Missoni for Target

Missoni for Target is out!  However, I'd suggest waiting for Target to restock, since much of its items sold out on the first day!

What would you get?

Missoni for Target® Women's Shoulder Bag - Passione

 Missoni for Target® Short-Sleeve Knit Dress - Multicolor Zigzag Print

Missoni for Target® Cardigan Sweater - Multicolor Zigzag Print

 

I personally like their cardigans, however, the material quality doesn't seem to be that good, and it's sold out both in stores and online.  However, I will try tracking down some of the items later!

Support Stacy Lomman on Kickstarter!

Fashion has been increasingly outsourced to outside countries, making costs for producing American-made clothing more expensive for smaller designers.  Stacy Lomman is using Kickstarter to fund her Spring 2012 collection, "Biohazard".  Help support the economy!  Clothing made in the United States are more expensive, but are often of better quality, and ensure that laborers have a higher standard of living that the US is so acclaimed for.  Pledgers of $20 or more on Kickstarter will also receive bonuses like bracelets, calenders, and even VIP seating at her show.

Hurry!  There are only 12 days left to fund her show, and she still needs $1865 to reach her goal, or else she doesn't get a single cent.  Pledge + More Info Here!

Her Fall Show:

Fall 2011: 3.1 Phillip Lim

I think I may always be a person who loves eccentric fashion.  However, the sky-scraping carved heels at Alexander McQueen and the opulent luxury of Chanel are too extravagant for "real life", which is why the casual minimalism at Phillip Lim appeals to me with it's simplicity.  Texture, draping and basic colors are the main focus of the collection, yet it doesn't suffer from being boring or monotonous.  One of the clever details that caught my eye was the tying of the scarves and sweaters.  This unusual detail is simple but makes but the clothing have a messily put together vibe, without being sloppy.  And the textures.  Tweeds, satins, cardigans, leather- gorgeous!  It adds a richness to the collection that you can almost feel (literally).

As a whole, I would say this collection is very refined and elegant-with a twist on minimalism and of course, modern.  I didn't totally go awaroq9qfg on it, but there a lot of elements I liked.  Can you look at that scarf, in the second look?  I want a scarf like that, to tie in a bow and attach to my ridiculously long, unbuttoned tweed vest.  Yep.  With the green pants too!

Target GO International Collection

Lately I've been frequenting a lot of style and body image blogs.  This got me thinking more about I how I express myself through clothing.  A lot of what I wear is casual, with random accessories thrown in, hence the lack of outfit posts.  I wish I could dress more interestingly, but my current schedule and budget prevents it.  On the other hand, I feel that peer pressure is also a reason for the lack of creativity...and the fact that everyone around me is perpetually stuck in skinny jeans and Abercrombie.  Didn't that fad die a long time ago?

But encompassing many of the trends propelling the Target collections is the newest collection composed of 34 dresses created by former collaborating designers.

The lookbook can be found here: Target Designer Collective Lookbook

Fall 2011 RTW: Creatures of the Wind

Happy Valentine's day, guys!  Or Singles Awareness Day or whatever you want to call it...(my favorite so far has been 'forever alone' day).  I finally started checking over the Fall 2011 collections and discovered a brand I had previously not encountered before.  I'll admit, I checked it out mostly because of the name (Creatures of the Wind?  How could I not?), but I was really digging the retro-inspired vibes from the collection a lot.

 

I don't know why, but I really like this look.  I don't like that the skirt is rather sheer, but the combination of the sweater + embroidered skirt just gives off an oddly appealing school matron vibe...strange, I know.

A more elegant look.  I still like it because of the unusual shoe choice, but spruce it up with some jewelry and an evening bag (do people still say that?), plus high heels and this could turn into an outfit for a more formal party.

Finally, the outfit that got me interested in the collection in the first place.  Again, I saw a really retro school-inspired theme throughout the whole collection, which was reiterated here.  The color scheme would seem out of place anywhere else, yet it works in this outfit, each part of the outfit echoing the texture or saturation of another element.  And the shoes kind of scare me.  But they seem like an interesting weapon, so that's a plus?


So, yay!  I know many of you are starting to get bored with the retro vintage hipster old school thing that's been floating around for a while, but this collection, even though it wasn't groundbreaking, was still interesting for me because of the way they incorporated those common elements into something visually interesting and fun.

