Friday, January 29, 2010

Wishlist: Kate Spade!

If I had one million dollars that I could only spend on clothes...

{these are the kinds of fantasies that I like to play with in my head.  Not just "if I had one million dollars," because then it would go to things like paying off our student loans and buying a house and helping people in Haiti.  Not that I don't want to help people in Haiti; I do.  Text "Haiti" to 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross.  But as long as I'm fantasizing, I want to be fantasizing about clothes, which is why I add the stipulation "that I could only spend on clothes."  I also have fun with "if I got a $5000 shopping spree at J. Crew" and "if everything at the mall was free}

... a lot of it would go to my dear seductive friends, J. Crew and Anthropologie.  However, I think the majority would end up funding another long-time temptation of mine, Kate Spade.  Oh, Kate Spade, how do I love thee?  Let me count the ways.  I love the bright color palette {red is my all-time favorite color.  It's so lovely}, the bold stripes and sweet details, the knee-length dresses, the funky cute patterns, the retro charm and modern feel.  Basically, I love everything.  Hence the exclamation point in my post title -- I love Kate Spade that much.  And mostly I don't even allow myself to think about Kate Spade, because I'm afraid I'm going to lose it and accidentally buy something and be out $300.

Right now I can't stop looking at {and drooling over} these pieces:


From left to right:

Jet Setter Print Darla Dress, $355 {link}
Annapolis Agnes Sweater, $245 {link}
Connect Four Reina Dress, $395 {link}
Pass the Shades Cotton Scarf, $95 {link}
With a Twist Striped Rosette Tank, $175 {link}

What do you think?  Are you a Kate Spade fan?  Do you ever fantasize about buying everything you ever wanted, or do you keep your musings more realistic?  Do you agree that red is the most gorgeous color in the world, or do you have a different favorite?  Leave a comment!

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Sale: 30% off DownEast Basics Clearance

DownEast Basics is currently offering 30% off all items in their clearance section; just enter coupon code THIRTYB1 at checkout!  DownEast has come out with some very cute items recently, so I'm excited to see them at such low prices.

Here are a few of my favorites, all under $30*:


1.  Festive & Fancy Top, on sale $13.99 {link}
2.  Perfect Portrait Top, on sale $10.49 {link}
3.  Eye Candy Cardigan, on sale $24.49 {link}
4.  Gallery Coat, on sale $24.49 {link}
5.  Classic Cord Coat, on sale $27.99 {link}
6.  Over the Top Dress, on sale $14.50 {link}
7.  Jetset Skirt, on sale $17.49 {link}
8.  Alpine Skirt, on sale $17.49 {link}
9.  Matchstick Cords, on sale $18.89 {link}

I especially love #3 and #5.  Which ones do you like best?  Are you going to take advantage of this sale?  Let me know what you think!

*The prices I post reflect a 30% discount -- they're the prices you would receive after using the coupon code, not the prices posted on the product pages.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Etsy Find: Thrush Vintage

One of my all-time favorite blogs is The Rockstar Diaries.  It's not a fashion blog, but I'm mentioning it because Naomi has some amazing style.  She never really talks about it, but you can see from the pictures she posts that she is a fashion maven {seriously, I want to be her when I grow up}.   Naomi recently had an interview with 21st & Ivy and talked about where she shops.  I'm always on the lookout for great clothing resources, so I was very interested in what she had to say.

I stop by my favorite Etsy vintage shops on a regular basis to check out the new stuff. I love DearGolden, Thrush Vintage and Sally Jane for awesome dresses, blouses, and skirts.  Urban Outfitters, Zara, and Anthropologie are always a good bet too (especially the sale rack).

The news about UO, Zara, and Anthropologie was no big surprise {get in line for the sales rack, sister}, but the vintage Etsy shops?  You all should know by now how much I love Etsy.  Bing!  It was time for some research.  And here's what I discovered: I love Thrush Vintage. She has a great selection, most items are very reasonably priced, and she organizes all items by size, which I think is perfect {because what's the point of falling in love with a gorgeous top at first sight and then realizing it's not going to fit you?}.

Here are some of my favorite items from her shop:



Clockwise from top left:

Houndstooth pencil skirt, $26 {link}
Vintage 1970's blush pink shirtdress, $39 {link}
Seaside garden blouse, $28 {link}
Mustard messenger bag, $57 {link}
Vintage 1970's blue day dress, $43 {link}
Apple orchard fedora, $36 {link}
Vintage 1950's canary yellow party shoes, $43 {link}
Pink hearts sweater, $39 {link}

What do you think?  Does Thrush Vintage sound awesome, or what?  Would you buy something vintage without being able to try it on first?  {I think I might...}  Do you know and love The Rockstar Diaries as much as I do?  Leave a comment!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

AE New Arrivals

I know I've mentioned this before, but I am all about wanting spring to be here already.  {What with the possibility of Punxsutawney Phil seeing his shadow and the Lost Season 6 Premiere finally airing, I have a lot riding on this year's Groundhog Day.}  I think that's why I keep dreaming about new arrivals, instead of scouring stores' sale sections for good deals.

