Quick Q&A: Wedding Wear

Q: @BrandiHeinz I need advice on wedding and rehearsal dresses that aren’t too much $ – everything is skanky or juvenile!

A: Luckily, with the economy in such a poor state, it isn’t too hard to find a nice dress for less. I have gathered some dresses under $150 and thrown in some tips!

Things to look for:

• Patterns, Ruffles, Florals
• Appropriate Lengths
• Strapless, interesting necklines or single shouldered dresses
• Day to night versatility- some of these dresses could work for both the rehearsal dinner and the wedding- not that you’d wear it for both, but weddings do tend to be day to night affairs and knowing you CAN wear it again is great!

Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique

Calvin Klein

:

:

:

:

These first two dresses were on Nordstrom.com. Nordstrom has an excellent “Dress Shop” with easy search functionality that allows you to find a dress for your shape, the right occasion, or by price, etc. The first is a Suzi Chin for Maggie Boutique single shouldered dress. It is definitely a statement dress, but if you dress it up with some nice earrings and a not-too-tall heel, it won’t be too outrageous.

Suzi Chin for Maggie Boutique
$148 Nordstrom.com

The Little Black Dress! The go to dress for every “what do I wear?” occasion. This Calvin Klein dress is classic and on-trend with its sheer lace overlay. This particular dress also has a sexy cut out back. You WILL want to wear it again!

Calvin Klein
$118 Nordstrom.com

Playful but Pretty

These trendy dresses would be perfect for the rehearsal dinner (unless the brides parents are reallly uptight)! The colorful dresses send out a cheerful tone and the black and white tunic can be dressed up with colorful but classy accessories (no cheap plastic bangles)!

1. Mink Pink one shouldered ruffle strap dress, $101  Chickdowntown.com
2. Moulinette Souers buttoned water color dress, $148 Anthropologie
3. BCBG Split Neck printed dress, $138 Macys.com

Mink Pink

Anthropologie

BCBG

:

:

Patterned for the Party
Pick a pattern or floral print this summer! While patterns can seem intimidating for those who usually stick to solids or stripes, they can be very flattering if you find the right fit- so go ahead and try a few on…

1. Strapless floral dress, $22.80 Forever21.com
2. BCBG Printed Sleeveless Dress, $96.60 BCBG.com
3. Nine West floral scoop neck dress, $134 Macys.com

Forever21

BCBG

NineWest

Max & Cleo

Kensie

:

:

:

:

Overstock.com
Overstock.com requires some good searching skills, but their prices are great for the brands that they offer!
Max & Cleo ruffle dress, $69.99 Overstock.com
Kensie Pleated sheath dress, $74.99 Overstock.com

Urban Outfitters is Smart

I use my iPhone to browse e-tailers all of the time and it is painful waiting for pages to load and to find the correct zoom and scroll methods to see each item I am interested in! Here to save the day- Urban Outfitters has launched a mobile e-commerce site, m.urbanoutfitters.com. The site is designed specifically for use on a mobile device.

This is great news, but it raises one question- What is every other retailer waiting for? Even WWD could only list a handful of other retailers utilizing mobile shopping sites, such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Sears, SVC and Amazon.

I say retailers should spend less time on Twitter strategies and more time getting some mobile stores going!

Lingerie Done Right- Not Done Repetitively

While I do love Victoria’s Secret and other mass marketed lingerie brands, sometimes I want something more unique. There is just something about wearing a cute/sexy/flirty bra that makes the day brighter- even if you are the only one who knows you are wearing it! These are some of my favorite brands (sans-VS):

Honeydew Intimates

Honeydew Intimates Anchor Set

I recently discovered Honeydew Intimates– a line of pretty intimate apparel with a flirty and sexy twist. The newest collection for spring and summer includes bright colors, girly prints, and great selection of cuts and styles! From polka dot thongs with cute bra-strap adjustable sides to ruffly boy shorts, there is a fit for every girl. My favorite set this season is the anchor boy short and bralet set, shown to the right. After realizing the great prices, the next thing I realized when I first tried Honeydew Intimates was the comfortable and luxuriously soft fabrics! Even wearing the g-string, I felt like I had nothing on. Honeydew Intimates has a bunch of cami sets as well- which I may be investing in soon considering my new obsession. Check them out on honeydewintimates.com!

Follow Honeydew Intimates on Twitter: @HoneydewIntimates

Natori Bukhara Robe

Natori

My Natori robe is my favorite thing to get ready in- it’s super soft and light weight and the cut is flattering, unlike a big fat bath robe. Natori is a bit more expensive, but they are definitely quality products with a great sex appeal. Natori has all sorts of intimate apparel and even different collections (including the great robe pictured), and they can all be found here.

