The Online Shopper

High Fashion Friday: Alex and Ani Bangles

2012-04-27T11:22:00.000-04:00

Fridays are for fashion...no not just fashion, high fashion!
These Alex and Ani bracelets are all the rage nowadays, and it is not hard to see why. They are dainty, mobile on the wrist, and feminine. Priced at only $68.00, the expandable bangles are a great addition to any jewelry collection. Also adding to their value is the fact that Alex and Ani is a women-run company based in Rhode Island, a state with a rich history in jewelry making. The Online Shopper enjoys this set, pictured in "Russian Silver," but really any of the metal tones, including various golds and silver, are fabulous. High fashion is around us at every price.

Wear it to Work Monday: Elie Tahari Vanessa Belted Dress

2012-04-23T10:32:00.000-04:00

The Online Shopper's Wear it to Work Monday focus on work attire. The styling recommendations are geared towards a professional environment.

The vibrant color and conservative cut of this Elie Tahari Vanessa Belted Dress make this tremendously work appropriate for a casual office day in the spring.. The dress is on sale for $220.00 (originally $368.00) at Neiman Marcus. The Online Shopper would pair this look with nude hose (a la Princess Kate), black pumps, and a black hand bag. As the dress has a looser cut, a structured hairstyle, such as a chinon would top off the look. And why not compliment the vibrant hue with a bold blue cuff, or turquoise earrings? The options are endless, further justifying the $220.00 price point. This season, pink is the new black.

For the Home: Just Lights

2012-04-22T14:31:00.001-04:00

What better for a Sunday afternoon than a wonderful recommendation For the Home?

Illuminating a room correctly can make all the difference. On a recent search for a fabulous lighting fixture, The Online Shopper stumbled upon the terrific, and comprehensive website, http://www.justlights.com/. From glamorous crystal chandeliers, to stylish table lamps, this site has a large selection of styles at all price points. Terrific! Check out the bulbous white ceramic lamp, with white shade. This look, at $194.00, can compliment almost any room from traditional to modern. The crisp pop of white will work particularly well in rooms with dramatic wall colors.

For an in-person trip, TJX's Homegoods also has an amazing table-lamp selection, at can-do prices. Although Homegoods does not have a website, you can find the store closest to you by clicking here. Happy home shopping!

High Fashion Friday: Lela Rose Printed Draped Skirt

2012-04-20T14:43:00.000-04:00

Fridays are for fashion...no not just fashion, high fashion!

Spring has sprung! What a lovely time of year to embrace skirts. This Printed Draped Skirt, from Lela Rose is available at Bergdorf Goodman for the high fashion price of $565.00. The color, shape and demur print make the piece perfect from early spring right through the summer. Wearable to a backyard barbecue, with a white T, or to work with a shrunken, khaki blazer. A nude shoe would compliment the look.

If you cannot afford this piece, you may enjoy matching its color and silhouette with this Top Shop Daffodil Print Skirt for a mere $56.00.

High Fashion Friday

2011-12-23T10:16:00.001-05:00

Fridays are for fashion...no not just fashion, high fashion!

Tis the season for holiday parties. Yet trying to look fabulous in the middle of winter can be a challenge. This Online Shopper has often struggled with what to wear to a holiday party. Your skin is as fair as it will get, perhaps dry, you have likely put on a few pounds with the holidays, and not to mention it is cold out! It is important to find a balance of warmth and style with your garments and dress your body for what it is now (not what you think that it could be after a diet and a tan).

This little number, the Milly Wiggle Strapless Pailettes, available at Bloomingdales for $225 (marked down from $375), is a great party dress! For a work party, this Online Shopper would top off the dress with a fitted, black blazer, opaque black tights and black pumps. For something less professional, loose the blazer and opt for black stockings. As the sheen of the dress makes it a statement, less is more with the jewelry. Try some large studs, and leave it at that.

Happy Holidays!

Tuesday's Tip of the Week: Holiday Shopping Online

2011-12-20T16:56:00.000-05:00

Tuesday's Tip of the Week is a guide for navigating the vast world of e-commerce. Tips and Tricks from The Online Shopper for Online Shoppers!
We are, a-hem, less than four shipping days away from Christmas! Load up your ~~sleighs~~ online shopping carts, and click check-out, STAT. Several sites are still offering guaranteed shipping for Christmas, including some of this Online Shopper's favorite gift spots, Amazon, RedEnvelope (plus 20% off your purchase with code SGIFTS20), and Nordstrom.

