It’s August! Rather than being dismayed at the end of summer fun, it’s time to take advantage of the hot deals available this month. As everyone prepares for the crisp fall season, retailers are anxious to unload outdoor gear and there are screaming good deals to be had. If you want to save some cash (and make sure you’re well-outfitted next spring), take advantage of deep discounts on the following:

Patio Furniture: The entire 7-Piece Country Living Seneca Patio Set (above) is available for $374.99 after discounts–more than 50% off the original price of $799.99. Shop for more deals on patio furniture.

Camping Equipment: Save 20% on the Wenzel 9×7 4-Person Tent (currently $39.97, was $49.99). Shop sale tents and camping gear.

Water Toys and Swimming Pools: For inflatable backyard fun, snag something like the Intex Rainbow Ring Playcenter at 30% off (currently $31.48 was $44.99–click the Target store to see the sale).

And finally… don’t forget to check out sales on swimsuits, shorts and tank tops for the whole family!

To see the great sale items every day, follow us on Twitter!

–Becky Ellis

The best of 70s fashion is back.

What I mean is, no polyester or bell-bottoms. Instead, for fall, we’re seeing soft neutrals (like camel and ivory), buttery leathers and suedes and gorgeous chiffon and wool fabrics. If you’re leery about transporting your wardrobe back to the days of disco, try incorporating one of the staples of every 70s working woman’s closet: the tie-neck blouse. Back in a big way, the tie-neck blouse is a softer alternative to a button down, and pairs easily with skirts, slacks and jeans. Here are three favorites.

Michael Kors Camel Cotton Voile Tie-Neck Blouse (above)

XMI Soft Audrey Chiffon Tie-Neck Shirt

Twenty8Twelve Candle Diamond Silk Suki Tie-Neck Blouse

–Becky Ellis

Building a wardrobe of versatile neutrals makes sense: Mixing and matching pieces is easy and clothing is less likely to look dated. But a closet full of blacks, browns, beiges and khakis hardly makes for inspired dressing. To brighten up your look without splurging on a whole new color scheme, take a cue from Glamour Magazine and change up your shoes. In this post, they advocate brightly colored shoes with cocktail dresses. But why stop there? An electric blue heel would look wonderful peeking out from beneath the hem of your black pants at work, or a pair of hot pink flats could jazz up your jeans and white tee. Colored shoes are a no-fail way to liven up your look. Here are five inspired choices, all less than $100.

rsvp Hart Heels (above)

Guess Beautifi Sandal

Sam Edelman Delancey Flat

Michael Antonio Mavis Pump

Franco Sarto Now Pumps

–Becky Ellis

Sheath dresses should be a staple in every woman’s closet. Simple and elegant, they’re great go-to dresses for everything from work to church to cocktail parties. Fortunately, there are beautiful buys at every price point, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to look stunning.

The two dresses above (one from St. John and one from Tahari) are both gorgeous, but one costs $98 and the other costs $995–more than ten times more! (And they’re both from the same store!) Can you tell the difference?

–Becky Ellis

Fall is rapidly approaching, and designers are encouraging you to let out your wild side! Models swathed in leopard prints were stalking the runways for fall, and heavy-hitting designers like Gucci, Christian Louboutin, Hermes and more have created bold clothing and accessories for the upcoming season.

Want to wear it? The bold can channel their inner feline with an article of clothing like the Shape fx Cap-Sleep Dress, above (keep shoes and accessories neutral, please!). For a more subtle take on the trend, try adding a leopard print belt, bag or gloves like the ones below.

Leopard Print Belt from Spiegel, ($14)

Steve by Steve Madden B-Side Leopard Tote, ($118.40)

MICHAEL Michael Kors Leather Gloves, ($103.50)

–Becky Ellis

I’ve loved designer Cynthia Rowley since I spotted her in a park a few months after I moved to New York. She designs gorgeous, quirky-feminine clothes and accessories, and over the years has expanded her empire to include eyeglasses, kids’ clothing and now, the ultimate tiny-tot accessory: diapers! Target recently announced that Rowley and Pampers have collaborated on an exclusive collection that will be launch this month at Target stores. They’ll be available in 11 pastel prints, including madras plaid, strips and printed ruffles, and cost $15.99 for 24 toddler-sized diapers.

What do you think? Would you buy these?

–Becky Ellis

It’s always confusing to shop in mid-July: It’s 90 degrees out, yet summer clothes have started to hit the sale racks to make room for fall sweaters. It’s a great time to scoop up deals on warm-weather wear, but I start to become aware that perhaps the utility of a new swimsuit or pair of shorts is limited.

Summer scarves, though, are a great buy. Wear them now as a scarf or a wrap on a cool night, then pair it with a light jacket when the weather turns. Great deals are available on linen / cotton blends, like the Land’s End Scarf, available in 10 colors and pictured below, or on silk blends (I like the silk/cotton crinkle scarves from Orvis, above). Wear two together for an extra burst of color!

–Becky Ellis

Mad Men-lovers rejoice! Word is out that Mad Men’s costume designer, Janie Bryant, is launching a new 60s-inspired line for QVC: Mod by Janie Bryant. The line is expected to debut in September with around twenty items of clothing, ten to fifteen pieces of costume jewelry and one bag. It will be priced between $25 and $140.

–Becky Ellis

I arrived at my 4th of July barbecue wearing adorable wedges: they were cork and shot through with gold, and they rubbed my feet so raw that I had to borrow flats from my hostess.

Inevitably, the conversation turned to the perils of fashionable footwear.  Betty Confidential‘s Senior Style & Beauty Editor (and all-around delightful party guest), PJ Gach, tipped me off to Peaches & Boo Boo’s Save My Feet Elixir. She swears this stuff totally prevents blisters, whether you’re running a marathon or teetering along in stilettos. Just put it on and let it dry before slipping into your favorite shoes.

