National Splurge Day - 5 Stylish Buys

Shopaholics, mark your calendars! Did you know that June 18 is National Splurge Day? Could there be a better holiday for anyone who loves to shop for extravagant items? It's all the inspiration I need to daydream about luxurious purchases. In case you have the urge to splurge on something stylish for yourself (or a lucky loved one), I've got a few ideas to suit a wide variety of budgets. If you're looking for a small splurge or a sizable splurge, here are my picks, ranging from a chic lipstick under $50 to gorgeous ankle boots under $900, and a few things in between. Click each item to browse and shop.

More splurge worthy ideas at a variety of price points:

Prabal Gurung for Target Lookbook Inspiration

Target's past capsule collections with designers such as Erin Fetherston, Jason Wu, Jovovich-Hawk, and Richard Chai have won my attention and given me a soft spot for the discount retailer over the years. With the February 10 launch of Prabal Gurung for Target on the horizon, I thought it would be fun to see his past work and compare it to his capsule collection for Target. 

The wide assortment of footwear and jewelry, in addition to the vivid kaleidoscope prints and saturated hues in the Prabal Gurung x Target lookbook has me nodding my head in approval. After studying the lookbook, I think this might be one of their best designer collaborations to date.

I've put together some comparison looks from Prabal's previous collections against his looks for Target in honor of the upcoming collection. It appears that many of the pieces in the Prabal Gurung for Target lookbook are inspired by recent runway looks.  This is great news if you're a fan of Gurung's work and you're looking to score his runway style for less.

Let's take a closer look to compare the Prabal Gurung x Target lookbook with recent runway looks.



Above, both looks feature a piped peplum top with a waist defined in black. For a sleek look that emphasizes the top, it is styled with black bottoms and open-toed shoes in both outfits.



A belted kaleidoscope print dress from the Target collection might have been inspired by this futuristic black and blue version from his Fall 2012 collection, in which he showed off his expert tailoring with sleek dresses in modern fabrics. Both dresses above feature a belted waist, colorblock panels, and of-the-moment digital prints.



The lace top (above, left) looks quite similar to the peplum version from the Resort 2013 collection, in which neon silk figured prominently. Both outfits feature an acid yellow lace fabric over a structured white top. It's interesting to note how both looks are paired with printed bottoms and intricate peep-toe heels in black.



Who doesn't love a dress with pockets? I find the ease and comfort undeniable. These two chic sleeveless dresses look strikingly similar with their side-seam pockets, belted waists, A-line shapes, and graduated floral prints.



Prabal's floral shorts suit for Target may have been influenced by his Resort 2013 collection, which showcased Rorschach-esque prints and bright colors. Both looks are not for the shy since they are print-heavy with lots of exposed leg. If wearing three pieces in the same print is too much for you, substitute in a solid black or white top, blazer, or pants to tone it down. 



A printed sweatshirt with a mini skirt and strappy heels? Above, left, the look from the Target lookbook exudes cool and casual glamour. It reminds me of this edgy runway ensemble from the Fall 2012 collection that mixes a casual sweatshirt with a dressy skirt and heels.

images via elle.com and style.com

The printed shirtdress/tunic with a solid-color back and curved side seams from the Target lookbook looks like a reincarnation of this more subdued version from the Pre-Fall 2012 collection. I might wear the shirtdress for winter with leggings or tights and boots, and for spring with platform wedges.

There are just over three weeks until the collection launches (although Target will probably do a pop-up during NYFW), and my anticipation is growing. See the entire collection (including footwear and accessories) on Target's Facebook page or see the entire lookbook with prices at Elle, and don't forget to take Target's style quiz and see the adorable videos which show the clothes in motion on Olivia Thirlby.

**Update: See my fitting room photos and read my Prabal Gurung for Target review on The Key To Chic.

Limited Edition Jeffrey Campbell x LF Collaboration

It's no secret that I'm a fan of Jeffrey Campbell's edgy and affordable footwear. Whether I'm wearing my leopard print Tick wedges, my studded Mel sandals, or my new Denmark clog boots, I always get compliments on them. While I'm still deciding which color to buy the Litas in (there are too many options), they've come out with a new collaboration with LF. A series of head-turning shoes was created exclusively for LF this fall, and I don't know about you, but I'm thinking these tan/black cheetah print ones, featured beautifully on Shiny Plastic Hag, will make a nice addition to my fall footwear collection...or perhaps the sleek and sexy It boot in black suede.

images via TMI

Jeffrey Campbell's Done It Again

Spotted in the window display at LF in Santa Barbara - these Ashish for Topshop look alike leopard print wedges. When I peeked inside at the label, I wasn't surprised to see the Jeffrey Campbell logo. They're a close match to the originals, with the exception of a less sculpted and more streamlined heel. Even though I already have the zebra pair, I'm still somewhat intrigued by the combination of clunky wedge silhouette, animal print, and towering heel. After seeing the Ashish for Topshop wedges going for outrageous prices on ebay, I'm dying to know the price point on these babies, as the shoe addict within me is about ready to call LF and reserve a pair...

