Mens Play

To help with the shopping choices for the man in your life, here are some coat options... all under $200





1. Casual Coat

2. Sporty

3. A little Dressier

4. For the Rain

5. Pea Coat

6. Overcoat for fancier dress

Watchful Eye

Some watch ideas for the gents in your life and gifts that are needed...... all under $200 (Jeremy was very useful in this segment due to his love of watches)

1. Swiss Army

2. Timex and buy a few bands to interchange

3. Michael Kors

4. Lucien Piccard

5. Nixon

under $100 and counting

Have someone that you can spend a little more on? Well here are some great finds under $100

1. Laptop Case

2. Ruffled Heel

3. Blazer

4. Ring

5. Dress

Tis the Season

To keep the holiday gift ideas coming I upped the price cap from $20 to $50 dollars....

1. Necklace

2. Ruffle Top

3. Leather pumps

4. T-shirt

5. Cosmetics Case

Let's get this party started

A first post of many on holiday gift ideas..... This one will include $20 items that could serve as grab-bag ideas or gifts for your girls holiday dinner....Happy shopping season!








1. Essie Polish

2. Stila Lip Gloss

3. Floral Slippers

4. Charm Necklace

5. Mittens

A few ideas for the week.....

1. Animal Print heels

2. Thigh-High Sock

3. Sequin Blazer

4. French Connection

5. One-sleeve dress

Sunday Shop-Day

1. Cheetah Print Cardigan

2. Sweater Dress

3. Acid Wash Tank

4. Jeffrey Campbell Boots

5. BCBG skirt

Thursday Thrifty Three

1. Silk Jumper

2. BB Dakota

3. House of Harlow

A must-subscribe website

Shop It To Me is like your own personal shopping assistant..... By subscribing (it's free mind you) and editing your preferences it searches the web for items you may like on various websites and email them to you including price and picture. Its a great way to see what particular designers have out there that may be on sale or on promotion at a particular site. You can set it up to email you on certain days of the week too. A great and easy way to shop!!!

Other great sites....

ideeli.com
gilt.com
hautelook.com
zulily.com (baby items)

Friday Finds

1. Urban Outfitters

2. Leather Jacket

3. Nine West

4. Joes Jeans

5. Krista K

Friday Finds

1. Shirt Dress

2. Bangles

3. Cardigan

4. Military Jacket

5. Wellie boot

Monday Finds

1. Dolce Vita Flats

2. American Apparel Zippies

3. Swatch

4. Lululemon

5. Leather Jacket- Gap

Nails In

Yet another beauty find....RGB Nailpolish. No formaldehyde in this polish and the colors are amazing!!!! The bottle size is just enough to last you through a season and not then sit in your cupboard crusting over....

RGB Nailpolish

Body Blinged

Shopping at a new boutique at the 900 N. Michigan shops (Space 519) I was reminded of Scott Barnes Body Bling and immediately purchased a bottle. This body makeup is perfect for the upcoming fall months. Whether you have an event that does not yet warrant nylons/tights, or want to preserve some of your summer-glow, this stuff is wonderful. Apply to your arms and legs and it gives a shimmer that is Jennifer Lopez-esq. I highly recommend the platinum color for a majority of skin types. Happy applying!

Scott Barnes Body Bling

Saddle Up

One trend I bought into this season was the new "old" oxford shoe. This flat style is super comfortable and looks great with dresses, skirts, or jeans. Paired with a plaid collared shirt or a sweater dress and opaque tights, they are vintage yet fresh-looking. Here are some potential styles to buy.....


1. Steve Madden

2. Zappos

3. Endless

4. DSW

Friday Fab Finds

1. Express Blazer This blazer has been all over the fashion magazines as a great fit for low price.

2. Ann Taylor Loft

3. Banana Republic

4. House of Harlow

Lip Locked

Tom Ford is an amazing designer and now has lipsticks available. There are some shades that are so perfect they are worth the cost to purchase them. I highly suggest the blush nude color. It was featured in the latest "IN STYLE" magazine and is the most beautiful yet simple color to apply under any gloss.

Tom Ford Private Blend

Comfy but Cool

Here are some stylish flat options for shoes. Being a city dweller or new mom (or both) often requires a more comfy walking shoe. However, you don't have to sacrifice style for happy feet!

