F21 Spring 2012 Accessories

I think the warm "winter" weather in N. California has inspired me to start shopping for spring clothes/accessories a little earlier than usual. :)

I went into a Forever 21 store a few days ago to check out their new stuff and several things caught my eye. First of all, I've been looking for a bright, colorful clutch purse for the last few months, but couldn't find anything under $50 or so. I found just what I wanted-- a clutch purse in a shade of pink that will make any outfit pop.

They had so many cute things (all under $40) which made for quite an amazing shopping excursion! Here's my new hot pink patent clutch, that will brighten up my mostly all neutral & black wardrobe. Check it out: http://www.forever21.com/ Cheers & happy Friday!

The best denim guide yet!

Today I came across a very handy new denim guide from www.bloomingdales.com They use the body types of real women and show you how they look on the person, via their website.

I don't know about you, but finding the right jeans is quite the chore and I have it narrowed down to a few brands, such as: Joes, James Jeans & Paige Premium Denim. Typically, I don't spend a ton of money on my clothes, but jeans are the one item I do not hesistate to splurge on--if they're a perfect fit. I'd rather save myself the headache and shell out the cash. :-) Here's to a new spring wardrobe!

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/customerservice/denimfitguide.jsp

bar III

Macy's introduced a line called Bar III in February 2011 and I was highly impressed from the moment I saw the clothes! It's fresh, stylish and fairly inexpensive; the line looks very unique and not at all cookie-cutter.

The launch was celebrated with the help of top fashion bloggers. Fashion Toast, Sea of Shoes, Feels Like White Lightning and Street Etiquette who styled the modern separates, adding finishing touches with their own accessories. The women's line will offer a wide range of pixie dresses ranging in price from $58 to $78, $20 basic tops, $68 novelty tops, skirts from $38 to $68 and bottoms from $48 to $68. Menswear will include pants for $69, shorts for $39, jackets for $99 as well as classic suit separates for $49.50; suits $495.

To see for yourself, click here: http://www1.macys.com/search/index.ognc?SearchTarget=*&Keyword=bar+III

An Almost Find

Sadly, a few weeks ago, my sunglasses were stolen out of my car. Not just one, but THREE pairs of sunglasses!!! Yes, that may seem silly to some to keep that many pairs in one person's car, but what can I say? I like variety... With that, I have been on the hunt for awesome new sunnies and I almost landed an amazing deal (from TJ Maxx) on a pair from House of Harlow for only $60!!

The only reason I didn't buy was because the metal HH logo on the earpiece was missing. Not that I care about the logo so much, but it looked blank without it on either side. The frame is so flattering; it made me very disappointed to find them damaged. Nicole Richie is shown wearing the "Linsey" style.

Buy them here: http://www.singer22.com/linseysunglasses.html?source=shopstyle&src=gan

Happy 2012!!!

Happy New Year! One of my new year's resolutions is to add blog posts more often, so now that I'm back from my mini-vacation in Los Angeles, I wanted to write a jewelry post. One of the best Christmas gifts I received, was given from my generous boyfriend. :) He picked out a gold Kate Spade bracelet (it also comes in silver) for me and I love it so much!! It's called "The Year to Idiom" bracelet and has different little notes engraved on the bracelet. This is something you can wear every day and pretty much with any type of outfit.

Check it out here: http://www.katespade.com/designer-jewelry/designer-bracelets/kate-spade-idiom-bangles-this-is-the-year/WBRU3858,default,pd.html?dwvar_WBRU3858_color=711&start=18&cgid=jewelry-bracelets

BEST Concealer EVER!!

Happy Friday! Or as my friend Dave Vanoli likes to say: TGICF! (thank gawd it's casual friday) I must tell you that over the years, I have tried many different brands of undereye concealers and after reading rave reviews of Cle de Peau, I finally sampled it as I walked out of a mall just a few weeks ago. I was seriously amazed by how well it instantly and effortlessly covers dark circles, redness and blemishes, like no other! The formulation is silky smooth and blends like a dream. The staying power is great too and you only need a little bit of product at a time so it should last for at least six months.

At $70 per tube I wanted to be 100% certain that this is the real deal--so after trying it out twice in the department store and stepping outside bright-eyed and blemish free, I was sold!

(It also won awards from InStyle magazine and a ton of celebrties swear by it.)

http://www.instyle.com/instyle/best-beauty-buys/product/0,,20358452_20356236,00.html

It doesn't really feel like fall without a new pair of boots

Just came across these boots recently and they are AWESOME! What makes this pair unique is that they will look just as great with a casual outfit as they will with a more conservative work outfit.

Check them out here: http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=enzo+karissa

A Shoe Named Smiles

I discovered today that Gap's Piperlime.com website has a tab that reads "Girl on a Budget." Not only did that make me smile, but then I found my next favorite pair of shoes named 'smiles'! What makes these brown pumps stand out is the lovely red platform and heel. These will pretty much work in and out of the office too, so I don't think you can go wrong!

