Hot under {$100-under $80!}/Sale Spotlight: Pareos aka coverups

Do you actually need cover ups in your closet?

I can sheepishly say that I don't need a few items in my closet anymore (adieu blue gingham shorts!)  But I certainly feel like I need a cute pareo/sarang/coverup when I am traveling, especially to a tropical locale.  I love pareos for a few reasons:
1. You can wear them in multiples ways - skirt, scarf, or dress
2. They are easy to pack and pretty versatile
3. Chiffon ones dry more quickly enabling it to be easily re-wearable on the same trip

Here are a few fun pareos if you are still planning on going to the pool or beach in the last days of summer:

1. Shadow chiffon floral coverup pareo, Land's End, $24.99

2. Kate Spade Cockatoos pareo, Zappos, $75.99

3. Echo Deisgn Batik leaves pareo, Zappos, $48

4. Ombre chiffon coverup, Land's End, $24.99

Hot under {$100-under $25}/Sale Spotlight - Stripes for summer via Old Navy

Count me in as another lady that has fallen head over heels with stripes.

It's funny because I had all of two striped items in my closet up until June.  Then I went to NYC and Altuzurra for J. Crew and Uniqlo held me ransom in their dressing rooms and forced me to admit that stripes are awesome (ok they are fun).  There is just something about this simple design that adds a dash of playful chic to one's outfit.

When I think of playful chic, I don't necessarily think of Old Navy - I don't shop there much at all.  But my friend was wearing such cute tops when we vacationed together in India (she says she loves to stock up on Old Navy pieces for vacation) I also shopped at the Gap for the first time in years last month and have now secured one of the best and affordable exercise pants ever (who knew!)  So I am most definitely willing to step inside its sister store and look at its selection.  Old Navy is affordable and offers tons of options so why not right?

It is a great time to pick out a summer dress or two (striped of course!) because you get 30% off everything until  July 26 with code July2012.

1. Button tied shirt dress, Old Navy, $19.60

2. Drawstring v-neck jersey dress, Old Navy, $10.50

3. Drawstring tube jersey maxi dress, Old Navy, $22.40

4. Flared jersey dress, Old Navy, $17.43

Save!

- Go to Mr. Rebates first and get cash back on your entire purchase!  Here is my invite if you'd like it!

Hot under {$100}/Sale Spotlight: ASOS Maxi skirts and dresses for summer

Maxi skirts/dresses are the sartorial equivalent of summer to me....warm weather is coming, boom maxi skirts come out and on for instant summer chic.

While I'm only average height, I have found that maxi skirts/dresses can also lengthen as well (if the top is a bit shorter) and who doesn't like the illusion of longer legs?  The look serves double duty of not only being chic, but also providing coverage from pesky insects and hiding wandering eyes from looking at one's insect bites/tanning/shaving mishaps.

I've posted about my love for ASOS before (it's huge and has a great selection in all price ranges).  Get an extra 10% off the sale selection with code 10sale through Monday, July 23rd.  I love shopping.  I love saving at retailers that don't frequently offer discounts.  Win!

1. Mango Zebra print caftan, ASOS, $79.79

2. A Wear split Maxi, ASOS, $66.28

3. Three Floor Maxi dress, ASOS, $91.71

4. Mango stripe maxi dress with belt, ASOS, $61.89

Save!
- Go to Ebates first and get cash back off your entire purchase.  Here is my invite if you'd like it!

Hot Under {$100} (under $75!)/Sale Spotlight: Prints aplenty at Anthropologie

Anthropologie is not a store for a shopper looking for the basics.

T-shirts will have edgy cuts.  Patterns are usually statement making, if not outright bold.  I always think Emma from "Glee" would likely shops here to get her blouses with the chic and feminine cuts or those adorable, ornate cardigans.  There is usually an extra bit of flair to Anthropologie's clothing and that is the way their shoppers like it!

The clothing, however does come with a price so I like to wait for a sale before shopping there.  You're in luck because there is now an extra 25% off sale clothing through tomorrow.  Why not go for a fun print for summer?