Follow Natori on Twitter: @NatoriCompany

Figleaves

Figleaves Trellis Bra

Figleaves.com is a great place to buy a variety of intimate brands. But did you know Figleaves has its own brand, as well? And they recently expanded their offerings into a clothing line! I still haven’t ordered any of their great new dresses, but they are worth taking a look. The bra pictured to the right is the Trellis Embroidered Bra by Figleaves.

Follow Figleaves on Twitter: @FigleavesHome

Father’s Day for the Tie-Tired Shopper

You have a little over a week to find something great for your dad! The following is a list of deals & ideas for you, in case you don’t want to get him another tie this year:

• Luxury Watches on Amazon.com are up to 30% off including Omega, Cartier & TAG Heuer
• Uncommon Goods – unique gifts- sort by the type of dad you have, whether he is sporty, stylish, outdoorsy, gadget, office, etc.
• Is dad a swimmer with a music obsession? Just in case- check out these H2O proof ipod cases and headphones!
• Shutterfly.com Coffee Mugs, calendars, photo books, coasters, puzzles- something every dad would love- and you can add your own photos to make it personal!
• Cole Haan men’s accessories are on sale on Gilt through midnight 6/12. (And if you feel like paying full price, Cole Haan put together a Father’s Day gift page on their website)
• Does your dad love football? Enter him in this NFL sweepstakes and even if he doesn’t win, you can get 10% off your NFL store purchase!
• Ralph Lauren father’s day gifts under $100
• Netflix gift subscriptions starting as low as $4.99/month
• Restaurant.com $25 gift certificates to a large selection of restaurants for only $10
• Still need ideas? Check out NY Mag’s Father’s Day Shop-A-Matic for over 100 other ideas in a range of prices!

Business Casual Turns Business Fashionable

I’ve worked in offices with professional attire, business attire, and business casual dress codes. By far the most atrocious attire is business casual. 

For some reason, crossing the line from “business” to “business casual,” generally means going from business appropriate to “i just woke up and picked up whatever was on the floor.” I don’t care what the actual dress code is for a business casual environment, if it says “casual,” people tend to forget the “business” part and dress however they like until management sees too many t-shirts or witnesses one too many muffin tops. 

Of course these assumptions don’t apply to everyone. But regardless, Business Casual Must Turn Business Fashionable. Keep reading to find some Spring 2009 work wardrobe items:

Victoria's Secret Ruffle Front Silk Chiffon Blouse

TOPS

Ruffles, Patterns & Day-to-Night

Ruffles, layers, patterns, all sorts of colors (and neutrals) are in style this Spring.  All of the tops I have shown here can be worn from day-to-night as well. If you pair any one of these with a cute pair of linen shorts and high wedge heels, you have an outfit for Friday night!

Victoria’s Secret Ruffle Front Blouse– This neutral, feminine top can be paired with any color pant! 
$68 Victoria’s Secret 

 

Express Short Sleeved Shirt - Dot Print

     

Express Keyhole Ruffle Top

Express Short Sleeved Shirt  This classic short sleeved button down comes in every color- stock up!$49.50 Express

Express Keyhole Ruffle Top

Can’t go sleeveless in the office? Wear this under your suit jacket! $49.50 Express

Victoria's Secret Christie Flare Pant in Stretch Cotton

Pants

Wear what fits you well

Different styles of pants are “in” this spring. Wide-leg, skinny leg, ankle cut, etc. So if you find a pair that fits you well (length, hip and waist) buy it in a few colors! Victoria’s Secret has some of my favorite pants:

Christie Flare Pant in Stretch Cotton

$39.50 Victoria’s Secret

Available in a dozen colors!

Skirts & Dresses

Black & White, Prints & Versatility

Dresses are so versatile that they are an absolute necessity in a work wardrobe. Adding a simple cardigan to a night-on the town dress can modify a dress so it is work appropriate. The following are some highly versatile dresses I found for just that kind of occasion.

 

    

Milly Sheath Dress

Anne Taylor Loft Split Neck Ruffle Dress

 

 

 

 

 

Milly Sheath Dress (above white)

Sheath dresses are classically fit and season-less. This dress is actually backless and gorgeous- so wear a cardigan to work and take it off for that date at an outdoor cafe!

Milly, $375.00  Nordstrom

Hype Strapless Floral Dress

Ann Taylor Loft Splitneck Ruffle Dress (above black)
Black and white are hot “colors” this season- so don’t be afraid to wear black (or ruffles). $69 Ann Taylor Loft

Hype Strapless Border Dress (left)

Everyone loves floral prints this season and they aren’t hard to find! This dress comes in the color shown and a turquoise color.

$139.00 at Zappos

     

Belted Skirt

 

 

 

 

New York & Company Belted Skirt

This cotton skirt is so simple it can be paired with anything plain or patterned. 

