8 Under $20: Tilly’s

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I’m pretty sure there is nothing better in life than a really fantastic sale section. Especially at a store stocked with things you already love. Take home some awesome finds on the cheap? Yes please!

Much like Urban Outfitters and Express, Tilly’s is chock full of really cute stuff at a somewhat “affordable” price. But it is in their fabulous sale section where you really hit the fashion jackpot. They’ve got everything from basics to statement pieces to stock your closet, and all of it is ch-ch-cheap. Here are a few items I found to be totally darling and will fulfill your inner frugalista. Read More »

I’m Torn: High Heels

walking in heels

"Just five more steps. Just five more steps...."

I would put money on it that every college girl has at least one pair of high heels stuffed into their tiny dorm room closet (or if you’re like me, you have 12 and they are strewn all over your floor where you kicked them off after a long and painful night). They are pretty much a staple of every woman’s wardrobe, especially us college girls who need to look sexy every weekend (isn’t college life so demanding?).

Of course heels are an integral part to every party outfit, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t come with some sacrifices. And while I feel hot when I first slip into those bad boys, halfway through the night (or immediately after I step outside the door) I am seriously rethinking my shoe choice/contemplating using the pointy heel to saw off my baby toes to ease the pain/looking for someone to give me a piggy back ride home.

I love them so much, but I loathe them just the same.
It pretty obvious: I’m torn. Read More »

8 Under $20: Forever 21

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So as I write this, I’m sitting on my lanai (balcony) overlooking the beautiful, blue Maui ocean (yes, I’m on my first “real” vacay in years), which means I’m not particularly keen on scouring the internet for under $20 deals for long periods of time (not to mention, they’re only giving me an hour of free wifi). So where did I head?

The mother of all cheap & trendy spots: Forever 21.

And no, she did not disappoint. Checking out the website or a store near you is a necessity before you head back to school, as there are loads of insanely awesome deals on ridiculously cute clothes.  What are you waiting for?  Read, set, GO!

Here are a few things I know I’ll be grabbing up. You know, when I get back to the mainland. Read More »

What He Really Thinks Of Your… Christian Siriano Shoes

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Have you ever wondered what he really thinks about the stuff you wear? So have I, and that’s why I’ve compiled a panel of guys willing to share their opinions on certain “fashionable” items weekly.

I know you weren’t too thrilled about my outfit choice last week; I get it. This week we won’t have to debate the merits of too-expensive designer gear because, luckily, this Fall it’s all about affordable designer collaborations like Anna Sui for Target, Max Azria for Walmart and Christian Siriano for Payless. Yes, I said Payless. As in, Payless where you used to get your penny-loafers and light up sneakers as a kid. That Payless. I must admit – I was skeptical at first, but with Christian Siriano behind it, how can I expect it to be anything less than “fierce”? Read More »

God’s Gift to Ailing Feet: The Fold-Up Ballet Flat

Picture 1It’s Friday night and you’re heading out on the town with your friends. You’ve got on your cutest outfit and a killer pair of heels – you’re all set for a night of serious bar hopping.

Unfortunately, when you’re getting ready to leave the second bar you realize that you no longer have the ability to walk. Your balance is already a little thrown off by the amount of heavy drinking you’ve been doing, and now you have to walk in 6-inch stilettos? No thanks. That stool you’re perched on will be just fine for the rest of the night, thankyouverymuch.

You continue ordering drinks until the wee hours when you’re friends are finally ready to head home. You carefully step onto the sidewalk and within 5 minutes decide there is NO way you are walking home in those shoes. Fueled by all the alcohol you have consumed, you decide that you’re going to take off your shoes and walk home barefoot through the city. Classy.

Does this sound like a typical night to you? Are you sick of waking up in the morning with black feet/someone else’s chewed up gum between your toes? (True story…) Perhaps you should invest in a pair of Fit In Clouds fold-up flats. Read More »

Wardrobe Wish List: Calvin Klein Sarkia Pump

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[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.]

Sexy pumps: every girl’s necessity for a fabulous night out. Yes, they will probably definitely kill your feet and you’ll be walking back from the party in flip flops (or barefoot!), but they’re hard to resist because they look so.frickin.good. Sick of typical stilettos but want to add some height? Look no further than the Sarkia Pump by Calvin Klein.

While the Sarika pumps are classically attractive, they’re far from boring. They feature a 4.5 inch semi-chunky stacked platform heel and a stacked wooden platform of 3/4 of an inch. They also feature an adorable rounded toe. What really makes these shoes different from all of the other black pumps in your closet, however, is their texture: they’re covered in a fish scale pattern! Of course, the Sarkias also come in nude–a hot trend for summer.

