Excitement is in the air! Collaborations with luxury designers doing affordable collections for mass retailers – love it!  Remember Missoni for Target last year?

Jason Wu became the talk-of-the-town when Michelle Obama wore his custom-designed one-shoulder, floor-length white chiffon gown at President Barack Obama’s inaugural balls.  Mr. Wu created the perfect dress for her and she looked a-m-a-z-i-n-g!  We sat up and took notice of this rising star designer.

Starting February 5th, a Jason Wu 53-piece collection will be available at Target with prices under $60.00.  This will be a hot one…mark your calendar!

Job well done: Great advertising and hype for TARGET’s 400-piece discount collection of home furnishings and clothes from MISSONI, the Italian fashion house.

MISSONI for TARGET

September 13 – October 22

It was a successful launch as customers’ reaction brought TARGET’s website down the morning  of September 13th- the first time for TARGET due to high demand. At TARGET stores, customers arrived ahead of store openings to grab up scarves, dresses and bedding. 

There’s no mistaking the MISSONI stitch.  There’s only a few labels who have managed to imprint themselves so deeply into the consciousness of their followers as MISSONI has. Shoppers are eager to scoop up the MISSONI collection at TARGET prices! 

Better hurry! Some items are available in-store or on-line only.

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I’m a curious person and like to know what people think and what their habits are. I find it interesting that shoppers can be very rigid in their shopping habits; they may never set foot in Saks Fifth Avenue or Neiman Marcus. They don’t buy from catalogs because of returns. They only shop at certain retailers because they think they can’t afford or won’t find anything in a boutique or higher-end store. I say, don’t limit your choices. There are possibilities everywhere!

I like seeing clothing on models as it’s easy to visualize the outfit on my body, so catalog or on-line shopping is good for that. The larger retailers have made returning items very easy. You usually have a return label and an amount is deducted from your credit. When I calculate time and gas, the amount to return the item is less than what I’d spend on the streets. Just be sure to try on the items right away, keep the original packaging, carefully repackage the item and return as quickly as possible if it doesn’t work.  It is worth it to me when the stores I’m ordering from are further away or “on-line” has sales.

I enjoy going to the boutiques on Oak Street in Chicago.  They are fun to visit and there’s a limited amount of square footage, but you’ll find items there you won’t find elsewhere. If your time is limited, I’d go to Nordstrom or Saks, Macy’s, Bloomingdales. They have your favorite designers under one roof. When visiting Chicago, I plan my time carefully with boutiques and department store shopping. While some labels are out of reach for the average consumer, it’s an adventure to touch and see the fabrics and designs. Believe me, you will see that filter down to your price level in a different fabric, but it makes you aware of what is out there and a better-informed consumer. Try on different brands and designers to find what works for your body type.   Also watch for the “clear it out” sales – I’ve made great purchases at 75% off!

Some of my best buys have come from Target.  They offer cute styles and good quality at a great price! I’m especially drawn to the dresses, cardigans and tops. Dresses are easy to wash-and-wear and a reasonable way to bring in the next season’s new colors. As you can see below, they offer shopping by occasion, sleeve length or color. I’m impressed!

With 20% off and free shipping, now’s the time to check their site:

http://www.target.com/Dresses-Clothing-Womens/b/ref=nav_t_spc_1_3?ie=UTF8&node=256138011

BTW: 

If you charge your order to a Target VISA, you get an extra 5% off!

Gwyneth is getting a lot of flack about her spring fashion advice. Tooting high-end fashion designers with pricey clothing, this isn’t fashion advice for the masses…or is it?

First let me say, we’re addicted to The Real Housewives of ________(insert city here). While spectators to the drama, we’re also watching women who have lots of cash to spare for grooming, maintenance and their closets. Before that, Sex and The City was a must-watch successful TV show- again drama but ahh, THE FASHION! Fashionistas realized that purse cost $2,500, or how many Manolo Blahniks are priced under $600 a pair? So what’s the difference? Does the drama in these shows diminish the price tags attached?

And what about William and Kate’s shindig? Hats and outfits that carried hefty price tags (the hats alone… yikes), and probably would be worn once? Oh wait, it was The Royal Wedding (of the century), and the British who keep those secrets ….well…under their hats so to speak.

So why do we beat up on Gwyneth? Is it because she’s beautiful, successful, lives a privileged life or has such a cool husband, COLDPLAY’s Chris Martin? (ok a little jealous ).

