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    Archive for July 2008

    Clutch Deal: Babee D Imperial Handbag

    Posted July 31, 2008 by evette
    Found in: Handbags, Deal of the Day

    Babee D Imperial Clutch Handbag

    This is a pretty basic clutch.  It’s a bit bigger than a typical clutch, but that can be a good thing if you are the type that doesn’t mind because you always seem to stuff your other clutches until they can barely close.  It comes in brown (pictured), black, camel, purple & white wash.  The bright purple color is my second faves as it will for sure help you stand out in a crowd.

    Babee D Imperial Clutch Handbag: $132 (Was: $165)

    *The Back to School Sale at eBags.com ends today!

    Travel Fashion: Naughty Nautical

    Posted July 30, 2008 by colleen
    Found in: Travel Fashion

                                                          Naughty Nautical 

    Nothing says beach like boating, nothing says boating like thick blue and white stripes and a sequined anchor (or two). Picture sipping margaritas while steadying the main on Daddy’s darling, the Sea Breeze. Summer speaks a different language, and part of the fluency comes from knowing how to pretend you’re on vacation when you actually aren’t. Is the inner city the best place to sport your nautical side? Not necessarily. But that doesn’t mean, while waltzing around the shore or taking a lazy afternoon in the park, you can’t dress as though you just stepped off the boat.

    The Fabric. Think light and breezy…you might not be picking up the North wind, but you can always make sure your outfit is ready, just in case. Think linen and light cotton, nothing thick and woolen. A few careful light layers can look charming while keeping you cool. In terms of color, don’t feel obligated to the navy blue and white combo. There are plenty of beautiful pastels to experiment with!

    TIP: keep your eyes peeled for lightweight fabrics with thick hems…it will keep your skirt or shirt from catching more wind than the sail. This sundress by J-Crew is a good example of what to look for.

                                                                    J Crew Dress

                                         Cotton Interlock Cross-Back Jumper -J-Crew: $118.00

    The Shoes. This is a little tricky. Motorboats should be fine barefoot or with sandals, but sailboats are not as stable and sometimes require some grip from your footwear. Go for the classic boat style shoe with a twist, like these flats inspired by the original sailing shoe designer, Paul Sperry:

                                            Sperry Top-Sider Womens Largo Ballet Skimmer

                                 Sperry Top-Sider Womens Largo Ballet Skimmer: $59.00

    The Accessories. Sunglasses are absolutely essential, as is sunscreen and the biggest straw hat you can find. Summer heat may be unbearable, but the sunburn after a day on a boat with no protection will be even worse. Every good sailor knows sun reflects off the water and hits you from more than just the top, so be extra mindful to protect all exposed skin. My personal favorite are those bright headscarves that have come in fashion recently.

                                                             scarves

    Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for scarves
                                            Shop for more Sperry shoes.
                                            Shop for women’s sunglasses.
                                            Shop for sunscreen.

    Image Source: OnlineAthens & Shawls-Scarves-Fashion-Jewelry.com

    Personal Pick of the Week: A Hoot for Boots

    Posted July 30, 2008 by desiree
    Found in: Personal Pick of the Week, Shoes

    Ok, so I know its only August but I’m already planning for fall. Time to bust out those boots! I picked two pairs of boots that I’m fantasizing about…these are definitely on my wish list. The Sigerson Morrison Oxfords are fabulous! These silver sassies would be perfect with a trapeze dress and black tights or even skinny jeans.

                                                       Sigerson Morrison Oxfords

                                           Sigerson Morrison Oxfords: $450, saksfifthavenue.com

    As for the Miu Miu tall boots, those would be perfect with just about anything, particularly a dress. The lace up boots are extra sexy because they have that equestrian thing going on. I would wear them with a mini dress and tights or some shorts, or maybe even a wool sweater dress. These boots are hot, but if you really want them, expect to shell out or be on a ridiculous waiting list.

                                                      Miu Miu Tall Boots                                       

                                                     Miu Miu Tall boots: $950, saksfifthavenue.com

    Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s boots.

