Category Archives: Budget

Fashion, to boot

Posted on January 24, 2011 | Leave a comment

This weekend I saw this great NY style retrospective on the “new way” women are standing, walking and posing and the shoe that is leading the way.


New York Times
The ankle boot (bootie) is taking over for the knee high (or higher) boot and in the process is highlighting a woman’s long leg, or making a shorter leg look longer, or as Bill Cunningham says, more like a ballerina or a showgirl.  

The best part of this pictorial is that the personal style of the “street models” are all so unique.  They are uptown, or downtown, bare legged, black tights, or tattered stockings and they are all chic and like themselves.  They also look like they might have to find a bathroom… now – but even that beats the bowlegged look of a few years ago!

In any case, we are  not here to talk about stance, or posture, we’re here to talk about shoes!

Here are my favorite booties for under $100, under $250, and the sky’s the limit!  

Happy Shopping and stand proud!

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The Princess Shops Off the Rack

Posted on December 17, 2010 | Leave a comment

There is probably no more famous engaged couple than Prince William and Kate Middleton.  The soon to be marrieds will have a royal wedding on April 29, 2011.  She’s beautiful, he’s a prince it’s a perfect match… 

I am sure as there wedding date nears we’ll talk more about weddings and Cinderella, and the pomp and circumstance, but there is one thing to note about Kate, she really doesn’t seem to be a Cinderella.  Kate seems to have a really well put together, modern, sophisticated and yet approachable style.  

How approachable could the future Princess be?  Her engagement photo dress was from last season and from Reiss.  Last season… and from a store with online shopping?  That’s definitely more exciting than a “Kate and Will Forever” T-shirt.
Copyright 2010 Mario Testino / Reuters
Reiss will be re-releasing the dress that Kate wore, but in the meantime, let us see what else we like!
First, no one does coats better than the Brits.  Seriously, no one!  I love the sophistication, and the demure aesthetic of this Bally Coat.  It’s one part lady + one part sophisticated spy.
Bally Coat by Rei

This coat might be a little too Cruella DeVil for some, but I love it.  I love the fur detail, (hangs head in shame) and the slim and structured fit.  Minus the fur, it is quite similar to a coat Mark got for me at Zara last year, which is still fabulous.
Zetta Coat by Reiss
Maybe a dress for the honeymoon?  This dress is sort of the outlier from my favorites, but worth including because it is perfect for resort wear and travel, or everyday is you live in warmer climates.  It is also the Pantone color of the year, honeysuckle…  Delightful!
Aphrodite Draped Dress

Happy Shopping Kate!

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Posted in Budget, Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Shopping

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Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday

Posted on November 29, 2010 | Leave a comment

Cyber Monday is a rather recent invention, but a brilliant one no less.  It is a shopping holiday on the Monday after Thanksgiving (today), that gives everyone at work (us) a chance to continue the weekend revelry with deep, deep discounts online.

Having worked in online retail for some really terrific online sites, I can tell you the lure of the computer on this Monday is real.  After eating too much, traveling, and all of the other joys of the season people are slow to jump back into Excel spreadsheets, and are happy to find that soon to be favorite cashmere sweater on sale for 40%.

Here are some of my favorite sales around the Internet – the bonus to Cyber Monday, no parking, no lines, no shlepping.  (Today we are both benefiting from my being oversubscribed to online retailers)

Have fun shopping at:

Bluefly: take an extra 10 – 20% off of everything, saving as much 70% off of the original retail price!

Gap/Banana Republic/Old Navy/Athleta: take 15% off your purchases and get free shipping on any order!

PiperLime: Take 20% off of everything at PiperLime – this is the perfect excuse to pick up that otherwise frivelous clutch, or the too wild for everyday yellow pumps.  You love them anyone, you’ll love them that much more at 20% off.

National Jean Company/Shop the Shoebox: This online retailer carries nearly every brand under the sun, and very happily it is all nearly 20% off.  Take advantage of the savings and the free shipping on orders over $75.

If  you’re looking to go luxe, the big names are also playing the Cyber Monday game.
Saks Fifth Avenue: Take up to 40% off the designer collections at Saks Fifth Avenue, and get a jump start on this sale before it starts in stores on December 1.

Donna Karan: The new Donna Karan New York site is beautifully edited and feels like a true reflection of the designers high and low brands (Donna Karan New York, and DKNY).  The exciting news is that the entire site is 20% off.  Seriously, do not wait.

Ralph Lauren: If you read the blog, you know that Ralph is a favorite of mine.  Forever favorite.  If you also love Ralph, you’ll love taking saving an additional 25% off.  Thanks, RL.

Enjoy all of these sales, and many more – and don’t forget to check the gift guides for the perfect present for you or someone you love!

