Hayden-Harnett for the Holidays

Target does it again with beautiful handbags from Hayden-Harnett! The retailer has teamed with designers Toni Hacker and Ben Harnett to create stylish and always affordable bags and clutches for the fashionable gal. If you got some Christmas or Hanukkah money for the spending, all recessionistas should check out the limited-edition handbag collection, Hayden-Harnett for Target.

The successful handbags and accessories line, headquartered in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, began in the apartment that Hacker shared with her boyfriend, Harnett in 2005. They started their venture by setting a home office and shipping bags one at a time to their customers out of their kitchen. Soon they recognized their potential and went from selling their bags on consignment in New York City to selling their luxury leather line to the finest boutiques and department stores worldwide, including Tokyo and London.

Hayden-Harnett for Target gives the stylish woman the chance to own a handbag designed by the fab duo , and with the bags priced at $19.99 to $49.99, you can afford a couple of these lovely treasures. The designers showcased some of their signature hardware, such as grommets and functional straps, in everyday colors of black and soft brown. One of my favorites is the Flight Tote, a versatile over-sized canvas bag that bears resemblance to their fans’ favorite the Ibiza Convertible Flight Tote, but for an inexpensive price tag. Like the other bags in the collection, the shoulder straps are comfortable and the pockets and various compartments make it easy to find your things, i.e.: cell phone, keys, wallet, journal, sunglasses, makeup, etc.

In addition to the handbags, the collection offers a very cute umbrella in a stylish fig-leaf print in purple and gold to guard off the rain showers in spring. The signature print is also used on the hobo bag which looks adorable with the brown trim on the double handles. The Hayden-Harnett for Target is available now at Target stores and Target.com. But don’t wait too long. They will be long gone before you know it.

Thakoon for Christmas

With the Holiday shopping season starting early this year, we probably have many more shopping days ahead of us before the rush is over. Why not reward yourself with a little something for all of your time and effort for finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list? Thakoon Panichgul, the latest designer to grace the GO International series for Target, has designed some cute and cheap designer clothes to brighten the post-holidays hangover.

The haute images of Thakoon’s collection have just started to appear, and it has a resort-vibe which would be perfect to pack along for a winter getaway to the beach. If you are not lucky enough to be jet setting to somewhere warm, you can always buy the clothing now and save them for spring. I especially like the green and navy dress because it can be either casual or dressed up with some heels for a café brunch date. I also like the floral prints, which are great to layer with long-sleeved cardigans and great boots. All of the looks are very affordable, priced between $20-$70, and will be available at Target stores and Target.com starting Christmas Day, December 25th.

McQueen to Target

On the heels of their success with GO International collections, Target will launch a new type of fashion genius in 2009. Designer Collaborations, which will be an on-going program, will bring a series of established designers at affordable prices to the Target masses. The first designer who has been tapped by the retailer is Alexander McQueen, who will design a version of his McQ line, called McQ Alexander McQueen for Target. The collection should arrive in stores in March of 2009.

Designer Collaborations is a separate program from Target’s GO International, which focuses on young or emerging designers and, in the past, has featured names such as Proenza Schouler, Luella Bartley, Behnaz Sarafpour and Rogan. Target also stated that they have other Designer Collaborations in the works for 2009.

Hailing from across the pond and known as the bad boy from London’s East End, McQueen is the founder and the creative director of Alexander McQueen, the fashion house owned by the Gucci Group. The fashion innovator worked as the chief designer for the Givenchy couture label before launching his own collection, which has grown to include ready-to-wear fashion for women and men, accessories and fragrance.

McQueen, whose penchant is for pairing feminine fabrics with tough details , has chosen Leila Moss, the lead singer of the British band The Duke Spirit, for his muse to give the collection a rock ’n’ roll-punk vibe and hip accents, such as the studded belt . His collection will feature lightweight sweaters, skinny jeans, and signature pieces including, gray denim cropped studded jackets and men’s wear-inspired tuxedo blazers. I can’t wait until the images of his fab creation become available!

Michelle Obama on Vogue

Election night was a historical event for many reasons. Not only was Barack Obama chosen as the 44th President of the United States but there was an increased in the voter turnout, proving that many people felt that their candidate of choice deserved their support. President-elect Obama stood proudly with his family, including his beautiful wife, Michelle who wore a red and black Narciso Rodriguez dress from the Spring 2009 collection. During the Democratic campaign, her wardrobe choices, which ranged from Thakoon Panichgul to Maria Pinto, captured the eyes of many fashionistas and placed her on Vanity Fair’s International Best Dressed List this year.

Now it looks like another fashion magazine is interested in the new leading lady. Vogue is very interested in having a Michelle Obama cover, according to a spokesperson from the publication. The tradition of a photograph with the new first lady originated with Eleanor Roosevelt. While the offer is still being discussed, if she does accepts, Obama would be the second first lady ever to grace the cover of the magazine. Former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton appeared on the December 1998 issue.

