This spring, I’ll moon about bright pops of color, florals and maybe even some monochrome black-and-white action. But what will actually end up in my closet?
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signs of spring: velvet by graham & spencer
Tag Archives: velvet
friends & family bonanza!
It’s a good day, my friends! Welcome to the first day of Friends & Family at both Saks Fifth Ave. and Shopbop! Yep, you heard me. 20% off sitewide, with the obvious nagging designer exclusions.
Friends and family is wonderful, but remember, it’s the precursor to the fall sales, when things will start at 25-30% off. So, like everything else in life, it’s a gamble. Take the sure thing now? Or wait until next week, when prices start to drop? It’s a judgment call, but generally, I suggest using Friends & Family to splurge on pieces that are classic, and therefore won’t go on sale – like, say, a Burberry trench. It’s also a great time for denim, as those markdowns won’t happen until much later in the season (if at all). And pieces you’ll wear to death now, like boots.
Want some examples?
At Saks, use code FRNFAM2 through 10/21 (and combine it with code OCTBSFA for free shipping on $150+):
Twisted seam sweater, Vince, $176 from $220; Newbury ankle boots, Rag & Bone, $396 from $495; Grey flannel Marrakesh, MiH $169 from $211 (more on these amazing pants later)
At Shopbop, you’ll use code WEAREFAMILY, but it’s only good through tomorrow (10/17):
Colorblock pullover, Elizabeth & James, $292 from $365; Richley lace dress, DVF, $292 from $365; Ingrid lurex sweater, Velvet, $92 from $114
But what I really want to know is…what are you buying??
travel in style: the perfect summer packing list!
Friends, I am so in need of a summer vacation. I’m writing this while wearing a beach caftan and white jeans…in my living room. It’s time to get out of dodge!
I’m thinking if I pack myself an overnight bag now, perhaps I’ll be struck by a spur-of-the-moment inspiration and take myself out on a weekend getaway. Worth a shot, don’t you think? I have a feeling the rest of you may have actual weekend (or week-long) trips afoot, and could use a little guidance on packing the perfect weekend bag.
As usual, I have big dreams of 3 outfits a day, shoes to match, and a whole separate trunk of accessories. But really, summer trips call for minimal effort…and minimal luggage. So, rather than fantasy, this is pure practicality. Skip the fashion-conscious gear and go for versatility. Skip the giant jewels and go for simple. Skip the boring classic novel and go for the trashy celebrity magazines. This is a vacation!
Top: Striped tank, Edith A. Miller, $58 / Tissue v-neck tee, J.Crew, $30 / Callan tee, Velvet, $86 /
Denim shorts, Joe’s Jeans, $138 / Tank dress, Three Dots, $66
Bottom: Graf + Lantz overnighter, $379 / Druzy studs, Dara Ettinger, $95 / Rope bracelet, Kiel James Patrick, $40 / Archer flat, Dolce Vita, $69 / Espadrilles, ASOS (similar here) / Cenoire electric toothbrush, $35 / Sun Protector, Kiehls, $23
You’ll need:
* 2 tees: one basic, one fashion-forward
* 1 tank: basic is great
* 1 pair of denim cutoffs: the ultimate in versatility!
* 1 easy summer dress
* 1 pair of sandals/flip flops
* 1 pair of walking shoes
* 1 great bracelet
* 1 pair of simple earrings
* 1 swimsuit
* 1 semi-slinky nightgown (it is a vacation, after all)
* Oh, and…extra undies!
That’s it!
Add your trusty bag of toiletries and you’re set. You do keep that pre-packed, right? No? You don’t know what you’re missing…it’s a total travel game-changer! Head to Nordstrom with a list of your staple products, ask them to make up testers for you (buy something so you don’t feel guilty), and throw them in a Ziploc. I know you have extra makeup lying around, so make yourself a travel bag with the spares. Throw in a toothbrush, treat yourself to a travel flat iron, and leave the whole assembly in your bag, so you never have to go hunting when the open road calls.
Oh, and don’t forget the big bottle of SPF. My sun-phobic favorite this season is from Kiehls – it’s SPF 50, water-resistant and broad-spectrum. Done and done!
Where are you off to this summer? Maybe I can live vicariously…
styled alternatives: velvet’s marisha dress
Good morning, friends – I missed you last week! Though I tell you, it was a vacation sorely needed. But I’m back now, refreshed, and ready to get back to business. By which I mean copious amounts of online shopping, naturally.
I didn’t get a chance to tell you about my latest find before I checked out, but I’ve been wearing it nonstop, so it’s high time. Let me introduce you to Velvet by Graham & Spencer’s Marisha dress.
I am beyond picky about summer dresses. I adore them, but never ever find one that will suit my many requirements. I should have known to start with Velvet by Graham & Spencer…they just always seem to get it right, don’t you think?
Besides being head over heels for that Aztec-inspired print and the cheery coral hue, this beauty nails each and every summer rule of mine. Plus, I cannot tell you how many compliments I get when I wear it. It isn’t too short (miracle of miracles), and that fitted bodice/relaxed skirt combo is hands-down the most flattering style ever. Oh! And. It has wide straps and a lined skirt. For once, bra straps and VPL aren’t an issue.
I tell you, this dress is magic. Even the hubs has commented on it several times. (At one point, he actually said “You should get more dresses from that company.” Way ahead of you, buddy.)
