Spring Forward

Prabal Gurung for Target sleeveless blouse, Zara white mini skort, Swedish Hasbeens for H&M white sandals, Prada sunglasses and J Crew panama hat

Even though there's still a few more days of winter left here, it feels like spring already with the 80 degree weather over the weekend. Time to break out the whites and florals! I have this bucket bag in black (with red lining) already and just got this beautiful camel  (with an orange lining) color as well, perfect for spring! Can't believe I have two of the same bag, but I love it, it's roomy enough to carry all my toddler essentials and fun enough to wear out, I have been alternating between the two colors everyday!

A Little Pilotto + Rules for Shopping Designer Collabs

Peter Pilotto x Target colorblock cotton and mesh cardigan, Helmut Lang tee, Isabel Marant x H&M kids sweatpants, Isabel Marant Betty sneakers

So I know I said I wasn't staying up for the Peter Pilotto x Target release as there were no must have items for me from the collection, but k was working late that Saturday and woke me up when he came in around 1am, so I hopped online to check it out on first Net-a-porter then Target.com. The styling and descriptions were much better on Net-A-Porter, plus I trust that the buyers at Net-A-Porter bought only the best pieces from the collaboration so it was a good starting point. A couple of the items were more expensive on Net-A-Porter than on Target so I ultimately ordered a bunch of items from Target.com, just so I could check out the quality, fit and style in the hopes of finding them on sale. Only half of my order has arrived, the rest is delayed "due to weather." Now that I've shopped a bunch of these collaborations, I have a couple of rules that I try to stick with. First of all, especially with the Target collabs, I try to buy pieces that are at least 50% cotton. The 100% polyester pieces just feel a little icky, they are usually staticky, wrinkle easily and cling in the wrong places. Second, also with the Target collabs, always go with the smallest size; Target sizing always runs big for me and sometimes even the smallest size doesn't fit, and I don't consider myself particularly "petite." Third, keep only the pieces that you love that are sold out online, as the Target collaborations are often found on the clearance racks; I've scored several pieces in the past from Jason Wu, Prabal Gurung for up to 70% off. Fourth, be wary of matronly cuts; a lot of the dresses are knee length and high necked which may look cute on 5'10" models but just matronly on ordinary beings. Finally, with these collaborations, I try to buy pieces that are "signature" designs / style of the brand, otherwise you are just buying a regular Target piece of clothing (of course there's nothing wrong with that either). To be fair, this cardigan doesn't really scream "Pilotto" to me as I usually identify Pilotto with bold digital prints; this is probably one of the most subtle pieces of the collaboration.

This mesh colorblocked cardigan didn't jump out at me online, but I saw it in store at Target and thought it was quite cute. I really like the sporty mesh details on the sleeves and back, reminds me of Alexander Wang. I bought it to "contemplate" it further but ended up taking off the tags and immediately wearing it out to dinner as the A/C in the restaurant was on full blast. I really like the cardigan, it's quite versatile and I can see myself wearing it a lot, goes with my very casual lifestyle. As for the other pieces that I have received so far, I like the long sleeve printed tee; a good easy to wear basic that I will get a lot of use out of. I like the pencil skirt, as with most Target items for me, it runs big; the size 2 is still too big for me in the back. Plus, I just don't see myself wearing pencil skirts that much; too dressy for my everyday life with little k, a little too buttoned up for when I actually want to dress up and go out for a night on the town.

Little k is wearing a RH baby and child faux fur vest, Tea Collection dress, Splendid Littles leggings and Stride Rite Mary Janes

Peter Pilotto for Target

from February 2014 issue of vogue

Peter Pilotto for Target launches tomorrow. This is the first Target collaboration in awhile that I won't be waiting up for the online launch for (in contrast with the last two major collabs: Prabal Gurung and 3.1 Phillip Lim). While I usually like digital prints a la Mary Katrantzou, these prints aren't really speaking to me, a little too busy and I don't like the color palettes. The styles aren't my favorite silhouettes and judging only from the pictures, I think there will be high polyester rayon content, which is usually my gripe with the Target collaborations. My favorite look is the one above shot by Vogue, but wish the skirt was a simple pencil skirt as opposed to a more flared shape. I can definitely wait til this collab goes on sale to see if there's anything worth trying.

