Business Casual with a Trendy Twist

So, besides a couple items I purchased that I probably shouldn't have, I've been doing pretty good with the whole budget thing. I did have one major purchase that I've been holding out on you guys to share, but that was purchased with a portion of my hard-earned bonus since I spent the rest of my bonus on my debt. Responsibility deserves a treat here and there, no? Anywho, I've been hitting up the sale racks like mad and keeping myself within a reasonable spending budget. I've also been avoiding shopping in general - trying to stay away from the mall and stuff. So far, pretty good!

This outfit features a few reasonably priced items: a full-price skirt that cost right around $50 in a classic cut - a wise investment IMO, a black sweater in a modern cut - purchased on sale and with a discount code for $50 (to be worn as a light-weight jacket), a green jersey top on final clearance for only $15 - woohoo! Anywho, I wore this Business casual outfit to a client site earlier this week and I love how the trapeze-style sweater gives this classic look a slightly trendy feel.




Camisole: The Limited
Green Jersey-Knit Top: Ann Taylor Loft
Black knit sweater: Banana Republic
Black dress skirt: Banana Republic
Peep toe linen pumps: Banana Republic

My "It Bag" for Spring 2008

Guess what came in the mail today?!


That purse I was talking about awhile back...remember? Oh yea - it's Ziordia's Brielle!

Isn't she gorge? Look at those ruffles!

Brielle is going to be my "It Bag" for Spring 2008!

This purse is one of the best purses I've seen on the web this season and the price makes it so much more affordable than other "It Bags" I've been eyeing lately. Anywho, the purse is uber soft and has all these nifty pockets inside - perfect for people like me who don't like to rummage around a big pocket-less bag.

You can get yours (or any other Ziordia purse at ziordia.com) for 10% off for the entire month of March using code ZSHOPAHOLICS10

Click here to start shopping

Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Montaigne Clutch

How cute is this Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Montaigne Clutch? I love the color options, especially the one shown here - Cassis:

$805 (photo/item eluxury.com)

It reminds me of all those vampy nail polish colors that have been so popular lately. I know dark navy is in, but I still like my dark reds and purples, too! Anywho, I think this would be a great clutch as a simple accessory to something a little on the fancy side. It's sleek and chic and would accent your outfit nicely.

Best of the Blogs: Week Ending 3/9/08

Flair does a recap of Katherine Heigl's best looks

For those who liked the pin-up shoes, you'll LOVE how The Glam Guide shows you how to get the Pin-Up look on a budget

Couture in the City has been noticing celebs rocking the color purple

Check out the video ShopDiary is featuring - the Chanel RTW 2008 runway show

NOTE: photo source not known - if you're the owner of the photo and object to its use, please email me at shopaholicd at gmail dot com and I'll take it down. Thanks!

Trend Alert: Cutout Sunglasses for Spring 2008

Designers are going cutout-crazy for Spring 2008. First, we had the cutout wedges, now we have the cutout sunglasses. Here are the best cutout sunglasses I could find on the web (for some reason they jumped from under $100 to over $300 - I couldn't find anything in between!):


Forever 21 H81 1674 Sunglasses - $9.90


Calvin Klein Open Temple Sunglasses - $58.00

*My personal fave*

Dolce & Gabbanna - $330


Tom Ford 'Whitney' Open Side Sunglasses - $360

Does anyone have a Sunglass Hut coupon so I can get those fabulous Dolce & Gabbannas??

NOTE: Images by respective sites

Fab's Massive Closet Clean-Out

Looking for a great deal in fashionable clothing and accessories? Then, check out fashion friend, Fabulously Broke in the City's Massive Closet Clean-Out (click). On her new blog, Fab lists some of her gently worn or unused goodies for sale at super-discounted prices sure to be nice on your pocket. The selection is great, the prices are better, and the money is going to a good cause...to help pay off Fab's debt.

Here are some of your options:

Statement dangling lace-like earrings with hanging beads in between - $3


Naomi Wolf: The Beauty Myth - $13


Black Lace-covered Champagne Peep Toe Heels with Bow (Size 7) - $25

Check her site often for updates and new listings!

