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.
With warmer weather comes the urge to lighten up. After all, you can't technically frolic through all that freshly sprung grass when you've got a 15-pound brick of a bag weighing you down. Minimize—if only to better enhance your skipping for joy—by swapping your too-stuffed satchel for a cute clutch. There are tons to choose from at Bloomingdale's, where all sale items get an additional 40 percent off bonus through the weekend. Score!
Rafe New York had a hit on their hands when they launched their line of sassy, shiny clutches for Target. Cop this tribal cotton-canvas clutch ($88, was $245) for just slightly more than you'd pay at your favorite discount department store. The pattern is so in right now, and the mod wood frame and buttons only enhance this clutch's cool factor.
Channel your favorite Upper East Side prep school snob with Kenneth Jay Lane's Queen Bee clutch ($90, was $250). Metallic silver leather is so chic, and the whimsical, crystal-encrusted bee medallion lets everyone know you're the leader of your social pack.
Bugs aren't your bag? Maybe you'd prefer something more reptilian. Franchi's metallic frame clutch ($47, was $195) isn't for the faint of heart. A look-at-me embossed snakeskin texture in the brightest, boldest gold shouldn't be attempted by wallflowers. This bad-girl bag should only be carried by the life of the party.
I'm such a sucker for a good gift-with-purchase, especially if the gift-with-purchase comes in a cute makeup bag (seriously, I have more Clinique bags than I know what to do with). So you can imagine my excitement at Beauty.com's latest offer: a free Lela Rose-designed makeup bag packed with samples of some of the site's bestsellers and new favorites. If you're me, the bag alone—a retro, navy-and-camel polka dot number with the most adorable khaki bow—is worth the price of admission (that would be any $100 Beauty.com purchase). But beauty junkies without my particular affinity for cosmetics cases will still find some swag to swoon over here.
Free samples are the best way to experiment with products you've always longed to try but maybe aren't so sure about dropping cash on. Go out on a limb and stick on Vincent Longo's La Dolce Vita lashes , then slick 'em and curl 'em with your new Vincent Longo The Curl mascara. Take Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion for a test drive and see how well your favorite shadow holds up with a dash of this revolutionary basecoat. And get all blushy with super-versatile Tarte cheek stain in Tipsy, a does-it-all convertible color that works on lips, too.
Having trouble thinking of ways to blow a Benjamin at Beauty? Open your wallets for just one of these products and you've got your freebies in the (need I say it again, gorgeous) bag:
Do something nice for your skin and your fellow women by investing in a Clarisonic Skin Care Brush in limited edition pink for breast cancer awareness ($195). Clarisonic's gentle vibrations clean and prep your pores, so you get the most of the money you've spent on cleansers, toners, and moisturizers. Plus, $10 of your purchase goes towards the fight against breast cancer.
Fire up iTech's Wet-&-Dry Tourmaline Flat Iron ($180) and get your hair dried and looking sleek in half the time. Top vents help excess water in your locks to evaporate, and precious stone tourmaline creates deep-penetrating heat that's not as damaging to your 'do as traditional flat irons.
We know how it goes. As soon as the sun peeks out from behind the clouds and the mercury climbs above 55 degrees, it's officially shorts season. It can be such a drag when your morning forecast checkup reveals rain or, even worse, a spring cold front. Beat your temperature-dip blues by buying a cute spring jacket to stave off the occasional arctic-feeling breeze. With these adorable picks from Macy's house line, INC International Concepts, you may actually look forward to digging into your coat closet for a mid-season coverup.
Ditch the drab beige trench in favor of something a little more upbeat (hey, you have to make the best of a rainy day, right?) Opt instead for something poppy and pink, like this cotton candy trench with lantern sleeves ($96.75, was $129). Frilly pockets and belled cuffs—not to mention the rosy hue—will make you feel demure, even when you're getting drenched.
Harness two trends in one with this dip-dyed belted jacket ($96.75, was $129). Earthy hues are hot for spring (when better to don a little green than in a season of growth and renewal?). And ombré, a subtle gradation of color, is a hip upgrade from hippy dippy tie-dye.
A season's worth of superhero movies should teach you that there's often more than meets the eye. To wit: this mighty white belted jacket ($89.25, was $119) is so much more than a clean, classic blazer. It's got timeless lines, sure, but the funky, unexpected texture is where this versatile wonder really gets its strength.
