Save Money At J. Crew

Did you know that college students get a 10% discount every day at J. Crew? Now you know! It's only available in stores. Spread the word to your professors, they also get the 10% discount.

Flirty in Florals

Florals are girly and sweet and popping up everywhere. Here are my cute floral finds...

When I searched the Nordstrom sale page, I first saw the beige version of this dress, but then I saw the black version. I think I prefer the black, but probably because I wear a lot of black. It depends on your personal style, but I think both are very adorable and they're on sale!

Nordstrom
On sale for $31.90, Originally $54
Available in beige or black







Here is another dress from Nordstrom. It also is on sale and comes in two different colors. I like the version below, but see Nordstrom for the brown one (fauna floral).

Nordstrom
Frenchi Floral Print Off Shoulder Dress
On sale for $31.90, Originally $54
Available in lychee floral or fauna floral





Celebs like Jessica Alba, Jessica Simpson, and Eva Longoria have been wearing these long flowy dresses all summer. A lot of girl in New York wore them. They look so cool and comfortable. Here is a tropical floral.

Target
Juniors' Mossimo Supply Co. Triangle Top Dress
$21.99






Wear this floral tank by itself while the wear is still hot and layer a jean jacket or cardigan over it in the fall.

American Eagle
Lace Floral Tank
On Sale for $14.95, Originally $24.50
Available in hibiscus pink or aquatic teal
(Note online the pink is available in xxs - m and the teal is only available in xxs, search store inventory by zip code)





I love the little details buttons and subtle ruffles on this top. I would recommend it to any girl that wants to show off her shoulders. If your shoulders are broad, you should avoid halter styles. I'd probably wear this with dark denim jeans and cute wedge heels.

Forever 21
Ruffled Floral Top
$17.80

Gladiator Footwear

I took you to New York and now I'm taking you across the Atlantic to Rome. Channel your inner goddess with these gladiator sandals. I like to pair my gladiators with a skinny jean or a flowy sundress.

I prefer the flat gladiators, but if high heels are your style, these are very cute.

Target
Mossimo Paulina Gladiator Sandals
$26.99
Also available in black





I found these at the DSW in Union Square. Sadly they didn't have my size. They are available at DSW.com (only in brown) for $36.95, but I found them cheaper on Amazon.com.

Amazon.com
Madden Girl Sicilly Synthetic Gladiator
$31.49
Also available in white.




Metallics are still in and I really like these very inexpensive gladiators from Amazon. At this price you could get them in both silver and gold.

Amazon.com
Wild Diva Metallic Strappy Sandal
$15.99
Also available in gold

Looking for a less strappy take on the gladiator? Try these from DSW. They have really high ratings on the DSW website and Zappos.com. Note: at Zappos they are $49.

DSW
Diba Sallie Synthetic Gladiator Sandal
$34.95
Also available in black, silver, and bronze



I've been shopping for a pair of gladiators for awhile and have yet to see red ones that I liked. These are cute and a great price. Plus, they're available in different colors, but I really only like the red and the white. Maybe it's just the photograph, but the black and brown look cheap to me.

Amazon.com
Michael Antonio Patent Gladiator Sandal
$22.99
Also available in black, white, and brown

Manhattan Fashionistas

First of all, let me apologize for the lag in posts. I just returned from vacation in New York City. I'm completely rested and full of inspiration for the site. Manhattan is so expensive to live in, but after my recent trip I realize there are deals everywhere for the budget-conscious fashionista.

Financial District - Century 21



If you have the time and patience not only to sift through racks and racks of clothing, but also to wait in enormously long fitting room and checkout lines then Century 21 is your store. I always make a stop here when I travel to New York. In the past I've bought designer jeans, shoes, sunglasses, and handbags. Note that the shoe department is around the corner from the department store.

Right now they have very cute red rimmed Burberry sunglasses for $70 (still a little out of my price range) and Marc Jacobs shoes marked down.



Canal Street/Chinatown



I'm not a fan of the replica handbags, but quite a few of you are. Chinatown is THE place to go for all sorts of replica items. In addition to the handbags, I saw "Rolex, Cartier, and Gucci" watches; "Dior, Chanel, Tiffany's, and Juicy Couture" jewelry; and "D&G, Fendi, Gucci, and Chanel" sunglasses. The hottest bags seem to be "Coach and LV" right now. I noticed a lot of girls in the City had Longchamp canvas bags. I'm not sure if they had real bags, but they had these in Chinatown too.



Chelsea/Union Square



I found a little store in Chelsea on 14th and Seventh Ave. where almost everything in the store was $2.99. They had all sorts of jewelry, sunglasses, and hair clips. I ended up buying a pair of sunglasses, necklace, and earrings. I figured even if I only wear each of them a couple times, it's still worth it.


Also, Loehmann's has a Chelsea location. For those of you who aren't familiar with Loehmann's it is a discount store like Marshall's or Ross, but it has trendier higher end clothes. They had Versace sunglasses, Juicy handbags and jewelry, Stuart Weitzman shoes, True Religion jeans, and much more. Don't worry though, it's not all high end brands. They also carry BCBG, Steve Madden, and other mid-priced labels.




Filene's Basement - I had never heard of this store until a couple years ago, but it is also a discount store like Loehmann's and Century 21. They also carry a wide range of brands. I bought these Blue Cult jeans for $50 (originally $110), quite the steal!! (They are $69.99 on Overstock.com)




Visit the Farmer's Market in Union Square. They have fresh produce and the vendors often offer samples of fruits, veggies, breads and cheeses. You can also buy all sorts of arts and crafts sold by artists in the park. It's a great place to shop for truly unique gifts.




In Union Square also visit DSW and Shoe Mania for some affordable shoes.



Soho/Noho



You cannot make a trip to NYC without a stop in Soho. Soho is home to pricer boutiques like Marc Jacobs and Prada, but there is also H&M, Zara, and even Old Navy. The most anticipated store opening in the UK's Top Shop. According to the advertisement in the storefront, it open Fall 2008. I will definitely stop by next time I am in town.



Midtown - Macy's



Macy's is everywhere, but the 34th Street location in Midtown really is a miracle. This place is gigantic!