Two Ends of the Spectrum

So these two ideas (in one post) are totally unrelated, but I didn't feel like each item merited its own post, so here you go!

First, with all the buzz about the Teen Choice Awards, I've always wondered about the style of really young girls. Now I know we're not supposed to be encouraging people of a young age to get too involved in Hollywood, but with people like Dakota Fanning taking over many young roles, it's time to look at her fashion statements too. I always feel bad when people critique Dakota's fashion. First of all she's probably using a stylist, and second of all it's pretty hard to make style statements when you're that young. So Dakota, if you're listening...here's a dress idea for you:

Fendi Tulle Tunic Dress, $865

It's covered up enough to be appropriate for your age, and yet it still has little details that make it stand out.

This dress was from Net-A-Porter, so we're going to whiz through the fashion price spectrum and head over to Twelve by Twelve, where I spotted the short-sleeved sweater of my dreams. It's got enough character that it's not just a typical sweater, it's in a neutral colour, it has belt details (which I have been all over lately), and...it's $29.00! In Chicago this huge new Forever 21 opened on the Magnificent Mile (I'm not sure whether Forever 21 should really be on the Magnificent Mile, but I will admit I've been to the store -- I usually remedy my worries by only shopping the Twelve by Twelve section), and they stock Twelve by Twelve pieces, so I'm definitely going to give it a try there. My only worry is that it's too sheer, but I suppose I could always wear a black slip underneath.


Unfortunately, this piece of clothing isn't quite as Dakota Fanning-friendly.

Kiss Me, Kate!

Imagine my pleasant surprise when I woke up to sun streaming into my window, stretched, washed my face, brushed my teeth, and went to check my email, only to find...

...that there's an additional 25% of all sale items at Kate Spade. What a great start to the day! Anyway, here are a few of my sale picks, with their brand new prices:

Classic Noel Tanya, $33.75
This one's great if you just want a little piece of Kate.


Pop Clinton Street Remy, $81.75
It's always great to get wallets in punchy colours, because you don't have to worry about them matching with everything.


Katy Ruth Cardholder With Ring, $59.25
A great price for a little wallet! Though it may just be a cardholder, you can definitely use this as a small wallet...and you can even attach your keys. This is another way to get a little piece of Kate.


And, in my own shopping cart...

Katy French Wallet, $66.75
Though this may resemble the above item except with an extra $7 tacked on, it's actually a full wallet as opposed to the cardholder depicted above. I love the handy 4" by 5" size (rounded), and I love the punchy red hue. Did I mention I love the price! I am so long overdue for a new wallet...

The Marc of a Daisy

Okay, okay, I'll admit it. I'm kind of a sucker for fragrances. I know, the fact that a bottle is stamped with a designer name doesn't really mean much in terms of the fragrance, but at least I collect rollerballs and samples, instead of the full fragrance bottle.

One perfume that I had to sample when it came out was Marc Jacobs Daisy. I love fun, light, girly florals, and this was no exception. Just a little spritz on a card was enough to lift me up for a whole day. Unfortunately, the price tag isn't much to squeal about, either. But I want this so badly!!!!

Marc Jacobs Daisy Deluxe Gift Set, $85

The only problem with my great lust for this perfumeria madness is its very non-recession-friendly price tag. Before, just getting the little solid perfume (which comes in its own adorable little zipper pouch!) was enough. Or even getting this version of the perfume, which comes with a refill (thank goodness) and is about half the price, would have been enough to satisfy my Marc madness.


But I'm still plagued by that gift set...it worries the budgeteer in me, because usually I dismiss high prices as something that's not worth it. But I want every single thing in this gift set...and that's pretty rare. First of all, there's the body lotion. When it comes to bath and body products, I really don't invest much in body washes and the like, because it doesn't really linger anyway. Body lotions are something I like to invest in, though, because I like lingering scents, and I like bringing them around with me to refresh my skin. Then, there's the solid perfume, which is a complete novelty and would be great for bringing around. And need I say how much I love the perfume bottle? I find that style so much cuter than the $40 version with a refill. Did I mention the whole thing comes in a cute case that I could use for makeup?

Sigh.

R.I.P. Fanny Pak

I was so sad to hear that Fanny Pak was eliminated from America's Best Dance Crew. Yeah, some may dismiss the show as yet another MTV cash cow, but I've definitely fallen for the show's creative choreography. Though I may retain my love for Kaba Modern, I'm not so sure about this year's "similar" group, SoRealCru. They started out pretty strong, but I think they've succumbed to the MTV effect -- namely, they've started churning out more and more routines that try to grab attention...and not in a good way.

Anyway, I decided to create an outfit that reflects Fanny Pak's outgoing nature and bright neon colour scheme. Check out the lightning earrings; their banner on the show featured a lightning icon.

Hoodie, Shorts, Earrings, Sneakers

Sephora Sale Summer Face

Okay, so first let's start off with a little bit of foundation. How's your skin doing these days? Do you need a lot of coverage? Just in some problem areas?

