Plaza Too & Lucky Mag Want You Tonight!

Fab Collabs

This set of items might seem a little random but, I'll walk you through it.There were a few fabulous designer capsule collections/lower priced lines/collaborations that launched this past week. Now, we all know that just because a designer smacked their name on it doesn't mean that it is the same quality as the full priced brand but, we can hope. With these newbies I don't think you have to worry about that. First is LC by Lauren Conrad for Kohl's. I went to the store to investigate but, the didn't have it in stock. Major bummer but, hopefully it will be in stock soon. Until then I was exploring online and am kind of in love with the Brushstroke Sheath Dress . There are some other winners from the collection but not everything is a hit.

The other thing that is on my radar with the colder weather on the way (maybe) are the fabulous Eugenia Kim EEK! hats for Urban Outiftters. Normally her fab head coverings will cost you a pretty penny but, with penny pinchers in mind she has created this awesome (almost identical) capsule collection. If that's still too pricey for you, you can always wait for the sale. But, if you just have to have a hat I found this great riding hat from AVON. Isn't it a little ironic because we started with LC and end up with mark? (which Lauren Conrad is the spokeswoman for) But, I digress... This alternative is a great choice compared to other priceier options and AVON is always having some sort of sale so you can probably snag a discount or free shipping! Hats off to that...

Does This Outfit Work?

Here is a picture of me wearing what was my attempt at the high waisted skirt. Took a long tweed skirt, cinched it will a belt, added a professional button down, some fabulous patent t-traps and amazing rhodacrosite neckalce. I think it's a decent attempt at it but in the end it just looks like a colorblock dress to me, albeit more professional.

poll by twiigs.com

Trouser Jeans: Where Did You Go?

While getting dressed yesterday for work I caused the death of my favorite pair of jeans. When I heard the sharp abrupt ripping noise I knew it was bad... and it was, a giant and irreparable hole. I cried for a second, which woke my boyfriend up and I told him all about my late lamented jeans, how fat I was, and how special they were. To which his practical (and half asleep) self replied that they were really old, I wasn't fat, and he would take me shopping after work to get new ones. He's the best. I was thinking that I would go to the GAP and pick up a new pair of the same jeans. They are a pretty classic jean... wide leg, dark wash, simple.

Not as simple as I thought. They no longer have the trouser jean in stock in stores. Frustrating but, not the end of the world there is a LOFT right in that same shopping plaza and my only other pair of jeans is from there, the marisa. So, I headed over but, after combing the entire store couldn't find them myself and when a salesperson offered assistance I gladly accepted (mistake!). All she kept giving me were flare this and boot-cut that even though I very clearly explained more than once that I wanted a wide-leg/trouser jean. Frustrating!!

I headed home, fuming about how it wasn't fair that I should be punished because trouser jeans aren't trendy this season. I was exceptionally tired and cranky after a long day of ripping jeans and work. When I got home I couldn't let it go and started searching online, Here are some of the things I found.

There are wide-leg jeans out there, Yay! But, they seems to be only available online, Boo! One of my favorites is the Marisa Nantucket Denim Trousers from LOFT, on that note to the salesperson who couldn't help me yesterday - I told you there were wide-leg jeans, I'm sorry I don't use womens names to categorize the fit of my pants but, I digress. The other that I'm liking is the Mossimo Black: Premium Denim Crisscross (whatever that means) They look promising but, I have no idea what size I am. Frustrating!!!

It's not fair that just because my jeans aren't trendy that I should be relegated to online shopping exclusively. Do I have to wait another 5, 10, or 15 years before I'll be able to buy them in stores again because that's when the trend will hit again? Do I now have to order both of those jeans in three sizes so can try them all on and see what fits best, only to return 85% of what I order? I hope I can figure this out soon...

From College Candy: Do It Yourself Tuesdays: High-waisted

Like most of you, I am a (recently graduated but not willing to accept it) college student who would rather dish out money for fashion than food. But sometimes, like in a recession…or when I’m really hungry, that doesn’t work out so well. A girl’s gotta eat (and look fabulous), right?

Which is why I was having some serious issues lately. You see, I am in love with the whole high-waisted skirt look that I see on celebs like Lauren Conrad and Amanda Bynes. It’s slimming and hot and I loooove it. But I can’t justify spending a good chunk of change on a skirt that will be out of style in 6 months when I have 10 perfectly fine skirts lining my closet.

So I decided to figure out a way to turn what I got into what I want. Turns out, it’s not that hard to make your own high-waisted skirt. Even for crafty rejects like myself.

