Boutique Shopping at Target

One of my favorite things to do when I travel is visit local boutiques and see if I can find something truly unique, and at a good price of course. Turns out, Target is going to make that a lot easier for all of us. They're planning to launch boutique shops within their stores. The shops will be stocked with goods from boutiques all over the country. Some items, like a nail file, will be available for just $1.

Don't live near a Target? Don't worry! The shops will be available online also. Target has assured the public that it won't be a repeat of the debacle the Missoni for Target launch turned into. The website should be able to handle the extra traffic. You'll have to wait until May to shop the boutique at Target, but until then, you have Jason Wu for Target to check out in February.

Pretty in Pleats

The New York Times reported about the pleated skirt trend in March 2011, and Blake Lively is keeping the trend going. She was recently spotted at Sprinkles Cupcakes.

I love skirts, and I especially love these two from American Apparel and Forever 21. "Blarney" is the color of the American Apparel skirt, but the best thing about AA is that they carry most of their clothes in the colors of the rainbow. If you're not a fan of the green, there are a lot of different options to choose from.

The Forever 21 skirt is great, because not only is the color fabulous for fall/winter, but the leopard print is tres chic. I love printed fabric, whether it's anchors for a nautical look or elephants for a republican look, they're all fabulous. Plus, this skirt is a great price. Snatch it up today!

American Apparel

Chiffon Pleated Skirt - $55

Forever 21

Leopard Bow Skirt - $15.80

Capes! They're Not Just For Superheroes...

I like the capes that I've seen in the stores this season, but I've been hesitant to drop a bunch of money on one. I'm still not sure if this will be a long lasting trend, but I found an awesome deal on Piperlime. Not only is this cape just under $30, but it's discounted $60. Even if you only wear it a couple time, it is totally worth buying at this price.

Piperlime

Ladylike Wool Cape by Tinley Road - $29.97 (originally $89)

Urban Outfitters is running a winter sale and there are a lot of great deals. They have a plaid cape for just under $20. Crazy, right? What's even crazier is that it is discounted $110!

Urban Outfitters

Cooperative Hooded Cape Coat - $19.99 (originally $129)

Furrrr! It's cold in here!

From Rachel Zoe to Kim Kardashian to the Olsen sisters. Everyone is wearing a fur vest this season. I was a little hesitant to accept the furry vest trend, but I completely changed my mind after trying one on. Not only are they fun to wear, but they provide warmth while keeping you stylish. They're a great alternative to the casual puffy vests. Check out some of my favorite fur vests...

Ann Taylor LOFT - Zip Front Faux Fur Vest - on sale for $79.99 and take 40% off

Nordstrom - MICHAEL by Michael Kors Mongolian Lamb Vest - $149.90 (from $338)

Macy's - Lauren Jeans Co. Vest - $149 (originally $199)

Discovering Pinterest

After seeing post after post on Facebook from my friends about Pinterest, I decided to finally check out the site to see what all the buzz was about. Now, Pinterest has consumed my life! If you're a fan of this blog, you'll probably enjoy following my Pinterest boards.

If you're not familiar with Pinterest, it's basically an online/virtual pinboard. It's great for organizing if you're planning an event. It's also great for organizing all of your favorite pictures on the web in one place.

I have a fashion board and a board dedicated to interior design. After moving to the east coast, I've become a big fan of the preppy east coast/ivy league fashion. Think lots of Ralph Lauren. Also, as I get older, I sometimes daydream about the day that I'll finally quit moving around and settle down by buying a house. My interior design board is full of interiors that I love and would like to incorporate into the style of my future home.

Here's a link to my Pinterest boards: Thrifty/Trendy on Pinterest

The Stylish Chef

This year I'm hoping to eat healthier and spend less money. Cooking dinner a few nights a week will help me achieve both of those goals. I figured if I'm going to cook, I might as well look cute doing it. I bought this really cute Hello Kitty apron when I was in Tokyo a couple years ago, and I'm always more motivated to cook if it means I get to wear my apron. Since then, I've started buying aprons for my friends as gifts. I especially love the aprons from Anthropologie, and they're not too expensive. Here are a couple of my favorites...

I bought this for my friend for Christmas a couple years ago

Tea-And-Crumpets Apron $32

Sewing Basket Apron $38 (this was worn by Robin on How I Met Your Mother)

2012!

It's 2012! What are your new years resolutions? I spent Christmas in NYC and I feel so motivated this year to work on the blog. I was totally inspired by everything I saw while shopping in the city.

The best fashion news of 2012 so far, Jason Wu for Target! I hope this is as successful as the Missoni line, but I also hope it doesn't sell out and create the mayhem that ensued from the launch of the Missoni line. Did anyone snag any of those pieces? I didn't...

In case you're not familiar with Jason Wu, he made a big splash in the fashion world when he got the attention of our always stylish first lady - Michelle Obama. In fact, she wore a Wu creation to the Inaugural Ball. If you happen to be in Washington, DC, you can see Michelle's dress at the Smithsonian Museum.

Michelle Obama wearing Jason Wu

Preview of Jason Wu for Target