Quote of the day: Tory Burch--70s Style

 

"The Seventies are often referred to as the decade that taste forgot. This is unfair, and for anyone who really loves fashion, it's just not true...To designers, the decade is a goldmine of fashion inspiration. Any time there's a lean pant, a high waist, a jersey dress or a platform on the runways, the critics will write, 'Seventies-like, 70s-inspired,' etc. Take Spring 2011, where the predominant trend off the American and European runways was the Seventies, just updated. In fact, the Seventies actually referenced silhouettes and styles set in the Forties -- a decade that is celebrated for its timeless, classic appeal."--Tory Burch in an article for The Huffington Post

Over the River and Through the Woods: A trip to Grandma's

After my adventure in New Orleans last week, my spring break culminated in a trip to my grandmother's. I thought it would be a few days of lounging around the house, and getting a little rest and relaxation before heading back to my busy college schedule. Boy was I wrong! My grandmother planned four full days of activity!

One of my favorite things we did was visit Charity Guild, the non-profit consignment store where my grandmother volunteers. If any readers are in the Houston area, I definitely recommend checking out this gem of a thrift store located at 1203 Lovett Boulevard.


I scored these two blouses, one Tory Burch and one by the brand Vince for less than $50. New, they would have each cost over $100.

Readers, do you shop at consignment stores? What are your favorite thrifting finds?

Spotlight on Nashville: Rumor Has It

While I'm devastated over the loss of long-time local Nashville bookstore, Davis Kidd, talk of what's coming to the Green Hills Mall is beginning to peak my interest. Rumor has it that Michael Kors, Tory Burch and David Yurman are all moving in!

Fellow Nashvillians--what have you heard about the mall situation? Are you excited for these new stores? Or still mourning the loss of Davis Kidd and Pottery Barn? Let me know if you hear any rumors!

Gift Guide #2: Gifts that Give Back

The holiday season is about giving, and here are some presents that do double duty. Each product in today's gift guide benefits charity in some way, so you don't have to feel guilty if you have a few To: me, From: me gifts under the tree.

1.) Rachel Roy UNICEF Charity Tote (Shopbop, $20): After designer Rachel Roy heard about the recent floods in Pakistan that affected over 10 million children, she teamed up with UNICEF to design a tote for the cause. For each bag sold Roy will donate $20 to the US Fund for UNICEF in support of flood relief efforts in Pakistan.

2.) Tory Burch Foundation Studded Cuff (Tory Burch, $95): These colorful bangles with metallic studs are so popular, the Tory Burch website already sold out! If you're dying for one of these bracelets that benefits the Tory Burch Foundation, give customer service a call at 1-866-480-8679--they assured me that all colors can still be found in stores and would be more than happy to ship them through the mail.

3.) Soft Hands Kind Heart Hand Cream (The Body Shop, $7): The Body Shop's moisturizing cream does more than leave hands soft, 100% of the proceeds from the product go to ECPAT International, a nonprofit that focuses on combating and raising awareness of sex trafficking of children and young people.

4.) Silver Morocco Women's Classics (Tom's Shoes, $54): In 2006 Blake Mycoskie created Toms Shoes, a for-profit company with a mentality of giving. After spending time with children in Argentina, Mycoskie was struck by how many could not afford shoes, and pledged to help the situation. Toms shoes operates under the motto "one for one," for every pair of shoes, like these chic silver morocco classics, the company donates a pair to a child in need.

5.) Brass Wrapped Circle Earrings (Ten Thousand Villages, $24): I've written about Ten Thousand Villages on this blog before, but it is such a great non-profit, I can't help but include it in this post. Ten Thousand Villages is one of the world's largest fair trade organizations and focuses on improving the lives of artisans in over 35 countries. These particular earrings were handcrafted by jewelry artisans in Mombasa, Kenya.

Gift Guide #1: Stocking Stuffers

With my exams almost finished, I'm finally starting to get into the holiday spirit. This post marks the first in a series of gift guides I'll be writing to help last minute shoppers find the perfect presents for their loved ones. I figured I'd start small, so today's guide is all about stocking stuffers!

