The other day I was browsing the Topshop website and came across a dainty little number with so much potential. The Orange Cutaway Halter Dress (yeah, real original name, Topshop), is, like you guessed, an orange, halter-style dress made of flowy chiffon. Besides the knockout color, this dress also features a stunning cutout in the chest area, giving it a sexy ’70s feel and a very thin break in the fabric on the back, which will be evident when you’re moving around. Bottom line: The dress is hot, but leaves something to the imagination! When most people look at this dress, they immediately think “going out,” however, when paired with the right pieces, this dress becomes a super versatile item for both day and night.

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OMG girls, I found THE dress.

You know which one I’m talking about. That summer dress that travels at the bottom of your purse everywhere you go. It works for any occasion, any location, at any time. And I have found it: Victoria’s Secrets Strapless Bra Top Dress. For once my wish list post won’t be a rant debating if I should purchase my newest obsession. At this point the only dilemma I’m having is what color to buy it in.

Let’s  jump right into the reasons why this dress absolutely must be in every single one of our closets. The shape is to-die-for flattering. The sweetheart neckline is demure in a flirty, come-hither sort of way and the hemline falls not too short, not too long, but just right to be appropriate for work and play. The ruched, wrap bodice gives some extra accent to those of us lacking in the breast department, while the built in bra provides extra support for the lucky ladies with the ta-ta’s.

The dress comes in 11 colors and one print; it will literally fit into any wardrobe. From the edgy rocker who rocks it in purple cheetah, to the laid-back tomboy who wears it in navy, to the daring fashionistas who flaunt it in lime green. Read More »

I’m in one of those (very sad) stages where I don’t actually need anything. I know it’s hard to believe. But with months of winter buying under my belt, I have leggings and cashmere cardigans and sweater dresses everywhere (no seriously, I sleep with at least three articles of clothing every night).

And with spring yet to have shown us a glimmer of hope that it’s on its way, it’s just depressing to purchase anything floral and skimpy, catching a glimpse of it as you trudge out of the house in snow boots and a down filled jacket.

But then that amazing little thing creeps into my agenda pages, the one thing none of us college girls can resist shopping for, and which totally warrants the purchasing of, at minimum, a new bathing suit and a super sexy party dress. Spring Break, baby!

This being the last of my Spring break’s ever (I know, I am most definitely in mourning right now), I am going all out, spending 7 glorious booze-and-sun-filled days in Cancun, the spring break capital of the universe.

Which means I am now in need of something again (whew!).

Of course, I’ve already found the perfect dress. And it’s sitting in the display window of Express. Their Escalating Ruffle Strapless Dress is pure sex. The perfect combo of spicy vixen and flirty girlishness. Read More »

My recent Love Lists have had a theme. So when putting together this week’s list, I tried to keep to cohesive. Tried to keep a theme throughout, and then I thought: who needs a theme when all 5 things are so Love-List worthy? Isn’t luuuuurve a theme?

So this week’s theme is now renamed: 5 things Jill Loves this week that you should too. Because if you’ve learned anything by now, it’s that- well – I have pretty good taste. I don’t steer you wrong and I know what I’m talking about.

So here are this week’s 5 things I love that you should too.

The Perfect Spring Dress. Perfect for day (big camel bag, gold woven sandals, ivory shades and a cute scarf or headband) and perfect for night (nude or gold pumps/wedges, small metallic clutch, camel belt around the waist, gold bangles). The color just makes me happy. And ready for Chicago to warm up from its current 50 degree status since it’s – um – MAY.

Matt Kearny’s new song: Closer to Love. This little ditty will pair perfectly with your iPod,  a sunny day, iced coffee, and the perfect spring dress (see above).

Starbucks Vanilla Roobius Tea. Seriously heavenly. My mom told me about this God-send and if it’s one thing I learned (begrudgingly), it’s that she always seems to be right. About everything. Especially beverages. I tried it for the first time yesterday and this bad boy does not disappoint. To cut the cals, ask for one pump of syrup and pair it with soy or nonfat milk. It’s 100% pure summer bliss. That I am sipping on as we “speak.”

