3.1 Phillip Lim for Target® Mini Satchel with Gusset - in Taupe and Black (Review)

Target released their latest designer collaboration collection officially September 15 a little before 1 am PST, and people went nuts.

When I first learned about the Phillip Lim collaboration back in May, I immediately logged the date in my phone calendar and set up an two different alarms just so I can be home that night to try and get things online. Going to Target was my last resort, as I don't do too well in chaotic environment.

I tried not to look at too many lookbooks that they posted early on just to control my sanity and to help not think about how September 15 can't get here any sooner. I was really excited since Phillip Lim is one of my favorite designers. I've always admired his creations and wish that I can fill-up my closet with his clothes, shoes, and bags. These Target collaborations have made that (somewhat) possible for the masses to have a piece (or I guess for some people a cart load) of the designers creation, without breaking bank.

Luckily, I got most of the things I wanted online before they sold out. I didn't have to participate in the early morning chaos. Although, I did send my mom a picture text of mini satchel with Gussets after making my online purchase to see if she'll be able to pick-up a black and an extra taupe one for me since her Targets were carrying the Phillip Lim collection (only select Targets released the Phillip Lim collection). There was really no sense of urgency for her to pick it up, but it was just in case she happens to be at Target and they're there.

Ok now, don't judge for sending my mom out to the battlefield. My mom lives the boonies that I figured that it would be fine and less chaotic (and people are much nicer in her part of town) since I thought people won't really care or might not even know who Phillip Lim is. And Asian parents wake up early. My mom sent me a text back Sunday at 6 in the morning, three hours after I sent her the text, asking about the bag. Of course I would still be asleep. And then she texts me back again at 9 am with a picture of the bag and called me to ask if it was what I was looking for. I almost had forgotten I had asked a few hours ago to check her Target (shopping hungover).

Photos by JMichael.LA

She ended up getting the black and taupe mini satchel with Gusset ($34.99), a ruffled sleeveless top ($26.99), and a leopard printed scarf ($19.99) for me. She had no idea what was going on, so I had to explain to her why people are cleaning up the shelves at Target and why are people asking her if she's "going to get that." She actually ended up getting a black and taupe tote bags and a taupe medium satchel with the handle bar for herself out of excitement.

And so here we are right now. I have two of the most coveted bags in the past 24 hours sitting in my room, but are they worth the hype?

All Meshed Up

The obsession with mesh continues. So it's only right that this mesh dress takes a spot in my closet.

Monochromatic

I've been having a moment with monochromatic looks lately. Or anything that can be thrown on easily, really. I guess this is sort of my summer transitioning into fall outfit, or my I'm-over-summer-already outfit.

My Top Five Summer Nail Polishes (Review and Swatches)

For some, Labor Day marks the end of summer even summer doesn't officially end until September 21. I suppose it's because after Labor Day is usually when school is back in session for my U.S peoples.

Some maybe wondering, "why are you just posting this?" Just think of it as my monthly favorites, except this is for the summer season. Regardless, I still want to share which nail polishes have been in heavy rotation for me. So as I bid adieu to summer, here's a recap of the nail polishes that I kept loving this summer. Hopefully, some of you would love and save this list for next year, or pick-up a color or two in the last few days before summer officially ends. Or your summer is just about to begin, and you can't be any happier to find this list :). 

1. Revlon Brilliant Strength Nail Enamel in "Provoke" - I think that there is no better time to wear coral on your tips than in the summer. It's a fresh color and just reminds you of a fruity drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic... whatever you prefer) that you might be enjoying beach or pool side. This creamy coral-peach color just adds femininity on the days you're feeling sweet and girly. The application of this nail polish is pretty good for a drugstore nail polish brand. It took about two even coats to achieve a nice, glossy finish. The nail polish brush also made it easier for me to apply since the brush has a flat edge with rounded corners.

2. Nicole by O.P.I (Selena Gomez collection) in "Hit the Lights" - A canary yellow nail polish that just screamed summer. I loved the boldness and brightness of this nail polish which made me really happy whenever I looked down on my nails. What didn't make me too happy is the horrible formula of this nail polish. It was streaky and a pain to apply. This swatch took four coats just to get that even and opaque finish. However, my love for the color trumped the pain of application, so it still made the list. It's like a cute puppy that you can't really get mad at.

3. Revlon Colorstay Longwear Nail Enamel in "Coastal Surf" - Blue was never my first choice when it comes to nail polish. For some reason, I've associated the color blue with dead finger nails (weird, I know). But this nail polish changed my mind and made me love blue nail polish, especially in the summer. It's the perfect blue that mimics the blue, picturesque beaches that you see in the travel channels or vacation websites. It would really make you want to take that tropical vacation or just hit the beach to relax and enjoy life. The nail polish is very opaque and only takes two coats to get the sea on your nails. Just like the Revlon Provoke nail polish, the brush makes application a cinch. Although, keep in mind, that after two weeks of wearing it, the color changes it's color to a bluish-green. Yes, the nail polish was actually long lasting that I had it on for two weeks before I decided that it was time to change the color.

4. Essie Nail Polish in "Fifth Avenue" - A great red-orange color for the working ladies in a conservative office environment. It's a little different than your classic red nail polish as it has a little punch of orange that makes it so summer appropriate. This is also makes a great transition color for fall season. Essie's Fifth Avenue is super opaque that one coat and a top coat can do the trick. The only nail polish I've used so far that's able to make that happen. Since it's such an opaque nail polish color, make sure to use a good base coat before applying because it will stain your nails. 

5. CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant in "Snow Storm" - And last but not the least, the white polish. Like the blue nail polish, white was the other color that didn't really strike my mind. But after seeing white nails make a statement on fashion show photos or editorials, it grew onto me and eventually led to me really loving it. I love the clean, simple, and sleek look of white nails. I have stayed away from white nail polish because it reminds me of the days when I used to paint my nails in liquid white-out (my mom was strict about using cosmetics when I was younger. I had to pretend some how). This nail polish has changed my mind and my life. And, you bet I'll still be wearing white after Labor Day.

What was(were) your favorite nail polish(es) this past summer?

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