Target likes to play games with me by releasing the Rodarte for Target look book crazy late and then releasing the Zac Posen and Jean Paul Gaultier look books early. Mean. But on the plus side, I like both of these collections way more than I thought that I would.
Jean Paul Gaultier for Target: in stores March 7th.
There's always one expensive piece, and for Jean Paul Gaultier it's this fab little motorcycle jacket. I really like the red accents--it has a very authentic bomber vibe. It's also $199, but I'm assuming that means it's real leather. The shirtdress underneath looks promising, and the tattoo leggings make me want to die. I'm really not a fan of this gingham/Converse/tiny leather glove look at all though.
Why all the Converse? Ugh. Definitely not a fan of the tiny, awkwardly cut vests, but I think these two dresses could be good. The sheer tattoo print works much better in a dress than on a pair of leggings, and the mixture of stripes and florals in the second dress is very on-trend. I can't see the swimsuit, but I like that blue top. Shoulder cutouts are very on trend right now, and that would work equally well on the beach or going out.
Here's that leather jacket again. Not entirely sure what's going on with the rest of the outfit. Hm. Again, the little leather gloves! Taylor Momsen called, and she wants her accessories back. That dress is very quirky-adorable though. I think the oddness of those disembodied eyes actually works against the simple silhouette of the LBD, and it looks like there's some quality draping/pleating going on. Again, a weird vest, but the dress underneath is pretty darn cute. I like the contrast between the floral print and the studded belt.
I'm not sure if this first look is a dress or a skirt/top, but the mixed prints are very on-trend, and I like the nautical-garden thing it's got going on. The swimsuit in the middle looks like it has potential, and I like the use of the zipper instead of buttons on the cardigan. That black/green dress is a total winner. Again, there's some tasteful pleating, the cut is spot-on, and the lace trim and green detailing give it a very lingerie vibe. This definitely doesn't look like a Target piece.
If that is a tattoo print bodysuit, I will cry. The yellow dress is cute on it's on though, just a very basic sundress. There's the moto jacket again, and I'm not feeling the red dress underneath it. There's something really awkward about the cut. Again, the tattoo print leggings! Gah. And the tiny vests. The skirt is indecently short, but if that top is separate it looks like it could be a really cute little bustier-inspired tank.
It wouldn't be Gaultier without explicit sailor references. I'm not liking any of these looks, but that sailor top would be cute at the beach, I guess.
LOVE that trench. So classic, so chic, so feminine. That would be a really great buy. And if that green dress is anything like the black and green dress above, I want it. That leather jacket isn't my personal style, but it does look well-made. I think this floral dress is my favorite piece. It actually looks very Zac Posen to me, but I love the cut, I love the aggressive floral print, and the studded belt is the perfect finishing touch.
Zac Posen for Target: in stores April 25th. Click on one of the pictures for pricing info.
I actually really like the cut of this first sweater dress, with the subtle off-the-shoulder neckline and the slight a-line bottom. It's very classic, French chic. As is this adorable tuxedo. I mean, if you want a Zac Posen tuxedo this is a fantastic way to do it. I'd buy the pieces and wear them separately--seriously love that jacket. The print on this floral dress is a little odd, but I really like it. It's very Palm Beach drama queen meets Edie Beale. It would work equally well at a formal event or on a hot summer day at the beach.
I'm sort of meh about this chambray dress. I like the idea, but the cut does not look flattering at all. This swimsuit is actually really chic (there's really subtle vertical pleating), and the vibrant hue works really well with the simple cut. The headscarf is so Grace Kelly. I actually love this last look. I'm buying that lipstick tank for sure, the pleated tuxedo pants are quite chic, and the basic black cardigan ties the whole look together nicely.