$39.95 New York and Company 

Shoes
Nudes, Prints, and Flats

Nudes extend the leg. Prints dress up a plain/solid outfit, and flats make shorter dresses and skirts more appropriate for work. 

     

Nine West Fender Peep Toe Pump $49.99 @Ninewest.com

Anne Klein- $45 @ 6pm.com

Cynthia Vincent Pump

Cole Haan Air Ballet Flat

BCBGirls Silver Flats

 

Style vs. Savings – Spring Shoes

THE STUDDED STRAPPY SANDAL

MANOLO BLAHNIK (Style) VS. NINE WEST (Savings)

Manolo Blahnik Studded Strappy Sandal $895

Nine West Kentaro Studded Sandal $89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WINNER:  The Nine West Kentaro is a great deal – while the studs are not as prominent, both shoes have a 4 inch heel and are in a great neutral color. I choose SAVINGS.

THE RUFFLED T-STRAP SANDAL

NANETTE LEPORE (Style) VS.  STEVE MADDEN LUXE (Savings)

 

Nanette Lepore Savage Lover Stiletto $375

Steve Madden Luxe Brake Ruffle T-Strap Sandal $74.94

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WINNER: The Nanette Lepore Stiletto offers a more rigid ruffle and more delicate straps while the Steve Madden Luxe Sandal has a rounded ruffle and thicker straps around the ankle and toe. The Nanette Lepore seems dressier and would be perfect to dress up a sun dress and wear to a spring wedding. The Steve Madden sandals have an edgier feel and would be great with a mini. I love… both. TIE.

THE METALLIC CUT OUT PLATFORM

DIOR (Style) VS. NYLA (Savings)

 

Dior Extreme Cutout $780

NYLA Shika Cutout Platform $79.95

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WINNER: While the NYLA has all of the same details- all the way down to the studs placed strategically in the same places- this shoe is just too bulky. The Dior Extreme is just the right balance of rock star and glam- STYLE.

EXOTIC PRINT PLATFORM

PRADA (Style) VS. Nine West- Boutique 9 (Savings)

PRADA Jeweled T-Strap Platform $1100

Voula by Boutique 9 $160

 

 

 

 

WINNER: The Prada sandal is full of details that only a designer shoe can offer- a jeweled t-strap, (natural python leather!), and a bamboo heel. But- the Boutique 9 Sandal is gorgeous and while it still isn’t a total steal at $160- I feel like it would be more wearable. This was a toughie but: SAVINGS wins.

Alexander McQueen for Target- A Miracle for the Fashion-Oriented and Money-Lacking

 

Alexander McQueen’s McQ line for Target   hits stores on March 4! Alexander McQueen is one of my favorite designers- he is innovative, cutting edge, and he hosts the most dramatic and exciting fashion shows year after year.   New York Magazine’s the Cut! interviewed McQueen about the conceptual aspects and design of the line. My favorite excerpts included McQueen stating:

” I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern — wearing head-to-toe designer has become a bit passé.”

“It’s a new era in fashion — there are no rules. It’s all about the individual and personal style, wearing high-end, low-end, classic labels, and up-and-coming designers all together.”

“Fashion and style should not be exclusive to the luxury market or to those who have a certain amount of money.”

New Yorkers will be getting a sneak preview sale of the collection Saturday, February 14 through Sunday, February 15 at St. John’s Center on Houston Street. If this line is anything like Thakoon’s recent line at Target– it is going to go fast. So I’ll be there next weekend, trying to buy this dress and the blue booties on this page.   Don’t miss out on this great collaboration!

E.l.f Follow Up

As Brandi Commented on my previous E.l.f. posting, you get what you pay for when you are buying $1 products. The colored lip gloss I bought was a great red, but I only used the gloss a couple of days before I was scraping the sides of the tube to get some of the last drops. I also bought an eyebrow pencil, which looked fine but felt kind of sticky in my brows and would have been too light for anyone with brunette hair/eyebrows. Finally- the blush brush I bought is actually holding up better than I thought. There is no noticeable bristle loss but it isn’t a very full brush, so I still prefer my older brushes. Overall, I would recommend e.l.f. products only if you wanted to try something new (like how I tried using the eye brow pencil) before you buy the same kind of product from a higher quality brand.

E-card= Economical

A few of my favorite websites have Holiday e-cards featured on their site this year for you to send to all of your friends. So if you are looking to save some postage but still want to send something out, try one of the following:

BCBG Holiday Cards    Choose from one of 3 holiday cards featuring BCBG, Herve Leger and a holiday quote

Sephora Mistletoe Makeover    Like the Office Max “Elf Yourself” campaign but much more beautiful! Sephora allows you to upload a picture of yourself and get four different holiday looks in less than 5 minutes. Send your friends your Merry Makeover when you’re done with a holiday wish!

