FFF - Memorial Day Sales via J.Crew, Intermix, Nordstroms and China bound

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!
It is a great time to shop (or at least browse) if you can shop in the US!

Online Discounts
J. Crew
I usually head straight for the jewelry section during J. Crew's sales (use code loveit to get an extra 30% off sale!).  While there isn't much of a selection this time, there are a few cute dresses and jackets.
The Evie dress is really pretty - the color and wonderful silk chiffon material make it so light and lovely!  It is still on the border of what you may want to pay at $126, but worth it for silk chiffon.  Here is another great wardrobe staple:

Contrast boatneck sweater, J. Crew, $34.99 (Retail: $98)

Intermix
I am always on the hunt for more maxi skirts and dresses and Intermix usually has a good selection on sale.  This navy one is both basic and looks comfortable!
Summer also means more gold tones for me and I am looking to get more gold chains and earrings.  This necklace is a good start!

Splendid Exclusive foldover maxi skirt, Intermix, $49 (Retail: $125)

Marie Laure Chamorel Mult Color Crustal gold necklace, Intermix, $129 (Retail: $325)

Nordstrom's
I already have a favorite sales associate at Nordstrom's (who checks e-mail regularly!) and have experienced superior customer service at the store.  I am also curious about their other offerings and will be checking out shoes and apparel this weekend.  I haven't found enough good brands for affordable shoes, but this is a start and I do love bows.

Enzo Angiolini Mistle pump, Nordstrom's, $59.90 (Retail: $89.95)

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


Otherwise this weekend I am...
...cleaning up and packing for a business trip to China!  It is actually going to be a long trip (over a week) and I will be staying through next weekend.  I'm actually pretty exhausted because I just got back from a business trip to Jakarta a few hours ago.  But I can't complain - I wanted more travel in my job and am getting it!  I am excited to explore Shanghai, but am not even sure how I will access anything behind the "Great Firewall" including my own blog!  Hmm, I'll let you know and let you know if I can reach your blogs too!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Hot under {$100}LOTC: PLAY Comme des Garçons (and fun hearts) at J. Crew

Sometimes, there are some fashion brands that you may admire from afar, but think you will never really buy.  Maybe it was too funky, too expensive, or it seemed inaccessible.  PLAY Comme des Garçons isn't totally Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC), but it is a fun line with a slightly lower price point.  It is a different, but interesting brand for J. Crew to carry as well since Comme des Garçons and its following are much more exclusive and edgy than J. Crew.  At least it's nice to have options while shopping online!  What do you think of this collection?

PLAY Comme des Garçons Converse Sneakers, J. Crew, $100

PLAY Comme des Garçons printed heart tee, J. Crew, $72

Tip: J. Crew has a good discount off all items (FABFEB just ended), but keep on the lookout for additional ones to use on designer items like this!

Deal/High Street Highlight: J. Crew Sparkles for the holidays and double cash back

There is something about the cooler weather and the shorter days that makes me want to wear something that shimmers and sparkles.  Why leave sequins for New Year's Eve?  Bring them out and have fun with them whenever you can!

Now is a great time to shop at one of my favorite High Street stores, J. Crew, and get some sparkly numbers for less.

Shop now and get an extra 30% off sale items with code MUSTHAVE through Sunday, Nov. 20.  I'm definitely eyeing the Lulu Frost bangle - statement jewelry is always worth it!

Lulu Frost for J. Crew Art Deco Wide Bangle, J. Crew, $68.60

Shimmerist Sweater, J. Crew, $62.99

Starla Ankla Pumps, J. Crew, $125.99

Shimmer skirt, J. Crew, $174.99

Save!

- Go through Ebates first and get 8% cash back (limited time double cash back) on your purchase!  Here is my invite if you need it (and get $5 just for signing up, seriously.)

{High Street Highlight}: J. Crew Twisted ribbon dress (summer into fall dress) and sale!

I know many of my blogger friends out there are thinking of a transition to a new season and dressing/shopping accordingly.  While I now live in a seasonless climate, I also think of clothing that can transition between events, locations, and seasons as well.

