My Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Bucket List!

Since we are in a recession, I vowed to myself that I would shop conservatively and not splurge, too much, on my spring/summer wardrobe. However, as I've been perusing the department stores, there have been at least three things that have made me want to just throw caution to the wind and indulge in fiscal irresponsibility!
I am not going to give into my spending desires; however, I wanted to share the fashion items that I covet the most with you so that I will be held accountable if you see me sporting any of these items!!!  

 

1. Calvin Klein Tribeca Structured Satchel - This bag doesn't look like much in the photo, however, this bag screams classic. No matter how much the fashion trends change from season to season, this bag will never go out of style.

2.Christian Louboutin snake skin shoes - All I can say is WOW!!! I absolutely love these shoes. I can't find them in any department stores, so I had to hunt them down on the Christian Louboutin website. I do not know how much the shoes will leave you in debt, but I do know that a pair of Louboutins will cost you at least $1000.


3. Tiffany and Company Silver Necklace with a lock Pendant - These pendants are so beautiful but will set you back quite a penny. The necklaces and pendants start at $400 and can go up to $2000!!!

 

I am going to hold firm and not go out and buy these three items; but before the summer is over...One of them will be mine!













Win a $150 Visa Card...Take the Style Journals Challenge!

In an effort to promote The Style Journals blog and generate more traffic to the site, we are having a contest! We will give the winner of this challange a $150 visa gift card so that you can get the hottest accessories for the spring/summer fashion cycle. Many department stores have agreed to give us exclusive insider information on upcoming sales and promotions in their stores if The Style journals blog can generate at least 150 followers. We have already been successful because over 1,500 people have visited our site so with your help we can translate these "views" to followers. This is what you have to do:
CONTEST BEGINS: March 16, 2011 at 12:00a.m.
CONTEST ENDS    : March 30, 2011 at 11:59pm

Step 1: You have to get your friends and family members to become followers of my blog. Everytime one of your friends joins the blog, it will be counted as 1 entry. The person who gets the most entries by March 30, 2011, will receive a $150 gift card!

Step 2: When the person you refered to the blog joins, THEY HAVE TO LEAVE A COMMENT after this blog so that they can say who directed them to the site. This is extremely important because If they join but do not leave a comment specifing who refered them to the blog, they will not be counted as an entry.

Step 3: Once all of the new members are tabulated and we determine who the winner is, we will notify the winner by email and will post it on the blog on April 5, 2011.

Rules:
1.Contest is open to my facebook friends and current followers ONLY!
2. There can only be 1 winner. in the event that there is a tie, there will be a contest given to break the tie.
2. Style Journals is not responsible for any problems with your entrys, including technical failures or incomplete, late, or midirected entries.
4. Acceptance of a prize constitutes the winner’s consent to the use of his/her name and likeness by Style Journal for promotional or advertising purposes.
5. Style Journals reserves the right to disqualify any person tampering with the operation of the Promotion or otherwise violating these rules.
6. Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, terminate or modify the Promotion if it cannot be completed as planned, for any reason.


Operation

One winner will be chosen  from the comments on the designated post to win a $150 USD gift card  to be sent via mail. The winner will be selected and notified via email (if applicable) on 3/30/11, and must claim their prize within 48 hours of initial notification. If selected winner does not respond within that time frame, a different winner will be chosen based on the same criteria as above. The winner will be posted at stylejournals.blogspot.com on 4/05/11. Style Journals will send the Prize to the winner’s requested physical mailing address, and is not responsible for delays or loss due to customs, shipping carrier, or any other uncontrollable circumstance.



Participation

By participating in this Promotion, you agree to be added to StyleJournals email list. Your information will not be shared with outside parties.

Contest will run from March 16 - March 30, 2011( Ends at 11:59 p.m. on 3/30/11)

Look What I Found!

This summer I am going to look posh in these fantastic peep-toe leather slingbacks from MICHAEL Michael Kors. I love the chic cut-out detail at the sides and the wooden heel, these sandals were certainly one of my "must have" items for this spring. These shoes were originally $99 but I got them for $49 at Macy's! These sandals are hard to find. they are out of stock at Lord & Taylor so you had better get them while you can!

