Target

{things i shopped} prabal gurung for target

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I'm a (reasonably) organized person, so when I sat down ages ago to design this site I knew I wanted my posts to be divided neatly into categories. I haven't added a new one in ages, but the concept of a "things I shopped" section has been with me from the beginning. Like any good fashion lover, I like to shop. A lot. And since I use my blog to share what I like, there's no reason why that shouldn't include my shopping. I can't ask for a better subject for a first shopping haul post than a Target collaboration. Although I shopped Prabal Gurung for Target a few weeks ago, after much debate–and many trips to more than one store–I've just now finally decided on which pieces I'm keeping. Since there's a story behind each one, I'll give each an individual explanation:

1. Sleeveless Blouse in First Date Print, Prabal Gurung For Target [$27, available here]: When I first saw the look-book for the collection, this was the one statement piece I had my eye on. I loved the print, the black detailing made it seem easy to style, and because it was a shirt I knew it would be super wearable. I was up past midnight on the collection's launch date, saw Target Style's cryptic tweets, and quickly placed an order. Though the fit's a bit loose, the tank is exactly the iconic but versatile piece I expected.

2. Ankle-Strap Pump in 'Sulfur Spring​,' Prabal Gurung for Target [$40, available here]: Though I didn't associate Prabal Gurung​ with shoes, I fell hard for these sandals because both my sister and I had been looking for the perfect thin-strap heels for ages. I ordered a pair in black along with the blouse, albeit a bit hesitantly because they were a bit pricey for synthetic material. Once they arrived I wasn't too thrilled and decided I'd rather hold out for a higher-heeled pair in genuine leather. Of course when I spotted them in store in my size in this neon color, I immediately changed my mind. Not only do they pair well with rolled denim (one of my favorite looks), they're unique and suit the collection.

3. Short-Sleeve Dress in First Date Print, Prabal Gurung For Target [$40, available here]: On what was supposed to be a trip to return the aforementioned black shoes, I made the dangerous decision to check out the clothing section of the store. There were two of these dresses left, and one seemed to be in my size. A trip to the dressing room later and I knew I'd be walking out with it. Not only did it fit perfectly–though like most reviews say, it pulls a bit over the arms–and was super flattering. I was tempted to return it–as a dress, I think it's a lot less versatile than the shirt–but everyone who's seen me in it (boyfriend included) raved too much over it for me to let it go. Plus, one of the first times I really admired Gurung's work was after Kate Middleton made an appearance in a gorgeous purple printed dress, so this version seems like another worth-while piece to own.

So there you have it–my first shopping post! Sorry it's so long-winded, but there's always a story behind all of my best purchases. I hope you've enjoyed it–let me know what you think, especially if you'd like to see more like it in the future!

 

{things i wore} statement necklace

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I love statement necklaces–they're an easy way to dress up or dress down a look. What I don't like? Spending a fortune to achieve the trendy effect. Go Favor is a perfect solution: lots of necklaces at perfectly affordable prices. This was one of my favorites, with its row of gold links, sparkly rhinestones, and inky black enamel.  Check out their whole line here!

 

Enter a brand-new GIVEAWAY to win a $50 gift certificate to Ettika Jewelry here!

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Shirt: Chambray Button-Down in "Moon Shine Wash," Mossimo Supply Co. for Target [no longer available]

Vest: Faux Fur Vest in Black, J. Crew [no longer available, similar style available here]

Pants: Faux Leather Pants, H&M [$34.95, available in stores, see here]

Shoes: Emmie Flats in Black, Lucky Brand [$59, available here]

Bag: Braided Shopper in Brown, Zara [$149, available here]

 Jewelry: Triple Black ONYX on Gold Tiny Bead Bracelet [$45, available here] and Custom Knotted Vintage Ribbon Adjustable Bracelet with Cross Charm in Gold Finish and Black Ribbon [$63, available here], c/o Ettika; Arm Candy in Black Onyx, c/o Beso Beso [$90, available here]; The Bosworth Black and Gold Enameled Bracelets, set of 2, c/o K.Amato [$48, available here]; Black Gem Rhinestone Bib Necklace, c/o Go Favor [$6, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Micropave Diamond Band in White Gold, Macy's [not available online]

