One of the big trends this season year has been the crop top, and looking at the runways for spring it looks like the trend is not letting up any time soon.
Yet, many women are shy of this trend (for the obvious reasons). But thankfully I think I've found a few ways to wear this trend without looking like a Britney flash back.
Go High-waisted
It's really a blessing that these two trends have occured at the same time, because they are perfect companions for one another. A crop top shows off a pair of high waisted trousers or a skirt perfectly, and the higher waist gives some modesty to a crop top.
So pair a loose crop top with a high waist, so instead of showing off your entire belly it's just an inch or less of rib cage. Cute.
Layer It
The other obvious option is to layer a slim tank top underneath a crop top or bra top. You still have the look and proportions of a crop top, but with more coverage.
On the other hand, you can also layer over it as well, which is another preferred option of mine. A boyfriend cardigan or blazer keeps it classy, so that you are only showing off a little sliver of belly in the front.
It's one of those awkward things you just have to talk about. If you have a favorite pair of shoes, no matter if you always wear socks with them and let them air out, eventually, they will smell.
Thankfully, I lived in hockey country, and you have not encountered a reeking smell until you have a pile of goalie equipment in the corner of the living room.
So a little trick from me to you? Wrap those heels up in a plastic bag, and stick them in the freezer for a day.
No, seriously.
It works. I promise. The cold kills off those bacteria that are causing the smell, and voila! Fresh shoes.
My roommate opened up the freezer today and saw two of my heels chilling in the icebox.
Looked at me, looked at my shoes.....
Shut the door.
"I don't even want to know."
I really liked this little mini-trend that's been popping up, but unfortunately my lady at Bijoux Nails had no idea* what I was talking about when I asked for half-moon nails like Dita Von Teese.
What I'm talking about are these, as seen at the Ruffian show:
Hot right?
I'm more of a classic girl, so in my DIY mine came out like this:
(I apparently have very, very shaky hands first thing in the morning. That explains a lot)
In case anyone is interested, I used Essie Mademoiselle for a base coat (middle), then Opi Thrill of Brazil for the top coat (right). The color on the left is just Essie Berry Hard, and what you have before you is my entire nail polish collection.
Yeah, I'm kind of a classic girl.
If you'd like to give it a shot, I promise it's not very hard. My usual modus operandi for giving myself a manicure is dipping my entire finger in nail polish and letting the excess fall off in the shower. So if I can do it, you can too.
As promised, here's my few tips and tricks for buying on Ebay.
And let me tell you, I've gotten some fantastic deals and I've also gotten some awful duds.
Many of my friends complain that they don't shop on Ebay because "I can't try it on or return it, I'm stuck with it! What if I don't like it?"
The way I look at it is that if I'm buying five blouses, blazers, tops, whatever, each for about $10, probably four of them will work out and one of them won't.
But mathematically, it just means I paid $50 for four usable pieces, so only $13 for each usable piece (give or take). Still much cheaper than buying at retail, so it's a risk I'm willing to take.
Anyway, on to shopping!
Finding Your Item
Make sure your search term isn't too specific. Type in a word or two (such as a brand and size) and narrow down results using the categories on the left hand side.
Think outside the box when it comes to search terms. Try using similar phrases (such as "denim" and "jeans") and also try misspelling the word to find auctions where the seller made a mistake in the listing.
If you have a favorite brand that you always buy from, start there. Or do you have a designer brand that you wish you could own, but it's too expensive? Try typing them in and see what's out there.
Also make sure to take advantage of the advanced search feature. It allows you to narrow down the search results by how soon the auction is ending, location of the seller, and a bunch of other requirements.
Advanced search also allows you to save your favorite searches and have any new results e-mailed to you on a daily basis. This feature is a god-send, because really, the way to get the best deals is to check in daily. But who has time for that?
Buyer Beware
Just a few things to keep your buying experience pleasant and prevent duds from showing up on your doorstep:
Check measurements. Sizes vary even within a brand, so always check the measurements of the garment to make sure that it fits.