Styling this baby is easy as pie. It also happens to be one of those rare summer dresses that you can actually wear to the office (you know, unless you’re trading stocks or trying cases). So, I’ve come up with a couple of my favorite ways to wear the Marisha at work and at play.
Work: Linen blazer, Olivia Moon, $88 / Raffia woven tote, Marni, $828 / Rope belt, the i heart boutique, $22 / Anja wedge, Loeffler Randall, $262 / Mix bead necklace, A Merry Mishap, $31
Weekend: Denim jacket, KUT, $69 / Oversized popcorn raffia clutch, Bop Basics, $78 / Leaf filigree cuff, Prismera Designs, $240 / Super Skinny green belt, ASOS, $10 / Andromeda flat, Belle by Sigerson Morrison, $225
And I’m just getting started! Coral is such a versatile shade, you could swap the blue blazer for navy, or even a bright yellow if you have dark skin. On the weekend, ditch the denim jacket in favor of a military style, a short-sleeved cardi or go bare. Change out the dainty belt for a chunkier style (I happen to love my Wood & Faulk version), switch up the jewelry ad infinitum (just steer clear of long necklaces…I don’t love the look when mixed with a belt). Be bold, and this dress will deliver all season.
spring sales, part X
wow, this is a seriously damaged economy – lucky us!
saks just announced a friends & family discount online for today & tomorrow only (in stores apr 16-19) – use code SFAFAM10 to score 25% off (20% off jewelry and 10% off cosmetics). their site is so clogged, i had a hard time getting on – but now that i have, the completely irresponsible side of me is dying with cute overload from these sweet prada flip flops – yes, it’s $150 for flip flops, but it comes with a matching case! what, that doesn’t make it reasonable?
tobi is running 25% off sitewide too, including on sale items – use code 25EMAIL through friday. some awesome deals to be found in the sale section, particularly if you happen to be a 25″ waist or a size small. i’m thinking hard about these sweet nude heels from sigerson morrison – down to $206, plus another 25% off…so, about $150. on paper, i realize i should hate these – but i’m oddly attracted to them. i can never come up with heels i like to see with spring dresses, and these would work so perfectly! loads of great tops from velvet, too – they’re getting a little pricey for me these days, but the sale is making them cuter.
and shopbop is running its annual tax day promo, in that annoying, staggered-spending way that tricks us into spending more than we meant to. save $25 on $200, $75 on $400…and so on, with code TAXBREAK09, through thursday. this rebecca taylor dress was literally the first thing i saw on the site, but i was so excited by the non-crotch-skimming hemline that i nearly keeled over. and what a great all-purpose summer sundress, provided you’re not overly endowed in the chest department. other than that (and the usual adoration of all shoes, bags and jewelry), this elizabeth and james plaid shirt is exactly the look i want this spring – i’ve had enough of the 80s revival and the endless shoulder pads. pair this with faded jeans now, a cuffed blazer and shorts later in the spring, and leave it open over a lacy cami and maybe an eyelet skirt in the summer – talk about a multitasker. of course, you’ll have to find a way to spend another $5 to get the deal. see what i mean? they’re tricky, those shopbop marketing people.
so, what do you think – is all of this discount madness going to shock us out of our spending hiatuses (what is the plural of hiatus, anyway?…hmm). ahem. anyway, will you be partaking?
buyer’s buys: basic boutique (and an exclusive discount!)
wow, that is some serious title alliteration…but i digress. we’re test-driving a new feature here at SMC, in which we ask buyers at our favorite shops to tell us what they’re lusting after this season. i love getting a new perspective from time to time, and there’s no better source than the people that get to see absolutely everything out there, and are then forced to narrow their picks to a very select few.
today’s “buyer’s buys” is with the lovely andrea denes of basic boutique. basic is one of my favorite stops to check out established favorites like madison marcus and loeffler randall, as well as new faces like lorick and castle starr. the online-only boutique has recently gotten loads of fab press, but i love being able to say i knew them when! anyway, without further adieu, these are a few of andrea’s fave picks for fall:
Ulla Johnson Edith Blouse – This blouse is absolutely gorgeous and super lightweight so you can start wearing it now! The print is unique yet subtle, and will be the perfect compliment under a cardigan or vest this fall!
Velvet Sarill – Using a Rachel Zoeism…”I’d die”. Yep, that basically sums up this little number by Velvet. The fit, color, and need I mention price are all just dead on!
Vena Cava Casio Tank – Vena Cava is known for their unique prints, and this one doesn’t miss the mark. The cut of this tank is flirty and feminine, but the zipper front gives it just the right amount of edge. Perfect for layering under fall jackets.
Dorothy Lee Cardigan – Well, we obviously know sweaters and fall go hand in hand, but this one is actually making me look forward to cold weather! I plan to make this sweater my fall uniform, along with my skinny jeans and brown high boots.
Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag Mini – We’re no strangers to this staple bag by Rebecca Minkoff, but I’m obsessing over the neutral hued color of this season’s MAB mini! The perfect compliment to those fall jackets and sweaters!
Loeffler Randall Ruffle Collar Jacket – If you’re looking for a statement piece to invest in this season, then you’ve found it. This gorgeous jacket by Loeffler Randall can be dressed up OR down, the color goes with everything, and it looks amazing on. Can we say “necessary!”?!
no big shock that we’re in love with every one of andrea’s picks. if you are too, she’d like to help you score some of these fab digs. just use code CardioTop5 to save 20% sitewide (that includes sale items, folks!). work those credit cards now…the code expires sunday. and of course, let us know what you end up bringing home!