Nails: Essie's "Skirting the Issue"

 

{things i wore} colorful necklace (+ my ‘send the trend’ style challenge entry)

 

This photo shoot was part of Send the Trend's "Style Challenge," an styling event featuring outfits put together by bloggers with jewelry they hand-pickeded from the brand's extensive collection. I selected a bunch of amazing accessories (which will all eventually find their way into my upcoming outfit posts), but for the look I submitted I wore my favorite piece, STT's "Candy Briolette Necklace"–it's hot pink, sparkly, and fabulous. This is a pretty exciting competition–one look (as chosen by readers) will receive even more prizes and a chance to appear on TV. Voting will go live here sometime today, but in the meantime you can register to shop your own favorites here. The best part? You'll get a $5 credit toward any purchases by using that link!

What do you think? Would you cast your vote for my STT Challenge look?

 

p.s. I've finally upgraded my phone–goodbye Blackberry, hello iPhone5–and with it I've started using Instagram…be sure to follow me here for even more beautiful things! x

 

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Shirt: Chambray Button-Down in "Moon Shine Wash," Mossimo Supply Co. for Target [no longer available]

Skirt: Tiered Maxi Skirt in Black, Macy's [no longer available]

Bag: Rocco Duffel Bag in Black with Pale Gold Hardware, Alexander Wang [$895, available here]

Shoes: Emmie Flats in Black, Lucky Brand [$59, available here]

Jewelry:  Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Trio by Effy Collection [was $2850, available here]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Expandable Wire Bangle, Alex and Ani; Erilo Bangle Set, Amrita Singh [was $40, available here]; 'Brainy Bimbo' Gold Chain Necklace c/o Astrid & Miyu [$50, available here]; Candy Briolette Necklace in "Fuschia", c/o Shop The Trend [$28, available here]

Nails: Essie 'Sand Tropez'

 

 

{things i wore} lace tank

 

Have you ever impulse-purchased something without so much as a clue as to how you'd style or wear it? That was me with this shirt.  When I spotted it on a clearance rack at Target, my first thought was: "Of course it's marked down–it's a sheer lace tank top." My second thought, not far behind, was markedly different in tone: "I've got to buy it–it's marked down and it's black lace" (look at my blog's layout and you'll understand the obsession). Still, the shirt languished unworn in my closet for some time. Here I paired it with some less delicate pieces–like ripped jeans and a studded handbag–to temper its lovely but lady-like lace.

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Shirt: Lace Tank in Black, Target [old]

Pants: Artist Crop Jean in 'Bright Indigo Destroy,' American Eagle Outfitters [$49.50, available here]

Bag: No Slouch Faux Straw Dome Satchel in Black, Kenneth Cole New York [was $198, available here]

Shoes: Black thong sandals, Nine West [no longer available]

Jewelry: Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Silver Expandable Wire Bangles, Alex and Ani; Beaded bracelet [old]; Evil eye bracelets [street vendors]

Nails: Essie 'Lollipop'

 

{things i wore} crochet skirt

 

While I'll almost always choose a maxi length over a mini, I've wanted a white crochet skirt for so long that I didn't care about the hemline when I spotted this version in Banana Republic. I loved the delicate scallops on this piece but crochet can be tricky: if the pattern is even slightly imperfect, its entire look can seem tacky. My pairing of this skirt with a denim shirt came a few days before the current heat wave: any time it's 95+ degrees in NYC, sleeveless tops are a must.