1. Grab an old, longer skirt that you don’t wear anymore because it makes you look like a mom. Put it on.

2. Find a fun belt and cinch the skirt at your natural waistline.

3. Grab hold of the bottom of one side of the skirt and twist it up and under the belt on the same side.

4. Wrap the twisted end of the skirt around the belt so that it lies flat.

5. Use a safety pin and secure the bottom, to prevent any unsightly moments (think Paris or Britney..or Lindsay). Make sure to pin it underneath so the safety pin is hidden.

6. Repeat on the other side of the skirt and the back for a more bubble-shaped skirt. Otherwise, leave it as it is.

There you go: a trendy, leggy, high-waisted skirt. Recycling has never looked so hot.

Original Article Here:Do It Yourself Tuesdays: High-waisted Skirts

More Fashion's Night Out

Rachel Zoe To Style Us All

I’m a little excited (definitely curious) about Rachel Zoe’s new collaboration with QVC, which will offer her eye for stylish products combined with prices that everyone will be thrilled about! When I'm on Piperlime dreaming about expanding my shoe storage into a walk in closet, I generally end up agreeing with her picks for their spot on style, not so much the price. Plus, I'm even more curious about her after getting sucked into The Rachel Zoe Project. on Bravo.... damn reality TV! Tune in to QVC on Sept 12 from 8-11p.m. to catch the launch of Rachel Zoe for QVC with prices ranging from $32.50-$130. The event will be broadcast live from inside the tents at New York Fashion Week, so you can pretend your there in the hurricane of fabulousness...

Boyfriend Jeans... To Buy or Not To Buy?

One of the major trends for fall is the ubiquitous boyfriend jean. I'm normally not attracted to the slouchy, unstructured, overall destroyed look in clothes but, I'm having trouble resisting... they just look so f-ing comfy! Plus, the whole effortless "put together mess" vibe is strangely appealing. So, if I'm going to cave and buy, I need to find some affordable ones. I've always felt that you shouldn't be spend a fourtune on clothes (especially ripped clothes) so, I picked up the Old Navy Weekend Jean. You have to roll them up yourself which I suppose is fine because you can wear them when the weather gets even colder but, they almost aren't distressed enough and the fit is a little off for me. I haven't taken the tags off yet and I'm checking out my options.

I'm still on the fence about the whole thing. Am I just caving to style peer pressure or are these really a great option? What do you think?

poll by twiigs.com

Sale Alert

Remember the ruffle-y blouses that I was fawning over for business casual fabulousness. Well the LOFT version has totally trumped the New York & Company version in affordability with the limited time $14.50 offer. Like I said before I think it would go well with pants or skirts, pinstripes or tweed. You can dress it up for the office or out for drinks but, it would still look great with jeans while running errands around town. An all around versatile piece totally worth the lowered price tag! Get it while you can and take advantage of the free shipping, they will be flying off the virtual shelf...

And The Award Goes To...

Steve Madden was doing the most creative Labor Day sale, by far, at the Palisades Mall in Nyack. They had a Wheel of Fortune type thing set up outside and every customer got one chance to spin for a prize ranging from 15% off to buy one full priced pair get one 90% off! Neither myself or my friend were that lucky but I won't laugh at 30% off... How was your shopping experience, anything that could beat this?

All For Fall

While I'm out shopping today scoping the sales I have to keep in mind that summer (or what was technically summer) is over and focus on what pieces I might want to pick up to fill in the wardrobe gaps for fall. After reading a million and one blogs and newsletters here what everyone is saying:

• A black leather biker style jacket.
• Over the knee boots (I'm still on the fence)
• Studded bags/belts
• The boyfriend jean
• Leggings (still)
• Statement (bib) necklaces
• Trench Coats
• Capes

Loving some trends more than others for sure but, in the end you should really only buy if it's right for your body. I'd rather look fabulous than a trendy fool...

Fashion's Night Out Strikes Again

I was on the fence about whether I was going to trek into Manhattan for Fashion's Night Out. I don't live far but, after a long day of work all I want to do is go home and veg out. I don't think that will happening this Thursday, September 10th. I just got some great news which has totally tipped the scale. You don't have to wait until September 13th to shop Anna Sui’s Gossip Girl Inspired collection for Target. To be completely honest it's probably in some stores now since they forget to pay attention to launch dates but, you will be able to get it a full three days early during Fashion's Night Out instead! Take advantage of the SoHo pop-up store at 54 Crosby Street near Spring Street through September 12th. You know I’ll be there!