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It’s a Man’s World…

Posted on November 12, 2010 | Leave a comment

I have an affinity for menswear for women.  I think a perfectly fitting pair of trousers – and I mean perfectly – is better than a skirt any day.  Blame it on the overflow of denim in my wardrobe or my past life in the world of denim retail, but the dearth of skirts in my wardrobe is not an accident.

The high point of men’s fashion is probably the tuxedo.  Let me tell you about tuxedos… When they are not rented, but rather tailored to perfection, and they are worn with a sense of confidence and swagger they are not “Penguin Suits” instead they are amazing. 

To the woman he dares to wear a tuxedo, I say bravo. 

It’s a surprise.  It is daring, and tough, and sexy.  

Well, well, well… What do we have here?  
Gap Tuxedo Perfect Trouser
Do not be surprised GAP if I am trying these on this weekend. And if they are perfectly fitting, do not be surprised if these become an answer to the question, “What to wear?”

Have a wonderful weekend, make it sparkle.

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It Only Happens Twice a Year

Posted on November 11, 2010 | Leave a comment

That’s right, Nordstrom is having there semi-annual sale, we have talked about this phenomenon before, but time has gone by so quickly I didn’t realize we were back to sale time.  So, really it turns out that my night-time iPhone searches has paid off for both of us. 

Last time I pointed out all of the things I wanted, which looking back may have been selfish… Although, it did made sense because it’s my blog, and I don’t really know what you, as a reader, need at Nordstrom.  This time I will point out the best bets, deals, and a few favorites.  Besides, it’s almost the holidays you can treat yourself early!

Let’s venture into the shoe department: of all of the premium department stores (Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Saks 5th Avenue, Neiman Marcus) I consistently think that Nordstrom has the best shoe department.  (No, they don’t have shoes with red soles, but honestly not many people can afford shoes with red soles.)

The Hunter boots are a great investment and one you’ll appreciate in fall and spring, and something I typically cannot justify paying retail for.  The Puma sneakers I own, and they’re great – seriously, easy wear.  The Via Spiga Boots are so classic that if you can keep them in good shape you can wear them forever, and the Stuart Weitzman style are a good deal on a hot boot, so that’s always hard to turn down.  The Pelle Moda and Charles David are good steals and good pair to pick up because you never know when you’ll need a statement shoe and it’s good to have options on hand.
Now that your feet are fashionably dressed, here are some shopping tips from me to you, with love: 
  • Make an investment in color:
It’s called the Jackie, I featured it for the Madonna: Dress Like an Icon post, and it is awesome.  The satin sheath is going to be a shape that will always be in style; D&G has an impeccable fit for dresses that fall into the category of look at me and the color is gorgeous.  Please, do it for both of us.

  • Save on trends:
This tyle skirt has been on every Kardashian in the country, and it makes sense: it is designed to highlight curves whether they exist or not.  This is not a classic skirt and you will not always love it, and unless your job is to be a Kardashian impersonator you cannot wear it to work.  You will not pay retail for the Sculptors Draped Skirt by Elizabeth & James.
  • Convince yourself to own something sequined; if sequins aren’t too much for the First Lady of the United States it is not too much for you. 
  • Do not pay retail for an evening clutch, if it’s not out of this world the price tag shouldn’t be either. 
  • Do not EVER pay retail for costume jewelry, it’s silly and there is no reason to put an investment is something that even you won’t appreciate in a few years.
  • Do not hesitate.  If you have been eyeing that tweeded Milly Jacket and couldn’t justify before and you still long for it, now is the time; if you think you’d like to finally try out skinny jeans I beg of you, please go for it.  Sales are great to try a trend, a new color or shape, stay true to your personal style and save.
I would love to know what will you try out – on sale?

P.s.Did you know that the Nordstrom Rack is also online?  Score one for savvy shoppers!

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Couples in Costume

Posted on October 27, 2010 | 5 comments

Halloween is just four days away!  Oh you didn’t get a costume yet?  Maybe you forgot that Halloween is always on October 31, maybe you got busy, maybe you just couldn’t decide what you wanted to be this year.

It is too late to order something online, and all that is left in the stores is a witch’s hat and a sexy nurse’s outfit – boring!  If you and your love are dressing up this year for Halloween here are five easy to execute on a budget ideas.  The couple that dresses together stays together!
All of these costume ideas are built off of items that you probably already own, and every piece is less than $30.00, and able to be worn again – score!

Since it is “Wedding Wednesday” we had to start with a Vegas Bride and Groom.  This costume just screams wedded bliss on the fly, and this time what happens in Vegas comes home with you.
 What couple is more recognizable than Brad and Angelina?  You and your beau can pull from your own wardrobe, lots of gray and black, but these accessories put it own the top.  If you’re baby-free don’t forget the Brangelina babydoll.
Maybe you and your beau are complete opposites, but together you’re the perfect match.  Just like Danny and Sandy.  Layer on the black, add some Grease, and get dancing!

