My Closet In Bloom

A few weeks ago I did a little spring shopping and I scored from amazing steals!  Color is the name of the game this season and my purchases certainly reflect this trend.

Ann Taylor at Towson Town Center is doing tons of stuff in color this season and it's a great place to pick up some brightly hued staples, especially now that loads of stuff are on sale.  I am literally astounded by the steal below I found there. Originally priced at $128, this 100% cashmere, short-sleeved sweater is an amazing shade of neon yellow, a color heretofore unknown in my closet.  Perfectly in tune with the trends this season, I got this amazing piece for $18!!!!  Unbelievable for cashmere.

Also at Ann Taylor, I picked up this blight blue, cotton, 3/4 length sleeve top with snaps down the side of one sleeve.  In keeping with the color theme, I thought this would be a simple staple piece to add to my collection. This was only $21.

This orange, short-leave, cashmere sweater is another fantastic wardrobe staple for another fantastic price,  $39. This sweater worked perfectly for a morning in the office and an afternoon Oriole's game at Opening Day. I'd say the O's weren't the only winners that day.

Before I left Ann I spotted this peppercorn-colored, tweed jacket and quickly scooped up the skirt to match (shown below in grey). Originally $300 for the whole ensemble, I paid $88 ($49 for the jacket, $39 for the skirt) for a well-crafted skirt suit. It may be out of season now, but the timelessness of this outfit means I can wear it probably as long as I can fit into it. (I kept this in mind and bought it with a little room to grow.)

Next, I popped into H&M to check out their deals and I was not disappointed. Previously, I've shied away from shopping at H&M because I'd prefer to get good deals on quality pieces as opposed to the expendable-after-one-season looks that they usually carry. However, I have to admit I've become addicted to J's Everyday Fashion blog, and she often features some great H&M finds, so I figured I give it a go and I wasn't disappointed.

Although nothing was on sale, the prices were still pretty cheap for these black blazer in thick, textured cotton and white trim (very Chanel)...

H&M Blazer, $35

...this navy pencil skirt with a light blue belt....

H&M Skirt, $24.99

...and these red cigarette pants (yea for red pants!).

Trousers, $24.99

I've already worn the yellow, cashmere sweater from Ann Taylor with the navy H&M skirt to rave reviews!

Easter Sales - Houseware and Decorations

I always wanted to be one of those people who remembers to check out the sales after the holidays and this year I did remember! I scoped out Michael's, Williams-Sonoma and Greenfields Nursery and Landscaping Company for their Easter sales and I got some great steals.

After-holiday sales are a great time to stock up on some houseware staples at rock-bottom prices. For instance, the Easter Bunny Jacquard placemat and napkin below were originally $69 and $59, respectively, at Williams-Sonoma. They come in sets of four, so imagine at those prices how much it would cost to host a dinner just for eight with a table outfitted in these pieces! Yesterday, I picked them up for $24 for the placemat set and $14.99 for the napkin set. The best part is that these cotton-linen pieces will probably be around longer than I'll be cooking. 

Three bunnies fou-fou hopping onto your breakfast table. I bought these placemats also at Williams-Sonoma with brunch in mind since the bunnies lend themselves to a more informal table setting. Cotton and machine-washable, a set of four would have set you back $50 before the holiday. Today, you can get them online for $14.99.

Who wouldn't want these cute little guys hopping across their Easter table? These Bunny Tiny Taper Holders (small candle holders) were originally $19.95 for a set of four and are currently on sale for $9.99, minus the candles.

This handsome rabbit is technically a tureen, but I can see him holding all types of Easter candies. He measures 6" x 6" and would look equally elegant on a dining table or a sideboard. Originally $19.95, he can hop home with you for $9.95.

Bunny and chick can hang out together on your dinner or coffee table holding eggs, jelly beans or any other assorted goodies. Though technically a set of egg holders, who says they need to hold anything at all? They can just sit there looking cute as far as I'm concerned.

These fluffy little friends (or bottle brush animal objects if you prefer) would be adorable scattered around the house or even in the garden for the Easter egg hunt--as long as you bring them in when the hunt is over. At $4.99 each, you could get a bunch and have yourself a whole clutch.

I couldn't pass up the chance to own this egg topiary. As a centerpiece, sideboard decoration, or even porch adornment, it was definitely a steal at $29.99, marked down from $69.99.

Michael's also had all sorts of Easter goodies on sale as well. These two dishes would be great for candy or even holding other decorative items such as blown out eggs. At $7 and $5, respectively, they were already a steal, but Michael's discounted all their Easter decor 60% off last week.

