LIBERTY OF LONDON FOR TARGET

My Recessionista Review on the Liberty of London for Target is still work in progress because I have so much to say about this collection. I promise it will be really good and it will be published within the next couple of days.

For now, check out their gorgeous spreads:

Recessionista Review: Jean Paul Gaultier for Target

The name Jean Paul Gaultier a.k.a JPG has been in my fashion dictionary for a very very long time. I have not personally owned anything from JPG till now. All thanks to Target again! Before I went to Target today, I did my research and there were many pieces that I loved and have a high chance of adding to my wardrobe. Then again, with every Designer for Target Collection, there is a hit or miss syndrome.

My verdict:

1. Pass on all the dresses in this collection unless you have lots of cash to spare. They were all either plasticy, papery, or yucky polyestery material....I don't even know a word that can describe it, but you get the idea. The floral eyelet one here that I loved a lot was also disappointing. If you don't believe me, go see them for yourself.

2. If you have $199 to spend, definitely get the leather jacket. It is comparable to the contemporary labels you see at Saks or Neiman Marcus.

3. Don't just trust the photos you see on Target.com, try it on! That was how I found that this nautical inspired top was a gem! The detailing on it is unique, and the stripes are so JPG! For $19.99, it was a steal! Great with leggings too I must say!

My 2 winning pieces out of the 8 pieces I tried on from this collection. I will not post the photos of the remaining 6 pieces because they were too horrid to be seen by the general public.

Not to be worn together but I did it to save time

So what did I get from the Jean Paul Gaultier for Target collection?
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Jean Paul Gaultier for Target Anchor Braid Knit Top - Navy/Cream $19.99

I will seriously consider getting the leather moto jacket...if they still have any left....which then means that it was meant to be mine, but it was hard for me to swallow that $199 price today.

Review: Anna Sui for Target Inspired by Gossip Girl

Top Row (L-R): 1 2 3 4 5 Bottom Row (L-R): 6 7 8 9

Here is the long awaited review of the Anna Sui for Target collection inspired by who else but our 4 favorite (or not so favorite) girls of Gossip Girl. I was the guinea pig last Saturday, trying on every single piece of this collection that was available at the stuffy Target store. There were definitely several hits and misses in this collection which I am about to give my 2-cents worth here. Let's start with the 9 outfits shown above. Amongst these outfits, my favorites before heading to the store were 1,2,3,6,7,8.

Top row: The white dress (1) was no where in sight, so disappointment number one as that was my most favorite. Grey dress (2) looked like a piece of gray carpet with shiny spikes on it, so another disappointment, 1 out of 5 stars. Black dot sheer dress (3) was better than what I expected, it is actually cute with leggings, definitely at least a 3/5 stars and worth the $44.99. For sizing, do get at least one size up if you have bigger hips or thicker arms or you will rip the chiffon fabric when you sit. Outfits 4 and 5, don't bother because they are not flattering and the fabric isn't good quality. They both get 2/5 stars from me.

Bottom Row: The sheer black/white/red dress gets 3/5 stars because it has a cute print, but not really worth the $49.99 price tag in my opinion. The sizing runs big though, so do get a size smaller than your normal size. Outfit 7 is a winner, 4.5/5 stars! I loved the leather jacket (which I didn't get to try on because there wasn't any in my size) and the black dress is so Blair and looks well made. See my photo below wearing that black dress. Do get one or two sizes up if you have a smaller waist and bigger hips because this dress is made to fit someone who has a straight figure. I give a thumbs-up for outfit 7! Outfit 8 and 9 are 3.5/5 stars because even though they are cute to look at, they didn't do me justice at all.

Pardon my tummy I just ate a full meal :P

My other favorite from this collection that is worth consideration is this wrap dress below. I didn't get it because I had a budget of $100 and I could only choose 1 dress.

Black Silk Wrap Dress $59.99

So after an hour in the fitting room, I walked out of Target that day purchasing these 2 Anna Sui designed items for under $100.

Black Seersucker Dress with Lace $59.99

Fringe Bib Tee $24.99

As for the rest of the collection that were not mentioned here, I didn't quite care for them either because of the design, the fabric, the cut, or all three. You may like something that I don't, so I hope that this review has helped you in making your purchases from the Anna Sui for Target collection.

