What I want right now - Tie Neck Blouse

When it comes to blouses, I'm often attracted to those with romantic details such as ruffles, lace and bows. My latest obsession is the tie neck blouse.

This menswear inspired look is made more feminine by making the bow tie flouncy so that it drapes beautifully. Chic and versatile, this look can be worn so many ways. For example, it can be dressed up with a pencil skirt and pumps or more casual with a great pair of jeans. The look just oozes sophisticated sex appeal!

Although there are many different styles, I have yet to see a tie neck blouse that I didn't like. I stumbled across and instantly fell in love with this pretty one from MoxieBee.

This one takes the tie neck a bit further with the additional gathered fabric details. It comes in three pastel colours; yellow, pink and blue and is on sale now for less than US$30!

Pastel Yellow Satin Tie Neck Blouse
Price (sale): US$25.60
http://moxiebee.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5_15&products_id=93

Rock those stars!

During Christmas break last year, I got bored of a lot of the clothes in my wardrobe and went on a mad reconstruction spree. While many of the clothes were carefully nipped and tucked, some just received some surface enhancement, like the skirt below.



I bought this skirt a long time ago but I hardly ever wore it. I was going to give it away at first but then i changed my mind in favour of revamping it a little. I've always loved stars, so I wanted to find a way of putting some kind of star motif on it.

At first I was going to print it but I decided to be a little more creative and embellish it with washers. I had used washers a few times before to make jewelry but never anything like this. So I began working on it and a few hours and sore fingers later, I had a new pimped out skirt with washer stars!

(Shame on me, I still haven't worn the thing.)

I'm not the only one that's really into stars these days as they were prominent motifs on the Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel Spring/Summer 2008 runways.

If you're into stars like Karl and I(haha!) have a look at these cute, fun items below.

Sketchy Stars Boy Tank
Price:US$16.50 (2 or more - US$14 each)
http://store.delias.com/item.do?categoryID=&itemID=49579&sizeFilter=&colorFilter=&brandFilter=

Star Print Mini Ra-Ra Skirt
Price:UK£22.00 (US$48.42)
http://www.asos.com/countryid/2/Asos/Star-Print-Mini-Ra-Ra-Skirt/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=276442&clr=Black&SearchQuery=star&sh=0

Multicolor Star Swim Top and Bottoms (sold separately)
Price: US$20 each
Get the top here
Get the bottoms here

Multi Color Star Necklace
Price: US$7.50
http://shop.pacsun.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=82454&parentCategoryId=10003&categoryId=10932&sortBy=0

Star Ring
Price: US$4.50
http://www.agacistore.com/product/junior+fashion+accessories+jewelry/rings/star+ring.do?search=basic&keyword=star&sortby=newArrivals&page=1

Lulu*s Fashion Lounge Myspace Giveaway

Who doesn't love to get things for free? One of my favourite online stores Lulu*s Fashion Lounge is having both weekly and monthly giveaways for MySpace members.

Every week, Lulu*s gives MySpace members a chance to win one of their fabulous products through a simple process.

All you have to do is:

1) email the code of the week to giveaways@lulus.com
2) Go to Lulus.com
3) Create an account.

This week's prize


Primrose ID case
http://www.lulus.com/products/Primrose+ID+Case/3558.html

This Week's Code:
primrose

As I mentioned before, Lulu*s is also having a monthly giveaway. This time it's to win a $100 shopping spree! This process is even easier than the first with two simple steps.

On your MySpace account:

1) Put Lulus.com in your top friends.
2) Leave a comment letting them know you've done the first step.


Go to the Lulu*s Fashion Lounge MySpace page to enter and find out more about these great giveaways! Good Luck!

Cool Vintage Finds - Feeling blue?

The theme for today's Cool Vintage Finds is one of my favourite colours, blue. I remember when I was a lot younger, much like Picasso, I went through a Blue Period; I was practically obsessed with blue. Around the age of four, I loved to play with my colouring books and box of crayons and the first colour that I always reached for was Cerulean.

