Shopping Sunday: Find of the Day

While browsing online, and checking out one of my favorite websites for anything new, I came across this fabulous find!!!

Now, its a great find for a couple of reasons:

(1) It's ADORABLE!

(2) It's a clutch, and we all know how much I am obsessed with clutches. Plus, for those not-so-much clutch enthusiasts, it has a great chain shoulder handle so you don't have to rely on your hands to make sure your bag stays on you the entire night

(3) It was apparently featured in US Weekly and People Magazine, which is always a plus. I tried to find the cut-out of it, but had no such luck. 

(4) The price is unbelievable - if I were to ever lose this, while out, I wouldn't in the least be upset because it's so inexpensive, but definitely doesn't look it!

(5) Helloooo, the fringe! When used sparingly (like with this bag), fringe can give any outfit that extra bit of texture and "volume" that may be needed. 

Melie Biano: Fringe Clutch in Taupe ($55) 

Also available in Black and Brown. 

Link: http://www.shopepic.com/epic/product.asp?s_id=0&prod_name=MELIE+BIANCO+FRINGE+CLUTCH+IN+TAUPE&pf_id=PAAAAAFPKEJAHLGM&dept_id=3315&mscssid=3VM4V0SDS92A8NB07XENTH55P6S1DQJF

Shoulder Bags: A Must-Have

A shoulder bag is a difficult closet item. It's hard to find one that lays on your body in a flattering way, and it's even harder to find one that doesn't look like a 5th graders messenger book-bag, and still fits all of your day-to-day items. Also, I have found that shoulder bags (out of all handbag styles) run the highest risk of looking cheap, but this M Clifford Designs bag is a great find! 

This shoulder strap is optional, so if you are cramped for time, it goes from shoulder bag to clutch faster than you can say "this bag is amazing!" AND it's dimensions are 10"H x 15"W x 1" D you can't get more perfect amount of space than that. It comes in 3 awesome colors: Black, Dark Red and Camel - all three of which are totally seasonal, versatile, and utterly yummy looking! But do not be fooled, it's not only the colors that differentiate each bag from the other, it's also the detailing with the leather. The black and red are regular leather, while the camel is made of "fish scale patterned leather" - so this one has a little more texture to it. Also, if you look at the "additional images" you will see that the trim of leather in between the two zippers is different for the black and the dark red: the black has a distressed leather look, while the red has a "snake patent print" trim. I, personally like the black the best (duh!), but really all of them are great! 

M Clifford Designs: Renee in Black ($445) 

Link: http://www.jenniferkaufman.com/renee-black-p-4347.html

Link (for Camel): http://www.jenniferkaufman.com/renee-camel-p-4345.html

Link (for Dark Red): http://www.jenniferkaufman.com/renee-dark-red-p-4346.html

Chan Luu - she's a Goddess

(1) Chan Luu Silver/Gold Vermeil Leather Wrap Bracelet in Brown ($215)   

(2) Chan Luu Silver Leather Wrap Bracelet in Brown ($195) 

I know these bracelets have been out for a while, but I -embarrassingly enough- have been a late bloomer when it comes to loving Chan Luu and her amazing creations. I wish Fragments.com would carry all of her wrap bracelets (yes, they come in more styles/colors than just these two), because they are just so cool and chic! You can wear them either as bracelets or necklaces, or however you want. I prefer to wear them as bracelets, and the gold and silver combos are great looking, I just wish that this website carried them in the black thread, instead of the brown - but the brown is still gorgeous!

These look great with any casual, day-to-day outfit, or for going out at night at the beach wearing a nice sundresss.  

Link (1): http://www.fragments.com/catalog_detail.aspx?d=291&viewall=1&id=50648

Link (2): http://www.fragments.com/catalog_detail.aspx?d=291&viewall=1&id=50644

Earrings, Earrings, Earrings...Fa, La, La, La, La, La, La

Earrings are great for more than 1,000 reasons...