Boldness and Color...Thank You!!!!

This season I challenge you to do something different; step out of your comfort zone and get with the color trend! Bold colors  are one of the fashion trends this year, but many of my fashionista's have a problem with experimenting. I know that most fashion mags trumpet neutrals and black as fashion classics Icons; and color is usually frowned upon and considered trendy. However, several designers are changing the way that color is perceived and are introducing us to a pallet of energy and style. Look, I understand the apprehension, because sometimes when I go shopping to buy my wardrobe I also find myself migrating to neutrals and black... like a magnet. However, this season,  I am going to be more of an adventurer, experiment with colors and put those fashion magazines in their place! Fashion is about innovation and experimenting with what is considered off-limits. Designers are rewriting the rules by showcasing a collage of  bright colors in their spring 2011 fashion lines and tangerine is the color that is on top of the list. The Gucci Spring 2011 collection is a great example of this experiment with color. The collection has everyone talking. Gucci has really transformed it's brand this season by investing in innovation, color and energy. Gucci is not the only brand that is reintroducing boldness and color into our fashion dimension. Versace, Prada and Marni succumbed to the appeals for color as well and introduced some fantastic pieces on the runway . So fashionista's... take the plunge,  the plunge into the pool of experimentation and color!

The Murse: Man Purses...A Trend or a Staple?

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Some may call it a Murse (man purse). Some may call it a Swag Bag; But whatever you wanna call it, the bottom line is this…these bags are causing a serious stir in the fashion industry! Metro-sexual's around the world are cheering because they can finally carry something, bigger than a wallet, to carry their things in. Personally,when I first heard of the Murse (Man Purse), I thought that it was ridiculous and that the idea would be tossed away like an old handbag...something that would come and go as quickly as it ran through my thoughts. However, this phenomena is really catching on and is something to be taken very seriously. Gucci, Burberry and Louis Vuitton have invested a tremendous amount of talent, time and money developing a purse line strictly for men. Because these designers have invested so much money into this experiment, I decided to really evaluate whether or not this trend would be socially acceptable. After much thought and consideration, I've decided that the "murse" , although controversial, does offer some advantages to women. Men can finally stop asking their girlfriends and/or wives to put things, they don't want to carry, in their purses! Another advantage is, when men get tired of carrying the murse, their girlfriends or wives can use it as an overnight bag or luggage. But seriously, I think a man can chicly pull off a murse but only if he is very confident in his manhood and he has alot of swagger! I think that the "murse" will began to grow on people. I believe the design patterns resembles luggage or briefcases, this was a very good concept because I think it will ease people into the idea of a man carrying a handbag. Some celebrities have embraced the trend as well. Bow Wow, Timberland and Terrance Howard all seem comfortable carrying these swag bags. I don't know if this trend will become a staple but what I do know is...it takes a very confident, secure and good-looking man to carry off this look. So to all you men out there...precede with caution! 

Spring 2011...It's All About The Little White Dress!

The Little Black dress has always been my fashion fallback staple. If I didn't have anything glamourous to wear to a party or an event, I could always count on this fashion staple to make me look good. Although this fashion staple has always been loyal to me...I think I might have to cheat on my trusty and loyal companion and play around with the little white dress this season! All of the industry fashion shows and style magazines are featuring the" Little White Dress" as the affair to have this season. Although the Little White dress made a brief appearance last spring, it has come back full circle this spring and is all the rave! I think there has been a resurgance of interest in this little number because it is cool, crisp and looks wonderful on almost everyone and the patterns and styles are much more feminine. Some designers have also decided to go eco friendly and are using recycled fabrics. H&M has joined the list of industry insiders and have beganselling eco-friendly fashions as well. H&M has a delicious eco-friend little white dress for spring 2011 — featured to the left- for only $19.95! That’s the price of a white recycled fabric dress from H&M’s new Conscious Collection, debuting this April; you heard it here first! The all-white collection of affordable fashions are made with eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, organic linen, recycled polyester, and tencel. Many are very versatile, basic, minimalist pieces that’ll go with most items in your closet and will be a fashion staple for many more seasons to come! I will let you know as soon as it hits the store! Although I will forever be in love with the Little Black Dress, I am going to be strutting my stuff in a white dress this spring...