1. Bella Vita
2. Calvin Klein
3. Steve Madden
4. Puma
5. Gucci

Monday Must-Haves

1. DVF Jacket

2. Striped Cardigan

3. BCBG dress

4. Seychelles

5. Boyfriend Sweater

Friday Fab Five

1. BCBG Generation

2. Striped Hoodie Cardigan

3. Topshop

4. Report Shoes

5. Anthropologie Crops

Add-on

A few posts ago I chose some tote options for work/travel. Here are some additional finds that are more of the backpack variety for those of you in school...

1. Longchamp

2. Jack Spade

3. Kimchi Blue

4. The North Face

The touch the feel.....of cotton:)

With my fall wardrobe lacking from last year, I decided to start with the basics. Cotton t-shirts and tanks are essential for layering in cooler temps. They look great by themselves, with jeans, or work well under a blazer/cardigan/sweater.....etc. Here are some super soft, affordable finds that will serve you well. Make sure to buy at least one nice black and white style to use as a basic.


1. BCBG

2. JCrew

3. Victoria secret (shout out to amanda here)

4. Banana Republic

5. Zara, Club Monaco, and H&M all have great options too but no online shopping

Hot pants

In pursuit of high-waisted pants due to post-partum flabby-belly syndrome, I stumbled upon some amazing styles. The best of the bunch are found at Urban Outfitters and are super-inexpensive and uber-flattering. They are perfect for fall because they are ankle-grazing length to be worn with heels or flats. They will easily transition to winter underneath tall boots. The nice thing is the fact that they fall just at the most narrow part of your stomach, acting as spanx in a sense. I bought two pairs already! I suggest the black option.


BDG hi-rise grazer jean

Work, Trip, Out

Need a work tote that can double as a travel bag or overnight carrying case? Here are some stylish and fun options for those on a budget.... Note: any of these totes should be able to hold a laptop, just buy a protective sleeve:)


1. Le Sportsac Travel Tote

2. Puma

3. JCrew canvas tote

4. Tory Burch

5. Urban Outfitters Media Satchel

6. Marc by Marc Jacobs

7. Tumi

I'm back!

Yikes! My last post was from the day I went into labor with my first baby! Well, after a month-long hiatus, I am slowing coming back to the fashion world (very slowly due to my post-baby body). That being said, my first post is about my first purchase since my son's arrival......

1. BCBG shorts I bought these shorts for many reasons. First, they are on super sale. Second, they are very figure flattering due to the elastic waistband. Third, they are slightly dressy due to the fact they are linen. These shorts are an easy, end-of-year purchase that will work next warm weather season.

A Few Cover-up Ideas

1. Victoria Secret Dress

2. Romper

3. Simple Tunic

4. Striped Dress

5. Bright Coverup

Scoop it up while it's hot!

Summer fashion is slowing disappearing to make room for fall finds. This is unfortunate because most of us have quite some time left with sizzling temperatures. Therefore, scoop up some of these last minute finds that won't break the bank but will look great for your time left in the heat!

1. Victoria's Secret

2. Bikini

3. Dark Skinny Bermuda Short

4. Strapless Dress

5. Knit Cutout Dress

Five Fab Finds

1. Racerback Maxi dress

2. Puma Flat

3. Michael Kors watch

4. Strapless Dress

5. Racerback dress

Utility Pants.....

The nice thing about the utility pant/cargo pant seen on the celebs lately is that they can last from summer through fall. They go nicely with a simple tank top and can be paired with a cool boyfriend blazer for evening. The cropped version is more "in" right now and with a pair of neutral wedges and chunky bangles can easily been worn out on the town.


1. Topshop

2. Forever 21

3. Gap

4. Abercrombie

5. Jcrew

Generation....

I love BCBG for great dresses and other items. Its sister brand, BCBG generation now has an online store and they have tons of cute finds for under $100. I've bought the line before and the quality is not disappointing. Also, just be aware that you may need one size up in the dresses/skirts because they run a tad short. Besides that, the options are endless....




1. Floral Print Dress

2. Maxi Dress

3. LBD

4. Printed Top

5. Skirt

6. Clutch

The skinny on shorts.....

