Back to School: Target

When I first went off to college so many years ago (okay 2003, and it does seem that long ago), just about everything I bought to head off came from Target.  The Target had just opened up on Rt. 60 in Barboursville, so  I was rather excited about it.  Most of my clothes, all of dorm stuff (which I actually still have...), all came from the giant red bull's eye in the sky. 

I'm still a fan of Target, and I feel it's one of the places where you can get the most bang for your buck.  They usually have a designer collaboration going on, such as this summer's Calypso St. Barth which I was in love with, and Missioni coming up here in September.  Trust me, there will be more on that later. 

But before I get even further off track, here are the sets for Target:

Polyvore set here.

When I first saw this skirt, all I could think of was how perfect it would be for fall.  I added cute red flats (which would go great with the J. Crew shirt from yesterday), a simple brown bag, and a red scarf.  Even though the scarf, shoes, and skirt aren't all the same shade of red, they're in the same family, which will allow you to get away with wearing them all together.  I added a simple teal tee to keep everything too matchy-matchy.  It's a bit unexpected, and teal is hot for this fall.  Had I paired this skirt with a neutral shirt, I probably would have taken away the scarf as it would have been too much red.  But adding this shirt in a complementary color, you can go further with accessories.  A purple shirt would also work, as would yellow or a bright colbalt blue.

Polyvore set here.

Also hot this fall? Colorblocking.  I chose this great colorblocked dress as it's not only on trend, but is also a basic classic dress.  I love the pink and dark green for the fall.  A simple woven wedge and tortishell jewelry just make this so simple and wearable for a lot of people.  Like the skirt from yesterday, this will also be great with tights and a flat boot. 

The Perfect School Bag

Longchamp Le Pliage, $125-145, depending on size

I had one of these bags (until my puppy chewed it up), and I carried it everywhere.  Depending on the size, you can fit several textbooks in one of the larger sizes.  They come in all colors of the rainbow, and even some limited edition prints.  If you're thinking the price is a bit high for what is a basic bag, let me assure you you're getting your money's worth.  A Longchamp bag will last you a lifetime, no matter how badly you abuse it.  They're easy to take care of (a soapy cloth will get them clean), and it will go with all but the most formal of wear. I carried my Le Pliage (RIP) and messenger bag all throughout college, and still use the messenger bag often.  The messenger bag isn't as big as the Le Pliage, but is still quite sizeable.  I can carry several Tom Clancy paperback novels (don't ask) in the messenger.

A Longchamp bag also makes a good baby bag for those who don't want something that looks too much like a baby bag.  I had a friend who purchased a Le Pliage in red (same bag I had), because, as she puts it, "it didn't insult her intelligence."  She spent months looking for something that wasn't a large black box, a cutesy duck print, or a pink and green paisley explosion.  A Longchamp fit her bill perfectly. 

There are a fair number of Longchamp knockoffs being sold, especially online.  They're nowhere as near prevalent as Coach knockoffs, but they're there.  A Longchamp bag is made in France, never in China.  If you're looking at buying one from Ebay, don't buy any that come from China or Hong Kong, as they're not authentic.  Also make sure that the Ebay listing clearly states them to be "authentic." 

Guess who is a big fan of Longchamp bags?  One of my new style icons, Kate Middleton:

<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-477" title=" on June 30, 2011 in Ottawa, Canada." src="http://wvfashion.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/larger_km_longchamp1.jpg?w=300" alt="" width="300" height="186" />

This picture is from Kate and William's recent July trip to Canada/United States.  I had the same bag Kate does in this picture, except mine had long handles. 

She also carried one to her college graduation. 

As the Duchess of Cambridge has proven, how many other purses out there that you will not only buy different colors of, but will use for several years to come?

Longchamp can be bought locally at Yarid's, which has several stores throughout West Virginia including in Charleston and Lewisberg.  Visit their website for more store information.  I bought mine through Nordstrom's and the online store Magnum's, which has excellent customer service. 

 

Back to School: J. Crew

For J. Crew's back to school look, I went with a preppy theme (and no, J. Crew isn't a preppy brand no matter what people tell you).  While J. Crew is the most expensive of all my sets this week, I've seen very similar items in many a store, so don't fret. 

Polyvore set here.

 I paired a classic plaid button down with a military green button down skirt (very '80s).  I swear the skirt isn't as bright as in real life, I looked at it about two weeks ago at the J. Crew in Easton Town Center.  Tuck the shirt into the skirt, because leaving it untucked will pull attention away from the cute details on the skirt.  A classic canvas bag and adorable loafer heels complete the outfit. All of these pieces will also mix easily with others.  Subtract the skirts, add a classic pair of corduroys.  Take away the plaid shirt and add a sweater.  The possibilities are endless, which will be thankful for those mornings when you've partied a bit too much the night before.

Polyvore set here.

I chose a simple yet pretty dress for a study date.  I'm probably going to buy these glitter sandals next paycheck as I love them that much.  They're simple, and yet they add the perfect dash of glitz to any outfit.  The necklace is simple and understated.  I also may buy this dress.  I chose this dress for the sole reason that you can wear it year round.  Now, you can wear it with sandals, and when it gets colder, pair it with some flat boots and tights. 

Tomorrow's Back to School Brand: Target

Welcome to Back to School Week!

