A style blog for the fashionably, socially and financially conscious.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Roaring Twenties

The Roaring Twenties are back!  Let the flapper in you free.  Its time to dress as if we were all back in that decade of decadence and wear dropwaist fringe cocktail dresses, long pearl necklaces and vintage evening bags.  Now, all you need is to sleep in pin curls or wear your hair in finger waves to complete the look.

Haute Hippie Trish Flapper Dress $695.00

Felix Rey Flapper Clutch $450.00

Bebe Bow Cloche Hat $49.00

J, Crew Collection Icicle Shift Dress $1595.00

Poetic License Bow Dolly Shoes £60.00

Topshop Cream Drop Waist Embellished Tunic $100.00

Silk Flower Headband Headwrap $18.00
Edith's Fringe Cream Dress $67.00

Whiting & Davis Feather Flapper Chainmail Bag $208.00

Warehouse Deco Mini Flapper Dress $290.00

Ostrich Feather Headband $79.00

Pierre Dumas Orchid T-Strap Cone Heel Pumps $29.00

Haute Hippie Fringe Mini Skirt $345.00

ModCloth First Day on the Job Heels $34.99

Unique Vintage Long Pearl Necklace $22.00

Lulu's Sway With Me Skirt $35.00

Free People Vintage Metal Mesh Evening Bag $282.00

Warehouse Wool Drop Waist Dress $81.00

Lulu's Chain Reaction Evening Clutch $37.00

Flapper Girl Dress $195.00

Kling Tour the Town Cloche $29.99

Flapper Headband $18.00

BB Dakota Tucker Black Dress $69.00

Alexia Crawford Gold Mesh Box Clutch $29.00

£85.00

J. J. Winters Fringe Chain Silver Bag $393.21

ModCloth Rose Tea Strap Heels $127.99

Unique Vintage has a large selection of flapper-style dresses and accessories.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Thanksgiving Harvest

It's time for another flurry of sales from just about every store in the country.  Here are the sales and sale codes that the Sequins gals have come across.  If you know of any good sales that are not on our list, feel free to share them in the comments.

Also, remember that, this year, the day after "Black Friday" is "Small Business Saturday."  Please do as much of your holiday shopping as you can at small businesses in your area and online on Saturday. This way, we can all do our part to stimulate the economy.

Thanksgiving Sales:

Gypsy 05 tells us that they have 30% off storewide (excluding gypsyz) until 11/30 with the code BLACKFRIDAY30.

Paper Flower Design has 25% off any order with discount code GIVINGTHX25 until 11/29.

Tarte Cosmetics has up to 30% off and 15% off special limited-edition holiday items on 11/29 using code CYBERMOM.

ASOS has up to 70% off for their holiday women's sale.

Kate Spade has 25% off all sale items online with code CYBER25 until 11/29.

Philosophy has a sale with different items each day.  Get free shipping until 11/28 with the code HOLIDAYSHIP.

Keep Me (recommended by HiPPi and Rachel Zoe) has 20% off and a free pouch with free shipping until 11/29 with the code KeepMeHappy (code is case sensitive).

Mod Cloth has 25% off on some items.

Shu Uemura has 20% ff plus free shipping on any order over $50 with code WISH2010 until 11/29.

Vince Camuto has $50 off select boots with the offer code BOOT50 until 11/30.

Kenneth Cole stores have 40% off the first four store hours on Friday 11/26 and 30% off after that until closing on Sunday 11/28.

Banana Republic has 25% off in stores and online with code BRTHANKS at checkout.

GAP is having a sale where various items are being sold for $10, $20 or $30.  Details here.

The Trend Boutique has $50 off any purchase of at least $250 with code 50OFF, $75 off any purchase of at least $500 with code 75OFF, $100 off any purchase of at least $750 with code 100OFF, $150 off any purchase of at least $1000 with the code 150OFF and $350 off any purchase of at least $2000 with the code 350OFF until 11/29.

BCBG Max Azria has 50% off winter styles in store and online until 11/29.

Juicy Couture has 30% off tracksuits and handbags in store and online until 11/28.

ALDO has an extra 30% off all reduced footwear and handbags.

Shoes.com has an extra 25% off sale shoes with the promo code YAMS through 11/26.

Madewell has 30% off select shoes and boots through 11/28.

Any order at Benefit.com ships free until 11/29 with the code GLAMSHIP.

Omni Peace, a charity fave of mine, is having a buy 2 get 1 free sale on their bracelets 11/26 to 11/29.

