You're Invited...

So I got something from my aunt this week that I have never seen before. In a girl's world, you are always getting invitations to showers, house warmings, or birthday parties. So when I got this paperless invitation, I had to see more. You get a email that has a envelope (even with postage) and you click on it to open. You get to see the beautiful contrast pattern on the inside of the envelope and then the invite pops out. It's so extremely clever, especially in this day and age when being "green" seems to be more of a fad than skinny jeans! What a great way to be different, unique and earth-conscious! So next time you are planning a little get together, remember this great idea and gather up those email address!

I interupt what you are doing...

Super Exciting News….This just in: JUICY outlet store is coming to Jeffersonville!!! I know today's blog is short and sweet, but EXCITING!!! I can't even wait! Just keeping you in the loop Columbus!

CLOGS?!?!

Ok so I have to put this out there, because I HAVE NO CLUE!! Clogs. Are they really trying to make a comback? It just brings back way too many memories of teased bangs, mom jeans and Chico! AHHH, cringe-worthy! So I've seen a couple cute pairs, and I've seen some girls wear them around the office. You have to be a pretty confident fashionista to pull it off…but I'm thinking about jumping on this trend. Beware…you better pair it with a really great outift, or there WILL be whispers when you walk by…and not good ones! So let me know what you think….are you gonna purchase clogs? If so, please send pics! I'd love to see how you wear them! I'll be sure to post mine!

Rain. Rain. Rain Boots!

So now that we are forging our way out of the 6 months of bleek and grey, we are now moving on to the rainy portion! You have to love Ohio right?! Haha, well don't fear! If there were ever a great time to buy super cute wellies and rain gear…this is it! Here are some of my ultimate favs:

Classic Burberry at Nordstrom's!

Dirty Laundry at Macy's...so preppy! LOVE!

Old School Sperry at Macy's or DSW! Aww, childhood!

Hunter's at Nordstrom's has the best colors....to match every outfit!

With all these fab choices...I say, BRING ON THE RAIN!!!

Hope you have a soggy one!

HANDBAGS for EVERYDAY

Wow….what a hectic couple of weeks! So sorry to have stranded my blog, but trust that I AM BACK! I have the greatest handbag calendar on my desk that has a new one for each day. Mostly vintage (my favorite) but new stuff shuffled in here and there. Which makes me day dream about having a different handbag each day to go with every outfit! Well, though that is very far fetched, a girl can dream right? So on my journey down the road of trying to make that happen…here are a few great deals that I've found recently:

Marcianio for $196.50 at Nordstrom's!

Dooney and Burke for $109.90 at Nordstrom's!

Metallic Parlour Hobo from J. Crew for $149.99

Kate Spade.com for $228

WOW, can you tell my fav spring color?!?! Happy shopping everyone...what's that one hot spring item you can't wait to purchase? Let me know and i'll track it down for the best price!

SAMPLE SALE....AT KATE SPADE!!

KATE SPADE SAMPLE SALE!!! OMG I almost spit out my coffee as soon as I got the email this morning! Here is the link, you just have to sign your name, email and zip code to get in. TOTALLY worth it! Happy shopping!

http://www.katespade.com/samplesale/login.jsp?csm=125383222&csc=28447&csa=125417612&csu=28454

Where to get it all at

A wise man once gave me his two cents and I thought, "What a great idea!" So with this long, savage winter starting to descend into being over (I'm still a skeptic as to whether it will EVER end) we all turn our minds to up and coming big events: prom, winter escape cruises, or that last minute fling to the Bahamas' (one can dream right?!). So I'm going to try and narrow the search for that perfect outfit. As is mostly the case, ESPICALLY for prom, you don't want to shop locally because of the nightmare that could be you wearing the same dress as another girl! Trust me, I've done this and it's not pretty (compliments of MHS senior prom night) While I'm on my nostalgic walk down memory lane, if I was still in high school and prom is approaching...this is where I would turn!

Prom Night
http://www.newyorkdress.com/Prom_Dresses.html?src=google-prom&gclid=CKr9hLDUhqACFaAO5Qod7kTAnA

Here is website that has a dress for everyone! From stuck-up socialites who crave designer labels, to the girl who just wants some uber-original knockout. The prices range from $99-$1000....so I'm pretty sure this site would have something for every girl. Don't forget...these are designer and formalwear dresses: SIZE DOWN one size. Yes, that is a pure marketing plea to make you feel skinner than you really are...but hey, I'll take it!