Have you delayed the purchase because you just are not sure what to get for the adults on your list, who oh-so-unfortunately do not write letters to Santa? For gentlemen, go for the Kindle at Amazon for 79. The Kindle Fire for $199, and Kindle Touch for 99 are also options, depending on your price point. For ladies go for a Philosophy gift set. Snow Angel, pictured right, which comes with a body wash/bubble bath/shampoo and lotion combination smells wonderfully appealing to all, and has been very popular according to this Online Shopper's local sales associate - especially for $20! You could also snag a Clarisonic facial brush (which are all the rage and perfect for everyone from pre-teens to grandma) for the beauty conscious lady. The Clarisonic ranges from $130 to $195.

For kids, try the personalized kids superhero t-shirt at RedEnvelope, which can arrive as early as December 22, if you order today. At 39.95 what great bang for the buck.

Whether you grab these gift ideas, or have your own great presents, just online shop shop shop, Christmas is almost here!

For the Home: Crate and Barrel Pet Bowls

2011-09-25T11:07:00.000-04:00

White Cat Bowl

What better for a Sunday afternoon than a wonderful recommendation For the Home?

Crate and Barrel has the cutest set of pet accessories, including bowls for your cat(s) and/or dog(s). The Online Shopper happens to be a cat person - and this "Meow" "Pur" White Cat Bowl caught the eye. For only $6.95 a piece, what a fun way to add some personality to your kitchen floor, and your pet's life? The best cat bowls are wide with a low rim, whiskers are sensitive, after all and this bowl seems to do the trick! These bowls would also make a great gift for the pet-lover in your life.

Happy Sunday!

Deal of the Day: Tip on Ann Taylor Sale

2011-09-23T17:34:00.002-04:00

The Online Shopper's Deal of the Day brings you stylish steals to ramp up your lifestyle -- without depleting your bank account!

Ann Taylor is offering $100.00 off the purchase of a full suit. Get them while they're hot!

High Fashion Friday: Gucci Leather Wedge Bootie

2011-09-23T11:52:00.001-04:00

Fridays are for fashion...no not just fashion, high fashion!

Gucci Leather Wedge Booties

If you are going to spend $850.00 on a pair of shoes (and you are not Beyonce), you better (1) love the shoes; and (2) be able to wear them everywhere! Well, these are your pair. These Gucci Leather Wedge Booties available at Bergdorf Goodman are just beautiful. Beyond their loveliness, you can wear these black booties to work, out to a fancy dinner, or as an accent to a more casual look. Plus as this Online Shopper tells herself before making any big purchase, "You'll have them forever!"

Although initially skeptical to the bootie craze, and still not on board for the peep-toe bootie (which to this Online Shopper just doesn't make sense, or look that great), a great pair like these, are worth the splurge because they are equal parts trendy and classic.

Online Shoppers, what do you think of the Bootie?

Deal of the Day: Missoni for Target Sleeveless Sweater Dress

2011-09-13T12:06:00.000-04:00

The Online Shopper's Deal of the Day brings you stylish steals to ramp up your lifestyle -- without depleting your bank account!

Missoni for Target

For today's deal of the day The Online Shopper is loving this Missoni for Target Sleeveless Sweater Dress - Multicolor Zigzag available for $54.99. Although Target's website crashed with its highly anticipated Missoni debut - the site is up and running again and ready for us online shoppers!

This dress is a particular standout from the collection due to the price point, lovely fall colors, vibrant pattern, and its versatility. Do not miss out on your chance to pick up a piece at your price point, from a traditionally high-fashion designer. The Online Shopper would wear this must-have with dark brown tights, metallic flats, and a large-pearl earring. Fun and fabulous!

9.11.2001

2011-09-11T10:32:00.001-04:00

IMG_3461, a photo by Digital Magic Photography on Flickr.

High Fashion Friday: Vince Camuto Faux Fur Vest

2011-09-09T09:59:00.000-04:00

Fridays are for fashion...no not just fashion, high fashion!

Happy Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week a/k/a New York Fashion Week Online Shoppers! This weekend designers including Rebecca Taylor, Cynthia Rowley, Monique Lhuillier, and Diane Von Furstenberg will be showing their latest collections. Whether you are in the front row at the shows, or checking them out via youtube, we can all keep our eyes out for the latest looks and soon-to-be trends.