    Style on a College Budget: Summer Dresses

    Posted July 29, 2008 by urmi
    Found in: Style on a College Budget

    Wishes Wishes Wishes Border-Print Dress with Lace Trim        

               

        

    First:  Spice up the season with a little bohemian dress (or two). Macy’s priced this brown sundress at $58.00 originally but has dropped it down to only $17.99. That’s a steal and the lace trim is why I love it.

    Wishes Wishes Wishes Border-Print Dress with Lace Trim: $58.00 Now: $17.99

                 

                  

               

                  

    Anya Smocked Tube Dress

             

         

    Second: This Forever21 dress is $19.80 (whoa, more than Macy’s?!). Pair it with a sunhat and big glasses to get that beach-friendly style or dare to try a mustard yellow (best color of the season!) cardigan and flats for a casual night out. Don’t forget to accessorize.

    Anya Smocked Tube Dress: $19.80

           

                

             

                           

             

    These stores offer discounted or even free shipping depending on how much or what you buy. Don’t believe me? Go see for yourself at Macy’s.com and Forever21.com.

    Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more dresses.
                                            Shop for women’s accessories.
                                            Shop for jewelry.

    Tote Deal: Calvin Klein Luxe Nappa Slim

    Posted July 29, 2008 by evette
    Found in: Handbags, Deal of the Day

    Calvin Klein Tote

    I would imagine that this cute & casual tote can hold a small laptop as the dimensions are 13′ wide x 5” deep x 15” high.  It’s perfect for the beach, but just don’t drop it on the sand and mess up the ”plush buttery leather.”  This cream color will look nice against your tan skin & a bright colored bikini.

    Calvin Klein Luxe Nappa N/S Slim Tote: $211.40 (Was: $302)

    *Remember:  Zappos.com offers free shipping both ways!

    Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more Calvin Klein handbags.
                                           Shop through all handbags.

    Designer Inspired Look: Christian Dior

    Posted July 28, 2008 by desiree
    Found in: Designer Inspired, Women's Fashion

    DiorCD’s recent resort collection was a sight for sore eyes this year. John Galliano whipped up a bright, happy palette, sending his gals down the runway in corals, sunny yellows, pinks, and lime greens.

    I’m a sucker for everything retro and this collection is what I like to think of as a Palm Springs dream in the swingin’ 60’s.

    I found tons of cute stuff on Topshop.com that reminded me of the gloriously bold Dior looks, but everything is in pounds, so it’s a little pricier…definitely a well-kept secret though.

             

                         

                    

                                            

    playsuitFloral One Shoulder Playsuit: approximately $120, topshop.com

    clear shoe    Castaner Peeptoe Slingback Espadrilles: $79.90, saksfifthavenue.com

    chunky necklaceMulti-Colored Geometric Necklace: $23.99,

    nars nailpolishNars nail polish in Schlap: $18, narscosmetics.com

    Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s espadrilles.
                                            Shop for more necklaces.
                                            Shop for more nail polish.

    This Week in Style Blogging

    Posted July 25, 2008 by evette
    Found in: This Week in Style

                                                                  Christian Soriano

    SheFinds sighs with disappointment as we realize Christian Siriano’s collection is … what we expected.

    Super Sale Roundup! Girlawhirl scopes out the best bargains!

    SeenON! editors are happy to present the SeenON! Boutique and want you to shop now for your star worthy look!

    StyleBakery.com editors share their no-fail go-to signature looks of the season and want you to share yours for a chance to win a chic shopping spree!

    The Beauty Brains uncover the Top Ten Strangest Ingredients used in cosmetics.

    Top Button is wild over Marc Jacob’s heavenly new scents, Fig and Gardenia.

    This week on Smarter Fashion we covered:  

    Designer Inspired Akirs     Get this Akris Resort 2009 look for less! 

    Sak Handbag Deal 

    You don’t have to carry around a typical backpack! We showed you a great deal on a stylish school bag.

                  

               

    Style on a Budget              

                    

               

    Urmi shows us another great summer look in this week’s edition of Style on a College Budget.

                    

                    

                 

                            

    Personal Pick of the Week       

                 

             

    Check out Desiree’s Personal Picks of the Week from Built by Wendy!

                 

               

           

    VC coverup         

               

    Colleen showed us other ways stay protected from UV rays besides just lathering on that sunscreen. 