–Becky Ellis

Summertime: It’s the season of skinny straps, strapless tops and sheer fabric. Finding a bra to wear under barely-there shirts is tough; ten years ago I might have been content to go braless, but as time marches on, modesty and support become more prominent in my mind!

I’ve tried a number of stick-on, strap-free options, but the best is Bring It Up! Breast Shapers. Rather than connect in the center, they adhere to each breast individually, which makes them feel more secure. They’re reusable up to 25 times, and because they lift from the top, they really do shape and contour in addition to providing coverage under sheer tops. Plus, the nipple area is free from adhesive to prevent the “Ouch” factor.

–Becky Ellis

I love the go-with-everything-ness of jeans, but I’m always reluctant to put them on in the summer. Sometimes it’s just too hot, but other times, it’s just because jeans feel… so… un-summer-like. This season, I’ve found a perfect substitute: Sailor pants. Wide-leg styling feels much breezier, and somehow, the looks is much more festive. Plus, they’re work appropriate! I’m loving the two pairs above–one by Bernard Zins and the other from Spiegel–but one costs ten times more than the other. Can you tell which is which?

–Becky Ellis

It seems the cell phone has ousted the watch as the new standard for time-telling devices, but when you’re active, toting along your phone just isn’t practical. Enter the Wooloot Wave Ion Sport Watch. Unlike many bulky, serious-looking sports watches, this fun, functional, durable rubber watch is more like a funky accessory. It’s ultra lightweight–it weighs just 10 grams, or about as much as two teaspoons of sugar–and water resistant to 3 ATM (ie, in 96 feet of water). Perfect for days at the beach or active sports, from surfing to snowboarding to softball, the Wooloot Wave Ion Sports Watch is available in 12 colors and in sizes ranging from XXS (for children up to age 10) to Large. And at just $19.95, it’s an easy, inexpensive gift idea for just about anyone, from kids to teens to grown-up sports enthusiasts.

I usually have a love/hate relationship with cargo pants; I love the idea of them, but hate the way they are sometimes. I’ve found that  they’re either too baggy for my small frame, too messy mom-looking (like the I didn’t have time to get dressed, rolled out of bed look) or too much of a tired look that’s sailed through too many seasons. But alas, I’m always on the hunt for them because they are essentially relaxed pants I can just throw on and feel comfy in. 

Trolling the Ann Taylor LOFT  store page the other day, I came across these–an actual slim- fitting, trim-looking cargo, with their own ribbon belt and instantly knew these were the pants I’ve been searching for since spring rolled around. The fit looks stylish, with a tapered leg that I’ve spotted on more expensive cargo styles (hello, J. Brand!), and doesn’t have too many pockets that bulge out. Plus, even better for me, they come in petite sizes. So I ordered up a pair, because of the fit, and with the extra 40% off deal, they are a steal at $29.99. I’m happy to say I’m in love. Wearing and planning to order more in all four of the colors.  OK, message over, back to beauty.

For the longest time, I thought I could get away with just hanging my swimsuit to dry before the next wear. After all, it’s been swishing around in water all day, right? Wrong. Turns out, swimsuits should be washed after every wear because chlorine and salt can eat away at the fibers. This can prematurely stretch out your suit (and make it sag in all the wrong places)! To keep your suit looking great summer after summer, handwash it with one of the delicate-care products below, then gently squeeze out the water and hang to dry.

Tocca Laundry Delicate Fine Fabric Wash (above)

The Laundress Delicate Wash

Planet Delicate Laundry Wash

Hats are back! This summer’s hottest accessory is a great way to protect your hair from the wind, your face from the sun, and to add some pizazz to your outfit. Straw hats are particularly on-trend (and lest you think they’re strictly for farmers and Huck Finn wannabes, check out the huge range of styles and colors they come in). Not sure which hat style is right for you?  Here are a few tips (followed by a few of my favorites!):

Round or square faces look great in hats with straight or large brims worn low on the crown. A fedora is a great choice.

Long faces should look for a flat crown, flat wide brims or western-style hats, but steer clear of very tall hats.

Oval faces–those lucky ducks–can experiment with everything!

J Crew Summer Straw Hat (above)

Yesac Unisex Panama Straw Fedora

Cowgirl Straw Hat

Start with:

Victoria’s Secret Linen Wide Leg Pants

Dresses are darling, but not good for sprawling on picnic blankets or chasing kids. These linen pants provide sun protection, and are perfect for warm days that turn into cooler evenings.

Add:

DKNY Jeans Black Ruffle Sleeve Top

I normally recommend festive colors, but a black top is great for hiding the remains of the day, whether splotches of ketchup or grass stains.

Accessorize with:

bo’em Jezelle Beaded Sandal

These sandals add a splash of color and a little bit of glamor to a casual outfit. While they’re easy enough to slip off, straps keep your foot in place while tromping through the grass or sand.

 Rene Furterer Spray Gloss is what Barbosa primed freshly dried hair with before he used the curling iron. The B5 vitamin formula smoothes and seals the cuticle, so hair looks oh-so-shiny and sleek.  

He then combed through the waves with his fingers, and spritzed a bit of Rene Furterer Fioravanti No-Rinse Detangling Spray  on them. The vitamin C rich formula conditions,  making hair look and feel naturally soft with a light, flexible hold.   

Will you be seeing SATC2 this weekend? You know I will.

Under $10

Land’s End Lizard Embossed Leather Wrap Bracelet, $5.99 (orig. $19.50)

Under $20

Zad Wrap Bracelet, $19

Under $50

Linea Pelle Grommet and Studded Skinny Wrap Bracelet, $36

Under $100

Seagrass Wrap Bracelet by Chan Luu, $74

Which one is your style?

Where have I been?

