How to Be a Savvy Shopper

How many times have you gone to the store in search of something specific and come home with items that were never on your wish-list to begin with? If you are like me, then the answer to this question is too many times to count! Being a self-proclaimed shopaholic I realize this type of erratic shopping behavior comes with the territory. However, there are still those times when my shopping strategy is “mission” specific. Yes people, those types of trips do exist!! Today’s post is going to focus on how to be a “smart shopper.” Whether you are shopping for a special event, looking for key new pieces to add to your wardrobe, or perhaps on the search for that killer accessory to wear with your Saturday night ensemble, here are some tips to get you in and out of that store in no time without being distracted by all the items you WANT but don’t really NEED!

#1. MAKE A LIST – For those who know me, you are fully aware that I am the queen of “To-Do” lists. I make them for everything and even everyone (xoxo Nicky). Whether it’s for my weekend errands, the grocery store, Christmas gift-giving, chores or work; putting it down on paper and then crossing it off when I am done has always given me a sense of accomplishment and gratification!! Soooo ladies – putting together a list of required items on your next shopping endeavor is no different!  Using your iPhone, stationary or even the back of your last shopping receipt (hehe) put exactly what you are shopping for down on paper! Even if your list is as simple as a great new basic white collared shirt – putting that item on your list will keep you focused during your spree. Reference your list when you seem to get “off-course” and literally scratch off the items when you have completed your purchase! Trust me sistas – if feels so good!! Not to mention, making this a permanent shopping habit might save you some pretty pennies throughout the year.

#2 – DO NOT WANDER – So many of us go into our local mall and stroll from store to store just browsing for the next thing that catches our fashion-crazed eye! Now, I am not opposed to this type of perusing every now and again, however a wandering eye always tends to equal dollar signs $$$ each and every time! With that said, my second tip for shopping smart is targeting the stores you want to go to before starting to shop. Create a gameplan for yourself. If you are anything like me, you know all the stores, their locations, and yes, even the sales associates at times, before you walk into the joint! Take advantage of that knowledge by planning your attack! Sticking to those previously identified stores will keep you focused on attaining the items on your LIST!! Hit up these stores in the order you intended and don’t stray from the plan.

#3 – DO NOT FORCE A PURCHASE – Sometimes when we are shopping with a purpose we tend to feel the trip was a failure if we don’t come home with at least something! This is not always true. If by following steps #1 and #2 above you do not find that something special, don’t fret – life will go on!! Having self-control and walking out of the store knowing that you didn’t waste your money on another item that will just hang in your closet can be just as rewarding as finding that perfect piece. If you don’t love it – don’t buy it!! I know this can be hard but trust me on this one! Walk out of the store, call it a day and come back next week. I guarantee when you find that coveted item your very next trip you will realize it was worth the wait!!

Savvy shopping everyone!

XoXo,

Rachele

Pencil Perfect

Pencil skirts are a great piece to add to your wardrobe at any time of the year. This staple item can be worn in the summer, fall, winter and spring! The pencil skirt is so versatile and can be accessorized in so many different ways. Stockings, bare legs, boots, pumps, blazers, tanks, or peplum blouses?? You can strut any of these options when deciding how to wear your favorite pencil skirt all year long! Right now, I am loving the knee-length longer versions that skim your curves all the way down! This style is both sexy and sophisticated and is a fresh way to look haute right now. Here are two bold printed options from TopShop. These skirts have so much drama in the pattern that I would pair it with a solid color top and pumps for a night out or special dinner date. I love the contrast when pairing black and white pieces with a bold pop of color. I would totally work a fuchsia or yellow top with the Ikat skirt below. You can grab the Scarf Print Skirt for $80 while the Crazy Ikat Skirt can be yours for only $36.

Asos is a great website that offers a large variety of items at affordable pieces. Here are two other pencil skirts that are both under $30. The leopard print would transition perfectly into fall paired with a blazer and cute booties! Add tights in the winter and you are ready to wear this look all year round! The chain link skirt has a professional vibe with a high waist and stretch jersey fabric. Add a crisp white blouse and pumps and you should feel comfortable yet chic walking around the office in this trendy look!

I am ready to rock my pencil skirt - how bout you??

