Fusion Tampa Bay

Friday Finds - Blogroll

2010-10-08T10:42:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned how much I love the internet? I am, without a doubt, obsessed with it. Full on love affair. There is no boundary to what can be found on the internet, and I love knowledge. Knowledge is power! I have a google reader full of links to a lot of really wonderful places on the internet....a lot of them are boring old business blogs and websites....but here are a few of my favorite eye candy/mind candy blogs that are always a great place to go to unwind after a long day...

la sirene de boston

Written by a part time jewelry maker and full time lover of fashion and decor, la sirene de boston is simply written in a way my long winded self envies. It doesn't hurt that Anne seems to always find the most intriguing and beautiful photographs to accompany her words.

Ki Designs

I am insanely jealous of Kimy's artistic talent as well as her gorgeous product pictures and funny little blog posts. She owns a little shop in South Tampa (visit her facebook page here) that is stuffed full of great little gifts for just about anyone and for just about any occasion.

Keiko Lynn

I became obsessed with the "What I Wore Today" blogs a few months back, and Keiko Lynn's is by far the best with the most depth. While I would never dream of wearing 95% of the outfits she puts together, I love her sense of style, her make up tutorials, and how glamorous her life seems to be as an outsider looking in. Hello..she went to NY Fashion Week....how awesome is that? Realistically, I'd probably be bored out of my mind...but I'd like to think I'd find it at least a little interesting.

Dooce

I'm not really sure why I love this blog so much, since it is at times, very mommy bloggerish (not something she would appreciate being called at all, but for someone who has no kids, no matter what, any blog post about kids is going to seem mommy bloggerish). But Dooce (aka Heather Armstrong) is quite possibly the most hilarious human on the planet, without really ever seeming to try. I mean, I would assume there is a bit of embellishment for the sake of hilarity, but honestly, I just think some people have the knack for turning something ordinary into something extraordinary, and if you can do it with words, then I'm doubly in awe.

Stratejoy

This blog is written by a bunch of different twentysomething women who are confronting the phenomenon of a quarterlife crisis head on. I love this blog for so many different reasons. I think it gives a voice to a plethora of different feelings, issues, and questions that each and every woman has or faces at one point or another in their lives, and yet, we each feel as if we're on an island of sorts and the only woman to ever feel a particular way about a particular event. I really love the last two blog posts Self Awareness: The Anti Adventure and Love & The Single Girl but regardless, this blog is always good as a reminder that you're really not alone and that you are justified in feeling the way you feel.

Happy reading ya'll! Have a wonderful FALL weekend!! (Finally)!!

Friday Finds - Breast Cancer Awareness

2010-10-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Ta-Ta Month!!! Not to get too personal on ya'll, but I will admit that I'm rather lax on the self-examination front. So Breast Cancer Awareness month is a way to re-educate and remind myself about the importance of self examination for early detection. Breast cancer isn't 100% preventable....but it's certainly treatable if detected early.

Still a little fuzzy on exactly how to perform a self breast exam? Fitness Magazine posted step by step instructions on their website here and even provides a link to illustrated instructions if you're like me and do better with visuals....

So don't hide your head in the sand...this month in particular. And don't think because there isn't a history of Breast or Ovarian cancer in your family that it can't happen to you....only about 10% of women that actually get Breast cancer have the genetic predisposition for it. Educate, protect, and prevent.

Have a phenomenal weekend everyone!!!

Friday Finds - Online Designer Deals

2010-09-24T14:06:00.000-07:00

Like every other female on the planet, I love to shop. I will also cop to being a bit of a label snob when it comes to certain items....I'm a Coach purse girl all the way and I secretly get a little thrill out of being able to tell people that those shoes they just complemented me on are Michael Kors. Childish, superficial, and immature...yes I know...but I fully realize that and accept it.

Unfortunately, I'm also like a lot of women in that the only thing standing between me and a closet full of designer label clothing is severe lack of funds. More often than not....the designer items in my closet have been the result of very generous Christmas or birthday gifts from my parents.

So what's a girl to do when her bank account doesn't cooperate with her need for those new True Religion jeans or Juicy bag? Get on the internet of course!!! There's been a huge increase in online, exclusive members only shopping websites. Truthfully...the "exclusive" and "members only" titles are a bit of a joke, meant, I would assume, to lend each of these sites some....well exclusive feelings for their members....but honestly...all you really need is an email address...joining each of the sites below is completely free, although sometimes by invitation only...so what are you waiting for? Get joining and start saving!!

Haute Look
This site doesn't limit themselves to just clothing, but holds continuous, 48-hour sale events with the world's top fashion, accessories, beauty, kids and home brands. Each day, HauteLook offers discounts of 50 to 75 percent off to millions of their members.

ideeli
Features the most sought-after brands in fashion, home and beauty–at prices up to 80% off. New brands are featured each day in sales starting at 12 p.m. EST. Sales last 40 hours, or until items are sold out. They also have weekly giveaways which has a surprise start time and last 7 hours (in most cases).You can also refer friends and receive a $25 shopping credit for each friend that buys. Free Money!!!

Rue La La
Membership at Rue La La is shaped by it's own current members. Membership is free, but is by invite only from a current member. Invite a friend that buys and you'll get a $10 credit. Rue La La's boutiques consist of some of the top fashion brand names in the industry, as well as accessories, home, health and beauty, AND travel.

Beyond the Rack
Another by invitation only site, Beyond the Rack is a private shopping club for women and men who want designer brand apparel and accessories at prices up to 70% off retail. They obtain authentic designer merchandise and provide it exclusively to their members through limited-time events. Each event starts at a specific time and typically lasts only 48 hours. After each event ends the merchandise is no longer available. Members are notified by email in advance of each upcoming event according to their preferences.

Gilt Groupe
Gilt Groupe provides access, by invitation only, to Men’s, Women’s and Children’s coveted fashion and luxury brands at prices up to 70% off retail. Each sale lasts 36 hours and features hand selected styles from a single designer.

Trend Tuesday - In the Army Now

2010-09-21T06:19:00.000-07:00

Recently all I can think about is how over my summer closet I am. I walk in there every morning and stare helplessly around me at the masses of clothing that I no longer have any desire to wear. I am SO over summer. Summer clothing, summer weight, summer colors...remind me of this fact in February when I'm complaining about how cold I am, but I'm ready to move on and moving on means updating my closet.

So, I was at the gym last night and "In the Army Now" with Pauly Shore became absolutely instrumental in helping me get through 45 minutes on the elliptical. Since I got home, now all I can think about is hunting down and adding some cute, military inspired items of clothing to my closet....here are a few of my favorites....

Skinny Cargo Pant with Destruction & Embellishment from Victoria's Secret - $88

I love this next jacket...the 4 in 1 Cargo Jacket from Victoria's Secret. The sleeves can come off to create a vest or you can unzip the two front panels to make it a short jacket or a short vest....super cool and economical!

Melissa Slim Cargo Pants from Anne Taylor Loft - $39.99

Fifth Ave Cargos from Anthropologie - $118

O'Reilly Jacket from Anthropologie - $128

Staring at Stars Henley Tunic from Urban Outfitters - $54

Urban Renewal Cuffed Army Shorts from Urban Outfitters - $38

And now I have a little shameless self promotion....Why Not Boutique has begun a Customer Rewards Program. Here's the details....

Every time you buy something at Why Not Boutique, we'll record your pre-tax purchase amount on an index card with your name on it (don't worry...we'll keep it here at the boutique!). Once you've made six purchases, we'll add them all up and give 10% of your cumulative purchases back to you in the form of Why Not Store Credit....simple as that!

All you have to do is follow this link HERE, fill out the form, and your rewards card will be waiting at the shop the next time you stop in...check it out...you can't lose!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful week!!

Friday Finds - Skinny Love

2010-09-17T07:04:00.000-07:00

I've been on the hunt for a great, flattering pair of skinny jeans now for almost a year. I tried to avoid the trend for as long as possible, I was convinced it wasn't going to stick around plus...frankly....I'm a woman. I gots me some womanly curves and some not so super skinny thighs. To be honest, I was completely petrified of what trying skinny jeans on might do to my self esteem. I just envisioned gathering the nerve to take a pair into a dressing room and then having them get stuck with the waistband around my knees. Bikini season is bad enough thank-you-very-much.

So....I'm almost afraid to say this in a public forum, but I'll do it anyway....I'm a dedicated shopper of the Target clothing department. I love that place. Granted...pretty much 100% of everything they sell there is made in China, but honestly, I don't make a lot of money, nor do I want to spend a lot of money on trends that are going to go out of style in a few months, but at the same time, I still want to look and feel hip and put together. I was strolling through the clothing department last week looking for black clothing to wear this weekend (long story involving a bachelorette party) and literally tripped over a pair of black, skinny jeans from Mossimo on the floor.

I figured it was fate. That these jeans had literally been dropped in my path and so I had to try them on.

LOVE. So in love with these jeans. Bought them in black and in a dark wash with some silver studding.

I wore them this weekend with both heels AND with flats and they were awesome both ways. The best part....they're $25. I'm. Not. Kidding. I'm so enamoured by these jeans, I might go back and buy the gray wash pair they have as well.

The only thing missing now is the fall weather for me to wear the stitching out of these babies! But for now, I may have to suffer through the heat and wear them anyway!

Have a great weekend ya'll!!

Trend Tuesday - Wearing Your Watch Around Your Neck

2010-09-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

As I was surfing around the internet the other night for Friday Finds inspiration, I started noticing a trend - Watch Necklaces. Am I the only one that thinks this is the best idea since cell phones and Facebook? I haven't worn a watch since 2001 but what better way to get back into the habit that than adorning yourself with one of these timepieces? So 19th century of us...

