Thursday, July 31, 2008

Affordable & stylish jelly flats


I happily wore jelly flats when I was in the seventh grade, but lately I've noticed that the trend is making a comeback. This time around, I did not embrace it, but after spotting these Melissa gold zig zag jelly flats, I'm sold.

You can hardly tell that these are incredibly affordable $37 jelly shoes. The intricate zig zag pattern shows off a little skin and keeps your feet cool, which is perfect for hot weather. And I'm a big fan of shoes in metallic gold or silver, because they're so eye-catching and pretty much match with anything in your closet. And as you all know, I'm all for wearing flat shoes in favor of heels, so just think how comfortable this pair will be for running errands or rushing to work! If more jelly shoes looked like this, I'd jump on the bandwagon immediately.

Discount Spotlight: A gray T-shirt with a twist


I don't know about you, but I'm always on the lookout for a great T-shirt, the kind that is super casual and comfy but still fashionable. This Byce & Bouji T-shirt comes in soft gray with a scoop neck and cap sleeves. The longer shape and clever twisted overlay, which crosses over one shoulder, elevate the style factor. This is the kind of shirt you could throw on when you're in a rush and get away with. I'd top it off with sleek Oliver Peoples sunglasses (my latest "it" item topping my long list of must-haves) and the perfect worn-in jeans for a relaxed weekend look.

The shirt clocks in at $125 but with a 30% off discount code, you may have money left over for those sweet shades. Enter SHOPBB at checkout to take advantage!

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

The Vest, Again


My fondness for vests is slowly moving toward an obsessive love affair, which is dangerous because now I want every single cute vest I see! This Toki & Nabi waistcoat has a lot of things going on, but they all come together in a look that is preppy, classy, and funky all at the same time. The vest is cream but comes with peek-a-boo pink pinstriped lining, giving it a great layered effect. Note the cool details like silver faux cube buttons and red-stitched buttonholes. The straps and panel at the back are black, which is definitely a marked contrast from the cream/pink color scheme. This vest has that total Kate Moss vibe--just throw it on over jeans and a T-shirt, and you'll achieve the effortlessly stylish look that the supermodel is so famous for!

A zipper rosette shoe


As if Gwen Stefani couldn't get any hotter, I just discovered this zip rose sling back pump by L.A.M.B. Yeah, you heard right. Look closely and you'll see the pretty rosette balanced on that shoe is outlined by a zipper, which gives it a very funky, very Gwen rock 'n roll vibe. With a whopping 5" stacked heel, this shoe isn't for everyone, but imagine how amazing this would look paired with the right pants (for me, cropped and form-fitting chinos) or a pencil skirt! I love shoes that have a little character and these satin L.A.M.B. beauties, with their zipper detail and towering heel, scream of self-confidence and spunk--just what every woman needs! These will set you back just over $315, but hey, who ever said that money can't buy you assurance?

A floaty ballerina dress



Cecilia De Bucourt makes beautiful pieces, and this incredibly exquisite D'Mode dress is one of them. A modern take on the ballerina-on-stage look which we touched upon before, the dress is packed with pretty details like ruffles, layers of chiffon skirt, and different shades of pink and red. The exposed crisscross back is daring and, in my opinion, absolutely stunning--especially if you've got a nice back! The dress is definitely a contender for one of the most delicate and elegant creations I've ever seen. And the way the model is styled--hair pulled back by a sheer headband and smoky eye makeup--meshes well with the whole romantic look.