Word of the Day

Or rather, words.

"Ironically Preppy" are two words I never want to hear.  Especially not when describing a cape:

Sure, she looks like a misguided school girl.  But this is not "ironic", because there is no context to suggest that the way she is wearing it is ironic.  Something is NOT automatically ironic if say, you wear a school uniform blazer but are 10 years too old for school.  Irony is being overused in our culture, and my Literature teacher is probably not happy.


Here is the rest of the slightly unrealistic article:  http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/winter-coats-to-fit-your-budget-2415467/

In other news, the William Rast for Target photos are out!  They don't include the prices of the items, but here it is: William Rast for Target

Now, finals are coming up (eek!) and I am off to study!

Rodarte Spring/Summer 2011

Oh Rodarte.  You never fail to intrigue me with your steadily evolving collections.  I think personally that this season's clothes are...more raw?  I don't know, Rodarte's inspiration has always been from different sources, but you could tell that this collection was more woodland/childhood themed, with wood prints and lots of contrasting layers.

 Love the texture of it all, but the shapes were...simpler?  Or just a different look?  The shoes, though were EPIC though you can't see them well from this picture.

Prints and shapes.  I see they are into the ankle socks and sandals trend!  But sheer!

This is something that I would personally wear.  Well, if the weather was hot down there and cold up there, that is.

 And finally, something to contrast the woody vibe!  Preppy seems like something that's in one collection or another, or so the style.com's "get the look" button tells me.  This look is like Rodarte for people who want something more "wearable", to over use that term.  I like the pattern on the pants, and just the simplicity of a shirt+pants combo.

I don't know if I like this collection more than previous ones, but for sure, there were a lot of interesting looks in this collection.  And as always, Rodarte never fails to wow me with their shoes. (Seriously, go find a picture of their amazing wedges.  You must!)

Also:  This week is Banned Books Week and No-Makeup Week.  I never wear makeup anyway, so that one is easy.  I love banned books, though, because I am in love with the idea of free thinking.  And anti-establishment.  In fact, we're going to be reading one such controversial book next week!

Banned Books List

Images from style.com

Jason Wu Spring/Summer 2011

NYFW started and no one told me?  Wha?
Well, to be honest, I was studying, so that might have been it...but now the collection reviews will commence!

What a classy collection.  I'll be honest again: when I think of Jason Wu, I still think of Michelle Obama.  And even though she wouldn't wear the sheer blouses prominently featured in this collection, I can see why she enjoys his designs.  The shapes and color of the dresses in this collection really invokes a bright, feminine but still modern outlook on fashion here, similar to the image she is trying to project.

 Exaggerated geekiness can be so chic, you know.

Lady on safari!  Like the huge bow, reminds me of Tavi's, and the ensemble is balanced out.
Another thing I like about Jason Wu's collections is that the impact is on the clothes, not the shoes.  And before you readers shun me, I would like to explain that it is because they aren't overly complicated, and don't detract form the clothes in general.  I love sculptural shoes, but they don't fit in with his "classic" looks.  The shoes and bags are still beautiful, but simpler and more wearable.

I don't really think this fits in with the rest of the collection, but the dress looks like it is made out of rose petals!  So of course, I had to include this quirky piece.  More sculptural than wearable.

I like this Spring collection, because it reminds me of spring, instead of Missoni resort reminding me of...winter.  Big surprise, eh?  Even though I prefer designers that are more avant-gare, I still enjoyed this collection for the simplicity and elegance of it all, and the exaggerated contrast between the feminine blouses and bows and the tailored suits.  However, the outfits in general form a cohesive "look", keeping it from yo-yoing back and forth.  It looks to be a solid, well performing collection that will inspire trends and knock offs next year.  I suggest you see the full collection, to get a glimpse of the colorful turbans and gauzy dresses(wanted to keep the pictures appropriate here).

Images from style.com

Topshop Fall/Winter Lookbook

We don't even have a Topshop here, but I saw the "Out of the Wild" lookbook on Nitrolicious and had to share:

Love the drapey skirt and the boots.  Kind of reminds me of Marc Jacob's fall collection.  Delicate and punk!

