Tuesday, November 30, 2010

The knit turban to wear during the colder weather


I saw this image on my Chic Feed app and decided I had to have this!:)  The girl got it from a store overseas in which I couldn't find the hat or understand the language...but, I didn't give up and searched Etsy by seller: Charmedmsure and found something similar for $30 where you can choose the color you want!  I had to share of course!

InStyle magazine launches a new shopping site called, StyleFind but can there be too many??

With boutiques.com releasing recently, and sites that already exist like ShopStyle, beso, Lucky Shops, and Shop it to me...are there just too many sites like this now...Maybe not...read on to decide.

From my WWD app this morning:

"TAKE THAT, GOOGLE: Jack Griffin’s name has become synonymous with the phrase “new revenue stream.” And just a few months into his new gig at Time Inc., the chief executive officer now has one under his belt at InStyle with the launch of StyleFind, the first stand-alone shopping site to launch from a magazine. The fashion and beauty site, which makes its debut today, will live under the shopping channel on instyle.com, but it will be run by a new crop of editors hired by InStyle’s managing editor, Ariel Foxman. It features 150 retailers — including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Net-a-porter, Gap, J. Crew, Mulberry, Topshop and Mango — and more than 2,000 brands that Foxman said are consistent with InStyle. “It will be like shopping with one of our magazine editors,” said Foxman. “The experience is edited and the search function actually works. If you search for bags with a chain, you will actually see that, but in different price points and brands.”

Fran Hauser, president of digital for Time Inc. Style & Entertainment Group, said StyleFind evolved out of qualitative and quantitative research that found shoppers are overwhelmed by the amount of choices in their online shopping experience. (Perhaps a vague dig at Google’s new shopping search function, Boutiques.com?) But there isn’t altruism at play here — it’s about money.

“This is also providing a new revenue stream, since the site’s main revenue share comes from advertising now,” noted Hauser.

InStyle will get an undisclosed cut of every transaction on StyleFind (although it will also launch with a sponsor, L’OrĂ©al USA). Hauser added the technology for StyleFind will be extended to other Time Inc. brands in the near future, including Real Simple, People, Essence, Entertainment Weekly and People Stylewatch. So look out for yet more shopping sites over the next six months. Time Inc., shopping mall? — Amy Wicks"


Monday, November 29, 2010

Gift Guide: The perfect package for coffee lovers



The Jenny Cain coffee bean clutch or wallet is the BEST thing to get for a coffee lover!  It's made with an up-cycled coffee bean sack.  Plus, get 10% off for the Cyber Monday deal.


A Starbucks (or any local coffee shop of course:) gift card is always appreciated.  I'd say $25 is the magic number:)


Who doesn't want to have a monogrammed mug and only for $6 from Anthropologie.


Oprah shared it on her favorite things episode and I've got to try it...the William & Sonoma Croissants are supposed to be AMAZING and who doesn't want something to go with their cafe'?:)


Anytime I travel, I love to get the local coffee as gifts.  This is something to do whenever you travel or just go online.  My faves right now are: Mexican, Hawaiian, and Jamaican...ones I want to try: Turkish, Ethiopian and Indian.



An easy way to share something sweet.  Do something old school and write out an easy recipe for the coffee lover to make their very own special cup o' joe.
This is from the Nate Berkus show:
Ground coffee + Cinnamon + Nutmeg + Orange Zest = Voila the house smells amazing and you have a yummy, homemade coffee (Just add whip cream...yum!)
Another recipe I found Mexican Coffee with Chocolate & Cinnamon!

Friday, November 26, 2010

ANTM Cycle 15 - Episode 8// Part 2 - Zac Posen

I love the gray tights in the fashion show for Zac Posen...I am going to be doing this ASAP!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

A fun DIY gathering with P.S. I Made This in New York


Your very own Le Pliage®

Your very own Le Pliage®

VOGUE said it, and here's how to do it


A fancy skirt with a funky tee


More exciting fashion, social media news from WWD

This is all really exciting and I can't wait to check out!!!