Check seller's ratings. I'm a little hesitant to go below a 99% positive rating, although I'm bidding right now with a seller who has a 96% rating (A Philip Lim skirt! For $11!) because I took a look into her feedback and since she's only sold to 12 people, one negative feedback for slow shipping brought her down to a 96%. So use your judgement.
Check shipping charges. A great deal may not be so great after all of the shipping charges. So make sure to include that in the price so you aren't surprised at the end of the auction.
If there's ever an issue with the item you receive, the seller you are buying from, ect. ect. head right on over to the Ebay conflict resolution center. Ebay is a very buyer-oriented experience, so they will probably resolve the issue in your favor.
And if you ever have any questions at all, message the seller. Most of them are more than happy to provide additional information or pictures.
Bidding
There are really two ways to deal with bidding. Go the cheap route or the necessities route.
If you're cheap (like moi) definitely snipe auctions.
I know it's a bit low and I know it's a cheap shot. But man, does it work.
Just hold off bidding until the last few minutes of an auction, then bid your highest amount. It doesn't give the other bidders a time to raise their bid and it keeps the auction low.
Also, there are people out there that you can pay to snipe an auction for you. Not sure if it's worth the price, but they're out there.
However, if you don't have the time or it's something that's necessary in your life, just start off bidding the highest amount you are willing to pay, plus a dollar or two to protect against snipers. Then, sit back and let the Internet gods decide.
Be a Good Buyer
Just a few ways you can help keep the Ebay community running smoothly.
Realize that the sellers are people too. Sometimes they make mistakes.
Also realize that you are buying used clothing (unless otherwise stated). Don't expect for it to have that "brand-new from the store" clothes smell or look.
Always pay what you bid on. There's nothing more frustrating than having to put in a "have not received payment" case. If you are having trouble paying, just message the seller. Communication is key.
If you had an unpleasant experience and are about to leave negative feedback, talk to the seller. See if you can resolve the issue.
Also, read the description, the whole description. Nobody likes surprises.
Anyway, that's my basic beginner's guide to buying from Ebay. Are there any tips that I'm missing?
Everyone knows how to buy on Ebay. It's pretty simple although I like to think I have a few tricks up my sleeve that I might share later.
Check measurements.
Check seller's ratings.
Only bid what you're willing to pay.
However, if you're stuck with unwanted Christmas gifts, a bunch of clothes from a recent purge or just need a little extra cash, this is also a great resource to guilt-free dump your stuff.
The way I figure it is that if no one buys it on Ebay, it must be so useless that it's fine to just throw it in the trash : ) conscious absolved.
So first create an account if you don't already have one on Ebay and on Paypal (it's the preferred method of payment, and it just makes things very hassle-free), then simply go to Sell, and follow the prompts.
Tips on Selling
Take good pictures. If you have a mannequin, that's fantastic. If you have yourself, that works too. At the very least, hang it on a hanger (I'm assuming we're selling clothing). Make sure that the picture is in good light and that you can see the details. People are very unlikely to bid on a black, formless blob that you promise is a dress.
Sell to move. Yes, it might have sentimental value. Yes, it might have a designer label. But let's face it, it's probably been used. It's also selling on Ebay. So price it as low as you're willing to part with, preferably single digits. If it's actually worth more people will bid up the price.
Skim a little. This is probably one of my more skeevier tricks (sorry Ebay) and they have been taking steps to curb it. But when you are shipping, try and use flat rate envelopes, which just makes things simpler. Then add a few dollars onto the shipping price. Ebay will skim a bit of profit off the top, but they don't count what it costs you to ship in the final price, so you get to save a few cents and probably attract more buyers with a lower starting price.
Be descriptive. Describe EVERYTHING. There's nothing more annoying as a buyer to just have a listing that says "Banana Republic top. XS." I can't touch it, I can't try it on, and I usually can't see the details or the back so please describe everything to me and include measurements.
Cover your butt. Always tack onto the end of a listing whether you are willing to ship outside the country or accept returns.
Customer Service
Of course, every once in a while you get the irritating people who are impossible to please.
