Raid My Closet: Vacation Style

Because I live in the midwest, when I go on vacation it is almost always someplace warm and it typically involves a beach and palm trees. As a result, when I pack for a vacation I typically err on the side of the brighter the better. On my last vacation (to Hawaii) I packed these items.

Embellished Dress: Karta, purchased on www.shopbop.com last summer

Pink tunic: Banana Republic, purchased last summer

Fuchsia handbag: Rebecca Minkoff morning after bag in Fuchsia/gold crackle, purchased last summer from Bloomingdales online

Sandals: Tribeca, purchased a few months ago online at www.endless.com

Blue beaded tunic: INC, purchased at Macy's last summer

Woven clutch: Cole Haan, purchased at Filene's Basement a few years ago

Flower hair clip: Purchased in Hawaii last summer

Sun necklace: Puchased in boutique in Mexico many years ago

Great Deal: Hayden Harnett Sonia Tote

Hayden Harnett's annual big bang sale started online today at http://haydenharnett.com/bigbangsale/. Select items are discounted anywhere from 28-75% off. One of the best deals I saw is this leather Sonia tote in black for only $175 down from $548. While I do not own this particular tote, I do own a big mimi satchel from HH that I absolutely love. If I wasn't on a purse ban right now I would definitely pick this tote up!

In Style Memoriam: Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson will be remembered for many things some more controversial than others. No one can dispute, however, the overwhelming impact that he had on music, dance, and of course fashion. As a child of the 80s, I will always remember seeing the "Thriller" video for the first time and it scaring the living daylights out of me. But my all time favorite video and song will always be "Smooth Criminal." Apart from the fond memories I have of his music and videos, I will also undoubtedly always remember his style. No one ever made a fedora look as cool as Michael Jackson. And, to this day, his style continues to influence designers.

In his memory, I have gathered a few MJ inspired pieces that are still just as wearable and relevant today as they were back in the 80s. Check out the $35 white v-neck t-shirt above by Bop Basics available at http://www.shopbop.com/, the black Coach loafers above for $158, and the Ray Ban aviators above on sale for $84.99 on www.amazon.com. Below is a black straw Forever 21 fedora for $17.90 and a Hale Bob black sequined cardigan on sale for $173 at http://www.urbanmix.com/. Finally, pictured below and retailing at a whopping $11,410 (no joke), the marching band jacket popularized by Michael Jackson recently reemerged in Balmain's Spring 2009 collection and has subsequently spawned a series of replicas.

R.I.P. Michael.

TODAY ONLY: 40% off everything on www.tobi.com

TODAY ONLY get 40% off everything on http://www.tobi.com/

Use code "GETOUT40" at checkout.

Excludes all merchandise from A.P.C., Anthony Logistics for Men, Comme des Garcons, Hudson Jeans, Nixon, T By Alexander Wang, and Robin's Jeans.

If the discount totals more than 50% off, the item is FINAL SALE.

Check out the above clutch by Botkier for $118.20 down from $395, the above dress by Velvet for $31.20 down from $130, and the above gladiator heels by Sam Edelman for $38.40 down from $129. Tobi also has a great selection of denim by J brand, 7 for all mankind, rock and republic, citizens of humanity, paige premium, true religion, and many more.

Deals for the Week of June 29, 2009

Tory Burch
June 26-July 1
Extra 25% off sale items
Use code "SALE25" at checkout online at http://www.toryburch.com/
Free shipping on orders over $150
Offer also valid in-store

Kate Spade
July 1-July 7
Extra 25% off sale items online at www.katespade.com and in-store
No code or coupon neccessary

Kate Spade Outlets
July 1-July 7
Extra 50% off already reduced sale handbags
No coupon necessary

Cole Haan
Extra 20% off sale items online at www.colehaan.com
Use code "EXTRA20" at checkout

Cole Haan Outlets
July 2-July 5
50% off all items in-store
No coupon necessary

Belen Echandia
June 30-July 3
30% off everything at www.belenechandia.com
No code necessary

