Fashion blogs were buzzing:  ”It’s chic!” “The ethnic print is perfect!” “The silhouette is so flattering!” “She looks like a million bucks!” 

Or $39.99 as it were.  This gorgeous frock came from none other than Target.  I will say that it appears to have been ironed to within an inch of its life (and possibly tailored as well) and that probably goes a long way toward making it look much more expensive than it is.  You know, lest anyone think they can just run out to Target, grab a dress off the rack, throw it on and look as amazing as our First Lady…  Let this be a lesson girls!  Heat up your irons…or just take everything to the drycleaner like I do.

Image courtesy of Piperlime

While it may be difficult to tell from this photo, the Bender bag by Foley + Corinna (on sale for $259.99, down from $485) is actually a chocolate color.  The leather is glazed to give it a glossy look – which I love for fall and winter.  And at 15″ x 16″, it’s plenty big.  

In my professional (Disclaimer: I use the term “professional” very loosely.) opinion, this is a steal considering we’re headed into the colder months.  Kind of like finding the perfect pair of riding boots on sale in July…

Image courtesy of Net-A-Porter

This tee ($88) would look so cute paired with a military-inspired jacket for fall.  Or wear it alone with skinny jeans and flats…  Or just buy it and have it shipped directly to Raleigh Fashionista Corporate Headquarters so I can wear it with with a military-inspired jacket or skinny jeans and flats!

Thanks for letting me borrow your sign-off, Seacrest.

Just like Gilt, there’ll be a whole new lineup of fashion, just for women. And here’s the difference: the prices will be much lower and we’ll feature a wider range of styles to mix and match. 

Well, color me excited!

A look from Rodarte's Spring 2009 show

This should be interesting since Rodarte is famous for a couple of things:  four-figure price tags and high concept designs.  So I’m curious to see how this translates to a budget conscious, mass market environment.

I’ve been disappointed in a couple of the past Target collaborations but there are some exciting ones on the horizon (Rodarte, Carlos Falchi) so I hope they’re able to deliver!

Image courtesy of Bloomingdale's

Marc Jacobs has got me all a flutter over this one – Lola ($65 – $85).   This is one of the most gorgeous scent bottles I’ve seen in a long time.  I want it.  I need it.  I must have it.  No matter that I already have an entire dresser’s length of fragrances. I’m about to finish off my Gucci II (which was actually purchased based solely on the scent – go figure) so I’ll soon have an open spot to fill…

Image courtesy of Banana Republic

This cotton/silk blend top ($60) is lightweight enough to be appropriate in warm weather but the rich color is great for fall.  

I like how they’ve styled it here – with a belt but if that’s not your thing, I think it would look equally excellent tucked into a pair of wide-leg trousers.

Image courtesy of Shopbop

Oh my.  I’m drooling a little bit.  Isn’t that just the most perfect shade of plum?  And though I love the original gold or silver medallion on the toe, the discreet leather one is gorgeous too.  (And nice because you don’t have to worry about coordinating your jewelry or the hardware on your bag to the hardware on your shoe.  What?  No one else worries about these sort of things?  Just me?  Really?)

And just in case you’re not already in the loop on this, let me fill you in.  Tory Burch Revas are, hands down, the most comfortable flat on the market.  And I mean that.  They are worth every penny.  They are divine.

And here’s a quick tip:  Order a half size down.  They’ll be a little tight at first but the leather will very soon stretch out and you’ll have the perfect fit.  I learned this the hard way with my first pair.  I got my regular size and they felt great at first but eventually the leather stretched and my heel kept coming out of them as I pounded the pavement all over Paris.