4 Dresses That I Need. Now.

I have this website that I love, and because I love it, I try my darnedest to stay away from it.  My wallet appreciates it.  However, I was just browsing and I thought “hmmm, maybe I should throw up a quick post about these dresses that I love” because I have a dress-obsession.  I love my denim, but give me a skirt or a dress, and I am like a kid in a candy store.  I live in dresses!

So sometimes I surf the internet for hours, or scour the stores, and can’t find something that catches my fancy.  Since I’ve discovered ModCloth, things have changed.  By the way, I have absolutely no relationship with ModCloth (though I wish I did) apart from the fact that they have made lots of money off of me.  I just like it.

Anyway.  I have my own dress code and wear what I want when I want to.  Usually I’m what most people would consider “overdressed”.  I don’t really care.  Here are 4 dresses that I would wear for no special occasion.  All from ModCloth.

The first one makes me wish I was teaching again, the second one makes me dream of spring with footless leggings, gladiator sandals, and a long necklace, the third one reminds me of my Sorority days, and the last one makes me want to to be in a boat with the love of my life on a Venice Canal.  This is why I buy clothing.  Every single piece I buy tells me a story – one that I know or want to know.  Inspiration to dress – I truly think everyone should have it.

What inspires you?

Neiman Marcus First Day Sale – Today Only!

Oh I love the Holidays!  I love all of it, the music, the weather, the red and green, the smiles, THE SHOPPING.

It’s beginning.  Neiman Marcus is hosting their First Day sale where shoppers can save up to 40% – and the list of participating designers and items available is jaw-dropping.  Rock and Republic, Oscar de la Renta Sleepwear, Nanette Lepore, Marc Jacobs, YSL — all screaming “shoppers, start your engines!”.  This isn’t a long-running sale, however — it started today (November 11th) and ends tomorrow at 6 AM (November 12th!).  If you aren’t close to a Neiman Marcus you can still shop online (use SHOPNM for free shipping!).

Confessions of a…?

I cracked up laughing when I saw this video over at Red Chair Confessions!  I know what it sorta sounds like she is confessing, but let’s face it – that is exactly why it isn’t at all what she is actually confessing!

My guess is that she loves to shop, or has purchased something amazing at an awesome “secret” sale and can’t stop herself from going back.  I’m telling you – from the looks of this chick, my guess is that she is a shopaholic!  (I love the belted coat and zebra print scarf!)

(What?  I notice those kinds of things!)

I mean, shopping makes me feel like a woman.  My confession?  I once had an “emergency” blue jean purchase on my mom’s credit card when I was in college.  They were on sale for one day ONLY, and if I didn’t buy them RIGHT THEN I would essentially be losing money!  Right?

Ahem.
So what do you think her “big” confession is?  I’m curious to hear your theories!  Share them in the comments below!

This is a sponsored post in partnership with Izea and Social Spark.  Of course, just ’cause it’s sponsored doesn’t mean the opinions, thoughts, and words aren’t all mine.  Cause they are.  It’s how I roll.

For more info, check out my disclosure policy.

Confessions of a Shopaholic {Giveaway CLOSED}

I’m sure it comes as no surprise to you that one of my favorite all-time book series was “Confessions of a Shopaholic”.  I devoured each new addition to the series as it was released, and laughed right alongside of Becky Bloomwood’s hopeless shopping and spending habits — especially since they so often mimicked my own.  (Don’t laugh at me or pity me, I’ve since gotten them under control!  But it’s true, I was once a constant impulsive spender!)  I suppose it was a couple of years ago now that I heard they were making a movie out of the book series, and I eagerly awaited it’s movie theater debut.  Of course, with a 2 year old, things don’t always go as planned, and I never did manage to see it in the theater…

For the rest of you with rowdy 2 year olds or simply not enough time on your hands to catch this movie in theaters, CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC is being released on June 23rd on Blu-ray and DVD! If you aren’t familiar with the movie, the main character Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) takes a job for the less-than-glamorous Successful Saving in order to support her out-of-control spending habit. Hilarity ensues and romance blossoms with an amazing supporting cast including Hugh Dancy, Joan Cusack, Kristin Scott Thomas, John Lithgow, Krysten Ritter, and John Goodman! Bonus material includes bloopers, deleted scenes, a music video, and much much more!  I’ve been told it was hilarious, and I can’t wait to see it!

