Updates

As I mentioned back in June Carlos Falchi is doing a collection for Chez Target. The wait is almost over! It will be launching November 1st in stores and online. Hobos, satchels, shoulder and messenger bags in great fall colors can be found in the collection, with a price range of only $19.99 to $49.99. I think the price is a little steep but, maybe it's just because I'm not overwhelmed by anything. Check out the images below, what do you think?

Sale Alert

Sale Alert

Who Up Next For Target?

Jean Paul Gaultier is doing a Target collection, reports The Cut via WWD. The over-the-top designer's collection will be available at more than 250 Target stores across the country and naturally Target.com on March 7 through April 11.

Following Alexander McQueen and Anna Sui, Gaultier is the third established designer to do a collection for the mass retailer under the Designer Collaboration series. His chosen muse? The American woman, "celebrating the forces of style both past and present in American pop culture," a Target spokesperson says.

I'm looking forward to seeing what he comes out with but, I take the whole thing with a grain of salt. Anna Sui was a little bit disappointing.

Participate!

In a Save the Garment Center demonstration! On Wednesday October 21 at 12 p.m. on the corner of 39th Street and Seventh Avenue, the fate of the Garment District is in your hands. The Save the Garment Center initiative is hosting a rally to stir discussion about the industry's (and neighborhood's) current state. Supporters to take to the podium include Nanette Lepore, CFDA executive director Steven Kolb and Simon Collins, the Dean of Fashion at The New School for Design.Designers, CDFA members, factory workers, Workers United Union employees, as well as Parsons and Pratt students, will assemble to coax Mayor Bloomberg and city officials to reconsider the effort to rezone New York City's Garment Center. The current statistics are staggering. "I'm concerned. I want to preserve and build on the 5% on manufacturing that is left here in New York City," said Nanette Lepore Monday evening during the screening of Marc Levin's documentary Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags, which will premiere on Monday the 19 on HBO. Community members will gather outside the Button and Needle Statue to fight for the district so that it does not literally fall apart at the seams.

Private Sale

I know, it sounds so exclusive! I will let you in on a little secret. Tory Burch is having an absolutely awesome private online sale. I love the casual easy feel of her classic styles but, normally they are way out of my price range. The sale is definitely a good one but, still a little pricey. If I see something I am absolutely in love with though it's the perfect reason to pick it up because this is probably the best you are going to get.

Wardrobe Jackpot: Boring Stores Reinvented

This recession totally sucks. But, if you ignore the unemployment rate and rising cost of beer, some good is definitely coming from it. And one of those positives is the fact that the plummeting sales of retail chains has caused them to re-evaluate their brand and reinvent themselves for fall. Suddenly stores that used to make me feel nauseous (boasting window displays stuffed with mom jeans and fugly tablecloth patterns), actually have some adorable stuff that us college girls would actually consider wearing.

For the closets of fashionistas, this is great news. Now there are a dozen more stores that we can peruse online during class and drool over on our weekly treks to the mall. (Plus now when my mom calls and tells me she’s going to Ann Taylor to pick up a suit jacket, I can ask her to pick me up a cute skirt to add to my care package!)

Check out my favorite extreme makeovers (that don’t involve sexy Ty Pennington) below:

The Gap

Then: Uber boring button up shirts and polos.
Now: Cute staples essential to layering.
Must-Have Wardrobe Addition: The perfect dark wash jeans – soft, stretchy and with the perfect butt pockets – for us girls with some junk in the trunk.

Express

Then: Going-out clothes that were borderline trashy.
Now: Chic party clothes that are fun, but not slut-tastic.
Must-Have Wardrobe Addition: Fail-safe dress for girls’ night out. The clean lines of this color blocked, one-shoulder dress make it effortlessly chic while still being young and trendy.