Bluefly.com    For those of you who always like a sweepstakes- you can go to Bluefly.com and enter their “Fashion your own Holiday Story Sweepstakes” Just pick some adjectives and designer duds from a list, and they create a fashionable mad lib for you to forward on to your friends! The best part is- each e-mail enters you for a chance to win $500 shopping money for Bluefly!

Breast Cancer Awareness- Make A Difference, Fashionably

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and many companies and designers have created products that raise funds to support Breast Cancer research. Even though the month is halfway over, it is never too late to make a difference! Check out these philanthropic finds:

 

Balmshell 1-in-8 Lipgloss

 

Balmshell 1-in-8 Lipgloss

This sheer pink gloss is non-sticky and sparkly. $1 from every 1 In 8 lip gloss sold will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

$22 @ Sephora- And while you are at it, check out all of Sephora’s products that support Breast Cancer Research HERE.

 

 

 

 

10K White Gold and Diamon Ribbon Earrings

$115.99 @ Target.com

 

 

 

 

 

Dogeared Breast Cancer Necklace 

This unique wishbone charm necklace comes in gold or silver on a pink thread with the idea that you can make a wish come true. A portion of proceeds go to recognized Breast Cancer research organizations.

$27 at ShopIntuition.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Susan G. Komen Nintendo DS- Lite

 

Susan G. Komen Nintendo DS- Lite

For all you gamers out there- Nintendo DS-Lite features built-in Wi-Fi and you can enjoy a massive library of Nintendo games on this sleek, stylish, and ultraportable gaming system. Nintendo will donate $5.00 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for each product sold, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $100,000

$129.00 @ Target  – Target has hundreds of Breast Cancer support products… find them online, HERE.

 

 

 

Jaime King Breast Cancer Awareness Tee

 

 

Jaime King Breast Cancer Awareness Shirt

Celebrity Jaime King designed this sheer tee with flower details and a ribbon designed over the heart. 50% of the proceeds for this shirt and these other celebrity-designed tops will benefit the Breast Cancer Network of Strength.

$88 @ ShopBop.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coach Breast Cancer Scarf

 

 

 

Coach Breast Cancer Scarf

This scarf can be tied around any of your purses to show support all year round- and will be especially fitting for Valentines Day this spring! 20% of the proceeds for this scarf and these Coach items will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

$78 @ Coach

 

 

 

 

 

Susan G. Komen Silk Grid Tie

 

Susan G. Komen Silk Grid Tie

For the men in your life who may not be ready to go all-out pink to show their support- this silk tie and the other Susan G. Komen Ties on Macys.com have a small pink ribbon (and some do come in pink)! MMG Corporation is proud to donate $1.00 from each item purchased September 15, 2008 through November 15, 2008 with a minimum guaranteed donation of $100,000 to Susan G.Komen for the Cure®.

$29.98 @ Macy’s

 

 

 

Zazzle.com Friend Postcard

 

Zazzle.com

Zazzle.com has an entire Pink Ribbon Shop that sells t-shirts, postage stamps, coffee mugs, postcards and more. With beautiful designs and messages like the one to the right, you can even customize Zazzle products! I personally love this design- and would buy the postcards (or the t-shirt) that features it to show my support or let someone know about an upcoming Cancer Awareness walk!20% of the net sale of all the products in this gallery goes to support breast cancer awareness causes.

 

Pink Ribbon Ladies Bouquet

 

 

 

Flowers for a Cause

This arrangement of Tulips, Lillies, and Eucalyptus would make anyone’s day and 10% of the proceeds are donated to Komen for the Cure. Pick from a selection of Breast Cancer research-supporting bouquets and gifts at ProFlowers.com.

$79.99 @ ProFlowers

 

 

 

 

 

The Little Pink Giftcard- Bloomingdale

Can’t Decide?

Bloomingdale’s paired up with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to offer a double-effective donation opportunity. When you buy a Little Pink Giftcard at Bloomingdale’s before December 21st, ten percent of the gift card value, plus an additional ten percent of any amount spent that exceeds the card’s value when the gift card is redeemed, is donated to BCRF.

$10 – 1,000  @ Bloomingdale’s

Shop Bloomingdale’s Little Pink Boutique

 

 

 

Other Breast Cancer Awareness Shops:

The Breast Cancer Site– Every purchase funds mammograms for women in need

Linea Pelle Breast Cancer Awareness Handbags-  25% of the purchase price will be donated to Susan G. Komen with a minimum guaranteed donation of $25,000.

Melissa Joy Manning Jewelry– 25% of purchase is donated to the Young Survival Coalition

The Pink Ribbon Store-  A portion of every purchase made from this Pink Ribbon Store goes to the charity of your choice.

The Susan G. Komen Promise Shop  Purchases support Susan G. Komen’s mission to save lives and end breast cancer.

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation Shop Shop online for items that suppor BCRF