Fashion Blog

I’m not the biggest fan of deep purple.  I often think it looks lovely on other women, but on me…not so much.  Sometimes a certain shade of purple gives me a goth look, especially when I pair it with black.  This look I definitely try to avoid.

I was drawn to this Free People ‘Faint Ash’ Ruffle Dress this week.  The color caught my attention immediately because it is a shade of purple that I would wear.  There are about four different color variations in this dress…all in the purple spectrum, and that is something I think is very chic about it.  No lavender unfortunately (and I do love lavender…) but the dress is just as cute without it.  This is a fantastic dress for summer and can even be worn into late September.  To embrace the summery look, pair this dress with some chunky sandals, flat sandals will look just as good, but since the dress is so short, some chunky heels will balance it out.

To carry into the early fall months, combine this dress with some dark grey or chocolate brown tights.  Even dark olive colored tights would work seeing how green and purple are complimentary colors to one another.  Layer tights under the dress and pair with some really cute ankle boots!! Another perfect pairing since the dress is a mini length.  Ankle boots or knee high boots would work too.  Throw a cute boyfriend blazer on top and you have one awesome outfit!  One dress…two seasons!

Free People ‘Faint Ash’ Ruffle Dress: $128

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Discounts on women’s ruffle dresses.

Maxis were all the rage last summer and will be again this summer.  I think they’re very cute, especially when they come in lovely bright patterns like this turquoise floral.

Xhilaration Floral Maxi Dress in Turquoise Floral Print: $19.99

In all honesty, I think the model is wearing this dress terribly.  Some of you may agree…she kind of makes it look like a mumu.  BUT, I saw past the way she is wearing it and focused on the pattern and the cut.  A lot can be done with this dress if worn correctly and accessorized accordingly.  The back is smocked for an extra snug fit around the bust which is important.  I forecasted a while back that watercolor prints are trendy for spring and summer, and this would definitely be considered part of that trend.  Time to capitalize on it!  This is a great dress for 20 bucks, and you know it will be comfy.  Wear this with your hair down and some pretty dangly earrings to a summer bbq…or wear it out on a sunny afternoon while shopping and lunching with your girlfriends.  Wherever you wear it, it’ll look great and you’ll feel great knowing it was a cheap dress deal!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more maxi dresses.
Discounts on women’s dresses.

I love the convenience of finding great dresses and tunics for summer that are tough enough to fold up into an overnight bag or weekender.  As someone who is almost always on the go and hardly ever home, I often find myself needing to pack an overnight bag, when this is the case, I begin to appreciate durable clothing that I can take with me…and as much as I love wearing a t-shirt and jeans, I also love being able to bring cute dresses with pretty details, kind of like this Free People Alissa Lace Dress. This dress is really short, but I think it would look absolutely adorable with some short denim cut offs. The lace on it has beautiful detailing and there is a flirty little hem on bottom. This is my first favorite characteristic, the second is the T back with metal grommets. Another classic combination of feminine and rugged detailing.

Alissa’s Lace Dress: $148

This dress would be perfect for throwing into your overnight bag and going.  It would look great with some boyish looking oxford shoes…

I love these Sam Edelman Simona Oxfords ($97.17).  They’re slip on’s!

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Discounts on Sam Edelman shoes.

Max Azria, the designer behind BCBG, has been doing his own singular creations for a while now. Although much simpler and basic, much of Azria’s eponymous designs are reminiscent of the BCBG “look” that you will find on the racks on runways.  I like both but if I was forced to choose would probably opt for Azria and his designs.  The style in which he designs is just a bit more straightforward and grown up, feminine but not overly girly.  Below are my three favorite looks from his Resort 2009 Collection…

In this collection, Azria was inspired by the needs of one of his design staffers who had recently gotten married and was preparing for her honeymoon on a remote island which was only allowing her to take a single suitcase that weighed 20 pounds.  So Azria followed with featherlight silk and and separates in muted solids and in this grayish watercolor print. There were long dresses with floor dusting hemlines as well as plunging necklines. These items all seemed perfect for any honeymoon…gauze dresses

Monrow Stencil Knit Racerback Dress $187

This dress would fold up nicely in any suitcase without probably getting to wrinkled…

Sam Edelman Greco Sandal: $89.95

I love the mustard yellow leather on these gladiator sandals, these would work well with the dress.

Delicately layered necklaces like this Lauren by Ralph Lauren Double Strand Petal Necklace ($44) always compliment long dresses.

Image Source: Style.com

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Discounts on women’s sandals and layered necklaces.

May is the season for the Cannes Film Festival.  One of the most high-profile, star-studded events of the season, Cannes is unique in the sense that many more of the cutting edge celebrities, designers, artists and industry people make the voyage out to the French Riviera to attend the film premieres, parties, and of course stepping foot on the red carpet looking more glamorous than ever.  I like Cannes fashion because it just seems so much more classic and timeless.  The celebrities are styled a little more boldly and just look more dazzling than ever, and I am not one to be celeb-obsessed…but for this occasion, I do love indulging in the film festival photos.