3.1 Phillip Lim x Target Purchases

3.1 Phillip Lim x Target Boom Sweatshirt and mini cross body satchel in yellow, Isabel Marant shorts and sneakers, J Crew hat

I was able to buy my two coveted items from the Phillip Lim x Target collaboration when it launched online around 1am pacific time last Sunday morning: the mini cross body satchel in mustard yellow and the boom sweatshirt. The pieces were delivered on Friday and I love them! Even though I was so close to giving up at several points, it was worth staying up late, pushing the refresh button on my computer, as there is no way I was going to battle the crowds at the stores. The mini satchel is so cute and the pop of color works on a small bag. Love that it's cross body and the quality of the material and hardware is surprisingly good, considering its not real leather. Honestly, the material feels and looks pretty similar to the Pashli messenger bag that I bought (and returned) a few months ago (bought a raspberry PS 1 instead). I'm really glad that I returned the real Phillip Lim as this version is perhaps even cuter and a lot cheaper. I regret canceling my taupe mini satchel order Sunday morning, but as I figured then and still now, I don't need two bags of the same style. I am still in my graphic sweatshirt phase so the boom sweatshirt is a great addition to my collection, alongside the Prabal Gurung x Target and Kenzo Tiger sweatshirts. I like the fit of the boom sweatshirt more than the Prabal Gurung sweatshirt as it is longer in the body and sleeves. I've always been a fan of the Phillip Lim comic book graphic prints but missed out on buying any pieces a few seasons ago so was happy to that Target made a version. As for the rest of the Target collaboration, I am not a fan; I've seen a few pieces in store and I just don't like the fabric or details, just nothing special. Not sure I will buy anything else, even on sale.

First Mother's Day

Prabal Gurung x Target blouse, Vena Cava for Bloomingdales shorts, Swedish Hasbeens x H&M wedges and Prada sunglasses. A collab happy outfit

A little blog hiatus; I have been relatively restrained and not bought anything for awhile. Trying hard to wait for sale season next month, with a very long wishlist. Yesterday was my first mother's day and it was a lovely one. The weather was warm, perfect for a birthday picnic in the park for one of little k's friends. My favorite top from the Prabal Gurung  x Target collection.

Prabal Gurung x Target Sale

Prabal Gurung x Target dress in Meet the Parents print, Prada sunglasses, Maison Martin Margiela x H&M heels

I picked up a few more Prabal Gurung for Target items in store for 50-70% off a few weeks ago. I surprisingly like the black and white Meet the Parents print floral dress a lot. Black and white is big this spring, and the silhouette with the slightly flared skirt is flattering, even without a belt. I definitely wouldn't have paid full price for the two tank tops, but for ~$10, they are cute and easy to wear. I also bought the drop waisted First Date t-shirt dress for 70% off, not pictured. I ended up returning most of my initial order, the only full price items that I kept were the floral crush dress and long sleeve t-shirt and the first date sweatshirt.

Prabal Gurung x Target turquoise tank, Zara heels

Prabal Gurung x Target mesh First Date top

A Preview of Spring: Falling Flowers and Bright Denim

Prabal Gurung x Target Floral Crush Tee, Current / Elliott denim, Zara colorblock heels

The weather last weekend was amazing; we went to the park one day and went to Fred Segal for some Umami burger and shopping. A very spring outfit for mid-February. I love this Prabal Gurung x Target tee shirt, so bright and happy!

Final Verdict: Prabal Gurung x Target Review

Prabal Gurung for Target Floral Crush dress, Prada sunglasses, Zara colorblock heels

I received my anxiously awaited Prabal Gurung for Target order on Friday. I was happy that I was able to order everything that I wanted online but had no idea how the collection would look in real life. For the most part, I was pretty happy with the collection and my purchases, though some items will be going back for sure.

I was immediately drawn to the Floral Crush dress when the lookbook was released, I love the exuberant floral print with the cascading blooms, reminds me a bit of Mary Katrantzou's floral digital prints. I also like the shape of the dress, girly and perfect for spring. Happy to say that this dress is a keeper, it definitely needs a belt, otherwise the waist is a little high, lacks shape and looks matronly, but the print is just as saturated and happy in real life, the skirt is the perfect length with a bit of volume and pockets, and the 98% cotton material is cool and comfortable. 

I was really excited for the black short sleeve Date Night print dress from the lookbook, but realized that it was 100% polyester after purchasing it, so knew that it was probably going to go back. I just don't like the feel of polyester, plus it wrinkles easily and gets staticky. The dress fits nicely and I like the print, but will go back because of the material. I would reconsider purchasing it on sale, but it's not a must have. I love the Date Night print though, I'm glad I got the sweatshirt. I actually prefer the Date Night print to the Floral Crush print in real life, it's quite bold and a little trippy, while the Floral Crush print is a little blurry. Happily, when returning this dress, I found the Date Night sleeveless blouse with mesh on the shoulders that I overlooked at the launch, which I've been kicking myself over ever since. Love the blouse, pictures to come...

