I Wore it Better

Online Designer Sale Invites

2010-11-18T09:55:00.001-08:00

It's just about time to start shopping for the holidays! Snag some great deals from these online designer sale websites. They carry everything from clothing to to cookware to vacations. Happy Shopping!!

The Sample Sale

Envite

Seen On

The Outnet - No invite needed to join

Ruelala

Ideeli

Hautelook

Gilt
Editors Closet

Swirl

Estile

Beyond the Rack

Also, if you do a lot of online shopping, I highly suggest you join Ebates.com. They have hundreds of stores that participate. Click on the stores link through their website and you earn cash back. You can have them send you a check, or connect the account to your paypal account. It is totally free. There is nothing to lose!

EBATES

Wedding Gowns From Retail Stores

2010-11-09T11:31:00.000-08:00

Not every bride-to-be can afford Couture. But that doesn't mean they should expect low quality, nor should they sacrifice on style. Mass retailers selling bridal gowns are becoming more and more popular. I believe JCrew jump started the trend. But now you also have Ann Taylor, The Limited, and White House/Black Market among others. These stores are offering affordable and exquisite gowns. Even some who can afford couture may find themselves seeing the dress of their dreams at these stores! My two personal favorites are the top ones here both by The Limited. But all the ones listed here are beautiful, affordable, and elegant.

Romantic Wedding Gown – $298 The Limited

One shoulder Wedding Gown - $298 The Limited

Streamer Gown - $1,800 JCrew

Tadashi Shoji off Shoulder Tiered Chiffon Gown - $428 Nordstrom

Pleated Grecian Gown - $79 Calvin Klein

Briana Silk Gown - $295 Ann Taylor

The Grace Bridal Gown – $498 White House/Black Market

The Audrey Gown - $698 White House/Black Market

Cady Alexa Gown - $750 JCrew

Face Creams For Cold Weather

2010-11-02T09:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know this is a shopping and fashion blog, not a beauty blog. But it is my blog and I can write about whatever I want. And I want to write about face creams today.

Cold weather is rough on the skin. I cannot use the same face creams in the summer as in the winter. My skin becomes much drier. I like to use a thick gentle face cream at night when it is cold. Below are creams I have tried and like - with the exception of Hop in a Jar. I have not tried that yet, but have heard nothing but good things. My favorites are La Mer and Nivea. Yes, I realize Nivea is not really a "face cream." But it is nice and thick and moisturizes really well! Honestly, it feels the same as La Mer and is basically all the same ingredients minus their magical sea kelp. And both give me a dewy look. Olay Regenerist is very nice. It goes on very easily and is not as thick as La Mer or Nivea. Same goes for the Mario Bedescu Seaweed Cream. The Ponds Rejuveness cream is not very thick either. But it seems to moisturize my skin really well. I got a sample of it in the mail last week and figured I'd give it a try. So far I really like it. With that being said, my skin has not been exposed to full on winter yet. So I am curious to see if it can keep my face as moisturized as the others when the time comes.

Please note that I recommend these creams for night use. It is important to use a face lotion with SPF during the day time!

Do you have a favorite face cream? Leave me a comment letting us know what you love and why.

*And, just so you know, none of these companies paid me or asked me to review their product. I did not get any free items from them. The Ponds sample was a sample sent in the mail. They did not send it to me knowing I would write about it. :)

Crème de La Mer - $130 Cremedelamer.com

Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream - $20 MarioBadescu.com

Nivea Cream - $5.97 Walmart

Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream - $22.09 Drugstore.com

Pond’s Rejuveness Anti-Wrinkle Cream - $8.97 Walmart

Hope in a Jar - $38 Sephora

Super Chic Sweater Dresses

2010-10-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

Sweater Dresses are a Fall must have. They usually look awesome with a cute pair of boots. And I love pairing them with leggings or a cute pair of tights. Plus they feel super cozy AND are sexy! How great is that!? My favorites below are the dress from Old navy and the one from Tulle. I'm hoping to add them both to my wardrobe! Which ones are your favorites?

Fendi Draped Sweater Dress - $1590 Net-a-Porter

Demure Dazzle Dress - $57.99 Mod Cloth

Pink Tartan Cowl Neck Sweater Dress - $295 Neiman Marcus

Scoopneck Sweater Dress - $66.99 JC Penny

Fever Dress - $74.99 Macy’s

Cowl Neck Belted Sweater Dress - $26.50 Body C

Jacinth Sweater Dress - $148 Anthropologie

Boat Neck Sweater Dress - $39.50 Old Navy

Marilyn Sweater Dress - $39.90 Alloy

4 Button Sweater Dress - $53 Tulle

Bandage Dresses - Take 2

2010-09-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

I did a post on Bandage Dresses last year. The bandage dress is still very popular. So I figured I would do another post. Herve Leger still leads the way in Bandage Dress fashion. I think he always will. But right now there are a lot of alternatives out there available at reasonable prices. And there are a lot available at luxury prices. Whatever your budget, there is a HOT bandage dress out there for you.

