Lauren Merkin 40% Off Promo Code - This Weekend Only

Ah, Lauren Merkin. Her clutches are stunning. She uses incredible leather, beautiful fabrics and gorgeous colors. But, alas, these lovelies are not cheap. Her bags typically range from $200-$600+.

But, my wonderful future sister-in-law sent over a promo code that knocks off 40% of all purchases at laurenmerkin.com this weekend with the code LMVIP2. This includes sale items, too! I believe the code is valid through Sunday at midnight.

Here are a few beautiful Lauren Merkin bags...don't forget, the Polyvore set shows the price BEFORE the 40% off.

Enjoy and thanks, Lily!


Lauren Merkin Promo by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Lauren Merkin bags

Loving My GAP Shrunken Boyfriend Blazer

Happy Friday, all!

As soon as I make a purchase, I pretty much have to wear it. Read impatience. I used to "save" items to wear for a special occasion, but now I am a firm believer that you should try to look, and therefore feel, your best every day. New clothes make me feel very special. hahaha!

Today was no exception. I am loving my GAP Shrunken Boyfriend blazer that I reviewed yesterday along with some other items. I'm currently sporting with jeans with the sleeves rolled up, but I think it would look precious over a dress, too!

Here's my outfit of the day. What do you think?

Outfit of the Day by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring GAP

My trip to GAP...for the 30% Give to Get Promo

On my lunch break today I took a quick trip over to GAP to check out a few things for the 30% Give to Get Promo. And, although I'd really like to post some real-life pictures of items I tried on, my computer at home crashed so that's a no-go.

So, to make this a swift post, below are the few items I attempted and my reviews!

Long Wrap Cardigan: This looked nice and cozy on the hanger, but on me it looked a little too casual. Reminded me a bit of pjs - I bet my mom would like it. She loves her some pjs.

Boyfriend Jeans: I tried on a size 2 and they were MONSTROUS. Seriously huge on me, I looked like a little girl trying on her grandpa's jeans. And listen up, GAP, I'm not that small. Also, although I like the wash, the whiskering on the front was a bit much for me.

Shrunken Schoolboy Blazer: Adorable. I can definitely see wearing this all through fall and into the North Carolina "winter". It's a nice weight and it's well lined, too. I tried on a 2 and it fit great.



Braided Corsage Tee: Super cute on the hanger. I tried on this top in an XS in a beautiful steel gray but it was really big. I didn't see this in petites...but if I had maybe it would look better on me?

Are you going to head to Old Navy, GAP or Banana Republic for the 30% off promo?

*Don't forget - if you need an in-store code, just send me an email and I'll hook you up!

New Shopping Site Discovery...Papayaclothing.com

While I was surfing the endless shopping options online, I ran into papayaclothing.com. Much to my delight it reminds me a bit of lulus.com crossed with Forever 21's Love21 line with a touch of GoJane.com.

Now, maybe I'm just late to the party, but I have never surfed Papaya's site before. And even though it looks like they snatched up Hef's twins from the Playboy mansion to model their clothing, I found some very cute items. Sure there is a lot of ruching and ruffles to many of their items, but keep your eye on the prize, I promise there is cuteness in there. Prices roughly range from $10-$20 for tops and $15-$30 for dresses...super affordable. I can't comment directly about the quality, as I've never ordered from there.

Here's a mini Polyvore set that features a few cute Papaya items. This could be a good website to check for those trendy pieces that you really don't want to invest to much cash in.

What do you think of Papayaclothing.com?


Papaya Set by Coley's Closet Cravings on Polyvore.com

Give to Get - Friends and Family Promotion: Banana Republic, GAP, Old Navy, 30% Off

Before you purchase any items for the retailers listed above, stop!

From July 30 - August 2, BR, GAP and Old Navy are running their Give to Get Promotion where you can get 30% off your entire order in-store or online. This promo works at outlets too! Additionally, 5% of your total order will benefit a nonprofit of your choosing. If you need a coupon for in-store, send me an email and I'll invite you to the event!

Chasing Davies also offered up an adorable GAP set just yesterday!

I made a Polyvore set of all the lovelies at Old Navy, GAP and Banana Republic. Aren't those little yellow flats adorable?! Very Anthropologie. Did you see that, Anthroholic? :)

Give to Get Promo: 30% off: July 30 - August 2 by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Banana Republic

Celebrity Style Stalker: Rachel McAdams & Cameron Diaz at Comic-Con

Happy Monday, everyone! Both Rachel McAdams and Cameron Diaz were sporting adorable looks while in San Diego this weekend for Comic-Con.

