i hope you don’t mind, dear readers, but i’m a bit under the weather, so i think a long weekend is due.  however, never one to leave you without shopping options, i thought i’d give you a tempting rundown of all of those fab holiday sales happening this weekend.  i’ll do what i can to update this post as new steals and deals cross my path, so keep your eyes peeled!

NEW! tobi:  take 30% off sitewide with code FIREWORKS30 through 7/6.  does look like it excludes sale items, but tobi is a killer source for denim, so this is a great chance to stock up!

shopbop:  25% off all sale merchandise through 7/2!  use code EXTRA25 to score deals like this sweet little milly dress for an even sweeter $75…i highly recommend starting at the 70% off section and working your way down!

tory burch: EDIT: the 25% off code is gone, but it looks like they’ve done an across-the-board markdown to make up for it.  so, still worth checking out! 25% off all sale merchandise today only with code SALE25. this looks to be just about everything from tory’s spring line, and it’s the best sale i’ve seen in a while. i loved this dress when it first came out at $398, but now that it’s, oh, about $115? yes, please.  and could i have the clutch i’ve been searching for all summer too?  thanks.

alexis bittar: maybe not quite as exciting after those two bombshells, but excellent nevertheless. the king of costume jewels looks to have dropped prices on just about everything by 30-50%.  in honor of the holiday, i can’t resist falling for this little drippy ice cream cone necklace, but there are piles and piles of beauties to choose from.

kate boutique: my favorite santa barbara style outpost is offering 30% off sitewide with code summer09, and there are goodies galore. i’d start at the epice scarves (which never ever go on sale) and browse from there!

emily elizabeth jewelry:  the lovely designer herself tweeted to remind me she’s offering 35% off her entire site through 7/12 with code 35off.  i so wish i could blow off my budget and finally pick up that fern leaf bangle i’ve been eyeing for nearly a year.  ooh, or (and?) maybe the colin necklace…looks like it’s a new design, and utterly fabulous!

happy long weekend, everyone!  may your barbecue be hot and your hangover be short.

this morning, i’ve taken my style scouting over to author a brand-spankin’ new “designer imposters” column for the oh-so-chic folks at luxaholics.   head over to check out my awesome $60 chloe (ish) find, and a few styling tips!

would love to see you over there today…and, of course, we’ll have more goodies here for you tomorrow!  xo

it should come as no shock that i’ve been a big fan of the multi-chain necklace trend this season.  the only problem?  after trying on possibly hundreds of styles, i have yet to find one that actually works on me.

the truth is, i’m not a rocker…i’m the farthest thing from it.  most of my clothing budget goes to beacons of preppy style like j.crew and nordstrom.  so, when i try to pull off a look designed for someone far edgier than i, well, i look like a little girl trying on her mom’s floppy hat:  it just doesn’t fit.

and so, i’ve begrudgingly sat this trend out, pining and coveting from afar.  until now!

i’ve found my salvation via tuleste market, a hip new jewelry line whose striking yet wearable-for-mere-mortals designs fly out of shops almost the moment they arrive (if you don’t know their designs, check out their website…you’ll fall hard and fast).

case in point: their ultra-long (53″) multi-chain necklaces are exactly, precisely what i need.  because we’re only talking three chains, it’s not too bulky, and actually quite sexy (especially left long).  and it’s easy as pie to double (or even triple) for extra styling options.

plus, i have a choice of three different color combos, so i can really indulge my indecision.  it’s a hard call between gold, silver/gunmetal or the yellow, rose and silver mix.  i love the look of the gunmetal, but if i’m honest with myself, i think the tri-color version is the right choice.  fortunately, at $125 each, there’s hardly any buyer’s remorse involved.

this is exactly the pop of style my blah summer wardrobe of tanks, skirts and cotton dresses needs.  i can hardly wait to click “add to cart”!

ugh, remember when your english teacher used “journaling” as a verb?  used to drive me absolutely crazy!  that said, i seem to be on a  journal kick of late…i just keep seeing examples that make me wish i were one of those people that carries a notebook everywhere i go.  i mean, as a writer, isn’t that de rigeur?  in the hopes that some of this intent will morph into action, i thought i’d share a few styles that i can’t resist.

