Ladies Living Well

Poll: Sailor stripes, anchors, boat shoes!

ksmiley85 — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:50:11 +0000

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Filed under: Uncategorized

Ahoy! Breton stripes are pulling into port!

ksmiley85 — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:00:54 +0000

The classic sailor stripes so famously worn by Coco Chanel are hotter than ever for Spring/Summer 2010. Don’t sweat it! Just because celebs are wearing it doesn’t mean you can’t afford it, too! (After all, they’re JUST STRIPES.)

Saint James striped boat-neck tee shirt

This lightweight jersey tee is perfect for summer evenings spent sniffing sea spray on your yacht. But something smells funny about paying $115 for a cotton tee shirt. Similar designer styles are even hundreds more. For less than half the price of the Saint James shirt, you could have both of the below pieces. I especially like the Gap Boat Neck Top with shoulder detail and mix-stripe pattern. That fun take on the classic is so right. I prefer to stick to thin stripes, and a larger stretch of cream or white at the collar is even more chic.

Urban Outfitters 3/4 length Nautical tee, $28

Gap Mixed Stripe Boat Neck Top, $24.52

Filed under: Fashion

How about a rhinestone bag to go with those shoes?

ksmiley85 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:24:19 +0000

Yes, for things that glitter, there will be a sequel. You’ve seen cool cuffs and shoes that shine, so let’s take a look at the bag and crowning jewels to top it all off.

If I could spend $272 on a clutch, I would probably spend it on this one by Antik Batik.	But I can’t. So I’m taking a second look at this “Sparkle-licious” eye candy from etsy.com. This piece by Angee and Vincci is only $90 but still includes special touches like a big, crystal brooch and a bright pop of pink liner on the inside!

This regal Marni piece is made of wool, metal, and Swarovski crystals. Of course, you have to be royalty to afford a $1,242 piece of bling.	This beauty is called Tangled Royalty, with light pink crystals and delicate charms in one big, sexy bunch!

And here’s one more, just for the heck of it.

This pair of Opulant Edwardian Rose earrings is by mythunderstood on Etsy. They’re only $27, and they are absolutely elegant. These would immediately turn your LBD into a breathtaking, feminine ensemble.

So, there’s your second dose of shine and rhinestones of the antique variety. Happy hunting!

Posted in Fashion

‘Tis the Season to be Shiny

ksmiley85 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:06:18 +0000

It’s about that time to make the rounds of holiday parties and don your best (and most slimming) apparel to impress the in-laws and other relatives. Not to mention sequins and rhinestones are just hot right now. (How convenient!) I love InStyle magazine for its inspiring look-book pages, but sometimes a girl just can’t drop $2K on a fancy pair of shoes, no matter how hot they make her calves look. Let’s look at some alternatives, yes?

Now, these Dannijo cuffs are gorgeous, but at $268 and $245, you wonder if you might be able to buy an entire outfit!	It’s amazing what you can find at etsy.com. Support small businesses and artists by purchasing these equally gorgeous and truly unique pieces. The simple leather cuff with the flower is made from a recycled leather belt. You can order this cuff by CowgirlsAreForever for only $27.50. The leather and rhinestone cuff is by Heather Jean Skalwold (KickshawCurio) and is only $45. Wow! I can buy something with ruffles and it doesn’t cost $100 extra.

This Farragamo shoe would cost you a whopping $1,890. Enough said.	OR you could buy all 3 pairs of these…7 times. The Monet-15 Sexy High Heel Shoes by Pleaser have a glamourous chandelier effect going on for only $77.45. The RSVP pumps are $72.14 and come with free shipping. And if you really do need a well-known designer label, these darling Betsey Johnson peep-toes are only $119.70.

More on this later. I haven’t even shown you the purse and the other jewelry I found!
(Certain photos courtesy of InStyle Magazine.)

Posted in Fashion

Safari Chic

ksmiley85 — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 19:32:37 +0000

Whether you’re looking for that fallen pacifier or just a perfect new pair of shoes, you’ll be prepared for the hunt in these breezy safari dresses.

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You could pay $150 for this silk Michael Kors dress, or you could spend less and worry less about these cotton and linen choices.

You could get all four of these safari-style dresses for the price of one magazine-featured look. Cotton dress in sagebrush from Cabela’s, $16.95; linen blend dress from The J. Peterman Company, $54; Tom Boy dress in navy from Lulu’s, $44; linen blend shirt dress in plus sizes from Jessica London, $34.99 – $39.99.

Posted in Fashion

Not Your Grandma’s Crochet

ksmiley85 — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 17:38:46 +0000

A girl can only wear so many spaghetti strap tank tops. Add a little sizzle and style to your sleeveless with crochet details.

This Converse by John Varvatos crochet tank is a lovely, lightweight item for a trip to the beach, but you’ll drop $145 for it.	Pinch a few pennies by shopping JCPenney online, and you can pick up this Decree crochet back tank for just $11.99. Or be a lass with class in this front-to-back open knit Great Plains top from Nordstrom for only $31.90.

Posted in Fashion

The Animal-Print Dress…For Less!

ksmiley85 — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 03:14:33 +0000

A sexy staple of the summer, the animal-print dress brings the patterns of mother nature from the beach house to the bar. But paying hundreds of dollars for it just seems…unnatural!

This Rebecca Taylor maxi dress sold out online for $225.

Sacrifice the designer name and you could find yourself in this airy sarong from New York & Company for just $18.71. Or you could get a trendy, one-shoulder “Jane” look with a belt for only $33.99 at DHStyles.

Posted in Fashion