Row 1 (L to R):
Taylor Swift's Speak Now (Amazon, $8.99)

Bliss Grape Seed Hand Cream (Sephora, $8)  
Behind the Hedge Cuff (Lilly Pulitzer, $68)

Row 2 (L to R):
Jeweled Headband (J. Crew, $26.50)
Tory Burch Leather Wristlet (Nordstrom, $125)
Milk Chocolate Gingerbread Man (Godiva, $6)

Row 3 (L to R):
Minnie Muse Notepad (Forever 21, $4.80)
Set of 6 Polka-Dot Coasters (Kate Spade, $20)
Set of 5 Fifi Lapin Notecards (Fifi Lapin, $15)

Inspired by: Burlesque

In honor of Cher and Christina Aguilera's feature film premiering November 24, I picked out a handful of sparkly, Burlesque-inspired pieces. With the holiday season rapidly approaching, sequins are an easy way to spice up your wardrobe, but steer away from a head-to-toe outfit. Leave the show-girl look to the professionals.

Clockwise from top right:
Bring on the Bling--OPI--$8.50

Glitterati Party Clutch--J. Crew $59.50

Jenna Metallic Pump--Tory Burch $325

Scandall--Steve Madden-$109.95

Felicity Chandeliers--Anthropologie--$28

Jeweled Headband--Forever 21 $6.80

Curve Sequin Shift Dress--Topshop $250

Back to School Dream Shopping

If budgetary concerns weren't an issue, back-to-school shopping would be a dream come true. Unfortunately, I live in the real world where my wardrobe is more Target than Tibi.  Here's what I'd buy if I had a Bill Gates'-sized bank account:

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Crossbody Bag ($228)
2. Anthropologie Fleur De Lys Dinner Plate ($16)
3. Tory Burch Leather Elle Boot ($495)
4. Kate Spade Bow Ring ($75)
5. Susana Monaco Billow Sleeve Dress ($172)

Readers, what big ticket items are on your wish list for fall? 

Tory Burch Collaborates with Kara Ross

In this economy, everyone needs a little protection from evil spirits. That's why I'm loving Kara Ross's latest collaboration with Tory Burch. The New York-based jewelry designer created a line with her lifelong friend featuring the traditional evil eye motif. If you're not superstitious, no worries, this cuff is fashionable enough for even the most stubborn non-believer. Me, I'll toss salt over my shoulder until the day I die, so I'm a huge fan. The line includes rings, necklaces and cuff bracelets like the one feature above. Prices range from $195-$695, and all pieces are available on both designers' websites.

Summer Sales

In an earlier post I mentioned that July is a bargain shopper's dream. Sales are popping up all over the internet, but you might miss out if you don't know where to look! Lucky for you, I'm here to offer some guidance. These are my picks for the best deals on the web.

Shopbop: Today only all sale items on Shopbop are an additional 20% off.

Tory Burch Stud Ballet Flat ($110)
J Brand Cuffed Shorts ($93)
Bop Basics Cashmere Striped Button Back Sweater ($135)
Low Luv x Erin Wasson Arrow Bangle ($45)

Readers-- What's the best deal you've snatched up so far this summer?
See more of my bargain picks after the jump!



Anthropologie: Through Labor Day all Anthro members receive free shipping on all orders. Sign up for the Anthro program here.

Waterdrop Posts ($20)
Snowmelt Cardi ($40)
Lanai Breezes Shift ($100)
Frye Stone's Throw Sandals ($90)

Bluefly: Today only take an extra 10% off all purchases.

Tbags Silver Jersey Tunic ($116)
Free People Black Zipper Leggings ($43)
Boutique 9 Cutout Sandals ($94)
Stella McCartney Clutch ($825)

Urban Outfitters:
BDG Canvas Carryall ($30)
Lark and Wolff Dress ($40)
Reformed Bolero ($30)
Minnetonka Moccasin ($30)
Tiered Stone Necklace ($25)