Photo credit: Dennis Poroy/AP

Because the photo is only waist up and is just a few days old, I'm not sure of the designers for both ladies' outfits. Nevertheless, I decided to recreate the looks below in my Celebrity Style Stalker.

What do you think?

Celebrity Style Stalker by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Old Navy

Bathing Suit Success Online...I Hope...

So, after one more day in bathing suit hell, I finally gave up and ordered two suits at Bluefly.com. First up is a DKNY swimsuit that has a fun print and underwire. I ordered a large top and a small bottom.



I also ordered this L Space swimsuit that is surprisingly supportive. The woman who helped me at a local Charlotte swimwear and lingerie store, E Martini, recommended this suit. I was a bit apprehensive, but the top was actually quite comfortable and cute. The only size she had was too small, so I had to turn online to order a large top and a small bottom.



On Bluefly.com I used the code SHOPSTYLE30 for $30 off $150. The code is only good for first time customers only, but I used a new email address so it worked just fine!

Here's hoping at least one of these two suits fits!

I Hate My Boobs and Now I Hate the Mall

I have a problem. Granted, I'm sure I have lots of problems. But really though, my boobs are a problem. I know, I should be thankful for what I have, and I am - thanks mom and grandma, but they can be a problem. They are a problem when shopping for a swimsuit (and running long distances, golfing and wearing button-down shirts) but I digress.

As I mentioned previously, I am headed to the beach in just a few weeks which means:

1) Running a few extra miles

2) Easing up on the gelato

3) Finding a new swimsuit that has some sort of support for the sisters

I thought number three would be a piece of cake., especially compared to number two. But, no - hell no. I spent hours at the mall yesterday trying to find a cute swimsuit that had some sort of underwire. I found nothing, zilch, nada. I thoroughly thank my husband for being patient while I scoured the mall and left with nothing...and pouted.

I tried on one suit on at Everything But Water and it looked heinous. So, I am attempting one more store today and then I will have to order online. But the funny thing is...there aren't even that many options online short of the Victoria's Secret Miracle Bra Suit and crazy tankinis. J. Crew does have some cute suits online, but they either are out of my size or the item I want is final sale, a terrible idea for me when it comes to swimwear.

All I want it a cute, underwire top without a nutty design and normal, low-rise bottoms. Am I asking for too much? No one wants to look inappropriate or saggy-mc-saggerson.

This is not a good look for me...

Help two sisters out...any suggestions?

Friday Special: Your Bank - Break It or Save It

Good morning, friends!

Today's edition of Your Bank - Break It or Save It features pink wrap dresses, python handbags, beaded cluster necklaces and grey suede pumps. The set on the left will foreclose your home for roughly $13,000, since that gorgeous Kara Ross python bag retails for $6,500 alone, while the set on the right retails for approximately $200.

I must say though, the DVF dress on the left is incredible, I may have to stalk that one online and wait for it to go one sale. Also, Simply Vera, Vera Wang's line at Kohl's, has some incredible jewelry for minimal prices...The Chloe Conspiracy featured some of the Vera lovlies just yesterday.

What do you think - break it or save it? Or maybe a bit of both?

Break It or Save It by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Diane von Furstenberg dresses

Outfit of the Day: J Crew Sanur and Target Palesa Gladiators

I love the J. Crew Sanur dress. I love it so much that I own two...one gray and one mango. I decided to share my Sanur love and sport my gray option at work today, as my workplace is a bit casual.

I paired my gray Sanur with a cropped Old Navy jean jacket, silver hoops, big ponytail (which you sadly can't see) and pewter Target gladiator sandals.

I love this outfit...it's easy and breezy. I can't wait to bring this dress along with my other beachy items on vacation in a few weeks!

Do you have any beachwear suggestions for me?

Currently Craving: Ornamental Onyx Jewelry

Happy Thursday, everyone!

I'm currently craving ornamental onyx jewelry...even if its not real onyx, of course! I've been seeing plenty of celebs, from Anne Hathaway to Fergie, sporting onyx earring, necklaces and onyx Cartier Panther rings.

Photo credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

So, in honor of my onyx love, behold my polyvore set!
And, keeping the recessionistas in mind, nothing in this set is over $40!

Are you craving onyx jewelry?

Ornamental Onyx Jewelry by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Forever21 jewelry

Hysterical Harem Pants

There are some trends that I understand will never look good on me. There are some trends that I can't afford. And then there are some trends (very few) that I find absolutely ridiculous, inane and insane. A perfect example of a trend that I find absolutely inane is harem pants.

Hammer don't hurt 'em.

