Stylish with Substance

Lately, I've been yearning for a new Sex and the City; well at least a show (scripted, please!) with women wearing the latest fashions who are likeable (no housewives, thanks) and maybe, only maybe a tad younger.

Michael Patrick King, the man who produced HBO's Sex and the City, has a new sitcom pitched to deliver some of what many women must be craving, but far from all of it. It has the city, the sex and the fashion ... with a cast from a *new-SAT-scoring* age. The set is Queens, the fashion isn't all high, and also unlike his older masterpiece, no one in this twosome is disproportionately wealthier - I guess that tastes quite savory after the unabashed overspending in Sex and the City 2, when Carrie joined the rest of the foursome in (matrimonial, for her, and even greater) fortune.

The series premiered last night on CBS (though it has the aura of The CW) at 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time, and like many pilots, it had jokes that fell flat and characters who were slow to bloom. The preview of next week also wasn't promising.

Still, there's good, even beyond the peeks at high fashion pieces (Chloé, Louboutin and Chanel [for the huge pearl necklace] made the accessories du nuit).

I can imagine myself commisserating and bonding over budget and style with Caroline, the former-heiress of a Madoff type; this rich "b*tch" and "dumb" blonde is actualy nice with a decent business mind and an SAT score in the 99.65 percentile.

The second broke girl is Max, the tough-talking hard worker who, I imagine, won't be keen on talking style with Caroline - which might mean this series is to leave us with a bad taste for fashion, but time will tell and I doubt that's desired by creators. What the girls can share is a business dream and at least some morality, with Max hopefully teaching Caroline to drop all of her inherited "shady business" instincts. Meanwhile, Caroline vowed to impose some self-esteem onto her cynical new friend.

It looks like the goal for this show's series finale, if these girls can make it there, is to strike it rich with a cupcake shop. While baked goods fare well today, the writing of this show threatens to not make anyone in its credits any richer.

Bottom line, if this series picks up, I may at least have some up-through-2011-fashion viewing pleasure met, but I doubt the substance of this show will ever have me addicted like King's queens of HBO. For now, I keep DVRing but I'm finicky, and not just with my own accessories.

Photo credit

(Read Part One, a prelude) On D Day (national debut day, in this case turned slightly doomed for most fashionistas) I had a somewhat normal schedule, as in I couldn't get out shopping until night on that work day. Super normal on a weekday, right? The norm??

Apparently, Missoni is not business as usual when it comes to Targét collabs.

Me, I'm not really a shop-online girl unless it's a necessity for some reason, and living in South Florida, a land of rejecting high fashion (aside from downtown Miami and Boca Raton - IMHO) I saw no necessessity to torture myself with the uncertainty of such things (sizing, mostly, plus "shipping cost" morphed into a single 4-letter word to me amidst recession).

Apparently, the locals agreed ... except seemingly the masses were not held back by normal business hours, and I hadn't anticipated this.

Perhaps when it came to the Target collaboration with Missoni, things changed around my parts. I'm guessing driven by the virtual signature of the brand's items (zigzag = designer = rich! shiny! droooool) people wanted this stuff more.

Around 9 p.m., I arrived at "Sawgrass Super Target" and entered close to the apparel section, then began puzzling at the "Xhilaration" tops under the grand Missoni banner. I asked a nearby, busy employee if Missoni had "all" sold out and was told yes. Cocking my head, I asked about "non-clothing Missoni" (I had been daydreaming about those bright bath towels) and, distracted, she confirmed and added that there were 3 coats left, inexplicably (my opinion) relocated to in front of the women's dressing rooms. (Why weren't they prominent?) Seemingly shocked, she claimed that they had "sold out" by 10 a.m. ... In non-Miami Florida?

Another local Target, later on.

By the night of the 13th, in Sunrise, Florida, there were those puke-colored coats (the ones hung by the fitting rooms) and, despite that one clueless employee telling me the 3 green coats were all that remained, miscellaneous items scattered around, mostly out-of-place and hard to find. Also plenty of notebooks and several shoes (shoes fitting me!) were rightfully stocked. There was one lone, misplaced knit sweater that, luckily in a way, helped me realize I am allergic to these knits, even at Target, a land of non-wool and happiness in cardigans pour moi. (I can't wear any animal fibers except occasionally sheepskin.) This means I don't have to worry about trying to find a dress from this collection in the future, and I can save that money for my personal favorite clothing item, the tie-neck top. (Just saying.)

Finally, there was probably every single last black & white carry-on luggage piece they probably even stocked for that morning. Why? (We're working on theories.)

All this general lack of stock helped me realize that I really, really did want that darned bath towel! Oh well, if it's meant to be it will be.

I did pick up these shoes and the made-for-Target by the makers of Foot Petals inserts to go in 'em. I'm heading back for more of those, I tell ya.

I haven't yet been able to take my own photos of these pumps, and this story's still not quite finished, either! I really wanted to throw this up so I can talk about something else, as well, though. :-)

In the end the question is: was this really worth it to that many people to take the day off to buy discounted "designer" or were there just too many people working their eBay jobs minute 1? Eh? Eh?

