Fashion Blog

BananaRepublic.com:  30$ off New Arricals - Use coupon code SPRING (Exp: 02/25/09)

Find at BananaRepublic.com:   Cap-sleeve shift dress: $130

Bebe.com:  Free shipping on orders of $150 or more - Use coupon code NEWDEALS (Exp: 02/15/09)

Find at Bebe.com:   Patch Leather Tote: $298

Bluefly.com:  $20 off your first order of $100 or more - Use coupon code CMOUNTAIN20 (Exp: 02/11/09)

Find at Bluefly.com - Kate Spade Black Patent Ankle Strap ‘Chris’ Wedge Pumps: $165.75

Karamaloop.com: Free shipping on any order - Use coupon code HEARTKL (Exp: 02/16/09)

10% off plus free shipping over $75 - Use coupon code ROWDY (Exp: 02/28/09)

Free shipping on orders over $25 - Use coupon code SPUTNIK (Exp: 02/28/09)

Find at Karmaloop.com - The High Waist Mini by Rojas: $68

Shoes.com:  10% off your order - Use coupon code FEBSAVE10 (Exp: 02/28/09)

Find at Shoes.com:   Carlos by Carlos Santana Women’s Believe 2: $80

Click here for more coupons for clothing and accessories stores.

Not to beat a dead horse, but I’m back on the subject of UGG boots again this week. Quite a few people I know were thrilled to death to find a pair of comfy UGGs under the Christmas tree this past week and I’m happy to welcome them on to the bandwagon. Others, however, were simply jealous and immediately began hunting for the best bargains around so that they could run out and buy their own.

WARNING: UGG boot shopping without any knowledge of UGG lore can be incredibly dangerous. You simply can’t run out to the nearest department store with only a hope and a prayer. Those who haphazardly take up the art of UGG boot shopping are quickly disappointed when they get home and realize they’ve been tricked into buying fakes.

Fakes? Yes! Fake UGG boots do exist. They look like UGGs (sometimes they’re even uglier). They feel like UGGs (the beauty of synthetic materials and mass production). They’re even priced like real UGGS. Wait – that’s not fair!

Here are a few things to look out for as you browse your nearest UGG retail store in search of post-holiday discounts:

• Are the boots cheap or expensive? As much as we’d like to find UGG boots for under $100, it’s just not going to happen. If you’re getting ready to pay $12, $20, or $50 for a pair of UGGs you need to think again. They’re probably not real.

• For online shoppers, are your UGGs listed as “sheepskin boots” or merely “sheepskin lined?” If they’re only “lined” then the wool inside will probably be fake, meaning it won’t be thermal, keep your feet warm, or keep the boots from stinking after a few weeks of wear.

• Do the boots have an authentic “UGG Australia” label on the back of each heel? If not, they’re not real UGG brand boots.

There are a few other things to consider, but these are the most important. I’d hate to see you run out and waste all of your holiday cash on a pair of boots that aren’t what you thought they would be. Every good girl deserves a pair of UGG boots – it’s just nicer to know that they’re actually REAL!

Next week we’ll move onto something new and exciting. Until then, enjoy the rest of your holiday celebrations and have a great time ringing in the New Year!

Find at Smarter.com:  Real Ugg boots.

On a recent ravage through the sale section at the Gap, I scored a special design edition cotton blouse by Phillip Lim.   Apparently, Gap collaborated with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Vogue and featured these limited edition cotton blouses.

As fate would have it, I managed to not only get my hands on one in my size, but for less than 15 bucks! My bargain isn’t part of this week’s look, but a 3.1 Phillip Lim 2008 Resort look is.

Initially, I was drawn to the color combo of this look (I’m a sucker for that camel brown), but it was tough finding a jacket that looked similar. Your best bet in finding one would probably be to go on a hunt and search at a couple of obscure vintage stores.            

H81 3Q Windbreaker in red: $24 - forever21.com

         Navy Stripe Fitted tie-neck shirt: $48 - gap.com

                       
Boxer Skirt: $39.99 - urbanoutfitters.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs Leather Platform Sandals in brown, $225 on sale!

Shop for more women’s jackets.

Shop for more women’s shirts & tops.

Shop for more women’s skirts.

Shop for more platform sandals.

SheFinds wonders how far would you go for trendy chiseled cheekbones?

The Beauty Brains ask a very important question: Is breast milk soap appealing or appalling?

SeenON! wants you to look good for Spring with their giveaway from Fidelity Denim and LeDoux Swimwear

Top Button adores the Herve Leger bandage dress Kate Beckinsale squeezed into…a perfect glam look!

Girlawhirl can’t wait to throw on these summer clothes.

From pale neutrals to ultra bright patent, StyleBakery.com shows us the season’s hottest handbags for every budget.

This week on Smarter Fashion we covered:

If you appreciate vintage style here are some great vintage style rings for pretty good prices.

One comfy shoe deal….

…and a navy dress deal.

Give your waredrobe a brilliant spring boost with theses great yellow handbags, shoes & jewelry.

Before you know it spring will be in full swing!  Stock up now by taking advantage of great deals on sandals like these ABS Alteration Open Toe Slingbacks.  I love this brown color, but if you are blessed with naturally nice tan skin or hope to have tan skin during the spring & summer seasons they also come in orange & mustard.  These cute sandals do have wooden heels which can sometimes cause discomfort, but what always does the trick for me is slipping on those Dr. Scholl’s for Her Open Shoe Insoles.

ABS Alteration Open Toe High Heel Slingback Sandal:  $55.98 (was $150)

Business or pleasure? This Via Spiga “Prove” pump certainly blurs the line doesn’t it? The glossy yellow finish says “hurrah,” but the loafer style keeps things tidily under wraps. I’m also crazy for the gold buckle and blond wood heel. I’d wear them now with an all-black ensemble, and pair them with bare legs and a navy dress in spring.

Refreshing.

Via Spiga ‘Prove’ Pump, $131.90 (old price= $198.00)

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)

Tory Burch’s Reva Flat really made a big splash this year in the world of trends. It’s no wonder, considering how perfect these shoes are and how well they go with everything.  So much so, that they may even shrug off their trend status and become full-fledged classics. If you’ve been waiting them out, now might be the time to attack since these snake skin Revas are on sale for a totally reasonable $157.50.

I know lots of ladies shy away from snake skin, which I don’t understand because I always think a bit of texture goes a long way.  A great way to wear flashy shoes is with a muted or monochromatic outfit. Try it! You might like it.

Tory Burch Reva Snake Skin Ballet Flat, $157.50 (they used to be $225).

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.

I like Dolce Vita because they design classic shoes with interesting touches. Take these patent leather pumps–they’re constructed like old school high heels, but the color takes them to a new level, no? I like that slightly- pointy-but-still-round toe. They would look hot with black tights or a blue dress or grey pants. Ah, the possibilities are endless.

Plus, they’re only $41.40 at Shopbop right now, which is quite a feat considering they started at $138.

They also come in alabaster, but those are still full price.

Oh yeah, and check out this season’s Dolce Vita boots.