Sunday Sales: 4/29

Promotional Codes

Tommy Hilfiger: 30% off women's

Last day is 4/29

Code: THMOM30

Saks Fifth Avenue: Free Shipping on order over $200

Last day is 4/29

Code:  SFA2012

Victoria’s Secret: Free Shipping

Last Day is 4/29

Code: INSTYLE

Milly: Free Shipping

Last day 4/29

Code: SPRING2012

Lands’ End 20% off Clearance + Free Shipping

Last day is 4/30

Code GAME20 Pin: 8020

Tory Burch: 25% off

Last day is 4/30

Code: FRIENDS12

Victoria’s Secret $15 off $100, $30 off $150, $75 off  $250

Last day is 5/1

Code: SPRING12

Victoria’s Secret: Free tote with any swim purchase

Last day is 5/1

Code: SWIMTOTE12

Saks Fifth Avenue: Free cuff bracelet with $250 Lilly Pulitzer Women’s Apparel Purchase
Last day is 5/13

Code: LILLY6

Online Sales

J.Crew: 30% off factory website

Last day is 4/29

Lacoste: Up to 50% off select merchandise

Last day is 4/30

Discount Sites

6pm.com Lilly Pulitzer
Kate Spade
Lacoste

Bluefly.com Diane Von Furstenburg

Gilt Group: Diane Von Furstenburg (through 12 pm on 4/30)

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WhoWhatWear: Palm Beach

Clockwise from top left: Lilly Pulitzer Felicity Dress ($188), J.Crew Wide-Stripe Bandeau Top ($35), J.Crew Polka-Dot Bikini Bottom ($44), Kate Spade Stackable Bangles ($32-$78), Ray Ban Folding Wayfarers ($200), Lilly Pulitzer Clyde Dress ($178), Jack Rogers Navajo Palm Beach Platinum Sandals ($105), Kate Spade Know The Ropes Stud Earrings ($48), Longchamp Le Pliage Small Tote ($125).

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Fashion Felony of the Week

Fashion Felony of the Week

Lea Michele pulled off the impossible in this Oscar de la Renta cocktail dress – she managed to look both tartish and matronly at the same time.  Due to the nature of the event, the Taste for a Cure gala, I can understand why Lea chose to wear a more conservative cut, but any hint of modesty was completely diminished by the peak-a-boo lace top.  While I admire the Glee star for her support of the Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation, this dress was a disaster.  Her hair and makeup look amazing, but the frock is too old for the 25 year old.  This may have worked if the dress was either sleeveless or strapless with a solid bodice.  However, when worn as is, the look is not appropriate for the occasion and is much too mature for someone as young as Lea Michele.

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Things I Love Thursday

Elsa Peretti Starfish Pendant for Tiffany & Co.

When it comes to jewelry, I tend to be fairly traditional.  Most of my pieces are either family heirlooms or gifts from my husband designed by a private jeweler.  Very rarely do I purchase anything from a major retailer, but when I do, it’s Tiffany’s.   

As a Florida girl, Elsa Peretti’s Starfish collection is a personal favorite.  Her designs are modern at minimalistic, yet they capture that elusive feeling of blithe whimsy typically reserved for children on summer vacation.  When I fasten the clasp around my neck, I’m momentarily transported back to a time when my only responsibility was remembering when to reapply sunscreen.  It reminds me of sun-bleached hair and salt flavored kisses.  Buying this necklace wasn’t just a simple jewelry purchase; I bought back a snapshot of my youth.

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On Wednesdays, We Wear Pink

On Wednesdays, We Wear Pink

My favorite pink product of the day has to be this seersucker skirt from Vineyard Vines.  The classic lines and traditional fabric scream “Prep!” while the feminine details keep it youthful and girly.  This skirt can be purchased at Vineyard Vines for $115.

                 

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Thrifty Tuesday: When and Where to Save

When and Where to Save

I have a confession:  I am a brand snob.  I invest in myself and practice the theory that you should buy the highest quality items that you can realistically afford.  I firmly believe that you pay for what you get.  If the cost of an item is suspiciously low, it’s probably poor quality.  Hold out.  The only problem: spending this way all the time could drive you to the poorhouse.  In this economy, having an exclusively designer wardrobe is unrealistic.  Luckily, there are a few corners you can cut while still keeping your image intact.  

