Fashion Blog

I have found that lately, I’m not only having writer’s block, but a shopper’s block as well. I can’t seen to find anything that I’ve been lusting over lately. I don’t know whether its that I’m working in a clothing store again and I’m on shopping burnout mode, or that my personality has just began to value shopping for my home over shopping for my wardrobe. I cannot stop buying things for the house! It’s my latest vice and has been this last year of living in my new apartment. I’ve completely indulged home-wise, splurging on backyard plants and cacti, bedding and fabric for curtains I made myself, and today…my latest binge? New hand towels for my bathroom, lovely soaps, a lovely sea foam green chenille bath mat, and of course…smelly candles in pretty vintage jars. What can I say. I am a sucker for home stuff. Deals? Sure, on some of it. But clothing deals are what I should be on the hunt for. When out at the shops recently, it wasn’t clothes I was pulling at and pricing, it was shoes. I’m good on clothes right now, it’s shoes that I almost need…and of course, want. Besides, right now is the weird in between time when it’s not quite end of summer, but not quite beginning of fall. The transitional time with weird color schemes and styles that are almost too warm to wear right now. Instead, we’ll focus on feet today. As usual, I found two pairs that I liked. One will be an instant hit, the other will take some thought and consideration. Now, at a first glance, this shoe may seem really hideous to many of you…

Gentle Souls ‘Dancin’ Jazz Oxford on sale for $133.90

But when you give it some thought and really try to picture it on your foot, it’s not so bad. I wasn’t sure about the ’slingback’ look on an oxford style shoe, but they are a great color, a classic color. Envision this shoe, with no socks, and a pretty floral dress. Mixing feminine with boyish looking pieces has been a hit all season and isn’t going away any time soon. I would actually wear these with some shorts, and and silky camisole or blouse, something delicate on top for balance.
My second faves were these chunky heels by BCBGirls…

BCBGirls ‘Edmund’ Sandal on sale for $64.90

I chose these sandals because I first off immediately liked the colors. The mix of nude and carmel brown is sure to match most dresses and color schemes, and the open toe would be fun to pair with black tights and a miniskirt.

Shop through a variety of women’s shoes at Smarter.com.

Bubble skirts have been on a rampage for spring and fall.  This couture inspired style which was popular in the early 60’s and then later in the 80’s, has made a definitive comeback in recent times.  Even as they look so fresh and unique on a runway model, they can be pretty challenging for the average woman.  Who needs more bulk on the bottom, right?  Fortunately modern bubbles outside of the haute couture are a lot quieter, more subtle with softer drapes and less pouf.  Bubble dresses also can be a lot more wearable and flattering than voluminous skirts.  Some tips to keep in mind are:

1)  While flirty flippy minis in lightweight fabrics can seem a little too young for many, more sophisticated, winter textures like silk, tweed and wool help to tone things down and make it more appropriate for a professional look while still being fashionably quirky.

2)  Always go simple on top as the bubble generally provides enough novelty for the whole outfit.

3)  It is smart to balance the bounce at the bottom with a fitted top and a fitted cropped blazer.

4)  Neutral colors and soft drapes are the way to go for someone who is not sure if she should take the plunge.

5)  Bubbles look great with leggings. We saw so much of that in the fall 2009 runways.

6)  Some bubble dresses, especially ones with some shape to them on top in heavier fabrics can be very flattering.

7)  Try a tulip skirt, which is a subtle take on the bubble.  Tulip skirts are pencil skirts that are wider in the hips due to ruching or pleats and have a shorter hemline. The bubble in the hips is very forgiving for those who have wider hips or carry weight in the lower stomach.

Here are some options:

N Y & C Red Label Sateen Bubble Skirt: $48

Victoria Secret Tweed Tulip Skirt: $78

Ann Taylor Bubble Sleeve Shirt Dress,$129

Donna Ricco Strapless Tafetta Bubble Dress: $168

BCBG Silk Strapless Bubble Dress: $222

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more bubble dresses and bubble skirts.