Prabal Gurung black short-sleeve First Date print dress, MMM x H&M heels, Prada sunglasses

I was most disappointed in the next outfit and it is all going back, except for the long-sleeved floral crush tee. The shorts are just too big and frumpy with strange black contrast, and the blazer is too boxy, long and not tailored well, reminds me of a waiter's jacket. The shorts are a size 2 and the blazer is an XS so there are no smaller sizes. It's also way too much pattern all together, and I'm having a difficult time figuring out how to style each piece individually. The long sleeve tee is great though, thin and will easily go with anything from jeans, leggings and skirts, I've been already wearing it all weekend, pictured here. It's too bad, I really loved this outfit from the lookbook, but it just doesn't work in real life. The outfit doesn't look or fit anything like in the lookbook. The shorts and blazers were a couple of the most coveted items from the collection and sold out quickly, so I guess I'll make someone happy with my return!

Prabal Gurung x Target Floral Crush Blazer, Shorts and tee shirt

I also got the black and white wedges, not pictured. I am on the fence with them; I don't love the material, but they are true to size, fairly comfortable and I like the style. I would have preferred them more if they were all black, white is going to dirty too easily. Fit wise, I thought everything fit pretty much as I expected. I find that Target always runs big, so I bought the smallest size for everything, size 2 for the two dresses and shorts, XS for the sweatshirt, blazer and long sleeve tee. So final tally of for sure keepers: Date Night print sweatshirt (which I love), First Date Sleeveless Blouse, Floral Crush dress, and Floral Crush long sleeve tee. Definitely satisfies my urge for a refreshing spring wardrobe update.

Not So First Date: Prabal Gurung x Target First Impressions

Prabal Gurung for Target First Date print Sweatshirt, T by Alexander Wang jersey skirt, MMM x H&M invisible wedge heels

Tonight, we went out for one of our first nights out sans little k, aside from a couple of dinners with friends and work related events. We had a lovely dinner at Ado, coincidentally also one of the last restaurants we went to before little k arrived. Apropos for my new Prabal Gurung for Target First Date print sweatshirt, one of my favorite online purchases from the Prabal Gurung for Target collaboration which arrived today. I really like the vibrant, busy tropical kaleidoscope print, and plus it's a sweatshirt, easy to wear with anything, everyday. I have to say, I had my doubts about the collection before it came, but I really like everything that I bought; it will be hard to decide what to keep and what to return. The two prints are really fun and the fit of everything actually works, for the most part. More pictures from the collab purchases here.

Happy Lunar New Year! Prabal Gurung x Target Online Purchases

Image from target.com. I picked up the whole ensemble: the Floral Crush blazer, shorts and tee

Update: full review here, outfit post here and here
After a nice lunar new year eve's dinner at my house, I stayed up what's considered late for us these days last night to catch the online launch of the Prabal Gurung for Target designer collaboration. With little k's unpredictable wakeup schedule and sleep disruptions the last few days (teething? a cold? developmental milestones?), I couldn't drive around to the various LA Targets before opening hours, nor will I be able to stalk the stores for returns as with Missoni and Jason Wu. Fortunately, I was able to get online probably within minutes of the collection being uploaded around 11pm and was able to buy everything that I had my eye on, including the two dresses and wedges that I previously posted about as well as the entire Floral Crush print blazer, t-shirt, shorts combo (not that I would wear it all together) and the First Date print sweatshirt. I got lucky as everything but the tee was sold out in my size by morning, if not within minutes. While I gravitate towards minimalism, neutrals, cozy knits, and monochrome for winter, I really embrace more feminine looks, cheery prints and patterns, especially florals, for spring. Just makes me happy, especially as the weather has been so cold (relatively) for the last few days. The prints in this collection are more unique and identifiably Prabal Gurung, I had no interest in the solid color items which really could have been from any designer. I love how everything looks in the lookbook, but not sure how it will look in real life. I anticipate returning some items due to fit and fabric, particularly the all synthetic items as I didn't have a chance to check out fabric content before buying, plus it's just a lot from one collection, but at least I can try everything on within the comfort of my own home and cull later. Stay tuned for actual pics and reviews...

First Date print sweatshirt and black and white wedges. Image from target.com

Prabal Gurung x Target: Print Explosion

Prabal Gurung x Target. My favorite dress, in the floral crush print. Image from fashionista.com

updated review here
I am a huge fan of Prabal Gurung, particularly his FW 2012 collection and also the latest SS 2013 collection, so I've been eagerly anticipating the release of the lookbook for his Target collaboration. I love his beautiful prints as well as interesting and varied silhouettes.  The lookbook for Target did not disappoint and appears to be consistent with his aesthetic with some really fun vibrant prints and flirty silhouettes. We will have to see how the fit and quality is in real life, as I haven't been too pleased in the past with the quality of the Target collaboration, lots of the materials are synthetic. A couple of my favorite looks, including the wedges, which are similar to the Alexander Wang Vikas wedges that I missed out on last spring.

Date night print. Image from fashionista.com

Shirtdress is interesting, but love the wedges

Asians Rule! NYFW SS 2013

Jason Wu. I so adore all these dresses, particularly the first one. I really hope that these dresses show up on the red carpet come award season. Images from nymag.com.

