La maison de mode

Take A Dip!

2008-03-14T14:43:00.002-04:00

Dip dyed clothes and even accessories have come back in full force this season! And they are more versatile than ever. You are now seeing not only bright colors being dip dyed but also darker shades so this is a trend that you can find both in day and evening wear! I will show you a variety of both!

Here is my first pick of the day this shaded magenta skirt from Express for $49.50. You could easily play on the bright or dark side of this skirt depending on the time of day or occasion!

How about accessorizing with this dip dyed scarf? Available in three colors, it would style up a crisp white t shirt or tank easily! This one from Kmart for $6.39.

My next three selections are a little more pricey than I like BUT I feel they are totally worth it if you have something special coming up or a little extra cash saved!

I think this dress is amazingly chic! The roped look of the straps is a great detail and sort of gives this dress the "goddess" look. This dress is $169.99 from Bluefly.

Next up I chose this truly elegant silk top available at Nordstrom's for $98. This piece also has the twisted straps and the graduation of colors is like a feast for the eyes!

And finally...for my last piece I chose a stunningly shiny bag! The shading is splendid! Made by Guess and costs $115.

Wasn't that fun? Another great reason why I think this will be one of the best years in fashion yet!

Get Inspired By Nature!

2008-03-12T16:48:00.005-04:00

Birds, butterflies, trees and more! They are all part of nature and they are all finding their way to adorn our wears! Everything from shoes, jewelry and dresses.

I happen to be partial to birds...in particular swallows! There is a lot of pretty jewelry out there decorated with these little guys. Check out these cute locket earrings from Target for $17.99.

What about these adorable peep hole pumps covered with a leafy jungle print! Three different colors to choose from and available at Charlotte Russe for $22.99.

Give this butterfly scarf a try with a khaki colored shirt dress to snazz it up a bit. An absolute steal at $5.80 from Forever 21.

Check out this amazing tree patterned dress from Delia's. Its light cotton material is just what is needed on a hot summer day! Price tag: $39.50

And finally I found this spectacular wallet from Urban Outfitters for $36. I love the cool sumi ink inspired watercolor print in the background but most of all I LOVE the gold snake especially because his tail wraps around the entire wallet and also serves its purpose as the snap closure! How innovative :)

Now that's a pretty easy trend to incorporate into your lifestyle...don't you think? Especially if you have a fondness for a particular creature, flower, etc. If nature makes it you are bound to find it on an article of clothing or a pair of earrings or something you can wear! So get looking!

Stripes: Beyond Black and White

2008-03-11T14:50:00.003-04:00

We've all seen chic prisonesque striped garb but this year stripes are totally fresh bright and fun! We are seeing lots of mixed patterns, directions and colors with our stripes which tends to go with the theme of this spring and summer.

Today is my first segment on stripes and I will be taking you past the traditional black and white striped shirt and showing you far more exciting tops for you to indulge in! I will be doing some future blogging about where else you will be finding these lovely lines....but for today it's all about the striped shirt!

As we all know the brighter and bolder you are this season the better! This shirt is the perfect example, tons of color, tons of pattern and you have to love the kimono sleeves.
Available at Lulu's for $49.

This next shirt is very well put together. It has a crisp and classic look with it's off the shoulder design and tie around the waist. From Victoria's Secret for $39.

This next choice is a great example of mixing up the directions of the stripes. It's ok to mismatch a little! This one is from Macy's for $36.75.

And finally I have picked this one from Arden B for $58. I love all the various widths of the stripes but most of all I love the little crochet detail in the center which makes it very sweet and romantic!

Well my friends there we have it! Keep your eye out for Part II of my stripe edition because there are many many more places these stripes are popping up!

April Showers...

2008-03-09T13:25:00.004-04:00

...bring May flowers! Ok, so it is not yet April but it is quickly approaching and with these rainy months you will need essential spring outerwear. Most importantly you will need a trench coat! The iconic trench coat is a spring classic and will forever return. However, we are seeing some real unique takes on the old stand by and here are a few of my absolute favorite trench coats for this season.

First up is this one from NY & Co. This coat is the traditional style double-breasted trench but it is available in a fun vibrant blue which makes it perfect for this spring. Even better is that it is $49.95!

