I'm Back

If you visited my blog over the holiday weekend, you may have noticed a distinct lack of posting. I decided to give myself a little bit of a vacation over the long weekend and didn't even think about blogging. Actually, that's not true, I thought about it a lot, but every time I did, I decided to think instead about what I was doing- which was spending time with family and friends. Everyone deserves a little vacation every now and then, right?

I had an excellent, relaxing weekend spent at a BBQ one day and at the beach the next. I even got a little bit of sun- just a little. I even had an accidental shopping spree. I swear it was a complete accident. Honest! My bank account isn't impressed, I'll tell you that much. On the drive up to northern New Hampshire to visit some friends, I stopped to get gas. I just so happened to be getting gas off an exit that also boasts the state's best outlet mall. It appeared from the crowds that there were some major sales going on, so I decided to just "pop in" to a couple of my favorite stores. An hour later and I had a shopping bag from Nine West, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor LOFT and Coach. Yup. I did some serious damage in a very short amount of time.

I'll be posting outfit photos so you can see the great pieces I got, but just to be clear, I walked away having spent almost exactly $200 and I had quite the haul on my hands- a total of 8 new items. No joke. The hardest decision was when I was in the Coach outlet. The entire store was 30% off. I saw an amazing bag on a table that was labeled "50% off." I asked a sales person about that and she informed me that the 50% discount was IN ADDITION to the 30% discount. Honestly, at that price, how could I NOT get the bag? Trouble was, I couldn't select a size. Here are the two- side-by-side:

They may appear similar in size in the photo, but I assure you, the bag on the left is significantly larger than the bag on the right. I fell in love with the shape and the color and the fact that both bags have an unusually high number of pockets. You know I love bags with pockets, right? For the organizing, of course.

So, while you wait with bated breath to find out how I managed to score 5 tops, a skirt, a pair of heels and a Coach bag all for just $200, why not leave a comment guessing one of the following three things:
1.) Leave a comment guessing which bag I purchased.
2.) Leave a comment guessing what I paid for the bag. Seriously, you'll be in awe when I tell you!
3.) Leave a comment telling me about your latest and greatest bargain shopping spree.

Tapas Blogging

Can you believe it's JULY?!?!?! Seriously, what happened to the month of June? If the summer continues to race by at this pace, I'm not sure I'll be able to keep up. When Halloween rolls around, I'll still be lighting sparklers and asking what I should bring to the barbecue next weekend!

In an effort to catch up, today I've put together another Tapas Blogging post- although it's sort of miniature by comparison. Enjoy!

There are few things I have given as little thought to as my shoe laces. Perhaps this is due to the fact that sneakers are something reserved mostly for the gym or hiking excursions- they don't qualify as "fashion" items in my day to day wardrobe. However, it seems Ian is really into it. He's even got an entire page on his website "Ian's Shoelace Site" that is dedicated entirely to the many methods of tying your shoe laces- 36 to be exact. I'm not judging. Really.

What do Santa Claus, Eliza Doolittle, Cleopatra and Napoleon Bonapart have in common? Probably not much, to be honest, but costumes worn by actors playing those roles were recently auctioned off, many fetching thousands of dollars. Perhaps the most notable sale was that of the "Subway Dress" worn by Marilyn Monroe in "The Seven Year Itch" which sold for a whopping $4.6 MILLION. That's a lot of movie tickets.

I love clothing and accessories that involve some type of re-purposing, whether it's a simple vintage item, or something that has been completely re-worked. Which is why I was impressed with these rings made out of antique spoons. They are no simple DIY project, but rather finely crafted pieces made by a true artist- someone who can clearly see the beauty in a simple object.

This is perhaps the coolest-looking jewelry storage method I have ever seen. However, this method is also cool and includes DIY instructions.

Mix it Up with and a Different Neckline

I don't know about you, but I often find myself in a bit of a rut in terms of the clothes that I buy. Shopping can be a double-edged sword in the sense that once you find something that works for you, and I mean really works for you, you want to purchase more of the same thing. Whether it's the silhouette of a day dress, the rise of a pair of jeans, or a specific heel height and width- once you find something that you know you'll wear all the time, it' hard not to shop for similar pieces.

Of course, after a few months, sometimes that means a closet full of the same theme, all in a minor variation. I'm definitely that way, particularly where silhouette and neckline are concerned. I can count on one hand the number of dresses in my closet that aren't a simple scoop neckline. I own one halter dress, a couple of strapless, and a few other random necklines. As for silhouette? I've branched out from full and circle skirts and now my closet also includes some slim a-line and pencil shapes, too. Every one of them emphasizes my natural waist, though. I'm remarkably consistent in that regard, at least.

