The designers are back!

It's been five years since Target first introduced it's line of GO International designer collections. 
The periodic release of designers such as Zac Posen, Thakoon, Luella Bartley, Tara Jarmon, and Paul & Joe to name a few - was exciting for those with a fashion fever.  I know I anxiously awaited when the next designer would come out.  With the prices ranging from $24.99 to $44.99, it was hard not to snag some designer styles.

So how exciting is it that Target is re-releasing 34 dresses from 17 designers!?!  Really exciting!  The designs will be available Sunday, March 13, 2011 through April 10, 2011 at most Target stores and target.com.

One hanging in my closet right now?  Thakoon's printed tie-waist shirt dress for $39.99.

This collective is a celebration of many designers, anyone looking for a new dress should stop in before the styles are gone once again.  Here are a few other styles I am hoping to add to my wardrobe.

Rodarte for Target Slip Dress $44.99
Behnaz Sarafpour for Target Silk Georgette Lace Dress $44.99

Tucker for Target Ruffle-Back Dress $39.99
Tara Jarmon for Target Color-block Dress $29.99

Happy Hunting Fashionistas!

Love,

LoJo

The mini is out and the MAXI is in!

The trend for the past decade or so of mini skirts, short shorts, and legs that go on for miles may be coming to a close.  It's time for a renaissance and the maxi skirt is returning to blanket the bottom half of the ladies this spring.

Yes, nude heels and sandals are popular and DO add length to those stems - BUT a sultry way to lengthen your look is by letting your hem line down.

The key to the maxi skirt look is a draped fabric and basic color.  No one wants to look like peasants or hippies even if '70s style is coming back.  This undergarment-inspired skirt is sleek and sexy - looking great paired with a boxy tee and chunky jewelry.

Only Heart Long Skirt - $127

Romance is the word when it comes to the maxi skirt.  Who knew covering up could look so good?

Richard Chai Love Skirt

This sheer variation from American Apparel comes in several colors, to satisfy everyone's color preference.

Chiffon Double-Layer Full Length Skirt - $58

The maxi skirt can be dressed up and down of course, making it a great running errands around town outfit that transitions to a girls night out dinner.  Add on past season's long-sleeve tee and faux fur vest or silk blouse and leather jacket.  A maxi skirt can be worn with flat sandals or heels depending on the occasion!

Happy hunting fashionistas!

Love, 

LoJo

Spring Trends: '70s Glam

After the record-breaking snowfall the Chicago-area experienced this February, it's time to think spring.

And this spring, color is back in a BIG WAY!  Head back to the '70s with luxe fabrics, poppy colors, disco glam, and big hair.  Well maybe not the big hair, but the new '70s for spring is all about bold and bright colors.  The decade's luxurious fabrics were seen on the runways and are looking to make a comeback into your wardrobe.


Some of the must-have pieces are floor length dresses, peasant blouses, wide-leg trousers, and mid-calf skirts.  Each style evokes an essence of "blast from the past" with a modern twist.


Crowd pleasers! (in the must-have color of the season, bright coral orange)

Marc by Marc Jacobs - $598

H&M - $60

Don't forget the bold blues and attention-grabbing greens either.  Burberry Prorsum showed a wonderful variety of citrus hues and accents on the runway for spring.

For those not ready to don the rainbow while shopping for groceries, bright accessories are the way to go.  Lightweight bright scarves are easy, interchangeable, and go with every outfit.  My favorite comes in forty-seven different colors.  Oh the possibilities.... 

Tissue Weight Cashmere - $98

The key to rocking this '70s look this season, make it your own.  Only wear as much color as you feel comfortable in and PLEASE keep it classy.  Blue curacao silk blouse?  Check.  Emerald green cropped jacket?  Yes.  Electric red M.C. Hammer pants?  Maybe somethings are better left in the past.


Happy hunting fashionistas!


Love,
LoJo

Let's hear it for the BOYS!

All I want to see the men in this spring is clothing that actually FITS.  That's right, toss out those baggy jeans and oversize hooded sweatshirts.

The stylish women of the world are looking for men in slim plaid shirts, slim dark denim, fitted blazers, lightweight scarves, and oxfords.  Overall, still transitional spring-wear that can be worn in our chilly Chicago weather.

Mix and match and make it your own.  I used to work in men's wear and there is nothing I appreciate more than a well dressed man.