This first look is very Proenza Schouler. Sadly the top and skirt are separate, but they're super cute together. I love the top and the belt in this second look. That print is really working for me. Actually, I love all the belts in this collection. There's something very arts and craftsy about all the braided, bow-covered belts that's really fantastic against the glam clothes. Speaking of glam, LOVE this last dress. I never thought I'd love anything in zebra print, especially pink zebra pink, but the cut is so perfect, with that flippy skirt, and it absolutely screams Zac.
Okay, so this dress: complicated. That fluffy thing in Elsa Sylvan's hand is an overskirt for the black dress (it's the black version of the red on the bottom), and then there's a tie-dye tank dress underneath the strapless black dress. The black dress is very ironic prom (so Zac), but the tie-dye dress is totally up my alley. This buttonless cardigan is a little old ladyish, but that floral one-piece looks fab. This last dress is also classic Zac Posen, with the '60s meets futuristic cut. Again, these belts are fantastic.
I think these dresses are going to be a big hit. There's something for everyone. The first dress is very Mad Men, with the bow detail and the brocade fabric, the second dress has a bit more of a hipster vibe, but I'm really loving the metallic olive, surprisingly, and that last dress is on the edgier side with the grommets and cutouts. Almost a little Christopher Kane, no? It would actually be a really good buy, because it looks like it's in the $400 price range, not less than $70.
I'm sorta torn about that raincoat. It's a little Balenciaga, but also a little 4th grade art teacher. I absolutely love that metallic bikini top and that brocade skirt. Maybe not together, but in general. The metallic olive works in a bikini, but it looks a little cheap in that form fitting one-piece.
That is not a tuxedo dress. That is a tuxedo bodysuit and skirt. Yes, you read that correctly. Not entirely sure about the tuxedo bodysuit. If it's a tank top I might actually like it. Loving the red leather jacket though. Very simple, but very chic. This middle look is like secretary meets French clown. Hm. But the unrestrained John Hughes, Pretty in Pink vibe of this last dress is just so adorable, and comes out right in time for prom. Who doesn't want to wear Zac Posen to prom?
I actually like both of these collections a lot more than I thought I would. My favorite pieces are the JPG eye dress, the black and green dress, the trench, and the last floral dress. My fav pieces from Zac Posen are the long floral dress, the lipstick tank, the zebra dress, and the grommet dress. Do you guys have any early favorites?
Image Sources:
Jean Paul Gaultier for Target: refinery29.com, Zac Posen for Target: fashionista.com.
MAC and pretty shoes! A perfect combination. First off there's a sneak peek of MAC's collaboration with Liberty of London, some fab new sparkly lipgloss, and a review of the MAC 188 brush. And then some lovely new campaign pics, and random things I want, because that's just what I do.
The MAC Give Me Liberty of London collection drops March 11, and besides being filled with blushes and nail polishes that I want, the packaging is SO CUTE. I'm going to be completely honest and say that I'd buy it just for the packaging. There. Yes, I am that shallow. Just look at that first pic. It's quirky British floral awesomeness. This collection also has two decent sized makeup bags in Liberty of London prints for $25 and under. Um, HELLO EMPTY WALLET. And then there's the Liberty of London collection for Target...oh dear...this is going to be a problem.
MAC Lip Gelees in Lush & Bright, Preppy, Shift to Pink, and Resort Life, $14 at maccosmetics.com. The MAC in Lillyland (aka Lily Pullitzer) collection just dropped, and while most of it doesn't catch my eye, I'm head over heels in love with these lip gelees. You get about 9x as much product as you do with a Dazzleglass, and they're supposed to be just as sparkly. Lush & Bright is an orangey-coral with pink and gold shimmer, Preppy is a fuschia pink with a pearl base and lots of fuschia shimmer, Shift to Pink is a lilac-pink with pink pearl and pink/lilac shimmer, and Resort Life is a gilded beige with silver shimmer. I'm loving all of these, and can def see myself caving on at least one of them.
