5.26.2011

Weekend Off

I will be taking the weekend off because I am headed to a...



Bachelorette Bash by Essie
$8 at Ulta To Buy

Enter collective "No!!!!!" here.  But don't worry I will be back Tuesday.

Have a fun Memorial Day Weekend!  I know I will in New Orleans with my besties!

Cat Eyes Smize

Leopard Print Cat Eye Sunglasses
$5.80 at Forever21 To Buy

Although I was singing the praises of the lace wayfarers earlier this week, these cat eyes may have stolen their thunder.  But when you think about it, they are totally different looks and coordinate with different outfits.  So it is slightly apples to oranges.  Therefore an appropriate justification to buying both pairs.

This is my talent as CC.  Justification.

5.25.2011

Pretty Purses

While researching purses for this look, I found some pretty purses that are definitely worth a mention.

Mini Suede Grab Bag
$65 at Asos.com To Buy


Bright Trim Canvas Shopper
$52 at Asos.com To Buy


ALDO Pasculli Crossbody Bag
$36 at Zappos.com To Buy


ALDO Lasenby Shoulder Bag
$32 at Zappos.com To Buy

Pretty purses add the perfect polish to any warm weather outfit.  For less than $75, these pretty purses will give your outfit a lot of look for not a lot of investment.  The prettiest feature of them all?  They are functional. 

Is there anything more beautiful than a purse that is fashion and function?

I think not...except this.

5.24.2011

Chic Lime Skirt

This skirt has been getting a lot of editorial coverage and now it is only $25 this weekend at Loft.

Pintuck Hem Cotton Voile Skirt
$39.50 $25 at Loft To Buy

I bought a neon yellow skirt about two years ago and I love it.  It is perfect to throw on when you feel like wearing something fun but not putting a lot of thought into your outfit.  This particular skirt works well with cotton tees and tanks and a pair of simple sandals.  Put on some fun jewelry and you have an outfit that easy, breezy and stylish.

Head to Loft this weekend for their $25 and Under Event if you need some warm weather basics.  I will be swinging by to give these shorts and these a try-on!

Enchanted Goats

I am a little behind in my reading. 

I am just getting to the March '11 Vogue with Lady Gaga on the cover.

You might think Gaga would be the most exciting thing going on in Vogue. 

You would be mistaken.

Photo Credit: Bruce Weber

A little known fun fact about me is I love baby goats.  They are just so cute.  Finally the fashion world is recognizing their style by giving baby goats the 10-page spread in Vogue they rightfully deserve.




Karen Elston is hauntingly beautiful and looks to be the perfect fashionable caretaker of baby goats.  I am supremely jealous.  I mean how do I get to lounge around in a Chanel dress all day with a fancy parasol and baby goat?  Marry a White Stripe?

Okay Gaga, you don't look half bad in Alexander McQueen either but where's the goats?

Photo Credit: Mario Testino


  
I like the feathers though!

5.23.2011

Celebrity Inspiration: Rachel Bilson

I am so happy Summer Roberts a.k.a. Rachel Bilson is returning to television this Fall.  Seeing how last season I did not start watching any new shows, I am anxiously awaiting Rachel's Hart of Dixie as it combines many of the elements this sophisticate requires to make it onto her DVR.  For example,  Hart of Dixie also features Scott Porter of Friday Nights Light fame (my previous obsession) and is from the production team of Gossip Girl. 

It is also targeted towards teenage girls of which I am not.  Therefore right up my alley i.e. my obsession with the WB's Vampire Diaries.





Not only is Rachel enjoyable to watch, she is also a total fashion plate.  She even writes her own column for InStyle magazine.  And gets invited to Chanel fashion shows in Paris.  Not to mention she makes weird commercials for ice cream directed by Karl Lagerfeld.  (Forgiveness granted for said weird commercial  because her ombre hair is to die for.)


I would be more jealous of Rachel but she just seems so darn likable.  And her fashions are not only inspiring but can be interpreted on a budget.  As an FYI, her Chanel handbag alone is upwards of $1000 while our CC take on the entire outfit is around $200.

Celebrity Inspiration: Rachel Bilson


Besides being easy to recreate, this outfit is inspiring for a couple reasons.  First, it is seasonless.  Throw on a pair of tights for cold weather or sandals and bare legs for warm weather.  Second, after researching this look I am newly obsessed with grey quilted handbags.  They just add a softer touch and are perfect for year-round wear.


Romeo & Juliet Couture Stone Quilted Handbag
$83 at Bluefly.com To Buy

Not only am I pumped for a potential new tv show, I am excited to see more Rachel Bilson fashion moments as she promotes her new show this Fall. 

