Maybe it’s the influence of hippie San Francisco or my sister the avid recycler, but lately I’ve been drawn to eco-friendly clothing. Brands like C&C California, J Brand and Theory are putting out gorgeously soft organic lines, while Patagonia’s plastic bottle-derived jackets and Stella McCartney’s vegan shoes are both futuristically cool.

In that vein, here are a few Salemail picks (without any ethical dilemmas!):

C&C Organic french terry dress Reg: $125.00 Now: $84.00

J brand – organic monroe jean Reg: $227.00 Now: $113.50

Edun persephone dress Reg: $235.00 Now: $141.00

For more environmentally-minded tips, check out two of our Trendsetters at Fashion, evolved and DC Goodwill Fashion!

        

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Remember in early June, a couple weeks before Fathers Day, when Eva Longoria was spotted at Wendy’s handing out frosties as a fundraiser for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption? Our friends over at Passmenterie were quick to report on her charity work, and of course the outfit she was wearing.

She sported a Juicy Couture ‘Pink Silk Dress’ that flew off the racks the moment the photographs hit the web. It was next to impossible to get your hands on this dress; both the Juicy Couture stores and the department stores were sold out.

That’s why I was so excited to see this dress in my Salemail this morning! I hope you enjoy!

Juicy Couture Print Silk Dress
Reg $298.00
Now $198.90

        

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I returned from Paris a little over a week ago and I already miss it! The food was great, the people were fabulous, and of course the shopping was divine. While I was there it just so happened that there was a city-wide sale going on and every store had the majority of its merchandise priced at 50-70% off! It was shopping heaven. I bought so much clothing that I had to buy another suitcase to bring it all home with me.

As a break from shopping (let’s face it, we all need one sometimes), I visited the “Musee des Arts Decoratifs” to spend some quality time with the designs of the one and only Valentino. The museum is currently featuring an exhibit showcasing his masterpieces from various periods of his fifty-year career. The gowns were stunning, and without looking at the labels it was impossible to tell which pieces were from the 70’s and which were from five years ago! Who wouldn’t kill to wear one of those down the red carpet? Since the exhibit I have been craving Valentino; unfortunately I have yet to see a Valentino gown in my Salemail this week. I’ll be keeping my eye out. For now, some eye candy; here’s a Valentino gown from the Spring 2008 Couture Collection, courtesy of Style.com.

Speaking of Paris, Mary Jo Matsumoto over at Trust Your Style has been featuring some amazing photographers on her blog and recently posted a few photos by Gilles-Marie Zimmermann. He did an amazing shoot in Paris, and has also taken tons of other gorgeous photographs! The Parisian series really brings on the nostalgia, but I love these photos. Here are two of my favorites, and I’d love for you to tell me yours! Go to gmzimmermann.com to see more.

To sum it all up, I loved Paris and can’t wait to go back some day.

        

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Congratulations to Jennifer of San Rafael, California, who was a recent winner of Shop It To Me’s manicure/pedicure giveaway!

Here’s what Jennifer had to say:

“Thank you so much! Perfect timing. While I was painting my toes this morning I was noticing how badly I need a pedicure!

I love getting my SaleMail updates. I have bought a few things for myself and my 22 month old daughter Ava, and passed along some items to my sisters. I purchased a couple of things from Nordstrom and Banana Republic. Thanks!”

        

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This week, the Boston Globe shared that Anthropologie is piloting a program to replace its print catalog with an interactive downloadable format. I personally was sad to hear this news, as I love flipping through the Anthropologie catalog, and others of the same vein (J.Crew stands out in this arena, but even Nordstrom and Bloomingdales are eye-catching and entertaining). With print and mailing costs so high, will more retailers move toward online-only viewing?

The new Anthropologie catalog pilot centers around a tool that you download to your desktop, instead of just viewing through your website browser. It’s then touted with perks like the ability to write notes about specific items, or use the color-picker to only see items of a certain hue. Without experiencing this first-hand, I can’t say I’m convinced that I’d gain many benefits from this new tool vs. just using the Anthropologie.com website. I do understand and agree that having something physically on your desktop can serve as a constant reminder of the brand, and allow for continual interaction, but don’t see the differences or benefits from a shopping perspective. It seems they are going after people who aren’t as comfortable with online shopping and trying to transition them over with this “desktop boutique” concept.

Personally, I’d rather scribble all over the real catalog while on the bus (circling my favorite items and ripping out pages to take to the store with me), or use the web, which I am already accustomed to. As much as I understand and support reducing our environmental impact, there’s something lost without the joy of receiving mail from my favorite stores. Pretty clever that stores can make a catalog seem like a gift! I will be the first to admit that I always get a smile on my face after seeing that a new J.Crew catalog has landed in my mailbox.

So, all in all, I’d be eager to explore the new Anthropologie tool — but I’m hesitant/skeptical as to whether I’ll find it as valuable and heartwarming as their print catalogs. It will be a sad day for me personally if the great story-telling and emotion they bring via the amazing photography and layouts comes to an end and is restricted to online-viewing only.

