Shop It To Me

Summer reading…time to curl up with an entertaining book on the beach! I’ve recently come across 3 fashion-related reads to share:

Spork Fashion originally turned me on to Fashion 101-A Crash Course In Clothing. Each page highlights a different piece of clothing and details “What it looks like”, “Who made it”, “Who made it hot”, and “How to rock it”. From tube tops to ballerina flats, I am learning the history of a head-to-toe wardrobe! It’s incredibly entertaining and and nicely laid out; a quick, pleasure-filled, and educational read. And for only $12, I think it’s quite a steal!

Fabsugar tipped me off about Vogue Covers. According to Fab, “This book boasts over 200 pages of Vogue’s most influential and iconic covers that span over almost 100 years.” Don’t know that this quite qualifies as beach-reading, but a definite coffee-table addition. And who doesn’t love seeing the evolution of fashion through photographs?!

When browsing at the book store this week, I came across Daily Candy Lexicon, from the Daily Candy staff. It’s a “compilation of soon to be discovered words” that will urge on laughter and appreciation of this witty humor. To give you a taste, within the Shopping chapter you’ll find “Fabric-ation: the involuntary impulse to lie when the salesgirl asks you what size you are,” and “Mouse Trap: An internet purchase that looks a lot different upon arrival than it did in the picture.” Hopefully I won’t fall for any mousetraps soon!

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I joke with friends and say “I’m in the wedding of the month club”. But I’m not kidding - I’m 100% serious when I say that I have 7 weddings to attend throughout the course of the summer. And I’m sure I’m not the only one!

Although fun, weddings do create some challenges. In addition to the $$$ required to travel, hotels, rental cars, gifts (OK you get the idea - and since they are great friends I won’t complain too much), my bigger issue is what to wear!!!

Each event requires not just one outfit, but typically one for a rehearsal dinner, sometimes a brunch event following the wedding, and often a bridal shower or bachelorette party extravaganza preceding the nuptials.

What I’ve learned:

- Choose items that travel well. It’s the worst when you arrive at a hotel, are squeezed for time, and are trying to iron something that you’re afraid you’re going to ruin with a hotel iron that may not work as you expect. The less wrinkles something holds, the better.

- One dress can go a long way, and you can re-wear…just choose different friend circles so you’re not in the same dress over and over and over again with the same people. Of course, this doesn’t solve the problem of seeing pictures of yourself in the same black dress a gazillion times…but if you pick something you love, who cares?! It’s pretty comical actually when you can’t remember which wedding you were at in any given photo.

- Borrow! Friends are great resources, and it’s terrific to be able to borrow dresses from one another. As long as they’ve worn it a few times first so you don’t ruin it with some red wine spillage before they have enjoyed the garment, you’re safe. And when spending a few hundred on a nice dress, it’s nice to be able to share the love.

A few great dresses I have found in recent Salemails that I thought could be dressed up or down for either the black-tie or the more casual events (I have a feeling these will be scooped up quickly though so you’ll need to act fast!):

BCBGMAXAZRIA Embroidered Tulle Dress
Reg $360.00
Now $107.90
Nanette Lepore - grey sequin satin ‘Dancing Machine’ dress
Reg $535.00
Now $256.80
Carmen Marc Valvo Strapless Sequin Dress
Reg $790.00
Now $236.90

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Hi Readers! My name is Lauren and I will be interning alongside Hilary for the remainder of the summer! I will be posting frequently so make sure to keep an eye out! Also, I want to hear your opinion so don’t be shy!

Anyone a fan of the TV phenomenon Gossip Girl? The gossip isn’t the only thing that is leaving everyone in America glued to their TVs every Monday night. The clothing in this show has taken the fashion world by storm and caused every woman to turn green with envy. Never thought you were going to get your hands on these Gossip Girl exclusives? Well think again…

Did anyone else fall in love with Blaire’s dress at the Waldorf-Archibald celebratory dinner in “Victor, Victrola”?

Our fellow Gossip Girl lovers over at Gossip Girl Fashion shared this great photo:

And I was delighted to see the same dress in my Salemail:

MARC BY MARC JACOBS - 3/4 length dresses
Reg $325.00
Now $148.00

It makes me wonder what other Gossip Girl fashion I will be seeing in my Salemail to come…

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Hello Readers! My name is Hilary and I am an intern for the summer here at Shop It To Me. I will be writing posts periodically, and I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you and getting your thoughts in return!

I’m headed off to Paris for two weeks for some relaxation and retail therapy, and I can’t wait to see who’s wearing what over there. This summer, everyone in the U.S. is buzzing about the gladiator sandals, maxi dresses, and belts. It will be interesting to see what Parisians do with these trends!

Our friends over at the Style and the City (a Parisian Trendsetter!) are always posting pictures of the latest Parisian looks, and here are some of my favorites from their site (www.styleandthecity.com):

I’m expecting a lot of hats, boots, and leather. I guess these ‘basics’ are a little different from the American-style jeans and t-shirts, but they are a welcome change. What are your thoughts on must-have items for your closet? I can’t live without my scarves!