first up is the keel’s simple diary, which literally just debuted over at taschen, one of my favorive publishers.  i’ve only had it for a couple of days, but i’m already smitten.  i love the bright colors, the totally portable size, the back pocket for stashing…whatever.  but mostly i love that it’s already filled out for you!  this is truly a diary for those who think they have nothing interesting to journal - you’re virtually guaranteed to sound utterly witty and brilliant every day.  each page contains a few random questions - multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank…i even spotted a graph.  you pick a page - go in order or don’t, there’s no judge here - answer the questions, ponder the extremely random quote on your page, and move on with your life.  i love this because i know once i get started, i won’t be able to resist it on a daily basis.  check out a few sample pages here, and grab it in any lovely color (each one means something about your personality, so choose wisely!).  this is most definitely going to be my go-to gift this year…stylish, clever, and only $15!

of course, there’s also the classic moleskine.  if it was beloved by hemingway and matisse, who am i to argue?  i yearn to be one of those people furtively sketching away in my moleskine at the hippest coffee shop in town.  sadly, mine tend to mostly end up filled with names of websites i mean to visit, or brands i happen across while shopping.  but i’m thinking if i had one of these amazing engraved leather covers from engrave your book’s new artist series for my moleskine, it would encourage all sorts of creativity.  each one’s designed by a well-known graphic artist, then laser-engraved onto untreated calfskin.  they’re a little pricier at $60, but you can refill them with a standard moleskine forever, and that lovely leather will turn the most beautiful shade of honey brown (or be covered with coffee stains…but doesn’t that just make you a true artist?).

all that said, something tells me these to-the-point little notebooks from orange beautiful are still the most appropriate for my typical state of mind.  don’t we all need to be reminded to stop whining every now and then?

so, what do you think of these sweet new journaling options? are you a journaler by nature, or are you inspired to give it a go?

happy friday, everyone!

sigerson morrison debuted their new website today, and after months of serious withdrawal (sigerson may very well be my all-time favorite shoe designer), i was so, so ready to browse their lovely shoes obsessively once again.  the new site is beautiful, and i’m coveting far and wide, but i’ve also discovered a very serious love i never, ever expected to find.

i know it’s far too early to be talking pre-fall.  and i know i’ve been staunchly opposed to the bootie for a very, very long time.  but love (er, fashion) wants what it wants, and i’m head over sweet wooden heel for this version.  it’s simply, utterly perfect.  the ultra-low vamp means i actually would wear it with a skirt or cropped pant.  that stacked heel only looks to be about 2.5″, which is my ideal height.  the leather cuff and little stud snap at the back give this just enough edge to balance out the feminine heel…it’s truly fall shoe perfection.

at $295, it definitely won’t be my biggest footwear spending sin, but it’s still time to start saving (the rest of the line is amazing as well).

while i’m definitely lusting from afar this time around, there are some truly covet-worthy pieces in the shopbop designer boutique sale this morning.  care to do a little window shopping?

how can you not love the reid dress from rachel roy (50% off, down to $597.50)?  it would hide a multitude of sins, look fabulous on most anyone, and work for every season.  definitely investment-worthy if the budget permits…it’s the most versatile dress i’ve seen all year.

that sergio rossi pump (50% off, down to $440) is the ultimate summer neutral for everything from dresses to boyfriend jeans.

and while i’m no serena van der woodsen, that bronze derek lam cardi (50% off, down to $295) would definitely help me look the part.  i love that it works with everything from a tank to a cocktail dress…not to mention being the perfect accent for those fab sergio rossis.

if all this retail (non)gratification has you weeping into your cappucino, i’ll give you one bargain you might be able to swing: this sweet little clutch from anya hindmarch comes in three gorgeous primary hues, and will cure even your worst case of retail envy - all for less than $150.

i’m curious:  are you skipping the high-end sales this year, or are you taking full advantage of all of this recession-style retail?

um.  am i the only one who thinks this looks a lot like one of those victoria’s secret bodysuits from the 1990s, left unsnapped and flapping in the wind?

