Stateside Shopping

I find it hard to believe but since I landed in sunny Florida over a week ago, I have only got around to exploring some of the shops and 'the mall' this afternoon. The biggest difference I've noticed so far is that, unlike in huge cities like New York, all the shops are contained in malls or plazas and are not particularly easy to get to on foot.

Like everything in America, the malls and shopping centres are big, big, big with a mix of high street and high end shops inside. Today I paid a visit to Marshalls which is just like an American version of TK Maxx as it sells high end familiar and obscure brands at low prices (normally due old season lines or unsuccessful sellers).

I managed to pick up a wicked pair of New Balance grey and red running trainers, which can now replace my accent Nikes, while my friend picked up a cute pair of Emporo Armani sunglasses for $10 - bargain!

Next stop was Target which I always thought of as an US version of Primark - cheap clothes and there for lower quality. The only time I heard of this popular American store was when Sarah Jessica Parker designed a (poorly received) womenswear line for it back in 2007. I was surprised then, to find not only far more than clothing on offer but that it offers regular seasonal designer lines, and this time by Anna Sui. The collection has been inspired by the TV show Gossip Girl and featured trademark Sui design features such as lace and fringing, like this gorgeous grey t-shirt, above.

The collection looked like it had been inspired by the wild west, with nostalgic saloon tassels and lots of high-neck cream and black blouses. Although I've never seen an episode of Gossip Girl I've been informed that each of the 19 pieces in the collection has been influenced by Sui's favorite characters. Talking to Target press Sui said of the show; " [Gossip Girl] is such a phenomenon and so fashionable, so I really wanted to create a collection reflective of the four main characters."

The line came out in August so before I found my way to the shops it had already been put on the sale rack. Personally I've fallen for the grey t-shirt with black fringing as it it is simple but feminine - a classic Anna Sui look. As soon as I work out the bus system I'm going back to buy it!

More Ship-Shape and Florida Fashion updates and pictures to follow so watch this space...