Ann Taylor

Then: Boring mom clothes
Now: Classy pieces that have some edge to them
Must-Have Wardrobe Addition: Edgy, heeled boots. The wrap around leather strap adds just the right amount of personality and these would look pretty killer over a sexy pair of skinnies.

New York and Company

Then: All the store had was 40 different black pants that all looked the same and some really fugly jumpsuits.
Now: Totally on top of the trends (I’m talking leggings, tunics, ruffles…) at prices that wont break the bank.
Must-Have Wardrobe Addition: Go-to pencil skirt. It will be there for you through dinners, parties, weddings and any other occasion that forces you out of your sweats and into real clothes. (And did I mention it’s only $32?!)

Old Navy

Then: Cheap, shapeless clothes
Now: Cheap, adorable clothes
Must-Have Wardrobe Addition: The ideal fall jacket: satin lined, waist cinching, wide brimmed, bold colors… should I go on?

Banana Republic

Then: Stuffy, sophisticated and over-priced pieces.
Now: Hip, trendy, and totally catering to 20-somethings (with a large bank account).
Must-Have Wardrobe Addition: This darling sheath dress. It’s totally party worthy, but belt it and throw on a cardigan and some tights and it works for an important class presentation, too!

Via CollegeCandy.com

Happy (Budget) Halloween!

No one wants to spend a fortune a Halloween costume. But, whether you are having a quiet night at home handing out candy to the kiddies or partying it up you might want to be a little more festive than the "black dress you never wear/pointy hat" budget standard. Below are a few under $30 options for you to peruse. Happy Halloween!!!

Pop In

The Limited hasn’t had a store in Manhattan in decades and who knows why because they have great a great classic style. But, that’s about to change, at least for a few days! Stop by the new pop-up store in SoHo today, October 14th-17th for a slew of festivities, great people, and shopping. Have fun checking out the new look of The Limited!

Plaza Too & Lucky Mag Want You Tonight!

Fab Collabs

This set of items might seem a little random but, I'll walk you through it.There were a few fabulous designer capsule collections/lower priced lines/collaborations that launched this past week. Now, we all know that just because a designer smacked their name on it doesn't mean that it is the same quality as the full priced brand but, we can hope. With these newbies I don't think you have to worry about that. First is LC by Lauren Conrad for Kohl's. I went to the store to investigate but, the didn't have it in stock. Major bummer but, hopefully it will be in stock soon. Until then I was exploring online and am kind of in love with the Brushstroke Sheath Dress . There are some other winners from the collection but not everything is a hit.

The other thing that is on my radar with the colder weather on the way (maybe) are the fabulous Eugenia Kim EEK! hats for Urban Outiftters. Normally her fab head coverings will cost you a pretty penny but, with penny pinchers in mind she has created this awesome (almost identical) capsule collection. If that's still too pricey for you, you can always wait for the sale. But, if you just have to have a hat I found this great riding hat from AVON. Isn't it a little ironic because we started with LC and end up with mark? (which Lauren Conrad is the spokeswoman for) But, I digress... This alternative is a great choice compared to other priceier options and AVON is always having some sort of sale so you can probably snag a discount or free shipping! Hats off to that...

Does This Outfit Work?

Here is a picture of me wearing what was my attempt at the high waisted skirt. Took a long tweed skirt, cinched it will a belt, added a professional button down, some fabulous patent t-traps and amazing rhodacrosite neckalce. I think it's a decent attempt at it but in the end it just looks like a colorblock dress to me, albeit more professional.

poll by twiigs.com

Trouser Jeans: Where Did You Go?

While getting dressed yesterday for work I caused the death of my favorite pair of jeans. When I heard the sharp abrupt ripping noise I knew it was bad... and it was, a giant and irreparable hole. I cried for a second, which woke my boyfriend up and I told him all about my late lamented jeans, how fat I was, and how special they were. To which his practical (and half asleep) self replied that they were really old, I wasn't fat, and he would take me shopping after work to get new ones. He's the best. I was thinking that I would go to the GAP and pick up a new pair of the same jeans. They are a pretty classic jean... wide leg, dark wash, simple.

