Happy October! Don’t you just love this month? We can enjoy all of the wonderful things about Fall without the added craziness of the holidays! I’m celebrating October with a Pumpkin Spice Latté today. Why have I never had one of these before? Yum!
Shopping with my Pumpkin Spice Latté
Well, that and a little Fall shopping.
Red Faux Suede Studded Merona Booties found at Target
Funny, I went to Target for groceries.
As you can see below, my boys already have the costumes out (last year’s) and couldn’t wait for today as I’ve been saying, “On October 1st, the Halloween decorations come out!” Any earlier and they might not last with these two animals. Fall, here we come!
Even my kiddos are already getting into the spirit!
Gone are my Barneys New York shopping days since moving back to Florida and adding two little tots to the mix. Well, except for the occasional splurge online or when in Manhattan. I mean, doesn’t every girl deserve Barneys? Just walking through the Flagship store on the Upper East Side is a treat…beauty everywhere you turn. But I digress…these days, I have to get a little bit more creative in finding fashion pieces that fit into my on-the-go lifestyle which usually includes two little boys 3 and under. Let’s just say, life can get a little messy.
So when I heard Catherine Malandrino was arriving at Kohl’s, I had to stop in and see just what they had to offer. I have to admit, until yesterday, I was a Kohl’s virgin. But, this isn’t my first time at the rodeo…and by rodeo I mean the crazy shopping frenzy associated with designer collaborations a la Target and Missoni, Target and Phillip Lim…you get the picture. So I did my homework and previewed the collection online and headed out early. Sadly, there was not a huge assortment in the store I visited. The piece I wanted most? The black cutout shift dress (above) that looked like a black leather doily…edgy and sweet all at the same time. Plus, dresses are my fave to travel in. One piece makes an entire outfit and is super comfy. But no luck at my Kohl’s.
But here are the top three pieces I did find of Catherine Malandrino for Kohl’s.
Top 3: Gored Ponte Dress, Colorblock Lock Top, & Pleated Knit Skirt
1. Gored Ponte Dress: This one is a no brainer as it’s easy evening wear when traveling as it’s knit. Plus, it can carry you from day to evening in the winter…throw a jacket or sweater over it during the day and reveal the lace sleeves at night.
2. Colorblock Lock Tee: Tees are great travel pieces as they’re great for layering and a cute one like this can be paired with black pants or can jazz up your denim in no time.
3. Pleated Knit Skirt: This skirt is super comfy. No zippers and no drycleaning. A black skirt is an essential when traveling and this one has a bit more excitement to it with the pleated hem.
What shocked me? The numerous other collaborations they carried…Vera Wang, Jennifer Lopez, Rock & Republic, Dana Buchman, and Lauren Conrad. Who knew? I’ll definitely be stopping back by Kohl’s again soon to check out their latest fashion pieces for less. Probably sooner rather than later for this super cute Jennifer Lopez faux fur vest that looks too good.
Jennifer Lopez Ombre Faux Fur Vest
My bun today with glam animal print bobby pins…because it’s 91 degrees today.
When it’s hotter than Hades at your destination, like right now in Miami (despite it being “Fall”), or when you’re off to the beach, it’s best to maintain the mane by putting your hair up in a bun. But to avoid looking like an uptight librarian, use some fun hair accessories to glam up your bun. The right pieces can add some personality to your look and will keep every hair in place. Here are some we’re loving lately from Karina Accessories that can be found at ULTA.
