After seeing a cute bomber jacket in a couple magazine/TV ads for Target, I decided to track one down at my local store. The toffee-colored bomber by Xhiliration ($30) was admittedly the best of the bunch—I decided not to buy it, but I'd wear it. However, the Mossimo faux-leather moto jackets were all unintentionally creased and plastic-looking. Anyone care to disagree? Did the faux leather jackets look better at your store?










Elsewhere in the accessories department, I spotted an adorable saddle bag that looked convincingly vintage, the type of thing you dream of finding at your local thrift store but never do (at least I never have.)

While I was underwhelmed when I first saw lookbook photos of the new Anna Sheffield for Target jewelry collection, I was all smiles when I finally saw the goods in person. Love when that happens! My store had a wide array of necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets, marked by delicate chains and charms in mixed metals (aka gold and silver in the same piece, a hallmark of Sheffield). Prices ranged from $19.99 for a vintage-look bird ring to $79.99 for a 14K gold over silver "Beloved" bracelet. Nothing jaw-dropping, but certainly easy-to-wear, imaginative pieces whose good looks belie their cheap price. Have you seen the collection? What did you buy?

I had a ball trying on the latest designer collection for Target by the great Anna Sui, which launched in stores and online yesterday, perfectly timed with tonight's season premiere of Gossip Girl. The color palette reminded me of Halloween: Pumpkin orange, yellow ochre, lots of cat black, dark purple and splashes of blood red.




Fabrics ranged from flowy, chiffon-like polyester blends, some jacquard, some silk, even mohair for the wrap sweaters, cotton tees, to stiffer tweed and brocade-like fabrics with metallic threads running through two of the dresses. Lace trim, velvet ribbon, tassles, and beads added fun and unique embellishments. The theme running throughout the collection was inspired by the main characters in the popular teen drama Gossip Girl: Vanessa, Blair, Serena and Jenny. (But you don't have to be a fan of the show to fall in love with this collection!)




Styles ranged from a Downtown-cool puffer vest to a prim-and-proper Uptown dress with a high-collar, long cuffed sleeves and bow detail (my favorite piece in the collection!). I also loved this herringbone dress for its versatility, and this seersucker dress, an utterly unboring LBD that could pass for designer.




However, I was sorely disappointed by the price tags! There is no reason why the dresses in this collection should cost more than a typical GO collection, since by all measures, the quality was the same. As you've probably seen online, dresses range from approx. $44.99 to $69.99. Gulp! Despite my enthusiasm, I decided to wait a while before making any purchases.

Which pieces do you love? What did you buy?

Right next to the Anna Sheffield for Target collection, I noticed an amazing albeit nameless collection that reminded me of the exotic, brightly colored jewelry by designer Amrita Singh. (I couldn't find any of these pieces online, so I took a couple pics for reference purposes.) The earrings above are just $14.99 and yet they have all the makings of pricier costume jewelry—beautiful colors, a unique, artsy design, solid craftsmanship, crystals that look like glass, not plastic. Seriously impressive.

There's also some gorgeous jewelry made of semi-precious gems and gold-filled and silver wire that reminded me of the work of jewelry designer Wendy Wink, marked by delicate clusters of beads adorning earrings and dangling as pendants from dainty chains. I'm not saying Target copied anyone, just sharing my impressions. You can also find similar designs on Etsy, or stores like Banana Republic, but it's good to know that you can find such, dare I say, impressive jewelry at Target, too.

We've covered Target's flats and boots, so now it's time to take a look at the leg-lengtheners of the bunch: From peep-toe shoeties to snip toe pumps, killer high-heels in all the latest fall styles abound at Target—and of course, they're priced within reach (although I get leery when the prices climb past $30. Target shoes should cost $19.99 or less!)

Target's Mossimo label delivers some edgy platforms in rich colors like cognac and wine (hmm, I sense a trend); while the Merona Collection (fancy Merona line) offers up more classic trends like a delicious Mary Jane in suede with contrasting patent trim. I wish my store had them in the teal, but you'll see a photo of them in black if you scroll down. Tres chic for work or play. Not loving the lace-up oxford heels, but you can't win every time. Which heels have YOU swooning so far?