I had one recently who complained that a bag I sold her reeked so badly she needed to double bag it and throw it away. Fortunately, I had been storing it on my closet shelf for the past month so I could guarantee her that there must be something wrong with her nose. No refund for you!
But please assume that in general, the buyers are just there to have an easy, pleasant transaction and buy something for a bargain.
So as a seller it's important to:
Answer questions within a reasonable amount of time.
Ship promptly.
Be honest.
And always, always, check the condition of items before you sell them. Preferably wash them before you list them so if you do get a negative Nancy, you can assure her that she must be mistaken, you checked it before it shipped.
However, accidents do happen on both sides, and you can go to the seller help center in order to issue refunds, demand payment, combine shipping and a host of other things.
In general, Ebay has become very safe and a great environment to sell. They are very customer oriented and have set it up in an easy-to-use and intuitive way so it's very simple to start buying or selling.
I hope that my few tips have encouraged you guys to join the community, and as a seller for the past four years I like to think I have a bit of experience, so if you have any questions that I haven't covered, fire away!
Confession time: since I was a very little tot, I've wanted to be Jessica Rabbit.
While other little girls wanted to be Belle or Ariel, I wanted to be a sexy, man-eating, noir film-esque, screen siren cartoon character. Or Miss Piggy.
That might just say something about me as a person.
I try not to think about it too much.
The problem is, while I don't want to look like a pink muppet pig anymore, I would still would kill to look like this:
However, I'm shaped (and probably act, but that's up for discussion) much more like the lovely Olive Oyl.
My favorite comment so far? My manager at work told me that if they ever make a live-action film of Popeye, she would nominate me to play Olive.
Thanks. I think.
But hey, there are worse things in life than being very tall, lanky, and slightly awkward.
And that all of my best boys have been much shorter than me and on the stocky side. Yay Popeyes.
So what's a girl to do when she wants to be a screen siren bombshell but is shaped like a string bean?
Or is a big curvy girl, but wants to emulate the whippet thin rock-chicks?
Or is definitely petite, but wants to be a tall, regal gypsy/boho free-spirit?
You make it work, because the silliest thing I've ever heard is that "I'm too _______ to look like that."
Let's take my dilemma for example, and ways that I make it happen sans plastic surgery.
Beauty
Nice thing about faces, they all pretty much come with standard gear. So why not copy the beauty look of the style you want?
I can dye my hair red and can pretty closely copy her Victoria Lake hairstyle with a few bobby pins and a good hair dryer. I wear falsies for going out or rely on Fiberwig mascara during the day. Plus, I've mentioned my passion for a great red lipstick.
Iconic Items
These would be the items that "make" a look. Rockers have their leather jackets, hippies their peasant skirts, and for mine?
Since I can't wear a sparkly formal gown to class, I'd say fishnets, vintage fur, trench coat, great pair of heels, red formal wear, and a focus on body-conscious tailoring and minimalism (her only two accessories are a pair of long gloves and gold studs). All of these are things that are in the style of the 1940's/50's, and that I can do without having Jessica's curves.
Get in the Spirit
There are still certain things that get in the way of adopting a style. Like rules for social conduct. Or my lack of DD boobs. And that's okay. These are images we're talking about. We just want the essence of their style, not to copy their wardrobe.
So if I had to describe the essence of Jessica's style it would be sultry, dangerous, slinky, and sex-appeal.
Translation:
sultry= a dosage of black eyelashes and red lipstick goes a long way.
dangerous= my beloved thigh-high boots and collection of leather jackets, corset belts, and second-skin pencil skirts.
slinky= I try and keep things tailored, body-conscious, and tactile. Silks, chiffons, lace, leather, cashmere... anything I want to rub my hands all over is a go.
sex-appeal= I don't have the cleavage to bare, but damn if I don't have a close match to her legs and tiny waist. Thank you mini-skirts, platform stilettos, and high-waists.
And of course, I have a few tricks up my sleeve for making some believable curves with belts, high-waisted skirts/pants and high necklines.
I still refuse to wear those push-up bras or ridiculous padded underwear though. :)
And one thing that has nothing to do with the genetic lottery? Attitude.
And that's something that everyone should have a heaping dose of.
