Posts from — February 2012

By now, you’ve heard and read of jcpenney‘s brand and store makeover. The kind people over at jcpenney gave me a $200 gift card to use when checking out the new prices and since I haven’t had a chance to physically use it in the store, I’m going to order items online.

This is just a sneak peak of the things I’m lusting after for spring.

MNG by Mango Stripe Skirt, $45

nicole by Nicole Miller Amagansett Sunglasses, $20

nicole by Nicole Miller Peasant Dress, $35

MNG by Mango Multi-Color Bangle Bracelet, $20

MNG by Mango A Lin Top, Satin Bow Tie Neck (channeling Emma Stone’s Oscars dress), $19

n by Nicole Miller Sonya Sandal, $40

If this list is any hint, my favorite brands at jcpenney are n by Nicole Miller and MNG by Mango.

Have you found any good deals since jcpenney’s brand makeover? Share them here or on Twitter by using the hashtag #jcpfinds!

Disclaimer: I was asked to write this post on behalf of jcpenney and was compensated with a $200 gift card for doing so.

The biggest awards show of the season was last night, bringing an end to the 2012 awards season. These days, the Academy Awards not only bring the brightest stars together to honor the talent of Hollywood, but also bring out all the fashion stops.

Overall, last night’s red carpet didn’t disappoint. Many leading ladies went for classic Hollywood beauty, and I think it went over well. Here are my favorite looks of the night.

Viola Davis in Vera Wang

Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton

Natalie Portman in vintage Christian Dior

Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen

Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoj

Tina Fey in custom Carolina Herrera

Mila Jovovich in Elie Saab

I’m honestly on the fence about Gwenyth Paltrow’s custom Tom Ford gown and cape. What do you think?

As for worst dressed, my short list included Angelina Jolie (black is so predictable for her and girl needs to eat about 10 bacon cheeseburgers…she looks like Skelator), Jennifer Lopez (too intense hair, trashy gown and nip-slip [or not]. J.Lo, they make double sided tape for a reason), and Cameron Diaz (looked a bit messy, and not in a good way).

Who did I miss as best and/or worst dressed?

Photos from Huffington Post

Happy Friday! It’s Oscars weekend, and here’s hoping that the red carpet is a bit more exciting than other award shows this season.

Photo via thegloss.com

• The Duchess of Cambridge was accused of wearing fur when, in fact, it wasn’t. Calm down, PETA. [The Gloss]
• If you have questions about how to create your own personal brand online, check out these great tips from the lovely Crissie at Independent Fashion Bloggers. [IFB]
• The couple who completely wiped out a Miami Target of Jason Wu products says they bought everything “for charity.” Hmmmmmm. [Huffington Post]
• Out of all of the Academy Awards red carpet predictions, this is by far the best. [The Gloss]
• The Wall Street Journal’s Kathryn Lurie interviewed Emily Schuman of Cupcakes & Cashmere about the business of fashion blogging. A must read for fashionistas, blogger, and fashion bloggers alike. [WSJ]

As an advertising major in college, I love nothing more than a great advertising campaign. That’s why I’m so taken with Stuart Weitzman‘s new spring campaign, featuring Russian beauty Natalia Vodianova.

I love the simplicity of this. The ads, photographed by Mario Testino with the creative direction of David Lipman, emphasizes Stuart Weitzman’s reputation of ease, sexiness, and elegance. Vodianova is equal parts bomb-shell and girl next door in these ads.

Karen Ferko, Vice President of Public Relations, says in the press release announcing the new campaign:

The campaign visually plays on the fact that Stuart Weitzman’s are the first thing you put on in the morning and the last thing you take off at night. Dramatically different than any shoe advertising that exists today, the campaign captures the sexiness of the brand in a natural, classic, chic way.

The campaign officially launches in March and will be featured in prominent fashion publications such as Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, W, Interview and InStyle. Look for it on billboards, bus shelters and kiosks in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, as well as internationally.

Photos courtesy of Stuart Weitzman.