"SHOPBOP’S BLOGGER LOVE: The online retailer tapped a slew of bloggers and online editors to partake in its Fashion Insider Holiday Wish List — a lookbook showcasing their holiday essentials. It will launch on Dec. 1 and a different blogger will be featured each day through Dec. 16, when the entire lookbook will be available on shopbop.com in its entirety. Purse Blog, P.S. I Made This, Bryan Boy, Who What Wear, City Sage, Knight Cat, Style Republic Magazine, Le Fashion, Milk & Mode, Man Repeller, 4th and Bleeker and Fashion Toast got to play fashion editor and create their own page for the holiday lookbook, complete with a fashion illustration created by artist Dallas Shaw, an assortment of product with commentary and a link to their blog or Web site. Rumi Neely of Fashion Toast said Alexander Wang sweaters and velvet are on her list, and Brittany Law of Style Republic said she’s all about the lace-up booties from BCBG. And in true man-repelling fashion, Leandra Medine of the Man Repeller told WWD that she’s lusting for cashmere suspenders, camouflage Rag & Bone harem pants and “genitalia-inspired Thakoon kicks.” Naturally."

Longchamp’s Your Very Own Le Pliage application on Facebook allows users to customize their own version of the iconic foldable bag. Once only available on the brand’s Web site, longchamp.com, “likes” can now create their own Le Pliage bags on Facebook and share them on their profiles.





BLOGS, WEB SITES, ETC.



French Connection hosted its first blogger-exclusive event, a Night of BLOGtails, last Thursday at its Soho store. Guests — including HollywoodLife.com, Racked.com, FashionIndie.com and BuzzworthyMTV.com — were greeted by a Twitter specialist from the brand, who checked everyone in on Twitter (through their handles), as well as exchanged messages and received updates from the bloggers throughout the evening. But wait — there’s more: a “Blog-Off” styling competition took place where each blogger had to create an outfit inspired by…a cupcake? Each contestant chose a flavor (it’s vanilla cake, vanilla frosting and rainbow sprinkles for me every time) and had 25 minutes to create a look based on said flavor. All of the outfits were uploaded onto the brand’s Facebook page and “likes” was used to vote for favorites. The look with the most “likes” won a year’s supply of cupcakes from their choice of Magnolia, Crumbs, Billy’s Bakery, Babycakes or Sugar Sweet Sunshine. Just kidding. Donna Kim from Racked.com’s red velvet-inspired ensemble won (notice the teeny tiny cupcake she’s holding in the photo), and she’ll be featured in a Q&A on an upcoming post on the French Connection blog, electrique.frenchconnection.com.



Vera Wang’s blog, Vera Unveiled, chronicles everything from the designer’s trip to Venice to behind-the-scenes photos from a campaign shoot, to what to wear to a winter wedding. Check it out at verawang.com/veraunveiled.



Juicy Couture launched an enhanced Web site Monday at juicycouture.com, designed to make mobile access and holiday shopping a cinch.



The Row’s resort collection launched on therow.com’s e-shop, and the first 10 customers to place an order will win a lookbook signed by designer’s Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen.



Gilt Groupe partnered with Marie Claire and Nina Garcia for Gilt’s Holiday Shop — a four-week project that will feature one sale a week through Dec. 13. Garcia will be selecting the product and curating the selections for each sale (“Color,” “Cozy,” “Natural” and “Retro”), all based on themes from the December issue of Marie Claire."


Check out Salvatore Ferragamo's site today

Taken from my WWD app-download it today:

SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT: "Salvatore Ferragamo jumps into the social media arena today with a new viral project, the W List, centered around the fall 2010 reissue of the its iconic W handbag. The project marks a redesign of Ferragamo’s Web site that’s intended to engage users and stimulate shopping.

“The launch of the W List coincides perfectly with restyling our site, which also launches this week and features an enhanced shopping experience,” said chief executive officer Michele Norsa. “The W handbag was originally created for Mrs. Wanda Ferragamo, and is a centerpiece of the resort 2011 collection.”

The 60-day “digital jet-set” initiative is the brand’s first social media campaign and includes an interactive component that allows fans to generate their own content. A group of tastemakers were chosen — ranging from bloggers, artists, actors and fashion insiders — to kick off the project by sharing stories about their personal style, recent travels or anything else that might serve as a source of inspiration, but come Wednesday, anyone can contribute.

While editorial from Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann, Barbara Bush and Selita Ebanks will populate the W List upon its launch, users are encouraged to submit their own content for the duration of the initiative and vote for those they find most interesting. The campaign will culminate in a contest, and the stories with the most votes will move to the top of the list. The brand has its own YouTube channel and plans to launch an official Facebook page in the near future.". — Rachel Strugatz


Sunday, November 21, 2010

Exciting collab: Rebecca Minkoff and Polyvore

Taken from my WWD app:

"FROM ONLINE TO RUNWAY: Starting today, a collaboration between Rebecca Minkoff and Polyvore.com will allow users of the online fashion community to design work of their own. They will get the chance to redesign Minkoff’s Morning After Clutch on the site. The winning bag will be unveiled on Dec. 9 and will make its debut at Minkoff’s New York Fashion Week runway show in February. The handbag will be named after the user, and sold and produced through rebeccaminkoff.com."

