written by Emily Hsieh for Shop It To Me

Emily Hsieh is a writer and editor whose work has appeared in publications including InStyle, People Style Watch, Allure, and and Lucky, where she is also a contributing editor.

Naturally, with Daylight Savings Time about to kick in (don’t forget: clocks spring forward by an hour as of this Sunday at 2AM!), we’ve had time saving on our minds. At Shop It To Me HQ, there’s been a lot of chatter about how this translates sartorially—or really, how we can all streamline our routines by getting dressed faster without slacking on style. The verdict? With a little strategic shopping, anything is possible.

There are certain key building blocks that work for any wardrobe—classic, versatile items that take the guesswork out of deciding what to wear. Imagine the perfect black dress, for starters: in an ideal world, everyone would have one fantastic, well-made, well-cut LBD that could be worn for any occasion from work to weekend. Something simple and classic that could be accessorized every which way, so if you woke up feeling rock and roll, say, you could add an eyeliner and leather cuff, or for more of a demure, Breakfast at Tiffany’s vibe, just throw on kitten heel pumps and black shades. And now imagine if said dress was 70% off—genius, right?

After thinking long and hard about the other fundamental pieces every woman should have, we combed the market to track down the best, most ingeniously versatile, need-to-have-them staples to make anyone look instantly pulled together—and all at super-discounted prices to boot. Herewith, our guide to looking effortlessly, flawlessly chic.

1.) Calvin Klein Jersey Dress, $538.50 (orig, $1795, 70% off)

For day, add a blazer and flats to this sleek, wrinkle-proof (and hence, perfect for travel) shift to make it office-ready; for evening, simply swap in a killer pair of heels.

2.) Cole Haan Air Elly Patent Leather Wedge, $54.97 (orig $54.97, 70% off)

The moderate wedge offers a boost in height without sacrificing your feet, and in durable, easy-to-dress up patent leather, these peeptoes are especially versatile.

3.) Cosabella “Forever” Bikinis, $35 for set of two (originally $50, 30% off)

Stock up on these mesh-and-lace skivvies: they can be worn under virtually any garment, and hit the mark between comfy and pretty.

4.) Antik Batik Embroidered Cotton Shirt, $250 (originally $625, 60% off)

Pair this breezy, lightweight tunic with jeans and Chucks for weekends, or with a blazer and pencil skirt at work. Plus, it could also double as the most glamorous bikini cover-up ever.

5.) A.B.S. Double Breasted Trenchcoat, $179 (originally $298, 40% off)

A timelessly chic trench is a universally flattering, seasonless staple, and works equally well over a suit or evening gown.

6.) Bottega Veneta Intreciato Blue Leather Handbag, $2019.99 (originally $4680, 45% off)

The deep cerulean hue and buttery soft basket-woven leather put a luxurious spin on this practical, generously proportioned satchel.

7.) Tom Ford ‘Kelly’ Sunglasses, $210 (originally $350, 40% off)

These oversize black sunglasses deliver a jolt of downtown cool to any look.

8.) Ann Taylor Wool Long Cardigan with Turnback Sleeves, $49.99 (originally $88, 43% off)

Subtle pleating and plackets offer just a hint of embellishment to this soft, lightweight merino wool layering piece.

9.) Gryphon Sequin Tank Dress, $345 (originally $575, 40% off)

Every closet needs one knockout party dress: we’re big fans of the eye-catching shimmer, clean lines, and wear-it-year-round factor of this Gryphon piece.

10.) Carlos Falchi Large Trapezoid Bag, $212.50 (originally $425, 50% off)

Grab this gorgeous, snakeskin clutch to make a seamless transition from corporate to cocktails.

Clockwise from top left: Elizabeth Banks in Versace, Kristen Stewart in Monique Lhuillier, Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab, Demi Moore in Versace, Carey Mulligan in Prada, Zoe Saldana in Givenchy couture

Whose red carpet look was your favorite? Please share!

*images via WWD

1. Pleat Detailed Skirt: Was $269, Now $194 2. Navy Philo Sandals: Was $425, Now $199 3. Copa Cabana Jumpsuit: Was $345, Now $207

Here is a fast forward to the Fall 2010 Collection which was just shown at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. From flowy bottoms and waist-packs to faux fur jackets, these are some of the styles you can expect to see next season:

To add Tibi to your profile, login to your account, click Edit – Brands/Sizes, and hit the “All Brands” tab. Just scroll down to the “T” section, select Tibi, and hit save!

*images via Style.com

I was immediately smitten with the high, quaffed ponytails and teal eyeshadow the female models were rocking. And unique detailing on menswear, including one-shoulder suspenders, added a very special touch to the casual, sporty designs. In true Yohji fashion the looks were loose fitted and athletic, but with an added military feel.