Boutique's Clothing Drive

Do you have some clothing that hasn’t seen the light of day outside of your closet in awhile? If you do, you should bring your gently worn clothing to Miss Groove Accessories and Apparel for their fifth annual “Do a Kind Deed for Women in Need” clothing drive. Now thru November 2nd, the popular boutique on Brady Street will hold the drive to benefit the Nia Imani Family, Inc., a Milwaukee organization that provides homeless or at-risk women and their children with a transitional living program. Nia Imani Family teaches life skills to help women reunite with their children and establish an independent lifestyle free of drugs and alcohol abuse. The donated clothing will be sold at their “Dress for Less” store to provide these women with fashionable clothing at a lower price and assist them in job training.

As a way of thanking those customers who donate their clothing, Miss Groove will reward them with a 15% discount on new apparel, accessories and lingerie. The boutique is located at 1225 E. Brady Street in Milwaukee. Time to clean out those closets!

Ess Elle's Second Win

Congratulations to Ess Elle Style Studio for their coveted win as Milwaukee’s Best Women’s Boutique on WISN.com’s A-List. For the second year in a row, the trendy Eastside boutique was selected by their customers for their superb personable service and their fantastic selection of fashionable clothing and accessories.

Also, the girls at Ess Elle know that everyone loves a great deal when shopping for a new fashion essential. Stop in and visit them during their Bailout Bucks Sale now thru tomorrow October 24th, and receive $25 off a purchase of $100 or more. The offer applies to regular merchandise only. Ess Elle Style Studio is located on 1919 E. Kenilworth Place in Milwaukee.

Saunders Sails Into Target

Today I was inspired to jaunt to my local Target store for a piece of the new Jonathan Saunders collection. I have been excited about the designer’s capsule ever since Target announced the latest GO International designer. For those of you who are not familiar with Target’s collaboration, GO International is a limited-time collection of women’s apparel created by up and coming fashion designers at affordable prices. Past collections have included works of Richard Chai, Alice Temperley and Proenza Schouler.

The Scottish born designer has shown his ready-to-wear collection during London Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week in recent seasons. Saunders’ appreciation for unique design has made him popular with the British fashion crowd and thankfully, he has emulated his love for bold colors and prints in his collaboration with Target. His art-inspired pieces were influenced by artists such as Mark Rothko and Gustav Klimt, as seen in some of the color blocking patterns in the knit dresses and the ombre skirts and the kaleidoscope screen tees.

The featured pictures above are of one of my favorite looks from Saunders' designs. The kaleidoscope tee is a nice length that can be worn with jeans for a casual look. In the second picture, I changed the look with a knit ponte skirt in black which is also from the collection. I am impressed with the great fit and the beautiful details of the tuxedo stripe along the sides and the high-waist with the exposed zipper. Grab these pieces of art while they are still available at a Target store in your area or on Target.com. Have fun shopping!

Fashion Week Cancelled

As it turns out, Milwaukee Fashion Week will not take place as planned. It is a real shame that we weren't able to witness a large-scale fashion event in our city. The new trendy boutiques that have opened up recently in the East Side and the Historic Third Ward are sure signs that Milwaukee is a fashion-forward city. Hopefully, the enthusiasm and the support for the event will influence the decision to postpone the event for a later date. Please view the statement on fashionbythelake.com for information regarding the refunds of the ticket purchases. How many of you were interested or purchased tickets to Milwaukee Fashion Week? Your comments are welcomed at busyfashion.blogspot.com

Calling All Milwaukee Fashionistas

The Spring 2009 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kicked off yesterday with exciting shows from designers, such as BCBG Max Azaria and Rag and Bone, at the tents of Bryant Park in New York City. Lucky for us here in the Brew City, Milwaukee will have their own fashion week next month, bringing experts in fashion and beauty to our beautiful town. Milwaukee Fashion Week, which will run from October 3 -6 will give designers the opportunity to showcase local talent at a national level.

The events, which will be held at the Harley-Davidson Museum and the Milwaukee Art Museum, include runway shows of Midwest designers such as Kristin Hassan from organiK Revolution and the jewelry designs of Nick and Susanne Waraksa for Wounded Line. In addition, guests will attend interactive workshops to discuss popular fashion and beauty looks. Special appearances from celebrity talent will include couture designer Gilles Montezin whose designs appeared in the movie, “Sex and the City.” Guests will also enjoy the experience of shopping at the designer boutique for the designs that will be highlighted at the shows.

For more information to purchase tickets and to obtain a schedule of the events, visit fashionbythelake.com

A Fashion Essential

As the summer heat has finally lifted and cute shorts and tank tops have their last outing, I am excited about the luxe prospects for my fall wardrobe. Upon a recent shopping excursion for some new essentials, I visited a fabulous clothing boutique, Ess Elle Style Studio, located at 191 E. Kenilworth Place. Recently named Milwaukee’s Best Women’s Clothing Boutique on WISN.com’s A-List, the shop caters to young professional women who want stylish choices at affordable prices. The local retailer offers a great selection of denim, sweaters, dresses, skirts and accessories from hot labels like Ed Hardy, Tulle, Glam, Ernest Sewn, James Jeans and many other fashionable designers.

