July 2010 Archives

I have to give props to Banana Republic on their current promotion. Love the savings on both regular and sale items. Save 30% off on all regular priced merchandise and 25% off on already reduced pieces. The extra discount on sale items is online only while the 30% off is offered both online and in-stores. Use code: BRMADNESS for 30% discount and BRSALE25 for 25% off. As an added bonus, free shipping on orders $50 or more with code BRFREE50. Shipping promo can be combined with extra savings. Sale valid through August 1st.

Shopping tip: If you are purchasing both regular and sale merchandise, use both codes and the higher discount prevails so you are actually saving 30% off on sale items!

Feel and look exotic wearing this Lanvin Leopard T-Shirt Dress. Leopard print is front and center this fall. To be honest, I'm partial to leopard, it has been overdone at times. On the other hand, this dress is done tastefully and very chic. From the silk printed fabric to the length of the dress came together just right. I also like the fact that you don't have to do much with the dress. Pair it with black pumps and finish off the look with a clutch and perhaps a fabulous ring.

My advice, don't go overload on leopard prints. A dash here and there works. Or else you would look like a leopard threw up on you. Master this trend and you'll be a savvy leader of a pack of trendinistas.

One word, 'Gaga', Lady Gaga that is. Kerin Rose is the go-to eyewear designer among music's biggest names like Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Adam Lambert to name a few. A-Morir was founded in 2008 and in a short time gained an A-list following. Her edgy and unconventional designs redefined a must-have accessory.

The sunglasses don't come cheap (a pair averaging at $300), but you are paying for quality. Each design lives up to A-Morir's point of view... "by definition accessories are supplemental; there is no need to be practical. so go big. go hard, and go far."

As much as I don't want to think about summer's end, I'm just not ready to let this fabulous weather to end. Even though the heat can be unbearable at times. Some retailers are celebrating with end-of-the-season promotions. ESPRIT is running a Final Summer Sale with savings of 30% off both regular and sale merchandise. Save on stylish apparel and accessories for both men and women. Simply use code: 5JQWUK44 at checkout. This is an online only promotion. Good through July 31st. Happy Shopping!

Pencey One-Shoulder Dress $59.24, Ella Moss Ruffle Dress $62.99 ABS Mini Dress $85.49

It's been a pretty quiet week for shop worthy sales this week. Good thing Saks came through with their Women's Sale. Save up to 70% off select styles in Contemporary, Salon Z and Evening pieces. So, I browsed the sale and try to see if the 70% off is just another hook. And to my delight, there are actually a number of deep discounts. A lot of under $100 designer finds. The dresses shown above average at about $120 regularly but during the sale prices are slashed fabulously. No coupon code needed. Prices go back up July 6th. Happy Shopping!

When I hear Melissa Shoes; chic, stylish, trendy and eco-friendly comes to mind. The brand gains more following every time a new collection launches. This time around, Melissa ups the ante by collaborating with top fashion designers. The latest partnership is with one of my all-time favorite designers Jean Paul Gaultier. Plastic shoes never looked so luxurious and very eco-chic. I love the covered and organic look of the design. The price might seem high but considering how much Gaultier's footwear costs this is not so bad.

Footwear is perhaps the most competitive field in the fashion industry. Though a majority of designers try as much as possible not to come across as copycats, there are some (intentionally or not) that are inspired on other designs not necessarily to replicate but maybe to capitalize on the popularity of the original creation. And in the process of doing so, would try to put their own spin on it and comes out a product that just a bit to much... trying hard if I may.

And that's actually my sentiments on these Bess Tall Calf Moccasins. They look like an UGG and Koolaburra fusion then someone went stud crazy on them. Don't get me wrong, me love me some studs but on this case, quite tacky. Also, why pay $374 when this can easily be a d.i.y. project that would probably cost you half of that.

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale starts today! This much awaited annual sale events features hundreds of apparel, shoes and accessories by top designer brands like Burberry, Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs and more! What makes this a must-shop event are most of the items on sale are from Fall Collections. So, this gives you a head start on building your fall wardrobe. I know it sounds crazy shopping or even thinking about fall with this summer heat we are having.

Aside from the savings, there are a lot of beauty gifts with purchase. Make sure to check out this sale event and shop early all prices go back up August 2nd. Happy Shopping!

I've been a fan of Nicholas Kirkwood since his first pair of shoes stepped in the fashion wold. His modern, edgy and unique designs makes his creations loved by celebs and stylists. It's the architectural shape of Kirkwood's design that first caught my eye and today has become his trademark.

These Sprayed Lace Up Sandals shows Nicholas Kirkwood's passion in creating chic and elegant footwear. The sprayed effect finish is genius. Pair them with skinny jeans, leggings, skirts and even dresses. Investment worthy statement shoes that would fit perfectly in your shoe collection. This pair are not quite available yet. They are scheduled to launch by the end of September but can be preordered.

For 2 days only, Shopbop is offering an extra 20% off all sale items! That means more savings on top of their ongoing summer sale of up to 70% off apparel, shoes and accessories from brands like Current Elliot, Marc Jacobs, 7 For All Mankind and more. There are no brand restrictions. Use code: EXTRA20 at checkout. Shop now for the best selections. Enjoy!

