The Smart Stylist's
Top 10 Gift Picks Under $100 For Mom!


With Mother's Day only a few days away, here are some gift ideas that I'm sure the mom will love. While working on this gift list, I'm glad to know that there are quite a bit of fabulous gifts under $100 out there. But as we all know, as cliche it may sound, that is still the thought that counts when giving a gift to someone as special as mom.

Smart Shopping:
Shopbop Friends and Family Sale!

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It seems like it has been ages since I posted any shop-worthy sale events. Anyhow, Shopbop is having their Friends&Family Event for 2 days only! Starting today through tomorrow, save an extra 20% off your entire order. Save on apparel, footwear and accessories from top designers and brands like Alice+Olivia, Marc Jacobs, Joie and so much more. There are a few designer exclusions for this sale. Simply use code: INTHEFAMILY20 at checkout. And as always free shipping and free returns is extended to US residents. Happy Shopping!

*Code cannot be applied to gift certificates or shipping costs. Designer Exclusions apply to the following brands: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Alexander Wang, Maison Martin Margiela, MM6 Maison Martin Margiela, Proenza Schouler, Reem Acra, Thakoon, and UGG Australia.

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Splurge of the Week:
Lanvin Snakeskin Puzzle Wedge Sandal

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Lanvin Snakeskin Puzzle Wedge Sandal $1,590.00 Barneys


For the past 10 years Alber Elbaz has been the driving force behind French fashion house, Lanvin. His collection gets better season after season and have gained a global following. Barneys is celebrating Elbaz's 10 years with Lanvin by featuring an interview with the designer and handpicked a few pieces from the collection.

These statement-worthy wedge sandals are just in time for the season. Love the snakeskin and wood puzzle wedge. It gives it a modern look with the right amount of edge. I love that these sandals are quite versatile you can pair them with jeans, skirts and dresses.

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S/S 2012 NEW COLLECTIONS

How to Find a Prom Dress on a Budget

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Clarise Prom Dress $99.00 SALE. Available in lime, magenta and baby blue.


Spring is in full swing and that means prom time is just around the corner. And as a new group of prom girls learn every year that can be a very expensive turn to take.

Of course you want to look great for prom, not just because of your date and all your friends but because there will be picture after picture taken of you and when you look back on that special night you want to be able to say that you looked great!

That being said, the right prom ensemble can be quiet expensive. In addition to your dress you're going to need shoes, accessories, money to get your hair done and buy that new make-up that looks so good. Then there is also the cost of the ticket, plus whatever you are doing before and after prom and you can't forget to chip in for the limo that will take you and your group to the special event.

With all the costs associated with prom its no wonder that every year young women across the country look for a way to save as much as they can on their prom dress. Just because you don't want to spend a lot on a dress does not mean that you have to settle for second hand or a boring department store dress. Instead try these five simple steps to help you use the internet to bring an affordable prom dress right to your door!

*Featured article created by promgirl.net in collaboration with thesmartstylist.com. Exclusive 10% discount on your purchase use coupon code: 'SMART' at checkout!

Must watch: NBC Fashion Star

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*image courtesy of nbc.com

Finally, the wait is over! After seeing the previews for NBC's new show Fashion Star, I was hooked. But, I'll be honest I had my reservations on what can the show offer to viewers that they haven't seen from a fashion reality show before. Last night was the pilot episode and here's my take on the show.

The Mentors:
  • Jessica Simpson - from pop princess to multimillion dollar fashion brand. I'm happy to see her back on television.
  • Nicole Richie - created the award winning brand House of Harlow 1960. Happy to see her as well. A totally different Nicole since the last time we saw her in a show with her then BFF Paris Hilton.
  • John Varvatos - having been the menswear designer for Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, he launched his own line in 2000 and has become one of fashion's top designer and brand.

The Buyers:

  • Terron Schaefer - Saks Fifth Avenue's executive vice-president and chief creative officer.
  • Caprice Willard - featured buyer for Macy's.
  • Nicole Christie - H&M featured buyer.
This is the something 'different' Fashion Star has to offer. I love the fact that the designers/contestants get the opportunity of a lifetime. Each week, the buyers make offers and outbid each other on the designer's garments. And the biggest incentive for the designer is, their creations can be purchased the day after the show! The opportunity of having a designer's pieces sold at Saks, Macy's and H&M is a huge accomplishment.

The Show:

I like the upbeat and fast pace of the program. It does remind me of a Victoria Secret fashion show. I wonder if host/producer Elle Macpherson channeled her inner 'angel for the show.
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*image courtesy of nbc.com

As far as the designers, no one really stood out for me. I mean it's the first episode. I'm sure someone will rise to the occasion as the show progress. The only thing that didn't sit well with me is how some of the designers talked back to the mentors and buyers in a not so nice way.

Where to shop:
Saks Fifth Avenue
macys.com

Smart Shopping:
French Connection Extra 30% OFF Sale Items!


French Connection is having a fabulous sale now through March 31st. Save an extra 30% off sale items! You can save up to 70% with the additional discount. There is quite the selection for women at the moment, so shop now for the best selection. Use code: FCOUTLET at checkout. Free shipping is offered to purchases of $150 or more. Happy shopping!
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Smart Shopping
Saks Fifth Avenue
NORDSTROM - Shop the summer's hottest looks
FORWARD by Elyse Walker
Browns Fashion
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Shop Now at SSENSE
TOMS Sequins Collection - Shop Now
YOOX.COM
SHOP ONLINE DIESEL.COM
Click here for Zappos.com!
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