The look is very flattering, and considering the popularity of everything that Duchess Kate wears, I thought it was worth noting that a similar style was on sale at ideeli.  (ideeli is members only, but if you need an invite to ideeli I have one!)

Because of the 3/4 length sleeves, it would be a great dress for cooler weather, paired with tights, boots, and a blazer. The dress comes in Green or Black, and at $50, it’s a steal.

Happy shopping!

** This post is a part of my 2011 Holiday Gift Guide, created in partnership with Amanda of Mommy Mandy and Kristin of Our Ordinary Life.  Please check out their Holiday Guides for more great gift ideas! **

I’m not big into wearing t-shirts but every now and then a few really cute, great shirts do actually make it into the rotation.  Since early October, the “Anchored” t-shirt from Scared Panda has been one of them.  Featuring the Manhattan skyline (one of my favorite places!) and designed by Brooklyn resident Brad Jonas, the shirt reminds me to refuse to be overwhelmed – there is always something so much bigger than what I might be dealing with.

Plus, it’s just stinkin’ adorable!  I have gotten at least one compliment from strangers on it each time I’ve worn it – about 3 times now.

If you’re looking for a gift that also allows you to give back this holiday season – this is it.  10% of every sale of this t-shirt goes to Scared Panda’s non-profit partner Growing Home, a Chicago-based non-profit that provides job training through an organic agriculture business.  Talk about giving to give back!  I love it!  Plus, each shirt runs around $18 and during the Holidays includes free shipping and gift wrapping – so you have a great gift wrapped and shipped for under $20 smackeroos!

Better yet?  All of their tees are printed using only eco-friendly inks and is produced locally in the US!

Best yet?  I have an early Holiday Gift for you!  Use the coupon code “PANDAS” to receive 10% off your next order.

Go, shop, and be well!  Happy Holidays!

Disclosure:  Scared Panda sent me a t-shirt to wear.  All opinions on its awesomeness are my own.

One of my favorite television events of the year is coming up – and for once, I’m not talking about any sort of awards show.  I’m talking about the 85th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.  I have such wonderful memories of this parade – I distinctly remember my 7 year old self sitting firmly in front of our large console television and watching the giant balloons go by as delicious smells of a southern Thanksgiving wafted from the kitchen.

Of course, this year’s parade will return with the usual suspects - Kermit the Frog, Snoopy the Flying Ace and Spider-Man – alongside the loveable Clumsy Smurf, Buzz Lightyear and Mickey Mouse and I’ll be planted yet again in front of the TV with our two pajama-clad kiddos watching them float by.  This parade always ushers in the beginning of Christmas for me – the official start of the holidays, but this year I have the inside scoop about more than just Santa and the cool balloons.

My sources at Ann Magnin tell me that Teresa Scanlan, Miss America 2011 will be featured on her own float wearing a stunning coat by Joseph Ribkoff.  The gorgeous knee-length ivory coat has a feminine ruffle and an eye-catching fabric rosette – proving that is possible to look chic and stay warm (a la our favorite fashion icon, Kate Middleton). And honestly – wait until you set eyes on this baby – it will be the most coveted item on your Holiday Wish List.

I know it already is on mine.

The answer is yes. But after awhile, my eyes began to wander. And my heart began to lust. First it was a purple pair, a Spring style that I hunted down relentlessly all over the Upper East Side-to no avail….huge bummer.  I did, however, find them in Emerald Green and now we are insperable! These jeans have become my new uniform.

There are a multitude of ways to wear colored denim, but this is my go-to look:

Of course, the bright denim takes center stage in this ensemble. I tone down the bright factor with some of my wardrobe staples-an easy tee and classic blazer. My favorite tees are the v-necks from Old Navy and my all-time favorite blazer is the Gabe from Theory. Jazz it up with a great necklace-currently, I’m into big gold collars-and you are all set!

Have you jumped on the colored denim trend? What’s your favorite way to wear it?

Frankly, there are a lot of questions I need answered.  Who is pregnant?  What will Dan do when he finds out Vanessa sold his book for publication?  What is going to happen to Chair (Chuck/Blair) in the midst of all of the royal wedding planning? How long will Serena stay in LA?  And perhaps most importantly…

What the HECK happened to Dan’s hair?  Ew.

No matter your level of Gossip Girl curiosity, I’m sure you at least want to know the thing that we all do – where are all of those amazing clothes from.  So, here is your Season 5, Episode 1 Gossip Girl Fashion preview for “Yes, Then Zero“.

Serena’s Purple Dress in LA with Nate

Catherine Malandrino Dress
Azzedine Alaia Platform Shoes $838

Serena on-set in Los Angeles

Maje Cream Silk Studded Tank Top $80
Alice + Olivia Shannon Printed Maxi Pleated Skirt $484

Serena in Los Angeles

Rag & Bone Aubry Top (sold out)
Theyskens Theory Beaded Vest (sold out)
Rag & Bone Feather Skirt $277

Blair Waldorf

Oscar de la Renta S/S 2011 Dress
Nancy Gonzalez Clutch

Diana Payne (played by Elizabeth Hurley)

Herve Leger Bandage Dress
Jimmy Choo Nude Sandals

Well, this is definitely not your mother’s J Crew. Or mine, even.