Not as simple as I thought. They no longer have the trouser jean in stock in stores. Frustrating but, not the end of the world there is a LOFT right in that same shopping plaza and my only other pair of jeans is from there, the marisa. So, I headed over but, after combing the entire store couldn't find them myself and when a salesperson offered assistance I gladly accepted (mistake!). All she kept giving me were flare this and boot-cut that even though I very clearly explained more than once that I wanted a wide-leg/trouser jean. Frustrating!!

I headed home, fuming about how it wasn't fair that I should be punished because trouser jeans aren't trendy this season. I was exceptionally tired and cranky after a long day of ripping jeans and work. When I got home I couldn't let it go and started searching online, Here are some of the things I found.

There are wide-leg jeans out there, Yay! But, they seems to be only available online, Boo! One of my favorites is the Marisa Nantucket Denim Trousers from LOFT, on that note to the salesperson who couldn't help me yesterday - I told you there were wide-leg jeans, I'm sorry I don't use womens names to categorize the fit of my pants but, I digress. The other that I'm liking is the Mossimo Black: Premium Denim Crisscross (whatever that means) They look promising but, I have no idea what size I am. Frustrating!!!

It's not fair that just because my jeans aren't trendy that I should be relegated to online shopping exclusively. Do I have to wait another 5, 10, or 15 years before I'll be able to buy them in stores again because that's when the trend will hit again? Do I now have to order both of those jeans in three sizes so can try them all on and see what fits best, only to return 85% of what I order? I hope I can figure this out soon...

From College Candy: Do It Yourself Tuesdays: High-waisted

Like most of you, I am a (recently graduated but not willing to accept it) college student who would rather dish out money for fashion than food. But sometimes, like in a recession…or when I’m really hungry, that doesn’t work out so well. A girl’s gotta eat (and look fabulous), right?

Which is why I was having some serious issues lately. You see, I am in love with the whole high-waisted skirt look that I see on celebs like Lauren Conrad and Amanda Bynes. It’s slimming and hot and I loooove it. But I can’t justify spending a good chunk of change on a skirt that will be out of style in 6 months when I have 10 perfectly fine skirts lining my closet.

So I decided to figure out a way to turn what I got into what I want. Turns out, it’s not that hard to make your own high-waisted skirt. Even for crafty rejects like myself.

1. Grab an old, longer skirt that you don’t wear anymore because it makes you look like a mom. Put it on.

2. Find a fun belt and cinch the skirt at your natural waistline.

3. Grab hold of the bottom of one side of the skirt and twist it up and under the belt on the same side.

4. Wrap the twisted end of the skirt around the belt so that it lies flat.

5. Use a safety pin and secure the bottom, to prevent any unsightly moments (think Paris or Britney..or Lindsay). Make sure to pin it underneath so the safety pin is hidden.

6. Repeat on the other side of the skirt and the back for a more bubble-shaped skirt. Otherwise, leave it as it is.

There you go: a trendy, leggy, high-waisted skirt. Recycling has never looked so hot.

Original Article Here:Do It Yourself Tuesdays: High-waisted Skirts

More Fashion's Night Out

Rachel Zoe To Style Us All

I’m a little excited (definitely curious) about Rachel Zoe’s new collaboration with QVC, which will offer her eye for stylish products combined with prices that everyone will be thrilled about! When I'm on Piperlime dreaming about expanding my shoe storage into a walk in closet, I generally end up agreeing with her picks for their spot on style, not so much the price. Plus, I'm even more curious about her after getting sucked into The Rachel Zoe Project. on Bravo.... damn reality TV! Tune in to QVC on Sept 12 from 8-11p.m. to catch the launch of Rachel Zoe for QVC with prices ranging from $32.50-$130. The event will be broadcast live from inside the tents at New York Fashion Week, so you can pretend your there in the hurricane of fabulousness...