In all seriousness though, it's like the fashion community really wants harem pants to work. So much so, that the pants have been popping up everywhere from Neiman Marcus to Forever 21. I'm still not biting, I think they are fug. Who wants the crotch of their pants to hover at their knees?

The only, and let me emphasize again, the only women who should even be attempting harem pants are those who are tall and very slender. Example: Angie Harmon.

And even still...these Ralph Lauren harem pants had to be streamlined and immesely modified to resemble beautiful pijama pants. Nice job, Ralph.

Photo Credit: Kat Prouse/Catwalking/Getty; Donato Sardella/Wireimage


Are harem pants too legit to quit or should they just quit?

Madewell is Coming to Charlotte, NC - 15% off

For those of you in the Charlotte, NC area - Madewell is coming to Southpark Mall!

I received this email today...so I'm thinking if you receive J Crew emails, you will definitely get this one. I actually found this 15% promo in my spam folder within my gmail...so keep an eye out!

The 15% promo is good from August 1 - August 16, and is a one-time use per customer.

Real Life Review: Nordstroms Vigoss Ritz Jeans

The photos below are the Vigoss Ritz Jeans currently on sale at the Nordstroms anniversary sale for $35.90. I reviewed them over the weekend. As you can see they have a nice dark wash and some medium distressing. Although I didn't take any back shots, the pockets are normal and not offensive by any means.

Even though I'm a denim snob, I really love this pair. They have just enough stretch and are pretty comfy for a pair of skinny jeans. I think this pair looks great with both feminine and androgynous pieces.

What do you think? For $35.90, are they a buy for you?

Vigoss Ritz jeans, Target Proenza Schouler top, Kohl's pumps, Forever 21 belt

Vigoss Ritz jeans, Banana Republic tank, Necessary Objects blazer, Tahari Shasta shoes, Forever 21 necklace

Outfit of the Day - New F21 Skirt

Today's outfit of the day includes my new F21 skirt - which is really adorable on. I ordered a small and it fits well, albeit a bit large. I think the skirt in question is supposed to be fit more high -waisted, but because it runs a bit large it falls around my navel.

Nevertheless, it's really cute, comfortable and definitely work appropriate.

Here's my $15.80 stylin' skirt and my outfit of the day. Thoughts?

Coley's Outfit of the Day by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring J Crew

Celebrity Style Stalker: Lauren Conrad Copy

Happy Sunday, everyone!

Up this morning is a Lauren Conrad copy. LC usually rocks some pretty trendy duds, even if her own fashion like is taking a "time-out"because of the of the current economic condition.

This outfit is very fresh and fitting for the summer. Plus, the navy tulip skirt can certainly translate into fall with black, opaque tights and a blazer.

Photo Credit: Jose Garcia/Broadimage

Here's my (much more affordable) LC Copy - what do you think?

Celebrity Style Stalker - Lauren Conrad by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Forever21

Quick Trip to Nordstroms' Anniversary Sale

So, I did end up taking a quick trip to Nordstroms last night. And, I tried on the Vigoss "Ritz" skinny distressed jeans.

Now, many of you know that I am a jean fiend and I have too many pairs to count. But, these jeans are of great quality, fit very well and have a nice weight to them...so, for $35.90 I had to buy them. Just an fyi, the weight is similar to SFAMK jeans (that's Seven For All Mankind for those who are not jean freaks).

They run true-ish to size, but they are cut a bit slim. I took a 27 and they look very cute with heels. I'm still deciding if I want to have them hemmed or just leave them "bunchy". I also ended up ordering the ECI Ruffle Top shown in my set below. I won't receive the top for a few days, but I'll do my best to take some real-life photos of the jeans this weekend.

Happy Saturday!

Nordstroms Anniversary Sale Cuteness by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Enzo Angiolini shoes

Friday Special: Your Bank - Break It or Save It

For today's edition of the Friday Special we have black flutter sleeve dresses, cobalt pumps, jeweled cuffs and patent clutches. I adore this outfit with a nice pop of color in the pumps and a statement cuff.

The outfit on the left will punch your bank account right where it hurts for well over $800. This is if you can find the Black Halo dress at all, much less on sale. The outfit on the right, which is a pretty fine replica if I do say so myself, will only run you about $170, all in.

Do you want to break your bank or save it?

Friday Special: Break It or Save It by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Black Halo

Nordstroms Anniversary Sale Is On Like Donkey Kong

Since I was up at 6:30 a.m. anyway, I decided to check out Nordstroms Anniversary Sale online. Overall, I was a bit underwhelmed. Normally, the NAS has an incredible selection of denim and shoes and this year it was just so-so for me. I'm sure my credit card and husband appreciate that. *golf claps*

They had a great selection of leather and faux leather jackets as well as some very cute boots and a few adorable dresses.