Apparently Shopbop has temporarily lost its mind: offering an extra 25% off gorgeous, summery daytime dresses that have already been marked down a whopping 70%. And they didn't stop at dresses. The sale also includes chic swimwear, sultry blouses, and trendy denim. So hurry over to shopbop.com and get the goods before this secret sale ends on Friday! (Use coupon code EXTRA25 at checkout.)
The poppy color of this Elegantly Waisted belt dress ($75, was $330) makes it the perfect option for a Memorial Day barbeque or early evening rooftop cocktail.
There are plenty of bras a woman absolutely must have in her lingerie drawer. A strapless, a convertible, something lacy and sheer for special occasions… But it's the bras we wear every day that we need to stock up on, keeping in mind that, as they say, variety is the spice of life. GapBody helps add a dash of daring and a pinch of pop to your wear-all-the-time trousseau, and they have some old standards on sale, too.
A girl can never have too many classic white t-shirt bras ($13, was $36) in her underwear arsenal. The Gap's spin on the t-shirt bra includes a convertible back (rig it up the standard way or with a racerback for some extra oomph) and a low-cut plunge, so you can wear it with your deep v-neck tops or undo a few extra buttons on your button-downs.
Nude, taupe, beige, and baby pink bras are OK for day-to-day wear, but every gal needs at least one zinger. This bright raspberry-hued nylon ultra push-up ($17, was $38) is uplifting on so many levels. Supportive underwires and LiquiLift padding will give your bust boost, while the secret knowledge that you're wearing a lipstick-pink bra will lift your spirits.
It's impossible to pull off a funky patterned bra under every outfit (hello, white tee faux pas!) but it's nice to have a few bras festooned with flowers or peppered with polka dots. This wildflower-patterned balconet bra ($13, was $39.50) is a contemporary take on your typical pink roses. Robin's egg, celadon, and violet on a midnight blue background are fresh and fun for those days when you wear a black top and want to spice things up a little (the smooth, seamless fit doesn't hurt matters, either!)
Ladies, let's face it. It's been a bikini world for far too long. Two-pieces seem to outnumber more modest (but still totally gorgeous) one-pieces three to one. But the tides are turning. More and more designers are taking the plunge and introducing sexy-without-being-skimpy suits that don't zero in on the belly button.
Wrap-dress diva Diane von Furstenberg has thrown her hat into the swimwear ring and comes out a winner with this pretty poppy-print Corallo halter ($80, was $165). Shades of strawberry and bubblegum swirl on a fresh white background, with tiny pops of turquoise adding another element for the eyes. Pick this suit if you've got a thicker middle—the busy-ness of the pattern will downplay your wider waist.
There's no written rule that says you have to bare your midriff to give off a come-hither beach vibe. In the exotic Lisa Curran boa print halter suit ($75, was $154), you'll get the same stares you would if you were wearing a barely-there bikini. The deep plunging-V neckline and trendy animal print will definitely garner some longing gazes.
If you're ultra-gutsy, or if you just don't plan on getting wet, try Vix Swimwear's white rope halter ($75, was $148) on for size. The rope detail at the neck gives the suit a nautical touch (in keeping with the still-popular yacht-worthy trend in resort wear), but the retro-style shape in blinding white says Old Hollywood glamour like nothing else.
Good news, stiletto-phobes—it's sandal season, and flat-as-a-pancake sandals are back in. Set your tootsies free in barely-there thongs, fab flip flops, and gorgeous gladiators that make those spike heeled winter boots look like a flat out mess. Score these three pairs from Banana Republic for under a hundred bucks a pop, and cut out all that teetering and tottering for awhile.
These persimmon-hued Angelina sandals ($61, were $88) are the footwear equivalent of a sexy g-string. Practically weightless and embellished with tiny reflective panels, these thongs are the next best thing to going barefoot (maybe someone should slip Britney a pair before her next trip to a gas station bathroom!)
Find your inner Roman warrior in woven leather Gaia flats ($62, were $88). Get fierce with these studded metallic stunners, keeping in mind that, while bronze may traditionally signify third place, it's edging out gold and silver as this season's most wearable metallic shade.
Don't ditch your trusty two-for-five rubber flip flops altogether, but do be sure to have a slightly more sophisticated pair in your fashion arsenal. These platinum Emilia flip flops ($90, were $129) are a pretty alternative, with shiny, dime-sized discs setting off an unexpected, pearly color you don't see everyday.
