Why Do Rompers Look Cute on Everyone But ME?!

I think rompers are absolutely adorable and a perfect option to wear during the hot summer months. However, they look positively TERRIBLE on me! I swear I have tried on different fabrics, styles, brands and prices and nothing looks flattering. I actually end up resembling a prisoner or something. For those who can actually pull off this look I found three really cute styles at Nordstrom.com...

Hot Shoes for $22 bucks! Yes Please!

I was browsing the 'New Arrivals' section on the Forever 21 website, and I came across these beauties....

For $22.80 these babies can be yours. I think they look extremely high quality considering the price tag, so I thought I would share! I am particularly fond of the back zipper and buckle details. They also are available in black.

I Heart Discounts

This past week has been a discount shopping bonanza for me! It may be the insanely hot Texas weather causing me to escape into below freezing air conditioned stores... or the fact that my last paycheck was not designated for a dreadful bill, thus allowing me to spend to my heart's content. And I did! Pictures will be posted as soon as I get home, charge my camera and motivate my lazy arse to take some (eta: 1-3 business days). Until said event, I will tickle your imagination with a summary of my goodies.

Stop #1: Forever 21 (haven't been in ages!)
Haul:
*A loud and slightly gaudy, yet amazing, floral print skirt $21
* Denim cut off shorts that fit perfectly $17
* Floaty, chiffon, watercolor patterned tank, with exposed back zipper $19
* Sleeveless, white, crinkly tunic (Perf with skinny jeans and flats) $22
* Navy button up with roll-button sleeves (exact James Perse duplicate) $15
-note: When I mentioned the similarities to the sales girl, she looked at me with a blank stare and asked, "Who's James Perse?" *sigh*
* White satin headband with a bouquet-sized amount of cascading flowers $3
-note: Wore to dinner with the BF, he was slightly embarrassed by the stares. I basked in the fashionable glory.
* Gold and black glass dangly earrings $6
* Skinny, white, faux croc belt $6
Total: $109 before tax

Stop #2: Buffalo Exchange (resale shop for those unfamiliar)
Haul:
* A flowy, silk, brown tank by Theory $15
-note: I am a Theory junky, and when I find deals like this I am happy for a week
* Stretchy, army green, tank by Theory $17
-note: BRAND NEW WITH TAGS!! retailed for $90!
* White, cotton, crop-sleeved blazer by C & C California $15
* Grey and beige cashmere tube top by Narcisco Rodriguez $19
-note: I almost cried from happiness when I found this designer item for under twenty bucks
Total: $66 before tax

Stop #3: JC Penny (I have been dying to try out their I Heart Ronson collection)
Haul:
* Short sleeve, linen, button up, "vintage" style shirt $18
* High waisted, pastel floral, attached woven belt skirt $20
-note: It has been years since I have stepped foot inside a JC Penny and overall I was impressed with their selection. I would've looked more if I wasn't on my lunch break. I specifically went there to sample Charlotte Ronson's price-point line, but I will have to return to check out the Chip and Pepper denim collaboration for JCP as well.
Total: $38 before tax

So, for $213 before tax, I made out like a bandit! I promise I will post pictures soon to show off all my purchases. Happy shopping!

Balmain VS Bebe

I was browsing through the latest issue of US Weekly (I'm a celeb junkie) and I came across these Balmain heels on both Rihanna and Audrina from the Hills. I love. They are totally flamboyant and over-the-top, but that is what makes them fun. Imagine a plain white tee, some skinny jeans and these bad boys:

The only problem is the $1700 (or more in some cases) price tag. However, many knockoffs have been created, some terrible, some not so bad. The BEST version of the Balmain is from Bebe. Unfortunately, they sold out rather quickly so Ebay is the only available option. I found a pair in my size going for $200, which is only slightly more than the original retail price. They look pretty good, huh?

This would be a huge leap outside of my fashion comfort box, so I think I'll leave them to Rihanna for now. I do think they are gorge on the right person/outfit. I was just so impressed with the Bebe version that I had to share!

Summer Denim DIY

While browsing the denim selection at Neiman Marcus I noticed that most of the styles for summer are cropped and cuffed. Why pay a fortune for an off the rack pair when I can easily make my own?! I have an old pair of Sevens tucked away in my closet that I never wear, yet I can't bare to get rid of because of the ridiculous price I paid for them years ago. I plan on converting them into a style similar to this Current/Elliot version.....

All you need to do to recreate the look is cut a few inches off the bottom, roll up a few times, add some distressing and pow! Magic. For the destroyed look I like to use rough sandpaper to add an extra worn appearance on the knees and seams. If you cut holes, make them tiny, and then wash them a few times and the holes will have a more natural frayed look.

I also love the shorter version, which is just as easy to DIY... just cut off more length.

Perfect with a flowy white top or a slouchy boyfriend tee. No one will ever know you made them yourself!

Summer Dresses at Saks on Sale!

My list of "Summer Must Haves", which is continuing to grow I must say, includes a bountiful selection of everyday Summer dresses. Light, casual and effortless are my prerequisites for the perfect hot weather frock. Saks Fifth Avenue just added additional markdowns and I was pleased to see discounts on a lot of current styles. The hard part will be narrowing down my selection from the favorites I have pictured below:

Was $325, Now $195
DVF

Was $315, Now $189
Theory

Was $315, Now $125
Theory

Was $295, Now $177
Theory

Was $238, Now $142
Madison Marcus

Was $162, Now $97
Ella Moss

Was $158, Now $110
Juicy Couture

Was $100, Now $60
Design History

Designer Accessories Sale

One of my favorite online sample sale websites www.gilt.com is having a Memorial Day special designer accessories sale. I love it when they do these events because Gilt pulls together a bunch of different designers instead of the usual few per day (I hate waiting!). The sale starts at 12pm Eastern on May 22 and features 15 different designers including; Marc Jacobs, Nina Ricci, Dolce and Gabbana, and many more. I have frequently made purchases from this site and you MUST get there early to snag the items you want, they go quickly! You need to have access to Gilt Group to enter the sale, so if you don't already have an account you can e-mail me for an invite.