Shorts are a tough purchase to make. I am devoting this post on shorts that are ok for those that don't necessarily have matchstick thighs. These are some options that are universally flattering.

1. Gap Bermuda Shorts Wearing a darker, more relaxed fit of shorts creates a slim look. Pair these with a gray deep v-neck t-shirt and nude wedges for a casual and comfy look.

2. Old Navy Shorts A trick with shorts is to buy one size up and wear them slung more on your hips so that they don't squeeze your mid-section or upper thigh. These would look great with a bright camisole or neon skinny belt.

3. Jcrew If you are comfortable with a shorter short, a patterned style is another way to look slim. Again, I would advise going a size up and wearing these more on your hips with a loose tee on top. These would look great with a simple white v-neck or navy blue tank.

4. Banana Bermuda Short
I have owned a few Banana Republic Bermuda Shorts and they do fit a curvier behind. Also, these are more dressy. So, I would wear with a flowy silk top and shoes with a heel. If you pair with a loose fitting top your legs will look even thinner underneath.

5. Wink Silk Paperbag Short
If you are bold and want to look fashion-forward, these paperbag shorts are perfect. They fit really loose and high on the waist. You must tuck in a fitted shirt in order to pull this off.

Shoe deals

Another good online site for shoes is AkiraChicago.com. They have a decent selection of really unique styles. Here are some deals they have going on right now.

1. Wedges

2. Metallic Gladiator Heels

3. Cutout Flats

4. Colorful Flat Sandals

5. Tall Nude Wedges

Put it in the bag....

1. Cross Body Satchel This works well as a casual cross-body bag or a great evening-out clutch. It comes in black or rose.Sat

2. Satin Bow Clutch Another great bag that can easily be used for any more formal event you have to attend.

3. Leather Hobo Bag Such a great deal for a large carryall bag. Perfect for travel.

4. BDG Canvas bag A great pool or beach bag that won't embarrass you as you stroll out onto the street.

5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Use as a pouch to hold items or as a cute clutch to add a punch of pattern to your look.

Shady Lady

Sunglasses can really add a lot to your look. If they are oversized, they help eliminate the need for makeup or can hide flaws. If they are unique or funky they can act as an additional accessory. If they are designer, they can help your casual outfit look more expensive. Here are some really cute designer sunglasses that are under $150.




1. Marc by Marc Jacobs

2. Ray Ban

3. Michael by Michael KORS

4. Carrera

5. Diane Von Furstenburg

Haute Looks

When the temperatures climb it may be hard to find something cute to wear. However, here are some items that won't make you sweat but still look stylish.....

1. Satin Shorts

2. Maxi Halter Dress

3. Ankle Cuff Sandal

4. Summer Jersey Dress

5. Three Pocket Dress

Lofty Dressing

1. Empire Waist Dress

2. Lace Skirt

3. Ruffle Neck Halter

4. Petite Linen Dress with Ruffle]

5. Mini Spots Dress

Saks Sale

Right now Saks Fifth Avenue is having a pretty great sale and the stuff online isn't too picked over. Here are some great items I found. Check them out:)

1. Tory Burch Sneakers

2. Halston Heritage Bag Sarah Jessica Parker wore tons of Halston Heritage in STC2 and this bag is a steal and super useful.

3. Ali Ro Silk Dress

4. Theory Racerback dress

5. Michael Kors Sandals These are by far the most pricey of the items I chose, but are worth it because they would go with literally any dress you buy for summer events. The nude is in season and they look comfortable and classy.

Friday Fab Finds

Here are five items that are under $100 and are great for hot weather. Little dresses, a cute skirt, cutoffs, and sandals all make great day outfits for the heat.


1. Cut-off shorts

2. Sandals

3. Summer dress

4. Silk Dress

5. Floral Skirt

Body Bronze

My friend Devin showed up to my baby shower with the most amazing tan. Thinking she had been laying out daily to achieve such a glow, I asked her what she'd been doing. She then told me about an amazing spray tan in a bottle that she had used and loved. Here are the details on how to get a quick, beautiful tan in a cinch.

Body Drench- Tanning mist sunless tanner

Shhhh.....

