Author Archives: jessie

and the winner is…tuleste market necklace from charm and chain

even more exciting than the emmy’s last night…the winner of the tuleste market necklace!

the winner is…entry #71, by janet, who simply said:

“love it!”

congrats to janet, who will look so chic in her gorgeous statement necklace. be sure to email me by tuesday morning (editor at shoppingsmycardio dot com) with your deets, or we’ll have to draw a new winner!

that gorgeous tuleste market necklace that’s up for grabs?  it retails for $150, and is one of my absolute favorites from ali’s picks. i’m dying to pair it with everything from a simple tee to a cocktail dress…it’s sure to add instant glam to any and all ensembles!thanks to all of you for entering, and for sharing the SMC love!  thanks to ali galgano owner of the fabulous jewelry shop, charm & chain.

Share 'and the winner is…tuleste market necklace from charm and chain' on Facebook Share 'and the winner is…tuleste market necklace from charm and chain' on Google+ Share 'and the winner is…tuleste market necklace from charm and chain' on Pinterest Share 'and the winner is…tuleste market necklace from charm and chain' on Twitter Share 'and the winner is…tuleste market necklace from charm and chain' on Email

hemlines and the economy

i’ve been thinking about the economy.  (stay with me here, i’m thinking in fashion terms.)  

there are two economic theories that deal with hemlines:  in the first theory, the winner is the mini. the story goes that skirts get shorter when the economy gets tighter (in other words, less fabric = less money).  the other theory is the exact opposite:  dropping hemlines mean a falling economy.  historically, the short flapper styles of the ’20s and minis from the ’60s supported this theory, as the economy was strong.

today, while we’re being bombarded every day with news on the markets rising and falling like mad, hemlines are all over the charts.  so, what do you all think?  in poor economic times (or as the trends swing), do you go with the mini, the maxi or somewhere in between?  or do you just ignore the trends altogether and wear what you like?

personally, i choose my hems based on the event, not the economy.  here are my three picks, with three different hemlines, all for under $200.

for a night out with my hubbie, i might choose a sexy mini, like the fast mojo by french connection.  at a black tie charity ball, nothing could come between me and my one shoulder jersey calvin klein dress, in this beauty I would feel glamorous all night.  finally, my go-to length is this flirty tiered mesh dress by maggie london – it would take me anywhere from the office christmas party to the family new year’s eve gathering.  but whatever you wear to your holiday gatherings, the best look is a great smile, worn by the girl who isn’t letting the economy cramp her style!

~ J

Share 'hemlines and the economy' on Facebook Share 'hemlines and the economy' on Google+ Share 'hemlines and the economy' on Pinterest Share 'hemlines and the economy' on Twitter Share 'hemlines and the economy' on Email

deal of the day: velvet-trim satin top from old navy

at least once during the holiday season, i have a wardrobe crisis.  the year i was wearing a beautiful ivory cashmere sweater that i spilled a diet coke on while getting ready, or the red sequined skirt that i put my heel through when i foolishly put shoes on first.  so with the holidays getting close, i need an emergency holiday outfit (e.h.o.) in my closet. 

this satin top from old navy is a perfect choice – at $20, if the only place i wear it is the local wine bar, i can live with that.   the colors are perfect for the season – in this lovely shade of wine, it guarantees no one will notice my tendency to spill my cabernet.  but it’s also a standout in deep blue, and a classic in black.  a few other things i love?  straps wide enough to wear a regular bra, and cinching below the bust line to slim my waist.  one word of advice:  the top runs big, so order accordingly. 

oh, and with the friends & family discount going on this weekend at old navy, that $20 top is actually only $14…at that price, you can afford to buy this one in all three shades!  have fun at those parties and remember when that wardrobe crisis hits, don’t panic –  just have an e.h.o. at the ready, and you’re set!

~ j

Share 'deal of the day: velvet-trim satin top from old navy' on Facebook Share 'deal of the day: velvet-trim satin top from old navy' on Google+ Share 'deal of the day: velvet-trim satin top from old navy' on Pinterest Share 'deal of the day: velvet-trim satin top from old navy' on Twitter Share 'deal of the day: velvet-trim satin top from old navy' on Email

asked and answered: chic from office to happy hour

we recently got a reader question about the dreaded “work-to-happy-hour” transition.  and truly, it is a serious fashion challenge.  so, we called in our resident hipster expert for some advice on pulling off the after-hours look seamlessly.

sometimes, an after-work cocktail is simply a must, whether you’re meeting your girls or that hot guy from accounting.  but how do you leave the office without looking like you just left the office?  i try to plan ahead if i am going to happy hour and wear something that’s easy to transition.

for me, a cute dress, like this knot print wrap dress from banana republic, is perfect.  at the office i would wear tights and a lower heel. after work, make a quick change (a la lynn, in girls just wanna have fun on the bus):  lose the tights, add some big hoop earings and higher heels.  you’ll be the hottest girl there!

for those who aren’t into dresses, rather than wearing a basic white blouse under your black suit, opt for a ruffled purple tank instead.  once you arrive, just remove your jacket and you’ll be right on with the purple and black trend.   

if you are dying to wear that white blouse, skip the suit in favor of a chic, high-waisted black skirt.  once you leave the office, layer a few long necklaces.  just make sure to add tights if you don’t want to look like a naughty secretary…you can always slip them off pre-cocktails. 

those are my best tips…what do you all wear if you are going out right after work? 