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Shirt: Chambray Button-Down in "Moon Shine Wash," Mossimo Supply Co. for Target [no longer available]

Skirt: Crochet Mini in White, Banana Republic

Sunglasses: Original Wayfarer RB2140 – 824/51, Frame: brown faded grey transparent, Lens: faded brown, Ray-Ban [$149, similar style available here]

Bag: 12.5" Satchel in 'Pillarbox Red' Standard Leather, The Leather Satchel Co. [$124, available here]

Shoes: Leather sandals, Nine West [no longer available]

Jewelry:  Assorted Sterling Silver Bangles [bought in Mexico]; Expandable Wire Bangle in 'Silver,' Alex and Ani; Paloma Picasso Loving Heart Ring in Sterling Silver, Tiffany & Co. [no longer available, similar style here]

 

{things i wore} chambray button-down shirt

 

 

I can still remember when I saw this Chambray shirt in Target a few years ago. I was so hesitant to buy it. Were people really wearing jean-colored shirts again? How exactly would I style it to avoid a matchy denim suit-type look? In the end I told myself there was no better place to get a trendy piece than Target because my wallet wouldn't take too much of a hit if I eventually regretted the purchase. Of course now it's one of my favorite button-downs–it always seems to add a bit of relaxed contrast to dressier skirts or pants.

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Skirt: Chiffon Maxi Skirt in Taupe, h.i.p. [was $42, available here]

Shirt: Chambray Button-Down in "Moon Shine Wash," Mossimo Supply Co. for Target [no longer available]

Bag: Fringe Leather Wander Tote, Spool No. 72 [$158.00, available here]

Shoes: Chantal Sandals in 'Cuoio,' Luxury Rebel [$130, available here]

Jewelry: Renegade Cluster Bracelet, Stella & Dot, c/o Katie Cramer, Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot [$59, available here]; Leather Bangle Bracelet in 'Minty Green,' c/o Amy Fine Design [$30, available here]; Silver Expandable Wire Bangle, Alex and Ani; Studded Leather Bracelet, Banana Republic [old]

Nails: "Park Avenue," N.Y.C. Color

 

 

{things i wore} leather satchel

 

On gray days nothing cheers me up more than injecting some color into an outfit. From now on I'll never have to look any further than this bag–how perfect is its shade of "pillarbox" red? Not only does the color pop in a subtle way, the name itself is so very English. The Leather Satchel Co., which crafted this customized creation just for me in Britain, is absolutely incredible: everything is hand-made to order from heavy leather and strong hardware. Most importantly, it's so easy to wear: the shape is timeless and converts from shoulder bag to clutch, casual to formal, with ease.

What do you think? Check out the gallery of available colors here and tell me which you'd pick if you were to get a satchel for yourself. With so many options, I still want to know if I made the right choice!

 

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Shirt: Navy and White Striped Tee, J.Crew [similar style available here]

Skirt: Maxi Skirt in 'Fresh White,' Merona for Target

Shoes: Leather Capri Sandals in 'Weathered Wood,' J.Crew [$49.50, available here]

Bag: 12.5" Satchel in 'Pillarbox Red' Standard Leather, The Leather Satchel Co. [$124, available here]

Nails: 'Elegant' by Revlon

 

{things i wore} white maxi skirt

I can’t take full credit for this outfit. While I usually avoid directly quoting people whose style I admire, I was fascinated by Pippa Middleton’s pairing of a jean jacket with a white dress. The color combination was flattering and summery. I opted to wear a denim button-down shirt with my white skirt and tank because I find it a bit lighter than a jacket on what was a fairly hot end-of-summer day.

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Skirt: Maxi Skirt in "Fresh White," Merona for Target

Shirt: Wide-Strapped Tank in White, Forever 21

Shirt: Denim Button-Down in "Moon Shine Wash," Mossimo Supply Co. for Target

Shoes: Anja Platform Sandal in "Toffee Nubuck", BCBGeneration [$119, available here]

Bag: Hudson Quilted Shoulder Bag in "Stone," Gorjana [was $298, similar style available here]

Jewlerly: Gold Engraved Bangle, vintage; Channel-Set Diamond Band, gift; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$150, available here]