Top 10 Picks: West Elm

If you haven't heard of the decorating go-to site West Elm, then you've been missing out.  Featured on shows like HGTV's "Design Star", this company is quickly gaining popularity amongst budget-friendly design fans.


Here are my current Top 10 Picks from WestElm.com :


#1 ZIG-ZAG FLOOR POUF
$249.00

#2 WINDOW DAYBED
$449.00

#3 STRIPED FAVORITE THROW
$29.00

#4 SCRIBBLE LATTICE WINDOW PANEL
$34.00 - $49.00

#5 LATICE DHURRIE RUG RUNNER
$119.00

#6 NICHE NIGHTSTAND
$249.00

#7 ORGANIC IRONWORK DUVET COVER + SHAMS
$19.00 - $87.00

#8 SILVER MANZANITA CANDELABRA
$99.00

#9 MONOGRAMMED GLASS SHADOW BOXES
$29.99 - $49.99

#10 5-JAR CHANDELIER
$299.00

Check out West Elm online sometime if you get a chance --- it's worth it!

Finds of the Day

Here are my "Top Tuesday" picks!!!


Pick #1:

These adorable Jack Rogers flats regularly retail for $198, but they are on sale for $59.90 at Rue La La today only!  To purchase, go here: Jack Rogers flats @ Rue La La

Pick #2:

How cool are these Sesto Meucci leather wedges?  They aren't your typical wedge sandal --- they make a sophisticated statement..... but they also normally come with a $242 price tag.  You can get them for $59.90 today only at Rue La La!  To purchase: Sesto Meucci Sandals @ Rue La La


Pick #3:

I have a thing for glass and gold-toned metal tables lately, and this Jazmin table from Joss & Main is perfect for people who want a little extra sparkle in their living area!  I adore the faux bamboo detailing.  Normally almost $700, this end table is affordably priced during their furniture finds sale for $289 and change :)  Shop here: Abraham Side Table @ Joss and Main



Pick #4:

I tried on this silk bengaline Shoshanna dress at Monkee's the other day, and I fell in love with it.... the fit is incredible! (Oh, and it has POCKETS!)  Normally it is $295, but bluefly has the pink, grey, and cerise on sale for $82.79 for a limited time.  Shop here: Shoshanna Bengaline Dress @ Bluefly



Pick #5:

This Lamshop monogrammed table featured on One Kings Lane is classic, yet different enough to really catch your eye.  I love the asian-influenced legs combined with the preppy monogram stripe.  These elite tables are $3,325 (yes, you read that correctly...yikes!) but today's One Kings Lane boutique sale features them for $1,999.  If this price tag is a little high for you, don't worry:  this could be a really great DIY project!  To shop: Lamshop Table @ One Kings Lane



Pick #6:

I have been wanting a ceramic garden stool (to use as an end table), but I've had a hard time finding one that I really like.  This one from West Elm comes pretty close, and it also comes with a great price tag! $129, can't beat that.  Shop here: White Bubbles Ceramic Stool @ West Elm


Pick #7:

So I got this email from Swoozie's this morning.... while most of the emails that I get from them usually get deleted quickly, something about this monogram cuff caught my eye!  I'm glad I kept reading, because this plastic resin cuff is seriously cool :)  At only $19.95, it is an absolute steal too.  There are almost 30 different prints to choose from, and several monogram styles as well.  Check it out here: Monogram Patterned Cuff @ Swoozie's


Pick #8:

This charcoal ash Moderno Trellis wool rug from Rugs USA might need to come home with me!  I love the graphic print on this rug, and the scale of the pattern.  The 6x9 rug is $354.89 and available here:  Ash Moderno Trellis rug @ Rugs USA


Pick #9:

Looking for a great gold toned sunburst mirror?  I found one!  $79 will get you this beauty :)  Shop here: Gold Sunburst Mirror @ Buy.com



Pick #10:

Bauble Bar has quickly become one of my favorite go-to sites for great costume jewelry.  There is already a wait list for this Peony Elisa necklace, priced at $42.  Get it here:  Elisa Necklace @ Bauble Bar


Happy hunting :)

Red Dress Boutique has additional 30% off all sale until July 14th!

