June 29, 2009

You Stud, You...


So, I was all ready to review Express' studded boyfriend blazer and I took notice that one of my favorite blogs Cupcakes & Cashmere offered up a great outfit with a gorgeous vintage lace dress and a Zara studded blazer. Much to my disappointment, I do not have a Zara anywhere near me, so if you're like me - the Express studded boyfriend jacket is a fabulous option.

The blazer fits pretty true to size and looks great with skinny jeans, dress shorts and girly dresses. I really like the studded detail and the fabric is nice and smooth. This blazer retails for $98, but with the 2541 code you can snag it for $20 off. Plus, if you're shopping bag hits $100, that very same code will still knock $30 off your entire order. Take note though, this code does not apply for clearance items. I ordered it in a size 2 and can't wait to receive it in the mail! I think this blazer is not only a great option for the summer, but will transition beautifully into the fall and winter months!

What do you think of this blazer? Studly or fugly?

Black or White?

With the passing of the legendary Michael Jackson, I thought it would be appropriate to offer up a little Polyvore love with the classic question, Black or White?

The white jeans you see below are Rich & Skinny, and I bought this specific pair from Bluefly.com last summer and I really like them. They run true to size, if a bit small. I took a 27 and they fit great.

If you're ever ordering items from Bluefly.com make sure you do an internet-wide search for codes. It seems as if they run a new promo code almost every week.

Which ensemble will you rock with a moonwalk, Black or White?

Happy Monday!

Black or White

June 27, 2009

Review: Strap Perfect - The Ultimate Bra Strap Solution, A-



Many of you have probably witnessed the "Strap Perfect" TV commercials. The little Strap Perfect supposedly conceals bra straps instantly and adds a cup size. I think they may even promise you riches and happiness throughout life, too. I kid, I kid!

Nevertheless, I picked up this little TV infomercial-promoted wonder to give it a try. I paid $9.95 at my local CVS. Bottom line - I hate when my bra straps show and quite a few racerback tanks have recently made their way into my closet - so I figured its worth a try.

The box comes complete with six Strap Perfect clips - two clear, two nude and two black. In addition, they include 24 pieces of invisible style tape.

So, did it work?
Yes. I tried out the nude clip with my traditional Victoria Secret Body bra and it certainly did its job. It did, however, take a bit of practice to make sure that the clip was secured and not peeking out from behind my racerback tank. My traditional bra instantly became racerback style and the clip didn't bug me the least bit.

Did it instantly add a full cup size ?
Not for me, and I'm just fine with that. It did provide a bit of lift though, simply because your hiking up your bra.

Total Review: A-
The only reason this product gets an A- and not an A+ is because you have to work with the clip just a bit.


Happy Saturday!

June 26, 2009

Friday Special: Break The Bank or Save Your Bank

This morning's edition of Break It or Save It features bright, coral dresses with structured sleeves, woven aquamarine bags, beaded bracelets and white, studded heels. I came across the Save It dress while I was perusing BCBG's online sale section. It seems like they are always running some type sale, and if you can time it right you can score some major goods online or in-store.

How about your bank - Break It for approximately $2400 or pay one-tenth with the Save It option?

Happy Friday!

June 25, 2009

Lorelei Handbag Sale at Gilt.com

Looking for a bright, gorgeous summer handbag under $150? Lorelei at Gilt.com is your answer! Lorelei's bags retail upwards of $275 each...all the way up to $600. So, this is a great deal if you're looking for that great summer clutch made out of incredible Italian leather.

I often check out Gilt when I'm craving some eye candy - and Lorelei delivers. Some of the clutches and handbags are already sold out, but there are some lovelies still left.

Below is just a taste of what is offered at Gilt.com until tomorrow at midnight (June 26). If you need a Gilt.com invite just click here. Have a great day!


Lorelei at Gilt.com


June 24, 2009

Shift Your Attitude

Photo via AFP/Getty Images

Simple shifts are popping up everywhere and on everyone, from Michelle Obama to Eva Mendes. I really like a shift as it's very versatile. You can dress it up or down, belt it, stack on a pretty statement necklace, wear it to work or a wedding, etc. It's the uber dress and a definite classic. Oh, and if you're wondering, Michelle Obama's shift was designed by Michael Kors. Lovely!

