Tobi Sale!

Today only, at Tobi.com you can get an extra 20% off of all sale items when you enter 20TREAT at check out!!

Who Wears Short Shorts!

Wow. Shorts are definitely back in business. This summer a pair of short shorts is the key piece to your summer wardrobe. I like the idea of them, but whether I will actually wear them is a very different question. I'm a tall, thin girl, but my upper legs are not my best attribute. So finding a length that makes me feel comfortable is tricky. With this in mind, J. Crew is currently offering shorts at all lengths. This is great, as it will let me try all of the possible lengths, before picking one that I feel comfortable wearing. Note to buyer, I really wouldn't pay more than $50.00 a pair. Spend your money on sandals to wear with them instead. (Above, J.Crew shorts 3" in length $39.50 online only).

FASHION FIND

Felix Rey's beach-inspired bags for Target $19.99 each; target.com.

Isaac Mizrahi for Liz Claiborne

Who would have thought that Liz Claiborne would ever be "cute" again!!! But it is, and that is thanks to the help of Issac Mizrahi. Mizrahi joined the label in Spring of 2009 as its new creative director. Liz Claiborne had lost it true niche in the market with a very undefined style, and has since brought in Mizrahi to create clothes with a clear style and better fit. Check out all of the newest styles at http://www.lizclaiborne.com/. I love the bold colors, tailored dresses, and most of all the PRICE! On average, the dresses are a steal at no more than $100. Imagine the sale prices... Casual clothing at reasonable prices. I'm definitely going to add some of these pieced to my spring/summer wardrobe! (Right- Zappos- $93.00 (BONUS-there is a super cute pattern on the sleeves when you roll them up!)).(Left- color block crew neck dress (try it with a white skinny belt or a yellow thick belt) $99.00)

Flattering on All Figures!

This Tibi dress is flattering on all figures. Although the shape is loose and free, it definitely provides enough interest on the shoulder and sleeve detail to give it character! It comes in several colors, including the color above, cream and green. I would definitely pair this dress with a large black necklace and a pair of black heels! Plus, it's great for both spring and fall due to its color options. Tibi- Saks, Tibi Stores - $425.00

GILT GROUPE - You should know!

The best discount website EVER is here!!! I cannot get enough of Gilt Groupe. GG began in 2007 when two friends Alexandra and Alexis came together to create a website for luxury goods at discount prices. GG is essentially a sample sale online, where very limited quantities and sizes of luxury designers are made available at HUGE discount prices. At least half of the items posted are from the current season! You have to be a member of the wesite to join, so post a comment below this article and I will email you an invitation! AMAZING!

To Romp or not to Romp????

Wow, have there been some very recent fashion developments. With Rompers and Jumpsuits all the rage, it's bound to make any twenty year old feel like a toddler again; re-living their onesies past! I can never wear them, sadly. At 5'10", I am too long in the body, at least for the ones that I really love. However, YOU can (provided you too are not 5'9" or taller)! Here are some of my favorites below. First- Jay Godfrey (intermix online) $495; Middle- Aqua 100% cotton (Bloomingdales exclusive) $58.00; end- Wink- Amber Jumpsuit (Bloomingdales) $396.00. Also Barneys Co-op has an amazing strapless jumpsuit (their own brand) which looks incredible on at just under $300.00. (not shown below).

I'm Back From Hiatus!

Ok, so it has been a while, but so much has happened in the past months, job change, move, etc... that I simply ran out of time in the day. However, I'm officially back and blogging more than ever! So come back daily to check for new posts!

Singing in the Rain...in Heels!

Last night I attended an event at the Burberry store on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. Burberry was introducing its fall and winter collection. I was slightly disappointed in its collection this season. Of course, all of the classics were present, with beautiful and well tailored trench coats and plenty of Burberry scarfs and accessories sporting its famous plaid.

However, I felt that the remainder of the collection was uninspiring and lacking something significantly different from last years collection. Yet, amongst the classics, I did find one great find. Burberry has created a wellington rain boot with....a heel. And a very appropriate heel at approximately 2". Unlike most rain boots, the foot was narrower and the toe had a nice rounded tip. These will easily pair under a pair of jeans or over a pair of skinny jeans. They are dressier than a typical rain boot, which means you won't have to feel like Paddington bear when you wear them into a restaurant. Love that!