Cruise Wear
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Feature_Assortment/NewArrivals.jsp

This is much easier than finding that one perfect dress that will make you a stand out, but not by much. Now you need at least 7 great outfits for dinner each night. By now you should know that I'm completely biased when it comes to J. Crew....but they have everything you need! Trust me!

Their Lilac Shift Dress is perfectly cool
Be Stunningly beautiful in their Jersey Gown
Or a show-stopper in this leather sequin knockout!

All of their new 2010 arrivals on their website right now would be all a girl needs to make that cruise their fabulous runway of style!

Winter Escape Getaway:
http://www.victoriassecret.com/

Now for the more relaxed "live on the beach" kind of getaway! To me this says: swimsuits, cover ups and sundresses....shoes optional! I'm seriously shaking with jealousy just thinking about it! But for those of you who already have this trip on the books, here is where I'd start with getting ready for it: Victoria's Secret. I know I know, you normally only think of them for bra's and underwear. But I have to let you in on it: they have the best made, cut and designed swimsuits I've ever tried on! With their variety of color, fit and style...you can't come away from this website or store without finding the perfect suit. Once you have that...you have to check out their lux cover ups that can double for a sundress or going out to dinner at the local tiki bar!

I hope that these tips have helped and it's just the beginning. If you have other special occasions and are stuck with what to wear and where to get it...let me know! I'll get you perfectly equipped for that perfect event!

DSW...I heart you!

Being that this is a fairly new blog it's going to take me a while to get through all my favorites....here's giving it my best shot. Today is a shoe day! I love DSW (more than a friend) they have the best clearance section around town! With their warehouse environment and sheer numbers of shoes you are bound to find that special pair! See above picture for my lunch time find for only $13.49!

I'm telling you, if you are even in need of some reatail theary and there is a DSW near by....RUN! You will come out with a spring in your step and a smile on your face! What's your latest deal?? Do share, because we all love a good bargain!

Happy shopping this weekend!

Thank You Ad Clickers!!!

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for reading (and clicking on the ads) on my blog! I'm actually raking in some money! I saw a huge jump in numbers when I explained it in my last post. I care about all you guys and just wanted to send you some love. THANKS AGAIN!! Have a great weekend!!

Blogster

I've really been researching more and more on this whole over night sensation of blogging. From what i've read it's like a restaurant...about 1 out of every 100 can actually make money doing it. Being of the fashion world, I feel as though you always need to be up on what's the next big thing. I really love the idea of putting your creativity to use, your thoughts out there and painting your inspiration across the page. So the goal, if say you want to make this a job, is to gain as many followers as you can. After doing that, you need them to click on the ads on your page. From doing that, companies such as AdSense and google ads pay you money! I know it sounds crazy, but i'm willing to give this thing a whirl! So spread the word and tell your friends to check out my page and CLICK AWAY on all the ads. I will be talking about everything girly, fashionable, up and coming or just plain interesting to me! Please feel free to comment or ask questions. I'd love to hear some topics you'd like I'll keep you posted on how it's coming as a job....my hope is that i'll be that 1 out of 100!!

Fashion Week

Along with this being my favorite time of the year because of Valentine's Day...the icing on the cake is that it's FASHION WEEK! What I love about technology is that it is always working for us. I couldn't even tell you how much it costs or what connections it must take to get into the great tents at Fashion Week. But with the help of Twitter and web cams....we all can sit front and center! Can you imagine....Donna Karen, Alexander Wang, Betsy Johnson, Carolina Herrera!!!! Oh my heart melts...

I just thought you all should be let in on this little suprise....since it's the first year they are testing it out. See you all there Fashionista's!!

The End of a perfect weekend

Awww, it's such a nice way to start your week coming off of Valentine's Day Weekend. I feel extra loved, relaxed and energized to attack the work week with a new found vigor! So, how was your weekend? What did you do? What did he get you? I have to dote on my husband for just a second...you know it's going to be a good day when it starts out with a Tiffany box! Nothing says "You're Special" better than that!
Do you ever wonder what the perks would be from working there? I could die! I wonder if they have sample sales, or extra discount days like we at Express do?!?! How amazing....someone should let us in on that little secret! Or maybe not....because then we'd know and be completely jealous!
Anyways, Happy Valentine's Day everyone and I hope it brightens your week just a little knowing you have that special someone who adores you!