Watch Globe Pendant by Urban Outfitters - $34.00

Toucan Tell Time Necklace by ModCloth - $23.99

Wind Me Up Necklace by Modcloth - $24.99

Timed Race Watch Necklace by Modcloth - $27.99

Time Flies Vintage Brass Owl Watch Necklace by RingRingRing on Etsy - $28.00

Skeleton Key Watch Necklace by TheBumblingBird on Etsy - $25.00

Romantic Cluster Clock Necklace by Urban Outfitters - $28.00

Friday Finds - Awesome Necklaces Under $50

2010-09-10T05:59:00.000-07:00

I freely admit that when it comes to my jewelry, I'm a boring traditionalist. Same necklace, same earrings, same rings. Nothing fun or exciting about my jewelry collection what-so-ever. In spite of my boringness, I'm always browsing the jewelry sections in all my favorite shops, looking at all the eye candy in preparation for the day I decide to step outside of my oh so square box and here are a few of my faves.....

Leaf an Impression Necklace by ModCloth - $16.99

Cutenkhamun Necklace by ModCloth - $21.99

Floral Layered Necklace by Forever 21 - $10.80

Fairy Pearl and Copper Necklace by uniquejewelrybygigi on Etsy - $30.00

Chain and Pearl Necklace by cloverbyritasiemion on Etsy - $42.00

Disc and Bauble Chain Mail Necklace by Bebe - $44.00

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Trend Tuesday - Oxford Shoes...without the Poodle Skirt....

2010-09-09T06:36:00.000-07:00

I know. I know. We're late again. Maybe we should just call this week Trend Thursday instead of Trend Tuesday....it would be more accurate! As anyone who has been in the shop over the last few days knows, we're having some computer issues. Poor little guy picked up a virus and unfortunately it's not the kind that a little bit of nyquil and cough drops will fix. Lucky for us, we have a very generous IT guy in the family (Monica's super awesome hubby Louis) who has so wonderfully donated a few hours of his already limited free time towards helping us. Fingers crossed, everything should be worked out by the end of today.....

So let's talk about a shoe trend that I'm totally hating right now, but seems to be carrying over from summer and is firmly entrenched in all the fall fashion mags....the Oxford shoe.

Image from Urban Original

I admit...my hatred of this particular shoe may stem from the memories it invokes....think saddle shoes, Catholic school uniform, and wool sweaters...ick.

Regardless of my personal feelings on this particular style, it's pretty much impossible to deny that the trend has grown some legs and seems to be sticking around. So here are a few of, in my opinion, the lesser evils out there right now...

"Goolia" by Aldo $50

"Lubbs" by Aldo $90

"Lady Stardust" by Modcloth $59.99

"Scholarly Method" by Modcloth $119.95

"Candy Dipped" by Modcloth $64.99

"Off the Lot Oxfords" by Anthropologie $198

Happy Shopping Ladies!!

Friday Finds - Operation Beautiful

2010-09-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

I was at the gym the other day, painfully attempting to pass the time by rapidly flipping through magazines and watching lame daytime tv when I stumbled upon a tiny little blurb in...I think...the September issue of Self magazine for this movement/website called Operation Beautiful. The goal of Operation Beautiful is to put an end to all that internal negative "self-talk" us women do, through leaving anonymous notes in public places (public restroom mirrors, the scale at the gym, etc) that are meant to encourage and motivate the reader.

I LOVE this website. Let's be honest....every now and again, we all need a little bit of a pick me up that can only be delivered through a kind word or deed. Here are a few of my recent favorites from the Operation Beautiful website...

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!!

Trend Tuesday - What we saw at Market

2010-09-01T10:15:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes...I know...today is Wednesday not Tuesday. So sorry about that! I seem to be having trouble getting back into the swing of things after a weekend of no holds barred shopping at Atlanta Market. Monica and I came home with about 15 extra pounds of cash and carry jewelry in our suitcases! Everything else that we ordered will begin to be delivered around the middle of September, but in the mean time....here are some trends we noticed emerging for fall:

Camo green, skinny cargos, and anything military inspired.
Lace. But subtle lace. Think sleeve detailing or simple ruffles.
The updated sun dress. Dresses never go out of season, but we saw the turquoise from summer morph into a rich teal for fall. Purple is here in a big way as is greens and browns of course.
Embellishments. But again in a subtle way. Sparkles and/or sequins on cuffs or hems. Ruffles and sassy bows.

And that's that! Keep an eye out on our facebook pages here and here for new merchandise pictures in the very near future as well as party announcements (we have one planned every month through December)!!

Happy shopping!!!

Friday Finds - Love and Wine

2010-08-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

It's pretty obvious that I have an obsession with all things fashion related. It's also very clear from previous posts on restaurant reviews that I am dedicated to the pursuit of great food and local eateries. However you may or may not know that I am also passionately addicted to wine. OK let's be honest anyone who knows me well knows that I am a complete and total wino. I only regularly consume 3 things on a daily basis.

Coffee, water and wine!

Due to my pretty much daily habit I am always on the hunt for great affordable wines. I wanted to share with you my current favorite budget picks. While some people fall into the category of white wine or red wine people, I don't discriminate. I like them all!

Layer Cake, Malbec 2008

This is my number one go to wine these days. It's smooth and silky with notes of blackberry. This wine is elegant with a touch of sultry. It's like your best LBD (little black dress). It's a steal at $15. It really tastes like a $30 bottle. Best place and price to find it, Fresh Market in South Tampa. Watch out folks this one is dangerous, I for one can't get enough.

Louis Martini, Cabernet, Sonoma County 2008

I usually stay away from Cabernet. They tend to be too tannic and full bodied for my palate. But this easy drinking Cab has me singing a different tune. It's soft with flavors of red fruit. I was at a wine tasting recently where they paired this wine with chocolate. Now if that's not a way to wind down the day I don't know what is! I also had the pleasure to visit the Louis Martini winery on my honeymoon to California. If you ever get a chance to visit this vineyard, Go! You will not be disappointed. These people make some fantastic red wine! This one runs about $12 to $20 retail. Sam's Club has it now for $11.78!

Whitehaven, Sauvignon Blanc, 2008

I love, love Sauvignon Blanc wines in the summer. They are light, crisp and refreshing. Every time I serve this wine at an event at the boutique I have women commenting on how delicious it is! Its a fruit forward wine with apples and a little lemon tartness. Perfect with spicy food or at a back yard BBQ. The guys at my favorite local wine spot, Wine Warehouse turned me on to it. They usually have it in stock for around $14. Toast the end of summer with this gem!

"Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy.”

-Benjamin Franklin

Trend Tuesday - Act Like a Girl, Fight Like a Girl, Dress Like a Girl

2010-08-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

I don't know about the rest of you, but today is really feeling like fall for me. Kiddos are back in school. The weather is iffy. Makes me want to go rake leaves (something I've never done), and eat a freshly picked apple (I don't even like apples).

But since I'm feeling like it's fall....I'm going to talk about a fall trend I'm seeing in a lot of the fashion mags this month...frilly, lady like styles with just a touch of coy and sexy. I'm definitely not what you would describe as "girly" or "frilly" but if I was...here's a few things I would be in my closet in a heartbeat!

I'm in love the flowy, bubbly shape of The Ellipsis Dress from ModCloth. With just a touch of retro, it's an updated, 1950's debutant look that I just adore.

Frankly, the idea of an actual corset just scares the living daylights out of me....but I think I could possibly manage to face my fears with these corset inspired tops from Anthropologie...

Corseted Cypress Blouse $168

Bayou Gingham Cami $178

And my personal favorite...

Wildflowers in Flight Top $78

I'm one of those very unfortunate, short-waisted women who has a VERY hard time finding any sort of dress or top that flatters my natural waist instead of accentuating the fact that I really don't have one. Lucky for me, girly fall fashions are all about faking an hourglass shape with waist cinching styles...

Traced Twirls Dress from Anthropologie $158

The Marion Dress from ModCloth $54.99

The color of this Betsey Johnson dress is a bit much for me, but I love the contrasting black band which breaks up the bubble gum pinkness AND creates a waistline...

Evening Sweet Caroline Strapless Dress from Betsey Johnson $425

Delmy Zip Vest from J.Crew $128

And my absolutely personal favorite.....

Reina de la Fiesta from ModCloth $89.99

And of course...what better way to dress up something simple than with a few well placed, girly accessories...

Unicorn Princess Heels from ModCloth $119.99

Love Me Knot Printed Platforms from J.Crew $295

The Antique Mall Necklace from ModCloth $23.99

Docile Bloom Bracelet from Anthropologie $30

Happy Shopping Everyone!!

Friday Finds - Off to Market!

2010-08-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

We're headed off to the Atlanta Apparel Market in just one week!

Can we tell you how SUPER excited we are to see what's new in the wonderful world of fashion?! We can? Well we are SO excited, we've already got our suitcases packed! We really wish we could take all you ladies on our big buying spree, we mean seriously, how fun would that be?! But since we can't we our offering you something even better. Big discounts and deals on in store merchandise!! Yes that's right, pretty much everything in the boutique has been marked down 20-70%! We gotta clear some space for all the new goodies. So help us make room!

Was: $63.00

Sale Price: $50.00

Was: $40.00

Sale Price: $30.00

Was: $40.00

Sale Price: $25.00

Was: $50.00

Sale Price: $35.00

Stay tuned for highlights from our Atlanta market trip!

Trend Tuesday - Not your Grandmothers Lace

2010-08-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

Lace embellishments are one of fashions key players in fall trends for 2010. When done right lace can be feminine and sexy. Too much lace especially black lace will have you looking like a your ready to go on stage at the Moulin Rouge. In contrast, also be careful when donning white lace. White lace implies bridal so unless you are hitting the altar wear it with caution.

