Outfit of the Day: Accessories Make the Outfit

Statement Making Accessories

Hi guys! I know it has been a while, but I am finally back with an updated outfit of the day post! For a trip to church a few Sundays ago, I decided to play up a simple outfit with bold accessories.

(I have been thinking of starting each blog post with a selfie since I take so many lol! What do you think?) 

When wearing a simple outfit I always try to add a pop of color or a little extra pizzazz with my accessories. I chose to play up my simple black skirt and tank with a bold black and white striped blazer, a statement necklace, a bright fluorescent satchel that I wore as a clutch and statement making black pump. 

When choosing accessories sometimes less is more! I did not want to overpower my already bold blazer and bag so I chose to go with a chunky statement necklace, minimal earring and forgo wearing any other jewelry besides my wedding ring. 

What is your take on bold statement pieces such as this fluorescent bag and statement necklace? Do you dare to be bold with your accessories?

                                        

Blazer: Mossimo for Target here, Tank: JC Penney, Skirt: Dorothy Perkins here, Necklace: Forever 21 sold out similar here, Shoes: BCBGeneration sold out similar here, Bag: The Cambridge Satchel Company here

This Just In: Phillip Lim x Target

Phillip Lim x Target

Target's most recent designer collaboration with Phillip Lim hit stores on September 15th and as usual I was first in line to see what the collection had to offer. I always look at the preview videos and study the look books that are released online prior to the collections release, but there is nothing like going to the store to feel the fabrics and see how the items look in person and fit your body, style and personality.

I am a fan of Target's designer collaborations because they offer the everyday buyer who may not be able to afford these designers on a regular basis the opportunity to own a piece from this designer at a price point that falls within their budget. I have read comments from some people saying that they don't like the collections because everyone is buying the same things and will look the same. To that I say, unless you are having your clothes made one of kind and custom then there is always someone out there who owns what you own. If you shop in a mall or department store then that item is not unique to your closet. It is all in how you style your item and how you wear it. Each person has the opportunity to own their look whether they are wearing the same thing as the next person or not.

With that being said, I purchase the pieces I felt that I could make my own and that work best with my personal style and wardrobe. I plan to mix and match these pieces throughout the fall and winter months in different ways as I do with all my pieces and make them my own.

If you are still in the market to purchase pieces from this collection some are still available online and in stores (limited quantities). Ebay resellers of course have things listed but they are ridiculously over priced in my opinion.

Where you able to snag anything from Target's latest designer collaboration? If so what items and how will you be styling them?

Phillip Lim x Target

It's that time again! Target has recently unveiled another fabulous designer collaboration and this time it is with designer Phlilip Lim. I am definitely excited about this collaboration as I have been eyeing the Phillip Lim pashli tote for quite sometime. The collection has a little bit of everything from work seperates to cool sweats and even some pretty awesome handbags and totes.Although I would surely splurge on the pashli which retails anywhere from $825 to $895, I would also love a cost effective alternative from Target! I love a good handbag so I of course will be at my local target as soon as it opens on September 15th to see what the collection has to offer. 

View the entire look book here.

How do you feel about designer collaborations with retailers such as Target? Are you planning to buy anything from the Phillip Lim x Target collection? What are some of your favorite pieces? 

The Look for Less

I have recently purchased two pairs of shoes that I think qualify for the designer inspired or looked for less category. As I looked at my purchases and the more expensive shoes that clearly inspired the design concept, I began to think about fashion designers, creativity, inspiration and the concept of an original design idea. Does originality really exist in fashion anymore or do we look to the past and what is currently happening around us to inspire new trends and ideas for how to dress and style ourselves? Everyone is inspired by or looks to someone or something for inspiration so is it OK for retailers and designers to be inspired by other designers?

Alexander Wang Danica and Shoemint Garbo both currently sold out 

There is always strong debate in fashion about wearing knock offs and designer looks for less. I am not nor will I ever be a fan of wearing a knock off item such as a fake designer handbag. I would much rather spend my money on something nice with out the high end label name than rock a fake. I try as best I can to live within my means. That does not mean that I do not splurge and buy designer items from time to time but if I can find something nice with a similar look for a fraction of the cost then I am all for it.  

London Trash Phoenix Snake Sandal and Shoedazzle Whitley currently sold out

Similar options here and here 

I was recently reading an article on fashionbombdaily.com where designer Isabal Marant talked about how she felt about knock offs of her now famous wedge sneaker. I for one think that is great that more mid-range affordable designers and labels take the same concept that someone like Isabal Marant sells and makes it available for the mainstream consumer who make not be able to afford a $600 or more shoe. Do I think it is offensive to blatantly steal another person's designs or idea and market it as if it is your own? Yes. However I do not think that Ms. Marant created the wedge sneaker.