Lilac gowns were a bit of a trend, seen here on Penelope Cruz in Marchesa…

….as well as on Ryan Phillipe’s girlfriend, Abbie Cornish, seen here in a stunning Toni Maticevski gown.

Items that reminded me of these gowns?  This lovely Lotusgrace Ombre Silk Chiffon Dress ($480).  I love the color transition on the fabric.

Since I am in the mindset of “Luxury! Glitz! Glamour! French Riviera!” most of the items I am being drawn to are very luxe indeed…

Matthew Campbell Laurenza Enamel Sapphire Ring: $590

And of course, no red carpet would be complete without a pair of Louboutins treading over it.  If I had my choice, I’d go for these Pink Satin Petal Sandals $995 by the one and only Christian Louboutin.

Other standout starlets included the beautiful Diane Kruger in a white Marchesa gown.

….and of course the always luminous Angelina Jolie in a dusty rose colored Versace gown.

Image Source: Style.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more lilac dresses and Christian Louboutin shoes.

Wedding season has officially begun and will continue to thrive on as June, July and August approach.� Whether you are being invited by the bride and groom or just tagging along as someone’s date, dressing for a wedding should be easy!� But many feel it can be a challenge picking something appropriate and battle with the questions “too dressy? too casual? too flashy?”

A misleading faux pa women think is a big no-no is to wear white.  I don’t agree with this but then again cannot remember the last time I wore white to a wedding.  I think this is an old fashioned “rule” that is meant to be broken, I would say as long as you don’t show up in a floor length, white beaded gown you should be good to go–this is probably going to garner some unwanted attention.  White pants, white blouses, skirts, etc. are all fine, but I would opt for some color.  I almost always wear colorful dresses to weddings that I attend.  These are the easiest option, totally appropriate, and an all-around perfect choice.  J. Crew has great options for wedding wear, and the best part is your not spending on something you won’t wear again.  J. Crew is good at creating nice little frocks that seem to remain timeless.

I instantly fell in love with the Printed Silk Chiffon Whitney Short Dress. This peachy color is fabulous and perfect for the summer season.  This dress would be ideal for a wedding, party, or just even out to dinner with a little jacket or sweater on top.  Made of lightweight silk chiffon, the sweetheart neckline has a lovely little knot detail, something great for accentuating a smaller bustline.

Printed Silk Chiffon Whitney Short Dress in Sweet Cantaloupe on sale now for $159.99, originally priced at $225

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more women’s silk chiffon dresses.
Discounts on formal dresses.

I will admit, I used to be an Urban Outfitters junkie.  I remember the days when I would go shop the big store on Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena, I also remember the first time I discovered an Urban Outfitters.  It was in Georgetown in Washington D.C.  I was fourteen or fifteen and thought I had found the coolest store ever.  Some may not know this but UO used to carry amazing vintage pieces.  I still have one and refuse to part with it despite the fact it doesn’t fit anymore.  The company and stores themselves have changed.  It’s huge. It’s very trendy.  It’s corporate.  This happens to the best of them, and although some of their items scream “Hey there! I bought this at Urban Outfitters!  It also came in nineteen different colors and that girl over there is wearing one too!”  The store and website has such a massive collection of items to chose from, the secret is to choose wisely!  And yes, there is something for almost everyone.  I’ve turned shopping there into an art form of sorts.  First: I would never go there on a weekend…big mistake.  Unless of course you like long lines of hipster and college kids glaring at you, and tripping over piles of clothing.  I like quiet weeknights, and I do a once around to check out the new merch.  I scowl at the price tags and then go straight to the sale section.  This is where I stay, this is also where I’ve found some of my greatest UO pieces, for extremely low prices!  The thrill of finding a shirt I know for a fact was marked at $58 in the catalog now $7.99??!!  Days before my birthday, I stopped in to find a tapestry to put over my bed…not only did I find a rad ethnic printed one for $4.99, but I came across a vintage leather jacket for $9.99. I paid and ran out of the store feeling like I had just stolen something.

Ok, so I sound like a bit of a UO junkie still.  I guess part of me is.  But now to get my fix I just check the sale on the website (which isn’t half as good) but it does the trick, and you can find inexpensive women’s dresses, handbags, shoes and accessories for reasonable prices.  My pics this week aren’t quite $4.99 finds, but they’re pretty neat looking.

These thigh highs are pretty interesting.  They have swingy fringe all along the back.  These would look good with some brown ankle boots and a mini skirt paired with a tissue thin tee shirt.

Bebarouque Fringe Thigh High: $88

Floral leggings are going to be completely overdone this season.  I can feel it.  Oh well, I couldn’t resist picking a pair anyway!

Daddy Long Legs Floral Legging: $38

This dress looks vintage, the cut and the chevron stripes do it for me.  This is an all around perfect summer dress.