Marie Claire suggests that when wearing lace, "Don't overdo the froufrou: Wear one thing lace and accessorize minimally." which we think is a great suggestion. We don't want to look like we are wearing our grandmothers old tablecloth...

Here are a few of our favorites...

Dress for success...

Discovered Lace Dress - Anthropologie - $158

Dress Come True - ModCloth - $47.99

Last Train Out Dress - ModCloth - $74.99

Veil Veil Vanish Dress - ModCloth- $74.99

Damson Lace Blouse - Anthropologie - $99.95

Whites Done Right

Just Say Bow Top - ModCloth- $44.99

High Tea Blouse - Anthropologie - $98

With lace bottoms, be sure to keep the top simple...

Tatted Tides Skirt - Anthropologie - $148

Water you Waiting For - ModCloth - $54.99

Happy Shopping!!

Friday Finds - We all scream for Ice Cream!

2010-08-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

We're sure you'll agree with us that nothing beats the summer heat like a big scoop of ice cream! Because we're nice, and generous people, we decided to take one for the team and embark on a taste testing tour of some local South Tampa ice cream, gelato, and yogurt shops to satisfy our taste buds. Monica really had to twist Jen's arm to participate in this assignment!

Yogurt Naturally

Our first stop was Yogurt Naturally on MacDill Avenue. One of the major perks of this place is the drive through!! Perfect solution to a rainy Florida summer afternoon. We ordered our yogurt, a small cup of peanut butter fudge for Jen and a medium cup of strawberry cheesecake for Monica. We didn't catch the individual prices but the price for one small and one medium was $6.75. Pretty reasonable price for an afternoon treat.

The chocolate in Jen's yogurt was of the deep, rich variety with peanut butter chunks or slices as an accent. Overall she thought the two blended together nicely. Her only complaint was that there were a few bites that had that crystalized, icy taste, like it had been sitting in the freezer for too long. Monica's was very flavorful with nice pieces of strawberry and cheesecake. The cheesecake did taste slightly artificial but still satisfied her sweet tooth
Visit them at either on of their two locations

3906 S Macdill Ave
Tampa, FL 33611

4004 Henderson Blvd
Tampa, FL 33629

Pane' Rustica

Our next stop on our ice cream taste testing adventure was Pane Rustica for their gelato, which we heard they get from the gelato place on Bay Street at International Plaza. We each got a small cup of gelato that was filled to the brim and then some! Monica had strawberry with chocolate chips and Jen ordered the peanut butter. The price for our 2 small cups of heaven was a somewhat more expensive, $7.50 but the serving size was very generous, so we don't feel that the price was unreasonable. Jen's peanut butter had that great authentic peanut butter taste with real peanuts sprinkled within. Monica loved the crunch and flavor the chocolate chips added to the strawberry gelato. Both agreed they loved the creaminess of Pane's gelato as well as the serving size, a nice generous scoop.

http://www.panerusticabakery.com/

Berryisms

Our final contender was Berryisms on Dale Mabry Hwy. This frozen yogurt cafe has a limited selection of flavors but their topping bar is by far the largest! Everything from good ole rainbow sprinkles to large fresh blackberries. We had to take advantage and of course each added a topping to our yogurt. In typical chocolate lover fashion Jen chose chocolate with peanut butter chips and Monica got the wildberry with rainbow sprinkles. This treat set us back the furthest as 2 small cups with toppings was $8.50. Still not too bad considering the price of a Starbucks latte!

Unfortunately this was Jen's least favorite. She found the yogurt to have a fake chocolate taste and the texture too grainy. Plus it made her stomach feel a little out of sorts. On a bright note the peanut butter chip topping was super yummy! Monica enjoyed her wildberry yogurt and although it wasn't very "berry" tasting the consistency was light and it had a nice tartness to it.

http://www.berryismyogurt.com/

Overall, we of course totally enjoyed our ice cream taste testing adventure and we're wondering why we didn't think of this idea sooner. Of course....after three days in a row of yogurt and gelato, regardless of how low fat or fat free it is...we're probably going to be paying for our indulgence at the gym all next week....but that's ok...it was SO worth it!!

Happy Eating!!

Trend Tuesday - How to Sparkle

2010-08-10T07:23:00.000-07:00

We really wanted to name this blog post "How to NOT sparkle like a Las Vegas Showgirl" but we really felt that was just too long a title....so we refrained.

Anyway....something we're seeing a lot of in magazines and in stores is an influx of glitz, not only for night, but for everyday wear too. The question becomes...like we wanted to name this post...how to add a little glitz to your glam without going to far? Here are a few suggestions we've come up with to answer that question...

Focus on soft neutrals. Pairing glitz with muted fabrics allows the "sparkle" to pop without being overwhelming. Think denim, soft greys, pinks, nudes, blues and greens. This also makes your "sparkle" more daytime appropriate.

Knits & Tees - Clothes - Anthropologie.com, $78

See by Chloe Low-rise skinny jeans, $74
Tough As Nails Flats, $145

We've professed out love of the denim jacket here and we think it totally fits here when you're trying to play down your glam a little bit. We're not really feeling the whole "bootie" as a shoe trend, but we gotta admit...it does look pretty darn good in this mix...

Adam Sequined tank Dress - theoutnet.com, $1,050
Women's AE Denim Jacket - American Eagle Outfitters, $16
STEVEN by Steve Madden Women's Partey Open Toe Pump, $10

Think outside the box, but keep it simple. Work clothes can be sooooo booooring. Here's a simple way to take a basic white blouse and black skirt, and jazz it up a bit with some embellished, glitzy shoes. Still totally work appropriate...at least in our opinion...

MCQ BY ALEXANDER MCQUEEN QLI900191901 WHITE COTTON / ELASTANE E3131, $150
Skirts - Clothes - Anthropologie.com, $98
Jessica Simpson 'Lepolia' Flat, $79
Black Rhinestone Bangle Set - Teen Clothing by Wet Seal, $14

Every woman knows the importance of owning a little black dress....the problem is that, EVERY woman knows the importance of owning a little black dress. It's hard to find one that has that wow factor to differentiate itself (and you) from every other black dress wearing woman out there. Search for something a little extra next time you're looking to replace or add to your LBD collection...

GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI DESIGN E00131 BRONZE LEATHER 1857301, $770
Balmain Night Punk studded suede clutch, $2,710
14k Yellow Gold Bronze Crystal Ball Stud Earrings | Overstock.com, $40
Brazilia Beading Dress, $346.50

And sometimes, you know...all you need is a little bit of glitz and sparkle on your fingers, ears, or wrists to make getting out of bed every morning worthwhile!

Fossil Sparkling Turtle Ring - Size 7, $30

VINTAGE SPARKLING NECKLACE, $380

belle of the ball leverback dangle earrings, $95

kate spade 'queen bee' long station necklace, $145

Noir Metal Bracelet, $118

Juicy Couture - Coral Flower Studs (Gold) - Jewelry, $42

Melissa Vintage Rose Ring, $95

Happy Shopping!!

Friday Finds - Book Worm

2010-08-06T11:10:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you all, but I'm starting to feel the lazy summer months drawing to a close and the rush of the holiday season rapidly approaching. And while I absolutely love fall and the holidays, I find, starting in September, I have less and less time to indulge in the little "me time" things that are so essential to my sanity.

For me, "me time" generally consists of just about anything where I can have a book in my hand. Pool, beach, couch, car (obviously when I'm not driving), coffee shop....it really doesn't matter. And so, I thought that, as you hopefully embark on those last summer vacations, I'd share with you some great reads that I've come across this summer that you can hopefully lose yourself in as you relax before the the madness begins...

Usually I avoid those "Must Read" books that everyone else is talking about, mainly because I'm contrary and don't like other people telling me what to do....but, nine times out of ten, once I get over my stubbornness and break down and read those "Must Reads" I love them...go figure right? Well The Help by Kathryn Stockett was no different. I sat down and read this book, all 451 pages of it, in three hours one night.

Set in Mississippi in 1962, this book, narrated by three different women, focuses on what happens when the Civil Rights Movement begins to infiltrate a small Southern town steeped in the tradition of racism and sexism. Alternatively heart breaking and hilarious, it's an extremely interesting fictional look into what it was like to be a woman, black or white, in the South in the 1960's. This was by far, my favorite book I read all summer!

I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley is a hilarious compilation of essays that explores the challenges of being a twenty-something woman. Crosely covers everything from hiding her childhood toys under the sink to the perils of moving in NYC to the crappiness of entry level jobs to being a bridesmaid for a less-than-good friend. Witty and honest, Cake is totally relateable no matter what age you are.

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah follows two women as they embark on a friendship that spans 30 years and weathers love, loss, and betrayals in only the way true friendship can. The interesting thing about this novel is that neither of the main characters is particularly likeable. Instead of creating a hero and a villain, Hannah instead writes two characters that are startlingly human with their faults and foibles that you will find yourself alternating between wanting to hug or smack upside the head.

Happy reading ya'll!!!

Trend Tuesday - Belts Galore

2010-08-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

Since their inception, belts have always been an extremely useful accessory to any wardrobe. They have been used for anything from a decorative piece to add to your outfit to something that helps hold up loose pants, to a police belt which carries an officers tools of the trade.

Over the past few years we've seen an increase in what might be called free standing belts. Women have been using them to create structure to their outfits and accentuate flattering parts of their bodies.

According to Lucky Magazine, "Adding a belt under the bust line accentuates the smallest area of the midsection." Something that Oprah does very well with her red belt from the July cover of O Magazine.

We love how you can also use belts to break up what could be a dress with an overwhelming, obnoxious pattern.

Besides adding structure and defining the waist belts are also used as statement pieces. How awesome would this jeweled belt look with a basic black or silver cocktail dress? It's a great way to add a little sparkle!

