Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Awesome Or Ugly?

By Jax




Awesome?

Or Ugly?

YOU DECIDE!

BUY IT

One Size Only!

By Jax


And today's lucky size is...10.5!

Made By: Sergio Rossi

Found At: DSW

Price: $99.99 (originally $450.00)

BUY IT

FRUGAL FIANCÉE: Bridal Blemish Emergency!

After several years of relatively blemish-free skin, I awoke a couple weeks ago to a massive zit on my face. After a week of trying to make it go away without success, TWO MORE showed up to join it, AACK! I needed something I could count on to make them disappear before the big day. My fiancé is actually the one who found Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion.

This stuff is similar to calamine lotion and has some specific directions (whatever you do DON'T SHAKE IT) but it has worked great and I'll definitely keep it on hand as the Wedding Day nears (T-18).

Made By: Mario Badescu
Price: $17 (cheaper then a trip to the dermatologist or a pre-wedding breakdown)

GUYS BUYS: Classy Cargo

By Jax


No pair of men's shorts gets holes in them more quickly than cargo shorts.  I have NO idea why this is, it just is.

Am I a huge fan of cargo shorts?  Nope, no I'm not.  But I also know they are the go-to summer short for men.  All I ask is that if you are going to wear cargo shorts, please, PLEASE, keep it classy and make sure there are no holes!  At just $30 for a pair of J. Crew cargo shorts, you have no excuse!

Made By: J. Crew

Price: $29.99 (originally $65.00)

BUY IT

The Roomy Clutch

By Jax




I'm drooling over this stunning envelope clutch.  Perfect for summer and winter (in winter, it would be a bold bright accent to a drab and dreary day.)

Envelope clutches generally are my favorite go-to "small" bag, because it's not small at all!  It's the biggest you can go and still be hand-held.

Made By: ASOS

Price: $27.70

BUY IT

Solid Strapless

By Jax


Welcome back, fashionistas!  I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!

I thought I would kick things off again with something fun and summery!   I wore strapless things all weekend, and honestly, once you find a solid strapless bra, the world is your strapless dress oyster.  I love this little halter dress because if you wear it anywhere sunny, you can just untie the halter and get your tan on, and you'll still be totally supported!

Made By: ModCloth

Price: $47.99

BUY IT

Monday, May 30, 2011

VINTAGE VIXEN: More Perfect Plaid!


by Tess

I am having a moment with plaid! I am just in love with this little dress. Wish I was wearing it to a Memorial Day bbq today... Take a look at the bodice styling of this dress: It's almost like a pinafore- with the bias cross-plaid pattern making a very flattering V on the front, and a looser skirt with the plaid on a vertical/horizontal grid. So classy! Also the black and white is really charming and would be easy to wear everywhere. I might even take this dress to a tailor and hem the skirt shorter to show more leg (since I'm so short)- or keep it this length for easy, breezy wear all summer long! I wish there were more dresses out there like this one, but it looks like this is one of a kind.

Happy Memorial Day everyone!


BLACK and WHITE Plaid Vintage 1950s Early 60s Sun Dress

Price: $42.00

Friday, May 27, 2011

FRUGAL FIANCÉE: Perfect Present.

For the wedding night, while you might be a bit tipsy, or tired, or just giddy with excitement, you might also want to slip into something more "comfortable" to enjoy with your new spouse. I think these undies a sexy, cute, and very bridal.

Made By: BHLDN
Price: $64

COSMETICS CUTIE: Shimmery, Silky, Sun Protection

By Jen
Memorial Day weekend is upon us, which means it’s time to celebrate the start of the summer! Whether you’re heading to the beach or enjoying a backyard BBQ, you’re going to enjoy good food, good friends and a lot of time in the sun! When the long weekend is over, the last thing you want as a memory of your fun is a sunburn. Sunscreen is probably the product most of us like to skip. We all have an excuse, whether it’s the smell or the greasy consistency. However, your safety in the sun is important and there are no excuses! Luckily, I’ve found a sunscreen that can strike a compromise…the Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effect Sunscreen Lotion.