Ready for a real twist? Check out this great trench coat from Target. The best part of this coat is that it has a superb funnel neck which makes it completely different and not to mention it is in vivid red! This one is $69.99.

Here is an unbelievable deal once again from Forever 21. This is a great variation of a classic black trench first of all it is all satin and secondly it has dramatic puffy sleeves! $34.80 for this one!

My final selection is this one from Tulle. It nicely incorporates the ruffle trend without being to frilly. $85 and available in three colors.

There are so many great choices when shopping for a trench coat! I hope you enjoyed some of these great finds. When you have a lovely coat like one of these you won't mind all the rain so much!

Hippity Hoppity...

2008-03-07T14:06:00.002-05:00

Easter is on its way! Do you have your Easter dress picked out??? Think of two important spring trends when picking out your dress. Bright. Floral. Those should be in the forefront of your mind when contemplating your outfit.

Check out these gems!

This dress from JcPenney is spectacular! The colors are so vivid and the bead and sequin detailing makes this dress sparkle! Price: $59.99.

How about this lotus patterned chiffon dress from Forever 21. Only $24.80!

Black and white never looked so lively as it does in this dress from Ann Taylor Loft. I adore the lantern sleeves because they are something you don't often see on a dress. Also the hint of aqua color is just enough and would stand out a bit more if you had a nice matching pair of shoes to go with this dress! This one will set you back $69...not bad!

And finally this number from Macy's. I like how the floral print is strictly on the skirt part of the dress which makes it a bit more formal. This dress is $160.

Well...waste no time and start looking! A stunning floral patterned dress is a must have for the season and trust me they are not hard to find!

Add Some Height!

2008-03-06T16:04:00.004-05:00

Wedges continue to be a popular choice for the upcoming seasons. With so many varieties and styles you can easily spice up your outfit with the right wedge shoe. Not to mention they add great height and length to your legs....and who doesn't love the comfort of a wedge heel?

There are so many to choose from so I had an extra hard time trying to narrow down my selections but here are my top five all over best picks!

First up are these from Sears for $35.99. With basic black you can never go wrong! I love that the cork heel also has a little black block of color as well.

How about a splash of color? Red shoes can easily transform a nice outfit into a fantastic one! These are from Piperlime and are $40!

For something really fun try these satin shoes from Victoria's Secret. They come in two amazing patterns and also black and white. $49 each.

Nothings says summer like white sandals! Plus the detailing on the heels of these shoes makes them unique! Give these a try for $22.99 from Payless.

My absolute favorite pair would have to be these from Baker's. I adore their color and material but most of all the peak hole in the heel! Gorgeous! On sale for $49.99!

That's my round up for today! So, give you feet a break from stilettos and try some wedges! It's beginning to be that time of year again!

It's Simple Geometrics!

2008-03-05T15:00:00.003-05:00

Squares, circles, triangles, octagons! Anything goes with the new graphic prints that you are seeing everywhere nowadays! Geometry never looked so good! So enjoy it while it lasts and find your perfectly bold top or dress.

For my list of favorites let's start off with this tunic from Old Navy. It's flashy but also very feminine. Best part it's $12.99!

For a very mod look try this light tunic from Express. With this top you still have the great graphic print but it's not as vibrant in color which makes it less intimidating for some. This top is $59.50.

Why don't you give a dress a try with an eye-catching pattern? This great dress from Target has an amazing circular pattern and in black and white it is sure to stay in style for quite some time. Only $26.99!

My final selection is this silk blouse from bebe. Its stunning cubic print ties in nicely with the braided waistband. Truly elegant; however, a bit more expensive at $79.

I hope this has given you some ideas on some geometric styles you may like to try. Until next time...enjoy a little abstraction!

Charmed I'm Sure

2008-03-03T17:07:00.003-05:00

Charms are everywhere! You can see them adorning virtually everything for the classic charm bracelet to bags and belts!
For now I am just going to stick with the jewelry aspect of things but I will do a future segment about other charming accessories.
Here are some of my picks to satisfy anyones charm craze and budget!