Olay, CoverGirl, Venus, Secret, Pantene, Herbal Essences and Clairol are offering a $20 mail-in-rebate when you buy $50 worth of products from these brands between now and 12/31.

Ralph Lauren has an additional 25% off select, already reduced styles in store and online until 11/29.

J. Crew has 25% off any order of $150 or more in stores and online with the code TURKEY until 11/28.

LNA Clothing is having 30% off your next purchase with code FALL30 until 11/29.

Think Her has 20% off everything with code HOLIDAY10 until 12/1.

As we learn about more sales this post will be updated.   Be sure to share it with friends.

Monday, November 22, 2010

TWEEDS

Last year J.Crew sold this amazing pair of tweed ballet flats that I absolutely love.  They have been such a perfect addition to my wardrobe that I was ecstatic when I heard that tweeds were in again.  While I have no problem with classics, like a tweed dress, suit or pair of slacks, I believe a little unexpected bit of tweed in an accessory is the perfect way to bring excitement to any outfit.  The following pieces combat the myth that tweed is a stodgy fabric.

Marc Jacobs Stripe Tweed Mini Skirt
Karen Millen Tweed Wrap Coat
Aqua Elohim Reversible Tweed Mini Dress
J. Crew Luxe Tweed Ballet Flats
Prabal Gurung Draped Insert Tweed Dress
Alexander McQueen Tweed Faithful Boot
DSquared2 Tweed Asymmetric Skirt
Michael Michael Kors Fringe Trim Metallic Tweed Dress
Rick Owens Asymmetric Tweed Top
GAP Tweed Moto Jacket
TORN by Ronny Koo Juliet Biker Tweed Jacket
Alexander McQueen Chiffon Trim Tweed Blazer
Kate Spade Fab Tweed Flats
L.A.M.B. Tweed Jacket with Belt
Bourne Embellished Tweed Pump
Yigal Azrouel Graphic Tweed Sweater
Ann Taylor Maya Tweed Pump
Manolo Blahnik Sabratha Tweed Court Shoes
Charles by Charles David Curtsy
Kate Spade Kylie Skirt
bebe Spotted Tweed Dress
Gryphon Leather Tie Tweed Coat
Michael Kors Leather Trim Tweed Sheath

Even Chanel make-up is in on the trend: Chanel Tweed Effect Blush Duo

Friday, November 19, 2010

Leather & Lace

Though, technically, the title references two different trends this season, we have become obsessed with pairing the two. We have even taken to polyvore to play around with mixing and matching lace dresses, pumps and shirts with leather tops, leggings and motorcycle jackets. You can see SPiCY's vision of how to wear the lace pumps by her favorite Jeffery Campbell here and HiPPi's vision of how to dress with a more colorful pair here. HiPPi also put together a cornucopia of leather accents that complement a black lace top like the one from The Edge by Supertrash.



Below are some of our favorite pieces from these two trends.

Lace
Charles by Charles David Nightlight $125.00 or Charles David Nebula $234.00
Go Jane Paneled Asymmetrical Sequin Lace Dress $31.10

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Brands We Love - Linea Pelle

Thanks to an unexpected mid-November heatwave (you have to love the Southwest), I am running around in Gypsy 05's iconic Simple Organic Maxi Dress in peach and pink lemonade Trove Tkees sandals.  Tuesday was freezing, however, so I piled on one style trend after another to keep warm.  To top off my tights and sweater and booties, I cinched my waist with my favorite Linea Pelle belt.  Even though I haven't quite admitted to myself how much I splurged on that belt, I've worn it quite a bit, making it one of my most used purchases this fall.  This makes perfect sense, since the belt trend is one of the most visible ones around.  Basically, add a belt on top of any sweater, shirt or dress and you're suddenly on trend.

Though just about any belt will do to get you on trend (especially if you tie it instead of fastening it properly), this brand has stolen my heart because of their unique styles that you see nowhere else.  From the Vintage Pieced Leather Belt with its decidedly seventies, hippie feel to the very modern Pyramid Studded Hip Belt seen on Gwen Stefani, I love them all.  Plus, they make the most HiPPi of all accessories, the cuff bracelet.  Though I'm mentioning them almost as an afterthought, Linea Pelle purses are hugely popular with celebrities and for good reason.  Basically every item made by this brand is just perfect.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Sparkle

If there is anything that is as ubiquitous as the chain trend this fall, it is the sequin trend.  Every brand and designer, from those that sell their clothes for $20 to those that sell them for $2,000, are embellishing everything with sequins.  It makes sense, since embellishments of all types are an overriding trend this year.  Studs, zippers, chains, buckles, straps and fringe are everywhere this year and it is a natural progression to add sequins to the list.