If you're looking for a lot of coverage, try Napoleon Perdis' China Doll Foundation. -$12.50-


If you just want to even out your skintone, you can use Hard Candy's Hint Tint (Love this for summer! Your skin's gotta be in good shape though). -$8.25-

Okay, so now let's target your cheeks. It's summer, so you probably don't want any heavy powders or thick cream blushes. What's that? You're looking for a cream blush, like Benetint or Posietint? Hmm...I suppose I could grab you one of those, but since we're in the sale section why don't you give Hard Candy's Sweet Cheeks a try? They're pretty much the same thing as Benetint or Posietint, and they're a whole lot cheaper. You're probably used to wearing more pinkish-toned blushes, so I'm going to try Honey Bunny, a golden peachy colour that can add a natural-looking glow to anyone's skintone. -$6.75-



Okay, now for the lips. Since I used a peach-toned blush, I'm going to echo the theme in your lips by using Bourjois' Lovely Brille Glossy Lipstick. I would suggest using this as a summertime everyday lip, with or without gloss. The lipstick itself has a little bit of sheen, so if you're in a hurry you can just put on some of this and look instantly more put-together. I know the Coral in Corail des Mers is a little more peachy than you're used to seeing, but I think it'll be a refreshing change from the more blue-based pinks you've been wearing. -$9.80-



For your eyes I'm going to do a light smoky eye, perfect for any occasion. Though the makeup I've put on you so far leaves things open for a bright and bold eye, I'm going to do a simple, matte eye to bring out your natural beauty. For this type of look I'd go for a brown shadow or a grey shadow, like Napoleon Perdis' Colour Disc Eyeshadow in 27 Charcoal or 31 Dark Brown, but I'd avoid outright mixing them both, because it can look a little muddy. I'm just putting a little bit on the outer part of your eyelid, and gently swiping it towards the inner part, to create a kind of gradient effect. -$5.50-




Next is a quick swipe of lip gloss -- I'm using Bourjois' Effet 3D High Shine Lip Gloss. You don't need to glob it on, just a quick dab will do. I would suggest keeping one of these in your purse for quick touch-ups. Plus, the beige shade goes perfectly with the coral lipstick. -$10.85-



Don't forget your sunscreen! Hopefully you're wearing a higher SPF on your face, but this SPF 15 spritzer is great for making sure the rest of you stays UV safe. You can also get the bronzed version, which comes with a little bit of golden-bronze shimmer...but I'll be honest, the shimmer's sort of on the tacky side, especially for daytime. Don't tell anyone I said that though! -$8.00-



For a final touch, you can use LAVANILA's Pure Vanilla scent. I'm sure you've heard about it already...so you already know that it's a really nice, lovely vanilla that isn't overly cloying. But now it comes in a neat little rollerball which is perfect for putting in your purse. It's not on sale, but the perfume itself is over $50.00 so I'd say this rollerball is a pretty good deal in itself. -$18.00-


Hope you love your look!

A Creamy Benefit

I'll admit it, I'm a sucker for any sort of creamy makeup product. Cream blush, cream foundation, creamy lipcolour...and most of all, cream eyeshadow. Maybe it's because my everyday makeup usually consists of eyeliner-focused looks rather than eyeshadow-based looks, but for some reason I've always loved the idea of cream eyeshadow. Benefit's Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow definitely lives up to its name -- I can use this as a liner or a shadow, and it doesn't crease either way. It makes a pretty good base, although I like using this product more when I'm on the run and I don't have time to put on much. In Benefit's Buh-Byes section, which features discontinued products that are on sale, I spotted two shades of these shadows that everyone should own; towne car, a simple black cream shadow that isn't so harsh it can't be used on an everyday basis, and carte blanche, a shimmery gold that makes a nice brow highlighter, inner-eye highlighter, or a simple wash of light colour. They're each $13.50, reduced from $18.00, which may not be the biggest of discounts to many. However, Benefit rarely discounts items that are as popular as the creaseless cream shadows, so I would definitely snap both of these up. If you're looking for just one to add to your collection, I would pick towne car, just because it's so versatile. I've used mine for both smoky eyes, subtle day eyes, and just as a plain liner, and it never budges. However, if you've got a similar product, then go for carte blanche. With all the gold rage in the makeup world recently, it's definitely a good bet as well.

Town Car


Carte Blanche

What the FCUK?

I have always loved French Connection's classy yet original pieces...but never really their prices. Though there are usually some unique pieces to be found, I've never really grown attached to anything that would make me want to shell out the usual extravagant amounts of dough that is required.

One thing that I've always noticed about French Connection is that they often feature pieces that resemble those from Marchesa. I've always admired Marchesa garments (from a distance, of course), and love that French Connection is able to bring the same concept to those who can't quite afford Marchesa without outright stealing their designs. This dress, for example, is very reminiscent of the lace-based work that Marchesa puts into their ethereal designs.


