Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Eagerly Anticipating 'The September Issue'



If you're a trendy girl, you love Vogue magazine and you have a love/hate relationship with Anna Wintour. Anna is the Jesus of fashion, what she says is what every fashionista should strive to follow, but Vogue tastes are not affordable or even accessible to a lot of us. However, there is something incredibly fascinating about this woman and I cannot wait for the release of The September Issue. The documentary follows Anna around as Vogue is gearing up to distribute their September Issue. If Anna is the Jesus of fashion, the Vogue September Issue is the bible. Following it will send you to fashion heaven.

See the trailer here

The film is schedule for a limited US release date August 28, 2009.

Friday, July 17, 2009

The Best Anniversary - The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Hurry to Nordstrom and check out their Anniversary Sale, sale ends August 13th. Check out some of my picks below:

Leather motorcycle jackets were all the rage last fall, but leather jackets are expensive. I love this faux leather version at Nordstrom:

Sashimi Faux Leather Motorcycle Jacket
Also available in black, teal, cognac, and navy
Originally $68, Now $44




If you're not into faux leather and what a real leather motorcycle jacket, then check this one out:

Frenchi Motorcycle Jacket
Also available in grey
Originally $168, Now $99




Petite girls everywhere can rejoice, I have found premium denim in a petite style. How annoying is it to always have to cut off the "boot" portion of your bootcut jeans. I love Joe's Jeans...

Joe's Jeans 'Provocateur'
Originally $158, Now $99




Do you think you can't afford Marc Jacobs? Well, you can at this price...

Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Posh Turnlock' Flap Clutch Wallet
Also available in black, poppy, cognac, and grey
Originally $178, Now $118

Saturday, July 11, 2009

FCUK My Life




French Connection is having a huge sale right now. Below are some of my favorite sale items and some of the biggest bargains...

Tania Twill Coat
Also available in white and blue
Originally $198, Now $59.99




Ceres Denim Dress
Originally $148, Now $59.99




Francesca Shirt
Also available in green
Originally $88, Now $39.99

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Free Shipping at Victoria's Secret Today



Today only enjoy free shipping on any order at Victoria's Secret. Enter code FRVSSHIP.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Itty Bitty Bikini Time



It's bikini season, below are some of my favorite trends:

1) Solids: OK, well this isn't a trend, but solids are always a staple in any bikini wardrobe. Remember black is slimming and white is often see-through. I bought a teal colored bikini from Target. It's dark enough to keep me from looking like Free Willy in the pool, but has enough color to be fun.

TIP: Buy your bikini somewhere that offers different types of tops/bottoms. I bought one bottom and two different styles of the same top so it sometimes seems like I have 2 different bikinis, but I don't really!

*Sale alert - Target has temporarily reduced prices of swim tops and bottoms.

I bought these two versions of tops (in the same color) from Target:

Mossimo Halter
Originally: $17.99, Now $14.39




Mossimo Bandeau
Originally: $17.99, Now $14.39



I have this bottom, also from Target:

Mossimo Keyhole Bottom
Originally $17.99, Now $14.39





2) Polka Dots: These are even more popular than last year. My friend has this really cute, inexpensive one from Target:

Mossimo Bandeau Navy Dot Blue (also available in black)
Originally $17.99, Now $14.39



Mossimo Tab Bottom Navy Dot Blue
Originally $17.99, Now $14.39




Note
: Tie bottom in this style also available here.


3) Monokini: This is popular again this year. Check this one out at Target:

Xhilaration Ruffle Monokini
Originally $29.99, Now $23.99

Friday, June 5, 2009

Who Wears Short Shorts?



If you live in the South like me, then it is freakin' hot outside! Time to pack up the jeans and put on some shorts.

Shorts tips:
  • Petite: Wear shorter shorts. Shorter shorts make your legs look longer.
  • Colors: If your lower half is a little bit wider or just not your favorite part of your body, opt for dark solid colored shorts. Stay away from white shorts.
  • Whites: White shorts are often see-through. If you wear white panties with white shorts, they will show. Invest in some tan/nude colored underwear. Wear this under your white shorts.
  • Length: Choose an age appropriate length. If you are in high school or college, anything goes. Past college avoid shorts from places like AE, AF, Aeropostale, Hollister, because they are probably too short (unless you are short/have short legs). Instead head to J. Crew, GAP, etc.
  • Booty Shorts: Just say NO! Under no circumstances should anyone, high school or older, wear booty shorts. I'm not going to define what I mean. I know you know.
  • Styles: I think seersucker, cut offs (not too short), and madras style shorts are the cutest. I also really like the chino shorts at J. Crew and GAP. They come in all sorts of fun colors and are reasonably priced.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Urban Outfitters $5 or Less Sale



First there were $5 footlongs and now Urban Outfitters have items on sale for $5 or less in-stores and online. Check it out soon, sale ends Sunday May, 31st!