First off, this sunscreen has the SPF you need and the light scent of coconut, so you won’t smell like chemicals. It also goes on silky so you don’t feel greasy! Plus, it leaves a nice shimmer behind giving your skin a dewy summer sheen.

If you always have an excuse not to wear sunscreen, invest in Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effect Sunscreen Lotion and this skincare chore will become your favorite summertime ritual.

Made by: Hawaiian Tropic

Found at: ULTA

Price: $7.64

Thursday, May 26, 2011

FRUGAL FIANCÉE: Buff Brides.

It's no secret that Brides and Grooms want to look their best on their wedding day. You will be seeing pictures of your self from your wedding day for the rest of your life, so you want to look super-good.

A major part of my plan has been working out with a trainer at Crunch, its really fun, keeps me motivated, and I'm hoping to have some serious guns by the wedding day (only half kidding here). On Gilt City they are offering 5 training sessions for $149 if you sign up as a new Crunch member which is much MUCH cheaper than their standard rates. Jump on this and then drop and give me 20.

Made By: Crunch
Price: $149 (originally $405)

COMFY COQUETTE: Ruffles, Cut Out, Coverage - oh my!

The older I get, the more a one piece doesn't seem all that awful -- especially with such cute ones out there! I love this ruffle, plunge halter by Heidi Klein. The coral color is perfect for all skin tones, and the keyhole cut out adds a bit of sex appeal without the risk of totally weird tan lines (monokini anyone?).

Made By: Heidi Klein

Price: $84 (that is 60% off retail!)

HOMEY HONEY: Hardly Vain at All

By: Amanda
I love having everything on my dresser organized, or at least I try too. This vanity tray will assist in doing so. I couldn't pass this up. I love the lace look to it as well as the price. Can't beat that for organization.

Made By: Urban Outfitters

Price: $24.00

BUY IT

Clutch Style

By Jax


A clutch is definitely the time to go out on a limb and do something different.  I get that you may not want to do that with a dress or a shirt, but something has to pop.  Make it your accessory! Interesting accessories are what make an outfit!

Made By : Nine West

Price: $41.30 (originally $59.00)

BUY IT

Tulle On Tank

By Jax


They've finally begun...MEMORIAL DAY SALES!!!!

Cute tanks at the gap for $10!  Now is the time to stock up!  I love the tulle detail, tanks with details are the best!


Made By: The Gap

Price: $10.00 (originally $19.95)

BUY IT

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

DESIGNER ALERT: Halston Heritage

By Jax



This is one for my tall, skinny ladies!  It won't look good on most other folks, but at least you get to take advantage of the sale!

Although the dress is flowy and capelike in the front, it does have definition in the back, so you'll still have a shape.

Made By: Halston Heritage

Found On: tobi.com

Price: $211.00 (originally $325.00)

BUY IT

On A Safari

By Jax




Eddie Bauer calls this a safari shirt.  Sure, it's perfect for a safari, but it's also a great white shirt at half price that is perfect for a ton of other things!

It's see through and light, so you can wear it with a camisole underneath, or for a sexier look, a bandeau!


Made By: Eddie Bauer

Price: $29.00 (originally $59.00)

BUY IT

Summer Rad In Plaid

By Jax

Plaid shorts, a summer staple!  Also, where did spring go?  It's 80 degrees today, and will be over 80 for the next three days!

Why do I associate summer with plaid?  I know not.  But I know these shorts are lightweight and perfect for playing all summer.

Made By: Old Navy

Price: $17.00 (originally $22.00)

Daily Etsy Spotlight

By Jax





The whimsical fairytale headpiece is something you think you'll never wear, but it's SO AWESOME that you end up working it into your fashion choices.

I like the use of rhinestones.  It gives it just enough sparkle without turning it into overwhelming bling, and the soft rose color is perfect for spring, summer and fall.

Made By: Be Something New

Price: $36.00

BUY IT

Awesome or Ugly?

By Jax


Awesome?

Or Ugly?

YOU DECIDE!

BUY IT

FRUGAL FIANCÉE: Dancing Shoes.

