Budget Friendly Fashion - $100 or less

I admit that I adore designer fashion and post a lot of it on my blog.  However, as my friend noted today I should be featuring more budget friendly picks.  So that is what I'm doing today.   All of these pieces are under $100.  Now that's something to feel good about.

Dolce Vita Desert Braided Sandal - $78.00 - freepeople.com
These sandals are an essential in my book.  They are fashionable yet completely wearable with so many looks.  My favorite is the Rose but they are also available in Black and Desert.

http://www.freepeople.com/whats-new/desert-braided-sandal/productOptionIDS/B65CC2C7-A1F9-4E0F-A678-89DAB39064A7/

Asos Linen Tab Detail Wide Leg Pant - $53.79 - asos.com

I love a wider leg linen pant for springtime.  It's breathable and the cut is flattering on most body types.  For this season I would pair it with a bright pop of color.

http://us.asos.com/ASOS-ASOS-Linen-Tab-Detail-Wide-Leg-Pant/vuj9q/?iid=1498123&mporgp=L0Fzb3MvQXNvcy1MaW5lbi1UYWItRGV0YWlsLVdpZGUtTGVnLVRyb3VzZXIvUHJvZC8.

JCrew Asymmetrical Ruched Bandeau Tank - $88.00 - jcrew.com

For summer at the beach a good one piece can make you look fabulous.  This beautifully cut suit has the ruching detailing which can cover some of the parts you may not feel so comfortable with.  I prefer the Ash Rose color although it's available in a wide variety of other colors.

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/swim/solids/PRDOVR~34282/34282.jsp

Red Hot

If you need to break out of a color rut than look no further than the perfect red hot fashion item.  Whether you want to show a little or go all out I've got you covered.

The Inspiration: Lanvin Spring 2011 Ready to Wear

By purchasing this beautiful clutch by Rebecca Minkoff you help relief efforts in Japan.  $100.00 of this purchase will be donated to the Red Cross.  So, you can feel good about yourself and your conscience. Find it on rebeccaminkoff.com for $295.00.

http://www.rebeccaminkoff.com/shop/handbags/japan-relief/mac-clutch.html?siteID=J84DHJLQkR4-9zKtkDh2qFOclrI50EYCNw

I'm dying over these platform pumps by Charlotte Olympia.  They've got these cool textured cotton material that is very spring.  And the dangerously high platform is so killer.  They are available on net-a-porter.com for $895.00.

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/101705

If you're really looking to turn some heads at your next cocktail party slip into this frilly dress by Notte by Marchesa.  It's the ultimately feminine piece that will be a show stopper.  It's done in satin with all over pleating.  You can find it at bergdorfgoodman.com for $795.00.

http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod59810002&ecid=BGCIFroogleFeed&003=5842946&010=T2QSE&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=T2QSE

Italian Perfection in Soho

If you're looking for a contemporary setting to have your next meal you have to try Caffe Falai which is located in Soho in New York City.  They have breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus each featuring some of the best Italian food the city has to offer.  All of the pastas are homemade and absolutely delicious.  In addition to the outstanding food is the wine.  Our server was extremely knowledgeable of all of the wines and recommended a bottle that I plan to buy for my next Italian meal at home.  Caffe Falai is decorated in whites with touches of silver.  It's a good pick for your next romantic meal.  

http://falainyc.com/caffe/

Spring Treats - Elizabeth Charles - Part 2

This is part II of the best of what Elizabeth Charles boutique has to offer.  Get ready to put that credit card to good use.

Willow - Existence Jacket - Taupe - $759.00

http://store.elizabeth-charles.com/w51.html

Thakoon - Striped Tulle Back Top - Black - $369.00

http://store.elizabeth-charles.com/thak18.html

ACB - Stacked Rings Braided Necklace - $339.00

http://store.elizabeth-charles.com/acb26.html

Spring Treats - Elizabeth Charles - Part 1

I'm a huge fan of the boutique Elizabeth Charles which has one location in NYC and the other in San Francisco. They have a diverse selection of merchandise that any fashion lover will adore.  I'm doing a 2 part series of the boutique picking my favorites new items.