My DVR and CCs of the world thank Ms. Bilson in advance.


5.21.2011

Lace Shades

Lace Print Sunglasses
$12.50 at PacSun To Buy

What is more fun than teal lace sunglasses that cost $12.50?  Um...nothing.  Perfect for throwing in a summer tote to take to the pool or with a white sundress when you have a more dressed-up affair.  Although this pair comes from PacSun, Nordstrom BP has a black and grey pair if you want a more serious pair of lace shades.

5.20.2011

Peach A'flutter

I feel like I am having a major neutral moment despite not having a lot of peaches and blushes in my wardrobe.  Maybe this is the appeal?

Remember how we wanted to find a dress that would work with this necklace?

Perhaps we should consider this one?


Flutter Sleeve Wrap Dress
$24.80 at Forever21 To Buy

This dress would be the perfect friend to most of Anthropologie's necklaces including: this one, this one, this one and this one.  The possibilites are virtually endless.  An easy boho glam outfit suitable for a summer wedding or shower; throw a blazer over for a more polished and professional look.  Pair with heels to dress up or flat sandals to bring out your inner boho goddess.

Bow Front Flat

Bow Front Patent Flat
$20.30 at GoJane.com To Buy

If shoes magically transported you somewhere, these would take me to the streets of Paris where I would be wearing a sweet and feminine sundress and a floppy hat.  I would be carrying my basket of freshly picked flowers and recently baked croissants.  I might even have a toy poodle.  And if I am being honest about this fantasy, there is most definitely some cheese in that basket.

Oh imitation Chanel!  Take me away!

5.15.2011

Couture vs. Cheapskate: Sleeveless Silk Top

Can you guess which sleeveless silk top costs $375 versus $40?

Top A

vs.


Top B

To see results, click here.

5.11.2011

My New Favorite Skirts

A staple of my summer wardrobe is the print pencil skirt.  The pencil skirt is always a smart choice because of its universally flattering fit.  When in a print it feels more fun and playful; perfectly appropriate for warm weather days and nights.  Easily dressed up or down your print pencil skirt is a simple way to add style to your wardrobe.

Here are two skirts that have caught my eye while window shopping:

Spectrum Skirt
$118 at Ann Taylor
(currently sold out online)

When it comes to a tasteful and stylish skirt no one does it better than the folks at Ann Taylor.  I was surprised to see a skirt in their window featuring such bright colors as neon yellow and coral.  With such a spectrum of colors, there are so many options for fun jewelry and colorful footwear when paired with a white blouse or tank.  Clearly I am not the only one who feels this way...it is sold out online.  I will be watching for when it goes on sale and cross my fingers that my size is still available.

Ackee Pencil Skirt
$69.95 at Anthropologie To Buy

I have been passing by this baby in the window at Anthropologie for about a month now.  I was drawn to the bold red tie-dye checked pattern; a print that feels fun and casual in a polished silhouette.  I envision this skirt with my black cotton blazer, tank top and strappy sandals as a work outfit.  Then leaving the jacket at the office for an evening out just with the tank and sandals.  For a more casual option, Anthropologie styled with a denim jacket and t-shirt.

While it is easy to stick to a pencil skirt in a basic color and let your summer tops be the star, try the reverse and see your style soar.  I bet your print pencil skirt will be a fave of yours as well.


5.09.2011

Missoni Moment Update

I feel like I really dropped the ball here CCs.

Havaianas Limited Edition Missoni Flip-Flop
$60-$70 at Havaianas.com To Buy

While I busy going on and on about future Missoni moments, I missed one major moment right beneath my nose.  An exclusive collabo between two of my faves: Missoni and Havaianas!  Well I missed this boat and now they are sold out.  But I have to confess, at $60 a pop, I still am not sure I would have purchased.

But they are cute.  And they come with an exclusive drawstring bag.  So I am definitely on the "notify me when my size is available" list.



5.06.2011

Missoni Moment

So 2 major things happened this week in regards to Missoni, the iconic Italian knitwear fashion house known for its zigs and its zags.


One.  Vogue is reporting Missoni will collaborate on a 400 piece capsule collection for Target this Fall.  This is amazing!  The line will include not only clothing but serveware and bedding as well.  If there is one thing I love more than a Missoni knit (which I can't afford) it is a Missoni hand towel.  Expect this to be the biggest thing in affordable style since Uncle Karl designed a collection for H&M.


Courtney Hobo Bag by Big Buddha
$95 at Macy's To Buy

Two.  I found the perfect Missoni zig-zag-inspired handbag for summer.  I am a little disappointed because this bag pictures more grey when it is actually blush and tan weaving over a layer of silver sequin.  So funny because I saw a shopper carrying this bag at Macy's and I thought it was a cute, neutral bag for summer.  What a pleasant surprise when I discovered she actually bought it at Macy's.  Go figure.  It's boho glam meets function which is the perfect combo for a warm weather handbag.


