Friday, January 19, 2007

If Only It Were This Easy...

Fashion Friend Week Finale 1/19/07

My fashion friends help you get the red carpet look without the celebrity price tag...

Well Played, Jennifer Hudson, Couture in the City Fashion Blog

Jennifer Hudson in satin Prada (source)

Newcomer Jennifer Hudson (Effie from Dreamgirls) gets major props from us for pulling off the devils' fabric, satin. Luxe as it is, even when you are waif thin like Kiera Knightly, satin can be a dangerous fabric to wear. Not only is this a flattering cut on Miss. Hudson, but it looks classy and polished as well. Well played!

Learn how to get the post look without the post pricetag on Couture in the City (click here)

SheFinds Goes Golden: She’s Bringing Ugly Back

Category: Best Ugly

Winner: America Ferrera (bet you didn’t see that one coming)

Why: Ugly never looked so good. Viewers fell instantly in love with America Ferrara’s poorly dressed, dumpy “Ugly Betty”, who of course is stuck with braces in her twenties, and rocks the four eyes nickname for all it’s worth. Her commitment to ugly was duly recognized on Monday night when she picked up, not one, but two Golden Globes. America won for best actress, and “Ugly Betty” won for best comedy. America’s deep indigo Brian Reyes dress left no doubt about how beautiful she really is.

Learn how to get the look on SheFinds.com (click here)

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Preppy/Work Chic

There's something about button downs...it seems like when you wear them like you're supposed to (and by that I mean not ripped or tied up to show off your midriff) there's just something that screams preppy! I paired one of my work wardrobe must-haves - one of my non-iron Brooks Brothers button downs with red and pink stripes - with some dressy khakis, wool cardigan and brown boots.



It just doesn't get much better than this for a business casual work environment. Not only does it look professional...it's super comfy too! Btw, what do you think of my vintage cardigan...I think I got that in high school...would 10 years make something vintage? Probably not, but for this shopaholic...that is one vintage cardi!

Khakis - Gap
Non-iron button down - Brooks Brothers
"Vintage" cardigan - J Crew
3-strand freshwater pearl & Swarovski crystal Necklace -
D Celestine (click for details)
currently sold out, but if you want one, I can order the materials ;)

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Monday...err...Tuesday Poll - How Many Shoes Do You Have?

So, my co-worker asks me the other day, "How many pairs of shoes do you have?" I don't really think of myself as a big shoe person, though I have been making more of an effort lately to grow my shoe stash. So, when she asked me how many shoes I had, I thought...not thaaaaat many. I told her I didn't know, and counted them up after work that day...to my surprise, I have somehow accumulated 51 pairs. 51! How did this happen? I thought I had a nice simple shoe collection:



Oh yea...and then there's that new shoe storage solution I put up a couple months ago...


...and some boots that didn't quite fit the kit...


...and some new shoes here and there that haven't quite found a place to be stored...


Ok, ok! So I have a lot of shoes! Nothing wrong w/ that, right? So, I ask you fellow shopaholics...just how many pairs of shoes do you own?

I was thinking today was Monday when I thought up this poll b/c I had yesterday off, so sorry for the delayed post...I've been trying to keep my polls to Monday, but didn't want to wait till next week, so...vote on ladies!

How Many Pairs of Shoes Do You Have?
1-10
11-20
21-50
51-100
101+
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Cooking Chic

Not only do I shop chic...I like to cook chic too! Check out the gourmet dessert I made on The Chic Life



Click here to see the story

Monday, January 15, 2007

Super Cute Summer Shoes

How cute are these shoes?! A steal at only $25 and a total necessity for anyone who'll be making trips outdoors to sunbathe this coming spring or summer 2007.

I'm sure we've all had the unforgettable experience of walking on too-hot beach sand or unwittingly stepping onto a sun-drenched pool surface...ouch! Where are cute flip flops when you need them? Sure, you could toss on your same ole' Rainbows, but how cliche are those now? Don't get me wrong...I still rock my Rainbows, but I wouldn't mind a more girly change. If you feel the same, then head on over to Oka b. to scope out their seriously adorable collection of summery flip flops. My fave are the Madisons in Flamingo/Green:



Madison by Oka b. (click for details)

You'll be the envy of your pool or even the whole beach with flip flops as adorable as these!

