shopaphilia

White Jeans

2009-06-27T08:30:00.005-05:00

White jeans are a cute, summery alternative to the regular ol' blue jeans we're all familiar with. I love a flare/wide leg on these jeans since I'm not a fan of anything to clingy/tight in hot weather. Plus, the color is so crisp, but the shape gives off such a cool, casual, relaxed vibe which is absolutely perfect for summer.

From Left to Right:
Martin + Osa Salt White Flare Leg Jeans,
Gap White Flare Leg Jeans,
Hudson Women's White Wide-leg Twill Jeans

Review: Hollywood Hook-Up Bra Converting Clip

2009-06-27T08:29:00.001-05:00

I got tired of bra straps sticking out all over the place when I was wearing tank tops, so I decided to check out the Hollywood Hook-Up Bra Converting Clip.

It works well with racerback tops that aren't skin tight (like this one), but for tight tank tops, the shape of the clip is visible. Also, I've found that it can distort the shape of the bra in the back which gets annoying.

Another irksome thing about the clip is that when it's REALLY hot and your back gets slightly...moist, the clip can feel icky on your skin.

I'd say it's a good concept and it's fine for once in a while use, but I would say a bra that can be converted into a racerback is definitely worth the money.

Review: F21 Floral Stained Glass Top

2009-06-14T08:25:00.001-05:00

A pretty pattern and a sexy racerback all in one? For $20? How could I say no?

This Floral Stained Glass Top is exactly the sort of top that's become a staple in my summer wardrobe:

Light, airy, and super-comfortable
Interesting details/pattern
Easily paired with pants and skirts alike
Office appropriate if a cardigan is added

I don't like bubble hemlines so I removed the drawstring at the bottom and now I have a cute summer top AND a new cat toy - SCORE!

Bags with Extra Straps

2009-06-14T07:39:00.001-05:00

I've been seeing bags with an extra long shoulder strap everywhere recently probably because the extra strap looks as cool and it's useful too.

Generally, I'm not a Juicy bag fan because I don't really like their name emblazoned in HUGE all over the place, but this Juicy Couture China C-Lock & Knotted Fringe is simple and chic. Plus, the black leather combined with gold hardware dresses things up and makes this bag great for work.

A slouchier option, the Furla Elsabeth Zipper Shopper Media is more casual, but still practical. The dove grey color is just ridiculously pretty.

Either way, the extra strap is a great addition to almost any bag and most of them are removable so when the trend fades, just remove the strap and you still have a hot bag.

J.Crew Lovely Links Bracelet

2009-06-07T22:13:00.001-05:00

I can never resist a chunky bracelet like the Lovely Links Bracelet from J.Crew.

A statement piece of wrist jewelry is so chic. It's nice to change it up from having a bold necklace or a huge cocktail ring.

O for Oscar Fantasia Clutch - 79% Off!

2009-06-03T21:52:00.001-05:00

This adorable O for Oscar Fantasia Clutch is perfect for those summer weddings and for those dinners when you have to eat in a restaurant that's blasting the air conditioning.

The embroidered leather and punchy red hue make such a perfect combo.

Best of all, this quintessential piece is only $35.99 (from $175.00) which makes it a crazy sweet deal.

Forever21 Strikes Again

2009-05-31T12:39:00.001-05:00

This Peep Hole Ruffle Dress (at left) looks similar to the Ruffle Front Tunic I blogged about recently, except with a LOT more room in the hip area. Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of the cuffed sleeves and while basic black is great, I'd really prefer this dress in a zingy color. Still, it's a great deal though and is very cute.

I was happy to order this Basic V-Neck Cardigan in Teal (at right) though. I've been looking for a cardi in this color for a while now, and the $15.80 price tag was too sweet to pass up.

Kooba Kristie Shoulder Bag

2009-05-25T17:32:00.003-05:00

I checked out the Kooba Kristie Shoulder Bag recently.

The color-blocking makes the bag look cool, exterior pockets add a functional touch and supremely soft leather means this bag could double as a pillow if necessary (as long as drooling is not involved).

