Sorry guys! I have been super busy and have not had a lot of time to post. I'm not giving up on the blogging, just taking an well deserved break!
Loving Some Long Gloves
I bought this cute 3/4 length sleeve jacket after Christmas and pondered about how I was going to keep my arms warm because the only gloves that I own cut off at the wrist. I came across a really great pair of cashmere blend long gloves from J.Crew and decided that these would be perfect with my new jacket! I don't know why I had never thought to look at long gloves, but they look so chic when paired with a 3/4 length jacket! Here are some great picks, all under $25:
Fabulous Metallic Flats Under $50
The fashion forecast for 2008 calls for the continuation of the whole "metallic" trend that we saw in 2007. The good news for those who haven't gotten into the trend yet, is that most metallic flats are on sale now! Metallic flats go casual with a pair of jeans or glam with a cocktail dress, and that's what I love about them! I did some retail therapy in the shoe department of Dillard's this week and ended up scoring a great deal on these Antonio Melani "Pleats" in Solaris for $59.99.
Trend Alert: 40's Inspired Bikini's
I'm glad that the whole 1940's retro look is coming back in swimwear because I've always wanted to try out the pin up look! You'll definitely look chic and stand out from the rest of the crowd at the beach or the pool with one of these retro bikini's. Accessorize with oversize sunglasses and a large floppy hat for the maximum retro look. Here are some of the more affordable picks and one dream splurge bikini made by Abaete:
Polkadot Balconet Top & High Waist Bottom, $80 from Victoria's Secret
Lux Sweetheart Bandeau Top & Highwaisted Skirt Bottom, $90 from Urban Outfitters
Tiger Balconet Top & Brazillian Cut Hipster, $86 from Victoria's Secret
Retro Bandeau Top & High Waist Bottom, $90 from Victoria's Secret
Abaete Batucada Bikini, $224 from Revolve Clothing
A Classic Jacket Steal for $80
I used to think I only needed one jacket to get me through all of Winter, but as my taste for fashion developed I realized that you can never have too many winter jackets! I'm in love with this Double Breasted Wool Coat from Overstock. The pea-coat look never goes out of style, and I love the feminine waist and fuller look that it has--especially in the White color. You can get any one of the three colors pictured to the left for $80! That's a great steal on a coat that will last for years.
Photo Credit: Overstock
Splurgeworthy Designer Dresses On Sale
Every year I try to splurge on at least one designer dress, because dammit I work hard and I deserve it. I look at clothes as investments--and I always try to buy things that I can get plenty of use out of.
The dresses below are ones that you can wear for decades yet still look chic and up to date. Right now Neiman Marcus is having a HUGE sale where you can take an extra 25% off sale prices, so you have until Saturday night to get the prices below. It makes for a hasty decision, but trust me--you won't regret it!
3.1 Phillip Lim Tea Dress, was $437 now $196.50
Rebecca Taylor Keyhole Mini Dress, was $365 now $192
Manoush Sequin Shift Dress, was $308 now $150
Theory Puffed Sleeve Mini Dress, was $375 now $183
MARC by Marc Jacobs Velvet Dress, was $398 now $224.25
3.1 Phillip Lim Gathered Cocoon Dress, was $828 now $372.75
Photo Credit: Neiman Marcus
Move Over Leopard Print--Zebra Is Here!
I'm completely in love with anything and everything Zebra print at the moment. From chic clutches to cozy cashmere sweaters, Zebra print is making its mark as one of the newest trends for 2008. It's best in moderation, so don't wear a zebra print shirt with a zebra print pair of shoes--unless you want to be a Glamour magazine "Don't". The good thing is that this trend is completely affordable, so check out my budget friendly picks below:
I Swear By These Skinny Jeans
My favorite pair of skinny jeans happens to be the most inexpensive pair that I own that I bought from Alloy last year--these Truck Jeans Essential Skinny Jeans. I was hesitant about buying a pair that I had never tried on, but they literally fit like a glove. They have tons of stretch in them so if your weight happens to fluctuate, you'll still be able to wear them. Plus, all the stretch equals Spanx in the form of jeans! What I love about Alloy's jean selection is they come in all sizes and all sorts of inseam lengths, making finding the right pair a little easier. You can get this pair from $36.50 to $42.50--which is definitely a steal.