NOTE: Photos fbcloset.blogspot.com/

Casual Chic: Stripey Button-Down

I couldn't resist this green, stripey button-down I found on a Banana Republic sale rack the other day. I've been wanting to wear more button downs, but I tend to avoid them if they're not "non-iron." Why? Well, I don't really like sleeves, but mostly I'm too lazy to iron button downs. I'm also not the best ironer (is that a word?) so, I usually just avoid the whole ordeal altogether. However, this sale top, at $30 after markdowns and my coupon, simply couldn't be passed up! I know you can't see from this photo, but it has the cutest tabs on the sleeves and the most adorable white enamel buttons. Love it!

Green, stripey button down: Banana Republic
Skinny jeans: Guess
Leather peep-toe flats: J Crew

New Name in Accessories: Ziordia

As much as I'm a fan of the big-name designers like Chanel, Dolce, Chloe, and Gucci, every once in awhile I want something a little less likely to be seen on every other arm at the mall. Luckily, new designers are emerging every day, bringing fresh looks to your attention. I'd like you to meet Ziordia - a fresh face in the world of designer accessories featuring yummy handbags and totes and clutches. Here's a little more info direct from the source:

Ziordia is a new line that was recently launched in Fall of '07 by Romar International, a 40 year-old award-winning design and development fashion firm headquartered in New York that has been recognized as a leader in design and innovation in both the apparel and accessory markets. Named after a small rustic town in the countryside of central Spain, Ziordia's Creative Director, Arlene Hildreth, chose the namesake for inspiration in design, paying tribute to her Spanish ancestry. Ziordia was created for the modern youthful and spirited women who buy for both fashion and function. The Ziordia woman loves to wear classic sexy styles and accessorize with eye catching trend pieces. She is up on pop culture, reads celebrity style magazines and the best fashion blogs. She works hard and appreciates a well designed handbag that is convenient and rich in style.


After years of listening to what customers and buyers look for in a bestselling bag, Arlene Hildreth wanted to make sure Ziordia offered a luxury bag that was unique fashion forward as well as very functional and made sense for modern busy women to carry. The inside of the bags are just as unique as the overall silhouette. In a saturated accessory market, when asked what makes the line stand apart, Arlene Hildreth said, "I spent a lot of time concentrating on offering the customer value as well as style. I have included in all bags a logo mirror, removable key fob, cell phone/PDA pockets as well as zippered front and back pockets for added security and convenience."


Peyton


Ruelle


Barcelona Amoretta (not yet available online)


Barcelona Amoretta (not yet available online)


Jorie

*Here's my personal favorite*

Brielle

Like what you see? Great! Shopaholics Anonymous readers get a VIP discount of 10% when they use ZSHOPAHOLICS10 at http://www.ziordia.com/. Offer good for the entire month of March!

Click here to start shopping! If you're lucky enough to get one, let me know. I'd be getting myself a little Brielle action if I weren't saving for my wedding! lol. Happy shopping!

NOTE: Images courtesy of ziordia.com

Trend Alert: Cutout Wedges for Spring 2008

How cool are these cutout wedges popping up for various spring shoe collections? I saw them on eluxury tonight and figured there must be more on the web. A quick web search turned up the usual - only high-priced designer versions. Why can't mainstream America keep up with the designers? It seems whenever something new and unusual hits the runway or high-end stores, it takes everyone else months, if not years to catch up? I did find a couple more wedges with cut-outs less than $100, but as I thought they were super fugly, I'll spare you the details. Here are the good ones I found:


Kors by Michael Kors - Danger Patent Wedges - $230
Super cute and pretty simple overall - it would be easy to pull off a look with these shoes...easy on the eyes...and easier on the pocket than the next two.


Sigerson Morrison - Belle - $315
Love the light and airy feel of these shoes...I'd definitely rock these with a flowy white skirt come spring...I mean, I would if I could actually afford them right now.


