It's Almost Here: Jason Wu for Target

In a little less than a month, Jason Wu's collection for Target will hit stores and my prediction is that mass chaos will ensue. Jason Wu was a rising star in the fashion world, but over the last couple of years, his popularity has skyrocketed, I guess it doesn't hurt when the First Lady has a major affinity for your designs. His new line for Target is inspired by femininity in French New Wave films and the pieces are seriously adorable. Prices will range from $19.99 to $59.99 for apparel and $19.99 to $49.99 for accessories and the collection will be available from February 5 to March 6, 2012.

Below are some of my favorites from the collection. To view the complete line with prices, click here. Now, I'm off to plot my shopping strategy as I fear that this may turn into the nightmare that was Missoni.

Sunday Best

Last week was pretty dark and dreary. This meant the winter blues were about to kick in. The best cure I could think of was a bright and cheery outfit. I love the bright blue cardigan paired with an even brighter yellow necklace. The key to this outfit lies in keeping the rest of the look neutral. I didn't want to go too heavy on the black, so I decided to go with the taupe booties, which by the way are quickly becoming my new favorites. The leather is so soft and gorgeous and they are super comfortable.

Black Dress - Ann Taylor Loft

Jackie Cardigan - J.Crew

Tights - Target

Eric Michael Soho Booties - Gifted, available here
Chunky Yellow Necklace - Etsy

Brinkley Tassel Bracelet - Gorjana

Clothes I'm Coveting

I'm lusting for spring, but still craving the cozy, warm and embellished touches that come along with winter attire. I have multiple fashion personality disorder. Below are my obsessions of the moment.

Free People Rosey Skirt - I am a serious sucker for rosettes.

Greylin Gold Foil Grey Jacquard Shorts - There's always room in my closet for more sparkle.

Eva Franco Society Dress - I love the mix of textures, cozy collar and vibrant green color of this dress.

 

Topshop Lace Piped Skater Dress - It's dresses like this that make me wish spring were here.

Giambattista Valli Layered Dress - The mix of textures on this dress is pure perfection. The perfect transition from winter to spring.

Sunday Best

I have been all about the J.Crew minnie pant for the past year. But lately I have noticed that the wool version seems to hold up much better than the stretch twill version. If I am going to pay that much for a pair of unlined pants, I want them to last and that's why I was beyond thrilled to see the pair below at H&M this fall. Not only do I love the plaid print, but these pants don't sag nearly as much after wearing for a full day as the J.Crew ones. And the best part of course was the $14.95 price tag! 

 Black Turtleneck - Nordstrom Rack
Skinny Plaid Pants - H&M

Black Peep Toes - Nine West

Holiday Party Style

Now that I had finally found my perfect sequin shorts, I had to pull a look together that was office holiday party appropriate. I wanted to keep the whole look tailored so I paired the shorts with a white shell, structured blazer, black tights and black textured flats. Had this been a non-work event, I would have swapped the flats for black heels.

Velvet Blazer - J.Crew
White Shell - Banana Republic
Jessica Simpson Antoinette Shorts - Macy's* (seen here)
Black Tights - Target

Seychelles Ballet Flats - TJ Maxx

*These shorts are sold out at Macy's, but still available here.

In Search of Holiday Sparkle

I had been looking for a new way to add some sparkle to my holiday outfits and thus my search for sequin shorts began. After searching for what seemed like ages, I found three contenders. They are (from left to right) Jessica Simpson's Antoinette Sequin Shorts, Old Navy's Metallic-Jacquard Shorts and BB Dakota's Alba Matte Sequin Shorts.

Now I realize that the Old Navy version aren't sequined, but they do have a nice gold brocade print that I think has serious potential. On to the reviews.

BB Dakota Alba Matte Sequin Shorts - Size XS

I knew it wasn't a good sign when the first thing said about my new shorts was, "those look like sequin gym shorts." But I have to agree. I knew as soon as I received these that they were going to be huge on me. They run very large in the waist and were definitely too long as well. It's too bad because I really loved this color. Verdict: Passed

Old Navy Metallic-Jacquard Shorts - Size 0

Again, before I even put these on, I knew they would be huge. Old Navy tends to run large in general, but after reading the online reviews of these shorts, I was hoping these would fit true to size. As you can see they didn't at all. They are large in the waist, hips and thighs. They also seem to balloon out at the bottom. Verdict: Passed

Jessica Simpson Antoinette Shorts - Size XS

Surprisingly, these shorts fit perfectly everywhere and I really love the gold color for the holiday season. They do seem a bit short, but I think adding some tights will solve that problem. Verdict: Kept and wore to my work holiday party. See the complete outfit here.

More Pantone? Yes, Please.

As you may already know, I love all things Pantone, so when my friend sent me a picture of these toothbrushes, I knew I had to have them. Once they arrived I had to figure out what to do with them. They obviously couldn't be used as actual toothbrushes. Another friend, who just happens to be obsessed with home decor at the moment, suggested displaying them on the wall of my bathroom. Brilliant! Off to the craft store I went for a shadow box and some industrial strength double-sided tape. Mounting them evenly and straight proved to be a challenge, but I think they look great regardless. A perfect addition to my cheery bathroom.

In other Pantone news, the company has announced it's 2012 color of the year. Say hello to Tangerine Tango (PMS 17-1463). Read more about this vibrant and lively shade of orange here.