Showing posts with label Shoes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shoes. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

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

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

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:
(Deal of the Day) Pear Print Monokini (yellow or orange), $21.80
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: 
(Splurge) Shape fx one-piece with lace-up side, Pre-season sale $39 / Will be $59

Shape fx All-over Control Square-Neck Tank Suit (misses 10 BLACK)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)

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

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

And a few more: 
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: 

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

Friday, February 19, 2010

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):

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

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.)

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Last Minute Christmas Shopping Online

Hey fashionistas - it's Dec. 15, and that means Christmas is around the corner.  That also means that shipping rates for most places are going up in order to get your gifts there on time.  Ouch!  Don't worry, your BF is here to help, and give you a reason to feel good about yourself (see end of blog). 

Kohls.com is still guaranteeing shipping by Dec. 24th via Standard Ground on orders placed by Dec. 17.  (before 11pm EST / 10pm CST).  And I have another lovely surprise for you.  If you use your Kohl's card , enter the code CHRISTMAS30 at checkout, and you'll get an additional 30% off (plus I hear free shipping on orders over $50)!

Here's the deal I picked up for a gift -



Black Satin & White Ruffled Dress, Originally $68/ Sale $30.60
Price with Code $21.42

Another bonus - $10 is Kohl's Cash for every $50 you spend.  Still looking for some hot gift ideas?  Reach new heights with high-heel boots, or get comfy-cute with flats:

Left:  High-heel Suede Boots in Black, Originally $99.99/ Sale $49.99
Price with Code $34.99

Right:  Buckled Leather Flats in Black, Originally $64.99/ Sale $30.97
Price with Code $21.58


And here's a perfect steal for your mom, grandma, sister -- or any other classy lady in your life:

Originally $70/ Sale $17.50/ Price with Code $12.25

Buy any of these items through the links I supplied, and you're also giving back.  Why?  Because each purchase made will donate some of that cash back to charity. 

Merry Christmas Shopping, Fashionistas!

-BF





Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Dazzle your Feet and Your Wallet



I have a new obsession.  It's called ShoeDazzle -- the genius brainchild of, get this, Kim Kardashian.  When it comes to fashion marketing, this girl really does get it. 

Here's how it works.  Remember those "jam-of-the-month" clubs -- this is like that -- except SO much better!  You answer a questionnaire (and by answer, I mean you click on pictures.  See, even that part's easy).  That determines your general fashion tastes.  Then, ShoeDazzle's personal stylists suggest 5 pair of shoes for you every month. You then pick which ones you love and have them sent to you (included in the membership cost:  $39.95/month).  So for those fashionistas who don't have time to hit the stores for great deals, this is perfect.  The bonus is that you don't have to do this every month.  You can choose to "skip this month" between the 1st and the 5th.  If you don't, but don't want to buy, your ShoeDazzle account gets credited so you can use that fee towards another shoe purchase over the next year.

Also note, if you don't love the 5 pairs picked out for you, let them know.  They'll keep trying until they get it right.

If you want to try it out, you will have to give them your credit card info, but you won't be charged until you decide to actually buy a pair of shoes.

Want to see an example of the shoe selection?   Here's my first month, and I love them:



Want to give your favorite fashionistas the hook-up for Christmas?  ShoeDazzle does giftcards, too!  Just purchase however many months you want to give.

Still not sure?  You can also check them out on Facebook to see what people are saying.

Do you use ShoeDazzle?  If so, what do you think of it?  Or if you're just now signing up, what kind of selection did they give you?

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Steal her Style: Olivia Wilde


Olivia Wilde showed up to The Late Show with David Letterman in a perfect combination of sophistication and spunk.  The gray sheath dress and platform pumps are a pretty enough combination, but the leather jacket over it adds a fun touch of character.


Olivia is sporting a Helmut Lang Sheath Dress in Gray ($485), a Draped Leather Jacket by Vince ($995), and Nude Platform Pumps by Brian Atwood ($520.00).  Final price tag:  $2,000.

Or you can get the entire look for less than $90.00 - shoes and all!









Do you think Wilde's style is worth stealing?

Is there a celeb style you want to steal?  Leave me a link in the comments or drop me a line via email or twitter @bargainfashion