Herve Leger Contrast-Insert Bandage Dress - $636 The Outnet

Herve Leger Cutout-Back Bandage Dress - $1050 Neiman Marcus

Herve Leger off the Shoulder Bandage Dress - $1050 Net-a-Porter

XOXO Sweatheart Mini Bandage Dress - $14.99 Macy’s

BCX Banded Dress - $24.99 Macy’s

Candies Colorblock Bandage Dress - $48 Khols

Friends Junior's Sleeveless V-Neck Colorblocked Bandage Dress - $29.99 Sears

Red Bandage Dress - $54 Torrid (Plus Size)

Little Black Bandage Dress - $24.80 Forever 21

BCBG Maxazria One Shoulder Bandage Dress - $278 Tobi

Fun Gray Leggings

2010-09-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

Gray leggings are an excellent alternative to a classic black pair. But they are still very versatile and can be worn with almost anything you would wear the black ones with. They are easy to find, but not as easy as the black ones. I feel like gray ones show off more detail though. I plan to buy the Herringbone ones from Forever 21. I love the way they look! I love leggings. They are so comfy!! And I love that I can get away with them at work. We are business casual in my office. So I wear leggings with some really cute dresses I have that would be office appropriate if they were not so short! So I get away with them, thanks to leggings.

Daily Leggings – Victorias Secret $19.50

Lace Trim Leggings – Lane Bryant $29.50 (Plus size)

Soft Knit Leggings - Forever 21 $5.80

Sweater Knit Leggings – Old Navy $14.50

Herringbone Knit Leggings – Forever 21 $6.80

Gauze Leggings - $38 Anthropologie

Morphine Generation Studded Leggings – Blue Fly $76

Blake Leggings – 6126 By Lindsay Lohan $132

Designer Discounts for Fall

2010-09-10T08:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some awesome designer items available now for deeply discounted prices! These items are all great for Fall! And they are great for those who love designer items, but can't afford to pay retail. Happy shopping!

Michael Kors Shift Dress – TheOutNet $544.50 (was $1815)
Avril Gau Drop Flap – La Garconne $162.50 (was $325)

Hype Janice Cross Body Tote – SmartBargains $69.97 (was $295)
Cole Haan Halsley Straw Pouch – Neiman Marcus $35 (was $78)

Carmen Marc Valvo Carmina Sunglasses – SmartBargains $29.98 (was $125)
BCBG Hobo – 6pm $143.40 (was $478)

Hayden Cashmere Sweater – Bluefly $89 (was $240) many colors available
Report Celine Heels – 6pm $35 (was $165) also available in Gold

2 deals to buy now for next summer!

Badgley Mischka Bathing Suit Coverup – Bluefly $144 (was $240)
C&C California Strapless Dress – SmartBargains $19.97 (was $118)

Deal Alert!

2010-09-09T11:51:00.001-07:00

Tan Hobos for Fall

2010-09-08T07:29:00.000-07:00

I love hobo bags. And I love tan hobo bags. A tan hobo is the perfect fall bag. The question is whether to save or splurge? Here are options for both the savers and the splurgers. (Is that even a word?) Personally, I think I would go for the first one, the Kenneth Cole. It's priced really well, and the Kenneth Cole name should mean a quality product. if I was going to splurge, I'd go with the Coach bag. I love the look of the gold hardware against the tan leather. And Coach is always great for leather bags! What bag would you get?

Kenneth Cole Unlisted Street Smart Large Hobo Bag - $31.99 overstock.com
Bruges Slouchy Studded Hobo Cognac - $39.99 Target

Coach Kristin Leather Flap Hobo - $298 Macy’s
Carlos Falchi Leather Slouch Hobo - $895 Bergdorf Goodman

It's a Wrap

2010-09-02T08:18:00.000-07:00

I love wrap dresses for multiple reasons. They are forgiving. If you gain or lose a couple pounds, they will still fit you and look flattering. They are comfortable. They come in every imaginable print and fabric. They are flattering. They are available in high end designer names as well as non designer names. Did I mention they are flattering? You can wear them to a semi-dressy occasion, wear them to work, and wear them casual. I'm all about the wrap dress right now.