Jenna Lyons has done it again, this time transforming the prepster cool looks into an almost unrecognizable mashup of prints, color, and texture. Familiar highlighter pinks and citrus tones make their return for Spring. They bring with them familiar J Crew standbys like chambray, slubby silks, and sequined stripes.  The styling was part Tory and just a touch menswear…if you peered really deep, you can see a little bit of 2011′s Spring J Crew peeking through.

Was it tailored? Yes.

Playful? Yes.

J Crew? I’m not so sure.

Ms. Lyons has thrown me for a loop this time. Is this another J Crew revolution or just an update to their current recipe for success? I’m going to have to let this one sink in for a little bit. What’s your initial reaction?

Get out your shades, ladies! DVF’s Spring collection is full of punchy, cheery colors and many lively prints. If optimistic is what she was going for, well I give her an A-plus. Familiar shapes like wrap dresses, cropped pants, and toga styles were broken up by menswear-inspired blazers and punctuated with lighthearted prints. The kimono styles and wide obi belts were a welcome update to the expexted DVF wrap dress.

The diverse silhouettes and creative juxtaposition of the styling showed just how versatile this collection is. Sophisticated prints, fabulous frocks, smart work looks-in DVF’s neck of the woods, things sure are looking up!

I’m sorry, but was there a convention for the completely chic that I was not invited to? I’m just gonna go ahead and say it, I. DIE. Die.

My mouth is hanging open like Eli Manning at a press conference. I cannot get over this collection!

From dressy elegance to casual cool, every single look was a win. Fluid fabrics worked seamlessly back to tough leathers, chunky knits, and structured shapes. Bold hued looks were grounded by all white, ethereal ensembles. This collection is totally glam, utterly cool, and very, very wearable.

Which look is your favorite? Clearly, I’m having trouble deciding.

DIY-ing with the girls from Honestly…WTF
click here for more info

Exploring all the neighborhoods of NYC inside Lord and Taylor
click here for more info

Loading up on Missoni for Target at the Pop-Up Shop
click here for more info

And I’ll probably wrap it all up with a free Foster the People show at Lacoste…all in a day’s work, my friends!

Cocktail parties, fashion presentations, meet and greets, and perhaps a free drink (or three)-there’s bound to be something happening in your neck of the woods!

Check out the offiicial guide for all the fashionable functions and hot happenings!

all necklaces from forever 21

Do ya need a quick wardrobe pick-me-up during this time in between seasons? I know I sure do! If you have been following along, you know that I have already started gathering ideas for my Fall Wardrobe. I also have begun saving for those “musts” and investment pieces for the season.

The problem?

I want to shop now.

The cure for my fashion itch is accessories — specifically those from Forever 21. I can load up on a variety of styles, look good on the cheap, and as it turns out-these items are usually the ones I get the most compliments on!

I’m obviously a necklace person; I love just tossing ‘em on over a simple tank, a fun romper or easy strapless dress to instantly elevate my look. Pieces with movement, layers, and tassels add a bit of texture and interest to outfits comprised of softer fabrics-a must for all the lightweight jersey we are currently wearing to keep cool! Bird accents are also something I just can’t seem to pass up-whether a feather for a Boho feel or a tiny bird charm for a sweet vibe, I’m all about the “fowl play”.  The statement collar is another silhouette I love, as it can be paired back to the simplest of outfits and take them from tame to eye-catching.

Do you have a go-to store for accessorizing frugally?

Well, at least until we had to switch to flats and not heels.  Ouch.

I will be the first to tell you that I was beyond pleased with the selection at Sears.  I literally had so many items that I wanted to try on that my arms were aching from carrying it all.  We had a mini fashion show in the dressing room – I’m sure the other customers were thoroughly confused – if there had been loud music blaring and lights flashing you would have sworn it was a runway show.

Oh also, not many other customers had a photographer following them around to document their shopping trip.  To make myself feel special, I like to think of it more as paparazzi.  Thanks, Sandy – you were a great paparazzo and a huge help to my ego.

I had no idea there were so many different clothing lines at Sears – Apostrophe, French Connection, Bongo, and now the Kardashian Collection, just to name a few.  I was like a kid in a candy store.

We hit the dressing rooms in a hurry – we had so many different looks to model!  In the span of about 10 minutes I suddenly felt like I was back in college, trying on clothes with my sorority sisters – flipping sizes over the door to share, giggling, and giving delicate, but honest feedback.

You know what I love most about the clothing at Sears?  It’s made for real women.  Like, y’all, I have curves.  We’re all ladies here so I can share – I’m a bit busty, and definitely have a small waist with, you know, HIPS.  Real women do.  Well, real women and Kim Kardashian.

