During my last trip into New York City, I made a special detour to the Herald Square JCPenney with the sole goal of checking out the MNG by Mango collection, which just launched in August at select JCPenney stores (read: not in my state) and jcp.com. My understanding is that this is genuine Mango clothing, shoes and accessories, not a watered-down diffusion line, and the quality and prices are consistent with this fact. I used to peruse the Mango boutique on Michigan Avenue when I lived in Chicago, so I'm familiar with the look and feel and the JCPenney collection is pretty much the same. Personally I think what you're paying for is the look, that chic, European, modern, urban vibe that you just won't find at the Gap. It's not that MNG by Mango is overpriced per se, but it isn't cheap: A structured black wool trench with an asymmetrical zipper really caught by eye but I gasped at the $249 pricetag. Not unreasonable, especially if you wait for a sale, but I can do better elsewhere.

Everything I tried on ran true to size (true to European misses sizing, that is, so it's a little on the small side) including the shoes, except for a slinky strapless cocktail dress - I had to go up two sizes just to zip that thing. I wanted to buy a couple things that were on clearance, including a plaid tunic ($27), embellished tee ($19) and nautical striped top ($9), but they were completely sold out of my size. Unfortunate. Overall, I liked what I saw and I'll continue to stalk this collection for deals on styles you won't find at Old Navy but can't afford from Shopbop.

More photos after the jump. Let me know if you have specific questions about any of the items and I'll try to answer in the comments.

Here's a question posted by cydneycy in the forums: "In two weeks I've got to go to the college I'm planning on going to to interview for scholarships. It's going to be an event with a lot of other prospective students and I really want to leave a good, lasting impression. HELP!"

The outfit you put together should look professional while still showcasing your personality. You'll make it memorable by wearing a confident smile, making eye contact, and delivering smart answers (naturally!).

I think a classic sheath dress ($128) is a great wardrobe staple that's flattering on many body types. It should be fitted but not tight. Next, add a velvet blazer ($100) to cover those shoulders and add some color and texture. Carry your essentials in a forest green lattice embellished bag ($46) that's fashionable yet understated.

Finish the look with a braided chain bracelet ($6.50), black opaque tights ($15) and black ankle boots ($62) - a little bit of heel will give you a boost, physically and mentally. The right clothes will make you feel more comfortable and the less you're worrying about how you look, the more you can focus on nailing that scholarship. Good luck!

Yesterday I checked my local Target to see if they had anything left from the Mulberry for Target handbag collection which is available now in stores and, last time I checked, nearly entirely sold out online. The large black satchel looked surprisingly good in person but $49? Really? I just couldn't justify buying another black purse for that price. The pink leopard print bag was delightful and I was really tempted to buy it but I just couldn't do it. I had to put aside the fact that it remotely connected to the Mulberry brand and admit to myself that it looked cheap. If the quality had just been moderately better, I would have jumped on that bag. I think these bags could certainly add fun to many outfits but when money's tight, these don't make me reach for my wallet.

More photos after the jump. Did you buy anything? Did seeing the bags in person change your mind one way or another?

During my recent roadtrip to Nova Scotia, I stopped at a drugstore for some supplies and couldn't help but notice that Sally Hansen has released some amazing limited-edition nail polish shades for fall. I haven't tested any yet but I'm already a fan of Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure, the quality is remarkable. The tough part will be picking just one, I'm loving the whole fall lineup from sultry rich purples to those superchic neutrals. At this particular drugstore, the Complete Salon Manicure was priced at $7.59 per bottle; the Diamond Strength was $4.98.

What nail polish color are you craving for fall? Better yet, what color are you wearing right now?

Target has teamed up with New York-based designer John Derian for the second time to create an affordable line of home accessories. Sorry I'm just posting these now, I scouted out the collection about two weeks ago but haven't had a chance to post as I've been on vacation with limited internet access (as all good vacations should be). I didn't buy anything because I was focused on shopping for a few essential camping supplies such as facial cleansing wipes (love the Target brand with cucumber) and travel size toothpaste…but I digress.

The John Derian for Target collection "turns old world inspiration into modern home styles" with artsy yet functional items such as melanine plates, ceramic mugs, desk accessories, and home decor items priced under $25. I love the vintage feel, nature-inspired motifs (might have to go back for the ladybug, dragonfly and four-leaf clover cups), and faux-decoupage effect. The marbelized paper-look binder is charming, too. Check your local Target store or Target.com to see what's left before this collection disappears. Have you bought anything?

More real-life photos after the jump!