April 2009 Archives

Dillard's is having an amazing extra 30% off clearance sale from April 29th to May 2nd. Save on brands like BCBG, Jessica Simpson, Calvin Klein and more. I found a lot of great deals while browsing the sale. All sale items are actually marked with the lowest price including additional savings. So, takes away the guessing game of how much the final price of the item. The selection is pretty extensive and quite a bit of available sizes and color options left. Happy shopping!

Tunics are must-haves for summer and are mostly worn as cover-ups. This 'Ashanti' Tunic by Edun, is quite unique compared to other tunics. Aside from being an eco-friendly garment, the gauze-like weaving makes this tunic more than to cover-up. With the sexy yet tasteful and feminine silhouette, easily wear it over a dress for a layered look. Like how its shown above. And also create a few style of your own with the extra yardage for the belt. As you can see with the white 'Ashanti' Tunic you can have an Obi sash. Finish off this eco-chic dress with a pair of gladiator sandals and your good to go!

Three must-shop sales are going on this week. Esprit, Shopbop and Piperlime are having fabulous promotions. If you're in the process or haven't started on your summer wardrobe, I suggest take advantage of these sale events and be summer ready before it even officially starts! Save 20% OFF on ALL tops including items on sale at Esprit. Simply use the code shown above on checkout to get the discount.

Piperlime is having an exclusive 20% OFF on select espadrilles. Exclusive meaning this promotion is not advertise on their site! Use code SUMMERFUN at check out. Sale ends May 11th. Some restrictions apply.
Offer not valid on final sale items or the following select brands: Emilio Pucci, Giuseppe Zanotti, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Belle by Sigerson Morrison, Donald J Pliner, Keen, Botkier, Kooba, Treesje, See by Chloe and Goldenbleu. Discount applies to merchandise only, excluding Giftcards purchased, packaging, applicable taxes and shipping & handling charges. Offer is good for one time use only and must be redeemed at time of purchase. No adjustments on previous purchases
Shopbop is offering 25% OFF on all regular priced handbags. There are no brand restrictions for this sale. So, nab that Marc Jacobs bag you've been eyeing. Use code ARMCANDY upon checkout. This promotion is only good for two days, ending on April 29th 11:59 PST. So, hurry and shop! Have fun!

In the last few weddings I've attended, it was great to see a majority of wedding ensemble adapted or should I say swayed from your traditional, all-white, ruffles, tulle and organza for days gowns and dresses. Don't get me wrong, I love traditional weddings but it wouldn't hurt to make some modern updates specially the outfits.

I talked about bridesmaid dresses for my Wedding to Remember series. Today, we will focus on bridal shoes! Diamonds have the 4 'C's ( cut, color, clarity and carat weight ), I came up with The Smart Stylist's 3 'C's - guide to 'smart' bridal shoes. These are cost, color and chicness!

Cost:

• Keep the cost under $150 a pair. There is a wide selection of affordable quality shoes out there. Do some comparison shopping online. Keep an eye on special bridal promotions or sale events.

Color:

• If the only shade that would work for your dresses,is white, then opt for Ivory or any off-white colors. If you're still in the early stages of your wedding planning and you have an open palette. Metal shades like bronze, copper, gold and silver are pretty safe. Rich deep colors in purple and burgundy. No teal or hunter green please!

Chicness:

• Lastly, the most important of the 3 'C's is chicness. Like what I said about the bridesmaid dresses, if you're the bride and it's your call to decide on what your wedding party wears try to pick styles that they can wear more than once. And if done so, they will be thinking of your special day every time they wear them. 
• As far as embellishment goes, soft ribbons and flower buds are very chic!
  

Christopher Kane 'Gorilla' Dress $2,368.00. Available at  Browns Fashion

I've always considered Christopher Kane a visionary. His creativity, imagination, talent and passion for fashion is undeniable. But I just don't get this Gorilla dress. The silhouette is fabulous. The screaming gorilla print on the other hand, not so much! If this dress was made with the intention to raise funding in support of the preservation of gorillas. And remind us of the dwindling population of primates and how they are hunted to sell in the black market. Then such depiction of bestiality on a dress is understandable. And with a price tag close to $2,400, you better be damn sure nobody else would be wearing the same dress when you're at a party or something.