And just for more Jessica Rabbit fun, her rendition of "Why Don't You Do Right?"
Originally sung by Peggy Lane in 1942.
I'm not going to lie that I'm a little envious of those girls that have the perfect capsule wardrobe: ten pieces lined up on a single rolling rack.
Unfortunately, living in the North East the weather doesn't quite cooperate for such a wardrobe, and being young I'm still experimenting and playing with new trends.
But if I wasn't broiling in the summer and freezing in the winter, and I was more settled into my style, my perfect capsule wardrobe would be:
Of course, supplementing all of this with belts, scarves, and jewelery.
If I'm being honest with myself I realize that I might quickly become bored with only ten items in my closet.
Minimalism is definitely an aesthetic and philosophy that is very disciplined, and perhaps when I'm older and more settled in my skin and style I would attempt to go fully minimalist.
At the moment however I'll keep my style and wardrobe merely pared down, but I feel like making this list is a good exercise to remind myself of what is actually necessary.
Halloween is in just a few days! SOOOOO stoked. I have a masquerade party on Saturday, a few parties lined up for Sunday and of course I'm going to the village parade on Halloween.
My costume's all set thanks to a quick trip to Ricky's, but now comes the makeup part.
My girlfriend always bases her costume on her makeup, while I do the opposite. Probably because I'm not a beauty junkie like her (I'm a shopoholic :) ) and when it comes to make up I can do a red lip, a kohl liner and a no-makeup face. Anything else and I'm dead in the water.
So for a really dramatic cat eye like I was imagining to go with my Cat Woman costume, I turned to the internet, as usual.
There are a bunch of great youtube make up artists out there, and I found a great tutorial for a really fun, dramatic cat eye that looks so simple even I could manage to draw it on.
They're good for you, good for society, and generally, people with pants are taken more seriously than those without.
The only reason why I bring up the subject now is because we haven't had to think about pant length for a long time, due to the skinny/straight leg epidemic.
All you needed to know for fit was that they needed to brush the ground when wearing flats (except for a certain generation which insisted on a fingers space) and when wearing heels, well, same thing. There really wasn't an issue with length because they scrunched up on top of your foot whether you were wearing heels or not.
As long as you had a bit of scrunch you were fine. For more about pants (and other clothing) fit, check out my previous post here.
Now enter the trouser jeans/wide leg/trousers/grown-up pants.
My body tends to do well with extreme styles. Those jeans better be painted on, or high-waisted and wide leg.
Go figure.
So of course I jumped on the super wide leg, high waisted trend.
The only problem is that I like to wear flats, kitten heels, and towering heels, but I don't want to invest in three different pair of jeans (who does??).
So while these look sexy in my platforms, with my usual kitten heels (I'm still not sure about wide legs with flats) they make me sad.
This is not a good look. It's schlumpy and will destroy your hems. BAD.
However, I decided to give this product N*Jeanious a whirl. It's a denim adhesive tape meant for creating a temporary hem.
So you just fold your pant leg inside out.
Apply the tape.
Peel off the backing.
Give it a firm rub and pat.
And you're good to go.
Check out those sexy hems. Just a hairs-breadth from the floor (again, older generations probably prefer an inch or so, but as for me I like my hems to brush) and when I change my shoes I can just pull off the tape and start again.
YAY!
*Just a few notes about this tape after I've worn it around for a while.
I had to try a few times to get the length even. I realized after that using a tape measure and measuring the amount you're hemming could have been really useful. Duh.
For a really wide hem (as pictured) you might need to use three instead of just two for each hem. The side started to come down a little bit because it wasn't taped.
In an earlier post I explained how to tell if a garment is well-made and quality.
Of course, this doesn't do much good if you buy it too big or too small, or if the garment just generally doesn't fit.
So here's a few general guidelines.
Pants
- The crotch shouldn't pull across the hips (it's too small), or gather and sag (it's too big).
- I should not be able to see your butt crack. I repeat. I SHOULD NOT SEE YOUR BUTT. Yes, even when sitting down. That's what a high rise is for.