Stella McCartney - Crocheted Wedge - $1,095
I haven't figured out why these are so expensive, but I'm guessing that they were crocheted by a high-end consultant who charges outrageous hourly rates for their expertise crochet skills and that the material used in the crocheted part is interlaced with 20K gold...that's all I've got. What? You have a better idea? lol

NOTE: images by net-a-porter.com, shopbop.com, and neimanmarcus.com respectively

Victoria's Secret: Pink Collection for Spring 2008

Am I the only one who can't seem to make it into a Victoria's Secret without first ogling over the super-cute Pink Collection items they always place near one of the entrances? I had a $10 off coupon card today and figured I'd go pick up another bottle of Dream Angels Heavenly, which is "my SO's fave perfume." I've actually been out of the stuff for about three years now, but I keep thinking...this is his favorite perfume...he'll get it for Valentine's. But, when Valentine's rolls around sans my yummy bottle of Heavenly perfume, I know it means he's saving it for my birthday. After b-day, I think, surely, Christmas...But after a couple Valentine's, a couple birthdays, and a couple Christmases, I decided to take matters into my own hands today with my coupon card.

Of course, as soon as I walked into the Victoria's Secret store I was greeted with the cutest displays of what looked to be the softest cottons in the brightest array of fun colors. One dress in particular caught my eye - a hot pink dress. It looked something like this but with straps (cute pockets and all)

Tube Dress

On top of the dress, they have a preppy green and white stripey hoodie, which I've decided is something I need to get for this spring. Not necessarily green and white stripey, but just hoodies, really. Can a girl have too many hoodies? Anywho, it looked like this, but in green and white (obviously):

Nautical & nice hoodie

A quick turn to the right and I see these adorable stripey shorts:

Nautical & nice shorts
I don't think I like these with the matching hoodie - that's a lot of stripes...too many for me! However, the shorts are too cute. Probably too small/short to wear in public, but I could probably rock them in the Bahamas on my honeymoon! Woohoo!

Anywho, it was a good thing I didn't really have time to look b/c they had so many other cute things like pajamas which I have too many of already and more dress-like coverups and sleepwear. So addictive!

Here are some other things I'm glad I didn't have time to try on b/c they may have ended up in my shopping bag on top of the other things I shouldn't have purchased...but did.

Babydoll tunie tee and hot pink bikini (halter top and bow-tie scoop bottom)


Boyfriend Sweats

Oh, and the $10 coupon card...pretty sure I forgot to use it...sheesh! lol...At least I remembered to get my Victoria's Secret Dream Angels Heavenly perfume!

Btw - I'm reviewing this post and sorry for the overdose of pink! I just can't help myself...it's so pretty and girly! Victoria's Secret does offer other colors...promise!

NOTE: Photos victoriassecret.com

Spring 2008 Nail Polish Trends

It seems opposites attract for Spring 2008...or at least, they'll be competing for the attention of your nails this season. That's right...everyone knows that navy and hot pink are going to be hot colors for Spring 2008, but did you know that they're going to be just as hot on your nails as in your outfits?

I'm sure you've all seen the buzz over the deep, dark navy Chanel polish in Blue Satin



But have you heard about Geisha Blaze by Nubar?

While almost anyone can wear navy in an outfit, hot pink can be a more difficult color to pull off. With Geisha Blaze (click for details), a hot pink colored nail polish, you can wear a neutral-toned outfit and let your nail polish be the fun pop of color in your look. To boot, Nubar is Formaldehyde, (DBP) Phthalate, & Toulene Free so you can enjoy a healthier nail polish that your nails will thank you for. Too shy to wear hot pink on your fingernails? Hot pink is one of my fave summer colors for toenail polish and would look great with your fresh tan!

Are you a pink-aholic? Get Nubar's latest set, Bouquet (click for details and to see colors), which features eight awesome polishes in various shades of pink:


If you had to pick one nail polish color, which one would you rock?

Which Nail Polish Color Do You Prefer?
	Navy
	Hot Pink
Free polls from Pollhost.com

NOTE: Images by chanel and nubar respectively

Oscars 2008 Red Carpet Highlights

What did you guys think of the Academy Awards 2008? As always, there were some super fab looks and some not-so-hot looks. In the interest of staying positive, here are my faves:


Marion Cotillard - I heard a lot of reviews on this look that were a bit negative, but I actually liked this dress. Maybe it's the cut? Maybe b/c I like mermaids? Hmmm...


