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!

Not Another Manicure for Mother’s Day

You could get your mom another lotion set or manicure gift certificate, but why would you when you can get her something that makes her say “wow!”(and really mean it)?

Guilt-less Gifts on Gilt.com
The Gilt Groupe set up a sample sale of great accessories specifically for Mother’s day shopping- “Fabulous Gifts for Mom”! Enjoy up to 70% off retail prices by joining Gilt via this invitation link and shop today!

Photo Gifts
Mom always loves pics of her little darlings- whether its you or the dog! Check out Shutterfly.com for photo gifts of everything from calendars to puzzles and the timeless coffee mug. Get free shipping on orders over $50 by entering the code SHIP50 at checkout (expires 4/29).

Bags
Remember all those great bagged lunches mom used to make for you? Give her a bag she’ll love.

This Liz Claiborne tote is perfect for the beach or shopping in the city. Comes in 4 great summer color combinations! $59.98 at 6pm.com 

These London Fog bags are classic but “springy” because of the bright color options! Check out these ($236 $149) and other designer bags for less on Overstock.com

Bejeweled
No more smelly chemicals ruining your mom’s manicure: This Ultrasonic jewelry cleaner from Brookstone will help mom clean up all that expensive jewelry you’ve been getting her the last few Mother’s Days.
$39.99, Brookstone

This Coral and Cultured Pearl Necklace is a timeless and unique piece of jewelry. Get it at Ross-Simons at 60% off retail price.  $50, Ross-Simons

 

 

 Take a Chance
Enter your mom for a chance to win a $5,000 Valentino Shoe & Handbag Shopping Spree on Neiman Marcus.com! (I guess you could enter yourself too, while you’re at it!) Click here to enter 

If You Can’t Beat ’em, Join ’em… Sample Sales that is

The economy has been affecting everyone from shoppers, to luxury buyers and major department stores. While almost everyone has had to cut back their shopping budgets, there are more ways than ever to find steals on on designer duds. Get more for your money by signing up (or joining the waiting list) for my favorite online sample sales and shopping newsletters:

 HAUTELOOK A private, member’s only club that organizes 24-48 hours sales of premium brands for 50-75% off of retail prices.

 

 Gilt Groupe
Click on the Logo to the left for an invite to the only online sample store I know who has sold Christian Louboutin’s for ridiculously low prices! Gilt is up and coming and is definitely worth taking the few minutes to join!

 

Top Button & The Top Secret
Top Button is a fashion network with blogs, a member forum, fashion and beauty event listings, and a list of online sales and deals. Top Button’s online sample sales, The Top Secret, offers access to exclusive sales from premier brands with discounts up to 75% off retail. Click the envelope for an invite!

 

IDEELI Invite-only access (click the icon to the left to join via my “invite”) to sought-after fashion, home and beauty products. Ideeli was the first invite-only shopping community in the U.S.

 

New York Magazine’s Best Bets Daily  Best Bets Daily covers special shopping events, sample sales, and online deals- daily!

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!

Do yourself a favor…

Start shopping for fall! I just returned from a two week vacation and lots of NYC job hunting, so I hope you haven’t been too bored! Mercedes Benz fashion week is just around the corner and we will already know what to buy for next season so it is really time to get out there and stock up your fall and winter wardrobes. 

As I reported after Spring Fashion Week 2008, there are lots of great trends this season:

• Greys, Purples, & Berries
• Lace, Florals & Feathers
• Platform Heels & Booties
• Constructed Jackets & Tailored Pants
• Geometric Shapes

I have compiled items for each of these hot fall trends:

Greys, Purples & Berries

BCBG Jersey Sweater

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Via Spiga Double Breasted Trench Coat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lace, Florals & Feathers

Rebecca Taylor Lace-Top Silk Dress

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        

Michael Kors Floral Print Pencil Skirt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beth Lauren Metal Feather Necklace

Platform Heels & Booties

Nine West Citygirl Platform Heel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marciano Greek Bootie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Constructed Jackets & Tailored Pants

Halogen Crop Jacket

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   BCBG Camilla Wool trouser

Geometric Shapes

Black Halo 2-in-1 Geometrical Dress

  

Herve Leger One-Shoulder Bandage Dress

Shopping Links

Check out my new shopping links on the right side bar- these are all of my favorite places to shop (or dream of shopping) online.

