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!