MAC 188 Small Duo Fibre Face Brush, $34 at maccosmetics.com. I got this brush about a month and a half ago, and I totally forgot to review it. Failface. I think I overlooked it because it fits so perfectly into my makeup routine that I practically forget it's there. It's that good. First, the specs. It's a blend of goat hairs and synthetic hairs, and the white hairs are longer than the black hairs (the white hairs deposit product, the black hairs blend product). The brush itself is really small. It's about six inches long, and the width of the brush at the end of the black bristles is about that of a quarter. I knew it was small, and I still did a double take in the store. It's larger cousin is the 187 brush ($42), but I think the size of the 188 makes it great for getting around all the contours on your face. Now, the 188 is supposed to be able to deposit powder, cream, and liquid products (blush, foundation, bronzer, contour, you name it), buff everything flawlessly into the skin, and give an airbrushed finish. It sounds like overhyped marketing. It's not.
I was skeptical at first, but this brush is a serious powerhouse. I use it for all my face products. It applies my tinted moisturizer so, so smoothly, is the perfect size to fit under my cheekbone for a natural looking contour, blends blush and highlighter seamlessly, and buffs my concealer into my skin. It's really easy to use, too. For tinted moisturizer or liquid foundation I squeeze the amount I'm going to use onto the back of my hand. Next you determine your forehead-cheek ratio. If your forehead is large or blemish-covered, I'd use about a 1/3 on my forehead, and 1/3 on each cheek. If your forehead is relatively clear, I'd used 1/8 there and 3/8 on each cheek (OMG I can still do math). To apply, pick up the amount of product you're going to use on the end of the brush, and draw it in straight liners across or up and down the area you want to cover. Then move the brush in a tight, circular motion to blend the product across your skin. For blush, bronzer, and highlighter, stipple (tap) the end of the brush into the product two or three times, and apply in tight circles on the area you want to cover. I'd start with less product at first so that you can build it up in layers--it looks much more natural. I clean it with Cetaphil everyday, and I've experienced little to no shedding with my 188. So yes, it is expensive, and it looks dinky. But it's worth it, hands down.
Ash Lovely Suede Wedge Sandals with Studs in Topo and Black, $230 at shopbop.com: I want these shoes. I know what everyone's thinking, but no, to be honest, I'm not over studs or graphic wedges or bondage/S&M-inspired straps at all. I love the way the suede and the strap wrap around the heel of the shoe, and I love the kicky cutout at the bottom of the wedge--it lightens everything up perfectly. I just can't decide if I like the mauvey-grey or the black better. Theoretically, of course, because I can't afford these. But you should see my imaginary dream closet. It's pretty BAMF.
I thought I'd follow up yesterday's nice, but boring Burberry campaign with these new Dior and Hermes campaigns, both starring the lovely Karlie Kloss. Who happens to be an entire year younger than me and yet infinitely more accomplished. Ack. Anyways, I'm loving both of these. She's giving me a serious Lauren Bacall, femme fatale vibe in the Dior campaign, and I die for that strong brow. The Hermes campaign is a totally different side of her, but it's equally gorgeous. The Alexander Wang-esque braid with the Hermes scarf woven in is genius, and who doesn't want to fall asleep on a beach on a pile of Hermes pillows? Answer: a crazy person. Le sigh.
Image Sources:
MAC Give Me Liberty pics: temptalia.com, MAC Lip Gelee: temptalia.com, MAC 188 brush photos: nordstrom.com, temptalia.com, Ash wedges: shopbop.com, Dior ad: nymag.com, Hermes ad: modelinia.com.
This post is going to be a smorgasbord of random--advance warning!
