shopping

Fall Essentials: Classic Must-Have Pieces For Your Closet

October 23, 2012 at 4:15 pm , by Marissa Testa

Brr—it’s getting chilly out there, which means it’s definitely time to pack away all of your summer clothes and restock your closet with fall and winter pieces. If your selection is looking thin, we have a handy checklist of new classics that will jump-start your fall wardrobe! These necessities are sure to keep you looking trendy and chic all season long.

 

Whether you are dressing up or keeping it casual, suede booties will go with any outfit. Loft, $98.

Over-sized watches are a staple statement piece this season. Michael Kors, $250.

Score this pleated, mid-length skirt (cute with tights or without) at a discounted price at 6pm.com! Kensie, $88.

A bright colored bag with cute tassel detail is an updated classic that will last for years. Coach, $398.

 Chunky knit sweaters are super comfy and always cute—plus you can’t beat the price. H&M, $35.

Silk scarves are all over the runway this season and a perfect pop. Echo, $88.

This tweed jacket is a little edgier with stud embellishments on the shoulders. Tobi, $76.

 

Pairing this simple sheath dress with a skinny leather belt is a quick and easy look. Gap, $60.

---

Beat the Heat: 7 Summer Dresses Under $100

June 20, 2012 at 3:29 pm , by Sue Erneta

With the temperature into the high 90s this week, there is only one thing that I want to reach for in my closet every single day: a dress. So, I figured we’d all benefit from a little online shopping trip. All under $100. All from the comfort of your air-conditioned office!

1. Because we love a good limited-edition collection at Target. The Webster at Target leaf print dress $42.99

2. Because no one makes under $100 look so luxe. Zara v-back dress $89.90

3. Because mint is the color of the summer. Asos river island high waisted dress $41.43

4. Because the midi length is so new and so flattering. Forever 21 tribal midi dress $24.80

5. Because a little arm coverage is okay with us. Piperlime MM Couture kimono dress $68

6. Because I can’t go shopping without stopping at J Crew. Dontcha love how they styled it with the belt and hat? J Crew shoreline stripe dress in kelly green $69.50

6. Because where else can you get something so cute for less than a $20 spot? Old Navy drawstring v-neck jersey dress $15.94

7. And because I clearly have an addiction to stripes. Gap asymmetrical striped dress $64.95

Happy shopping! All images from the brand’s websites. Click each dress for details.

---

The Coolest New Way To Sell and Buy Stuff Online

May 14, 2012 at 1:20 pm , by Gabrielle Porcaro

How does that saying go—one person’s trash is another person’s treasure? HipSwap is a newish (started last year), marketplace that connect buyers and sellers locally and across the country. Think of it as an eBay/Craigslist/Gilt-like site for fashion and home goods. Hipswap’s goal is to de-creep the online selling and buying experience by creating communities. In some cities they even have a delivery service. It’s also a very visually pleasing and user-friendly way to sell some items that you aren’t wearing or using any more and make some cash. (It’s also a perfect site to spend that cash!)

Hipswap also features some fashionable closets you can shop from, like Kyle Richards from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and other fashion “experts.” You might just recognize a familiar face (yep, that’s me).

Happy shopping/selling!

 

---

Get-Fit Clicks

April 24, 2012 at 11:35 am , by jbrown

* Our friends at Fitness show you how to burn 160 calories in 15 minutes using only a jump rope. Fast and cheap—that’s our kind of workout! (Fitness)

* If you get a really persistent junk food craving today, you can annihilate it in seconds by watching this video of a Russian caviar-eating contest. (Eater)

* One of the secrets of great abs? Changing up your tummy-toning routine regularly. With these seven options, you’ll be set for months. (FitSugar)

* Is your workout wardrobe a little too thin? Stock up at Puma’s big up-to-50-percent-off spring sale. (Deal News)

* Burger King’s new menu items seem healthy(ish)—until you see how the nutrition facts stack up. In terms of fat and calories, the salads aren’t much better than the burgers and fried chicken sandwiches! (HuffPo)

Image via Shutterstock

---

How to Update Your Blah Winter Wardrobe

February 8, 2012 at 8:59 am , by Gabrielle Porcaro

Gab, I am so tired of my wardrobe. Any advice on pieces I can buy to brighten up by wardrobe—and that I can wear now and throughout the spring?  — Olivia

I am with you! I am sick of standing in front of my closet staring, hoping something marvelous will just appear. If you want to buy something new, here are my top 5 suggestions for things you can buy now.

1. Tops. Generally tops are always a good item to buy since you can wear them all year round, especially silk ones. This striped tank with a navy cardigan or blazer is perfect for now, and you can wear it with shorts (like the model) when the weather heats up.

2. Color-blocked anything. This is one of the biggest trends this spring. Whether it’s a dress, a top or a bag, you can’t go wrong!

3. Colored jeans. This is another trend that started last fall and will continue through to the summer. There are jeans literally in every hue and in all shapes and sizes. No matter what you are looking for — a skinny, a flare,  neon or something a bit safer — you will have no trouble finding it.

4. Loose-knit sweaters. Light, spring sweaters have already replaced heavy winter ones in stores. A loose knit one, like this striped sweater from Rachel Rachel Roy, has a perfect casual vibe for all seasons.

5. Accessories. A colored pump, a neon bracelet  or a light scarf might be just the trick to get you out of your winter wardrobe slump.

And don’t worry too much, only 42 days left until Spring…

 

---

Will You Be My Valentine? A Gift Guide for Your Guy

February 6, 2012 at 10:47 am , by Lauren Cardarelli

Guys have it easy. A pretty piece of jewelry, a bouquet of flowers or even just recognizing the holiday is enough to make us swoon on February 14th. Finding a Valentine’s Day gift for him is another story. Here are ten fun and affordable gift suggestions that will show your special someone just how much you love him (without all the mushy, gushy stuff).

---

Shopping with Sue… at Lemlem

January 31, 2012 at 1:17 pm , by Sue Erneta

With less than 48 hours until I leave for vacation, I’ve got beach on the brain. And traveling with me will be a few of my favorite items — my scarves from Lemlem.

For the uninitiated, I’ll give you the brief story. Lemlem was created by the gorgeous supermodel Liya Kebede in 2007. The line consists of handwoven dresses, tops, skirts, scarves and shoes for women and girls. I’m not gonna lie, it ain’t cheap. But when something is special and you can wear it over and over, then maybe $150 for a scarf isn’t so bad.

Her scarves are my favorite because they always have this beautiful color mix — some amazing pop of super bright against pure white — and they are so easy to wear. I love them around my neck on a plane to keep the chill away and then as a sarong on the beach. I even wrap them around my kids as little beach dresses.

The dresses and tunics are adorable too – and even come in kids sizes – though they do run upwards of $200+. They’re carried at one of my favorite place to shop – jcrew.com — so I’m always on the lookout to see some pop up on sale. Oh look: there are a couple right now!

Another reason to love Lemlem is that by purchasing the product, not only are you keeping alive the ancient art of hand weaving but you are giving a job to someone who may not have had one before. Check out these pictures of the weaving process. It makes it look totally worth $150 to me.

Photos from Lemlem.

 

 

---