by Monica on June 10, 2011
Essie has to be one of my favorite nail polish brands and the one consistent beauty brand I constantly rave about. I’ve been patiently to see what they had in store for summer and this week Essie just released their latest line of colors for Summer 2011 and as usual, I am obsessed!
Nail polish is an accessory that is often over looked but it can elevate any look or totally downgrade one…nothing says grunge-y like chipped nails.
When it comes to what polish to choose for your weekly manis its easy to go with a color you already have or “the usual”, but summer is begging for a fresh change and Essie’s Summer Collection is where you will find that!
For no more than $8 you can buy one of summer’s best accessories and have it last for months! Every color packs a big punch–from Super Bossa Nova to Too Too Hot to my favorite Brazillant, you cannot miss! And don’t you just love the names?!
Buy them all online or pick a bottle up at almost any drug store…What’s your favorite Essie Summer color?
by Monica on April 13, 2011
Mossimo Messenger Bag: $20-$35 (depending on in-store pricing)
Click it/Skip it: Skip it
While Proenza Schouler is not happy about Target “knocking off” their ever-so-popular PS1, the rest of the world is thrilled…if you judge by how fast this sold out online.
The PS1 original generally retails for around $2,000…it’s timeless and the perfect bag for any bag lover, not to mention it’s THE bag that every celebrity is currently carrying! Leighton Meester seems to have one in every color and the Olsen Twins are constantly photographed donning their favorite version.
And for all of us w/o the celebrity paycheck, a similar version is now available for a fraction of the price at Target! Other retailers have come out with their own versions in the past, but no look-a-like has gotten as much press as this Target take.
Fit: This bag seems to good to be true and it basically is. It looks great from afar and online…the perfect match to the original PS1, however up close this bag totally disappoints. First the good…the very large size (a laptop could fit), the style, the wide array of colors, and the surprisingly large amount of pockets are all great features.
However the bad cancels out the good…the quality is less than satisfactory. The bag is not as structured as the online photographs seem to imply and the leather (pleather perhaps?) has a very distinct chemical smell.
And don’t get me started on the quality…the straps started to fall apart as soon as I started carrying my laptop, so you can’t even take advantage of the functional size.
Shopper’s Notes: Go see this bag in person before you buy…y0u may feel differently about it. IMO, this bag will not last you and you get what you pay for. If you are looking for a PS1 look-a-like, I would spend a little bit more and get something that will last you longer. Check these bags from ASOS for a sturdier option….
by Monica on March 5, 2011
Target lovers rejoice! Target is celebrating the 5th anniversary of their GO International Designer Collective. by re-releasing 34 of their best-selling looks from past designer collaborations. Designers such as Erin Fetherston (first two above), Tracy Feith (second two above), Zac Posen, and Tucker to name a few will be a part of the fashion celebration! This is your second chance to pick up some of these coveted designer pieces!
I love the dresses pictured above…perfectly girly and flirty for spring. I’m excited for the return of the Tucker looks…the good stuff flew off the shelves and that Navy shift dress will be a great staple for spring and did I forget to mention that everyone of these dresses is priced under $50! Click here to browse the entire collection.
The 34 dresses will be available on March 13th at Target.com and in store until April 10th…but only until supplies last. Get to Target fast…I’m sure, like the first round, these dresses will be flying out of the stores instantly.
by Monica on October 30, 2010
Target Mossimo Kaiala Leather Ankle Boots: $34.99
Click it/Skip it: CLICK IT!
I love love these boots! I saw a friend wearing them this week and immediately thought they were Frye boots. I could not believe it when they told me they were Target! They look strikingly similar, but shorter, than the popular Harness boot that Frye makes. However, instead of the hefty Frye price tag these boots are only $34.99!
Fit: These boots run true to size and there are half sizes for all you in betweeners. They fit loosely…which doesn’t bother me…its part of the style and I promise your foot won’t slip out. The heel is about an inch and half and its not clunky at all. The heel is made of rubber, making these boots surprisingly light.
They cut just a few inches above the ankle…a very flattering style. They are made of a soft leather and faux leather mixture which is why they look almost as expensive at the Frye boots.
I have been loving wearing these on days that are too cold for flats but not cold enough for full on fall boots. I love pairing these with skinny jeans and a colorful scarf for the day and even dresses to give my feet a rest on a more casual night out!
Shopper’s Notes: Ladies, this is seriously a great deal. These boots are very versitile. They can work in almost all seasons and they can transform a basic casual outfit to an ultra trendy ensemble. Many times cowgirl boot styles can look a bit costumey but these do not. They look expensive and they don’t have too much detail helping them avoid the fatal cowgirl theme. Get to Target now and try them on for yourself!
by Monica on August 31, 2010
Mossimo/Xhilaration Motorcycle Jackets at Target: $30-$34.99
Click it/Skip it: Click it! Click them all!
I love a great motorcycle jacket anytime of the year, but especially at this time of year! They can transition from day to night and they work no matter what your style!
I just checked out Target’s large selection of moto jackets and I was not disappointed…and you won’t be either. This is the one that lured me in–simply because this color is so hard to find at a budget friendly pricepoint and when I saw it, it just looked so expensive!
Fit: All of the jackets fit very true to size. Motorcycle jackets do tend to come cropped and that might be the only thing I didn’t love about this jacket. I’m taller, so it hit a little shorter than I would have liked –right above my waist–but that shrunken look is very in so I’m going to go with it!
Shopper’s Notes: pLeather can look really cheap, but the faux leather used for these jackets loos and feels really expensive!