While I was out of town for work yesterday, I had time to kill between meetings so I wandered into a local thrift shop. I walked out with an adorable black shift and 70s inspired red woven belt for $6....total. Super score.

So, if you're feeling adventurous, check out your local thrift stores as you never know what you'll find. Shifts were big in the 50s and 60s as well as the late 90s, so there are definitely little treasures to be found in vintage and consignment shops.

But, if you prefer to buy your duds "fresh" here is a compilation of my current faves!

Happy Wednesday!

June 22, 2009

More than Lip Service: Pretty in Pink

It's hot out, especially in Charlotte, where I currently live. Not just hot...I mean blistering 100 degrees. The humidity and heat wave is quite an issue if you're heading out to dinner and trying to look like a lovely, fresh daisy. So...instead making my makeup work overtime, I just focus my efforts on one feature. Lips!

Eye makeup can slide off in intense humidity and bronzer can look muddy when the mercury is rising. With all of the great new summer colors hitting the shelves, I am really liking bright pink/fuchsia lips. By sporting bright lips, you can certainly take it easy on your eyes and face. I enjoy a quick swipe of black, liquid eyeliner, a bit of mascara and a neutral flush.

Rachel McAdams sports the fresh, bright pink lip trend with her look below. This month's edition of InStyle magazine mentions that Rachel's lipcolor is a combo of two lippies: MAC's Impassioned and NARS' Roman Holiday.

Photo courtesy of Wenn

I did a bit of drugstore detective work and I found a really nice alternative with Revlon's Creme Gloss in Fiercely Fuchsia. The creme gloss has a nice consistency and decent wear time. It's a bit cooler than Rachel's lip, but it's very pretty as a punch of color with a neutral canvas!

Happy Monday!

June 20, 2009

Celebrity Style Stalker: Eva Longoria & Express Dress

Photo courtesy of Splashnews

Eva Longoria always looks adorable. I saw this photo above a few weeks ago and my little head started running through all the potential places I could have spotted this little number. And then I remembered, I tried on this exact dress on at Express! Express Sleeveless Ruffle Front Dress

I don't frequent Express very often, but this dress is very cute in person, even if you're not 98 pounds like Eva. The dress is still in stores and online and retails for $69.50. It's offered in a variety of colors and sizes. I tried on a size 2 and it fit like a glove. This would be a great pick for work and a nice transition piece for cocktail hour, too!

And...if you're looking to order some Express duds online, the promo code 2541 offers $20 off $50 and $30 off $100. Have a great Saturday!

June 19, 2009

Friday Special: Break the Bank or Save Your Bank

Oooo leather and lace. No I'm not talking about a frightening "gentleman's club" nor am I referencing two American Gladiators from the 90's...I'm talking about mixing girly dresses with leather jackets!

Mike & Chris makes an amazing leather jacket, but it retails for $725...that is unless Hautelook or Gilt is hosting a special. Plus if you're a lover of the animals and would prefer to go with a synthetic material, Silence & Noise's jacket is a very nice option!

So you choose...

Break the bank with the Alexander McQueen dress, Mike & Chris jacket and Christian Louboutin's...massacring your credit card for over $6,000

or

Save your bank with Forever21's ruffle knit tunic, Silence and Noise jacket and Tahari's Shasta sandals for a much more palatable $250.

Happy Friday!

June 18, 2009

Lovely Laura Mercier On Sale Now at Gilt.com

This just in...Laura Mercier cosmetics are on sale at Gilt.com! Many of the items are offered at a pretty deep discount!

I used all Laura Mercier for my wedding makeup, and I think LM offers some of best quality cosmetics out there. I especially enjoy their oil-free foundation, tinted moisturizer, concealer, lipstick and lip glace. Oh, and their brushes are great, in my opinion they rival Bobbi Brown and MAC.

Gilt actually has most LM items still in-stock (for now)! But get 'em while you can, I have a feeling most of the items will sell out quickly!

The Laura Mercier sale closes at noon EDT this Saturday, June 20.