What did you read this week? Let me know in the comments!

Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

• Aliza Licht, aka @dkny, profiled in the New York Times. An excellent read for fashionistas and PR pros alike. [New York Times]
• Check out Oscar de la Renta’s track playlist for his Fall 2012 runway show. [OscarPRGirl]
• Jenny Packham was interviewed about her Fall 2012 collection and dressing the Duchess of Cambridge. [Wall Street Journal]
• I don’t think there’s a cuter family in fashion than the Beckhams. [Huffington Post]
• The battle between Macy’s, J.C.Penney, and Martha Stewart continues. [Bloomberg]

As much as I love to wear clothes, I probably spend more time in work out gear. That’s why I was so excited when lucy activewear sent me these yoga pants to try out.

The Lotus Power Pant features a higher waist band (to keep you covered during downward facing dog, according to the pant’s description online) and a slim fitting leg. I have to say, I was a bit hesitant to try these out because I normally wear cropped pants or running tights to yoga class, both of which are a skinny, legging-like fit. However, I found these pants easy to practice yoga in. They are comfortable and giving when you need them to be, but don’t stretch out too much. Aside from yoga, these pants would be great for getting in some miles on the elliptical or the bike, but I would not recommend them for running (I absolutely cannot run in anything other than leggings, or shorts).

These pants will definitely become a regular in my rotation of yoga and work out gear!

Last Wednesday was Independent Fashion Bloggers’ Conference at Milk Studios in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. I can’t think of a better way to kick off New York Fashion Week!

I had the chance to volunteer at the event and met some amazing bloggers along the way. While we weren’t setting things up or helping guests with questions, we had a chance to sit down and listen to the panels. I have to say, IFB picked some great bloggers to have speak! It definitely helped me think about this blog, what content I want to write, and helped me figure out how I want to achieve my 2012 blogging goals. Most importantly, the bloggers stressed the idea of having an editorial calendar, which I hope to create and implement in the next few weeks.

It was such an inspiring day but unfortunately, my camera’s battery died even before I got to the conference, so I had to use my phone to take pictures. Next time, I’ll remember to charge the battery in advance!

Check out the pictures I Instagramed throughout the day (a fashion blogger’s best friend during conferences and fashion week). The whole IFB team should be so proud, the conference was a huge success!

And thanks to Ana at Scorching Style for snapping some pictures of my outfit!

[Sweater and shirt, Anthropologie; skirt, BCBGMAXAZRIA; shoes, J. Crew; watch, Michael Kors; bracelets, Kate Spade New York, Stella & Dot, T Tahari]

Valentine’s Day is two days away, and the world is decorate in red and pink to celebrate. Whether you have a romantic evening planned, or will just be enjoying some Valentine’s Day treats at the office (like these ones), add these red or pink festive items to your outfit on Tuesday in honor of St. Valentine.

1. Swarovski Red Crystal Mini Loveheart Pendant
2. Dolce Vita Allegra Pleated Knit Skirt
3. Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Heart intarsia knitted cotton sweater
4. Kendra Scott Three-Drop Earrings, Pink Agate
5. French Connection Red Cigarette Pant
6. ASOS Pique Fit And Flare Dress With Bow Back Detail

Yesterday wasn’t just Super Bowl Sunday. The highly anticipated collaboration at Target with American designer Jason Wu launched, and after the Missoni for Target fiasco, I had to see how things went down for myself. Not only that, but because I truly loved the clothing this time around. The Missoni crazy stripes just isn’t my style, and I gravitated more towards the home goods in that collection than the clothing. This time, it was a smaller collection with clothing and a few accessories. The clothing is something I can wear to the office or while running errands around town. It’s easily dressed up or dressed down, and that’s what I need at this stage in my life: clothing that’s easy to wear, work appropriate, and age appropriate. Big win for Jason Wu and Target.

Anyway, I woke up bright and early yesterday morning and left my house earlier than I leave for the office. I arrived at my local target about 20 minutes before the store opened, and I’m glad I did, because only a few other [crazy] people were ahead of me.