Since finding a silhouette that is flattering and comfortable isn't always easy, I can understand why you wouldn't want to deviate from it once you find it. In order to avoid feeling like you are in a rut, look for pieces that mix it up in other ways- ways that don't effect the silhouette at all. Neckline is a perfect example. A unique, asymmetrical neckline can add a whole lot of visual interest to a look and you won't have to compromise on silhouette at all! Check out these dresses with interesting necklines:

Asymmetrical Ruched Dress, Gap, $61.99

Suzi Chin Ruffle Front Dress, Bluefly, $68

Always a Plus Dress, Modcloth, $44.99

I'm not sure I could wear the last dress, as I generally try to avoid dresses that require I either not wear a bra, or I wear a strapless one. It's still pretty darn cute, though, don't you think? 

Are you in a wardrobe rut right now? What do you do to pull yourself out of it? Obviously shopping is the easy answer, but is there something else you can do without shopping that makes you feel like you've got  a fresh new wardrobe? Leave a comment and tell me what works for you to stay out of a rut while also saving money! I'd love to hear from you! 

Shopping on Nantucket

I must admit, while visiting the island of Nantucket last week, I was a bit disappointed in the shopping available. I found the downtown area to be full of shops attempting to appeal to one of two major demographics on the island. The first was the high-end preppy attire that included the likes of Lily Pulitzer and Nantucket Reds as well as an assortment of other high-priced accessories and jewelry. The second was the tourist traps- full of "Nantucket" emblazoned hooded sweatshirts, t-shirts and of course countless tchotchkes such as magnets, figurines and "housewares."

My mom and I spent a good part of the afternoon wandering in and out of the many shops that made up the downtown area. I made one purchase- my new shell ring- which by some standards might be placed in the cheesy tchotchke category. (Not my standards, though- I think it's fabulous!)

Aside from a few cute printed dresses and one decent vintage shop, there wasn't a whole lot that appealed to me and even the pieces that did, were so far out of my price range as to be laughable. There was one item I saw, however, that although being too rich for my blood was also too fabulous not to notice- an amazing Leifsdottir sweater: 

At $248, there was not way it could come home with me. But I also feel my body type wouldn't do it justice- it's designed for someone long and lean and although I may admire and appreciate it, I know it's not meant for my wardrobe. I love that it has interesting detail without being over-designed. I love that it's a "summer" sweater- light weight and light in color, ideal as a top layer on the rare chilly summer nights of the shoulder seasons. It's artistic and beautiful and I wouldn't feel right if I hadn't shared it with you. 

In short, visit Nantucket for the scooters, not the sweaters. 

Lace it Up!

Earlier this week, my super stylish boss, the owner of Madeleine's Daughter, wore this absolutely fabulous dress:

Suzy Chin Maggy Boutique Lace Shift Dress, Nordstrom, $158

Everything about this dress is awesome. The oversized, geometric lace pattern, the dark grey lining underneath, the sexy, but not inappropriately so shorter hemline, the slim fit, the cap sleeves- seriously everything. There is nothing about this dress that I don't like. It's also great in all grey- check it out here. Seeing her in it, made me instantly jealous and I felt a desperate need for an amazing lace shift dress of my own. Nordstrom is not lacking in the amazing lace dress department. I think there is literally something here for everyone- short, tall, slim, plump, colorful, neutral- they've got it all. And I could drain my checking account trying to stock my closet full of them. Here are some favorites: 

Nanette Lepore Cap Sleeve Lace Dress, Nordstrom, $328

JS Boutique Lace Dress, Nordstrom, $138

Dolce & Gabbana Lace Shift Dress, Nordstrom, $1,575

Adrianna Papell Sleeveless Lace Dress (Plus size), Nordstrom, $210

I'm sure at this point, you're wondering how to pull off this look. It can be tricky, that's for sure, but much like any other outfit, it's all about proportion. There are two main things to do when choosing a lace dress to wear. First, the key is to view the lace as you would any other printed fabric and choose a lace pattern that is in proportion to your body. If you are a very petite person, then a large lace pattern will only overwhelm you- people will see the dress as opposed to seeing you. However, if you are very tall and/or broad, a large pattern can be overwhelming in the sense that there is too much of it. In most cases, the best choice is a moderately size pattern with strong structure shape. If you have trouble with the all-over look, choose a dress that breaks up the pattern, much like the black dress pictured above. The sash at the waist not only breaks up the pattern, preventing it from being overwhelming, but it also provides added definition at the waist- something we pretty much always want. Second, choose a dress that is in proportion to your body in terms of the overall structure. A long lace dress will be more likely to overwhelm you and be less flattering than a knee-length or even a mini. 

Thanks to Kate Middleton, I think we're going to be seeing a lot of fabulous lace dresses in both the bridal realm and in ready-to-wear. I've got a shopping trip planned with a girlfriend for a week from today and you can bet I'll be stopping in to Nordstrom to try on a few of these. 

What about you? Are you a fan of lace? How do you wear it? How do you select lace pieces for your wardrobe? Leave a comment and tell me! 