101 Ideas In The English Countryside

Admittedly, I stopped reading Marie Claire over ten years ago, when I got tired of their human interest stories and longed for more fashion editorials. My favorite part of the magazine, however, was their 101 Ideas feature, which usually focused on a color theme and was organized like a page out of a mail order catalog - lots of images and none of that high fashion hair and makeup.

Nowadays, I find the U.K. version of the magazine (like Elle and In Style) to be much more inspiring. I can't help it; things from Europe just seem so much cooler to me. As I was flipping through the January issue of the U.K. version of Marie Claire, I came upon this gorgeous editorial entitled "Cold Comfort Farm." It spoke to my inner desire to live in a quaint English cottage with a rose garden, shabby chic furniture, and ditzy print floral linens. In my imaginary cottage, I'd wear knitted scarves, plaid tunics, tweed trousers, thick tights, and drink Earl Grey all day. I'd let my laundry air dry in the garden, listen to the birds chirp happily, and take photographs of nature in my spare time. The air would contain the faint smell of flowers and fruit, and when it would rain I'd sit by my picture window admiring the lush greenery. Until that day becomes a reality, I can admire this editorial and continue my daydream...

Via the Jan. 09 issue of Marie Claire U.K. Styled by Sasha Barrie. Photographs by Martin Rusch.

December 19, 2018 update - Shop these style ideas:

November 15, 2018 update - Shop outfit ideas:

October 23, 2018 update - Get style ideas and shop these looks:

September 17, 2018 update - Get more style inspiration:

August 16, 2018 update - See more styles ideas:

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Fresh Picks For Fall

My fall catalogs have arrived and I'm feeling the influence of the 90's this season. Refined grunge, plaid prints, motorcycle jackets, sturdy boots, and boyfriend-fit jeans are just a few of my favorite trends to try out this fall. I'm also being slowly drawn to the prep school/geek trend, with its shrunken blazers, boyfriend cardigans, sweater vests, glasses, jumper dresses, printed headbands, and camera-style bags with long straps. Also of note is the superhero influence in fashion, and with the movie The Dark Knight coming out soon, this trend will probably pick up speed in the States. For those of you heading back to school, here's to high marks for style. Below are my ten favorite picks for fall.

Pictured above: 1. Holly readers, Urban Outfitters, $14, 2. Leopard scarf, Alloy, $16.50, 3. Plaid dress, Wet Seal, $24.50, 4. Batgirl tee, Delia*s, $26.50, 5. Boyfriend cardigan, Old Navy, $29.50, 6. Revolt boyfriend jeans, Alloy, $34.50, 7. Motorcycle jacket, Leatherup.com, $119.95, 8. Prep blazer, Victoria's Secret, $58, 9. Folio briefcase bag, Urban Outfitters, $58, 10. Dr. Martens, Delia*s, $110.50.

© 2008 Fashion Trend Guide

Images from: alloy.com, wetseal.com, delias.com, oldnavy.com, leatherup.com, victoriassecret.com, and urbanoutfitters.com.

Just My Cup Of Chai

After having a browse through the image album of Richard Chai's upcoming collection for Target's GO International line, I've decided that the pieces I'm anticipating the most are the long grandpa cardigans, the graffiti rose print garments, and the skinny jeans. If this collection stays true to Target's form, then there will be more pieces and colorways in the collection than the image album shows. When I first see the images, I can't help but wonder what some interesting accessories and some edgier mixing, matching, and layering would result in. (Perhaps Target is looking for a new stylist? If so, I'd love to do it!) Below is a compilation of my favorite looks, and in early August, you'll see a session (or perhaps two) of me playing dress-up in the fitting rooms as soon as I can get my hands on the goods. Click the image to enlarge.

Richard Chai for Target, available August 3 - 30

© 2008 Fashion Trend Guide

Image credit: target.com

Floral Footwear At Target

During my recent trips to various Target stores to inpect the latest GO International goods, I spotted these playful Betsey Johnson-esque peep-toe pumps by Xhilaration. The fabric bows and floral print are the perfect antidote to all those gladiator sandals and flip flops you'll be seeing this summer. Pair them with skinny cropped denim for a 50's-inspired look or go ultra girly with a LBD. Either way, you'll be smiling because these babies will only cost you $22.99. Too bad they didn't have my size...