(from left) La Blanca by Rod Beattie Animal Print Tankini $77.00, Juicy Couture Smocked Tankini $107.00, Profile by Gottex Tankini $78.00. All available at Nordstrom Swim Shop

This past weekend, temperatures rose well about the nineties and its only spring. The hot weather got a couple of my girlfriends thinking about summer and asked me if I can go swimwear shopping with them. We hit Nordstrom and found such an extensive selection that we didn't shop anywhere else.I told them tankini is the way to go. They are versatile. You can easily wear tankini tops with denim jeans or shorts. And they are not to revealing.

If ever Christian Louboutin want to create his empire of clothing, shoes and accessories he can surely can and do very well with it. But his passion in creating women's footwear is so profound that he chooses not to. And I respect him very much for that. In short, he's not and will never be a sell out.

Louboutin has sporadically came out with handbags and accessories and like his shoes they are well received. Not because they are designed by and bears the Christian Louboutin name. It's the quality of workmanship and impeccable designs. Louboutin's ability to add basic details like pleating to this 'Schoolita' framed bag and come out with something simple yet it's chic, fresh and stylish is amazing. I also love the red inner lining, reminiscent of his signature red sole on his footwear creations.  

EXPRESS' much anticipated Shop the Box Sale Up to 70%OFF is currently ongoing both in stores and online. As much as I love the thrill of a scavenger hunt going through boxes in the store, I rather shop online now. For a couple of reasons, it saves me so much time looking for my size if there's any left that is. And most importantly, I don't have to see piles of fashion flotsam and jetsam. Finding panties in the men's shirt box, all extra-large shirts in a box marked smalls and mediums. To be quite honest, just the sight of that sways me away and totally turns me off to even dare shop the sale.

Anyhow,  I shopped the sale and let me tell you I haven't felt so good spending $150 from shopping. Great buys for men's and women's apparel and accessories. Sale ends on April 26. So, shop now. Enjoy your day!

Today the entire world celebrates Earth Day by any means possible, big or small in any way we can to help save and preserve mother nature and the environment. Fashion's proactive role in the green revolution is growing everyday. And if you haven't thought of what you can do today to add to the cause. I suggest eco-shopping. But if you can do both, shop and perhaps plant a tree. That's even more eco-fabulous! Here are some eco-friendly products and sites that I recommended for you to check out that offers earth-friendly apparel, shoes and accessories.

Happy Earth Day!

(from left) Linden Slingback Flat 24.99, Tigerlily Espadrille Wedge 26.99, Aspen Sandal 26.99, Chili Pepper Sandal. All from Zoe&Zac by Summer Rayne Oakes for Payless Shoes.

Payless Shoes' latest collaboration with Zoe&Zac is fantastic. Zoe&Zac offers affordable and stylish eco-friendly shoes and accessories. Summer Rayne Oakes, creator of Zoe&Zac infuses fun and trendy designs with organic cotton, hemp and other sustainable materials. Making such creations attainable to everyone with most of the footwear are priced under $30.00!

You can also shop for eco-friendly and eco-chic footwear on these sites. Most of them offers 'Earth Day' promos, so be sure to check them out!

(from left) Kindred Spirit Organic T-Shirt $70.00, Masquerade Organinc T-Shirt $65.00, Origin of Species Organic T-Shirt $70.00. All from EDUN by Allison Hewson and Bono.

A year ago there was such a limited selection on eco-friendly handbags and accessories. Prices on were considerably high. The effects of pollutants and their adverse effects to the environment from manufacturing of handbags, shoes and accessories. Designers and manufacturers took it upon themselves to create products that are earth-friendly. So, now let's do our part by being thinking 'green' when we shop.

(from left) The Sak 'Indio' Crochet Tote $109.00, Alex and Ani 'Space' Ring $65.00, Matt&Nat Multi-Zip Crossbody Bag $275.00, Alkemie Jewelry Stingray Cuff $209.00

After watching one of my favorite romantic comedy movie of all time, 27 Dresses. There were some hideous bridesmaid dresses in the movie. With this I was inspired to write a series of articles on weddings.

Bridesmaid Dress

If you've been a bridesmaid, you would do anything for the bride to be to have the wedding of her dreams happen without a hitch. Even if you have to wear a dress that screams ugly. I had helped a few of my girlfriends plan their wedding and based on my experience, brides actually don't mind getting some suggestions or hearing concerns, Unless they are total bridezillas.

