Lilly For Target Pop-Up Shop

I have been looking forward to the Lilly for Target collection since it was announced. As a big fan of both brands, I was thrilled to hear about this collaboration. I know it was met with some criticism but I think it is a great idea for Lilly to release a line of super affordable clothing, accessories, and home wares.  The exclusive Target prints are so pretty and, as a college student, I am totally in favor of $24 bathing suits and $38 shift dresses! 

I had the opportunity to stop by the Lilly for Target Pop-Up Shop in Bryant Park today after class. Unfortunately, a 9 am class meant I couldn't get there until 1:00 but when I arrived I was in a preppy paradise! They set up the chairs, umbrellas, and hammocks from the collection around the park so people could sit and enjoy the beautiful (warm!) weather today.  A juice stand was providing samples, and the fountain water was pink! There were models throughout the park wearing the collection and Lilly print designers were stationed throughout as well painting various prints. 

I only had to wait in line to get into the store for about 30 minutes, once inside, there were about 5 racks of clothing and several shelving units holding the homewares and bright beach towels. Since it had been open since 8 am, the clothing was very picked over. They had a lot of plus sized clothing left and several racks of children's clothes.  They had sold out of several items so I wasn't able to see every piece that will be offered, but from what I saw the quality seems great.  My one concern with the line was that the clothing would feel cheap, but the shift dresses, jumpsuits, and shorts I saw were all well made and a comfortable fabric.  The nail polish and lipstick colors are vibrant and great for summer, and the phone cases come in several cute patterns for $15, they are much thinner than the ones they sell at the Lilly store, and not as protective. I only bought one item and decided to hold off on buying more until Sunday when there are more options available.  I went ahead and got the set of 3 votive candles I had my eye on since the look book came out! I am dying for the set of 4 mugs as well but it looks like I'll have to wait until Sunday for those! I am very glad I went today, even if I didn't do much damage ;) it was great to see the collection and experience the pop-up store. 

{Lilly for Target - Glass Votive Candle Holders, Set of 3}

♥ Caro 

inVESTed

I fell in love with vests when I got a J Crew Excursion Vest a few years ago.  They are one of my favorite articles of clothing – perfect for cool fall weather with a button down, or under a coat when it gets colder.  I love the look and I find them so convenient and easy to move in.  Over the years I have collected several vests and each year, as it gets closer to fall, I get so excited to wear them!

Herringbone – I got this one in the store a few years ago on a whim.  Earlier this month I saw it was online on the factory website! This one is by far my favorite and I wear it all the time.  It’s on backorder now, but at this price I would get it - you will wear it SO much it’s worth the wait! (Plus in my experience they often come sooner than they predict!) Definitely a timeless piece you can wear for years to come.

I mostly love the excursion vest because it is thin enough to be comfortable and still functional.  I got the caramel one last year (it was back ordered until January but came in time for Christmas!) and I love it because it is neutral. 

I love pairing the red vest with this dark green and red plaid flannel I have from J Crew. 

The purple one looks great with this blue and purple plaid flannel, also from J Crew. 

Some other favorites include…

Fur Vest – I looked for a fur vest for about 4 years.  They were always too furry, too long, too short.  I couldn’t seem to find one that I loved.  Last month I found this one in Zara and was OBSESSED.  It’s the perfect length and color and will go well with anything.  It has nice grey undertones to the fur that I love.  I cannot wait to wear it! 

Patagonia Vest – I  got this vest for Christmas and love it because it is casual and comfortable.  It’s perfect with leggings and a t-shirt and super cozy. This exact one isn't available anymore but you can get a similar one here 

♥ Caro

P.S. Want to see how I like to style these vests? Let me know in the comments :) 

Dream Jobs

Throughout my life I have dreamed of many different careers.  The most obvious dream being acting, the dream I am currently pursuing (and loving every minute of it.)  Performing has always been something I love more than anything and after years of daydreaming, acting is always my go to.  Here is a list of paths I have thought about going down – and reasons they will never happen.

{Plot Twist – I was the Bitty Baby prototype}

Olympic Gymnast

This one will always be my top choice.  I like to think that this is my mother’s fault for not forcing me to go to gymnastics lessons and thus stunting my growth as a child (5’5” isn’t exactly gold medal height) but it was probably on me.  Though I didn’t have much interest as a child, every time I watch the summer Olympics I dream about being an elite gymnast, they make it look so easy.  This career is not possible because 1) I have no skills, I am not flexible, and I am mentally unable to make my body do tricks and 2) I have aged out… Don’t worry though, I am still working on my cartwheel, I have yet to master it, but I will keep you posted.

Marine Biologist

This was a childhood dream that was slightly misinformed because I thought marine biologists got to swim with Dolphins all day and I really wanted to be a mermaid so I figured this would be the closest I would get to that life path.  This dream was shattered when I found out “biologist” meant there was math and science involved.  I got to take a Marine Science course in high school and I did enjoy it, though we didn’t get to the exciting stuff until the end of the year.  Most of our time was spent studying microorganisms and learning about things that could kill you.  This is why I don’t go in the ocean often, and why I will NEVER swim in the ocean around Australia. 

{Befriending fish with my Dad... look closely}

Olympic Figure Skater

Another Olympic path I have missed because of my mother’s desire for me to have a “normal childhood.” Well that and I am very uncoordinated. I step onto the ice and resemble Bambi, but not in a cute baby fawn, endearing way (or should I say endeering ha, get it? Sorry….) Let’s just say, even if my mother had forced me to go to the rink every morning at 5am to train, we still wouldn’t be on the road to gold.

Olympic Equestrian

Are you sensing a theme here? Basically any Olympic sport where you get to wear a cute outfit, count me in.  Plus I love to ride horses; it makes me feel like a Disney princess. 

Super Model

I would love to be a model, you get to travel and you get to wear pretty clothes.  Models have an air about them that says, “Don’t mess with me” you can spot them immediately walking down Manhattan streets, or sitting in restaurants watching other people eat.  This would have never worked out because I love food and I’m not tall. 

{Look at that sass.  Tell me I couldn't rule the runway}

International Spy

I was obsessed with Agent Cody Banks as a child and decided that my backup plan was to be a secret agent.  Then Get Smart came along and I could totally see myself as Anne Hathaway’s character.  If I couldn’t make it as an actor obviously the CIA would want to put my skills to use.  This job is perfect, plus there is a chance you get partnered up with a super hot guy-spy who could be your secret agent partner, and help you save the world, then kiss you as the sun sets after a long day of butt-kicking…. OK so maybe I would rather play a spy in a movie, in my defense, I can be stealthy when I want to be.  And I already own a lot of black clothes so I'm an economic choice too, since I would bring my own wardrobe.

♥ Caro