Lots and lots of lounging this weekend, you know what that means?  Lots and lots of leggings.  My absolute favorite leggings are made by Rebecca Beeson.  They are thick, soft, and soo comfortable.  I bought mine on Ideeli for 60% off and I can’t seem to find them elsewhere.  Keep your eyes open for them though because they are the *perfect legging*.  Sorry to get you excited about something when I can’t even point you to it, but I’m actually here to talk about what to pair WITH the leggings.  Tunics and leggings have the perfect marriage – down to earth yet classy, chic yet casual, comfortable yet polished.  A tunic is long enough to cover your derriere, which is actually a must when I’m wearing leggings.  I want to showcase some of my fave tunics – I don’t own all of these, but I’m lusting a few.

Shortsleeve Tops by Juicy Couture
Crewnecks & Scoopnecks by Ella Moss

Clockwise (from left):

Juicy Couture Striped Ruffle Tunic ($103 sale) is more springtime than fall, but worth holding on to.  Gives your leggings a sophisticated look and business casual a whole new meaning.

Anthropologie Mirah Tunic ($98) is exactly what I’m looking for in a tunic following the three C’s: cotton, casual, and comfortable.  It’s long length and front pocket make it so wearable!  Online exclusive, so no point checking your local store (if you’re lucky enough to have one nearby).

Ella Moss Brooklyn Tunic ($218) is obviously one of my lusts (due to pricetag).  Cashmere blend, front pockets and low neckline = love the combination.  Please appear in my closet tomorrow.  thanks.

American Vintage Tunic ($92)…pants optional?  Well I would pair with leggings, but either way it’s a favorite.  The tie at the waist gives it a little special something.  Don’t you think?

Free People Prism Flounce Tunic ($48) is so flirty and feminine.  The details set it apart from other tops – I just love the sparkle, flouncy hem, and angled neckline.

t-t-t-tunic time!

shops love!

The Shopaholic is happy to respond to another great question.  Kim from Maryland asked, “Where can we find great designer jeans for less?  I always buy from Nordstrom but it would be great if you know of any websites that have good discounts on denim!”

Denim deals require a bit of leg work, but very worth it in the end.  My first recommendation would be to join all of the sample sale sites: Ideeli (William Rast and Blank NYC this week), Hautelook, Ruelala, and Gilt Groupe.  They will send you an email each day informing you of their upcoming sales – I normally scan the brands to see if there’s something I’m interested in.  Personally, I’ve ordered J Brand, Citizens, and Seven jeans from these sites – normally for like $99 pair!  That’s a huge savings!

My next tip is to do your searching through ShopStyle.  They scan nearly every online retailer and bring you the results – you can then pair down the results by color, size, price, etc.  For instance, search “designer denim” or “skinny jeans” or whatever else, and it will bring you everything it finds.  I mostly use this to pick out the sales without having to check all of the individual sites (like Nordies, Lord & Taylor)…once you find an item you like, it will bring you directly to the retailers page.  Easy peasy!

Here are some cute discounted pairs to get you started!

Citizens of Humanity by Jerome Dahan ($90)

Paige Denim Skyline Skinny ($84)

shops love!

Yesterday I was shopping on Ideeli and happened upon a brand that I’d never heard of – Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole.  The first pair looked vintage with soft colors and feminine details…I was struck with the urge to look for more.  My second test of the brand was their sizes – sure enough, they had a size 5!  That’s a huge bonus because I have small feet and many brands don’t start until 6.  Simply summed up, Gentle Souls consist of comfortable shoes that can actually be worn for hours on end.  I think they are the answer to my recent prayers…finding cute shoes that I can wear to work while not paying the price when I get home (very tired feet and sore tooties)!

I purchased “O JOY” in black for $89 – they retail for $195 though – such a deal!  Honestly, I would encourage you to check them out on Ideeli during the remaining 12 hours of the sale.  On Kenneth Cole’s website, they are retailing anywhere from $195 (for flats) to $350 (for boots).  Can we put a price on comfortable shoes?  As much as I’d like to say no, the answer is yes…we all have our limit.  Here are my favorites…

Here’s to Gentle Souls and gracious feet

shops love!

I’ve been talking so much about football that I almost neglected to tell everyone about the other tv series that I love.  I have series passes set for SO many shows, but I wasn’t expecting them to begin until later in the month.  I was SO excited to hear that Gossip Girl was starting so soon though!  Gossip Girl premiered last night (Mondays, 9pm on CW) and Serena and Blair are off to Paris (hello fashion capital)! Besides the fact that Gossip Girl is just plain entertaining, it’s nice to watch an hour of tv and feel better prepared on the upcoming fashion trends!  I know that the wardrobe budget must be HUGE for Gossip Girl – at least much higher than mine.  It’s nice to be able to find what they are wearing and where to find a more budget-friendly alternative.  That’s where Gossip Girl Fashion’s blog comes in.  I like to check it on Tuesday mornings to see what they suggest for my favorite looks from the previous episode.  If you’re interested in learning more about the characters, etc…this would be a good place too.  I really go for the fashion though!  Also, similar to the other private sale sites like RueLaLa, HauteLook, and Ideeli, there is a site dedicated to brands seen on tv.  Gossip Girl clothing designers are always featured on SeenON! Join and get you’ll email updates as to what sales are happening.  Check it out because it’s Gossip Girl Week – featuring designers we’ve seen on the show! My life couldn’t be more different than Blair, Serena and Co….but that doesn’t mean my wardrobe has to show it!  I’ll take bits and pieces from everyone’s style…like Serena’s boyfriend blazer(I’m showing Guess? Electra Blazer $108), Blair’s headband (Tasha makes some great ones available at Nordstrom), and Little J’s thigh-high lace-ups (loving these Sam Edelman’s).

Feel free to be a Gossip Girl and share this with your friends!

xoxo…shops love!

Who hasn’t dreamed of having access to designer clothes for a great price?  Well now we all can!  There are a number of websites that have 48 hour trunk sales for designers, one of which is Ideeli.  As an example, today’s sales include Rebecca Beeson (of which I made a purchase), Paige denim, and Bill Blass (just to name a few).  There are normally 10 designer sales going on at any given time.  The trick to these sites is to log in at the opening of the boutique since each item has a limited quantity for each style/size.  You can only hold an item in your cart for 15 minutes before it’s up for grabs to the next shopper!  I know that it can be overwhelming to read emails and scan the sales from every company out there, but it’s so worth it!  Buy a few designer pieces at a great price and your wardrobe will truly thank you (maybe your wallet will too)! 

You need an invitation to join, but I wouldn’t tell you about this great place if I didn’t have an invite for you!  Click on the link below.  You can invite as many friends as you’d like once you become a member!  I’ve posted pictures of the two Rebecca Beeson purchases that I made.  Quality clothing and such a great price.  Not the most exciting pieces of clothing that I’ve ever purchased, but comfortable clothes are a must for any working mom!  I will live in these tees and leggings on the weekends!

www.ideeli.com/invite/linzdi77

shops love…ps, I’ll tell you about the other designer sites – in time my friends