I can't believe I forgot to mention this earlier.......
Red Dress is having 30% off all sale items on their site right now!!   I got an e-mail about this sale when I was over in Italy, and thank goodness, they decided to extend the sale until July 14th :)  

I've mentioned it before, but I absolutely adore this site--- the owner has fabulous taste.  Combine that with a sale and you have a match made in heaven.

There are some super things in their sale section (Elizabeth McKay!!), not to mention that I believe that they just got in some new arrivals.  Hurry, because i've noticed that the good stuff goes quickly.

$15.40 after discount

Elizabeth McKay $87.50 with discount

Judith March $61.60 after discount

Elizabeth McKay $91 after discount

Check out the sale here:  Red Dress Boutique 30% off SALE
(PS--- the code to enter at checkout is FIREWORKS)


In other "SALE News"....

These promotions are ending today, 7/9/12:

• Gap has 25% off your entire purchase online with code GAPFUN at checkout.

• Banana Republic has 30% off your purchase (with some exclusions), online only with code BRGIFT.

• JCrew has an extra 30% off final sale items, using code MUSTHAVE.  This ends today 7/9/12, but it can be used in store and online (obviously everything is final sale).
• Check it out here: JCrew 30% off Final Sale

$34.99 after discount

$47.60 after discount

$63 after discount

$56 after discount

Other sales:

• Restoration Hardware has additional 10% off clearance until 7/11/12 with code EXTRA10.

• One Kings Lane has an extra 30% off TODAY ONLY (7/9/12).... use code SUMMER at checkout.

I always seem to forget to post insider info about sales and codes until after they're expired, but I'll try to get better and share more ahead of time in the future!  Happy Shopping :)

Bargain Hunting --- Designer Sales!!

I've been really busy getting ready for my trip to Italy, so I haven't been able to write many posts :(  But I'm VERY excited about this one.....because it's about one of my favorite things: shopping!  Any not just any kind of shopping --- shopping for designer pieces at the best prices!

I have been doing a lot of shopping lately.  A LOT.  Even though everything that I've purchased lately is "designer", I've gotten all of it on sale at incredible prices.


Tracy Negoshian
I bought these cute Tracy Negoshian dresses online from the sale section on her website (her link is under Luxe Favs at the far right hand side of this page).  And p.s., they arrived super fast!!

Ria Wrap Dress - $50.00
(original retail: $124.00)

Bevin Braided Silk Trim Shift - $53.60
(original retail: $134.00)

Deanna Wrap Dress - $49.99
(original retail: $124.00)

If you're not familiar with Tracy Negoshian's stuff, you've been missing out.  I love the fun bright patterns of all of Tracy's stuff, but I especially love her lightweight and easy-to-pack fabrics; they're perfect for taking to Italy!  I decided to have the sleeves on my wrap dresses tailored and made a little shorter, but even with that extra expense, these dresses were still a steal at more than 50% off.


Elizabeth McKay
I can't tell you how many times I have googled "Elizabeth McKay Sale".  I'm a big fan of EMCKay's preppy and classy line, but her prices are a bit steep.  Her classic Elizabeth Ruffle blouse (what started her empire) retails for $175, and most of her dresses are in the $250-$330 range.  I've had my heart set on getting one of her ruffle blouses for a while now, but I just couldn't bring myself to pay full price for it. 

Then I found this cute site called Red Dress Boutique (I already added their site to my link list, on the right hand side of this page under LUXE FAVS).
This site is beyond cute.  The girl who runs it is based in Atlanta, and she hand-picks everything.  You can find lots of great things, like trendy little $20 tops, all the way to Elizabeth McKay dresses.  I found these 2 EMCKay ruffle blouses---- and the best part, they each had an $86 price tag!

