July 24th, 2009 by crystal
Sephora: Get Free Shipping on any Sephora favorites kit with code SHIPKITS.
Victoria’s Secret: Casual pants are on sale starting at $24.50.
Macy’s: Take an extra 25-40% off online clearance items.
Old Navy: Save on basics and get Free Shipping when you spend $75. Use code FREE75.
New York & Company: Get $15 Off On Purchase of $80 or More at New York and Company – Use This Link or Code 1451
Gap: For a limited time, find v-neck sweaters for only $25.
Banana Republic: Save 30% on work essentials.
Ulta: Free Shipping on Orders of $25 or More at Ulta.com – use promo code 30314
Charlotte Russe: Enjoy free shipping on every order at CharlotteRusse.com for one week only: 7/19-7/25!
Know of other sales? Share them with everyone by posting in the comments!
July 23rd, 2009 by crystal
July 22nd, 2009 by crystal
When I wrote the first Window Shopping, I intended it to be a weekly kind of thing. Then, I went on vacation, life got hectic and I kind of forgot about it. I honestly didn’t think it had been an entire month since I last posted a Window Shopping! Well, I’ve worked out a system–a way to keep track of the things I’d like to share with you. So, you should be seeing it more frequently now. Cheers!
Loving It: Jersey-knit Dresses
Jersey-knit dresses are pretty much the only thing I want to wear this Summer. We’ve had a string of days here with temps over 100 degrees. So, when I do go outside, short, t-shirt material dresses are usually the coolest options. I found a few cute ones at Old Navy this Summer, but my favorite will always be the options from
Victoria’s Secret. They’re well-made, last forever and there are so many sexy options to choose from!
Not So Sure About: American Apparel’s Metallic Swimsuit
I saw a girl wearing
this (yes, in real life) at one of Austin’s local swimming holes. It’s true she had the body for it, but even then it was a bit much. This suit just seems more appropriate for pole dancing. What do you think?
Following: Smitten Kitchen
The newest addition to my Google Reader, and the blog who’s posts I look forward to the most is a food blog called
Smitten Kitchen. I love to cook and Deb has inspired me so much with her amazing writing, the updates on her pregnancy and the fantastic photos of everything she makes. I’ve tried a few of her recipes and have loved every one of them. Oh…to have time to be a fashion blogger AND a food blogger! *sigh*
Shopping: Strim Vintage
I’m not sure how I came across this fantastic little gem (maybe Twitter?).
Strim Vintage is an Etsy store that sells reworked and original vintage clothing. The dresses and jewelry on this site are amazing. Strim (I don’t know if that’s her name) has a fantastic eye! And, the sizes given are relative–’fits like a small’. So helpful when shopping for vintage online!
Amazed By: Flash Mobs
I’d heard of flash mobs, but had never really been interested in them until Nancy saw one in an episode of Weeds. That prompted a Youtube search where I found
the most amazing Flash Mob. Seriously, you have to watch this. It’s so inspiring and beautiful! It makes me think of the way people break into song and dance in old musicals…I guess that’s what you’re supposed to think of. But really, watching something like this makes one feel like there’s hope for World Peace.
Justifying: Nordstrom Bag
As you know, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is happening right now. I’m in the market for a new handbag, preferably one that’s big enough to hold a clutch and versatile enough to last a few seasons. I’ve been looking for awhile and just haven’t found ‘the one’. I saw this bag, made by Nordstrom, and I think
this might be it. I just can’t convince myself to make it over to Nordstrom or click purchase on the site. I’m already having buyer’s remorse and I haven’t even bought it yet. The other problem is I can’t decide which color to buy…it comes in teal, purple, black and this natural color. I’m leaning toward the natural, but black might be a more classic choice. Your thoughts?
Chime in on Window Shopping. What do you think?
[ad#ad-3]
July 21st, 2009 by crystal
When it’s 95 degrees or warmer outside, it’s hard to put on a wool suit and pantyhose. Luckily, there are many options for Summer wear-to-work styles.
Though it’s tempting to just ditch work-wear altogether as it gets warmer, it’s important to maintain your desired (or required) level of professionalism and propriety even in the Summer months. Denim cutoffs and a t-shirt (no matter how cute), are not an acceptable substitute if you typically wear something more tailored and sophisticated.
Here are 5 outfits suitable for work and the Summer heat. I’ve also shown a layering piece in case your office air conditioning is extreme. The outfits are organized from most formal to most casual.
Summer Work Outfit #1
This outfit is a slightly toned down version of a typical business suit. Wearing this ensemble without the blazer makes it less formal (and cooler). If your business place requires pantyhose, this outfit and variations on it are a good bet for you. It can also be worn without hose.
Summer Work Outfit #2
Sheath dresses are more feminine than a traditional suit. They’re also a cool option for Summer. The dress shown here has 3/4 length sleeves which may be more appropriate for your workplace than sleeveless sheath dresses. If you can get away with sleeveless sheath dresses, your option will be even cooler. A lightweight cardigan can be belted over the dress for an all day look or brought in your bag for when your office gets chilly.
Summer Work Outfit #3
If your workplace is a little more casual, you might opt for cropped pants. Last year’s capri-length suit pants and even short-length suiting can still be found in stores, but those styles are not as professional looking as the cropped pants look unless you wear them as a complete suit. Keep the look sophisticated by pairing with a fitted, silk shirt and heels. Bring a lightweight cardigan along for layering.
Summer Work Outfit #4
A chic, sophisticated look includes tailored skinnies. This outfit is only recommended for workplaces where this type of style is acceptable. It is not too casual in a it’s-summer-I’ll-just-wear-beach-clothes way. But, it is trendy to the extent that it will be unacceptable at an office where suits and pantyhose are the norm. Find a pair of skinnies that are tailored and made of a quality fabric. Paired with a loose, yet detailed blouse and heels creates a fashion-forward look for the office. Have a blazer on hand if you need an extra layer or need to dress the outfit up for a meeting or surprise visit from a supervisor.
Summer Work Outfit #5
For a casual Friday look or if your workplace is more relaxed than most, keep your look professional (and chic) with trouser jeans, a nice top and cute shoes. This lightweight cardigan is perfect to have on hand at the office or stashed in your purse.
What do you wear to the office when it’s sweltering outside?
What do you think of these outfits and tips for keeping your look professional during the Summer?
July 20th, 2009 by crystal
Donna Karan’s Fall 2009 collection is just as simple, efficient and sophisticated as her first collection was back in 1985. Then, her collection was based on ‘Seven Easy Pieces’ that every woman needed–blazers, oxford shirts, jumpsuits, dresses, chinos, sweaters and coats. This collection also features the ‘Seven Easy Pieces’ concept in a very Fall 2009 way with two timely shoulder styles (bold and cold–see below), draping and a focus on creating an hourglass shape. Many of the designs were made of jersey material, but were expertly cut and draped to combine comfort and luxury. According to Karan, this collection is “not about what is new and trendy, but what is luxe and timeless”.
Themes from the Donna Karan Fall 2009 Collection
Built-out shoulders (bold shoulders)
Belted waist
Fur
Coat dresses
Cut-outs (Karan calls these dresses ‘cold-shoulder’ dresses)
Draping
Leather
One-shoulder
Origami pleating
Thoughts?
I’m definitely a fan of how versatile this collection is. The mix and match separates allow for lots of creativity and flexibility in a wardrobe. I’m a big fan of the draped jersey and hope these styles will trickle down to the more affordable DKNY collection.
What do you think of the collection? Do you prefer bold shoulders or cold shoulders?
