4 Platform Wedge Sandals for Spring on sale at Target

Target has a bunch of cute shoes on sale right now, some appropriate for spring and summer.

Here are my 4 favorites:

 
$17.48 Tallulah Blue Madison sandal (was $34.99)
The alternating colors on the espadrille wedge are cute, and a good match with the orange color of the toe. They also come with a yellow toe but I like this better.



$12.48 Merona Elpida Cross strap sandal (was $24.99)
These are great neutral shoes with a wearable wedge heel.


$18.48 Tallulah Blue Saville open toe sandal (was $37.99)
The rivets and python print and striped wedge are a lot of detail, but the whole shoe doesn't come off as too busy. These look HIGH.




$14.98 Mossimo Phyla wedge sandal (was $29.99)
You can't quite tell in this picture, but that darker blue part of the wedge isn't a decoration, it's a hole that goes all the way through!
As I've mentioned before, I love that.
These are pretty great, and come in a bunch of colors like blue, cognac, orange, and white. I like the blue and white best.

Word to the Wise: Upcoming sample sales in NYC

  (nicole miller allison gown)
Nicole Miller’s first-ever sample sale.  Bargains of up to 80% off retail can be had on production pieces – sportswear, evening wear, cocktail dresses, bridal and accessories. Plus, find one-of-a-kind samples.  Where/When:  260 Fifth Avenue (b/w 28/29 Streets), NY, NY; March 26-30; Tues (10am-7pm), Wed-Thurs (10am-8pm), Fri (11am-7pm), Sat (10am-5pm).

i-ella sample sale
Where/Where:  401 Broadway, Suite 700 (b/w Walker and Lispendard), NY, NY; March 28-30; RSVP required:  samplesale@i-ella.com.  Entry into the sale is by appointment only.

Bettye Muller and Linda Richards
Wholesale prices and below for hundreds of shoes and accessories. Shoes originally $300-$500 now $50 and under! Also, snag Linda Richard’s famous infinity scarf for $138.  Where/When: 209 West 38^th St., Suite 505 (b/w 7^th and 8^th Aves), NY, NY; (212)-382-2257, April 3-12; Mon-Fri (8:30am-5:30pm). 

Hunter Dixon

Up to 80% off women's clothing from Fashion Star contestant Hunter Bell. When/Where: Wednesday, April 3 through Thursday, April 4. Daily 10am—8pm. 152 W. 36th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves, suite 801 (no phone)

Only Hearts  50% to 80% off womenswear and lingerie at the store's Annual Tent Sale. When/Where: Ongoing but with limited stock. Starts Saturday, March 30. Mon—Sat 11:30am—7:30pm, Sun 11:30am—6:30pm. 230 Mott St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-431-3694)

1920s dresses on Etsy

My friend is hosting a fun 1920s murder mystery party, and lo and behold, I have nothing to wear!

The internet search for a cute dress begins. I don't want to spend a ton of money on a dress I probably won't re-wear, but I do want to look the part.

Let's start by listing some 1920s trends.
The look was a slim, boyish figure, and bobbed hair, sometimes with curls, and heavy eye makeup.

Of course, there is the flapper style. Fringes and short dresses that look good while dancing the jitterbug.
There was also a trend of drop-waist dresses which contribute to the "I'm a flat stick" impression by minimizing hips and bust and making the waist look straight.

It was not a great time to be an hourglass, which I am. But I'm going to try to find something flattering anyway.

I like the drop-waist sailor style dresses of the time.
Another trend I'd try is the Deco beading and intricate decorations with straight architectural lines.

For accessories, there are cute little caps, which I'm excited to try out. I have my grandmother's leopard fez which would be fun to incorporate.
Also, long strands of beads or pearls would be nice.
Pins and rings were Deco in style, with orderly rows of gems and lots of diamonds and emeralds.
Luckily, my engagement ring fits right in with this look.

Now, let's go shopping on Etsy!
When I shop for this style, I am going to err on the side of too big rather than too small. You want your clothes to look baggy and loose. No one likes a sausage-stuffed flapper.


DROP-WAIST DRESSES
 
$50 Flapper style silk beaded dress
 I love the beading on this one, but the sleeves are horrendous. I'd cut them off at the shoulders and have a sleeveless dress.

 
$35 Magenta drop waist dress
The pleats and length on this one are nice, and the color is fun. I would also cut the sleeves off and just have that square neck and sleeveless look. It would be a great canvas for beads.



 $36 Drop waist tan linen dress with pleated bottom
This one is a little worn, but I like the style.



$28 Pink lace flapper dress
The handkerchief hem on this is fun, and the light color reminds me of an Erte illustration.
Also a nice budget option.