Did I mention that Red Dress Boutique has free shipping when you spend over $100?  Nice.  They haven't arrived yet, but I'll be sure to post a pic of how they blouses look when they do.


Skirtin Around
I was poking around Charlotte's in Cameron Village the other day with my friend Christy, and I discovered a new brand!

I LOVE the fact that Skirtin Around is based out of New Canaan, CT--- not too far from where I grew up.  It was started by a woman named Lisa who used to make skirts for all of her friends using fun fabrics, and the demand grew so much that she opened a store.  Her modern fabrics and classic style made her so popular that she has since expanded her line, and now makes gorgeous dresses, blouses, and jackets.  I tried on this jacket:

Stock photo from her online catalog
MSRP: $303.00

You can wear it open or closed!!

Don't pay attention to the "oompa loompa" arms--
sleeves are always too long on me.  That's why
I made friends with my tailor!

Very "ladies who lunch", if you ask me.  The construction and quality were impeccable, and the retro inspiration seems very similar to Kate Spade.  Charlotte's at Cameron Village had a size XS in this jacket, and it was on sale for $242.00 with an additional 30% off, making it $170.  Not too shabby--- more than 50% off retail price!  And I also happen to know that if you sign up for Charlotte's e-mail list, then send you a 20% off coupon for your birthday. :)


Tory Burch
If you have spent any time around me, you know that I have an addiction to Tory Burch.  I gave up fighting it a long time ago.  So anyways, I've been on the hunt for over 2 months trying to find a shoe that would be comfortable walking around on the cobblestone streets of Rome.  I didn't feel like I was asking much, I just wanted something cute!  But let me tell you, finding a practical sandal/shoe that didn't look like it belonged to an 80yr old orthopedic patient is more difficult than you think.

Then I received an email from Tory Burch about their summer sale. I stumbled across the leather Amanda Thong sandal, and I fell in love.

Originally $250, now they were on sale for $175!  My size was sold out online, so I got on the phone with their extremely helpful customer service department.  Less than 45 minutes later, one of their representatives had located a pair in the size that I needed in Atlanta, and they processed my order right over the phone.  Two days later, I have my shoes in hand!

They really do fit perfectly (I'm normally a 7, but I got a 6.5).  The wide leather strap across the top of the foot provides more stability than rainbows, and the cushioning and leather sole are far more comfortable than my Tory Burch Miller thongs.


Lilly Pulitzer
I think that Lilly is sort of like air.... I don't really think that you can have too much of it. 

Normally Lilly Pulitzer sales are "ok".  Like most high-end designers, the mark-downs stop at 40% off.... usually.  In the past, I don't wait for the stuff to go on sale, but after I paid $268 a few weeks a go for a pair of her sandals and then they went on sale for $139 eight days later, I decided that I'm no longer paying full price for Lilly.  You think I would've come to this conclusion sooner, right?

I love the light-weight stretch jersey and the flouncy sleeves of the Mariposa dress, but I'm not about to pay $268 for it.  Really, Lilly?  Almost three-hundred dollars for 4 feet of jersey fabric?  Get real.

The cotton jersey Lilly Mariposa Dress - $268.00

But then I happened to be in Belk at Crabtree the other week during their Private Sale event, lucky me!  I strolled through the Lilly sale section and tried on a bunch of stuff.  I lucked out when I found the Mariposa dress in this super cute navy, white, and pink tulips pattern.  DONE!!

It was marked down twice (online return maybe??), and then I got an additional 20% off for the Private Sale event, so I only paid $89 for it!  It is so comfortable, and the best part is that I can roll it up in a suitcase and it won't wrinkle.  I decided to buy it in a Small so that it would cover my knees so that I can wear it when we tour the churches in Florence.