© 2008 Fashion Trend Guide. All right reserved. May not be reproduced without permission.

Summer Shoes

Seeing as the gladiator sandal is shaping up to be the shoe of the SS '08 season, I was pleased to see this version (with 4" heels) currently featured on GoJane. At only $22.99, you can indulge yourself in this trend and buy more than one pair. They come in white, camel, tan, and black, but stock is often limited because prices like these are almost too good to be true. Unfortunately, they don't have my size in the color I want, but I'm considering another color, as I have had good experiences with GoJane's fast shipping and superior customer service. For a carefree and casual summer look, pair the heels with a floral day dress, boho necklaces, and a lightweight fringed scarf. For a more polished look, dress the heels up with a pencil skirt, ruffled blouse, and oversized clutch.

Images from gojane.com
© 2008 Fashion Trend Guide

F21 For Under $25

There's a $25 Forever 21 gift card burning a hole in my wallet right now. It's been there for a few weeks, and with Valentine's Day around the corner, there are plenty of things I can think of buying. Sometimes $25 can go a long way! Hmmm, let's see. I could buy: a cute dress or a diaphonous top for dinner, perhaps...or a few pendant necklaces and inexpensive rings...or some girly underpinnings. Here are 3 picks that I'm seriously considering.

1. Railroad stripe corset $15.80

2. Satin boyshort with lace trim $4.80

3. Plastic rosebud ring $2.80

Photos from forever21.com

Animal Prints Make Women Crazy

Even with all of the anticipation and publicity for the Cavalli for H&M collection, I must admit that I didn't expect the collections to sell out within minutes. I knew the pieces would go quickly (within hours, I thought), but camping out overnight? Now that's dedication. After reading about how some women rushed into the stores and grabbed everything in sight without regard for sizes, I guess Cavalli brings out the animal within most women, cheesy pun totally intended! Last Thursday, when the collection went on sale, I scoured ebay for the one piece that I desire - the sleeveless ruffled tuxedo top. If it weren't for that bow tie, I probably wouldn't lust after the top so much. In fact, when I was idly browsing at JCPenney last week, I saw a sleeveless black satin top much like the one from Cavalli's collection. All I would have to do is scour JoAnn fabrics for a white ribbon or similar piece of fabric and make a DIY version of that bow tie. And as far as the animal prints in the collection go, I've been buying so many leopard-print pieces this season that it's ridiculous. Animal prints are everywhere, so the Cavalli animal print leggings, dresses, and tops didn't seem unique to me. (In fact, I'll do a future post about many of the animal print additions to my wardrobe.) Since I refuse to pay outrageously inflated ebay prices for the ruffled top, I guess I'll have to settle for the much more affordable JCPenney version...or hope that H&M restocks the collection.


I'm curious to know if any of my readers were able to shop the collection, and if so, how crazy was it? Did you buy any great pieces? And...I know it's a long shot, but if you have the Cavalli for H&M blouse that's the subject of this post in a size 4, (in white or black), and you're willing to sell it, I'm interested!

So Fash'on-able

One of my favorite blogs to read regularly is So Fash'on. When Diana, the multi-talented author, posted photos of herself in this exquisite top that she had constructed, I gasped in awe. I love the dainty floral print, the drapey fabric, and the sexy silhouette of this top. I promptly emailed her asking if she could make me one and I am thrilled that she has taken the time to construct the top and go out of her way to ship it to me all the way from Romania, where it's not exactly easy to ship to the U.S.

I'm confident that the shirt will be well worth the wait. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my one-of-a-kind Diana Bobar creation and I can't wait to wear the top out and take pictures! Thank you D!!!!


Photo credit: dianabobar.wordpress.com

Window Shopping - In Person vs. Online

I've never been much of an online shopper due to my strong preference for the tactile experiences that in-store shopping affords. Sometimes quality, construction details, and fit cannot be assessed accurately through an online photo. I prefer to do my "window shopping" online and then visit the store in person to inspect the goods and make purchases. My exception to this habit is when brick and mortar stores do not carry the merchandise that they have on their web stores, or when I am not in close proximity to the store's physical location. Take delia*s, for example. They do not have any stores on the West Coast, otherwise I'd probably be shopping there at least twice per month. I've ordered from them before, and I am satisfied with their customer service and their user-friendly website. Unfortunately, the adorable cameo pillow that I recently ordered is on backorder. I guess everyone else finds it to be as charming as I do. Ahh, the pitfalls of shopping online.