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover, $7.99 at drugstore.com. I've never bought eye makeup remover before. I'm more of a "get in the shower and scrub with a towel" followed by "wash with Cetaphil and scrub some more with a washcloth" until everything goes away. It's worked pretty well so far, but once you add in the black gel eyeliner on top of the waterproof mascara I get out of the shower looking like a raccoon or turning the white towels black. So I caved. And I hate change, but this was definitely worth it. It's about $8 (or less at Target) for a palm sized bottle of this stuff. You shake before using, and dab a bit onto a cotton ball or pad, and then swipe away at that eye makeup. I can go from raccoon to bare faced with this stuff in 30 seconds and only using one cotton pad. I'm in love. It's non-oily, so it won't cause breakouts, it doesn't smell, and most of all, it doesn't irritate my seriously sensitive eyes. I'm sure it's not as good as the Lancome remover, but for how long this bottle will last it's a serious steal. Consider me a convert. On a totally unrelated note, Laura Laine, one of my favorite fashion illustrators, has done up two tees for H&M. I stumbled across this white tank, and for $12.95 it was a no-brainer. It's a little on the long side, but I love the idea of it tucked into a high-waisted skirt. Check out Laura Laine's website for more twisted, fashion forward illustrations.
Whitney Port, Gwyneth Paltrow, Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere: So. Jeggings (aka jeans + leggings). I have conflicted feelings about them. When I first saw Whitney Port sporting these acid-washed, grey jeggings a few months ago, I wept (figuratively, of course) for the emotionally scarring trend I feared would be sweeping the nation. You guys know how I feel about skinny jeans and when girls who wear leggings as pants (if they were pants they would be called PANTS and no, I do not need to be that familiar with the anatomy of your derriere), and this felt like a combination of those two trends. Ack. Even Gwyneth Paltrow looks mildly ridiculous in them, and if Gwyneth Paltrow can't pull them off, who can?! Jeggings by themselves just do not work. But things took another turn. Jeggings meet boots. Boots and jeggings hit it off fabulously, as seen on the lovely Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere. Worn by themselves jeggings look like tragic skinny jeans. Worn with boots, they suddenly solve the problem of tucking jeans into boots! They stay down, they don't bunch, they aren't bulky, and they look like regular jeans, just with a ton of extra-stretch. And thus comfiness. Having just bought a pair of boots, I already have a feeling that jeggings will be making an appearance in my closet.
Citizens of Humanity Avedon Slick Skinny Jeans, $185 at shopbop.com, Madewell Legging Jeans, $95 at shopbop.com, J Brand Audrey Mid Rise Leggings, $159 at shopbop.com: Unfortunately, jeggings are going to run you just as much as a pair of jeans. Just looking at Shopbop, there are 75 different pairs of jeggings available, but not all jeggings are created equal. The whole point is that they look like jeans, so make sure that you find a pair with back pockets, front pockets, and a button/fly, even if they're just for show. Without these real jean details, jeggings just turn into a denim-hued pair of leggings, which sorta defeats the point. Jeggings are made of a combination of cotton and spandex, with some Lycra or other stretchy fabrics thrown in. All that aside, jeggings come in a variety of colors and finishes. This first pair is the pair being worn by Emily in the previous row, and they really do look just like a pair of jeans. This Madewell pair is a little easier on the wallet, and has more of a traditional denim color. My favorite is this J Brand pair because they're higher waisted! So they're extra comfy and they suck you in. I know $159 seems like a lot for a pair of leggings, but I can see myself wearing these all the time. Since they're black they qualify as a 'wear everyday appropriate' basic, and they'd be equally fab with knee-high boots, rain boots, or even Uggs on the way to class. Yes Uggs. Boston is COLD. Don't judge me.
Lindsey Thornberg Red Burnout Velvet Holiday Red Dress, $250 at bonadrag.com, Motorcycle Jacket, $95 at bonadrag.com, Mara Hoffman Knit Mini Skirt, $140 at bonadrag.com: I know I feature of a lot of jewelry from Bona Drag, but they also stock some pretty cute clothes. This Lindsey Thornberg dress comes in two lengths, mini and floor, and in multiple burnout patterns/colors. I love it because the material is super-stretchy, so it's flattering and comfy (and you can wear the neck as a crewneck or pull it out for an off the shoulders look), and the long-sleeve/body-con cut is very on-trend. This jacket is real leather for less than $100! They flat-out say that it's crappy leather, but it is real. The cut is classic motorcycle, with 3/4 length sleeves. a short body, and a ton of zippers. This is a serious, serious steal. How adorable is that Mara Hoffman skirt? It's my favorite cut, high-waisted and semi-mini, and the stretchy fabric means it'll fit most body types without pinching or gaping (it's all about the comfy today, apparently). Add in the very on-trend, neo-geometric/tribal pattern, and you've got one seriously covetable piece.
