BCBGMAXAZRIA - Piper Envelope Clutch ($98.00 at Zappos)

From accessories to the perfect Post-It Notes, I've got you covered when it comes to spicing up your work-life. The 9 to 5 daily grind can get a little humdrum if you work in an office, and you can't always escape to your PopSugar iPhone app without getting caught by your coworkers. So what's a gal to do? These little extras will give you a little something to make your day a bit more interesting, or at the very least, you'll look really good being bored at work.
Anything Anne Taintor will surely get you through the day, such as this "Why Am I Sober?" pen ($4.99 at AnneTaintor.com). The Anne Taintor sticky notes ($4.49 at AnneTaintor.com) are practically an office staple where I work, and this one quickly sums up how efficient I am in taking messages.
Blush is a great pick-me up if you're feeling tired, and although TheBalm is a bit pricey, I think the packaging adds a little something extra. (TheBalm Down Boy $21.00 at Sephora.)
Peplum is sweet and fun and this flirty Sleeveless Top With Peplum And Daisy Print ($48.71 at Asos) will liven your work ensemble. Wear this to work on days when you need a bit of extra cheer.
Some ladies can walk around in stilettos all day, but I prefer something more comfortable, like a low kitten heel or flats. If you want comfort without sacrificing style, here's another choice to liven up your work wear: Cooperative Applique Flat ($34.00 at Urban Outfitters).
Give yourself something shiny to look at, like this Tropical Fish Mini Wish Ring (on sale for $24.49 at Juicy Couture). Bonus if you end up day dreaming about that cruise you've been dying to take.
And finally, if you love to write here's a quick way to enhance your writing skills--the One Word A Day Journal ($14.00 at Urban Outfitters). Write down one word that sums up your day or how you are feeling at work. It's also pretty interesting to flip back and look at!
Brighten up your summer days (and nights) by swapping out your little black dress for a little white dress!
Although you can stylishly wear white all year round (forget that Southern "after Labor Day" rule), you can wear it a little more often in the summer months. It's important to keep a few things in mind when wearing an all white look: red lipstick is a definite plus and you don't have to over accessorize the look, especially if you have a really great LWD. Below are three fabulous LWD options for you to choose from, and they're all under $60. Plus, I've included styling options to give you a few ideas!
Which dress is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
Dress with Front Patch ($59.90 at Zara.com)
This is the most expensive dress on the list, but it's such a great fit and cut that it's definitely worth the cost per wear. It comes with the belt, so it's a shirtdress that will already give you some shape. You can swap out the belt for a dressier look if necessary. If you're just going for an everyday look, I'd pair with congnac brown strappy heels and a long gold necklace. This dress is definitely appropriate for work!
ASOS Mini Dress with Mesh Panels ($34.79 at Asos)
This dress has been marked down from $78, so get it quick if you love it! The mesh side panels on this dress are what I love the most about it! I think it would be perfect for a date with your beau or a night out during a beach vacation. Vampy red lipstick and strappy metallic heels make the perfect accents.
ASOS PETITE Bandeau Dress In Textured Cloth ($46.10 at Asos)
This dress has also been marked down from $60, and it's such a great find! It's got an amazing cloth texture to it that really adds to the dress. It's casual enough to be worn during the day, but you can most certainly elevate the dress for night too. For day, pair with a floppy hat and wedges, and for night pair with nude pumps, a sleek updo, and shoulder sweeping earrings.
Plunge Backless Suit ($60.88 at ASOS)
Recently Jessica Alba wore the perfect monochromatic outfit in New York, but I was particularly smitten with her Tory Burch hat! It's the perfect nod to summer and look great paired with bikinis, sundresses, or Jessica's look here--a loose sweater and oversized trousers. I'm pretty much obsessed with hats (specifically fedoras), but I think Panama hats are going to be the most popular style this season.
The hat is unavailable online, but there are a few affordable options for the rest of us to choose from!
Which hat is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
$29.95 at Gap
$12.80$10.11 at Forever 21
$128.00$49.99 at Rugby
On the avenue of dress shopping for an upcoming special event or occasion, you can go from something really fancy (but pricey) to something that's not as flashy (but rather affordable). However, if you shop properly (read: scour the racks) you can find many fabulous dresses that are under $50. Fortunately, you're reading an article from an expert bargain shopper--under $50? Found it! And I'll take one in every color!
Below are three dresses that look expensive, but aren't. And if you keep reading, I'll give tips on how to wear these dresses, so that you can avoid "cheapening" the look. Ready? Read on...
The Dress: West Coast Wardrobe Midas Touch Dress
The Cost: $44.00 at Boutique to You
What makes this dress look expensive?
The little flash of "precious metal" definitely makes this dress look more expensive than its worth. Plus the high low hem is so on trend right now.
Personal Styling Tips:
Pair with a dainty gold necklace that parallels the neckline, a metallic clutch, and dark red lip color, and you'll look like you're ready for the red carpet!
The Dress: Two Tone Silk Midi Dress
The Cost: $40.00 at Topshop (was $130!)
What makes this dress look expensive?
If the old price tag is any indication, this dress looks expensive because it's 100% silk. Fortunately for we bargain shoppers, this dress is now on sale. Snap it up before it's gone!
Personal Styling Tips:
I would have a little bit of fun with this dress since it's a pretty simple colorblock design. A python print clutch might look nice, or you could try a statement necklace to add a bit more character to the look. If you want to accentuate your waist, add a textured belt in a fun color like yellow or keep it simple with a black belt.
The Dress: Love 21 Cascade Flutter Dress
The Cost: $27.80 at Forever 21
What makes this dress look expensive?