Oh hey, she has a line at Sears, now!  Did you hear?

I love synergy.

One of the biggest compliments that I have been given lately was the one given to us by Jennifer — the Sears rep who was on the shopping trip with us.  She took one look at us in our new clothes and said “You guys look better than the models!”

And you know what?  I agree!  We ran the gamut of body types, but all three of us are built like REAL women and I loved that the clothing just fit us.  It is so nice to try on something for once that is not made for a sample size, but is made for a real woman.  Not only that, but was cut in a way that allowed me to wear a size medium, even with me being a bit busty.  The cuts all allowed for me to have a waist, hips, boobs, (ok, and maybe even a little leftover baby belly – 4 years later) but was still tailored in a classy way to fit the lines of my body.

I have no shame.  I’m in the store hamming it up for photos with a GIANT RED TAG and sensor hanging off of my dress.  Have no fear.  I bought it and wore it to the party later that night.

Ooooh, and check out my pretty shoes from the new Kardashian Collection.  I fell in love with them.  I had to have them.

They cost more than my dress.

They were worth every penny.

Of note, these shoes, like most heels, are not meant for superfluous amounts of standing.  These are “8 blockers”.  Meaning that after about 8 blocks, you’re done.  Plan accordingly.  After about 3 hours of standing in them, I switched to flats, though I did whip them back out for people to take photos of them a few times.  Because, and let’s be honest, those shoes are HOT.

What I don’t have a photo of is my fiance’ suggestively raising his eyebrow at me when he saw these shoes.  Trust me, he totally did.

All in all, partnering with Sears Style has been a match made in heaven.  We had the best time on the shopping trip together and I can’t thank the entire Sears team enough for such a great opportunity!  I hope that we had the opportunity to say hi that night at the party and that we had a chance to talk about the fact that I was dressed in head-to-toe Sears.

Leave me your thoughts – have you checked out Sears Style yet?  What are you waiting for!?

Disclosure:  This post was sponsored by Sears.  All opinions are 100% mine, and always will be.  That’s how I roll.

image via

One of the most well-done and highly anticipated designer collaborations is on its way….Missoni for Target! Arriving in stores September 18, the zigzag-clad offerings will include items for men, women, kids, and home. Did I mention there are accessories?

Scarves!

Rain boots!

Totes!

Laptop cases!

Cosmetic bags!

Luggage!

This is sure to be one oh-so-chic collection. To shop the new Missoni collection, head online or plan to get there early-what’s your strategy for getting first dibs on Target designer collabs?

I am so excited….O M(issoni!)G!

all images available here

As you can see, I am loving the combination of bright hues like Cobalt and Goldenrod against a saturated neutral like Cognac. You can still find me colorblocking, but this time it will always involve a deep neutral anchor. Vintage prints and silks always keep Fall from being too frumpy, and there’s nothing like a simple shoe to keep the focus all about the clothes.

What Fall trends are calling your name? Do you create inspiration boards a la pinterest or the old fashioned way?

To women like me.  And, hopefully, you.

That was it.  I held no overly-lofty dreams of being famous, or a bazillionaire.

Ha.  A blogger bazillionaire.  Now that’s funny.

I just thought I could help to decode the fashion world for the women who found it to be a bit, well, daunting.  I wanted to help women feel sexy in their own skin, no matter what their shape and size.

I wanted to show women that, while it’s fine to love Dior and Chanel, you can look sexy and pulled-together in items from almost anywhere, if you simply know how to shop.

So, when Sears approached me to be a brand ambassador for the Cheap Sally Party at BlogHer in San Diego, I couldn’t resist.  The mission behind Sears Style is similar to my own – to make women look good for a price that is actually affordable.

Done and done.

So, today I’ll be shopping with two of my friends, Ellen from Thrifty and Chic Mom and Jennifer from Perfectly Disheveled at a Sears in San Diego.  I’ll be helping to style them, and showing them all of the amazing, stylish options that Sears has to offer.  With brands like UK Style For French Connection, Apostrophe, Bongo, and the soon-to-come Kardashian Collection, there really are endless options.

Once we get ourselves all prettied up, we will be hanging out at the Sears Style Cabana at the Cheap Sally Party, so please be sure to stop by, say hello, and learn all about how you can rock your own style with Sears.

See you there!

Disclosure:  This post was sponsored by Sears.  All opinions are, and always have been, my own.  That’s how I roll.

blazer, necklace, wedges, shorts

Sure, the temps are still going strong–but the calendar is telling us that Summer is drawing to a close. It’s the age-old battle of Farenheit versus fashion, ladies, and we need to be prepared.

Here’s my simple method for surviving the swelter while still maintaining a current look: blazer+shorts+acessories. It’s foolproof — all you do is add a tank or tee in your favorite color (or pattern, if you’re a daredevil!) and you’re set. Try it with different shoe heights. Experiment with fabrics. Play with color. You’ll be surprised how many combinations you can come up with!