10 Closet ESSENTIALS From Lloyd Boston on the Nate Berkus Show

Tracee Ellis Ross shares her style secrets with Joe Zee on the Nate Berkus show!!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Here's the scoop on the 5 day American Apparel Sale

Starts today!!!



Get a Nordstroms Rack GC on Groupon by spending $25 and getting a $50 GC

Act now, they are going fast!  One per customer.

Check out Groupon's daily deal - huge discounts on the coolest stuff in your city. http://www.groupon.com/r/uu5092143

Select Chicago location and look on the right side-scroll down till you see Nordstrom's Rack!!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Get style advice from Lloyd Boston the old way or the new way

You can find Lloyd Boston on his show, Closet Cases, and he is the "style guy" for Jones New York offering all of his great tips and tricks for dressing.  And now, he has a new book, The Style Checklist that goes through all of the items you should have in your closet and how to style them with items you already have in your closet.















And, if you don't have time to read...there is an AMAZING app you can download onto your iPhone for  $2.99 called, Before You Put That On, or simply search for Lloyd Boston.  With this app you get daily style tips that you can "favorite" so you can go back and reference the tip again.  The app also allows you to catalog all of the items in your closet, which I LOVE! This way you can create the looks that Lloyd is sharing from your closet.

the drama: Kohls vs WWD

Here's exactly what I read from the WWD app:

"HERE’S THE NEWS: J.Lo and Marc Anthony turned out at a press conference on the rooftop of The London hotel in Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon to unveil their new deal with Kohl’s Corp., which will see them introduce men’s and women’s fashion collections, and potentially expand rapidly to other categories, including home. The deal confirmed a front-page exclusive report in WWD Thursday. We would have liked to have reported on the press conference, but Kohl’s “disinvited” our reporter after the story appeared. Here’s a picture of J. Lo and Anthony at the event, though."

Thursday, November 18, 2010

The must-have item to own after having a baby: THE TRENCH


Rachel Rachel Roy Trench, $159
Worn as a dress!
I just had an aha moment after watching Rachel Roy on the Nate Berkus show today (I DVRed) and then youtubing everything she's had on Youtube to realize that this is the item I've needed since having my baby and working on getting back to my pre-baby size.  The trench will always be flattering on every body and will be perfect for any occasion.
After watching everything I brought all of my trenches out of the coat closet to start wearing until my transitional period is over...I am also planning a trip to the thrift store and Buffalo Exchange to see what I can find...the sky is the limit these days with all of the colors and prints you can find.  Plus, you can do a DIY similar to this fall's Burberry line where they basically took the sleeves off...I should have my version back from the seamstress tomorrow and I will share.  You can also update your trench/dress look with a fab new belt to cinch you in at the waist.

Have fun and feel free to share your trench dress pics!

Norma Kamali for Walmart ONLY $18 on sale from $35...the other two colors are still $35 (black and cranberry)

Mossimo Target Trench...I like this because it's gray.  $49.99

Sleeveless Trench Coat sold on Etsy (handmade) and styled as a dress, $175

I learned some new fashion related social media news from my WWD iPhone app

I usually receive the WWD newsletter that doesn't allow you to read full stories unless you pay for a subscription so I was so excited last night when I opened my WWD app and read so much new info I didn't know...so, of course I had to share!

1.  Alice + Olivia has a new blog installment every Monday by clebs.  *It's a really fun site!

2.  Facebook is starting to have a lot of fun apps.  Try Vince Camuto's new app, The Shoe Closet.  It allows you to build your dream shoe closet and share it with your fashionista friends.  Just for playing with the app and sharing with your friends you get entered to win the "closet" you created!  How does it get better than that!?  Check it out at vcshoecloset.com.

3.  Check out the Outnet on Nov. 18th for an update to the site.  There will not only be a new logo, but you will be able to create wish lists which is a MUST for me.  And mark your calendar because Nov. 30th they are also updating the mobile version.

4.  New iPhone app to download: Kenneth Cole's, "Be Careful What You Wish For."  I've downloaded it and checking it out!:)

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

I'm OBSESSED! Fashionista mommy's this is the diaper bag for you!

I just found a new eco-friendly diaper bag that I have to have!  I figure I'll be using them for a while, so why not treat them like handbags, right;)  It's also sold on Babies 'R' Us's site...so you can use all those coupons you get in the mail:)  And ships FREE!




