i’m just not sure the look i’m going for is ever “gee, is that her spanx showing?” or “what the hell is going on with the hem of that shirt?”.  am i missing something?  is this bikini-line-shaped hem some au courant trend i’ve missed?  if, in fact, i am dead wrong, feel free to pick one up for yourself (in a range of colors, naturally).  it’s been marked down from $245 to $95 in the otherwise extremely impressive kirna zabete sale going on this week (strange tank tops notwithstanding).

what do you think…has rick owens lost his mind or have i?

i honestly can’t remember how i ended up on calypso’s site…i followed a link there long ago, and started browsing.  however it happened, i’m definitely a new fan, particularly of their light-as-air summer dresses.  wouldn’t you just love to head to the hamptons or laguna beach with an overnight bag filled with these frocks?

i especially love the kimberly dress (center) which is available in short or maxi lengths and a pile of fabric choices.  i love that it’s one of the few maxis i’ve come across this season without an empire waist (not always the most flattering look), and at $150, it’s a great all-purpose summer party dress.  the short version in that fab purple madras plaid is very high on my list for the ultimate day dress.

and how can you resist that sweet, ruffle-y juno dress (right)?  i love the staggered ruffles (which, by the way, also make excellent tummy camouflage), and the fact that the styling is so easy, but still fitted enough to give you a shape.  so perfect!  for something even simpler, the piar style (left, by matta) is the ultimate option when it’s just too hot to care what you’re wearing.  with that airy cotton and wide flounced hem, you’ll look much cooler than you feel, even in triple digits.

if you’re on the hunt for summer dresses, calypso is a great place to start - besides their house line, they carry a few gorgeous styles from designers like chan luu and matta, so you’re sure to find some fabulous options.

i’m sort of enjoying the “random friday” thing…how about you?  hope you don’t mind the mental detours!

this week, i have to show off this new reusable bag i got from flip & tumble recently.  i know…another reusable bag.  but i have literally had people stop me on the street asking about this cutie, and now it’s the only one i’ll use!  they come in a rainbow of colors, only have a single strap (much more chic), and ball up perfectly in mere seconds into the itty-bitty, sewn-in stretchy ball cover. plus, they’re so cute!  i carry one in my purse religiously now, so - wonder of wonders - i actually have a reusable bag with me now when i want one for last-minute purchases (ahem, or protecting my pricier bags from the rain when i get caught in a summer shower. yes, i’m an environmental wonder, i know).

at $9 (less if you buy more), they’re less than you’re paying for those canvas totes you have lying all over the house, and these are so much cuter (not to mention easier to stash).  and have i mentioned how cute they are?  grab a stack at flip & tumble’s website…definitely a fun friday indulgence.

for as much time as i spend testing beauty goodies, i can tell you that the number of times i’m actually shocked by the performance of a product is small….even miniscule.  all that testing also means that i rarely stick with a new product for more than a week…there’s just always something new to check out.  so, the fact that i’m now unwilling to go a day without my “no frizz” products should tell you something.

living proof developed their silicone-free “no frizz” line based on a bunch of scientists and something called a polyfluoroester molecule that…yeah, i don’t really care about the science either.  the deal is this:  they have six products.  three will make your hair curly, and three will make your hair straight.  you choose based on the thickness of your hair:  fine/medium, medium/thick, or thick/coarse.  

my hair is the worst of both worlds - just curly enough to be annoying, and i have a lot of it.  so, when left to air-dry, things can get a bit, um, clown-wig.  or, at least, that’s how it used to be….pre-”no frizz”.  now, i’ve started acting a little superior about my suddenly well-behaved, perfect hair.  the curly version, scrunched into towel-dried hair, left me with perfect beachy waves.  the straight version, rubbed into wet hair pre-blow-dry, left me with stick-straight, frizz-free locks all day long.  how is this possible?  not really sure i care…but i am ob-sessed with these products.

if you’re somewhere between straight and curly, like me, buy a bottle of each.  trust me…it’s like the magic mushroom from alice in wonderland.  if you’re stick straight or impossibly curly, well, just buy the one that works for you.  but whatever you do, make sure you try this one out…it’s an instant addiction!  pick it up at sephora…immediately.