                 

                    

                 

               

    Wedge Sandals DealWe showed you a great deal on a pair thong low wedge sandals.            

    Work ShoesCheck out some great work heels!     

    Corporate 101: Pump It Up

    Posted July 25, 2008 by colleen
    Found in: Office Style, Women's Fashion

    Don’t underestimate the power of shoes. Obvious, right? But as always it’s harder to navigate style through the workplace. So what’s a girl to do? One big mistake people make is to think smaller heels means easier to walk in. Not true! Personally, I believe there’s a sort of “sweet spot” for everyone’s foot, a combination of arch curve, point of the shoe, and heel height. Try out several different shoe makes and styles to find your “sweet spot”, and don’t think it’s all about the heel height! You can handle it.

    Writer’s Picks:

    The Steal: Made by Elves Evan Oxford - $39.99 

    Demure color, schoolgirl attitude. 

    Made by Elves Evan Oxford 

    The Stand-by: Roll in to work with the sun on your heels!

    These Kenneth Cole gold pumps are sure to brighten up your day - $185
     Gold Pumps

    The Spring: Manolo Blahnik’s cute-with-a-button Pink Mary Jane Pumps: $565 

    Manolo Blahniks Pink Mary Jane Pumps

    Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more heels.

    Sandal Deal: STEVEN by Steve Madden Jacquie Low Wedge

    Posted July 24, 2008 by evette
    Found in: Shoes, Deal of the Day

    Steve by Steve Madden Jacquie Low Wedge Thong Sandal

    These sandals are great if you want to sassy it up a bit with heels, but you don’t want to deal with the pain.  They have only about a two inch wedge heel & come in gold, black or cognac.  I love the dual straps at the ankle.  They make these sandals a bit more stylish than typical wedge sandals.

    STEVEN by Steve Madden Women’s Jacquie Low Wedge Thong Sandal: $96.90 (Was: $96.90)

    *Endless.com offers free overnight shipping & free return shipping.

    Travel Fashion: Not The Same Ol’ Pun in the Sun

    Posted July 23, 2008 by colleen
    Found in: Travel Fashion, Women's Fashion

    The sun doesn’t shine like it used to back in the day; now older (and wiser with our years!) we can no longer ignore the hazards of the rays. You don’t want that beauty to fade away any more than your recently colored ‘do…do you? Remember while traveling, the sun hits you whether it’s hot or cold outside, and it’s always important to take some preventative measures and anticipate how a new climate, while you are traveling, will affect your health, hair and skin. While packing your bags, don’t forget: it’s not all about the greasy sunscreen. A little old-fashioned protection could make all the difference.

    1. That Covers It. There’s far more creative options out there than baseball caps, so there’s no excuse not to pack a hat. Brims are what bring shade to your face and shoulders, so don’t pick a beanie or beret just because it’s the cutest option (though it’s always tempting). There are plenty of websites out there with clothes specifically made to provide ultra-protection from the radioactive rays (and still look good, too). For hats, check out Coolibar.com, such as this straw, wide-brimmed hat for $23.95.

                                                               Wide Brim Hat 

    2. What’sarong, baby? Covering up is the best way to protect your skin, and that’s always difficult in the heat and humidity. Try a lightweight sarong or cover-up for when you’re lounging on the beach or walking to the store. Victoria’s Secret offers many fun, flirty cover-ups…not as intense as this UV-50 saron, but they do offer matching pants and top sets that will provide some relief from the sun. Like this one:

                                                                   VC CoverUp 

    TIP: Go for lightweight fabrics and colors instead of less fabric. Even if you’re not ready to buy into clothing that has been doctored with some UV protective solution, providing your skin with another layer against the sun (even a light one!) is always better than none.

    3. The Suit. Let’s just say you have a bowling pin and need to slather it with sunscreen. That’s all well and good, unless the bowling pin is covered in fabric, layers, sequins, bows, frills, and hard-to-reach-crevices. I’m not saying go nude, but before you purchase that daringly holey and overly-detailed swimsuit, consider how difficult it will be to put sunscreen on once you hit the beach.

    Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more wide brimmed hats.
                                            Shop for sarongs.
                                            Shop for more cover ups.