A very sad day for Fashion

The world of Fashion lost an amazing designer today...Alexander McQueen. He made such beautiful thing. Rest in Peace!

It's that time of year again...

Whoa, what a crazy week it has been for me! With the snow, work and then the ever looming holiday of Valentine's Day! So that begs the question....what to do this year for Valentine's Day?? Being a girl, the thought of a romantic dinner, presents and overall attention makes the heart flutter! There is a lot of hype around this holiday, which to me kinda dumbs it down. It's the non-holiday, plain-jane sort of Monday that makes getting flowers like winning the lottery! Or the hum-drum wednesday that makes your face hurt from smiling when you recieve that note stashed in your purse wishing you a great day! But on this momentus occasion that tends to make boys quiver in fear of the expectations, i'm here to help! At the center of this holiday really stands the true meaning.....the heart. Anything that you do, if it's done from the heart and with the truest of thoughts and feelings, there is no way it can go wrong. My girlfriends and I are sticking with a 3 year tradition of either the boys or girls plan the day for the other. This year, it's our turn to plan something for the boys. It's nothing huge, outlandish or spectacular...but it will be from the heart. Here's hoping they enjoy it!! What are your plans...do tell!!!???

Dogs...a girls best friend?

Everyone is always talking about a dog being a man's best friend. I'm writing this to all you girls out there who just couldn't imagine their life without jake, spot or lassie! When Tyson first arrived at our house he was just a puppy who mostly slept or snuggled. Those first few days were magical! He would cuddle up to me and sleep in my arms for hours! As we all know....that QUICKLY changed! Then came the accidents, the discovery of how fun it is to rip carpet up and the new found bark. Never having owned a puppy before, I thought this would be a walk in the park! My family must have picked the world's most laid back, low maintenance dogs on the planet! In comparison, Tyson was the tazmanian devil! Something literally comes over him around 8:00 PM every night and he does nascar laps around our entire house! I think he's trying to show off how fast he can run and how slippery our wood floors are compared to the carpet (that now has speed bumps/rips compliments of the Ty man himself). After all the ankle nips, barks to be picked up and yes, even the carpet being ripped up....he always looks at me in a way no one else could. True affection, complete loyalty and the all knowing belief that I rescued him and there isn't anything he could do to show his true appreciation. It's true unconditional love! I mean look at this face....what girl wouldn't want a best friend like this? Completely worth it!

Don't you love the prospect of Spring?? Ohhh I do! There is nothing like the anticipation of a warm breeze, cloudless days and the abundence of sunshine. Will the thought of Spring (hopefully) being on its way, my mind jumps to one thing: SPRING CLEANING! For some reason, a tad early if you ask me, I got the urge this weekend. I cleanred and re-arranged my entire living room, did 6 loads of laundry (all bedding in my house) and redecorated my master bedroom. I've attached pictures to get your thoughts and approval. I couldn't have redecorated my bedroom without the great prices and fabulous selection from Home Goods! I got all new bedding, matching side tables, AMAZING lamps and the cutest decorative pillows! There isn't a better or easier way to transfrom a room than at Home Goods! So get to it Spring cleaners and self-serving interior decorators...and don't forget to share pictures!

Lunch Reatil Thearpy

Ok....I have to spill about the best lunch retail thearpy ever!!! If I haven't told you lately how FREAKIN AMAZING Macy's shoe department is...let me start with that! I LOVE YOU MACY'S SHOE DEPARTMENT. You always have something for me, in my size and for the best price! Ok, my love letter is over. So I just got a $400 pair of Coach boots for $75!!!! As if the news couldn't get any better, my loving family and friends put these boots into the FREE category with their kind gift cards for my birthday! If you haven't gotten the blaring message from this post...GO CHECK OUT MACY'S SHOE DEPT!!!! You will leave a happy gal...and it's sooo much cheaper than a traditional thearpist!

Running of the Brides

Calling all brides-to-be, just got word that this Friday is the annual "Running of the Brides" at Filene's Basement. I have to say...Good luck to you! I've heard these things get kinda crazy! But, to get your wedding dress of your dreams for less than $500...totally worth it! Personally, when I was getting married I missed this day and all the mayhem it promised to bring. If anyone goes or has gone in the past....let a fellow bargain hunter know! I'd love to have a visual or just a word picture of how this whole thing goes down! I can't imagine brides frothing at the mouth, willing to tear your arm off if you try to get a dress they are eye-balling! Don't get in the way of a determined bride...she has no regrets and will stop at nothing to have a picture-perfect day, even if that means leaving dead bodies in her wake!

