The Savvy Stylist Daily

Missoni for Target

2011-05-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

The internet has been on fire since Target announced their next designer collaboration through their Twitter & Facebook pages Wednesday morning.

I never knew that reading 3 words could make me happier: MISSONI FOR TARGET!

Shut. up.

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better. The mega-chain recently inked a deal with Italian luxury brand, Missoni, on a lower-price collaboration that will apparently include a whopping 400 pieces. The collection will include women's, men's, and children's clothing, as well as home items -- all in the label's signature colorful kaleidoscope zig-zag and blown out floral prints.

It is scheduled to hit shelves nationwide this fall {September 13 - October 22}

and you better believe that it is already on my calendar!

Deal of the Day

2011-05-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am loving this bold necklace! Just picture it against sun-kissed skin paired with anything from a simple tee or to an already glammed out ensemble for dramatic results!

Gold Collar Necklace - $18.00

The Day After

2011-05-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

This photo of the recent famous newlyweds, Prince William & Kate (*ahem, excuse me*), Catherine, Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, was shot on Saturday taking a stroll around Buckingham Palace.

Shortly thereafter, I proceeded to receive many emails on who makes her dress and where one like it can be found.

Well, good news commoners! Her dress is actually from Zara!

Pleated Dress - $89.90

Not so good of news if you don't live close to a Zara since you can't purchase from them online.

But I have tried to find a few similar dresses online...all under $100!

More J.Crew...

DIY: Closet Door Makeover

2011-04-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

For the past 3 years, our master closet doors have been on my To-Do list for our condo. The doors were half louvered, half solid, and had blah hardware. I had called a few local places and searched the web to find doors to replace them. Apparently the door sizes were not in stock anywhere and would have had to be custom made - which we all know what that means! I was quoted $300...PER DOOR!!! Uhhh, no thanks!

So I started thinking what I could do with the existing doors.

Here they are BEFORE the makeover:

I love anything mirrored...and it IS a closet! That's it! I will have mirror cut to pop in the 'panels'! So I measured the panels multiple times - I even had to Google 'how to read a tape measure' because I had never used half the marks on there! I called a few local mirror and glass companies for quotes and let's just say this little project cost me WAY less than I would have had to pay to replace just ONE door...plus, it looks way better!

I used mirror mastic to adhere the 1/8" mirror to the doors. On my first door, I took it off the hinges to apply the mirror...but then I realized that it was unnecessary.

Fast forward 8 pieces of mirror later, I let the glue dry overnight with tape to make sure the mirror didn't fall out (don't know how much that painters tape would have really helped though)! :) I also updated the hardware.

Even though the mirror was a good fit, I also decided to caulk the edges of the mirror (below). After all the caulking was done, I used a razor blade to scrape off the excess on the mirror (which I had not scraped yet in photo below).

And here is the final result!

I love this look SO much better! The final cost was about $200 and it took me only a couple of days - waiting for glue and caulking to dry. Totally worth it!

A Piece of William & Kate

2011-04-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

AS IF you haven't heard enough about the Royal Wedding lately - yes, you get to read more about it here too! I have found some super cute memorabilia...if you're into that sort of thing. Here is one of my faves:

(click on pinterest board below to be taken to product info)

AND, I also want to tell you about PINTEREST. If you haven't heard of it...listen up! Before Pinterest came along, you should have seen my desktop - cluttered with screenshots of images/ideas/products/etc. that I wanted to remember for some reason or another (mostly a wish list). Then I would have to label each image, make sure I got the url or website in the shot...basically annoying and exhausting.

Now, if I see something I like, just hit my "Pin It" button on my toolbar and it is all done for me! Super easy!

Here is my Pinterest board featuring my royal wedding finds:

Trending: Colorful Jeans

2011-04-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Celebs everywhere have been spotted wearing a variety of colorful denim so far this spring. I am more of a 'neutrals' girl myself, so I am really digging Cameron's look. I like the idea of colorful jeans for spring though - it definitely brightens up your look! What do you think...would you wear them?

I found quite a few different options...all under $100!

More BDG...

Summer Shoe Steals

2011-04-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

Woven T-Strap Sandals (coral pink) - $22.94
(also available in black, brown, gold, pewter & turquoise)

Each summer I always head to Old Navy for a pair of their basic black rubber flip flops to get me through the summer beach days. And at $3.50 a pop and 17 different colors...you can't beat this deal!

However, while I was there, I spotted some other super cute sandals that are sure to come in handy throughout the summer as well! Check out some of these sandals below (and most come in a variety of colors)!

More Old Navy...

Look for Less

2011-04-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

I love both of these pairs of shoes! Both are sure to be a summer wardrobe staple.

Lea Michelle (above left) is sporting Aldo Dyle wedges - $100

Kelly Ripa (above right) is wearing some hot platforms by Fendi ($796)

...but thanks again to Colin Stuart at Victoria's Secret, you can have the same look for $88!

Smoke and Mirrors

2011-04-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Apparently I have been on an orange kick lately because everything that I am drawn to is orange!