SAILOR DRESSES


$45 Vintage drop waist sailor dress
The wide waist band and short skirt on this worry me a little, but the top is so cute.


 
$70 Vintage red strip sailor dress
Another sailor theme dress, this time in red and with a longer pleated skirt.


 
$35 Blue sailor dress with drop waist and red bow
This is the one I am most leaning towards in the sailor category, because I like the colors and the length of the skirt.

Word to the Wise: Upcoming Sample Sales in NYC

Here are the good sales I'm planning on attending soon!

(Twinkle by Wenlan dress originally $389)
What:  Twinkle by Wenlan is hosting a warehouse sale featuring merchandise from the archives, including some fun and classic pieces. Many pieces will range in price from $40 to $60.  Examples include a wool hand knit coat for $60 (orig. $430), a lace insert silk dress for $60 (orig. $312), princess dress for $60 (orig. $360) and an eyelet blouse for $60 (orig. $360).  Where/When:  545 8^th Avenue (b/w 37^th and 38^th Streets), NY, NY; Mar 20-23; Wed-Sat (9:30am-7:30pm).  Cash and Credit Cards Accepted.

(Sferra King Miami sheet set originally $610)
What:  SFERRA sample sale will feature down comforters & pillows, blankets, sheets, duvet covers, matelasse, throws, decorative pillows, table linens and more.  Where/When:  Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave (b/w 15^th & 16^th Sts), NY, NY; Mar 27-Mar 31; Wed-Sat (10am-7pm), Sun (10am-6pm).

(Hickey Freeman Mahogany Blue Flannel suit originally $1,695)
 What:  Stock up on men’s suits at the Hickey Freeman sample sale.  Up to 80 percent off retail. Where/When:  317 West 33rd Street (between 8th-9th Aves), NY, NY;  March 17-21; Sun (9am-6pm), Mon-Wed (9am-6:30pm), Thurs (9am-5pm).

 
(Heike Jarick Suzette dress from 2013 )
What:  Get the new Spring/Summer 2013 collection at prices up to 85% off retail at the Heike Jarick sample sale.  Where/When:  307 West 38th St, Suite 811 (b/w 8^th & 9^th Aves), NY, NY; March 20-April 3; Mon-Sat (9am-6pm).

Wall dock on Zulily

Attention rabbit owners and others who want to avoid cords:

This wall dock is a good thing.


$9.99 Zulily iphone/ipad wall dock (was $30)

You plug this in to the outlet on the wall and there are NO CORDS to chew on or get tangled or collect dust. And it has a little shelf to keep your device on.

Note that this works with any 30 pin i-device, like iphones, ipad 2, but NOT the ones with the new new charger thing like the ipad mini.

Word to the Wise: Wedding dress sample sales

There are two NYC wedding dress sales coming up.
I think I'm the only engaged person in my friend group right now, but maybe you know someone you want to pass the info to?

What: Wedding gowns up to 80 percent off at Mark Ingram Atelier sample sale.  By appointment only – call 212-319-6778.   Where/When:  110 East 55th Street (between Park and  Lex), 8th Floor, NY, NY;  March 19; (10am-8pm).

What:  Marked down wedding dresses and evening gowns and separates at the Reem Acra sample sale.  Where/When:  240 West 35th Street (b/w 7th and 8th Aves), 7th Floor, NY, NY; March 22-23; Fri (12pm-3pm), Sat (10am-5pm).

Here is a pretty Reem Acra dress from the Fall 2013 collection (no idea if it will be on sale):

Marula Oil facial moisturizer

In one of the Birchbox shipments a while ago, I got a tiny vial of Marula oil.
I really liked it and have been using it every night before bed. It's light an goes on easily, sinks in pretty quickly, and feels very healthy and moisturizing without being too slick.
I find it lighter and less oily feeling than jojoba oil.

Marula oil comes from South Africa and is made from the nuts of the marula tree.
Pretty, right?
Don't you want it on your face?

The kind in the Birchbox shipment was the Leakey brand and it costs $79 for 1 oz.

$79 Leakey Collection Marula Oil 1oz=53ml

That is more than yours truly likes to spend on products, so I looked online to see if I could find a better deal.

The good news is that Amazon has a veritable ton of it for much cheaper.
I just ordered this:
 
$28 Marula Oil from AAA Shea Butter 100ml
Not a bad deal! That is almost twice as much product for about 1/3 of the price.


Now lets learn a little about why this stuff is so great:

With higher level of antioxidants & omega 9 acid than argan or grape seed oil, Marula assists in providing more advanced protection against environmental stressors & free radicals, which can lead to wrinkles, fine lines & other signs of premature aging. Light & powerful, this highly prized oil leaves skin soft & supple with increased elasticity & firmness for healthy, beautiful & age defying radiance. Suitable for all skin types.

