Unbeatable Day Dress Deal

Are you looking for a great day dress for the dog days of summer? This Studio M Dress from Macy's is worth buying online even with the shipping costs. For under $15 you can't beat this deal!

Feminine Finds from Etsy

I love going to Etsy to see what unique items I can find. Here are just a few feminine and flirty pieces to add to your summer wardrobe:
1. Tea Dress, $85
2. English Rose Ruffle Dress, $117
3. Tea Dress, $85
4. Ruffled Tunic, $88
5. Ice Cream Sundae Darling Eco Dress, $42

Attending a Wedding? Daytime Wedding Looks

Since it is peak wedding season, we're going to feature some inexpensive looks for just about any wedding you're attending.

Add some cute shoes, jewelry and a clutch and any of these daytime looks would be fabulous for your next daytime wedding. Even better, all cost under $100:


Vacation-Ready Dress
Anthropologie
$59.95









Ruched V-Neck Dress
Ann Taylor
$99









City Style Tiered Ruffle Dress
NY & Company
$59.95









Silk/Cotton Floral Dress
Banana Republic
$98

Cute Party Dress - Under $40

With the economy in the toilet, it's hard to justify paying a lot for a cute party dress. Twelve by Twelve by Forever 21 is to the rescue! This adorable, yet affordable magenta ribbon party dress is only $38!

Store Discovery: Martin and Osa

Last Saturday my boyfriend and I went shopping at The Westchester in NY. We happened upon Martin & Osa, a store I had seen at NorthPark Mall in Dallas but never went into thinking it was not quite my "style." I must say, I was pleasantly surprised.

Here's some background: Martin and Osa is owned by America Eagle Outfitters and is named after Martin and Osa Johnson, Kansas natives and explorers who captured their adventures to remote, exotic locations in films, photography and books in the first half of the 20th century. There is even a safari museum in their honor. The store itself reminded me of a Zara meets Banana Republic meets J Crew. I found it refined without being stuffy and stylish without being too trendy. The quality was high for the prices, too. My boyfriend bought two button down shirts for only $18 a piece! I fell in love with some ankle boots, but unfortunately they didn't have them in my size.

To make things even better, Martin & Osa online has FREE SHIPPING BOTH WAYS (yes, you can return it for free if you don't like it!). Right now you can take an extra 30% off of already reduced merchandise - they're practically giving things away. Here are some of my faves:

Cross-Over Pleat Skirt - $27.97 (was $79.50)

Heeled D-Ring Ankle Boots - $48.96 (were $160! - I personally saw these in person and the quality of the leather could rival Cole Haan)

Cowl-Neck Sweater Dress - $38.46 (was $130 - they only have L-XXL sizes, so act quickly!)

Getting Married on a Budget: Wedding Dresses Under $500

It is peak wedding planning time! Last year I attended 8 weddings. Just last month alone three of my friends got engaged! Wedding planning is not slowing down, but with the economy the way it is, many brides are looking at ways to cut corners without compromising on making their big day one of the happiness of their lives. Like I have before, I will be featuring a series of postings highlighting ways you can have the perfect day without spending a fortune.

Below are some elegant bridal gowns all under $500 (some even under $200!):

Alex Evenings Single Shoulder Mesh Gown - Dillards: $120
Kate Metallic Strapless Dress - Ann Taylor: $199
Stretch Pique Sheath Dress - Neiman Marcus: $199 (plus an extra 20% for a limited time!)
Atria Fitted Low Back Gown - eDress Me: $205
Mary L. Couture Notch Bodice Halter Gown - Nordstrom: $228
Scala Beaded Off the Shoulder Gown - Dillards - $240
Silk Tricotine Sophia Long Dress - J Crew: $295
Silk Tricotine Goddess Long Dress - J Crew: $325
Calvin Klein Satin Gown with Detailed Bust - $330
V-neck A-line Chiffon and Satin Gown - The Rose Dress: $338
Faviana White Ruched Bodice Gown - eDress Me: $338
Tissue Organza and Satin Mermaid Strapless Gown - The Rose Dress: $350
Strapless Matte Satin Gown - The Rose Dress: $398
Aidan Mattox Niteline Beaded Strapless Gown - Nordstrom: $408
Taffeta Gown with Train - The Rose Dress: $498

It's Not Too Late to Get Your New Year's Eve Outfit!

Tomorrow night we will all be bringing in the new year.  What will you be wearing? Whether you are going out to a big New Year's Eve event, a nice dinner or a house party, you can still look absolutely fabulous without spending a lot of money. 

Since it is already the afternoon, I would suggest you use these as ideas for when you go to the stores or hurry up and buy something online and have it shipped overnight. Here are some options for under $100:

Forever 21: Sequined Spaghetti Top - $29.80

Bloomingdale's: DKNYC Women's Sequin Women's Skirt - $97.30

Banana Republic: Flutter-Sleeve Satin Dress - $69.99

Bloomingdale's: Calvin Klein Stretch Satin Empire Sheath Dress - $85.00 ($170 with 50% off at checkout)

Christmas Day Sale at Arden B

Merry Christmas!

Who says the stores are closed on Christmas?!? Today only, Arden B has ALL of their dresses, sweaters and outerwear for 50% off online! So open your presents, eat some good food, drink some eggnog, then run to your computer and snatch up some great deals! Also, spend $150 or more and you will receive free shipping. If you spend under $150, you get $5 second day shipping (that's right, you can buy that New Years Eve dress you've had your eye on)!

Here are some of my favorite items in each of the categories they have on sale:

Dresses

Panel Black Halter Dress - $49 (was $98!)

