Zac Posen For Target

Designer Zac Posen’s budget line for Target recently hit stores. Posen's line was one of the most highly anticipated launches for Targets GO lines, sold internationally. Target quotes on their website that “The acclaimed Zac Posen collection is composed of day wear, suiting and evening wear, designed for sophisticated, feminine, strong women of a diverse age range.” There’s a great mix of fun prints and silohuettes for every shape ranging from $16.99-$200. If you haven’t had the chance to take a peak at your local Target store, you can view the full collection online at www.target.com. Of course, I’ve fallen head over heels for the snap tape dress that is already out of stock online, so if you see something you love and must have, buy it now before it’s gone! The Target online shop also provides you with looks to put the pieces you purchase together and accessorize them. Check it out and let us know what you think!

Who's Your Favorite Up-and-Coming Designer?

A few months ago working backstage at Fashion Week in New York, a new designer caught my eye that I think you all will love.  Abigail Lorick designer of Lorick, chose an elegant presentation for her line rather than a runway show.  Her pieces were like artwork -- very vintage, romantic, and wearable . . . the kind of clothes that make women feel like their "Sunday’s best" again.  Since seeing her presentation, I’ve been mildly obsessed with her designs.  Lorick attended FIT for design and has recently become successful launching her own line in 2007.  Her clothes have been featured in countless high-fashion magazines and showcased on the hit show "Gossip Girl."  She now sells her clothes internationally, but also close to home at Barneys New York and even in Philadelphia at Pileggi.  Check out some of my favorite looks from her Spring 2010 line.  If you’re interested in finding out more about her and her collections, check out www.loricknewyork.com.  Let me know what you think or let us know your favorite designer on the rise!

Spotlight On Spring/Summer Accessories

There’s a lot going on in the world of accessories for Spring/Summer 2010! I'm excited to share three of my favorites with you, which represent some of the hottest items on the market right now. Accessories are so vital to your wardrobe, and they can literally make or break an outfit. While you're shopping this season, make sure you keep an eye out for each of the items below.

First, turquoise is back and better than ever. Turquoise pieces are great investments to add to your accessories collection because they regain their status every few years when turquoise comes back into style. Whether you buy bangles, rings, or a necklace, you will find that turquoise is available in a variety of price ranges and tones. Authentic turquoise is of course on the pricey side, but there are great faux turquoise pieces out there as well that you can buy for just a few dollars. Here are a few selections that you can find at Nordstrom from $35.00 - $375.00.

Second on my list is an embellished sandal.  Let’s face it . . . we all don’t have pretty feet!  BUT - with a fun pair of sandals that have a beautiful embellished twist, our feet can certainly look their best! You can find some of these great looks below at  www.ninewest.com. Embellished sandals are great to dress up a simple outfit, and they look amazing while remaining comfortable.

Lastly, embrace the idea of carrying a new handbag. Printed clutches and cross body pouches are my personal favorites for the season. If you're anything like me, downsizing purses is a severe problem, and trying to cram everything into a clutch seems like a nightmare. However, if you're willing to make the sacrifice for a day to vamp up jeans and a tee with one of these bags, you're going to be happy you did. Check out some of these bags found at Saks and Nordstrom.

Spring/Summer Trends for the Working Woman

Although shopping for spring and summer clothes to wear outside of work allows you to express more of your fashion sense, it is important to still bring style to the office while maintaining the business, professional dress code. While working in a corporate office, I’ve seen first-hand the lack of fashion that is expressed by women in the office. No matter what your age or where you work, update your work wardrobe with some of spring and summer's 2010 trends for the workplace.

Start off with the most key piece: a basic black pencil skirt that hits you slightly above, or slightly below the knee. This length is what is in style right now and most “appropriate” for the workplace. (Take this into consideration when you purchase dresses as well.) The black pencil skirt is timeless and looks great with almost any blouse, which brings me to number 2 . . . PLEASE update your blouses!!! I cannot tell you how many typical, boring blouses I see every day. Step out of the norm and go for a blouse with ruffles or gathers and pleats. Also, look for neutral colors that go with your basics.

Next, try looking for fun jackets. And I’m not talking about jackets with shoulder pads from the 80's and early 90’s. Some of the hottest trends in jackets right now are the black blazer, either fitted or boyfriend style. You can find a great blazer with cuffs that are turned up and feature a fun print on the inside. Also, anything utility inspired featuring hardware and zippers is big for this season. Pair these jackets up with a great necklace and tee and wear with pants or skirts.