The silhouette! This cascade detailing and the flutter sleeve make this dress look like it's designer. It will surely garner a "Where did you get that?" or two.
Personal Styling Tips: I would wear with strappy gold heels and a statement necklace that runs parallel to the neckline. A gold cuff and pretty nude polish would finish off the look perfectly!
Ginnifer Goodwin opted for bright and bold at the Met Gala in a beaded orange Monique Lhuillier dress. She looked absolutely stunning, and I have to give her props for being such a risktaker wearing an orange gown. (Of course, Beyonce was also a risk taker in her completely sheer Givenchy gown!)
Other stars who wore orange were Eva Mendes, Kristen Bell, Kristen Wiig, and Katherine McPhee.
Take inspiration from Ginnifer Goodwin (and the other bold beauties who opted for this hue) and get a perfect summer-ready look! Take a look at this gallery, featuring five looks under $100 which are inspired by Goodwin, and be prepared to turn heads!
Mother's Day is this Sunday, and if you haven't already, it's time to get Mom something special. You've been through everything together, so now is your opportunity to show her your appreciation! Of course, you could really go all out and get her fancy anti-aging products or a day at a luxurious spa. Those are fabulous gifts indeed. Thankfully dear ol' mom will understand if you don't have lots of extra cash to spend. That's why I've rounded up several affordable yet fabulous gifts under $40 for the daughter on a budget!
Give mom a little hint of sparkle with a fabulous pair of earrings, like these Rachel Roy Sabine Round Jewel Stud Earrings ($22.00 at Piperlime). I recently bought my mom a similar pair in a light green for her birthday a few weeks ago, and they add the perfect hint of shine to every outfit! Another way to help mom accessorize nicely is with this Macy's Haskell Bracelet, Blue and Brown Beaded Shaky Bracelet ($25.00 at Macy's). Inspired by Brazil, this is perfect for when Mom is vacationing at an exotic destination or when she wants to add a bit of bohemian flair to her outfit.
You really can't go wrong with anything Burt's Bees, and this Sugar Scrub Honey & Shea ($12.99 at Walgreens). With the warm scent of honey and shea, this natural sugar scrub combines ground almonds with aloe leaf juice to leave skin polished and perfectly soft. She will surely appreciate it!
My mom really loves handbags, especially Buddha bags. While Buddha bags are a little on the pricey side, this straw satchell Hard Framed Satchel - Green ($39.95 by Kelly & Katie at DSW) would be a fantastic option. This bag is right on trend for summer and it has enough room to carry everything Mom needs.
My mom also really loves a good skincare product. Most good skincare products are expensive, but Clinique actually carries a great line of products for a reasonable price. Your mom might really love this New Mild Clarifying Lotion ($12.50 at Clinique). This comfortable exfoliator helps create smooth, glowing skin, and it clears away pollution, grime, dulling flakes. The non-drying formula is also gentle enough for sensitive skin!
I'm pretty much obsessed with MOR cosmetics--the scents are fabulous and refreshing and they carry a wide range of products to accomodate your beauty needs. Try this Essential Collection Hand Body Wash ($16.00 by MOR at Zappos). Your mom can use it as a ultra luxe hand wash or in the shower.
And don't forget, if you want to give Mom something completely free, here are a few great options: Wash dishes for her, cook her a meal, do the laundry for a week. As busy as Mom is, she just might appreciate that more than anything!
What will you be getting Mom this Mother's Day? Let me know in the comments!
H&M is proud to announce a special collaboration with fashion icon and legendary Fashion Director Anna Dello Russo. An idol of the blogosphere whose flamboyant outfits are endlessly documented by style photographers and broadcasted globally through the web, Anna Dello Russo proved her unique sense of style creating a special collection of accessories for H&M. Unabashedly glamorous, precious and playful, the range is an expression of Dello Russo’s taste for ornamentation. Available from October 4, 2012, at the peak of the global fashion weeks tour, in around 140 stores worldwide and online. The collection features jewelry, sunglasses, shoes, bags and a trolley allowing H&M customers uniqueness at an affordable price.
A great pair of shoes say a lot about your personal style. What do your shoes say about you? Look at the guide below, and click on images for more information.
Climing the Corporate Ladder
A great pair of black shoes are no doubt a wardrobe staple. Whether you shell out the big bucks for the perfect pair or keep it frugal with a fantastic find, you wear your black pumps to the office and for those much-needed after five cocktails. (Way to take it from day to night, sister!)
$99.00 by Calvin Klein at Piperlime
The Practical Yet Chic Beauty
You love a great heel, but you also appreciate comfort. Your go-to shoe is most likely the kitten heel. While you still emulate that lady-like vibe, you also know that you don't want to be bothered with blistered feet.
ASOS SUGAR PIE Peep Toe Mid Heel Shoes
$45.45 at Asos
The Dancing Queen
Even though you know your feet will be killing you at the end of the night, you can't resist dancing the night away in your favorite pair of stilettos. Make them sky high and loud--you want to be a total showstopper whether you pair them with an LBD or a with dress that's just as bold.
$38.50 at Charlotte Russe
The Shoe Connoisseur
Unfortunately, you've spent your last dime on shoes, but OMG are they great! Yeah, you know they were a little pricey and very much over budget, but you've been eyeing them for weeks. And besides, everybody has them! The Shoe Connoisseur has most likely been saving up for the latest must-have shoe.
$164.95 by Jeffrey Campbell at Lori's Shoes
Laid Back Yet Stylish
You don't sacrifice comfort for style, nor vice versa. In your perfect world, all shoes would be comfortable, affordable, and chic. Thankfully, you've found common ground with flats, and you are particularly smitten with smoker flats which add a bit of edge to any look. (COLOR OF THE MONTH FIND!)