Wrapped Around Your Finger Dress - $74.99 ModCloth
Yves Saint Laurent Silk Wrap - $2590 Saks Fifth Avenue

Tie Front Wrap Dress - $29.50 Old Navy
Emilio Pucci Silk Wrap - $767.50 TheOutNet

Pleated Wrap Shirtdress - $53.94 The Limited
Nicole by Nicole Miller Mock Wrap - $34.99 JC Penny

Pleated Ruffle Wrap Dress - $26.50 Go Jane
Knight Divine Wrap Dress - $52.99 Shop Ruche

JB By Julie brown Wrap Dress - $112.99 Bluefly
DIANE von FURSTENBERG "Julian" Silk Wrap Dress - $298 Bloomingdales

Invite links to Designer sites.

2010-09-01T14:45:00.001-07:00

Ruelala

Ideeli

The Sample Sale

Envite

Modnique

Seen On

The Outnet (No invite needed)

Hautelook

Gilt

Editors Closet

Beyond the Rack

The Top Secret

Happy Bargain hunting!!

Darling Diaper Bags

2010-09-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

Having a baby usually means you will be carrying around a lot more stuff when you go out. But there is no need to sacrifice style. There are so many cute diaper bags available right now. And they are available in so many styles. I love that there are so many different and fun prints available as well as some bags that could be mistaken for high fashion... or in the case of the Burberry bag, are high fashion!

Storksak Gigi - $198 Diapers.com

Tea on the Thames Touring Tote - $145 PoshTots

Seacliff Diaper Tote - $119.99 Pottery Barn Kids
Gerber 4 in 1 striped Bags - $21.99 Buy Buy Baby

Petunia Picklebottom Clever Carryall - $49.99 Target
Buttercream Cake - $325 Petunia Picklebottom

Burberry Madison Diaper Bag - $850 Neiman Marcus
Baby & Co. Hercules Dot Bag - $20 Walmart

Bumble Bags Rebecca Tote - $86.80 6pm
Banana Fish Tuscany Bag - $149.99 Buy Buy Baby

Cowgirl Boots for Fall

2010-08-31T08:30:00.000-07:00

Cowboy boots are always in style. And they always will be as long as country music is still popular! Wear them with jeans, wear them with skirts. Dress them up, dress them down. There are so many cute and fun styles of Cowgirl boots out right now. And you should have no problem finding a pair to fit your budget!

Matiko - $118.99 Bluefly
Charlie one Horse by Lucchese - $275 6pm

BCBGeneration Fifi Boots - $139 Macy’s
Tevin Western Boot - $39.99 Payless

Lane Fusion Boots - $192.99 Overstock.com
Frye Carson Boots - $348 Macy’s

Western Boot - $32 GoJane
Dusty Trails Ankle Boots - $29.80 Forever21

Justin Boots - $89.40 6pm
Coulibaly - $140 Aldo

Coconuts Suede Cowgirl Bootie - $99.94 DSW
Chloe Cowboy Boots - $995 Net-a-Porter

Glitzy Gold Heels

2010-08-25T07:57:00.000-07:00

Get the sexy look of wearing High heeled Gold Glitter shoes! These beautiful Christian Louboutin heels are now unavailable from what I can tell. But plenty of stores have look a likes for much less than these went for. And they give you the same sultry look. These shoes are great because gold is neutral. So you can probably wear them with most dresses. And you could even use them to dress up jeans! I think they have a very fun and sexy look!

Christian Louboutin Pigalle Strauss Heel - $1000+ Unavailable

Woven Glitter Pump - $49 Pinup Shoes
Martinez Valero Zeta Pump - $149.95 Endless
H by Halston Stella - $79.95 Bakers

Two Designer Dress Look-a-Likes

2010-08-20T11:03:00.000-07:00

These are not just look-a-likes, they look the exact same!! The first is an adorable jersey dress by Halston. And yes, it is the dress worn by Carrie on the Sex and the City 2 movie poster! I actually bought the XOXO version last spring not realizing it was a look-a-like or that it was a copy of the dress worn on the movie poster. But I love the dress! It is pretty and it is comfortable. And it can be dressed up or dressed down. Just don't wear it to a wedding! White is for the bride!

The second dress is by Black Halo. It's perfect for work and for an evening out to a nice dinner. You could even wear it to a wedding! Just a very classic and elegant black dress.

Which would you buy? The look-a-like or the designer version?