5 Products to Buy Cheap

1.  Basic Tees and Tanks – It happens every summer… Once the thermometer hits 80, I break out my statement shorts.  Who could resist when pictures of this preppy summer staple are plastered all over the J.Crew, Lilly Pulitzer, and Tory Burch web sites?  These shorts are almost always shown with a simple top, such as a crew neck tee, basic button up, or casual tank.  Designers will be more than happy to sell you the entire outfit, but is a tee shirt really worth the $50 price tag?  Probably not.  The thin cotton jersey used to make tee shirts tends to show wear quickly, especially during summer months when you’re more likely to perspire.  It isn’t worth making the investment because you’ll probably have to replace this item of clothing every year or so anyhow. Luckily, cheap tanks and tees are easy to find.  American Apparel has a large variety of colors and necklines for under $20.

2.  Mascara – I cannot stress this enough, unless you are America’s hardest working eyeglass model, buying expensive mascara does not make sense.   You are throwing your money away, quite literally.  The reason?  Mascara has an extremely short shelf life.  Old make-up is an ideal breeding ground for nasty bacteria.  You need to be especially careful with anything that is worn close to your eye.  Mascara should be replaced about every three months or so.  However, most tubes contain enough product to last twice as long as that.  As a result, you end up throwing half of it away.  Dior and Lancome mascara may be super luxurious, but at $25 a pop, you could be throwing away roughly $75 a year.  The good news?  One of the highest rated mascaras retails for about $7.  The classic Maybelline Great Lash Mascara can be found at almost every corner drug store.  PS… it comes in a super cute pink and green tube – a preppy girl’s dream!

3.  Underpants – Please note that I did not say “lingerie” or “foundation garments.”  Both of these are very different than underpants.  Lingerie is meant to make you feel pretty.  Foundation garments like Spanx or a good fitting bra are an essential part of looking your best in your clothes.  Invest in these; they are worth the splurge.  Underpants, on the other hand, serve an entirely different purpose.  They are not silky or sexy, nor do they conceal more secrets than J. Edgar Hoover’s personal secretary.  They probably don’t come in cute prints or fun colors, but they are extremely necessary.  You reach for them at least three days out of the month when your, ahem, friend, comes to visit.  They might not be glamorous, but when you’re curled up on the couch with a pint of Haagen Dazs, they’ve got your butt covered.  That being said, there is absolutely no reason you should bust your budget on your not-so-delicate delicates.  I’m partial to Gillian & OMalley’s Modal Bikini available at Target.com.  It’s barely there fabric is so light weight that you may forget that you are wearing a full coverage panty.  Plus, at $9.99 for a 3-Pack, you won’t be breaking the bank.

4.  Costume Jewelry – Most of the time, I wear very classic jewelry.  I can’t help it.  A pearl necklace and Tiffany earrings go with almost everything.  However, every once and awhile, I feel the need to switch it up a bit.  Costume jewelry is the perfect way to add a bit of whimsy to an outfit.  Many designers offer a few jewelry selections that coordinate with their collection.  If the piece is fabulous and will work with the majority of your wardrobe, it might be worth the designer price tag, but if you’re just after a cute cocktail ring or a fun layered necklace, lookalikes can be found at stores like Forever 21 or H&M for a fraction of the price.   

5.  Sunglasses – As a Florida girl, I am a big fan of designer sunglasses.  I believe everyone should have a pair or two.   That being said, there are certain places where designer sunglasses should never go: into the water, outdoor music festivals, or pretty much anywhere flip cup will be played before noon.  The chance for loss or breakage is too high.  For these events, you need “cheap-o” sunglasses.  These are the glasses that live in the bottom of your Longchamp or your car’s armrest.  Their sole purpose is to take your abuse.  Next time you’re at your local drugstore, pick up a few pairs.  At $10 and under, you won’t feel guilty buying some fun, trendy pairs as well as a more versatile, traditional pair that will work in almost any situation.  

While the list above is a good starting point, you may have to make some adjustments for your lifestyle.  It all comes down to your personal style and priorities.  When in doubt, apply the “cost per wear” formula (cost of the item/number of anticipated wears = CPW).  Most importantly, don’t buy on an impulse and listen to your gut.  Deep down, you know whether or not splurging on a certain item is a good idea.  If you’re honest with yourself, you can’t go wrong.  Happy Shopping!