        

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From a lunch with the girls, to a day at work, to even a night on the town, this Anne Klein ‘New York Glazed Linen Skirt’ will supply you with three outfits that are easy to wear and look incredible!

Anne Klein New York Glazed Linen Skirt Reg: $250.00 Now: $149.90

A weekend lunch with your girlfriends is the perfect time to show off your inner fashionista.

Pair your Anne Klein skirt with this Rachel Pally ‘Ballet Tee’ (you can tuck it in or layer it with a bright tank top) for an easy outfit that looks great!

Rachel Pally Ballet Tee Reg: $145.00 Now: $96.90

Moschino CA16540Con Sxo Reg: $329.00 Now: $260.95

Work is a difficult place to look good. This outfit reveals your fashionable side, while still adhering to the strict work dress code.

Wear your Anne Klein skirt with Thomas Pink’s White Collection ‘Eva’ Women’s Shirt – Button Cuff (be sure to tuck this in as well) and these pair of Marc by Marc Jacobs black patent peep toe pumps. To complete the look place this Fendi ‘lagoon patent leather ‘B.Fendi’ belt’ where the skirt meets the blouse, connecting these two garments and creating the illusion of a dress.

White Collection ‘Eva’ Women’s Shirt – Button Cuff Reg:$250.00 Now: $139.00

Marc by Marc Jacobs 683511 Reg: $339.00 Now: $250.86

Fendi – lagoon patent leather ‘B.Fendi’ belt Reg: $345.00 Now: $276.00

Now we get to every woman’s favorite outfit, a night on the town.

Wear your Anne Klein skirt with a tucked in Michael Kors ‘Metal Disk Ring Neck’ Tunic. Add a pair of these Giuseppe Zanotti peep toe pumps to add a bit of spice to your look. To finish it off use this black Dolce & Gabbana ‘texturized leather logo belt’, and once again connect the garments where the skirt meets the blouse.

MICHAEL Michael Kors – Metal Disk Ring Neck Tunic Reg: $100.00 Now: $40.00

Giuseppe Zanotti E80067 Reg: $554.00 Now: $415.50

Dolce & Gabbana – black texturized leather logo belt Reg: $360.00 Now: $288.00

        

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Over here at Shop It To Me, we watch our fair share of TV. After the excitement of Project Runway’s return passed, we moved on to eagerly anticipating this Sunday’s season premiere of Mad Men, our favorite show about boozing ad men and their secretaries in the 1960s. Not only compelling for creator Matthew Weiner’s obsession with historical accuracy, the clothing on Mad Men is also drop dead gorgeous (and perfectly pressed.)

Check out John Slattery, who plays Roger Sterling, the womanizing partner of Sterling Cooper, in this GQ feature, and the rest of the cast in all their glamour. With style like this, it’s no wonder Mad Men received an Emmy nomination for their costumes!

Using Mad Men’s female characters for inspiration, here are a few Salemail picks with ’60s inspired shapes that still keep it modern:

Trina Turk ‘Zoe’ Sleeveless Top Reg $188.00 Now $111.90

Elie Tahari Suzie Sheath Dress Now $146.99

Tracy Reese Draped Shift Dress Reg $275.00 Now $220.00

        

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Shop It To Me recently had the opportunity to interview Tory Johnson, CEO of Women For Hire (www.womenforhire.com), a company that connects employers with bright diverse career women, as well as provides those women with exceptional advice on advancement. Tory is often featured on Good Morning America as their Workplace Expert. We wanted to share her tips with you, which may be useful as many of you start looking for new Fall work wardrobes!

Q: What’s your recommendation of what women should wear for an interview?
Tory: As a first step, before going in for the interview, ask the person interviewing you about the culture and dress code. The HR person or assistant can generally give you a sense of how to dress appropriately. I always tell people that if an environment is business casual, it doesn’t necessarily mean wearing a suit. Ask over the phone, and you should get some cues/clues of what is appropriate to wear. If you don’t have this information, it’s better to be more formal than casual. This still doesn’t always mean a traditional suit. In certain environments it is expected, but it’s not always mandatory. The most important thing is to look and feel comfortable!

Q: What basic staple pieces should all women own for their work wardrobe?
Tory: A pair of basic black lightweight wool pants. The kind that can be worn all year-round and have a dressy polished look. A few tops that look great with those pants. These can be button-downs, basic sweaters, sweater sets, or other varieties. And a great blazer for when you want to take it up a notch, that you know you can throw on and look great in.

Q: Can you talk about incorporating trends into a work wardrobe?
Tory: Work wardrobe choices are a good way to show your personality and flair. You shouldn’t wear anything too tight or too revealing, as this can lead others to question your judgment. You should strive to appear polished and poised. You can use style choices to make a positive impression or even seem creative. Looking up-to-date is a plus, but it’s not essential to incorporate a trend into your work clothing choices. Unless you’re working in an industry like fashion, advertising, or PR, which tend to be more creative, you don’t always need the latest “it” bag or shoes. It’s better to appear clean, polished, and poised, and you can do this regardless of whether you’re finding your clothing at Target or on Rodeo Drive. A freshly ironed top will look better any day over a wrinkled one, even if the wrinkled one was ten times as expensive! It really comes down to how you put yourself together.

