"Taffeta Darling!"

Okay, I'll admit it-- I love dresses! I am sure by now this nugget of information is pretty obvious to everyone. The reason for my near obsession is simple. Dresses are easy. They take little to no effort. And, you don't have to stand naked in your closet contemplating various ensembles for an hour. Nope, all you have to do is pull on a great dress, and BAM, you look awesome! Of course, finding the right shoes could take all night...

Designer Look

Taffeta Bubble Dress, Carmen Marc Valvo, $630


Open-Toe Slingback, Giuseppe Zanotti, $495

Bargain Look

Taffeta Party Dress, As U Wish, $68


Kenneth Cole Reaction Women's I'm Rich Dress Peep-toe High Heel, $24.79

Totals:
Designer Look: $1125
Bargain Look: $92.79

Gapalicous

I was on Gap.com and noticed this fantastic, new dress. Very cute and, honestly, I think about every body type could probably pull it off, which is a major plus in my book! Not too bad a price either. The best thing about the Gap is it probably will go on sale in a month or so.

I'm also giving you two options for shoes. The first pair is Nine West -- a little on the higher price range for my tastes, but adorable nonetheless-- and the other is a bit more inexpensive.


Big Dot Empire Dress, Gap, $69.50


Jendavi, Nine West, $79


Tribeca Women's Note Worthy T-Strap Sandal, $29.79

Total: $148.50 -or- $99.29 (with a little extra cash left over for some cute earrings)

Home is Where the Heart is

It's time to switch gears and show some great finds for the home. This hunt is a little trickier than clothes, since it's hard to gauge people's interior decorating tastes, but the good thing is that there are a lot of great high-end stores that have fantastic sales & clearance items. So here are just a few neat pieces I discovered. Kind of fun, funky and oh so chic!


Studio Chair, World Market, $169


Lacquered Storage Table, Garnet Hill, $68

Springdale Low Double-Door Cabinet, Crate & Barrel, $139


Here are some curiously cute home accessories & kitchenware


Capiz Small Pendant Lamp, West Elm, $59 (they also have a larger one for $99)


Frog Door Stop, Anthropologie, $24


Active Imagination Mugs, Anthropologie, #3.95/ea


Carly Dishtowels, Crate & Barrel, $3.95/ea

A Leopard In Heels

I saw these shoes, and my heart literally skipped a beat! It was a little like the feeling you get when you go out on a really great first date! How sad is it that I compare my love of shoes to my love life (or lack there of as of lately)? Who cares, these shoes are absolutely beautiful. I want, I want, I want! C'est la vie. Or, is there a bargain out there for these shoes? Help.... me.... find.... it!!!


Manolo Blahnik, $615

Never a Bridesmaid & Never a Bride?

The last time I attended a wedding was about three years ago for a good friend's wedding in Maui-- it was a very informal occasion. The last time I was at a real, church wedding was over ten years ago. And, the last time I was actually in a wedding was when I was a flower girl at my uncle's wedding in the early eighties. Almost all my friends are married, and because they all lived in other states or another country (Lisa!) when they got married, I missed out on helping them plan their weddings. So, in the virtual world of blogs, I am offering my bargain-finding hand to help those purveyor of great deals realize a fabulously chic gown can be found at a reasonable price.

P.S.: This blogs for you, Nadia!


Casablanca Bridal, $601-$1500


David's Bridal, $599


Nicole Miller, $595


David's Bridal, Galina, $399

And... did you know that JCrew makes wedding dresses?!

J.Crew, $295

Me Likey Bargains

Here are some great deals I've come across while scouring the web's vast selection of on-line clothing stores. If any of you out there in cyberland have any web sites that you frequent, let me know about them. Enjoy the bargains...


Darby Dress, $49.50, Delias


Alex Wedge, $34, Delias (I love these shoes! Yellow is hot this season, and I may have to break down and get these!)



Striped Knit Shell, $12.99, Gap


Pea Coat, $54.99, La Redoute



Contrast Bow Dress, 35 Pounds (around $67), Top Shop


Canvas Wedge, 20 Pounds (about $38), Top Shop



3/4 Sleeve Poet Blouse, $14.99, Salt & Pepper, Style Violet (I have this top!)