This J. Crew dress in warm jade is a casual, cool dress that I'd wear under a jacket for the work week or bling up for the weekend.  But the green shade really caught my eye and would work almost all year round.  Check out the J. Crew final sale section and save 30% with code loveit through Friday, Sept. 9 (free shipping as well if you spend  more than $175).

Twisted ribbon dress in warm jade, J. Crew, $42 after discount (from $228)

Save!

Go to Ebates first for cashback on your entire purchase (double cash back at 8% now!)

{Fashion} Highlight/LOTC: Prabal Gurung for J. Crew (bow lovers welcome)

Fashionistas, have you ever lusted after Prabal Gurung's pieces, but been unable to afford his prices?  Things just got slightly easier for you to luxe it on the cheap (LOTC) with this CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund's capsule collection for J. Crew.
See the whole 6-piece, limited edition, limited release collection here.  Pricing ranges from $198 for the Fit to be tied pants below to $225 for the exploding bow blouse and $395 for the exploding bow dress.  I'm seriously contemplating the exploding bow blouse in all its cotton candy pink perfection.
I shouldn't wait too long, because these pieces are being produced in limited quantities (so pre-order or get to a J. Crew soon!)

What do you think of this collection?

 {Source}

{High Street Highlight} J. Crew Silk Henley top (and sale alert)

Summer staple alert!  This easy, breezy, office-worthy top is the epitome of relaxed chic.  It is an extra 30% off through today with code loveit.

Silk henley top, J. Crew, $28-42 after discount

Save!

Go to Ebates first for cashback on your entire purchase!

{High Street Highlight} J. Crew refined silk-cashmere wrap

A wrap is an essential wardrobe piece.  It lends a pop of color or texture to an outfit while also providing much needed warmth or coverage (making it an essential travel piece for me).  This J. Crew wrap is a perfect shade for cool spring nights.  Wrap it up darlings!

Refined silk-cashmere wrap, J. Crew, $59.50

Save!

Go to Ebates first for cashback on your entire purchase!

{High Street Highlight} J. Crew asymmetrical cardigan

An easy, breezy cardigan is a wardrobe must for warm days and cool nights.

I've decided I need a few semi-casual cardigans to live in my closet and was pleasantly surprised to find this J. Crew option.  It's a good cold office as well as airplane travel option and comes in a few basic colors.

So if light and easy layering is associated with a few more airplane trips, I'm all for it!

Asymmetrical cardigan, J. Crew, $36

{High Street Highlight} FENTON/FALLON for J. Crew Carrington Crystal bow necklace

Can something be both ridiculously cool and ridiculously gaudy?

Fenton/Fallon for J. Crew Carrington Crystal bow necklace, J. Crew, $295

This very Lanvin-esque (the oversized bows instantly made me think Lanvin) necklace from Dana Lorenz of FENTON and FALLON has crazy large stones, hand-dyed silk ribbon, and gold, copper, and brass toned chains.

Is this a necklace that could potentially match everything?!

LOTC: Top High Street/Mass Market retailers for Chic Wedding gowns in your budget

High street stores now have a great selection for brides Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC).  If you're looking for a silk gown, head to your mass retailer first.  They have really done a great job of creating light colored silk gowns with great draping, flattering cuts, and sometimes even a little additional embroidered or beaded detail.

If you're looking for more embellishment or specialty material (e.g. I wanted alencon lace which retails for $150/yard), head to sample sales, vintage sites, and trunk sales for wedding gown designers.  You will not find silk glass chiffon, French lace or other materials at these retailers simply because the materials are too costly.  But you will find simple, chic, and fashion forward gowns that may be a great option for you or your friends (p.s. and check out the upcoming Vera Wang for David's Bridal collection too.)  You will also likely find these dresses for a price lower than the one I've posted because all these retailers have sales!

1. The Limited makes cute clothing with just a little feminine edge.  I believe blogger buddy Los Angeles Love tried this gown too.  The cascading silk tendrils are too fun and I can totally see something like this for my original vineyard wedding.