First pick of the day is this necklace from Urban Outfitters for $24. Some charm necklaces can be gaudy and overdone but this one is just right by sticking with a theme everything flows nicely.

Next I chose these great leaf charmed earrings from Target for $19.99. Basic and easy to match with your outfit!

Looking for a charm bracelet? Try this one from JcPenney for $17.99! This charm bracelet is a bit more unique since the charms are linked together rather than hanging which gives it an entirely different look!

My last and favorite selection for today is this one from Nordstrom for $40. I love this necklace because it's multi-stranded and the little decoupaged image is adorable!

Like the idea of charmed jewelry but none of these appeal to you? Whey not make your own charmed pieces by adding charms and jewels that have importance to you! Stop by your local bead store and start creating! Or check out an online bead store; I happen to like Firemountain Gems but there are tons out there!

Totally Sheer

2008-03-01T15:32:00.004-05:00

Sheer overlays make an outfit hopelessly romantic! Try a new twist on layering and buy some sheer tops, blouses or smocks and pair them with a form fitting dainty camisole for an incredibly feminine look.
There are tons of styles to try for spring and summer but here are a few of my favorites!

First up I found this one at Tulle. The color is neutral so it's great for almost all skin tones and the little bow tie in the front cinches the waist. On sale for $31!

This black sheer smock from Charlotte Russe is a great added piece for a night out. In elegant black you can't go wrong! This smock is $15.99!

Want a nice bright spring color? Try this top from Forever 21 for $22.80. The bright jade coloring and the embroidered details makes this pick stand out!

Lastly is this gorgeous chiffon blouse from Rampage for $22. In it's light peach shade and beautiful lace trim you have to love the vintage-inspired look.

So try some new layering techniques and purchase some tissue-thin pieces. A brilliant new take on an old concept!

Tired Of Jumping Through Hoops.....?

2008-02-29T16:21:00.003-05:00

...then start wearing them instead! Hoops are certainly a classic, they have been around forever and just continue to get better! This season the bigger and bolder they are the better they are! Make them the feature of your outfit and go for some real dramatic sorts!

Start with these amazing gold tone hoops from Urban Outfitters. They are large and gorgeous with faceted gems and beads. Now on sale for $6.99!!!

Want something a little more simple? Look at these made by Lucky Brand and available at Dillards for $22. Chic and sophisticated with plenty of volume.

This next pair are truly striking with the dark black enamel and shiny gold. The new bamboo style earrings are beautiful and so far these are my favorites! From Guess for $25.

And last but never least are these from Old Navy. Uncomplicated and functional these come in five different colors and are a great deal at $7.50!

A little something for everyone! I hope you like my picks for today. Hoops are great to play around with and there are tons of diverse styles out there. So start your quest to find you pair of signature hoops!

It's A Shirt....NO! A Dress!

2008-02-28T16:16:00.004-05:00

Shirt dresses are huge this season and also very practical! They work wonderfully as a day dress and are quite comfortable. You can dress them up nicely with some nice chunky jewelry and a pair of your favorite wedged heels or you can go for the all over comfort and wear a cozy pair of flats.

Here are my choices for best price and value!

I love red especially in this type of dress because it is still flashy but not too overwhelming. This dress is from Ann Taylor Loft and the price is $49.99!

How about this classic fitted shirt dress from Spiegel? Available in a wide array of colors and comes with a pretty belt for $69.

Like the idea of a shirt dress but wished for one a bit more feminine? Then this one is for you! From Victoria Secret this dress has sweet cap sleeves and a full skirt. Also available in many colors for $99.

My final pick is this one from Target. This dress is wonderful because the style is much like that from the 1950's which makes it stand out from the other shirt dresses you'll be seeing. Only $44.99.

Those are my choices for today! Hope you enjoyed them and found one you liked!

Color Is On The Block!

2008-02-27T13:47:00.003-05:00

Bold blocks of color are being seen on virtually all articles of clothing. The contrast between a dark block of color and a bright block next to it is what you will be seeing the most. However, also popular is color blocking the same color but in different shades. There are tons of combinations out there to allow you to get as wild as you want.

My first selection is this linen color block dress available at Macy's for $69 which is not a bad deal for a dress! The zig zag design takes color blocking to a whole new level!