Let's not forget to take inventory of your shoes. Shoes tend to get a little boring as people shoot for comfort instead of style. However, there are a lot of great wedges out there right now and heels that stray away from your typical pointed pump. While style in shoes may not suit your wardrobe every day, mix it up now and then and go for fun colors and styles.

Finally, do not be afraid of patterns and color. Spice up your basics and remember that you can still be office appropriate and sophisticated while incorporating a few trendy pieces. Not only will other’s be impressed with your new style, but you will feel more confident in yourself.

Has Easter Lost It's Luster?

I remember Easter Sunday very fondly as a child. Besides the fact that I received an Easter basket filled with all sorts of goodies, it was the day that I could wear bangs and the most "foo foo" of outfits. Frilly dresses, matching spring coats, lace trimmed socks, and white patent leather shoes were topped off with barrettes, ribbons, hats, purses, and white gloves. (You "Generation Xers" like myself remember a well-dressed "lady" never went any where without her gloves!) My mother made sure I looked like the girliest of girls on that day, and I loved every single minute of it.

Over the years I have noticed that people just don't dress their children the way they used to for Easter. Now don't get me wrong -- I don't buy into the commercialization that now dominates the day nor do I dismiss the real reason why we Christians celebrate Easter at all. However, I couldn't help but be reminded in church once again this year that we have become such a casual society that the next generation has no concept of the respect we demonstrated by dressing in our "Sunday best" when we entered a sanctuary, particularly on Easter Sunday. Going to church didn't mean looking like you were about to hit the playground, the movies, or the dance club, for that matter. (I can't begin to tell you the number of young ladies I saw yesterday with jeans that appeared to be painted on their bodies to match their tattoos.) Although I strongly denounce the idea that those who desire to attend church should be denied access because they can't afford to "dress the part," I am completely appalled by those who choose to spend their money to dress themselves and their children in attire completely inappropriate for the occasion.

I remember the days when church clothes were just that . . . "Church Clothes." They were the children's equivalent of adult work clothes:  you wore them for that purpose and immediately took them off when you arrived home. (God forbid you tried to keep them on and not change into your "play clothes"!) This was how parents initially began to teach their children, at an elementary stage, what it meant to dress appropriately for the many things they did. Ever wonder today why young adults today can't grasp the concept of proper work attire?

Although I don't think we will ever return to the days I remember so fondly that taught us to have pride in our appearance even as youngsters, I commend those parents who continue to pass down the teachings of our generation to their little ones. Thank you Najah, Samantha, and Tolori for showing your little girls what it means to dress in honor of something special. I enjoyed seeing their pictures on Facebook yesterday. Above all, thank you Mommy for teaching me to have pride in myself and my physical appearance, and to respect the fact that there is a time and a place for everything.

Buyers Beware! Major Retailers Caught Re-Selling Lingerie

In most retail stores, it is a given that underwear is not returnable, right? Wrong! It seems like every major retailer selling lingerie gives their customers a clear warning at check out that the items are non-returnable, and consumers just agree knowing that, of course, that rule makes sense: no one wants to buy used underwear. Unfortunately, a few major retail establishments are facing headlines that they have been caught on tape accepting underwear returns, some of which were clearly worn. The horror to this is that they retag the merchandise and place it back on the floor to purchase again, without even hesitating! What’s even more disgusting is that the reasoning from retailers caught in the act was that it comes down to money for them: they don’t want to lose money so they retag and re-shelf them.

So what retailers were caught in the act? You might be surprised to know that some of the most popular stores like Victoria’s Secret, Gap, Macy’s, Bloomingdales and Nordstrom were among those caught reselling used underwear. This issue made it’s debut on the Today Show where people went undercover to return and watch their used underwear be placed back on the sales floor. Watch the video link for more details and rest easy that retailers like J.Crew, Saks Fifth Avenue and Express did accept returns, but did NOT put them back on the sales floor. So choose retailers wisely and always look over garments before purchasing.

Check out the video clip here:

Payless Strikes Deal with Isabel Toledo

Retailer Payless, who recently launched a shoe line with project runway winner Christian Siriano, is now striking up a deal with designer Isabel Toledo, who gained press for creating the dress Michelle Obama wore on Inauguration day. Toledo has been in the industry for over 25 years and designs iconic one of a kind pieces worn by the most elite all across the globe.

This fall, you will see Toledo’s collection of shoes and handbags debut at Payless, which will feature around five styles. While there are no final sketches to reveal yet for the line, Payless has noted that materials for the shoes and handbags include patent, nylon and mesh and will be priced under $40. Big retailers are branching out to bring you designer goods at affordable prices, and most have been successful in their ventures. Look for this line of Toledo’s shoes to hit stores in September!