Shoesday Tuesday- Look for Less is Actually Awesome

Hello, ladies and gents- I don't have a whole lot to say today except for one bit of exciting news. Last week I featured several options as a "look for less" and over the weekend, I actually ran into one of the pair I featured live and in person. Of course I had to try them on. It would have been irresponsible not to, right? They were the Franco Sarto Vial Platform Pump and they were much more beautiful in person:

In person, the color is so much more rich. They are also fairly comfortable, as heels go, anyway. I found them at Macy's, but you can buy them at Endless for a lot less money. At Macy's they were about $80, and I was not prepared to splurge on them on that particular day. It was difficult to walk away, though. I will admit that. 

Why was I shoe-shopping at Macy's? I was with my BFF and we were shopping for wedding shoes for her. And I'm proud to say that we found them and they are FIERCE. I must say that I have been impressed with her wedding attire choices from the get-go. Her dress is simple and daring at the same time. Her shoes, as I mentioned, are FIERCE. Her jewelry choice is probably the most simple and understated and yet there is a lot of sentiment attached to it, so the meaning is the focus of that particular piece. I guess I'm trying to say that I think she's going to look amazing and I can't wait! 

Speaking of wedding shoes, how do all of you feel about shopping for shoes for a wedding- whether you are the bride, a member of the wedding party or a guest. Do you feel it's more difficult or at the very least different from shopping for shoes for pretty much anything else? Do you struggle more when shopping for a wedding? I do, partly because I'm not really interested in shoes that most stores would deem "wedding appropriate." Tweet your thoughts today and don't forget the hashtag #ShoesdayTuesday

Rate My Look- Shopping in Shorts

Yesterday was spent doing wedding-related things with my BFF Beth. She is getting married in November and we had some things to take care of, like finalizing the centerpiece design, discussing the issue of legally changing ones name (Do you take his name? Do you hyphen-ate? What about creating an entirely new last name for both of you?), and of course shopping for shoes and undergarments for the big day. I'm proud to say that we found both for Beth. Well, we definitely found "the" shoes to go with "the" dress. The undergarments are a little more tricky, but we found options, which is important. My dress (which you will not see on the blog until after the wedding- sorry!) is a lovely scoop-neck and I must admit that I am THRILLED to be able to wear a normal bra with it. I even bought a cute floral one with coordinating (but not matching) lace panties that I am super psyched to wear. Cute underwear makes me happy, but don't worry, I'll never feature it as part of any "Rate My Look" post.

The bottom line is that while shoe and underwear shopping can be some of the most enjoyable shopping that women do, it's very different when a wedding is involved in the equation. Normally, shoe shopping has no rules. Shoe shopping for a wedding? Totally different. And I mean for the bride AND the wedding party. For example, I'm someone who tends to make bold shoe choices on a daily basis. I have no qualms about wearing a pair of sky-high bright purple stilettos to the office or even to a cookout. Inappropriate footwear? I don't understand those terms. If I like them and they are eye-catching, then I want to wear them. But when it comes to being a bridesmaid, I have the opposite approach. I want to look pretty, of course. And since shoes are sort of "my thing," I of course don't want to disappoint in that area. But I also don't want to do anything that would even remotely resemble an attempt to upstage the bride. After all, it's not about me that day- it's about her. (And the groom. But his shoes will be boring, so there's no way I won't upstage them. Sorry, dude.) The good news is that I think I've found a great pair of shoes for myself that strike that happy medium. I'll be sure to check with the bride to make sure she approves. And fortunately, today we found the most fabulous pair of shoes for Beth that are actually way more fabulous than the shoes I am hoping to wear. I figure as long as her shoes are better than mine, then I'm good. Again, you will not see photos of anything for the wedding until after November 12th. But I can promise her shoes are amazing. A-MA-ZING.

But enough about all of that- let's get to the outfit. I wanted to be casual and comfortable and I was not in a mood to put much effort into my outfit. This is what I came up with:

Clearly, I have an obsession with bright citrus colors this summer, since I can't stop putting them together. This clementine- colored shirt and lime green bag work really well together to create a fun, on-trend summer outfit. The shoes, by Sofft, I bought last year and they have proven to be an excellent pair of nude wedges- great for a day spent on my feet. The shorts I purchased at Forever 21 for my day-trip to Nantucket, but I have a feeling I'm going to be getting a lot of wear out of them. They button on either side just like sailor pants, and they are in the impossible-to-find perfect length for my legs. I wish the wash was a smidge darker, but to be fair, they are a better color in real life than they are in this photo. The accessories I chose included a pair of Stella and Dot earrings as well as my new shell ring that I bought in Nantucket. All in all, it was a great outfit for shopping and accomplishing wedding-related tasks. I looked and felt great all day long. 

Please feel free to leave a comment about my outfit, shopping for wedding attire, or anything else you like! Happy Monday, everyone!