Target launched the Liberty of London for Target collection back in March, and I don’t know how on earth I missed it. Fortunately, this beautiful and totally-on-trend collection of clothing and housewares is still going strong, and new products are still launching. Both the home and fashion collections are full of delicious floral patterns and prints that will breathe new life into your wardrobe or home at unbelievably affordable prices.

Personally, I’m craving the Liberty of London Dunclare Pink 8-Tumbler Set, above (available for pre-order and releasing on May 28th), and the Liberty of London Sixty Prep Bowl Set, below. I also wish that this collection had been released in December so I could have bought the Liberty of London Baby Quilt (bottom photo) as a baby gift for my best friend’s newborn.

Has anyone seen this stuff up close? What do you think? 

Every Girl DOES Need a Butler!

I know for a fact that my significant other cannot stand how long it takes me to fish my keys out of my purse just to open the door. Or how long it takes me to find my wallet to get my credit card to pay. Or when I accidentally lose my movie ticket that I “safely” stashed in my purse. All of these problems would disappear and he would not get so ornery with me if I simply got more organized. Luckily, there’s a solution to my problems…a Butler Bag! It’s the world’s first compartmentalized bag and is available through QVC, Kmart, and the Butler Bag website.

The Butler Bag was created by Jen Groover, an entrepreneur that started the Butler Bag business about two years ago. In just a short amount of time, the business swelled and The Butler Bag has been featured in numerous publications from O magazine to iVillage to E Online. Celebrities like Hilary Duff and Mya own one, so it’s gotta be great, right?

I was very fortunate to be able to test one of these neat babies out myself — the fantastic people at Butler Bag sent me a bag from their boutique line, the Weekender in brown. The verdict: it’s better than I thought it would be.

Butler Bag Front

Butler Bag Back

Butler Bag Inside

See how fantastic the inside is? I can fit my keys, multiple lipsticks, lotion, phone, even nail polish in this thing. Not to mention the extra pockets on the inside and outside too! There may just be hope yet for this packrat!

The best part of all of this — not only did I get a nice bag, but YOU get $25 off a Butler Bag too! Just for The Shopping Vine readers, use code SHOP25 at checkout. Click here to shop… Good until May 31 only.

These are limited-edition bags, so I would suggest if you’re interested in snagging one, get it now while you can! You can also enter SHOP.COM’s Butler Bag contest too and win your own.

Like with my favorite clothes, I find that I wear the same few bras over and over (and over) again. When one finally becomes so shoddy and useless that I can’t justify wearing it anymore, finding a new one that is comfortable and attractive and makes my chest look, well, fabulous is always a big task. I picked up Maidenform’s Custom Lift T-Shirt Bra on the first try, though, and am ready to stock up on one in every color. First, it’s pretty, in that basic wear-it-under-everything way. Second, it’s really, really comfortable. It has a comfy satin-y underlining, well-placed straps and side “wings” made of two plies of fabric so they lay flat and eliminate bulges. And finally–here comes the “custom” part–it gives me just the right amount of lift and shaping. I’m a B cup, so it adds a little oomph without giving giant, “She didn’t look like that yesterday!” kind of cleavage, but each cup size is designed a little differently, with it’s own special lift feature placed in the foam to give the right look and support. So whether you’re an A cup or a D cup, you’ll get a natural–and delightfully well-rounded–look.

What’s not to love about the t-shirt? It’s comfy, layer-able and great for almost every occasion… really! But if you’ve been buying yours in a three-pack, you’re missing out. While you might have a hard time finding a tee for your cousin Agnes’s wedding, family functions, date-night and even work are all great places to wear them. Need inspiration? Check out these six picks:

Work-Appropriate

If you’d love to live in a t-shirt and jeans but your boss would raise an eyebrow, incorporate one of these work-friendly t-shirts into your wardrobe. It’s all the comfort of weekend-wear in a office-appropriate package.

(above) Theory Cowl-Neck Tee

Vince Exaggerated Raglan Tee

Feminine

Anyone who loves the idea of t-shirts but likes a little more feminine pizazz, these ruffley, fluttery tees are for you!

By Artisan Ruffle Sleeve Tee

By Design Flutter Sleeve Tie Bottom Tee

Quirky

Sometimes you want to be a little different without a) working too hard or b) going over the edge. These cool tees will get you noticed… in a good way!

Matty M Sequin Pocket Boyfriend Tee

Oakley Women’s High Volt Tee

We all know that there’s no gift large enough or expensive enough to adequately express appreciation for everything our moms have done for us. Childbirth alone would warrant a car or a house or a trip to Paris, and just forget about the debt we owe her for our teen years.

Of course, moms often don’t care about the gift at all (think of those twig and popsicle stick houses we made a summer camp) but just love to be remembered. If you’re on a budget (or if your mom, like mine, wants you to save your money rather than buy her things), these three gifts are beautiful ways to show your mom you’re thinking about her, without draining your bank account.   

(Above: Print Condition Scarf, $16)

Voluspa Pedestal Candle/ Santiago Huckleberry, $16

Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners Hand Therapy Cream, $15

Is your mom a designer mom? Does she like the finer things in life? If the answer to those questions is yes, and if you don’t want to pay out the wazoo to make Mom happy this year, get thee to the Gilt Groupe Mother’s Day sale NOW!!

Gilt Groupe is an invitation-only site (just sign up and they’ll accept you) that will send you a daily list of the hottest deals on designer gear around, at a fraction of what you would pay normally. And the sales today are amazing! These are just a few examples of what’s for sale, but the selection is fantastic and includes deals from Judith Ripka, Tara pearls, Proflowers, Furla handbags, Clarins beauty products, Trovata Lounge, and much more. But you MUST get there now, because everything is SELLING OUT! I just checked on the blue topaz pendant below and it’s already sold out!

Go here to sign up for Gilt if you’re not already a member.

