All I Want for Christmas: Part 3

My final Christmas wish of the year would be this sophisticated, quirky coat. It's got it all -- chic style, unique details and a dash of whimsy. But, because this is a blog about bargain chic finds, and this coat undoubtedly crosses the line of a bargain, I've also included some comparable coats that I think are just as great as the wish-inspiring one.  

Toggle-Front Cutaway Wool Coat, Mackage, $625

 Black Funnel Neck Coat, Marc New York, $198; Lennon Coat, O'Neill, $63.60; Military Jacket, Calvin Klein, $139.90

All I Want For Christmas: Part 2

My next Christmas gift dream is this exquisite handbag -- a beautifully simplistic and luxurious blue suede hobo bag. What could be better than that? Hmmm...maybe my bargain chic alternatives for nearly 95% off the designer price.  Now that is a Christmas miracle!

Marcie Horseshoe Hobo, Chloe, Bergdorf Goodman, $1465

 Straps Hobo, Nine West, $69.99; Gianni Bini Miranda Hobo Bag, Dillard's, $41.30

All I Want For Christmas: Part 1

Since I live in Phoenix and can only dream about a white Christmas, I figure I could also dream about some over-the-top, designer gifts. So, first up: All I want for Christmas are these lovely boots. (Well, these and world peace.)

 

Prada Slouch Boot, Neiman Marcus, $990

But since my Santa is a bargain chic Santa, I'd be very pleased with these options too:

 Wild Diva Kalisa-29 Boot, Endless.com, $49.95; Gianni Bini Jackpot Boot, Dillard's, $79.99

Winter Bargains

It was Black Friday, and I couldn't resist. I wasn't with the crazy, get up at the crack-of-dawn, groups -- I don't play that game -- but, I did venture out a little later to the nearby outlet mall to do a little post-Thanksgiving retail therapy. The one place I was intent on visiting was the Banana Republic Outlet store. I had been receiving e-mail after e-mail alerting me to some major savings -- 40% off everything in their store, and since I needed to get some fresh, new clothes for the winter months, I figured what better time than now to get them. And, yippity-do-dah, did I find some great deals, and here is the proof in the pudding...

 

Cardigan, Tommy Hilfiger, $29.99; Shift Dress, Banana Republic Outlet, $34.99; Cashmere Sweater, Ann Taylor Factor, $39.99; Shawl-Collar Pullover Sweater, Banana Republic Outlet, $19.99; Beaded Neck Tank, Banana Republic Outlet, $24.99.

Thanks for the Fashions!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and before we all start stuffing ourselves with turkey, cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes, and then fall into a post-dinner food coma, I wanted to take a moment to give a thankful shout out to the bargains -- and not so much bargains -- that I came upon this year.

Converse Shoes

Who knew it would take me 32 years before I realized the cool factor of owning a pair. I can't wait to expand my collection!

Chuck Taylor All Star, $45

Coach Bag

It took me many years to justify spending more than $50 for a purse. I was always adamant about not buying a designer purse just because it was a designer purse. But, I was on vacation, in Vegas, and I ventured into the Coach Outlet store. I gave in to temptation, and oh was I glad I did.

IKEA Bed

My old bed was still in good shape -- in fact, it now resides in one of my parent's spare rooms -- but I wanted a new bed and one that played off the shabby chic look of my bedroom.  And, boy was I lucky to have found the bargain of all bargain beds at IKEA. Now, my room is exactly how I had envisioned it, and I love going to sleep and waking up in it every day!

Jewelry

I've never been much of a jewelry person. I put on an outfit and am never quite sure what jewelry goes with what, if less is more, or if should just say, forgetaboutit! But I am happy to say, I took a leap this year and started buying necklaces, earrings and even a cocktail ring.

 Necklace, World Market; Earring, Stella & Dot, Saveena Flower Ring, Stella & Dot

Fall Finds: Part 2

I had another successful shopping excursion to Anthropologie a few weeks ago. I had been wanting to get this jacket for a few months after doing a post about it and thought it would be a nice treat for myself to get it.