What To Wear: Nights On The Beach
I wish I was at the Beach. Period. I'm so jealous of all you ladies who are lucky to be around a warm climate and an ocean, so I put together this outfit specifically with you in mind. From the Nautical inspired jeans to the thongs that are perfect for walking in sand (fashionably)--this outfit screams beach chic but not definitely not cheap. Would you guess it's all from Old Navy? And, the whole look is under $100!
Earrings: Faux Pearl Stud Earrings, $7.50
Scarf: Cable Knit Scarf, $2.99 :sale:
Jeans: Wide Leg "Diva" Jean, $34.50
Tank Top: Racerback Ruffle Tank Top, $14.50
Sweater: Toggle Shawl-Collar Pullover, $14.49 :sale:
Shoes: T-Strap Sandals, $16.50
Trend Alert: Full Skirts
There's nothing more feminine and proper than adding a great full skirt to your wardrobe. If you want to dress it up for work one day or wear it to a dinner party, you will find so many uses for it! What you don't have to do is pay a whole lot for one--and I've found some gems, check them out below:
Another Great Boot Deal
I've been a little obsessed with boots lately, but that's because this is the best time to buy (because they are almost out of season)! If you are looking for a great deal on an awesome pair of either black or brown suede boots, then I highly suggest these Chaps Candace Boots from Kohl's. Orginally $110, they are now on sale for $54.99. I ordered the brown pair and have been wearing them non stop since I got them in last week. For a 3.5" heel they are super comfortable!
Photo Credit: Kohl's
Weekend Dress Steal
Looking for a dress that can transition into Spring and Summer? Try this Maggy London Halter Trapeze Dress that is on sale now at Nordstrom's for $75.90 (originally $128). I love the bright blue color, and if you pair it with a sweater or cropped jacket you can wear it throughout the Winter! This is definitely a steal!
Photo Credit: Nordstrom
Loeffler Randall For Target
I got super excited when I found out Loeffler Randall was doing a line for Target because I've really been wanting a pair of their flat boots (but don't have the $$$ for them) and I thought this would be a great chance to get their designer look for less. Take a look below at some of the best pieces from their collection: 
MUST HAVE BAG: Satchel (in Cream), $49.99
I love the basket woven look and the braided handles. It looks like this bag should cost at least $300!
MUST HAVE SHOE:Rosette Ballet Flats (in Rose), $29.99
Rose is quickly becoming the new "it" color for Spring 2008 and the flats are just darling!
Tote (in brown), $39.99
Clutch (in Linen), $19.99
Cinch Flats (in Gold), $29.99
Chain Handle Clutch (in Brown Patent), $24.99
Photo Credit: Target
It's All In The Details
It's amazing how one little logo on the back pocket of a jean could make me instantly want to get them. It's of course the logo of the ultra chic and widely popular designer Tory Burch.
You're probably used to seeing this logo (or some rip off of it) adorning the toe of a ballet flat. Sidenote: I've been scouring E-bay for a good deal on a pair of Tory Burch's Reva Flats , but I've yet to score! But wouldn't it be even more fashionable if your shoes matched your jeans in a very elegant way? That would make me feel like I was getting a good deal by mini splurging on these $123 pair of Classic Jeans--they were originally $175. I would totally buy them, but my ass doesn't fit into a 25 or 27, and those are the only sizes they have!
Photo Credit: Neiman Marcus
Convertible Flat Boots For $50
I have the worst luck ever! I've been eyeing these Madden Girl "Joust" Boots in Grey from Victoria's Secret ever since they went on sale for $47 a few weeks ago. I just went to order them and they have been backordered in Grey in my size 'til March! That won't do me any good since I'm the most impatient person in the world! The black and brown are great colors, but Grey is becoming in the new black and I need to incorporate that into my wardrobe. They look perfect for winter, and the ability to wear them folded down or pulled up over your knee is what makes this buy so spectacular. I'm all about over the knee boots right now--and you have to be careful with this trend because you definitely don't want people to think you are a hooker! Don't worry though, these give off the "comfortable" hooker vibe :)
