surprises is pulling out a jacket or a scarf that you had laying around in your closet, throw it around yourself, and catch the scent of a lingering perfume you had used the last time you wore it. The simple joys of life!
Speaking of simple, I was never big on perfumes. However, I love when my attention is caught by a passerby because afterall, it’s human instinct to be attracted to the smell of others. I blame my lack of perfume use on my pickiness. I love clean and elegant smells with little to no spice and/or tuberose notes. It’s very rare that I find a smell I want to spend all day with.
Over the past year or two, I’ve noticed that my collection is growing and I’m starting to feel naked without something spritzed on me. I’ve spent a great deal selecting what best fits me and that’s something I truly appreciate when it comes to different scents. Try not to go with what’s marketed the best but rather, something that you feel is an extension of yourself and your personality. Tailor it to fit.
I thought I’d share my current collection in case you’ve been searching for something new. All of the scents I love are pretty clean and light with floral bases. Some are a little sweeter than others.
The top 3 are the ones I probably use the most:
(Clockwise from top left)
1. Bond No. 9 “The Scent of Peace”
2. Chloé Eau de Parfum
3. Harvey Prince “Hello”
The rest are equally as awesome:
4. Dolce & Gabbana “Light Blue”
5. Juicy Couture “Viva La Juicy”
6. Jo Malone “Wild Jasmine & Mint”
7. Dior “Miss Dior”
What’s your favorite?
Essie Stylenomics Collection for Fall 2012
*Drool*
It’s Fashion Night Out tonight all around the globe. My first thought? Nails. Of course, the fashion scene in Austin is not ideal (because I don’t own a single frock that is thrifted or vintage), so I’m going to sit my hiney on my couch watching the MTV VMA’s.
However, theoretically, if I were to be a part of anything Fashion Week/FNO related, the first thing I would look at are people’s manicures. I don’t care if you’re wearing next season’s designer threads with 6 inch stilettos. If your manicure is wrecked, you’ll be judged. I’m sorry, it’s the truth.
That brings me to my main point: Essie released a new line, Stylenomics, for Fall 2012. The colors are beautiful. I feel as though this collection was made for me: the subtle pinks, gorgeous greige, perfect mauves, and that emerald green! Amazing.
Friday Roundup: Four Things
The end of summer is fast approaching and the weeks seem to be flying by a little bit quicker these days. As fall starts rolling in, I’m trying to get a jump start on revamping my wardrobe, health, and other things.
I purchased a new Diana F+ camera after I found out how awesome analog instagrams were. You can juxtapose one image on top of another to create some really nice shots. Another thing I found intriguing was that each and every photo you take will turn out differently. Even if you tried to take the same shot twice, you won’t be able to due to all of the different elements that come in to play.
Purchase at Amazon.com, $81
I’ve been pretty dedicated to my Ray Ban aviators for quite some time now. However, after coveting so many other sunglasses I thought I’d venture out and purchase some new ones. I saw these on a blogger I follow and immediately fell in love. After a week of searching up and down, I found them! They’re a little oversized, but I love that it has the retro look WITH nose pads (because we all know asians don’t have nose bridges).
Grey Ant “Kennedy” in Black, $260
Arm and neck swag! I dress so simply these days (which means a white v-neck shirt, destroyed denim shorts, and casual tan booties) that I thought having some jewelry would help lift up the blandness a lil’ bit. Hope it works…
Bracelets from Ettika, Alimonada, and UO. Thin gold rings from Etsy. Initial rings from Gorjana. Necklaces from Alimonada and Forever 21.
I recently came across the Almond & Coconut KIND Bars and fell in love. They are tasty little treats that contain all natural ingredients, which means nothing you can’t pronounce. I ventured out and bought the sample pack on Amazon and every bar tastes just as good as the last. They normally retail for $1.49 but I’ve seen them on sale at Whole Foods for 10/$10! Definitely a new favorite thing!
KIND Bar Sample Pack on Amazon
Happy weekending, everyone! xx
Designer Spotlight: Richard Braqo
Beautiful, aren’t they? The clean lines, the elegant simplicity, but with the right amount of “edge”. I absolutely love it.
Meet Richard Braqo. His debut collection doesn’t launch until later this fall, but it’s garnered some attention and with valid reason. Braqo, who calls Ghana home, moved to New York City at the age of 18 and attended Parsons School of Design. His resume includes names like Ikgram Goldman, Acne Studios, and Helmut Lang.
“The premiere collection is about juxtaposing the masculine details of a modern men’s brogue with the feminine silhouette of a sharp five-inch stiletto. A fusion of something as classic and timeless as a pointy pump with a touch of the unfamiliar using elements such as ‘the ankle bangle’ and ‘the pearled spear’ as ornate details that refashion existing ideas about where accessories are placed.”
I’m not sure what the price point is for his shoes, but I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out.
A song I’ve had on repeat for the last month..