I only ordered one item online since, a) It's been quite the shopping month already, b) I didn't see too many items that I "needed" and c) The one item I really wanted was not available for pick-up in-store. Take a peruse for yourself...but here's the one item I ordered.

This is the Sashimi Faux Leather Motorcycle Jacket in Gray. It's on sale from for $44.90 and retails for $68.00. Although I was tempted to keep it safe by ordering this jacket in black, I went out on a limb and ordered the gray option, as I was really diggin' the color. Hopefully I'll enjoy it when it arrives!

Are you checking out the NAS?

Jean Addicts Unite...

If you're a jean fiend like I am then get excited...because both Hautelook.com and Gilt.com have jean sales today!

Hautelook is peddling William Rast (11 a.m. Eastern time) while Gilt is offering J Brand (12 noon Eastern time). These are two of my favorite jean brands...and although I'm on a jean freeze I hope some of you can buy 'em up! I love William Rast's bootcut and J Brand's skinny jeans and Love Story.

If you need an invite to either Hautelook or Gilt just look to the column right of this post, scroll down and click. Just an FYI - William Rast usually runs at least one size large, so size down when you order!

Enjoy!

Celebrity Style Stalker: Kelly Ripa Rip-Off

Happy Thursday!

While scrolling through some celebrity blogs I saw this photo of Kelly Ripa. Her outfit below is flawless. I love love love it. Yes, that is three loves.

Photo credit: Ramey

Kelly is sporting a Dries Van Noten striped skirt which retails for $405...that's if you can find it anywhere. I conjured up a similar and far less expensive look below. Horizontal stripes are tough to pull off, but pair it with simply accessories and you'll come out a winner.

Here's my take on Kelly's fab outfit...thoughts?

Kelly Ripa Rip-Off by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Forever21

Stone Drape Necklace Back at Forever21

Back in May, I bought the white Stone Drape Necklace at F21 for $13.80. I have worn it countless times and it quickly sold out online and in-stores. But guess what...it's back in black!

Here is the new version. I highly recommend this piece as an affordable statement necklace! It doesn't cost a c-note or two, so clearly it's not made of the best quality materials!

Nonetheless, this piece looks super sharp even with a plain v-neck and jeans. It may be a bit dark for summer, but it will look smashing for fall and winter.

Are you diggin' the drape necklace?

Express $30 off $75 - Through Sunday, July 19

I took a quick peek at Express.com and saw a cute boyfriend blazer, sharp leather vest and there is still that adorable sleeveless ruffled dress that Eva Longoria wore a few months ago.

Enjoy!

Target Trip

I needed mascara, so of course I had to check out Target's clothing selection...here are just a few items I tried on. Please be easy on me...this is the first time I'm posting pictures of myself!


Merona Short Sleeve Dress - Geo Print
I saw this frock online and thought it looked adorable on the model, albeit a bit safari-esque. I grabbed an XS and took a trip to the dressing room.

Kinda cute, but it runs fairly large; I had to belt quite a bit of fabric. And, because I'm fun size, it was way too long on me. This style comes in solids, too.


Mossimo Supply Co. Pleated Tank

For $9.99 I would buy practically anything. This pleated tank comes in a variety of colors, the aqua and the bright orange are both very pretty in person. I tried an XS and although I love the scoop neck with the pleating, but it's a bit wide at the bottom...almost too unfinished for my liking. I look quite hippy. The width is just about the same for a S and XS. Maybe if it was tucked in with a wide leather belt I'd enjoy it more?

Gigi just reviewed a bunch of super cute dresses from Target...

Thoughts?

True Blue Tuesday

Forget about a Case of the Mondays...let's talk about True Blue Tuesday. Blue is my favorite color, and I don't find it the least bit depressing. I guess that's where Picasso and I part ways!

Celebrities have been rocking the blues quite recently in dresses, tops, shoes, bags etc. Here are a few of my faves...

I've noticed my Polyvore library have become chock-full of lovely blue items. Cobalt pumps, pale blue sandals, navy dresses, etc. A pop of blue in any shade always perks me up. Navy blue is so regal, while cobalt is so bright and vibrant and powder blue is so fresh. I would love a crisp white top, dark wash denim and those cobalt pumps in the upper right corner of my Polyvore set below.

Here's my True Blue Tuesday...

How about you? A fan of the True Blue Tuesday?