50% Off Bottles Of Wine Tuesdays!!!!

I am an exclusive member of Style Chicago and I sometimes get this invitations from them. Since I am not a wine drinker, I wanted to share this invite with you. Nia Mediterranean Tapas, Located in the heart of the Randolph Street Market District in Chicago’s West Loop, is offering 50% Off Wine Bottles on Tuesdays!


Nia Mediterranean Tapas  is located in Chicago at 803 W. Randolph St. I only have one exclusive invite and I am willingong to give it to the first person who leaves a comment on the "Ask The Mentor Page". YOU MUST BE A FOLLOWER to take advantage of this deal. So start the week off right with 50% off bottles of wine (up to $50) at Nia Mediterranean Tapas!  If you can't make it to Nia's on Tuesday, go to Nia's on Monday for 50% Off Pitchers of Sangria!!

More Offers from Nia Mediterranean Tapas:

* Buy One Tapas, Get One 50% Off

* 3-Course Menu, Only $25
You must present my invitation in order to redeem discount. Not valid with any other coupon, discount or promotion. Offer valid for all bottles of wine priced under $50. Anything over $50, guest must pay the difference. Any parties over 4, discounted price applies to every other bottle.

Look what I Just Bought...A Dolce Vita Spencer Platform Sandal for $32.00!!

These Dolce Vita Spencer Platforms are a great find!!!!! Celebrity's, like Reese Witherspoon, are sporting the look and I must say that I am surprise that I found them. These sandals generally sell for $170.00; however, I got them for just $32.45 at Nordstrom Rack. I love Nordstrom Rack because you can get designer shoes, clothes and purses for a fraction of the price.  These leather platform sandals feature a buckle closure at the crisscross ankle straps. Studded leather overlay with a platform. 4.75" stacked, cutout wedge heel and a leather sole. Nordstrom's already reduced price was $67.90 but I found out when they were going in clearance (from an inside source) and I got them for half off the already reduced price! Check out the "Sales" page on this blog, to get a jump on all the sales scoops!

Want To Save Some Money? Go Shopping...In Your Closet!!!

I realize that we are all in a recession and for any fashionista, buying the latest styles could be a challenge. I have a great way for you to save some money...go shopping in your closet! I know this sounds insane but take my word for it, you may have some hidden treasures in your closet, that you stored away, and forgot about. These forgotten frocks can be recycled into one of the stylish trends for the summer. This recently happened to me. I went to The Gap to pre-shop and possibly purchase some wide legged jeans for this summer. The wide legged jeans at The Gap were priced between $68-$78 dollars; and most retail stores had their jeans priced in that same price range. Although I really wanted the jeans, I decided that $78 was too much to pay for one pair of jeans. So when I got home, I decided to go through my closet to get reacquainted with the clothes that I put on hiatus. I usually try and donate the clothes that I don't wear to charity , however, I always keep my staples (Jeans, black pants, white shirts, etc.). To my delight, I found four pairs of wide legged jeans in my closet. I stored my wide legged jeans because skinny jeans were all the rave for the last 2 seasons and wide legged jeans were exiled...no longer in style. I managed to save $78 and get the jeans that I wanted for free. So for all the fashionista's out there take this advice: go shopping in your closet before you spend any money! Find out what you have in your inventory before you begin your spring/summer shopping adventures. If you have any questions or need any help shopping, leave a comment for me, and I will answer any questions you may have! Just fir the record, I did find wide legged jeans on sale at my" go to store" H&M. They are $19.95!!! !http://www.hm.com/entrance.ahtml?orguri=/

Snake Skin Bags...Another great find!