Some of mine include: (1) So girly, and who doesn't love to be girly! (2) They make a great gift, because (almost) everyone loves them, wears them, and needs them; (3) They are so versatile, and there is such a wide range of earring that you can shop for, so the sky is the limit when it comes to this genre of accessory; (4) They dress up any simple outfit...I could go on and on, but I won't, I'll just post some of my fun earring finds - ranging from the classics to the flirty

(1) Marcia Moran "Wire Weave" Earrings ($ 93) - in Silver and Gold (Not shown)! 

Link: http://www.jlamore.com/product.asp?lt=d&deptid=6935&pfid=JLM01359

(2) Robert Coin Diamond Hoop Earrings, 1.50 TCW ($3,200) 

Everyone needs a little "bling" in their life and what better way than a great diamond hoop! Always a classic must-have and a great way to dazzle up a simple outfit. This hoop that I have picked out is 4/5" diameter and has round cut diamonds...Robert Coin does have other smaller and larger version, also a smaller one that isn't round cut, rather has pave inset diamonds, but we all know we don't like the inset ones...

Link: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod48210046&parentId=cat12300761&masterId=cat4870732&index=28&cmCat=cat000000cat2830732cat4870731cat4870732cat1230076

(3) Steel Drum Discs in Gold ($28)

A great delicate, simple gold earring, that isn't as obscure as a post, and still gives your look that little pop of gold. Makes a great gift, as well!

Link: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=480859340119276520&id=844336&parentid=JWL_EARRINGS_DROPS&pushId=JWL_EARRINGS_DROPS&popId=JWL_EARRINGS&sortProperties=&navCount=2&navAction=jump&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=gol&colorName=GOLD

(4) Yellow Gold Earrings w/ Heart Petal Cutouts ($1,940) 

For all you Gold-lovers (no, not Gold-diggers) out there...these earrings are a great classic, gold/diamond combo that can be saved for either special occasions or as your everyday earring. They also come in two other similar styles with a round or square setting, but I liked these better (the set up of the diamonds is prettier, and more girly...obviously!). 

Link: http://www.moondancejewelry.com/moondance/product.asp?s%5Fid=0&pf%5Fid=PAAAAAHKMIBNBBGD

(5) Alisha Louis: Deco Fan Earring ($70)

These are fabulous, more "fun" earrings (as I like to call them, because I tend to be more conservative with my earring choices) that are simple enough to jazz-up any outift for the office, or with a great sun dress and sandals. Plus, they add a great addition of color to any look, without giving too much color, and this turquoise color is such a neutral-color tone, which makes it easy to match many pieces. Oh! And did I mention that turquoise is just one of 16 colors that these earrings come in! How great is that - so now you can pick and choose your specific color, or buy multiple pairs, and mix and match away! 

Link: http://store.starsandinfinitedarkness.com/allodefanea.html

Enjoy, and feel free to add to this list! I'm sure I will in the future...a girl can never have too many fabulous earrings!

Happy Holidays!

Dolce Vita...we knew they are great!

Dolce Vita has always been one of my go-to for any shoe-need I may have. Their quality is great, and they always offer a little something extra to make them just one step edgier than the rest. For this find, these boots I've had my eye on forever, and now unfortunately they don't have my size, however maybe you'll have more luck. They are a great boot...oh and did I mention they are on sale! Enjoy!

Dolce Vita Toby Boot (Black - Orig: $198; Now: $139)

P.S. Shopepic, where I found these lovely boots is having a 30% off regular merchandise of $100 or more, so help out our economy and spend some! Just be aware, now that they are on sale - they are only available in sizes: 6, 6.5, & 7 - so if that's you, then more power to ya!

Link: http://www.shopepic.com/epic/product.asp?s_id=0&prod_name=DOLCE+VITA+TOBY+BOOT+IN+BLACK+DESTROYER&pf_id=PAAAAAJGODGHIDGI&dept_id=3299&mscssid=3VM4V0SDS92A8NB07XENTH55P6S1DQJF

Happy Holidays!

Some Good Finds

I was just going through some of my favorite websites - and considering I don't want to write my paper I have chosen to share with you some great finds (I'm only going to do two, since I really must get back to my work). 

