My $40 Pick Me Up

Dahlings, today was a ho-hum day at work and my solution to these types of days usually come in the form of a small shopping excursion. Today I nabbed one of my co-workers and headed to the Westfield Mall for lunch and made a stop at the nearest Nine West. So look, the Nine West brand is not top notch quality, oh no. But they satisfy the basic need that all girls have: cute shoes at draw dropping prices. And well, we were not disappointed. My accomplice and I both ended up purchasing the same pointy toe 2 inch pumps for the ridiculous price of $34.99.  I got the black pair, she got the gray.

So why was this a great buy? Well it's a pointed toe pump, which is a classic style that every girl should have in her closet but the studs and weave accents keep it from being a boring old pair of pumps. The pointy toe style also work to elongate the legs. I know not all girls feel comfortable with the added length of the pointy toe and if you have wide feet the pointed toe can pinch a bit. But luckily Nine West carries medium and wide sizes. I also love the height of these pumps. I typically favor a 3 inch heel but I really like the easiness the 2 inch heel provides. And the insole feels very cushiony adding that extra layer of comfort. Anyway, I love little purchases like this on days when you need a little pick me up. And they truly look a whole lot more expensive then they actually are. Upon returning to the office, the IT guys in the office-- having witnessed some special deliveries at the office on my behalf----asked me how much I paid for them. They were floored when I told them the price. So I think the hubby will be happy with this purchase.

Dahlings, in a rut? Set a dollar limit and treat yourself. My pick me up limit was $40. And I think I did pretty good.

Spring/Summer Classic #4: It's a Wrap

Dahlings, I know you've been waiting in anticipation for my number four pick  in the best spring/summer essentials series. Well here it is; the wrap dress. I know some of you are deeply averse to wearing dresses but if you're going to buy one dress and one dress only, the wrap dress is the way to go.

Diane von Furstenberg (DvF) introduced the wrap dress as a high fashion item in 1972 and it was quickly a hit among the fashionable and remains so even today. Here's why the wrap dress is such a fabulous piece of clothing to add to your closet. And if you have one already, clap for yourself, you know what's right. Now for the rest of you, the wrap dress is fabulous primarily due to its flexibility and versatility. I mean every Body looks great in this dress because it cleverly separates and lifts the bust creating a more hour-glass figure. The style is rdiculously comfortable yet stylish and unapologetically sexy. Because of its flexibility, the wrap dress is one of the most versatile outfits for work and play! In the office it can be worn with sophisticated pumps and a classy bag or teemed with leggings for a fun-everyday look for the weekend.

Style Tips:
Be weary of patterns. Many wrap dresses feature florals and diagonal or horizontal stripes. The wrong pattern can age you beyond your years. Vertical and diagonal lines are more slimming and avoid small prints if you have a large frame. Stick to a solid color just to be safe.

Less endowed gals beware. The wrap can be cruel to those with small breasts and no curves, giving the you the impression that you have left the house in your dressing gown. Make sure you have a good fit.

Understand your body type and flatter and flaunt it. A fuller top and skirt balances out a bigger body frame. Smaller, more willowy waifs will need adjustable ties and less fabric uptop.

Sometimes the wrap dress is made of flimsy transparent fabrics, which can accentuate tummy fat. But that's nothing that a little spanx action can't suck away!

Have fun with your wrap dress. Create a modern, funky style by teeming a wrap with opaque tights or leggings. Experiment and modernize by wearing it very low over a T-shirt or camisole.

Don't forget the accessories.Wear a wide belt for some added drama.

For a night out dress-up a classic black wrap for evenings with a clutch and statement making shoes.

Dahlings, timeless and versatile, the wrap is one of the few styles which flatters all ages and is set to remain in the wardrobes of women who want something slimming, easy and instantly fabulous. This season there are surge of options making it easy to find that perfect wrap.  Love, love, and love.

Get Ya Stunna Shades On!

Dahlings, I have a new discovery for you that you'll love. What's the ultimate spring/summer accessory? Sunglasses!! I was conversating with my co-worker/friend who dropped this little juicy nugget on me. He beau started a site called Stunner of the Month, which brings you the coolest styles in fashion eyewear every month. Here's how it works: Enroll in Stunner of the month for $9 ( includes free shipping) and recieve a new style of hand slected stunnas every month. Apparently the fellas at Stunner have some fancy techonolgy that chooses the perfect pair of stunnas for you...I'm not sure about that but you're promised to get a one -of a kind look with its own story and flava. Stunner of the month is an ongoing membership. After you enroll, your membership will continue in effect until you deactivate/cancel your account. And according to my source,if a pair doesn't suit you, you just simply return it in the pre-paid postage package. HELLOO! What a great idea. If you're obessesed with sunglasses and often lose them like I do, this is the solution!

We love! Dahlings, need I say it; put ya stunna shades on!

Clothing Swap Soirée

Dahlings, last night I had the pleasure of hosting a clothing swap for seven fabulous ladies. A clothing swap is a great way to add some new looks to your closet without the expense.You're also stepping out of the cycle of consumerism for a little bit and engaging in some green activity by recycling your clothes.

Each girl brought a bag of gently worn clothes, accessories and shoes. We arranged items by category, sipped on some white sangria and then started digging through piles and piles of goodies.  This was a relatively calm swap; the girls were nice, often passing on an item to someone else they think it would suit better. I have the sweet advantage of being the first one to see what everyone brings so I'm able to make a mental image of what I want before anyone gets to them. But the whole process is highly civilized. Everyone has a shopping bag and about 45 minutes to pick through the items. We then try everything on for fit and of course ask for each other's opinion. This is where it gets fun because you get advice from a room full of stylish women. And there's a lot of encouragement and inspiration to help you try something new. When the choices have been made, we sit down and model our finds. Anyway, I made out like a bandit!

Check out my picks below:


 

 

A white blazer: I'm always scared to wear white but I love the simplicity and sophistication of it. And Dahlings, you know how much I love me a blazer and this is great option for warmer months.

 

 

 A white cropped wool coat: I love this little cropped coat. Perfect for a night out on the town with a cute little dress or to pair with jeans and a top. It has this great vintage vibe that says lady about town.

A black sparkly cropped coat: Another great little bolero type coat that will complement a dress but also elevate the simplicity of a tank top paired with jeans. I love the metallic sparkles throughout for the extra shine and the leopard linning.

Plaid blouse: I'm not big on plaid but I just couldn't pass up this fun little number. I has an elasticized waist with a cute peplum detail that really emphasizes the waist. I'm not too fond of the bell sleeves but the girls said it's a great detail that ups the cuteness quotient. The former owner of this gem said it originated from a cute little boutique in Brooklyn and she paid about $200 for it. And I paid zip.

 A chiffon blouse: I love the easiness of this top. A cute pattern with a simple silhouette equals easy fuss free dressing. And that is something to clap for.

Well Dahlings, those are just a few of the items I scored. I also got a coach messenger bag perfect for traveling, light wash jeans and a pair of hand made earrings. It was a fun night and the fact that I walked away with some fabulous clothes for free made my evening. If you're a shopoholic like me, I suggest you get your own swap together to satiate your thirst for fashion.