Here are a few favorites:

1. Medusae blouse, Anthropologie, $59.96

2. Marbled waters shift, Anthropologie, $74.96

3. Taupo Maxi Chemise, Anthropologie, $29.96

4. Reactive shimmer skirt, Anthropologie, $74.96

Hot under $100 (all under $50!)/Sale Spotlight: Linea Pelle Casual Cool belts

I was a late bloomer when it comes to using belts (or at least using them well).  One of my besties uses belts beautifully in her outfits - she can add a modern belt to an almost vintage blouse and really create a  chic and unique look.  I may have discovered Linea Pelle through browsing through some fashion magazines, but I continue to love their belts not because they are celebrity endorsed, but because they are well constructed, functional, and lovely.  I have worn a favorite Linea Pelle belt with a simple LBD (great look for weddings!) as well as a favorite long tunic.  A belt seems to really tie (literally!) an outfit together and gives you a wonderful hourglass shape.

What kind of belts do you like?

Here are a few favorites from the current sale:

Skived edge hip belt with braided keeper, Linea Pelle, $43.50 (from $145)

Skinny hip belt with chevron keepers, Linea Pelle, $31.50 (from $105)

Vintage sliced waist stretch belt, Linea Pelle, $40.50 (from $135)

Hourglass waist belt, , Linea Pelle, $43.50 (from $145)

Hot under {$100-all under $75!}/Sale Spotlight: Summer Styling via Madewell and Yumi Kim

What is your summer outfit?

You may already know that I am drawn to dresses (I'm all about the easy styling of t-shirt/polo dresses or silk dresses!) and love to top it off with a straw fedora, easy sandals, and a great pair of sunglasses (Tom Ford will always have my heart when it comes to sunnies but I am always looking for a fun pair!)

Yumi Kim is known for its beautiful prints, light silks, and casual chic pieces.  Get 25% off everything with code FRIENDS12 through July 1st.

Madewell aka J. Crew's laid back, little sister is a great place for weekend wear.  I also hear the jeans are pretty fabulous there and it helps that they are pretty affordable.  It is even more affordable through today when you use code WHYNOT and get an extra 25% off through today (sale prices are good too before the discount!)

Lola top, Yumi Kim, $73.50

Starlet shades, Madewell, $26.24 (otherwise $34.99)

Biltmore Panama hat, Madewell, $33.75 (otherwise $45)

Stella dress, Yumi Kim, $66

Hot under {$100}: Style for the birds

Is it possible for a pattern to be too fun to actually wear or use?

I definitely thought that was the case with patterns and style that incorporated birds.  I also thought that the bird print was just trendy and I hate buying things that may seem out of date in a few months.  But it looks like birds are an aesthetic inspiration that are here to stay.  They paint such an unexpected picture when they are printed on clothing, enough to make one look really closely to decipher the pattern.

Here are a few favorite bird pieces for your closet and home:

1. Monserat de luca 3 birds ring, $69, Shopbop

2. I Adorn You Coral Bird Flight, $40, Zappo's

3. Jonathon Adler Bird salt and pepper set, $50, Horchow (on sale for $35 through 8 am today!)

4. Bird print tie playsuit, $72, Topshop

5. Cloissone bird napkin rings (set of 4), $56, Williams-Sonoma

6. Women's bird print charmeuse blouse, $17.99, Old Navy

Hot under {$100-actually below $5!}/Sale Spotlight: Glasses Galore at CB2

I usually like to hit up SOHO and browse along Broadway when I am in NYC.  I did a screeching halt and jaywalked my way over (old habits never die) to CB2 when I saw it from the corner of my eyes while shopping.  CB2 has the cutest home accessories at extremely affordable prices so I wanted to take a peek in the store.  

I was shocked to find .95 (yep under $1!) stemless wine glasses in the store.   Here are some other hot finds at the store for well under $100, all under $4!  Time to stock up to drink up!

Oliver martinis, CB2, $2.95 (from $3.95)

Stemless wine glasses, CB2, $0.95 (from $1.95)

Tambien barware, CB2, $1.95 (from $2.50)

Bloom etched stemless flute, CB2, $0.95 (from $3.95) 

Save!

- Go to Big Crumbs first and get cash back off your entire purchase!  Here is my invite if you'd like it!

Hot under {$100}/Sale spotlight: Thinking pink at Banana Republic

Banana Republic used to be the only store for me.

