theshoppingvine.com » fashion

Trend Report: Buy It Now, Wear It For Years

BeckyEllis — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:12:52 +0000

There’s nothing worse than stocking up at end-of-season sales only to find the clothes you bought look dowdy or outdated in just a few months. After all, it’s not a bargain if you hate wearing it. To steer clear of buyer’s remorse, take a cue from the just-ended New York Fashion Week’s Fall 2010 lines. Whatever’s being shown there is going to be in stores this fall. If you pay attention, you can get a jump on the trends by pouncing on the sale pieces that have staying power, and passing on the ones that are fading into obscurity.

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.

Join Us For Fashion Tips & Giveaways Today On Twitter

BeckyEllis — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:57:20 +0000

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!

Perfect Patterns: Shapeware with Pizazz

BeckyEllis — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:09:03 +0000

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.

Just For Him: Collar Stays

tanja — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:22:41 +0000

Hidden Message Collar Stays

Growing up, Valentine’s Day always seemed like the day girls waited around for boys to make the first move. In elementary school we’d decorate empty tissue boxes with romantic pictures clipped from the pages of YM and Seventeen. Using a glue stick, we’d paste up images of women in floaty dresses and red high heels, tubes of pink lipstick and the words “LOVE” and “BOYFRIEND.” Those decorated boxes would sit on our school desks all day just waiting to be filled with secret love messages.

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!

Backstage at NYC Fashion Week

lisaclee — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:04:38 +0000

Jenni Kayne at New York's Fashion Week

So September may signal the start of school, but in NYC, it can only mean one thing: Fashion Week. I’m lucky enough to be a fly on the wall, with the help of Beauty.com, who let me go backstage today at the Jenni Kayne show in Soho. (I’ll be covering more shows too, so keep checking twitter and the blog for updates.)

Unless you’re a diehard fashionista, you may be saying, who’s Jenni Kayne (trust me, I was at first)? But then I started to see her cool, streamlined fashions everywhere, most notably in the October issue of Lucky, and on the Hollywood set like Demi Moore, Jennifer Garner and Kristen Bell. Her look for Spring 2010 is American Classic Toughens Up. I noticed lots of navy, bright yellow, vanilla butter soft leather and thin stripe long sleeved shirts of the most beautiful sky blue. The silhouettes were sleek, with cropped shirts and mid-length cuffed shorts, skinny capris and high-waisted pencil skirts. Very relaxed, cool and clothes that you could wear anywhere. Nothing was too fussy or formal.

Of course, half the fun was checking out what the fashionistas, models and stylists were wearing. Even though it’s still summer, with the slight breeze, suede boots and booties were out. So was lots of black, especially in tight fitting knit pants and leggings. If they weren’t in a leggings (with blousy shirt belted over them or layered long tee and vest) then it was black dresses, with zippers or sleeveless shifts punctuated by eyecatching studded belts at the waist. It’s definitely the eighties all over again this season, but with a sleeker feel.

What did I wear? After stressing for days, I ordered this Ann Taylor black ponte cowl neck dress with an exposed zipper up the back. They recently launched a whole fresh fashion-y attitude with the help of a new designer, who produced better fits, fabrics and fashion-forward designs. It fit beautifully and looks a lot more expensive than it is. I toughened it up (tough touches are the new cool) with a leather studded cuff bracelet and a suede black booties (no tights, too warm right now). The perfect outfit to wear in this fashion-forward crowd that a frugal fashionista could afford.

While I was there I was able to interview the lead makeup artist from Stila–Sarah Lucero, Ted Gibson the hair guru to the stars and Nonie Creme, a British manicurist with the most beautiful nail color line called Butter London. Want to hear their tips and what’s hot for 2010? Stay tuned to shop.com in the next 24 hours. I’m writing up the insider’s look at beauty trends and tricks of the trade, plus new products and how to use them right now. Look for more pictures, a video and twitter updates. Until then…

Ring Me Up

maudieb — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:17:40 +0000

Jazz up your hands with bold, colorful rings this fall. Who said you have to be married to have a flashy ring? With everything ranging from rings with dangling pearls to flower designs they are all out there. By adding a little glitz to your everyday life you will definitely have people turning heads. Both Glamour Magazine and New York Magazine, The Cut put these glamorous rings on their trend look out, so get excited to seeing rings this upcoming fall. Accessories are always great ways to make simple outfits more unique and stylish. So throw on those bangles, chain necklaces, and slide on that Juicy Couture Royal Bohemian Stone Ring and your ready for a night out on the town or even simply lunch with a friend. Here are some fun ring designs to start with and then go from there!