Nicky Hilton Wearing Vena Cava for Gap

I blogged about Gap's design editions in a previous entry here. I finally got a chance to check out that collection myself and I fell in love with the Vena Cava Dress. I recently saw Nicky Hilton wear that same dress to a Lakers party. You can get almost the same look with these shoes (below) from GoJane.com for only $21.20, get it here. Oh, by the way that Vena Cava dress is on sale at gap.com now for $74.99 down from $88! Get it here.

Alexander Wang and Vena Cava for Gap Design Editions

If you are a big fan of khaki then definitely wait no more and head to your nearest Gap or at least check out their website. The finalists for the 2008 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund designed this exclusive limited edition collection - fully inspired by classic Gap Khaki.

Alexander Wang, Albertus Swanepoel, and Vena Cava have put together this fabulous collection. I have always been a huge fan of Alexander Wang's designs, the only downside is the price. Now I can finally own a piece of Alexander Wang's designs all thanks to Gap. If you are on a budget like me, these are the pieces that you should definitely check out. However, please do not wear all 3 pieces together unless you want to be a fashion disaster or a safari queen in the Amazon rainforest.

Alexander Wang Motorcycle Jacket $88

Albertus Swanepoel Khaki Fedora $39.50

Vena Cava Boyfriend Khakis $69.50

Jimmy Choo for H&M Collection

It is official! The Jimmy Choo for H&M will hit 200 selected stores worldwide on November 14, 2009. This collection will include both men's and women's shoes, bags, and accessories, but just women's clothing...sorry guys!

H&M's Margareta van den Bosch with Tamara Mellon of Jimmy Choo

The Jimmy Choo we know of today is the "brainchild" of British Vogue Accessories Editor Tamara Mellon who is the sole owner of the company. The man himself Jimmy Choo, is a shoemaker by profession. A Malaysian citizen, Jimmy had very humble beginnings but his craftsmanship and designs soon received international fame when they were featured in an 8-page spread in a 1988 Vogue issue.

The man himself - Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choos are made with the most luxurious, comfortable fabrics the industry has to offer; from the incredibly sleek, stacked heels to the sultry, knee-high leather boots. His impeccable designs have achieved a huge following from women all across the globe; including Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and The City who once was only faithful to Manolos, also fell in love with Jimmy Choos! Jimmy Choos don't come cheap though with their 3-figure price tags. So great news for us Recessionistas, we can finally have a piece of couture for a fraction of its price. H&M has once again made me a very happy Recessionista!

Carlos Falchi to Design for Target

Woohoo! That was my first response when I heard the news that Carlos Falchi will be the 8th handbag designer to create a limited edition line for Target. Target never fails to disappoint me in my shopping wishes. I have dreamed of getting a Carlos Falchi handbags for a long long time, and now I can finally get my very own Carlos Falchi handbag at my favorite store - Target at a recessionista-friendly price.

Carlos Falchi Pearlized Python $2675, Crocodile Fringe, Floral Python $2025

Carlos Falchi is well-known for his signature faux and genuine snake skin handbag designs. His SS06 collection was the most luxurious as well as the most expensive to date; utilizing exotic skins like deer, alligator, crocodile, python, and goat hand-dyed in colors ranging from pastels to jewel tones to neutrals. First Ladies and Celebrities alike love Carlos Falchi's designs. In his early career, Jackie O Kennedy, Nancy Regan, Madonna and Cher were some of his biggest fans. His celebrity fan base now includes Sienna Miller, Jessica Simpson and Eva Longoria.

The Carlos Falchi for Target collection promises the same decadence of luxury but at a fraction of its cost. His 13 faux snakeskin handbags consist of gorgeous juicy jewel tones in reds, purples, greens, along with a couple of collage and patchwork styles. Mark your calendars! This collection will be in Target stores and online from October 11th to December 27th. Target has not released photos of the collection yet, but I will post them on my blog as soon as they do. Stay tuned!