Here a some things to consider (if the luxury of having a wedding planner is not possible at the moment ) to make that special occasion a very memorable one:

Bridesmaids:

• Be involved. The bride already has a lot on her plate. Offer assistance. If you're the 'MOH' (maid of honor) stay in touch with the bridesmaids and schedule weekly planning meetings over brunch.
• When it comes to the your dress for the wedding. Ask the color theme the bride has decided on and gather clippings from magazines or print out dresses you've seen on the web. Just remember not to overwhelm the bride or make it seem to controlling.
• Be honest. I know you want the bride to have the perfect wedding. But if asked on what your opinion on let's say the bridesmaid dresses, say what you really think. Just be careful and how you relay your dislikes.
  

Brides:

• Delegate, delegate, delegate. I know this is the day you've always dreamed about since when you were a little girl and you want it to be perfect. But you can't do everything on your own. Ask your bridesmaids for some assistance and don't say no either to anyone who wants to help. It doesn't have to be a big task. It can be as simple as mailing the invitations.
• Be open to suggestions. By being so, you are sharing the joy and love this momentous event.
• Lastly, brides are to shine for their wedding. But having your bridesmaids wear hideous dresses is not the way. Look for dresses that would compliment yours. Maybe even dresses that they can wear more than just on your wedding day. Like a Betsey Johnson dress (shown above). If the cost is way over your budget. Let your bridesmaid know and if they want to split the cost and have that as the gift for your wedding. I'm sure they wouldn't mind.

More of 'A Wedding to Remember'! Next topic, Shoes!

Offering affordable, stylish and top-quality handbags since 1987, Kipling is one of the trusted handbag brand in the world. And starting today until May 9, Kipling is having a buy one handbag get second handbag (of equal or lesser value ) half off! This is a great promotion since most of their handbags are priced under $200.00. As an added bonus, all leather handbag purchase are shipped free. So, if you're shopping for a mother's day gift or just in the mood to treat yourself.

The outcome on the last episode of America's Next Top Model Cycle 12 was predictable but entertaining. the remaining models had a photo shoot with R&B singer Sierra. She was gorgeous as always.   London's weight-gain was undeniably her downfall. Making her self-conscious during the shoot. The extra pounds she packed was so noticeable, even the assistant during the photo shoot challenge thought she have gotten 'really-big'. A comment I thought that was a bit harsh. A male model carrying a tin of nuts made an appearance during the judging. At first, I thought Tyra has a new line of nuts she was trying to promote. But it was a clue as to where will be the next destination is for the remaining model hopefuls. So, the girls are off to Brazil, birthplace of Gisselle Bundchen and Adriana Lima, a couple of today's top supermodels.

Goodbye London. Best of luck! Special Thanks to CWTV and ANTM for the photos.

Miu Miu is known for creating gorgeous and edgy women's shoes. As the saying goes 'nobody is perfect', this t-strap wedge sandals are not what I expect from Miu Miu. A+ for uniqueness but they are not the prettiest one. Pay $665.00 for a pair of baggy shoes? They look like the wedge broke or something and now the fabric is all slouchy. Oh well. But I'm sure this won't even make the tiniest dent on Miu Miu's fabulous footwear trackrecord.

(top set) 'Sarah' ($225.00) accented with burnished, reclaimed 14-karat gold details, (bottom set) 'Hannah' ($125.00) crafted with reclaimed pure sterling silver. Whimsy jewelry collection designed by R. Craig Whitten.

Eco-friendly jewelry is surely making its presence in the world of eco-fashion. I came across a collection of customizable rings designed by R. Craig Whitten. His latest collection, 'whimsy' offers a new twist on the wildly popular collectible bead jewelry and provide a new and easy way to showcase the striking glass beads. I love that whimsy rings are designed to accommodate beads made by all the major bead manufacturers including Trollbreads, Pandora and Chamilia. So, you can easily change the beads to whatever the color or pattern trends are every season!
Aside from the unique and functional design, whimsy rings are made ONLY from reclaimed gemstones and metals. Reclaimed meaning that no post industrial waste but dormant metals and gems.This is a conscious decision on Whitten's part as his way to counter the effects of the top toxic polluter in the U.S., the mining industry. According to the NoDirtyGold campaign (nodirtygold.org), a single gold ring leaves a shocking 20 TONS of harmful mine waste? Makes me think if the next gold jewelry I buy is worth the harsh effects to the environment it does during manufacturing.