As it got closer to 8 am, when Target opened, the line was probably 30 people deep behind where I was standing. I couldn’t sneakily take a picture of the line, but I couldn’t believe how many more people were in line after I got there!

My local Target didn’t have much merchandise and what it had was gone in about 15 minutes. I honestly have no idea why Target doesn’t make more of the product and why more stores don’t have it. It’s no secret that the collections are insanely popular throughout the country, so I really don’t get why 1) Target doesn’t make more of the product, and 2) why it’s not stocked in all stores. Target, PLEASE, fix this for the next collaboration, so people like my friend Amanda can enjoy the fashion goodness.

Another major complaint I heard while waiting in line was the incompetency of Target’s website, again. Many customers couldn’t access the site in the early hours of Sunday as they tried to snatch up some of the product.

My mom did tell me that online, you could only buy 2 of each item. However, in the store, you could buy as much as you want. Target, WHY do you do this? That 2 of each item rule should definitely be enforced in store, too. It’s not fair for those who really want it because when people snatch up the entire collection, they typically put it on eBay and sell it for three or four times the regular price. If H&M can do it, so can you.

Luckily, I did end up getting the pieces that I wanted (more on that later), and I tried everything on right when I got home. I found that some things ran big, while others ran true to size. I definitely would not say that the entire collection runs big. If you happen upon some items in your local store this week, I would suggest trying it on before buying it (or buying two sizes and returning the ones that don’t fit, like I did).

Here’s what I was able to snatch up:

• Straw Classic Flap Handbag
• Sleeveless Chiffon Dress in Navy Floral with Gold Belt
• Cap-Sleeved Pleated Blouse in Belize Blue
• Pleated Skirt in Black
• Textured Pleated-Front Peplum Top in Gold
• Long-Sleeve Sheer Blouse in Blush Dots
• Flared Dress in Black with Nude Patent Belt (see below)

Audrey Hepburn 2.0.

The collection is mostly sold out. Our local Target said that it’s not receiving any more product, but Target says that online could be restocked this week.

I think that Target still has a ton of work to do regarding its collaborations; however, I think that smaller collaborations work better and result in less chaos.

What do you think of the Jason Wu for Target collaboration? Did you snatch any of it up?

Great links to pass around from the week. If you read something that you think should be included in the weekly link round up, let me know!

• I absolutely love the surrealist/Salvador Dali-esque feel of Diane von Furstenburg‘s spring campaign. [Styleite]
• Estée Lauder + Cupcakes and Cashmere = great match. I love Emily at Cupcakes and Cashmere and cannot wait to see how this partnership works out. [Women's Wear Daily]
• Check out more details about Independent Fashion Bloggers‘ conference next week and get details about its live-stream! [Independent Fashion Bloggers]
• My new favorite nail polish: Faye by Zoya. [Instagram]
• Speaking of nail polish, Cait over at Pretty and Fun has a great DIY manicure tutorial, so put that manicure money towards new shoes! [Pretty and Fun]
• Refinery29‘s second style blogger contest is up and running. Go vote for your favorite blogger! [Refinery29]

[Photo]

In last week’s Links du Jour, I mentioned that jcpenney will be rolling out a new brand identity, largely focusing on lower prices and eliminating sales and the need for coupons. Those changes go into effect today, February 1st.

Basically, jcpenney wants to make shopping easy for you. Prices are going to drop to make shopping more convenient for consumers, with the store running monthly promotions, instead of the 500+ sales and promotions it used to run.

The store is also rolling out a whole new brand identity, including a new logo, and new collaborations with Martha Stewart and Nanette Lepore. These collaborations are in addition to already existing ones with Nicole Miller, Mango, and Sephora.

jcpenney is encouraging all customers to tweet their new shopping experience using the hashtag #jcpfind.

Will you shop at the new jcpenney?

Image courtesy of jcpenney.