Zara 2013 Fall Collection for August and September

I was pleasantly surprised at the Zara 2013 Fall Collection which is currently in stores and online.  The collection is made up of both sophisticated and chic pieces.  The pieces are very easy to throw together and there's pieces for all occasions!

I absolutely adore the Dress with Embroidered Detail above.  It's absolutely perfect for a night out or a party!

The collection also contains a great mix of fall colors and summer pastels. I love how Zara paired the pink, grey, and white combination together.

One of my other favorite pieces from the collection is this Front Gathered Top With Contrasting detail.  What I love about this blouse is not only the color but the leather details on the neck and sleeve - also blue hues are trending for Fall 2013 (keep posted for my upcoming issue of fall trends)!

The black and white combination is still a huge trend into fall. Both of these colors will never go out of style, you can't go wrong in a couple of investment pieces - blouses, tops, pants, and coats. 

Will any of you be investing in fall pieces from Zara? I know I have my eye on a couple of pieces! 

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Hits Stores September 15

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target is coming to stores and online on September 15 and is bringing an amazing collection filled with beautiful attire and handbags.  Yes you heard correct.  The New York based designer is releasing a collection which includes both men and women pieces right to a Target near you!

Source: NYDailyNews.com

What’s the best part? The line will range from $20 to $300.  I absolutely love when designers collaborate with stores to bring affordable prices! Personally, my favorite pieces are the handbags, both of the ones above in particular.

Most of the looks have already been released online.  The collection includes beautiful tanks, blouses, cozy sweaters, printed scarves, jackets, duffel bags, handbags, beautiful dresses, and pajamas – plus more! The collection is for both men and women.  The collection itself is very reminiscent of his main collection, just cheaper and in different fabrications which makes the line affordable.

Source: Elle.com

Are you guys excited for this launch? What pieces will you guys buy?

Banana Republic Issa Collection Three-Quarter Sleeve Wrap Dress

The anticipation was building. I gave in and decided to take my Royal Blue Issa Collection Three-Quarter Sleeve Wrap Dress from Banana Republic out for a spin.

My thoughts on this dress I can sum it up in 5 words - I absolutely LOVE this dress.

I love the royal blue color. The wrap style makes the dress even more flattering and cinches the waist perfectly creating an hourglass figure. I did notice that the fabric is a jersey knit material, however, if you wear proper undergarments then you will be fine. The dress drapes beautifully and the length was also perfect for work and hits right above my knees. 

This dress can be dressed up or down. I was on my way to work so I decided to pair this dress with my Tory Burch Caroline Patent Ballet Flats and my Louis Vuitton handbag.

Also, until 8/17, Banana Republic is offering 35% off their Full Priced Styles. Use code BRSHOPNOW to snatch up pieces from the collection as they’re going fast!

I hope you guys liked this look! I would love to hear if anyone bought any pieces from the collection!! 

Product Review: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H

My favorite foundation at the moment is the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H which retails $45.00 at department stores.  I absolutely love this foundation and have been using it for years.

Lancôme boasts that this formula is, “blendable and fresh texture leaves the complexion perfectly smooth, velvety matte with no powdery effect. The full coverage you need – flaws, pores, redness and all imperfections visibly disappear. The velvety finish you love for 24-hour lasting perfection and comfort.”   Did I find all of this to be true – Yes!!

I went into the Lancôme counter at Macy’s to get a shade consultation.  Apparently this foundation comes in comes in 28 different colors and contains SPF 15!  Woohoo! The 360 Bisque N matched absolutely perfectly with my skin. A lot of my friends have said that they can’t even notice I am wearing foundation. 

This foundation is full coverage with a matte finish.  I’m not sure about the whole “24 hour” lasting foundation since it's gross not to take off your makeup before going to bed, but this foundation does last ALL day. I can go to work for 9+ hours, go out afterwards for dinner, come home and my foundation will still be intact. 

So how do I use this foundation?  First, I apply my moisturizer and then let it dry a little.  Sometimes I'll use a primer over the moisturizer under my foundation.  Next, I'll usually use 1 pump of the foundation onto my hand and then apply the foundation using a foundation brush or a sponge.  The foundation is very smooth and blends perfectly.  It makes my skin flawless and covers up any dark spots.  It does not make my face feel oily or shiny. 

This makeup is excellent to use for parties or special events since it blurs out pores and photographs wonderfully.  I also did not experience any breakouts which was great. 

You can get this foundation here: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H

Issa London x Collection Launches at Banana Republic

The hours this morning seemed to drag on and on and on.  When the time on my desktop hit 12:00PM noon, I grabbed my Louis Vuitton handbag and ran out of work down to Walnut Street.  Now, today might seem like a normal Thursday, but to us fashionistas today is the day for retail reckoning.  

Today's the day us fashionistas get a chance to get our hands on the Issa London x Collection at Banana Republic! Issa London became popular after Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, wore an iconic royal blue wrap dress for her engagement to Prince William back in November 2010.  Below is the exact outfit she wore - it's so chic! The picture on the right side is the Issa Collection Three-Quarter Sleeve Wrap Dress which retails for $130.

Image provided by Stylenews

A typical Issa dress can run anywhere from $500 to $700 but with this new collaboration, Issa London is bringing affordable prices to Banana Republic, making clothing more accessible to the average woman with prices ranging from $39 to $150. The collection has 40 pieces and is available online and in select stores.The collection includes pretty dress, scarves, jewelry, blouses, and knits.

So back to my story.  I ran all the way to Banana Republic in Center City and was so glad to see *drum roll please* Issa dresses still available - Score! I instantly started grabbing dresses in every color to try on - royal blue, purple, white with spots (the one which Naomi Watts was pictured in), green, black... etc! I would say that probably the end of the day today the collection will be sold out as everyone wants to be wearing what Kate Middleton is wearing! I ended up getting a couple of things (you'll have to keep reading the blog in the future days to come to see pictures of what I bought)!

The fit on the dresses are perfect as I'm 5'7" and the size small came right below my knees.  The extra-small comes above my knees but I like the longer length since I could wear the dresses to work as well and get more use out of them. 

Few pictures from the collection... 

What do you think about the collection? Will you be buying any of the pieces?!