Not such a secret anymore.......Victoria Secret has amazing sales online right now. You can basically get a bikini, dress, and sandals for under $100. Their dresses and swimsuits are super cute as well as some of their other apparel. Check out some of these items.




1. Strapless Dress

2. V-neck dress

3. Playdress

4. Wrap

5. Espadrilles

6. Peace sign sandals

7. Bikini

8. Basic Racerback Tank

Nothing but Net

Feeling festive after a Chicago Blackhawks win last night, I decided to post options for sporting events. If you have trouble finding apparel to wear out to a day at the field, here are some options that are more fitted than an XL Jersey. Paired with Jean cut-offs or skinny jeans and converse shoes, you will look stylish in any of these options. I even posted one Men's shirt in case he is also in need of a supportive shirt. Go Team!


1. Victoria Secret Baseball collection

2. Victoria Secret Collegiate Collection

3. Urban Outfitters

4. Urban Outfitters

5. Nordstrom Men's Shirt

Top Five Finds

Sometimes I find some great deals out there that I have to share. Here are my top five this week..... act quickly because they probably won't last!!!!


1. Kensie Girl Heeled Sandals These are so fun for summer. The colored ones would look great with an all-black dress or black tank top and skirt. The all black ones would look great with any style. The heels aren't high and the ankle straps add a lot of comfort.

2. Banana Slim Cargo Pant All the celebs are wearing slim fit j-brand cargo pants with heels. These are the same style for a ton less and look so cute with nude wedges or heels. I would pair a more loose racerback tank with these to balance out the fitted bottom.

3. Printed Scarf Scarfs work well through summer if paired with a light top and shorts or cropped jeans. Pair a fun, brightly patterned scarf with a white tank top and skirt.

4. Evening clutch A great evening clutch can last you years and years. This particular one looks super expensive and works for all weddings and special events. It is under $100 but looks like it is much more than that.

5. Gladiator Sandals Fun Gladiator sandals for summer that are great for any casual event.

Flip-Flopped

Given my current condition, my feet are a teeny bit swollen right now. Therefore, flip flops are looking better and better. You don't have to be pregnant to like a comfy, cute pair of flops. They are great for the beach and pool or running a quick errand. Here are some cute styles that are easy to use all summer long.

1. Havaianas Gladiator style These are cute and Havaianas have become a go-to flip flop brand. The nice thing about metallic is that they appear a little more dressy than the plastic they are.

2. Diane Von Furstenberg DVF flip flops for under $35 and they are super cute!!! Need I say more?

3. Tory Burch These flops definitely will lend themselves more to running errands straight from the pool or beach. Reminder to choose a darker-soled flip flop because they won't require as much daily washing.

4. JCrew Why not get a flip flop that is inexpensive but has a bit of embellishment? I like these in the metallic hydrangea color the best.

5. Cole Haan These are on sale and Cole Haan is notorious for comfort. Plus, they are on sale:)

Check it out!

Today I was a guest blogger for Eating Made Easy. Check out the site for my latest post on dressing for your body shape:) Let me know what you think and stay tuned for more posts soon!

Down the aisle...

Summer wedding season is in full swing and if you are like my friends, you are in at least one wedding in the next few months. Finding an appropriate bridesmaid shoe can be a chore. And, what is more difficult, is finding a shoe that is somewhat comfortable. I found a few ideas that may work (unless you don't have a choice in the matter).

1. Caparros These come in a variety of colors, are not too high in heel height, and satin goes with most bridesmaid styles.

2. Anne Klein Aussie Dress SandalThe pewter color is perfect for any blue-hue of dress. These are under $100 and could be worn to another formal event later on.

3. Michael Antonio If the wedding is black tie, or the dress is floor-length, these are perfect shoes. They are super dressy, but under $60! They come in a variety of metallic shades and aren't too high in height.

4. MaxStudioIf you have the liberty of going a little more fashion-forward with your shoe choice (and you can wear black) these are the perfect blend of trendy and dressy. This shoe will look great with a simple black strapless or one-shoulder bridesmaid dress.

5. Nine West Lollypop These come in a variety of colors and the nice thing about zappos is the ability to order and return the shoes very quickly if they don't work.

