Anchors Away: Red, White & Blue

July 4 - the day we (in the U.S.) celebrate our country's independence with fireworks, backyard barbecues, lemonade, and of course, draping ourselves in everything red, white and blue.

But hold up just one minute.  Do you want to avoid looking like a walking American-flag this holiday?  Whether you're going to spend your holiday eating hamburgers at your neighborhood bash, or your hitting a swanky soiree, I've got a few looks that can take your Red Overload to Ready to Party.

Take a little inspiration from the sailor-style.  The nautical theme is one the never really goes out of style, as long as you keep to moderation.

If you're not sure what kind of party attire your invite requires, try out one of these two looks.  The first one's t-shirt style dress can transition easily from casual to a little dressier.  Pair it with a sailor-style knotted belt and a pair of striped red wedges for that yacht-club look.  With such a bold belt, skip the necklace, and take a little inspiration from Gossip Girl's Queen of the Power Headband:  Top off the look with a sleek little leather-look headband in red.  Patriotic and adorable. 

Navy t-shirt dress, $26

Red Bow Headband, $12.99

Knotted Rope Belt

Red & White Striped Wedge, $21.80

The second style steps out of the yacht club and into the city.  I love the braided look of this one-shoulder shirt.  And again, you don't want to take away from this neckline with a necklace (keep earrings small if you opt for them).  This time, I hit up Etsy for some hand-made headbands.  You can find a plethora for less than $15.  I splurged a little with this silver one for $35, though.  Wear this look with light-denim skinny jeans as pictured on the model. Check your local Old Navy for sales on denim.  They run them about once-a-month or more.  Fiery-red pumps and clear-frame sunglasses complete the style.

Knotted-shoulder Assymetrical Tunic in Navy, $28

(Splurge of the Day) Handmade Knotted Rope Headband, $35

Peep-Toe Pumps w/Buckle, $17.99
(Deal of the Day) Clear-frame Sunglasses, $8

Just remember this 4th of July -- avoid both fireworks and fashion disasters.  Moderation!

-BF

Swim 2010 - Animal Instincts & Pretty in Print

If last week's beach looks weren't quite your thing, I've got a few more styles to check out this week.  We're going bold with animal prints, and feminine with florals and paisleys. 

I don't know if it's because it's primal, but animal prints radiate sex appeal.  So it's the perfect pattern for a bikini.  I like these wireless push-up tops because they give a decent amount of coverage, which also adds a little extra space to distinguish the print on your swimsuit.  Add a little color to these monochrome palettes with a a bright sandal or floppy hat.  These straw hats keep to the sort-of safari feel, and the split-sleeve cover-up dress has its own wild-jungle appeal.

Animal Instincts

From Left to Right:
Zebra Stripe Bikini:  Push-up Halter, $29 / Side-tie Brief, $20
White Braided Sandal, $14.50
Paper Straw Floppy Hats in Pink or Black (orange not pictured), $24
Dolman-Sleeve Dress Cover-up, Reg. $29 / Sale $19
Scrunch-Detailed Orange Sandal, $13.50
Leopard Print Bikini: 
Push-up Halter, Sale $28.50
Solid color bottom with Matching Print Belt, Sale $21.50

If you're brave and are blessed with a great beach body, check out this super-sexy leopard print monokini.

Not a fan of animal print, but want something more exciting than solid-color swimwear?  Go girly with these feminine prints.  From paisley to floral, there's plenty to choose from, and in plenty of cuts (despite my all-bikini line up shown below).  I normally suggest keeping things simple when using prints -- let your other accessories be less bold.  However, since your swimsuit's going to be hidden underneath your coverup anyway, keep showing off your bright personality with a brightly patterned maxi-dress.  Keep the color going with a bright wedge.  I really love these because they have just a cutout of pattern that blends well with most swimsuits prints, and the basket-weave heel is oh-so-summery.

Pretty in Print

From Left to Right:

Paisley Bikini: 

Top, Reg. $20 / Clearance $11.99

Side-tie Brief, Reg. $19 / Clearance $10.99

Retro-Inspired, Coral Medallion Bikini, Bandeau Top $32 / Bottom (various styles) $24-$32

(Tankini-top also available)

Multi-color Maxi-Dress (various colors available), $19.99

Slingback Wedge with Basket Weave Platform, $19.30

(Deal of the Day) Blue Floral Bikini:

Push-up Halter, Reg. $38.50  / Clearance $12.99

Belted Brief, Reg $30 / Clearance $10.99

If you're a fan of my facebook page, you've already seen this treat.  (If not, find me here.)  Today's sea-themed jewelry find is this charming little crustacean necklace for only $12.99.  There's also a lobster one.

And finally, the one thing every fashionista needs to be swim ready:  a great sunscreen.  My personal favorites are Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock for the body and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer-Dry Touch Sunblock Lotion for the face.  They both are super-lightweight and don't leave you feeling sticky or greasy.  All that and they're waterproof.  You can find them at pretty much any drugstore or supermarket.

What swim style will you be rocking this summer?