True Blue Tuesday by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Seychelles shoes

Product Review: St. Ives Apricot Scrub, A-

Today's review is an oldie but a goodie. I have been using St. Ives Apricot Scrub since I was 13...no joke. Of all the exfoliators I've tried, this one is my fave and is super affordable at $3.99 for 6 oz.

This scrub smells nice and leaves your face (and body) super soft and glowing. Minor warning, this scrub is grittier than most, so I recommend wetting your face before using and using a gentle hand. Also, because it's a rougher grain scrub it can be drying so make sure you are heavy-handed with the moisturizer after using. The package says it's gentle enough to use daily, but because it's a fairly rough scrub, I only use it 2-3 times per week.

In the past few years St. Ives has added new formulations to their Apricot Scrub line to include the following:

• Invigorating
• Oily or Acne Prone Skin
• Renew and Firm
• Gentle for Sensitive Skin
  

Overall, this scrub gets an A- for me.

Pros: Exfoliates very well, affordable, accessible, not tested on animals
Cons: Can be a bit drying, harsh scrub for this with very sensitive skin

Have you ever tried St. Ives Apricot Scrub?

$75 Special: Black and White and Grey All Over

Ah, the recession. Many of us are feeling the pinch of the economy...ah, who am I kidding...the economy is kicking me in the arse. Many clothing lines have been slashing prices and offering cheaper alternatives to their $250 jeans and $500 pumps.

However, Forever21 has been offering up affordable duds for years now. Are they made of high quality fabric and will last for years? No. Are they trendy and cute? Yes. So today I have offered up two professional, work looks for under $75 each, all furnished by Forever21.

I highly the doubt that the shoes chosen are comfortable for more than six seconds, but you get my point. Affordable and trendy CAN coexist.

Happy Saturday!

Two work looks under $75 each by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Forever21

Friday Special: Your Bank - Break It Or Save It

Happy Friday everyone!

This week's edition of Break It or Save It features tiered satin skirts, nude pumps and ladylike watches. The option on the left will pummel your bank for about $4,000 while the option on the right will only cost about $350. If you're able to break it and snatch up Cavalli and Louboutin, I need your number!

Isn't the watch in option two so pretty? Only $75, too! Enjoy the Polyvore love!

Friday Special by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Nine West shoes

Free Money at BananaRepublic.com

I woke up to the following email with a code (that is not included here)...

Whoever is devising the online marketing for Banana Republic is intelligent. Way to go. This is a fun way to encourage people to head to BR's website, shop around long enough to add something to their bag and check their promo code. I did it, but I admit I'm a sucker for a deal.

I didn't purchase anything, as my code was only worth $15, but if you want a free $15 credit for Banana Republic online, valid today through July 12, email me! The code is only good for one customer, so it's first come first serve. The only caveat is that you must post a comment detailing your purchases! Everyone loves a little shop and tell.

In case you're wondering...here is the fine print:

1) LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES (D.C.) 18 YEARS AND OLDER. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Coupon valid for one use per customer during promotion period. Promotion valid between July 9, 2009 at 12:00 AM ET and July 12, 2009 at 11:59 PM ET. Offer not valid at Edition by Banana Republic, Banana Republic stores, or Banana Republic Factory Stores. Offer valid on Banana Republic merchandise only purchased online. During the Promotion Period, take your Coupon code to checkout on www.bananarepublic.com to recognize the value of your Coupon. Coupons are only valid during the Promotion Period. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent. No adjustments on previous purchase. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts including Gap Inc. employee discount. Gap Inc. is not responsible for lost or stolen coupons. For Official Rules, and gift descriptions, go to www.bananarepublic.com Sponsor: Gap Inc., 2 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94105.

Did you get the Banana Republic mystery email?

Impatience Pays Off...Nordstroms Anniversary Sale: Online Catalog

Yep, I'm impatient. I have been impatient my whole life...ask my mom. I don't like waiting at lights, I get irritated when people take too long to turn, I especially do not enjoy waiting for a table at a great restaurant, and I am even annoyed when people take too long to answer a question. So, naturally I have been impatiently waiting for my Nordstroms Anniversary Sale catalogue to arrive in the mail.

But guess what...we don't have to wait any longer because it's available online! Here is the link that will scoot your impatient, shopping-focused cranium over to the online catalogue. After breezing through it I am definitely craving a leather motorcycle jacket and some new flat, brown boots. And, of course, the MAC and Bobbi Brown collections look superb.

Nordstroms Anniversary Sale will run from Friday, July 17-Sunday, August 2.

What do you think of this year's Nordstroms Anniversary Sale offerings?

Anything look craveable?

J Crew 20% Off Final Sale Through Friday, July 10

Enjoy!