P.S. Speaking of bargains...only 5 days left for Rhuel to be in business! Grab those fab leather bags and chunky sweaters while you still can, and at 60% off for that matter!!

Throwback Birthday

Shopping everywhere from Nordstrom to Bendels to Giant Eagle, i've been noticing a theme....the throwback. Mountain Dew cans, vintage tee's and even perfume bottles....everyone is remember a better time; a simpler time.
Well this past birthday defintely fell into that category for me. My amazing husband went old school and threw A SUPRISE ROLLERSKATING PARTY!!! I mean really girls, is there anything better!!?? Not for me.
We busted out the disco music, the limbo line and the pizza and cake! What kid didn't have a party like that! ohhh, those were the good old days! When all you had to worry about was which leg warmers to wear, what boy to get to hold your hand and how high you were going to tease your bangs! We skated the night away without a care in our heads!
So what's your favorite throwback? What would you bring back if you had the chance...screw that! What are you trying to bring back right now?? For me friday night skate night would be at the top of the list! Along with headbands, 50's style preppy and pearls and who isn't cool without the mod mini!? Let me know your throwback style or fad, and who knows....maybe it will even be at the top of the cool list again! Dare to dream...

Trendy Trendsetter...

My latest obsession is taupe, nude, camel....any and everything neutral! Usually it's a girls statement to have a bold color, a splash of pop. The unexpected plain can stand out just as much as the brightest blue or outlandish orange!
So i'm wondering....what is your latest obsession? Over the last decade there have been many trends: social networking, designer jeans, the green movement, reality TV, the recession, premium coffee, "it" handbags, Barack Obama, celebrity gossip, YouTube, superheroes and vampires. What do you think is the next up and coming?
The coolest part of fashion, or anything really, is the unknown...what's gonna be the next big thing, what is the next cool, what is the next huge sunglasses moment? Let me know what you think!!! You never know...you could be on to the next "it" thing!!

Where are you shopping today?

Today being Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I know that all of you (except those working retail) are out and about! Please, shop your hearts out for me! Since retail never takes a day off, I wanted to tell you what I would be doing on my day off. I would DEINTELY be hitting up Rheul! They have 60% off everything. Even their super butter-like leather bags, over-sized sweaters and perfect fitting jeans. If you are fortunate to have one of these stores near you (though sadly not for long) you should go check them out. Well we all know next to bags comes shoes....DSW! Since I do have a birthday coming up, I got a $10 off coupon on any purchase. That's all a girl needs for a excuse to check out the latest shoe deals!! It wouldn't be loyal of me if I didn't mention EXPRESS! Head on over and get some great deals on winter clearance or the latest and greatest for Spring...yes, contrary to how it looks outside, it is coming! Then I would probably grab some cosi for lunch and then to the movies to catch "Leap Year" So that leaves me to ask you, what are you doing on this great shopping day? Let me know your shopping deals and steals. From all of us working hard in the retail world to give you what you'd like....HAPPY SHOPPING!!

SHOE SALE!!!!!

ATTENTION COLUMBUS GIRLS....rumor has it, Steve Madden at Easton is supposedly going out of business and today is the first super mark-down day!!! Defintely heading over to check it out! Hopefully this rumor will turn into a fab new pair of shoes in my shoe closet!!! Keep you posted...

My 2010 Fashion Picks:

