Fashion Blog

Aw…this dress. I love the color, and I love the way they’ve styled it. It’s so simple and completely versatile–you really could wear it for a lot of occasions. It’s a good day to night, work to weekend number. It’s one of those effortless dresses that makes you look put together pretty simply. I’ve been considering it for a while, and now it’s only $37.90. That’s chump change when you think of all the wear you’ll get out of it.

Velvet Torch Sleeveless Ponte Shift Dress, $37.90 (old price= $58)

It’s been a while since I did a top 5, but by popular demand I’ve got one for you today. The subject: handbags. It’s the end of the season, and stores are dying to get rid of last season’s must-haves. Why not help them out? You can find some of the chicest bags around in the sale section of almost every store right now.

Here are my faves:

La Gioe di Toscana “Sophia” Satchel, $299 (old price=$500)

I find this bag absolutely delicious! Imagine what you can do with it–it has brown and black in it! It’s also very structured with eye-popping details.

Nordstrom Animal Print Portfolio Clutch, $46.90 (old price= $158)

Generally speaking, animal prints are best in small doses. And isn’t this zebra print clutch the cutest small dose? An evening bag like this is a great way to add personality to a little black dress, and a just-wild-enough way to punch up an ensemble with color.

JCrew Panama Bag in Suede, $49 (old price= $98)

The color combination is what makes this classic bag so eye-catching and sumptuous. This is the perfect way to liven up a monochromatic outfit or perk up a dark ensemble. It also looks like it would work for day or night.

Michael by Michael Kors Chestertown Satchel, $149 (old price= $298)

Simple and chic. This is a great bag that’ll always be in season. The details are fantastic, and it falls into that special not-to-big-not-too-small category. I have a black patent leather bag, and it’s definitely earned it’s keep.

Urban Outfitters Leather Patchwork Slouch Bag, $54.99 (old price=$78)

Patchwork! It’s time to bring this style back. I think if I had this, it would become my permanent day bag–it’s so cool, calm and collected.

I’ve liked these Goldsign Orchid jeans for awhile. With the wide leg and mid-rise, they cut quite a sophisticated silhouette.  I’ve tried them on before and the denim is pretty soft and not too heavy–they’ll translate into spring pretty easily.  They’re also a good addition to a work wardrobe because of their trouser fit.  Wear them with a t-shirt on the weekends, and dress them up with a blazer and heels on a casual friday.

Goldsign Orchid Wide Leg Trouser Jeans, $124 (old price=$209)

Nothing better than a Winter deal on a Spring shoe–that’s what I always say.  I love it. And this is an exceptional deal, since these ‘Eylsa’ Flats from Two Lips are on sale for $31.90. That’s pretty great considering they’re leather and quite nicely detailed with cutouts and contrast stitching.  The best thing about them is that they come in Spring colors, like the super-hard-to-find navy and bronze.

A flat like this is great because it has a little bit of lift, and it’s casual enough to wear with shorts.  Yet, you can also throw them on with a skirt, of course.

Two Lips Elysa Flat, $31.90 (old price= $64.95)

• 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

The cape.  It’s a controversial piece of clothing, and many are scared to even consider it, but look how cute this one is from Nordstrom. It’s not frightening at all. The dark colors keep it subtle, and the shape–with the cinched waist–is so flattering.  It looks very professional and put-together with the pencil skirt here, but could also prove its point with some jeans on the weekend.

It’s very Tippy Hedren in The Birds, and how can that be a bad thing?

Nordstrom Wool Cape, $129 (was $189)

Cute coat alert!  From the first time I saw this textured twill coat by Marc Jacobs, I loved it. That collar detail is very glamorous, and the relaxed fit keeps it subtle enough for everyday. It’s also versatile enough to be worn day or night.

And it’s on sale now at Nordstrom.  It used to be $628 (woh!), but now it’s $375.  Still pricey, but maybe worth it if you would get a lot of use out of it.

As a self-professed sale watcher, I have to say that this year has seen some of the best price reductions I’ve ever seen. Take this Curve Yoke Leather Jacket from Classiques Entier, a Nordstrom brand that I find ridiculously flattering. I’ve been stalking this little number for some time now, and it’s finally gone from $390 to $209.

Why am I so smitten by this leather jacket? Well, first of all, those sleeves are 3/4, which makes it pretty versatile–you can wear it indoors as a blazer and outside as outerwear depending on the climate you live in. That collar is also pretty tasty because sometimes a leather jacket can be overwhelming, especially on a petite figure, so the roundness lightens things up.

It’s the kind of thing that will bring great joy for years.

Classiques Entier Curve Yoke Leather Jacket, $209 (old price=$390)

I really love the color of this Cole Haan handbag and all the cute details. The buckle is adjustable, so you can cinch the top for a different look, and it also has a removable shoulder strap, which I prefer because I like options. Notice how good it looks with grey (a.k.a. this season’s “it” color).

Were this bag mine, I’d use it to finish off a grey American Apparel v-neck and dark jeans tucked into tan riding boots. My oh my, would I look cute!

Cole Haan ‘Village Medium Convertible’ Tote, $283.90 (old price=$425)

As the summer dwindles, it gets harder and harder to find acceptable items for the Deal of the Day feature.  Seriously, if I never see one more gigantic, poorly-designed trapeze dress in the sale section again, it will be too soon.  Why do I mention this? Because I want major affection for bringing you this simple and chic Nine West ‘Payal’ sandal.  These will get you through the rest of the summer and still be wearable next year. Plus, the suede-esque sole is a good tool for the fall transition.

Nine West ‘Payal’ Sandal, $36.90 at Nordstrom (upwards of $75 most other places)