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Spring Rain

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Derby Day

Spring is in full bloom, meaning that the Run for the Roses is just around the corner.  Whether you’re sipping a mint julep at Churchill Downs or throwing a fabulous party in your home town, you’ll want to wear your Derby Best for the greatest two minutes in sports.  Any fashionable woman will tell you that your outfit can often influence your mood and set the tone for your entire experience.  While some women can’t wait to channel their inner Southern Belle in pastel sundresses, others prefer a more reserved look.  What is your personal Kentucky Derby style?  Take our quiz and find out.

Find your Derby Day Style

1.  Who is your celebrity style icon?
a)  Audrey Hepburn – sophisticated and elegant
b)  Reese Witherspoon – Classic and Feminine
c)  Michelle Williams – Vintage and Romantic
d)  Victoria Beckham – Structured and Sexy

2.  What type of hat are you lusting after?

a)  Over the top – Bring on the feathers and flowers
b)  Classic – You can’t go wrong with a wide brimmed straw hat
c)  Delicate – Ladylike hats appear to just float on top of your head
d)  Modern – Only a fascinator will do

3.  What about color?

a)  Black & White – Remember the races at ascot in My Fair Lady?
b)  Pink & Green – True Prep all the way!
c)  White or Ivory – A light neutral will let the details shine.
d)  Pastel – It’s Spring.  Why not?

4.  How will your date be dressed?

a)  He’ll be in a classic grey suit – a gentlemen’s uniform.
b)  My beau rocks a bow tie.
c)  A sporting event requires a sports coat… in seersucker of course!
d)  He’ll probably layer a white jacket over a pastel shirt.  He likes to stand out as much as I do.

5.  Why do you enjoy the Derby?

a)  For social reasons – It’s one of the best events of the season.
b)  For the horses – I’ve loved riding ever since my first lesson in grade school.
c)  For the tradition – My family has gone for generations.
d)  For the spectacle – How could I miss an opportunity to wear such a fabulous hat?

Results

Mostly A’s – Traditional Prep

Others may go for loud colors and bold prints, but you prefer a more subtle, classic look.  A black and white look will never go out of style and can be worn again for a variety of events.  Plus, a simpler dress allows your accessories, particularly your hat, to shine.      

conservative derby by stayathomechic

For example, the Kate Spade Ribbon Mirabella dress ($476) is the perfect backdrop for fabulous Philip Treacy hat ($3,110) and Valentino bag ($795).  Finish the look with a statement shoe like these Kate Spade sandals ($295).



Mostly B’s – Southern Prep

It doesn’t matter what day the Kentucky Derby falls on this year.  For you, the real Run for the Roses begins weeks before the horses hit the gates.  Floral sundresses steal center stage at the Derby.

Classic Derby by stayathomechic

Lilly Pulitzer is the go-to designer for the flirty, feminine frock.  This spring’s Lottie dress ($198) screams “Derby!”  A straw hat from Marley Lilly ($30) will not compete with a bolder pattern, and the monogram adds the perfect preppy touch.  As everyone knows, a Southern girl would not be complete without a bow.  Kate Spade’s All Wrapped Up earrings ($48) tie the look together.



Mostly C’s – Vintage Prep

It wouldn’t be the Derby without someone paying homage to Kentucky’s most fabulous It Girl, Daisy Buchanan.  When working with the light, monochromatic palette favored by Mrs. Buchanan, adding texture is a must.  Look for feminine details such as lace, beading and feathers.

Daisy Derby by stayathomechic

The illusion neckline of this Alice + Olivia Darcy Lace Dress ($396) creates the etherial feeling that made Daisy famous.  A vintage inspired bag by Mary Frances adds the perfect touch of whimsey.  Top the look off (quite literally) with a delicate Philip Treacy hat ($1,435).


Mostly D’s – Glamorous Prep

In a sea of girly A-line dresses, you choose to be different and, dare we say, even a little bit sexy.  The trick to wearing a figure hugging style to a daytime event is to keep the fabric and color light.  

Glamorous Derby by stayathomechic 

Alice + Olivia captures this perfectly with their yellow off-the-shoulder dress ($396).  A wide brimmed hat can overwhelm a fitted silhouette.  Instead, opt for a fascinator like this Philip Treacy hat ($835).  Avoid looking too severe by adding a pop of pattern.  These to die for Manolo Blahnik pumps ($805) are the ideal accessory to complete the look.



In Conclusion
Discovering your personal style is a beautiful thing.  It allows you to relax and be comfortable in your own skin.  Carry yourself with the confidence of a woman who knows she looks good.  However you’re spending May 5th, do it in style.

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