Thoughts of new fashion gracing the runways is all too inspiring for this High Fashion Friday post! The Online Shopper is not a fur girl - but is coming around to be a fabulous-faux-fur girl. In that regard, this Vince Camuto Faux Fur Vest available at Bloomingdales for $175.00, is fabulous! (Plus Bloomies is offering $50.00 off for purchases over 100.00). The Online Shopper loves the idea of wearing this vest as pictured - over a professional outfit - to work on a crisp fall day, or wearing it on the weekend with a pair of dark denim skinny jeans and a thin, vibrantly colored sweater. The look is both cute and snugly, while being a but provocative and edgy. Just fabulously high fashion.

Online Shoppers - what do you think of faux fur? Would you dare to wear real fur?

High Fashion Friday: Rebecca Minkoff Jaqueline Trench

2011-09-02T10:28:00.000-04:00

Rebecca Minkoff Jaqueline Trench

Fridays are for fashion...no not just fashion, high fashion!

It is officially September, and this Online Shopper's utmost favorite fashion season. The slight chill in the air and the warm colors make for superb dressingm and fall brings about (for most areas of the country) jacket season. In that regard, The Online Shopper recommends this lovely Rebecca Minkoff Jaqueline Trench available at Bloomingdales for $498.00. This trench seems particularly lovely due to its dramatic (but wearable) collar, the belt that will cinch your waste and create a feminine shape, and the voluminous bottom that can work equally well with skirts, dresses and pants. A great and classic topper, like this, is a wonderful investment piece because not only will you have it for years, but in the interim it will tie together your daily look.

Online Shoppers, enjoy your Labor Day weekend!

Weekend Warrior: Say No to Flip Flops!

2011-08-20T14:05:00.004-04:00

Weekends are for expressing ourselves! Get casual, but stay stylish with Saturday's post for the weekend warrior in us all.

So you are traipsing around your home and perhaps even your city...in flip flops? You think, well they are leather, or wedged, or embellished with jewels so they are stylish enough for a Saturday. If you think that, retrain your brain. Flip flops are not OK unless you are in the shower at the gym, or wading in the shallow ocean. Can you imagine Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Princess Kate, or [*insert your favorite style incon here*] strutting around in these unflattering, extremely un-stylish shoes? Of course not. If you have not already come to the realization, today is the day that you learn that flip flops are not for you. (Photograph No Hippie Dinner Shoes, a photo by Paleontour on Flickr.)

Are flip flops the best that you can do? Of course not! There are countless stylish, comfortable and easy-to-wear alternatives. Try these Report 'Grover' Flats available at Nordstrom. Simple, stylish and affordable at $69.95.

Report 'Grover' Flats

If these shoes are not what you have in mind for Saturday errands, then go with a simple sandal like these BP. 'Falcon' Sandals for only $39.90, also available at Nordstrom.

BP. 'Falcon' Sandal

If you'd prefer a little height (and are now mistakenly wearing chunky wedge, rubber flip flops) then give something like these DV by Dolce Vita Toni wedge espadrilles a try. These are available for $44.99 at Piperlime.

DV by Dolce Vita Toni

Ladies, you can do it. Say no to flip flops!

Deal of the Day: Ana and Ava Bracelet

2011-08-19T14:38:00.000-04:00

The Online Shopper's Deal of the Day brings you stylish steals to ramp up your lifestyle -- without depleting your bank account!

Attention Online Shoppers: Dillard's has a great selection of affordable bangles that will turn your wardrobe up a notch. This black and gold number by Ana and Ava for only $20.00 caught this Online Shopper's eye. Dillard's also has a buy more save more option if you want to turn this cute piece into one of a stack.

The Online Shopper would wear this with a kelly green wrap dress and small diamond (or rhinestone) studs. It would also look great with a white button-down shirt, with slim black pants, small gold studs and a red shoe. Fabulous!

High Fashion Friday: Valentino Couture Dotted Bead-Collar Blouse

2011-08-19T11:19:00.000-04:00

Valentino Blouse

Fridays are for fashion...no not just fashion, high fashion!

Today's High Fashion Friday is celebrating this beautiful and interesting Couture Dotted Bead-Collar Blouse from Valentino and available at Neiman Marcus. Neiman Marcus's website does a terrific job describing this piece...

"Valentino pulls out all the stops with this ultra-feminine top. In a departure from the fashion house's beloved bows and lace, the new design duo backs the sheer chiffon with jersey for a modern feel. Tuck this top into a black skirt for a smart look."