By LyndseyWhat are you going to wear to dance in at your wedding? While you might have some really hot heels to wear during the ceremony and early part of the reception, your feet might need a break from the height if you want to dance till the early morning hours. Grab yourself some cute flats like the ones above and party the best night of your life away!

Made By: Steve Madden
Price: $49.90 (originally$59.95)

GUYS BUYS: Made In The Shades

By Jax


One of my friends bought these sunglasses and I am totally obsessed with them.  They look really good on him.  Something about the roundness, and then the angular part near the nose, makes them good for a very masculine face.

Are these sunglasses guaranteed to work on you?  Nope, because every face is different!  Do I think you should try them on and if they look good, buy them?  Absolutely!

Made By: American Apparel

Price: $30.00

BUY IT

Country Time

By Jax


I've become obsessed with laser cut oxfords, so it's not surprise I'm equally obsessed with laser cut clutches!

This has a sort of country/rustic feel to it, which I like.  Perfect for a summer event where you're donning cowboy boots and a hat!

Made By: Warehouse

Price: $45.00

BUY IT

What Were They Thinking?

By Jax




This is by far the worst jumpsuit/romper I have EVER seen.  The fact that it's $565.00 (yes you read that correctly) makes it downright offensive.

The weird bodice makes the entire outfit look super cheap, but continuing on, you have the cascading rose petals fit more for a bedspread than a pair of pants.  And speaking of pants, these remind me of MC Hammer. Even so, I don't think this would have been "in" in 1993 either.

Also, if you click through to the site, it says that this is "Meghan's pick."  Really, Meghan?  This is your pick?  This is what you think people should be buying to be fashionable?  Girl, have your eyes checked.

Please don't buy this

Flower Burst

By Jax




I love transition dresses!  The ones you can make casual or fancy depending on your accessories!

This dress with a pair of dressy stiletto sandals and pearls would be perfect for that dinner with your parents at the fancy restaurant they take you to when you come to town.  However, it's equally perfect with a pair of Toms and a big brown woven belt to walk your dog in!

Click through to look at the pattern up close...it's delightfully springy!

Made By: ModCloth

Price: $54.99

BUY IT

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

2011 BIKINI GUIDE

This is a big posting fashionistas!  There are two parts to it: 1) how to choose the right bikini for your shape, and 2) my favorite bikinis this season. I will be following this up with a full piece guide as well!

Let's begin!

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BIKINI FOR YOUR BODY


I'm going to use Old Navy bathing suits to highlight the different shapes, because they are cheap, and their website has all the different shapes on it.

Bikini Tops


1) The Center String Bandeau
Who can wear it: A and B cups

Notes: This is the go-to tops for small chested ladies.  There isn't a lot of hold-up support, so if you have a big chest, you definitely can't wear this or it will be a one-way ticket to sag town!

Buy It

2) The Halter Bandeau


Who can wear it: A, B and C cup

Notes: Unlike the center support bandeau, C's can wear this bandeau because of the added halter support.  Halters provide the most support for your ladies!


Buy it

3) The String Bikini
Who can wear it: B's, C's and small D's

Notes: You definitely need a little bit of boobs to rock the string bikini, because there is actually something to fill up!  The absolute number one thing to keep in mind when buying this bikini top is to make sure that you are not coming out of the side!  That's the most gross thing ever, don't be skanky!


Buy it

4) The Halter


Who can wear it? C's and D's

Notes: Ah, the halter, the most support and the only real bikini top for ladies D and up, because going down a water slide and popping out of your suit is never in style.

Buy it




Bikini Bottoms


1) The Hipster
Who can wear it: Girls with small hips and perky and/or tight butts

Notes: This is definitely the hardest bottom to wear.  If you have cushin' for the pushin', this will create those fat rolls you hate so much!  It will also cut your butt in the WORST place, right in the middle!  This is definitely the choice for skinny, petite ladies, or girls with bodies that haven't moved towards lady time (oh high school body, I miss you!)

Buy it

2) The Regular Bikini Botom


Who can wear it: Girls with small hips

Notes Unlike the hipster, the regular bikini bottom provides considerably more butt coverage, so you don't have to have a perfect behind to sport this look.  However, you still have your cushion pushin' so it's absolutely necessary to make sure that you try this on and it's not tight in a bad way!