 Terrace House Jacket, $138

Unfortunately, when I tried it on, it just didn't look right on me.  The ruffles sat weirdly on me -- sticking straight out instead of lying more flat like it looks in the photo. But, lucky for me, my mom's eagle eye had picked out another cute jacket I had glossed over because I didn't think it was "right" for me. To appease her, I figured I'd try in on. And, I'm glad I did. It looked great on me and totally had that stylish military theme going on. I can't wait until it gets a bit cooler here in Phoenix so I can start wearing it with some dark wash jeans, trousers or a black pencil skirt (Note to self: get black pencil skirt.)

Thatcher Jacket, $69.95

I also bought a couple other tops that evoked the sailor/sailing trend popular right now. One is a classic navy and white striped t-shirt that was only $10! I actually thought it was going to be more since the price tag showed $19.99, but it was my lucky day when I went to pay and the sales clerk told me it was actually only $9.95. Don't you love moments like that? 

 Striped Boat-neck T-Shirt, $9.95

The other top is another striped one -- a cute yellow and white striped cardigan/sweater with some rope-like detailing on the front. Very chic to wear with just about anything and still appropriate, I think, to wear in this transition months before winter. (I always like to wear color year round.)

Loose Lines Cardi, $29.95

In the end, the total for all three tops were as much as that initial jacket I was dying to have. So, I'd say it was definitely another delightful trip to my all-time favorite store. Yippee!

Military Coats

The military coat is a great fashion statement for Fall. You can dress it up, dress it down, be literal in the design or be more abstract.  However you wear it, you'll get plenty of attention.

 Right Track Jacket, ModCloth, $94.99; Evelyn Military Dress Coat, Delias, $76.50

Asymmetrical twill blazer, Fred Flare, $78; Military Puff Sleeve Jacket, Free People, $128

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah-ah!

I'm thinking that this might just be the perfect Halloween costume for me this year. What about you guys? What is everyone planning to dress up as this year?

Lady Gaga Silver Sequin Dress, Costume Discounters, $44.97

Fall Finds

My previous posts have all been about the new looks for spring, but I'm going to switch gears and return to our current season -- Autumn. This time of year is my favorite. Although in Phoenix, we don't really experience typical fall weather, the nights do start to get cooler and with that comes the anticipation of the holidays and the warmth and comfort that they bring.  Also, it means I can start wearing a whole new set of clothes.

And, with that in mind, I'd like to share with you some lovely looking fall pieces I came across while perusing Anthropologie's online store. The lovely harvest colors of this jacket and dress are so inviting, and I love the whimsy of the jacket's front ruffles and the big tweed bow on the Mad-Men-esque dress.

Terrace House Jacket, $138; Learning Curve Dress, $248 (both from Anthropologie).

NY Fashion Week: Part 4

So, okay, NY Fashion Week has been over for a few weeks now, but I've been busy this week (I know -- excuses, excuses) and didn't have time to write my final post.  But here is my final farewell to NY Fashion Week's Spring 2011 RTW -- two of the most decadent and beautifully crafted gowns I've ever seen.
 

    

 Monique Lhuillier and Carolina Herrara, Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear

NY Fashion Week: Part 3

So, while looking through the hundreds of pictures of different fashion shows, I noticed quite a few attempts at bringing back the MC Hammer pants of the early 90s. Okay, so they aren't really calling them MC Hammer pants -- rather harem pants -- but to me, whenever I see them, all I hear in my head is the song "U Can't Touch This."

Despite the prevalence of MC...ahem...harem pants on the runways, I did come across a few pant looks that I would feel comfortable wearing out in public, without the sudden urge to do the crab dance.  Here are just a couple of the looks I found the most enticing -- slim cropped pants, high-waisted pants, both satiny in bright, bold colors.  Enjoy!

Diane von Furstenberg, Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear

 Monique Lhuillier, Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear

NY Fashion Week: Part 2

Every designer has an arsenal of fabulous dresses in their collection.  It seems that, especially for Spring and Summer lines, dresses are the glue that holds these lines together. Sure, there are plenty of shirt/shorts/pants combos, but the dresses are what make these designer's shows, well, spectacular.