Matthew Williamson for H&M Summer ‘09 Collection

I know this post might come a little late because Matthew Williamson's Summer collection has already hit about 1600 H&M stores worldwide on May 15th, and are probably sold out in stores by now. Just as my girlies and I expected from Matthew Williamson, his summer collection for H&M is even better than his spring collection that was limited edition. where people were waiting in long lines to get into the store, and then to fight over a piece of garment. See my previous entry to see the video of that catfight. I know! :)

If you didn't get anything from this collection, this is your chance. My girlies and I divided what we managed to get from our MW for H&M shopping haul, and these are some extras we got. All Brand New With Tags. Email me at IAmRecessionista@gmail.com for more information on photos of actual items, prices and sizing measurements. Items will be shipped from the US. One piece each available, don't regret it if you didn't act fast. Most of Matthew Williamson's collection comes with 4-figure price tags. So, this is your chance to get it for much less.

Item 1: Parrot Print Floral Dress

Item 2: Swirl Print Kaftan Tunic

Item 3: Swirl Print Sunglasses

Item 4: Parrot Print Kaftan Top

Target Designer Collaborations: Anna Sui (Gossip Girl Inspired)

I am a big fan of the CW hit show Gossip Girl and love many of the ensembles from my favorite characters Blair Waldorf and Serena Van Der Woodsen. It is a fact though that many of the gorgeous ensembles that these upper east side girls from the Constance Billiard School for Girls wear, come with pretty hefty price tags; including those from my all-time favorite designer Anna Sui.

So I literally shouted for joy when I heard that Anna Sui is going to release a capsule collection for Target Designer Collaborations - inspired by the four main female characters from Gossip Girl - Serena, Blair, Vanessa, Jenny! We will be seeing lots of metallic jacquard, herringbone, silk and chiffon and detailing with tulle, lace and sequins in this collection.

Hold your horses though because the collection won't be available till this Fall, and it won't be available at all Target stores (just 250 of them, so please check if it is going to be at the Target near you) and Target.com from September 13 through October 17.

I love Blair's Anna Sui Teal Chiffon Blouse!

I love Vanessa's Anna Sui Shape and Splendor Dress ($550 at Anthrpologie)

Target Go International Flights of Fashion: Tracy Feith

I have been marking my calendar for the past 3 years every time Target announces the next hot designer's collection for its GO International Flights of Fashion. My personal Go International collection started with Paul & Joe collection (sob...I missed the Luella Bartley collection), then Behnaz Sarafpour, Proenza Schouler, Libertine, then Alice Temperley and into their most recent collection. In every collection, I would pick between 1 to 3 items based upon design, quality and cut. I missed some collections along the way, but for the most part, I own pieces from 9 out of their 14 collections launched so far.

I can't wait for the new Tracy Feith line launching May 17th. His line features beach separates, which will include swimsuits, dresses, shorts, and even a motorcycle leather jacket! This collection ranges from $14.99 to $44.99; with the leather jacket being the highest priced item at $139.99. I have to wait and see for myself if it is worth my moolah (which means money, a slang term I learned a while back). Oh, I am such a sucker for leather jackets, hopefully this one won't let me down! I am also eyeing some of the summer dresses. Feast your eyes on these photos while you and I count down to the day we can lay our hands on these affordable pieces.

Retailers like H&M and Topshop has been introducing their limited edition collections in Europe for years now, and I love their collections as well. The only downside is their pricing is a little on the high side compared to Target. I think Target has done a very good job in providing fast-paced, low-priced designer fashion to the mid-market American consumer. After having some success with their Go International Flights of Fashion line, Target also launched their new GO International™ label that has everything a girl looking to go glam on a budget needs. Now Target is launching Designer Collaborations, an ongoing program that will bring a series of established designers (Alexander McQueen being the 1st to kick this off) to the masses at low prices. When fashion is this affordable, nothing can hold a Recessionista back!

Shopping Haul: Mac Hello Kitty Collection + Mac Hello Kitty Launch Party in NYC

When I was 33" tall, my favorite Sanrio character was Hello Kitty. Now at 5 ft 7", Hello Kitty is still my all time favorite Sanrio character. When Mac announced that they were going to launch the Hello Kitty collection, I was ecstatic. I used to own everything Hello Kitty growing up; from stationery to clothes to toys and even my undies were all Hello Kitty (some of them still are).