Sweaters

Funnel Neck Sweater - $39 (was $78)

Outerwear

Hand Knit Cape - $39 (was $78)

Neiman Marcus - Extra 50% on Last Call Items - Today Only!

Now that it has been confirmed that we are in a recession (as if we didn't know), retailers are in a complete frenzy to make sure people buy this holiday season so that they can stay afloat (bad for them, great for us!). Even the high end retailers are featuring some insanely discounted prices. 

Today only, Neiman Marcus is taking 50% off of many of their last call items (discounted prices are reflected at checkout). Also, for free shipping, use discount code DECNM. Here are some of my favorites:

 Silver Kay Unger New York Floral Print Sequined Dress  - $101.50 (was $580!) 

Red, Black and White David Meister Diamond Printed Dress - $58.50 (was $335)

Debra DeRoo Printed Santeen Jacket - $44 (was $250)

Lafayette 148 New York Tie-Waste White Blouse - $52 (was $298)

Red Carpet Look without Red Carpet Price

Did anyone see the Emmy's last week? The red carpet was fabulous as usual! One of my favorites was Mariska Hargitay's yellow one shoulder goddess dress:
Absolutely beautiful! Though her dress was probably thousands of dollars, here's a less expensive alternative. You can find this Sunglow braided one shoulder dress by Laundry by Design at eDressMe. At $275, it's not cheap, but at least you won't have to cash out your 401K to buy it!

Cute Maternity Dresses from Neiman Marcus

Who says mommies to be can't be fabulous? Neiman Marcus is carrying some chic dresses for you ladies carrying little ones. And all of these are under $100!

T-Bags Printed Wrap Dress - $69 (was $198)


Homme Mummy Black Tie Dress - $60 ($170)

Homme Mummy Cut Out Dress- $68 (was $198)

Fall Trends: Satins and Berries

I'm telling you ladies, the two trends you won't be able to get enough of for the fall will be berries and satin. Coming in every shade from magenta to blackberry, berry shades will be everywhere. You will also see satin used for shirts and dresses. 

Here are a few items to add to your wardrobe without breaking the bank:

City Style Pleated Satin Tank - NY and Company, $9.88

Square Fuschia Bracelet - Old Navy, $5.50

Bordeaux Satin 3/4 Sleeve Top - Old Navy, $15.00

Satin Cap-Sleeved Satin Purple Dress - Twelve by Twelve -$36.00

Bianca Nero Crisscross Halter Dress - Neiman Marcus, $124

Sex and the City Wardrobe: Miranda's Black and White Dress

OMG! I can't believe that after several years of waiting and watching re-runs of SATC on TBS, the Sex and the City movie is finally here! As I was checking out a promo for the movie, I was pleasantly surprised to see Miranda sporting a black and white Maggy London Print Silk Twill Shift Dress that I featured in a Fall/Winter 2007 issue of Impressions (page 30), an e-magazine I write for.


Where can you find this fabulous dress (sans the belt)? Well, check it out here at Dillard's for $150 or here at Nordstrom (it's sold out right now, but keep checking back, they may restock).

I'm not the only one who noticed the Maggy London dress. So did Style Mama and Team Sugar.

Little Black Dress for Less

Something every girl needs is a fabulous little black dress. Who says you have to pay a lot it? This short black satin strapless dress is at Forever 21 for just $22.80!

If you go to their site and grab a few things, they have free shipping for any orders $75 or over. Happy shopping!

Check it out now: Diane von Furstenberg

Diane von Furstenberg, fashion icon, has a great sale going on at www.dvf.com. Many items are 70% off including this Rhythm Dress in Navy Combo dress for just $108 (it used to be $355). It looks like they only sizes 8 and 10 left. No luck? Check out this Cosmic Jacket or Elka Wrap Sweater.

Going to a Wedding? Dresses for Under $100!

To continue with the wedding series, here are some great dresses for those of you going to a wedding. All are under $100!

Beach Wedding

J Crew Kate Dress - $59.99 (was $98)

Yellow Ruffled Shirt Dress - $62


Daytime Wedding
Isaac Mizrahi for Target Party Dress - $44.99



Anne Klein Dress Silk Dupioni Dress - $94.90
(was $190)


Evening Wedding
Max and Cleo Satin Party Dress - $88.80 (was $148)


Steve Madden Strapless Satin Dress - $96

Bridal Gowns Under $400

Who says a bride has to spend thousands of dollars on a wedding gown? Here are some bridal gowns under $400 for any of you planning for your special day:

Featured dresses:
JS Boutique Strapless Ruched Satin Gown: Nordstrom - $98
Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Silk Cowl Dress (Champagne): Target - $129.99
Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Eyelet Sheath Gown: Target - $129.99
Adrianna Papell Charmeuse Gown: Dillard's - $160
Betsy & Adam Pleated Halter Gown: Dillard's - $160
Embossed Halter long beach dress: J Crew - $195
Mary L Couture Ottoman Bodice Mesh Gown: Nordstrom - $248
Silk Tricotine Jenelle long dress: J Crew - $295
Sean Collection Beaded Empire Waist Gown: Nordstrom - $305
Silk Tricotine Rebecca Long Dress: J Crew - $350

If you're planning a wedding, check out this blog. It looks like a great resource for brides-to-be:
http://www.weddingtulle.blogspot.com.

Hello Yellow! Part 2

So there were so many great things in yellow that I had to do a part 2. All of these items are under $90 and some are on sale!

Swingy shirred piqué dress: J Crew - $88


Access Topper Jacket: Kohl's - $29.60 (was $74)


Restricted Sandy Wedge: Piperlime - $50

Daisy Fuentes Faux Patent Leather Envelope Clutch: Kohl's - $21.99 (was $34)

American Living Floral Halter Dress: JC Penney - $75 (was $100)