"We are suddenly extremely popular."

LOL! I was going to check out fit and details of several items in store before considering checking to see if a certain online-exclusive dress was still available (it's between that or another) and this log-on I was only attempting to check when my Target closes. Too funny.

I do have stories and more from Fashion's Night Out (including photos and more regarding my FNO score!) and other things I need to post, too - and I do plan on taking my camera in to Target tonight, as well.

A great first step to blog after something has caused me to be away is an easy post, like this photo post. Hope you find the image amusing, too - as much as I hope you don't find the situation on Target.com distressing! Good luck, shoppers!

(For in-store items, one could always take a vaction to South Florida; we always have the designer stock ... and the weather should be better soon!! Of course, in order to still save money, that would need to replace an equal-priced vacation in the not-too-distant future. Oy.)

Is Target quality declining (as is the case for at least some other companies in this recession) or is the instance of a "coming apart" clothing item possibly a result of crazy Christmas shoppers?

This photo was taken during the time of Christmas rush, true, but I've never seen such a thing even with years-old mall-brand denim. Jeans have always been known for their ruggedness and holes are usually worn into the knee long before any seams come undone. Denim is like Louis Vuitton bags in item lifespan! Usually, that is the case, but here with this "more premium", William Rast, line at Target, I found this disturbing scene.

It's also true that stitching is not the famously durable portion of denim products. So is this kind of lower quality par for the course with "marts" or, as I suspect, is this a cost-saving measure reserved only to pad profits for the bigger-name brands?

I think I will shop Target with more caution now, even though I enjoy the chain (my small Mulberry bag is great!). I'll likely buy my denim with more  tried-and-true (or at least in my own experience) stores, or perhaps solely shop for the original: Levi's. Still, we must all remember to be cautious consumers especiallly during - even after - a recession, whether in "greedy" America or while dealing with any large corporate products. These are tough  modern times with far lower business morals, but at least Levi's as a company would fall apart of its denim did!

I suppose after this, I must wholly endorse Levi's products for all!

(Yes, that includes petites, like these 27.5" or 29" inseam skinnies. Need! Restock please!) (We do not receive any funding from clicks or purchases of this link or levis.com, currently, or with this post.)

Bummed you missed out on a certain dress or designer line from a big Target collaboration? You may soon be in luck; starting March 13 2011 through April 10, Target is set to bring back a couple dresses each from some of the more popular fast fashion mini collections.

The official list reads: Luella Bartley, Tara Jarmon, Paul & Joe, Behnaz Sarafpour, Proenza Schouler, Libertine, Alice Temperley, Erin Fetherston, Jovovich-Hawk, Rogan, Richard Chai, Jonathan Saunders, Thakoon, Tracy Feith, Rodarte, Zac Posen (pictured), and Tucker.

I think I'll want (another) something Luella Bartley, but I wish they were bringing back more than dresses. It seems a mystery to us why McQ Alexander Mcqueen is not involved. We'll follow the story to see if anything changes.

Below are Hi-Res Previews of Lanvin <3 H&M

So the Lanvin for H&M previews have begun, and I'm continuing to worry that what I want will not show. It's this Amalia bag (preferably tote) I blogged about in 2009, pictured to the right. (This is Lanvin Paris, the full-priced line, for those who don't read blog words - oh wait, nevermind. ;-))

If I'm still left wondering if there's anything at all for me, at least there's FabSugar, with most of their wishlist satisfied already. Of course, they weren't yearning for a purse with a bow (/chain strap). (They probably also aren't restricted to one small buy. ;-))

I'm also not extremely thrilled with the prices and American exchange rate. The best dresses will run about $157 USD and for bags, $40 American for a clutch, on up.

At least the exchange rate isn't what it was a while back, with the U.S. dollar being double of the British Pound - if that were the case now I (and many) would be heartbroken.

Read more price points (for Britain) at Vogue UK.

By the way, no word on pricing for the fabulous pairs of shoes seen below.

On to the eye candy; it is so, so tasty.

Click (above the black) on the pictures for largest size.

I'm home from an event held by TJ Maxx (which is also the same company as Marshalls, they're both really similar, and together a huuuge "buyer" power).

Too aware of the tons of blog posts about this Behind the Seams event that go over all the lessons we learned (and I re-learned, but in a fun way) (search Google and see), I know while I'll be blogging about it, I'll be doing it my own way.

Nanette Lepore: a sample brand (an uber fave of mine!) at a TJ Maxx that has a higher-end section. Search the TJ Maxx website for what's near you.

1. More colors or even styles in those fashion items. Regular department store heads/buyers are too concerned with and worried over what might not sell. The TJ Maxx company posesses the knowledge that they fare better being fearless so they can better appeal to the designers, directly, which is just one small way they get those savings they pass on to "Maxxinista" customers.
2. While one is loading up on $17 jeans or up to %60 marked down items from designers that can range from Gucci to Nanette Lepore to Diesel to The Limited (wait, seriously? Yes, The Limited is at TJ Maxx and not just their own stores - get their great pants fits for less!) ....... annnnyway, while one is loading themselves with all this stuff to try on, she can do that shopping with a shopping cart, instead of a deadening arm. (It's a positive blend of high and low.)