Here are some great boots to add to your fall wardrobe.  The pretty brown color screams fall, in fact. They can be worn with skinny jeans or a sweater dress with tights.  In my opinion, the “ruched” middle is great for us gals who can use a little more “volume” in their calf muscles.  It creates a nice illusion for “chicken legs.”

BCBC MaryAnn Boot: $129.99 (Was: $191.99)

For even more savings at Heels.com use coupon code AUGHEEL to get $10 off $90 plus free overnight shipping! 

Shop for more women’s boots.

I love the handles on this clutch & the fact that it has a magnetic strip closure.   It’s now at a great price for a clutch.  Grab one more handbag or accessory at Saksfifthavenue.com and use coupon code SPRINGFS to get FREE SHIPPING on orders of $150 or more!

BCBG Max Azria Metallic Leather Clutch: $95.90 (Was: $138)

I have a slew of weddings, baptisms, birthday celebrations & other special occasions to attend this season & not a thing to wear!  SaksFifthAvenue.com always seems to please when I’m in a hurry for a fashionable dress.  Here are some spring dresses from their spring collection that are my faves: 

Valentino Red Satin Cap Sleeve Dress: $595.00        Twenty8Twelve Ivy Silk Dress: $455.00

Teri Jon Country Club Sundress: $395  Badgley Mischika Tullie Babydoll Dress: $650

Badgley Mischika Fitten Twill Dress: $ 350         Theory Pavia Strapless Dress: $315

Shoshanna Strapless Chiffon Dress: $330      Notte By Machesa Faille Mini Dress: $675

Nicole Miller Strapless Satin Tuck Dress: $345      M Missoni Pique Strapless Belt: $695

Joie Continumm Mini Dress: $268                   BCBG Max Azria Centurian Satin Dress: $300

For more dresses click here.

• FabSugar has Catherine Manadrino’s tips for holiday dressing.

• Puffy Boots keep Girlawhirl warm and cozy all winter long.

• SheFinds discovers a way to banish panty lines without wearing a thong.

• The Beauty Brains say hooray for yummy chocolate body polish!

• The Budget Fashionista has tips on how to avoid fakes on eBay.

And this week on Smarter Fashion Blog, we….

• Showed you some a cheap gift idea from Fred Flare
  

• Let you in on two great deals: a Nordstrom wool cape and a BCBGMAXZRIA satchel
  

• Unveiled our top 6 party shoes under $150

I’m a woman who likes a heel, but I know there are many of you out there that can’t stand them. That’s why I decided to feature these cute BCBGGirls ‘Lonnie’ flats as the Deal of the Day just in time for the holiday party season. The patent leather dresses them up and the silver hardware makes them really pop. These flats will feel right at home with the best of the party shoes.

You could even wear them on New Years Eve.

They’re only $58 at Nordstrom right now and about $85 everywhere else.

Talk about bootie-licious! How can you deny this sexy lil’ ‘Pauline’ boot from BCBG?  Love the pointed toe, love the seams, love the heel, love the patent leather, and I’m obsessed with the v-shape at the top of the ankle.  I’m so done with summer thanks to fall fashions like this, and I’m really glad the ankle boot is in this upcoming season because now I can stock up–who knows when this will happen again?  A polished boot like this looks amazing with a wool or tweed skirt or pants–the shine really compliments a winter-weight material.

Get this at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for $79 (they go back up to $134.95) after this weekend!

They also come in red:

I love a good flip flop as much as the next girl, but I get sick of watching the whole world pad around in rubber shoes every summer day. Might I suggest a dressed up version, the slingback thong sandal, perhaps? Thongs are just as comfortable as your favorite flip flops, but they pack way more style and you can probably get away with them at work.

Check ‘em out:

Left To Right: daniblack $74.22, Steve Madden $59.95, MIA $49.95, BCBG $109.42, Skechers $39.95, Steve Madden $49.95, Matisse $61.95