BCBG Multi-Bead Belt

We're also really loving the idea of gold accessories with your LBD for the holiday season - I know...we're just as surprised as you are that the phrase "holiday season" just came out of our mouths as well...but this Tying it All Together Belt from Mod Cloth will definitely live up to its name...

Leopard and cheetah prints are back for fall. Play with this trend by incorporating a skinny animal print belt with your LBD.

Marina Rinaldi Leopard Print Skinny Belt at Saks

Belts are also an inexpensive and easy way to rock the latest trends without breaking the bank. Paired over a white boyfriend tee and jeans this military inspired belt looks great slung on the hips....

WCM Military Inspired Belt at Bloomingdales

If we learned anything while researching for this blog post, it's to not be afraid of a belt. Like stripes, it may take a bit of trial and error when it comes to width, style, and location but they really are a very useful accessory when it comes to defining a waistline, drawing attention to a flattering part of your body, or adding a bit of oomph to an otherwise basic LBD.

Happy belt shopping ladies!!

Friday Finds - Raising The Bar - Pane' Rustica's new addition!

2010-07-30T07:41:00.000-07:00

Unless you're one of those people that never eats out or has been living under a rock for the past few years, it's probably pretty safe to say that you are familiar with Pane’ Rustica, the scrumptious restaurant and bakery in South Tampa. This wonderful eatery focuses on giving classic dishes that everyone loves, a European flair. If you are a frequent visitor of the restaurant you may have noticed over the past few months the sounds of construction on the adjacent space. Monica for one has been waiting with much anticipation with the unveiling of the restaurant expansion to include a bar, lounge and extra dining room!

Well, it’s finally here and Monica, of course, want to share her delight and experience of the new addition...

This past Saturday night the hubby and I were aching for a little food and fun. After eating a late lunch we decided we really weren’t all that hungry for a full meal but wanted a little snack and a refreshing cocktail without having to drive too far. Good news is, the new Pane' Rustica bar is less than a mile from our house and was exactly what we were in the mood for!

The bar is a large, beautiful U shape leaving lots of space for people to sit without feeling like the person next to you is breathing down your neck and listening into your conversation. They've also added cozy booths alongside the opposite wall and a few cocktail tables scattered throughout for those who would rather have a little more privacy. The decor is dark woods accented with shades of blue and the feel is much more contemporary than the adjacent olde world decor of the original dining room, but it still it blends well and the Saturday night ambiance was very chill with a twist of romantic.

The low lighting and electronica lounge music in the background set a perfect stage for an evening of sipping cocktails, relaxing and chatting. Just what I was in the mood for! So while I am primarily a wine drinker, I am always in the search of a perfectly made Cosmo! I like em made with top shelf vodka, light on the cranberry with a few chips of ice and really cold. The bartender that night hit it right on and my favorite summer drink was refreshing an satisfying. Louis' fave signature drink is a Ketel One martini straight up with blue cheese olives. They reproduced this classic cocktail and we happily sipped our cocktails and discussed the week and our pending kitchen remodel! The stress of of DIY-ing our new kitchen of course had us ordering another round..the second just as great as the first! Besides an extensive liquor selection their wine list and beer selection is excellent offering something for everyones palate.

The full menu is offered at the bar and lounge and in addition they have a small bar menu that consists of small plates and appetizers. We chose the beef tenderloin satays and asparagus with fondue cheese sauce off the bar menu and the Caprese salad appetizer from the daily specials on the dinner menu. The tenderloin was cooked perfectly and melted in your mouth. Great dish but I could have gone for a few more satays only 3 on this dish wasn't really enough. The Caprese was refreshing with big slices of juicy summer tomatoes.

As always, Pane' Rustica didn't disappoint with their food. They chose quality ingredients, didn't over season or overcook allowing for the natural flavors of the food speak for itself. I had a relaxing evening with my forever favorite dining partner. And definitely see myself enjoying many future evenings there for girl's night and of course my great hubby!

Congrats Pane Rustica on your new addition I know it is a sure success and think a new beautiful hip bar is exactly what Palma Ceia needed!

Right now it seems they are feeling out their customers and waiting to decide what their final hours will be for the bar. Currently it is open until the restaurant closes which is 10 on week nights and 11 on the weekends. The bartender assured us though, that as long as there are patrons, the bar will stay open to serve up delicious drinks!

Cheers!! Eat well, drink up and be merry!

Trend Tuesday - Go Nude! With Nude Shoes That Is....

2010-07-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

We really can't believe we haven't dedicated a single blog post yet to shoes! Twenty-two posts and not a single shoe in sight! Well we're about to change all that by spending a few paragraphs gushing over one of the hottest trends of the spring and summer...nude shoes! Sorry fashionistas for the delay on this must have! Good news is, it doesn't look like this trend is going anywhere soon, as it's been listed in several premier fashion mags as a must have for fall, so if you haven't gotten a pair already, there's still plenty of time!

The obvious reason to love nude sandals, pumps and boots is that their neutral color makes them a sure bet to complete any outfit - finally Monica can stop worrying about what to wear with all those patterned dresses she has collected over the past few years!

So besides the obvious, another plus is that nude shoes with a heel, platform or wedge give the illusion of a longer leaner leg! And you know what that means..... you look 10 lbs lighter! Forget about cutting carbs, just wear nude pumps all the time! Ok, so maybe that's not really a feasible answer, but c'mon, agree with us that it's a fantastic plus to sporting this trend!!

And now for the eye candy! Here's some nudes that have us drooling....

Jessica Simpson Astor Sandal at piperlime

Luck Wedge Sandal by Charles David on piperlime

Caryssa Pump by Steve Madden

Berkeley Flat by Report on piperlime

Stonee by Steve Madden

Happy Shopping!!

Friday Finds - Beat the Heat!

2010-07-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

So Tampa girls and fellow Floridians, are you sick of the sweltering summer heat yet?

We know we are! So in honor of (or maybe it's in spite of) the heat, we have put together some ideas on how to stay cool this summer! Enjoy!

Museums:

There's nothing like wandering around an air conditioned museum and letting your mind soak up some incredible art and history.

The beautiful new Tampa Museum of Art has some great things happening this summer in addition to their fantastic exhibits. We think these little events look like a blast...

Inspire Yoga, on Saturday mornings with vinyasa style certified instructor Laura Tillinghast from Yoga Etc. If yoga classes taught in the museum exhibition space isn't chi-chi zen, then we don't know what is.Classes run through the end of August and are $8 for museum members and $12 for non-members.

The museum also offers art classes for every age group from pre-school to adult and everything in between. Summer sessions for adults have already begun, but classes for children, tweens, and teens are ongoing throughout the summer. Check out their class options here.

While your child is learning how to become the next Monet or Degas, you and the hubby can dine at TMA's newly opened, Sono Cafe. It overlooks the Hillsborough River and is operated by the culinary geniuses from Mise en Place. Mise en Place is one of Monica's favorite restaurants in Tampa!

Want to know a little bit more about the great city we call home? Check out The Tampa Bay History Center.

This newish museum is conveniently located in Tampa's Channelside district and they have a ton of special events, lectures and classes going on all summer long. They also have a great little cafe, Columbia Cafe which is an off shoot of the historic Columbia restaurant, and serves great sandwiches and salads and overlooks the water.

Fitness:

The heat and humidity has made it virtually unbearable to exercise outside! Not only that, but the summer has left both of us with a terrible case of the BLAHS!! We think we have the solution though...indoor rock climbing!

We've never had the pleasure of experiencing this indoor gym but we're super excited to check it out! Vertical Ventures has a slew of classes and opportunities for just about everyone on just about every day of the week. Don't know the first thing about indoor rock climbing? Don't worry, they'll teach you everything you need to know on your first visit! We think this is a great way to get your workout in, have some fun, AND stay relatively cool. Grab a group of girlfriends and head out to their Ladies Night on Wednesday night where women enjoy 50% off.

If your still aching for some sun and sand....Hit the beach! Monica's favorite is Siesta Beach in Sarasota Florida. Just rated by Dr Beach as #2 on his top 10 Beaches of 2010. Sandy white beaches that stretch for as far as the eye can see and the beautiful water is perfect for boating, snorkeling and scuba diving...what more could a water loving Floridian ask for??

No matter what you decide to do, don't forget to stay hydrated....and most importantly...to have fun!

Trend Tues - Sexy Shoulders

2010-07-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

One of the hottest styles in dresses and tops right now is the one shoulder trend. This asymmetric neckline is both playful and sexy, highlighting the shoulders and giving classic dresses and tops a suggestive edge. The one shoulder appeal has made its mark on everything from casual tops to cocktail dresses.

Here are a few of our faves...

Dresses:

BCBG does everything right with this dress. The red is striking and sexy while the applique one shoulder detail adds a sweet feminine touch!

ONE-SHOULDER RUFFLED-APPLIQUE DRESS from BCBG

A few more dresses for your viewing enjoyment:

This Super Sunday Surprise dress from ModCloth combines two great summer trends in one - the one shoulder trend and ruffles.

The Feliciana Dress from Anthropologie is a one shoulder dress on steroids. We love how the extra shoulder strap provides a little additional support for those well endowed ladies out there...

The Limited puts this dress under their "Guests of the Wedding" category which we think is perfect. Love the color too!

Tops:

Pair this global inspired top with a pair of satin black shorts and sandals for the perfect summer night out!

All from Arden B

More ruffles from Arden B! And you can't go wrong with this color! It's extremely versatile...pair it with black, white, denim, shorts, capris....just about anything!

Love the print on this top. Makes us think of crisp cool tea and a vast English rose garden...

The trend has even extended into bathing suits. How glamorous is this little number!