Animal Print Bobbies by Karina
Color Glitter Bobby Pins by Karina
Slim Bar Barrettes by Karina
I like to pretend I’m a tourist at home and try out new spots in Miami to keep myself entertained between jaunts (see last week’s travel tip). So, recently, my husband, Joe, and I headed out for date night at the new Devon Seafood + Steak. We’ve been hearing great things about this upscale, modern restaurant and had to check it out for ourselves as, well, there aren’t many of those in Kendall. It was fabulous from the decor to the handcrafted martinis to the dessert. My faves were the Lobster Mac n’ Cheese and my Blackberry Lemonade Martini. Too good! This will definitely go into our restaurant rotation. But next time, we may just try out happy hour (and a few more martinis) on the outdoor patio. Oh, and the scrumptious cookie box, which a friend raved about after their visit. Check out the entire Devon Seafood + Steak dinner menu here and if you hurry, you can get it all for a steal during Miami Spice now through 9/30. Hmm, maybe I’ll even head back before then.
What We Ate (and drank):
Blackberry Lemonade Martini with prosecco float
Tito’s Dirty Martini
Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with apple & celery root slaw
Lobster Tamale with corn, roasted poblano, cilantro, avocado crema (see right)
Seared Sea Scallops with whipped yukon gold potatoes and lobster mac n’ cheese
Char Crusted Ahi Tuna with parmesan-herb roasted potatoes, asparagus, foyot sauce
Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Typically when dining out, you’ll find me in a dress. Aren’t dresses just easier? But, since we were eating down south in Kendall, I went the casual route. I can’t seem to break away from the skinny jeans and I paired them with this graphic high-low top that I’m still loving from Blush Boutique (I bought it in the Spring). My classic Lanvin booties made their first appearance too as Fall is here! Can you believe it? Where did the summer go? And just to spice the look up a little, Avenue Maintain blue nails.
What I Wore – Top: Ya Los Angeles from Blush Boutique (an oldie but a goodie); Jeans: BDG from Urban Outfitters, Booties: Lanvin (old), Clutch: Carlos Falchi, Cable Bracelet: David Yurman, Screw You Baby Cuff: Henri Bendel, Henri Pave Charms Strap Bracelet: Henri Bendel, Nails: Avenue Maintain by Essie Polish
One of our favorite Miami attractions, the Giraffe Feeding Station at Zoo Miami. Just hold onto the bowl!
To avoid that itch to jump on a plane when you’re in between trips, here’s a travel tip: pretend you’re a tourist at home. By that, I don’t mean wear a camera around your neck and aimlessly wander the streets with a map in tropical print clothing in Miami. Instead, do a little research on what brings so many to see the sights in your own hometown and then make a list of places to explore. Start by googling “tourist attractions in…” the city you call home base. When I recently googled “tourist attractions in Miami” here are just a few things that came up: Miami Beach, Zoo Miami, American Airlines Arena (home of the Miami Heat and so many concerts), & Parasailing. Sadly, I can’t remember the last time I actually had my toes in the sand on Miami Beach. You can even check Zagat.com for the best restaurants the city has to offer by cuisine. This way, you’ll still feel like an adventurer between trips, have a new found love for your hometown, and easily be able to tell friends the things they shouldn’t miss in your city when they visit.
The Crowd Gathers, Ready, Set…, My Must-Haves, My Bag Stash
My arrival time? 7:38 a.m. I set my alarm with a goal to get there at least 20 minutes earlier but started to do the usual rollover and snooze for another 15 minutes until it hit me…3.1 Phillip Lim at Target!! It’s amazing that on a normal morning, I can barely muster the energy to stumble to the coffee machine. But when Phillip Lim is mentioned, I catapult out of bed and am out the door in 5 minutes flat. The doors didn’t open at the Dadeland Target until 8 a.m. But, being 23rd in line (yes, I counted), I thought there’s no hope for me. Then the waiting began. Yeah, it was only 22 minutes. But my god does that go slowly when you know that what’s just beyond that metal gate is heart-pounding, supermarket sweep-type shopping for fantastic fashion at unbelievable prices.