It's holiday time and there are some really great gift buys out there...it's just a matter of knowing where to look. Remember that many sites right now are having promotional codes to help you save anywhere from 20-33% off of your purchases. Since the economy is not doing so great, many of these codes are not only offered on full-priced items, but also sale and final sale items. Websites to look at are revolveclothing.com (always a great go-to site) and shopbop.com (obviously...) for their great deals and free shipping. 

One of my favorite handbag designers, Foley + Corinna (although they offer clothing as well) offer fabulous leather non-conventional ways to lug your items in. They also are a brand who I would through into the Rebecca Minkoff category of "humble-designer" bags - where they aren't your run of the mill brand names and offer a much more creative and unique looking style to your daily-wear. Plus, they are rarely found to be on sale, so this is a great find!

F + C Glazed City Clutch ($310.80 <-- that is an unbelievable price!) 

And, the great thing about this item is not only that it's a clutch - but it's so versatile because of their fabulous clutch-turned-shoulder bag mechanism, so it's basically like two bags in one!

I'm always one to shy away from colors (because black IS my life and my wardrobe) but this glossy cranberry is such a great pop of color, and it's not too overwhelming/tacky and the glossy-ness gives it that sophisticated shine. AND if I haven't sold you on this bag yet, it's available at this awesome price in either the glossy cranberry OR in the glossy black (which is equally as FAB!). Just all in all this makes an awesome git and/or additional to your bag collection, and trust me when I say Foley and Corinna know what there doing! 

Link: http://www.shopbop.com/glazed-city-clutch-foley-corinna/vp/v=1/845524441823515.htm?folderID=2534374302023758&fm=browse-brand-viewall

UrbanOutfitters has always been one of my favorite retailers. Recently within  the past few years they have really grown in sophistication and level of taste. Between their exclusive brands like Lux, and Silence and Noise, they also have added items custom made from well known designers. Some of these include: Hawk by Geren Ford (who doesn't LOVE Geren Ford!), Play by C.[harlotte] Ronson, and Lark and Wolff by Steven Alan. So they definitely have up-ed their game. 

This great skirt is just a fun, really reasonable additional to your wardrobe that just gives any outfit a more edgy feel. It's is great paired with a sheer ruffle top and ankle boots, for a night out (that's what I plan on doing when mine arrives in the mail!). The fact that it's high waisted and the off-to-the-side zipper is just so fun and very "in" (I hate to sound like my mother right there, but I could not resist). Plus the quality of Silence & Noise is totally a steal for the price.

Silence & Noise Moto Mini ($68)

Link: http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=15283989&color=01

Enjoy! And Happy Holiday-Shopping!

Formal Dresses!

So ...this upcoming weekend I have a formal to attend, and what girl doesn't love to hate trying on formal dresses? There is nothing more frustrating than trying on thousands of tube, halter, spaghetti strap dresses to come out with nothing, yet who are we kidding - we love every single one...we just hate the way our love handles handle them...no biggy! But to alleviate some of that stress I have some suggestions - not in terms of body type, but just general all-in-all great dresses. 

First of all, you have to think of what type of event this is going to be...is it a holiday party? Cocktail Office party? Family party? Answering this question is a great first step in helping you to narrow down what dress you will exactly be looking for. Considering the time of year I'm only going to divulge in fall/winter related dresses. Another tip that is great if you don't feel like whipping out the credit card for a one-time-wear dress, is pair a neutral LBD (little black dress) with black tights and fun peep-toe shoes/any other kind of fun heel. The tights will make it seem more wintery, and especially patent leather shoes will definitely give you less of a out-of-season look. 

One designer I ALWAYS swear by is LaRok - there dresses are super unique and great for a fun, sexy look that will have you standing out against all the other lame black dresses. LaRok, also surprisingly does great things for women with big chests...like myself. Their stuff may seem small and only made for models, but don't pre-judge, this is false. Also, their dresses (especially) are usually initially overpriced so they go on sale almost always so that's great. For example, the dress below, as you will see was originally ~$300 and I got it for less than ~$200 which is a great deal! Another great, great dress designer who really understands women's bodies is Nicole Miller. I think almost every other formal-related dress I have purchased in my lifetime has been by her - she's great and is always coming out with something fresh, yet is always consistent with style, making her dresses very dependable. 