I'm always looking for cute little clutches to hold my stuff on a night out and this once caught my eye. The reviews for it are pretty good too.

Ecote Curved Kisslock Wallet
Originally $28, Now $4.99



OK, this isn't something you can wear, but it's something your keys can "wear." When I moved away for college my keyring started filling up with extra keys (an apartment key, mailbox key, etc.) I'm going to get one of these to stick on my apartment key instead of randomly trying keys in the lock when I come home after a crazy night out with my friends. (You know what I mean)

Lucha Libre Keycaps - 2 Pack
Originally $6, Now $4.99




You all should know by now that I have a "thang" for headbands. Maybe it's because of my obsession with Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl. This is definitely a headband I could see Blair sporting on the Upper East Side.

Elastic Lace Bow Headwrap

Originally $18, Now $4.99

Friday, May 22, 2009

$1 Flip Flop Event At Old Navy



Hurry out to Old Navy tomorrow, solid flip flops are only $1. There's a limit of 5 pairs per customer, but at this price, you can get enough colors to match all of your outfits this summer.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Clinique Bonus Time!



I always time my makeup purchases with the free gifts. Who doesn't love free gifts? This is by far the cutest makeup bag I have ever seen in a free gift. It's designed by Trina Turk and filled with her favorites. Head out to Nordstrom, spend $25 at the Clinique counter and this bag filled with goodies can be yours today!

Includes:
  • - Take the Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes and Lips (1.7 oz.)
  • - Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (1 oz.)
  • - Blushwear Cream Stick in Rosy
  • - Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Sun Burst
  • - Lash Doubling Mascara in Black (0.14 oz.)
  • - Different Lipstick in Tenderheart
  • - Superfit Makeup (0.5 oz.)

Monday, May 18, 2009

Sandals Season - Flats Where It's At!



Hey ladies! Memorial Day is fast approaching and soon summer will be upon us. It's time to hit the salon for a pedicure and slide on a new pair of sandals. Today's post will feature some of my favorite summer flats, but be on the lookout for some fabulous sexy summer heels.

I really like the bright pink color with the jewel accent on these cute sandals from Payless.

Treasure Jeweled Sandal
Also available in black
$14.99






I love the fringe on this sandal. I've been seeing this everywhere and at Payless, the price is just right for my budget.

Scarlet Fringe Sandal
Also available in blue
$24.99






The gladiator style is still in this season and so are metallics. This Payless sandal is perfect in that it combines both!

Mia Gladiator Sandal
$19.99






I remember in the 80s my mom wore sandals that looked EXACTLY like these. I guess everything really does come back in style at some point. According to the reviews on Target.com, everyone that owns a pair of these loves them.

Mossimo Winnahurache - Multicolor
Also available in brown, white, and bronze
$19.99


These are also available at Target and they're a different take on the gladiator sandal. I love the patent leather on these. I would probably buy the black and/or mustard ones.

Mossimo Penina Gladiator Sandals
Also available in tan, mustard, champagne, plum, and turquoise
$24.99



If you want a more traditional gladiator sandal in a non-metallic color, check out these from Target.

Mossimo Pauline Gladiaor Sandals
Also available in bronze snake, and pewter
$19.99

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Celebratin' Mom With Brunch



Don't forget about your mom this Sunday - it's Mother's Day! Most of the usual brunch places have a special Mother's Day brunch, but I was shocked at how expensive some of them were. I have a better idea... wake up early, pick up some yummy foods from the grocery and some flowers and have your own brunch at home.

Below are some of my ideas for this fabulous Mother's Day brunch:


1) Flowers



You don't have to spend a lot of money on huge arrangements, get your mom whatever her favorite flower is. Still unsure? Get her some tulips. Tulips usually last a week and they come in such pretty colors. They're also reasonably priced. I'm also really into calla lilies and hydrangeas. Both look good without a lot of filler flowers. Another option is to get her a potted orchid. Many of the grocery stores near me sell them for around $20. I bought one for my mom three years ago and it still is alive.

Ordering flowers online? I would say the most popular online sites are 1-800 Flowers, ProFlowers, and FTD. Be sure to check for a coupon code (e.g. type into Google the words "FTD coupon codes")


2) Cocktails

The popular brunch cocktail is the mimosa. I absolutely love mimosas, but my favorite kind is the blood orange mimosa. I just buy blood orange juice (go to Whole Foods or Central Market) and then add champagne. It's not necessary to buy expensive champagne for mimosas, but don't buy the cheapest. I usually buy Korbel.




Here is Anthony Bourdain's recipe for a blood orange mimosa.