I found this cotton sateen floral shift from the Spring '12 collection at Palm Avenue in Cameron Village two weeks ago.  I almost didn't even try it on since it has elbow-length sleeves.  But it is SO cute on!  You can't tell from the picture, but the sleeves have a 2 inch ruffle along the edge, and the material has a slight sheen to it.  This dress has the floral pattern on the front and the back, which I really like.  It's normally $248, but I got this for only $118 :)  I wore it the other day, and I must've gotten a dozen compliments on it.

Cliche bathroom mirror pic--- don't judge.

I love the signature Lilly Elsa and Alima silk blouses, and I already have a few in my closet.  They are breezy and classy, and are fab for Spring/Fall, as well as mild Summer weather. 

Silk Alima Poppy Top

I found this Alima blouse (white and pink floral at left) at Palm Ave. as well.  It was a steal at $82!








Hopefully I can get a post up this weekend about all the rest of the deals my friends and I have been finding..... stay tuned, consignment goodies are up next!

Fabulous Summer Finds for $100 or Less

I'm a big believer that things don't have to be expensive in order to be cute.   Even though I was born with disproportionately expensive tastes, I love finding adorable designer look-a-likes almost as much as I love the real thing.  

I regularly wear my favorite designers right next to things like a  $4.99 ring that I bought at H&M.   I guess in my head, the inexpensive item balances out the other when it comes to the overall budget of the whole outfit!   It sounds funny, but if you think about it, mixing the "cheap" with the "chic" does make sense.   Saving money by carefully integrating some more affordable pieces into your wardrobe gives you more money to spend on the rest of your look!  

$100 should be MORE than enough when it comes to a single piece of fashion--- although judging by a lot of high-end price tags, I don't think designers got the memo.   You should be able to strike a balance between style, fashion trends, and quality in the >$100 price range.   Sometimes you have to search beyond Forever21 and H&M, but if you look hard enough, you can find stylish additions for your wardrobe for less than $100.  

Here are some of my favorites for Summer:

Bracelets

1. Black & White Harlequin Bangle, $15 (available at amazon.com)
2. Gold Stud Stretch Bracelet, $59 (available at stelladot.com)
3. Yellow Leather Wrap Bracelet, $59 (available at styleserver.de)
4. Navy and White Enamel Stripe Bangle, $30 (available at jcrew.com)
5. Faux Tortoise-Shell Stretch Bracelet, $4.88 (available at debenhams.com)
6. Anabel's Chunky Pink Acrylic Cuff, $23 (available at fantasyjewelrybox.com)
7. Horseshoe Clap Woven Leather Bracelet, $32 (available at susanb.com)

Dresses

1. Pleated Ivory Strap Dress, $56 (available at romwe.com)
2. Floral Belted Dress, $90 (available at oasis-stores.com)
3. Taupe Ruffle Strap Sun Dress, $56 (available at misselfridge.com)
4. Strapless Blue & White Floral Dress, $40 (available at hm.com)
5. Coral Bandeau Dippy Hem Maxi, $65 (available at misselfridge.com)
6. Bohemian Floral Chiffon Maxi, $43 (available at sheinside.com)
7. Pale Yellow Tuxedo Ruffle Sun Dress, $20 (available at allyfashion.com)
8. Monrow Maxi Tank Dress, $74 (available at farfetch.com)
9. 2 in 1 White & Coral Criss Cross Dress, $35 (available at allyfashion.com)
10. Striped Corset Top Clover Dress, $63 (available at bankfashion.co.uk)

Earrings

1. Khloe's Crystal Blue Pear Earrings, $23 (available at fantasyjewelrybox.com)
2. Alvina Abramova Blue Opal Earrings, $50 (available at maxandchloe.com)
3. Crystal Beaded Gold Hoop Earrings, $38 (available at fantasyjewelrybox.com)
4. Peach Caviar Stud Earrings, $12 (available at modcloth.com)
5. Pink Seedbead Knot Earrings, $9.09 (available at asos.com)
6. Vanessa Mooney Bright Multi Wafer Disc Hoops, $42 (available at stefanibags.com)
7. Moschitto Filigree Resin Earrings
8. Friis & Co Gold Fly Earrings, $23 (available at welikefashion.com)