BCBG MAXAZRIA Ready to Wear Spring 2009

I think it's probably pretty obvious that I am a big fan of BCBG's runway ready to wear collection. Mostly because it comes directly off the runway and onto a hanger without any major alterations. Love that! Above is a design from BCBG's ready to wear Spring 2009 collection. It looks as though spring will be full of ruffles, asymmetrical tops and silky fabrics. I can already smell the static guard!

Bananas for Bow Necks!

I am bananas about bow neck shirts! These are a great fall trend. One of my favorite ways to wear a shirt like this is with a suit vest, allowing the bow to drape slightly over the top of the vest. However, not all bows are alike. Make sure that the tie at the neck is full enough to create a slightly larger bow. If the bow is too small it will lose its effect. Left:Proenza Schouler shirt from Neiman Marcus: $1,250. But, below is a similar top for significantly less. Below: Alexa from Saks.com for $89.90.

Daylight Savings!

Fashionably Political!

This election season fashion and politics go hand in hand. Even celebrities such as Fergie and Anne Hathaway have been noted on Page Six wearing political garb. So if you are feeling like wearing your proverbial political emotions on your sleeve, then here are a few suggestions. First, if you choose to wear a T-shirt, I would avoid one that screams your political devotions. Not that it isn't important to voice your opinion, but remember that you may want to wear that shirt again in 4 years and there may be new candidate. Instead, choose a T-shirt, like the ones from http://www.ciaraelend.com/, which encourage voting in general. Second, if you feel like representing your chosen party, I suggest a button. Buttons are back in case you missed it! Plus, they are cheap, quirky, and easily replaceable for the next election!

HOW TO WEAR A MAN'S TIE LIKE A WOMAN!

Woman who dress like men...and I don't mean this in a bad way. I love men's ties. I'm jealous of men's ties. And what I don't understand, is how men cannot seem to appreciate the versatility that comes with a tie. But mostly, I love to wear a man's tie...when I'm feeling courageous. How to wear a man's tie like a woman: Choose a skinny tie, because the larger ones can be too masculine if they aren't used appropriately. Personally, I suggest Marc Jacobs' ties. In his stores you can pick up a killer tie for about $35.00. Follow the easy instructions below fora half-Windsor knot, and viola...C'est Magnifique!

Lucky Swag!

Shop-it-to-me has a fantastic giveaway from Lucky Bags! All you have to do is write in the "comments" section what you think of Lucky Magazine. http://blog.shopittome.com/2008/09/29/were-giving-away-a-vip-bag-value-500/ Shopittome will randomly pick from all comments listed between now and October 8th — and the winner will take home this amazing bundle of goods! Items inside include great brands of beauty, hair, and body products, DVDs, clothing/accessories from American Eagle, Kipling, Dwell Baby, Champion, and more… All it takes is a few seconds so hop to it!

The Right Not to Bare Arms

What happen to sleeves? It is as though they have disappeared. A recent article in vogue reports that baring ones arms is soon to be out of fashion, for at least fall. I am inclined to agree. Let's face it, not many women are excited about baring their arms, and most of us feel self conscious about them. So why do it? I have never heard a man say "oh, the line of women's bicep really turns me on!" That's because it doesn't. Unless of course you're Madonna, and then maybe arms aren't an issue and perhaps a man might ogle them. But then you would have to become vegan and pay an extraordinary amount of money for a personal trainer and mentor and god knows what else. It's exhausting just thinking about it. And all for an arm? No, I think sleeves are a better idea. And why not?! They add length and grace and can add sophistication to a dress. Sleeves it is.

(Right: Valentino $2.480.00) Below Left Emilio Pucci ($1815.00). These are pricey, admitted. Think of them as inspiration. Sleeves are everywhere.

I Adore a Fedora!

Hats are tricky, non? We all own at least one. We see it, we love it, we buy it, and then we leave it in our closet, never sure of how to wear it or when to wear it or if we have the courage to wear it! I wish I could wear them, but I can't take myself seriously in a hat. Mostly because if you saw the shape and size of my head you too would not take me seriously in a hat. However, I can't let that stop me from trying. I love fedoras. There is something so very Humphrey Bogart about them. It automatically makes a woman more mysterious. Love that! and although it may take some courage, but (have a cocktail first) take it out of your closet and actually dare to wear it in public! Not sure what to wear it with... try heels, skinny jeans, a white v-neck t-shirt, a brown pin striped vest, some great rings and bracelets, and then....the Fedora. You'll be the hit of the night. Promise. (Below: Left: Tarnish Fedora with Bow $158.00 www.nordstrom.com ; Middle: www.Norstrom.com $58.00; Right: Banana Republic 59.00;)

SCRIMP and SPLURGE

I love Karta's beaded tops, but they can be a bit pricey. For a similar look but a much lower price, check out this Banana Republic top! Left - Splurge at $182.00 at www.shopbop.com. Right - Scrimp at $34.99 from www.bananarepublic.com

Tobi Fall Sale!