Check out the trailer from the film, and a bonus bloopers reel from the film below!

Win It! I’m so excited to have partnered with Touchstone Home Entertainment to provide one of my readers with her very own copy of the Blu-Ray Disc of Confessions of a Shopaholic! Leave a comment here to be entered to win. One runner-up will win a copy of the DVD as well! That’s two chances to win! Leave a comment here, and stumble, subscribe, or blog about this contest with a link back here for additional entries. This contest ends June 21st, 2009. US entries only, must be 18 or older to enter, no purchase necessary to win.

Shopping By Invitation-Only! {A Giveaway}

Ok, so lets be honest.  We all like exclusive, right?  I mean, if you get on a VIP list somewhere, get ushered into a private room, or get special treatment at a store you frequent?  It makes you feel utterly and completely special, right?  I mean, hello?!  Don’t these people know who you are?  You’re A-List baby, and kind of a big deal!  I mean, duh.

Ok, well maybe that’s just me.  But, if you, like me, also have a penchant for all things exclusive and invitation-only, I have a special opportunity for you.  Let me preface this by saying that there aren’t many things in life that have the ability to get me as excited as this has.  But you mention the words designer and discount in the same sentence?  I’m all over it like white on rice.

Ideeli is an invitation-only shopping community that offers tons of great deals on designer duds, shoes, watches, jewelry, etc.  That means you have to know someone cool to get an invite, but once you’re in, you’ll get deals of up to 80% retail prices.  Seriously, the sales are SOOO good, and basically heaven for any fashionista-turned-recessionista!  Lucky for you, you DO know someone cool, and I have a bunch of invitations to give out to my loyal readers!  Even cooler, when you sign-up for Ideeli through me you’ll get a $25 credit towards your first purchase!

You seriously will not believe the amazing sales!  As the first invitation-only shopping community, Ideeli creates daily online events that provides members with the ideal shopping experience: privileged access to the top brands and experiences, often at prices up to 80% off.  Recent sales have featured brands like Oscar de La Renta, Christian Lacroix, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, D&G and have recently expanded into Men’s.  Are you squealing yet? Check out some examples of the great items on sale now!

Oh, and I’m stalking this Vera Wang piece that they are giving away on ideeli — it has a secret start time and date, but members get exclusive notification of when it begins!

Even better, you can upgrade your account to a “First Row” membership to get earlier access to sales, exclusive designer giveaways, as well as access to products that you can only buy as a First Row Member.  Typically you have to pay monthly for this privledge (the exclusive access and deep discounts are AMAZING!), but I have THREE First Row Upgrades to giveaway to three lucky Chic Shopper Chick readers.  Even better, the folks at Ideeli have partnered with me to provide a giveaway of 3 First Row Upgrades every month!

Want to win one of those “First Row” Upgrades? To be eligible, you have to sign up for Ideeli through my exclusive invitation (you have to have an account to be upgraded, but signing up is FREE and you will get a $25 credit towards your first purchase!).  Once you do that, come back here and leave a comment on this post telling me you have done so.  Want an extra entry?  Blog about this giveaway with a link back here!  In addition – every other (pertinent) comment left on this site on other posts from now through April 30th will count as an extra entry each.  You don’t need to come back to this post and tell me you commented on another post, I can stalk track you via your email/IP address.   As usual, additional entries are also available for stumbling Chic Shopper Chick (leave your stumble name), subscribing to my site, listening to the Feel Good Fashion radio show on Friday nights at 9pm EST/8pm CST, and following me on Twitter. That’s it, so good luck!

US entries only, winner will be chosen via random.org at the end of the contest. Winners are posted here, please leave a valid email address or blog address if you’d like to be contacted should you win. Winner has 72 hours to claim their prize. This contest ends at 11:59 pm CST on April 30th, 2009.

Chic Tunes Tuesday

Panic mode has settled in.  I’m leaving in 48 hours for SxSWi and um, I’m SO not ready.  I’ve been slowly gathering and planning a reasonable wardrobe for warmish weather for around 3 weeks now, and yesterday my friend Arianne casually says to me “You know it’s going to be chilly and rainy, right?”