Target's White Ovals Cushion Cut Enamel Ring

Guess Small World Amy Russian Ring

Jezebel Turquoise Ring

Here are some also great stores that sell chic rings and jewelry: Forever 21, Target, and Urban Outfitters, plus they are all at affordable prices, now who doesn’t want that?

Shop Juicy Couture rings
Shop Guess rings
Shop all rings

Today is National Lollipop Day

tanja — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:05:39 +0000

Charms, Tootsie Pops, Dum-Dums…take a break with a sucker today because it’s National Lollipop Day! These little sweets on a stick always seem like an innocent pleasure. Unlike other candies, suckers last awhile, so it eating them is like an extended (mini!) vacation. And because they are so small, they aren’t a diet killer. Unless, of course, you eat a bag of them…

So many products are inspired by and named after lollipops. Their bright colors bring out the kid in everyone. Check out these lollipop-themed items on SHOP.com!

BUY Just Cavali lollipop skirt pencil skirt, Saks Fifth Avenue

BUY Juicy Couture lollipop boyshorts

BUY Alivar lollipop chairs

BUY lollipop lamp

BUY rawhide lollipops for your dog

BUY lollipop print baby blanket

Deckt Out in Duct Tape: The Stuck at Prom Contest

ss_shopgirl — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:59:44 +0000

One of the most endearing things I’ve read about all week (yes, it’s been that kind of week) is this Stuck at Prom contest that is currently being run by Duck brand tape. They are offering a $3000 scholarship to the best prom outfits worn by a high school couple (darn, I guess I don’t qualify, oh well). Contestants must enter as a couple and create their outfits entirely of duct tape, and while Duck brand does not specify what brand of duct tape, I have a feeling they were hoping the kids would use theirs.

While the contest is already over, today is the last day to vote on your favorite couple. And while I don’t usually condone activities that are a bit wasteful and not totally eco-friendly (40 rolls of duct tape is a lot of plastic and glue), I don’t think this is necessarily a waste. The creativity of the teens really shines through and I definitely think this type of talent is worth supporting. Parsons, watch out — your next round of Seventh Avenue designers are here!

Vote on your favorite Duct Tape Prom Couple

Shop Duck Brand tape here

Finding My Religion

ysimone — Fri, 29 May 2009 06:56:17 +0000

Recently I worked the SHOP.COM table at the Shecky’s Girl’s Night Out mega shopping event in Los Angeles. It was soooo much fun. There was shopping and free cocktails and amazing deals on some of the coolest stuff in clothes , shoes, jewelry, handbags, accessories, cosmetics and more. They’re really on to something with the concept. Bring your very best friends, have a couple of drinks and shop ‘til you drop! A trend that caught my eye because it was ALL OVER Shecky’s GNO and seemingly everywhere else I seem to look is SPIRITUAL JEWELRY. When I say that, I don’t mean actual rosaries and mala beads – I’m talking more like bracelets made FROM mala beads or earrings made FROM rosary beads. Yoga jewelry, or sacred symbols like the OM symbol, which stands for inner peace and tranquility. Birthstones , crystals and other healing stones are also popping up on the wrists, necks and earlobes of almost everyone. So what’s the point of all this spiritual bling, you wonder? It’s pretty and all but what does it all really mean? It can best be summed up by one designer who says: “my pieces are all carefully designed to enhance, energize, and inspire inner beauty and spirituality to reflect the natural beauty that surrounds us.” Makes me want to breathe a little deeper. OM !