On to another place that I enjoy shopping - Urban Outfitters. Their store selection can vary greatly depending upon the location which you visit. I have noticed that the Santa Barbara store carries different merchandise from the nearby Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley locations. They have a high merchandise turnover so I know that if I like something, I should not hesitate to buy because I may not find it somewhere else. (For example, the sequin beret they recently had at the Santa Barbara store sold out and none of the nearby stores stocked it.) Often, their web store carries items that their physical locations don't. Pictured below are a couple of things that would look good in my guest bedroom.

Photo credit: delias.com and urbn.com

Skinny Mondays

Although I'm a jeans girl through and through, lately I have been trying to make use of the dresses, jumpsuits, leggings, and shorts that I have recently added to my summer wardrobe. It's been a while since I've purchased an expensive pair of jeans. I've even refrained from buying some designer denim at great sale prices because I'm trying to break that bad habit! Therein lies my obsession with Cheap Monday denim. Yes, it's designer. The fit is amazing, the quality is great, and the styles are cutting edge. The only thing missing is the absurd $200 price tag. At $65 per pair, it's tempting to buy 2 or 3 pairs at a time. I'm sick of inspecting more and more high end denim lines when I go shopping and turning over the price tag to reveal numbers hovering near and above the $200 mark! I have all the designer denim that I want at the moment, and I also have lots of low-end mass retailer denim as well. To be honest, there is not much of a difference. When shopping for jeans, some basic things to look for are:

• less than 2% spandex or lycra so the denim doesn't stretch too much
• well placed back pockets (not too low or too high, not too big or too small)
• quality zippers that won't snag or break
• a waistband that fits snugly and does not gap out in the back
• a waistband that allows you to sit down without showing too much (bye-bye low rise jeans!)
  

What I love about Cheap Monday is that they are simple yet flattering. When I first picked up a pair, I thought they would be unflattering due to the high rise and tapered leg. Now I love the higher rise because it's practical and trendy. The main reason why these jeans are flattering is because they have larger back pockets which are placed lower down than most styles of skinny jeans. This creates the illusion of a smaller backside. it also works in the opposite way. Smaller pockets = the illusion of a bigger backside! Furthermore, there is no whiskering or fading around the upper thigh or butt area, and this has a slimming effect.

To snag your own pair of Cheap Mondays without leaving the house, check out the Blue Bee online boutiques.

Photo credit: bluebee.com

Urban Turban

Even though turbans are old news, I couldn't help but get excited about seeing this style on Urban Outfitter's website. This one seems a bit more hat-like than the one I bought from H and M in London. It comes in gray, black, or teal and is made of 100% cotton. For a mere $28, it can be yours! Or if you are more of the DIY type, you can wrap a beautiful silk scarf around your tresses in such a way that it imitates this chic trend.

Photo credit: urbn.com

London, Here I Come!

As an avid shopper, I am ashamed to admit that I have never been to London. Well that is about to change. I am going to be spending lots of quality shopping time and money in London's markets, stores and boutiques. In preparation for my trip, I have been conducting endless internet research. I found a few high street items that I can't wait to get my hands on.

Cobalt blue balloon-sleeved blouse from Oasis.

White skinny jeans from Dorothy Perkins.


Bright yellow pumps from Dorothy Perkins. (I am really warming up to this color this season. Since it's not a great color for me, I love yellow as an accent color and for accessories.)

This buckle-front bag from Oasis reminds me of the Chloé Edith handbags. I am a sucker for handbags with extra pockets and contrasting trim.

Photos courtesy of: http://www.oasis-stores.com/ and http://www.dorothyperkins.com/

Friday Favorites

What's a shopaholic to do when she's trying to save money? She shops online, of course (and doesn't buy). I think it's always fun to browse the online shops - it's like window shopping, but better.

This leads me to present some of my favorite finds on this Friday night.

I love these paper-bag waist jeans from Arden B. These jeans have two more great features: a fabric tie belt and a flattering wide-leg silhouette.

These trousers are metallic in color - they would go great with a halter top or tunic for a night on the town.

I actually bought this necklace at Forever 21 a couple of weeks ago. I absolutely love the vintage feel of cameos, and this one is so ladylike.

I also bought this red cameo necklace when I went to Forever 21. This one is more youthful and fun. I'll pair it with a puffy-sleeved button-down blouse and wide-leg trousers for a day at work.

I love the Chalet watch from Nixon. Nixon watches are distinctly stylish. Part of the reason that I want one so badly is because they are hard to find.

Photos are courtesy of ardenb.com, forever21.com, and nixonnow.com.