When I was seven, I had this cute little blue striped shirt that I would always want to wear with everything, and I mean everything. My mother and I often had little arguments with her trying to convince me that blue did not go well with every colour. Luckily, I grew out of that phase but I still have a soft spot for this colour.

Here are three great vintage items that'll have you singing the blues in no time.

Vintage Blue Turbo Aviator Sunglasses
Starting Bid: US$9.99
BUY-IT-NOW Price: US$12.99
Auction End: May-03-08 19:46:49 PDT (6 days 11 hours)

These 80s aviator ski racer sunglasses have a unique hand polished frame with a T inlay over the bridge and "TURBO" printed on the arms. The lens are 100% UV protected. These sunglasses are in excellent condition, never worn.

Check out these cool sunglasses here.

Vintage Blue Czech Glass Bracelet
Starting Bid: US$4.99
Auction End: May-04-08 07:50:07 PDT (6 days 23 hours)

This Art Nouveau style Czech bracelet has beautiful cut steel connectors between each of the dazzling oval blue glass stones. Each stone is faceted and sits in a steel bezel and is held in place with prongs. It is in good condition except for a few flea bites, a small chip in a stone and a broken loop.

Get this beautiful bracelet here.



Vintage Royal Blue Leather Cinch Belt
Starting Bid: US$9.99
Auction End: Apr-29-08 09:35:16 PDT (2 days 1 hour)

This is a fantastic vintage 80s buttery soft unlined leather belt in royal blue. It is 1 7/8" wide with a 2 1/8" wide buckle. The buckle features silver toned metal tips. It is in excellent condition.

If you like this great belt, get it here.

Indie Designer Spotlight - The Domestic Feminist

Finding that perfect combination of beauty and charm is not always easy. Luckily, I have come across some great items that effortlessly fulfill both qualities.

Independent designer The Domestic Feminist creates one of a kind accessories which she sells on Etsy. Some items include hand knit scarves and scarflets, adorable feathered and lace fascinators as well as eye catching handmade purses.

It won't hurt at all to get something for yourself or as a gift for someone else because her products are also very affordable. Currently, the prices for items range from US$8.00 to US$35.

The Domestic Feminist says:

"My work is really a result of my short attention span and love of all things functional and beautiful--or this is how I see it.

I have a bit of an affinity for things kitchsy, things glamorous, and things practical. And I hope that as I mature in my crafts of knitting, sewing, and accessory design, that I can somehow make those things shine separately but in unison."


Like what you see? Go to The Domestic Feminist's Etsy store to purchase one or some of these unique and stylish accessories.

Fatal Attraction 2 - The Little Black Dress

We hear it all the time; every woman should have at least one little black dress (LBD) in her wardrobe. Another classic item popularized by the great Coco Chanel, the LBD has been around for decades. Early styles were simple and effortlessly chic, with full skirted and shift dresses being common choices.

photo courtesy vintagetextile.com

These days, while many women still opt for the classic LBD, modern versions have been updated to different silhouettes and include eye catching details to suit the times and the personal style of the wearer.

Actress Emmy Rossum attended the Metropolitan Opera on April 21 in a Fall 2007 YSL black ruffled minidress. While the shape of the dress is simple, the gorgeous details of the dress add more than enough interest.

photo courtesy justjared.buzznet.com

Below are some great LBDs that will stand out even in a sea of black.




