STYLE, SHE WROTE.

Bright Eyes

2010-02-07T08:52:00.000-08:00

When Derek Lam sent his models down the runway with wild eye makeup to compliment his colorful spring designs, he helped create a bright, optimistic new beauty look for spring. (Kudos, Derek).

If you, like us, want to master this look, but don't have a professional makeup artist like Tom Pecheux at your disposal, we suggest you pick up M.A.C.'s no-fuss Crush Metal Pigment: Stacked 2! eyeshadows. The expertly coordinated shades can be easily mixed on your lids to create picture-perfect eyes -- all for just $32.50.

Jackie

I'm With the Band

2010-02-07T07:56:00.000-08:00

Confession: Lynnie and I are reformed bank geeks. Yes, it's true. I and my fashionable cohort spent many grade school hours practicing the tune, "Three Blind Mice," on our respective saxophone and clarinet. But, being both non-committal and not musically inclined, we both quit our instruments by the time we reached junior high school.

That said, we've been feeling a bit nostalgic for our pre-fab pasts in light of this season's go to item -- the band jacket. Both a comfortable piece of outerwear and a high-fashion design, the band jacket has been popping up on runways and in magazines as the must have item for spring. Lynnie and I love Juicy Couture's cotton version (above), but at $298.00, we aren't ready to invest so much cash into what may be a temporary trend.

Instead, we're opting for Urban Outfitter's very similar linen version (above), priced at a much more affordable $68.00.

Perfect for those of us who can't commit.

Jackie

Deal of the Month: Urban Outfitters’ Jumpers

2010-02-04T12:41:00.000-08:00

I apologize for posting February’s “Deal of the Month” a few days late! I hope all will be forgiven once you see the super cute items we’ve selected for this month. Jackie and I are currently going gaga for Urban Outfitters’ jumpers. Ranging in style and price (no worries, the most you’ll be spending is $58), select the one that works with your wardrobe.

Kimchi Blue Ruffle Apron Jumper $58

Silence & Noise Knot Front Jumper $48

Kimchi Blue Lady Ruffle Jumper $58

S.S.W. Asks: Do these jumpers have you counting down the days until Spring?

Lynnie

Dare to Bare

2010-01-31T17:44:00.000-08:00

This spring, designers are daring fashionistas to wear the bralette -- a lace-y little lingerie top that is more sexy than it supportive -- and not just under clothes. Indeed, the bralette has emerged on many a runway this season under sheer shirts, almost as an alternative to the plain old collared shirt. While the risqué underpinning will likely not become a workplace wardrobe staple, it certainly has the makings of part of a great after hours outfit.

That said, we've picked our wallet friendly favorites for your visual -- and physical -- enjoyment:

Lynnie Likes: Aerie Ruffle Bralette, $19.50

Jackie Enjoys: Hanky Panky Lacy Bralette, $38.00

And want to know -- Would you dare to wear this trend? Sound off below!

Jackie&Lynnie

Let OPI Take You to Wonderland...

2010-01-29T09:28:00.000-08:00

As I am a self-proclaimed Disney fanatic, it will be of no surprised to our readers that I am extremely pumped for the March release of Alice in Wonderland. My enthusiasm increased tenfold when I learned that OPI created a line of nail polish (below) inspired by the film.

Left to Right: “Thanks so Muchness”, “Absolutely Alice”, “Mad as a Hatter”, and “Off with Her Red!”

“Thanks so Muchness” and “Off with Her Red!” (above) are great for both day and night, vibrant colors that are subdued enough to wear to work. “Absolutely Alice” and “Mad as a Hatter” (below) are perfect for the evening, adding a touch of glamour and fun to any look.

Buy the whole collection now on Amazon.com for a mere $9.49. Individual shades are selling for $5.28.

Happy Shopping!

Lynnie

Walkin' Tall

2010-01-27T16:14:00.000-08:00

I started a new job this week and wanted to look my best, so I busted out an old stand-by -- a black pencil skirt. With its figure-hugging design, a pencil skirt demands that you stand up straight, walk tall and project a super confident appearance at all times -- even when, like me, you have no idea what you're doing.