Speaking of, I have had my eye on this Michael Kors tote below for a while now...but of course, the orange is sold out. (It does come in a variety of other colors as well though).

MICHAEL Michael Kors Large Hamilton Tote - $328

Since I have my heart set on orange, I started looking around and found this bag which I think is quite similar and for a fraction of the price!

Melie Bianco - Angela Large Lock and Key Bag - $99

...But some things just aren't the same! :(

Sophisticated Summer

2011-04-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

...on a budget...

*Click the image below for details*

Anyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE white skinny jeans - especially with nude & gold accessories. But for summer, I like to add a pop of color - and this hot orange top fits the bill perfectly!

sophisticated summer by TheSavvyStylistDaily featuring leather clutches

Impulses!

2011-04-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Matthew Williamson for Macy's

Matthew Williamson for Macy's launched last week and from these adds - the collection looks amazing! I haven't seen it in person, so if you have, let me us know your thoughts!

*Also*

TODAY ONLY!!!!

***

La Mer Collections' watches are going to be 75% OFF TODAY ONLY!!!
Great time to get a fun color for summer!

CLICK HERE for discount code starting at 9:15 am EST!

Just Say No

2011-04-18T06:00:00.001-07:00

I took a few extra days off - everyone needs a break every now and then. :)

I keep getting emails regarding "flatforms" - so I thought I'd put my two cents out there on this hideous, orthopedic-like shoe trend for summer. DON'T DO IT. This is a perfect example of how you should NOT adopt every trend, just because Prada and every other designer is doing something.

If you want the extra inches, just invest in an attractive pair of wedges!

Texas Bound

2011-04-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

DIY Upholstered Headboard

2011-04-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

I apologize I have been MIA these past few days! I have been super busy - but I had to show you my latest project. I have been helping a friend with her new apartment a bit lately and trying to do it all on a tight budget. One main piece that she still needed was a headboard... which can certainly be costly (especially a tufted upholstered headboard). But after shopping around - I decided we could make one ourselves! The total cost was about $100, only a couple hours of work, AND it is personalized to exactly what we were looking for!

Here are the steps to make your own:

Materials you will need:

1/2" plywood

2" foam

batting (standard quilting batting is good)

fabric

button cover kits

staple gun

decorators needle (3"-4")

upholstery strength thread

saw (if needed)

mounting hardware (picture below of what we used)

Start with a piece of 1/2" plywood cut to the height and width you want. This one is 62" wide (for a queen size bed) and 42" tall.

If you want a bit more detail, create a template for the corners. You can pretty much use any shape, be creative! Trace the template on to the plywood (I just used a sheet of printer paper).

At this point, it would be SO much easier if we had a circular saw...but we didn't. But it wasn't too bad doing it by hand.

Next, trace the outline of the plywood onto the foam. We used (2) 1" pieces of foam and stacked them together (it is cheaper than buying 1 piece of 2" foam).

At this time, you will also want to measure out the placement of your buttons and drill a hole in the plywood all the way through. I used a 1/4" drill bit, but I would recommend a 1/2" to make it easier sew on the buttons.

Cut out your foam template.

Place your batting on the bottom, then foam, then plywood.

Wrap the batting around all the sides and staple it with a staple gun to hold it all together.

Then, Prepare your fabric to be wrapped and stapled the same way. Be sure you steam or iron out all the wrinkles before wrapping and stapling. My dog, Nylah, wanted to be in a photo since she was 'helping'.

There are a few steps that I forgot to photograph - sorry! But after attaching your fabric to the plywood (and you have used your button cover kits to make your buttons), sew them on through the pre-drilled holes in the back using your decorators needle. Then, staple the remaining string 4-5 times down the back on the plywood.

Attach mounting hardware to your wall and the back of headboard.

Step back and marvel at your finished masterpiece!

Scallop for Summer

2011-03-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am loving this skirt! The colors are great, it has a flirty scalloped hem {which is a hot trend this season}, and who doesn't love pockets?! And I haven't even gotten to the price yet...

Scalloped Linen Blend Skirt - $15.80

Look for Less: Miu Miu

2011-03-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

A big trend this summer is anything with a 70's vibe...think flare denim, boho tops, platform sandals, and long skirts. And these studded platform sandals would be the perfect heel to pair with wide leg flare denim!

Click the links below to shop all available colors and prices at multiple stores:

BCBGeneration

Mojo

Steve Madden

Wood Pallets

2011-03-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

I have been scouring Craigslist lately trying to find a piece of furniture for a client - and do you know what I ALWAYS see a listing for? Wood pallets! Often times they are free {& laying on the side of the road} or for a few dollars. Growing up, my Dad had a business where items were hauled all over the place on pallets and I never thought much about them. Now I am definitely thinking much more about all the possibilities! Here are a few images rounded up from the web:

PLANTERS:

{I think I'm going to work on this one this summer to hide our AC unit on our balcony!}

SHELVING:

WALL TREATMENT:

BEDS:

LARGE OUTDOOR SWING:

COFFEE TABLES:

STORAGE:

Deal of the Day

2011-03-22T06:00:00.001-07:00

Ana-Digi Sports Watch - $45.00

***Enter "MG6099" at checkout for 20% off entire site - through April 11, 2011***

How great would one of these bold colorful watches be added to your casual summer outfit? I love them!