I love so many of the looks I see in magazines, but definitely don’t love the prices I see attached. I am a firm believer that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to look fabulous; all it takes is a little sleuthing and creativity. Above is a Day to Night look put together by Elle Magazine (total cost: $2,899.50!), and below is my version of the look… for just 6% of their price!

Start with…

this Print Sateen Pencil Skirt.

For daytime, add…

an Off the Shoulder Sweatshirt from American Eagle, and…

the O’Neill Ziplock.

For evening, add…

Ben Sherman’s Carbon Oxford Women’s Vest, and…

this Madison Jodi Clutch.

Total cost for all five pieces=$177.09

At brunch yesterday I spied the perfect trench coat: It was a classic khaki with gold-toned hardware, but had pleat-ruffled cuffs, an open neck and turned up collar. Of course, the woman wearing it found it at some little discount store, so I couldn’t rush right out and buy it (drat!), but it sent me on a hunt for the perfect spring trench. Knee length and khaki is the iconic image, but I prefer the slight variations in cut, color or styling to add a little flare. Here are some of my favorites.

Above: This bold Rachel by Rachel Roy Ink Splatter Trench mixes beautiful tailoring with a graphic print. It’s sure to get you noticed!

The cropped length, bright color and big buttons and collar make the Ellen Tracy Hooded Trench a modern version of an old favorite.

For anyone who found the classic trench a little too masculine, ruffle details give the Tahari ‘Eve’ Asymmetrical Ruffle Trench Coat a feminine twist.

Slouchy military styling makes the GUESS Melody Trench look cool and casual.

In the cherry blossom’s shade there’s no such thing as a stranger.
-Kobayashi Issa, poet & Buddhist priest

One of my favorite things about spring growing up in the Washington, DC area is the Cherry Blossom Festival, which commemorates the Japanese gesture of goodwill to the US in 1912. The chill would disappear and be replaced with the delicate smell of cherry blossoms, and the city would be excited about these delicate beauties gracing the National Mall for a few weeks. Ever since, I’ve always had a fondness for anything having to do with cherry blossoms, or (Sakura in Japanese), and love the latest in fashion, home decor –even food –that’s inspired by it.

J.Crew Frances Blouse $59.99 on J.Crew; JWLA for Johnny Was from Neiman Marcus sale $104

I HEART the J. Crew Frances cherry blossom blouse above. It’s sold out on the J.Crew site but with some perseverance I found it on eBay — for $59.99 — cheaper than the original price of $98! I also love this gorgeously soft JWLA for Johnny Was cherry blossom coat at Neiman Marcus that’s on sale right now for $104, it looks super cozy.

Cherry Blossom Tote, Lucky Brand sale $49.99; Cherry Blossom Pin $11.95

There are a myriad of cherry blossom accessories and jewelry out there too. Lucky Brand has a bit of a cherry blossom collection, and I just happened to find this handy canvas tote bag on sale for $49.99. And if you’re not into flaunting your blossoms so much with jewelry this sakura cherry blossom brooch, then try a more subtle touch with a cherry blossom earring tree or jewelry box.

Kotobuki Bento Box, $33; Sakura Cherry Blossom Lamp, $149.91

Some people consider the cherry blossom a symbol of good luck, which is why it’s nice to have touches of this dainty flower in your home. I like this cherry blossom lamp from Lamps Plus, but if that’s a bit overt for you, something like this unique Kotobuki 2-tiered bento box is nice too, and makes a great gift!

Sugar free cherry blossom chocolates,$17.99;Cherry Blossom tea, $8.99

Believe it or not, there is food either made from or inspired by cherry blossoms, like this cherry blossom loose tea from Ovation Teas, made with whole cherries and jasmine flowers with cherry and vanilla flavoring, and these sugar-free dark chocolate cherry blossom chocolates with a creamy cherry filling! MMMM!

If you’re looking for a great recipe to celebrate the season, try Martha Stewart’s Cherry Blossom Tuiles cookie recipe, they are light and dainty and just as pretty as the real thing!

What’s your favorite flower?

Until recently, environmentally-friendly clothing either resembled a hemp-based gunny sack (that made you resemble Mother Earth), or uber-pricey designer duds from Stella McCartney and co. Sometimes, it was both! But now, designers in all price ranges have gotten in on the act, crafting cute, budget-friendly clothes out of 100% organic cotton.

So why is it important to put organic on your body as well as in your body? Conventionally grown cotton crops use 16% percent of the world’s insecticides, and in 2003, 55 million pounds of pesticides were sprayed on conventionally grown cotton crops in the U.S. alone. Pesticide exposure carries health risks to farmers (and their neighbors), including birth defects, reproductive disorders and compromised immune systems, and in some areas, cotton pesticides have shown up in milk supplies (cottonseed hulls are sold as animal feed) as well as water supplies. This is bad.

Organic cotton uses no pesticides, insecticides or artificial fertilizers, so it’s better for… well, everyone. And the goodies below are all under $25 (yes! $25!), so they’re good for your wallet as well.

(Pictured above: Stem Organic Cotton V-Neck Tee, $17.80)

Canyon River Blues Organic Bootcut Jean ($17.99)

(Avani Racerback Organic Yoga Tank, $24.99)

(Hanky Panky Organic Thong, $21)

Apt. 9 Gold Tone Beaded Woven Multistrand Necklace

SONOMA life + style® Silver-Tone Beaded Multistrand Pendant

Colorful Multi-Strand Beaded Necklace

Beaded Multi-Strand Necklace

I have had it with uncomfortable footwear. Blisters and rubbing and achy feet just set the tone for a bad day. Sandals–while appearing to set your foot free–can often be the worst offenders. Many lack adequate cushioning, so your feet feel like they’ve been pounding the pavement–even when they’ve spent a day at the beach. Donna Karan’s sportier footwear line, DKNY Active, offers cute, comfy solutions. They’re made for walking, so they’re perfect for an active lifestyle, (or just a walking-intensive vacation like Disneyland or NYC sightseeing) and much cuter than athletic shoes. My new favorites are the Bergen Sandals (pictured above): a casual style with just a hint of gilded glamor. For those who love their flip flops but want a little more style, they have the patent leather Huntington Sandal (below).