Surely now, more than ever, I am a Maxxinista. Whether it's for those super affordable pants, or later when I have a little more in the budget, going nuts over any Nanette Lepore shipments. Le sighhhh.

There's a lot more to blog about, including, hopefully, what I wore, and even a giveaway or two. But not only am I currently exhausted, but I have a family emergency. I will get to as many posts as I can in the coming days!!! (And I should get to more details about my family plans.)

In the meantime, in between checking back here, of course; feel free to check out a few of the other bloggers who attended:

• www.jewelsfablife.com
• www.beautyandbedlam.com
• www.vivafashionblog.com
• www.coolmomscooltips.blogspot.com (note: plays auto sound/video) *update: Sorry I typed the wrong URL at first. :-)

In the world of iPhone "couture", so far we have at least Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade and Lilly Pulitzer, with more to come, of course, for phone and pad. (Have you found more brand-name cases? Let us know!)

Shoppers’ Guide: With Louis Vuitton covers, you can imagine what they look like: logo’d. It’s classic monogram on a case with surprisingly little function for a “case 3G”, as one must remove the phone from the simple fabric containment in order to use. Its austere luxury goes for $250 (/£155). Buy it here (actual working product link).

Then Lilly Pulitzer covers are just affordable cute ($20). They have girly, colorful patterns that could appeal to any lady, fashionista or not.

At least one of the Kate Spade covers is ultra-chic (pictured, $40). The others are “cute, too”. Go Kate! (Shop all small goods here.)

But then there are Marc Jacobs’s covers, which are only coming soon. The company’s president tweeted recently about their October 2010 debut:

"MJ iPhone covers will be in stores in october!! [sic]" (screen cap below) (Ahh, Twitter. Kudos to Robert Duffy, a rare tweeter, for his short period on the site.)

I’d love to dress m’iPhone up in a new lovely cover, but in which love of mine?

With prices ranging like any items of different brands do, and starting lower than good shoes, a consumer still has a huge decision of which one, and only one, phone cover to purchase. Like a ring tone, this at least seemingly un-changing accessory might say a lot about a woman.

Even as a raging fashionista, your blogger truly is not sure if I personally want a designer cover at this point. Sure, my ring tone is "Fashion" by Lady GaGa, but I'm so much else aside from a fashion follower. (Why double-up a possibly shallow impression? Not a fair one, but it’s a real impression.)

My current cover is hot pink, but if I needed one right now, I'd be thinking pale blue (and not even trendy turquoise). I potentially would love a chic designer cover if it isn't all logo'd, and I do love Spade's, but ... well maybe it's that I don't drink martinis, as the illustrated girl is doing. Can it still call out “me” when the only real representation of myself is that it’s from the same maker of my sunglasses? Perhaps I just haven't met the right designer cover. (Close, but no martini!)

Thing is, even though I’m “over pink”, getting a new case might fall under the category of over-consumerism, even if the “splurge” is for $15, when my current one is holding up so well. And what about next year, another new case then? Hmm. I still plan for pale, pale blue; at some point. I just have priorities.

What about you? What do you think of these covers and what would/did you buy for your gadgets?

Mainstream fashion journalists have held beef against the blogosphere for some time now. What I didn't know is that I may have predicted this in 2006.

I just found an old article (written in December of 2005 actually, but published January 1st, 2006) with this quote, "... the lines of fashion could be blurred as such that the next issue could be a fight between different sides of fashion and its media".

The article, titled "Fashion is the New Pink", explored how far fashion had come by the mid of the last decade.

"Editors on Bloggers" April, 2010

... more

I don't know how proud I should feel about my little bit of foresight. Heck, I don't even remember quite what I had in mind at the time of writing this article. However it does make me smile, and that counts for something.

What counts even more, I think, is that this piece was basically a big warning of the then-impending major recession we're still fighting in the new decade. As I signed off, "overdoing it is the new black", I summed up American's erroneous ways.

Bonus: the entry quotes and links to a lot of blogging friends. Overall, it may be a fun read as either new to you or forgotten ... I hope a gem.

OK I just had to share this possibly unrelated photo I edited... Below I fit it in to the theme, I think ... right?

Princesses are never satisfied...

Inspired by my Charlotte, who's passed onward.

And oh I needed to get some satisfaction! And I've got it. Mostly.

Now* we're putting our money into organizing/decorating our home, building up credit/paying off debt, and saving for a car down payment and then monthly car bills. And after those things are settled, maybe, just maybe, we can complete our family. (With a furbaby, in our case.) ... Currently dreaming of other (non clothes) things because buying shoes (like I did last week during a DSW Memorial Day sale), and then looking at the empty shoe boxes makes me want to fill my heart and cart with more shoes. Too addictive - trying not to look at fashions (that I don't already own, that I can always do, of course). ... Just trying to live my life for love right now, too! *(OK recently there was that horrible/wonderful thing of the COACH discount event, and more recently the completely horrible eBay economy continuing or else said event would cost $0. Le Sigh.)