~ j

Share 'asked and answered:  chic from office to happy hour' on Facebook Share 'asked and answered:  chic from office to happy hour' on Google+ Share 'asked and answered:  chic from office to happy hour' on Pinterest Share 'asked and answered:  chic from office to happy hour' on Twitter Share 'asked and answered:  chic from office to happy hour' on Email

what i want today: bold necklaces

i was reading my style bible (instyle magazine) the other day, when i read that women over 30 should not be wearing delicate necklaces (with the exception of a diamond solitaire, natch).  since a certain blogger (moi) is officially over 30 this week, i went on a style mission for a bold necklace.  turns out that anthropologie redeemed itself, and had everything i could hope for.  with marni style for less, these bold necklaces will keep me chic even if i am of a “certain” age.  the baubles are so versatile, i could wear any of them to the office, with my lbd or with a white tank, designer jeans and heels on a date with my husband!

the discus is simply fab – with faceted agate to catch the light, the multiple colors will work with most any hue i am wearing. 

with this beauty, “i’m ready for my close up mr. demille”!  this is a necklace that i would have forever, and could easily become a signature piece. 

while it’s no secret i love the queen b, this necklace is more budget-minded than something miss waldorf would wear.  gorgeous with that turquoise hue, it’s perfect for those budget minded fashionistas worried about the economy. 

check out all of the choice offerings over at anthro for a budget-friendly fix.  no matter which you choose, a bold necklace adds instant style to anything you throw on!

 ~ J

Share 'what i want today: bold necklaces' on Facebook Share 'what i want today: bold necklaces' on Google+ Share 'what i want today: bold necklaces' on Pinterest Share 'what i want today: bold necklaces' on Twitter Share 'what i want today: bold necklaces' on Email

what i want today: mad for plaid!

plaid was one of the hottest trends we found on the runways for fall.  given the fact that nirvana and pearl jam were at the height of popularity when i was in high school, i am all too familiar with the plaid shirt grunge trend of the ’90s.  as a rule, i think you should never re-visit a trend that you have already lived through…but, in this case, i think it might be worth taking a chance on a more refined version of the classic.

while my plaid shirts in high school were, in fact, men’s shirts (often stolen from my dad or grandpa’s closets), the new generation of plaid boasts girly details like ruffles, feminine buttons and darts.  i had my eye on the elizabeth and james bonfire shirt, but it is sold out everywhere!  fortunately, there are still options that would be fun additions to your fall look – even better when the look comes at under $50.  i love a trend you can try without a big commitment!   

i love the gathered waist and puffed sleeve details on fire’s plaid ruffle shirt (in red or purple).  added bonus:  the short sleeves make this a great transitional fall top

leave it to topshop, the UK-based fashion megaship, to pull off the plaid in a big way. this big check shirt in red has the look of the elizabeth and james shirt, without the price tag.  sadly, it is missing the gorgeous back button details of the original, but you can’t beat the price (and they do ship to the states!).

just remember:  if you decide to rock the plaid this fall, leave the doc martens and smeared red lipstick (a la courtney love) at home!


CoutureCandy $10 Off

Share 'what i want today: mad for plaid!' on Facebook Share 'what i want today: mad for plaid!' on Google+ Share 'what i want today: mad for plaid!' on Pinterest Share 'what i want today: mad for plaid!' on Twitter Share 'what i want today: mad for plaid!' on Email

what i want today: gossip girl-worthy argyles

hey there SMC readers, (wherever you are…)

little j here.  queen b and i can hardly wait for the next episode of gossip girl, after checking out the premiere this week.  to help contain my excitement i have been looking at on-set photos taken from this season’s episodes, and the trend i saw nearly every character sporting was argyle.  argyles are such a fun, classic look – and there are tons of options this season to make argyles work for every look.  here are a few picks that i found for some of our favorite gossip girls (all in the grey, navy and black color scheme to match those constance billard uniforms, natch)

who else but blair, the queen bee, would wear this gorgeous burberry cashmere sweater?  a splurge at $550, but this argyle will stand the test of time and keep you looking as classic as miss waldorf. 

word is that serena will be a little less bohemian this season and a little more chanel.  i can just picture S on the steps of the met, with her over the knee argyle socks paired with a riding boot.  if you don’t think you have the stems for the over-the-knee sock, try out argyle tights

and we can’t forget little j.  i love jenny humprey’s style – she doesn’t have an unlimited budget like our other gossip girls, so she mixes vintage pieces with some designer and some homemade items.  jenny would look so adorable in a crisp white shirt topped with j. crew’s sequin argyle cardigan.  that three-quarter-length sleeve means this would look great over your little black dress too!  for a more weekend-worthy vibe, check out the steal of the season:  this ruffle-neck argyle cardigan from old navy.  with a pricetag this low, jenny might not even have to pawn her hot older bro to snag these digs.

until next time, you know you love me!

xoxo, little j

ps…don’t forget your chance to snag the free goods up for grabs this week!  if you haven’t entered yet, what are you waiting for?

Share 'what i want today: gossip girl-worthy argyles' on Facebook Share 'what i want today: gossip girl-worthy argyles' on Google+ Share 'what i want today: gossip girl-worthy argyles' on Pinterest Share 'what i want today: gossip girl-worthy argyles' on Twitter Share 'what i want today: gossip girl-worthy argyles' on Email

happy labor day: drink up!

we talked fashionable politics with the democratic convention last week – it seems only appropriate to talk fashionable drinking now that the GOP is getting their turn

show your party love with these liberal/conservative wine and beer glasses from sur la table!  these cheeky pint glasses are perfect for all your pre-election soirees.  conservatives can soberly monitor their half-full glasses, while liberals let it flow!  and really, the drinking game options are endless.  just remember…liberal consumption makes for loose tongues!

 

Share 'happy labor day:  drink up!' on Facebook Share 'happy labor day:  drink up!' on Google+ Share 'happy labor day:  drink up!' on Pinterest Share 'happy labor day:  drink up!' on Twitter Share 'happy labor day:  drink up!' on Email