Plus, they make wedges, flats and other styles, too!

One area that could use a bamboo boost, are my makeup tools and brushes. I spotted this  boar’s head bristle brush made entirely with bamboo from Sephora. The look is pure dressing table chic, and the paddle brush part is ceramic coated, which means it heats up instantly when you use it with your blowdryer, for sleek and shiny tresses.   

Bamboo fibers are surprisingly versatile–besides exfoliation, the sap is packed with minerals that make it the perfect ingredient for moisturizing hair and skin products.

Zia Natural Skin Care Bamboo Exfoliant is gentle scrub that removes the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal a fresher, brighter layer of skin underneath. Bamboo fibers exfoliate, while soybean oil, yucca and rice bran help to soften and smooth.

The Aeto Bamboo and Wild Mango Fortifying Mask has bamboo extract to strengthen weak locks–they claim at least 40% less breakage after four uses–and repairs hair with a lush mango butter.

There’s also more bamboo-enhanced products on the horizon, including a reusable powder compact made entirely from bamboo (the makeup inside that you buy separately, also contains silkening bamboo extracts), from Physcian’s Formula . It’s so Asian cool, that I might have to snag one to add to my ever-growing collection.

Chocolate Dress designed by Richard de Chazal

Although it may be a hackneyed stereotype, there are often two great pleasures that run constant in a woman’s life: fashion and chocolate. That’s why I’d have to say my dopamine receptors ran amuck this morning when I read that fashion designer Richard de Chazal has designed a glorious Easter dress for this weekend’s Marina Mirage fashion show on Australia’s Gold Coast. Oh, and did I mention that this dress is made. entirely. of…wait for it… chocolate. A dress made out of chocolate!!

The dress, designed by edgy and avant-garde designer Richard de Chazal, is inspired by Alice in Wonderland and made through a painstaking process of dabbing chocolate onto a bodice, then smoothing out with a spatula and a heat gun. The bottom half of the dress is bechocolated with Ferrero Rocher chocolates. Model Bree Warren says the dress is “very heavy”.

MMMM…hopefully this will inspire a new line of edible (not to mention eco-friendly) fashion that the rest of us can purchase in-store. Until then, I’ll just have to be content with candy necklaces and enjoying watching celebrities like Alyssa Milano wearing a dress made entirely out of lettuce, asparagus, and other vegetables for a PETA campaign.

Hope it’s not a hot day on the Gold Coast this weekend, or it’s chocolate sauce for everyone!

Haven’t checked out YOOX lately? Now’s the time to do it. YOOX has an amazing web site — you can shop by color or by designers like Stella McCartney, Trovata, GUESS, and more — and the best part is that right now, everything is up to 80% off! This sale is over tomorrow, so don’t wait!

Jax Matte Print Jersey Floral Dress sale $59.99

My favorite spring trend this year is definitely the fixation with floral dresses that every major retailer seems to be touting. It used to be that most of the floral dresses you’d find were shapeless moo-moos resembling your living room curtains, but now designers have seemed to found a way to make floral patterns chic, even edgy, in many of today’s styles. Every woman should definitely have a gorgeous floral dress in her closet (I am crazy about the Jax Matte floral print dress above), but I also love adding florals throughout my wardrobe, home, even my beauty products too. Check out some other fun florals that will help get your mind, body, and soul in the spirit of spring!

Floral Shoes

Madden Girl Floral Sandals, $45

Floral sandals are a fun way to get in the spirit of spring and draw attention to newly manicured toes very nicely, too! I love these Madden Girl floral thong sandals that come in gorgeous gold or a fresh purple color. The flower is pretty and tasteful and a nice size, not totally overpowering the shoe. Perfect for spring!

Floral Headbands

Cara Accessories Floral Headband, $34

Gossip Girl helped launched the floral headband craze and now it seems like there are a million gorgeous styles and fashions to choose from. Whether they come with feathers, beads, or jewels, I love the range of floral headbands from Juicy Couture, Cara Accessories, and other leading names in jewelry.

Floral Wall Art

Delightful Daisy Wall Frames, $19.50

I love wall frames and decals! They’re a great way to add some personality to any room and are vibrant and inexpensive. Plus you can easily take them off when you get tired of looking at them, or when the seasons change. I love these Delightful Daisy Wall Decals from Delight.com. I also love these Sumersault Mod Floral Wall Decals from Target and these nylon floral decals, also from Target.

Floral Knickknacks

I was originally going to feature floral handbags for the fifth floral must-have under $50, but as I was searching for just the perfect handbag, I came across this adorable handbag holder from Spring Street Designs. What a clever idea! Instead of leaving your purses all over the floor (not that I do that of course) you can add them to your wall, like art, with these cute floral hangers! Brilliant!

Summer Lovin’ Sideline those goes-with-everything black heels for the summer and lighten up in these Star Ling Spice Caged Sandals.

Walk on the Wild Side These Nine West Tattoo Caged Sandals manage to be both daring and elegant.

Just a Little Bit Bad When you want to channel your inner bad girl without sending your family scrambling to assemble an intervention, these INC Cage Mesh Platform Pumps will do the trick.

Fun & Funky Give yourself happy feet with Colin Stuart’s Lace Up Cage Sandal.

Christian Louboutin Studded Sneakers, $835

You can find these studded Christian Louboutin studded Louis high top shoes here for a modest $835…

New from Spanx: Skinny Britches

It says Skinny BRitches, people!

