Need a way to look instantly younger and more fresh? How about chic and sexy at the same time? White eyelet is not for little girls this season. Check out these stylish variations of the classic fabric - all for under $140.
The Tiana B White Eyelet Trapeze Dress ($55) is a great addition to any wardrobe. This simple and elegant frock is figure-forgiving and stylish. Dress it down with gladiator sandals and an oversized bag on the weekend or glam it out with a candy-colored clutch and matching pumps. The middle is a white embroidered eyelet linen kaftan from DVF for just $132. Bluefly.com tries to sell it as a swimsuit cover-up - but I'd wear this posh pullover to a barbeque or lunch date with the girls. Normally, my Target finds are the lowest-priced I'll post because anything cheaper usually looks too cheap for me. But you'll be happy to know this Isaac Mizrahi white eyelet halter for $39.99 isn't even as low-priced as my picks go!
The Helene Eyelet Dress ($45) has an intricate eyelet embroidery, comes down just past the knees, and has a removable waist belt. The AE Flutter Dress ($30) has an allover eyelet texture, tie neck, hip pockets, and is fully lined. The Ruby Rox Eyelet Shirtdress ($38) has puffed cap sleeves, a peter pan collar, button front, ruffle-trimmed pintucked yoke, and a cute bow in the back.
This is not your neices's babydoll dress. Get this casual white smocked eyelet dress for just $55. The Ruby Rox Floral Eyelet Strapless Dress ($64) is perfect for those summer weddings. It's casual enough that you won't out-dress the bride - but fancy enough with the cutout eyelet hem that you'll just out-dress everyone else. This adorable Calvin Klein cotton voile dress ($118) with peekaboo embroidery is styled with a bateau neck and puffed elbow-length sleeves.
We heard inklings of this last year. Those candy-like shoes with the candy-like name are back (again) and this time designers are really getting it. Unlike the lattice designs we saw last year, these sandals make the kid-friendly coloring work by pairing it with sophisticated shapes, like Old Navy’s thong with chain detail (left, was $12.50, now $10), Kate Spade’s simple slide with a big bauble at the top (center, $60), and this simple green pair with a chic espadrille wedge (right, $29.25).
I keep thinking about all the possibilities for these comfortable slides: beach and poolside, of course. But perhaps they could also make my too-often-black daytime wardrobe a bit more whimsical. Or stand in for flip-flops on the walk to work. The more I look at them, the more I’m smitten.
Then there’s Kenneth Cole’s version ($25), which is something like a gladiator sandal rendered in clear plastic. We could laud it as an affordable path to uber-trendy feet (Gladiator sandals! And jellies! In one!), but really they just look like the jellies you wore when you were five.
Which pair would you wear? Or do you think jellies are best left in the sandbox? Post a comment and weigh in.
There are a few schools of thought about mixing prints. One advocates throwing them together wily-nily and strutting around, aloof, with a calculated bed head and expertly smudged dark eyeliner. I will ignore this strategy because, for better or worse, I’m just not that cool.
For us real people with jobs and errands, below are three doable tactics that make mixing prints a less formidable task, keeping outfits fresh and fun while maintaining an approachable, sane demeanor.
1. Stay in the same color family Tone down the bold print on Rachel Palley’s Poolside Dress ($207) with this preppy Kelly Jacket (was $138, now $80) – the stripes echo the pink petals in the dress and the white backgrounds (see # 3) make the whole thing lighter and less overwhelming.
2. Choose similar prints in different sizes The circles on this cotton skirt ($22.80) are huge and attention-grabbing, so pairing them with the tiny dots on the Gap’s ribbed tank ($14.50) will keep the pattern from swallowing you up.
3. Make black and white your friends It seems like just about anything is easier to pull off in black and/or white. The combo of huge bright-yellow lemons on this full skirt ($88) and the thick stripes on the cotton-cashmere tank ($80) could look completely cartoonish, but with the black-and-white base, the outfit takes on a whimsical (so, cartoonish in a good way) sort of vibe.
If Gwyneth's Iron Manpromo week-of-LBDs has inspired you to hike your hemlines and show off your glistening gams, you've got plenty of options to choose from. Don't get too overwhelmed, though: if your goal is to showcase the fruits of your elliptical training labors in something with a designer label—but not a designer price tag—Net-a-Porter's got a selection that's got you covered. Well, with the super-short shapes of these tiny black dresses, better make that uncovered.
Go for girly glam in Stella McCartney's Vulcan halter dress ($398, was $995). The sweet bow and unique V straps draw attention to toned shoulders, while the mini length emphasizes lean legs. Make sure to pair this one with ultra high heels to complete the daring look.