If you are looking for an everyday shirt to pair with your jeans than this one is it. This light tunic is only $39.99 from Bluefly.

This next top also pairs nicely with jeans but is also a superb example of same color, different shade color blocking! You can purchase this one at LuLu's for $32.

Want a skirt? Try this one from Express. It's subtle design can be worn for many occasions. 100% silk for $59.50.

This last dress I loved so much I had to put both color options for you to look at! Tons of blocks of color and gorgeous detailing. Which color do you prefer? These dresses are from Kohl's and only $36.99!

We just scratched the surface of this flashy trend. Don't forget to keep your eyes out for shoes, hand bags and other accessories also sporting this fun motif.

Flower Power!

2008-02-26T17:25:00.005-05:00

How about adding just a dash of floral to your getup? Spring is most definitely upon us and nothing gets us more amped up about its arrival than seeing the first blooms. So...speed up the process start accessorizing with blossoming designs.

The best part about these picks? These never wither and die!

First up is this great cocktail ring from Urban Outfitters is $18. It makes a great focal point and the soft rose hue could match up with several outfits.

Another gorgeous option is this brooch with small yellow floret accents. This one can be found at Long Hair Girl Accessories for $11.99.

Love the timeless strand of pearls? Than you should try the trendy and modern version like this Y necklace from Kohl's for $22. Sweet and delicate with the added porcelain rosebud.

My final selection is a steal at $7.99 this fancy flower hair pin is the perfect accessory. Available in nine different colors. This piece is also from Long Hair Girl.

There ya have it folks! A little bit of everything today. I hope you find something that interests you. Spring is just around the corner....

It's Ok To Embelish A Little...

2008-02-25T20:03:00.005-05:00

Tops with sequin, jeweled and studded embellishments are a great new addition to any wardrobe. These versatile pieces can add just enough sparkle to your everyday outfit without making you seem too "dressed up."

Here are some of my favored selections:

This keyhole tank has the perfect amount of jewel studs added to the neckline. In basic black you could pair it with just about anything. On sale for $25 at Newport News.

Give a fun print a try! The neckline and sleeves are filled with shimmering sequins and rhinestones on this breezy sheer top. Available at Charlotte Russe for $19.99.

Want something a little more basic? Then this next top is your match. Gray and silver sequin detailing for $13.99 at Target!

As per usual I have saved the best (in my opinion) for last! I adore the gold accents around the scooped neck and the draping of this tunic. A perfect piece for a special night out. Only $27.80 from Forever21.

Well, there you have them my friends! So tell me, which is your favorite?

Stack 'Em Up!

2008-02-24T12:19:00.005-05:00

Bangles that is! Large, chunky bangles will be a very important accessory for the upcoming seasons and you should definitely give them a try. Whether you'd like to stack several up your arm or choose just one as a focal point, they pair nicely with floral printed and neutral colored clothing.

Here is a list of my favorite findings!

First up is this one from NY & Co. It's natural color and subtle golden studs can be paired with almost any outfit. At $11.37 it's a real steal!

Want a real eye-catching piece? Try this bangle from Express. The swirling pattern and color contrast will certainly attract attention. These are $26.50.

How about one that has tons of delicate accents? This multicolored bangle has wire strands of sparkling beads. Only $12.99!

And for my favorite and final pick this one from Dillard's. This three layered bangle has the sweetest detailing with a small little charm. On sale for $11.25!!!

Hope you enjoyed my choices for today! Try a bangle or two for your jewelry accessory of the season. They are a ton of fun and extremely versatile.

Wrap These Scarves Around A Cozy Spring!

2008-02-23T11:02:00.003-05:00

Just because warmer days are approaching us doesn't mean that the scarf is on vacation! Actually scarves are becoming increasingly popular for spring and summer.

Think your outfit is looking boring? Add a little zip with a colored or patterned scarf.
There are plenty of light and crisp scarves to choose from and here is my list of favorite picks!

This first scarf is single colored and comes in vivid shades of yellow, green and blue. The sheer crinkled texture is ideal for warmer climates. It's long and could be wrapped in countless varieties...use your imagination! Available at Ann Taylor loft for $29!

