Target x Neiman Marcus Lookbook Released: Underwhelming

Marchesa girls dress from the Target x Neiman Marcus collection. Image from target.com via fashionista.com

The Target x Neiman Marcus lookbook was released earlier this week and I have to say that I was disappointed. There was very little in the way of women's apparel, only a couple of looks from Lela Rose, Robert Rodriguez and Thom Browne. The collection was dominated by random (useless) novelty items like a DVF yoga mat, or Derek Lam skateboard, or Rodarte wrapping paper. Plus, the items aren't cheap either! I wouldn't pay $49.99 for a yoga mat (that isn't say, Manduka) or $100 for a skateboard.  I was really looking forward to what Marc Jacobs or even Marchesa and Oscar de la Renta would do, hoping for some clothes, but instead, all Marc Jacobs did was an (expensive) scarf and metallic pouches (both $70, total cop-out) and Oscar de la Renta did a $39.99 pink dog collar and leash and dog bowl. My dogs are both male so no use there. The only thing I might even consider buying are the Marchesa girls dresses for little K, depending on the quality. Still, they better be pretty darn amazing for $100. Full lookbook here.

Milk and Cookies

Not the prettiest cookies in the world

I haven't done much baking lately, other than several batches of these cookies, which I always have in my kitchen at anytime. I'm always hungry, particularly first thing in the morning or late at night, but often don't have time to make anything, so these cookies are a nice quick hearty bite to tide me over. These cookies do double duty, as they are made with lots of oatmeal and brewers yeast, both ingredients that are supposed to boost milk supply. I've altered recipes that I've found online by halving the amount of sugar and butter and subbing in some whole wheat flour. Since I am always snacking on them, might as well try to make them a little healthier! They definitely aren't the most decadent cookies out there, but definitely hit the spot.

Ingredients:

1 stick of butter

½ cup of sugar

½ cup firmly packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons flax seed meal
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup A/P flour

1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups oats
1 cup chocolate chips
4 tablespoons brewer's yeast

Directions:
1 Preheat oven to 375°.
2 Mix the flaxseed meal and water and let sit for 3-5 minutes.
3 Beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar well in a stand mixer
4 Add eggs and mix well.
5 Add flaxseed mix and vanilla, beat well.
6 Sift together flours, brewers yeast, baking soda, and salt.
7 Add dry ingredients to butter mix with the mixer on low until evenly combined
8 Stir in oats and chips.
9 Scoop onto parchment paper in a baking sheet in little balls about 1 heaping TB (I use my coffee scooper so I’m not sure the exact size)
10 Bake for 10-12 minutes rotating once
11 Let set for a couple minutes then remove from tray.

Crazy Crocs

H&M x Anna Dello Russo crocodile sunglasses

Still not sure if I can actually wear these out and about and be taken seriously.

In a while, crocodile...

I have to admit, I love how crazy and ridiculous these Anna Dello Russo x H&M crocodile sunglasses are. Plus the packaging is so pretty! I think they look even more over the top in real life with the shiny glittery two toned crocodiles. I'm not sure if I will be brave enough to wear them out of the house, but I will find a use for them somehow! They are quite heavy, especially with my Asian nose (or lack thereof), but I'm willing to suffer for fashion. I am a sucker for crazy statement sunglasses, I loved the deluxe edition minimal baroque Prada sunglasses, but they were way too $$$ for a somewhat novelty item.

London Fashion Week SS 2013: Burberry Brights

Burberry Prorsum. Images from nymag.com

The standout collection for me from London Fashion Week was definitely Burberry Prorsum. I love what Christopher Bailey has done to make the brand more exciting, and I've really liked all his collections from the last few seasons. I love the use of bright rich colors, definitely one of the more colorful and vibrant spring collections, as well as the updated silhouettes of classic Burberry trenches and the charming little capelets over lace and satin looks with a slightly retro vibe, like Jason Wu. The collection really just shouts spring, with a warm weather jet setting vacation feel. Mary Katrantzou's stamp centric collection was identifiably Mary Katrantzou, although I didn't quite like the prints or silhouettes as much as previous collections; I thought it wasn't quite as striking or whimsical. All images from nymag.com

Burberry

Burberry

Mary Katrantzou

Anna Dello Russo for H&M Launch

Image from www.hm.com

The Anna Dello Russo for H&M accessories collaboration launched at select H&Ms yesterday. N picked up a pair of these crazy rhinestone studded crocodile sunglasses for me at the Sunset store yesterday. It definitely wasn't as frenzied as previous collaborations with H&M, including Marni or Lanvin; only about 30 people in line when she arrived half hour before the store opening. Can't wait to see how ridiculous these sunglasses look in real life. For reptilian overload, looking forward to trying them on with my Versace x H&M alligator dress from last year.