6. Nina Gesalyn Champagne-colored bridesmaid dresses are often the most difficult to match a shoe to. This gold satin color may match perfectly.

7. Nina Website Design your own The Nina Shoe website has a really cool feature that allow you to design your own shoe. There are a variety of colors and styles and you can choose the heel color, sole color, and embellishments. Perfect gift for your bridal party or if you need a really specific shoe that you can't find and want to design yourself!!!

Bright White

The question that has often plagued me is: do I wear white pants, or not? White is now considered wearable by etiquette standards given memorial day weekend is upon us. However, it is extremely hard to pull off white pants without revealing too much, or making yourself look huge. There are some styles that if paired with a fun top can be universally trendy. Take a look.....

1. Joe's Jeans- Honey fit This particular cut of jeans in white is super flattering. It fits anyone will a curvy backside and has a bit of a flare which balances proportions well. Paired with a cropped jacket or blazer and a longer silk tank-top, these are a good investment to wear year after year.

2. Free People Jegging I bought a pair of these jeggings in a darker wash and love them. This style in white is meant to be worn with a longer layered top (I don't recommend the short top pictured online) in order to make your legs appear slim and trim. These are really comfortable too.

3. Gap bermuda short If the summer heat prevents you from wearing long pants, these are a great alternative. A bermuda short elongates the leg and provides some upper-thigh coverage. Paired with a bright tank top and gladiator sandals, these would complete a cute casual look.

4. Not Your Daughter's Jeans These jeans literally suck and tuck in all the right places, which can be key when wearing white. I would suggest trying a pair of these on to see how well they flatter your butt and legs.

5. Banana Republic Palazzo Pant If you can't stand fitted white pants, try a loose summer style. These linen pants remind me of the beach and with metallic flats and a fitted colorful top, they are classy and stylish. Just remember to pair a wide legged bottom with a more fitted top to balance your look.

Get Your Body (and your mind) Swimsuit Ready! by Amelia Winslow Williams

To change pace a little bit I asked my friend and health guru Amelia Winslow Williams to add a post to my blog about lifestyle changes through diet. She has a fantastic website http://www.eating-made-easy.com where you can subscribe to receive updates on recipes, health tips, and more. She is on both facebook and twitter too! Definitely check her site out and subscribe for updates if you like the information she shared with us below! Thanks Amelia!!!!


This is the time of year when people tend to crash diet. While dieting may help you lose weight, the loss won’t last. So rather than starving yourself or forgoing carbs, focus on a few healthy habit changes that you can actually maintain, without wanting to die. Because after all, even Melissa will tell you that looking good is worth nothing if you don’t feel good.

Nine Tips To Live By

1. Focus on Vegetables and Fruits.
• At every meal, fruits and/or vegetables should be present in large amounts. The other stuff should be present in smaller amounts.
• Do yourself a favor and buy a few fruits & veggies each week, then prep them when you get home from the store so they’re ready for easy cooking and snacking. And always keep some frozen F&V in the freezer for quick meals & sides.

2. Don't deprive yourself of foods you love…or of any particular food group.
• Instead, pick and choose your indulgences. If you love ice cream, skip the donuts in the break room and the 4pm birthday cake for your co-worker, and then serve yourself a little bowl of the good stuff after dinner.
• Indulge once per day. This does not mean a burger, fries & a shake for lunch – it means one enjoyable, moderately-portioned treat, that you’ve planned and waited for. Whether it’s a glass of wine, a piece of warm sourdough bread with butter, or a handful of Cheetos, it’ll be that much more enjoyable if you haven’t blown it already on things you don’t even love.
• Portion control is key when it comes to indulgences. If you have a portion problem, don’t keep treats in the house; just enjoy them when you’re out.

3. Don’t drink your calories.
• Get calories from food, not beverages. Drinks are an easy way to quickly slurp down lots of calories, without getting the full sensation that eating food gives.
• Limit alcoholic beverages. For tips on how to do this, click here: http://eating-made-easy.com/2010/04/23/can-you-drink-alcohol-and-still-stay-slim/

4. Keep track of what you eat by writing it down.
• Becoming aware of everything you’re eating now is the first step to getting trim. You’ll probably be surprised by a few things you see when it all on paper. This is a great way to find easy places to tweak what you’re eating by just a little bit – and little bits really add up. It takes 3500 calories to lose a pound, so even if you make a few changes to cut 100 calories/day, you’ll lose a pound every 35 days. (Sounds slow but that’s 12 lbs a year, and 100 calories/day is nothing – you won’t even notice).
• There are tons of free calorie-counting websites out there, as well as iphone applications. Check ‘em out if you don’t want to take the pen & paper route.