For example, I think these two tanks at American Eagle are adorable.  I love the details... the flower appliques, the sequins, the chiffon.  I want them both:



Cut It Out Cami, $24.50 {link}
Sequin Cami, $39.50 {link}

What do you think?  Do you love these tops as much as I do?

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Looks for Less: Lace-Trim Cardigans

First of all, I want to apologize for my unannounced and impromptu blogging hiatus.  I have been sick.  Not major, you-need-to-be-worried-about-me sick, just normal I-have-a-cold-so-I'm-going-to-watch-TV-all-day sick.  I'm not entirely over it, but I'm tired of feeling pathetic and helpless, so I've decided that I'm resuming life as usual today.

Second, this is my second look for less!  And can I just say, looks for less are hard.  After reading Über-Chic for Cheap for a few months, I was surprised; Madeline always makes it look so easy.  But enough of my whining.  On to the look for less!


{links: Field Game Cardigan at Anthropologie, Parfait Stripe Lace Cardigan at Nordstrom, Nantucket Stripe Lace Cardigan at Bloomingdale's}

I first found the Parfait Stripe Lace Cardigan at Nordstrom and loved it.  {Anyone remember this Tweet?}  Then, while metaphorically strolling through the Anthropologie website, I found the Field Game Cardigan.  And I thought, "If this is such a popular look, maybe I can find it for less."  I did some searching, and this is what I found:



{links: Lavender Butterflies Lace Cardigan at Ruche, Frills to Pay the Bills Cardigan at ModCloth, Lush Lace Trim Cardigan at Nordstrom}

Cute v-neck cardigan?  Check.  Lace trim in a contrasting color?  Check.  Bold nautical stripes and brass button detail?  Well... actually, no.  Which is somewhat disappointing.  {I also dislike the lace trim on the pockets -- it looks a little mustachey to me.}

What do you think?  Do you like the less expensive cardigans?  Do you think they capture the feeling of the more expensive ones?  Would you buy one of the looks for less, or would you wait for one of the originals to go on sale?  Let me know -- leave a comment!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

New Arrivals at Shade

Have you seen the new arrivals at Shade?  I love their Straight Skirt:



It's so cute!  I especially adore the pockets.  It reminds me a little of Shade's Double-Pocket Tulip Skirt, which I discovered only after they were sold out in my size.  I was very disappointed that I didn't snag one for myself, and my disappointment has only increased as I've watched Elaine of clothed much look so cute in hers over and over and over.  {sigh}

This skirt is 23 inches long, which is a little short for me, but you can clearly see a nice wide seam allowance at the hem -- just perfect for tailoring.  You can find it online here, or click here to find a location near you.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Style Watch: Strong Shoulders

Urban Outfitters sent me an e-mail yesterday, letting me know that the strong shoulder is coming back into style.Not that UO is the only proponent of the returning trend -- fashionistas everywhere have been noticing its comeback since early 2009. Strong shoulders were popular in the 1940s and 1980s as well; the idea is to emphasize a wide line at the shoulder, making the waist seem smaller.

UO has one of the largest {and most inexpensive} collections of clothing featuring strong shoulders that I could find.  View all of their strong-shouldered items here.  Here are a few items that I like:



Pins and Needles Rouched Sleeve Top, $28 {link}
Urban Renewal Strong Shoulder Satin Surplice Dress, $58 {link}
Silence & Noise Strong Shoulder Blazer, $78 {link}
Silence & Noise Strong Shoulder Blouse, $58 {link}

Personally, I tend to be thin and straight, so done right, a strong shoulder could give my body some shape.  Done wrong, I could end up looking like I'm lost in my daddy's jacket.  Find some great tips on wearing a strong shoulder here.

What do you think?  Are you into the strong shoulder trend, or are you still too nauseated by the idea that 1980s fashion is making a comeback?