Green FLUORITE OM Yoga Charm Bracelet - $39.50

Maxi Dress, Maxi Style.

ysimone — Mon, 25 May 2009 20:31:15 +0000

Summer’s almost here and dresses aren’t getting any shorter – in fact, they’re getting longer. The maxi dress was on all the runways as a spring trend – and ironically as a counterpart to the mini dress trend (yes, fashion does tend to be a bit bi-polar). So what’s the reason for this season’s maxi dress obsession?

The maxi dress fits into the role of how this season is so fixated on bringing back yesterday’s trends – romanticism and femininity. Maxi dresses take us way back into the past with their romantic theme. These dreamy and flowing full lengths brush the floor similar to many years ago when a woman would impart sexuality and grace through the way her dress would sway. Maxi dresses also play a part in the figure-flattering silhouette trend, with a fitted upper body and a flowing bottom. In essence, maxi dresses emanate beauty, grace and femininity – classic trends that are here to stay.

Victoria's Secret has Maxi Dresses as low as $39

Nell Couture Print Jersey Halter Maxi Dress - $108.90

Stem Knit Maxi Dress - $78

Old Navy Women's Plus Knotted Halter Maxi Dresses $34.50

This Chadwick's Maxi Dress is only $14.99!

Charlotte Russe $29.99

Tracy Feith Maxi Dress for Target $44.99

Shop Nordstrom Maxi Dresses
Shop Chadwick’s Maxi Dresses
Shop Victoria’s Secret Maxi Dresses
Shop Charlotte Russe Maxi Dresses
Shop Target Maxi Dresses
Shop Old Navy Maxi Dresses

The Scent of Lilly

lisaclee — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:27:40 +0000

Gotta love a beachy-fresh scent

It’s been a good fifty years since Palm Beach maven Lilly Pulitzer started making her fun, bright printed shifts (the patterns were originally conceived to cover up the OJ stains that got on her clothes during her days selling juice from a stand). I’ve gotta admit I love a good Lilly–who can resist a monkey climbing a coconut palm in perky pink and green? Her punchy patterns make you feel joyful when you put one on. You instantly think of summer, vacation and girlish days, when the only care you ever had was when and how you were going to get to the beach. So I’m even happier that in this Jubilee year (as they are calling it with special clothing designs), she’s debuted a fragrance collection that as colorful and uplifting as her shifts, skirts and capris.

The series of three scents sport cheeky, whimsical names–Wink, Beachy and Squeeze–and pretty much sum up the Lilly experience. It’s as if they bottled up all that giddiness you feel when you shimmy into a Lilly shift. Wink is an energetic blend of grapefruit infused with rose and jasmine; Beachy is a heady mix of fragipani, watermelon, salt and seawater; Squeeze is a floral-citrusy fusion of pink grapefruit, lychee, wild rose and lotus blossom. I’m collecting them all to fit my mood–happy-go-lucky and bright. And with Mother’s Day around the corner, I think a Squeeze may be the perfect gift.

Fashionista Alert: Vivienne Tam’s Special Edition Digital Clutch

ss_shopgirl — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:21:18 +0000

Vivienne Tam Clutch Notebook

Ok. Normally I’m averse to marrying my gadgets with my fashion, but I cannot get over how gorgeous this Vivienne Tam Clutch Notebook is. I love the peony design, the vivid colors, and the fact that it’s a totally legit HP mini notebook, here are the specs:

Genuine Windows XP Home with Service Pack
Intel(R) Atom(TM) Processor N270 (1.60GHz)
1GB DDR2 System Memory (1 Dimm)
60GB 4200RPM PATA Hard Drive
Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 950
10.1″ diagonal SD LED BrightView Infinity Widescreen Display (1024 x 576)
HP Mini Webcam with HP Imprint Finish (Vivienne Tam)
Networking Wireless-G Card
HP Color Matching Keyboard
3 Cell Lithium Polymer Battery

What’s next Vivienne? A shoe cell phone? Hmm, not a bad idea…

Get Freida Pinto’s Oscar Dress for $78.90 (or one just like it kinda)

ss_shopgirl — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 02:33:50 +0000

I absolutely LOVED Freida Pinto’s dress by John Galliano at the Oscars on Sunday. And it’s not just because I’m Indian, I promise. The royal blue color was stunning on her and the lace detail so dainty and delicate. It had just a subtle hint of Indian influence to it, it seemed, with the glittery beading. So you can imagine my surprise when all the ‘loids and fashion blabbers out there were criticizing her dress, saying it was dowdy and very “mother of the bride”. Oh well, guess you can’t please everyone. Freida, you go girl, I loved it.