Another fab stocking stuffer idea for any fashionista

Dr. Scholls Fast Flats that Stacy London from What Not To Wear promotes.  It's such a great item that any lady could use everyday from heading to work to heading home after cocktails that evening.  The fit perfect into any size bag and the price is AMAZING!

Rachel Roy on Nate Berkus, BRILLIANT


She's always so inspiring...I want her entire look...and I love how she believes a trench can be worn as a dress.  I totally believe that!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Sharing is Caring: Join Swirl Today for Great deals

*I am sharing not only because if you sign up and purchae through me I get a $25 credit to the site, but because it's such a great deal.
Swirl is a sample sale of sorts.  They sale items at up to 70% off and they are really great deals.  For instance, American Apparel has sold items here twice at up to 50% off---they were dirt cheap!

Here's what's on sale right now:
MIH: Mainly jeans
KERISMA: Really great prices...as low as $19...mainly long cardi's, which is perfect for fall.
RAY-BAN'S!: Who doesn't want these...but, hurry they are selling out fast!
Coming soon: Cynthia Rowley!

It's kind of like Rue La La, Haute Look or Gilt Groupe for those who are familiar:)

So, sign up now, sign up here.  Enjoy!

Searching for the perfect FIT jean at Target: The Experience

I was excited when I was approached to be a Style Ally participant for Target.  They wanted me to go to a Target in my area and shop with a $50 gift card that Target sent to me to see how easy it was to find the perfect fit jean.  Now, since I've had my daughter almost three months ago I hadn't even thought of wearing a pair of jeans, but I was up for the challenge.
The first part of my search was to research the different types of jeans on a handy tool on Facebook that Target has called, Fit Finder.  I had so much fun playing with this Facebook app and seeing what options I could try at the store.  I wrote notes to myself to help me test the jeans in the dressing room.
When I got to the store I couldn't find the straight styles (I was told they were on sale.) and I couldn't find one style that was recommended on the app, but beyond that it was a really fun experience and I was able to find a pair that really fit well.  Check out what I chose on the Target Style Boutique Blog here.  By the way, it took me two try-on sessions, one with the hubby to decide which jean looked the best.  There were so many to choose from and I really wanted the right fit.  Good luck on your search and hope you enjoy!

What every fashionality needs in their makeup bag for a quick update wherever you are

If you are like me, you need something in your handbag to update your look if you are out running errands and your hubby decides, "Let's go out for dinner with friends."  I don't usually veer too far from what I wear on my face everyday:
Concealer
Tinted Moisturizer
Bronzer
Blush
Mascara
The case for it all: A Anya Hindmarch makeup bag:


Here are a few items I can use to update my look easily and fit in my diaper bag for easy access.

I am in LOVE with this Dior palette that has eyeshadow, lipgloss and the cute case you can keep forever and use for the mirror:)  This is $80 and you can buy on Sephora.com and with a $25 purchase can get a free clutch with 25 free samples (this week only).  Use promo code: ONTHEGO.

An update to the bronze I use everyday...Mai Couture has Bronzing Paper that is GENIUS!

Tip: Check out Sephora's special packages right now for mini items in packs for gifts...I LOVE NARS so this gift set is a great deal at $44 and you can use the orgasm stick on everything, your eyes, cheeks, and lips!

benefits has the perfect size mascara for being on the go for only $9!

Monday, November 15, 2010

Street Style: Layered tights with knee high socks

I can now wear knee highs, here's how

I got the BEST idea from Bobbie Thomas's piece for the Today show last week and I had to share because then I saw a street style image on Chic Feed that sealed the deal that I was going to do this!  I've never been able to wear knee highs with my pear-shape frame, but with tights, I think this will become something I can try:)



Here are some charcoal knee highs by Free People from Karama Loop for ONLY $28 that I'm going to try.  PLUS, get 20% off if you use promo code: FREFAB22.  Enjoy!
Ensemble inspiration:
I think I would wear these knee highs with gray opaque tights, a gray dress above the knee and black knee high boots (flat).

I heart the new Erin Fetherston for Juicy Couture line

Here are some of the items I am gushing over!
Get 30% off right now for the Friends & Family celebration!  Use promo code: FFNOV until Nov 17th.