We admit it.  We're not at all fond of sequins.  It is one of the things that the trendy, edgy SPiCY and the laid-back, free-wheeling HiPPi have in common (that and a love for 4 inch heels).  Even though one has a fondness for Demi Lovato's rocker style and the other would like to play in Vanessa Hudgen's closet full of bohemian staples, they both agree... no sequins.  However, starting with the clutch that inspired our name, the two of us keep running across pieces that are full of sequins but... actually... don't... suck.  On the contrary, this season is full of clothes and accessories that use sequins so expertly that they put our prejudice against sequins to shame.


Antik Batik, Haute Hippie and Gryphon did this trend especially well this season.  Look for less expensive clothes inspired by pieces from these brands.  Take a cue from the pieces in this list to add sequins to your wardrobe in a way that dazzles.

Herve Leger Sequined Degrade Bandage Dress $2,900.00
A Mi Clubwear Sequin V-Neck Minidress $34.99
Young, Fabulous & Broke Hazel Sequin Dress $297.00
Dior Nail Lacquer in Black Sequins $21.00
Stella McCartney Silk Organza Sequined Dress $2,365.00
Prezzo Square Ball Mesh Clutch $39.00
Oscar de la Renta Sequin Top $1388.00
Kardashians by bebe Sequin Hot Shorts $89.00
Report Signature King Pump $127.50
Twenty Cluny Sequined Jacket $908.00
ModCloth Red Carpet Royalty Dress $109.99
Antik Batik Dream Embellished Blazer $575.00
Lane Bryant Bella Cheetah Print Clutch by Elaine Turner $175.00
Tibi One-Shoulder Dress $870.00
Sam Edelman Novato $100.00
Herve Leger Sequin-Embellished Bandage Dress $1,590.00
Victoria's Secret Sequin Skirt $79.50
DKNY Sequin Embellished T-shirt Dress $390.00
Banana Republic Marble Sequin Ballet Flat $79.00
Velvet Sequin Detail Cropped Cardigan $276.00
Avenue Plus-Sized Sequin Sheath Dress $79.90
Red Valentino Tiered Sequin Skirt $300.00
Lulu's Sparkle or Someone Shift Dress $61.00
Marqus Lupfer Sequin Stripe Dress $1157.00
Juicy Couture Sequin Mini Hand Warmers $45.00
DKNY Jeans Plus-Sized Sequin Top $59.00
Tibi Sequined Jersey Mini Dress $295.00
J. Crew Sequined Ribbon Cami $98.00
Ashish Sequined Shift Dress $1,450.00
Lane Bryant Wide Widths Sequin Ballet Flat $26.50
See by Chloe Sequined Tulle Tank Top $250.00
Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Across the Universe, Happy Birthday or Boom Boom Pow  $18.00+
J. Crew Pearlized Sequined Tank Dress $650.00
Victoria's Secret Sequin Turtleneck Sweaterdress $128.00
Lulu's Glitter-ally Speaking Black sequin Dress $46.00
Oscar de la Renta Embroidered Sequin Ballet Flats $560.00
Lane Bryant Sequin Tank $29.50
J. Crew Icicle Shift Dress $1.595.00
By Malene Birger Acier Sequin-Embellished Maxi Skirt $580.00
J. Crew Sequin Drizzle Tank $98.00
Alexander Wang Sequined Goddess Dress $780.00
Avenue Plus-Sized Zebra-Print Tank $19.99
Alice + Olivia Marina Sequin Dolman Tunic $396.00
Miu Miu Sequined Ballet Flats $307.20
Lane Bryant Multi-Stripe Sequin Tank $34.50
J. Crew Dulphine Sequin V-Neck Sweater $138.00
Marc by Marc Jacobs Knitted Sequin Cropped Sweater $530.00
Velvet Kenna Ikat Sequin Dress $185.00
Lane Bryant Scored Sequin Bow Clutch by La Regale $44.00
Antik Batik Wallice Sequined Gown $950.00
Porter Grey Sequin Dress with Cutout Back $775.00
Victoria's Secret Sequin Dress $198.00
Donna Karan Stretch Sequined Maxi Skirt $1895.00
Tibi Eclipse Sequined Silk Dress $1238.00
Victoria's Secret Sequined Blazer $159.00
Kate Spade Pop-Art Pearle Clutch $525.00
Jane Norman Grecian Knot Sequin Bandeau £12.50
Haute Hippie Sequined Fringed Chain Dress $595.00
Avenue Cardigan with Sequins $64.99+
Sachin + Babi Sima Sequin Gloves $100.00
Haute Hippie Chevron Sequined Mini Dress $695.00
Coast Felicity Sequin Top $165.00
Marc by Marc Jacobs Dee Dee Sequined Bolero Sweater $498.00
Lane Bryant Sequin Fold-Over Clutch $39.50
Velvet Sequined Detail Jersey Dress $315.00
Victoria's Secret Sequin Leggings $39.99
Haute Hippie One-Shoulder Sequin Dress $595.00
Coast Maggie Knit Top $165.00
Pissaro Nights Sequin One-Shoulder Blouson Dress $198.00