- It should skim over your body, so you can see the shape of your butt in the back. If the fabric drops straight from your hips to the ground without "cupping" under your butt, it's too big (this is true for pencil skirts too). But it shouldn't be so tight that you get "uni-butt" (close cousin of uni-boob).
- You should be able to fit a finger or two into the waist band. Muffin top is never a flattering look. But if you can fit any more fingers, it's too big.
-The hem should skim the ground, whether you are wearing flats or heels.
-If it is a cropped pant, it should hit just above the ankle bone (at the skinny part of your ankle) or just beneath your calf muscle (point your toe, see that calf muscle on the inside of your leg? Right under that).
Jackets and Tops
-The shoulder seam should hit just at the rotation point of your shoulder. Hold your arm straight up, above your head. The rotation point is the crook of the "L" shape you just made.
- Chest darts should be at the center of the breast. Peplums or pleating should be below the natural waist line. Princess seams should mimic your curves. In general, all seams should lie straight without pulling.
- Button or zip it all the way up. If there's any wrinkling or pulling, it's too small. If there's fabric bunching under your armpits, or if anything fitted is not lying close to the body, it's too big.
- Sleeve hems should hit just past the wrist bone. If you fold your fingers to your palm and your fingers can just touch the sleeve, it's a good fit.
- The collar should lie flat, without pulling or gaping at the neck.
Skirts
-You should be able to fit one or two fingers in the waist band, same as with pants.
- Skirts should fall at one of five places.
Mini skirt: Do the finger tip test. With your arms down straight at your sides, is your hem longer or the same length as your finger tips? No? You're wearing a shirt by accident.
Short skirt: A few inches above the knee. Basically higher than the knee cap, but below the quadriceps (thigh muscle).
Knee length skirt: Just below the knee cap, but before the calf muscle. The idea for both this and the short skirt is for the line of the hem to cut you off at your thinnest point above and below your knee.
Tea length skirt: Right above the ankle bone
Floor Length: Just brushing the ground.
- In general, I always suggest that you wear a skirt at your natural waist. Again, you want the line to cut you off at your smallest point.
- If it is a straight or pencil skirt, make sure that you can see the skirt "cup" your butt. If it falls just straight it is too big. Disregard this for a-line, tiered, or full skirts.
Bras
....
I'm not qualified at all to give advice. Go get a bra fitting.
General Guidelines
-No pulling, stretching, or muffin tops.
-No gaping, excess fabric, bunching, or "tenting".
-All hems and bands should hit at thin points. Such as your waist line, after the wrist bone, before the ankle bone, in between muscles groups and your knee cap, ect.
-Sit, stand, jump and stretch in it. If you feel constricted or uncomfortable, it doesn't fit.
After working in retail for a while (seven months now? Jesus christ), doing quality control for my internship with Malia Mills on a regular basis, and just generally having champagne tastes on a beer budget, I've picked up a few tips and tricks to make sure a piece of clothing is high quality.
Caveat: high quality does NOT mean high price. This is important to know. I've seen great quality pieces at Target and H&M, and some truly shoddy pieces at higher end department stores.
I consider a steal to be high quality for a relatively low price. This means you're definitely getting your money's worth.
So how do you know if a piece of clothing you're eyeing is high quality? Here's a few tips and tricks:
The Label
For sure this isn't a tried and true method, but most high quality pieces are made of natural fibers: linen, silk, cotton, wool, cashmere, leather ect. They tend to wear better as well as keep you warmer during the winter and breath better during the summer.
Polyester, acetate, spandex (aka anything made of plastic) TEND to make up the cheaper stuff. Workout clothes and shapers as exceptions, of course.
The Seams
Look at the stitching. It should be even and straight with no loose threads. the hems should be finished (meaning no loose, raw, or fraying edges). An inch or more of hem, especially a french seam hem, is a good sign because it allows for alterations if you grow or shrink. The stitching should blend into the fabric (Generally contrasting stitching makes clothing or shoes look cheap. But of course, this is personal taste)
Gently pull on the seams or any loose threads. The seam will not unravel or pull apart to show the stitching on a quality garment.
