Reviewing the Collection: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target

The long anticipated (for some of us) 3.1 Phillip Lim collaboration with Target finally hit stores and the internet today.

The line is filled with pieces that work for every aspect of one's lifestyle.  There are plenty of work-friendly pieces from which to choose, pieces with a touch of sparkle that will work well for all the upcoming holiday events, and some fun pop-art casual pieces that will get you through the weekend in style.

Unfortunately, the collection is only available in misses sizes - no petites or plus-sizes. I plan on picking up at least a piece or two out of the line and getting them altered to fit my petite frame, if necessary.

Here are my favorites from the collection:

For evening:

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Tuxedo Jacket
$59.99

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Sparkle Dress (Available in blue too here)
$49.99

Fun print!

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Animal Print Silky Skirt
$29.99

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Canvas Drawstring Travel Bag
$49.99

Work:

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Dress with Faux Leather
$49.99

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Floral Print Peplum Tank
$39.99

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Tote with Gusset (see here; Available in stores only)
$54.99

Casual:

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target French Terry Sweatshirt
$29.99

Do you like this most recent designer collaboration with Target?

Only one more day to vote for your favorites in the St. Louis Fashion Blog Awards.  Style Cassentials is nominated in the categories "Best Personal Style," "Best Delivery of Personal Style," and "Best Use of Facebook."  Click to vote here once a day until 9/16/13.  Thanks for your support!!

Fall 2013 Fashion Trends: Military

In both fall and spring, military-inspired looks were a major trend.  This look has continued into this fall and is a major source of all the green we're seeing on fall runways (see more here).

Here, I've taken the trend in a more casual direction. 

Jacket:  Old Navy (Similar here and here)
Dress:  The Limited (Similar here, here, and here)

Soccer mom duty has officially started back up, and I spent the day outside (and make-up free!) in 100 degree heat.  I kept the look simple and casual today to beat the heat, giving this sailor striped dress a bit of a bohemian look.  I like how the chain link necklace adds to the nautical vibe.

Purse:  The Limited (Available here)
Necklace:  Torrid

Sandals:  Target

When the temperature cools down, I will definitely be wearing the look with my army jacket and booties.  I'll add black tights when it gets colder.

Here's a few of my military-inspired favorites from the runway:

3.1 Phillip Lim Fall 2013 look
Source:  HarpersBazaar.com

Prabal Gurung Fall 2013 look
Source:  HarpersBazaar.com

I have to get virtually everything altered to fit properly.  Sometimes, alterations aren't enough to get a perfect fit, but they definitely make a huge difference in how an outfit looks.

Here's a quick before and after:

Purse:  Express

I had the dress hemmed a couple inches.  To get a better fit on the jacket, I washed and dried it. Then, I had the sleeves taken in a bit for a slightly slimmer fit.

The result is loose and comfortable, but much more figure flattering.

Booties:  Target

Do you like the military trend?

For the army jacket in another look, see here.

Please don’t forget to vote here every day through September 16th for Style Cassentials in the Saint Louis Fashion Blog Awards! I'm nominated for "Best Personal Style," "Best Delivery of Personal Style," and "Best Use of Facebook"!! While you're there, check out a very talented group of St. Louis area fashion bloggers!

Cassential Links, 9/7/13

How to wear harem pants

Target is offering up one of their best fall collections in years.  I've already nabbed several pieces from their Mossimo selections, and the 3.1 Phillip Lim collaboration hasn't even hit stores yet!

What does the appropriation of twerking by whites and inclusion of "twerking" in the Oxford Dictionary tell us about race relations?

I am often in a fashion struggle between what looks best on me (in the traditional figure flattery sense) and what kind of fashion I love.  At the end of the day, I think it is possible to have both.  Allie from Wardrobe Oxygen offers some great tips for achieving a look that feeds your soul AND flatters your figure.

Love this pink flounce-hem skirt.  Chastity makes it so edgy and cool!

This blue and black outfit is absolute perfection.  The moto jacket with tweed detail is so chic! 

Red, white, and black is always a classic and chic color combination.  While it looks great year-round, I usually think fall, like in this outfit.