3) String Bikini


Who can wear it: EVERYONE

Notes: This is my go to swim bottom.  I think women get nervous about wearing something with strings, but the joy of strings is that you can adjust it to fit your body, so there is never tightness or grabbing in an unflattering place, huzzah!

Buy it


4) High-Waisted

Who can wear this: High-waisted ladies

Notes:This is the main "in" style this season, as the bikini celebrates it's 50th birthday!  Luckily for most women, this style is flattering.  It hides your tummy and covers up your butt, all while giving you a pin-up shape!  What is not to love?


Buy it


5) The Boy-Short
Who can wear it: Girls with small to medium thighs

Notes: The whole point of wearing a boy short is to create one clean line, so the only rule is to make sure your thighs don't extend far past your hips (otherwise it creates an, errr, not so flattering effect!)  The boyshort is the go-to choice for apple shapes!

Buy it






And now.....
MY FAVORITE BIKINIS THIS SEASON






Made By: Forever 21
Price: Top - $10.80, Bottom - $12.80
BUY IT


Made By: Urban Outfitters
Price: Top: $48.00, Bottom - $29.99
BUY IT




Made By: Victoria's Secret
Price: Top - $44.00, Bottom: $30.00
BUY IT


Made By: ModCloth
Price: $89.00
BUY IT


Made By: Betsey Johnson
Found At: Macy's
Price: $140.00
BUY IT


Made By: Victoria's Secret
Price: $64.00
BUY IT




Made By: Target
Price: $30.00
BUY IT


Made By: Anthropologie
Price: $78.00
BUY IT

Belts For Under $3? Yes, Please!

By Jax




I own this belt, and I LOVE IT!  I can't believe this only cost me $2.50.  It's definitely the kind of thing where you buy it and think "when am I gonna wear this?", but then you wear it all the time, with so many things you never thought you'd wear it with!

Made By: Forever 21

Price: $2.50

BUY IT

DEISGNER ALERT - Marc By Marc Jacobs

By Jax





Man, when Marc Jacobs goes super classy, he really nails it.

This bag will last for years and years, and it is simultaneously trendy and classic.  I love the neutral tones and the well placed gold statement buckle.  The perfect investment tote for my Marc Jacobs loving ladies!

Made By: Marc Jacobs

Found On: shopbop.com

Price: $320.60 (originally $458.00)

BUY IT

Going In Circles

By Jax


I wish The Limited would have a picture of their jewelry with an actual shirt!  It's just adds so much more to the look than seeing it on a naked mannequin!

One thing that drew me to this necklace in particular is the center circle.  It's not just your average long circle necklace...there is a center focal point!

Made By: The Limited

Price: $26.00

BUY IT

Daily Etsy Spotlight

By Jax





It's hard for women to swing a bowtie, but it's not so hard to rock a bowtie necklace!

This is definitely a piece of jewelry to have run with.  Wear it with a white t-shirt and a pair of black suspenders for a nod to the turn o the century newsboy look (you MAY be able to pair a hat with it, but just make sure you don't go overboard!)

Made By: frEEna Design

Price: $10.00

BUY IT

Awesome or Ugly?

By Jax


Awesome?

Or Ugly?

YOU DECIDE!

BUY IT

Sugar Sweet Dress

By Jax





Even one-shoulder haters will have a soft spot for this amazingly constructed dress.  Pleated skirts are about to come back in a BIG way, and I love the interplay of the pleating and the side-swept ruching.  This is a great dress to wear to a wedding (or to wear if you're a bridesmaid!)

Made By: ASOS

Price: $64.63 (originally $120.00)

BUY IT

Back To Basics: Black Ballet Flats

By Jax


What never goes out of style, ever?  You guessed it!  Black ballet flats!!!

They are always in, no matter what time of day, no matter the season!  They can be your play shoe, or your work shoe, or your commuting shoe.  You make it what you want it to be!

Made By: Chinese Laundry

Found On: Fredflare.com

Price: $24.00 (originally $52.00)

BUY IT