Boyfriend Jeans... To Buy or Not To Buy?

One of the major trends for fall is the ubiquitous boyfriend jean. I'm normally not attracted to the slouchy, unstructured, overall destroyed look in clothes but, I'm having trouble resisting... they just look so f-ing comfy! Plus, the whole effortless "put together mess" vibe is strangely appealing. So, if I'm going to cave and buy, I need to find some affordable ones. I've always felt that you shouldn't be spend a fourtune on clothes (especially ripped clothes) so, I picked up the Old Navy Weekend Jean. You have to roll them up yourself which I suppose is fine because you can wear them when the weather gets even colder but, they almost aren't distressed enough and the fit is a little off for me. I haven't taken the tags off yet and I'm checking out my options.

I'm still on the fence about the whole thing. Am I just caving to style peer pressure or are these really a great option? What do you think?

poll by twiigs.com

Sale Alert

Remember the ruffle-y blouses that I was fawning over for business casual fabulousness. Well the LOFT version has totally trumped the New York & Company version in affordability with the limited time $14.50 offer. Like I said before I think it would go well with pants or skirts, pinstripes or tweed. You can dress it up for the office or out for drinks but, it would still look great with jeans while running errands around town. An all around versatile piece totally worth the lowered price tag! Get it while you can and take advantage of the free shipping, they will be flying off the virtual shelf...

And The Award Goes To...

Steve Madden was doing the most creative Labor Day sale, by far, at the Palisades Mall in Nyack. They had a Wheel of Fortune type thing set up outside and every customer got one chance to spin for a prize ranging from 15% off to buy one full priced pair get one 90% off! Neither myself or my friend were that lucky but I won't laugh at 30% off... How was your shopping experience, anything that could beat this?

All For Fall

While I'm out shopping today scoping the sales I have to keep in mind that summer (or what was technically summer) is over and focus on what pieces I might want to pick up to fill in the wardrobe gaps for fall. After reading a million and one blogs and newsletters here what everyone is saying:

• A black leather biker style jacket.
• Over the knee boots (I'm still on the fence)
• Studded bags/belts
• The boyfriend jean
• Leggings (still)
• Statement (bib) necklaces
• Trench Coats
• Capes

Loving some trends more than others for sure but, in the end you should really only buy if it's right for your body. I'd rather look fabulous than a trendy fool...

Fashion's Night Out Strikes Again

I was on the fence about whether I was going to trek into Manhattan for Fashion's Night Out. I don't live far but, after a long day of work all I want to do is go home and veg out. I don't think that will happening this Thursday, September 10th. I just got some great news which has totally tipped the scale. You don't have to wait until September 13th to shop Anna Sui’s Gossip Girl Inspired collection for Target. To be completely honest it's probably in some stores now since they forget to pay attention to launch dates but, you will be able to get it a full three days early during Fashion's Night Out instead! Take advantage of the SoHo pop-up store at 54 Crosby Street near Spring Street through September 12th. You know I’ll be there!

hours:
Thursday, 9/10: 11am–11pm
Friday, 9/11 and Saturday, 9/12: 11–8pm

Splurge vs. Budget Conditioning Gloss

Splurge/Budget Lip Conditioning Gloss by She Spys The Buys on Polyvore.com

I love lip gloss, I mean what girl doesn't. I am always looking for new tinted stuff. Recently, I got the Tarte gloss as a gift and have been using it all summer. It is an awesome natural pink but, $21.00 a tube is pricey to say the least. e.l.f makes a similar gloss that cost only $3.00 for that much I figured I wouldn't lose anything by giving it a try. Both 2 in 1 glosses have shimmering lip color in the inner tube and clear conditioning gloss in the outer tube for ultimate lip satisfaction... That Tarte stuff is good but, I like the e.l.f one a bit more because the overall color is much more sheer and significantly less expensive... woo hoo budget makeup!