XoXo,
Rachele

Zara Love

Hey Loves - Sorry I have been missing in action for the past couple months! I have def been a slacker with my posts. But, as of today, I am back and here to highlight one of my new FAVE stores that I recently had the pleasure of visiting on my trip to MIA. This time around I decided to explore new shopping centers in South Beach that I never visited on my previous trips. I quickly discovered the Aventura Mall where I found myself in shopping heaven! This mall is four floors of amazing stores and restaurants. You could find anything here from Urban Outfitters to Bloomys - it was a shop-alcoholic's paradise! Since I was with the hubby on this trip I had to create a shopping strategy in order to get the most out of my budgeted amount of time. Let's get serious ladies, I could have spent all day in this mall but with my other half tagging along I had to devote my time to three or four stores. As soon as I found Zara I fell in love! I spent over an hour in this store alone and could have perused for even longer if I had more time. The clothes at Zara are trendy, reasonably priced and made out of high quality fabrics and patterns that had me wishing there was a store closer to home! Therefore, for today's blog I want to strictly focus on some GORG pieces from this hip store! Check out my ZARA picks and let me know what you think! Shopping trip to NYC anyone?? You all know who to call!!

Obsessed with these two motocross styles! The vest embodies your edgy summer style while the blazer gives you that awesome pop of color along with studded lapels that really shows off your sense of style! The vest is priced at $79.90 and the jacket is $89.90! Hot prices for all my hot mamas out there!

This dress combines two of my most wanted trends this summer- peplum and neon! This tulip dress is so cute and can be worn to your next chic event this summer. At $49.90 it will not break the bank and you will still be looking slammin!

Check out this lovely lace skirt for only $79.90. This neutral color can be paired with a classic white top for work and then transformed into a night-time ready look with a colorful clutch, blouse or pair of pumps!

Bold and beautiful are what these two trousers represent! Looking to make a statement and strut one of this season's hottest trends? Floral pants and wide-leg trousers are so on point this summer. I am loving both looks and can't wait to try them out myself. These looks can be yours for only $59.90!!!

So who is with me on my new found love?!? Let's get going girls!!

XoXo,
Rachele

Bauble Bar

In preparation for my next hostessing gig, my own Stella and Dot party, today's post is focused on some of the beautiful baubles offered by this designer right now! Stella and Dot sell chic and affordable pieces that are worn by celebs and mere mortals alike. They have fabulous statement necklaces, trendy arm candy and bold cocktail rings, just to name a few. I am a huge fan of big, bold necklaces and stackable bracelets. With Spring just around the corner, I like to stock up on gold and colored pieces, as I tend to wear lighter tones in the warmer months. The jewelry collection of Stella and Dot is very versatile and will fit perfect for the modern girl's lifestyle. They have something for everyone! From classic, to flirty and fun, each piece will add the perfect touch to your outfit and wardrobe! Prices can be as little as $40 or as much as $300! With such a wide variety of items, you will be sure to find something in your budget! Let's start with my favorite accesory - the statement necklace!

The Spring 2012 collection is bold, bright and beautiful. Check out this coral necklace for $128. It would look killer against a crisp white balzer or dress this summer! Or, wear it now against black, just like the model, to add a pop of color to your winter ensemble.

This piece is on my list! It is modern yet tribal at the same time! I can see it paired up against a nice blouse for work or added to a simple dress for nightime glamour! A pricier piece at $198 but this will be sure to stand the test of time!

If you don't love the look of bold bib necklaces, I recommend layering some of your dainter chains and necklaces to give your outfit a one-of-a-kind addition. Here are some great delicate choices that can be added to pieces you already own.

I love anything with a cross on it! Here is the Interlock Cross Necklace for only $59. This will lay perfectly on your neck for a soft, subtle touch.

Add this pearl necklace to your next look by layering it over a shorter piece or by wearing it on it's own by wrapping it around your neck. $98

Want something in between delicate and big and bold?? Try this colorful pendant necklace in a beautiful emerald color, perfect for Spring!. This can be worn on its own or with other gold-toned chains. $79

Let's move on to the arm candy shall we? Stackable bracelets are such a fun way to mix and match your accessories and add "umff" to your outfit! Here are some pretty bracelets that will allow you to strut this trend! First Picture - Luna Wrap bracelet, $89, and Sole Bracelet, $39. Second Picture - Bardot Spiral Bangle, $49 with Cluster Bracelet, $59 and Pyramid Double Wrap Bracelet, $59.

Cocktail rings are the freshest way to make a statement when dressing to impress. These picks are colorful, fun and affordable! I already own the Trio Ring and am looking forward to adding more to my collection! Here are some of my faves! Trio Ring, $49, Camilla Ring, $49, Vintage Cluster Ring, $23.40!!

So Strutters - are you loving this collection as much as I do?!?! Here's hoping for an early Spring!!!

