It's Chambray or the Highway, Damsels!

I really, really, really, really, really want a chambray top.

 Via Madewell.com

Really.

The idea of a jeans-on-top-look doesn't necessarily appeal to me, though I have been known to enjoy a good denim jacket every once in a while. But jean shirts -- especially jean button down shirts -- were always a little too country and "yee-haw!" for my taste.

Chambray, however, is different. I love how soft the shirts always look, and how well they pair with a patterned skirt or colorful pants. It's like a jean shirt that someone loved A LOT and washed over and over and over again for years until it became a faded, worn-in version of itself. A sun-bleached, pebble-beaten, charming version. And my newest obsession.

P.S. Madewell -- I'm diggin' the ombre.

Damsels Wu-ed by Target

Welp, procrastination has saved me once again, Damsels. There I was last night, all set to write a post about the few preview pieces for the Jason Wu for Target collection. I had the photos, I was perusing them, but I felt unexcited. This is not a reflection of Jason Wu's collection, mind you. It was more from every fashion website and their mother covering the sample pictures. Cute dresses, structured bags, "I'll be shopping these steals for sure," blah, blah, blah. I just couldn't muster the gag reflex to write it, so I closed my computer and went to bed.

But today I awoke to all 53 pieces in their unveiled glory, and to say it reinvigorated my enthusiasm is an understatement! Everything feels so nautical and French. I'm giddy from all the bows, belts and collars, not to mention the seasonal whimsy of stripes.

Yet my favorite item, the one I will be rushing to the store to get, is one I expect to be fully judged for coveting. Behold, number one on my wishlist: the cat scarf.

Via Fabsugar.com

Don't hate it because it's awesome. Hate it because you're not.

You may think I'm joking, but those who know me well shall be both ashamed and deliciously delighted with this future purchase of mine.

Not enough Wu for you? See my other two favorite pieces after the JUMP!

Damsels Pine for Spring

Despite what the interwebs may be telling you, it is not May outside. After we all counted 2011 away and officially shut the book on the holiday season, bloggers, stores and fashion mags jumped crazy-first into Spring-frenzy-mode. "Trends for Spring!" and "Resort 2012" titles are all smacking me over the head with visions of pastels and cute dresses, blatantly ignoring that half the country is still covered in snow.

And as if this weren't enough, it turns out I'm also a masochist for warmer weather and decided to have a mini Southern movie marathon by watching both The Help and The Ya-Ya Sisterhood. This left me feeling two things: 1.) I wanted to watch The Blind Side for the bazillionth time, and maybe have a Sandra Bullock marathon because 1a.) She's AWESOME, and 1b.) She's almost 50 years old which sincerely makes me want to go run upstairs and put on anti-aging cream while I run on the treadmill while watching The Blind Side, but then in a fit of self-hatred throw away all my white skinny jeans because she just looks SO GOOD IN THEM and how's a girl to compete, anyway?

Ahem. And 2.) I really, really, really want a '50s sleeveless, button down spring dress with collar and skinny belt that I can wear while saying things like, "Oh, let me run and throw on my cardigan before we hit the Shake Shack!"

À la this Mcginn Printed Shirtdress at Nordstrom:

Via Nordstrom.com

I sincerely hope this style takes off and Forever21 starts making these because I definitely can't afford the hefty $345 price tag. Damn you, Eugenia Skeeter Phelan!

Damsels Don't Mesh Around

Let's cut to the chase: sometimes girls like to be a little skanky. Before you say, "I know where this post is going. Who skanked it up this week?" Let me inform you that this is not a diss post. It is a bliss post.

Bliss because, yeah, I'm owning up to having a certain part of me that likes to cause a splash. Who doesn't want a little extra attention now and then? This is where mesh comes into play. Mesh allows us to do things that may otherwise be considered skanky: large cut-outs and low necklines, for example. But, it also adds depth to an otherwise unremarkable bodycon dress.

Is your dress too short? No worries. Mesh gave you sleeves, so it all balances out. Is your stomach showing? Who cares, it is kind of covered with mesh! Is that neckline dabbling with showing just a little too much cleave? Nah, mesh has you covered there too! Isn't mesh great? It's like a best friend who has your back, no matter what.

So what am I saying? I'm saying let's give mesh a high-five. For giving those of us who just want to make the occasional scandalous foray into the world of nightlife something to hold on to.

Via nastygal.com

Judge me if you want, but you know you like this dress.

Trunk Briefs on a Mansel

There are some things that are unnecessary-bordering-on-redundant to say out loud. Chocolate is delicious. People will judge you if you wear harem pants and you're not a Disney princess named Jasmine. Dominos at 2am is always a good idea.

Oh, and David Beckham is insanely hot.

Via Fashionista.com

Thanks, H&M.

Lace is for the Bedroom, Damsels

Well, happy holidays and all that jazz, Damsels. What's that? I don't seem cheery? Well, if you insist, it is because something incredibly terrible happened shortly before the holidays began. And, simply nothing can raise my spirits - not the return of Pretty Little Liars, The Lying Game, or even Once Upon A Time.

No. No amount of new episodes can wash this travesty away:

Via celebuzz.com

Oh, Vanessa Hudgens. You are so wed to your hippie ways that you've refused to live amongst your society. Vanessa, dear. Didn't anyone tell you that see-through lace is for the bedroom?

Oh sure, a dash here, a tad there - show your back, even, we won't judge you! We'll applaud you. But this is going too far. These are transparent lace pants with hot shorts beneath them.

To be fair, I'm sure all of us are thankful for the short-shorts. Girl, clean yourself up and get a stylist who maybe doesn't list you first on their hate-list, mmmkay?

Happy New Year, Damsels. I think we all know what Vanessa's resolution will be.

Happy New Trends, Damsels!

A very happy 2012 to you, Damsels! And with the holiday weight gain, well-intentioned resolutions and long-awaited return of 30 Rock, the new year also brings us tons of propaganda concerning our future wardrobes.

Plan on seeing a lot of polka dots in 2012. Feathers and espadrille shoes are back in style (hopefully not together). Neon colors and loud patterns will meet with tight, light-colored skinnies as Spring (which is apparently already upon us) pits pastels vs. brights.

Basically, plan on being a fashion-schizophrenic.

But possibly the most hilarious trend to "expect" over the next 12 months is what Top Shop refers to as "Surf Luxe." And yes, their vision is as/if not more ridiculous than the name itself:

Via TopShop.com

Maybe the world will end this December -- and I for one plan to be dressed EXACTLY LIKE THIS.