Dream Wardrobe for a Girls Weekend

Happy friday everyone!! Isn't funny how after a week of work, Friday resemble some mini-holiday or at least moral victory... YOU MADE IT.

I'm off to visit girlfriends in DC this weekend, and on the agenda is plenty of gab, food, and drank. Although we've ambitiously decided to try and squeeze in a concert on Saturday - outside on the lawn, basking in the sun, I can't WAIT.

What to wear? Weekend bags are easier said than done since you want plenty of options, but in actuality it's only 48 hours. I know it'll be hot in DC, so comfort and keeping cool is key. If I had the endless closet of my dreams, here are 3 ensembles that I definitely pack - perfect for dinner with the girls, walking around, and a summer concert!

YTML Thurs: A Minty Fresh Secret

I grew up with two sisters, all of us very close in age, and one thing my mother was a stickler about was clear skin. We tried every brand and cleanser under the sun, even carrying those "Stridex" wipes around in our soccer bags to prevent a post practice pimple. Regardless, we were hormonal teens, and pimples happen. My mother swears by a "hot compress", but I've only found one thing to zap a zit quickly: toothpaste. I dont know what it is about the chemicals, but if you put it on your pimple before bed, you will wake up with a significantly smaller and less red bump. Every time. I would stick to the most basic kind you have by your sink (not sure what the super whitening kinds would do to your skin, plus travel sizes or the generic stuff only costs about $0.89). And don't apply if you've already popped -- it burns. Sorry if this got a little graphic, but smooth skin is totally worth it. And remember Mean Girls?? Boys are into the minty fresh scent!!

I forgot one!

Can't believe I forgot this flirty top from Anthopologie - new with tags, retails at $168 - is selling on eBay right now for $6.29 !! Treasure hunt SUCCESS.

EBAY: total distraction & new obsession

My apologies for being an absentee blogger. I've got quite a lot going on this week (namely an all you can eat and drink baseball game last night) so I haven't had a second to really focus and put in a good effort -- half ass blog entries are the worst.

Another huge distraction in my life (besides endless hotdogs and draft beer)? EBAY.
I had one unfortunate incident with Ebay in college, involving a britney spears themed party, red catsuit, and chinese seamstress, but that story is for another time.
The point is, it was a huge fail and I didn't really see Ebay as more than one huge digital yardsale.

UNTIL NOW. All it took was a couple lessons from my ebay savvy friend on how to effectively search for iteams, and the rest is an exhilerating treasure hunt. Type in some of your favorite labels - from Fendi to Free People to French Connection - and then either enjoy the endless pages of items, or continue to narrow yuor search by size, color, price range, etc.

I am partial to the items that are up for auction as they are usually cheaper, (and who doesn't love the thrill of competition) but there are also items that are available to "buy now", eliminating the chase. My Ebay advice, should you choose to take it:

1) there is a WATCH button that compiles a list of items you like, and sends you emails right before the auction closes to see if you want to place a bid. After accidentally bidding on 5 items and winning them all... the watch button is my new best friend.

2) Don't get too attached. The reason for my bidding spree was out of sheer anger that a DVF dress i was DYING for sky rocketed from $40 to $190 in the last 5 minutes of auction, some psycho cyber spender ripping it from my virtual fingertips at the finish line.

3) Do your homework to make sure you don't get screwed. Background check your seller, make sure they've received positive reviews from other buyers, and look for items with lots of pictures. Also, make sure you look at the shipping cost - some people jack it up to over $25.

All in all? One of my new favorite ways to shop. Sort of like a hybrid of sample sale and vintage shop, but without that musty smell. It has wasted hours of my life, but the thrill of a glorious find gone unnoticed by other cyber shoppers... is totally worth it.

On my WATCH list:

This gorgeous Rebecca Taylor silk blouse (HUGE for fall) is usually $300, but could be yours for $19.99!

I drooled over this Milly dress (picture does not do it justice) at a local boutique for ALL of last year, but at $515 it was never going to happen. I am estatic to say that I found one on Ebay in my size for $49!! Yes it has been worn, but there is no harm that my local dry cleaner can't fix!! Me: 1, Overpriced designers: 0

White floral romper: (new AND free shipping!) $13.90

New Tory Burch basic black flats: $54.00 (usually retail at $195)

Kate Spade wristlet: $39

New Alice + Olivia 1 shoulder dress: $41 (usually over $300)

New Alice + Olivia leather bustier dress (i'd DIE for this, retails at $495): $75

New Elizabeth & James heels: $99

DVF ruffly mini dress: $36

But as you're reading this, these pieces' prices could already be rising.... so go get your bid in, before someone else does!!!!

Weekend Sweetness

When I was 4 years old, I confessed to my mother that I was a Chocoholic. Sadly this addiction has haunted me for 19 years. Although chocolate is delicious paired with just about anything (mint, orange, strawberry, vanilla, more chocolate, pretzel, marshmellow, banana, this is embarrassing...), my absolute FAVORITE is peanut butter.