I religiously shopped there college and post college for both my office and weekend wear. A few of my favorite pieces were a lace trimmed button down shirt, a soft basic LBDS, and a crushed velvet top with a lace trim (you see the lace obsession started a while ago then!) Banana would consistently have a good selection of corporate basics at great prices (50% off and more was a norm and I remember having fabulous sale luck there!). I haven't shopped there as often in recent years and didn't love the quality in some of the pieces. But I have slowly been coming back and have still looked to their accessories section for chic and cheap selections.

I love these pink pieces for summer and they are on sale for an extra 30% off for a few more hours (use code 24 HOURS). I'm going to try to post sale pieces from different retailers every week - after all who doesn't love a good sale?

Enameled geo bangle, Banana Republic, $13.99

Nala lace scarf, Banana Republic, $34.99

Orchid belt, Banana Republic, $32.20

Save!
- Go to Ebates first and get cash back your entire purchase. Here is my invite if you'd like it!

Hot under {$100}: Floral Print Jeans

One fashion trend I still haven't subscribed to: premiums jeans at or over $200.
I have started appreciating well constructed, shape maintaining jeans more and more (alas a recent pair of cheap NY&co. Jeans lost their shape after one wash!) I also will pay for quality, but haven't gotten around to going in store and trying out many of the designer brands (though I will be trying J brand soon).

In the meantime many brands have come up with beautiful printed skinny jeans for this season. As I've mentioned before, one of my rules for trends is to buy in at a lower price point. Why spend more when you won't wear it more than two seasons?

Here are a few printed floral jeans I've found that are hot under $100:

1969 floral print legging jeans, Gap, $69.95
Moto Chintz Leigh jeans, Topshop, $90
Current Elliott 'The Stiletto Print' skinny jeans, Nordstrom's, $98.90

Have you found good floral jeans this season?

Fashion and Interiors/Hot under {$70}: Gold and black

Some colors come together and create a brilliant new combination - one set of colors that does that is gold and black.

I think of gold and black and instantly think of a classic Chanel flap with gold hardware.  It is a timeless and instantly chic color combination that can stand the test of time and trends.  Perhaps is why I am trying to incorporate gold and black touches into my living room.  I have a black book case and chair set off by gold bowls and pictures in gold frames.  You already know I am a very slow decorator, but I am liking the look so far!

Here was my gold and black inspiration:

1, 2, 3, 4

Here are some lovely gold and black picks to inspire your wardrobe and home for under $70!

Gorjana Pristine Circle stud earrings, Shopbop, $45

Spitfire Anglo 2, Revolve Clothing, $35

Milly Black lace combo dress, Rent the Runway, $50

Elise bowl, Z Gallerie, $69.95

T Tahari "Bamboo" gold necklace with black oval pendant, Endless.com, $48

Hot under {$100}/Decor Thoughts: Vases for Showcasing Spring

Nothing says spring time like fresh flowers.

I love how a bouquet of flowers can brighten up a room.  I'm looking for a new vase or two so our home is always ready to receive fresh flowers.  True story - my vase broke and I was holding fresh flowers in a beer mug (which actually is a good choice for a rustic feel!)  I've since broken that too.  Keep your glass products away from me.

Anyway, I do love the wide ranges in vases; I can get anything from an everyday IKEA vase to a classic Waterford crystal vase (including one below for $100!)   There is a vase in every price range and even when it isn't holding flowers, it can still act as a beautiful decor piece and hold other knick knacks.

Here are a few favorite vases that are hot under $100:

1. Sasaki by Mikasa Linnea vase, Mikasa $79.99 (from $199.99)

2. Monique Lhuiller for Waterford Crystal Arianne vase, Bloomingdale's, $100

3. Countryside hurricane glass vase, Mikasa, $39.99

4. Villeroy & Boch vases signature collection, Macy's, $49.99 (from $72)
5. ÄLSKLIG, IKEA, $17.99
6. Evelyn Clear Small vase, Crate & Barrel, $18.95

7. Kate Spade Larabee Dot Cylinder Bud Vase, Lord & Taylor, $60

8. Artura Taupe Vase, Crate & Barrel, $89.95

Savvy vs Splurge: Kate Spade and Juicy Couture Cockatoo Bangles (both hot under $150)

That Kate Spade is always creating one cute thing after another.

