Look For Less: Special Shopbop Feature

I nearly jumped for joy at my desk yesterday when this email arrived in my inbox-

Woohoo!! It's time for the semi-annual Shopbop sale! Hopefully you've gotten your tax return back because right now is a great time to stock up on your spring wish list at a discout. Enter the code SPRINGEVENT at checkout to see how much you can save. I've already got a cart ready to pull the trigger on. Who am I kidding? I keep a cart rolling at Shopbop just in case it rains dollar bills one day.

Here are a few pieces on my wish list...

Rag & Bone floral tee/ Rag & Bone jean pants/ Tibi hot pink top/ Three Dots cardigan/ Madewell striped dress

What about you? Are there any must-haves you plan to snatch up this week? Don't wait because the sale ends Thursday!

Mixing Media

Jimmy Choo

via FabSugar

Tory Burch necklace via Moda Operandi

As more spring pieces gradually make their debut, you'll notice pompoms, tassels, fringe and beads adding interest to the simplest pieces. Ornate extras have been popping up from the usual suspects, such as boho-chic Mara Hoffman and Roberta Freymann, but even classic prepsters like Tory Burch have gotten on board. The new spin- global influence on perfectly tailored pieces. The result- anything but hippie and all about chic.  

1. Tory Burch Heels 2. Tory Burch Necklace 3. Topshop Fringe Jacket 4. Rebecca Minkoff Flats 5. Tory Burch Clutch

The key to wearing these pieces without looking like a crazy person? Keep the rest of your look simple. That means embracing solids, combining intricate details with basics or, if you must wear a pattern, keeping the color scheme similar to the ornate piece.

Do these pieces excite you or scare you? Don't be surprised if you run into me wearing that fringey number sometime soon... 

Red Carpet Round-Up: And The Oscar Goes To...

Let me clarify. The award I'm giving out is for Best Style on the Oscars Red Carpet. Isn't that why 90% of us watch any awards show anyway?? So many actresses looked so beautiful last night but these ladies were stun-NING.

via FabSugar

Jessica Chastain wowed on the Red Carpet. Her bronzy Armani Prive gown suited her figure and skin tone beautifully yet was an unexpected color for the Oscars Red Carpet. It reminded me just the slightest bit of Anne Hathaway's Louis Vuitton at the Golden Globes in 2011 but in the very best way. Aside from wearing a gorgeous dress, Jessica's hair was flawless, make-up perfection and accessories the perfect accent. My fellow redhead NAILED it and appeared so effortless along the way. By the way, can someone get me the name of her trainer??

via FabSugar

Had Jessica not been there in all her glamorous glory, then Charlize Theron would have stolen my whole heart. Her white hot Dior Haute Couture gown, including peplum and train, looked flawless on her. Had she NOT had a pixie cut I don't know that this dress would have made as much of an impact. But as it is, she looked gorgeous. The lines of this dress, the tailoring and the subtle beading equaled absolute perfection. And dare I say it reminded me of another gorgeous white Tom Ford number from last year...

Also wrapped in white sassiness was Zoe Saldana. Her choice was just as unexpected and interesting as Charlize's but in a very different way. Every angle of this dress had some fabulous detail and it felt like a breath of fresh air. I also cannot stop staring at that layer upon layer of ombre chiffon at the hemline. Are there a few things I would have changed? Yes...the belt, the bow, the shoe...but the remaining fabulosity trumps those negatives.

via FabSugar

From white hot to red hot- usually I am underwhelmed by red on the Red Carpet. However, nominee Sally Field STUNNED in sheer Valentino layers. The woman is royalty and last night, she looked like a queen. Her train, sleeves and gathering at the waist flattered her figure without overwhelming her. Bravo, Mrs. Lincoln!

via Huffington Post

In another red moment, Kerry Washington wore a Miu Miu stunner. Her beaded bodice was so interesting and the coral colored skirt was beautiful against her skin. I wish her hair had been as fab as her dress. Had that been the case, she may have been my best dressed. But, still, she looked extremely glamorous.

via FabSugar

From just a beaded bodice to a beaded body, Stacy Kiebler's Naeem Khan dress offered the perfect mix of edgy sex appeal and classy coverage. Usually I'm not a Kiebler fan but I can't help but love this dress to pieces. Its cut, color, pattern of the beads and band at the waist make it a winner. It doesn't hurt that the adorable Brad Goreski styled her either but we do need to talk about that hair some other time...woof.