I love these two Easter topiaries nestled in little faux egg shells. Below you can see that the two are slightly different, with the yellow topiary decorated with eggs and flowers, and the purple topiary with eggs and grape bunches. Both are are about 9" tall and work perfectly in little picture windows or on fireplace mantels. Originally $7, I picked them up for $2.79 each. 

This little Easter tree is about 15" tall and works as a nice alternative to decorating an actual tree in your yard with eggs. This Easter adornment would have set you back $12 when it was full price, but I snagged it for $4.79!

 

In total, with 60% off, I purchased all the items above at Michael's for just over $15! It's almost enough to get you started if you're decorating for Easter for the first time.  

Lastly, I stopped in at Greenfield's Nursery and Landscaping Company, my favorite place to go for plants and garden gifts. They are selling these adorable BrushArt animals from Missions Imports. I wasn't able to find any images of the spring animals they were selling this season, but I did find these examples of similar BrushArt animals.

 

Greenfield's was previously selling little chicks, bunnies, roosters, and a mama pig complete with three little piglets suckling from her while she laid on her side. Too cute! Sadly, someone else got there before I did, but you may be able to contact the company directly for information on how to get your own. In the end, I had to settle for this adorable faux egg nest. Measuring at just under 8" and nicely priced at $6.99, you don't need to limit this piece to just Easter. In fact, this could decorate your home year round. 

Hall of Fame Steals: My Luxury Shoe Collection

There is a widely acknowledged Rule of Sales that most ladies know by heart and most men will never understand: the ratio of the discount to the original price of an item increases an items appeal in the eye of the shopper. Further, this ratio is  increased exponentially if said discounted item is normally priced out of the shopper's price range.

Simply stated, the more something is marked down, the more it appeals to us, especially if the original price of the item is way out of our budget. Who among us has never come home from a shopping excursion with a priceless piece of art (okay, a shoe) to the baffled consternation of a boyfriend/spouse/father who doesn't understand that even though the sale price you paid for something doesn't seem to qualify as a "sale", it truly is considering how much the item would have cost at full price?

Some people just don't understand that a good mark down can justify an enormous expenditure.

This theory can be applied to any number of consumer items, but we will allow shoes to serve as the focus of today's lesson. Plus, shoes are my addiction. I always like to say I have two vices: driving fast and expensive shoes.

And what's better than expensive shoes except expensive shoes at deep discounts! I am the proud owner of  several pairs of Jimmy Choos and one classic pair of Manolo Blahniks. What can I say? I may have grown up in Westminster, MD, but I also went off to college the year Sex and the City aired on HBO, so I've come to appreciate the finer shoes in life, especially when they are on sale.

Below are a few luxury shoes in my collection with their original price and the price I paid.

Jimmy Choo brown leather heels with suede and beading detail and a 3.5" heel. Purchased at C-Mart in Perry Hall before they closed. Regularly $450, snagged for $150. The only downside to these lovelies is that it can be difficult to keep them on while walking because the back strap doesn't stay up.

These classic, gold strappy Manolo Blahniks with a 4" heel were also a C-Mart steal. For $150, I got a $350 part of cultural history.

Finally, le piece de resistance. Silk, tropical floral Jimmy Choo sling backs with a 3.5" heel. Purchased in a little shoe boutique in St. Petersberg, Florida for $175, originally $400. These are my all-time favorite shoes, not just my favorite Jimmy Choos. Fun, elegant, unique, unexpected. Also, these were my first pair of Jimmy Choo's, so they hold a special place in my heart.

I realize that even the sale price for some of  these shoes may seem high, but here is a valuable lesson I learned about shopping from the purchase of the above treasures - occasionally you have to bite the bullet and buy something that is a little out of your price range if, and only if, you know you will treasure it forever and you will never find another deal like it. To this day, I have only ever stumbled upon two amazing Jimmy Choo deals in my life. There may never be another one again...but I can keep looking!

Items I'm Stalking - April 2012

I don't know about the rest of you, but I've been spending a good portion of my life these last few weeks spring cleaning. So, I decided to take a few well-deserved hours to myself this past Sunday and do some shopping!

Right now there is tons of great stuff out there for Spring and Summer and I am loving all the color. While I did my fair-share of damage to the wallet (more on that later), below are a few items I left on the racks until the price fits within my budget better. 

One of my first stops was Anthropologie. I've been a little late to jump on the Anthropologie bandwagon. I just never really saw anything that jumped out at me the first few times I visited. However, thanks to the persistent coaxing of a few friends who are forever donning the cutest finds from there, I'm now thankfully (or perhaps regretfully from my bank account's perspective) a convert.  