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Fashion Friend Week Finale 1/12/07

Oops! I forgot to do my weekly blog summary...my bad! Here goes

Deep Cuts, Couture in the City Fashion Blog

Sienna Miller - Source
Though Sienna Miller's days as an "It" girl are likely coming to an end (as is her signature "boho-chic" look), she's still making waves as a fashion headliner.
Read more at Couture in the City (click here)

Website Review: ChickAdvisor.com

What: ChickAdvisor.com
Why: Need to know what to wear on your first date, but all your girlfriends’ cell phones are sending you directly to voicemail? Looking to impress the hot new vegetarian at the office, but can’t find the good grub in your neighborhood? Finally psyched yourself into getting a bikini wax, but don’t know how to track down the best aesthetician?
Read More at SheFinds.com

Hot Handmade Belts for Spring!

I don't know about you, but even though I've seen very little winter weather, I'm still super ready for spring! Ahhh....sunny beaches, white sand, blue-green water, sun bathing, wearing skirts & flip flops...but I digress. If you're as ready for spring as I am, why not start shopping for spring 2007 worthy accessories? Check out the super hot, handmade belts over at Plays With Mud. Not only are the belts handmade, but designer Paula, who is also quite provicient with pottery, also handmakes the buckles for each and every belt design! My personal fave is Kelly Jean


Kelly Jean belt (click for details)

Plays With Mud offers a variety of bright & colorful fabrics to satisfy any girl's fave style. Click here to view more belt designs

Deal Alert - Extra 20% off BlueFly Shoes Today

For any late-night shoppers, hurry up and head over to BlueFly.com to save an extra 20% on all shoes. The deal only lasts till 6am 1/15, so get to shopping.

Any ladies lucky enough to be a 6 1/2 should strongly consider these fab Christian Louboutin heels.


Christian Louboutin yellow leather 'Seersocket' t-strap sandals (click for details)

With yellow being such a hot color for Spring 2007, you can get yourself a good deal and help may your shoe closet get geared for Spring 2007 trends. Aren't you a good multi-tasker?

Friday, January 12, 2007

Casual Chic

Here's basically what my outfit looked like yesterday...I had on different boots, but I think I prefer the look overall like this. I really love these freakin Via Spiga boots...I could almost wear them everyday...what a great investment!?

Anywho, I've been shopping the sale over at Banana Republic this week and got this fab dolman style sweater. I really wanted to buy this when I first saw it on the racks, but I don't really "need" any sweaters...especially not for $130ish dollars. So, I waited this style out, and got it this week for $40...not too shabby, eh?



Dolman Sweater - Banana Republic
Skinny Jeans - Guess
Boots - Forde slouch boots by Via Spiga
Jewelry - A handmade design by me - D Celestine Limited

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

The Perfect Shopaholic Notecard

While browsing my fave online boutiques, I found the perfect shopaholic notecards on The Glam Boutique's web shop:


Born to Shop Note cards - I love the fun boxes and bags!

For a mere $10, you get 10 notecards and envelopes AND you even get to personalize the card with your fave font (selected from their super huge list of sample fonts) and your fave color out of the roughly 20 available - from Baby Pink to Sweet Pea Green - not to mention you get to choose the personalization text on the card.

Click here to shop The Glam Boutique for more fabulous handmade stationery

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Professional Chic

Yesterday, I saw The Devil Wears Prada for the first time. It was awesome! Loved the fashion, the clothes, the glamour, but I must say that I thought the boyfriend was being a jerk...she only had to work hard for one year to get in a better position to take on a job she really wanted. Some people spend half their life doing this, so what's one year?! Anyhow, I'm going off on a tangent now...Inspired by the movie, I plotted what fancy schmancy outfit I would wear with super tall stilettos...a pencil skirt with a belted cardigan? A work-dress?

But, when I woke up this morning in a groggy state, I kept eyeing my nice sweater collection and thinking, this would be cute and comfy with jeans and sneakers. No, can't wear sneakers...must wear stilettos...must try to look nice today. Stupid casual dress code...I mean, I love it, but it makes it so much harder to want to put a nice outfit together when you can wear jeans and sneakers to work!

Anywho, this is what I came up with:




It wouldn't cut it at Runway mag, but for my office, this is pretty darn dressy, not to mention, I did manage to work my Nike Technology Cole Haans into the look, which do have almost 4" heels. I wanted to wear a skirt today, really, but with the weather having just turned colder and me not liking to wear tights, it just wasn't going to happen. And, did I mention that I haven't been working out like I should so some of my bottoms aren't fitting like I want? That's never a good feeling, so why not just avoid that whole mess, right? At least I went to yoga tonight!

Red Tank Top - Banana Republic
Black 3/4 length sleeve turtleneck - Banana Republic
Pants - Jaidan
Shoes - Cole Haan

Oh, and I am planning to do a review on those Cole Haans soon, but I've only worn them 3 times and need to break them in!