For something a bit more sophisticated, try Rodnik's wool jersey dress ($296, was $740). A sweetheart neckline and cinched-in waist are flattering to hourglass figures, and the overall shape is reminiscent of a fabulous '50s hostess. The best accessories for this look? A strand of pearls and a dirty martini. Add a little spice to your work wardrobe in a versatile Laurien tunic dress from Malene Birger ($162, was $405). With black pumps, dark hose and simple jewelry, you're ready for a day at the office; add a burst of color in the form of a chic clutch and trade the dark hose for nude and you're ready for a night out.
Here's the latest fashion scoop from SheFinds Christine:
Old Navy's new Neon Nights collection is a bit more jewel toned than neon, but the pieces are hot – so we'll forgive them for the naming oversight. They've really stepped out of the khaki box on this collection with a color palette of emerald, sapphire, ruby, fuschia, black, and white and an array of fabrics including silk, satin, georgette, and suede with accessories to complement. The majority of the set is a bit too slinky for day but perfect for your summer cruise in the Mediterranean or a night out at the clubs. And all at the normal Old Navy sticker price ($9.50 - $39.50), so you'll actually have money to buy drinks while you're out (but you won't have to in these clothes – the men will come flocking to your hotness).
Our favorite piece of the new collection is this Georgette Halter Dress. This little number is perfect for café people watching or Cote d'Azur nightlife. In solid black, black with fuschia detail, or black with a floral print for just $39.50. These elegant suede Rattan Wedges with a platform toe are the perfect look-at-me shoes for summer. Dress up your halter or pair them with a cute pair of short shorts and a slinky cami for that I'm hot and I didn't have to try look.
You're going to want to save these shorts and camis purely for nights – they are a bit too scandalous for day. But at these prices you can afford to buy these pieces for one purpose. The cami comes in the fuschia seen here, teal, and black for $14.50 while the shorts come in black, white, and khaki for $24.50.
I’m always a bit wary about spending money on costume jewelry. Especially since most will peel or fade onto your skin. But again, at these prices, it doesn't matter. The set of 24 metal bangles comes in silver or gold for $9.50 and the metallic bead bracelets come in a set of 3 in bronze, silver, and brass for $9.50.
Why: I have become a tad obsessed with Justin Giunta's Subversive for Target line. Over the weekend, I snatched up two more pieces and plan to sneak in a little more online browsing later today. However, as I was admiring my treasure it got me thinking: if Subversive's Target line is this great, the regular collection must be out of this world. And I was right. These two bracelets maintain that kind of jumbled, sunken treasure, antique gem vibe that the label is known for. Unfortunately at these prices, I'll have to work triple-time to even come close to owning one. But that's ok - for now I have my target finds, plus a little extra motivation to work my butt off for some disposable income.
Nina Garcia, who was let go of her position at Elle, is apparently moving over to Marie Claire. The move is fueling rumors that Project Runway will be picking up Marie Claire as its new partner magazine. [Portfolio]
Lindsay Lohan shot ads over the weekend for her new leggings line. No models that were cast are getting paid for their work. [NYMag]
Lilly Pulitzer will open its first Manhattan store on Madison Avenue tomorrow. The company is about to celebrate its 50th anniversary. [WWD]
Abercrombie & Fitch revealed plans to open a 16,000 square foot flagship store in Copenhagen in 2009. [FWD]
Everyone fab and famous absolutely could not stay away from the Met's Costume Institute Ball. We spotted three big trends on celebs shuffling into the party: glam one-shouldered gowns, bold hued party shoes, and fierce red lips.
Crest's Pro-Health Rinse apparently turns your teeth brown. Yep, brown. As in dirty than they were before you brushed and rinsed. Unbelievable, right?
We powerful business women want to be remembered for our accomplishments – not our backless Donna Karan spandex gown. So what do we wear this summer that makes us feel good (and fashionable) while not causing our clients to stare 15 inches below where they should when we're discussing a deal?
Big bold accessories are the name of the game this season, becoming the focus of the outfit rather than the complement. These link bracelets are great for spicing up a work ensemble or pairing with a simple sundress. But one costs a whopping $1380 more than the other. Are your style skills sharp enough to figure out which is which?
As the weather warms up, it will behoove you to fill your closet with simple summer dresses you can just throw on with no fuss. And the less they cost, the more you can buy. One of these dresses costs a mere $35, while the other is over a $100 more. Can you guess which is the bargain?