The Sartorialist

Speaking of inspiration, I'm getting back into my near-daily obsession with The Sartorialist. Of course, the premise here is that these are just average, everyday people he sees on the street. So, clearly, he lives in some parallel universe because these photos are not representative of my own city streets in any way. Regardless, it's a fun break in the day.

Boden USA - Fab Jersey Dress

It's been so long since I've done a post that I almost forgot how to even log into my account! But, alas, spring is finally here and a new crop of inspiration abounds. I found this super cute dress at Boden and felt compelled to share...It's like a flower blooming with all this color!

** Just a note of caution about Boden - shipping time is a minimum of TWO weeks so don't try to order in a rush (as I did) because the UK is very far away indeed.

Stay tuned for more spring-time inspirations....

- CS

Anya Hindmarch for Target - Sneak Peek!

Just a little taste of what we can expect when this collection arrives in Target stores nationwide on October 12. I think it looks really cute! Can't wait to see them in person.

Anya Hindmarch for Target : LOOK ONE

A curvaceous shoulder bag black faux patent, features gold metal clasp detail and faux python tonal trim.

Price: £27.95

Anya Hindmarch for Target : LOOK THREE

A capacious tote in faux patent with studded base and gold detailing.

Price: £27.95


Anya Hindmarch for Target : LOOK FOUR in Black

A confident oversized clutch in faux patent with statement buckle to front.

Price: £11.50

Anya Hindmarch for Target : LOOK FOUR in Cream

A confident oversized clutch in faux patent with statement buckle to front.

Price: £11.50

Anya Hindmarch for Target : LOOK FIVE

A classic shaped faux naplak top handle day bag with gold and faux python trim detail. Features studded base and front zipped pocket.

Price: £25.95

Anya Hindmarch for Target : LOOK NINE

A curvaceous shoulder bag black faux patent, features gold metal clasp detail and faux python tonal trim.

Price: £27.95

Anya Hindmarch for Target : LOOK TEN

A classic shaped faux naplak top handle day bag with gold and faux python trim detail. Features studded base and front zipped pocket.

Price: £27.95

Home Shopping Network

Admittedly, the only reason I found myself at the Home Shopping Network website was because I saw the below necklace from Patricia Fields' jewelry line in a magazine and it fits the bill for the statement necklace of my dreams for fall. Of course, this necklace was completely sold out and I was pretty disappointed with the rest of her things.

So, after looking around a bit I found a few other "celebrity" jewelry lines of note from both Iman and even Tori Spelling - I had no idea!

Let's start with Iman - There were a few things from this collection that I liked (see below ), but ultimately I found it to be a little too "global chic" as the copy repeatedly suggests.

IMAN Global Chic Necklace - $89.95 (or 4 payments of $24.99!)

IMAN Global Chic Goddess Ring - ON SALE $34.95

IMAN Global Chic Amber-Inspired Bold Bangle Duo - $44.95 (or 3 payments of $14.98)

Next up, Tori Spelling...I have to say, I personally did not care for much here. I can't help but wonder if she was feeling overly nostalgic for her childhood days spent on the Dynasty set when she put this collection together. Think a-night-on-the-town with Krystle Carrington. I did fine one necklace that had statement necklace potential but at $89.95, I had to pass. Still cute though...

Unbelievably, there are also lines from long-time YSL muse Loulou de la Falaise, Tina Knowles (which looks remarkably similar to Tori's line), and Susan Lucci.

But just as I was feeling discouraged, I found the Scoop NYC section and felt a little better. Yes, the prices for the typical high-end brands that Scoop carries are still a little steep, but HSN's trademark "flexpay" payment plan makes the prices dangerously easy to stomach somehow. I love layaway!

7 for all Mankind "Ginger" Wide Leg Jeans - $155 (or 3 easy payments of $51.67!)

Stuart Weitzman Snake Embossed Leather Pumps - $395 (or 4 easy payments of $98.75!)

R.J. Graziano Deco Necklace - $68 (or 2 easy payments of $34!)

People's Best Dressed List

People Magazine's annual Best & Worst Dressed List hits news stands tomorrow so let's discuss...

First, you have the "obvious and obligatory" - Kate Hudson, Gwyneth, Charlize and SJP. There's not doubt that these ladies have exceptional style every year, but they've certainly all graced their fair share of Best Dressed Lists already...