Labor Day

Labor Day is this coming Monday and is a major shopping occasion as retailers see it even though it's really the commemoration of rebelling against the man...

"The holiday originated in Canada out of labor disputes ("Nine-Hour Movement") first in Hamilton, then in Toronto, Canada in the 1870s, which resulted in a Trade Union Act which legalized and protected union activity in 1872 in Canada. The parades held in support of the Nine-Hour Movement and the printers' strike led to an annual celebration in Canada. In 1882, American labor leader Peter J. McGuire witnessed one of these labor festivals in Toronto. Inspired from Canadian events in Toronto, he returned the USA, to New York and organized the first American "labor day" on September 5 of the same year." - Wiki

If you don't feel like caving into the pressure and heading to the mall take advantage of the online sales that are happening literally, all over. There are some good coupon codes below for your enjoyment, never shop without them.

Attention!!

When I leave in the morning to head off to work it is becoming more and more apparent to me that summer is over. With a brisk chill setting in I am thinking about how to keep warm without going overboard. Which leads me to a new lust, I am really loving the military jacket trend for the fall. They provide a welcome alternative to the basic blazer, but with their structured shapes and slimming cuts, they can be even more flattering... definitely better than the boyfriend blazer which in my opinion doesn't work for everyone and makes some people look like a hobo but, I digress. Below are some options for you but, don't be limited to just those these fabulous jackets are popping up everywhere!

Your Invite to Fashion's Night Out

It's not just COACH... The video tells you everything you need to know. Check out all the sales and performances, you might even bump into a celeb or two. All details are here, hope to see you there.

Sale Alert

While checking out some sales I came across this simple comfy cotton sweater from LOFT that I had been thinking about buying last weekend while I had my 20% off coupon. Thankfully, I didn't because now it's only $15.00 (for a limited time). I think it's a great basic piece that can be worn alone or layered, perfect for the changing seasons. It comes in a rainbow of rich fall colors, loving the deep teal and majestic plum... pick it up before that sale ends.

My Hero

You are not hallucinating, that is Tim Gunn hanging out with Iron Man's suit of armor. Gunn will make the transition from black tie to red-and-gold armor in an upcoming four-issue series called “Models Inc,” an new Marvel creation that pulls retro female comic book characters dating back to the 40's and combing them with our favorite fashion mentor. I'm sure Paul Tobin, the author, can make it work!

Secret Treasure

People like to ruminate that nothing in life is free. I would beg to differ, with websites like Freecycle and Craigslist you can find lots of great gently used items and all you need to do is call or stop by to pick them up. But, what about new free stuff? That's a little more difficult to say the least. Samples are easy enough to find but, full size items... yeah right. That is until now.

I have come across the most amazing website where you can get free, that's right, FREE sterling silver/semi precious stone rings (in select sizes), earrings, and pendants. All you have to do is pay for the shipping and handling. The site features four pieces at a time, with new items popping up about every 15 minutes. I know it sounds too good to be true but, there really isn’t a catch. The jewelry manufacturers behind the site, Peora.com, just hope you’ll fall in love with their craftsmanship, and spread the word to other would-be customers (like I'm doing now), this is the kind of marketing we can all appreciate.

Save The Date

Maybe, I'll see you there...

Going Green @ New Heights

Going green has recently been uber chic, but Target just made recycling downright divine. Starting this weekend and continuing through October 31, Target's monster Times Square billboards will feature the works of such upcoming artists as Michael Anderson and Josh Goldstein. At the end of its two month reign, the billboards' vinyl will be transformed into 1,600 eco-friendly Anna Sui-designed totes. Eco-chic fashionistas can select which artwork they'd like recycled into their tote, and from September 4th can log on to target.com to order their ultra green "it" bag. The batch of limited edition bags wont ship until early January, but mark your calendars now because I know these chic totes won't last!