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4th of July weekend is here…time for BBQs and the beach! Check out these great red, white, and blue finds from today’s Salemail — perfect for looking stylish over the long weekend!

Great news is that stores are having MAJOR online sales. So don’t forget to keep checking your Salemails and telling your friends about all the great deals you find!

Diane Von Furstenberg - Kaomo Wrap Dress
Reg $345.00
Now $241.50
Juicy Couture - Embroidered Linen Tank Dress
Reg $178.00
Now $89.00
Gap Solid knit cami
Reg $14.50
Now $7.99

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The dress Michelle Obama wore on The View recently led to lots of hoopla in the fashion world. Designer Donna Ricco’s name was seemingly everywhere, and comments galore surrounded Michelle’s fashion taste and approachable style.

Although “the” White House Black Market dress is rumored to have sold out (see full story and photo above on The Bag Forum), we spotted many similar black/white themed dresses in our Salemails. Take a look and happy shopping!

Chaiken Caroline Misses’ Belted Black Shift Dress
Reg $378.00
Now $148.99
Abaete - white stretch wool ‘Delancey’ v-neck dress
Reg $385.00
Now $127.49
Tory Burch - Eugenia Tank Dress
Reg $350.00
Now $140.00
Juicy Couture - Shifty Dress
Reg $288.00

Now $144.00

Michael Kors - Brushstroke Crewneck Sheath Dress
Reg $1,795.00
Now $718.29

Cynthia Steffe - ivory cotton-silk geometric print dress

Cynthia Steffe - geometric print dress

Reg $440.00

Now $224.40

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Flip-Flops…we live in them during the summer. Ease and comfort at their best!

Check out this post on Budget Fashionista this week about High vs. Low Flip-Flops…. demonstrates how often a lower price option can be most enticing!

And exciting news — this weekend is Old Navy Flip Flop day, where you can stock up on $1 flip flops! This Saturday only. They come in 13 different colors. (I personally own a metallic pair and can attest that they are quite comfortable)

Speaking of flip flops, The Budget Babe also shared that Havainas are sold at Forever 21. And if you buy one pair at Urban Outfitters, the second pair is half off!

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Recently, I’ve been struck with the dichotomy in dress length in my Salemails — short short minis or to-the-ground maxi dresses.

Splendid Cross Back Dress
Reg $155.00

Now $102.90

Ella Moss Sapphire Crochet Mini Dress
Reg $183.00
Now $91.50
French Connection ‘Leaf It Out’ Dress
Reg $158.00
Now $104.90
Juicy Couture ‘Marianne’ Smocked Gauze Dress
Reg $248.00
Now $165.90
Badgley Mischka Sportswear - Ilyana-Print Maxi Dress
Reg $478.00
Now $190.70
Lucky Brand Eastern Print Dress
Reg $88.00
Now $44.00

***

Each has its merits…

The Mini: Shows off sexy legs, great for shorter gals (no alterations!), can sometimes be worn across seasons with either tights/boots or flats/strappy heels, depending on the fabric and style of course

The Maxi: Definitely on trend (check out the celeb looks below!), as The LookBook says “I can wear it with flats or heels and don’t really have to shave my legs. Love it!”, comfortable as can be!

Here are some pics from a great post today on The LookBook (one of our Trendsetters!) — celeb looks and maxis for under $150. See more here!

from the look book

What’s your vote for this summer’s dress winner — maxi or mini?

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We just added a bunch of new brands — many that people like you wrote in to request! (We’re always looking for suggestions, so thank you!)

Log in and edit your preferences to add some of these great names that are new to the Shop It To Me mix:

For Women — Elizabeth & James, Maggy London, Rebecca Beeson, Hardtail, Young Fabulous & Broke, Halogen, Keds, Rocket Dog, Loeffler Randall, Lambertson Truex, Zagliani, Gloria Vanderbilt, Stussy…and more!

For Men — Hickey Freeman, Paige Premium Denim, Trovata, Rocket Dog, Loomstate, Stussy…and more!

For Kids — Keds, Rocket Dog…and more!

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Although interesting, I thought it was a bit of a branding stretch when I read that Louis Vuitton has launched a series of narrated MP3 audio tours of 3 cities: Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai. Gridskipper, a travel blog (a personal favorite of mine!) relayed the news today. First of all, shouldn’t Louis Vuitton first be launching these sound tours in France, being a native and reknowned French luxury brand? Although Asian consumers flock to the product and the timing ties in with this summer’s Olympic games in Beijing, seems that the brand could have built this product first based on its roots and come across as slightly more genuine.

The tours are narrated by iconic figures in Chinese cinema and combine music, personal stories, and a city tour…. none of which I associate with Louis Vuitton. You can get a teaser sampler on the elegantly designed LouisVuitton Soundwalk website.

Shanghaiist covered this breaking story, and the article subheading said, “This sounds like a joke, but it’s absolutely true.” Sums up my feelings precisely. Although the concept of the audio-tour is an innovative one, sometimes fashion companies should stop trying to do everything, and just stick to what they do best — producing quality fashion apparel and accessories, preferably rooted in their own heritage.

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