The one thing I do want to advise is that you skip the “crinkled” options. These are meant to look worn in and vintage-y but IMO they just look rather cheap (in the bad way!). Stick with the cleaner options like the one pictured above for a more luxurious look!
BTW: If I had a budget for two, this one would be my 2nd choice! Very Rick Owens, minus the $3000 price tag!
by cheapchica11 on August 12, 2010
I have to admit that my favorite piece of clothing in my closet is my Boyfriend Cardigan. Those who know me would attest to that, considering how much I wear it. So, the one thing exciting me about the brisk nights ahead is that I get to take my sweater out of hiding.
The Boyfriend Sweater is the perfect Transition Piece! When you are sitting on the beach in late August until 6 pm and that chill from the water starts to hit you, a light-weight, over-sized sweater is the best thing to be able to pull out of your beach bag.
You can utilize a light-weight sweater almost all year long, especially if you work in an office that is air-conditioned. I prefer to buy my boyfriend cardigans at least two sizes too big because, oddly enough, I think the over-sized look is more flattering.
If you are worried about looking sloppy because the sweater is too big, put a cute belt around the waist and roll up the sleeves. This trick turns a sweater from comfy casual to put-together cool.
But, if you’re like me and don’t want to dish out $89.50 for the cardigan above from J. Crew, LOFT has one that’s just as cute for about half the price… and if you wait for one of their amazing sales, you can probably get it for way less!
These are my favorite for transition purposes because they are so light weight they are a little translucent. Buy them fast before they all go out of stock. If they do, no worries, there are plenty of other places selling great inexpensive cardigans. H&M is another place that sells some of the best cardigans at fabulous prices.
It’s one of those must have items that you need in multiple basic colors. So find your favorite kind and buy it in three colors to get you through the entire season!
by cheapchica11 on July 22, 2010
My number one obsession isn’t heels or bags right now…it’s T-shirts! In my opinion there is nothing like that perfect tee that makes you feel comfortable and still has that laid back sexy look.
The funny thing is- something as simple as a great t-shirt is not as easy to come by as most might think! One of my bigger problems is that when I find the perfect tee (James Perse I’m talking to you!) it’s usually close to $100 (if not more) simply because it’s got a designer label attached to it! 
Well today is my (and now your) lucky day if you’ve been in search of the perfect inexpensive tee!! Target has the most comfortable V-neck tee I have found yet, and it’s only $8!!! There are only 3 colors available online, but for a more extensive color selection you can check in your local Target. Either way, my advice is to stock up.
Styling Tips: One of my favorite ways to wear this…pair any v-neck tee with a black bandage skirt and flat sandals for day–then dress it up with heels/sandals for a perfect night outfit!
by Ann Whitbeck on April 20, 2010
Target is the answer to every CheapChica’s prayers, right? No question the place is heaven-in-a-superstore…
I never in a million years would have thought I’d be able to buy Alexander McQueen, Rodarte, Jean Paul Gualtier, etc. while at the same time stock up on toilet paper and rice krispie treats!!!
But I have to admit IMO, the past couple designer collections have been a total snooze…but never fear the current batch of big names will not disappoint. We’ve already seen the magic of Zac Posen but this past weekend, two more of my all time accessory faves debuted their lines Target….Cynthia Vincent and Eugenia Kim!
In the words of Rachel Zoe…BANANAS! I seriously don’t know where to start. Cynthia Vincent’s line of platforms and sandals are truly out of this world…hence her international inspiration with exotic prints and embellishments.
They are the kind of shoes you see on that amazingly chique girl getting off the plane from somewhere and you can’t explain what it is that makes her and her outfit look so unbelievable and then it hits you…it’s her shoes!!!
Next on this list is Eugenia Kim, the woman who brought hats back on the map after J.Lo wore her floppy brim to the American Music Awards back in 2001. Since then, we’ve never looked back, big brims and fedoras are here to stay!
Her Target line is inspired by a “Cuban vacation” (um, hello, who wouldn’t be inspired by a Latin vacation?) has the perfect pieces to take any spring or summer outfit to the next level.
And all of this magic is offered at amazingly good prices so check it out and let Target take you away!!!
PS: If you’ve picked something up from either collection let us know what it was and what you think in the comments!!
by cheapchica11 on April 3, 2010
I get so excited when I get word of a new guest designer at a favorite store of mine. As every cheap chica knows Target rules the roost with a steady showing of high end guest lines. Their latest guest star is a line developed by Zac Posen who developed a line of show stopping silhouettes and prints to satisfy every fashionista’s craving.
I love Target for grabbing basics as well as unique finds for a fraction of the designer cost. Zac Posen’s line delivers a mix and match collection that you can funk up or funk down as you please, giving you more options to diversify your style selections.
Favorites from this collection are the sexy red one piece swimsuit for $34.99 and the little black dress for $49.99; Posen adds design into the fabrics with piping and texture while keeping his signature flattering shapes. Click here to check out the collection….in stores April 25, 2010!!!
by cheapchica11 on August 28, 2009
If you’re obsessed with Gossip Girl like I am, then you’re eagerly anticipateing the new Anna Sui line inspired by the hit show’s leading ladies! The collection debuts at Target one day (September 13th) before we get to join everyone’s favorite Upper Eastsider-s on their first day of College!
The collection will range in price from $19.99-$149.99 and the line includes a variety of soon-to-be-obsessed with seasonal staples including sweaters, blouses, dresses, cropped pants and mini-skirts!
