Style Reader

Style Steal

2009-03-19T23:54:00.008-04:00

With the economy in the pits, the logical solution would be to cut out all extraneous spending. For some this would include all expenditures save groceries, gas, rent, etc. However, let's face it - who has that much self-restraint? Not I! My current employment situation is dismal at best, it will be another month or so until I start seeing a real paycheck. This has meant adopting an aggressive shopping regimen.

First of all, I have cut out mall retail store shopping. I find most stores heinously overpriced for items that end up sitting in my closet, laden with guilt. I will make the occasional exception for a worthy splurge or legendary sale, but for the most part, I steer clear of malls.

Where do I go shopping? You probably guessed it - my local Marshalls/TJ Maxx can sometimes be gold mines. And I do want to emphasize the sometimes. A lot of times these types of stores can be depressing when you come back empty handed. But I have found that with some effort, on average I usually make it worth my trip. Keep in mind that my shopping patience and stamina skills have been thoroughly honed through years of sample/warehouse sales while I lived in SoCal. I truly do enjoy the hunt aspect of shopping, I consider it a hobby.

To those of you who do not need to penny pinch, more power to you - but for those of you who do, I hope to be able to share with you how I live within my means and get my retail therapy fix.

First up is this Matty M black vested dress from my local Marshall's. It set me back about 25 bones. I plan to wear this number to work with either a tank or long sleeved shirt underneath.

Fall Into The Gap

2009-03-18T18:43:00.005-04:00

I randomly came across some old GAP ads on youtube and I realized just how many memorable ads they've had over the years. I've posted a few of my favorites.

Sarah Jessica Parker & Lenny Kravitz, 2004
Following the wrap of SATC in 2004, SJP was signed on by Gap for a reported 38 million. However, around her 40th birthday, GAP dropped her as spokes model for 17 year old Joss Stone. Bad move on their part- she looks AMAZING and she still does 5 years later!

Alex Greenwald, Rashida Jones, & Jason Thompson, 1999
Flashback to my teens! I was obsessed with this commercial. If I remember correctly I had it taped somewhere.. Two words: Alex Greenwald - Lead singer of Phantom Planet and oh so hot. And check out Rashida Jones (of the Office).

Claire Danes & Patrick Wilson, 2007
This is my favorite GAP ad. Directed by the Little Miss Sunshine directors. I love the chemistry between Claire Danes and Patrick Wilson. So Cute!

Do you have a favorite?

Orla Kiely for Target

2009-03-16T00:52:00.014-04:00

I must confess first off my love for Target. It's the only store where I discover things I never knew I needed - EVERY visit. Well Target has added another dimension to my addiction - Target collaborations! Sure not all of them hit the bullseye so to speak - I'm looking at you Jonathan Saunders - but even the bad ones spark some undeniable attraction from me. Be it the limited edition nature, the access to designer names at affordable prices, I'm always anticipating who's next.

This post highlights the Orla Kiely for Target collection. Orla Kiely is an Irish designer who's unique and optimistically colorful graphic designs can be found on womenswear, accessories, travel, and homeware items. Usually I'm not all that into prints, but there is something about her designs that is so refreshing.

I have scoured my local targets to add the following to my (now stylish) kitchen:

4 grey/brown pear mugs

Pear dish towels

3 pear canisters - the small gray one was a bugger to hunt down!

I know- a little bit much with the pears right? Well the mugs won't be in view so really just the canisters are the main highlight. I bake a LOT, thus I'm always in the kitchen. These additions really make the kitchen more refreshing by livening things up a bit.

Flowered tapered tote box. Right now it's housing all the random stuff on my dresser.

I also scored a reusable tote on Ebay that I'm currently bringing my lunch to work in.

Welcome to Style Reader!

2009-03-16T00:47:00.001-04:00

So here it is finally! This blog has been a long time coming and I'm so excited to start! It's been a project that has been on my list for some time now but sat on the back burner while the dust settled in the whirlwind that is the post college real world. I'm a blog newbie - so don't expect any life-altering posts.. not yet at least. I plan to have recurring themed posts as soon as I get organized a bit. This blog is simply designed to share my love of all things style from my POV. Enjoy!