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

Christmas Countdown

Alright procrastinators (myself included), we're getting down the wire.  Hopefully  your online shopping is all done, but if not, I have some good news for you later in this post.

First, I wanted to share today's Deal of the Day that I found in stores.  At the price listed, you might as well add one to your closet, and wrap one up for a friend.

Mossimo Moto Jacket in Brown or Gray (my fave), Originally $29.99/ Sale $14.98!

Told you that was a killer price.  No luck for you online shoppers though -- I've only been able to find this in stores (particularly at the Target in Murfreesboro.)  And you better act fast.  At this price, most of those are probably already gone.

For anyone still trying to buy online without spending a fortune, here's the good news. Tomorrow is also Free Shipping day, so expect to see shipping deals at over 600 online retailers with guarantees on Christmas delivery.

Steve Madden - Free Express Shipping thru Dec. 21 at 11:59 EST + 25% off orders of $75 or more with code COUNTDOWN25
Amazon.com -  Super Saver Shipping ends tomorrow (Dec. 17).  Order by then and you get Free Shipping on orders over $25.
Sears - $5 off $50 with code SEARS5OFF + Free Shipping thru Dec. 19

Bonus: Use my links and part of your purchase proceeds go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

For more free shippning deals and coupon codes to your favorite stores, check out Cybermonday.com and RetailMeNot.com

Merry Christmas Shopping!

-BF

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:

(Deal of the Day) Freshwater Pearl Bracelets with Gray/Black Accents or Brown Accents, Set of 3

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

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?

Make Your Smile Sparkle (and stock up on stocking stuffers)

Want to get the pearly whites to really glow?  Check out GO SMiLE:  much cheaper than dentist whitening, and supposedly much better than your standard white strips (without the sensitivity issues either). 

The problem -- still not cheap.

That is, unless you get over to Hautelook right now! Why the urgency?  Because Hautelook's sales are temporary, and this one ends tomorrow (Nov. 19) at 10:00 am CST.   That's also only if these products last that long.  Once they sell out, they're gone, and some GO SMiLE items are already sold out.  So sign up and get to stocking stuffing.

Buy this for yourself:

Left:  Go All Out Kit w/Smile Whitening System  $65 (regularly $120)

Right:  Limited Ed. Smile Whitening System  $50 for one, $89 for two (reg. $115 each)

Buy this for your sister *hint* ;)  :

Left:   Go Glam Kit  $18.50 (reg. $39)

Right:  Holiday Travel Kit   $25  (reg. $60)

Buy this for a parent:

Ultrasonic Toothbrush & Lemonade Smile Mini  $45 (reg. $114)

And pick these up for stocking stuffers, friends, or even for yourself :

 FLASHLiTES Touch-Ups Bundle of 4 (7-packs/28 ampoules total)  $16 (reg. $40)

That last one can make 4 gifts for only $4 each!  How sweet is that?

In case you missed it, here's your link!

Going Vintage: The Cloche

I've had a slight obsession with Cloche Hats ever since I watched Angelina Jolie in Changeling. 

The hat is the epitome of 1920s style, but it can easily carry over to your modern wardrobe.  They're feminine and pretty -- and can easily dress up your jacket on a rainy day to make you feel like a silent film star.  Plus, you can add one to your closet without breaking the bank.

Style tips:  Keep to the more narrow brim.  It's more elegant than the style that re-surged in the 70's.  Also, the classic colors tend to match the style better than the brights, especially in wool felt.  And finally, try to pair your hat with equally feminine pieces.  The cloche hat doesn't really fit in with just a pair of jeans and your comfy, long-sleeve t-shirt.

I found this one while trying not to buy anything during a shopping trip at TJ Maxx. It just happened to be one of those bargains I couldn't pass up.  After all, I'm the Bargain Fashionista.  Note, this picture is from London Fog's website of the hat in black.  My TJ Maxx one is in gray.

(deal of the day) London Fog Felt Cloche Hat with Button in Gray, $15.00 in stores at TJ Maxx (originally priced $44.99)

Forever 21 also has a few cute styles, including one that seems almost straight off the screen from Changeling:

 Right:  Cambridge Cloche in brown (also avail. in black), 100% wool, $11.80

Wool Cloche Hat with Grossgain Ribbon Band in Black, $12.80

Feel like splurging?  Check out Cloche available at Banana Republic.  I love the navy color with the black ribbon detail.