Girl on a Budget

2011-03-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

A few reasons why I LOVE the 'Girl on a Budget' section on Piperlime...

Everything in this section on Piperlime's website are all under $100 - including jewelry, handbags, and shoes! Click on the photo above to be taken to these items and MANY more!

To Japan with Love

2011-03-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

I apologize for not posting in the last couple of days. I had already scheduled Monday's H&M post when news broke about the devastation that hit Japan. So for the past few days, I have felt that writing about home decor and fashion seems trivial compared to what is happening across the Pacific. My heart is breaking for them and I can't even begin to imagine the horror they are having to live through.

I have compiled a few items from Etsy where most or all proceeds will go to support Japan earthquake and tsunami relief efforts. I’ve made a donation to the Red Cross {here} and hope that this can serve as a reminder to those of you who have been meaning to help out in some capacity.

1. Vintage Owl Illustration on Japanese Dictionary Page Art - $10.00 {100% donated}

2. Red Leather Bangles - $25.00 {$5 donated}

3. Japanese Flag inspired Pendant - $35.00 {100% donated}

4. Circle of Life 14k Gold Necklace - $23.00 {100% donated}

5. Recycled Circles (10) - $30 {25% donated}

6. LOVE Burlap Pillow Cover - $35.00 {20% donated}

7. LOVE Will Save the Day Print - $12.00 {100% donated}

8. Japan Love Print - $16.00 {100% donated}

9. Wave of Support Necklace - $25.00 {100% donated}

10. Japan Map Cover Travel Log - $15.00 {100% donated}

11. Vintage 1946 Map of Japan - $12.00 {100% donated}

12. Custom Watercolor Pet Portrait - $30.00 {100% donated}

H&M Spring/Summer

2011-03-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am so excited for spring - especially H&M spring/summer collection! Inspired by the groovy silhouettes of the 60's and 70's - it is loaded with a ton of color, bohemian silhouettes, color blocking, and funky prints. Some pieces are in stores now but the full collection won’t be available until mid-April. Check out the entire collection here.

Peeping Tom

2011-03-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

One thing that I love to do is taking walks around the neighborhood at night {or take a drive} and hope for curtains that have not been closed so I can take a peek inside and see how a home is decorated. Don't think I'm some creepy peeping tom - you know you have done it too! Well, I love it when magazines feature real-life people and take photos of their home and how they live.

I came across some photos of Emerson & Ryan of EMERSON MADE at their farmhouse in New Hampshire. I previously wrote about her fabulous accessories & beautiful clothing line...and their home is just as charming!

This ALMOST makes me want to live on a farm.

I'm loving this kitchen -- the exposed wood beams, the industrial size fridge (!), and those beautiful light pendants over the island.

A few details...

Emerson's mother and grandmother slept in these beds as children. She painted them yellow and I ADORE them!

The Nest also featured photos of them (by David A. Land). I love everything about this living room.

And check out her UBER ORGANIZED pantry!!!

Ikea Hacks

2011-03-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

The blog world can be so inspiring! I came across a few IKEA HACKS and wanted to share them with you in case your IKEA finds need a bit sprucing up!

{And while we are on the subject, check out IKEA HACKERS - a site dedicated to super savvy and handy folks who personalize and re-purpose IKEA products.}

Take a look at what Bri of Me, You and a Wiener did to this IKEA dresser below! I absolutely love the Greek key motif and the gold and turquoise color combo!

And the following hacks all once started out as this dresser below: the Rast dresser from IKEA, costing a whopping $29.99!

Barbara at HodgePodge added a silver leaf finish and beautiful glass knobs:

Nancy from Marcus Design turned to a dorothy draper style for her Rast dresser DIY:

And finally, Aubrey and Lindsay took their Rast from drab to fab in their classy makeover:

AMAZING!

2 for 1

2011-03-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

I know that the weather is starting to warm up in some places and everyone is so over winter; BUUTTT, had to share this fabulous coat {and website} that I just came across!

Military Transform Zipper Coat - $145.99

www.storets.com

$145.00 for a nice winter coat is definitely a great price...but the way I see it, you are getting TWO coats for the price of one! I love it the zipper detail on the full coat {and if you want a shorter style, just zip off the lower half}!

Also, be sure to check out the rest of the website www.storets.com. They have some pretty fabulous pieces at great prices!

Marant Must Have

2011-03-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

One of my all-time favorite designers is Isabel Marant...however, her to-die-for pieces often times cost a pretty penny. I recently saw her Spring 2011 lookbook {featuring the gorgeous Snejana Onopka} and as usual, left me frothing at the mouth for nearly every item - especially this sweater:

Click here to see more photos from Marant's Spring 2011 Lookbook

I love this look! I'm not sure how much this sweater retails for, but in the past, Marant's sweaters are typically priced $300 and up.

I was perusing Forever 21 {as usual} and found this almost exact match!

Loose Knit Raglan Sweater - $19.80

Love it when that happens!