Here are a few samples of dresses that I found rather splendiferous.

Badgley Mischka, Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear

Elie Tahari, Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear

 

Jason Wu, Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear

Oscar de la Renta, Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear

NY Fashion Week: Part 1

New York's Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear Fashion Week has come and gone, and as someone who loves to look at the glitz and glamor of designer duds but who rarely indulges in them, I took a moment this weekend to peruse the multitude of fashion show slide shows on www.style.com.

Of the shows I looked at, a few things became abundantly clear -- the minimalism of the 90s is back, as is sheer tops and dresses, and muted, neutral colors. Another big trend seems to be a resurgence of the 70s look -- bohemian-inspired maxi dresses and loud prints.

There were some standouts in my fashion opinion. Since I tend to gravitate towards more refined, girly and sophisticated looks,  the simpler or more eclectic designers didn't really intrigue me, although the African-inspired prints and intermix of patterns front L.A.M.B were fun. And, I also liked the luminous colors that Marc Jacobs and Carlos Miele used in their designs -- when I think of Spring, I think the rebirth of color, not blah nude, beige and white.

So, here is Part 1 of some of my favorite finds during my scavenger hunt for fashion. Unfortunately, I can't offer any bargain alternatives, since opulent fashion begets economical fashion, and most of these styles won't hit stores for awhile.  I will, however, try in earnest to scour the web for some fabulous bargain chic styles in the weeks to come.  But, in the meantime, enjoy these finds and get ready for the trends to take shape.

L.A.M.B, Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear

Marc Jacobs, Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear

Carlos Miele, 201 Spring Ready-to-Wear 

All photos are from www.style.com.

I'm Too Sexy For This Cold

I'm in the midst of a cold -- a stuffy nose, plugged ears, sore throat and coughing kind of cold. Yeah, one that knocks you off your four-inch heels and keeps you in bed all day long, watching daytime t.v. and filling up on homemade chicken noodle soup.

But, as I drowned in nose spray and Kleenex, I had a thought. I'll do a post on sexy shoes.

Uh, yeah. What?!

I had to laugh at myself. Sexy shoes? That is so far from how I'm feeling right now. In fact, sexy isn't even in my vocabulary -- sick or not. It's one of those words that people say means many things to different people, but to me, it means "not me." I may be cute or feisty, at best, but sexy, nah -- that just isn't me.

But, then again, maybe "sexy" could be me. I mean, what woman wouldn't feel sexy in a pair of leather, zip-up, stiletto boots (yeah, you might not be able to walk in them, but damn, you'll look good trying!), or in a sophisticated peep-toe pump a la Joan from Mad Men -- she oozes sexiness without even trying. Maybe being sexy is as simple as feeling sexy in whatever you're wearing.

Wow, was that an epiphany or just the realization that, duh, sexiness is relative?

Well, whatever the case may be, here are the inspiration shoes that helped me reach that rather obvious epiphany. Hopefully they can inspire you to find your own sexiness.

Designer Look

Ruched Mid-Calf Zip Boot, Giuseppe Zanotti, $995; Scalloped Patent Pump, Miu Miu, $650.

Bargain Look

 Kechi Mid-Calf Side-Zip Boot, Report, $123.45; Black & Cream Flower Toe Platform Pump, Plasticland, $49

Emmy Inspirations

I'd say the most enjoyable part of award shows is before the event even begins -- the red carpet extravaganza of fashion and beauty. I love seeing all the glitter, glitz and glamor, but what I love even more is being a fashion critic as I thumbs up or thumbs down each gown that passes by the cameras. And at this year's Emmy's, the critic was in full effect.  For the most part, I'd say a majority of the gowns were rather prosaic -- boring and kind of dull. But, in the midst of those ho-hum gowns, I did see a few that had me sitting up and taking notice.