I'm EXCITED to share my new Revolve Clothing Boutique



The Genius's at Revolve Clothing have made it possible for fashionista's like myself to share the items they are lusting after and create a boutique that fashionista friends and strangers can browse, shop, and be inspired.  And, I of course had to jump at this opportunity...not only because I get 1% commission if anyone buys something but, because the site seems like so much fun!
Check out exactly what I am LOVING in the 'View My Favorite Items' section.  I'm going to share items I can see being DIYed, that I think are styled really well, great sale deals (of course), great deals: items that look like something I've seen somewhere for more, or just things I think are cute.  ENJOY!  And, let me know if you create a boutique so I can check it out.
And to make it even better, Revolve Clothing offers FREE shipping (2-3 day priority) and returns for ALL purchases!

Great stocking stuffer from Paul & Joe!


I just found these fab Paul & Joe nail files with fun prints for ONLY $5! And, you can pair it with their cute, limited edition nail polishes!


Check out all of the nail options here.

Great tips on how to shop second hand from Bobbie Thomas

Sunday, November 14, 2010

The Look for Less: Relaxed Batwing Sweater

*Elizabeth & James look

I was putting together my Boutique on Revolve Clothings website and fell in love with the Elizabeth & James Rib Trim Cocoon Shrug (that you can tell the model that used to be on The City is wearing:).  But, for $395...can't afford that right now...but, I remembered the Norma Kamali for Walmart Women's Batwing Sweater for $18 and all was made better because I will be getting it ASAP:)  So, I had to share of course!
*Norma Kamali look

Styling: Since I want it to fit like Mary-Kate and Ashley would wear it and how the model is rocking it...I will purchase a Large so it will fit baggy...note: Walmart's items usually fit really large already...so, I might have to return for a Medium, but we shall see.

The Man Repeller: Man Repeller Style Icon: Edward Scissorhands

The Man Repeller: Man Repeller Style Icon: Edward Scissorhands

Friday, November 12, 2010

Guess who is featured on the Target Style Boutique Blog!!!

I am so excited to share my jean testing for Target recently!!! Check it out on the Target blog, Style Boutique and stay tuned for my thoughts on the process soon.



Thursday, November 11, 2010

My fave drink-Chambord and Marie Claire invite you to an event tonight in Phoenix





Just read about this on today's Daily Candy and had to share the best deal from Revolve Clothing

(Cut + Paste from email)
SCORE
Revolve Website Relaunch
What: Take 25 percent off purchases with code DAILYCANDY25 (excluding sale items and regular brand restrictions) thru Nov. 18.
Why: Create a “boutique” filled with your favorite brands and looks. When other users buy from your space, you earn commission. Yes, really.
Where: Online at revolveclothing.com.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

3 ways to style curly hair with a turband

Here are some pics I took for Be Vain Glorious DIY Trying because I was inspired by her turband DIY blog.  I'm getting a new turband from Karamloop soon, so stay tuned for style pics!



Tuesday, November 09, 2010

What everyone wants...a cashmere scarf of course

It's starting to get cold everywhere and no matter where you live, a comfy, soft cashmere scarf is the thing to have.

I had to share two great options I found:


Target, ONLY $24.99, cheap and chic in a variety of colors.


Restoration Hardware, On Sale for $79 and Made in India...I would of course get the nude color...this is great for travel too!

Monday, November 08, 2010

Things I want in my closet

Ivory Blazer, Urban Outfitters--I thought I liked one...but, I found two and one is on sale!:)

Boyfriend Blazer, $78


Silence & Noise Tuxedo Blazer
On Sale for $49


Maxi Skirt, ZARA


Signet rings at Sarah and Chloe for $98.  I've been looking for a vintage ring like this forever!  I, of course want a BIG script 'N' on rose/pink gold:)


Rose Gold Dogeared necklace


American Apparel Camel Chiffon skirt

Denim Shirt...still searching...see my post here to see where I am looking.
Also searching for a camel blazer...
Maxi Skirt, ZARA

Sunday, November 07, 2010

More on the denim shirt front

I found some more steals on the denim shirt front that I had to share.

Target: 
I found a light denim shirt at Target yesterday for $5 and had to share my find.  It's not available online and it doesn't look like they had it at $5...so check for it in store.

While I was searching I found a men's denim shirt for $17 and I think it's even cuter...so, I will be looking for that in store!:)


ZARA:
Watching House of Glam right now and saw an intern pull out a denim shirt at ZARA.  Wish this store sold ONLINE!


MANGO:
They have the BEST iPhone app!!  I love going through it!  MANGO sells online!  Perfection!


American Eagle Outfitters:
On Sale for $15
No images available online...check it out in the store and use your facebook check in app to get a 20% discount.