Hilary Swank - Normally, I find black dresses a tad dull on the red carpet, but there are always exceptions...like this fabulous number on Hilary. I love all the details in this one - especially the gathering and floral/leaf-y details around the shoulder - so chic!


Cameron Diaz - Just fab! She really loves to rock that long, sweeping bang look, no? Anywho, the dress is so pretty, and kinda reminds me of these beautiful C Loubs and I really like how she kept her make up muted like the pink of her dress. The cut of the dress is my fave part - all those layers and folds!

Which was your favorite look of the night?

NOTE: Images just jared dot com

Best of the Blogs: Week Ending 2/24/08

Flair shares some My Fair Lady inspired fashion finds

ShopDiary has the scoop on Pierre Hardy designing shoes for Gap

Couture in the City features some gorge pastel dresses perfect for the upcoming warm weather

And, last but not least, The Glam Guide has one of the first shots I've seen of Angelina's baby bump

NOTE: Image by Flair

A Pop of Color

Thank you everyone for your super sweet comments lately - you guys are the best! I'm sorry I haven't been able to reply to everyone's comments like I used to...it seems the closer I get to my wedding date, the crazier things become. Besides my day job, blogging, and prepping for the wedding, I've been trying to work on some new jewelry designs to help me make some money to pay for the wedding. Money is TIGHT right now, so it's a good thing I've been on a budget for awhile, but my shopping has sucked lately...haha.

Anywho, remember that sweet yellow purse I got from Banana Republic recently? I finally managed to throw a pop of color into my outfit with that purse - it was fun having a touch of bright, fun color with all the other pieces being more neutral and dark.

The other great thing about this purse is the size - it's just perfect to carry my digital camera, LV wallet, biz card holder, pen, and some lip gloss. I think I'm going to be using this purse a lot more in the next few months!

Black Top: Sweet Pea
Jeans: Banana Republic
Patent Pumps: Calvin Klein
Yellow, Satin Purse: Banana Republic
Gemstone Drop Earrings: D Celestine Limited (my jewelry!)

Sponsor Chic: Baby Shower Invite in Style

I don't know about you, but it seems like half of my friends are pregnant all of a sudden. With the ratio of pregnant friends to non-pregnant friends, you're sure to be a close friend to one of them and more than likely, have the honor of planning (or helping plan) a baby shower. Why do your baby shower invites in style with a fabulous hand-drawn invite by Cupcakes & Cocktails? Check out all the cool baby-themed drawings available:

(click to enlarge)

You could get these made into a special invitation for your friend or even yourself - how cute?

Or, perhaps you just had a fabulous baby shower - now you can thank your guests in style by getting your own thank you cards made.

Be sure to check out the Cupcakes and Cocktails for more fun designs and stationery options for your next event or "just because" card sending.

NOTE: images/drawings courtesy Cupcakes & Cocktails.

Wedding Dress Shopping

Well, I did it, friends! I got my wedding dress this past weekend! Woohoo...that's a big relief for me...but, now I have other details to worry about...like whether to have a beach or church wedding.

Anywho, here's a sneak peek:

This isn't the actual dress I got...just one I tried on. I can't post a picture of the actual dress b/c my SO reads my blogs every once in awhile, and I want it to be a surprise.

Anywho, for any engaged ladies out there...this may sound obvious, but for the wedding-clueless like me, be sure you get your dress at least 6 months before your wedding. I didn't hear that one until recently and well under 6 months away from my wedding in May.

The only thing I was disappointed with in my shopping was that there weren't more non-sleeveless options. I really wanted to get something that wasn't sleeveless, but it seems like hardly anyone makes non-sleeveless options anymore. What's up with that? You hear me wedding people? Make some more non-sleeveless dresses...give us some more options...pretty please? :)

Yellow Satin Purse for Spring 2008

Lookie what I scored at Banana Republic the other day:

With "brights" being so hot for Spring 2008 this year, I was surprised to see this super cute purse on sale several weeks ago. It was already on sale for $37.99, but I don't really need a satin, yellow purse, so I figured I'd wait it out and if it was still in the store it was meant to be. I do that a lot now - the whole meant to be thing. It helps me regulate my shopaholicism. I find it cuts back on my impulse shopping splurges and forcces me to go back for things I really, really like. Anywho, so I went back a week or so again and after a little hunting, I found my purse in a sale bin...this time for only $16.99 AND I had a couple for 10% off...SCORE!

