My Must-Have Top for Summer 2008

This top makes me want to jump in my car and drive straight to Gap...

Gap - Flutter-sleeve top (from the European Collection) - on sale for $34.99 (down from $49.50)

...except, it's 10:30 PM and the store is closed. I know I could order it online, but I prefer to try my clothes on. What? I know, I'm weird like that. Anywho, this top is great for work or play and the fluttery sleeves make this top extra girly and sweet. Come to think of it, maybe I should pair this with something from my previous post and go for that rock-chic look?

Image: gap.com

Must Shop: Blazers for Spring 2008

If you're on a budget or maybe just picky and want to only get a couple "it" pieces for spring, then definitely pick out the chicest blazer you can find, b/c afterall, no matter your style, you can find one to suit your tastes and...

...with a blazer, you can...

Go minimal:

Back East Blazer (Online Only!) $58.00

Go Maximal:

Iisli Tiffany Sequined Blazer $498

Dress it up:

Lightweight wool peplum blazer $198

Or, dress it down:

Three-button shrunken blazer $69.50

The possibilities are nearly endless. Which one is your fave?

Notes: images/items by repsective sites

Goddess Must-Have: The Goddess Guide

You are a goddess. You may not think you are...but you are. You may not be rich or famous. You may not ever have the chance to model for a fashion magazine. You may not have a closet full of designer shoes. And...You most likely do not have a chapter dedicated to you in a mythology book. I don't think any of this stuff matters. I think that if you haven't done so already, you need to find your inner goddess and help bring her out of her shell so she can shine. This may be an easy feat for some of you, but whether you're still searching for or you've already discovered your inner goddess, here's a little something that every goddess should keep on her nightstand (which is where mine is):

Author, Gisele Scanlon, has compiled her favorite goddess-worthy tips from her very own personal adventures, as well as, encounters with your favorite designers and fashion mavens into the hot pink and black velvet covered book, THE GODDESS GUIDE.

THE GODDESS GUIDE covers topics from "Style" to "Travel" to "Joie de Vivre." Inside these deliciously bound pages are tips like what underwear you can wear without worrying about icky panty-lines, what clothes to pack if you're headed to Paris, and how to keep your home spick and span in style. Gisele has even included interview questions and answers with your faves, like Christian Louboutin and Laura Mercier, who answer questions like "So, what's the secret to finding the perfect foundation?"

Don't think the tips in THE GODDESS GUIDE are for the financially-well-endowed only. Some of the simplest and most affordable tips of all are in these pages, like, "Place lemon slices in an open bowl in the bathroom to keep the air citrus fresh." Think about getting a copy for your friends, too. The guide would also make an excellent graduation present or a gift to a friend who's having a hard time right now (a rough break-up maybe?) to remind her that she is a goddess and deserves better.

I wish I could provide more details around the tips inside this book, but with an average of 10 tips per page (that's a guesstimate), and over 250 pages, I could do blog posts for months. Besides my random flipping through chapters, I've read about one third of this book, and I can't wait to see what other goodies Gisele has included in the pages I haven't yet read. My favorite sections, so far, include the section that tells you how to buy your perfect handbag, the Christian Louboutin interview, the section on Paris (b/c I can't wait to go back), and the section on how to hand-write letters (the old-fashioned way).

THE GODDESS GUIDE US-edition went on sale yesterday (June 12th) so get your guide today and be one of the first fashionistas in the US to get Gisele's best glamour tips. A world of fashionista tips compiled into one essential book is all yours for only $19.95. You may not be a celebrity, but with this book, you'll have the secrets to treat yourself like one at your fingertips.

Click here to get your guide

Summer Dress Deals at American Eagle

I have a wedding to attend later today...I'm actually an honorary bridesmaid, so we were in Columbia, SC for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner yesterday. Anywho, The wedding isn't until 2PM later today, so I'm up and shopping the web from my hotel room...what else do you expect a shopaholic to do in her free time? Lol. Lucky for you guys I found three fab summer dresses on sale at American Eagle (ae.com) that I thought I'd share:


AE Patchwork Grad Party Dress Was $69.50 - Now $59.95
Not only is white super-chic for daytime attire, but the color will help reflect the sun, keeping you cool.


AE Strapless Party Dress Was $69.50 - Now $59.95
Ahh...the classic Madras pattern - eye-catchingly sweet - this pattern matches most of your closet, so you can easily choose accessories and a cardigan (should you need a cover-up for those chilly-indoor-events).


AE Sunset Dress Was $59.50 - Now $44.95
Royal purple makes you look regal paired with either gold or silver metallic accessories.

With the summer heat in full force, a chic, cotton, daytime dress is a must-have for Summer 2007, especially with deals like this at arm's reach!

Cropped & Cute

Do you ever bring home something you just bought that you know is really cute, but you're not sure exactly what to wear it with, so you just start putting random outfits together? That's what I did with a new pair of shorts I bought at The Limited before my vacation a few days ago. The Limited was running a promo (not sure if it's still going or not) for 50% off select cropped pants and shorts, so these bad boys were only $22.50!


The shorts are a pretty, satin-y material with a removeable sash for a belt. I paired them with a camisole, cropped eyelet jacket, and simple black heels. The camisole is also from The Limited - they have the best camis! I love them b/c they're stretchy without being tight, they're tagless, they don't have a built-in-bra (I hate those), and they come in a ton of colors. They are a must-have in my book.

Camisole - The Limited
Cropped, Eyelet Jacket - lotus
Satin-y Shorts - The Limited
Black Heels - Enzo

Chic Beach Cover-Up to Cute Dress

I think I may need this for my Charleston vacation coming up in a couple weeks - a cute cover-up is a must-have for a beach vacation:

Convertible Bandeau Dress - only $34.50
Image and item from gap.com

Used as a bathing suit cover-up, this dress would be great for those days you want to go straight from the pool or beach to a restaurant/bar

Summer 2007 Must-Have: Jersey Dress

Summer is going to be sizzlin' hot, as always, so to keep cool, you're going to have to have an equally cool summer look. Take your daytime look up another chic-notch by kicking your boring khaki shorts to the curb and opting for a breezy & beautiful jersey dress. Choose a dress in a solid color and add sass to your outfit by layering your look with fun tank tops and funky shoes. Here are three dresses, sure to please any fashionista's budget:

Surefire Steal

At $69.50, this dress ain't all that cheap, but unless you want your new look to fall apart in the next wash, this is a pretty good price for a dress. This simple cotton dress is available in your choice of gray or black, meaning you can make lots of outfit variations using bright tops and/or bright shoes.

Slight Stretch

J Crew V-neck jersey knit dress - $88 is nearly $100, which for most people is a lot of money. But just gel on this thought for a minute...you're investing in a dress that you're sure to get lots of stylin' wear with all spring and summer long. With a look this simple yet chic, you're sure to make your money back in compliments.

Serious Splurge

I'm not sure if I'd pay $220 this dress would cost, but if you're looking to splurge on your summer jersey dress, then let this be the one. This Beth Bowley Smocked Jersey Dress comes in Azalea, White, and Navy so you can choose to add your "brights" to the look with the main piece or your current collection of accessories.

If you've read my latest posts on dresses, then you probably already knew I was going to get this one:

Jersey Dress - J Crew
Tank - Banana Republic
Espadrilles - Banana Republic - almost sold out online, so call your local store to see if they can locate a pair for you

NOTE: Images and items from gap.com, jcrew.com, and nordstrom.com respectively