This recipe came from tastespotting.com, an awesome site where you can find recipes based on pictures of delicious dishes. The wide variety of pictures then click through to hundreds of different websites, from personal blogs to food network. Warning: you might find drool on your keyboard if you browse for too long.

This Chocolate Peanut Butter pie is so easy to make, and the chilled mousse-like texture of the peanut butter is amazing in the summer heat. Add some chocolate drizzle on top (and chocolate chips, if you're trying to get crazy).... Ooooh baby.

Recipe found here: http://www.nesting-project.com/2010/02/chocolate-peanut-butter-pie.html

Enjoy!

YTML: SALE

This week's tip isn't about beauty or lifestyle, but I couldn't NOT give you a heads up on the Urban Outfitter's SALE going on:

3 pages devoted to items under $5. I know, I know, you're mind is boggled. Check it out quickly before everything gets nabbed: tops, rompers, leggings, hats, scarves, shoes, jewlery!! This is not a drill!! (link here)

Shoes, Glorious SHOES

LISTEN UP PEOPLE: I got an email yesterday from Piperlime that right now their sale shoes are an additional 20% off (code: EXTRA20). I thought "Meh, it's probably just the reject ones that never got a loving home."

WRONG.

There are over 500 styles of shoes at blow-your-mind prices. I know the summer is half way through, but I know some of my sandals are getting ratty, so why not replace them now while they cost next to nothing? AND there's free shipping!!

This is what was in my "shopping cart" after perusing only the first few pages. With the additional discount, each one of these shoes are less than $40!

As you can see, I'm looking for something neutral, strappy, with a little flair - whether that be studs, or ruffles, or buckles. Got an input?? Let me know!!

Fergie, Swerve
Report, Abielle. I love the wedge heel on these to give your legs an extra boost - the gladiator sandals' hot sister . And all those straps would dress up some jeans way into the fall.

Michael Antonio, Tinsley. These I dont "need"....but i WANT.

Steve Madden, Genevvaa. The cuf sandal is undoubtedly the new sandal trend this summer. Why not try it out for a month or 2 when they are SO cheap??

Mia, Hayat. Less expensive, less bold - a more subtle take on the cuffed sandal, I really love the slate color.

Hive and Honey, Pelka. These are only $23.99 (down from $98!) and I am having a hard time saying no to that feminine ruffle and chunky heel. These would transition so easily into fall with some tights or thin ankle socks (i can't wait to try).

Hive and Honey, Perry. Same price as the ones above, these shoes will take you anywhere you want to go, paired with anything you have in your closet. Say. Yes.

Enzo Angiolini, Foxie.

Cio Bella, Kaitlyn. I love the detailing on these, so different from the average strappy sandal.

Chocolat Blu, Noa.

Blowfish, Catrell. These beauties are gladiator sandal meets cage heel and MMM mama like.

Happy Shoe Shopping, and hurry - the sale ends July 22!

I mean, FINALLY.

THE DAY HAS COME. When the LA judicial system will finally drop a pair, and send that train wreck Lindsay Lohan where she belongs... jail. Rumor has it that's where you go when you've broken 3490 kajillion laws (give or take) in the past 5 years.

In celebration of this day, I have collaged some of my favorite black & white striped pieces. Fingers crossed your jumpsuit is half this fabulous, Lindsay.

Buhut Oh... those Summer Niiiiiiiiiiiiiights

For some reason, the summer time has a way of making me reminisce. Childhood trips to the beach, popsicles, bike rides, any summer spent not in the office now seems so blissful and far off. (Mondays are my Debbie days, bear with me...)

So this past Saturday night was exactly the nostalgic evening I needed. After much begging, my boyfriend humored me and took me to the local drive-in movie theater... who knew those still existed!! Because I am a complete airhead, I did not bring my camera despite all the exciting things that needed to be documented -- like the best mullet ever.

I have tried my best to re-create the perfect summer night date with the following montage:

Time of the movie showing? An ambiguous "dusk". We drove Tyler's SUV and took out the back seats and rolled down the windows. Lying down while a breeze came through was about the most enjoyable way to watch a movie ever. Anticipation grew before the start of the movie, so when it was finally sufficiently dark, everyone honked in excitement:

What to wear on such a casual a summer date!! I've been admiring boyfriend jeans all summer, but bepfre i purchased I decided why not test drive an authentic pair? I belted a pair of Tylers and rolled up the cuff, and was more than satisfied. I paired the laid back, (SO COMFORTABLE) jeans with a girly red top complete with bow, and some embellished leather sandals:

Timeless cinematic masterpiece it was not, but the disney Harry Potter knock off was good mindless fun, especially while enjoying....

A massive tub of buttery popcorn, gallon of soda...

...lounging on some blankets in the fresh air.