Cynthia Rowley Snake Skin Handbag
Orginally $250, bought it for $150



 If you look at the pages of any fashion magazine for the 2011 spring/summer trends, you will find that animal skin is going to be hot this season. Anything from leopard skin, to snake skin will be a great trend to add to your wardrobe. I pride myself on being a bargain shopper and someone who can find "the deal"; however,  finding an affordable snake skin bag was a little difficult. I didn't want to pay a lot of money because there is no guarantee that is a trend would have much longevity in future seasons. So I make it a rule that if I am going to indulge in a trend, I make sure that I am not investing alot of money into it. If you want to be a fashionista, you have to make sure that you are buying classics (clothes that you can wear for seasons to come) and not just trends. So I searched and searched for an affordable snake skin bag that I would be proud to carry. To me, fake snake skin and leopard skin bags tend to look kind of cheap so I decided that I would go to Nordstrom Rack, Filenes Basement and T.J. Maxx to find a bag that was genuine snake skin and that was affordable. After endless hours of searching, I finally settled on this Cynthia Rowley bag I found at T.J. Maxx which was originally $250 and I got it for $150. It is genuine snake skin and leather. I did find some great alternative for cheaper, but this bag was my style and kind of scream my name! If you don't want to spend that much, I have attached a great alternative! This Jessica Simpson Faux Snake Skin bag, is a great substitute if you want to save some money. This bag is only $88 and you can find it at Macy's.( I will attached the link below). I will be searching for other Snake Skin bags that are cheaper and feature them on this site so stay tuned!!!!



Jessica Simpson-Faux snake skin Handbag

$88

http://www.macys.com/

How To Get The New Trends For the Cheapest Prices?!

In order to be an expert shopper and an authentic fashionista, you must be armed with the tricks of the trade. You have to be an avid shopper, someone who lives to be fashion forward and someone who is very patient. I consider myself an expert because I live and breathe fashion and I have been at this for a long time. I want to give you guys some helpful tips so that you can maximize you style and minimize your cost.
Step 1: Have realistic expectations and goals - Know what the trends are and what your style is.  Trends are sometimes age and body specific. For example, If you are 40 years old and full figured, a leopard skin jumpsuit may not be something that you would look great in. However, a nice leopard skin or snake skin handbag, or a trench coat, might be a better alternative. Don't spend your money on something that you will not look great in  because if you have honest friends they will tell you how you REALLY look and you will end up sticking it in the back of your closet and you will never see it again! Spend wisely!
Step 2 : Preshop -  I begin shopping for spring in January...and sometimes before. I go to youtube and look at the fashion shows for the upcoming season, I go online to see what the celebrities are wearing and what designers and fashion insiders are saying about the upcoming fashion season,  and I have a subscription to over 5 fashion magazines. Once I get my magazines, I tear out the pages of the styles that I like and I began shopping! I go to the stores with my pages in my bag and try to find and price the item that I am looking for...then I wait.
Step 3: BE PATIENT - When you find the item that you have been obsessing about, your first impulse will be to buy it on the spot...DON'T do it; because if you begin your shopping early, chances are, the item will be full price. Retailers are banking on your impulsion and will be almost "willing" you to buy it right away. This is how you loose money. I know that waiting is the scary and risky part because if you go back a month later, they may not have your size or color, or worse, they may be sold out of the item. If you take the next step, however, this will not happen.
Step 4: Build Relationships with Retailers -  I am always on the prowl for a good deal and innovative styles. Because I am always in stores pre-shopping, some of the retailers recognize me!!!! So I use this to my advantage and ask the person on the floor when the new merchandise is coming in and when the sales are going to be. Most of the sales people respond positively and let me know when the sales will be and I come back around that time to pick up whatever item I was looking for.
Step 5: Sign up for the Email Alerts and Exclusive Member Cards:  Finally, most stores have an email list and/or special membership cards that will allow you to be the first to know about sales and other promotions happening at the store. These sales are sometimes exclusively for members so take advantage of these gifts. The snake skin shoes I blogged about earlier were $104 and I got them for $18 because they were on clearance (which I was notified about by email) and because I was an exclusive card member; I also bought the shoes on my birthday and my membership card afforded me an extra 15% off the clearance price. So next time the sales person asks you if you want to be on their email list...say YES!!

I have may more tips to share with you, but these five should get you started on your shopping adventures. Even though you may not have begun shopping or pre-shopping yet, don't fret, it is never too late to start looking stylish and most importantly, it is never too late to start saving some money!
http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/nordstrom-rack