Bargain sites; Part 2

I realized the other day there are some other designer sale sites out there that I was remiss to inform you all about, so I want to share a few more.


1. Billion Dollar Babes - Often this site has designer vintage luxury handbags. I'm talking Louis, Chanel, Chloe. The prices still can be a tad high, but sometimes you can get a good deal. Also showcases swanky baby products, nice jewelry, and clothing as well. I did happen to score a Louis Vintage clutch, as shown here

Seda France Candles

2. One Kings Lane- Ok. Ok. So you can't wear a candle or a cheese plate, but every fashionista needs nice things in her home right? Perhaps you want a new fancy rug, or some designer candles, or plush towels. This is your place. Oh yeah, they also have sales on scrumptious, decadent snacks.

Bacco Bucci Men's Shoe

3. Beyond The Rack- From Fendi and Burberry bags, designer duds & shoes for him (like the Hugo Boss suit sale they just had), to jewelry and clothing for her, ranging from Jessica Simpson, Tart, and Tahari...this site has a really mixed range of goodies.



Now, a few sites also offer the ability for you to customize your shopping experience and send you emails of what's on sale. They ask you what size you are, what styles you like, etc. Here are a couple of those for you to check out!


1. Covet
2. My Perfect Sale
3. Shop It To Me
4. LuxGoddess


So now that you have the perfect outfit, accessories, and shoes...you need a place to go!


1. Gilt City- Hopefully your city is on here!
2. Jetsetter- Vacation getaways galore!
3. Restaurant.com- Savings upwards to 90% on restaurants.
4. Groupon- Deals of the day for your; include everything from restaurants, theater tickets, to laser hair removal.
5. GoldStar - Site for arts & theater- discounted tickets like Cirque du Soleil, the Circus, etc.


Happy Bargain Shopping!

What to Wear Wednesday

What did you decide on this Wednesday?


Choices a plenty, a decision was difficult for me this morning.  It's still in the balmy high 70's here in the northeast, and  I for one am ready to unleash my sweater dresses, boyfriend blazers, and cardigans. But mother nature clearly thinks otherwise.


So my Wednesday is below, I was clearly feeling a tad patriotic. This particular dress has become a staple in my wardrobe. Today, it's being worn without a jacket, cardigan, or blazer; in the summer it's worn with camel peep toes or nude sandals, today I opted for the bright red pump. After all, they are my sassy shoes.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Turnlock Mini Quin

Red cutout pumps, aka my Sassy Shoes.

Calvin Klein Jersey Dress; all you need is a simple pearl strand and pearl earrings.

And it all comes together, hair up, loose ends in the back- easy!

Maybe it's too simple for you; a tad too classic, perhaps? And maybe you're thinking, there's not a whole lot of trend here! Well, I leave you with this-

Fashion fades, style is eternal.

-Yves St. Laurent

Happy hump day!

Bargain of the day: Leopard Print Pumps

I've been wanting a pair of leopard print sky high pumps for some time.
Even more so now that this seasons most  coveted colors are military green, khaki, beige, tan, and others of the like.


The ones I really wanted...like, really really REALLY wanted.. are these delicious Yves St. Laurent Leopard Print Tribtoo Pump (left), the Gucci Tile High Heel (middle), or the Dolce & Gabbana Brown Patent Leather Leopard Pump, as displayed below

or  or 

Sexy and delightful, I could totally see myself strutting my stuff...toning them down for work with a black pencil skirt & blazer, or heading out to a nice dinner with my husband in a leather mini & red blouse combo. But to spend upwards of $600, $700, even up to $1,000...  Now, I will never say never as if I have the opportunity to be so blessed, and that spending that much will not hurt my bank account, or be a few months car payments...Perhaps one day I will...but in the mean time...


I scored a scrumptious pair of Carlos by Carlos Santana (the Privilege Pump). And the price tag?


A whopping $39.99.

Not a terrible compromise, if I may say so myself. The shoe has the height I was looking for, the hidden platform I desired, and made my legs look long and lean (so that when I wear with above mentioned leather mini, the husband will drool).


Of course, if you wish to pay the higher priced lovelies, please at least visit sites such as SmartBargains, Overstock, and BlueFly. Or I very well may have a coronary knowing you paid more than you should have.

Case of the Mondays.

Here in Boston, it's a rainy, overcast, high of 65 type of fall day.
Being that it's Monday, the weather made me want to stay in bed; reality sunk in and I realized I had to rush to get ready for another manic stricken day.


I've decided to try to lay out my clothes the night before. This helped me today being that I was moving in uber slow motion.


I like to ease into the workweek with some neutral staples that you probably already have in your wardrobe- beige, tan, khaki, military greens. 
Here are my picks for your Monday.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Pearlie 

Av Max Hammered Gold Cuff

Splendid Jersey Cowlneck Top

Cole Haan Village Jade Small Satchel

Ralph Lauren Vella Pointed Pumps

Banana Republic Stretch Pencil Skirt

Hope your Monday flies by!

Leather and Lace...In the office?

I want to share how excited I am leather and lace is in trend this fall. No, not the S &M leather and lace you're thinking about. I'm talking about leather and lace you can wear to the office.