The Eastside boutique is a new gem that I discovered right here in my city and one that I plan to become better acquainted with. I loved that the shop looked like a clothing studio with its bright lighting and soft tones on the walls. It was as if I had stepped into someone’s fabulous closet. Sophia, the sales associate who greeted me warmly, assisted me to find various outfits to wear for work or fun. I was invited to relax with a complimentary drink of water or coffee while I shopped at my leisure. I found amazing pieces, like cozy knits in beautiful teal and berry shades to pair with great jeans in boot cut or skinny styles and lovely silks to compliment high-waisted skirts. There were several handbags which caught my eye that would add a splash of color to any of the outfits.

Along with the superior customer service, Ess Elle has a small lounge area, with couches and a plasma television screen to invite their clients to shop and mingle. During my shopping experience at Ess Elle, I got the VIP treatment and I will definitely be returning soon!

Inspiration from the Olympics, Dream Big

It is finally here. The 2008 Olympics at Beijing, China began last week with a spectacular opening ceremony and a huge gathering of the world's best athletes. I have to admit that I have been hooked to the games since the Olympic torch was lit. I have been setting my DVR for the events that I can not miss. I have been impressed with their athleticism and their abilities to overcome obstacles, such as severe injuries, to make their Olympic dreams a reality.

Despite having a wrist injury, Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps won eight gold medals for all of his swimming events at Beijing. With his family cheering him on from the stands, Phelps broke the world record in four of his five individual swims. The games also presented an opportunity for the athletes to surpass their own world record, as Olympic gold medalist Natalie Coughlin proved at Beijing. The six medals she won at Beijing are the most by an American woman in any sport, breaking her record from the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

As I watched in awe, Olympic gold medalist Natsia Liukin, captured the gold medal in the all-around competition at Beijing. The young gymnast sustained ankle injury and had struggled during her training for the preparation of the 2008 Olympics. After she placed third in the Nationals in 2007, she went on to Beijing where she took home a gold medal, two silver medals and a bronze. Her medals from world championship competition has surpassed both of her parents' medals who competed in the Olympics twenty years ago.

It is unfortunate that our society sometimes suffers from ageism, but 41-year-old swimmer Dara Torres is breaking some of the old rules. The oldest Olympic medalist in the history of the Olympics, she won three silver medals at Beijing. Holding her daughter Tessa in her arms, Torres' words, after she completed the 4x100m free relay, sounded like a wonderful inspiration to anyone who has ever dreamt of achieving the impossible. Dreams have no age limit, she said smiling.

Everything Does Happen For a Reason

I have been MIA since I caught a summer cold a few days ago. I have been thinking about how the choices we make affect our lives. Recently I re-discovered that I enjoy writing and wanted to pursue it as a possible career. This was a change from the corporate customer service-oriented jobs I've had over the last few years, which were personally very unrewarding. I started out as a reporter for a college newspaper years ago and soon became a regular feature writer. I loved everything about the experience and the reward was seeing my name in the byline and knowing it was my own hard work that was there for all to see. I felt that my work made a difference to someone and gave something for people to think about. My mark was there and I wasn't nervous about criticism or negative feedback. After graduation I looked for work as a writer at different publications in my area. I got a job at a weekly newspaper and became a staff writer immediately. It was a good place for me to hone my craft, however I was too unfocused at that point in my young career. I needed to spend more time learning from my editor and about the workings of the newspaper. Finally my editor sat me down for a talk. She had provided feedback to me before so I knew that she really liked some of my features. However, she looked at me as a lost cause. She stated that I wasn't cut for being a reporter and suggested that I try my luck in the customer service field.

I don't think I realized until years later how her words affected me. I was very impressionable at that point and her words crushed my spirit. I gave up writing right then and packed my portfolio to the back of my closet. I think that looking at any of it would painfully remind me of a chance that I threw away. A few months later I was working at a financial institution as a customer service representative. I had literally taken my former editor's words to heart, even hearing myself say that I was done with writing so that my current employer would take me seriously that I wanted to answer questions with customers on the phone. I gave up what I had truly enjoyed. Then another piece of my life was falling into place without my realizing it. I had met my future husband who has helped me realize that my dream of writing was not lost. I had lost my positive energy from all those years ago but that I could dust off the clips I had saved for prosperity and begin a new chapter. I could write for me and develop my craft again. So this is where my choices have brought me. Right where I belong and being true to myself.

Yoshi

Dogs are great company and very loyal. They enjoy playing with you and they wait excitedly for you as soon as they hear your car turn the last corner before your house. They protect your home and guard their owners. My dog, Yoshi, who is a two-year-old Shiba, embodies these qualities and more. The Shiba Inu breed originated in Japan as a hunter for small game such as rabbit. I see this tendency when my dog goes absolutely crazy if there is a rabbit in the backyard. Luckily for the rabbit, he knows to flee the scene before Yoshi has a chance to snatch him up in his mouth! He wasn't trained for hunting game but I think his previous generations have impacted him a little!


One of the best things about my dog is his playfulness, which is a common trait in most Shiba Inus. He will enjoy catching a ball but he doesn't give it up too easily because he loves being chased around to see if someone will catch him. Another trait that I admire is his loyalty and affection which is only reserved to his owners and his family, as he is very indifferent to those to have not earned his respect.