I don’t know if it’s Michelle Obama-influenced, or if the celebs were really immersing themselves in their self-proclaimed goddess-like status, but the one-shoulder goddess style seemed to really be a trend on the red carpet this year.

I really like it, and am pleased to see that it’s possible to get this style for a fraction of the cost that the girls on the red carpet pay.

Compare prices on one-shouldered dresses at Nordstrom
Shop Maggy London One-Shouldered Dresses

Michelle Obama Turns J. Crew into a Rock Star

ss_shopgirl — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:57:14 +0000

The J. Crew site is crashing because everyone’s clamoring to get the Michelle O look? No way. And the gloves were sage green and totally didn’t match her dress? OMG. Oh, and btw we just inaugurated the first person of color ever to be President of the United States.

It’s amazing how the media (myself included) canonizes a First Lady for her fashion choices, not her accomplishments. And yet I find myself strangely mesmerized by some of Michelle Obama’s outfits too. What is it about how Michelle chooses to shop that captivates us? Is it because J. Crew is such an accessible brand? Who knows? All I know is that J. Crew is reaping the benefits of Michelle’s icon status, and has even created somewhat of a Michelle mini-site on their home page.

That being said, J. Crew does have some amazing sales on cardigans right now…if you can manage to get onto their site.

Shop J. Crew cardigans
Shop the Obama Style Shop

Shopbop’s Up to 70% off Sale!

ss_shopgirl — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 02:25:14 +0000

by: ss_shopgirl
While I LOVE Shopbop, it’s rare that I can splurge and spend hundreds of dollars on their clothes or that many of the items on their site go on sale. So that’s why I almost jumped out of my Joe’s Jeans when I found out how great their sale is right now, with many top designer labels like Marc Jacobs, T-Bags, Tory Burch, and more from 30% to 70% off regular prices.

Get Cosabella for $25, the eco-friendly Theory line for $65, UGGs for $92, and more. Check it out soon before all the good stuff’s gone!

Shop Shopbop now

Hot or Not: Timberland Gold Boots

i_liner — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 01:20:51 +0000

Like these? They’re on a MAJOR SALE now! They were $123, now only $69!!
Shop Timberland Urban Gold Dolce now

Shake Your Bootie — A Nine West Bootie, That Is!

ss_shopgirl — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 23:50:39 +0000

Nine West Nobello Pewter Booties	Nine West Nobello Booties in Brown
Nine West Nobello Booties in Bronze	Nine West Nobello Booties in Black

by: ss_shopgirl

They say booties are in this fall, and I believe it! I’ve been seeing the short-boot style in every fashion mag from Vogue to Glamour. But I hadn’t really taken to the bootie style until I flipped through Vogue and saw the bootie of my dreams — from Nine West! It was this purple Nine West Dasolina bootie, which is surprisingly affordable at only $99.

But that’s not the bootie I really fell in love with. I started investigating into Nine West’s bootie repertoire and found another bootie I liked even better — the Nine West Nobello Bootie.

What I love about Nine West’s Nobello Bootie is that it comes in four different colors, and two of them are metallic! (Bronze, Pewter). Plus the two different buckle detailing and the crisp, urban look helps too. Right now, Endless.com has a special offer on these: Save $25 on orders of $125 or more on select (and yes, this bootie counts) brands.

Check ‘em out for yourself! I guarantee these will be hot for fall.

Sex and the City Movie Released on DVD

ss_shopgirl — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:32:49 +0000

Sex and the City – The Movie

by: ss_shopgirl:
It’s finally here! Sex and the City — The Movie was released today for those of you that need your Carrie, Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte fix!

Click here to compare Sex and the City — The Movie prices now.