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Archive for January, 2008

The skinny on stripes and lines: the basics

how to look skinny in stripesMy mom recently asked me why so many clothes have horizontal stripes and not vertical ones, since supposedly the former has a widening effect and the latter is slimming.

After all, all the fashion magazines and style shows keep repeating the same mantra, “Create vertical lines.”

Well, here’s the answer and how you can make it work for you.

Click here to continue »

Lavender argyle rain boots, $19.99

detaillavender argyle rain bootsEver feel like the climate where you live keeps you from wearing what you want?

My current obsession with rain boots started in September with these floral rain boots, but I figured that I wouldn’t have much use for them living here in the sunshine state. Last month, I wanted to move to Seattle when I saw these cheery daisy boots. And just last week, my resistance was almost cracked by these super sassy cherry rain boots.

Well, I finally caved — and here is the pair that did me in with lavender argyle.

So, I’m hoping for lots of rain next week because I’ll be wearing these regardless.

Sizes 6-10 are still available; ships to the U.S. and APO/FPO addresses.

Love it? Click here to buy it now.

Spaghetti strap dress with braided bodice, $34.50

detailbraided bodice dressDresses like this are why I’m in love with the green trend. It’s a shade that looks gorgeous, whatever your skin tone.

The dress itself is feminine, flirty, and a touch whimsical with that lovely braided bodice. It’s the perfect spring party dress and it’s just $34.50.

Still looking for an L.B.D.? You’re in luck; this dress is also available in black.

Sizes XS-XL available; ships worldwide.

Love it? Click here to buy it now.

Wool peacoat in four colors, $69.50 - $84.50

grey wool peacoatred wool peacoatLike the trench coat, the peacoat was originally worn by men in the military but now more likely to be worn by us women who appreciate it for its clean lines. Fortunately, guys don’t seem to mind.

This wool peacoat from dEliA*s is a lovely example of a peacoat that is classic but feminine, since it’s designed to flatter our curvier figures.

It’s an easy choice when you want a practical but stylish coat. The hardest part is choosing which color to get. Both the black and charcoal grey are great if you want a neutral coat. However, I’m in love with the emerald green since it’s harder to find green outerwear and that’s a fantastic shade that’s bright and cheery. Of course, the crimson red is also a lovely choice.

Originally $88.50, this peacoat is now on sale for $69.50. If you need protection from the cold, there’s also this version with Thinsulate® lining for $84.50, down from $104.50.

Sizes XS to 2X available; ships worldwide.

Love it? Click here to buy it now.

Blue suede boots, $44

detailblue suede bootsEver notice how some women can make casual look effortlessly stylish? The key is to put as much thought into casual purchases as you would when shopping for formal wear.

For example, jeans and sneakers might go together like cheese and macaroni, but that doesn’t mean that sneakers are the only casual option. Tuck those skinny jeans into these blue suede boots for a fun look that’s just as comfy.

And if you’re not as crazy about the blue as I am, they are also available in black. Or get them in both colors since they’re just $44, down from $59.

Sizes 6-11 available; ships worldwide.

Love it? Click here to buy it now.

Little black dresses, $15.99 - $100.12

While I hesitate to call any piece of clothing a “must have”, the little black dress is iconic for a reason. It’s slimming, powerful, and easily accessorized — not to mention sexy. It always amazes me, though, how designers can take something so simple and do so much with details.

Here are five bargain LBDs to illustrate that point.

detaillittle black dressFor starters, here’s a simple ponte dress from Barrie Pace. The simple design, modest neckline, and knit material make it office appropriate, but grab a clutch, put on some stilettos and you’re set for the evening. It’s now $89, down from $118, and available in sizes 4-14.

detailcalvin klein black velvet dressThis beaded, velvet cocktail dress from Calvin Klein is also simple in design, but the velvet and beading add a bit more glamor. And the straighter neckline gives the illusion of wider shoulders. Originally $178, it’s not only $100.12 and available in sizes 2-14.

detailkenneth cole black ponte keyhole dressKenneth Cole played up the little black dress even more with this beaded ponte keyhole dress. It’s just $72.56, down from $129, and available in sizes X-small to large.

detailisaac mizrahi black swiss dot cotton dressThis black Swiss-dot cotton dress from Isaac Mizrahi is a fun twist on a party favorite. The A-line skirt is great whether you want to create or conceal curves. Plus, it’s now on clearance for just $15.99! It’s available in sizes 2-18.

detailnine west bead-trimmed dressFinally, there’s this bead-trimmed sleeveless dress from Nine West. It’s not just sexy, it’s over 75% off the original price of $139 — now just $31.27! Sizes 2-10 are available.

With trends coming and going, it’s nice to still have plenty of LBDs to choose from when you want something easy to wear year after year. I’m curious, though, which of the above dresses do you like the most?

Rampage fuchsia sateen trench coat, $31.50

detailsateen trench coatLook at this fabulous sateen trench coat that I found at Macy’s! Since the store didn’t have my size, I went searching for it online and voilà, here it is. Now that mine is on the way, I don’t mind sharing my discovery.

The jacket really speaks for itself and it’s just as gorgeous in real life. When I showed it to my friend in the store, several people asked me where they could find it! And in case you’re wondering, that fuchsia even looked great with my picky complexion.

It’s on sale for $31.50 and by the looks of the local inventory, they’re flying of the hangers. And no wonder — it’s a great piece at an unbelievable price.

Sizes S-L are currently available. It ships to the U.S. and APO/FPO addresses.

Love it? Click here to buy it now.

Smart reads for smart women

lazy sundaySome of the best recent reads from around the web.

Lazy Sunday?
You’re taking the day off work, but you don’t have to take the day off style. The WhoWhatWear ladies workshop some comfortable yet chic weekend looks.

Women in Power: finding balance in the wardrobe
The Wall Street Journal asks if the intense scrutiny of women leaders’ style reflects our difficulty in coming to terms with women in positions of real authority.

The rise of the non-label and ‘quiet luxury’
Welcome news from Fashion Tribes (via All About Appearances): the uninspired trend of flaunting brands may have peaked. Trends forecasters signal logo fatigue and an appreciation of quality over quantity will be the natural reaction to the current global malaise.

Dress your age, not your shoe size
Wardrobe Oxygen’s pointers on how to add youth to a conservative wardrobe and how to make a whimsical wardrobe age-appropriate.

It’s fashion season again
Yet we don’t care, and nor should you: find out why.

Happy weekend, everyone!

Kenneth Cole velvet hoop heels, $139.99

toe detailkenneth cole black velvet heelsAs much as I love colorful shoes, I have about half a dozen pairs of black heels. Why? Because it’s hard to go wrong with black and yet each pair adds something a bit different to an outfit.

Take these gorgeous heels from Kenneth Cole, for example. The delicate ankle strap, slim heel, and black velvet are all pretty feminine details that make it a great pair to soften the look of power suit or to complement a flirty dress.

Compare them to these recently featured peep-toe pumps which take feminine to whole other level with pom-pom flowers. They’re still perfect to wear with that flirty dress, but might not work as well with the power suit.

Both are both available and still on sale. The Kenneth Cole heels are now $139.99, down from $195 — and they ship worldwide. Sizes 5.5-10 are available.

Love it? Click here to buy it now.

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