Omega-rich with exceptional moisturizing benefits for a radiant finish

Fast absorbing, light, non-greasy texture

Provides long-lasting hydration

Naturally healing to reduce inflammation and redness

Leaves skin soft, supple and glowing

Can lead to noticeable improvement in skin's elasticity and firmness with consistent use

Anti-microbial properties make it appropriate for all skin types

That's from the Leakey site.

From wikipedia I learned that people also cook with it and treat leather with it. So, go wild!

Wallet with foldable umbrella

$9.96 each for 50 custom folding umbrella wallets

I wish these came in smaller quantities!
Aren't they cool?

It's a little wallet that comes with a tiny folding umbrella in it so you always have one on hand.

Anyone (*or any 49) want to go in on it with me?

iPad mini envelope sleeves

E. recently got an ipad mini which he is completely in love with.
While accompanying me bag shopping, he saw an envelope purse which I guess he had never heard of before, but he thought it was the coolest thing. I suggested he get it for his mini but it wasn't the right size.

I promised that there were a bunch like it online though, and that we would find him one.

So here are some options!


$43 (33 Euro) Striiiipes suede ipad envelope case
This envelope looks like one of the manila interoffice ones. I like it in yellow for that effect.


$19.99 wool felt envelope protective sleeve for ipad mini
Similar to the Striiiipes one but cheaper and felt instead of suede.

$14.99 Vintage design envelope for ipad mini
This is fake suede and made to look like a mailed package. Cute!


$29 Fabric envelope ipad case
You can have this customized with your name and address and stamps from different countries



$ Brown fabric ipad mini envelope cover
If you aren't into leather or fake suede etc, this option might be nice.



$60 Leather ipad envelope with clasp
I like the old look of this clasp and the leather seems to be good quality from what I can tell.


$51 Leather envelope style ipad mini case
The crumpled leather makes this one look like a package as well.



$45 Wrap tie leather envelope ipad mini case
This one is still an envelope style but the closure is a horizontal flap with a wrap around lace.



$49 Leather ipad mini envelope case
With the decorated silver button and leather lace, this one looks medieval Spanish to me.


$44 Leather foldover envelope case for ipad mini
 This one offers to stamp your initials on a tab inside. It's clean and spare.


$83 Leather ipad mini envelope
This one is very minimalist.


$23 Felt gray envelope case for ipad mini
Similar to the previous one above but in felt


$76 Buffalo leather ipad mini envelope
This cool texture is from washed buffalo leather.
It has a folded over flap but nothing to secure it down, just fyi.

I like all of them!

Special shiny button covers

Kickstarter project

These clips slip on over your normal shirt buttons and jazz up your outfit.

You can fund the kickstarter project by donating at one of many different levels, and you get different gifts like 1 or 6 gold or silver buttons depending on how much you contribute.

Of course, that is IF everything gets funded and the project goes through.

I think it's a neat idea and I especially like the limited edition "pixel" button cover that looks like a 3D tetris shape.

Learn about rabbit anatomy from Oriental Trading

Ok, class. Easter is coming up so let's go around and say our favorite thing about bunnies ....

 "How soft they are!"
 "Their little tails!"
 "How they hop!"
"The rectangle of pink on their bellies!"
 "How they have one head on top of another head!"
 "Their weird extra wrist pillows!"
"How saggy their pants are at their ankles!"
"The weird floating out of scale carrot on their midsections!"
"Their black dress shoes!"

$80 Bunny costume for adults

 Invaluable teaching tool.

Shabby Apple cotton dresses on sale at zulily

Shabby Apple is a great online store that sells dresses for grown-ups. And by that I don't mean sexy dresses or grandma boring dresses. I mean dresses that people can actually wear and look pretty in and not be worried about wardrobe malfuctions and accidentally flashing people.

So refreshing that their dresses are actually LONG ENOUGH after so many shorty short things at F21 or Asos or Nastygal.

Shabby Apple dresses normally run around $100 which is decent for what you are getting, but why not grab them on sale right now at this link for a lot less?

Click this link to get invited through me (then I get a credit if/when you order something which would make me happy!)

Here are my favorites on sale now:


$34.99 Navy Bethesda fountain dress (was $88)
This would be a great dress to wear to a work dinner. I like that it comes with its own embellishment (the bow) so you don't have to add a necklace or belt or anything. You can just put this on and be done. Maybe some earrings.


$54.99 Red Wrap dress (was $109)
This dress is all-cotton, which I love. I am so sick of polyester or acrylic or rayon dresses.
The style is classic and it would be great to wear to brunch or to a picnic or just whenever.


