Fashion Blog

Ahhhhh.  The Monday after Fourth of July.  Anyone still recovering?  Don’t worry, some retail therapy will fix you right up.  Most retailers have Fourth of July sales over the big holiday weekend, but if you were too busy at a BBQ or away on a weekend trip, you may have missed those sales.  No need to ever worry, there are still some great bargains out there, and thinking of those who wanted to shop but were too busy out having fun, I dug up a few finds for under $50.  Here in California, the summer heat goes through the month of September and even October!  So these summery things will still be worth buying now.

Jolt Denim Boyfriend Shorts: $34

The wash on these denim shorts is nice, darker and distressed.  They have a slightly higher rise on the hips and are also made with a bit of spandex for some stretch.  A benefit of buying the ‘boyfriend cut’ in a pair of shorts is that you can wear them casually with sandals and a tank top, but when the sun goes down, they are great for pairing with a cute blouse and chunky sandals, perhaps a blazer or long sweater on top?

This tank would be a perfect match for these shorts.  This style of tank has a banded bottom so will fit baggier, but this is a good look right now!  This of course would look great with everything else, including your favorite pair of jeans.

Agnes Abstract Printed Top: $17.80

The front of this top has a scoop neckline and the back has a criss-cross detailing.  The print on this is fun, bright and eye-catching.  This would look good with the shorts, now to find a jacket and accessorize…

To be honest, it was really hard to find a pair of chunky sandals for under $50!  I know they exist, but my attention ended up going to these canvas booties that were just the right price.

We Who See Cutout Bootie $49.99 (Was: $78)

I think these would look really chic with the shorts and tank, its something different and more edgy.  These boots would really look great with anything, especially mini dresses and tights come fall.

And finally, this cardigan would compliment everything, and it has a funky look with its open front.

Cinch Back Open Cardigan: $14.99

This is one of those basics that you could always use and sometimes need, but never want to spend on.  I would take advantage now seeing as how its only 15 bucks!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more affordable women’s boyfriend shorts and women’s tank tops.

When I think of Marni, I like to recall a trip taken to Italy a few years back where I tracked down an enclave of high-end designer “outlets” located on the outskirts of Florence.  I had entered designer heaven, I’m talking Dolce & Gabbana bikinis, Prada bags, Pucci scarves…all under $100 bucks.  I, of course, snatched up a few goodies from the places I just mentioned, but it was at the Marni “outlet” that I found one of my favorite handbags of all time.  Words will not do it justice, but it was a butter soft leather rectangular clutch with oversized silver handles. It was a steal at $148 American dollars!  I still have it in its sweet little canvas dust bag, and on occasion of course I bring it out and let it dangle from my arm.  But what I love the most about it is that it screams Marni…the color and shape are an eclectic combination that just work.  And this is the element that embodies the attitude of the Italian fashion house.

The Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear Collection is full of these combinations, and layering, layering, layering.  Shades of chartreuse, rust, reds and lavenders are seen throughout the collection with large, sheer dot textiles layered in between, on top, and on bottom.  There’s a lot going on in these runway looks, but it all somehow works without looking kooky.  It was tough choosing which ones I liked best, so below are my top three.

I absolutely love the first look…probably the most. The combination of muted earthtones and bright jeweltones is genius!  Sequins at the bottom?  Perfect.  The nude belt and dot strip in the middle balance everything out.

The second look is a perfect example of something to get an idea from and then re-create in your own variation.  Imagine the one-piece underneath wide leg pants or an a-line cotton skirt.

The last look makes great use of color and texture pairing white, orange and chunky necklaces.

My suggestion for achieving an outfit that is inspired by these looks is to aim for bright color that really pops, layer bright pieces with muted ones…and accessorize with belts, necklaces and maybe even some tights, thigh-highs, or knee-highs.

The Ecote Canvas Lace Booties below have a funky combination of patterns and I think go with the theme of this collection.  Plus they are probably really comfy. $28 UrbanOutfitters.com

Okay, so these are a bit scandalous…but spice things up a bit and wear them with tights!  Silence & Noise sequin shorts $14.99 UrbanOutfitters.com

Couture Couture by Juicy Couture Bead & Coin Necklace $268 Nordstrom.com

Geo Shapes Woven Tunic $15.80 forever21.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s shoes and necklaces.
Discounts on women’s woven tunics and women’s tights.