#1: Stenay Sequin Dress - US$67.90
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2951358/0~2376788~6002242~6007533~6007554?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6007554&P=1

#2: Oasis Puff Sleeve Shine Dress - UK£30.00 (US$66.03)
http://www.asos.com/countryid/2/Oasis/Oasis-Puff-Sleeve-Shine-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=226302&cid=4166&clr=Black&Rf-200=4&sh=0

#3: Asymmetrical One Shoulder Dress - US$34.95
http://www.chicstar.com/storefront/listproducts.aspx?idProduct=4940

#4: Michelle Dress - US$54.50
http://store.delias.com/item.do?categoryID=1773&itemID=49417&sizeFilter=&colorFilter=&brandFilter=

#5: Ruffled Shift Dress - US$29.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=dresses&product%5Fid=2049062967&Page=all

#6: CAGEY Rosette Accented Minidress - US$26.99
http://stores.channeladvisor.com/cutesyshoes/items/item.aspx?itemid=5100057

Celebrity Style for Less - Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston (pictured with Owen Wilson) looks positively adorable in her casual outfit on the set of Marley and Me on April 18.

photo courtesy justjared.buzznet.com

The overalls, white tank and belt combo is simple but stylish option that is perfect for, say, a stroll on the beach. Also, you can jazz it up by throwing on some bold accessories or brightly coloured shoes. It doesn't have to cost much to look this cute as I've found some places you can get this look at budget friendly prices.

Check em' out below.

Hanes Authentic TAGLESS Classic Women's Tank Top
Price: US$8.00
http://www.hanes.com/Hanes/Products/Women-Hanes/Women_ShopByCategory-Hanes/Women_TanksCamis-Hanes/20221.aspx

Lux Menswear Onesie
Price:US$49.99
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp;jsessionid=33C0EB38C1290F8688E01F75768FEB57.app13-node6?itemdescription=true&itemCount=60&id=14377238&parentid=W_APP_SHORTS&sortProperties=+product.marketingPriority,-product.startDate&navCount=49&navAction=poppushpush&color=

Xhilaration Split Braid Belt - Dark Brown
Price:US$8.49
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/602-1523087-2999013?ASIN=B000J3YL9O&AFID=Froogle&LNM=B000J3YL9O|Xhilaration_Split_Braid_Belt__Dark_Brown&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B000J3YL9O&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001


Total: US$66.48

What I got - Thrifting finds

Many of the best clothes and accessories I own have been discovered while thrifting. When I say thrifting, I don't mean thrift stores because we don't have any of those in Barbados, unfortunately. Almost every Saturday, someone holds a garage sale or flea market and this is the thrifting outlet for many Barbadians who are looking to get good deals on various items. I try to go as often as I can, but many times, I'm either busy or I wake up too late and the sun is way too hot at that time. Trust me, scorching sun equals misery.

These past two Saturdays, however, I was able to go to a few sales and get some pretty good stuff. Now the things I get cannot be compared to the amazing clothes and accessories available in other countries for dirt cheap prices (I wanna go away so badly!) but they're reasonable. Below are the items I purchased.

N.B BDS $1 = US $0.50


Red, Navy and White striped cardigan - BDS$10
Pink turtleneck - BDS$5


Full pleated pink striped skirt - BDS$5
Full tiered pink skirt (not dingy as in picture) - BDS $5


Large Square Clock Scarf - BDS$7
Large Square Dotted Scarf - BDS$7


Yellow and teal drop earrings - BDS$5


Brand new Grey Striped Shorts - BDS$7
(There was also a pair of Ralph Lauren shorts for BDS$5 but they were too small for me. Pity!)


Wide Brown Textured Belt - Free

Sweet Spring Scarves Part 2

I'm a girl who believes you can never have too many scarves, and since scarves are very popular this spring, I decided to do another installment of "Sweet Spring Scarves". This time, I found a great selection at Forever21 in all different colours, textures and patterns. Also, the prices are barely pocket change (less than $10!!) so you can stock up on plenty if you want.

My favourite is the Faded Art Scarf because the blurred pattern and the colours are just great. If you're rushing in the morning and your outfit is a little drab, wrap that around your neck and you're set.

Check this scarf and some more really cute ones below.