Real Life Twitter. The truth is ALWAYS funny. Really, I LOLed.

MixMyGranola. We’ve talked about this before, but I am so in love with it I can’t shut up about it. You can make your OWN granola from start to finish. A healthy blend for breakfast (think fruit, nuts and organic base) and a “late night mix” for when healthy is not the first thing on your mind (peanut butter balls, choc chips and gummy bears anyone?). It comes in a cute canister with the name of your special blend on it, in addition to the exact nutrition info! It’s perf for gifts and ever more perfect for a gift to yourself. After all, you deserve it. Why? Because you’re you.

So it’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Tarjay and all the cheap cuteness it has to offer, but even I still have my days when I’m amazed at just how good a deal you can find there.

Today is one of those days.

With the cute Go International line they carry, you can find a whole party appropriate ensemble (that’s all about spring trends) for under $130. And by whole I mean dress, shoes, handbag and jewelry. Even better, the accessories are versatile enough to be used for numerous other outfits!

If that isn’t a smart investment, I dunno what is.

So, with the school year coming to an end bringing with it countless soirees, I thought I’d do it up for this week’s Night Styler. This look is so cute I just ordered it online (and because it’s so cheap, I don’t even feel guilty!). Read More »

Growing up on the East Coast, my friends and I were always unbelievably anxious to shed our winter puffies and throw on the denim shorts that were always too short for school (and for walking around, and going out at night, and everything, really…). We believed that once the temperature hit 45 degrees, it was time to swap boots for flip-flops and turtlenecks for tanks. Unfortunately, we ended up looking a bit foolish walking through the halls as if we were leaving that day for Spring Break.

When I moved to New England for college, and endured winters ten times more horrific than those in New Jersey (yes, that’s where I’m from, no laughs please), I began to learn how to transition from winter to spring more tactfully. Keep these things in mind and you’ll never look like beach Barbie when the flowers are still blooming. Read More »

[I want it, I need it, I can’t live without it. There are so many things on store shelves and racks right now that we want to take home and hang in our closets. Things that are so cute, everyone should know about them. We’ll share ‘em with you here (because we’re that nice), but as far as actually getting them goes….well, you’re on your own with that one.]

While a little black dress is a staple in every woman’s wardrobe, some much-needed attention should be given to LBD’s sexy cousin: the little red dress. Yes, black is classic and timeless and blah, blah, blah, but red is sexy and draws some much needed attention to the fabulous woman wearing it: me…er…you.

And besides, Fred Flare’s fabulous strapless sweetheart bustier dress is still totally classy and sophisticated, only with some added va va va voom sex appeal from the color and perfect neckline.

Don’t want to go red? No worries; the sweetheart dress also comes in yellow (and we’re talking Rihanna-status neon nail polish yellow) and classic black. It’s perfect for a date party, graduation dinner, or even just a night out with the girls when paired with chunky jewelry and a patent leather flat.

Me likey.

Ready for Spring Break? Yes, I am even talking to the 50% of you college students who are staying home this year. And why not? You don’t have to be off in Mexico doing really stupid things to have a good time. You’ve all been working hard and everyone deserves a little down time to let loose with a good book or an even better playlist.

Just because there is a little recession doesn’t mean you can’t have fun too. Or get a tan (and some D). Or, if nothing else, see a really bad movie.

If you are leaving town, don’t forget the essentials to take, the things you absolutely should not take, and the souvenirs you must bring home. And make sure to bring along the beach bag. God forbid you should be stuck on a tropical beach without your Blackberry, Us Weekly, and extra swimsuit.

Oh, and be sure to brush up on everything you need to know about Spring Break survival. Like the fact that everything that happens on Spring Break makes it way back to campus…with tons of exaggeration. Including STIs.

Don’t make the same mistakes we did in the past and be prepared. With a hot body and a cute dress.

It might seem a little bit early to be thinking about spring shopping, but for those of you who want to get a head start (or who just can’t wait for summer vacation already), here are the top ten looks I want to steal from fashion week this year (from top left to right in the above picture). Read More »