The price range for whimsy rings is $125.00 -$399.00. I know you think that is more than what you would spend on a piece of jewelry like this. But with the interchangeable bead feature just change it up with a different color bead or gemstone and voila! a new ring. And think about how much toxic mine waste you prevented by buying a whimsy ring instead of a gold one. As R. Craig Whitten said about whimsy rings, "It's a small step, but a step in the right direction". So, true.

For more information about the whimsy jewelry collection and where to purchase, go to whimsywoldrwide.com. Stay tuned for your chance to win a whimsy ring on Earth Day! 

If you're looking for affordable, stylish tops for spring and summer, I suggest shop ellamoss.com. Ella Moss' designs are fresh, sexy yet chic. You can find an array of tank tops, short and 3/4 sleeve tops that are under $100! Easily pair them with denim jeans. Perfect for everyday casual wear. Have a fabulous day!

When I was managing a La-Z-boy Furniture Gallery a few years back, the most anticipated promotion is our friends and family. During this event the best deals and most discounts are extended to our customers. And from April 14th-19th, Saks is having it's spring Friends and Family Event. Talk about savings galore!
You can save:

• 25% OFF All Merchandise
• 20% OFF Jewelry
• 15% OFF Cosmetics and Fragrance

Shopping notes: On April 14th-15th Saks' Spring Friends & Family Event is ONLY offered at Saks.com and in stores through the 19th. Just enter SFAFAM1 at checkout. As always read the sale restrictions and details for this promotion. Happy Shopping!

Celebrity moms Gwyneth Paltrow, Debra Messing, Angie Harmon and Marcia Cross recently partnered with Lily Pulitzer to design limited edition fashions called Jubilee Collection. A portion of every items sold from the collection will go to EBMRF, a non-profit volunteer foundation that supports medical research into the causes, treatments and cures for Epidermolysis Bullosa, a disease that affects young children.

The designs are adorable and fresh. What I also love are there are kidswear that compliment each celebrity mom's design. The pieces are priced at what to expect you would pay for a Lily Pulitzer item. So, shop the collection. Trust me the feeling you get knowing you look fabulous and helped a cause is priceless.

If you missed any Easter sale event, don't despair Esprit has extended their promotion for two more days! Save 20% off full and sale priced items excluding outlet items on purchases $75.00 and up. I have always recommended my girlfriends to shop at Esprit because you can get full-looks priced very reasonable. There are fabulous head-to-toe spring and summer looks Esprit has to offer. Have fun shopping!

One thing for sure, House of Holland design duo Henry Holland and Aggy Deyn love their bright colors which I totally respect them for. Remember their paint swatches inspired Fall 2009 RTW Collection? From something that seemed uninspired to something totally glam like this All Over Petal dress and skirt shows that they are very talented. The design is fun, flirty and youthful but yet sophisticated.
I particularly love the bright yellow skirt. Pair it with a off-white sequined tank top and Christian Louboutin Gino Sandal or Dillian Flower Pump. You would look so chic and very irresistible. And definitely summer ready!

To be quite honest, this season of America's Next Top Model started of a bit boring for me. I felt that the first few episodes were lagging. And my least favorite model wanna-be Sandra, annoyed me so much. She left me uninspired to write about the show. Now that she got the boot, on with the chatter.

Season Premier Episode

First of, thank you Ms. Banks for making the season's premier episode 100 times more fabulous than last cycle. Give me Grecian Goddess Tyra any day. None of that 'fem-bot' supermodel last season. I also like that there are more partner and group photo shoots. You can see who the stands out in the competition. Make-up and styling has definitely improved as well. And as always, a posing challenge with Benny Ninja is fabulously entertaining.

The Models
I'm so excited that my top faves to win are still in the competition. Celia, Fo and Allison. Each of them has a quality that I adored. Celia, her maturity helps abundantly but she knows this can might as well be her Achilles Heel. In an industry where the never-ending search for the fountain of youth powers the money-making engines, she is at 25 is considered a retirement age. But I still love the girl!

Fo's spunk, versatility and constant improvement challenge after challenge will carry her far in the competition. Despite the bratty, 'for-crying-out-loud-enough-already-so-they-cut-your-hair-short-get-over-it' stint after the model make-overs.

Lastly, wide-eyed and so-shy Allison. I just love her look. If she can develop her walk and up the ante on her self-confidence. I see her walking the runway for one of John Galliano's Dior Couture collections.

So, that's all for now. Good luck to all the models. Until next episode. Special thanks to CWTV.com and America's Next Top Model for the photos.