Spanx has done some amazing things in the last few years, and one of them is lifting the self-esteem (among other things) of women everywhere. They’ve just recently launched several ingenious products that all accomplish the same goal: to give you a safe and easy alternative to plastic surgery by putting things in their proper places. And by “things” I mean your hips, thighs, and derrière!

My favorite of these new products is the new Skinny Britches line of Spanx – it’s a sheer fabric that you can layer according to your firming needs. You can wear one layer to slim, add another to shape, and a third “to transform”. Genius! It comes in 11 different colors and totally transforms your tummy, thighs, hips, and rear!

They’ve also just launched an entirely new line of Spanx swimwear,which, although a bit pricey for my swimwear budget, is totally worth what you’ll spend on it for the, uh, firming properties.

Spanx Ruffled Bathing Suit, $178

And last but certainly not least, there’s a brand new line of Spanx for MEN! Yes, you heard me. Men need Spanx from time to time to, you know, and that’s why these Spanx for Men t-shirts are perfect for men who want to tuck in their top halves, flatten their chests, and tighten up those pecks.

Spanx for Men Shirts, $55

Spanx has also been featured in the brand new bestselling book How to Never Look Fat Again by Charla Krupp. The book offers over 1,000 ways to dress thinner without dieting!! Win!

Luckily, you can easily get this year’s red carpet look for less by shopping online for some of the key trends we saw on Oscar night. I’ve picked five of my favorite Oscar fashions and found a much cheaper alternative for you…let me know what you think! Oscar dresses for less…my favorite blog post to do. Ever.

(note: all photos below are courtesy of Donato Sardella/wwd except for the Robert Downey Jr. shot, courtesy of justjared)

One-shouldered Goddess Style

Tina Fey in Michael Kors; A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz One-Shoulder Dress sale $224.99

One-shouldered dresses abounded on the red carpet — Tina Fey, Sigourney Weaver, and Molly Ringwald are just a few of many goddesses struttin’ the trend on the red carpet. The dignified silhouette of a one-shouldered dress is a great way to show off toned arms, chest, and back while remaining modest, which is why it’s perfect for the classy yet svelte figures of these A-list celebs. A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz makes wonderfully gorgeous designer-style gowns at just a fraction of the price — I love this elegant one-shouldered jersey dress with rhinestone detailing, and at only $224.99 from Bluefly, you’ll still have money leftover for chandelier earrings to wear with it!

Regal Royal Blue

Gabourey Sidibe in Marchesa; J.S. Boutique Beaded Cluster Gown only $117.90

Royal blue was certainly the couleur du noir on Sunday — Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’nique, Mariah Carey, and Maggie Gyllenhaal donned some form of royal blue in their gowns, a sharp but beautiful contrast to the spring pastels that I thought’d I’d see on Sunday. Gabourey’s royal blue Marchesa dress featured an interesting twisted bodice design with glittery floral detailing. I wasn’t fond of the detailing on the bodice, so I found a similar style in this JS Boutique beaded cluster gown that features a twisted cluster bodice, but with some sparkly detailing on the hip instead. Tell me what you think about it!

Lacy Days…

Sandra Bullock in Marchesa, JS Collection Lace and Chiffon Empire Gown, only $124.97

I was a huge fan of Sandra Bullock’s dress — I loved the delicate lace top, the daintiness and elegance of the silhouette, and even the color (and I’m not usually a fan of beige or golden dresses, especially on lighter skin tones). I found a similar dress from JS Collections, this JS Collections Lace and Chiffon Empire dress for only $124.97. My only critique is that I thought the gown was a bit matronly for Sandra — but she balanced that out with some stunning bright red lipstick which was a bold and youthful move! Wanna know what she used? Chanel Rouge Coco #22 Paris…you can get it here.

Rockin’ Red on the Carpet.

Penelope Cruz in Donna Karan, Laundry by Shelli Segal Charmeuse Dress only $173.80

Let’s face it, Penelope Cruz could wear a dress made out of dirt and still look good. So I guess it doesn’t matter much that I was not that impressed with the red swirling tornado of her Donna Karan dress. It needed something… like another dress that wasn’t so monotone right on top of it. But she still looked great, and I have a warm spot in my heart for people who pull off red dresses well. So I found a similar style in this Laundry by Shelli Segal Ruby Lipstick Strapless Charmeuse Dress for only $199.99.

The Accessory Blues

Robert Downey Jr. in Oliver Peoples Sheldrake Sunglasses; Tommy Hilfiger blue sunglasses, $69.99

I’m pretty convinced that the only reason male actors get invited to walk on the red carpet is to help prevent the ladies from tripping on their own gowns. They get completely overshadowed by all the gown talk — and that’s why I’m taking a special moment to call out two lovely lads that made a pretty impressive appearance at Sunday’s Oscars. Robin Thicke was pretty stylin’, with a perfectly manicured hairstyle, custom tuxedo and Burberry shirt. And who could forget Robert Downey Jr., breaking out the blue Oliver Peoples Sheldrake custom-tinted sunglasses and baby blue bow tie? I found a similar pair of Tommy Hilfiger blue sunglasses for $69.99 at Target and a solid blue bow tie from Krisar Enterprises for only $9.95!

Bonus red carpet look hint: pack it all in nicely with Victoria’s Secret Slimtastic body shaper — the stars swear by it!

What do you think about these 5 red carpet looks for less? Please leave a comment below…

While trolling for deals on the Shop.com site, I came across some great new stuff from Victoria’s Secret. I’m particularly lusting after this Linen Scoopneck Sweater: The gorgeous color (“grape jelly”!), easy silhouette and the combination of long sleeves with light, breathable linen make it a perfect go-to top this spring. Light enough to toss over a dress on a summer evening and cozy enough to layer under a bulky sweater on a chilly day, I suspect I’ll be reaching for it over and over (and over) again… even come fall.