Want a printed scarf? Try this one from Old Navy. It's available in several bright and geometric patterns. I am partial to this one in brown and pink. Only $9.50!!!

Looking for a more natural toned scarf? Check this find from Delia's for $12.50!

And for my final pick a more traditional scarf which you can try out all your scarf tying techniques. This one is an airy cotton/silk blend and the poppy design is perfect for spring.

Not sure how to tie a scarf? Check out some online tips here.

Those are my affordable and adorable scarf picks of the day. So experiment and have fun with them. They are a great way to turn a lackluster outfit stylish!

Ruffle Some Feathers!

2008-02-22T09:27:00.004-05:00

From the adorably sweet to the insanely dramatic, ruffles are getting a lot of attention these days! They are being seen on all articles of clothing and accessories (I hope they don't return on men's tuxedos!!!) and offer a touch of femininity to your ensemble.

I say start with a solid colored, moderately ruffled shirt to add to your closet. Crazy patterned ruffle shirts will definitely out date themselves quicker than a sleek single colored one.

Here are some of my top picks:

First on my list of incredible deals is this crisp blouse. It's tailored frame and ribbon accent give it just the right amount of elegance that you could easily where this from work to dinner. And hey treat yourself to a good restaurant because the price for this is only $24.80 brought to you by Forever21.

This next top fits in two fashion trend categories: brights and ruffles! This is absolutely my favorite pick for today. The flashy hue of green is perfect color for spring and the belted detail cinches nicely at the waist. At $24.50 from Wet Seal you can't afford not to have it!

Now for something all together sweet. I love this shirt because it includes both the delicate ruffles with the soft bubble sleeves! So chic and only $38 from Macy's!

And finally a dark purple silk top with light dot impressions. I imagine this top with wide legged black trousers and sparkling accessories...like perhaps some chandelier earrings. This one is slightly more expensive at $58.00 and available at Urban Outfitters.

There they are, my top picks of the day! So don't be afraid to ruffle some feathers, would ya?!

My Favorite Thing About Spring '08 Fashion Is...

2008-02-21T11:44:00.004-05:00

COLOR! And I'm not talking about muted pastels that seem to only look good on egg shells. This spring is all about bright, vibrant, shocking colors!

Why not add some royal blue, canary yellow or fiery red to your spring attire? It's a delightful change and very simple to incorporate into your spring wardrobe.
Scared to take the plunge into the colorful world? Start small....like perhaps some eye-catching shoes.

I love these fabulously shiny shoes from Newport News! They will make a plain old outfit pop! They come in a variety of colors and the best part is that they are only $25

Give the typical bland jacket a twist and buy one in a canary yellow. Like this one from Target. Only $24.99! An inexpensive item with tons of potential! Pair it with you favorite jeans for a cute spring look.

How about a crisp cobalt tunic that you can easily dress up or down with some added accessories.
This on is from Forever21 and only $19.80!

A colorful clutch is the perfect way to kick up your simple black dress a notch or two. Try this vivid red clutch from Target. It's only $22.99 and you are bound to find countless uses for it.

Dresses featuring spring blooms in bold colors are what you will be seeing as the "it" dress of the season. Though I am trying to provide you with incredible deals I still have to include this magnificent dress. Though the price is not too unsightly it is still more on the expensive side. Made by BCBG and available at Bloomingdals. Price tag: $158. But worth every cent!

So there it is an overview of my favorite thing about Spring '08 fashion. So give your pastels a break and try on some brights!

Welcome My Fashionable Friends!

2008-02-20T15:19:00.004-05:00

This blog is going to be a basic how-to in terms of incorporating fashion trends and fashion classics into your life! I will be offering my opinions on the must-have pieces, accessories etc. that will happily boost you into fashiondom.
My blog is for the everyday fashionista who wants to keep up with the ever-changing fashion world but would also like to find items that won't leave you stealing quarters from your child's piggy bank!
Fear not I will do the research for you and scout out tons of reasonably priced must haves!
My entries will have the latest trends and samples of each. See something you like...click on the link and you are ready to purchase them.
So please be on the look out for my first fashion alert where I will discuss my favorite thing about Spring '08 fashion!