Two that were probably expected but I was still delighted to see - Anne Hathaway & Eva Mendes. Anne has been such a force on the red carpet in the last year and it doesn't hurt certainly that she still manages to looks so incredible amidst all her personal turmoil. And, is Eva Mendes just the ultimate bombshell or what? After just seeing The Women over the weekend, I'm confident that she would look good in a trash bag, but nonetheless she does have a lovely and feminine style that I like.

Also included on the list: Rihanna whose style I find to be a little one-trick-ponyish, frankly...Fergie, who I think is cute enough and all but best dressed?....followed by Heidi Klum who I think looks better with no make-up at the park with her kids than she does on the red carpet. ...And, lastly, Michelle Obama, whose style we can expect to hear about endlessly over the next month, whether it's particularly interesting or not.

In my opinion, there were a few ladies who were woefully overlooked - Rachel Bilson, Leighton Meester, Blake Lively, Carla Bruni, Nicole Richie, Julianne Moore, Selma Blair, Diane Kruger, Bee Schaffer, etc...and I'm sure I'm missing many more! Feel free to comment on who you think should have been included.

And, of course, I'll be interested to see who made the worst dressed list as well...I've heard that we can expect to see the missteps of Paula Abdul, Lucy Liu and poor Patricia Arquette who has never met a Worst Dressed List she didn't already know....

Reader Tip - ChickDowntown.com

One of my very stylish readers recently left a comment about the super-chic website, ChickDowntown.com, which I have foolishly not included in my repertoire until now! She's a fan of their collection of Erickson Beamon jewelry and after taking a closer look - I am, too. I was immediately drawn to the 2 dramatic pieces below - Glenda Earrings ($408) and the Narrow Glenda Cuff ($523).


After staring at these until my eyes teared up, I quickly scurried over to the SALE section to see if I could find a little pick me up.

And, I wasn't disappointed....If you're still in the mood for summer fashion, then you won't be either.

Foley + Corinna Flower Print Dress
Originally $385....Now $192.50

Is this a Blair Waldorf dress or what? Enough said.

AKA New York Kaleidoscope Diamond Shell Top

Original Price $298....Now $149

Very cute and very unique - could wear this all kinds of ways.

Theory Myrrh Mahira Dip Dye Volta
Original Price $180....Now $90
I know, I know...a little pricey for a cotton tank, but from the looks of the Spring '09 shows, it appears the dip dye look is sticking around and I love this color. I can really rationalize anything...



Juicy Couture Clementine Orange Lucinda Sandals
Original Price $288....Now $144
Just totally cute. Love the orange. Good spend for a whole summer's worth of wear.


Robert Rodriguez Marble Cuff Shorts
Original Price $288....Now $184
Again, pricey for shorts, but these aren't just any shorts! The material and cut really sets them apart - you could wear these casual or dressy.


Trina Turk Orchid Alejo Halter Dress
Original Price $328....Now $164
If the first dress channeled Blair Waldorf, this one channels Serena van der Woodsen. Boho chic never seems to go out of style.



12th Street by Cynthia Vincent V-Neck Printed Cami
Original Price $195....Now $97.50
Just thought this print was fun and light and artsy - all the things I love about summer clothes.

Target Update

Isaac Mizrahi has a really cute fall collection at Target right now and it looks like good basics - not at all like his usual stuff which can be so distinct and easily recognizable that you may as well just wear the Target shopping bag. This, of course, defeats the whole purpose of shopping at Target.

But I digress....I especially love the cashmere collection below - there's lots of colors available, I just really liked the winter whites... Cashmere Capelet - $149.99, Cashmere V-Neck Sweater $49.99 and Cashmere Turtleneck Dress - $99.

Also, on the Target horizon - 3 very exciting new guest designer collections coming up next month....

Jonathan Saunders will be the 13th GO International Collection due in stores on October 5th. I'm still smarting from the less-than-stellar Richard Chai collection back in August so I'm naturally wary of this sneak peak of the collection featured in NY Magazine. I must say, I do like the artsy-ness of it all, but I'm just not sure anything I see here has a place in my closet. We'll see.....

British handbag designer, Anya Hindmarch, will launch her collection for Target on October 12th and I'm predicting a serious frenzy for these. Here are a few from her fall '08 collection available now at Saks....Prices are $1,250, $1,195 and $460, respectively. Hence, the serious frenzy....





And last, but not least, fabulous footwear girls Kari Sigerson and Miranda Morrison will launch a limited-edition collection, Sigerson Morrison for Target, also on October 12th. I've always loved their shoes so this is exciting indeed.