XoXo,
Rachele

Faux Fur Me Please

Ok ladies, whether we like it or not, it is safe to say that winter in New England has officially arrived! Although I am not looking forward to high mounds of snow in my backyard and scraping ice off my car in the wee hours of the AM, the cold weather does give me an excuse to break out one of my go-to pieces this time of the year - faux fur! I heavily rely on my faux fur vests, jackets and all other faux fur accessories to keep me warm and fashionable during our cold winter months. Over the years I have collected many faux fur pieces that I continue to wear year after year. The great thing about this trend is that it never goes out of style! Each year designers tweak their pieces and reinvent their designs, however the foundation of the look remains constant and is one that can last a lifetime in your closet! My weakness in this category is definitely the faux fur vest. At this point it is safe to say I have stocked up at least 5 different variations of this trend in my very own wardrobe. Each year I love to buy a new color, a new texture or "fur" to add to my collection. The vest is such a versatile piece that you can mix and match with so many different looks to create a seemingly new outfit each time you wear it! If I am headed to work, I will choose one of my more "tame" vests to throw over my sweater or cotton button-up. On the weekends, I go for a more laid back look and throw the vest over my sweater or hoodie and jeans! Going out?? One of my fave ways to wear my faux fur vest is over one of my dazzling tanks paired with skinny black leather leggings for an edgy twist! You can pretty much find faux fur in any store you step into nowadays from Forver21 to Nordstroms! Today I want to highlight one designer, who I happen to LOVE, who has created fresh takes on this lovely look.

Rachel Zoe's Luxe brand is affordable and currently available on QVC. Crazy right?!? I love Rachel and all her crazy antics and lingo on her Bravo show, so I was ecstatic when I found out that she designed a collection for QVC. We all know that her designer looks are BANANAS, however her budget friendly line also has chic styles that emulate Rachel's signature style and her stellar fashion sense! Rachel loves faux fur and her collection for QVC emphasizes this fact! Here are a few choices that I have hand picked for all you RZ fans! (All from the Rachel Zoe Luxe collection at QVC ) Top to bottom - Toggle Coat, $130; White Coat with Belt, $139.74; Shearling Vest, $134.50; Striped Vest, $81.84.

Ok so if I had my way with each of these pieces - here is what I would do! The top coat is such a beautiful bold color, perfect for your evening looks over a sexy LBD. This would be killer over your NYE cocktail dress or how about over your black one-piece jumpsuit to take the look from sexy summer night to winter luxe! The white collarless coat is so plush! Winter white is one of my faves and this would be ideal for that Vermont ski vacation or any other winter wonderland adventures you have planned this season. Of course, if I had to choose just one piece, I would go with the shearling belted vest. Besides my obvious obsession with vests (as described above) this piece is trendy, multi-functional and incorporates two different fabrics to make it stand out from the crowd! This vest is hot over black pants, maxi skirts, jeggings, leggings and all of the above! Wear a tight black turtleneck underneath to accent the look and keep you warm! Last but not least, the striped vest is the most affordable faux fur piece I have chosen! This look is casual and can be worn with jeans and Uggs or throw it over a comfy sweater and leggings to keep your outfit comfortable yet polished at the same time!

Ok loves, go get em! Stay Fly ladies!!

XoXo,
Rachele

Recycling Summer Fashion

Written by Guest Blogger: Suzanne Townsend

Cultivating an appropriate seasonal wardrobe is a labor of love for me. It usually begins a month or two before the season in question, and through visits to clearance racks, consignment stores, and the occasional high-end department store, I am able to assemble a storehouse of items that will get me through fall, winter, spring, or summer. Ultimately throughout the season, I pick up additional items and, due to their late inclusion into my wardrobe, they are unfairly cast aside before I’m ready to move on. I’d like to think that they aren’t ready to move on either. Here are my tips for helping you and your summer wardrobe go the distance well into fall.

Show me what you’re made of – Part of determining whether or not your summer clothes will translate well into fall fashion pieces is thinking about their weight and the fabric they are made of. Heavier cottons and linens can easily be paired with wool trousers to create a cohesive cool weather look, while lightweight chiffon might need to hide out in your closet until spring.

I think I met you last season – The thing about colors is that there are only so many in the color spectrum and the thing about fashion is that trends are always changing. This means that colors once strictly forbidden from being worn at Thanksgiving dinner can now be displayed proudly during even the most awkward of family dinners. Be a fashion trend prowler, reading up on what fashion forecasters are predicting for the coming seasons so that when you’re shopping for winter you already have spring in mind. With this fall’s trend of color blocking bold saturated hues of blues, reds, and yellows you probably have more fall appropriate clothing in your summer wardrobe than you might think.