The finale included the distribution of red roses to select front-row attendees in honor of Valentine’s Day, followed by a mock fight between Yohji and two of the models (of course the girl won!). The crowd was charmed and it was a fun, lighthearted finish to an impressive show.

To add Y-3 to your profile, login to your account, click Edit – Brands/Sizes, and hit the “All Brands” tab. Just scroll down to the “Y” section, select Y-3, and hit save!

*images via WWD

]]> http://blog.shopittome.com/2010/02/17/y-3-fallwinter-2010-sporty-designs-red-roses-and-a-brawl/feed/ 0 http://blog.shopittome.com/2010/02/15/tracy-reese-fall-2010-femininity-with-an-edge/ http://blog.shopittome.com/2010/02/15/tracy-reese-fall-2010-femininity-with-an-edge/#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:34:21 +0000 laura http://blog.shopittome.com/?p=10627 Yesterday I attended the Tracy Reese Fall 2010 show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and was amazed by it’s mood-boosting effect. Not only were the designs lovely, but the floral backdrop gave off a fantasyland feel, the music was upbeat, and the models were actually smiling!

Tracy Reese’s designs are known for their femininity, and what made this season stand out to me was the “girl power” feel the looks gave off – with fringe jackets, suede pants, and oversided scarves. While she did incorporate a refreshing dose of something different, there were still enough floral frocks and blue and pink pastels to make me want to throw a tea party.

Like what you see (and how could you not)? Add Tracy Reese to your preferences! Login to your Shop It To Me account, click edit brands, hit the “all brands” tab, select Tracy Reese, and hit save. Voila – your Salemail just got more stylish!

*images via WWD

Some gals choose to be over-the-top with the red/pink valentine’s theme, ala va-va-voom vixen:

Honeydew Intimates Set – Reg $30, Sale $21

Rebecca Minkoff dress – Reg $295, Sale $147.50

Felix Rey bag – Reg $220, Sale $110

Others choose to take it up a notch beyond normal date-nights, and maybe incorporate a hint of red just to be in the spirit:

C&C California Dress – Reg $118, Sale $82.60

Alexis Bittar ring – Reg$295, Sale $206.50

BCBGirls Shoes – Reg $89, Sale $49.99

Or, some go for a casual approach

Generra top (Rachel Zoe’s pick) – $165, Sale $115

Rich & Skinny jeans – Reg $189, Sale $139

Joe’s Jeans bag – Reg $300, Sale $179

What’s your Valentine’s style of choice: va-va-voom vixen, glam & glitz, or casual chic?

This morning, we tweeted: “Anyone in this crazy winter storm shopping online as a way to entertain themselves/make their outlook sunnier?”

And, within the first 3 minutes…an influx of responses!

richelecole: @ShopItToMe Yes, and it’s getting out of hand. There’s just one problem; all of my Fedex shipments are delayed due to weather!

LaLaLauren: @ShopItToMe I am!! I’m looking for a new bag for spring.

resourceaddict: @ShopItToMe Great idea! Now if I could only figure out what I need! LOL

Cibu17: Yes! spent $295 on shopbob thanks to @ShopItToMe yesterday!

praying4prada: @ShopItToMe YES! In fact I’ve bought 2 pr of shoes online & helped my girlfriend drop $500 on @blufly_com last night! Can’t wait 4spring!

AmazinglyMeCMT: RT @ShopItToMe Anyone in this crazy winter storm shopping online as a way to entertain themselves/make their outlook sunnier? << guilty!

Supershopgal: @ShopItToMe I did! Thanks to you (2nd time this week) I scored an awesome cozy Splendid sweater marked down to $27! (Orig 78)

Photos  courtesy of V Magazine

Then with Asos launching their plus-size clothing line, Asos Curve, featuring fun, flirty, casual and classic styles.

Photos courtesy of Asos

And now with British plus-size fashion brand Evans‘ new Vogue-inspired ad campaign, Evans presents plus sized women in casual white t-shirts and jeans, very relaxed and beautiful with a nice vintage feel (stylelist)

Photo Courtesy of Evans via stylelist

There is no doubt that curves are ahead and there will be more campaigns catered to plus-sized women. This is only the beginning of the year and with 11 more months in 2010, we’ll just have to wait and see what the fashion industry plans to do next in the plus-sized realm. Any predictions?

Speaking of the W Hotel — they just announced that they’re hiring a Fashion Director!

The WSJ reported that the W Hotel will make the grand announcement next week, on Feb 11th, to kick off New York Fashion Week.  They are hiring stylist Amanda Ross to amp their style credibility, hob-nob with designers, Hollywood stars, and the fashion community, and help to style the rooms/hotel lobbies/staff, and more.  Basically, to make sure the W Hotels are top-notch in terms of design and fashion.

We’re delighted that one of our lucky members will be winning an escape at the fashionable W Hotel, courtesy of Shop It To Me!  Stay tuned to see who that is…