Are you ready to go back in time?  All the way back to Bedrock?  This costume is a bit more DIY; take the togas you made in college and grab your Sharpie marker to make up the perfect Fred and Wilma.

Or, go for glamour as the ultimate glamour girl with her ultimate boy toy: Barbie and Ken.  Load on the color and the 80’s makeup to become the Queen and King of Pink.
Aeropostale, Merona, Sean John, Forever 21

Happy Halloween!

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Inspiration via France

Posted on October 25, 2010 | Leave a comment

A few weeks ago The Sartorialist featured what he called the “Shoe of the Season”; the Valentino Studded Kitten Heel.  He wasn’t kidding.  

Photo via The Sartorialist
They are ladylike with an edge.  The studded detail elevates the feminine kitten heel and pointed toe without going over board.  I love the idea of wearing them with trousers for day, and then when the day turns to night, it’s surprise.

Not surprisingly this pair is a little out of reach, but there is a lot of more affordable options that is inspired by the Valentinos.  If you set out in search of a similar style you’ll want to focus in on the more feminine shaped shoes with a slim heel and delicate straps.  The look is more lady with an edge, than biker chick or rock and roll roadie.


Happy Shopping, make this fall fabulous!

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The Look for Less: Leather & Lace

Posted on October 4, 2010 | Leave a comment

At London Fashion Week, Sarah Jessica Parker attended the Burberry Prorsum show in pieces from the Resort 2011 collection.  I loved her look, a ladylike take on leather and lace. 

Sarah Jessica Parker paired these two items:

Burberry Prorsum Leather Jacket via My Theresa
Burberry Prorsum Lace Dress via Saks Fifth Avenue

For this look:

Sarah Jessica Parker at London Fashion Week via Huffington Post

The jacket and dress are both available for purchase online.  What I love about this look is that it is completely accessible and wearable for any shape figure, and in any color.  The lace skirt (in Parker’s case a dress) is a great piece to repurpose over and over again, and the classic leather jacket is a great day to night wardrobe essential. 

In this pairing the toughness of the jacket elevates the lace skirt and together the look is neither too hard or too soft, but a playful mix that it great to wear as we transition between the seasons.

Inspiration can be found anywhere, and often for much, much less!
Kate Spade, Chinese Laundry, Anne Klein, House of Holland

ShopStyle

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Posted in Budget, Fashion Inspiration, fashion week, Her Closet, Shopping

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Come Sale Away

Posted on July 16, 2010 | 2 comments

My friend Jaci, of EverydaySassypants.com fame, and I often talk shop in our gchats throughout the week. This week we stumbled across the Nordstrom Annual Sale, we played what I like to call “What would I like on this page?” and what she and her sisters called “that’s me”. The point of the game is that you shop with a friend/sister and know so clearly what matches their personal style that you could pick it out for them.

After many years of shopping at Loehmann’s throughout college and then on Shopstyle together, Jaci and I know each other’s style. I was inspired by her own virtual fall sale shopping spree and decided to share my own for the Nordstrom sale.

What I love about Jaci’s style is her ability to play with a variety of textures and materials and unique hardware to create a look that is playful, colorful, but always really well put together and sophisticated. We’ve determined, my style is “classic”, and there’s no denying that here.Calvin Klein Split Neck Knit Sheath – I am liking this because the fit looks fantastic (the knit fabric is going to continue to hold it’s shape) and because I feel like it could easily be dressed up for a day to night piece.

Halogen Draped Dolman Sweater –So, this is something I would wear anywhere. I’d wear it with leggings and boots, jeans, with a black pencil skirt for a playful twist on workwear. I think this might be a winner.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Quilted Knit Jacket I see this jacket and think I should find a way to wear this in the fall to pick apples, drink cider and sit by the fire… and probably should wear it with the Vince Ponte Knit Riding Pant.


Having a glamorous moment? These sunglasses might do the trick. Check out the
Burberry Oversized Sunglasses.
So I really don’t wear a watch, but if I was this would be it, Michael Kors Runway Watch . It’s a great play on the men’s watch and fairly affordable for a watch (sale or not.)

Fall is all about the boot. As I have become a more practiced city commuter I have grown more aware of the need for practical, comfortable, flat boots and these are a favorite for fall, Stuart Weitzman Hammer Boot.

The Valentino ‘Small’ Nappa Leather Satchel is not on sale. But, Mr. Valentino if you want to become friends/family and do a special, I’m all for this number.

Happy Shopping! Fall will be here before you know it!

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