Liz Claiborne Necklaces

2009-05-17T10:56:00.001-05:00

These Liz Claiborne are so chunky and cute! Apparently having Tim Gunn as chief creative officer has worked out well!

I really love this chunky Knotted Link Necklace (at left) that has a mixture of metals and would be perfect for layering. The description on the site says this necklace is 15 inches long and calls it a "long" necklace, but that doesn't quite add up. Most of their other descriptions measure necklaces by the drop, so perhaps that's what they're doing here? Come on LC, make your descriptions make sense!

I feel like bib necklaces have been popping up a lot recently. Here's one that's on the simpler side. The Nautical Mesh Drama Necklace has a cool mesh pattern that resembles an oversized, fancy fishing net that has caught three pretty shells (because you probably wouldn't want fish instead, right?). This would be a great necklace to dress up a simple neckline.

Forever21 Finds

2009-05-13T21:14:00.001-05:00

Recently, I boldly braved a mess of teenyboppers and took a stroll through my local F21. Sometimes it's a challenge finding items that don't look too cheaply made, but I did find a couple of goodies.

I tried on this Ruffle Front Tunic. The ruffles were adorable, but it was a little too clingy on my barely-existent hips so I sadly had to leave this one behind. I'm sure some hipless 13-year-old was able to snatch it up (and no, I'm not bitter).

Luckily, I was able to find something that fit. For $9.50, I picked up a Gathered Knit Tunic. It's a great deal AND super flattering - both things that make me very happy.

Victoria's Secret Halter Bra Top Dress

2009-05-10T08:37:00.001-05:00

The model looks zombie-like, but at least the Halter Bra Top Dress makes her look good.

My favorite shape for any dress is one with a waistband insert. It definitely helps create some more curves on my stick straight body!

This dress would be perfect for eating brunch outside on a beautiful summer's day!

Velvet (by Graham and Spencer) Dresses

2009-05-02T09:01:00.001-05:00

I just love tees and dresses by Velvet. They are epitome of comfy and cute!

The ruffles on the Junette Dress are just adorable. I love the ruby, but the other colors (black, peacock, and steel) are all on sale for $60 (from $152.00)!

Everything on the Velvet site is 35% off through Sunday 5/3, which means this gorgeous Lenet Dress is currently $80.60 (from $124.00!). The waist inserts on Velvet dresses are awesome - they do a pretty good job of keeping the tummy area under control.

These dresses are a great reminder that beautiful summer days are right around the corner and it's time to stock up on easy-to-wear and (most importantly) light pieces!

BCBG Kiva Perforated Clutch

2009-05-02T08:33:00.001-05:00

Everyone needs a simple, black clutch for evenings out and this Kiva Perforated Clutch would stylishly do the trick.

The perforated leather creates some textural interest and gold hardware with black is always so luxe. I love that that the chain is removable and that it's currently 30% off (was $328.00, now $229.60)!

Outfit: Rockin' Those Peep Toes

2009-05-01T17:24:00.001-05:00

These shoes are simply phenomenal. They are wedge-levels of comfortable, but with added awesome.

I haven't actually worn them for an entire day, but I can't wait until the weather is right and I can sport these with a skirt (don't want anyone to miss the cool heel now, do I?)

If you're loving these as much as I do, there are still a few sizes available through Amazon and Zappos.

Grab 'em before they're gone!

Patent Nude Pumps

2009-04-22T21:12:00.001-05:00

I prefer nude pumps to be patent. The beauty of nude pumps are that they aren't the focus of an outfit, but patent definitely adds a certain sexy factor to them.

Left: Matiko Women's Narissa Pump

Right: Daniblack Women's Jette Pump

Spring is here and a pair of nude pumps paired with a skirt/dress will make legs look miles long, which I can't complain about.

Outfits: Sunday Brunch Uniform

2009-04-21T22:10:00.001-05:00

It's pretty obvious that I love my jersey dresses.

I mean, who likes to fret about what they're going to wear to a weekend brunch? The requirements of a brunch outfit are to look cute, allow for generous stomach expansion, and easy to walk off all the food afterward.