Speaking of Ladylike Ecletic

This statement necklace from Ann Taylor Loft is getting a lot of press.


Chunky Gem with Turquoise Necklace
$69.50 at Ann Taylor Loft To Buy

I have not seen this necklace in-person, just on the neck of Ashley "The Tis" Tisdale in Us Weekly as part of their "Spring Under $100" feature.  She is wearing it with a plan black top that looks simple and chic. I don't know if she is wearing jeans or a pencil skirt, but either way I bet her outfit is polished, ladylike and stylish.

Already visions of outfits are dancing in my head.    If I end up buying my nude slingbacks, I will have the perfect ladylike eclectic accessories I can work back to my clothing basics.  I choose to invest in statement accessories because they take my $20 dresses and $10 tees to a more polished and upscale level.

5.05.2011

Beaded Grandpa Cardi

Doesn't a Grandpa cardi just sound comfy?

And it is!  I picked this number up for $14.99 + 40% off at the Gap.

In Acapulco Sand.  And black.

Beaded Grandpa Cardigan
$14.99 at Gap Stores ($29.99 online) To Buy

Comfort is definitely high on my priority list when it comes to making a purchase and this sweater is for sure that.  The weight is perfect for spring and totally versatile.  Throw it on over a tee or blouse; with trousers or boyfriend jeans.  Last week I wore it over a white blouse and grey trousers to work.  Then with a ribbed tank and cargos on the weekend.  This week the black cardi over a black dress and boots.

For $14.99 you will maximize your cost per wear ratio which is the key to buying any sale item.  And if it is comfortable?  And beaded?  Triple bonus!


5.04.2011

Ladylike Slingbacks

When looking at my total wardrobe, I hands-down prefer edgy and eclectic or modern and classic to feminine and frilly.

But every now and then I find myself completely drawn to something that is cute and prissy especially when it comes to footwear.  I love a feminine shoe especially when it is one that may make my foot look more dainty.  So when I spotted this shoe, I knew it would make it's way onto my must-have list.


Lori Slingback Pump by Marc Fisher
$79 at Macy's To Buy

I know what you are thinking.  I just like these shoes because of the Valentino-like bow.  And to that I say...absolutely.  These shoes feel feminine and fancy for spring.  Perfect for dressing up a casual skirt or summer suit.  The heel height is ideal at 3 inches and the pointed toe will make those legs look long and lean. 

I have a hunch slipping these shoes on will make me feel like a lady and sometimes that is worth the price tag. 

5.02.2011

Old Navy BOGO Recap

So as you know, the Old Navy had their Buy One Get One 50% Off event this weekend.

Unfortunately the jewelry I was on hunt to see was not available in the store so I don't know if it is coming eventually or strictly online.  I have also learned that not all Old Navy stores carry jewelry so hunt for one that does if you are interested.

Did I leave empty handed?  Of course not.  Have we met?

Women's Embellished Graphic Tee in Black Jack
$17.94 at Old Navy To Buy

The detail on the neckline has gold seed beads which, to me, makes the tee look far more expensive than $18.  I wore this tee the day I bought it for a night out with girlfriends.  Initially I was going to wear with my wide leg trouser jeans and platform sandals but too darn cold, so back to the skinny jeans, knee-high whiskey boots and gold chain necklaces for me.

If you want a simple tee that can dress up a basic bottom without much thought, you will love this tee.

Women's Striped Ruffle-Trim Henley in Mini Blue
$14.94 at Old Navy To Buy

How did this happen?  The nautical stripes continue!  I actually spent a good 2 to 3 minutes at the t-shirt table debating which color to choose because there were a few cute options such as the light blue stripe and orange stripe.  Eventually I settled on this tee because it was easy and versatile.  Perfect for running errands on a Saturday morning or out to breakfast with shorts and flip-flops.  The ruffles dress it up a bit when you want something more polished than just a tee.

Women's Button-Front Slub-Knit Tanks in Warm Multi Stripe
$14.94 at Old Navy To Buy

I grabbed this tank because the colors are actually more neon than the image captures and we know neon will be an important component of my summer wardrobe.  This tank is going to be strictly casual and even used as a swimsuit cover-up.  I love neon pink and orange nail polish to which this tank will be the perfect complement. 

Obviously I could have bought more but I was trying to show restraint as I have many items elsewhere that I have my eye on.

So that's my recap and I am still working the jewelry lead and will follow-up when I know more.