$298 (though I've also seen it on sale for $178) here

2. J. Crew has been a creative force that has evolved to include some chic options like this simple white Sophia gown.

On sale for $250 here

3. eDressme has a few inspired gowns that are truly gorgeous.  Beaded straps, dropped waist, and flowing silk come together beautifully in this elegant gown.

$578 here

4. BCBG pairs fanciful feather details and a lovely defined waist in this vintage inspired gown.

$219.20 here

5. Ann Taylor has a few silk gowns with great draping - the v-neck on this looks so flattering!

$295 here

6. White House Black Market also has simple striking styles with silk and tulle details 

$598 here

7. David's Bridal and Vera Wang seem to be at opposite ends of the bridal spectrum.  Not anymore with the launch of White by Vera Wang for David's Bridal launching Feb. 2011 (I'll post pictures when it comes out).  Prices range from $600 - $1400.

Price TBD, source

8. Nordstrom has a diverse selection of white gowns from known designers,  like this Lauren by Ralph Lauren Sheila sequin trim jersey dress.  This is such a cool and mod look for a wedding (seriously how comfortable would it be for dancing at the reception!)

$154 here

9. eBay and Etsy are also worthy mentions because they can either connect you with a seller/reseller with potentially great prices for designer gowns (I found Lazaro and my Monique Lhuillier alencon lace gown there) or with custom designers.  Etsy has a fantastic array of vintage sellers and designers (Amy Jo Tatum at Bridechic is one and her gowns are under $2000 for a CUSTOM gown!)  Read the seller's ratings carefully and be careful of fakes!

Yolanda $1995 here

What do you think of wedding gowns from high street retailers?

MA and NY brides (or plain savvy shoppers) - J. Crew Bridal NYC launch and Awesome Priscilla of Boston Sample Sale

www.Sigh, another reason why it'd be awesome to be in the NYC area soon...

J. Crew is launching their official bride boutique in NYC and throwing a lovely launch party on June 2nd.  Exclusive peeks and deals are usually abundant at these launches (I also heard they may have a really great jewelry section and that I'd love to check out.)  Plus you get to meet Darcy Miller from Martha Stewart...pretty cool.
RSVP to kate@jcrew.com.

MA brides and shoppers looking for cocktail dresses, check out the Priscilla of Boston Warehouse sale this coming weekend.

I went to the NYC one last year and scored a lovely, full length, teal chiffon evening dress for $19.99.   A bride was also wearing one of the most stunning, vintage inspired mermaid gowns that was going for $500 from $5000.  Yeah...
I highly recommend this sale for any ladies in the area looking for any types of dresses.

Happy shopping!

Not your mama's pearls - some modern pearl loves

Throw back that stereotype - pearls are no longer that conservative piece worn only by women sipping tea and wearing elbow length gloves (though how fun is that?).  My mom lent me the most beautiful set of double stranded pearls to wear at my wedding and they were ridiculously fabulous - the stuff of Holly Golightly dreams.
I'll miss ma and of course her lovely jewelry collection.

In the meantime, I have to start building up my own collection and have been browsing for pearls on my own (and I've always been curious about that Mikimoto sale in NYC but that'll have to wait - that's possibly something worth the price).
Here are some picks:

They're bold, fun, and pretty reasonably priced for some faux pearl fun below.

At Ann Taylor for $45

Ooh a modern statement pair of pearl earrings at $100 - worth it (and Amrita Singh goes on sale sometimes!)

  Found here

Pearls, crystals, and tulle - nice combination indeed and only $34.99!

 

J. Crew here 

Pearls and chains - love the modern mix here!

  

Only $23 here 

 Pearls and ribbons...two of my favorite things together and for only $14.99

 

 At Ruche here

Speaking of moms and empty nests, this was a kinda fun "full nest" kinda item and only $16.

Found here, includes pendant and earrings!

 Thanks Pink Argyle for recommending Regina B - glorious pearl pieces with lovely silver tone embellishment.  Pretty investment worthy at $265.

Found here

and a lust item, glass pearls with Swarovski crystals...love the graduated sizes in pearls

 £758.30 here

What do you think about pearls?  Do you have any favorite pieces?