Ooh, pom poms.  So fun and whimsical in such a dreary and harsh setting (apparently it was supposed to look like a post-apocalyptic world?)

The headband is back...oh wait, it never went away.  I like the combination of the ripped shrug over the floaty dress.  Like a combat-boots wearing princess who could lead a band of survivors into the destroyed world...(I'm thinking too much into the setting, aren't I?)

Basically, I'm interested whenever a collection incorporates dark, depressing elements in it...but only when it can be used for dramatic appeal.

And for this fall, I want...slightly grunge/punk boots, flowy tops and dresses combined with more structured, utilitarian pieces, heavy knits and interesting accessories.  Of course, come this fall it will be combined with a heavy workload and a depressing attitude.  Yay.

Givenchy Fall Couture 2010

For a while, I wasn't exactly enamored with this collection.  Maybe it was because of the skin-toned bodysuit covering under all the lace and fringe.  But gradually, I became more accepting of the oddly layered outfits, then became almost enraptured by the intricate detailing of the gowns and the regal air around the collection.  Very couture.

Frida Kahlo was one of the inspirations for this collection, but the dresses looked nothing like her vivid portraits.  Instead, the collection was influenced by her obsession with "religion, sensuality, and, given the painter's lifelong battle with spinal pain, the human anatomy". (Tim Blanks)

The colors rather remind me of the Rodarte fall collection, with pale colors and incessant fabric detailing.  However, apparently there were morbid hints hidden in this collection.  A skeleton, skulls, and bones were cleverly incorporated into these seemingly innocent designs.

This collection reminded me of the obsessive appeal of couture.  The dedacence, yet the meaning behind the clothes, was thoughtful and intriguing.  An excellent example of an extravagant collection that still has thought value.

Chanel Fall/Winter 2011

Just look at this pictures form Chanel's fall/winter show:

Is that a giant pearl and lion sculpture behind them?  Why is Baptiste wearing a lion mask/headgear?  What is Karl Lagerfeld going to do with that sculpture after the show is done?  (But, how cool is that?)

Image from socialitelife.celebuzz.com

More Resort 2011

Collette Dinnigan:

Well, maybe not inspiring or particularly modern in a sense, THIS is what I want to be wearing in the summer.  And also what I probably should have worn to graduation instead of a conservative, faded sweater and a knit dress.
I mean, Resort is what bridges the gap between Spring and Fall collections, right?  And isn't that called SUMMER?  As much as I enjoy some of the minimalistic looks from other Resort collections, I can't imagine wearing them in 80 degree weather.  They felt like more pre-Fall (which is like SUMMER, right?).
But anyway, I love the colors.  The style is so simple, yet perfect because of that.

More lace, anyone?

Missoni:

Ooh!  Do I see blatant subcultural references in this collection?  Again, not something comfort-appropriate for summer, but anything with subcultural fashion references (usually) catch my interest.

Like the shoes!  And the possibly vertigo-inducing print.

Really, not much I wanted to say, I was just browsing a couple of random resort collections.  I've been posting sporadically again, but somehow I've been having a lot of stuff on my hands.  Also, can you believe the U.S. won against Algeria?  I usually don't watch sports, but that last goal scored was pretty epic.  And other stuff, as usual, is going on in Canada and with relations with Russia (which I think are getting better?)
Okay.  Back to watching the Russian Sherlock Holmes and maybe slacking off/being busy.

Images from style.com

Stella McCartney Resort 2011

I wasn't really inspired by anything from the 2011 resort collections, and I didn't have anything I wanted to post, because it's summer and I wanted to sleep in (didn't get to, unfortunately, but then I saw the Stella McCartney Resort collection on geometric sleep and it was SO GOOD.

   It reminds me of the dress a friend wore to graduation.  One shoulder, floral lace design, paper doily-like shoulder poof?  Good enough for me.

I loved all the shapes of the dresses this collection.  So frock like, resembling the coat Madeleine wore in... Madeleine.  Like a paper doll in antique patterned paper.  (Sensing a pattern with paper, vintage patterns, and florals here?)(more on floral later)

Amazing.  I loved all the florals in this collection, because they seemed so new and inspired, more like a greenhouse than wallpaper.  This (first) was even more epic from the side, but the only picture was on geometric sleep.  Scroll down, and look.  The second dress is also amazing, something I would personally buy if I had the money.