Kimchi Blue Chevron Sundress: $58

Yes! Dr. Marten’s are back!  I used to have a pair of knee high Dr. Marten boots in navy blue back in the day, but oh how I wished they were metallic silver! If only…

Dr. Martens 1460 Original Boot: $115 - Find it cheaper at Smarter.com:  Lowest Price - $87.99

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more thigh highs and women’s sundresses.
Discounts on Dr. Martin shoes.

Finding any Marc Jacobs or Marc by Marc Jacobs women’s dresses for under $200 dollars is pretty exciting.  Normally most of MJ’s dresses start at around $300…and go up higher.  Much higher.  I tried on this Zig Zag Jersey Dress a few months ago and loved it.  It came out as part of a pre-spring ready to wear line, and it was so comfortable!  Originally priced at $298, the dress is now marked down to $178.80…not a bad price.  The sleeveless top has a scoop neck, and the skirt is gathered with an all over, funky zig zag pattern.  The silk/rayon blend is super soft and swingy.

When I had this dress on I wanted to buy it so badly!  The fabric was awesome and flowy, and the back had this exposed zipper detail which looked pretty cool.  The cut was not confining at all, an absolutely perfect dress to wear all summer long.  I don’t think I was the only one who realized what a great deal this dress was, I saw a pretty gal wearing it on the dance floor at my local watering hole last week!  This could definitely be worn into fall also, just throw on a little cropped jacket and some boots with it.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Zig Zag Jersey Dress: $298 Now: $178.80

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Discounts on jersey dresses.

So I know it’s gettin’ hot and summer’s coming–time for BBQ’s and picnics–but I want to backtrack for a bit and think of some fun places to wear these rad cocktail dresses I find charming and beautiful.  Of course you can attend cocktail parties in the summer, and probably will, I just always think of the attire being way more casual as opposed to a soiree being thrown in fall or winter.  Who cares anyway.  Get dolled up whenever you want, even if it is 85 degrees at sunset.

I’m a sucker for black and white stripes. A sucker.  Which is exactly why I couldn’t shun this Adrianna Papell Strapless Laser Cut Satin Dress.  The layers slightly overlap one another but still remain looking clean with a gently flared A-line skirt.  This dress was orginally $158 and is now on sale for $93.90.  A cool dress for under $100?!  Yes.  Black and white stripes are fun because not everyone thinks of wearing them since they have a bit of jailbird edge to them.  This dress would look great with some mustard colored heels, or very red lips.

Now please tell me…who doesn’t fantasize of rolling into a cool cocktail party in an amazing sequin dress?  I always imagine this because I not only love sequins, but I do love turning heads with my fashion expertise.  Sequins can be tricky, stay away from anything that screams Las Vegas showgirl.  This Haute Hippie Sequin Minidress ($is chic, yet dazzling. I love the way it just hangs, and a secret to this is going either half a size or a full size larger than what you’d normally wear.  This dress is on sale right now for $237.90, it was originally $595

The one-shoulder is back in so this ABS by Allen Schwartz One Shoulder Ruffle Sheath Dress would be fun to wear with a little color on your shoulders. The teal color is so striking, and the satin sheath is lightweight. Originally $288, now on sale for $143.90.

I would say cocktail dresses traditionally have been cut shorter in length, but you can definitely wear a longer one depending on your preference.  If I were to go long this summer, this Kay Unger Strapless Silk Gown would be my choice. The geometric print is very summery, and I love the sweetheart neckline. Originally priced at $530, this gown is on sale for $318.

And what’s a cocktail party without a little black dress?  Out of the hundreds to choose from, my pick is this Lavender Label Vera Wang Strapless Satin Dress. Originally $590, on sale now for $354.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more cocktail dresses.
Discounts on Kay Unger dresses, Allen Schwartz dresses, Haute Hippie dresses and Adrianna Papell dresses.

I will admit…I’m a total sucker for floral print dresses.  There’s something about them that is so undeniably feminine and sweet, and most women feel great in them.  Many would think that a t-shirt and jeans are the easiest and most comfy things to wear, but I beg to differ.  Depending on the fit, I feel women’s dresses are not only easier to wear but more comfortable.  The accessorizing can be minimal with floral print dresses, and finding shoes to wear with is easy.  As far as types of prints, small floral prints are good, but when you combine this with a light pastel color, the dress can tend to look a bit like a nightgown.  This is one thing to maybe stray away from.  Bright colors are always exciting and unique, especially for warm weather seasons.  Aside from their velour/terry jumpsuit and dog accessory explosion, Juicy Couture has unleashed some decent designs for clothing.  The girly designs with a bit of vintage inspiration are the ones that catch my eye…kind of like this Chrysanthemum Print Dress.

I like the oversized blossoms in the print as well as the color which will keep it fresh looking for summertime, but I particularly love the cut of this dress which is reminiscent of a dress from the 1970’s.  The straight neckline with ruffle detail is flirty, and this empire waist allows for comfort without looking like a maternity dress.  If your wanting to show off a new tan or a little more shoulder, tuck in the spaghetti straps to create a completely strapless dress and give a little more sex appeal.

Juicy Couture Chrysanthemum Print Dress: on sale now for $178.90 (originally $268)