 

This week I will be displaying fashions for back to school.  Each daily post will feature an outfit suitable for the first day of class and a study date (or party).  I'm aiming the Polyvore sets at college students, so high schoolers may want to double check their school's dress code policy before making purchases.  Even for those of us out of college, use the sets to get some ideas on how to transition into fall fashion.

I'll also be doing a post on how to liven up a school uniform, in request to a question that was emailed to me last week.  Having spent 12 years in Catholic school, I understand that a lot of people want something a little more stylish for school than plaid skirts.  Depending on your school's uniform policy, it can actually be pretty easy to dress up a uniform. 

First up this week: J. Crew.

Fall Fashion When We Don't Have a Fall

I'm trying to stick to my rule of not discussing fall fashion until it's actually, like, fall.  And by fall, I mean leaves turning pretty colors and I can wear pretty sweaters without jackets.  However, at least here in southern WV, there hasn't been an honest-to-goodness fall.  I mean, there's like two weeks of pretty weather around the middle of October (and in time for Bridge Day at the New River Gorge!), but last year I swear it was in the 80s through November.  When I would go shopping, there are all these beautiful sweaters and corduroy pants, and it's just too hot to wear them. 

It's really confusing, and I'm not sure how to discuss fall fashion if it's going to be 90 degrees.  Or like this past spring, where it rained for over two months without letup. 

Here's what I'm thinking:

-What pieces to keep out when packing up your summer wardrobe
-What pieces to pick up that won't be too hot, yet will keep you warm (yes, this sounds weird, but in my head it makes sense)
-Accessories are key
-Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

I am planning to do a back to school week next week.  I'll be covering back to school outfits from a variety of stores such as J. Crew, Target, Old Navy, and Kohl's.  I'm also going to include an outfit for a study date or a party, because you can't wear jeans all the time.

I'll figure something out.  Meanwhile, if you have any questions about late summer/fall clothing/accessories/style/etc., ask me in the comments or email me at wvfashionologist [at] gmail.com.

I FINALLY found a shampoo!

As I've previously mentioned, I have been looking for a shampoo that doesn't leave my hair a stringy mess.  While I liked Bumble and bumble's Creme de Coco, I can't justify paying $20 for shampoo.  I've tried some others since my last blog with little to no success:

-Target's Up and Up brand, the volumizing edition.  It gave volume, cleaned my hair, but left it super dry.

-V05 something or other.  Didn't do a thing.

-Head and Shoulders. Actually cleans well without the drying, but doesn't quite leave my hair as manageable as I'd like.

While at Big Lots one day, I came across a shampoo that was advertised for normal to thick hair.  As I have super thick hair, I decided to give it a go.  And I'm glad I did:

Sally Hershberger Shampoo for Normal to Thick Hair, $9.50

This shampoo cleaned, moisturized without weighing my hair down, makes it super soft, and managable.  It's also not heavily perfumed like the Charles Worthington Dream Hair, which I'd use all the time if it wasn't for the scent.  The Sally Hershberger has a nice clean scent that sort of smells a bit of a cross between Smarties candies and a hint of a floral.  I also don't need a lot of shampoo, which hopefully means I won't go through bottles too often. 

I only paid $2 for my bottle at Big Lots, but I have found lots of three or more going on Ebay for around $20, which makes the price a lot easier to swallow.  I'm that happy with this stuff. 

 

Brand to Know: Madewell

Madewell is an up-and-coming brand that is starting to make a splash in the fashion world. The clothes already have that perfect worn-in look to them, that many a store and brand has attempted (I'm not going to mention names but cough-Abercrombie-cough) but has never really achieved.   Madewell started out in 1937 as a workwear company but folded in 1989.  Somewhere in the 1990s J. Crew bought the brand, and transformed it into an all-American women's wear store.  But don't let all the Americana fool you, most of the products are made in China and elsewhere.  However, Madewell is unique in the fact that it does offer items made by local artisans/crafters/etc. 

I made up two outfits, one for a trip to the Capitol Market (best farmer's market in the state), and one that's perfect for the first day back on campus:

 

Polyvore set here.

Madewell calls this dress color Cherry, but I'd call it Plum.  The color isn't dark enough to be only a fall/winter color, and would pair well with summer color staples of orange or turquoise.  It's made out of jersey, light for summer, and easily paired with a cardigan come October.  The heels can be worn throughout fall as well.  The necklace adds a bit of shine.  I love this messenger bag.  Like seriosuly, I'm highly considering getting it.   I've been on the lookout out for a good messenger for over a year, and I'm thinking this might fit the bill.

For those about to start back to school:

Polyvore set here.

I have friends who start classes as soon as the second week of August, so I made a first day outfit that will not only keep you cool on the long trek across campus, but to keep you warm the moment you step into class.  I have no idea why, but every college feels the need to keep the classrooms a frigid 62 degrees, hence the cardigan.  I love the bright navy contrasting with the coral.  The sandals are more interesting that a basic pair of leather flip flops.  This bag isn't big enough to be a bookbag, but it will hold your wallet, planner, and all sorts of other nessecities. 

Pricewise, Madewell isn't horrible.  I'd put it on par with Macy's or White House|Black Market.  Their sales are pretty good, so check those out.  The nearest locations are in Easton Town Center in Columbus, Ohio, and Georgetown, Washington D.C.

Click here for the Madewell website.