Monday, January 11, 2010

Sale: 25% off Ann Taylor Clearance

Ann Taylor is offering 25% off all sale items!  Just enter coupon code EXTRA25 at checkout.  Here are four of my favorite things:





1. Perfect Bow Short Sleeve Sweater, $22.41 {link}
2. Mesh Necklace, $29.99 {link}
3. Merino Crew Neck Cardigan, $29.99 {link}
4. Silk Crepe Confection Top, $37.49 {link}

You may recognize #1 as the same sweater from this post.  It was originally $110, I found it when it was marked down to $49.99, and now it's $22.41.  Am I tempted?  Oh, yes.  So tempted.  Also, I feel like I should tell I get a lot of my sale info from The (Chloe) Conspiracy.  I love her Deal(s) of the Day posts -- they're an excellent resource.

What do you think?  What's your favorite sale item?  Do you think I should go for the sweater?  Leave a comment!

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Sale: 30% off Martin + Osa Clearance

For a limited time, Martin + Osa is offering 30% off all Winter Sale items.  No coupon code is necessary; the discount is automatically applied at checkout.  M+O is a store that generally hovers above my price range, so getting a discount on items already on sale would definitely be the way to go.  Here are three things I would be glad to own:



1. Open Weave Print Silk Pocket Tee, $31.46 {link}
2. Peacoat, $90.96 {link}
3. Embroidered Shawl, $27.96 {link}

I think the tee is my favorite.  The subtle print is rad.

A quick note about things being rad:  When I was at BYU-I for one semester, first of all I was completely miserable and cold all the time.  But I had a roommate named Randi, and she was awesome.  We had so much fun together, making late-night runs at the laundromat, going to Horkley's, playing Phase 10 and watching Whose Line Is It Anyway.  When it was time for me to pack up and leave, I got the crazy idea for her to sign my navy comforter with a bleach pen so I could always remember her.  {Ummm.... It was late?  I was eighteen?}  But when she went to sign, she misspelled her name, and ended up writing "Rad Randi Blake," which I have called her forever after.  {Before then we always called each other Stu, short for Stu Pididiot}.  So when I call something rad, just know that I am honoring the best non-husband roommate I ever had, and that I really really mean that it's rad.

Back to normal stuff...  What do you think?  Are you up for a M+O sale?  See anything that you like?  {Do you have any awesome roommate stories you'd like to tell?}

Friday, January 8, 2010

Have You Heard...

... about Jessica Schroeder {of What I Wore fame}'s latest project?  Jessica is a huge advocate of thrifting and vintage shopping, and she's just introduced a new website called Vintage Where?.  You can read about the site more on her blog {click here}, but basically in time and with help, it will become a thorough country-wide database of the best vintage stores and thrift shops.  If you want to pitch in and help this amazing project reach its potential, you can submit stores in your area, and write reviews of places you've been.



Thrifting and shopping vintage makes sense for several reasons {it's inexpensive, and it's good for the environment, among others}, and a lot of my fashion heroes do it all the time, which is why I've made it a goal to go thrift shopping more often this year.  I have a few places picked out that I want to visit, and this article was helpful.  However, I would still appreciate any advice!  Where should I go?  What should I look for?  Is anyone else a big thrifter/vintage shopper?

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Wishlist: Things That Are Yellow

Ever since the very beginning of 2010, I've been trying to hold myself back from thinking about spring.  I know in my mind that I still have the long, cold months of January, February and March to get through before the blessed warmth of April.  My head knows it's not time for spring yet, by my heart keeps getting excited.  "Flowers!" it yells.  "Shorts!  Picnics!"  "Hush," I say.  "It's supposed to snow tomorrow night.  You're bumming me out."

But then while browsing online today... I think I was looking at bauble necklaces {I like this one, this one, and this one}... I came across a necklace that wasn't what I was looking for, and actually it wasn't very pretty, but it was the most gorgeous shade of yellow.  Yellow is one of my favorite spring colors, and immediately, I began to crave yellow.  All kinds of things in all shades of yellow.  And so, here is my wishlist of yellow things: my schizophrenic, head-fighting-heart, winter meets spring {seriously, leather gloves and sunglasses together?} wishlist of yellow things:



1.  Destined Nail Color, $2.99, Tilly's {link}
2.  Opacity Posts, $24, Anthropologie {link}
3.  French Connection Aviators, $48, Nordstrom {link}
4.  Silk tiered cami, on sale $29.99, J. Crew {link}
5.  Classic Leather Gloves, $39.95, Martin + Osa {link}
6.  In-A-Moment Dress, $118, Anthropologie {link}
7.  Lei Trim Tee, $36.50, Loft {link}

That dress from Anthropologie, the only item on my list over $50, is nonetheless still my favorite.  {Although if I were ever lucky enough to own it, I would probably wear it with this to make sure my legs were covered down to my knees.}  What do you think?  Do you have a favorite yellow item {either from my list or from elsewhere}?  Are you craving spring already, or are you still enjoying winter?