Monday, January 08, 2007

Deal Alert - Extra 10% off BlueFly Today

Until 6:30 am 1/9/07, save an extra 10% off new arrivals - no coupon code necessary...the discount is already taken, and there are tons of great items just waiting for purchase. Take this lovely dress, for example:

This Betsey Johnson gold floral scalloped lace dress is just screaming to be purchased. I'm hearing the cries, but I'm already over my budget for shopping for January...besides, I already bought these tonight:

I remember seeing these BCBGirls black leather 'Macony' buckle boots on Fashmatch.com and falling in love at first site, so when I saw them tonight on BlueFly, I had to have them! And, if any of you out there have been paying attention to Fall 2007 style, you'd know that the "tough look" is going to be a strong look later this year, so I'm hoping these boots will be in this fall too!

Looks to Keep for Spring 2007 - Part 2

More fabulous looks you can keep on rockin'
(For the first 4 looks, see Looks to Keep for Spring 2007 - Part 1 - click here)

5. Peep Toes

Image & Shoes from Banana Republic - Smooth platform peep-toe pump
click for details

Get a classic pair of peep toes for a chic spring style - easily dresses up jeans or khakis and would be super cute with a khaki skirt. Any peep toe style will do - there are fab black night on the town peep toes, as well as, day time espadrille peep toes - enough options to please any gal's preference.

6. The Belt Around Waist Look

Image and Dress by Guess - Desert Palm Dress
(click for details)

It's not just for belts any more. Expect to see your favorite belt over top look with some new twists, including ribbons in place of belts. If you're on a budget, get some ribbon from a fabric store to get the look.

7. Metallics

Image and Top by Bluefly - Walter - champagne metallic lace blouse
(click for details)

I do so love my metallics...and I'm guessing designers and shops alike have been bitten by the same love bug b/c they are still going to be hot for spring 2007! Look at this adorable top I found on Bluefly...too cute! Expect to see lots more options on the racks this coming season!

Sunday, January 07, 2007

Cole Haan - My New Love

Cole Haan is addictive...you get one shoe and you want them all! Most of you read that I got the TIVONA AIR SLING shoes by Cole Haan a couple weeks ago, and I'll be doing a review on those once I get some more wear out of them. But anywho, when I was in the Cole Haan store, I also had my eye on these babies:


CHARLIZE AIR PUMP (click for details)

These remind me a little of the platform Louboutins the celebs were wearing all spring/summer last year - the ones with the light colored bottoms. Either way, I think these shoes would be a fab addition to any girl's spring shoe collection for spring 2007. The color is actually a bit more red in person and would make a great colorful splash with all the neutrals the designers are working into their spring collections.

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Fashion Friend - Couture in the City on New Years Resolution

Fashion friend, Couture in the City's Wendy O, writes:

The "Take Care of Me" New Years Resolution, Couture in the City Fashion Blog

Britney Spears has recently been quoted by People magazine as making it her New Year's resolution to "Take Care of Me." Britney, we couldn't agree with you more!

We'll let your personal trainer/nutritionist/guru/spiritual guide or whatever help you on the inside, but LeFashionista's want to help Britter's on the outside as well!

May we suggest that you (and the ex-Mrs. Federline) take care of yourself with some fashionable swag from LeFashionista!

Every girl making a comeback needs a fab bag, like this one from
Socoley:


Socoley Large Bubble Bag, $470.00

See more picks at Couture in the City (click here)

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Preppy Chic - Thanks Hun!

My wonderful SO just happened to remember me trying on this Brooks Brothers arglye cashmere sweater a few weeks back and managed to get it for me just in time for Christmas...it's sooooo soft and comfy and I just love it to bits! I paired it with a non-iron Brooks Brothers button-down in light pink to take the preppy level up a notch. Toss on some Banana Republic jeans and Sperrys (b/c I wore heels all day yesterday), a pearl necklace and some diamond studs and I'm good to go.


How sweet of you to remember!?

My Weekend Project - Shabby Chic


How do you like my weekend project?

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Shopping Spree

Oh dear, fellow shopaholics...I've been bad. I know you're supposed to pretty much stick to buying stuff for other people during the holidays, but I couldn't help myself:

It started off innocently enough...these shoes are Max Studio - retail $150 but only about $35 for me...not too shabby, eh?


