Jessica Simpson
20% Off BCBG and Jessica Simpson Shoes
“THIS SALE HAS ENDED”
The Deal: Get 20% off BCBG and Jessica Simpson Shoes at Smartbargains.com
The Lowdown: Designer is less and less a part of our fashion consciousness these days as our budgets tighten, but some cute BCBG or Jessica Simpson shoes—at 20% off—just might still be within reach. For fall we love these BCBGirls Melissa Mary Jane Leather Wedge Pumps, on sale now for just $39.98, and we’re kinda drooling over these Jessica Simpson Patent Newport Peep Toe Pump
, also on sale for $39.98.
Shop: Smartbargains.com
Free Shipping on Handbags at Endless.com
The Deal: Handbags ship for free overnight from Endless.com
The Lowdown: A fab new handbag is just what the fashion doctor ordered for the season, and Endless.com is one of our fave sources—and free overnight shipping? Hello—that’s what we’re talkin’ about. Need a clutch suitable for going out? We looove this Jessica Simpson Sapphire Clutch ($65.90-$78). But don’t stop there . . .
Shop: Endless.com
High vs. Low: Sneakers
Most hardcore fashionistas wouldn’t be caught dead without their stilettos, but every once in a while you have to take them off and put on some comfy sneakers. After all, you certainly can’t exercise in sky-high heels (unless you’re Mariah Carey, that is). Everyone should have at least one decent, and still good-looking, pair in their closet. We just don’t believe that it’s necessary to sacrifice style for comfort. You can have both! And that’s why we found cute and comfy high and low styles. So, which is which?
On the left: the Billy JS sneaker by Jessica Simpson, $70, available at bakersshoes.com. On the right: the Bastia sneaker in lamb leather, $465, available at louisvuitton.com.
Summer Fashion Trend: The White Dress
“THESE PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
What: The Rise of the White Dress
What We Say: Okay, okay, we get it already! Everywhere you turn right now—and we do mean everywhere—you will find the white dress, on everyone from Jessica Simpson to Halle Berry. White dresses of all types, but primarily white sundresses —from maxi to mini, empire waisted to shift to tank to bubble skirt, you name it. Truly, there’s nothing better to show off that golden glow (natural or otherwise), and it’s a super easy option from daytime errand-running to a casual evening out. Oh, and it goes with everything, meaning that accessorizing is even more fun than usual.
Are you getting the idea that we like this trend? Yup, it’s true. So much so that we’ve picked some budget options for you to try out—all you have to do is add some colorful flip flops or wedge sandals (orange and red seem to be the, er, hot colors to pair with white), maybe a gold cuff or bangles, big sunglasses, and a slouchy neutral hobo, and you’re good to go.
American Rag Smocked Flounce-Hem Dress, on sale $36.75, Macy’s
Tiered Babydoll Mini Dress, $24.80, Forever21
Isaac Mizrahi for Target Empire Waist Dress with Tie, $29.99
Xhilaration Scoopneck Swiss Dot Dress, $19.99 at Target
Fashion Advice: The Great Fake Debate Continues
Q: How do you buy a knock-off hand bag? What are your guidelines, what are smart prices to pay? What is important to look for? I want to be able to have nice handbags but not be broke because of them!
A: There has been quite a bit of debate regarding knock-off bags (especially fake Louis Vuitton handbags) and the impact these bags have had on the fashion industry. Exact duplicates are not fair to the designers, period. Imagine spending years perfecting your art and name, only to have some steal your idea and sell it for well below market value. However, using elements of a popular design is nothing new in fashion. Every major and minor design house “borrows” design elements from other fashion designers and lower priced stores like H&M often sell items using a design made popular by more expensive designers (I call it “designer inspired” items). The difference between “knock-offs” and “designer inspired versions”, that the designer inspired versions don’t claim to be the real thing.
When looking to buy a knock-off you have to ask yourself, do I want it because the celebrity of the moment has it or do I want it because I truly like the designer and the bag. If the later is your answer, skip the rest of this article and save your pennies (nickels, dimes,) to purchase a real bag. However, if the reason why you want it is because Nicole Ritchie, Lindsay Lohan, or whatever celebrity of the moment has the bag, then I suggest you really think about why you’re buying the item (and why you feel the need to emulate an idea that isn’t real in the first place—celebrities often get those items for free). Buying a designer bag isn’t going to make you Jessica Simpson.
If it is quality you want—rarely are knock-offs good quality—then look for high quality, mid-priced bags from designers like Coach, Hype, Kenneth Cole, Donna Karan, Cole Haan, etc. You’ll find these bags for up 75% off at stores like Nordstrom’s Rack, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, and their outlet stores. Furthermore, designer label doesn’t always equal quality. For example, a very famous designer makes a nylon bag that just because it has its label on it retails for over $300. You could buy the same bag, same quality for around $30 at your local T.J. Maxx.
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