So happy dress shopping, and don't forget to take multiple bras (strapless included), spanx, a standard black skin-tank-top and control top tights with you when you go dress shopping, this will help you decipher exactly how the dress fits on your body. Don't be afraid to buy multiple dresses and take them home - just as long as you save the receipt you can always return it! 

(1) Larok: Vixen Combo Mini Dress (Orig. $298 - NOW: $178.80) 

It looks a tad cheap/trashy in the picture, but I PROMISE this dress is amazing, and the top has spandex in it, so its super stretchy. Also, it's a racerback tank so that's super flattering for those who have lots of arm fat like myself, and the print on the skirt is not as leopardy as it looks, it's more like faint black ovals if anything. This is what I'm wearing to my formal event and I can't wait!! 

Link: http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=120096&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results

Link for better views of the dress: http://www.djpremium.com/shop/G1-V98635-R54334-P444915/larok/belted-tank-dress.html

(2) Rory Beca: Kelly Dress with Pleated Ruffle in Black/White ($495) 

It's a little pricey, but a Rory Beca dress is definitely worth it! This one is a great buy. The high waist of the skirt part makes gives it a classic and sophisticated look, while the feminine ruffles combined with the sexy V of the top gives it a soft edge. This great combo means you could keep it simple and wear it to that office party or glam it up with a great pair of pumps + accessories (especially since the dress is so simple!) and wear out on the town or to another party (of course with a different crowd attending, we wouldn't want people seeing you in the same dress twice!) 

Link: http://www.revolveclothing.com/DisplayProduct.jsp?product=RORY-WD76&c=Rory+Beca

Clutches...Who doesn't LOVE them!

Clutches are probably one of the greatest handbag-related inventions ever! Besides for the fact that they may become difficult to transport or haul around while out and about - one must always remember that staying classy doesn't involve lugging a huge Hermes Birkin bag. Don't get me wrong, this bag is probably theeee classiest of all, but considering the circumstances, whether that includes strutting your stuff on the red carpet or bumpin' and grindin' in the club, a clutch is the only way to go. 

Now, there are plenty of awful, misunderstood myths related to the clutch and it's reputation as a handbag. For one, never be worried it will not give you the amount of space you so desire in your carry-all. Half the nonsense you take out with you during the day, should not even be near your purse when the sun goes down - take out half that crap and stick to just your lip-gloss, mascara (for those you appreciate a good touch up once in a while, like myself), gum/mints, ID/Money and your camera (that is if you are on camera duty that night, otherwise leave the paparazzi shots to someone else!). Nothing more, nothing less. Second, clutches are often hated on due to their lack of "handbag-bars." This excuse is the lamest of them all. Grow up, and and understand that there is no reason to get completely sloshed when you go out, because you have a responsibility to take care and keep track of your clutch. If anything you should be thanking the bag for keeping you from making a fool of yourself in front of your friends and surrounding cuties. 

So I have left you with some fun suggestions to play around with and broaden your online shopping surroundings, so enjoy! 

(1) TopShop: Leather Snake Trim Clutch ($60) 

It's Pink and soft and feminine looking + it has a shoulder Strap! 

Link: http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=true&catalogId=32051&storeId=13052&categoryId=133521&parent_category_rn=133517&productId=844571&langId=-1

(2) TopShop: Leather Deco Clutch ($65) 

Comes in this color (Gold!) and Purple and Red...so fun!

Link: http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=true&catalogId=32051&storeId=13052&categoryId=133521&parent_category_rn=133517&productId=909783&langId=-1

(3) Marc Jacobs: Classic Zip Clutch ($395 - But it's worth it!) 

This is an obvious one...it's so classic and so versatile, you can use it as either a going-out clutch, or a wallet! And it just screams "fabulousity!" 

eLuxury is just amazing frist of all (they have no tax!) And they have this item in 2 other colors, besides black (Lilac and Pistachio) - they also have the quilted version, although it's about $60 more, and FYI: the MJ Key pouches are on sale from $150 to $75-$90, so check those out, too!

Link: http://www.eluxury.com/estore/browse/product_detail.jsp?id=11601012