You can pick up your own pumps in store at Macy’s on sale for $68, (which, realistically, will probably cost less since Macy’s always has in-store promotions and deals!) but don’t fret if they don’t have your size–the Calvin Klein shoes can also be found online at Lori’s Shoes or Piperlime, where they just happen to be a Rachel Zoe pick.

Personally, I’m going to pick up a pair of the black ones. Here’s hoping that a chunkier heel will mean less stumbling and spills post-party!

Flip-Flops: Fashion’s Anti-Christ

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Peppered throughout magazines and blog sites are optimistic articles about delicious summer activities and fashion trends to anticipate and enjoy.  However, there is one thing about summer that is so heinous and disgusting that I feel I must warn the masses before it destroys them: flip-flops, fashion’s Anti-Christ.

I can hear the gasps and verbal WTF’s already.  I know, I know, flip-flops are practically the poster children for summer fun.  Calm yourselves, I have reasons.

1).  They Make Any Outfit 1/4 As Cute: No matter how much effort you put into your ensemble this morning or how much you paid for that sundress, if you add flip-flops to the equation it will look instantly less cute.  Much less cute.  So much so that it defeats the purpose of even trying to make a cute outfit and you should have just worn sweats.

2).  Your Feet Will Get Dirty: Want to know why outfits are less cute with flip flops? Perhaps it’s because dirty feet are not cute. On anyone. And dirty feet are inevitable when flip flops are involved. Your toes will turn brown, your heels will turn black and your calves will be covered in whatever crap that flop is flipping up. Seriously, no one wants to see your cracked and crusted feet stomping around in fluorescent rubber contraptions.

3).  They Make Your Legs Look Fat: For some reason, colored slabs of rubber are not the most slimming choice for summer fashion.  Optical illusion? Perhaps…At any rate, you spent all winter in the smelly gym to look like this, so don’t waste it on flip-flops! Read More »

Put Some Spring In Your Step: Spring 2009 Shoe Trends

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Along with the spring fashion trends, it’s (almost) time to break out the new shoe styles and this spring shoe styles are all about fun, fun, fun. Here’s what to be on the look out for… Read More »

We’ve All Been There: The Pain of Stilletos

woman-in-high-heels.jpg[It doesn’t matter what school you go to, what state it is in, how big it is, whether it is public or private, all girls or coed…there are experiences that all college students share.

No matter how crazy you think your personal situation is, it is not just you. So, let’s bring it all out in the open. Right here. Because you are not alone - we’ve all been there before.]

It’s Friday (or Saturday, Sunday…or any day that ends in “y”) and you are gonna hit the town with the ladies. You crack a beer and sip it in front of your closet as you figure out which low cut top and jeans to wear. The stereo in your room is blasting a little Lady Gaga to get you in the mood. Once you are dressed and properly accessorized, you gather your friends together for a little pre-party dance party.

Soon it’s time to go, so you throw on your favorite pair of going-out stilettos and make your way to the party. They aren’t comfortable, but you convince yourself that by the time they start hurting you will be too drunk to notice.

You walk to the party, holding hands with your BFF and having the “I love you so much” conversation that only happens when you are 3-4 drinks in. Upon arriving at the gathering, you make your way to the keg and fill up your red Solo cup. And the night officially begins.

There is dancing, there is drinking, there are laps around the room to see just which cute boys you may want to flirt with.

And then the pain sets in. Read More »

Smart and Chic: The Essentials for a Night Out

goingoutessentials.jpgAs my friends know, I never leave the house without fully stocking my purse with all of the essentials. The tricky part about that, however, is being prepared without looking like a bag lady.

In other words, you gotta make sure that you have what you need in the most miniature form possible. Here are some of my personal favorites to keep me prepared without ruining my outfit (or sweet dance moves) with a massive purse.

A wristlet: The right bag is step one to making sure you’re fully stocked with what you need for a night out. I prefer to use a wristlet because I can throw it around my wrist and not worry about it slipping off. Plus, they’re small enough to hold onto all night without crampin’ your style. Try to get one with a zipper – I once lost my ID and debit card due to a faulty clasp.

Lip gloss: But not any lip gloss. Be sure that you buy a shade that you can wear with almost any make up style. That way, you can just keep it in your purse without having to remember to switch it out every night. Also, try to get one that will moisurize your lips as well so you don’t have to take up precious purse space with an additional lip balm. I like MAC lip gloss in Spalicious.

Gum or Mints: I prefer to use mints because you don’t have to deal with wrappers or have to spit anything out. My freshman year of high school, I discovered Certs Powerful Mints for prom. The package has 60 powerful yet yummy mints in a package the size of a credit card. Perfectttt. Read More »