Lux Tweed A-Line Skirt, $34.99, Urban Outfitters

Totals
Outfit #1: $83.50
Outfit #2: $67.98
Outfit #3: $105
Outfit #4: $49.98
If it wasn't for that darn conversation rate, all four outfits would be under $100!

Bringing Sexy Back

Sexiness can be defined in many ways. I believe sexiness is an attitude; a way of being. Of course clothes and accessories can help, but I don't believe less is more when it comes to radiating sexiness. It's all about how you feel in your clothes and, in turn, how you project those feelings to the world. The outfit below is an example of one kind of sexiness. For some, this look may seem intimidating, but for me it exudes confidence and sophistication... and that, girls, IS sexy!

Designer Look

Double-Breasted Jacket, $1595; Stretch Poplin Shirt, $325; Skinny Pants, $650; Black Leather Belt, $395; Chain Sunglasses, $225; Wrap Pump, $355. All Michael Kors

Bargain Look

Classic Tailored Jacket, $34.99, La Redoute


Cotton Poplin Shirt, $9.99, La Redoute


Black Cigarette Pants, $39.99, La Redoute


Wide Band Belt, $5.80, Forever 21


Square Sunglasses, $19.99, Isaac Mizrahi for Target


Sandals, $29.99, Bakers

Totals
Designer Look: $3545
Bargain Look: $140.75

Anthropologie, I Love Thee!

Let me count the ways! I've been having a long-term love affair with the unique & quirky store called Anthropologie. I first came across it while surfing the web, then I discovered the real thing in Seattle, WA, and finally I was thrilled when a store opened in North Scottsdale's Kierland Commons. They have such an interesting array of one-of-a-kind clothes & vintage inspired home accessories. Most of their stuff is a bit pricey for me, but if I am lucky, I can find a great deal in their sales racks and on line. Here are just a few...


Punch Bowl Top, $39.95


Paper Denim & Cloth Slim Corduroys, $49.95


In the Study Flats, $68



Sun Print Sweater, $88 (a bit pricey, but it is soooo adorable!)



Paper Denim & Cloth Straight Naomi, $49.95


Praia Espadrilles, $98



Ginny Halter Dress, $119.95


Fir Bough Peep-Toes, $69.95

Totals
First Outfit: $157.90
Second Outfit: $235.95
Third Outfit: $189.90
All unique and all under $250!

Making an Impression

Whether it be making a great impression on a client, your boss or that cute guy your always sharing an elevator with, these two outfits will definitely do the trick. The first outfit, a classic Carolina Herrera fitted sheath, is for the woman who has a closet to die for; the second outfit is for the rest of us who only aspire to have a closet to die for.

Designer Look

Dress, $2690, Carolina Herrera


Shoes, $575, Manolo Blahnik

Bargain Look

Dress, $60, Necessary Object


Shoes, $97.95, BCBGirls

Totals
Designer Look: $3265
Bargain Look: $157.95 (the shoes are a little pricey for my taste, but compared to the designer ones and the fact the bargain dress only costs $60 it is a steal!)
A whopping savings of $3107.05!!

The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe

Carrie Bradshaw from Sex & the City loved shoes! She loved them so much that during one episode, after realizing she has no money for a downpayment to buy her apartment, she states, "I've spent $40,000 on shoes and I have no place to live? I will literally be the old woman who lived in her shoes!"

I can relate to that addiction. But luckily for me, I am able to bypass the Manolos, the Choos and the Louboutins for bargain look-a-likes that cost a fraction of what the designers charge. Take a look at these myriad offerings of fabulously chic shoes that won't keep you from those really important purchases...like food & shelter!

P.S.: This post is for Lisa! :)

Bargain Look

Dress shoe

Designer Look












$695, Jimmy Choo


So the lesson.... You can buy all five bargain shoes ($204.93) for less than half the price of one Jimmy Choo. But, then again, they are fabulous Choos!!!!! It's a toss-up.