Although this shopping haul is super overdue, I still wanted to blog about it to pay tribute to my most favorite cartoon character. The Mac Hello Kitty Collection launched back in February and we are here into the middle of April already! Time flies! Anyways, this is my Mac Hello Kitty Mini Shopping Haul. On a Recessionista budget, I only got what I really really needed. On the first day of the launch, I got the Lucky Tom Eyeshadow Palette ($38) and She Loves Candy Lipglass ($14). On the next day, I went back again to get the Too Dolly Eyeshadow Palette ($38) because my friend bought that and it looked so gorgeous on her. I also got the Beauty Powder in Tahitian Sand. More damage was going to be done but unfortunately (or fortunately for my wallet), some of the other stuff that I wanted to get like the Hello Kitty Brush Collection ($49.50) and the Hello Kitty Mirrored Key Clip ($16) were sold out.

BTW I did not attend the Mac Hello Kitty Launch Party on Feb 5th at Cedar Lake NYC ,but one of my friends did. So she kindly allowed me to use some of the photos she took from the event. It was a star studded event. Ciara was there (she must look prettier in person!), and everyone was busy snapping away with their cameras when they saw her. There were also Hello-Kitty-headed male models (sounds weird, but that was what they looked like) catwalking around serving up bowtie shaped chocolate cookies with sexiness and cuteness all in one package (Meow!).

Ciara looking pretty with her Hello Kitty Doll

The room was filled with mannequins and models wearing ensembles that were inspired by Hello Kitty colors of black, grey, white, and pink. Some of my favorite designers like Blugirl, Catherine Malandrino and Zac Posen had their designs displayed.


Amongst all the ensembles that were displayed that night; which were later auctioned off on ebay for charity, I found these ones to be the most appealing and cute. Check them out below! Hope you enjoyed this blog entry as much as I did writing it!

Topshop Opens Today in NYC!

It is now past 12.00 Midnight April 2nd - also the official opening day of Topshop in NYC!

The long and anticipated opening of UK retailer Topshop is finally here. Topshop's first US store will finally open its doors in SoHo Manhattan today! The four-floor store is still huge although it is much smaller than the Oxford Circus flagship store in London. Starting from the basement is Top Man then as you ride up the escalators to Topshop heaven, you will see Union Jack flags all around. I figured that Topshop decided to place their mens collections at the basement because unlike gals, most guys like to get in and get out of the store when they shop.

I have been a Topshop customer for almost a decade now and I am so glad that the Brits finally decided to expand to USofA. I have been to Topshop stores in other parts of the world and I am excited that we now have one in NYC - my favorite fashion capital of the world.

In the Kate Moss collection, these two items are my personal favorites. Unfortunately they are currently sold out on their website. Hopefully my friend C will be able to get them for me when the store opens today in NYC. It will be a challenge to get in; not to mention the line at the cashier. It is truly an irony how a foreign brand who has never ever thought of expanding to USofA all these years can decide to do it during this economic crisis; and yet can be coveted by fellow Americans till their items can be sold out on the website before they even hit the stores.

Angel Wing Jacket $250

Vintage Rose Dress $125

I also love this pair of shoes from Topshop's The Boutique Collection. It is so Christian Louboutin like but a fraction of the price. It is also super versatile and can go with a gazillion outfits including these Kate Moss outfits if my friend C manages to get them for me.

Topshop Pyramid High Sandal Boot $190

Christian Louboutin 123 Double Platform Sandal $1,495

Update on April 4th 2009

My friend C got there at around 10am thinking that she might get into the store when it opens at 11am and get out before noon, she was wrong. She finally gave up waiting for what it seemed like over an hour because she had to go for her appointment. She said the line was so long that it wrapped around Broome and Broadway. The first person in line was there since 6am that morning! I am going to try to visit the store myself soon when I am in town.; and when the hype has quietened down some so I don't have to squeeze with a bunch of strangers. I used to visit New York every month and sometimes every other month and wait in line for sample sales. Now, I just don't have the time to go as often due to my work schedule.

These are some photos of the new Topshop store and the still very skinny Kate Moss and Sir Phillip Green, proprietor of Topshop:

Kate! You look so glam but are you sucking on your thumb?

Bright colors adorn the entire store

No funny imaginations please, it's just a kind gesture helping a friend remove a SHOE!