If you need an invitation to Gilt, click here!

June 17, 2009

Nordstroms Score of the Day - Sam Edelman Gigi Sandals

If you're positively addicted to shoes like I am, check out my deal o' the day. Nordies is offering up a great pair of Sam Edelman sandals, "Gigi" 50% off. These puppies were originally $78.95, now $38.90.

I was searching around this morning on Ebay for these in yellow and instead of wheeling and dealing, I can go right to the source! Nordstroms is always a great spot to double check their online sales rack when a gift card is burning a hole in your pocket! These run pretty true to size, in my opinion.

Enjoy!

Deal of the Day - Nordstroms


June 16, 2009

25% off all online MAC cosmetic orders through June 18

If you love MAC as much as I do, then take advantage of their (very rare) online sale. Today through Wednesday, June 18, MAC is offering 25% off of all purchases when you use the offer code SAVE25 at checkout. Looks like you may get free shipping if you purchase $60 or more, too!

Take a peek at http://www.maccosmetics.com/





Details:
Save 25% on all online purchases on MACCOSMETICS.COM. Use offer code SAVE25 at checkout. Offer is valid from June 16 - 18 on orders shipped to United States addresses only. Offer is not applied to Viva Glam products or the purchase of MAC Cosmetics gift and egift cards.

June 15, 2009

Target Shoe Mania

While I was out of town this weekend, I had some time to kill so I wandered in to the local Target and was blown away by the cuteness in their shoe section. Whoever is taking care of the buying for Target's summer shoes is doing a great job! I couldn't purchase any since I had little time and no room in my carry on (big surprise) but I definitely plan on heading back soon!

Here's just a taste of a few lovely pairs I saw at Target, and none of them are over $30!

Happy Monday!

Target Shoe Mania


Target Shoe Mania by Coley's Closet Cravings on Polyvore.com

June 12, 2009

Friday Special: Break The Bank or Save Your Bank

For this Friday's installment of Break The Bank or Save Your Bank, I wanted to highlight jumpsuits/playsuits. At first I was a bit fearful of the shorts/top combo and looking like a confused third grader who was originally seeking a skort, but I have come around to enjoy them. It is HOW you dress the jumpsuit that matters. I was originally inspired by Blake Lively in this gorgeous Adam Silk Double Strap Playsuit, which ironically was on sale at Net-A-Porter for $182, down from $365, but is now sold out.


Photo credit: Kambouris/WireImage

So, without further adieu, here is your bank, you can either Break it or Save it! The option on the left will set you back over $3,000 while the option on the right totals to approximately $350.

Friday Special


Friday Special by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Jimmy Choo shoes


June 9, 2009

Booty shorts are not for everyone...

If you have been to any retail outlet in the last few months, you may have noticed that there are typically three short lengths.

1) Booty shorts/Short shorts: The name says it all. They barely cover your caboose. Typically inappropriate and not cute unless you're making a guest appearance in a Lil' Wayne video.

Case and point: These are actually from American Eagle; I tried them on today. The inseam is a mere 2". I saw even shorter and much more offensive options outside of AE. I would have to buy these two sizes larger to be able to put them lower on my hips (thus making them "longer") to feel comfortable wearing them anywhere except the pool. AE Favorite Short, $24.95

2) Boyfriend shorts/Cut offs: Cute for a day at the beach or for scooting around town.

Case and point: I saw this pair at Nordstroms. Nice length and very appropriate for a casual beach or errand day. The inseam uncuffed is 6", so cuffed would be roughly 4-5". Vigoss Stretch Denim Boyfriend Short, $46


3) Bermudas/City shorts: Longer shorts that look great with heels or wedges but can also look nicely put together with strappy flats.

Case and point: This pair from Target does the job at a very affordable price. It's easy to dress these up or down. Mossimo Black Bermuda Short, $19.99


Coley's Short Conundrum...

So, what do you wear to an outdoor work event when the weather is in the 90's, but you don't want to look like a street walker or a beach bum? That was the problem I was presented with just days ago. After three stores and many pairs attempted, I settled on Express's Cotton Sateen Wide Loop Short, $37.12.