I believe she’s created a niche market for her website. She’s upfront on her choices and the price tags. While those who can afford and have access to these choices appreciate her style sense, those who are recovering from the economy say “come on now, really?” But being a shopper and blogger, from Saks to Target, Bergdorf to Macy’s, I say – let’s take this a step further.

Years ago I had a persistent salesperson trying to convince me that the $800 LBD (little black dress) was an essential for my wardrobe. A basic I could use for years to come. The cost of the LBD amortized over the number of uses (yes, she was good). But $800 for a LBD  wasn’t realistic for me. And what if the drycleaner ruined the dress or I wanted to change it up after a year or two?  So I took that idea and put it in line of what was in my budget. I bought a LBD for $100 and had several good years with it. My “cost per wear” went from $80 to $10.

So if you’re not offended by Gwyneth’s fashion tips, note her suggestions and take those to the stores that are in your budget. Those items are out there…believe me. Retailers cater to their clientele, whether you have $18K or $200 to spend. I bet you can find a $1,295 Chloe Bow clutch “look-alike” from $25-$50. This is the “hunter and gatherer” in all of us…..oh wait…we call that shopping!

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So the message of this Blog is this: If you like it, copy it within your budget. Or just enjoy the eye-candy like we do with our TV shows. Or when the Porsche Carrera or Ferrari go rolling by….geez I don’t have one of those parked in my garage but damn…love the roar of that engine!

Finally.. the grass is green, flowers are blooming, trees budding. Now for change in your closet–Here’s fun options to update your wardrobe!

Jewelry and accessories to match? No problem as we can see here!

Don’t forget Target for summer swimming!

While shopping for everyday essentials, your stop should include wondering around the women’s department. Here’s what caught my eye.

Converse One*Star casual dresses

Forget the shorts and T-shirt and slip on a fully-lined Converse*Star dress. These are comfortable, pretty and will be appropriate to meet your lunch date! Fun, cool and only $29.99.

Nice trench and at $34.98, a sure winner!

Lined Lacy Merona top $26.99

A feminine top to wear for an evening out with dress pants or skirt. I also like the idea of cuffed jeans and flats. So pretty and versatile!

Merona lined dresses $39.99

The black is perfect for an evening out. The denim cries for a bright cardigan and cute flats for a lunch date or running errands. Both a perfect canvas to dress up or down.

Merona Trench $49.99

If you need to add a trench to your closet and you don’t like the other ones (above), here’s a Merona that provides more weight and structure.

It’s wonderful to have so many great choices!

The other day while blogging about Target, I forgot to mention an added bonus. If you have a Target credit or debit or VISA card, you’ll automatically save 5% on your purchase when you use the card at checkout. I found this out while checking out the other day. Also a full-page ad in Sunday October 17th The New York Times: “Whether it’s the things your family needs or the stuff you really want, it’s always 5% off with the REDcard. Use the card at Target for an all-time, anytime discount off our already low prices, with no points to earn or complex rules to learn.”

 TERRIFIC!!

Target is a great place to shop for finding everything on your list!  Target is one-stop shopping for everyday essentials and clothes that never cease to amaze me.

Converse One Star is my favorite along with Mossimo. Lately, I’ve noticed the Merona line has really stepped up its presence with eye-catching styles and of course, Target’s attractive pricing! Here’s a few things I stopped to look at today.

These military-style jackets are the perfect topper this fall.

Layer it up! So cute over leggings or jeans. Dress these up or down with accessories.

The jeans on the right are a slightly heavier weight and structure than leggings. The sequin top will dress up your jeans for an evening out on the town. There are many styles of jeans to choose from to fit your body type. It’s also easy to find the material you’re looking for as the weather is cooling down and you wear warmer tops or layer.

Need we say more? YES, we LOVE the look and the price!

Here’s my post from February 19th! I’m going to Target next few days to see the new line. I also have a 10% off coupon from Target VISA. Lucky me! I’ll report back!

Mark your calendars!

Legendary Parisian Designer Meets American Pop Culture at Prices that Rock. Only at Target

Jean Paul Gaultier March 7, 2010!  Knowing how Target operates, there will be apparel that will appeal to a large audience. Moms will be going through the racks with their daughters! This will be a great addition to Target’s mix. They know how to do it!

Click on the Link and turn up the sound. Rock on!