A Birthday Gift

Over the weekend my blog hit over 5,000 views!  Views went over 5,000 on Friday which was a nice early birthday present for me, considering my birthday was yesterday!  So thank you for continuing to visit my blog!  While you're here, check out some recent instagram images of a few of my favorite things...

Animal themed trinkets {that's right, an armadillo shoe} and gold farm animals.

I expect absolutely no judgement for the Nicholas Sparks books...  A few great coffee table books, some novels, and the Joie sign that my Aunt and Uncle gave me years and years ago...all atop a Missoni x Target tray!

A picture frame that houses all of my necklaces, it's both practical and decorative!

Hope you're all having a wonderful President's day!!

2011 {First} Year in Review

This post will serve as a walk down memory lane, I had such a great summer in Charleston, SC and was able to incorporate so much of my surrounding environment.  I've also highlighted some of 2011's best trends.  Without further ado, here is my review of some favorite posts from Sartorial Roadmap's first year...

 Residents of the Runway: Seriously Feminine was inspired by this perfect little house right down the street from my apartment.

Stripes + Stripes = Style Stars was inspired by this SS '11 trend, which also reminds me of a dress in this post!

I had A LOT of fun with my Oh Irene post, listing necessities for the incoming Hurricane...that ended up causing mayhem for a whole 10 minutes...

Jenny & I stopped by Sugar Bakeshop to celebrate 1,000 views on my blog!

This was definitely a favorite post, PJ's In Public highlighted the silk p.j. trends that were shown on runways around the world!

In September I prepared my Missoni x Target Shopping List and was able to score a few of my favorite things, but I'm still bitter about the socks!!

The Paris Market was definitely a highlight during my trip to Savannah, and obviously seeing this girl!

Design minded in every sense of the word, Jenna Lyon's just knows what she's doing, and that's why Lyon's Den is my favorite interior design-centric post.

Going to see My First Artprize in Grand Rapids was so fun, the above piece was one of my favorites!

Thanks for a great first year, I can't wait to dive into 2012!  I'm moving to New York in exactly 1 week and can't wait to see what the year brings!!

Sartorial Compass: Leighton & Blair

Leighton Meester wouldn't have a million events to go to if it wasn't for the success of Gossip Girl, and her character, Blair Waldorf.  So today you'll see a few more of my favorite Leighton moments, as well as the best outfits in Blair's 5 seasons.  

LEIGHTON:

Jason Wu, YSL (favoritteee), & Missoni.  

BLAIR:

Nothing says Blair Waldorf to me like a few pictures of her on the steps of the Met before a day at Constance.  Then of course we have Blair in Paris to kick off season 4, where she meets her soon to be husband.  The look in the center with the mixed prints is one of my all time favorites.  

Have a lovely Sunday to wrap up this long Holiday weekend!  

photos via justjared, style.com

Sartorial Compass: Leighton Meester, Pattern Me Crazy

As much as Leighton loves a subtle watercolor print she's not one to shy away from bold prints either.  Whether it be a wild Louis Vuitton look from the 2009 Met Gala, or a sleek Vera Wang look and bold skirt she is not afraid of going for something a little crazy!  Check out her best patterned looks below.

First are 3 looks designed by the incomparable Marc Jacobs, the first is from Marc Jacobs spring '11 collection, and the other two are both Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton.  She wore the legging/dress combo for the 2009 Costume Institute Gala at the Met, it embodies everything that the event is meant to be about, high fashion and no holds barred.

Pattern on the bottom here means Proenza x J. Brand jeans, a Vera Wang look, and more Proenza!!

As previously documented Missoni is well known for their killer patterns and Leighton was featured in their Spring 2011 ad campaign.

Leighton is clearly okay with taking risks so never be afraid to go crazy with bold patterns!  Next week make sure to check out the Sartorial Compass as I'll be featuring a few of Leighton & Blair Waldorf's greatest hits!  Check out a couple of bonus looks...

Missoni Mayhem

I have always had a love/hate relationship with Target.  I love them for giving me the option to buy a million things I don't need, yet I hate them because my money seems to evaporate every time I set foot inside.  Missoni for Target was no different.  At least this time I had some money saved up.  It was a hot September evening when I readied myself for the launch, my wallet and gift card were directly next to my computer so I could pounce on my shopping cart the second I had it filled with zig-zaggy goodness.  So I waited until midnight...no launch yet...then I waited for Target's midnight (central time)...no launch yet.  I gave up until my 7 am wake-up call.  I snapped open my computer and beelined for target.com THE THROW WAS ALREADY SOLD OUT...but I collected myself enough to order 2 trays and 3 pairs of socks.

Then it was off to Target with a friend.  We [I] tried stay composed, I admit to being a little bit frantic, but we were successful!  Finding things we didn't expect and had fun watching the other shoppers.

I'm happy with all of my finds but I think the trays are my absolute favorite.

My mom also took part in the madness and found a few great things (we were text shopping back and forth), this blue journal is one of the pieces she found.

p.s. I'm not entirely pleased with Target right now since they decided to cancel my socks because they were entirely unprepared for the onslaught of customers that it brought.  AT LEAST I GOT THE TRAYS I have to keep reminding myself.

p.p.s.s. My roommate in Charleston got super lucky when her mom stumbled upon the throw and snatched it up (without truly recognizing the significance).  I think it's safe to say it was the most wanted item from the collection, which is why she should be glad I didn't run off with it when I had the chance.

Missoni x Target Shopping List

With exactly 6 days until the launch of Missoni x Target I'm nailing down my wishlist.  I'm less interested in the clothes than I am the home goods...such is life and growing up I guess.  But I thought I'd get it all out there and post my must-haves, my maybe's and the really awkward stuff and see what you think...

MUST HAVES:

First up, the silky kimono top (technically meant for the bedroom), I think it would awesome over a simple black dress or belted with jeans.  The socks I LOVE, I think they'll look so cute with my suede open toed clogs and skinny's!  The trays and the throw are nice touches of Missoni without being overbearing.

MAYBE'S:

So the cocktail set is adorable...but I'm pretty sure my wallet won't permit and I don't use a cocktail shaker in my day-to-day life, I think it would be a better investment for me to buy the cups and saucers.  The notepads and organizational stuff is super cute too, but again, not something that I need and I probably can't afford those things.  The sweater is a men's sweater, but I love it, it's not trying as hard as the women's stuff.  What are your thoughts??  Suggestions (wallet permitting)?

NOT SO GOOD TO BE BAD...

So I really do love Missoni...but WHAT were they thinking with some of these patterns.  The floral pattern is not my favorite, but seems ok in small doses.  The blue is terrible, and the way they styled the outfit with the sweater set and skirt makes me want to cry.  Lastly the outdoor furniture is horrible!  They should have made outdoor furniture seat cushions or something, the whole thing ended up looking cheap.

Last but not least...IN MY DREAMS:

SO cute....oooh man I love it!!  But with a $400 price tag it's definitely not going to happen.  What are you all planning to buy?

photos from target via fashionista.com

Build Up to Missoni x Target: Part 1

With just over a month to go before the 400+ piece fashion/lifestyle Missoni x Target line launches...I just thought I would show you a few photos to whet your appetite.  This will be the largest Target designer collaboration to date and it has me LITERALLY saving up dollars and cents for the September 13 debut (I know you think I'm lying, but there are seriously quarters and 1 dollar bills in my lil' bank right now)!!

So here are some cute pics of la famiglia di Missoni...I mean why wouldn't you want to buy fun housewares and clothes from a line that was dreamt up by these adorable's...

And is being carried on by these cool chicks...

More to come...