On Sale: The perfectly proportional dress


Proportion of Blu's slinky silver dress is a simple design that, with the addition of some beautiful jewelry and the right shoes, will give you that chic, minimalist look you've always craved. In lovely, clinging fabric, the dress hugs your curves comfortably, while an asymmetrical raw cut hem balances out the body-conscious silhouette. At $100 even, you'd be hard pressed to find a handcrafted dress (part of the brand's philosophy) that looks as if it were specially tailored for your body. I'm thinking about wearing this, paired with peep toe pumps and the perfect little blazer, to a professional mixer tomorrow night. The combo straddles the line between sexy night out and work-appropriate, making everyone wonder which of the two you really are.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

On Sale: Vivienne Westwood's bondage-inspired top

There's much to love about this black--but totally not basic--top from Vivienne Westwood. What starts out as a plain sweater is pushed to another level with a sash tied around the waist and unique sleeve detailing at the elbow and wrist. The neckband that crosses over at your throat actually goes under your arms and around the back, which strikes me as a very sexy, bondage-inspired element. Apparently, the neckband can be tied into a bow or rearranged in a variety of ways to change up the look. I love the boldness of this top, especially how the V-neckline is accentuated by the criss-crossing neckband. Imagine tucking this shirt into a pair of high-waisted pants for work or playing it lowkey with dark jeans for the weekend.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Cecilia De Bucourt's embellished tank


This empire tank by Cecilia De Bucourt starts off with a simple silhouette--a pretty scoop neck, thin straps, a loose and comfortable fit. But the double ribbons which tie into floppy bows at your shoulders are a sweet touch and happen to be adjustable, allowing you to make the neckline as low or high as you wish. And of course, the dazzling rows of studs and coins stitched onto the front take up the style factor several notches. I'd love this top with a gray denim vest, which would serve as an interesting layer over the embellished tank.

The best gift for a baker



Now that I've picked up a few things to decorate my place, I'm starting to focus more on kitchenware. Since I love to bake and receive visitors, this S-XL cake pan is the ideal tool for entertaining guests! The silicon cake mold creates fifteen slices of varying sizes, so guests can choose whether they want a large, medium, or small piece. You won't have to slice up freshly baked cakes according to the whims of your guests; this way, the slices are pre-made and dieters can choose the thinnest slices while dessert lovers go for monster pieces! This innovative piece of kitchenware would also make a great gift for your friends who love to bake.

Comfortable and colorful: Purple wedge flats


Most people know me as a flats girl. I rarely walk around in high heels unless I need to dress up for an event because I'm too at ease schlepping around in flats. These Les Prairies de Paris suede shoes offer an interesting but still comfortable alternative--a wedge slip-on in colorful violet suede with a peep toe and thick band. The 3/4" stacked heel is tolerable for walking around in, while the vibrant notice-me-now color is such a refreshing shade for a shoe. I've also grown a tad bored with the basic ballet flat silhouette that is so common now! Les Prairies de Paris offers an adorable and chic version of the flat that's perfect with a romantic blouse and high waisted shorts.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

On Sale: Gold Hawk's embroidered dress


At a quick glance, this Gold Hawk frock may seem like a simple brown tank dress, very ordinary and not terribly exciting. But you've simply got to visit the ami ami website to get a closer look at the intricate, flowered embroidery that travels down the length of the dress and decorates the hem. In mocha brown silk, the tank dress silhouette is both unfussy and modest, yet retains a vintage-inspired feel with the beautiful embroidery. Wear this with one of the braided hairstyles that is so popular nowadays, and finish off the look with chandelier earrings and a stack of glittering bracelets on one wrist.

The statement-making choker


Much like the other breathtaking creations of Tom Binns, this vintage-inspired crystal choker is beautiful enough to make me drain my savings account. As you can see, the necklace isn't perfectly symmetrical: on the left, the stones are attached directly to the chain, but on the right the stones are surrounded by topaz crystals. The unbalanced design is slightly disconcerting, but gives the necklace such an interesting and eye-catching twist. The centerpiece, of course, is a spectacular rectangular amethyst measuring 1" by 3/4". As statement necklaces are measuring up to be a major fall trend, this Tom Binns beauty is perfect for taking out to a party or swanky dinner. The exquisite multisized stones, in a dazzling rainbow of colors such as topaz, gray, green, ruby, emerald, and purple, manage to convey a regal air that is youthful and fresh at the same time.