Image Sources:
Laura Laine tee: nitrolicious.com, Neutrogena makeup remover: skinnymenny.files.wordpress.com, Whitney Port: nymag.com, Gwyneth Paltrow: mylifetime.com, Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere: cupcakesandcashmere.com, Citizens of Humanity jeggings: shopbop.com, Madewell jeggings: shopbop.com, J Brand jeggings: shopbop.com, Lindsey Thornberg dress: bonadrag.com, Bona Drag jacket: bonadrag.com, Mara Hoffman skirt: bonadrag.com.
And the moment we've all been waiting for: Rodarte for Target!!! Cue girly squealing. Maud and I went last night just in case they'd started putting items about, but that was a no-go, so we trekked over at 8:10 AM Sunday morning (crazy Target holiday hours), and ten minutes after the store had opened people were already losing their minds. Maybe it's because the Rodarte sisters are from our town, but there were a couple very determined, frightening people at our Target who snatched up everything and took over the dressing rooms. Most of the collection made it to our store, everything but the belts, tights, leopard print jacket, and the lace cardigan. I watched what was going in and out of the dressing rooms in hopes that someone was trying on all the lace cardigans at once, but nope. It's ok, Maud and I were still happy campers. Keep reading for pics and my thoughts on the collection:
Sequinned Rib Dress, $44.99 (sold out): I actually liked this more than I thought I would. There's something kind of catchy about the cut from the front, and the ribcage print is so quirky. This dress is really cute from the front, but I tried on a medium and it was a struggle to get it over my chest and hips, but the waist was really baggy. But you can't belt it at the waist without obscuring the print. Hmm. And the back has no sequins, which kind of diminishes the effect, although you still get a lot of bling for $44.99. All in all, if you can find it, it fits, and you have the cash, I'd get it. It's not the kind of dress you see often.
Crepe Lace Print Dress, $34.99 at target.com: This dress is really sweet. It's a nude, polyester slip (unlined) with a simple elastic waist and a black lace print. I really like the idea of the trompe l'oeil print, which is equal parts trendy and refined, and I think this would be a very versatile, easy to work with piece. How cute would this be with a navy belt? The reason I didn't get it is because the small just didn't fit me quite right. It makes my chest look point, and although I love Mad Men I'm not a fan of the cone boob.
Black Cami with Lace, $19.99 (sold out), Tulle Crepe Lace Skirt, $29.99 (sold out): This cami was actually really cute. It also comes in nude, ochre, and a magenta. I really like it tucked into a loose, casual shirt for a boudoir-inspired look. It's decently made and has a cute lace detail at the chest. The issue for me was that the fit at the chest was too tight in the XS, but the body was too big in the small, and it's the kind of piece you can get a lot of places, so I'm going to wait it out for the right cami. This skirt was my least favorite piece, hands down. It's not that it's an ugly skirt, because it's actually pretty cute. It's the fit. Maybe it's just not cut for me, because it literally added 20 pounds to my frame, made my hips look distorted, and made me look pregnant. My stomach's no washboard, but I'm in good shape. That's just not acceptable.