Q: Any stores particularly great for building a wardrobe?
Tory: Bloomingdale’s and Saks are where I buy almost everything! They have a great selection in terms of both prices and brands, and a good return policy. I really try to buy the right thing on the first try, because otherwise I find myself rarely going back to the store to return it. However, a good return policy is important for those moments when I’m pressed for time or need to buy things in a rush because my kids are with me and not interested in waiting while I browse! People have their favorite spots, and it’s great to know where you personally find the most items that work for you individually.

Q: What are some tips for shopping during tough economic times?
Tory: To accessorize is a great way to make the most of a budget. Basics and classic pieces seem so much more interesting when paired with fun earrings or a great necklace. I incorporate earrings or jewelry all the time when I’m on the air, as it can keep a more basic outfit unique and allow you to wear it time and time again. Changing your jewelry can also help to easily adapt any outfit to become workplace appropriate. I’ve even found great accessories at street fairs or in teen-oriented stores, like Claire’s. You may not covet these pieces forever, but they will definitely give you pizazz. Everyone has their 1 piece of expensive jewelry, but for every day it’s great to find less expensive accessories that you can afford – sometimes for around $10.

Another fun thing is to trade with friends. It’s not about how much you spend, but the look you convey. A swap party is especially fun for younger women, where every 6 months you bring 5-10 fun accessories to trade. You all go home with something new without spending a penny!

        

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It’s that funny time of year, where the weather is still allowing us to catch the summer sunshine rays, but stores are increasingly starting to flow in fall merchandise. My heart gets excited thinking about fall, but my head says to focus on summer. Leaves us in quite the quandary of how should we be spending our money when shopping!

The summer goods are on super-sale right now, and with a few months left of heat, you can still make good use of these items. Being July, it’s not like you have to shove them in the closet and whip them out next summer…you can still sport these pieces multiple times before the weather truly changes. You can’t quite equate buying summer sale clothing with buying Christmas ornaments on sale in early January!

BUT, while you can score some amazing summer deals right now (think bathing suits, sundresses, etc), I’m personally pretty tired of the same summer trends, and feel like the styles this year weren’t particularly flattering on most. Enough of the pregnant-looking tops, bold graphic prints, and to-the-ground dresses — I’m ready for more cozy and layered fall looks in neutral shades.

The Nordstrom anniversary sale (you can preview the catalog here) that starts this Friday 7/18 is especially getting me excited. This is the time of year when they mark the clothing down BEFORE it goes back to regular price (8/4), allowing us to score some amazing deals on fall goods pre-season.

Overall, my July bias is to purchase items that can be worn during the final wind-down of summer, AND have an extended life lasting into the fall (think thin layering sweaters, peep-toe shoes, etc). Top top off my confusion, the trickiest part is that here in San Francisco, we experience chilly fall weather throughout July, and when the rest of the U.S. gets fall, we’ll finally get our summer! Now I’m really left puzzled with what to do!

        

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One of my favorite recent purchases is my new black cardigan, complete with varsity stripe and grandpa pockets. I’ve been wearing it over dresses at night, with shorts on weekends, and with my beloved skinny jeans for everyday. And the best part is I managed to snag it on sale from the men’s section, one of my favorite places to shop for cheaper versions of casual staples.

Now, despite my constant raiding of the Gap men’s sale section, there are certain dangers inherent in swiping oversized t-shirts and baggy sweaters from the guys in your life (or buying your own). Pairing a Hanes tee and jeans just looks dull (and slightly too androgynous), while, if done right, à la Mary-Kate, a loose v-neck tucked into a slim skirt can take a men’s basic to completely feminine heights.

Another mens’ or boys’ standby beyond the trusty cardigan is the button-up shirt. Buy it smaller to polish up jeans, or buy it oversize and belt it for a simple dress. But be sure to keep Fashionista’s concerns in mind. This look works best when you don’t reveal too much!

The key point to remember is to keep it balanced. If your men’s piece is slouchy, nip it in with a belt or pair it with fitted bottoms to avoid all-over bagginess.

Here are some clean and classic items that lend themselves to easy layering:

Gap striped cardigan Reg $44.50 Now $19.99

Gap solid white casual shirt Reg $39.50 Now $29.99

Old Navy Men’s Oxford Shirts Reg $19.50 Now $9.99

Marc by Marc Jacobs – stripe jersey ‘Belltown’ tank Reg $58.00 Now $31.50

And finally — I’m skipping the ill-fitting territory of men’s pants on women — shoes! This pair of Nike Dunks add Lily Allen whimsy to a men’s standby, while these Tommy lace-ups are sleek and stylish enough to avoid any gender identity crisis.

Nike Dunk Low CL Reg $85.00 Now $49.99

Tommy Hilfiger Duxbury Lace-up Reg $38.95 Now $29.99

        

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