I adore this lavender-patterned, cotton, blouson-frock from Meadow Rue, called a "Diamond Kite Dress".  Perfect for hot days, I can see myself wearing this to countless summer events such as picnics, cook-outs, bridal/baby showers and brunches. Currently, it is selling in the store for $168. I think we can do better than that though, so I'm waiting to see if the price drops a little more for my liking. 

I think this Chambray Romper is a fun and unexpected way to play with fashion. Again, ideal for cook-outs and backyard BBQs or, better yet, a summer concert! Or, how about just running errands? Plus, according to Vogue, allover denim in varying shades in a big trend this Spring. Admittedly, this look may not be for everyone, but it sure is fun! Right now, this romper is retailing for $128. 

This embossed, basket dress comes in green, blue and black and is technically already on sale for $119.95 from the original price of $168. Still, I'd really love to snag this for an amazing steal and the Anthropologie at Towson Town Center still has a bunch on the rack, so I'm going to hold out for a better deal. This color green is one of my favorites and I love the timeless silhouette.

Before I move on to the other stores I visited Sunday, I have to say something about this whimsical, bronze vanity mirror. Anthropologie's website calls it a "Winter's Perch Mirror" and it's priced at $148. Not sure if I need to spend that much on superfluous home decor right now, but I just love it!

I spotted this silk, twist strap, floral dress in "purple orchid" on the Banana Republic sale rack. It doesn't really photograph well below, but it is gorgeous in person. Makes me want to book a trip to Hawaii or Tahiti! Originally priced at $130, it is currently on sale for $98. I might have to go back and check on it later this week as it was the last one I saw in the store and it's sure to be snagged soon. 

Banana Republic is also carrying this Renee ombre beaded clutch in delicious green with a zipper enclosure and a magnet under the flap for extra security. I like that this clutch is a little more substantial than some that you find, and it is flexible so it can hold a lot of goodies. Most of all, how gorgeous is that color and the beading?! As I've said before, I love greens, and this is so elegant and fresh at the same time. Alas, at $98, I can't really justify buying it right now, but one can dream...

The Limited has a great color pallete this season and some must-see dresses like the two below. Both are a little bit retro in my opinion and that's what I love about them! The first one, with a golden, floral print and beautiful ruffle neckline, is aptly named the Floral Ruffle Neck Dress. It's also has a lovely sheen and slubbed texture making it appear similar to silk, but it's actually cotton and machine-washable (always a bonus!). The second dress is simple, fun and relaxed. Plus, who doesn't love a dress with pockets? Both are work appropriate as long as you wear a cardigan over the first one depending on your work environment. The first dress is originally $98 and is currently on sale online for $58.80. I can't find the pricing for the second dress because The Limited's webpage is not featuring it anymore. 

The Limited is also featuring this Pierce Waist Pencil Skirt, which is "a little bit wooly and a little bit textured". The color here makes it look very pastel yellow, but in person it's actually a lemony-lime color. Full-price$59.90, internet sale $35.94.

This skirt is from Ann Taylor and, again, it doesn't translate well in the photo, but it is gorgeous in person! It's called the Floral Sequin Pencil Skirt, which is misleading in every sense of the phrase except skirt. First of all, I would call this a mini rather than a pencil skirt. Almost too short for work even. Second, the term floral is really up to interpretation although the pattern is reminiscent of a Monet. The best part about this skirt, though, is instead of regular ol' sequins, the "floral pattern" is actually made of tiny, little pieces of fabric -- cloth sequins, if you will -- that are stitched vertically down the skirt giving it this fantastic texture and great visual appeal. However, at $198, it will only be textural and visually appealing in my dreams. 

Lastly, I spotted this Satin Polka-Dot Sheath in the window of White House/Black Market, where I normally don't do a lot of shopping, but the retro fit and pattern of this dress were almost irresistible! Granted, the dress is very va-va-voom and (pardon my language) but it would take some balls and lots of hours in the gym to wear it, but isn't is just glorious? I would wear this on a sexy, little date to some romantic italian bistro and pretend to be Sofia Loren for the night. My only qualm with the dress is that it is black, not navy, as I initially thought. I always think navy looks a lot cleaner when compared with black, but for some of you, this might actually be a plus since black goes with more. This dress is $168 and will remain in the store until significantly marked down considering it's limited wear possibilities. 

As always, if anyone spots any of these coveted items marked down any further than I've listed here, please let me know! Are there items you've seen for spring and summer that you're holding out on for a better price? Do any of the above make you drool as well? 