Very exciting news! http://www.tobi.com/ is having a 25% off sale...but the really exciting news is that it is 25% off of EVERYTHING, even new fall clothing! So check it out before it ends. Directly above is a dress that I adore by Blackhalo which is currently on sale on http://www.tobi.com/. I love the combination of tailoring and frills, plus it looks amazing on! The keyhole ruffle sheath dress retails for $345, but with the 25% discount, that makes this dress a steal at $259.00 (and free shipping).

Save the Checks, Plaid is Back!

Plaid and check patterns are back for fall. This season is full of plaid dresses,skirts and tops. A plaid dress, like the Dolce & Gabbana to the left ($745.00 http://www.neimanmarcus.com/) is a great trendy piece for fall. However, if you want a more casual look that saves some of your hard earned money, then I recommend incorporating plaid with a pair of skinny jeans, tall boots, a rustic belt, and a fitted plaid shirt. If you want to avoid looking too much like a "farm boy," try a feminine and playful plaid, like the plaid top, below to the left from http://www.gap.com/. Or if you love a more tailored and simple style (like I do), then try the plaid top, below to the right from http://shop.guess.com/.

Age Appropriate Couture?

I could love or hate this dress. It would certainly flatter almost all figure types. If you hate your arms, the sheer sleeves give you cover. In addition, if you are uncomfortable about your waistline this dress is a dream as it sits at your natural waist (think near your belly-button) and then flairs to cover unwanted stomach parts. Its only fault is that it's not terribly age appropriate for a 20 to 30 year-old. A dress this style on a 20 year old will age you unnecessarily. (InStyle's look of the day for September 3, 2008. Diane Kruger in Dior Haute Couture and Valentino shoes. )

For a less expensive and more age appropriate similar look, try this Theory "boa bracket dress" from http://www.saks.com/ for $255.00. For arm coverage use a colorful Pashmina!

BCBGeneration...The New Kid On The Block

There is a new kid on the block...sort of. In spring of 2008, BCBG Max Azria Group announced that it planned to merge the BCBGirls and To the Max lines into a single brand named BCBGeneration. According to Max Azria, BCBGeneration is a more affordable version of his already very popular BCBG Max Azria collection. Categories include ready-to-wear, dresses and outerwear, as well as footwear, handbags, small leather goods, belts and watches. Price points range from $50 to $200 (loving that!), and are available at major retailers nationwide for fall 2008, including Bloomingdale's, Macy's and Dillard's, as well as several specialty boutiques. Check out the website http://www.bcbgeneration.com/fall2008/ . My favorite piece is the Charcoal puffed sleeve dress for $98.00.

HOT PINK MESS!

InStyle's fashion pick of the day for September 2, 2008. Charlize Theron in Versace. Personally, this outfit doesn't work for me. This dress makes Charlize appear to have no curves...anywhere! Her shoulders, breast, stomach, and hips appear to be all the same size. Perhaps it's the hot pink mess of the whole thing or maybe it was a bad angle. Either way, this dress is one puffy sleeve away from a bad 80's prom night. On a scale of 1 to 5, (1 being "oh no she did not!" and 5 being "I'm buying this ASAP", I give this little number a 2. What do you think?

Instead, I would recommend this Tadashi Shutter Pleated dress in Lipstick (pink) for $284.00 from http://www.myshape.com/. The Tadashi dress gives off the same sex-appeal without the awkward figure effect.

Shop-it-to-me!

There really is nothing like a Saturday afternoon spent wondering around the city trying to find that perfect little dress, preferably on sale. However, sometimes a girl can be busy and doesn't have time to sift through rack after rack and store after store's clearance racks to find that special item. The creators at Shopittome.com have created a resolution -- salemail. Sign up at shopittome and then simply check the boxes next to your favorite designers and stores and shopittome will send you a daily or weekly (you choose the frequency) email with a list of all of your chosen designers sale items. Now this is what email was made for.

http://www.shopittome.com/?refID=salemail

SCRIMP and SPLURGE

Splurge: (Left) Prada $695.00; Indulge (Right) Stuart Weitzman "Pinchos," $355.00; Scrimp (Bottom) BCBGirls "Fernanado" $109.95.