Looking around, I realized, these women ahead of me are no joke. I thought I put in a good effort but these women were calm, cool, collected and even had coffee in hand. When was there time for that? One was in heels. My effort was lipgloss. It’s not even 8 a.m.! My game plan? Bags first, they fit me perfectly. I previewed online and was already drooling over the big black tote, that cute mini satchel, and the Boom sweatshirt. Perfect travel pieces…the big tote makes a perfect carry-on, the mini satchel packs perfectly in small spaces, and the sweatshirt will keep me warm in flight.
Boom! One of my must-haves from the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Collaboration.
Finally, a Target employee marches out and starts giving us the rules. They evidently remember the lunatics that showed up for Missoni in 2011. The rules were basically as follows: no more than 2 pieces per style per person, take only the sizes that are close to your size into the fitting room, & try not to attack restockers. Okay, fair enough. WAIT! What? It’s not all out?? Oh, this should be interesting. Then he says, he’ll repeat it all again for those in the back. I turned around and there were probably another 50 people behind me. Still, not even 8 a.m. yet. When he started to repeat himself, he stopped first, took a deep breath and sighed. I couldn’t help but giggle. It was almost as if that sigh was saying, “You guys have no chance in hell back here.”
3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Sparkle Dress in Black…now mine.
So here we are, all with our red carts, in a civilized line and the silver gate begins to roll up and…CHARGE! So much for being in line. Everyone shoved their carts to the side and dashed in. Bags, bags, where are the bags??? They weren’t out yet. HELLO??? Do we know who Phillip Lim is?? Ugh! So, I redirect and grab whatever clothes I’m loving in a small…ruffle tank in navy and white, green long sleeve blouse, sleeveless black sparkle dress, silky navy skirt, white/black drop dress, Boom print sweatshirt (YES!), floral print peplum tank, grey sparkle tank, floral print long sleeve blouse, and navy/green pullover. Then, in the corner of my eye, I see a mountain of taupe & black being wheeled my way. The bags! They rolled out two shopping carts of bags and, thankfully, I was just feet away. I snatched up the mini satchel in taupe, the black tote with gusset, and the top handle cross body in black! YESSSS. Within seconds, they were all gone. For that, you can mostly thank the guy that threw 20 in his cart which he was clearly about to list on ebay.
In 10 minutes, 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target was over. Those just arriving at 8:15 a.m. were looking around confused as if they weren’t sure what was happening…where was all the merchandise? Yeah, gone, folks. I felt bad for them…I’d been there myself in 2011 when I naively arrived an hour after the Dadeland Target opened only to find two lonely Missoni acrylic tumblers on the shelf, which I still have and love. But, then I saw the desperation in their eyes and wondered if these fashion vultures might attack my red cart. So, I picked up speed and wheeled off into fashion bliss. Maybe next time, slow pokes.
3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Peplum Tank – Floral Print…a favorite piece that came home with me.
So here are my tips on How to Get Everything You Want at a Target Designer Collaboration Launch:
1. Preview/Drool over the collection online. There’s always a ton of press on upcoming launches so you can scope out what you want…and spot it easily from a distance in the store.
2. Arrive as early as possible to the store and ALWAYS before it opens.
3. Think about going to a Target off the beaten path to avoid crowds and hysteria…but not too far off as they might not carry the line.
4. Ditch the red cart. You can’t make it through half of those tight aisles with it and you need to move cheetah fast in order to score anything. Grab your must-haves first, then get the cart after the frenzy.
5. Be friendly & start conversation with other shoppers and they just may give you their discards. I got a top handle cross body bag in black this way!
6. Casually and calmly (when none of the vultures are looking) stroll by the dressing room to see if there are any discards there.
7. Remember, if you’re petite like I am (and by that I mean a shorty 5’2″, not skinny) you probably need to size down just so the armholes don’t go down to your belly button.
Good luck!
Meet Ashley
Former NYC fashion industry girl, forever traveler, foodie at heart, and now Mom in Miami. My blog, Arrive Chic, covers the style I find in everyday life both on the road and at home, often with my two energetic little boys in tow.