It seems the popular ruffle trend is still going strong, and one gown in particular took that trend to a whole new level of sophistication. Lea Michele of Glee wore a stunning navy blue gown that epitomizes the meaning of gown -- it was extravagant, luxurious and whimsical. Another gown that took my breath away was Modern Family's Sophia Vergara's. The yellow and gold sequins gown was reminiscent of old Hollywood, but with a nicely shaped modern flair. And, finally, there was the sexy and stunning cocktail dress worn by Heidi Klum. I don't think anyone but Heidi Klum could pull that dress off -- that is, unless you have legs up to your ears and a vivacious personality to match.

Since most of us ordinary people will probably never get to wear gowns like these, let alone attend an award show, I thought it would be fun to find outfits inspired by these gowns. I didn't want to just find dresses that were similar, but take the style or trend of the gown and find comparable looks that exude the same essence.

So, with that... here are my Emmy inspirations:

 Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta. Anthropologie, Ellsworth Blouse, $118; JCrew, Super 120s Durham pant, $135.

Sophia Vergara in Carolina Herrera. Nordstrom, Filtre Matte Sequin Tank, $31.90; Spiegel, Distressed Leather Pencil Skirt, $99.

Heidi Klum in Marchesa. ModCloth, The Dress I've Been Telling You About (currently out of stock), $69.99.

Going to the Chapel...Someday

Have you seen the show "Say Yes to the Dress?" If you haven't, I'll catch you up to speed. The show takes place at the renowned Kleinfeld in Manhattan and follows the ups and downs of brides-to-be searching for their perfect wedding dress. It's one of my guilty pleasures. I get such a kick out of some of these women who spend thousands of dollars on a dress they will wear for a few hours. They've dreamt about their wedding since they were little girls playing dress up, and now that big day has come and they must find that ONE dress that makes them feel like a princesses. Uh.... okay... barf.  Whew... it took me a whole five sentences before I showed my jaded, unromantic side. I lasted longer than I had expected.  

Okay, okay... I'm being rather insensitive. I mean, I do watch the show, and, I'll admit it, I do think about what kind of wedding dress I'd want, where I'd like to get married.... oh, yeah, and the man of my dreams... who, at this point, is no where to be found. Which, by the way, is kind of an essential part of getting married.  But, then again, that shouldn't stop a girl from dreaming.... right?!

So, as I cringe and look wistful at the same time (that's a hard look to pull off), dreaming of that perfect wedding, I present to you my slightly unromantic, romantic dress choices.  And because I've never had a complete picture of what I'd wear on my wedding day, where I'd wear it or whom I'd wear it for, I'm all over the board on what style I like. The one thing I do know is that I enjoy unfussy, classic looks, with a twist of something unique and a little unexpected. And, depending on the locale -- either my church, an intimate "Old Mexican" chapel in Sedona, or eloping (and for my future, unknown fiance's sake, there is likely many other potential locations, but I've decided at this moment to narrow it down to places I've actually thought about in my absurd fantasizing mind), each of these dresses would fit nicely into said locations.

P.S.: These are very un-bargain-like wedding dresses, with the exception of the cocktail dress. But since you only get married once (fingers-crossed), this definitely is one item you should splurge on!

Traditional Church Look

  Priscilla of Boston, $4500-$5000

Old Word, Romantic Chapel Look

Melissa Sweet, Ambrose, Priscilla of Boston, $4500-$5000

Forget the Wedding, Let's Elope Look

Ellana Couture, Eliza, Etsy.com, $450

August Deals

Maybe it's because it's summertime and I wanted to update my closet, or perhaps it's because I'm on vacation and have more time on my hands to shop. Whatever the reason, I've been on a bit of a shopping spree these last few weeks. Of course, my shopping sprees always involve sales -- I rarely pay full price for anything -- and I am always on the quest for the next best deal.  And, I'm happy to say that I think I found some pretty great deals.

(Clockwise) Anthropologie, Brass Band Tank, $29.95; Anthropologie, Gurgling Ripples Cowlneck, $39.95; Banana Republic, White Cotton Tube Top, $14.99.

Anthropologie, Gossamer Waves Dress, $49.95

Piperlime, Rocket Dog Endear, $34.99; Bandolino Fayette, $19.99