Isabel Marant (sell out quickly but can be found at netaporter.com, barneys.com or ebay.com) Steve Madden Hilight

Rocking my Steve Madden Highlights on a casual shopping day (excuse the messy fitting room lol!)
Outfit Details:
Hat-Old TJ Maxx
Camo Shirt Jacket- Old Navy 
Dark Navy Jegging Jeans- Torrid
White Boy Friend T-Shirt- Target
Steve Madden Hilights
Celine' Croc Stamped Phantom 

 I am a fan of her shoe, but for myself, a person who does not wear sneakers that often, I would opt for a more affordable version and splurge on something that I could get more use out of. Hence my purchase of the Steve Madden Hilight. Some may chastise me for this, but I say to each lady her own wallet and budget lol! I do own quite a few designer items but I usually reserve my high end purchases for items I deem to be classics that will stand the test of time and last me multiple seasons, not trendy items that can quickly go out of style after one or two seasons, making me feel like I have wasted my hard earned money. I could go on and on about this much debated topic and my opinion on it but I would rather know what you all think. Is it OK to wear "knock offs" or a look for less/designer inspired item? What are your thoughts and opinions on the matter?

Images courtesy of Google Images (luckymag.com and sundayglamour.blogspot.com)

This Just In Update! Prabal Gurung x Target

New In My Closet

Just wanted to update the blog with another great find from the Prabal Gurung for Target collection. I stopped by Target on my lunch break yesterday just to browse around and see what they had new in store. I browsed through the clothes first. Although they still had a pretty good bit of the Prabal Gurung Love collection available, unfortunately they still did not have the sweatshirt that I wanted. I picked up a cute blazer that I had been eyeing during my last visit and then headed to the shoe department. I passed by the Prabal Gurung for Target shoes because I had already seen what they had to offer in store on my last visit. Something told me to turn around and look again and to my surprise they had a full stock of the neon yellow sandals! I was so excited! I wanted the sandals originally but they did not have them in the store when I went  the day the collection was released and when I attempted to order online they had already sold out in my size.

These shoes were one of my favorite items from the entire collection and I am so glad that I was able to find them! I cannot wait until Summer to wear them!

P.S- I would model them but I am in desperate need of a pedicure right now lol!

This blazer is super cute and a great fit and I know that I will be able to dress it up with black trousers or dressed down with skinny jeans and cute pumps.

Prabal Gurung x Target Purchases

As promised, I have an update on what I purchased from the Prabal Gurung for Target collaboration. I was at my local Target store bright and early (8:00 AM to be exact!) because I did not want to miss out on any key pieces. Unfortunately for me since I live in a small town, my store did not get the entire collection. Bummer! Despite this, I still managed to get almost everything I wanted. The pieces that I purchased were the pointy toe pump in the nolita print, the long sleeve tee in floral crush print, and the blazer in the floral crush print. The two pieces that I wanted and was unable to get were the sweatshirt in first date print and the ankle strap pump in sulfur spring. Although I did not get those two items I am super pleased with what I did get a chance to purchase and can not wait to rock these new pieces soon! Please leave a comment and tell me what you bought if anything from the Prabal Gurung for Target collection.

Prabal Gurung x Target

Over the past few years Target has gained much attention for it's designer collaborations! People line up outside of the store and stalk the website waiting for the merchandise from these collections to be released. Everyone wants to get first dibs at designer fashion at an affordable price! I know I do! I have gotten nice things from the Missoni for Target collaboration and most recently the Neiman Marcus and Target collaboration for the holidays. For that very reason, I am so excited about the Prabal Gurung for Target collection that is being released on February 10th. As I stated in an earlier post, floral prints are definitely in for the Spring and Summer months. This collection offers delicious floral patterns in a variety of beautiful, easy to wear pieces! These pieces will be great additions to any wardrobe and I am sure they will be enjoyed for many years and fashion seasons! There will be shoes, jewelry, blazers, shorts, skirts, dresses and more! I am also totally in love with the bright colors which are reminiscent of Prabal Gurung's signature style. This collection is most certainly one that you don't want to miss so head to your local Target store on the 10th and pick out your favorites before they fly off the racks! I will be sure to post what I pick up on the blog once I am back from shopping.

Some of my favorites from the collection.

Head over to target.com to view the collection!