Stylish with Substance

Back to School Shopping: Starts!
Shoes.com %-off Coupon

Ella M — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:25:36 EDT

If you're shopping for kid's shoes for the upcoming school year, you know you need to save for those growing feet. And if you're a college student, you now you need to both save and look "cool". We have a coupon to save 15% off of shoes.com: "BTSSHOES09

New Quirky Limited Line from Forever 21: Twist presents Cirque 21 - What to Buy, How to Wear

Ella M — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:12:27 EDT

(These are not necessarily the items going in my "bag" - no stealing, natch. ;-))

Mesh Ankle Bow Tunic $12

Basic Nylon Knee High Socks $1.99

Rose Polka Dot Top $19

Ruffled Tulle Petticoat $22

FOREVER 21 TWIST presents CIRQUE 21

I'm confused. There are too many names n there. Maybe I'm just too tired.

But the story is: trendy discount fashion shop, Forever21, debuted a new collection yesterday. It's apparently limited, but perhaps that's a good thing, since the styles are pretty quirky. But actually, a big part of me loves a lot of this stuff.

Perhaps a response to crazy rock star style. With its multiple names, that's certainly fitting. (Is this 80s junctioned-a-posed-with petticoats "rock" style in now? I must be so naturally trendy as I've been feeling it for a while for sure, not to "Lady" GaGa extremes, but something much more like this Forever21 range, what kismet.) Like the ballet-inspired skirts and fingerless gloves my imaginary-rockstar-alter-ego would love for the stage. But since I'm in fashion, and want to dress for these jobs I want, how to fit the zanier pieces into my (or your) style?

To be fair, a lot of these items - on their own - are the ever present taste-of-fashionista always at Forever 21 - but some others, need some working into our wardrobe.

What we should do is pick and choose, when in real life. And not just by putting only 1 piece in 1 ensemble, but shop scrutinously and think things over before you press that final purchase button. So recessionista, too.

And it's the affordability of Forever 21! So for that and the exclusive, limited quantities - don't forget that! - I think I must go for it!

Not to be impulsive, but I think some of this is just a fun part of me that I could otherwise just skip and personally I don't want to miss out on broadening to all of my fantasy styles. Also since I might be impuslive often, and I am so tired, too much to use that discerning shopping eye, I will sleep on it.

Actually due to the recession, I should wait 'til my next paycheck tomorrow (and not just after nap) in order to fill my cart up right. I hope quantities last! (What? Some things are unavailable already. Actually, even yeterday. Eep!)

Or maybe I'm crazy and will wake up - saner with clearer eyes. Hm.*

*I drafted parts of this yesterday. And the stuff's even cuter today! Oh and I need a lot more from the rest of the Forever 21 range. Budget-planning time!

Recessionista Bride Series: Bridesmaids; 1 Color, Many Styles?

Ella M — Mon, 11 May 2009 07:42:06 EDT

We're starting a wedding-season and recession-season bridal series with tips on budget conscious wedding planning. With the cost of weddings, they could be useful for many whatever the year.

On to it----- so have you heard about the brides who pick one color of dress but let their bridesmaids choose from different styles, so that everyone has a better chance of being flattered? Well how to do this for different budgets, too, when boutiques seem to always charge at least $100?

What about going with that common "black" tie color itself, of course black? The 'maids could then pick from different stores too. The trick is: command all shiny dresses, none matte for they may be different darknesses.

An argument to this different price points idea is that bargain dresses may not look as good as designer ones, if any of the party, or the person paying for the entire event, can afford that anyway. I wonder what you fashionistas think of this idea, so here's a poll!

Brides, you can use this to help you decide whether this is a good idea.

Pictured:

Satin Tube Dress

$42.50$19.99 at Alloy

Online Outlet Launching Soon by Net-a-Porter folks

Ella M — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:38:18 EST

The Net-a-Porter company has announced they will launch their months-anticipated online outlet next month, reports WWD. In their cute-and-appropriate naming form, it's called www.OutNet.com.

A quote from a rep makes it seem impressive and a must-have for budgeted and recessive alike, even with possible freebies?

"On offer will be a mix of the former season's merchandise, classic pieces and greatest hits resurrected from designers' archives, all with average discounts of 40 to 60 percent. The company also plans to give some items away for free.

"We've been thinking of doing a sale shop -- under a separate brand -- for years, and now is the right time to focus on it," said Natalie Massenet, founder and chairman of Net-a-porter. "We are no longer a start-up, but a mature, established business, and we want to follow in the footsteps of stores like Barneys Co-op and Neiman Marcus' Last Call," she said, adding the new company aims to service customers and brands alike."

If you visit the website now, you'll see a cutesy preview, but don't fail to miss the e-mail signup form and get notified of its grand ope-net-ing!

Thanks to shoppingblog.com

A Vibrant Purse to turn a Mood from Drab to Fab!

Ella M — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:25:43 EST

Women occasionally get the blues or just physically drained. At least once a month, eh? Also, many of us are feeling the chills while we know Spring should be approaching.

Don't you need a pick-me-up, too?

You can gaze at or even pick up this little color-fantastic beauty case, and afford it, too for only $26 --- especially and easily doubling as a beautiful little clutch bag for day or a super fun night.

Or just enjoy the candy. Either way I hope you feel a little boost.

I sure need it this week!

By Beauty Habit