1 bottle Krug champagne
2 cups blood-orange juice, freshly squeezed
8 blood-orange slices

Preparation Instructions
Mix the champagne with the blood-orange juice in a large jug. Garnish each glass with a slice of orange.


3) Food

I feel like pancakes are one of the easiest breakfast items to make. It's fine to use Bisquick pancake mix if you top it with really good maple syrup, or top your pancakes with fruits. Speaking of fruits, I love a fruit salad with my breakfast. Head out to the grocery store and pick up whatever fruits are on sale, or stick to a theme. For a tropical fruit salad buy pineapple, papaya, and kiwi. For a berry salad combine strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.



Frittatas are another popular brunch item and they are pretty easy to make. Here is a simple recipe. Note that the recipe calls for goat cheese, but if you don't like goat cheese, I think a good substitute would be feta cheese.

Spinach Frittata Recipe (Courtesy of Simply Recipes)
Click the title above for preparation pictures.

Ingredients

* 1 lb spinach leaves (about 2 bunches), cleaned, chopped
* 1 Tbsp olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
* 1 large clove garlic, minced
* 9 large eggs
* 2 Tbsp milk
* 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Sun-dried tomatoes, about 2 Tbsp chopped
* Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
* 3 oz goat cheese

Method

1 Preheat oven to 400°F.

2 Cook spinach in 1/4 cup of water in a covered saucepan until just wilted, a couple minutes. Drain water and set aside.

3 In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and Parmesan cheese. Add in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Set aside.

4 Sauté onions in olive oil in an oven-proof, stick-free skillet, until translucent, about 4-5 minutes on medium heat. Add garlic and cook a minute further. Add cooked spinach and mix in with onions and garlic.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Pretty Prom Hair



I've found that the type of dress you wear and the way you do your hair varies. Girls on the west coast seem to wear shorter dresses and they wear their hair done or in a messy updo. On the other hand, girls in the south wear longer, more formal dresses and they usually wear their hair up.

Here are some of my favorite formal hair styles that you can do yourself:

1) Wear your hair done - flat iron it so it is sleek and shiny a la Gwyneth





2) Use a 1" curling iron to create soft waves/loose curls a la Lauren Conrad





3) Wear it half up half down (loose curls or straight) a la Fergie





4) Wear it half up half down, but twist the sides or braid them (see below) a la Mandy Moore/Nicole Ritchie/Whitney Port





5) The messy updo (see the main pic)

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Prom Accessories - Clutchin' It



So now that you have your dress and your shoes, it's time to search for an adorably cute little purse to hold the prom night essentials (keys, ID, bobby pins, breath mints, etc.). I scoured the net for the cutest clutches for all you thrifty/trendy girls.

I think the little bow makes this so cute.

Target
Mini Bow Clutch
Also available in black and white
Now $14.44, Originally $16.99


I really like the detail of the beaded strap. This is a simple purse that you will be able to use for years.

Target
Merona Clutch
$14.99



Here's a clutch from Kohl's. I think the pleated design is very pretty.

Kohl's
Apt. 9 Pleated Clutch
Also available in black and silver
Now $13.90, Originally $34





TIP: Just because you're wearing a black dress does not mean you have to have black accessories. Make your outfit pop by pairing your black dress with a bright colored purse or some bright shoes. Check out this bright pink clutch below:

Kohl's
ELLE Faux-Leather Bow Clutch
Now $13.60, Originally $34




Other stores to check out: DSW, Claire's, Payless, and any department store.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Choose These Prom Shoes



Once you've picked the dress, you next need to pick your shoes. Find a pair of shoes that you can dance in all night long. Most girls wear their prom shoes only once. I think I wore them twice, once to prom and a couple years later to a wedding. That's why it's a good idea not to spend too much money on them.


If you're dress is long:
Be aware of how much of the shoe people will actually see. If your dress is long, only the tips of your toe might be visible, so you can be less picky with what you wear. Another issue with a long dress is the length. It can sometimes be expensive to alter a formal dress (especially if there is beading) so an alternative to altering your dress is to wear shoes with a heel that is high enough so that the length is no longer an issue.

If you're dress is short, your shoes will be on full display for all to see. Choose those shoes wisely. DSW always has a great selection and on their website there is a whole prom shoes section.

Here are a couple of my favorites from DSW.com

Caparros Elle Sequined & Ruffled Sandal
$49.95 Compare at $78
Also available in black and ivory



Sam & Libby Whimsy Satin Flower Mary Jane
$44.95, compare at $60
Also available in black




The Chinese Laundry shoes are available at Famous Footwear. They often have buy one, get one half off deals, so bring a friend and you both save!

Chinese Laundry Amelia
$49.99



I like the bejeweling on these:
Nina Vantage 2
$49.99, originally $59.99