1. Ruffles, Ruffles, Ruffles....
These are a girl's best friend. I love the soft color pallets that reatailers like J. crew offer. The classic throwback to a beautiful time in fashion history. No, if you ask me, you can never have too many ruffles!
2. Color blocking...
Think Mod, Twiggy. Short mini's with a flare of color, paired with black tights and a great heel!
3. Super bold colors...
I love all the purples, fushia's and emerald's! Check out Kate Spade's new collection...simply divine!
4. Ultra Fem...
Pearls, lace, delicate heels! Ohhhh, I get excited just thinking about J. crew's new line! Soft hue's with a dash of elegance, coupled with classic styling!
5. Bold Jewelry...
Whether a super layered look or just a huge chunky necklace...put it all on! Over-do the bracelets, rings and necklaces! Be sure to keep it in the same color pallet or atleast the same metal group! Though a little miss-matchy never hurt anyone!
6. Colored Tights...
Partnered with toned down blues and blacks, bright tights make me smile! I can't get enough of them! Once again, Kate Spade perfectly pairs their bright tights to make a flawless outfit!
7. Super skinny mini's...
Body concious skirts and dresses have flooded all the runways. I love the super tight mini with a comfy loose t-shirt tucked in. With a perfect pair of heels, you will be all set for work, a night out or just looking fab for lunch with the girls! But beware...if you don't have the body...these skirts will go from body concious to body bulge!
8. Denim...
Not that the perfect pair of jeans isn't a necesity of any wardrobe, but this upcoming season is all about the denim shirt! Throw in a little Texas for everyone! Whether it's fitted and tucked into a floral skirt or loose and paired with a white tank, you can't go wrong! Look out cowboys...here we come!
9. Florals...
Though this is nothing new to the ultra girly/feminine gal, you are going to see alot of it this Spring! Craving for the sun to come back, we all can't wait for the flowers in the ground and on our outfit! Get a great cardi or pencil skirt and look the part!
10. Plaid...
Just because i'm irish dosn't mean that i'm the only one wearing plaid! This trend will be everywhere this winter and followed with lighter, brighter shades in spring.

Light at the end of the tunnel...

This weekend was a blogger's dream, a completely brand new expericene! I have to say that though this is not very girly, it's defintely share-worthy! I had my first session of acupuncture! A little uneasy but certainly hopeful, I showed up at this one room studio that had a massage table and a eager, rogue, hippie-looking doctor. He asked me to lay down and from there, he proceeded to tell me all my ailments. I thought I was just going in to help my TMJ, but I ended up leaving a new person. Don't fret, there was nothing painful about it. On the contrary, it was probably the most relaxing, enlighning experience i've ever had. Ok, so I know how this sounds....HOOKEY! But I have to be honest with you, buy into the craziness, drink the kool-aid and delve head long into this acupuncture thing! My mother being a nurse, I am a firm believer in western medicine. If you have something wrong, take a pill, do the exercise or change your diet....end of problem. But when all that fails and you are still worse for the wear....this is the light at the end of the tunnel. Pathetically, I sat on the table and cried because I never knew how bad it really was. By "it" I mean my existence...I had been living with so many things that I just accepted as part of myself (headaches, emotionally all over the place, tightness in my back and jaw, completly and totally exhausted). But with just one treatment, I felt a weight lifted (not to mention my jaw unlocked within 10 seconds). Girly or not, this is something we should all, even if just once, experience. And if you don't come out a little brighter, happier and all around better i'd be utterly suprised. Take this as my full and total reccomendation!

Steals and Deals of the day

Hello fellow shoptastics! I wanted to give you a little treat today and let you in on some of my fav deals/steals of the moment.

At Katespade.com you can snag 25% off right now, plus if you've never bought from them before you can get an extra 15% off when you give them your email address. P.S. you get free shipping!

My personal pref would be the Roland Park Cecilia in Orange/White/Navy!

Feast your eyes...

Another one of my guilty pleasures is personalized stationary. At shutterfly right now it's 50% off!! That is such a steal when you get to put your name all over it!

Oh and even though I live in a state that is dreary, rainy and cold most of the time - a girl can't help but long for summer, sun and shades!

Check out smart bargains right now for the perfect Marc Jacobs sunglasses for only $44.00!!!!!

I couldn't possibly write this blog and not discuss Juicy Couture! I've been filling up my charm bracelet with all their uber-girly charms.

Today at Neiman Marcus you can get their three level cake charm in gold for only $26.00.

Please believe it's true:

Also, for all your puppy lovers out there, check out these fab dog collars and barrettes!!

Well if your wallet dosn't lose it's bulge after these steals, I dont' know what could tear you away from your cash! Happy Shopping and remember to stimulate the economy......one store at a time!

The snow storm is upon us, you better get those uggs out and ready! There will be no cute shoes in this state today!

Day one

This is a girls guide to navigate everything fashionably revelant! Everything from shoes, sales and the hottest shades. This will be an overview of all the fabulous things I've come across and the best that is yet to come. I daylight in the fashion industry, so I have a great grasp on latest trends, fantastical sample sales and spectacular clothes yet to hit stores! I will show you insights on everything from weddings, wardrode and wristlets. Stay tuned for tips and tidbits on Live.Shop.Fashion.