Tops

1. White Bow-Front Blouse, $24 (available at janenorman.co.uk)
2. Aqua V-back Sun Tank, $46 (available at topshop.com)
3. French Connection Matelot Tank Top, $52 (available at welikefashion.com)
4. Element Kaleidescope Tank, $24 (available at tillys.com)
5. Mustard Yellow Bow-tie Open Back Tank, $44 (available at misselfridge.com)
6. Navy Cotton Button Camisole with Bow, $50 (available at hollisterco.com)
7. Teal Tanager Tank, $49 (available at patagonia.com)
8. Cotton Colorblock Tee, $45 (available at oasis-stores.com)
9. Polka Dot Chiffon Bow-neck Blouse, $21 (available at hm.com)

Necklaces

1. Stella & Dot Turquoise Rope Necklace, $59 (available at stelladot.com)
2. Sakdidet Road Feather Necklace, $49 (available at harveynichols.com)
3. Haberdash House Resin Chain Necklace, $40 (available at hannahzakari.co.uk)
4. Chunky Stone Necklace, $40 (available at talbots.com)
5. Pow Pendant Necklace, $11 (available at asos.com)
6. Miso Nude Acrylic Bead Necklace, $19 (available at republic.co.uk)
7. Green Tessellate Necklace, $85 (available at jcrew.com)
8. Kenneth Jay Lane Red Spike Necklace, $80 (available at charmandchain.com)
9. Brass Little Bird Necklace, $24 (available at peopletree.co.uk)

Shorts

1. 3" Pink Chino Cotton Short, $45 (available at jcrew.com)
2. DVF 1974 Miggy Shorts, $57 (available at boutique1.com)
3. Lipsy Lace Shorts, $57 (available at bankfashion.co.uk)
4. Yellow Chino Cotton Short, $45 (available at jcrew.com)
5. Paul & Joe High Waist Yellow Shorts, $60 (available at boutique1.com)
6. Mini Delicious Apple Shorts, $55 (available at jcrew.com)
7. White Cotton Sateen Bermuda Shorts, $29 (available at mango.com)
8. Green Bungalow Stripe Shorts, $60 (available at jcrew.com)
9. Purple Stretch Twill Short, $50 (available at jcrew.com)

Shoes

1. DVF Lush Rubber Flip Flops, $50 (available at theoutnet.com)
2. DV by Dolce Vita Archer, $69 (available at zappos.com)
3. Nine West "Laffnplay" Wedge Sandals, $89 (available at macys.com)
4. France Leather Link Flat Sandal, $64 (available at asos.com)
5. Nine West Nancita Flip Flop, $45 (available at endless.com)
6. Steve Madden Tampaa Wedge, $90 (available at stevemadden.com)
7. Metallic Trimmed Thong Sandal, $15 (available at forever21.com)
8. Harley Plaited Gold Sandals, $44 (available at topshop.com)
9. Tassle T-Strap Thong Sandal, $13 (available at myhotshoes.com)
10. Seychelles Midas Touch, $95 (available at zappos.com)

Bags

1. Urban Expressions Wood-handled Cloth Bag, $45 (available at dsw.com)
2. Warehouse Straw Shopper, $51 (available at asos.com)
3. Yellow Stripe Beach Shopper, $39 (available at wallisfashion.com)
4. Kelly & Kate Two-Toned Straw Tote, $40 (available at dsw.com)
5. Coral Double-Pocket Clutch, $50 (available at oasis-stores.com)
6. Bird Print Chain Clutch, $23 (available at asos.com)
7. Color Block Cross Body Bag, $25 (available at wallisfashion.com)
8. G. Corazon6 Patent Top Handle Bag, $80 (available at mango.com)
9. Sailor Tote, $20 (available at forever21.com)
10. Hard-Framed Straw Satchel, $40 (available at dsw.com)


The time to get the best selection for Summer is NOW---- so get shopping!