Um, no.  Cause that’s just fab.  Really.

I live in Louisiana, people.  I laid out in my backyard to get a tan yesterday.  I don’t have chilly weather clothing.  It’s TEXAS for crying out loud, it’s not supposed to be cool in March.  So my relaxing 3 weeks of gathering exactly what I want/need has come down to two very hectic days trying to figure out what in the world I’m gonna do.  And apparently I need an umbrella, heh.

Aside from my clothing dilemma (ok, with me it’s always a clothing dilemma) I had to do one other very important thing…update my playlist on my iPhone!  Here are the songs making the cut this week…enjoy!

1.  The Climb – Miley Cyrus  — Ok, I’m TOTALLY not a Miley Cyrus fan, not for any other reason but that I’m not generally a fan of her voice.  This song is my new favorite for the week though – love the lyrics, the sound, all of it.  It makes me happy, stick it on your “motivation and inspiration” playlist and let it make you happy too. 

2.  Green Light (feat. Andre 3000) – John Legend — Love this song, when it comes on I’m usually groovin’ around my house in a mellow mood.  It makes me smile!

3.  Candle (Sick and Tired) – The White Tie Affair — I heard this song the other day and it was one of those songs that had me bouncing around singing it for the rest of the night.  It is rock/pop and lots of fun, I’m a fan.

4. Here Comes Goodbye – Rascal Flatts  — So I’m on a bit of a Rascal Flatts kick since I saw their rockin’ show last Friday night.  Seriously, these guys are way talented, seem down-to-earth, and put on a truly awesome show for their fans.  This is their newest single from their album which drops April 7th.

5.  Kiss A Girl – Keith Urban  — If you keep up with Chic Tunes Tuesday, you already know I’m a huge Keith Urban fan.  Today marks the release of the second song from his yet-to-be-released album “Defying Gravity”.  I downloaded it about 30 minutes after it hit iTunes this morning and I’m already smitten.  He’s good, what can I say.

Beach Bum

Sigh.  I don’t know what it is — maybe that we are having an unusual cold snap here in southern Louisiana — but today I am longing for sun, springtime, warm weather, and sun-kissed skin.  All I can think about is laying on a pristine white sand beach, awesome music playing on my ipod, and lazily glancing up at the blue-green water every now and then as the waves break onto the shore.  Naturally, I’d be just as content laying poolside in a cushy lounge chair at a swanky hotel or resort while being waited on hand and foot.  So, for those reasons I started looking at bathing suits today, which helped to cure my springtime fever but also served to remind me that I need to do some sit ups.

So yes, I know it’s early, but here is my 2009 Spring/Summer swimsuit preview.  Many of these suits won’t ship until mid-March, though you can pre-order most of them.

Juicy Couture Beach Ruffle Bikini

I love this uber sexy and feminine suit by Juicy Couture because it is modern and fun but still has decent coverage.  The ruffled bottom will help to hide problem areas and the top leaves just enough to the imagination.  Definitely one of my favorites.

Ralph Lauren Blue Label “Big Pony” Bikini

I love the simple and classic look of Ralph Lauren Swimwear.  This is an updated take on the triangle-top bikini that can give you a bit more (or less, if you want!) coverage by adjusting the top.  I love side-tie bikinis just because they can adjust to the shape of the woman wearing them and still look fantastic.  The grommets in the bottom for the ties add an awesome detail that really polishes this look for me.

Juicy Couture Smocked Tankini

I love the French Provencial look of this swimsuit.  The smocked top makes it flattering on any sized bustline and the empire waistline has a gorgeous tie detailing that helps to make the transition from fitted top to flowy tankini.  This is a great suit to hide any tummy imperfections and show off great shoulders and arms.

Shape fx Triangle Bikini

I love this one because it has lots of character, it actually might be my favorite of them all.  I think that the criss-cross underneath the top gives it a really fun and different feel and the ruched bottom will be great for hiding any trouble spots.  Naturally I’m drawn to the deep pink color, and I think this might be a really good choice for me.