If you, too, need a confidence boost, we suggest you pick up one of our under $100.00 favorites -- and then start strutting!

BCBG Max Azria Ponte Pencil Skirt, $98.00

Anthropologie Pleated Pencil Skirt, $88.00

Gap Tuxedo Pencil Skirt, $59.49

S.S.W. Super Steal: Charlotte Russe Striped and Pleated Pencil Skirt, $22.99

Jackie

Jackie's Picks: Ruche's Ascending Pleats Dress

2010-01-25T17:00:00.000-08:00

If you follow Style, She Wrote regularly, you probably know that Lynnie and I are really into dresses. (Half of Lynnie 's closet is, in fact, just dresses.) So you can imagine how excited I was when I found the best dress ever for spring -- a one shoulder dress by Ruche. I learned of the brand on Snapshot Fashion, who did a lovely post about one of their many stylish vintage-inspired pieces.

Why have I fallen so hard for this dress? With its flattering, neutral-colored pleated top and sunshine-yellow polka dotted bottom, the dress is the perfect mix of sweet and sexy. I'd wear it with a cardigan to work, then go bare skinned for a night out on the town.

Two times the wear -- for less than the price of dinner for two! (A.k.a. $38.99.)

Jackie

Look for Less: Valentino-esque Bow Belts

2010-01-23T17:56:00.000-08:00

I've been in the market for a waist-cinching bow belt and finally found the perfect one -- a luxurious and stunningly beautiful Iris Crystal Leaf Bow Belt by Valentino for -- gasp! -- $695.00.

Realizing this dream would never be a reality -- I do work in the arts, after all -- I decided to capture this look for myself by mixing some affordable, silver-y belts...

Forever21 Patent Bow Belt in Grey, $5.80

ASOS Oversized Bow Skinny Belt, $13.60

with some inexpensive, shimmery flower brooches.

Newport News Crystal Flower Pin, $19.99

(And for a slightly edgier look) Topshop Speckled Abstract Brooch, $25.00

Nothing like a D.I.Y. style steal to brighten the day!

Jackie

Tried & Tested: BCBGeneration’s Asymmetrical Tops

2010-01-21T15:04:00.000-08:00

Looking for a fun, flirty blouse for spring? Why not try one of BCBGeneration’s asymmetrical printed tops? For under a buck -- $88.00 to be exact – you can get a playful, retro-inspired silken blouse that dresses up any outfit – even the most basic blue jeans. The shirts have figure-flattering v-necks and stylish, elongated backs with oversized zippers.

Lynnie and I both bought these shirts recently– hers in Ultramarine (above), mine in Red Multi (below) – and we have been wearing them non-stop! Lynnie chose to pair hers with black velvet leggings and black leather and suede riding boots for a night out in New York City last weekend, while I paired mine with blue jeans and BCBGirls moc-crocodile round heel booties to run errands in today.

Either way, we both looked stylish.

Get your own at BCBG.com.

Jackie

And the winner is...

2010-01-19T16:14:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Kylie from Georgia! She is the winner of our fifteenth and final (until further notice) giveaway. Tamara, founder of Nesting Pretty, will be sending Kylie the lovely "Like Red on a Rose" earrings (above), valued at $8.

Jackie and I would like to thank Tamara for donating such beautiful earrings. We would also like to thank the founders of all of the Etsy shops that we worked with over the past few months; and all of our readers who participated in our many giveaways.

While the giveaways are currently on hold, check back regularly for exciting updates regarding the fashion world and for other opportunities!

Stay tuned...

Lynnie

Gaultier's Target Collection Unveiled!

2010-01-17T21:30:00.000-08:00

Continuing from yesterday's post, I did some snooping and found these preview pics of Jean Paul Gaultier's upcoming Target collection from New York magazine's "The Cut" fashion blog.

Here are the images, courtesy of Refinery29.