Karmaloop
Extra 10% off sale items already reduced 50-85% off at www.karmaloop.com
Use code "GIODEN" at checkout

Hayden Harnett
June 30-July 8
Big bang sale online at http://haydenharnett.com/bigbangsale
Select items 28-75% off
No code necessary

Shop Intuition
June 30-July 5
20% off all regular-priced items
Use code "STARSTYLE" at checkout

Rarechic
June 30-July 1
35% off everything online at www.rarechic.com
Use code "SUMMER" at checkout
Excludes Flavor Paper

Bath & Body Works
July 1-July 5
20% off all purchases over $25 online at www.bathandbodyworks.com
Use code "9809" at checkout
Click here for coupon for use in-store: http://f.chtah.com/i/34/528207786/20090701_9809_coupon.html

Wink
July 1-July 7
20% off everything online (including sale) at www.winknyc.com
Use code "4JULY" at checkout

Banana Republic
July 2-July 5
Extra 15% off all sale items online at www.bananarepublic.com
Use code "SAVE15" at checkout
Free shipping on orders over $100

Tobi
July 2-July 6
30% off regular-priced items online at www.tobi.com
Use code "FIREWORKS30" at checkout
Excludes apc, anthony logistics for men, comme des garcons, hudson jeans, nixon, t by alexander wang, and robin's jeans

Couture Candy
July 3-July 5
$50 off orders over $150 online at www.couturecandy.com
Use code "JULY4" at checkout
Excludes sale items, james jeans, gold hawk, TAG, signorelli

Bergdorf Goodman: Extra 50% off select sale items

Bergdorf Goodman is now offering up to an extra 50% off select sale items. The majority of sale items are still marked at an extra 25%, but there are a few that are now an extra 50% off online at http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/. Check out the above Alice + Olivia ruched denim jacket for $99 down from $398 and the above tuxedo inspired dress by Catherine Malandrino for $106.50 down from $425. Also the Marc by Marc Jacobs cardigan below for $59.50 down from $198 and (my personal favorite) the floral coat by Nanette Lepore below for $178 down from $595. Act quickly before they sell out!

Current Fashion Do's: Maxi Dresses and One Shoulder Dresses and Blouses

DO: Maxi Dresses

I was admittedly skeptical about this trend at first due the fact that I am somewhat vertically challenged. It was not only difficult for me to find a maxi dress that didn't need to be hemmed since I am only 5'2'', but they just didn't seem to look quite right on me because of my larger hips. For awhile, I just wrote this trend off entirely until I ran across the above-pictured dress on sale at Macy's. While it is admittedly too long for me to wear with flat sandals, it looks great with wedges and it is definitely one of the most comfortable dresses that I own. The material of the dress is also quite forgiving as it is not very clingy and I just love the ikat print. The great thing about maxi dresses is that they can be dressed up or down and worn with flat sandals (as pictured above on Lauren Conrad wearing Gypsy05) or with wedges. If you too are skeptical about this trend don't give up because I am sure that the right maxi dress is out there for you! Arden B appears to have a nice selection of maxi dresses on sale right now including the one pictured above for $68, and many of them are on sale!

DO: One shoulder dresses and blouses

I am just thrilled that one-shouldered dresses and blouses have come back into style (as pictured above on Camilla Belle in Max Azria) for this summer as there is something undeniably sexy about baring a little shoulder skin. I purchased the above Nine West dress in yellow a couple of months ago at Macy's. Another beautiful option that I ran across is the floral one-shoulder blouse above by Bellatrix that is currently available at http://www.nordstrom.com/ for $78.