Camilla Skovgaard - Stiletto Pump - Blush Patent Leather - $459.00

http://store.elizabeth-charles.com/cs27.html

Mirco Giovannini - Hand Loomed Jacket - Grey - $1,429.00

http://store.elizabeth-charles.com/mi6.html

Lover - Arabesque Bow Shorts - Grape - $279.00

http://store.elizabeth-charles.com/lo1.html

Carven - Criss Cross Top Dress - Terracotta - $579.00

http://store.elizabeth-charles.com/c9.html

Welcome to Hollywood

You may have noticed that I took a brief time off from writing this blog.  I spent some time in Utah to ski the mountains before it became too warm.  And now that I'm back all I can think of is my next vacation.  I think most of you would be doing the same thing.  If you're in need of a contemporary hotel to jet off to than look no further than the Andaz in West Hollywood.  It's set right in the middle of the action in LA.  There are 238 rooms which face either the Sunset Strip or the Hollywood Hills.  It's the perfect weekend away when you want to stay in style.  Rates start at $265/night.

http://www.westhollywood.andaz.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/;jsessionid=37E206859D7A6F8E4243441025B2A407.atg01-prd-atg3

You - Only So Much Younger

There is a new procedure being used by doctors to reverse the clock without any needles or scalpels.  It's called Ultherapy.  This is an FDA approved ultrasound procedure which tightens the skin on your face in just one treatment.  Genius!  It uses heat to produce your body's production of collagen into high gear.  In about 30 minutes the procedure is over but your skin is just starting to turn back the years.  You will see results immediately but after a few months you'll look even better.  To add icing to the cake, most patients don't need to do another treatment.  So for those of you looking for a better, more youthful, you then look no further than Ultherapy.    The treatment costs from $1000-$4000.  For more information check out ultherapy.com.

Classic Look - Navy and White

The navy and white trend brings to mind nautical themes.  But, it can be much more contemporary than that.  Work these new pieces into your spring wardrobe.

The Top
Joie "Fanny" Lace Top - $198.00 - bloomingdales.com

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=527662&CategoryID=21758

The Pant 

Elizabeth & James "Lucien" Trouser Pants - $465.00 - shopbop.com

http://www.shopbop.com/lucien-trouser-elizabeth-james/vp/v=1/845524441894285.htm?fm=search-viewall-shopbysize

The Shoes

Tory Burch Stripe Elastic Strap Espadrille - $175.00 - nordstrom.com

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tory-burch-stripe-elastic-strap-espadrille/3159376?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=tory_burch_stripe_elastic_strap_espadrille:330776&cm_pla=shoes:women:sandals/slides&cm_ven=Froogle&mr:referralID=NA&mr:trackingCode=F9EADD46-2A4C-E011-B08E-001517B1882A

Your Questions - Solved

My boyfriend has posed the latest question for me to answer.  He's looking for a grey rug for the bedroom with textural appeal.  The rug will ground the bed and give it some warmth.  The texture brings interest to the space.  I like to play up different textures within a room all in the same color palette.  Here are my picks.

Martha Stewart Living - Layered Faux Bois - $397.00 - available at homedepot.com.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202335517/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Candice Olson for Surya Rugs - Sculpture New Zealand Wool Area Rug - $760.00 - available at burkedecor.com 

http://www.burkedecor.com/Sculpture-New-Zealand-Wool-Area-Rug-in-Grey-by-Can-p/scu7506.htm

Your Questions - Solved

I was recently asked by a friend of mine for some help in finding the perfect dress to wear to a christening and bridal shower.  It had to be less than $150.00 and not too summery since both events are later this month.  I gladly accepted the challenge.  Here are some of my options.

Neutral colors are going to be big for spring.  I like the special detail on this dress which emphasizes a women's curves.  It's available on asos.com for $53.79.  It comes in 5 other colors.

http://us.asos.com/ASOS-ASOS-Twist-Front-Jersey-Dress/vdhte/?iid=1360237&cid=8799&sh=0&pge=12&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Camel&mporgp=L0Fzb3MvQXNvcy1Ud2lzdC1Gcm9udC1KZXJzZXktRHJlc3MvUHJvZC8.

I like the color combination on this dress.  It's soft.  Again, the pleating here is very figure flattering.  It's available at express.com for $128.00.

http://www.express.com/chiffon-rouched-sleeveless-dress-31253-22.pro?user_att_name=Interest&Mrsavf=SIZE_NAME&Mrsavf=category&Mrsavf=Color&Mpper=3&Mcat=22&Mpos=2&Mcatg=category_root&Mcatn=Dresses&Mcatp=cat_2&user_att_value=Email&Mpg=SEARCH%2BNAV&Mrsaa=*&Mcatpn=For+Her&Mppg=0#jsLink

A big graphic print can make a powerful statement.  Keep the accessories simple here.  A basic black clutch and some strappy heels will complete the look.  This is $117.60 (on sale) from bcbg.com.

http://www.bcbg.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10939565&cp=2939729.3126135&page=4&parentPage=family

If you're looking for something more conservative this beautiful dress by Girls from Savoy (www.anthropologie.com) is perfect for both of these events.  It's has a sunny color that is the epitome of springtime.  It's $148.00.