~BCISS

stress & online shopping

As finals are fast approaching, I have become increasingly stressed along with the rest of the university population nationwide. I do tend to be a bit of a stress case, what with hopes of graduating in May and getting a “real” job, but I know how to forget about all of the stress of school, grades, and the job market predictions for 2008. The best therapy of all requires no movement besides my clicker thumb and a long favorites list of “shopping” websites. That’s right, it’s online shopping, and it’s time to make a Christmas wish list.

I’ve given a Luxury Lust Wish and a Reality Wish for each of the following categories: Handbag, Watch, Dress, & Shoes.

 Wish for… a New Handbag

Luxury Lust: Dooney & Burke’s Limited Edition Hayden Bag

Price Tag: $500

Why It’s Lust-Worthy: I usually do not like Dooney & Burke bags or their weak advertising attempts (Lindsey Lohan’s line of heart covered bags in childish colors circa 2005, followed by Mischa Barton & Emma Roberts taking her place as the face of young hollywood) Whenever I see a D&B bag with the colored D&B all over the bag I cringe a little bit because I feel that someone has paid too much for a cheap looking bag. Alas! The Hayden bag has changed my mind. Even though they are still using a young hollywood actress (Heroes star, Hayden Penetierre) to promote the bag, I think this bag could fare just as well without her. The design is modern and classic. A long enough strap to wear around the shoulder and yet the bag is not oversized. The Hayden bag is available in black, brown, red, and white patent leather. All colors but white are currently sold out on dooney.com, but I would recommend the white patent leather as it could last through the summer!

 Reality Wish: Elliott Lucca Genevieve Tote

Price Tag: $268 

Reasoning: Elliott Lucca is an under rated brand. They only use high quality leather and their designs are either classic or trendy. This bag is large enough to use for class or work, and it also comes in black and deep plum. The patent leather will allow you to carry the purse into spring until you find a new purse to love! 

Wish 2… a New Watch

Luxury Lust: Michele “Diamond Deco” Watch with Alligator Band

Price Tag: $1,425

Why it’s Lust-Worthy: Michele is a new luxury watch brand owned by Fossil. They are trying to push selling not only their watches, but their watch bands. They offer a wide selection of colors and materials, from Alligator leather (pictured) to patent leather. They offer many different styles for men & women. I think this watch would definitely be an eye catcher at work or at play. 

Reality Wish: Michael Kors Leather Cuff Watch

Price Tag: $130

Reasoning: This watch is reasonably priced, and it looks even better in person. The gold detail contrasting with the white band adds a high quality feel, and it can be dressed up or dressed down.

 Wish for…. A New Dress

Luxury Lust: Kay Unger Strapless Dress with Beaded Waist

Price Tag: $450

Why it’s Lust-Worthy: Little black dresses are overdone year round. This red dress is a color that will compliment both fair skinned and dark skinned women and it also falls at a good length for most body types. The dress accentuates the bust with a sweet heart neckline and minimizes the waist with black beaded detail. This would be a stand out at holiday parties or any cocktail occasion throughout the year.

Reality Wish: Max & Cleo Bubble-Sleeve Cocktail Dress

Price Tag: $148

Reasoning: Purple couldn’t be hotter right now and it is another color that compliments most people. Max & Cleo is a division of the BCBG Max Azria Group, hence the beautiful design cut in all the right places and rhinestone detailing across the neckline. This dress may be too hot for a crowded party, but it should suit well otherwise.

Wish for…. A New Pair of Shoes

Luxury Lust: BCBG Max Azria Marsha Pump

Price Tag: $215

Why They are Lust-Worthy: Every girl I know (including myself) has way too many black pumps. Finding brown shoes that are as cute as my black shoes is always difficult, but these peep toe pumps with a delicate velvet bow would be great dressed up for work or matched with the right skirt. The foot base is padded, and as an owner of another pair of BCBG pumps with leather padding, they are nicely padded if you do decide to wear them the entire work day.

Reality Wish: Carlos by Carlos Santana Pounce pump in Bronze Snake Print

Price Tag: on sale! $79.99

Reasoning: Carlos’ shoes are always eccentric and noteworthy. The bronze color is neutral enough to wear with blacks or browns. The python print plays down the metallic shock and will also make scuffs less noticeable. These shoes will cause double takes in any outfit, even just a nice pair of jeans.