If you're looking for a not so average looking shoe, then check them out here: http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.dosearchCID=4016&cid=4016&vid=1&pid=820191&scid=820191032

Sam Edelman "Renzo" Studded Booties

These Sam Edelman booties immediately caught my eye-- not only do I love this color, but the studs on the heel, make them unique and edgy!! Exactly how I love my shoes. Happy Tuesday!

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=543700&CategoryID=17404

Are you excited for fall fashion??

I don't know about you, but I can't get enough of fall fashion-- sweaters, tights, boots and jackets in all kinds of beautiful rich colored shades and textures. If you were lucky enough to scoop up any Missoni merchandise at Target last week, consider yourself lucky. I did my best to venture out to the nearest Target store right before 12pm, with no such luck.

I've already browsed through my September issue of Marie Claire, People StyleWatch, Luckymag.com and a ton of other fashion websites. As my budget does not allow for haute couture, I must improvise, and I must say that I'm pretty damn good at it. What I like to do is browse all sorts of magazine and websites for ideas and inspiration, remember what I'm drawn to, and make a mental note (or write one out on paper). Then I shop for a lower cost version of what I already found and it usually comes together in such a fun, fabulous way. Even if I'm not buying and only admiring from afar-- I still love to shop. What can I say?

Here's a link to a site that gives you plenty of updated looks and shows you where to buy them. I promise you'll even have money leftover for a latte and lunch. :) Here's to fall shopping!

http://www.thebudgetbabe.com/

Sunglasses Shopping!

I don't know about you all, but my sunglasses collection is growing at a rapid pace. For a while, I was stuck on high-end designer shades, like Oliver Peoples, Chanel and Fendi. I've branched out now, trying all sorts of different designers and generic chain store brands alike. As long as they look good on your face and offer UV protection, those are the two most important things.

Here's a link to help you find the best sunglasses depending on your face shape.
http://www.framesdirect.com/include/information/face_shape_guide.aspx

Are you a year-round or seasonal bronzer?

Tarina Tarantino has a new body bronzing shimmer dust which I haven't tried yet but the packaging and product looks amazing. I'm addicted to almost anything that gives a bronze glow and it doesn't stop there: this product be used on your hair as well!! I'm heading into Sephora to try this in person ASAP.

Check it out here: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P283715

Fashion & Memorial Day Weekend in NYC

Here's an interesting video that I just found on the New York Times website. It's all about light colored clothes and various shades of white in the city right now. I love to observe "street style" in cities across the globe, which makes for great inspiration. Hopefully you'll enjoy this video as much as I did!

http://video.nytimes.com/video/2011/05/27/fashion/100000000838728/on-the-street--snow-days.html

Apparently "it's all about Pippa" now

The handbag worn by Kate's sis, Pippa Middleton the day after the wedding has sold out! I was interested to see what all the hype was about and I do like this bag and the price is moderate as well. Here's a pic and link to the site if you're as curious as I was to see what this bag looks like:

http://www.modalu.com/product/bristol-medium-grab-pre-order

Target GO International 2011

My latest and greatest find from Target's GO International 2011 collection is this Alice Temperely dress. At first I didn't think it was that great on the rack but once I tried it on, I knew it was a keeper. The material is a lightweight, sheer cotton (a bit too sheer) so a slip worn underneath is almost a necessity. Take a look...

If you want to see more of Target's GO International line, click here: http://www.hypriestess.com/

CUSP stands for Cute, Unique, Sophisticated & PRICEY

One of my favorite boutiques is CUSP in Century City, CA at the Westfield Mall. They have the cutest, most hip, cutting edge fashion pieces I have ever seen in one place!! Granted, most things are quite expensive--you can still find some pieces that won't totally blow your budget.
Along with clothes, they carry shoes, handbags and a myriad of unexpected, one of a kind jewelry designs. I just saw this "twosome" ring by designer Erica Anenberg on their web site and I LOVE it...

http://www.cusp.com/shoponline/product.aspx?folderId=/shoponline/accessories/jewelry&page=1&itemId=Y0GR7

Kate Spade Gold Coast "Maryanne"

After going back to school in 2007 and only being able to "window shop", my budget was more suited for Kohl's than Kate Spade. But after graduation, I decided to treat myself to the bag that I had to have, after laying eyes on it one warm sunny afternoon in April. I know, it sounds like I'm talking about a guy, not a purse, right?! Well here she is, making her debut on my blog.
The design resembles the classic Chanel leather quilted bags, but with a fraction of the price.
I love this bag because as soon as you toss it on your shoulder, it instantly elevates the look of your outfit--casual or business attire. After looking at the Nordstrom website today, I noticed this bag is now available in white.....which is not good for me to know!!

Vintage Denim

I came across this vintage clothing store in Downtown Sacramento and decided to stop in--even though I don't really wear vintage clothes. I looked around and didn't see anything that caught my eye until I turned around to leave the store and what do I see?? An acid washed dark denim Guess? brand skirt!! Oh the nostalgic memories it brought back! I looked at the skirt, noting how the denim has held up quite well, considering it's at least 20 years old I would think. I paused for a minute, and swore I would never again own acid-washed ANYTHING!
When I shared my experience on facebook, my friends had a different opinion. After that, I thought to myself, maybe I should never say never when it comes to fashion. :)