Anthropologie Blouse on Sale

I feel like I need to shout from the roof top whenever a fabulous piece of clothing goes on sale.  Today is one of those days.  GO BUY THIS TOP FROM ANTHROPOLOGIE!! Can you tell I am shouting?

It retails for $98 and is on sale for $49.95.

That is almost 1/2 off!

Some of you are thinking, "What do I wear with that"?  Or "It is too dressy.  I wear shorts everyday". Ladies, this is one of those tops that can go with a million things you probably already own.   It is a versatile blouse and can be worn year round.  Yes, all year long!  

Below is an outfit I put together for you short sporting mamas.  I dressed it up for you with jewelry and wedges in case you get to leave the children every once in awhile.  If not, then take off the jewels and throw on a pair of flip flops.  Voila -  you are good to go!

anthro top by jmewbourne featuring wedge heel sandals

There are limitless outfit options with a floral top like this one.  Switch out the shorts and pair with your favorite jeans. Layer under a jacket for the fall.  Or even dress it up with a skirt and heels.  It is definitely worth the splurge.

Happy Shopping!

Lela Rose - A Designer Steal

I love to give a shout out to a native Texan when I come across one, and Lela Rose is a Dallas gal worth mentioning.  After attending design school in NYC, she launched her own clothing label out of her apartment.  Lela became highly sought after when Jenna and Barbara Bush wore her dresses to their father's presidential inauguration.  Until then, she had only worked with private clientele.  Now she dresses celebrities such as Jessica Simpson, Ashley Judd, Molly Sims, and the Olsen twins.  Impressive, huh?


However, like most designers, her dresses are not cheap.  They range in price from $1300 to $1700.  I've included a few of my favorites from her Spring 2011 collection. 

Well my friends, there is good news!! Lela Rose recently collaborated with Payless and Ann Taylor Loft and designed some adorable dresses and shoes.  The best part is that they are very affordable!  


Payless 
They always run a Buy One Get One Free Sale, so grab and friend and split the cost.

Peep Toe Platform - $45

Wedge w/ contrast piping - $65

Navy wedge - $45

Ann Taylor Loft

Unfortunately Ann doesn't like to share her photos with everyone so I've included the website addresses below to link you to 4 fabulous dresses currently available online and at select Ann Taylor Loft stores.  At $98 and $118 they are a real bargain compared to her more upscale line at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.  Check your mailbox for that monthly Loft coupon card and get an additional 25% off.

Jacquard Sheath Dress $98

Beaded Shift Dress $118

Strapless Linen Dress $98

Printed Scoop Dress $98

Which dress is your favorite?

Happy Shopping!! 

Cheap and Chic?

In a few weeks, my whole crew will be traveling to Colorado to visit my best friend.  While I am thrilled beyond words to spend four blissful days with her and her sweet family, there also brings a tad of insecurity with the visit.  My Dallas pal, you see, is my fashion nemesis.  She grocery shops in Tory Burch's latest collection and dines on Mexican food in Diane Von Furstenburg.  She attends charity luncheons in Chanel and receives Jimmy Choo's from her husband on a bad hair day (kidding, but only a little).

Tory Burch $425

So what's the big deal you ask?  Well - nothing but good ole fashion jealousy.  We have been best friends for over 20 years and one thing we love to bond over is talking shop about the latest trends as I scour through her closet coveting her recent purchases.  It's just my latest trends come from the Loft and hers from (insert your favorite designer here).  Hanging with her and her glamorous family is like wearing a Target dress to the Academy Awards.

Diane Von Furstenberg - $385

So here is my reality check.  With the exception of a few pairs of pants I keep hanging on to in hopes that one day they will fit again, there is nothing wrong with my wardrobe.  I live in Middle Tennessee.  The highlight of my social life is attending my daughter's My Gym dance recital or a Stella & Dot jewelry party from time to time.  My girlfriends and I occasionally splurge on a few items that most big city girls would chuckle at, but I am as chic as I can be on a "cheap(er)" budget.

Tory Burch Miller Thong - $195

So I will attempt to put my best foot forward and remix the hell out of my wimpy little closet.  While they may be no match to Tory Burch, I am hoping to shed my materialistic insecurities and just enjoy one of my favorite people in the whole world.  I am truly blessed to have her in my life - clothes and all!

Happy Shopping!!

P.S.  I do love Target!

The Maxi

I have to admit it took me a while to embrace the Maxi dress.  I know, I know, I am a little hesitant to join the band wagon on certain trends, but I eventually come around.  I did buy skinny jeans, right?

The Maxi dress however can be very cute and flattering.  Much like jeans and bathing suits, you may need to try on several styles to find the one that is right for you.  They are everywhere and at all price points so try to have fun finding the perfect one.  And YES - if you are short, you can wear a maxi too.

Below are a few examples of what I think are "universally" flattering for most body types.  

Kohls - $42

Black floral background makes this an extra slimming dress.

Nordstrom - $98

Keep the jewelry to a miminum since the print is so bold.

Nordstrom - $158

You can always remove the tie and add a wide belt.

Gap - $85

Camouflage floral for the patriotic.  

Diane Von Furstenberg - $485

Sigh - a wrap maxi.  Now if someone could knock this off at a more affordable price.

J.Crew Collection - $650

Really??  Wow!

J.Crew - 98

A great casual dress.

Gap - $70

Dress it up or wear it casual.

New York & Co - $70

Buy 1 and get the 2nd one 75% off - Find a friend and share the deal! 

Old Navy - $32.50

Horizontal stripes are tricky so go for the solid if you are not sure.

Gap - $98

Nordstrom - $98

Can't go wrong with a ruffle trim and a floral print! 

Old Navy - $32.50

Wear with gold flats and turquoise jewelry! 

Nordstrom - $70

You can also wear several of the dresses above with a wide belt to create curves (the good kind).  Belts can work wonders at creating a slimming look because it draws attention to the smallest part of your waist.  Plus it can give the illusion of longer legs, therefore making you look taller!  So all of you short people, rejoice!! 

Just belt it! 

Photo courtesy of Kendieveryday

http://kendieveryday.blogspot.com/

Whether pool side or out with your friends, a maxi can be your solution to a cool summer.  Enjoy finding the one made just for you and as always - Happy Shopping!!