 (Splurge of the Day) Ribbon Cloche Hat in Military Blue, $50.00

If you're extra crafty, you can save even more and customize your own Cloche by crocheting one.  I found several patterns online.  These are a few of my favorites: 

Left: 1950s Star Stitch Knit Cloche with Ribbon

Right: Floral Knit Cloche

I especially love the floral one, though I would like to see it in navy with a creme flower I think (hint, hint my crocheting cousin Kiki  - you know you're my favorite ;-)  )

Steal Her Style: Elle Macpherson

Elle Macpherson is bundled up in a purple turtleneck tunic and fur vest.  The low-heeled riding boots keep the outfit comfy for a casual weekend.

Steal her Style: 
The trick here is to make sure your turtleneck is long enough to cover your hips and stays loose throughout the body.  If you're taller, you'll definitely have to get a tunic cut like Elle's.  More petite women can probably find a loose and longer cut turtleneck.

Top:  Planet Gold Turtleneck Tunic Sweater, $19.99

Bottom:  (Deal of the Day!) Canyon River Blues Cowl Neck Turtleneck in Purple, $9.98

Mudd Faux-Fur Vest, $18.99

To steal Elle's style, go with a thicker legging, like these dark denim ones:

Denim Leggings in Dark Wash, $12.00

And get some classic riding boots.  They're more casual than high heeled boots, and of course, more comfortable.  You'll be able to use them all winter long, especially on the weekends.

Kallista Riding Boots by Merona, $39.99

Do you like Elle's cozy weekend look?

Email me or find me on twitter @bargainfashion if you have any styles you want to steal!

Keep warm,
BF

Steal Her Style: Kristin Cavallari

The Bargain Fashionista is back -- and this time with a cooly-casual look from Kristin Cavallari.  She looked  perfect for fall when she hit the streets wearing a red-plaid Elizabeth & James button down and black skinny jeans.  An Alexander Wang Duffle with grommet detailing on the bottom and the Ray-Ban sunglasses are relaxed, while black Louboutin pumps add a little sex appeal.  

Steal her Style:

Avoid looking lumber-jack with a soft, sheer plaid shirt like the Derek Heart Plaid Voile Shirt, $13.99 - bad news, it's only available in x-small now.

If that doesn't work, you can pick up this Chaps Plaid Shirt for $28.99

Black Skinny Jeans by ELLE, $19.99

Get that Classic Wayfarer-Inspired look with these Joel Goodson Sunglasses, $5.99

Black-Patent Peep Toe Pumps kick up the sex appeal, $21.99

Finish your look off with Hollywood Intition's Black Satchel with Brass Tone Studs, $18.88

Splurge of the Day:

Pick up a little extra edge with the chain detail on the zipper of this Extra Large Hobo from Christian Siriano for Payless, $34.99.

What do you think of Kristin's look: love the plaid, or is it only a passing fad?

Think Pink

The Bargain Fashionista is back after a much needed vacation (which I'm still technicall on) - and this post, I've got some very special shopping for you.  Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I've dug up some of the cutest clothes and accessories that will also show your support for the fight against breast cancer. 

The Susan G. Komen store has some of the most creative buys, with 25% of the purchase price going to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  My favorite is the wrap bracelet featuring the Komen logo, and has the inspirational reminder: "Know your risk; Get screened; Know what is normal for you; Make healthy lifestyle chocies."

Susan G. Koman Leather Wrap Bracelet in Black or Pink, $20

There's also a good selection of t-shirts that go beyond the basic pink ribbon style.  Of course, they have those too if you're looking for something a little more simple.  Some of the most creative:

Left to Right:  (Deal of the Day!) Empowerment tee, $15

Ignite Change tee, $22;  Imagine tee, $22

Want to show off your funny side?  Shop "Save the Tatas" for a little humor meets inspiration.  Fitting that their slogan is "laughter heals." I love the bumper magnets, but being a fashion blog, I'll show off a few of their tees instead.  (5% of all sales go to support breast cancer research and awareness through the Save the Tatas Foundation.)

Top:  Long-Sleeve Classic Logo Tee in Pink, $29.95

Bottom:  Short-Sleeve Classic Logo Tee in Black, $24.95

You can also show off exactly what kind of tatas you have with their "Cowgirl Tatas", "Rocking Tatas", "Pirate Tatas" and other humorous styles.  Check out their website for more.

My final find of the day:  The "I'm Tired Of..." line of bracelets.  You can choose which cause you want to support from hunger, to discrimination, to, of course, breast cancer.  They cost $10, but $5 of that goes to the cause you want to support.  Not only are you helping a good cause, they're environmentally friendly.  Bracelets are made from recycled tires and recycled metal.  

"i'm tired of breast cancer" Bracelet, $10

Are you shopping pink for anyone special this year?