 Well tailored, I think we might see someone wearing this on the red carpet soon.  I kind of dislike the pants though, because together with the jacket, they make the silhouette seem elliptic.  Or maybe it's her hands.  The collar is an interesting touch; it makes the ensemble slightly different from it's-a-suit-in-black-and-white.

I also liked the cross cut jackets, but not the color.  Too fall-like.  Well, maybe this one is okay.

To summarize: well tailored, crisp, clean looks for Resort 2011, with "fresh" (I know, overused) floral patterns, a touch of vintage charm, cohesive (or at least wearable) colors and interesting shapes, even though she reused a few designs.  So yes.  It makes me want to dress up and have a fancy occasion to go to (which I am usually not one for).

Images from style.com

Liberty for Target

How come I didn't hear about this one?  I guess that's what I get for not having phone or Internet connection for a week.  Anyway, the trip was great.  Later I'll probably post pictures of the amazing scenery (guess where!).  I just got back, and was going to watch Alice in Wonderland, but I missed the showing because our clock was off.  Now for more info!

 

Hey, I'll like any collection that has an awesome flower-print bicycle in it.  I need a new one!

Can you tell I'm in an Alice in Wonderland mood?  I love the combination of the colors and design.  ...Now all I need is a teacup set.

And an umbrella.  Trust me, even though I may not sound excited, I would so buy any of these pieces.  If only to remodel my room into an vintage museum.

The only things I didn't like were the cut and style of some of the clothes.  The women's clothes looked very cheap and I felt the styles were not the best they could have come up with.  But the patterns?  It would be worth it for the fabric patterns alone.

China Fashion Week S/S 2010

This is freakishly late, but a commenter on a different blog reminded me about it.  And hey, it's going to be spring soon right?  (As soon as the rain stops)

 

So pretty.  It reminds me of peasant dresses/video game warriors/computer language/rick rack.

 

Swiss cheese shoes!  I guess theoretically, someone could take a picture through these.  Shiny, disco ball tights too.

 A bird in your hair...or on your shoulder.  The hair is kind of reminiscent of Chanel.  I like the peasant, it reflects the culture of the country.

Pictures from http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au

Overall, from the pictures I've seen, the looks were all over the place, some Gothic, some modern Japanese influences, some very eclectic and modern avant-garde-think geometric accessories and paper clocks, some traditional Chinese dance-inspired.  It was interesting, and different from other countries' Fashion Weeks, including a cosmetic show and looks for that.

What country's Fashion Week are you most interested in?

Jean Paul Gaultier for Target

What is with these Target collections?!  One after another, I'm getting confused...Jean Paul Gaultier for Target is coming out on March 7, exactly when I leave for a school trip for 5 days (bad timing!).  However, Target was right to do so many collections with these designers.  Even though they may not translate directly from the designers' minds to the lower-end mass market, they still imbue some wonderful designs to the broke peoplez (like me).  I think this collection has some fun prints and some nicely structured pieces to last through the not-quite-spring phase. 

And, I still need a dress.  Preferably something semi-formal, for spring or summer.  Any ideas?

The Looks for Jean Paul Gaultier for Target can be found here: Fabsugar

Zac Posen for Target

  Dang, Target.  You're on a roll this year.  With all these limited edition collections, you'd think Tasrget was moving up-scale.  Then you hear about a temporary plan to make Target stores more like Costco, cutting higher-end merchandise and introducing more necessary items like towels and packaged food.  Why?  Cool stuff for cheap is also a neccesity in this economy.  Anyway, they did a good job on the winter Rodarte collection, and I'm expecting similar quality (or at least good designs) for the Zac Posen for Target collection.  When I saw the lookbook on Fashionista.com, I was not dissapointed (yet).  It's more colorful and ready for summer, and gives me a chilling-on-the-beach-in July vibe.

I love that dress.  I've been wanting a denim-look dress for a while, and that looks so slouchy and casual.  The belt is interesting too.

The raincoat is an unique addition.  I like the lines of the coat, and the contrast with the black skirt.
Will anyone be looking forward to this collection?

Images from Fashionista.com