via Just Jared

One actress who did get full-body beading right from head to toe was Naomi Watts. The lady has never looked better! Her vibe was futuristic fab and yet still timeless. The Armani Prive gown fit her beautifully. Some people are on the fence about the asymmetrical top but I think it is perfection.

via FabSugar

Finally, we can't forget the fabulous Jennifer Hudson. Her Roberto Cavalli gown made her look even more like a goddess. I love the pattern of the sequins (reminiscent of my favorite ever 3.1 Phillip Lim collection) against the ever so subtle sheer panel along the sweetheart neckline. The dress did have a large slit up the front, which I could have done without- too Angie's right leg, but she looked absolutely amazing. 

via Getty

Last night's Red Carpet offered so many amazing moments and even more gorgeous actors. In the trend watch department, it's safe to say that interesting textures, such as sheer layers or beaded silk, have replaced big busy patterns. (Now do you understand why you hated Lucy Liu's dress from the Globes?) I also noticed the ABSENCE of cleavage. Girls are covering up their girls these days and it makes their looks all about being beautiful rather than being sexy.

These women really stood out in my mind. What about you? Who were your favorites?

Wednesday's Look For Less: Bowties and Butterflies

Top o' the Hump Day to you! A three-day weekend sure can make a week fly by. I hope you were lucky enough to enjoy a chill Monday. Mine was spent rearranging my guest bedroom and cleaning house only to be followed by a hurt lower back the next day. OUCH! So my apologies to you for the lack of post yesterday. My schedule got thrown when my back got thrown. 

Nevertheless, it's Look For Less day! As we transition into spring in the next few weeks, a chic, versatile blouse will become one of your staple items. Last year was all about the chambray and if you're still loving it, that's okay. But if you want to add a dose of pattern or layer your chambray with another cool collar, then you can't go wrong with either of these two tops. As always, it's all about how much you want to spend...

I'm slightly obsessed with both of these and you may recognize one or both already. Let's pretend you don't though. The top on the right is a fun find from J. Crew and $150. On your left is Kate Spade's bowtie Isadora blouse for $278. While neither top is CHEAP, investing in a smart blouse that will transition with you from season to season is never a bad idea. For now, layer it with another top or sweater. When the weather warms, roll up your sleeves and tuck it in to a pair of chic shorts. For everyday, take a cue from J. Crew by buttoning your top button and layer a bright bauble beneath the collar. Buying a top like this will always be money well spent. The question is...do you want bowties or butterflies? 

Be Mine.

Be good to yourself and the ones you love today!

Wednesday's Look For Less: Leather Skirts

If you've learned nothing about fashion in the last two years, then learn this lesson today: Leather has officially become a season-less fabric. Don't save your leather coat for a freezing cold day. Rock it with a tank and shorts on a warm spring evening. And don't forget that designers cut leather in the most unexpected ways now. Perforated leather tee shirt?? Yes, please!

If you like leather but fear the rocker-inspired edgy pieces, then an a-line leather skirt could be just the classic your wardrobe needs. Leather used to be a luxurious splurge but with the advancements in faux leathers (we refuse to use the p-word, "pleather"), the fake stuff looks just as good as the real and costs so much less!

With that being said, can you tell which of the two skirts above costs less? The skirt on the left is a Marc by Marc Jacobs piece on SALE for $300. Yeah, that's the sale price. Yikes. The item on the right from Tinley Road rings up at just under $80. And guess what- it's FAUX. Looks pretty darn real to me! Is it worth it to you to save $200 and fake it?

I hope you've been enjoying your weekly indulgence into the frivolous yet frugal side of fashion. My goal is always to bring you luxurious looking options for a fraction of the cost. Or, if you have a huge shopping budget, then I hope to offer you some quality pieces that give you the most bang for your buck! Should you have any specific requests, don't forget to let me know. 

Until next week...

Mix Master

Thakoon Addition

Alexander Wang

Kelly Wearstler

Lela Rose

3.1 Phillip Lim

Fashion Week is well underway in NYC and it's time to examine Fall 2013. While I haven't had tons of time to review all my favorite designers, I did take a quick peek at a few last night. What can you expect for next fall- moody hues, dark romance and tons of texture. Fall 2013 is less about mixing pattern and more about mixing textures. Pair leather with cashmere, satin with tweed or suede with marabou. Anything goes as long as you stay in a neutral color palette or attack the look with a tone-on-tone approach.