Purple Haze!!!

This fall will look a little less golden and red and lot more purple and pink. Designers can't seem to get enough of the purple stuff! (Left: Proenza Schouler, Saks, $3,695.00) Most people will struggle to purchase a purple dress, a magenta bag or a bright pink scarf for fear that these pieces will not blend with their current wardrobes. WRONG! If you are too nervous to spend your hard earned money on one of the brighter and more decadent purple pieces, then try a more modest shade of purple. For example, instead of buying a strappy patent purple sandal, try purchasing a deep purple suede pump. Note: Do not pair a purple bag with a purple shoe and a purple dress. People may mistake you for a famous stuffed dinasour ("I love you, you love me, we're a happy family...")). A splash of color is all you need to pull off this hot fall Look!

See Below: Right: YSL, Magenta Majorelle Bag, $1,395.00; Left: Barbara Bui Shoes.

The Hip-T v. The Dickie

Do you remember the Dickie? According to the Urban Dictionary.com the Dickie became popular in the sixties when the Beatles began using them. It was too hot to perform with an undershirt and jacket, so they made a half-shirt that would replicate a full shirt. Thus, enter the Dickie. Two words sum up the existence of the Dickie. Not. Stylish.

Now enter the Hip-T. Yet another "half-piece of clothing." Two women noticed that their pants were too low, so instead of buying a pair of jeans that didn't come from the juniors department, they invented the "Hip-T." The Hip-T is a tube top that goes around your waist. They suggest that it is a solution for jeans with an ultra-low rise. NO IT'S NOT. Here are your solutions. (1) Buy a pair of jeans with a mid-rise. (2) Keep your low-rise and buy a longer shirt/sweater. You'll notice that there is no third option for purchasing the new version of the "Dickie."

Check out the jeans below as a solution. Levis 1970's flair jeans- sits at the waist- $78.00

THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING!

Boots are a fall/winter staple and most girls will buy at least one new pair each fall season. But like most shoes, not every pair is worthy of the title "fabulous." Here are a few hints to keep you focused while on the quest for the perfect boot. Above is perfection, the perfect boot at all angles, Christian Louboutin, Neiman Marcus $1280.00. Note the ankle to toe length and the rise at the end of the boot.

1... Make sure that the front of the boot does not lift too much at the toe. If the toe comes off of the ground more than the boot shown above, then move on to the next pair. Otherwise, you might as well buy the matching hat and broomstick! (See tan/brown boot below.)

2... Second, Make sure that the length of the boot from ankle to toe isn't too long. A boot with a long flat toe will make your foot look larger and longer. Otherwise, you might as well buy the matching red plastic nose and multicolored wig to match! (see Black pair below)

TWO THINGS NO ONE CAN AVOID!

There are two things no woman can avoid, taxes and shopping! The IRS may not like it, and the City of Chicago may hate it, but Intermix has gone tax-free! It may sound impossible and too good to be true, but our favorite downtown Chicago store, Intermix, has provided a girl with some major relief in her wallet, at least for a little while. From now until September 1, 2008, those of you living or visiting the Second City, Chicago, Illinois, can enjoy no taxes on all of your favorite Intermix purchases!

Trend Spotting!

We can all breath easy, the pencil skirt isn't the only main attraction for below the waist. I love pencil skirts, and they are definitely hot this season, but unfortunately pencil skirts aren't very forgiving in the hips or tummy. Alas, the belle skirt is here to save us, for at least those days we intend to indulge ourselves.

Full and flirty and filling falls runways. Prices on a belle skirt can run from thousands to a mere few bucks, depending on the designer and the fabric. Good news is that you can find one that fits you in almost any price range!

Above is a Fiona Faille skirt in black - $228 (shopbop.com, neimanmarcus.com). To the right is a pretty off white striped skirt from Anthropology.com named the Trace Paper Skirt - $148.00

High End Low End
As noted above, belle skirts range dramatically in price, so everyone can afford this trend.
Left - Armani Collezioni- $1.045.00; Middle -J.Crew- $98.00; Right- Forever21, $19.80.