Dressing hint: The more "liquid" the sequins make the piece look the better.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Brands We Love - Betsy & Iya


Remember us talking about the chain trend a couple of weeks ago?  Well, one of our favorite jewelry brands does the chain trend, among other gorgeous jewelry looks, amazingly well.  A designer discovered by SPiCY, Betsy Cross makes all of her jewelry by hand.  As you can see if you go to the Betsy & Iya's Etsy store or one her her stores (all on the East and West coasts) you will see that Ms. Cross's hand is a very talented one.  Here are some of our favorite styles from her.

Art Nouveau Romantic Fan Earrings $25.00
Black Deco Drips $39.00
Long Lingering Locket Earrings $44.00
Kelly the Empress Brass Golden Shield Necklace $59.00
The Hooded Wonder Earrings $49.00
Deco Darling Darling Leafy Lady Earrings $25.00
Rockstar Chain Drip Earrings $39.00
Large Filigree Square Earrings $35.00
Golden Feather Hoop Earrings $25.00
Link Me Up Silver Bamboo Tube Earrings $35.00
Black Scarf Necklace $49.00
Long Feather Chain Earrings $44.00
Gold Bar Brilliance Earrings $25.00
Slinky Spherical Sexies Earrings $39.00
Deco Burst Earrings $19.00
Fancy Love Dangle Earrings $39.00
Wind Chimes Camera Lens Earrings $69.00
Bodacious Beetle Wings Earrings $19.00
Golden Egyptian Triangle Earrings $25.00
Sexy Circle Flower Bomb Earrings $25.00

Only one of everything is for sale.  I am unsure if this means that everything is one of a kind or not; Bu it probably means that, if you like something, you shouldn't wait to buy it.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Skin Deep


The most important part of any make-up look is flawless-looking skin.  Unfortunately, unless you're still 15, odds are high that you no longer have flawless skin.  Luckily, some make-up and skincare brands have some excellent products to help us fake it well.  Some of the best ones are below.

Resurfacing
LORAC Make-up Prep
CARGO blu_ray Polishing Cloths
L'Oreal Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base


Primers

Super-Correctors
Stila One-Step Correct
Benefit "That Gal" Brightening Face Primer
Face Stockholm Corrector Quads

Airbrush Look
Kevin Aucoin The Liquid Airbrush Foundation
Philosophy The Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas
Urban Decay Razor Sharp

Under-Eye Dark Circle Fix-Its
Benefit Cosmetics Lemon Aid and Erase Paste
LORAC Undercover Lover
Smashbox Photo-Op Under-Eye Brightener

Illuminators
Benefit Cosmetics High Beam
Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer
Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion

Mattifying Correctors
Shiseido Mattifying Stick
CARGO blu-ray High Definition Mattifier
Smashbox Anti-Shine

Concealers
LORAC Coverup
CARGO One Base
Smashbox High Definition Liquid Concealer

Complexion Kits
Smashbox Complexion Perfection Kit
Benefit Cosmetics Confessions of a Concealaholic
LORAC Evening Out Complexion Kit

Foundations
Smashbox High-Definition Healthy FX Foundation
Stila One-Step Make-up
LORAC Breakthrough Performance Foundation

Monday, November 1, 2010

November's Crushes

Another month has passed and it is time for an entirely new list of things with which I am obsessed.  As usual, at least one is an album or artist and most are fashion or beauty related.  However, there are a couple of things this month that I am obsessed with that are not music or beauty or fashion related; but, they are so beloved that I cannot get enough.  My phone died in the middle of the month and had to be replaced and boy do I love the replacement!  After three months of repeatedly going to get this one treat on an every-other-day basis, I decided that it must be included in the list.

Maroon 5's new album

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks

Bobbi Brown Face Blender Brush (to use with Shimmer Bricks)

iPhone

tarte double dose lip gloss


Philosophy Kiss Me Tonight Lip gloss



Banana Republic Tights

CHI Infra Treatment

Panera Mango Smoothies
Tkees sandals