The Pattern
Any patterns should match up at the seams to be visually pleasing, which shows that the pattern was well thought out.
Also any trim, buttons, or extras should match the style and quality of the clothing. Plastic buttons always warrant a closer look.
The Extras
Button holes should be serged or stitched, and buttons should fit through them easily. Zippers should glide, not hitch. Give a little tug to any embellishments or doodads on the clothing, they shouldn't start to pull away from the garment.
The Fabric
Take a handful of fabric and squeeze it in a tight fist for a few seconds, then let go. If it wrinkles, you know that at the end of the day you are going to be a wrinkled mess.
Take two pieces of the fabric and rub them together briskly. If it starts to pill, realize that after a few trips around the washing machine rubbing up against other clothes, you better invest in a de-fuzzer.
Quality garments are also usually cut on the grain of the fabric and have lining so that the fabric glides smoothly over the body.
Of course, the best quality garment in the world still looks cheap if it doesn't fit well. That's why a great tailor is completely indispensable because a little nip or tuck can make all the difference.
But there's only so much a tailor can do, so next I'll give a few tips on how to tell if the fit is right for you.
Obvs it's still personal style, and I'm by no means a hard core minimalist, but here's a few guidelines.
Keep It Neutral
Your wardrobe should be mainly neutrals to ease mixing and matching. Black is the usual fall back, but consider the others: brown, white, grey, blush and navy.
Textures and Proportions
You don't have the option of adding interest by loud colors, layers or crazy accessories. So interest can be added by interesting textures and proportions. Think leather, fur, silk, and jersey. Volume, pleating and draping.
Pay Attention to Detail
Again, there isn't much to distract from the garment* so fit, tailoring, and fabric is EVERYTHING. Keep the material natural and luxe, and pay your friendly neighborhood tailor a visit so that your clothes fit like a glove.
Simplify
Again, not necessarily part of the style, but keep your wardrobe spare. Too much layering is not necessary. Keep it simple, sleek and chic.
Here's two outfits that I would consider minimalist. (again, not a hard core minimalist over here).
Of course, this is just my take and what I've been wanting to wear lately.
For example, what's stopping you from doing boho minimalism? (right outfit)
Or something so perfectly classic that it just doesn't need anything else? (left outfit)
Well, except for some perfectly mussed bedhead and a swipe of red lipstick perhaps.
Minimalism shouldn't be all that serious.
* side note: have you ever noticed that really, really crappy merchandise always has lots of prints and embellishments? It's to distract from poor craftmanship.
Sterling Style got me thinking with her comment about how she just wants to toss everything out of her closet and start fresh.
We all have those days. You just open up your wardrobe and are like, "Man." *SIGH* "What am I going to WEAR??" and then if you're me you decide that there are really only two options.*
1. go to class naked
2. go back to bed.
So the question is how do you avoid those days?
What you need is the Ridiculously-Edited-Closet
So I was forced to have a REC because of my closet space. But now that I have it I've learned just how wonderful it can be to have clothes that count in quality, not quantity.
Yeah, I dream of owning a Carrie Bradshaw sized wardrobe sometimes, but when it comes down to it I know what I like, and do I really need 52 pleated a-line skirts? (depends...)
So how do you get a REC?
According to my experience/how I wound up in this situation:
1. Purge Seriously. Imagine you're going to have to fit all of your clothes into my closet space (6'x4'x2' if you're wondering) if it's not an essential basic, and you don't absolutely love it and want to do a little twirl in it when you put it on, toss/donate it.
2. Fast Fiscally Now, like a true college student you will have no money for the next three months. You are going to have to live with only your favorite clothes for those three months. (sounds a bit like a desert island test doesn't it?). The idea is that as you go from day to day, you'll definitely start to realize where the holes in your wardrobe are. Which brings us to the next step...