UK brand AllSaints Spitalfields has started their version of a British invasion in the U.S. this year opening stores in Miami, Los Angeles and most recently in Soho, NY. Their line is a mixture of rock n' roll and Goth with an edge. I love this brand a lot. The distressed and vintage feel done with a luxurious twist. The quality is top notch and wearable. Hence, the price is teetering to almost the luxury mark. A few more stores are slated to open soon in Chicago, San Francisco and Las Vegas.

AllSaints started out with menswear in 1994 and slowly expanded their line. Now apparel, footwear and accessories for men, women and kids. They also have housewares and a vintage line.

Leave it to John Galliano to stray from the pack and create another spectacular collection. His Fall 2010 Couture Collection is simply breathtaking. If flowers bloom in fall this how they will look, colorful and enchanting. This is by far one of Galliano's best in my opinion. There wasn't a single garment that walked the runway that I didn't like.
I love Galliano's play on volume, bright, bold colors, very feminine silhouettes and the ombre dresses are so chic. The styling is perfection. The models hair resembled flower buds and some even had headgear resembling florists' plastic wraps.
Ending the collection was a series of exquisite and masterful ball gowns that are mesmerizing. All in all, the collection had a delicate feel showcased with precision and confidence. Galliano gave us a glimpse on how something as small like a flower can inspire greatness. Bravo!

Here's another exclusive discount for my dear readers. Get an extra 30% off sale items at nautica.com. An extra added bonus on Nautica's on-going Summer Sale where you can save up to 40% off apparel, shoes and accessories for the entire family! The sale is for a limited only and a lot of items from their Summer Collection are included. Use code: SUM30 at checkout for the extra 30% discount. Sale ends July 16th. Happy Shopping!

Another big trend this summer is tribal inspired pieces. From prints and patterns on apparel to unique indigenous materials on accessories. The best way to incorporate this trend to any look are subtle touches. Tribal inspired jewelry adds that global chic to any ensemble. Take it up a notch with eco-friendly pieces. One of my favorite designs are from DLC Brooklyn.

Designed by Susan Domelsmith, you can find understated yet elegant designs made with reworked vintage jewelry mixed with other materials like bamboo and leather. I particularly love the uniqueness of each piece from their collection. This Vintage Painted Necklace can be worn with both casual and formal looks. And definitely would look sexy paired with swimwear.

I am a skeptic when it comes to deals to good to be true. That's why I make sure I check every sales and promotions I feature on here. So, when I got an email from Shopbop about their much awaited summer sale I just had to check it out. Well, my dear readers it is quite a fabulous sale. There are amazing savings to be had on summer apparel, shoes and accessories from top designers and brands.

Hundreds of items to choose from and most of them have sizes and color options available. Just make sure to check if the items your purchasing are returnable or exchangeable because a few 70% off items are final sale. Happy Shopping!

I've seen a lot of parkas in my life and this Acne Parka Coat has to be one of the most ridiculous in so many levels that I've ever laid eyes on. I know parkas are suppose to be oversize coats but this particular one even with the drawstring on the waist doesn't render any shape or form. Trust me, I saw this piece styled on a model and it doesn't look great. It takes away any ounce of style from any look. And of course the price is crazy. Granted it is lined with 100% sheep skin, but still there are parkas out there that are more fashionable and practical.

Bohemian inspired fashion is quite the trend this summer. Get your luxurious boho chic look on with this studded leather fringed bag by Derek Lam. This bag is from Derek Lam's latest accessory collection. I love the shape, unique strap  and distressed look of the leather. The design is very versatile. Whether you're wearing a dress or denim jeans, this bag will finish off your look, oh so fabulously. Derek Lam 'Isla' Fringed Bag $1,190 Saks

There are a few sales happening celebrating 4th of July. But by far Betsey Johnson is having the most amazing, must-shop promotion, 'Buy One Get One Free' on full and reduced clothing! This is the first time I've seen such a generous sale from a designer with such caliber like Betsey Johnson. Promo ends July 5th and make sure to use code: 4TH2010 at checkout.

Nine West is having a fabulous 5-day sale on regular and already reduced footwear. For every 2 pairs of shoes you buy you get an extra 20% off your purchase. And the extra 20% off can be applied on shoes that are already on sale. So, on top of their current promotion of up to 50% off on select merchandise you get the extra 20% off. Basically, you can get two pairs of shoes for the price of one. As an added bonus, free shipping on any purchase! You can find shoes for every occasion, look and budget. No coupon codes needed. Sale ends July 5th. Enjoy!

To celebrate the 2010 Independence Day, Old Navy exclusively partnered with Operation: Care and Comfort to support our troops deployed overseas. This is a great cause to support all the men and women who risks their lives everyday to keep us and our country free from any harm.

This 4th of July weekend stop at any Old Navy stores nationwide and do show your support by Donating one or all of the items listed below needed by men and women enlisted in Iraq and Afghanistan. Customers who make a donation will receive a 10% off their entire purchase made that day. Also, if you like you can shop the under $10 troop essentials section in front of every store for your donation.
Old Navy is also having a 'Buy One, Send One' on their famous Flag Tees. For every Flag Tee purchased in-store from July 1st - 5th, Old Navy will send one to our troops overseas up to 500,000 shirts. And every 1st - 4th of every month all service men and women are offered a 10% off discount on their purchase. Which I think is a very nice gesture by Old Navy.

For more information about Operation Care and Comfort and how you can help, click here to visit their site.