Save Extra 30% on Sale Items at Banana Republic

February 1, 2009 07:00 AM | | Posted in sale, banana republic, spring fashion

The Deal: Last day to get an extra 30% off already reduced sale items at Banana Republic with code: SAVE30

The Lowdown: We would have loved sales like this during the holiday season, but now that we’re extra broke, we guess we should be grateful for an additional 30% off sale prices at Banana Republic.
We first headed for handbags, jewelry, and accessories, but the pickings were woefully slim (seriously, three pieces of jewelry and one handbag? Why bother?). Next stop? Apparel, with better results. Since we’re looking forward to Spring, we’re looking for pieces we can put to work for a few months to come. A bright and shiny blouse will do the trick, and bring a little spring your way in the meantime.
Our picks? This Silk Printed Top on sale for $34.99, this Silk Basketweave Blouse for $32.99, or this Silk Tie Sleeve Blouse for $34.99. Wear under suiting separates for now, and later just leave the jacket at home . . .
Shop: Banana Republic

Spring Fashion Trend: Grecian Goddess

April 25, 2008 06:00 PM | Comments (1) | Posted in spring fashion, tunic dress, Grecian goddess, Rami Kashou, rami kashou, grecian goddess

“THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER BEING SOLD”

Rami Kashou (you know, from the last round of Project Runway) must be in fabric-draping heaven this season; Grecian Goddess style is making a statement this Spring, and, quite frankly, we think it’s pretty great. The look is sophisticated, feminine and best of all, flattering. We love that this particular trend, unlike, say, ruffles and giant polka dots, can be worn by just about anyone—any body type, any age group, any walk of life. Some tips:

Don’t get overwhelmed. Petite fashionistas will want to make sure the draping is not so complicated, or doesn’t involve so much fabric, as to wear you instead of vice versa. Likewise, curvier girls will want to make sure that the draping doesn’t over-emphasize certain areas, like hips or bust, in such a way as to throw your figure out of balance (like this dress from Torrid.com, on sale for $38).

Keep the color palette soft. While bold color is still the top trend of the season, we’re thinking softer shades keep the Grecian draped look sophisticated rather than costumy.  Think ivory, pale blue, soft pink, beige, or other neutral tones. If you can’t live without bold color, go with something deep, like plum, rather than something bright like, say, electric orange.

Don’t over dramatize the accessories. The Grecian Goddess look plays best with minimal fuss—keep accessories to a minimum and make sure what you do choose is simple and/or delicate.

Grecian tunic from Twelve by Twelve, $26

Spring Fashion Trend: High Waisted Shorts

April 23, 2008 06:00 PM | Comments (0) | Posted in fashion trend, budget shopping, shorts, spring fashion, high waisted shorts

“SOME PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”

For those of us who loathe the low-rise, there’s a backlash coming in the form of a high waist short. We’ve seen high-waisted pants make an appearance on the scene, so it’s a logical leap—but there are some cautions you should be aware of before you buy. Some things to consider:

High-waisted means the focus is on, uh, the waist. Meaning that if you are going to wear them, they must, must, must not be ill-fitting. You don’t have to be wasp-waisted to pull it off, but you do have to make sure they’re not pinching your mid-section to within an inch of its life.

Keep the top half sleek. The shorts will be the focus here—wearing ‘em with a long boxy tunic would defeat the purpose, for example. Pair them with a body-skimming (but not skin-tight) top, tee, or tank, and top with a cut cropped or swing jacket to kick things up a notch.

Our picks for high-waisted shorts on a budget? We dig this cute pair from Forever21 for $19.80, and for a dressier version, these Zinc belted high waist shorts from Macy’s for $38. And for the daring and colorful among us, these high waist 8 button shorts from Wet Seal, for $22 and in sizes up to XL.

Spring 2008 Fashion Trend: Nude Pumps

April 9, 2008 01:00 PM | Comments (3) | Posted in fashion trend, fashion advice, rampage, nude pumps, spring fashion, 2008 spring fashion trends, Rampage

We started to see inklings of this trend mid-winter, but since Spring has arrived, the nude pump has become the go-to neutral shoe of the season. This makes us happy, because it’s a great transition shoe (doesn’t shout either winter or spring) and goes with just about everything. Best of all, the nude pump provides a fresh counterpoint to the bold patterns and vivid colors that are everywhere this season. Some tips on how—and how not—to wear them:

Pair them with: floral or patterned dresses; jeans, a t-shirt, and bright colored swing jacket; dress shorts and a pleated tunic top. You can do a neutral bag if you like, but we’re thinking a bright colored clutch would be our choice.

Don’t wear them with: beige/neutral from head to toe (bo-ring); colored stockings; a cocktail dress (uh, in general—too casual).

Buy them: Pick up this pair from Rampage for $42

Spring 2008 Fashion Trend: Floral Print Dresses

February 6, 2008 01:00 PM | Comments (2) | Posted in fashion trend, dresses, spring fashion, floral dresses

After a winter of menswear tailoring and basic gray, we’re happy to report that spring will allow us all to lighten up a little. Floral print dresses are hot for the season, and there are plenty of options you can pick up now. Our choices:

Pink print wrap dress, $98, at Victoria’s Secret

Floral print wrap-around dress, $39.00, Newport News

Floral print sheath dress, $69, Ann Taylor LOFT

Ruffled v-neck dress, $72, eDressMe.com

Floral spaghetti strap dress, $24.50, Wet Seal

What to Buy Spring 2007: Summer Straw Bags

May 5, 2007 10:29 AM | Comments (11) | Posted in handbag, spring fashion, straw bags

One of this season’s hottest accessories is the straw bag.
Here’s some basic rules to follow when looking for straw bag this summer:

1. Shop in your-mom’s-grandma’s-older friend’s closet. Most likely they have a fabulous straw bag lurking somewhere in the deep recesses of their closet. If you’re a mom-grandma-older friend, then shop in your own closet.

2. Head to the Thrift Store.  Thrift stores always have a great selection of straw bags, mostly from other people’s mom-grandma-older friends.

3. Never pay more than $25. Why blow your paycheck on a purse you’re only going to carry for 3 months?

4. Pair it with the nautical look. Straw bags work VERY well with the nautical look.  Pair it with a stripped shirt and a pair of wide leg pants in crisp white.

Don’t have a closet to raid? Don’t like thrift stores? Then check out these great summer straw bags..

• Red Straw Market Tote, $14.99 at Target.com
• Staw Clutch Bag, $6.00 at Wal-Mart
• Oversized Straw bag , $14.50 at OldNavy.com
• Juliet Tote, $17.99 at Payless.com

Found a great straw bag on your shopping travels? Tell us about it in the forum.