So, I have owned this one black cotton pencil skirt with a very subtle lace trim & slight slit up the back for what has to be 6 years. Over the years, it has gotten much wear; but is still in fantastic condition.


It's extremely similar to this one but there is lace right at where the skirt hits the knee. 

The problem was, it's elasticized at the waist and depending on my mood, it sometimes caused me to be a little self conscious if my hips were showing a bit too much bodunk-a-dunk. Some days I could rock it, some days I was too fearful. I was missing the perfect jacket to wear with this skirt.


Alas, Autumn 2010 has arrived and stores and designers across the land started following the likes of Bottega Veneta for leather trim accents, Hugo Boss for fitted jackets, and Proenza Schouler  for exposed zippers. One day this Fashionista went to Bloomingdales and saw this number:

Guess Amber Plaid Leather Jacket

I tried it on and was in love. I have been looking for a red plaid jacket for some time, and this one was perfect. I could dress it up with a skirt; dress it down with jeans. The bells of heaven rang.

I returned home and immediately tried it on with aforementioned laced trim pencil skirt. Too many trends in one I asked myself...no no. Not at all. Due to the subtlety of the accents of leather and zipper on the jacket, a black camisole underneath, and the lace on the skirt, it actually paired ridiculously well. 

On the feet I will wear red pumps or maybe lace black peep toes.  We'll see how sassy I feel as my red shoes are my sassy shoes (every fashionista has to have a pair!)

or

Which ever shoes I decide to wear, this outfit is a no fail for kicking ass and taking names at the office. When I put this outfit on, I'll be sure to share with you all!

How to wear: Long Jackets

Ashley from New Orleans writes,

Vera Wang Brocade Jacket

I saw this online and LOVE it...but how and what in the world do you wear this as or with what?  Pants, a skirt and what shirt underneath, a cami?   HELP!  :) thanks!

Great question Ashley!

This jacket would be great with similar colors- like a dark pencil skirt like this:

BCBGMAXAZRIA Women's Monica Pencil Skirt

Or with dark slightly flared/boot cut trousers

Banana Republic Dark Resin Wash Trouser Jeans

What to wear underneath the jacket? Well, you could go bold and wear mid- to long sleeves underneath the jacket let the sleeve show, it's a layering affect. If it's too warm in LA for that, you definitely could do a lace camisole!

Now, for your accessories. Pair it with a chunky silver necklace! Don't forget your handbag. Might I suggest the Mia Ocelot style to add some rawr factor (not to mention, the metallic aspect from the bag matches the sheen of the jacket)?

And your shoes you ask? I am a HUGE fan of a sexy pair of red pumps or booties, especially when your outfit is all the same dark color, or family of colors. So, try these on for size!

Cynthia Vincent red booties

Until next time,

Faux Fur Vests- Let's discuss.

Marcy from New Jersey recently asked me, 

"Can we address fur vests?

I really really really want one, but I'm not sure if my short & stout body can manage it, or if it would be too massive of a piece for me. Or if it's too young. 

I may be short, but I'm no Mary Kate Olsen."

Doll, of course you can. Many of these vests come in different styles, varying textures, and colors. The trick is finding the right one that fits your body type. 

Are they too young for you? Absolutely not! I've seen women of all ages wearing this trend. 

The first one here, with a slight collar and short "sleeves" crops above the hip, and would be a nice length for someone under 5'3" because the vest isn't taking over the body.

The second vest, decorated with a satin ribbon as a belt, and a little bit longer in length would be more style appropriate for someone taller. Pieces that have more fabric do well with more body. 

The last vest style above is versatile enough for most body types. Find one that is cropped at your hip bone, isn't so puffy that you would think you are wearing the fake animal, and you should be good to go.

Here are some examples that would be good styles for you to try.

Ann Taylor Loft Faux Fur Vest- Ann Taylor Loft Women's Ivory Petite Faux Fur Vest

DKNY Jeans Vest- DKNY Jeans Vest

Ella Moss Kennedy Fur Vest-Ella Moss Vest

What type of vest are you going to wear?

 

Animal Print: Your Primal Instinct

It's Friday, so to start the weekend let's let loose and show our primal instinct.


Many designers have been creating animal print masterpieces for some time (e.g. Torn by Ronny Kobo, Dolce & Gabbana, & Betsey Johnson), but this Fall, runways have been screaming Rrrawr!

But how should you wear them?  Here's my take on how to rock the trends without looking like you're trying too hard.


Do This:

William Rast; Black Better Faded Wash "Savoy" Skinny Jean

+

Soia & Kyo Camel stitched leather "suki" jacket

+

Brian Atwood tan leopard "starlet" pumps

OR Do This:

Joes Jeans Black Side Zip side seam leggings

+

Elie Tahari Leopard Trench

+

Stuart Weitzman Suede PeekPump peep toe

Bottom line? Less is more. Don't wear the trench, plus the shoes, plus a handbag that's all in leopard. Overkill. 

However...This look, via Dolce & Gabbana is pretty sweet....so take this idea and run wild...if you dare. Who said you can't mix and match prints?