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=20077244&catId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&pushId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&popId=CLOTHES&navAction=top&navCount=150&sortProperties=price&color=079&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&templateType=subCategory

The New It Bag

White bags are calling my name these days.  I know they may not be super practical in terms of trying to keep them clean.  However, I'm putting those thoughts out of my head because I need to have this bag from Gucci.  It incorporates the white that I love with the color blocking trend.  The removable shoulder strap is great so I don't have to always wear it on my arm.  I'm going to keep it as clean as possible because I plan on getting a lot of use out of it.  Available at gucci.com for $1190.00.

http://www.gucci.com/us/styles/247205A7MAG9099#

What I Want Now

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I want a dress that Madonna's daughter Lourdes wore to the Vanity Fair post-Oscar party.  She's 14 - almost 20 years my junior.  But, it's quite fabulous.  It's called the Aztec dress and it's by All Saints.  The colors, pattern, and sequins make it so unique.  It's available in two different colored versions.  Both are stunning.  It is not yet available on the US website (only on the UK website).  And it has a sister skirt which is equally beautiful.  I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for when it's available here in the states.

http://www.allsaints.com/women/dresses/aztec-dress/aqua%7Ccoral/wdk042-2479

Flat and Fabulous

In the summertime I tend to wear more flats.  Unless I'm going out for the night I'll grab a special pair of flat sandals which are comfy but totally fun.  I love embellishment on my sandals to kick up the casual quotient.  Try these sandals when the heat is on.

Golden Grove Sandals - anthropologie.com - $90.00 - Leather upper & footbed - The beading is what makes these sandals so outstanding.

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=20178604&catId=SHOES-SANDALS&pushId=SHOES-SANDALS&popId=SHOESBAGS&navAction=top&navCount=18&color=070&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&templateType=D

Leather and Lapis Lazuli Thong Sandal - Giuseppe Zanotti - giuseppezanottidesign.com - $695.00 - The beads set this sandal apart from your typical flat.  It's got such a great pop of color.

http://www.giuseppezanottidesign.com/item/store/GIUSEPPE+ZANOTTI+DESIGN/tskay/96745C45/gender/D/season/main/rr/1/cod10/44283479WP/areaid//sts/

Eliza Braid Sandal - Dolce Vita - freepeople.com - $158.00 - I love the tribal look of the braid at the toe.

http://www.freepeople.com/shoes-sandals/eliza-braid-sandal/

Do you have the time?

To make a bold statement in your home consider adding a hanging wall clock.  The bigger the better.  Here are 2 of my top picks for the day.

The Bond St. Wall Clock from zgallerie.com is reminiscent of a pocket watch but in a much grander scale.  It's $229.95.

http://www.zgallerie.com/p-10008-bond-st-wall-clock-black.aspx

The Nelson Wheel Clock by Vitra Design Museum is a throwback to George Nelson's clocks from the 1950's & 1960's.  It's available for $460.00 on designwithinreach.com.

http://www.dwr.com/product/tools-for-living/clocks/wheel-clock.do?sortby=ourPicks

The Perfect Pant

We all need a trusty pair of pants that we can turn to when there isn't anything else in the closet to wear.  The Minnie by J.Crew is the perfect pair of pants.  It has a flattering slim silhouette with an ankle length.  It is chic with a pair of ballet flats, oxfords, and chunky heeled pumps.  It comes in a variety of fabrics and slightly modified patterns.  My favorite is the basic Minnie in bi-stretch wool which sells for $98.00.  Plus, it's available in both petite and tall inseams.  Check them out at jcrew.com.

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/pants/minnie/PRDOVR~28432/99102077080/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~0~15~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~minnie/28432.jsp

Chicago, Chicago

If you're in need of a fun weekend getaway head on over to Chicago and stay at The Elysian Hotel.  It's the epitome of luxury in the heart of the city.  Each room and suite is decorated in a soothing cool palette and many come with a cozy fireplace.  Rooms start at $395.00/night.  

 

http://elysianhotels.com/