Butterfly One-Shoulder Bandeau Bikini from Victoria's Secret

Already in its second summer, we hope this one shoulder style is here to stay....It's a nice alternative to the standard halter or strapless necklines we are used to!

Happy Shopping!

Friday Finds - Fresh Eats at The Refinery

2010-07-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

The following blog post is written by Monica =)

So every once in awhile I am compelled to venture out of South Tampa and explore the rest of the Bay area restaurants - contrary to what Jen believes....there really is life north of Kennedy! This past Wednesday night I grabbed the hubby and another couple for a double date at the newest Seminole Heights resturant, The Refinery.

At The Refinery, their motto is..."We believe good food and good drink are a necessity...not a privilege." A statement I whole heartedly agree with and appreciate!

The Refinery prides itself on using produce, meat and seafood that's fresh, in season and purchased from the local farming community. Their small, but creative menu changes every Thursday to reflect whatever the local Farmers have to offer for the week. Last weeks menu was dedicated to all things Americana. Think innovative twists on American classics like "Mac 'n' Cheese with chevre and bacon, and Corn Dogs with housemade chorizo and Chipotle BBQ sauce .Yum!

The restuarant has a simple unpretenious feel with large wood tables filling up the dining room. It was nicely busy for a Wednesday evening with the happy chatter of diners and I felt like I was spending the evening at a friends house....everyone seemed to linger, enjoying each others company. The staff was attentive, knowledgable, and friendly.

The hubs and I split the 1772 Peanut Soup and followed it up with the Fried Catfish. The peanut soup was rich and creamy and oh soo peanut buttery! The Catfish was perfectly fried and the okra side was crisp and fresh, perfect for a steamy summer night. The guys drank beer from a local brewery and my girlfriend and I shared a great bottle of Cab. Like their dinner menu, The Refinery's wine and beer list changes frequently. Our great bottle of Cabernet was $18! Gotta love that! In fact most bottles are around that price point.

All in all it was a great evening with great food and company. I am firm believer that beauty is in the details and this restaurant has perfected the art of details. Their committment to quality, service and community is comendable.

I know one thing's for sure I will definitely be stepping out of my 'hood more often to see what this little gem is cooking up!

Happy Eating!

Visit their website for more info and events

http://www.thetamparefinery.com/

Find them on Facebook (where most of the photos in this blog were shamelessly stolen from)...

Trend Tuesday - Denim Jackets

2010-07-13T09:32:00.000-07:00

For a long time now, Monica has been a firm believer in the fashion power of the denim jacket! Dress it up, dress it down, no matter how you do it, a denim jacket is a classic staple accessory. We highly suggest that you have at least one, if not two in your wardrobe!!

You're probably wondering why we are even mentioning jackets in the middle of summer. Currently it's a balmy 90 degrees in Tampa Bay and for most of us, the furthest thing on our minds are jackets! Well hear us out....while temps are skyrocketing outside, our favorite local restaurants, offices, and movie theatres are cranking down the air to keep us cool. Sometimes these places are downright frigid! So this is where our all time favorite accessory comes in! Keep it on hand to throw over any outfit. And since its denim it pretty much goes with everything from tank tops to maxi dresses.

It's also a perfect accessory to have on hand with so many of us traveling to escape the heat. FYI folks, San Fran evenings in the summer average 60 degrees, which for a lot of native Floridians is COLD! Even the mountains of North Carolina can drastically cool down in the evenings. So here are our suggestions on styles of denim jackets to tote around with you all summer long! The best part? They work in the fall and winter too!

Nothing screams summer like the perfect white denim jacket. Do it right with this classic cropped Gap style...

Currently on sale at the Gap

We LOVE the rugged feel this ripped denim can add to a simple black dress!

From Vintage Havana

Julia Jones of one of summer's hottest movie, "Eclipse" wears an American classic Levi's denim jacket with a mini cocktail dress. What do we think about this?? Rock it girl! The jacket adds a little rock n roll edge...LOVE it!

Image from Denimology

Happy Summer Ladies!

Friday Finds - VIP Deals and Discounts!

2010-07-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

We are so super stoked to announce the launch of our new VIP Text Messaging Club!!

We love to be "in the know" when it comes to just about everything and figured you do too! When you join Sweet Emotion/Why Not Boutique's VIP Text Messaging Club you will be the first to know about special discounts, deals, new products, and parties. How sweet is that??

Deals and Discounts that ONLY VIP Members will get!

Stay connected with all the happenings at Sweet Emotion/Why Not Boutique and receive VIP exclusive news and updates.

Hurry and join because for a limited time only we'll give you:

15% off your next purchase when you sign up AND you are entered for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to either boutique!

Just Follow THIS LINK to sign up.

You can text WHYSWEET to 84700 if you prefer!

And don't worry,we promise we won't spam (we hate spam too!)

We hope to see you soon!

Trend Tuesday - Summer Shirtdresses

2010-07-06T09:05:00.000-07:00

We think it's fairly safe to say that we've made our love of dresses pretty clear on this blog. But just in case we haven't...let us reiterate...we LOOOOVE dresses! One of this seasons hottest shapes in dresses is the Shirtdress. Seen on Kim Kardashian, Vanessa Hudgens, and Katie Holmes, the shirtdress is a classic tailored dress with the bodice styled like a shirt. They are a great go to when you want to look crisp and pulled together but at the same time, they are simple, crisp and feminie. A favorite item to slip on when you want to look polished and put together. They come in all different colors, patterns and material...here are our favorite pics...

I love the bold print on this Anthropologie shirtdress. I suggest a big black belt around the middle to break up the pattern and define the waist.

Dagmar Shirtdress at Anthropologie

This short sleeved military style shirtdress has a sexy and edgy feel. Perfect with some killer heels for date night!

Banana Republic Silk Shirtdress

Create a western look by pairing cowboy boots with this classic denim and chambray dress.

Denim Shirtdress by Esprit

Friday Frinds - Patriotic Goes With Everything

2010-07-02T07:59:00.000-07:00

Some of the most famous words in American history go a little something like this....

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

And we think there is no better way to pursue happiness this 4th of July then by dressing your fashionable self in some classic and classy patriotic garb...but in moderation. There's patriotic and then there's something akin to rivaling the cheese factor of your grandmother's Christmas sweater collection...

We HIGHLY reccommend sticking to classic, all American prints and fabrics. Nothing screams classic summer like gingham or madras.

This cute little shift dress is so adorable in navy or red.

Olivia Shift Dress by J.Crew

Madras shorts are perfect for a backyard get together.

Theory Bennie Madras Plaid Mini Shorts at Saks

Don't be afraid of stripes this summer. They are so in and done correctly, they can be super flattering. Obviously try the item on before you purchase, but something simple like this wrap dress fits and flatters in all the right places...

Veronica M Striped Wrap Dress

Naut It Top from Mod Cloth

Add a punch of patriotic to your otherwise normal outift with fun accessories! Nautical accessories are so summery. All you need now is a boat to look stylin' on!

Proud Merry Pendant from Mod Cloth

Nautical Tote Bag from The Gap

Have a fabulous 4th Ladies! Remember your sparkling smile is the best accessory you can wear!! We will be closed Saturday July 3rd so stop in before then to get your last minute wardrobe fix!

Trend Tuesday - Going Global Prints

2010-06-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

It's no secret we love dresses! One trend we're seeing in dresses this year is the fun, bright, and bold global prints which often inspire a tribal feel to dressing. When wearing a strong stand-out pattern we always advise to keep it simple with the accessories...you don't want to go overboard!

Monica's Faves...

Strapless Smocked Dress from Victoria's Secret

Collective Concepts Tribal Print Romper from Dillards

Cabana Tunic

Jennifer's Faves...

Pueblo Dress from Anothropologie

Art Exhibition Dress from ModCloth

Urban Midnight Maxi from ModCloth

Friday Finds - Shameless Self Promotion

2010-06-25T08:16:00.000-07:00

This week's "Friday Finds" is all about yours truly...Why Not and Sweet Emotion Boutique! If you haven't been in the store lately you're definitely missing out. We have some fantastic summer merchandise in!

Monica's Favorites...

Love + Toast Handcremes:

These yummy scented creams are like candy for your hands!! Seriously they smell good enough to eat.

In store, we have (Clockwise from left to right)

Sugar Grapefruit, Honey Coconut, Mandarin Tea and Gin Blossom

Monica's personal favorite is Honey Coconut it reminds her of a frozen cocktail and conjures up visions of sunny skies, sandy toes and a sweet libation! A great pick me up in the middle of a stressful day. Need another reason to love them? We have several- they're Paraben free, Phthalate free, Never animal tested, No animal ingredients, No artificial colors,they fit in your purse, the packaging is oh so cute and they're $11 bucks!!

Well its no secret that Monica's favorite designer in the boutique is Veronica M. Her dresses are fabulously flattering and make a statement with unforgettable patterns. I promise you will get noticed and complimented when you wear one of her dresses! Monica is crushin' on this rainbow maxi dress.

The pattern is so summery a mix of purples, navy and greens in a fan fern like pattern. It is a must for your next BBQ or beach vaca. There is something so earthy sexy about the maxi dress. Pair it with a great wedge and you are a summer goddess!

Both Monica and Jen love love love Envirosax bags! They are super functional and fun with an assortment of colorful patterns. We tote everything from lunch to gym clothes to groceries in it. It folds up to fit in your purse and they're a steal at $8.50...

As for Jen....well she loves everything and couldn't pick just a few items...so she picked a whole category..Summer Dresses! Who doesn't love summer dresses?? And the shop has a bunch of cute ones in stock for just about any occasion...here's a few of her favorites...

Jen could totally see herself at the beach, shopping, or at happy hour at Datz in one of these dresses!

Happy Shopping everyone!! Enjoy your weekend!