Halston Heritage Jersey Dress – Neiman Marcus $325
XOXO Dolman Sleeve Dress – Macy’s $20.99 (ugh, I paid full price when I bought this a few months ago)

Black Halo Dress – Revolve Clothing $345
Style me Now Dress – Mod Cloth $64.99

Non-Strapless Wedding Gowns

2010-08-19T08:27:00.000-07:00

Strapless wedding gowns are stunning. But they are not for everyone. While I didn't need to go shopping for a gown for my wedding, (I wore my grandmother's dress) I did go with some friends and tried some on for fun. I remember being in a few stores and my friend and I asked, at all of the stores, for non-strapless dresses. And they replied that they didn't have any!! All of the 3-4 stores we visited! They only had strapless! I was so relieved to have my grandmother's dress. While I love strapless dresses, they just were not for me on my wedding day. I would not have felt secure in one. My friend, that felt the same way about strapless, was told she could add straps. But sometimes the straps don't provide the neckline you are looking for.

While researching dresses for this post, it was easier than I expected. There seems to be more non-strapless options out there than there were two years ago. So here are some beautiful gown options for those wanting to go the non-strapless route.

* Please note that some of these prices are estimates based on what I have seen online. For many, you would have to visit a wedding salon for the exact price.

Selia Yang Serina – $3000+
Vera Wang Ethel - $$$$$

Reva Mivasagar Leaf - $3000+
David Tutera for Faviana Marcia - @$ 400

Jcrew Anouk Gown - $695
JS Collection One Shoulder Gown Nordstroms - $198

David’s Bridal Tiered Gown - $169.99
David’s Bridal Floral Burnout - $215

Ann Taylor Grecian Gown - $275
Alfred Angelo Style 838 - @ $825

Designer Sale Website Invites!

2010-08-18T10:41:00.001-07:00

Here are invites to a bunch of designer sample sale websites. They feature limited time sales everyday and huge discounts on designer items!! Some now go beyond fashion and also offer discounts on hotels, cruises, wine, and household items! I'm addicted to stalking these sites!

The Sample Sale

Envite

Modnique

Seen On

The Outnet (No invite needed)

Ruelala

Ideeli

Hautelook

Gilt

Editors Closet

Beyond the Rack

The Top Secret

Unleash Your Inner Pin Up Girl

2010-08-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

I love vintage mod retro pinup clothing. I know that sounds specific. But I'm talking about the Anthropologie and Bettie Page styles. They are so feminine and sexy, but still appropriate for most occasions. I'd like to shout out Kerri at From Lazy to Lady for giving me the idea to do this post today. She told me to find dresses to wear under the Hostess Aprons I posted yesterday and suggested the pin up look. So now you should be all set for being the most stylish hostess for your next dinner party!

Sweetbriar Dress - $168 Anthropologie (I think this is my favorite!!)
Viloet Hill Dress - $54.99 Ruche

Summer Spritzer Dress - $74.99 Mod Cloth
Origami Dress - $69.95 Anthropologie

Mod Dotted Satin Dress - $22.80 Forever 21
Cherry Sundress - $84 Pin up Girl Clothing

Casserole Queen Dress - $54.99 Mod Cloth
Confetti Bettie Dress - $31.50 Lulus

Anchors Away Dress - $35.99 Mona et June
Ali Rio Gingham - $198 Bluefly

Hostess Aprons

2010-08-16T14:44:00.001-07:00

Hostess aprons are adorable. Period. They are the best way to be fashionable while cooking. You can look cute and protect the outfit you have on underneath. A hostess apron is a must for anyone that entertains often. Chances are you'll be checking up on things in the oven after the guest's have arrived. And you don't want anything to splatter on your new dress! So stay cute and wear one of these. I'm in love with them all! Which one is your favorite?

Neema Apron - Target $29.99
Summer Yellow Apron - Daisy Shoppe $28.96

Summer Oranges Apron - Jessie Steele $32.95
Sweetheart Apron - Etsy $28

The Lady's Apron - The Apron Shoppe $39.99

H.M.S. Pinefore Apron - ModCloth $117.99 (my favorite. of course it's the most expensive. Figures!)
Full Apron - Etsy $45

Chocolate Mint Apron - The Hip Hostess $39
Tea and Crumpets Apron - Anthropologie $32 (My other favorite. Much more affordable!)

Deal Alert!!

2010-08-13T11:59:00.001-07:00

Do you shop online? If you do, you may as well join EBATES.COM. They have a ton of online shops listed. If you click on the shop through ebates, then you get a certain amount of cash back. A woman I work with told me about it. She does all her shopping online and says some months she gets $20-$30 back. It's a free website. From what I can tell, there is no catch.