Swim 2010 - Sweet as Pie & Summer Glam

Have you been daydreaming about relaxing on a beach with a daiquiri in hand, soaking up the summer sun and the salt water?  Or do you want to play poolside or spend the day staring at the crystal waters from aboard a yacht?  No matter how you get your hot weather fix, I'm digging up the swim styles to get you ready.  It's Swim 2010!

The first look is the perfect mix of cute and retro.  You can go with the classic bandeau-style top or the more modern monokini.  It's adorable paired with the pair of brightly-framed sunglasses.  And check out these shades more closely.  They have a tiny cherry print on them!  The yellow wedges blend perfectly in this sweet retro look.  Throw on this loosely fitting dolman-sleeve coverup that's so spot on for this look, even the name of the shade has a food reference: "Orange Spice."

Sweet as Pie

 

Clockwise from Left:

Pear Bandeau Bikini Top (yellow or orange), $19.99  / Matching Brief, $19.99

Cherry Print Sunglasses, $11.99

(Deal of the Day) Pear Print Monokini (yellow or orange), $21.80

Patent Yellow Peep-Toe Wedge, $20.50

Dolman Sleeve Cover-up Top, Reg $29 / Sale $19 (Special: Buy 2 or more coverups, save $4 each)

If you want something a little less cute, and a little sexier, check out this glam look. Big Bonus:  these suits are part of the ShapeFX line, meaning they are FIGURE FLATTERING and help HIDE THOSE TROUBLE SPOTS.  Oh yeah, I thought that was worthy of all caps.  Yet the thing I love most about them, is that they still don't lose their sex appeal.  Check out the corset-style sides and hot pink color (also available in black) of the one-piece. You'd never guess that has a "power-mesh" lining to help hide those few extra pounds.  The cut of that bikini gives you more coverage than many of the season's styles, plus it features the same "power-mesh" lining to flatter your hips and bum.  That's never a bad thing.

With such a sleek look to these suits, add a little bling to your look with some show-off sandals.  I love the ones with the zipper-detail (they're already packed in my suitcase!).   And of course you need a pair of shades that can keep up.  These silver-framed, purple-lensed pair are hard to beat at less than $12.

Summer Glam

 

Clockwise from Top Left: 

Purple-tinted Sunglasses, $11.99

(Splurge) Shape fx one-piece with lace-up side, Pre-season sale $39 / Will be $59

Shape fx flattering traingle bikini, Reg$49 / Sale $29

Gold & Rhinestone flip-flop, $14

Flat Sandal with Zipper Detail (gold, black, or silver). $15.40

If you want more figure flattering looks, check out the ShapeFX line at Newport News...just pick them up while they're still on pre-season sale. 

Finally, take a look at this awesome and unusual Octopus Necklace over at Modcloth!  Only $14.99.

So, what's your swim style? And stay tuned, there's plenty more of Swim 2010 to come!

--  <3 BF

***Today's Coupon Codes:
Urbanog.com:  15% off order w/code RETAILMENOT, or Free Shipping over $50 with code FREESHIP
Gojane.com: Free Shipping over $50 with code GJSHIP50
ModCloth.com: 10% off order with codes Cute10 or modfriend (not positive these still work)

Create Your Own Fashion Inspiration

Remember those little paper-doll books you could buy when you were little.  They had the little tabs on the side and you could mix and match outfit pieces to stick on a posed paper model.  Now there's a digital version - perfect for grown ups (they have kids styles too, though -- and even guys clothes).  And you can search for everything from under 25 to costly couture that you only dream of purchasing.  It's called ShopStyle ...and a word or warning:  it's addictive.

It's easy to figure out.  You can search for different pieces of your outfit: dresses, tops, denim, jewelry, shoes, even hair accessories and makeup...plus many more.  You can even narrow it down by price, color, designer, etc.  It's a large collection with many, many different designers.  When you find something you like, hover your cursor over it and the menu will pop up.  Favorite it by clicking the heart.  That will put it in your stylebook.  Then you just click on "Create a Look" and simply drag your items to the blank canvas.  When you're done, you can save it, title it, and share it with the rest of ShopStyle, Facebook, Twitter, or wherever.

The best part, if other people like your look, they don't have to search all over the place for it.  All you have to do is click on the elements you want, and ShopStyle redirects you to whatever online store has it.

These are a few of the looks I put together today, and nothing in them is over $25! 



So head on over and make sure to add your looks to the Bargain Fashionistas group!  I can't wait to see what you all create.


Are you addicted yet?

On the Runway: Karl Lagerfeld

NY Fashion Week just wrapped up recently, with the hottest models strutting the Fall 2010 collections down the runway.  So in honor of that, I backtracked a little to take a peek at some of the hottest trends for Spring.  One of my faves - Karl Lagerfeld's collection.  It's fairly simple with a lot of black and white, plus a pop of orange-red thrown in there. 