Trend Tuesday - Boho Chic

2010-06-22T08:34:00.000-07:00

While there is something to be said about a tailored, put together look, we are totally in love the free spirited and creative Boho-chic trend that seems to re-appear every summer. Characterized by feminine detail and easy flowing fabrics, here are a few ways to embrace Boho Chic this summer...

Ultra Feminine Boho

This boho chic style focuses on clothing that is super girly with accents of lace and embroidery.

This sweet dress by "Lucky Brand" captures the ultra fem boho style with heavy floral embrodiery.

This yellow top by Hazel is uber feminine and bohemian.

Rugged Boho

This look roughs it up a bit but still keeps a easy feminine flowy feel. Throw on a flowy tunic and cutoff or distressed jean shorts or jeans and you've captured the "Rugged Boho" Look.

Wearing a pair of cowboy boots with this boho outfit instantly adds a rugged feeling.

Outfit by J.Crew

Modern Boho

Modern Boho is all about mixing bohmemian styles with modern updates. Its super chic and luxe. Mix modern accessories with maxi dresses for a modern boho feel.

Без названия by nekakona featuring Wet Seal dresses

Lauren Conrad in a Halle Silk Maxi Dress from Gypsy05

Of course, we also love this comfy and stylish Veronica M dress since it's currently one of the newest items in the store right now. The bell sleeves and pretty Missoni print are a classic 60-70s style.

So don't miss your opportunity to channel your inner Boho Girl this summer. Be fun, flirty, and independent!

Happy Shopping!!

Friday Finds - Consignment Clothing Boutiques in South Tampa

2010-06-18T05:15:00.000-07:00

Jennifer was in college at UMASS-Amherst the first time she stepped foot into a Salvation Army. Ok...you can stop laughing or gagging or both but let us tell you she found the coolest Mickey Mouse t-shirt there in their little kids section. She wore that thing till there were holes in the arm pits and the color was almost unrecognizable. Since that day, her taste in pre-worn clothing has changed dramatically, sure the Salvation Army is still great for incidentals, but if you're looking for great designer or brand names, the consignment shops in South Tampa are the way to go! Here are a few of our favorites...

4225 W Bay to Bay Blvd

Tampa, FL 33629

Phone: 813.390.5180

Tues- Sat: 11:00 am-6:00 pm

Facebook

Formerly South Tampa Consignment, we love this little gem of a consignment store! Not only is Monica a consignor there but also a very frequent shopper (don't tell her hubby)! Sacre’ Bleu is owned by two savvy young women Amber and Angel who are super friendly and helpful. They focus on contemporary women’s clothing and accessories and they carry anything from department store brands to boutique brands. There really is something for everyone at every price point!! Right now they have a ton of adorable sundresses and most are under $40. Get in there before they are gone!

Mention this blog and receive 10% off your purchase!!

4230 S MacDill Ave Ste F

Tampa, FL 33611

813.313.7210

M-F 10:00 am -6:00 pm

Sat: 10:00 am -5:00pm

http://www.shopfreshthreads.com/

Facebook

Monica checked out Fresh Threads last week and she was so glad she did! This quaint consignment boutique just opened up at a new location after sharing space with “Blue Moon Trading Company”. The new space is lovely, inviting and cheerful. She stayed for over an hour and sat in one of their big comfy white chairs and chatted with Elizabeth( one of the two owners) who filled her on the inventory. Fresh Threads specializes in women’s contemporary designer and vintage clothing and accessories. Elizabeth told Monica that so many of the items they have in the shop have never been worn before or have only been worn once! Some of the pieces they currently have on consignment are by well known designers like Ella Moss, Lily Pulitzer, Hale Bob, Plenty by Tracy Reese and Milly. Their shoes and handbag collection varies from Steve Madden to Gucci and Louis Vuitton…Yes ladies we said Gucci and Louis Vuitton!!

Monica's lust items...

Louis Vuitton Monogram Viva Cite GM Shoulder Bag Purse. Approximate retail price $1080. Fresh Threads price $550!

Chanel cork and white patent wedge. New, never worn, in box. Size 37. Retail price $475. Fresh Threads price $356!

And Monica can’t stop thinking about this Ella Moss top! What a great price!

Ella Moss size Medium. Approximate retail price $118. Fresh Threads price $48!

Like these great steals aren’t enough, Fresh Threads has a very giving spirit. Every month they pick a charity and 10% of their profits are donated to that month’s charity. Shopping just got better! Plus they do monthly “Sip and Shops” where they spoil you with wine and munchies!

Become a fan on facebook (they're ALWAYS updating their pictures with new merchandise) or visit them online at http://www.shopfreshthreads.com/ for more information.

4912 S Lois Ave

Tampa, FL 33611

813.805.7600

http://www.triageconsignment.com/

Triage is South Tampa's biggest and oldest consignment store. In fact its as old as we are! It's been serving South Tampa since 1981. With 29 successful years under its belt, Triage definitely knows what they're doing. They not only carry women's clothing and accessories but a huge selection of furniture and home decor.

A trip to Triage won't leave you dissappointed they carry everything from casual wear to cocktail dresses. Their assortment of clothing varies from Ann Taylor to Lily Pulitzer with lots of boutique brands mixed in. If you have money left over after shopping their clothing side stop over and check out their home section.

Interested in Consigning? Most feature shops are accepting consignors please contact them individually for their policies and procedures.

Personally, we love cleaning out our closets and consigning pieces that don't fit any more, we never wear, or are no longer in style. It’s so fun to pick up a check after our items have sold at our local favorite consignment stores. It’s like free money!! And you know what that means!! Time to shop! Spend your extra mad money with us!! You know you want to!!

Trend Tuesday -Sassy Summer Sandals

2010-06-15T06:40:00.000-07:00

This summer, just like every other one, one of the must have accessories is sandals. If you live in Florida, you can pretty much wear them year round, but there's just something about the summer months that brings out some of the cutest and trendiest sandals that you just can't find in January, no matter where you live. So here are our a few of our favorite trends and picks for summer 2010...

Denim:

Denim is no longer just for jeans and jackets! For spring and summer, this versatile material has made its way to accessories in the form of shoes and bags. Denim gladiators are a great addtion to your "everyday shoe" wardrobe. They look great with any color and so many of the styles available are adorned with trendy metal studs or jewels.

These Steve Madden "Devinne" gladiators would look great with short shorts or cropped pants:

Denim Wedges:

Nothing says summertime sexy better than a great pair of wedges! I can't get over how adorable these Steve Madden "Smashh" denim wedges are! The mixing of textures and colors is amazing - the t-strap is a bronze animal print and filled with clear crystals...super sassy!!

These strappy "Sierra" wedges would look great with a crisp solid sundress or skinny white jeans...

Gladiator Glam:

We've mentioned Gladiators before but we love them so much we have no problem mentioning them again and again! Gladiator sandals came onto the sandal scene a few years ago and we are so happy they've stuck around! This season designers have kicked it up a notch by adding sequins, jewels and gleamy beading. The result? A gladiator that carries you into cocktail hour...

Pewter embellished gladiators: Ann Taylor Loft

Pair a shoe like this with a sequin tank and pants or skirt and you are ready for a night on the town!

Metallics:

If you've read the blog before, you know we're simply gaga over metallics this summer (particularly gold). We are loving the bronzy color of this gladiator from Nine West which we think makes it an extremely versatile sandal, but has just a little bit more pop with the reptile detailing on the strap...

"Mimee" from Nine West

Brights:

Summer wouldn't be complete without a little bit of color! We love fuschias, kelly greens and corals. Wearing bright colors is an instant pick me up...Who can be sad while wearing hot pink? How about a little happiness for your tootsies?!

A summer garden party on your feet:

Disco-fleur sandals from J.Crew

Yellow wedges can add a beachy feel to any outfit...

Gianni Bini "Capri" available at Dillards

Frugal Finds:

We love a bargain!! We ARE women after all!! We are totally in love with this website: Ami Club Wear! Tons of shoes and with an average price point around $20 and under you won't feel bad picking up a new shoe for everyday of the week!

How about these fabulous summer shoes?! They're sure to draw attention to your toes so make sure they're pretty! Perfect excuse to go and get a pedi!! And since these Flower Shoes are $7.99 there is plenty of money left over to throw in a mani as well!!

Friday Finds - The Dog Days of Summer

2010-06-11T06:33:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that both of us love animals. Since there are no human babies in either of our households yet, we both tend to heap all of our love and attention on our "fur-babies."

Jen has a lovable Yorkie-Maltese pup named Chloe and two cats named Chai and Shank. Chloe loves to hang at the boutique. And at the tender age of one, Jen is still enduring the perils of puppyhood!

Monica on the other hand, snuggles up to a sweet, mature 8 year old beagle named Penny Lane and 2 spunky cats named Dante and Raja. Jen keeps hoping some of Penny Lane's calmness will rub off on Chloe...but no luck so far!!

So this summer if you are looking for some great places to hang with your "fur babies", spoil them with cute pet accessories or need a local place to get them all cleaned up...Read on!

Visit Rickena Perry at Fetch.Fur.Love. for all your pet accesories. This adorable and pet friendly boutique features the latest pet fashions as well as practical items like food, dog leashes, and pet carriers. Located in Soho, Fetch.Fur.Love. is your one stop shop for all things doggie. Check out her cute pet beds - some of them even look like couches! They keep your pet comfy and bring style to your living room. She's having a super sale right now with some great deals! And, if she doesn't have what you're looking for in the shop, she is ready, willing, and able to special order you just about anything! Jen recently special ordered a cute little pink paisley harness for Chloe!

