GETTING THE “FLARE” OF IT: Bootcut jeans and ending the Prabal for Target streak

Times have changed and skinnies have become THE denim silhouette.  I am not complaining as I love a good pair of skinnies in any material, color, and print but I also love a good pair of bootcut jeans.  This classic [bootcut] style was the norm before skinnies took over and I still have a handful of pairs in my closet.  By handful I mean a shelf of bootcuts in all different washes (but still BLUE!) and some with exorbitant pockets (hello crystals, skulls, and not-so-subtle branding across both pockets); I can’t be the only one who had this obsession right?  Since bootcuts are hemmed almost to the floor, there’s a leg-lengthening aspect to them that I really appreciate.

RED, RED WINE: Comfy cashmere and more Prabal Gurung for Target

OH MY DARLING / (Short) Suited Up with sweetheart neckline

SHINE BRIGHT / Bold colorful outfit inspired by Prabal Gurung for Target

To me, Target's designer collaborations are more than just designers creating affordable pieces for the mass market; they are events where specific items become the tickets that you end up keeping afterwards because you want a souvenir.  Target does a great job turning each collaboration into a spectacle (genius marketing!) and creating a frenzy for that one piece you just have to have.  The best part?  There is enough variability that the one special ticket is different for everyone.

The special collaborator this time is Prabal Gurung and his beautifully designed pieces for Target don't stray far from the designs in his own collection.  I have a lot of respect for designers who keep things consistent regardless of where they sell their designs, kudos Mr. Gurung!  For this collection with Target,I was really into the shoes as well as the tops in the First Date print.  Before going on, here's some ticket items from previous designer collaborations: Jason Wu for Target and McQ Alexander McQueen for Target

BUTTERFLY KISSES / Red blazer and butterfly print

My blog post today is titled after the song by Bob Carlisle "Butterfly Kisses" which I was introduced to through this youtube video. The video was shared on my Facebook newsfeed yesterday and I spent a good 5 minutes bawling my eyes out.  I actually had to stop watching it the first time because I could feel the tears pooling within 30 seconds of the clip and I was still at work with colleagues around me.  The stunning bride's position hits close to home and the love, support, and thought put into the father-daughter dance from her brother was touching.  Thank you to the bride and groom for allowing this beautiful moment to be shared online.

HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR / Red and gold for the celebrations

GUNG HAY FAT CHOY!  CHUC MUNG NAM MOI!  This is year 4711 and year of the mysterious, intuitive, and refined Snake. From my family to your's, we are wishing all of you a very prosperous New Year.  Happy [Lunar] New Year!

RED AND WILD / Mixed animal print bow-tie tee and red pants

With Lunar New Year quickly approaching, I thought it was appropriate to don some red for the celebrations coming up in the next few days.  By some red, I mean lots of red.  And unless the red is in accessories and only accessories, there is no "pop of red", it is a full on explosion of red.

SPOTTY DOTTY: Cheetah spots and asymmetrical blazer

Hi, hi!  Is everyone having a good week so far?  It has been quite a busy week so far at work and it's only going to get busier as my family and I prep for Lunar New Year festivities this weekend.  If you celebrate Lunar New Year, what are some traditions that you and your family have?  I am looking forward to the big New Year Eve dinner where the entire family gets together!

Before I dive into a few days of red outfits, I wanted to do a simple black and beige combo with my favorite cheetah dress (one of the first dresses I wore when I started blogging again).

NIGHT TEXTURES: Tweed, (faux) fur, and leather

TWIRLS AND SWIRLS: Beaded bows and midi full skirt