Crepe Slip Dress in black, $39.99 (sold out): I thought I would fall head over heels in love with this, but I had mixed feelings. On the one hand, it's obviously adorable. I love the idea of the sheer overlay on top of the vintage-looking slip, and it has this great Gothic/romantic/vampire vibe to it that is right up my ally. My issues with this dress were that the bows on the shoulders are a little awkward looking, there's a LOT of static cling (no really, A LOT), and the fit was interesting. The waist and the body fit me pretty well in the small and the medium, but the bust was too big for me in both, which made the chest area look droopy and ended up making this look more nightgown than party dress. BUT if you have a larger chest I think this dress would really work for you, and the cut is really flattering. An a-line skirt looks good on everyone!
Crepe Slip Dress in Tan/Ochre, $39.99 (sold out): Same dress, different color. This one's a small (the black was a medium) and you can see how the bust area is just a little off. If you look good in yellow, you might like this little number. Yellow makes me look jaundiced, so no.
And here's what I ended up getting:
Leopard Print Lace Dress, $44.99 (sold out): I got it! I got it! It was funny because when we walked in Maud grabbed this and I grabbed the skeleton dress and there was this funny "I know I have what you want but I don't want to give up what I'm holding moment" but this came home with me. It's painted lace, which I absolutely love because the swirls of the lace behind the print give the illusion of actual leopard hair, and how fur grows in curvy patterns (if that makes any sense). The body is lined, but the sleeves aren't, which I actually like because that makes it easier for me to push the sleeves up a little bit. There are 3 oversized bows down the back, which I'm a little torn about. It kind of makes you look like you have back tumors from far away. I think I want to cut two of them off, leave either the top or the bottom bow, and use the other two as accessories because they are pretty cute. As for the fit, I think it'll be hit or miss for a lot of people. It's a body-con dress and it's not stretchy, so it's either going to work or it won't. I lucked out, which surprises me to no end because nothing ever fits my chest/hips and my waist at the same time. I'm wearing a 5, which is a little loose on me, but I think the 3 would be a little tight (which makes sense because I'm a 4, but grrrrr). If it helps my measurements are 36-27-36, but I think you could have up to 38 hips and still fit the 5. I'm 5'8', so it's a short mini, but it's not indecent by any means (even my dad approved it). If you want this I'd drive over to Tar-jay now, because I literally had two people try to steal this out of my hands.
Swiss Dot Dress, $39.99 at target.com: And here's the other thing I walked away with. I didn't think I'd like this at all, but in person it's so adorable. Very modern Alice in Wonderland/Cinderella, AKA the perfect palette for all my edgier accessories. It's a baby blue, with a swiss dot pattern on the skirt, blue lace at the bodice, and illusion netting at the neckline. The netting is very sheer, but it's gathered at the sleeves and the collar, and at the keyhole cut out in the back. The actual skirt is definitely mini-length, but the overskirt (which is the a-line Swiss dot part) makes it more daytime appropriate. My only issue with this is that it cuts down a few inches below my bra in the back, which is a plus if you're into the exposed lingerie trend but otherwise kind of a hassle. What I really love about this dress is that the cut is extremely flattering. The sweetheart cut of the bodice both adds and accentuates curves, the fitted waist highlights your thinnest part, and the a-line skirt hides any lower body dislikes and creates a great hourglass shape. I also love that this looks like a fab vintage '50s prom dress without any of the vintage fit discrepancies. I really like this with a moto jacket and a men's leather belt to counter-act the sweetness of the dress itself.
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Overall I think this was a very strong collection. I feel like I really got a lot of dress for the prices I paid, and the general vibe was very Rodarte, that quirky, slightly Gothic, twisted princess feel. I do wish I'd gotten to see the black lace cardigan, the leopard belts, and the lace tights. I might go back and check on those. There were a few more pieces that I didn't try on--a denim jacket (boring), denim shorts (actually very cute, but FYI they run small), a few tees that weren't remarkable, a lace tee (cute but the lace print was very floral), a leopard hoodie (so out of place), a fugly peach wrap dress, a weird raincoat, and a few bikinis.
Seriously guys, I'd head over to your local Target if you haven't already. The collection was totally picked over half an hour after being put out, and some stores put the collection out a few days ago.