Runinng late or working late and need someone to walk, feed, and cuddle your dog? Call up Dayal Santosuosso owner of South Tampa Dog Walking. She is a tried and true animal lover that will take exceptional care of your dog when you can't be there! Going out of town for a much needed summer vaca and don't want to put your pet in a kennel? Dayal does overnight sitting as well! She's friendly and full of energy. We know your animals will love her just as much as we do!!

We realize and appreciate that not everyone is as fortunate as we are to be able to pop their dogs in the sink or bathtub for a quick rub a dubdub. That's where Green Dog Wash comes in! Located in Soho , GDW is all about turning a routine chore into something fun! They have six stainless steel, self service dog washing tubs and use nothing but eco-friendly shampoos and other doggie products. Prices for a self service bath start as low as $12 - and don't worry - one of GDW's friendly staff will be on hand to show you the ropes and help you when needed!

Need something a little more? Green Dog Wash also has an on site groomer, Leslie, and she is phenominal! She's been grooming Chloe for the past few months and Jen couldn't be more pleased with how super cute her puppy is when she picks her up.

The best part? GDW is cage free, so you drop your dog off at their appointment time and Leslie will call you when she's done. There's no wait time for your dog in a cramped cage surrounded by other barking dogs!

Dogfriendly.com We love this website!! It contains info on local dog friendly restaurants, parks, and lodging. Search any city for a list of places that treat your dog like part of the family. Our local favorite...Cafe Dufrain. A waterside restaurant on Harbour Island, Cafe Dufrain has a great outdoor patio that you can chill with your dog while enjoying delicious food and a view of Tampa Bay.

Dogfriendly.com is also great this time of year for us Floridians planning our hurricane evacuation routes. Just enter in your starting location and your potential ending location and dogfriendly.com will show you hotels and inns along the route that will accept pets. It's important not to forget the fur-babies when planning for hurricane season!

It's going to be a hot one this summer! So don't forget to keep your furry loves cool and well hydrated!

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."

-- Roger Caras

Trend Tuesday - Rising Hemlines

2010-06-08T10:03:00.000-07:00

(left to right) Dries Van Noten, Louis Vuitton, Chloe from the Telegraph

This spring and summer short shorts and short dresses have reemerged in a big way. "Hot Pants" originally emerged in the permissive era of the 1970's and were actually shorts with an inseam of 2 inches or less.

According to blogger Waheeda Harris "Although mainly worn by teens and 20 somethings, hot pants became a favourite for club wear for the girls heading to the disco.

Vintage 1971 Sewing Pattern sold by mysweetiepiepie on etsy

Even fledging airline Southwest adorned its female flight attendants in 1973 in uniforms featuring hot pants suits with go go boots."

These days, the big question is how to wear them with out looking like a streetwalker. Here's our advice - stick to darker colored shorts. Black or a dark denim wash they will make the booty look smaller and hide imperfections..ahem cellulite.

J.Crew Chinos

When going short on the bottom keep the top loose and blousy. We like the trendy boho tops or maybe a loose racerback tank tucked in with a skinny belt.

Victoria's Secret Frayed Twill Short

Short shorts can be a classy addition to your date night arsenal. To dress an outfit up for night, pick a silk short add a cute wedge and metallic accessories and your ready to wow him on a Friday date night.

Amanda Seyfried at the Letters to Juliet Premier. Photo from Elle.com

Just as shorts have gotten shorter so have some of the hottest dresses this season. The bandage dress is a glamourous choice for evening.

Eight Sixty Bandage Dress Dillards.com

A short floral dress is perfect for daytime events.

Garden District Dress at anthropologie.com

With shorter dresses don't go too high on the shoes. Stick to a flat or a low wedge. And if you don't like your legs you can easily wear a short dress like a tunic and layer over a pair of skinny jeans or leggings.

Bailey 44 Butterfly Tunic and Joe's Jeans Leggings at Revolve Clothing

Happy Shopping Everyone!!

Friday Finds - Girls Night Out

2010-06-04T07:28:00.000-07:00

Single or attached, every now and again you just have to hang out with your girls. Of course, you can always make the rounds of happy hours, dinner parties, or afternoons at the beach, but if you're looking for something a little different this summer, we've come up with a few ideas to start you off..

1. Summer Movie Classics at The Tampa Theatre

Built in 1926 and located downtown on North Franklin Street, The Tampa Theatre is immaculately maintained and preserved. Take a step back in time and enjoy a classic movie in a classic location.

Sunday afternoons throughout the summer at 3:00pm. Regular admission is $9.00. Movies on the lineup: "Casablanca", "Mary Poppins" (they're having a sing-a-long!), "Psycho", "From Here to Eternity"

Monica's must see: "The Princess Bride" on August 15th

Jennifer's must see: "Gone With the Wind" on August 22nd

For more info visit:

http://www.tampatheatre.org/

After the movie hit up one of Monica's fave dowtown restaurants...

http://www.flybarandrestaurant.com/tampa/

Awesome cocktails and menu...try the "Garlic Frites" fancy name for french fries. They come with an assortment of delish dipping sauces. Plus they have a small rooftop deck that overlooks downtown Tampa. End the evening with a drink and good convo with friends.

2. Summer Concerts

Tampa has some great artists coming through this summer and playing at the Ford Amphitheater.

Grab the girls and your cowboy boots and see...

Brooks and Dunn - June 11th

Or kick back with...

Dave Matthews - July 28th

The ultimate girl power tour...

Lilith Fair Tour - August 11th

Don't miss these spectacular, all female bands/artists:

Sarah McLachlan, Norah Jones, Erykah Badu, Martina McBride,& Corinne Bailey Rae,

Jack Johnson - August 25th

If you are on a budget Ford Ampitheater usually has lawn seats for $30 or under. Bring your own lawn chairs or a towel and good company!

3. Datz Deli

A relatively new South Tampa fave..Datz Deli boasts a very active monthly social calendar that has tons of food and wine events.

Want to know all about Proscuitto...you can!! Check out their event schedule...seats are limited and cost is about $20 a person

http://www.datzdeli.com/events/

We love Tampa... Explore it with great girlfriends. You can't go wrong..good company is the best ingredient for a great time!

Tuesday Trends - The Gold Standard

2010-06-01T09:46:00.000-07:00

Personally, I've always been more of a silver/white gold kinda gal when it comes to my accessories. I just think it looks better with my skin tone and plus...nothing showcases a beautiful diamond better than a white gold (or even better platinum) setting...and boy oh boy do I love diamonds.

But, I do have to admit, now that summer is officially here, I am starting to have a growing affection for gold accessories for several reasons...

1. It's classic and chic with your LBD

Image from fashiontribes.com

Plus, unless you're going to a funeral, then black, black, and more black is just so boooooring. Gold is a great alternative it goes with practically everything

and makes a very classy statement.

2. Nothing screams summer more than a breezy white and gold outfit

Lace-trim linen dress, Fergie Womens Quickset Shoes (Gold Metallic), 14K Gold Hoop Earrings - 1 3/4" diameter (4mm thickness), Gold Bangle Set - Teen Clothing by Wet Seal,

We especially love the mixed medium bangles (gold and resin) and a wedge sandal. You can never go wrong with a wedge (makes walking across a back yard for a bbq SOOO much easier!!)

3. Metals are now mixable

Balenciaga Two Tone Necklace, 7 Stack Loose Ring Set, 10-karat gold-plated multi-chain necklace,
Juicy Couture - Juicy Dynasty- Braided Chain (Two-Toned) - Jewelry, Kenneth Cole New York "Metropolitan Mixed Metal" Bangle Bracelet Set, Prominence Silver & Gold Cuff Bracelet,
Twisted Rhinestone and Mixed Chain Necklace, Jessica Simpson - 200447 (Silver/Gold) - Jewelry,

Monica and I will agree to disagree on this one. While I totally accept that the days of not mixing silver and gold are long gone, I'm a traditionalist. Much like wearing white before Memorial Day, I just can't do it. But that's just me liking symmetry. You should totally give mixing and matching a try!

4. Final Thoughts

Coach Parker Metallic Tote, 14K Gold Hoop Earrings - 2 1/8" diameter (2mm thickness), Lolly's Candy and Cupcake Layered Necklace- Pink: Jewelry, Kirra Jewelry & Hair - Womens - Bangles With Turquoise Bracelet,

Layered necklaces. We like them best with a long pressed gold circle link necklace with a shorter gold charm necklace, but I couldn't pass up the cupcake/candy themed charms!

Bangles...again. What can I say....we love them this season! Mix gold bangles with solid resin bangles for a fun look. We especially love the gold/turquoise look.

A great metallic bag will carry you through the seasons as long as you don't pick a season specific fabric like straw.

Gold hoop earrings are a must have staple in ever girls accessory wardrobe. They literally go with everything. When wearing a bold necklace or patterned dress stick to a simple gold earring to complete the look but not overwhelm it. My advice invest in a 14K pair you will use them forever. Much more bang for your buck than having to replace them every few months because you bought the cheapies and the tarnished. Also stick to a medium sized thin gold hoop for your basic go to pair.

Happy, Trendy Tuesday Everyone!!

Friday Finds - Summery Sips

2010-05-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

This weekend marks the "official" start of summer, which means, for the next three months or so (longer if you live in Florida) you can expect picnics, bbq's, boat trips, and beach days. I can just smell the sunscreen and hot dogs already!

Because we know that none of these activities would be complete without a sampling of summertime beverages, we've compiled a list of a few of our favorites for your enjoyment.

The Mojito

A Louis Ayoub favorite and an all around classy summertime drink, best for pool parties and bbq's. We highly suggest you skip the store mix for these babies as fresh mint in large quantities is the key to making this drink delish.