Summer footwear – No matter how much your heart sings a love song to summer, if you wear your gladiator sandals in winter your toes will be singing a sad ballad of frostbite. However, mixing fall footwear with summer clothing is one of the best ways to bring your fashion into the next season. Rather than pairing your cream tunic dress with a pair of red flats, wear it with a pair of textured tights and brown knee high boots. Then stomp all over the fashion law that says it is not permissible to wear white after Labor Day. 

Get under it and then get over it – Keep layering in mind when you’re looking to breathe new life into summer items. If you have a bold patterned sun dress you love, put a lace trimmed camisole and buttoned up cardigan over the top. By pairing this ensemble with a pair of grey sweater tights and ankle boots, you’ve successfully turned a summer dress into a fall work-appropriate skirt. Or, get under your summer fashions by wearing a pair of leggings under this summer’s trend of high-waisted denim shorts.

Last week I wore an empire waist dark orange dress over a white v-neck ¾ sleeve shirt, dark skinny jeans and a pair of black flats. My co-workers marveled and did a double take, asking me to explain to them how I took a summer dress and made it fall appropriate. Even if you don’t feel the need to recycle your summer fashions, let your friends, family and co-workers know it’s okay to do so. You might have thought this was a matter of fashion, but by keeping these tips in mind, you could save the world – one summer dress at a time.

Suzanne is a blogging Seattlile with an affinity for fashion and a healthy obsession with bootcut jeans. She loves helping others find their personal style and believes that every day is an opportunity to shine.

All That Glimmers is Glam

As we approach the holiday season, it is time to start thinking about what stylish pieces you will be wearing to all your upcoming events! Whether it is an office affair, cocktail party or family gathering, one of my must-have looks this time of the year are fashion finds with a lil sparkle! Sequins, jewels and much more bling adorn all types of fashion during the holidays and I can't think of one reason why you shouldn't join in on this glamorous trend. The key to pulling off this look is to choose only one piece of your outfit that dazzles! Thinking of shining in a great dress all night long? If so, accessorize it with a pair of opaque tights in a color that contrasts against your pretty party frock. Going for that glitzy sweater or tunic? I love this look with faux leather leggings or a pencil faux leather skirt! The rocker chic leather looks hot opposite such a girly top! Additional options include sequined tanks under suede blazers with jeans or shimmering skirts matched with cotton sweaters for an unexpected casual twist! There are so many retailers offering these flashy styles this season it is hard to choose what options to purchase. Nevertheless, here are some festive looks that I have my eye on!

I would totally blow my budget on this beautiful Shoshanna Metallic Strapless Dress for $385!

Express has tons of budget-friendly picks for you to choose from. Right now all dresses are an additional 30% off! Hurry in for yours today! I am loving this deep v-neck no fuss dress for only $89.60. It comes in your choice of three beautiful warm winter colors!

I am obsessed with everything pleated this year! Here is another simple yet chic one shoulder dress that will be sure to shine! Only $68.60, also at Express.

This tiered mini skirt is super cute and looks great paired with a cozy cotton or fur sweater. Staying in budget for only $79.90 at Express.

Piperlime continues to be my go-to site for everything savvy and chic! The Fedex driver is at my house almost weekly with that white and green packaged box that contains the next perfect piece to add to my ever-growing collection! It is like Christmas every week at my house...hehe. Ok, but on a serious note - here they go again totally knocking it out of the park with this Tulle sequin jacket for $99!!! Rarrrrrrrr.

TopShop is a great site that delivers products to over 100 countries all over the world! Kate Moss, Rachel Bilson and Lauren Conrad, among other celebs, are frequent buyers who shop this site to find affordable and trendy clothing to sport all around town! Here are a few tops that can give you that glam edge this holiday.
This beautiful burgundy tank can be paired with your fave blazer or cardi for a quick party ready look. It won't break the bank at only $66.

Another Glam Rockette piece from TopShop (a line strictly dedicated to sequins, glitter and everything sparkly) is this Shimmer Kimono for $80. Throw this over a white tank, paired with your favorite pair of distressed denim and hit the streets struttin!

I hope to see some of these styles on all those fashionistas over the next two months! You can betcha I will be joining in on all the glittery glam as I start to put together my holiday looks! Tis the season!!

XoXo,
Rachele