Then things headed downhill when I stopped in Kenneth Cole...just to look, of course. Dangerous last words for a shopaholic...this purse is almost cobalt blue, which will be so hot for spring...it's a tad bit darker, but who cares? This purse was marked on sale and an additional 50% off the ticketed price...I couldn't pass


Then there was this sweater I saw in a store window that I just had to try on...doh! Stupid window shopping!


And the piece de resistance...this lovely pair of Cole Hahn's...I splurged on these for my holiday party...got these full price. But they were worth it b/c they have Nike technology built into the shoe structure. Nike technology, I tell you! Ok, maybe a silly purchase, but they are fab, no!? Mais oui!

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Vote For Me on Glam.com!




Glam.com is having a little contest with their Glam network blogs, and I'd love to have my fave readers' help! Polls should open January 3rds, so please vote for me! :)

Looks to Keep for Spring 2007 - Part 1

Worry not shopaholics...all that hard work shopping last season will not go to vain this season. Here are some trends that I'm predicting you can keep for Spring 2007:

1. White

Image and Dress from Nordstrom.com - Nanette Lepore 'Ahoy There' Eyelet Dress
(click for details)

Remember how white was such a huge color last spring/summer? I don't think shoppers or designers have quite gotten over the look...I know I haven't! Go all white with a bottom top combo or a fab dress like the one above, or dress your look with key pieces in white.

2. Black

Image and Dress from Nordstrom.com - Semantiks Stretch Sateen Dress
(click for details)

It's not just for nighttime. Dress up your daytime look too with a sleek all-black ensemble. Try this black button-down dress for a chic work outfit.

3. Black and White

Image and Dress from Twospacestudio.com - Niagara Dress - B&W Stripe Jersey
(click for details)

Will this look ever go out of style? I'm hoping not b/c it's one of my faves and oh-so-simple to style. Mix and match your black and white clothes for different looks or choose a black and white dress like this fab jersey dress by Twopsace. Add kick to a black and white look with a punch of color like the red shoes pictured above or another fun color of your choice - a little goes a long way though so if you're going to add color, only add it to one key piece - shoes OR purse OR jacket - not all three.

4. Dresses

Image and Dress from Jcrew.com - Halter embossed beach dress
(click for details)

Can't tell by the first 3 items I selected? I'm thinking dresses are still going to be a big hit this spring. Who doesn't love a great dress? They can be so much more comfy that pants (especially skinny jeans!) and oh-so-versatile. If you don't like the first 3 dresses above, then try this kelly green halter top dress by J Crew. It's advertised to go from day to night, but I just like the vibrant green color and classic cut.

See any of this stuff on sale from last spring? Grab it quick b/c you're sure to get good use out of it at a good deal this coming spring! Stay tuned for part 2 of "Looks to Keep for Spring 2007" - Repeat trend predictions!

Monday, January 01, 2007

Kick Off the New Year With Jewelry!

You've toiled away for the last couple months, picking out the perfect presents for your friends, family, and loved ones, so you should treat yourself to a little somethin, somethin to congratulate yourself. And, just in time, I'm having a sale on your favorite DCL jewelry designs so you can save up to 40% on those designs you've been drooling over



Check out the Pacific Dream collection - now on sale at up to 40% off - these designs will look so hot this spring with all the white fashion that is sure to be hitting it big again this year!

Shop today so you can get first pick at the sale items AND if you shop before January 31st (11PM), you can save an additional 10% off your entire order by using discount voucher "NewYear10" at checkout!

Click here to start shopping the sale!

Shopaholic Fashion Question

One of the contest entries, Shopaholic sweetie Christiana, asks "I love the blue paired with the orange trim, kinda fun - but what to wear with it?"

Here are her outfit basics:



As soon as I saw the cute round-toe pumps and adorable sweater, the first thing that popped into my mind was a flowy white skirt. For fab, classic-cut skirts, I like to shop Banana Republic. They offer high quality styles at a relatively affordable price. After browsing their web site, I found this:

White cotton skirt - a great investment for $68 - click here for details

What do you think fellow shopaholic readers? What would you pair with the cute sweater top and pumps? I think Christiana was looking for skirts, but leave a comment with what you would pair with this outfit.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! What are your New Year's resolutions??

December Contest Winner Selected!

And the winner is.....*drumroll please*

Entry #2 by My Flying Carpet!

Here's the winning entry:



The other contest entries can be viewed by clicking here

I had great response for this contest - thank you sooo much to everyone who entered! Sorry you didn't win :( but you can play again next month...er...this month, since technically it's January already.


Special thanks to Twospace Studio for donating the fab skirt to this contest

Click here to shop Twospace