La Blanca by Rod Beattie Eyelet Cover-Up

Oh, and I know this isn’t a swimsuit but I just loved it so much that I couldn’t resist!  What a great cover-up – perfect for walking to/from the beach/pool in style.  Because really, what fun is a fabulous swimsuit if you throw on an old t-shirt and pair of sweatpants over it?

So tell me, what do you think?  Which ones do you like – do you have tips/advice for me? Do you buy a new swimsuit each year?  What style or styles do you prefer?

My Friends Tigger and Pooh: Our Christmas Must-Haves

If you’ve read this site a bit in the past, you know that Little AG has a thing, a love, an OBSESSION with Tigger.  However, most everything involving the Playhouse Disney show “My Friends Tigger and Pooh” easily qualifies as well.  Along with the 9 tiggers that we already have living in our house, I wanted to highlight a few of the things that will be on our Christmas list for Santa this year, just in case you have a little Tigger fan at home, too.

Of course, we have to start with the My Friends Tigger & Pooh – Super Sleuth Christmas Movie.  Even though it’s not new this year, we have to have it as a part of our collection.  Plus, I am pretty much a Christmas fanatic, so I HAVE to have anything that is a “special Christmas edition”.  That being said, you can be sure we’re getting a copy of this ASAP!  (Look, I’m already listening to Christmas music, why not add in Tigger, Pooh, Darby, Roo, etc and make the kiddo happy at the same time?) You can snag it for $13.99 on Amazon.

Our next must-have is the Fisher-Price Super Sleuth Changing Tree.  Seriously, this was not an option to pass up this year (if you ever saw my daughter turn on the projector in our living room, hand me the remote to the TV, point at the wall and say “Grr peas?” {Tigger Please?} you would totally understand why).  This baby has hidden doors, slides and ramps (to launch them out of the Changing Tree on their scooters, of course) as well as lots of lights, sounds, and a total of 30 different missions.  It’s way cool!  I have been stalking it for a while, as Amazon wasn’t carrying it and it was about 70 bucks, but thankfully, now it’s down to $43.49, so grab it while you can!

I’m also lovin’ this My Friends Tigger & Pooh Wooden Puzzle with Sound — it has 5 large pieces and even plays a few sounds!  It’s perfect for Little AG’s little hands, even though I can see that we will probably always be missing one piece — isn’t that how it always works with puzzles?

Of course, Little AG’s Christmas will not be complete without the Fisher Price “Think Think Think” Darby – I can sing that song in my sleep.  Even seeing someone tap the side of their head 3 times makes me want to burst into song!  Darby is about a foot tall, and she not only sings the “Think Think Think” song, but she also has mysteries for us to solve!  Little AG spotted her in the store a while back, and I practically had to pry the thing out of her hands.  I’ve gotta say, it is pretty neat!  $34.99 at Amazon.

Lastly, I don’t think I can resist this Tigger Bounce Chair – it’s pretty inexpensive and I can almost picture Little AG tackling it when she sees it!  The chair has an inflatable seat that creates a “springy” effect, and he also says fun phrases and has 3D facial features.  Oh, and a big plus — the cover is removable and washable!  Plus, for $34.99, I’d like to think of it as a steal!

What about you?  Know any other Tigger must-haves for us for Christmas?  What character/toy/show does your child love the most?

Christmas Gift Guide 2008: Traditions

Welcome to the first day of the 2008 Holiday Gift Guide here on Chic Shopper Chick!  To kick off the guide, today we are going to focus on family Holiday Traditions.  I am going to share a few of our Holiday traditions with you, and I hope you will leave some comments here telling me about the traditions in your homes!

For us, and I know for lots of families, the Christmas season is full of special family traditions that have been passed down for generations.  Or perhaps they haven’t been passed down for generations, but they are things that you started that your family now treasures and loves to do every year.  My family always loved to decorate the Christmas Tree together.  We would turn off all distractions, put on Christmas music, and my mom would give us all Egg Nog sprinkled with nutmeg.  It is a tradition that hubby and I still do, minus the Egg Nog, since I can’t get him anywhere near the stuff!  I know that Little AG will love this tradition too as she gets older!

Here are some great traditions that you can enjoy with your family!