Stripes are never exactly out of style, but every few years, they step up to take their moment in the spotlight. It’s a great trend: they’re easy to wear, go with tons of clothes you already have in your closet and never truly look outdated. This spring stripes are out in full force, so indulge. You can find great items high (like the Oonagh by Nanette Lepore ‘Martin’ Stripe Jersey Dress, above), low (like the Double Flutter-Sleeve Top, below) and everywhere in between.

Check out a few more favorites:

Gap Stripe Halter Bikini

Tory Burch Stripe Jersey Top

Milly Stripe Bateau Neck Sweater

Stem Stripe Organic Cotton Tee

H&M's New Body Scrub in Raspberry & Melon

Do ingredients like raspberry and melon or lavender and mint tickle your taste buds? Invigorate your senses? Or at least motivate you to shower more often? Then H&M’s new and first ever line of organic skincare is just the thing for you. Believe it or not, the amazingly affordable and trendsetting fashion store that we’ve all willingly given significant fractions of our paycheck to is now launching their own skincare line.

H&M’s new skincare line is set to debut in early March at both European and US stores and will include everyday essentials like shower gels, body lotions, hand creams and lip balms, and more. The skincare line will be made with organic ingredients like organic appley juice, sunflower seed oil, jojoba and more — and meets all Ecocert requirements (Europe’s biggest organic certification standard).

The collection will also include cosmetic bags made from organic cotton. And the best part….?
The items will range in price from $4.95-$7.95.

Oh H&M, how you and I are a match made in a thrifty sort of heaven…

Pick up some plaid. Designers like Nanette Lepore, Anna Sui and L.A.M.B. sent plaid pieces down the runway, ensuring that the pattern will still be hot come fall. Plaids–especially in heavy fabrics like wool–tend to be great bargains at the end of winter. Pick up something like this Plaid Swing Jacket from Spiegel  and you’re sure to be stylin’ in September.

Vests are best (bets). Vests were everywhere on the runway–topping everything from skirts and pants to evening gowns–and made of every fabric and texture. If you’re in love with a luxe vest–like a fur-trimmed or leather one–and spy it on sale, don’t be afraid to snatch it up. I love this leather Grommet Vest from William Rast (grommets and studs are still going strong for fall, too).

Be a softy. In addition to more typical fall colors like navy and burgandy, a surprising number of designers used muted hues like sage green, sky blue and mauve in their Fall ’10 collections. A sweater like this Mossimo Black Ultrasoft Vee Neck Sweater will be perfect for both cool spring nights and crisp fall air. If you’re a sucker for pastels, go nuts! Showing your softer side will be an asset this fall.

I’ve always been more girl-next-door than femme fatale. While generally comfortable with being the “good conversationalist” or “funny” one, I occasionally long to be the sultry vixen whose silhouette commands men’s undivided attention. Who doesn’t love being the girl who causes whiplash when she walks into the bar?

Recently, I found my fairy god-bra: Victoria’s Secret’s new Miraculous Bra. The padding pushes up and out, instantly adding two cup sizes in under 15 seconds. It comes in patterns and solids, a huge range of sizes and has a satin finish and deep v, so it’s perfect under plunging necklines or a white t-shirt.

It’s a pretty dramatic difference, so perhaps it’s not your every-day bra. Still, it’s perfect when a dress needs a little extra filling out on top, or on days when you just want to leave men trailing in your wake.

Fashion Week just kicked off here in New York City, and one of our favorite stylists, Robert Verdi, is hosting a TweetUp to spill all his insider style secrets. He’ll talk about the latest trends, easy (and inexpensive) ways to update your look and luxe products for when you feel like spoiling yourself.  The best part? He always has AMAZING giveaways. All you have to do is follow along with Shopcom on Twitter starting at 5 pm EST / 2 pm PST. You’ll be the first to get the dish, along with the opportunity to win one of his super-fabulous gift bags.  Previous gift bags have included boots from Uggs Australia, cashmere scarves, a Palm Pixi, chocolates, accessories and more. So tweet along with us!

I love brightly colored tights… in theory. They’re a nice alternative to the thick, opaque black tights that are everywhere in winter, but although some people can pull them off, I always feel like an overgrown Rainbow Bright. Which is why I’m so happy that the trend is moving away from bright hues and towards tone-on-tone patterns in neutral colors.

Because they’re tone on tone (ie, an opaque black mixed with a sheer black), they’re much easier to pull off. Even an animal print is doable if you keep the rest of your outfit basic–black skirt, black pumps, white button down shirt–though my favorite are these sheer chevron print tights from Sculptz. They’ll jazz up an outfit without calling an inordinate amount of attention to your legs, so they’re easy to wear, even at the office. The big bonus? They’re slimming, too.

Shapewear moved out of the realm of grandma girdles a while ago, and Sculptz is a fantastic line (find ‘em at QVC) that sucks everything in while allowing you to do other things like, say, move and breathe. They make sheers, opaque tights, patterns and–for the daring!–colors, so you can ditch those nude control-top pantyhose and have a little fun.

Hidden Message Collar Stays

In middle school, it was all about the dance. I’d shop at 5-7-9 for some satin or lace dress in red or pink. Gussied up in Bonnie Bell chapstick, my friends and I would wait near the bleachers until some “cool” boys would ask us to dance. We were waiting a long time.

I’m all grown up now, and I realize that Valentine’s Day isn’t about waiting around for your date to make the first move. It’s nice to find a silly, romantic gift to share with your loved one. For my husband, I’m thinking about these secret message collar stays. This set of 12 stays come with six each of two sizes, 2-1/2″ and 2-3/4″. They say cute things like “You’re so handsome,” “You make me laugh,” and “You keep me warm.” Bonus: they come all wrapped up in a black leather carrying case lined with red faux suede. Oo la la!