And there was a suprise stop on the way home -- after a secretive phone call, Tyler confirmed that the HOT NOW light was on at the nearest Krispy Kreme. Another first for me, we began a race against the clock to get there before closing.

Then this happened. Times 2. A donut lover since the womb, there's really nothing that can beat a donut that's so fresh, the sugary outsides actually melt in your mouth.

Disney movie? check. Spending a warm night in the (kind of) outdoors? check. Junk food of the sweet and salty variety? check. Acquire a new pair of jeans? CHECK. Chalk it up as one of the best summer nights in recent memory.

Additional Reading

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not so happy for me when I woke up and thought today was Saturday. Jumped the gun a little...

I wanted to point out a new Sass Class feature - or gadget, as we tech savvy people say in the blogosphere. To the right you will see a new column of some of my favorite blogs! You can always use a couple more minutes of distraction, and I am always happy to help. These are some of the blogs that I check every morning, the way grown ups read the paper.

Let me know what you think, and please send me some of your favorites that I might have missed!

YTML Thurs: Unwanted Electricity

There a lot of things I miss about my New England hometown since moving to the south: my family, friends, adorable (and shamelessly pampered) sheltie, the local frozen yogurt, the(sometimes) winning sports teams, the chowdah, and not sweating profusely the instant summer air hits your skin.

One thing I DON'T miss? The constant annoying static in your hair and clothing every time the fall rolls around. Maybe it's because it stays hot and humid longer in the south, but I just haven't had the same electricity issues. Static makes it impossible to wear your hair down with out looking like one of Bill Nye the Science Guy's experienments, and sorry mom, but I still refuse to wear a slip.


SOLUTION!




Just like they are designed to do in the dryer -- Bounce sheets have some miracle formula that will combat your static. Just take a sheet and rub over your clothes - on or off the bod - and you'll be all set.

A trick for taming the static on hair? Use a little hair spray. Instead of spraying right on the hair for the shellaked look, spray (holding about 6 inches away) on your hair brush, then lightly run through your hair. It should keep every last hair in place!

Come fall...You're welcome. Now is it Friday yet?

Anything You Can Do...

As most of you know, the past couple weeks have been celebrating some of the most glorious fasion in Paris. Two of my favorite outfits from atendees came from the same girl who's movies make me want to bash my head into a wall... Jessica Alba. Give the girl some credit though: she's had a baby, bounced back, and completely outdressed the competition. Rather than let me jealousy consume me, I've scoured the internet to find similar pieces to show that we can do it too!!! When simplified, I think both of her feminine yet fierce looks are a cinch to pull off - and I for one, can't WAIT to copycat.

Jessica Alba at the Dior Fashion Show

I am not normally a fan of white heels, but if you keep them strappy or closer to cream colored, they are the perfect footwear for this simple, summery look. Come september? Change in the white shoes for brown boots and throw on a blazer and you can easily transition to fall.

Jessica Alba at the Chanel Fashion Show

This is a great way to mix your summer whites with some fabulous new black booties that, as you can see, are in an abundance for fall. Make sure you choose a full skirt, and keep the accessories simple.

This was an extremely enjoyable and motivational exercise for me, and hopefully you will reap the benefits! I would love to help out if you see a celebrity look you LOVE and want to replicate. Comment with the links or feel free to send me an email!

Suprising Shoes News

You know what I love? A good suprise. And I had two "Well whatdoyaknow /whowouldathunk" moments yesterday when perusing the big summer sandal sale at ideeli (rue lala spin off, let me know if you'd like an invite).


Moment #1.




I really had a strong distaste when "Jelly" sandals allegedly came back in style. Why would I ever want to spend money on shoes that were openly made out of transluscent, neon plastic? All I could think about was being 7 or 8 years old, and digging through a big bin of plastic sandals with my sisters at the Gap every summer. "Jellies" to me belong with the gingham overall shorts I rocked when I was 8, not for grown ups.

BUT then I saw these flats from Steve Madden's most tasteful spin-off label, Steven. They're not exactly sandals so they don't seem so juvenile. The embellishment I love, and these would be a great alternative to flip flops at the pool, or walking around in the summer. Theyre a spruced up version, but the neon options let you know theyre not taking themselves too seriously. And for $27? Don't Mind if I do.

Moment #2.

I know Jack Rogers sandals are "classic" but I've really never been able to justify dropping $100 on sandals that I'm iffy about. I've heard theyre comfortable, and I know theyre in the preppy handbook, but why? The woven leather kind of looks navaho? And just because you make them in a zillion colors doesnt fool me, it's still the exact same sandal? I dont know people, they look great on my Mom and my preppy-til-she-dies sister, but theyre not for me.

UNTIL.

Someone at over at the old Jack Rogers design house challenged us non-believers by creating new shoes for fall that are... actually cute!! Still identifiable as JR, but with obvious, and welcome variety. They're on ideeli for just over $100, but with a reputation for well crafted footwear, I'm sure they're worth it.