My favorite brand: Bugatchi Shaped Fit

I hope all the men out there over 6'3" are taking notes.

Other spring trends are utility boots, sleek sneakers, slim hoodies, shawl neck cardigans, and military & bomber jackets. 

Yes, this look is casual and more weekend wear than wear to work.  

***Please do not attempt to wear to work and then blame me for inappropriate dress and possible firings. (Unless of course you work from home, work in retail, or for Groupon -- which would be awesome and I would greatly appreciate an interview).

Favs?

.....Shopstyle.....Nordstrom.....Bluefly.....Hugo Boss......

Happy hunting fashionistos!


Love,
LoJo

Spring Trends: Some like it... STRIPED

Bold, daring, simple, and SEXY.

That's right, if there is a spring trend that you probably already have in your closet, stripes is it.  I cannot tell you how excited I am to bust out my striped linen pants and lightweight tees.  In the meantime, we can obsess over skirts and sundresses as we dream of warmer weather.

The item that is haunting my dreams and TAUNTING my wallet, a Marc by Marc Jacobs skirt for $398.  Retro-inspired and SO wearable for the office or a date.

Since I won't be purchasing the skirt anytime soon, some more affordable options for my lovely friends.  You won't believe the prices of these next pieces.  MUST HAVES?  I think so.

The spring staple is a sundress, but you didn't need me to tell you that. I'm not heading on spring break, but those lucky enough to have plans... PICK THESE UP!

Cooperative Linen Day Dress - Urban Outfitters $59

Maritime Dress - JCrew $78

Serpent Stripe Sequin Dress - French Connection $95

Ladies, please do not fear the skirt.  Your gams are lovely and this nautical striped number from TopShop will definitely put you in cruise mode.

Navy Stripe Belted Bodycon Skirt - $56

When dressing with stripes, mix with black, white, or solid brights.  You will look chic and trendy, aren't you fabulous.

Nothing screams spring like a thin blue "seersucker-esque" fabric.  Might as well kill two trends with one stone with a striped oxford.

Trouser Laceless Oxford - $69.95

***If you are mixing and matching stripes (very fashion-forward of you, I'm so proud) make sure to also mix and match different widths and colors.

Happy hunting fashionistas!

Love,

LoJo

Spring Trends: Light Pink and Nude Tones

Time to get your fashion fix!
This spring is all about light pink and nude tones.  Here are a couple of my favorites.

Tulip Skirt with Sash. Find it at Zara. 

Tashkent by Cheyenne Woven Leather Sandals. Find it at Bluefly.

Casey Dolman Sleeve Wrap Dress. Find it at Alice + Olivia.

Maggie Ward Chiffon Blouse. Find it at Nordstrom.

Friend of Mine Minnie Blazer. Find it at Shopbop.

Found in my closet, what I will be spotted wearing...

Haute Hippie Embellished Silk Tee

Trouve Leather & Jersey Crop Jacket 

American Apparel Interlock Asymmetrical Dress

Boutique 9 Ildra Oxford

Fashion Trendsetters!

Layer different shades of light pink, pale peach, and nude tones in your entire outfit.  I don't just mean a blouse and a jacket, EVERYTHING.  Spring is around the corner and it is time to go all out!  

Lightweight tees and tanks in sheer fabrics make great layering pieces.  

Add on a lightweight cardigan or chunky sweater and a leather jacket or silk blazer.  

Don't forget your bottoms- white denim, textured minis, and nude romantic skirts.

Finish the look with rose gold accessories, a lightweight sheer scarf, and a pair of ankle wrap flats or delicate nude heels.

*Remember try the whole look in light pink and nude tones!  Spring weather here we come!

Fashion Adopters!

Introduce a light pink, pale peach, and nude tone into your existing wardrobe.  This is a safe way to try the trend without venturing too far out of your comfort zone!

Silk blouses and nude tees become great layering pieces under existing leather jackets and boyfriend blazers.  

Pair with denim and over-the-knee boots for a girl's night out.  

Patterned pink and nude scarves flirt with the trend and compliment nude leather heels and handbags.  

Spill-prone and afraid to dive in to this trend head first?  

Pale pink nails and chunky nude jewelry will slowly transition you into this fresh new look.

*Pick a couple of pieces that you can work into what you already wear!

Happy hunting fashionistas! 

Love,

LoJo