Raid My Closet: Feminine

My wardrobe consists of pieces from a variety of designers, at a variety of pricepoints, and in a variety of styles. Each week I will provide a sneak peek at the pieces that I am currently wearing and loving in a wide range of styles. This week features a selection of feminine pieces.
Knit Dress: Banana Republic, Spring 2009

Jacket: Beaubois, purchased at Filene's Basement last year

Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction, purchased at DSW a few years ago

Puff-sleeve sweater: The Original Inc., purchased at a boutique in Chicago a few years ago

Handbag: Gucci medium boston bag with lilac trim, Spring 2009

Faux pearl bracelet: Monet, purchased at Macy's last year

Style Muse: Charlotte Charles

For those who have not yet seen the (now cancelled) television show Pushing Daisies, it is a must see. Similar to the movie Amelie (which is also a must see), the dialogue is witty, the actors are great, and the costume and set design are amazing. I am entirely enamoured of the wardrobe of Charlotte "Chuck" Charles, with her never ending supply of full skirts, hair scarves, oversized sunglasses, and ladylike dresses. Unfortunately, the last few episodes of Pushing Daisies aired earlier this month and there are no more to come, although the first season of the show is now available on DVD. The costume design on Pushing Daisies was headed by costume designers Mary E. Vogt and Robert Blackman (who also headed costume design on the CW television show Privileged -now also cancelled). While it appears that I will no longer be able to envy Chuck's feminine ensembles, I can at least say thanks to Mary and Robert for giving us such a lovely and impeccably dressed character in Charlotte Charles!

Deals for the Week of June 22, 2009

The Gap
June 21-June 25
Take an additional 25% off all sale items
Online only at www.gap.com
Use code "SALE20" at checkout.

Shopbop
June 22-June 23
Take an additional 20% off select sale items
Online here: http://www.shopbop.com/shop/product_browse.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302153771&extid=20090622_COD-main
Use code "BONUS20" at checkout.

Urban Outfitters
June 22-June 30
Take an additional 15% off all sale items
Online only at www.urbanoutfitters.com
Discount will appear automatically when you add an item to your cart.
Free shipping on order over $150.

Philosophy
June 22-28
20% off your entire order online at www.philosophy.com
Use code "SHARETHELOVE" at checkout.
Free shipping on orders over $50.

Coach Outlet
June 23-June 28
Take an additional 20% off sale items already reduced 30-60%
Click here to print out coupon for in-store use: https://e.coach.com/servlet/website/PersonalizedForm?JhHJoEVTTCTZVV_XTYTZ_.40HJmhkRE.26f7be_7.2e.2ey.26zzElHIkpgHoHNkpgFohmtHpsDJhtEikpgmwHnLEmkNL

Steve Madden
June 22-July 5
Take 25% off your entire order online at www.stevemadden.com
Use code "SPIN25" at checkout
Free shipping with code "SMFREESHIPPING"

Crabtree & Evelyn
June 25-June 28
Take 25% off your entire order, including sale items
Use code "SALE25" at checkout when ordering online at http://store.crabtree-evelyn.com/
Print coupon for use in-store here: http://ebm.mailings.crabtree-evelyn.com/c/tag/hBKQ1-JAd$k4CB7uR$QA9RXvn.Ao9FVzHg/doc.html?email

Tory Burch
June 26-July 1
Extra 25% off sale items
Use code "SALE25" at checkout online at www.toryburch.com
Free shipping on orders over $150
Offer also valid in-store

Online Member-Only Sale Websites

Online member-only sale websites have been popping up left and right lately. For those of you that don't know about these websites, you must be invited by a member to join and then you can shop a particular designer's sale that usually lasts for about 2 days and begins at a specific time (usually around 11 a.m. or noon EST). Examples of these websites include Gilt Groupe, Hautelook, Ideeli, and Rue La La. The deals are typically quite good as the items are typically reduced about 40% to 50% off retail. I have personally ordered from Hautelook and Gilt Groupe and have not had any problems, although the shipping is somewhat slow and it can take up to two weeks to receive your item in the mail. Examples of upcoming sales for the week of June 22, 2009 include: Rafe (at Gilt), Amrita Singh (at Gilt), Elisabeth & James (at Hautelook), Alice + Olivia (at Rue La La), Charles David (at Rue La La), and Halston (at Rue La La). If you are not yet a member of any of these websites but would like to be, just let me know and I will send you an invitation to join.