The present subject of cuteness: cockatoos.

Seriously - tropical birds?  Yep, these spiky haired birds are in a few places through out the Kate Spade website and now the bangle is most definitely on my wish list.  But I also happened to find a similar version of the bangle for Juicy Couture in which the bird is much more pronounced and the bangle itself is just under $100.  I'd still go for the Kate Spade for the slightly subtler effect.  Which bangle would you pick?

Kate Spade Kissing Cockatoos Bangle, Kate Spade, $148

Cockatoo Bangle, Juicy Couture, $98

Fashion and Interiors/Hot Under {$60}: Tangerine Tango love

Orange you glad to have orange in your life (soooo cheesy, but I couldn't resist an orange joke!)

Tangerine tango as you may know is this year's design color a la Pantone.  The now popular use of this color has made me a fan of this red and yellow love child.  It is of course a signature color of my favorite brand for scarves and provides surprising sophistication in the pumpkin range of colors.  On the other end of the spectrum, it can be paired with brighter colors and reminds me of the orange sherbet I had every summer during my childhood when it is done in a brighter hue.

Here are a few of my favorite tangerine tango inspirations - what are yours?

{1, 2, 3, 4}

Here are my picks for some hot orange love for spring (all under $60!)

1. Tangerine dip back skirt, Topshop, $56

2. Tangerine resin links, Baublebar, $58

3. Overland equipment Amelia, Zappos, $40

4. INC International Concepts short sleeve v-neck top, Macy's, $29.99

5. Haskell Earrings, Fuchsia and orange double disk drop, Macy's, $15

Save!

- Macy's has an in-store $10 off $25 coupon here or if you are shopping online go through Ebates first and get double cash back for a limited time.  Here is my invite if you need it!

Hot Under {$40}: Trays for the Home

Are you the consummate party host(ess)?

Or are you always looking for ways to organize and display your baubles or bites around the house?

I am definitely more of the latter than the former (why must my husband insist on throwing his watch and wallet in different places throughout the apartment every day?!)  and have been looking for fun and functional trays to store and organize around our home.  While trays can of course be used to beautifully present food, they can also be used to group and display items belonging to a certain category (e.g. a small every day tray could hold your watch and jewelry) or group items, like perfumes and beauty products, together.  I like a polished look for the bedroom or bathroom while a sleek look (like the black tray below) could be used in my living/dining area all year round for displaying knicks and knacks elegantly or even treats like cupcakes!  I use our floral Liberty of London tray in our kitchen for holding our breakfast treats and fresh fruit - the print is just too fun!

I'm on the lookout for a few mirrored trays for our bedroom as well as a few whimsical trays for the kitchen/ dining room.  Luckily there are a variety of options at quite a few price points.  Here are my picks for trays under $40:

1. Seashores Serving Collection, Williams Sonoma, $39.95

2. Hong Kong Garden Collection tray by Thomas Paul, Burke Decor, $18

3. Marimekko Kaiku Tray, Crate & Barrel, $35

4. Marimekko Mini Unikko Black Tray, Crate & Barrel, $35

5. Tiered Serving Tray, Gretel home, $39
6. Mirrored Tray, Willow House, $16.96

Hot Under {$100}: Fine Portrait Art prints

Beautiful art is definitely chic, but not cheap.  We are on a constant mission to fill our home with more art and it is both a long and pricey task.  Luckily, many artists offer prints of their work for a fraction of the price of the original illustration.  Home furnishings retailers also manage to print work in very large sizes
(the difference in prices between artwork of different dimensions are significant).

I have a few fashion portrait prints already and love that an expression can be captured and interpreted through watercolors, oils, and pencils.  Also, who wouldn't want to have an icon like Jackie O sitting in her living room right?

Here are a few portrait pieces I loved all for under $100:

1. Julie Print by Silver Ridge Studios, Etsy, $75

2. Emma Watson pencil art by Ileana Hunter, Etsy, $9.99

3. Jackie O Print, CB2, $99.95

4. Ink print of John Lennon by UniqueDigitalArt, Etsy, $19

5. James Dean Print, CB2, $79.95