$49.99 Blue shirt dress (was $88)
The sleeve length on this dress is perfect- it covers enough to wear to work or out at night when it might get chilly, but isn't too long so that it looks matronly.
It would look great belted, too.


$44.99 Olive sequoia dress (was $92)
The embellishment at the neck and shoulders and the cinched waist on this dress make it great for people who want to balance out wide hips. It draws the attention upward and makes your shoulders look stronger, and minimizes the butt region.
Also it is olive, but can take the place of an LBD.


$49.99 White dress (was $89)
This dress looks crisp and clean, and the pleating and bow look young and fresh.
It also comes in a yellow color with white accents but I think that draws too much attention to the bow.



$32.99 Da Vinci dress (was $56)
A jersey dress with a kangaroo pocket to wear on weekend or planes (with leggings). Super easy and great to have around.

Fancy Wooden Pens

I've always loved pens, and for a while growing up I was obsessed with wooden pens.
Especially wooden fountain pens. I had all sorts of inks to refill my pen with and I loved the feel of writing with one.

Sadly I have no idea where that original wooden fountain pen is now, but I just saw these awesome ones on fab.com (they also come in ballpoint or pencils if you are afraid of fountain pens leaking or something).

If enough people join with this link, I get some credit someday I think.

The pens are from a company called Allegory pens which makes them out of reclaimed wood.
They mix different woods together so the designs are more interesting and pretty than the plain wooden one I used to have.

Anyway, here are the cool pens:



$114 Cap fountain pen (was $127)
The blond wood and cool swoosh are very modern looking.

$112 Dignitary fountain pen (was $125)
The round striped body makes it look like a bee!



$74 Afficionado rollerball pen (was $85)
I like the belted waist of this pen and the rings near the nib.



$80 Click pencil dark (was $89)
Much better than your plastic bic with a neon clip

What's your fav? I think I like the Afficionado style the best.

2 Sample Sales I have known and not loved.

Just wanted to check in with you guys and tell you about the sample sales going on in NYC this week.



I stopped by the Frette sale, and queen sheet sets or duvet covers were going for $299. Still pretty steep but much better than $1250 which was the original tag.
There were also robes, napkins, and separate top and bottom sheets and shams for sale.

I tried to make a set out of the single sheets since they were cheaper ($75 top and $45 bottom and $20 per pillowcase) but it was hard. I ended up being able to put something together but the line to check out was SO LONG and the people running the sale were SO RUDE that I just left.
I asked if there were any of the cheaper sets ($145) available still and the woman was like "No. You should have signed up for the mailing list."
Btw, I am on the mailing list. That is how I found out about it in the first place.
But I am thinking of taking myself off it because they were truly obnoxious.
I don't recommend this sale.

I also went to the DKNY Sample sale taking place now on 5th ave btw 28 and 29th st. It had nothing special or interesting. Dresses were $85, tops and tees were $30, and pants were $45 I think.
They had shoes and boots but they were all ugly and all size 8.5 it seemed.
There were a few crossbody bags but they looked cheap to me.
I also do not recommend this sale.

So what is next to look forward to?
For me, it's the Surface to Air sale:

Deal: Up to 80% off women's, men's, and children's clothing and accessories.

When/Where: Thursday, March 14 through Sunday, March 17. Thurs 10am—8pm, Fri 10am—7pm, Sun 10am—5pm. 260 Fifth Ave between 28th and 29th Sts (no phone).

Pretty shapeware from Mission Control on sale at zulily

Mission Control is a brand of shapewear that actually looks nice and not spanx-ish.
They also have camisoles and sleep shorts.

Now at zulily their stuff is on sale for what I think are really good deals.
Click this link to get invited through me (then I get a credit if/when you order something which would make me happy!)

Here are my picks:



$48.99 Mission Control black ethereal cupped slip (normally $118)
The panels and black/pink contrast make this look nice even when you don't have something under it.
Remember the slip dress craze in the early 90s?
I do. And this makes me want to bring it back. Unless it's totally see through I guess.


$19.99 Mission Control black body suit (normally $72)
I wish this was a bathing suit. Maybe I could wear it as one. I love the double black stripe on the bottom. One thing that is a little annoying about the zulily site is that they don't have multiple views so I can't see what the back of this looks like. I guess I could google it and look on the real Mission Control site, but come on who has time for that crap?


$32.99 Mission Control Farr West black lace slip (normally $76)
I just think this is pretty.



$32.99 Mission Control black ethereal half slip (normally $78)
This is perfect for clingy pencil skirts that might be thin material and show underwear lines.


$20.99 Mission Control Farr West spanish lace bloomers (normally $40)
Super cute under a skirt that tends to fly up in the subway gusts on the stairs.