3. Keep a List But you are completely free to browse, find inspiration, and drool over everything in the pretty 5th avenue shops. Just keep tabs on all those things that make your heart go pitter-pat and also the holes in your wardrobe (Evernote is great for this). Keep a list, and check it not twice, but closer to 47 times so you can edit and trim it down. Put down whatever you like (this is a dream wardrobe list after all), but after a little while check it and ask if you still need this. Do you need that trendy jumpsuit? Probably not. Do you need those black pumps? YES. Do you need that fabulous pink dress that makes you feel like a princess? Sure!
4. Edit List After three months (which is pretty much an eternity in fashion time) you'll have a pretty good idea of what you actually need and love, instead of what is just a passing fad. Of course, remember the point is to keep everything edited, so try not to get too crazy and actually edit your list down to the bare minimum.
A good resource is Real Simple's Essentials of a Well-Balanced Wardobe, obviously this is meant for 40 year olds but if you take it as a guideline instead of a rule book it's a pretty good summation.
5. Go Forth and Buy Then, with all that money you've saved up in those three months (in my case, a whopping $200. WOOOOO!) go out and buy those closet staples and the loves of your life that you've been missing.
I feel a little dishonest. You see, I've been holding out on you guys. Honestly, I thought everyone knew about these little tricks, but apparently not.
So here are some of my favorite e-shopping tools.
Shopstyle It's a pretty awesome search engine. Just type in what you're looking for "Linea Pelle" to "Awesome Lace Dress" and it will pull up hits from your favorite e-stores, which you can then filter through price, on sale, color, size ect. Besides it's obvious uses, I like to use it to price check. See a great dress? Want to know if you can find it cheaper? Type in the brand and name and if it can be found anywhere else on the web it will pull it up.
Modista Do you have a dream bag in mind? Or do you want a pair of shades that look exactly like Prada, except, you know, without the Prada price? Check this out. It's a search engine for bags, glasses, and shoes that lets you sort by color and shape. So go ahead and type in that Dooney and Bourke bag, then see what other (cheaper) bags have the same color or shape.
Savvy Circle I actually just joined this site and I'm kind of loving it. If you see a favorite item (Say.... J Crew cashmere turtleneck. Yes, that's on my list) but you can't afford it right now, put it on your list. Savvy Circle will then let you know the moment it goes on sale. Sweet.
Covet This is like a tailored personal shopper. You take a bunch of tests, they determine your "style type" (apparently I'm couture classic. Who knew?) then they send you a weekly email that has items in your size, in your style, on sale. Before the emails were mainly eye candy for me (Hell yeah, Birkin bag on sale? Wait, it's STILL got four digits) but they just recently added a price range so now I'm actually thinking about buying...
Gift Card Rescue Christmas is coming up, and you know what I get the most often? Gift cards. Unfortunately you know that you're going to get some duds, so why not give them a good home? This site will buy your gift cards for a decent percentage of the price, and also sells gift cards for stores you might want to shop at (we're talking $20 for a $25 gift card. Not a lot, but it adds up). You can collect gift cards to your favorite stores (ahem, Banana Republic, J. Crew, Victoria's Secret, Sephora....) or just stop by before shopping.
And of course darlings, always, ALWAYS do a google search with the words "promo code", "coupon" and the store you're about to buy from. It's worth a look.
Thought I'd put what I know out on the table, especially since most people are starting their Christmas shopping. Of course, if you have some clever bargain-hunting tricks up your sleeve, go on and share with us!
I was so annoyed, I was getting ready for work today, pulled on my favorite patterned tights from sock dreams and... there's a hole in them. Just a little one, but as we all know, even just a little hole in tights quickly can get out of control.
What's a girl to do?
Here's my fast and dirty solution for that inevitable panty-hose run. Just dab some clear nail polish on it, pinch it together until it dries, then put another coat. I'm not sure how long the fix lasts but so far I've gotten through about four wears on another set of tights without the tiny run getting bigger so we'll see...
And by the way, that's a picture of my favorite tights at the moment. They're Sally Dotted Diamond tights from http://www.sockdreams.com/, its a great website for socks, tights, leggings and other leg related wear. (and P.S. the shipping's always free! which is always nice to see from a website)
I'm a college student shuttling between my home in Boston and my school in New York, and my computer science major and my visual art studies. That's what being well-rounded is all about right?
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