I'm a little behind as London Fashion Week is already in full swing, but I finally had the time to organize my pictures from New York Fashion Week. As I noticed starting with last season, the young Asian / half Asian designers really are rocking the runways and had some of my favorite collections from Spring / Summer 2013. My favorite this is season is Jason Wu; I love all his looks from the cocktail dresses to red carpet looks. I love the use of sheers, cut outs and the tailoring. There's a certain retro sexy sophistication to his looks and it's all super wearable. I may just have to invest in a piece this season. I also love Altuzarra's strong separates and use of metallics, Prabal Gurung's floaty feather themed collection and Alexander Wang's severe and leather looks. As for spring themes, not a whole lot of use of bright color, and a lot of black and white. A lot of cut outs, floaty ethereal fabrics, juxtaposition of hard and soft with leather and sheers, and some continuation of last spring's bustiers. Some really cool gladiator-esque knee high footwear at Alexander Wang and Altuzarra. All images from nymag.com.

Jason Wu

Jason Wu

Altuzarra

Altuzarra

Altuzarra

Alexander Wang

Alexander Wang

Alexander Wang

Prabal Gurung

Prabal Gurung

3.1 Phillip Lim

Derek Lam

Thakoon

Target + Neiman Marcus??!!

Image from Target.com

 Target announced today that it would be collaborating with Neiman Marcus to launch a holiday collection in both stores starting December 1st, featuring 24 CFDA member designers. Some of my favorite designers are represented, including Marc Jacobs, Altuzarra, Prabal Gurung, and Derek Lam. As far as I'm aware, these designers have never done a mass market collaboration (I don't count Altuzarra and Prabal Gurung x J Crew), so I'm really excited to see what they come up with on a Target budget. Hope that material quality and construction is up to snuff. Prices range from $7.99 to $499.99, with most items less than $60.

It still seems a little strange to me that two huge retailers would work together like this, but we shall see!
It's hard for me to imagine how some of the fancier red carpet designers, such as Marchesa and Oscar de la Renta will translate to Target, but we will soon find out...

All 24 designers. Image from Proenza Schouler via fashionista.com

Alice + Olivia	Jason Wu	Proenza Schouler
Altuzarra	Judith Leiber	Rag & Bone
Band of Outsiders	Lela Rose	Robert Rodriguez
Brian Atwood	Marchesa	Rodarte
Carolina Herrera	Marc Jacobs	Skaist-Taylor
Derek Lam	Oscar de la Renta	Thom Browne
Diane von Furstenberg	Philip Crangi	Tory Burch
Eddie Borgo	Prabal Gurung	Tracy Reese

NYFW FW'12 Review Part II: Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler and the Rest

Marc Jacobs. All images from nymag.com

I gotta say, I was a lot more inspired by the first few days of FW 2012 Fashion Week; I just found those younger designers (Prabal Gurung, Alexander Wang, Jason Wu) so much more exciting and fresh. Clothes I would want to buy.  A lot of the more established designers (Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren) were just a little boring, all things we've seen before: suiting, tartan, Stepford wives, retro-equestrian American sportswear, respectively. Calvin Klein was particularly serious and austere; such a contrast to the ethereal looks of the spring collection. Marchesa had a bunch of very pretty red carpet worthy gowns, but as usual, never particularly original, nor particularly "fall" feeling. I liked Proenza Schouler's collection, the origami jackets as well as more tailored looks with a bit of Asian inspired brocades, very wearable. Not surprisingly, I also liked Theysken's Theory for cool everyday wear, though it was quite similar to his past collections. Of course Marc Jacobs' show was a standout, he's always exciting and memorable if anything. I'm not sure his collection, with the tulip shaped oversized silhouettes and funny fuzzy hats, was as wearable as some of his recent collections, but it was certainly interesting. As for themes, sheer chiffon or lacy peekaboo looks and Asian brocades and patterns were some recurring themes.
All images from nymag.com

Marc Jacobs. You can't help but smile at his collections. These hats are insane. Part Dr. Seuss, part pimp hats that you buy at Ricky's at Halloween

Marc Jacobs

Proenza Schouler. I really like some of these silhouettes

Proenza Schouler: some interesting fabric choices, very cool

Theyskens Theory. Always cool and super wearable

Victoria Beckham. I actually quite liked the body conscious dresses of this collection. Of course you need to be Beckham thin and a billion feet tall to pull it off

Pretty but predictable Marchesa

Marc by Marc Jacobs. More wearable than the Marc Jacobs line

Donna Karan. I like the center dress with the strong shoulder

Vera Wang

Rodarte

Calvin Klein (so austere!), Thakoon and Zac Posen. Sorry for the clashing looks / colors

Oscar de la Renta (styling very literal), Michael Kors (one of the few non-tartan looks), Ralph Lauren. See commentary above