hours:
Thursday, 9/10: 11am–11pm
Friday, 9/11 and Saturday, 9/12: 11–8pm

Splurge vs. Budget Conditioning Gloss

Splurge/Budget Lip Conditioning Gloss by She Spys The Buys on Polyvore.com

I love lip gloss, I mean what girl doesn't. I am always looking for new tinted stuff. Recently, I got the Tarte gloss as a gift and have been using it all summer. It is an awesome natural pink but, $21.00 a tube is pricey to say the least. e.l.f makes a similar gloss that cost only $3.00 for that much I figured I wouldn't lose anything by giving it a try. Both 2 in 1 glosses have shimmering lip color in the inner tube and clear conditioning gloss in the outer tube for ultimate lip satisfaction... That Tarte stuff is good but, I like the e.l.f one a bit more because the overall color is much more sheer and significantly less expensive... woo hoo budget makeup!

Labor Day

Labor Day is this coming Monday and is a major shopping occasion as retailers see it even though it's really the commemoration of rebelling against the man...

"The holiday originated in Canada out of labor disputes ("Nine-Hour Movement") first in Hamilton, then in Toronto, Canada in the 1870s, which resulted in a Trade Union Act which legalized and protected union activity in 1872 in Canada. The parades held in support of the Nine-Hour Movement and the printers' strike led to an annual celebration in Canada. In 1882, American labor leader Peter J. McGuire witnessed one of these labor festivals in Toronto. Inspired from Canadian events in Toronto, he returned the USA, to New York and organized the first American "labor day" on September 5 of the same year." - Wiki

If you don't feel like caving into the pressure and heading to the mall take advantage of the online sales that are happening literally, all over. There are some good coupon codes below for your enjoyment, never shop without them.

Attention!!

When I leave in the morning to head off to work it is becoming more and more apparent to me that summer is over. With a brisk chill setting in I am thinking about how to keep warm without going overboard. Which leads me to a new lust, I am really loving the military jacket trend for the fall. They provide a welcome alternative to the basic blazer, but with their structured shapes and slimming cuts, they can be even more flattering... definitely better than the boyfriend blazer which in my opinion doesn't work for everyone and makes some people look like a hobo but, I digress. Below are some options for you but, don't be limited to just those these fabulous jackets are popping up everywhere!

Your Invite to Fashion's Night Out

It's not just COACH... The video tells you everything you need to know. Check out all the sales and performances, you might even bump into a celeb or two. All details are here, hope to see you there.

Sale Alert

While checking out some sales I came across this simple comfy cotton sweater from LOFT that I had been thinking about buying last weekend while I had my 20% off coupon. Thankfully, I didn't because now it's only $15.00 (for a limited time). I think it's a great basic piece that can be worn alone or layered, perfect for the changing seasons. It comes in a rainbow of rich fall colors, loving the deep teal and majestic plum... pick it up before that sale ends.

My Hero

You are not hallucinating, that is Tim Gunn hanging out with Iron Man's suit of armor. Gunn will make the transition from black tie to red-and-gold armor in an upcoming four-issue series called “Models Inc,” an new Marvel creation that pulls retro female comic book characters dating back to the 40's and combing them with our favorite fashion mentor. I'm sure Paul Tobin, the author, can make it work!

Secret Treasure

People like to ruminate that nothing in life is free. I would beg to differ, with websites like Freecycle and Craigslist you can find lots of great gently used items and all you need to do is call or stop by to pick them up. But, what about new free stuff? That's a little more difficult to say the least. Samples are easy enough to find but, full size items... yeah right. That is until now.

I have come across the most amazing website where you can get free, that's right, FREE sterling silver/semi precious stone rings (in select sizes), earrings, and pendants. All you have to do is pay for the shipping and handling. The site features four pieces at a time, with new items popping up about every 15 minutes. I know it sounds too good to be true but, there really isn’t a catch. The jewelry manufacturers behind the site, Peora.com, just hope you’ll fall in love with their craftsmanship, and spread the word to other would-be customers (like I'm doing now), this is the kind of marketing we can all appreciate.

Save The Date

Maybe, I'll see you there...

Going Green @ New Heights

Going green has recently been uber chic, but Target just made recycling downright divine. Starting this weekend and continuing through October 31, Target's monster Times Square billboards will feature the works of such upcoming artists as Michael Anderson and Josh Goldstein. At the end of its two month reign, the billboards' vinyl will be transformed into 1,600 eco-friendly Anna Sui-designed totes. Eco-chic fashionistas can select which artwork they'd like recycled into their tote, and from September 4th can log on to target.com to order their ultra green "it" bag. The batch of limited edition bags wont ship until early January, but mark your calendars now because I know these chic totes won't last!