With a 4.5" inseam they are literally inches longer than other options that I ran into, but are still short enough to stay cool. Not only will these little (but not too little) shorts look great with flats or flip flops, but I venture that they will look cute with wedges too! I took a size 2 in these shorts.

As always, Express runs tons of in-store promos, and if you want to order anything online, use promo code 2541 for $20 off $50 or $30 off $100. I believe this coupon expires 06/30/09.

That's the long and short of it!

June 8, 2009

Maxi Dresses for Maximum Impact

Happy Monday!

Since the weather is finally cooperating and summer dresses are flying off the shelves everywhere, I wanted to offer up a quick post on maxi dresses. I used to think that vertically challenged ladies couldn't rock a maxi, but I have since changed my mind.

Here are my maxi dress rules:

1) If you are petite, take it easy with the prints and billowy skirts. You'll likely look like the dress ate you for breakfast.

2) If you are busty, make sure your top has thicker straps or is halter based. If you have a large bust and you sport a maxi with thin straps and flowy fabric, people may think your ego is preggo.

3) If you are curvy, maxi dresses are great, as long as they don't attach themselves to your hips/thighs. Although maxis can hide just about anything, they will also show every lump and bump if it's too fitted.

4) If you are tall, make sure the dress is long enough, as in no more than two inches off the ground. You don't want to look like you're watching for a flood.

Here are a few maxis for your Monday enjoyment! I particularly love the orange, ruffle T-bags maxi. And at $157 at net-a-porter, that lovely is a steal.

Maxi Dresses

Maxi Dresses by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Forever21

June 6, 2009

Weekend retail therapy...Banana Republic & Gap

If you're out and about shopping this weekend looking for a dress, both Gap and Banana Republic and running some pretty sweet deals online and in-store.


Banana Republic: $98 dress event, select styles only, through tomorrow, June 7.

Normally $98 wouldn't jazz me up, but there are some lovely dresses marked all the way down from $275 (BR's monogram line). Great wedding guest options here.



Gap: 25% off all dresses, through tomorrow, June 7.

I wasn't too thrilled with their online selection, but maybe there are cuter finds in-store?

Happy shopping!

June 5, 2009

Friday Special: Break the Bank or Save your Bank

Every Friday I will offer up some Polyvore love with "Break the Bank or Save your Bank".

Today's featured items are light wash, skinny jeans and black blazers. Outfit #1 (on the left) will assault your credit card for about $2,000 or you could go for option #2, which will run you about $200 all in. Enjoy!

Break the Bank or Save Your Bank



June 4, 2009

Blade, Laser...and BLAZER...

Ok, Dodgeball references aside, blazers of all shapes, sizes and colors have recently been making there way onto the tiny shoulders of many celebrities. Although I first had a strong aversion to the "boyfriend blazer", as it brought back way too many eighties memories, I'm starting to embrace it. When the blazer is fitted, even when it's longer, it creates a really fresh look with either formal or casual attire.

I really enjoy this Aqua option from Bloomingdale's. At $88, it's not too steep if it fits well and you can get a good amount of wear out of it. It also has a nice surprise with the great striped lining that adds some interest when you roll up the sleeves. Pair this blazer with distressed, skinny jeans, a slim tank and a statement necklace or a strapless cocktail dress to tone down some frilly formal wear.
Bloomingdales.com

Phillip Lim Runway


And for kicks...Blade, Lazer and BLAZER. Thank you Purple Cobras and thank you Dodgeball.

June 1, 2009

V-neck Love

Oh summer is on its way, and instead of wearing the typical plain ribbed tank, I much prefer the v-neck tee. Yes, you may be a touch warmer, but I think it looks much better than the Fruit of the Loom nonsense. Plus, the color and fabric selections are much better. Slub, neon, jersey, deep v, slouchy...the options are endless. Plus, a one shade v-neck tucked into some great jeans and paired with a bib necklace makes a fun, trendy outfit for minimal cost.

Below is just a small sampling of v-neck tees ranging from $8 to $115. My personal fave is James Perse, but at $115 per tee, I simply settle for the American Apparel version!

Which v-neck is your favorite?

V-Neck Love


V-Neck Love by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Old Navy