Vera Wang Silk Red Draped Dress sale: $437

Ok, you may be balking at the $400+ price tag but this is a Vera Wang dress on sale that is originally $1200! Not to mention it’s made from pure silk and has gorgeous jeweled detailing on the shoulder. Totally worth it and you’ll WOW them on Feb 14th, whether you’re at a romantic dinner or a SAD (Singles Appreciation Day) party!

New York & Company Red Dress sale: $15.98!

Have you shopped at New York and Company lately? I am blown away by their styles and prices. Right now they’re having a huge 60% off clearance sale and I found tons of dresses — like the one above –as low as $16!

Calvin Klein Red Wrap Dress sale: $104!

There’s no shortage of gorgeous designer red dresses on sale too. I found both this Calvin Klein wrap dress and this BCBGMAXAZRIA dress on sale right now for around $100 each, what a steal!

BCBG Maxazria Red Dress

Plus Size Red Pencil Dress $34.95

I just discovered this new site called ChicStar. It’s a site that allows you to create your own fashions and others can vote on your designs. And they sell really cool, unique clothing too, very vintagey, rockabilly inspired clothing. I found this adorable 50s style pencil dress in PLUS SIZE!! I love it! AND it’s only $34.95…not bad at all.

Do you have a red hot dress to share that you’re coveting? Please share with us!

JLO and Scott Barnes in an About Face moment.

Wednesday night I had the pleasure of attending the star-studded launch of celebrity makeup artist Scott Barnes’ new book, “About Face“.

Even if you’ve never heard of Scott Barnes, you’ve seen his work; he’s a whiz at making up the faces of Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow, Mariska Hargitay, and Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland for red carpet events and magazine spreads. He’s most famous for giving JLO her signature glow: a monochromatic look of bronzed skin and pale lips. That “lit from within” look spawned a makeup line and signature product, Body Bling, a tinted moisturizer that transforms pale skin into sun-kissed gorgeousness.

I made my way down to NYC’s Meatpacking District to Provocateur, a new club in the Hotel Gansevoort, and immediately was greeted by red carpet excitement. Countess LuAnn de Lesseps from NYC Real Housewives fame stepped out first, and then throughout the next hour, Judith Light from Ugly Betty,  Cheyenne Jackson from Third Rock, Kelly Rowland, Kat DeLuna, and finally Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony. What a scene inside–the club has a permanent catwalk installed in the center of the room with banquettes facing it along the perimeters. Outrageous made up models dress in black catsuits danced to mixes of Jennifer Lopez’s new single, “Louboutins” and Lady Gaga tunes, with images from Scott’s work projected on a big screen in the background.

Once past everyone’s entourage–there were a ton of security guards, handlers and scary looking bodyguards–I slinkered into a banquette, sipped on  Bombay cocktail called NY Easy (made with simple syrup, lemon juice, Bombay Sapphire and Club Soda), and took in the crowd. Fashionistas, magazine editors, photographers and NY’s glamazons,  roamed and from across the room, I spotted the dimiutive Christian Sirianno, past winner of Project Runway. While I didn’t get too close to JLO (her entourage was especially good at keeping her in a bubble) I could see that she looked gorgeous and glowing, of course, in a black strapless dress and four-inch Louboutins.

On the way out, I grabbed a goody bag (ok, my most favorite part of the evening. Who doesn’t love free stuff?) filled with Scott’s book, a full size tube of Body Bling,  makeup and spa gift certificates. As I went through the loot at the sushi bar next door–I was starving, and they didn’t serve one morsel of food, just heavy-duty cocktails– I determind one thing is for certain: Scott Barnes is a makeup artist in the the truest sense. His genius book gives you all his best tips and techniques, so that even if you’re makeup shy, you can look like a Hollywood star. I may not be stepping out on a red carpet anytime soon, but right now, I’m ready for my transformation.

Air Jordan Retro Jams/photo credit Irfan Khan

Still looking for a last-minute Christmas gift for the young man or teenage boy in your family? Good news! The Air Jordan brand has announced that they’re releasing their new Air Jordan XI’s Retro Space Jam shoes tomorrow. The long-awaited for shoes were originally to be released to the public on December 24th but are now going to be released day early — probably to help boost sales and appeal to those of you doing some last-minute shopping…enjoy!

You can find these Air Jordan XI Retro Space Jams anywhere you find Nike shoes.

Shop all Air Jordans now

Theme Dress, Satin Ruffle with Belt, sale $57.99

Holiday party season is in full swing, and if you’re like me, you’re realizing that everyone’s seen just about every dress you own over the last few years and it’s time to refresh that holiday party wardrobe! Luckily there are tons of great sales right now on dresses and clothing in general. Here are some of my favorite holiday party dress looks for the season.

New York & Company is having a great sale right now: Buy 1, get 1 75% off! I LOVE these tunic dresses — pair them with some leggings and some caged sandals and you’ll be perfectly glam for your holiday night out!

Tunic Dress, $54.95

Nordstrom has some affordable Free People dresses on sale right now too. If wearing red is not your style, check out this adorable little black dress with a twist — it’s embellished with some festive gold leaves for a bit of added holiday flair.

Free People Leaf Motif Dress, $108

Macy’s has a great assortment of plus size holiday party dresses on sale this season. Check out dress labels like Alfani, Baby Phat, Necessary Objects, Love Squared, and much more. This gorgeous and elegant black dress is on sale right now for only $49.99.

Alfani Plus Size Sleeveless Embellished Dress, sale $49.99

Of course…if red and black are simply too blah for you, then it’s time to glitter it up and go GLAM! I LOVE these Free People sequined mesh tunic dresses — they come in black, white gold, and grape. Gorgeous! And the best part — they’re only $68!

Free People Sequined Mesh Tunic Dress, $68

Shop holiday party dresses now