Okay, so I wouldn't exactly try to pull off those giant off-the-shoulder sleeves or what I believe is a basically a romper in the center - because, well, I'd look ridiculous.  So how do you to translate those styles to a real closet and a real budget?  Here's a few suggestions: 

 Top Left:  Short-Sleeve Tee with Cut-Out Sleeves in Black, $34.00

Bottom Left: Wide-Elastic Belt w/Metallic Buckle, $4.99

Right: (Deal of the Day) V-Neck Silk Tank Dress in Red, $22.10**

And a few more: 

 Left:  (Splurge) Button-Front Dress w/Elasticized Waistband and Keyhole Back, $79

Center:  Pleated-Stud Zipper Belt, $4.99

Right:  Button-Front Woven Collared-Dress in Gray, $37

Some cute looks and good deals!  But oh, the shoe addict in me couldn't ignore the heals that accompanied Mr. Lagerfeld's styles.  Have a closer look: 

The look for less:

 

 Left:  Peep-Toe, High-Heeled Gladiator Sandal in Black (also available in Taupe & White), $22.20**

Center:  Open-Toe, High-Heeled Studded Sandal in Black (also in Gray or Cream), $29.90**

Right:  Buckle-Trip Peep-Toe Bootie in White, $28.40

Hot!  I'm not the biggest fan of flat-sandals in general, but I can't walk around in platform heels all the time, either.  So here's your flats: 

  Black Vegan Leather Sandal, $15

I've also got a few Bonus Savers for you: 

**Get 20% off your order at UrbanOg.com with coupon code SPRING, or get free shipping with code FREESHIP

Free Shipping off any Go Jane Purchase over $50 -- GJSHIP50

Get $5 coupon code from Lulus.com when you sign up for their e-mail list.

What do you think of these Karl Lagerfeld-inspired looks?  Have you found any other runway-inspired looks for less?

<3 BF

Spy Games

(Note: Today features several splurges -- but the deal of the day is worth it!)
The trench coat - it's a classy silhouette with a twist of mystery and sex appeal.  And that's why it's a staple for any female spy.  Just ask Amy Adams:

And lucky for you, there's a great deal on an amazing GUESS trench at TJ Maxx.  This is a splurge, but it's a staple piece, and it's quality.

 

Splurge:  GUESS Belted Black Trenchcoat with White Stitching, Retail apprx. $140, TJ Maxx $69.95 (also available in red!)

And did you notice the handbag?  Of course you did.  It's the perfect size for storing all your spy-gear:  lipstick cameras, pen mics, thermal binoculars, etc. 

Splurge: GUESS black handbag, Retail over $100, TJ Maxx $49.95

Warning:  This purse is hot, but it is not made to repel buildings (ala Angelina Jolie in Mr. & Mrs. Smith).  At least, I haven't found that function yet.

No lady-spy can be without a kick-a** pair of stilettos.  These BCBGeneration ones are killer (and I think that could be literal with such a sharp heel).  I'm normally not a fan of the elastic look, but once on, these shoes are nearly impossible to pass up.  And they're surprisingly comfortable!  Try them on for yourself and see if I'm wrong.

BCBGeneration Candela Stilettos in Black, Retail $75, TJ Maxx $39.95

And finally, you need a great pair of shades to hide your intentions from prying eyes.  With all that black, let's throw a little color in the wardrobe.  How about these from Oscar de la Renta?  And by the way, check out that pricetag!  I didn't even have to buy them from some sketchy sunglasses dealer on the streets of NYC.

Deal of the Day: O by Oscar de la Renta Sunglasses, TJ Maxx $10

Now the only thing you need to complete the look is one of these (and no, I'm not talking about the gun):

Summer Lovin'

I don't know about you, but all this winter weather has made me long for some sandals and summer dress temperatures.   And luckily, TJ Maxx has some deals to start stocking up.

This is my favorite buy of the day.  It's a Calvin Klein dress for half price!  This is really one of those you have to try it on to love it dresses, but the bright strokes of blues and yellow instantly bring sunny summer days to mind.

Calvin Klein Strapless "Watercolor" Dress, Reg. at least $100/ TJ Maxx $49.95

Note to "Mad Men" lovers - TJ Maxx has several CK 60's-styled dresses that seem to have been pulled straight from the small screen - and all under $50!

Need a sexy LBD for those summer parties?  Here's a great deal I discovered in the clearance racks.  Check out the on-trend pearl/jeweled neckline!

Ribbon-tie, halter dress with pearl/jewel/sequin "necklace" neckline, TJ Maxx Clearance $15

You can't be beach ready without an amazing bathing suit coverup.  And this turquoise knit dress by Vertigo is the perfect choice.  It even has two little square pockets on the front that are perfect size to keep your i.d.s and cash in so you don't have to lug the beach bag everywhere. (Except of course for your sunscreen.  Sadly, there's no place for that in this dress).  Or put it over a simple short white cotton dress and be bohemian-chic for a cafe lunch.    Plus, the clearance price on this makes this the Deal of the Day.

Deal of the Day:  Vertigo Knit Dress in Turqoise. Suggested Retail Price $185/ TJ Maxx Clearance $23! 

And while you're preparing for those hot temperatures to come, you need some equally hot sandals.  Hello Nine West!

Splurge of the Day:  Nine West Bejeweled Sandals, Retail $75/ TJ Maxx $39.95

Summer, here I come!

(Note:  All of these deals were found in store at the TJ Maxx in Murfreesboro, TN.)