The Online Shopper is in love with the cut of the top, the sheer overlay with a diminutive dotted pattern and the seemingly comfy jersey under-layer. If you zoom into the top on Neiman's website you will not the gorgeous little pearl detailing on the colar. This looks wonderful as pictured with a high wasted pair of black trousers, but it would look equally beautiful with a either a black pencil skirt or full black skirt (perhaps silk for evening).

At a *ah-hem,* whopping, $1090.00, if you cannot afford this lovely, high fashion piece, may it at least inspire a similar look in your own wardrobe!

Wear it to Work Monday: Kate Spade Deb Wedges

2011-08-15T10:46:00.001-04:00

Kate Spade Deb Wedges

The Online Shopper's Wear it to Work Monday focus on work attire. The styling recommendations are geared towards a professional environment.

As Ms. Carrie Bradshaw would say, "Hello Luva." These Kate Spade Deb Wedges are gorgeous office shoes. Conservative and classic, with a stylish slant make these wedges must haves for your fall professional wardrobe. They are available in black, pink and linen patent. Although The Online Shopper prefers the black because they can easily transition from late summer, to fall, to winter, the linen patent are also gorgeous. Whether you decide on the black or linen, these shoes would look amazing with a skirt suit, or with a straight leg suit pant. Their versatility helps embrace the $298.00 price point, but, if you sign up for Kate Spade's mailing list, they will offer you a 20% discount. Woohoo!

Online Shopper's, are you in love?

For the Home: DKNY Uptown Quilt

2011-08-14T19:26:00.000-04:00

DKNY Uptown Quilt

What better for a Sunday afternoon than a wonderful recommendation For the Home?

In the hottest month of the year - your bedding can make or break your night's sleep. Too light, you cannot hunker in; too heavy, you will be hot as a baked potato. The Online Shopper finds that the perfect remedy for summer nights are quilt sets, like this DKNY Uptown Quilt available at Bed Bath and Beyond. This quilt set is every bit as polished as a heavier comforter, but without the warmth. Plus the purple is a great bedroom color because it is serene, and not overtly feminine. A purple set with the appropriate accompaniment, like dark grey sheets and a black accent pillow, will take what could be a "girly" look to a gender-neutral, sophisticated room.

High Fashion Friday: Diane von Furstenberg Aurora Elbow Sleeve Dress

2011-08-12T11:12:00.000-04:00

Fridays are for fashion...no not just fashion, high fashion!

Diane von Furstenberg Aurora Elbow Sleeve Dress

Happy High Fashion Friday! Saks has a great selection of Diane von Furstenberg's fall line. The Online Shopper gives Ms. Furstenberg's line two thumbs up for providing online shoppers with an array of silk dresses, colorful tops, and interesting outerwear. It seems that the fashion house really gets women. From the line comes this Aurora Elbow Sleeve Dress in a gorgeous purple tone, called "Deep Poppy." The Online Shopper is in love. The appropriate length, the fit and the color are just what the doctor ordered for fall. Early fall can take on this look with nude pumps and a textured leather bag (much like the photo here). For later fall, wear some black tights, black pumps and a thin black belt and a small structured black bag. You could even wear this look for evening by up styling your hair, adding a brooch and wearing some sparkly evening shoes. All in all, this dress is worth the $385.00 price point.

Wear it to Work Monday: Rachel Zoe Charlie Suit Jacket

2011-08-08T08:48:00.001-04:00

Rachel Zoe Charlie Suit Jacket

The Online Shopper's Wear it to Work Monday focus on work attire. The styling recommendations are geared towards a professional environment.

Online Shoppers - let's go bananas! Rachel Zoe's new line, which has been popping up at different online retailers, including Neiman Marcus, has made its debut on Piperlime. The entire line is really quite stylish, with a fun Faux Fur jacket, cute party dresses, and well tailored outerwear. Though the line is a bit pricey.

However, The Online Shopper is always willing to spend a bit more on the staples, including a good charcoal suit like the Charlie Suit pictured here. The Charlie Jacket is $375.00, and the matching wide leg pants which are also available on pre-order are $275.00, The Online Shopper, though not typically crazy for animal print, loves pairing this suit with Rachel Zoe's Natalie Tie Collar Blouse for $295.00. Die!

Online Shoppers are you in love?