Faded Art Scarf
Price: US$8.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=hats+and+scarves&product%5Fid=1046812562&Page=all

Tribal Scarf
Price:US$4.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=hats+and+scarves&product%5Fid=1043690633&Page=all

Colorful Striped Scarf
Price:US$7.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=hats+and+scarves&product%5Fid=1047227813&Page=all

Spring Design Scarf
Price:US$5.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=hats+and+scarves&product%5Fid=1047616361&Page=all

H81 Woven Scarf
Price:US$9.90
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=hats+and+scarves&product%5Fid=1047850496&Page=all#

Paisley Scarf
Price:US$5.80
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=hats+and+scarves&product%5Fid=1049214284&Page=all#

If you wanna see what other options are available, go to the Forever21 main accessories page.

Would you rock this? - Fergie

Living in the Caribbean, I've grown up seeing tie dye all around and over time, I developed a serious aversion to it. This was to the point that nothing even resembling tie dye would've been seen on my body at any point in time. Now, I'm trying to be more open with a lot of looks I may not have been comfortable before. I was actually making some progress, I could look at it and not be repulsed by it.

photo courtesy justjared.buzznet.com

Unfortunately, Fergie has successfully re-established my dislike for all things tie dyed. The "Glamourous" singer was seen in a pair of bold tie-dyed jeans on April 10 and judging by the look on her face, she seems to be willingly wearing them. No signs of struggle anywhere.

What do you think? Am I wrong to despise this look, at least from the waist down?

Ebay Spring Trend - Flower with love

Floral print for spring is as cliche as it gets but this season, it's still as hot as ever. The ubiquitous print was seen at various runways including (from left) Marc Jacobs, Oscar De La Renta, Stella McCartney and Ralph Lauren.

photos courtesy style.com

Florals can get a bit tricky as too much can get a bit overwhelming, but if kept at a reasonable level, they can be pretty and fun. They can also be a great mix of sexy and playful on dresses that show a little skin. This print is very versatile as it can be done in many ways, on many different types of clothing so you're bound to find something for yourself.

Below are some great floral print items I came across.


#1 Vintage Lorac Originals Pretty Floral Tent Dress
Item no. 380016819148
http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-Lorac-Originals-PRETTY-FLORAL-TENT-DRESS_W0QQitemZ380016819148QQihZ025QQcategoryZ48870QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Pretty floral tent dress. Print is bold and polyester fabric is lightweight, almost sheer. Missing top button but looks better unbuttoned. Unfinished hem. Belt not included.

Measurements:
Shoulder - 15"
Arms - 11"
Bust(double) - 23"
Waist(double) - 26"
Hips (double) - 27"

Condition - Very good.

STARTING BID: US$9.99

AUCTION END: Apr-18-08 11:23:12 PDT(4 days 20 hours)

__________________________________________________________________

#2 Bell Sleeve Vintage Folk Floral Boho Cotton Top
Item no. 160229013351
http://cgi.ebay.com/BELL-SLEEVE-vintage-FOLK-FLORAL-boho-cotton-top-12-M_W0QQitemZ160229013351QQihZ006QQcategoryZ103327QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Vintage 70s boho cotton smock blouse. Oatmeal with tiny folk floral print trim. Cutest mandarin collar and button front. Mid-length bell sleeves. Wear loose or belted. Accessories in photo not included.

Size:
Approx modern size medium M/Australian 12

Measurements (double):
Underarm to underarm - 51 cm
Shoulder to shoulder - 38 cm
Length - 64 cm
(N.B 1 inch - 2.5 cm)

STARTING BID: AU 12.50 (US$11.61)

AUCTION END: Apr-23-08 04:08:00 PDT (9 days 13 hours)

__________________________________________________________________


#3 Vtg. 60s Mod Floral Kisslock Clutch Purse
Item no. 120245491135
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vtg-60s-MOD-floral-KISSLOCK-CLUTCH-frame-purse-bag_W0QQitemZ120245491135QQihZ002QQcategoryZ74966QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This adorable Apple-green pleated clutch is sprinkled with cheerful flowers and topped with a kiss-lock closure. Inside is pink cotton with a little pocket, no flaws anywhere except for the slightly dingy inside. Measures 10" long by 5.5" tall.