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Sale: AE Clearance + 15% off

There's a great sale going on at American Eagle:



You can save up to 60% off original prices by shopping their clearance section, and take another 15% off your entire order by using coupon code 56079843 at checkout!  {You can also get free shipping on orders of $100 or more.}  Here are a few things I adore {15% discount already applied}:


1.AE Peacoat, $42.45 {link}
2.AE Sweater Jacket, $33.95 {link}
3.AE Striped T-Neck Sweater, $12.70 {link}
4.AE Ruffle T, $10.15 {link}
5.AE Skinny Cord, $16.95 {link}
6.AE Favorite Pant, $16.95 {link}
7.AE Polka Dot Warm Scarf, $12.70 {link}
8.AE Circular Scarf, $10.15 {link}
9.AE Leather Graduate Boot, $25.45 {link}

What do you like the best? Are you going to take advantage of this great sale opportunity, or have you already spent all of your Christmas money {like I have...}? Are you an American Eagle fan?  Let me know -- leave a comment!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Looks for Less: Bib Necklaces

My very first look for less!  I'm so excited!  I'm also excited about bib necklaces.  I've never been one for layering on accessories -- I prefer one unfussy statement piece, and bib necklaces are just what I've been looking for.  {Although does anyone else think that the name "bib necklace" is a little silly?  I mean, I know where it comes from, but that doesn't mean I don't feel a little weird whenever I say it...}



Blu Bijoux Crystal Encrusted Ribbon Bib Necklace, Max & Chloe, $118 {link}
Flower Gemstone Bib Necklace, Fred Flare, on sale $17.99 {link}



Hanging Bellflower Bib Necklace, $138, Anthropologie {link}
Vintage Lace Bib Necklace, $22, erinkeys @ Etsy {link}

They're not perfect matches, I know, but I think they still capture the vibe.  I think my favorite is the Etsy necklace -- I especially love the subtle color palette.  What do you think?  Which one do you like best?  Do you think they look enough alike?  Let me know by leaving a comment.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Style Watch: Red Lips

 I have to say, I love Glee.  It didn't take one whole season, it didn't even take one whole episode, before Glee became my favorite show on TV.  My husband bought me the soundtrack for Christmas, and I think I could listen to Don't Stop Believin' on repeat for forever and not get tired of it.  Love, love, love that show.

And from a fashion perspective, one of my favorite characters is Quinn Fabray.  {Also Emma Pillsbury.  I want to own her closet.}  She has such a sweet style aesthetic, and her makeup is classic.



The neutral face with red lip has become one of my favorite looks.  I've seen it in this post from clothed much {doesn't Elaine look darling in red?}, and in J. Crew's holiday catalog, among others.  I like this look so much, in fact, that I've begun sporting it myself.  Observe, our 2009 family picture:


{Please understand that my husband was in the middle of Noshavember when this picture was taken -- he isn't usually this scruffy.  Also, I love how thin my arms look in this picture.}

What do you think?  Have you ever rocked the red lip?  Do you continue to wear red lipstick {and do you have a favorite brand that you'd like to share with us?}, or do you think it's just so 2009?  Leave a comment!

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe holiday.  Christian and I spent a lot of time with family {perhaps too much?}, and are now enjoying spending some time with just each other.  I also worked and worked and worked on a new blog layout.  I've been waiting to resume posts until it was just right.  What do you think?  {Don't forget to grab a new button -- the code is located in the sidebar.}

So sometime mid-December, I was congratulating myself on doing so well with my promise not to buy anything until the New Year.  I thought, "I bet I could extend my shopping embargo until February.  It wouldn't be too hard."  But then, on January 2nd, I decided that no, I could not wait until February {which is a good example of how making decisions before it's time to put them into effect is important}.  And so I bought something.  Do you want to know what I bought?

I bought...


... this white v-neck cardigan from J. Jill!  J. Jill usually isn't my style scene {what am I, old?  No offense to anyone who buys things from J. Jill -- clearly they do have pretty youngish things}, but I've been wanting a new white cardigan ever since my last one wore out, and when I saw this one, I had to have it.  I love the detail -- I had white eyelet on my wedding cake.  Plus, it was on sale {and still is, in some sizes} for $14.99, down from $69.  While I don't like to buy things simply because they're on sale, it's still nice when I pay roughly a fifth of what other people did.  It gives me a secret satisfaction.  Or maybe not so secret.

What about you?  Do you love buying things on sale?  What did you get for Christmas?  How was your holiday?  Do you have any New Year's Resolutions you'd like to share?  {My highest priority this year is to figure out what I'm going to do with my life -- it's a loftly goal, but I think I'm up to it.}  Leave a comment!