Friday Finds - Skinny Love

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

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!!

Trend Tuesday - Not your Grandmothers Lace

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!!

Trend Tuesday - How to Sparkle

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!! 

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

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!!

Trend Tuesday - Denim Jackets

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!

Trend Tuesday - Boho Chic

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

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 - Rising Hemlines

(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!!