Work Chic: Nice & Neutral

I know trends are meant to come in and out of popularity, but can this belt-around-the-waist thing just become a classic look already? I don't want it to go out of style! Accessorizing with belts is one of my favorite things to do, especially when the belt is as crisp and clean as this patent leather one I got from Nordstroms awhile back. This is what I wore to work yesterday:

Sweater: Nordstrom
Camisole: The Limited
Black Dress Skirt: Banana Republic
Tights: Belks
Knee-High Boots: Ann Taylor Loft
Earrings: D Celestine Limited - Skyline Drops

Star Von Bunny: A Model Tale

Looking for a fun & whimsical book with a fashion-forward twist? Then, Star Von Bunny: A Model Tale is the book for you. Inside the chic, little black-bound book, is the super-entertaining story of a bunny, Star, making her way through the cut-throat fashion industry. She shows you how to turn your cons into pros (see her work that tail) and even has "tips" on how to keep a model figure, while enjoying a good splurge.

According to the Harper Collins web site:
"She's got the determination of the Energizer bunny, the cool edge of Hello Kitty, the ego of Miss Piggy, and the wardrobe of Barbie. She's Star Von Bunny, a white rabbit with a vintage look and a modern attitude."


Don't hate on Star as you flip through pages where she hangs with all kinds of models, celebrities, and high-ups in the fashion world. Afterall, this book has the tale of her rise to the top, and you would expect nothing less from such a fashionable, driven, and hard-working bunny, no?

Looking for a great gift for Valentine's Day? Get this for your fashion-loving sweetie with a fun-loving personality.

Looking for great bridesmaids gifts for your upcoming wedding? Tuck this baby into your gift bag or basket for your favorite girlfriends.

If you're into fashion, you should probably have one for yourself...lay it on your coffee table for a good read now and again or a conversation starter for guests.

Click here to get your copy

Need another reason to get your copy? According to the book, "A portion of the profits from the sale of this book will benefit Dotors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres, an international humanitarian organization providing medical assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters, and victims of armed conflict, without discrimination and irrespective of race, religion, creed, or political affiliation."

NOTE: Images harpercollins.com

Anthropologie Does Dresses for Spring 2008

I think I've mentioned before that I've put myself on a very strict budget. I've allotted for certain things, like these shoes I'm considering buying as my splurge using my bonus money, but I've also allotted for a monthly spending budget that is half of what I spent before (which was my entire paycheck - silly, I know, but I'm working on that whole responsibility thing). Anywho, being on a budget, and a tight budget at that, means certain things. I have to shop very, very carefully. Now, I've always been a quality over quantity kind of girl, but one thing I've really been focusing on lately is getting an "it" item for a season. If you get one really fab thing that is versatile, you can really stretch it's wearability and use it in many outfits, making your other staples so much more fab. I'm going to do a post later this week (hopefully) of an "It" layering piece I bought from Banana Republic, but today I wanted to talk "dresses." I tried on the prettiest dress yesterday from Anthropologie:


Caravan Dress

I'm looking for an "It" dress for Spring/Summer '08. I want something pretty, girly, flowy, and just plain gorge. This one fit the bill pretty well - the fit of the dress was awesome, but I wasn't too crazy about the colors - it was a bit dark for me. What I did like about the colors was how they mixed black and brown - makes the accessorizing that much easier, no? I didn't get the dress b/c I need to see if I'm going to get those shoes first b/c if I do get the shoes, my February clothing budget will be all used up (yea, the shoes were more than the budget money I set aside so I'll have to dig into my monthly budget to help pay for them) and I'll have to wait a few more weeks to use my March money.

Of course, by the time March rolls around, this dress will probably be long gone as the Anthropologie stores are quite popular where I live and the good stuff doesn't last on the racks too long. To prep for this, I found some other good options online today. This was an easy task b/c Anthropologie has the cutest dresses, don't they?:


Migration Dress


Hanky-Tied Dress


Bluebell Wood Dress


Loverly Dress


Beach Ball Sweater Dress

NOTE: Images/items by Anthropologie