As you can see from the images above, there's not a whole lot of color to be found. After the J.Crew presentation this morning, I expect that void to be filled. (Can't wait to watch it unfold over Instagram!)

Stay tuned for more images and commentary. It's the most wonderful time of the year!

all images via Style.com

Wednesday's Look For Less: Espadrille Sneakers

In an effort to tie together Super Bowl Style and a spring wish list, I present you with the fashionable yet functional espadrille sneaker- at two very different prices. I'm dying to get my tootsies in these shoes. Either pair works for me! They are a great casual and comfortable option with all the functionality of your sweaty Asics and all the fashion of a ballet flat or wedge.

 Can you tell which is the budget buy and which you'll shell out for? The pair on the left is the less expensive option for $69 by Lucky Brand. I'm in love with those stripes not to mention the espadrille sole. How cheerful would they be with a pair of jean shorts and a simple tee? The pair on the right are Loeffler Randall gems for $195. (If you read Monday's Currently Coveting post, then you already knew that.) But I love the graphic rafia and the intricate weaving. I would wear these with a moody floral print in a hot minute.

***BONUS ALERT***
The Lucky Brand shoes are currently 15% off at Macy's with the code TICKET. If you worry about yellow showing dirt, then never fear- they come in two other colorways. With 15% off, you could get ALL THREE colors for less than one pair of LR's. Just sayin'...

Tap into your inner French Riviera dweller and go for espadrille sneakers this spring and summer. With all of these different options, you can't go wrong!

Inspired By Natural Curiosities

Does nature inspire you when you decorate? I think it is the single most consistent influence on me when it comes to choosing accessories and artwork in my home. Accents derived from nature are timeless, classic and beautiful. I never grow tired of them and love the reminder of the outdoors when I'm inside.

via Elle Decor

via Outer Banks Trading Group

via Kreyv

Cabinet of Natural Curiosities/ Pyrite trinket box/ Jellyfish paperweight/ Anemone sconce/ Natural Curiosities "Lavender" print/ Shell pillows

I'm dying for those pillows! If you get them, please break the news to me gently. 

Currently Coveting

I can't get these pieces out of my mind! February is an interesting time in the fashion world- New York Fashion Week is later this month (get excited!!), Spring arrivals are starting to roll out but it's too cold to enjoy most of them until March or April. Between the new J. Crew catalog, Marissa Webb (former J. Crew head designer) selling her first collection and Loeffler Randall's new arrivals, the next two or three months have me pinching my pennies for these! 

Marissa Webb Dress/ Rag & Bone Jeans/ Celine Sunglasses/ J.Crew Top/ J.Crew shorts/ J.Crew Tweed Tee/ Loeffler Randall Shoes/ Thakoon Addition Top/ Rag & Bone Booties

When you add the cost of these wishes up, the tally is way out of my comfort zone. However, stay tuned for some Looks for Less later this week. That's what I love about fashion today- high fashion trends get reinterpreted into mass produced stores if you wait a hot minute. 

Do you have a spring wish list going yet? 

Super Bowl Style

Sunday marks yet another Super Bowl- Ravens vs. 49ers...or something. Honestly, I'm not much of a pro football gal but when you have a beau who is hooked, you know the game is going to be on. The Super Bowl does have me excited for Beyonce's halftime show, though, and inspired me to check into spring's new sporty styles.

Normally, I'm not particularly drawn to activewear inspired gear but these pieces look so comfy and are still cute. How fun to dress up a baseball tee with a flippy floral skirt! Or how decadent would it feel to laze around in Stella McCartney? (So what if it's Adidas by Stella McCartney!) Varsity jackets are all the rage and sweatshirts are coming back with a vengeance. If there was ever a time to be chic and cozy, it's now!

via Atlantic-Pacific

via Tumblr

Old Navy Sweatshirt/ Tibi Mesh Top/ Converse Sneakers/ Adidas by Stella McCartney Pants/ American Apparel tee

While the outcome of the game might not affect you, this spring's sportswear trend might. Fashion, meet function. You two are going to get along beautifully...at least for now.