Wear it to Work Monday: Preston & York "Taylor" Skirt

2011-08-01T06:58:00.000-04:00

Preston & York "Taylor" Skirt

The Online Shopper's Wear it to Work Monday focus on work attire. The styling recommendations are geared towards a professional environment.

What about this below the knee, white Preston & York "Taylor" Skirt priced at $59.00 at Dillards for work? The Online Shopper likes the atypical length which gives a vintage vibe for the office, and the crisp white color to bring us into August, in style. This skirt would work well with the matching jacket and nude pumps, or with a nude camisole, and thin black cardigan tucked in, with a statement necklack and black pumps. Classic and pretty at an attainable price. Work it at work, ladies!

For the Home: Simon Pearce Hartland Candlesticks

2011-07-31T11:01:00.000-04:00

What better for a Sunday afternoon than a wonderful recommendation For the Home?

Simon Pearce

Hartland Candlesticks

The Online Shopper is crazy for Simon Pearce. The blown glass designer, based in Vermont, creates gorgeous and understated pieces for your home - or for your next gift recipient's home. Really, you cannot go wrong with any of the glassware, but The Online Shopper loves these best selling Hartland Candlesticks ranging from $115.00 to $195.00. These are perfect for sitting atop a mantle, or on a dining room table. Any color candle will work with the clear glass, but The Online Shopper loves the clean look of white candles as the photo here displays. That said, the best part about this great decor is that you can use any color candle to compliment your decor or even the the season/holiday.

Wear it to Work Monday: Brooks Brothers Classic Single Breasted Blazer

2011-07-18T08:01:00.000-04:00

Brooks Brothers
Classic Single Breasted Blazer

The Online Shopper's Wear it to Work Monday focus on work attire. The styling recommendations are geared towards a professional environment.

Now, for just one moment, let's all get past the terrible styling in this picture. Once we do that, we can see that a classic Brooks Brothers classic single breasted blazer on sale for $348.00 is a must for a professional woman's wardrobe. The Online Shopper would wear this (not with a baby blue collared shirt and khakis, which is a look so WASPy, it can hurt one's eyes), but over a sheath dress, or atop a patterned skirt. This will compliment turquoise or pink tones. As the Brooks Brothers hardware stands out in gold, be sure to accent your professional outfit with simple gold studs. The traditional and summery look, styled properly, will take your professional look to the next level.

For the Home: Jonathan Adler 'Coral' Porcelain Vase

2011-07-17T09:24:00.001-04:00

What better for a Sunday afternoon than a wonderful recommendation For the Home?

Jonathan Adler 'Coral'
Porcelain Vase

Flowers (including Hydrangeas, this Online Shopper's favorite) are in full bloom. The Online Shopper thinks that bringing fresh flowers into your home is absolutely a necessary design element. Putting fresh flowers on your dining table, kitchen table and bedroom dresser, adds color, texture and life to your room.

The Online Shopper believes that this Jonathan Adler 'Coral' Porcelain Vase for $51.90 at Nordstrom is a wonderful way to hold your flowers. The striking white porcelain will add a pop of white to your room, and its decorative shape and design will look lovely standing alone or filled with flowers. However, Online Shoppers beware: please do not, under any circumstances, put silk flowers in this vase (or any vase for that matter). As tempting as a well made silk flower may look, they are not sophisticated and will detract from your room's aesthetic, not add to it.

Enjoy your Sunday -- enjoy your home.

Deal of the Day: Kendra Scott 'Tera' Nugget Stone Ring

2011-07-16T15:41:00.000-04:00

The Online Shopper's Deal of the Day brings you stylish steals to ramp up your lifestyle -- without depleting your bank account!

Kendra Scott 'Tera'
Nugget Stone Ring

Look at these Kendra Scott 'Tera' Nugget Stone Rings for $37.90 per ring (also part of the famed Nordstrom Anniversary Sale)! What beautiful accessories? Although both are lovely, The Online Shopper is drawn towards Green Onyx and thinks that it could serve as a pop of color to an otherwise neutral outfit. They are reminiscent of Angelina Jolie's emerald earrings at the Oscars a few years back. The cocktail ring look is best saved for weekend wear, or nightlife (as they are a bit excessive for a professional, corporate environment in This Online Shopper's opinion). Cocktail rings have a risk of looking tacky (think on their worst day, home shopping network, or on their best day Real Housewives of New Jersey), but when made beautifully and styled appropriately they can be utterly fabulous.

Online Shoppers, what do you think?