Ingredients:

Ice

6 ounces light rum
12 mint sprigs,roughly broken apart

6 tablespoons fresh lime juice

4 tablespoons sugar

Club soda

Directions: Place ice in beverage shaker then add in the rum, mint sprigs, lime juice and sugar. Shake well and serve over ice in a high ball glass. Top off each glass with a splash of club soda. Garnish each with a slice of lime and a sprig of mint. The Bacardi booty shake is entirely optional.

The Arnold Palmer

Or a half and half if you prefer. My mom's personal favorite and the perfect summer drink for any occasion. For those of us who crave something a little sweeter than regular iced tea, but find lemonade or sweet tea makes us bounce off the walls, this drink is the perfect combo of tart, refreshing tea and sweet lemonade. Not to mention it's so simple to make!

Ingredients:

Ice

Iced Tea

Lemonade

Directions: Fill a pitcher or a glass half way with iced tea and top it off with lemonade. The great thing about this drink...well there are many great things about this drink...but here are two - first you can always use light lemonade to cut back on calories...it IS bikini season after all. And second, you can always adjust the ratio of tea to lemonade however you see fit. It's pretty much impossible to screw up this drink!

La Playa Sauvignon Blanc

Monica's personal favorite! Crisp and refreshing perfect to sip while relaxing pool side or watching the sunset..Best part it's cheap!! Wine Warehouse on Bay to Bay sells it for $7.99

We hope everyone has a wonderful, long, refreshing Memorial Day weekend. Don't forget the sunscreen!!

Trend Tuesday - Rompers

2010-05-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

There are certain times in a girls life, particularly when it comes to her wardrobe when she has to go back on her word. Rompers were one of those times for me. When the trend emerged last year I laughed uncontrollably. Babies wear rompers, not adult women. But alas...I was forced to eat my words this spring when I swallowed my pride and tried one on and, of course, loved it.

And honestly...what's not to love? I'm all about fashion with function and ease and rompers fit that in more ways than one. Like so many other outfits we've posted here on the blog, the right style romper can easily transition from day to night in a pinch. I'm a huge fan of dresses because all you need to do is throw on a pair of cute shoes and some jewelry and you're done - the same can be said for rompers. And you know that muu muu you keep for a beach cover up, lounging on a Sunday afternoon, or running messy errands around town? Well toss it and replace it with a comfy terry cloth or cotton romper.

Here are a few combinations we're liking for spring and summer:

1. Simple black romper with gold accessories

Rompie jersey playsuit - $210 - net-a-porter.com

Monsoon Accessorize - Cleo Gladiator Sandals - $57 - monsoon.co.uk

14-karat gold-plated cuff - $455 - net-a-porter.com

Susan caplan vintage jewellery GOLD - $615 - matchesfashion.com

2. Floral Pattern with neutral accessories

Meadow Print Jumpsuit, Merci Liberty - $250 - liberty.co.uk

Emmy flat leather sandals - $195 - net-a-porter.com

Samantha Wills - St Tropez Bangle Set - $415 - birdsnest.com.au

Mar y Sol 'Guadalupe' Straw Shopper - $88 - nordstrom.com

3. The Casual Beach Romper

BILLABONG Lorenzo Womens Romper - $38 - tillys.com

Geisha sequin embellished bikini - $445 - net-a-porter.com

Sea Bags Surf Beach Bag - $255 - asos.com

Wide Brim Straw Hat - $46 - jigsaw-online.com

LAVANILA The Healthy Sun Screen SPF 40 - $28 - sephora.com

One thing to keep in mind though - don't go too short with the shorts - these are supposed to be classy yet casual additions to your wardrobe. So I'm woman enough to admit that I was wrong about this trend - rompers are a great spring/summer trend for Florida. They fit our relaxed lifestyle, keeps us cool and comfortable and come in some great sunny/bright patterns.

Happy Romping everyone!

Friday Finds- Summer Accessories We Love

2010-05-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

1. Bangles. Ok, I personally hate them. While I freely admit that they really are cute and can totally complete an outfit and carry it from day to night, the jingle jangle drives me INSANE. It's like a perpetual rattle coming from the backseat of your car that you either can't reach or can't find. BUT - they are a really great, inexpensive addition to any outfit.

Items Clockwise:
1. Floral Glitter Bangle Pack - $32 - topshop.com
2. Luxe Aloha Bangle Set - $29 - monsoon.co.uk
3. Black Bangles (Mixed Set) - $7.85 - fashionaddict.com.au
4. Floral Print Bangle Pack - $22 - missselfridge.com

2. Flower Hair Accessories. Any time I see anything flowery in someone's hair I'm immediately transported back to our Hawaiian family vacation, circa 1995ish. A flower hair accessory just screams "Island Adventure" to me. Plus it's a great way to add a little dash of femininity to any outfit. Just don't overdo it - you don't want to look like your grandmother's livingroom wallpaper!

Items Clockwise:
1. Enamel Flower Hair Clips - $8.68 - missselfridge.com
2. Fuchsia Flower Hair Clip - $22 - glitz4girlz.com
3. Natasha Accessories Satin-Flower Headband - $28 - dillards.com
4. White Leather Flower Clip - $8.68 - missselfridge.com

3. Fedora's. Oh how I wish I could pull this look off, but with my facial structure and short hair, hats just end up making me look like a little boy...at least from the neck up. But we had a customer in the shop last weekend who had, what I would consider the perfect casual weekend outfit on - a jean mini skirt, a structured top, gladiator sandals, and a fedora perched on her head. Totally my dream outfit right there. Since it is spring, heading rapidly into summer, I would highly suggest sticking to one made from a lightweight material such as straw, but hopefully they're still in style come fall, because there are some wicked cute velvet and felt ones out there!

Items Clockwise:
1. Vince Mini Fedora: Black - $265 - intermixonline.com
2. Appliqu Straw Fedora Beige - One Size - $55 - yesstyle.com
3. Minicci Fedora Hat - $7.99 - payless.com
4. Albertus Swanepoel Straw Fedora - $420 - net-a-porter.com

4. Anything teal or turquoise. Ever since I learned that pretty little things come in turquoise boxes wrapped with a white ribbon, I've been in love with the color. Good news is that it's exceptionally trendy this year. And honestly, what could be better than wearing a little bit of tropical paradise on your fingers, feet, or ears?

Items Left to Right, Top to Bottom:
1. Ikat Shawl - Lagoon Turquoise/Cappuccino - $225 - barneys.com
2. Magid Turquoise Small Wood Handle bag Bag - $39 - shoes.com
3. Janice's Turquoise Teardrop Chandelier Earrings - $40 - fantasyjewelrybox.com
4. Turquoise Faux Leather Ruffle Gladiator T-strap Sandals - $19 - amiclubwear.com
5. Turquoise Pebble Cuff - yahoo.net
6. Fossil - Dream Bling Turquoise Dream Dome Ring - $40 - zappos.com
7. Flying Lizard Design : Turquoise Peace Necklace - $21.00 - flyinglizard.com

Trend Tuesday - Summer Scarves

2010-05-18T08:35:00.000-07:00

One thing I think a lot of us can agree on right now is that many of us have tightened our metophoric financial belts and are in turn, attempting to find different and unique ways to creatively stretch our wardrobe budgets. One trendy, but affordable way to do that is with a scarf. Here are some super cute, bright options!!

Scarfs by Iwanttodosomethingthatmatters☆ featuring Roberto Cavalli accessories

Scarves as an accessory came back into style about two years ago and show no signs of stopping as they've become a versitile way to jazz up almost any outfit. You can add a pop of color or pattern to a plain solid dress or tank. You can wear it around your neck, tie it like a belt, tie it on your purse, or even tie it in your hair. And the best thing? It's actually really easy to find a great scarf for under $20.

One of Monica's favorite ways to wear a scarf this season? Pair a bold print with a simple black maxi. Make the scarf the statement piece of this simple outfit that goes easily from errands during the day to drinks with the girls in the evening. But be forewarned...if you're in warm climates, be sure to pick a lightweight, breathable fabric so you can be both chic and cool!

Head Wrap: A Very Mcqueen Spring by SunshineRosie featuring Dorothy Perkins dresses

Friday Finds - Casual Friday doesn't mean frumpy

2010-05-14T06:57:00.000-07:00

I haven't always been fortunate enough to be able to wear flip flops every day or to bring my dog to work. There were a few, veeeery brief years there where I actually did work a corporate job and therefore had to conform to a corporate dress code....blech!

While my employer didn't have a consistant Casual Friday policy, many companies out there do, and oh lord is that a recipe for fashion disaster. Let's start with the casual Friday no-no's that should probably be common sense, but just in case - no leggings, no shorts (no, not even bermuda's or tailored bermuda legnth), no see through blouses, nothing that you've had in your closet since high school, and, if this applies, please, please, please nothing out of your 15 year old daughters closet.

What I'm loving right now is the trendy blazer and jean look that can easily carry you from the office to happy hour. Lucky Magazine had some great tips in their May magazine on how exactly to get the trend right as demonstrated by the picture below:

Very chic, but still work appropriate and if you keep the outfit itself basic and monochromatic you can always pair it with some loud shoes or a statement necklace. And really, wouldn't a little strapless linen top look super cute under that blazer for a weekend date with your sweetie??

Happy Weekend Ya'll!

And so it begins...

2010-05-13T13:35:00.000-07:00

How did we get here and why are we blogging about it? That's something I think both Monica and I ask ourselves on a pretty regular basis. It's fairly safe to say that the creation of our co-op boutique and the creation of our blog pretty much go hand in hand. Not only has the fusing of the two shops gotten our creative juices flowing, but it has also freed up some time to persue other marketing opportunities...such as this blog. And I for one am very excited. While Monica loves fashion, I love writing. Hopefully over the next...well however long we're around for...we'll be able to bring you some of our very favorite fashion finds, some local Tampa spots that we love, and pretty much whatever strikes our fancy! So fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the ride!!