Don't you just love getting rewarded for shopping? I do. And if you're planning on splurging this week on a pair of fabulous designer shoes or a sassy handbag. I suggest head over Saks.com. They are having a great promo, Shop Handbags and Shoes, Get a Gift Card. So, if you've been saving up for a Marc Jacobs handbag like the one shown above ($1,995.00) you will receive a $200.00 gift card! That's a pair of DVF wedge right there or a Shoshanna swimsuit just in time for summer. Promo ends 4/12/09 and this is only on online purchases. Happy Shopping!

One of my guilty pleasures is watching videos on Youtube. Aside from watching fashion videos,  I'm a sucker for those that makes me cry (tears of joy) like teen singing sensation Charice when she was on Oprah. I also like catching on my Paranormal State episodes. And lastly, I love a good laugh. Well, this video titled Shoes just made me laugh so hard I almost wet my pajamas! TMI I know, sorry. But I thought I share it with you. Special thanks to Liam Kyle Sullivan's Youtube channel for the video.

Just a friendly warning, 'F' bombs were dropped quite a bit during the last minute of this video. If this is something that you would find offensive please stop the video at 00:03:00 or refrain from watching. If not, have a great laugh!

You'll definitely appreciate going to the beach more this summer. Knowing that you are doing your part in helping to keep them pollutant free by toting one of Envirosax's Amazonia Bags. Tribal print is quite the trend for spring and summer season as well. This bags are 100% Polyester, waterproof and only $10.00 each. Now that's eco-fabulous! You can even use them for grocery shopping. So, give that Trader Joe's or Whole Foods Market reusable fabric bag a break and be eco-chic with Envirosax Amazonia Bags. Green Peace!

'Smart' shoppers has Neiman Marcus Last Call Stores as one of their must-shop department stores. I can spend hours shopping in one of them, which I did this weekend at the San Diego location. And let me tell you what, I was like in discount-bonanza-heaven. Because of the extra 20% OFF that was being offered on top of the already discounted prices.

Not so much of a selection on the men's department compared to the ladies'. I bought a pair of Rock&Republic Jeans, Gucci flip-flops, Prada aviators, coulple of Diesel tees. It only cost me a little under $600.00! I would've probably spent more but Mr. Visa said no! This sale event ends on April 13, so hurry and head to NM Last Call Store nearest you.

Online luxury boutique, eluxury is having a fabulous extra 40% OFF men's and women's sale apparel. This 2-day only sale event starts tomorrow Tuesday (4/07/09) and ends on Wednesday (4/09/09). Save an extra 40% on Dolce&Gabbana, Rag and Bone, 3.1 Phillip Lim and other top designer sale apparel. Most items that are on sale are 'last one left' pieces. So, this sale is like a fabulous fashion treasure hunt. Also, free ground shipping on purchases $50.00 and up. Happy Shopping!

Alexander McQueen's affinity to edgy, high-fashion and avant-garde is undeniable. But while Zac Posen and Christian Dior are rolling out breathtaking collections, McQueen decides on these garb? Props for bringing the houndstooth pattern in the spotlight. There are just a lot of strong fall ready-to-wear collections that in comparison exacerbates McQueen's effort. And quite frankly, there are a few looks that reminded me of Dior Spring 2008 Couture Collection. God didn't save McQueen this time around.

My current facial regimen Zirh, is giving 5% of all online sales to The Elephant Sanctuary located in Tennessee. I love this humane gesture Zirh has decided to partake. Elephants have been on the endangered species list for quite sometime now. And efforts like this is responsible in preventing the magnificent creature disappearing and to be enjoyed by generations to come. So, do your part to help maintain their safe haven. Shop Zirh.com this month!

Imagine every time you look at your watch, you will be looking at exactly what President Barack Obama sees when he looks at his watch. Well, that is if you are wearing this Jorg Gray 6500 Series Commemorative Presidential Watch. This watch is sleek and regal. Goes to show that having great fashion sense does not just rest on the First Lady's shoulders. I wonder if I send John McCain one would he wear it? So, if you are planning on commemorating our President get something tasteful like this watch and not one of those silly plates you see on t.v.

Saks is offering a fabulous 10% discount on your first order. This is a great promotion considering that all you have to do is buy. Usually discounts like this are extended only if you apply for a store's private label credit card. There are some brands that are excluded with this promotion so read the fine print. Use code: SAKSNBIRXVRN at checkout to get your 10% OFF.