Maybe it's just me, but does anyone else feel like the collection is a bit of a let down? (Keep in mind, these designs are from the same man who gave Madonna the infamous cone bra.)

At first, I thought my initial reaction was a result of sleep deprivation -- it's 1 o'clock in the morning as a I write this -- but after reviewing the collection several times, I am still confused about the collection's theme -- or seemingly lack thereof -- rather than jumping with joy that Gaultier has designed pieces I can actually afford to buy.

While I understand that Gaultier's collection is supposed to be a tribute to generations of American women and their style, it seems to me an incoherent mix of spring's big fashion trends, rather than a reflection of a national aesthetic.

That said, what do you think gentle S.S.W. reader? Will you buy Gaultier's designs this spring?

Jackie

Posen and Gaultier Go Target

2010-01-17T10:01:00.000-08:00

Before you read this post, I suggest you sit down.

Ready? Okay.

Established fashion designers Jean Paul Gaultier and Zac Posen will respectively unveil Target capsule collections on March 7th and April 25th, 2010.

Still sitting?

Before you slide off the edge of your seat, here are the juicy details: Gaultier's collection will pay tribute to the "American woman, celebrating the forces of style both past and present in American pop culture," while Posen's line is "made for a woman who likes to dress up, but might not have a red carpet to walk every other week."

The exact details of Gaultier's line are still under wraps, but news on Posen's collection has leaked. (Yay!) Word on the street -- the street being 7th Avenue -- is that line will consist of mostly dresses, including this fabulous ruffled red dress ($79.99).

Other notable items from the collection include a gold lame swimsuit ($40.00),

a geometric yellow raincoat ($49.99),

and a full skirted dark blue dress with silvery snaps ($69.99).

To see Posen's entire look book, click here.

And then let hysteria ensue.

Jackie

New Suede Shoes

2010-01-15T12:36:00.001-08:00

Among my favorite pieces for the in between seasons -- spring and fall -- are suede sandals. Why? By mixing warm weather styling with a cold weather material, the shoes remain stylish year round. (Which is more than I can say about the majority of my wardrobe.) For fashionistas on a budget, this also means max bang-for-your-buck, since the shoes never go out of style.

Try the look for yourself with these under $100.00 favorites:

BCBGirls Quod Sandal, $60.98

MIA Marion Sandal, $89.95

Steve Madden Siege Sandal, $89.00

Super Steal: Forever21 Sultry Challenge Sandals, $27.80

Romantic Soles Clinton, $75.00

Jackie

Barney's Big Designer Sale!!

2010-01-14T07:37:00.000-08:00

The end of the holidays not only marks the momentous beginning of a new year, but also the triumphant return of Barney's semi-annual designer sale!! Score major deals on men and women's designer clothing, shoes, and accessories, brand-name children's fashions, luxury beauty products and elegant housewares.

Here are some of our wallet friendly favorites from the sale:

Diane von Furstenberg Samuella Dress, orig. $345.00, now $140.03

Men's Rag & Bone Basic Belt, orig. $125.00, now $59.00

Armand Diradourian Cashmere Snake Pillow, orig. $295.00, now $128.64

Morfs Brand Cookie Monster Pants, orig. $58.00, now $29.00

This Works Stretch Mark Oil, orig. $54.00, now $27.00

Shop now and save! Quantities are limited!

Jackie

Tried & Tested: Rodarte for Target

2010-01-12T16:30:00.000-08:00

Lynnie and I found ourselves at Target last night -- because where else do people hang out on Monday nights? -- where we finally got a chance to test out Rodarte's capsule collection.

We both agreed that Rodarte's line was the most well-made designer collection for Target to date. (Remember Anna Sui's overpriced dresses that shredded before they were worn? Definitely not good.)

I tried on -- but didn't buy -- a black sheer shirt for $29.99. (My apologies, but I couldn't find a picture online.) The top fit very well, but I just couldn't reconcile the weirdly patterned yellow and white sleeves. (Skeleton torsos and baby carriages? No thanks).