Here is a list of some (not all) of the stores they have and the % cash back they give:

JCPenny - 3%
American eagle - 3%
Ann Taylor - 3%
Billion Dollar Babes - 5%
Blufly - 3.5%
David's Bridal - 3%
Ebags - 8%
Kohls - 4%
The Limited - 2.5%
Lord & Taylor - 4%
Macys - 6%
ShoeBuy - 10%
Steve Madden - 4%

Anyway, the list goes on! And they don't just have clothing sites, they have everything. So sign up and remember to always check for a link on that website before you buy anything online!! It's like free money!

Cute Kitten Heels for Work and Play!

2010-08-13T09:00:00.001-07:00

I love kitten heels. They are perfect for work. And they look hot with jeans! The heel is a great size because it gives you a tiny lift, but doesn't kill your feet if you need to do some walking around. They are just very practical and stylish!! Here are some great options available now!! I think my favorite are the Nine West Hare's. They are so classic looking. Enjoy!

(p.s. please excuse the horrible layout. Blogger changed the picture upload and I can't seem to figure it out and have basically given up trying).

Troyani – Aldo $27.98

Manolo Blahnik Tortoise – Bergdorf Goodman $575

Farah Kitten Heel – Kmart $19.99

Hare – Nine West $69.99

Joan and David Gillies – 6PM $120

Spiteful – Steve Madden $99.95

Franco Sarto Regal – 6PM $44.85

Cut it Out Kitten – Payless $22.99

Butter – Endless $264.95

Jimmy Choo Gala – Net-a-Porter $595

Good time to Buy a Swimsuit!

2010-08-12T09:46:00.001-07:00

With only little more than a month of summer left, most stores have their swimsuits and bikinis on sale! So why not take advantage and shop now for your winter vacations and for next summer? The only problem is that sizes and colors are limited. You may find a bikini you love, but they only have your size in the bottoms and not the top. It can be very frustrating! So I have found bathing suits and bikinis that are available now (as of posting this) and in a variety of sizes! Also, most of these come from websites with a good variety of other bathing suits and bikinis available. So be sure to browse their websites!

Xhilaration Bikini - Target $30
Tommy Bikini - Macys $50

Sailor Monokini - ModCloth $124
Merona Purple Swimsuit - Target $34.99

Emmy One Piece - Mod Cloth $89.99
Click here for Plus Size

Michael Kors Bikini - Neiman Marcus $121
Twistini Swimsuit - Athletica $54.99

Aaron Chang Bikini - 6pm $27

Body Glove Bikini - 6pm $19.95

Halter Swimsuit - Old Navy $16.99

Back to Blogging

2010-08-12T08:57:00.001-07:00

Sorry I havn't been blogging on here since November!! For some reason I wasn't able to upload photos on my work computer. But today, for the hell of it, I tried again. And it worked!! I wonder if it is because I was given a newer computer at work a couple of months ago. My last computer was reallllly old. The new one is old, but a lot newer. Anyway, I'm excited to start posting again. I have to organize myself a bit and then will start a new fashion post soon.

Giveaway Alert

2010-08-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

There is a giveaway happening right now on TheOutNet. Make sure to head over and try to win this Missoni Cardigan. Hurry! The clock is ticking!

Comfy Classic Sweaters

2009-11-17T08:43:00.001-08:00

It's almost the holiday season, and that means sweaters. Wearing them, giving them, etc. There is nothing like a good classic sweater. Simple, comfortable, stylish. Here are some beautiful ones that are available now! My personal favorite is this first one from Mod Cloth. I love the mustard color with the chunky texture!

With a Dream Cardigan - $49.99 ModCloth
Rag & Bone Asiri Sweater - $295 La Garconne

Dana Strands Sweater - $49.50 Hollister
A Capella Sweater - $128 Anthropologie

Chunky Cable Sweater - $27.80 Forever 21
Argyle V-Neck Sweater - $49.50 Gap

Cable V-Neck Sweater - $39.99 Ann Taylor Loft
Marc by Marc Jacobs Argyle Tweed Sweater - $348 Bloomingdales

Here is an interesting sweater from French Connection for $128. Considering the placement of the eyes on here and the cost, would you consider owning this piece?

Don't forget to check out the sample sale websites this week and next. there are a lot of designer blowout sales happening! Start stocking up for Christmas!

GILT

RUELALA

IDEELI

BEYOND THE RACK

BILLION DOLLAR BABES

HAUTELOOK

TOP SECRET

MODNIQUE