Breathe in, hold it, hold it
Go on, begin
To let go, cause there’s no reason
I’m turning myself
Into somebody else
Calm down, calm down, calm down
I’m holding a heart here in my hand
Hey, hey, hey
My own work of art here where I stand
Hey, hey, hey
Monday Morning: Denim Jackets
That’s right! I said denim jackets. I’ll give you 30 seconds to flash back to the 80’s and 90’s.
My first jean jacket I ever bought was from Hollister in high school and I still have it hanging in the closet at my parents’ house. I’ve never fully gotten over it and have been laughed at in the past for choosing to wear a denim jacket. I loved love it because it pairs with practically anything, especially dresses (both short and maxi). Heck, I’ve even moved on to lighter denim/chambray button ups.
I’ve noticed an uprising trend lately on the blogs I read and the online stores I peruse: denim jackets are in style! Yes!
There are a lot of variations like leather arms, heather gray jersey arms with a matching hood, distressed, boyfriend, and the list goes on. However, I am not a huge fan of cropped denim jackets. I’m actually not a fan of cropped anything but that’s for another post.
You’ll probably be able to spot one you’ll like because they’re literally everywhere this fall, but I’ve picked out a few of my favorites. I put ♥ on the ones I REALLY love.
Clockwise from top left:
1. Light Denim Washed Jacket, $60, Zara
2. Faded Denim Jacket, $29, F21
3. byCorpus Denim Jacket, $79, UO
4. Authentic Trucker Jacket, $78, Levi’s
5. Knit Hooded Denim Jacket, $228, Free People
6. 1969 Denim Jacket, $70, Gap
Juicy Couture Jewelry
When I think jewelry, I think of House of Harlow, Kenneth Jay Lane, Noir, Gorjana, Fallon, Dannijo, CC Skye, Kendra Scott..you get the point.
A long time ago, I received a piece of Juicy Couture jewelry as a gift. I wore it practically every day for the longest time and it never showed signs of wear or tear. A year later, I bought a simple gold necklace with a tiny star pendant. I also wore that every day and even in and out of the shower. It never tarnished. All of that was to say that Juicy Couture might not be on the forefront of my mind when I’m looking for jewelry, but they sure do impress.
I visited their site recently since I’m on another accessories kick and I instantly gravitated towards a few of their pieces. I have yet to make up my decision of what I want to purchase, but I thought I would share it with you.
Truth or Dare by Madonna
Behold Madonna’s first line of shoes, Truth or Dare by Madonna, which came straight out of a dominatrix’s closet…or as Anastasia Steele says, dom.
There are about 60 styles in the line of shoes, which is being produced by the super-chain Aldo. As you can see, there’s lots of stilettos, over-the-knee boots, studs, and other things that pair well with leather whips and a pair of handcuffs.
Out of batch, here are my favorites:
Here are some of the other styles, too:
They’re currently being sold at Selfridges, and I hear they’re doing quite well for the London-based store. Once September 21 rolls around, the collection is no longer exclusive to Selfridges and will be sold at Nordstroms, Macy’s, and ASOS.com with the price range of $89 to $349.
Revlon Just Bitten Kissable
I haphazardly stumbled across Revlon’s new Just Bitten Kissable balm stain at Target the other day. I took a chance on it because it was cute and chubby. Who doesn’t love cute and chubby?
I’m not a fan of most lipsticks because it dries out your lips but this one went on smooth, it was lightweight, and the color was just the right amount. Like a glorified tinted lip balm. Actually, that’s probably what it is.
They’re $8.99 each, which is a little pricy for a tinted lip balm, but I’m really diggin’ it. I’m very tempted to go to Target and grab the other suitable colors. I purchased the Honey color already, which means there are 11 more colors to choose from.
Friday Roundup: Four Things
I hope everyone had a good week.
Mine was rather uneventful and on top of that, my husband and I are spending this weekend on a juice cleanse. Today marks the 2nd day and it’s going well so far.
Recently, one of the best things about every other Friday is that we have maid service coming out to the house. It’s amazing to have a clean house and not lift a finger. We have Evernote to thank for that.
I stopped by Central Market yesterday to pick up some beets for our juicing. Inspired by the color, I grabbed a bunch of these things. Nothing perks up a house like a fresh bunch of flowers.
If you’ve been around me, you might have noticed that I’ve been carrying around a beaten and battered iPhone 3G with a ripped Dribbble sticker covering up the bruises. I have finally given up waiting for the new iPhone 5 to come out. I just couldn’t stand anymore. Thanks to a trusty Craigslist ad, I was able to get a new iPhone 4S to hold me over until October.
I’ve discovered a few new scents recently that I’ve taken a liking to. Benefit “Ring My Bella”
, Harvey Prince “Hello”, and Bond No. 9 “The High Line”.
I’ve always wanted a lamp that I could stick an Edison filament bulb in to! Believe it or not, these bulbs make me so happy (Lamp + bulb from recent post).
Have a wonderful Friday!
xx.