5. Grocery shop regularly and keep healthy food on-hand.
• You can’t binge on unhealthy snacks if you don’t buy the unhealthy snacks in the first place.
• Make a meal plan and a list every week, and grocery shop when you’re not hungry – these two things will help you avoid impulse buys.
• Buy what’s in season and on sale, which keeps healthy eating interesting.
• Make it healthier (and more filling) by throwing in an equal part of fresh or frozen veggies.
• For more tips, check out How to Be An Expert Grocery Shopperand How to Be Your Own Personal Chef

6. Pick a time in the evening (at least 2 hours before bedtime) that you will stop eating.
• If you get hungry after that designated time, have a cup of hot tea or a piece of gum. If you’re always hungry after that designated time, you may have set the time too early, or you may not be eating enough during the daytime. Check out your food diary to find out.
• Brush your teeth once you decide you won't be eating anymore that night – the minty taste will make it easier to forgo eating.
• If you find it hard to watch TV without snacking, time to find a new evening activity, like reading or playing a game.

7. Drink plenty of water.
• There’s not a certain magic amount, but a glass at mealtimes and at least a glass between meals is a good goal.
• Often people mistake thirst for hunger, so when you notice yourself craving a snack, chug some water and then see how you feel.

8. Hang out with people who like to eat healthy and be physically active too.
• This is called “social support,” and virtually no one can succeed without it. Your family members and friends have to be on board in order to make healthy changes sustainable. And sustainability is what it’s all about, because anyone can lose weight. It’s the keeping it off part that’s hard.
• Make healthy eating a family affair. Don’t buy junk foods for other family members, thinking it’s for them and not you. Make your house a Healthy Eating Zone.

9. Practice liking yourself as you are now.
• There is no time in your life where you’ll look in the mirror and say “Yes! I’ve achieved the perfect body and life will be good from here on out!” Just writing that sounds funny, because women always worry about losing weight, and even when they get to a weight they want, they worry about gaining weight back. So, the only real solution to this is to practice being comfortable in your own skin. Something to try: Look at yourself in the mirror every morning and say something like “While it’s not what I view as perfect, this is the body I have, and I am going to respect it today by doing the best I can to eat well and be active. If I fall off the wagon, I’ll get back on track at the next meal, without being too hard on myself. Because just like everyone else, I’m just doing my best!”

For more practical ideas for integrating healthy eating into your busy life, check out http://www.eating-made-easy.com

Now Walk it Out

Living in a city where I do a lot of walking, it is hard to find shoes to wear that aren't my bulky running shoes with extra cushioning. When going out for a day of walking, its nice to have a more fitted, sleek shoe. Here are some options that will be comfortable and provide some support, but don't look like they add ten pounds to your feet.

1. PUMA These are super cute because they are colorful and would look good with skinny jeans and leggings as much as workout gear. They are easily slipped on and still will allow for tons of comfort.

2. NIKE Another really colorful, fun style that isn't bulky. It hugs the foot more closely to appear more stylish.

3. Converse They aren't just for guys anymore. Converse look really cute with cutoff shorts or skinny jeans. They give a "rocker" type look to an outfit but still serve a comfortable purpose.

4. DKNY Another great pair of slip-ons that are sporty and fun.

5. New Balance New Balance has stood the test of time. This style is more sporty and may not look great with jeans or other clothes besides workout gear. However, if you want to look like you stepped out of a gym ad, throw them on and head out.

A little bit lower....

Another question that arises is how to find comfortable summer sandals (i.e. not 4" plus heels) that are neutral and still stylish. There are a lot of great options out there, you just have to find the right fit for your foot shape. Here are a few that are lower in height but still look fashion forward and work with all colors.


1. Chinese Laundry

2. Nine West

3. Unisa

4. Bandolino

5. Clarkes

6. Aldo