5 Days, 5 Looks, 1 Girl

As mentioned in my profile, I am a huge Voguephile and have been since I can remember. Not only is the magazine interesting, inspirational and well-written, but their website is chock-full of amazing ideas and pieces. I realize many of their fashion spreads can be a little "out there" and not for everyone, (not to mention the prices of said items), but you have to give them credit for their artistic vision, and if nothing else, appreciate what they do.

One of my all-time favorite features is called 5 Day, 5 Looks, 1 Girl. Basically, in a nutshell, Vogue's amazing photographers follow a Vogue staffer around for a week to see what she (and it is always a she) wears to the office each day. I love, love, LOVE this feature because not only do you get to see what women in a more fashionable part of the country are wearing (sorry, Charm City!) but you also get to see how arguably the most fashionable ladies in the most fashionable city in the world are wearing the current trends. It gives me the guts to try things I might not normally wear outside of my imagination. The feature is also very detailed and provides multiple shots of the outfit and its accessories. Here are a few of my favorites and what each one taught me about being more adventurous with my style. 

Esther Adams

photographed by Marko MacPherson for Vogue

I love the combination of a grey/taupe shirt with a lemon chiffon colored skirt that Fashion Writer Esther Adams put together. Definitely makes me want to experiment with my color palettes.  I actually wore an exact replica of the second outfit to work on a casual Friday to rave reviews.  

Chioma Nnadi

photographed by Marko MacPherson for Vogue

Chioma Nnadi, a Vogue Fashion Writer, inspired me to try color blocking for the first time with this pink and orange combo she wore last summer. I tried my look with a pair of wide-legged, persimmon pants and a cobalt blue tee-shirt. You've got to hand it to this girl - she's not afraid to mix her prints!

Cynthia Smith

photographed by Marko MacPherson

How cute is Cynthia Smith riding her bike to work in NYC? Really, it's this Fashion Assistant's first outfit that does it for me. I love menswear for women and isn't this just the chicest, little ensemble complete with appropriately utilitarian yet elegant and stylish boots? I also love how she works pastels into the look.  Most anyone can pull this off with basics probably handing in the closet right now. 

Jessica Sailer

photographed by Marko MacPherson for Vogue

Each of the outfits worn last August by Marketing Editor Jessica Sailer shows such a different and creative side to her style. It's like five different women! The first look shows that even dressy dresses can work in the office with the right accessories. The second outfit is casual and chic in one fell swoop. Wednesday is fun and polished all at once. Thursday's skirt/sweater combo shows that there is still room for tried and true combos with a little plum accessory, and Friday is simple, comfortable and casual. 

Kelly Connor

photographed by Marko MacPherson for Vogue

I had to include the week spent with Fashion Assistant Kelly Connor. That first outfit puts my color blocking  skills to shame! Of course, it doesn't hurt that she has that amazing jacket (or is it a sweater?) to pull it all together. Reminds me that every now and then I should invest in some interesting, off-the-wall prints and color combinations. Bravo, Kelly!

Selby Drummond

photographed by Marko MacPherson for Vogue

Accessories Editor Selby Drummond sure does know her accessories. The one thing I've learned from scouring all these Voguettes' outfits is that none of them come to the office with minimal jewelry...even the ones who claim to only wear minimal jewelry! I'm not very creative when it comes to pairing jewelry with an outfit, so I tend to not wear much at all, but these ladies sure do inspire me to layer it on. Also, I love the two-toned jean look, the pastel cardigan with the black skirt and neutral shoes and those pajama pants! All still big trends this year. 

Sylvana Ward Durrett

photographed by Marko MacPherson for Vogue

I've stolen that simple, high-waisted jeans look (great for short frames) from this feature, and I'm dying to wear a suit with shorts like Vogue's Director of Special Events, Sylvana Ward Durrett, does in yellow here. If only my boss would relent on the no shorts at work policy. One can dream.... 

Filipa Fino

photographed by Marko MacPherson for Vogue

Putting together different prints has been a trend for a few season now, but I love how Filipa Fino, Vogue's Senior Accessories Editor, puts these two black and while polka dot pieces together and then adds leopard print shoes to top it off. And I don't think I'm alone when I say my heart palpitates when I see that sea of shoes behind her. (Sigh)

Preetma Singh

photographed by Marko MacPherson for Vogue

This look from Vogue Fashion Assistant Preetma Singh reminds me that there are so many great outfits just waiting to be discovered in my closet if all it takes is a dress, a blazer and belt!

So many great trends here also on Preetma Singh from the large coat to the cuffed jeans to the purse on a chain. What especially caught my eye about this look, though, is how casual and effortlessly put together it looks all at the same time. And how about that green nail polish and that killer ponytail? What I wouldn't give to have my ponytail look like that.

Have you pulled anything off recently as daring as these looks?