Lynnie, though, picked up this lovely nude crepe slip dress with tulle overlay for $39.99. Here, she paired it with Coach suede boots (picked up at a sample sale for $30.00) and Rachel Leigh and Banana Republic pink and gold bow bangles.

Definitely our favorite collection to date.

Jackie

S.S.W. Asks: What has been your favorite Target collection?

Nesting Pretty

2010-01-11T16:13:00.000-08:00

Jackie and I are thrilled to introduce you to Nesting Pretty, founded by Tamara Levy. Tamara’s designs, which include bobby pins, rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, are both whimsical and feminine. Her pieces incorporate oversized brightly colored flowers and antique style cameos with modern designs. We here at S.S.W. absolutely adore her use of colorful flower cabochons. Below are our top picks from Tamara’s shop:

1. Pumpkin Head $11.00; 2. Stardust $8.00; 3. Field of Dreams $10.50; 4. Moody Blues $8.00; 5. Pocket Full of Posies $10.50; 6. Flowers in Bloom $11.00

Tamara has generously donated “Like Red on a Rose” earrings (above), valued at $8.00, for our fifteenth and final giveaway. To enter, please send your name and e-mail address to styleshewrote@gmail.com with the subject line “Giveaways”. The giveaway begins today and ends on Monday, January 18th at noon. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, January 19th. Best of luck to all who enter!

Click here to visit Nesting Pretty.

Lynnie

Deal of the Month: Aldo's Garmen Handbag

2010-01-10T10:22:00.000-08:00

My apologies that this post is a bit late, but with New Year's hustle and bustle, I forgot to post January's "Deal of the Month". (Whoops!)

As January is no ordinary month -- it does kick off a brand spanking new year, after all -- I thought I would challenge myself to find the most stylish, sturdiest and cheapest handbag possible. (Nothing like starting 2010 with a little personal challenge, right?)

Enter the Garmen top-handle bag by Aldo. This cognac colored bag has classic styling, chic gold-tone accents, and two zippered compartments (to keep all your stuff organized) -- for just $50.00.

Mission accomplished.

Jackie

Jackie's Picks: Ann Taylor Loft's Drawstring Anorak

2010-01-08T11:04:00.000-08:00

To borrow one of RZ's favorite expressions, I die for this drawstring anorak by Ann Taylor Loft ($128.00). I know what you're thinking -- an anorak? Really? In fashion vocabulary, the term anorak brings to most minds visions of frumpy nylon jackets, which are only worn in the most inclement of weather (i.e. when no one will be outdoors to see you actually wearing such a horrendous thing).

And, in most cases, this is true. (I can recall several unfortunate versions from my childhood that would sadly fall into this category.) But, with trench coat styling, a feminine silhouette, stylish raglan sleeves and a ruffled collar, the Loft's version screams "fashion must have" rather than "fashion faux pas."

And, as it is made from sturdy cotton twill, it can also withstand whatever Mother Nature throws your way.

Jackie

Eco-Chic Giveaway!

2010-01-07T15:44:00.000-08:00

Win an eco-chic winter knit set, worth $90.00, from the eco-fashion company Ecouterre and the eco-conscious blog Inhabitat. The set is by N:F:P, maker of all fabulous sustainable acccessories. The knit set includes a superfine snap neck warmer and arm warmers, made from either bamboo or merino wool.

To enter, sign up for the Ecouterre newsletter and leave a comment on this post telling Inhabitat how you're staying green -- and warm -- this winter.

Contest ends midnight on Monday, January 11th!

Good luck!

Jackie

Congratulations...

2010-01-05T19:31:00.000-08:00

Jackie and I are very excited for AB from California! She is the lucky winner of the Starry Night Cocktail Cluster Ring (above) from Mulryjewels. Special thanks to Stephanie, founder of Mulryjewels, and to all of our readers who took the time to enter our fourteenth giveaway.

Adore Stephanie's design? Visit her online shop.

Mark your calendars! Our fifteenth and final giveaway (until further notice) begins on Monday, January 11th.

Lynnie

Viva Bretagne!