A piece that caught my eye while I was browsing the sale section was this green slouchy coat with a bow trim. I don't really own much in the way of in-between outerwear, and I usually end up throwing on some trench-like thing, or maybe a tweed blazer. Something about this coat made me take a second glance at it, even though it looks completely dowdy from the picture.


But, if you take a look at the same coat at ASOS, they've shown you what it looks like with more light on it -- and I'm totally sold! The green is really beautiful, and would set anyone apart from the neutral-coloured trench and mac-wearing crowd. You can actually view a person wearing this down a catwalk here, which just makes the coat look even more splendid. I really want to take the plunge but I've been trying oh so hard to cut back on my fashion spending...maybe I could claim it's an investment piece? I'd imagine a coat like this could definitely last me more than a few years.

Urban Topper

If you haven't already, I would definitely suggest checking out the sales at Urban Outfitters...seriously, I'm having such a hard time choosing between all the gorgeous picks! I already pointed out a pretty basic black dress (note: wear a slip underneath it please! It's totally sheer...I had no idea...), but here are some lovely tops brought to you by the Urban sale:

Silence and Noise One Shoulder Ruffle Top, $24.99

Though this top may seem tacky to some with its one-shoulder styling and ruffle trim, this isn't a bad way to step into the boho-chic look rocked by fashion stars like Mischa Barton and Nicole Richie. It's nice for staying cool in the summer, and the cinched-in waistline defines your waist no matter whether you're pairing this top with sandals and shorts, skinnies and stilettos, or a high-waist skirt and some killer gladiator heels.

Lux Cumulus Cami, $29.99

Words cannot describe how in love with this cami I am. I saw it first when it wasn't on sale, and gazed longingly at this promo picture. It's just so light and airy and pretty and girly and...perfect. Alas, when I looked at the shots of this top in other colours I realized just how sheer and impractical it is. It's way to sheer to wear alone (at least for me, unless I did a strapless bra), and it wouldn't have the same gorgeous effect layered over another tank. But maybe you all feel differently?

Hawks by Geren Ford Silk Slip Top, $29.99

I was so excited when Geren Ford started selling his separate, less high-end line at Urban Outfitters. I always would stare wistfully at the full-price pieces, until I realized that this little gem was tucked away in the sale section. I mean, call me crazy but why is this piece on sale while some other, not nearly as sell-able pieces, are sitting there with ridiculously huge price tags attached to them? Granted, this is a pretty simple top, but it echoes a lot of the neckline trends in Geren Ford's main line. It's also sleek, sexy, and well-priced. Never mind the slightly difficult bra situation.

Kimchi and Blue Lace Inset Tank, $19.99

This tank completely stole my attention when I first saw it. Subtle neutral colour palette...elaborate embroidering by the neckline...looks like it costs much more than $19.99...what could go wrong? This top looks gorgeous from the front, but this was too good to be true. Literally.

Is it just me, or is the lace back extremely tacky? I love the front, and I have long hair so the back would be obscured anyway...so maybe I'll take the plunge and buy it? I'm still debating. But really, Kimchi, couldn't you have just gone with a simple black jersey back? The lace takes it from hipster Urban to teenybopper JCPenney. And that's definitely a step down.

You're A Hoot!

If you guys haven't looked at Urban Outfitters' sale section, I'd advise you to do so pronto! Seriously, there are some ridiculously amazing sales going on, and it's not size-discriminatory at all. I'll be posting right after this on some of my own sale favourites, but I would definitely encourage a quick browse of the site.

A while back, I received the Urban Outfitters catalog and immediately fell in love with this white, short-sleeved shift dress with embroidered flowers. Now, the black version is on sale for only $39.99! I want it so very much...but really, with all the things on sale it's so hard to choose! I figured I would pay homage to this dress by breaking a fashion rule: pairing black and brown. Plus, I managed to work in this really cute Tracy Reese bag, which is only $75.00 at Bag Borrow or Steal's outlet.

Dress, $39.99 from Urban Outfitters
Sandals, $38.00 from Urban Outfitters
Bag, $75.oo from Bag Borrow or Steal

How adorable are those owl sandals?

Scales or Snakeskin?

This has got to be the most killer pair of teenybopper discount shoes I have ever seen:


I saw these and I was kind of like those cartoons where someone's jaw drops all the way to the floor. Seriously? $24.99 for these beauties? It's so hard for me to grasp that these are from GoJane, a retailer along the lines of Wet Seal and Forever 21 that usually cranks out tight jersey pieces that redefine the word "sheer." Granted, I would probably have to see these in person...but really, they look absolutely gorgeous.

The site claims that they're "snakeskin" print, but doesn't this seem more like a fish scale print to you? The first thing I thought of when I saw these shoes was that unbelievable fish scale dress worn by Marion Cotillard to the Oscars:

Send In The Clowns

Inspired by the Miu Miu Harlequin Bag.

To be paired with a bright red lip, cropped hair, and long black lashes from the Shu Uemura lash bar.

Skirt, Top, Shoes, Bag

You're My Inspiration