Ruffle It Up

Every morning when I wake up, I immediately enter my mental closet and try and pick out a fabulous outfit for the day. I'm on a mission to wear everything in there at least once instead of just falling back on the old standards. There have definitely been some out of the box ensembles. It's a sure bet that "Business Casual" can mean many different things unfortunately, one might find it easier to just throw on a button down shirt and neutral colored bottom every day of the week. It's a tragedy!

Here is another option, which I spotted while out shopping for my birthday, embellished tops. They go well with pants or skirts, pinstripes or tweed. You can dress them up for the office or a night out but, these tops would still look great with jeans while running errands around town. Now, which one is more pricey?

Splurge/Budget Ruffle Tops by She Spys The Buys on Polyvore.com

The top one is the more expensive LOFT version and the bottom one is the more budget New York & Company. version. They both come in an assortment of colors which are great for fall.

On another note right now all full price items at LOFT are 20% off. So, if you like the top one better hurry over and snag one. Either way you can get your self away from the potentially boring business casual or just ruffle up your casual wardrobe.

Ann Taylor LOFT Sweepstakes

Would you like some free clothes? What fashionista wouldn't? Enter to win a $1,500.00 LOFT shopping spree in NYC. I'm halfway there... I live in the big apple but, clothes on someone else's buck is always a fav!

Gilt Free

You may have heard of the online sample-sale Gilt Groupe, if not you should sign up and check it out they have great deals... few and far between. For the most part you will probably lust over some of the luxe offerings they have but, reality check yourself into realizing that 50% of $600.00 is still $300.00 for a dress... Thankfully, the launch of sibling-site GILT FUSE today at 12:00 noon should quell those concerns. It will feature contemporary brands at lower price points than it's predecessor. The first brands to debut on the site, at prices up to 70% off retail, include Plenty by Tracy Reese, Kova & T, Modern Amusement, CC Skye, TKO Orologi, RJ Graziano and BCBG. Access to Gilt Fuse will be invitation-only so if you want an invite please feel free to shoot me an email. The good news? If you join Gilt Groupe now you'll be automatically invited to shop at Fuse, too. I'm excited to see if they can stick to what they are saying now.

"Gilt Groupe is thrilled to announce the debut of Gilt Fuse, exclusively for women. It‘s a great new way to mix and match today‘s most-wanted labels with tomorrow‘s hottest emerging brands at prices that are impossible to resist."

Purple

I have been thinking about what I need to take my wardrobe from summer to fall with the autumn months just around the corner. My final conclusion, PURPLE! Not everything purple just purple accessories to spice up my existing outfits. It's always nice when a few small inexpensive purchases can make a big impact on your wardrobe. While I was out this past weekend I ended up snagging the top two items below. First, the Mossimo flats from Target which are on sale for $10.00, what a steal! Then the Coach large Zoe bag in Berry from the outlet, originally $548.00, down to $140.00. Not exactly inexpensive but, not breaking the bank in my opinion considering Coach is quality leather goods. The other items below are different mostly budget options for purple if you're on the same page I am. Hopefully you hit a purple patch!

Purple by She Spys The Buys

Birthday Shopping

First of all...
That being said, the only thing that I really wanted for my birthday this year was to go shopping. So, I grabbed my coupons, because as one lady said while we were out, "never shop without coupons!" and headed out with my mom who is amazing and funded the extravaganza. Here are some of the things I picked up to fill in some gaps in my wardrobe and get ready for the fall.

Old Navy Birthday Shopping by She Spys The Buys featuring Old Navy

Ann Taylor Loft Birthday Shopping* by She Spys The Buys on Polyvore.com

New York & Co. Birthday Shopping by She Spys The Buys on Polyvore.com

Overall, it's kind of a mish-mosh of things but, they fill in some spaces, or I just really liked them, plus they new additions really give my business casual look a refresher because when you see the same people everyday you don't want to look like a one note... Happy Birthday to Me!!!