2010-01-05T10:24:00.000-08:00

Obsession confession: I love Breton striped tops. The bold stripes -- which are based on the stripes of the Breton flag -- give me instant daydreams of sipping café au lait with my beau in good ol' Bretagne.

Now that these stripes are the IT pattern for spring, I can easily indulge in array of blue-and-white tanks, tees and long sleeves to my heart's content.

If you too have the Breton bug, check out some of our under $100.00 favorites:T by Alexander Wang Boatneck Top, $98.00

Topshop Striped Gold Button Blouse, $60.00

Super Steal: Forever21 Striped Ribbed Top, $6.80

ASOS Longline Breton Striped Top, $30.59

People Tree Fairtrade Organic Striped Top, $32.29

Viva Bretagne!

Jackie

Delicate Denim

2010-01-03T20:28:00.000-08:00

Looking for the perfect winter-to-spring transition piece? Why not try a denim shirt dress? This wardrobe staple is back for 2010, in a variety of washes, cuts and colors. Wear it now with thick tights and high boots to stay toasty or pair it with ballet flats and bare skin in warmer weather.

Here are our under $100.00 favorites:

Forever21 Chambray Shirt Dress, $24.80

Gap Chambray Shirt Dress, $44.19

ASOS Black Marble Wash Denim Shirt Dress, $37.39

Cooperative Chambray Shirtdress, $58.00

Banana Republic Chambray Shirtdress, $98.00

Happy shopping!

Jackie

Fashion for Thought: "Quicktake: Rodarte"

2010-01-02T07:58:00.000-08:00

With the widespread acclaim of their innovative clothing line, Rodarte, and highly-successful Target capsule collection, it seems appropriate that the Mulleavy sisters are the subject of a major design exhibition. "Quicktake: Rodarte," at the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum in New York, "offers a glimpse into the Mulleavys' unique process and inspiration at an important point in their career; recently Rodarte was awarded the 2009 Womenswear Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and was named a 2009 fashion design finalist for Cooper-Hewitt's National Design Awards."

According to the Museum's website, "Rodarte's creations feature complex manipulation of materials and other meticulous techniques evocative of haute couture through an American lens. The Mulleavys deliver emotionally powerful, dynamic collections that interweave extremely hard and delicate elements simultaneously. Recent runway collections have referenced disparate themes, such as the building and taking apart of homes, California Condors, Boris Karloff as Frankenstein, land art and Japanese horror films."

The exhibition will be on view from February 11 through March 14, 2010.

Jackie

S.S.W. Sneak Peek: BCBG's Bridesmaids Collection

2009-12-30T07:26:00.000-08:00

New for 2010: BCBG Max Azria -- makers of the perfect party dress -- are unveiling their first- ever bridesmaids collection.

The collection -- shown above in a spread from their Pre-Spring 2010 catalog -- boasts variations of BCBG's signature banded dresses and flowing gowns in pastel and jewel tones. Prices for the collection are as follows: lilac gown, $298.00; nude dress, $260.00; yellow gown, $268.00; navy dress, $248.00; cobalt blue gown, $328.00; and ivory gown, $298.00.

The collection won't hit stores for a few more months, but you can keep up-to-date on the latest developments by registering for updates on BCBG's website.

Jackie

S.S.W. Asks: What do you think of BCBG's bridesmaids collection? Comment below!

Sac Attack

2009-12-29T10:52:00.000-08:00

The latest IT bag appears to have been inspired by Santa himself. Drawstring leather bags -- in all shades and textures -- are a chic and stylish way to store your necessities in a cinch. We've picked our favorites -- all for $500.00 or much, much less.

Jackie

Stylish Sacs: 1. Coach Peyton Drawstring Bag, $258.00 2. ASOS Ri2K Leather Drawstring Bag, $107.08 3. The Sak Solana Drawstring Bag in Hunter Green, $199.00 4. Armani Exchange Quilted Drawstring Bag, $98.00 5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Drawstringy Leather Bag, $528.00 and 6. Cole Haan Village Small Drawstring Tote in Lacquer Red, $350.00.