Elf on the Shelf – Create a new Christmas tradition for your family by picking up a copy of Elf on the Shelf. The Elf shows up at the beginning of the Holiday season, usually around Thanksgiving, and moves to a different location each night to keep an “eye” on things for Santa.  Your kids will tear out of their rooms every morning to find out where the Elf has moved to for the day.  It also helps you with a little extra “control” for your kids around this blissfully magical but hectic time of the year, because your kids will know that the “Elf” is always watching!   To learn more read my post on “Elf on the Shelf” and enter for a chance to win a copy for your family!    Or, if you already know you love it, you can buy The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition on Amazon for $29.99 and free shipping!

The Flight Before Christmas – I love to watch Christmas movies with my family, it makes me feel all warm and cozy inside.  The Flight Before Christmas is a new DVD just released for this Christmas season, about a young reindeer named Niko who is determined to improve his flying skills in the hopes to be just as great as his father. But after wandering from Home Valley to practice, he catches the attention of the infamous Black Wolf who follows him back. In order to protect Santa and the other reindeer from the claws of Black Wolf, Niko must team up with the other forest animals to prevent any trouble that comes their way.  Read my post today on the Flight Before Christmas and enter to win a copy for your family!  You can also buy The Flight Before Christmas on DVD on Amazon for $14.99.

Family Christmas Pajamas – I always loved seeing all of the pictures of families in their matching pajamas on Christmas morning, and if I can convince hubby to do so, I would love to do that this year!  It just seems like one more great way to get in the Christmas spirit.  I know some families find new pajamas in their stockings on Christmas Eve and wear them to bed Christmas night.  It really does make for great pictures, not to mention great memories.  This year I am so excited to have found the most adorable family Christmas pajamas at Snug As A Bug, so head on over to read my post about Christmas Pajamas from Snug As A Bug and enter to win a set of pajamas for your entire family!

Cooking and Family Recipes – A lot of the traditions in my family seem to revolve around food, so today on my blog I posted my favorite recipe for a Bûche de Noël – the traditional French Yule Log or Christmas Cake.  It’s a dessert that comes with hundreds of years of history and has been a long-standing Christmas tradition in many families for ages.  Starting last year I devoted Christmas Eve to baking two of these scrumptious treats, and I’m hoping that Little AG will join me in the kitchen as she gets older!  I have the recipe for the best-tasting Bûche de Noël anywhere on the internet (I’ve tried roughly 30 different ones!), so head on over and check out my Bûche de Noël recipe and join in the fun with my family’s newest tradition!

Christmas Ornaments – At the very beginning of our relationship, I went to France for my first ever visit.  When I came back, I had a special gift for my then-boyfriend, now-husband — a Christmas ornament from Paris with Santa climbing up the Eiffel Tower.  That started our tradition and love of unique Christmas ornaments from all of the places that we travel to.  We have a Christmas tree decked out with ornaments from England, France, the Bahamas, and places from all over the US.  When you look at the ornaments on our tree, they truly represent who we are as a family.  Of course, we also have the traditional Our First Christmas and Baby’s First Christmas Ornaments as well.  That is why I really like Keepsake Ornaments, like the Hallmark My First Christmas Ornament for babies or the Lenox 2008 My First Christmas Ornament.  For new couples, you’ll also like the Lenox 2008 Our First Christmas Ornament and this gorgeous “Our First Christmas” Waterford Crystal Ornament.

Don’t forget to enter the giveaways that go along with today’s Christmas Traditions Guide!  You can win a copy of The Elf on the Shelf, a copy of the Flight Before Christmas DVD, and a set of matching Christmas Pajamas for the entire family!  Lastly, don’t forget to check out my feature on my blog today for making your very own Bûche de Noël!

Also, don’t forget to visit my fabulous fellow Christmas Gift Guide Bloggers, Kristin from An Ordinary Life and Christine over at From Dates to Diapers!  They both have some fantastic suggestions for you as far as Christmas traditions go as well, not to mention they are always giving great stuff away!

I’m glad you stopped by to read about the Christmas Traditions that we have in our household!  I love Christmas, and I’m always up for starting new traditions, so please leave me a comment and let me know about your most treasured Holiday Traditions!