STARTING BID: US$7.99

AUCTION END: Apr-20-08 17:58:56 PDT (7 days 3 hours)

__________________________________________________________________


#4 Vtg. Made in Hawaii Geometric Floral Sundress
Item no. 380016837148
http://cgi.ebay.com/VTG-80s-MADE-IN-HAWAII-GEOMETRIC-FLORAL-SUNDRESS-XS_W0QQitemZ380016837148QQihZ025QQcategoryZ48870QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem



Lovely cotton multi-coloured geometric floral print sun dress.

Measurements:
Bust - 30"
Waist - 32"
Hips - 34"
Full length - 42"

STARTING BID: US$0.99

AUCTION END: Apr-14-08 15:00:00 PDT (1 day)

__________________________________________________________________


#5 Go Max Red Gold Floral Fabric Womens Shoes
Item no. 350048135486
http://cgi.ebay.com/GO-MAX-Red-Gold-florals-fabric-Womens-Shoes-6-5-NEW_W0QQitemZ350048135486QQihZ022QQcategoryZ63889QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem



Ladies, misses Go Max low heeled shoes size 6.5. They have a red and gold floral pattern ; top of the toe has a brass buckle. Heel is 3/4". These are brand new, you will love them!!

STARTING BID: US$6.50

BUY-IT-NOW PRICE: US$9.95

AUCTION END: Apr-19-08 13:35:36 PDT (5 days 23 hours)

Get it for way less - Yellow cut-out top

Don't you just love it when you find something that is almost identical to a designer item but only for a small fraction of the cost? There's nothing to describe that thrill I think. I spotted a pretty Catherine Malandrino yellow top with cut-out detail on another blog and my eyes popped at the price. I know designer clothing naturally is expensive but that doesn't make my starving pocket feel any better when I see something I like but can't get.

Luckily, I found a strikingly similar top while browsing the Lulu's Fashion Lounge website (I love this store!) and I had to share it with everyone. Without further adieu (cheesy drumroll please), the Splurge vs. Steal below.

SPLURGE




Catherine Malandrino Cut-Out Trim Top - US$345
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/28098



STEAL

Sunshine State Eyelet Top - US$31.00
http://www.lulus.com/products/Sunshine+State+Eyelet+Top/8315.html

Sale Alert - Aldoshoes.com

Aldo Shoes is having an online sale of up to 70% off selected shoes, sandals, boots and merchandise. The prices for ladies footwear range from US$17.98 to US$99.98 and there are many different, fabulous styles available.

There is also a great selection of ladies bags that will fit well within your budget.

The ones highlighted below are a few that stood out to me.

'Irrionda' Ruffled Handbag
Sale Price: US$19.98
http://www.aldoshoes.com/eng/storeSection/redirect.cfm?sectionID=b2c/style/productDetails.cfm&itemID=67093504&&var=d&ckey=US&colorid=86

'Vendeen' Animal Print Clutch
Sale Price: US$19.98
http://www.aldoshoes.com/eng/storeSection/redirect.cfm?sectionID=b2c/style/productDetails.cfm&itemID=63933609&&var=d&ckey=US&colorid=90

'Montescaglioso' Embellished Handbag
Sale Price: US$34.98
http://www.aldoshoes.com/eng/storeSection/redirect.cfm?sectionID=b2c/style/productDetails.cfm&itemID=67889908&&var=d&ckey=US&colorid=35

'Verdello' Mustard Handbag
Sale Price: US$29.98
http://www.aldoshoes.com/eng/storeSection/redirect.cfm?sectionID=b2c/style/productDetails.cfm&itemID=67182099&&var=d&ckey=US&colorid=69

'Galollaw' Red Quilted Handbag
Sale Price: US$34.98
http://www.aldoshoes.com/eng/storeSection/redirect.cfm?sectionID=b2c/style/productDetails.cfm&itemID=68266235&&var=d&ckey=US&colorid=62

Go to the main sale page to see what other items you might like.