Soooo:
Jersey Dress + Ballet Flats + Accessories = Perfect Sunday Brunch Outfit

Jersey dresses are the epitome of easy dressing and they're usually incredibly budget friendly (both of these were under $20!) which makes them very addictive (plus, owning more jersey dresses results in more weekend brunches, right?).

Kimchi Blue Silk Applique Dress

2009-04-21T22:00:00.001-05:00

Asymmetry and appliques rule!

I really love how this slinky Silk Applique Dress is so effortlessly cool. The silk appliques are like little petals adorning the neckline and the detail really takes the rayon jersey dress to a whole new (fashion) level.

Outfit: Super Serious Work Look

2009-04-21T21:53:00.001-05:00

Some days I actually need to dress up for work, but since it's not often, it's actually pretty fun.

BR Ruffle-Neck Printed Blouse

2009-04-19T14:03:00.001-05:00

I love the girly details on this delicate Ruffle-Neck Printed Blouse.

Plus, the "Canary Yellow" makes me think of delicious lemon bars.

Outfits: Is It Spring Yet?

2009-04-19T13:33:00.002-05:00

What better way to keep positive through all the April showers than to wear reminders of May flowers?

At some point during the winter, I really give up trying to look cute at all when snowboots are a requirement and really ruin my style mojo, but now I can wear heels again without sinking into 3 feet of snow or slipping all over black ice!

Sexy Pieces from VS

2009-04-19T13:20:00.001-05:00

If I were going on a sexy beach vacation, I would purchase this Twist-Back Bikini and Babydoll Bra Top Dress.

The Bikini is a nice change from regular halter neck bikinis (plus, the color is gorgeous!) and I don't think I could ever have too many jersey dresses.

The Twist-Front Sandal don't quite fit in the beach vacation scenario, but still, they'd be pretty hot for a night out.

Banana Republic Special Savings

2009-04-11T07:36:00.001-05:00

I'm not quite sure if all the special savings end at the same time (the offer on dresses ends 4/12), but better safe than sorry and grab these pieces now and think/return later! At least therefree shipping over $150 with coupon code BRFREESHIP.

I've been looking for a pair of dressier black sandals so I don't have to keep trying to justify (to myself) that my flip flops are made of leather and are thus office appropriate. These 'Gina' Tortoise-Chain Flat Thong will do the trick. I like how the straps are black, but the tortoise-shell brings in some brown/tan into the mix. Currently, they're $68.60 which is 30% off the original $98.00!

This Silk Pleated V-Neck Dress is a simple shape in a gorgeous neutral hue that can be easily changed up with accessories and shoes making this dress incredibly versatile.

One-Strap Dresses

2009-04-11T07:21:00.001-05:00

I've been seeing a lot of one-strap dresses popping up lately and I think they look cool and funky.

The Bailey 44 Ruffle Knit Dress (at left) keeps things interesting with layers and ruffles in a basic neutral. The eye does get drawn toward the ruffles, so don't be surprised if people keep looking you up and down.

A more casual option, the T-Bags Colorblock Grecian Dress (at right) has a mix of colors that are surprisingly pretty together.

While one-strap dresses are particularly trendy right now, if you find one that looks great, don't worry about wearing it for years to come - as long as you look amazing, who cares what's in fashion at the time?

Chain Strap Clutches

2009-04-05T11:40:00.001-05:00

Small, chain-strap bags are EVERYwhere right now. It's not surprising - they're so cute and practical.

I love these brightly colored ones. The straps can either be removed/tucked inside for a whole different look.

Left: Rebecca Minkoff Neon Trim Chain Clutch

Right: Carla Mancini Small Clutch (50% off - now $97.00!)

Reblogging: Ella Moss Loretta Dress

2009-04-05T10:30:00.001-05:00

Ok, so I've already blogged about this Ella Moss Loretta Asymmetrical Neckline Colorblock Dress, but this colorway is just so cute, I had to reblog.

The blue-green color combination reminds me of the ocean - sooo pretty!