Extra 25% Off Sale Items at Neiman Marcus

Neiman Marcus is currently offering an extra 25% off the majority of their sale items online starting today for a total of about 50% off. The discount is automatically applied when you place the item into your cart. Use code "NMSUMMER" at checkout for free shipping on your order. This promotion will begin in stores tomorrow. The website is currently very slow most likely because so many people are checking out the sale, but I managed to find these great deals. Pictured above are a pair of burberry espadrilles for $155.25 down from $295 and a blouse by Nanette Lepore for $123.75 down from $275. Below is a pair of Fleur de Lis earrings by Juicy Couture for $23.63 down from $42 (there is also a Fleur de Lis necklace available for $27) and a totally turn-lock zip clutch by Marc by Marc Jacobs for $104.25 down from $198. I'm sure these items and others will move quickly so act fast!

Urban Outfitters Yard Sale: June 14-June 28

Urban Outfitters is having a Yard Sale from June 14 to June 28 where all items are marked either $10 or $20. I have not yet had a chance to check out the sale, but their promotion states that they will have vintage items, shoes, one of a kind items, display items, furniture, and samples for sale. For those who don't know, the Urban Outfitters in C-bus is located on campus on High Street in between 12th and 14th avenues.

UPDATE: I went to the urban in Columbus this past Saturday June 20th and was underwhelmed by the "yard sale." Most items were priced $30 and higher and there wasn't a lot of selection. The sale is probably not worth your time in you live in the C-bus.

Extra 30% Off Sale Items at www.revolveclothing.com

I just learned that Revolve Clothing is matching Tobi's extra 30% off sale items promotion for today and tomorrow. Just check out as normal and then either provide your order number to live chat or send it via e-mail to sales@revolveclothing.com and they will adjust the price of your order accordingly. Be sure to mention the fact that you heard they are matching the Tobi 30% off discount. I love revolve because it has free shipping and no tax. There are, however, certain brand exclusions for the discount including: True Religion, Seven, Citizens, Paige, Nudie, Botkier, Kooba, Joe's, Lutz and Patmos, Jovovich Hawk, Cheap Monday, Clu, Sea, Common Projects, Rogues Gallery, Rose, A. Lawless, Band of Outsiders, Wayne, Bing Bang, Rebecca Minkoff, Gustto Parina, D&G, Goldenblu, & Treesje and Rock and Republic. All items you purchase with the extra 30% off discount are also FINAL SALE.

I just picked up an autumn cashmere ruffled wrap for $65.10 down from $330! I also picked up an 18K gold Kimberly Baker ring for $48.30 down from $138. Both items are pictured above. While the wrap is still available, unfortunately, I snagged the last ring.

Other great deals that I found but managed to resist (barely) include the items pictured below including a peace scarf by A Piece Treaty for $22.40 down from $96, a beautiful red beaded top by Rory Beca for $74.90 down from $323, and these droolworthy Tiva heels by L.A.M.B. for $124.60 down from $355. Act fast as these items are sure to sell out quickly and the extra 30% off discount ends tomorrow.

Amrita Singh: Affordable Statement Jewelry

Amrita Singh is an Indian jewelry designer that has been on the seen for a little while now. While her collections do contain more delicate items, I love her line for the statement pieces. Many of her items are currently ON SALE online at http://www.amritasingh.com/. Each of the earrings above are under $50, with the first at only $14, the second at $30, and the third at $40. Each of the necklaces below are under $100, with the first at only $28, the second at $60, and the third at $70. You get free shipping on all orders over $150. It should be noted that, in my opinion, her items are not impecably constructed, which is why I would suggest ordering them only at the sale prices. They are fun fashion pieces but are by no means super high quality.