Wardrobe Essentials- Part 4

So I know I haven’t done a post about wardrobe essentials in a while, but I have been meaning to, I swear! Today, I will be focusing on shoes, which I know every girl can’t live without. And while I would love to talk about how there are at least 10 shoe essentials, that would take forever and I know no one has the time or money for that. So, I’m going to focus on three different kinds that are absolutely essential. At least, in my opinion.

Black High Heels

Credit: Chinese Laundry, zappos.com

As always, I try to include at least one thing that will transition from a college students wardrobe effortlessly to a working woman’s wardrobe. This time, I chose black patent high heels because they are such a versatile piece for any woman’s wardrobe. They are perfect to wear on a night out with the girls, on a date, or to a job interview. In addition, I made sure to look for a relatively low heel, and for closed-toe shoes. Although a higher heel and peep-toed shoes are fun, they don’t work for as many outfits as these shoes do.

Flip Flops

Credit:Havaianas

I know I mentioned this many times before on my blog, but no college girl should be without flip-flops! When it is so hot out that it is unbearable, these are the perfect things to slip on. In addition, flip-flops go with everything, and are an essential for when you are going to the beach, pool, and amusement park – basically  every summer activity. Plus, flip-flops come in so many fun colors and patterns, everyone can find something that they like!

Riding Boots

Credit: Naturalizer, shoes.com

Now although I only got my first pair of riding boots this fall, I don’t know how I have lived without them before! These boots are perfect for the fall and winter, and go with just about everything. Personally, I love tucking mine into skinny jeans, or wearing them with dresses and tights. In addition, while I prefer brown boots, black would be rather versatile as well. For example, on a lot of the days that I didn’t feel like wearing my rain boots or Sperry’s, I pulled out my trusty riding boots to get me through the rainy day.

So, what do you guys think? Would you agree with my choices? What do you think I missed?

Forecast for Spring

Spring started six days ago, so I really am kind of late on “forecasting” style for spring. Technically, I probably should have talked about this after New York Fashion Week in the fall, but I didn’t have this blog then. But who cares about rules? I’m going to comment on what I have been noticing has been popular recently.

Lace

Yesterday I went shopping for the first time since December. I know right? How this is that possible considering I have a blog about fashion? Well, it is. I am a poor college student, and as a result, I haven’t been shopping in a long time. Regardless, I was at Forever 21 yesterday, and I noticed all kinds of lace everywhere! From white and black lace, to edge and venetian lace, it seemed to be on just about every piece of clothing in the store.

Lace dress, $97, Forever21 cut out dress, $23, Sheer dress, $98, Miss Selfridge shrug top, 28 GBP, Free People bandeau tube top, $28, Lace top, $17, Cardigan, 35 GBP, Lace top, $17, H M pink tank top, Rue21 chiffon skirt, $22, Lace short, $36, Forever21, $23, Minuet Petite pink skirt, 35 GBP, Cover up swimwear, 55 GBP, American Eagle outfitter, $25, Black lace necklace, $20, Necklace, $13, TopShop hair accessory, $8

Notice how almost everything is in the same feminine color palette…pinks, whites, and beige. Now, while I kind of like that, I think a lot more people would like lace if it came in other colors. If you are afraid of feeling too girly in one of these pieces, trying pairing it with something a little less delicate-like a lace tank with a leather motorcycle jacket!

Florals

Last week, I was waiting for a table in D.C., and was left standing outside for at least an hour. Usually this is pretty boring, but I was on a busy street and there was tons of people watching to do! I was on the same street at the Verizon Center actually (on the day on the Pitt v. Butler game), so there was definitely some interesting fashion present. Anyways, so one thing I noticed was the popularity of floral.

Now, I love floral! Other than with lace or pink, how else can you easily make an outfit girly easily? Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t floral print; they think it comes off looking too much like an old lady. However, there is a right way to wear floral- in moderation. Don’t go all out in a really long big print floral dress, you will look like a grandma. If you wear a small bit (like on a bandeau top under a tank), you can still look young!

Floral dress, $45, Floral dress, 27 GBP, Cotton dress, 22 GBP, Tube dress, $18, H M floral dress, Floral top, $45, Forever21 knit tank top, $13, Rue21 floral skirt, $30, Maggie and Me cotton mini skirt, 20 GBP, Ladies Laced Floral Wellies, 16 GBP, Forever21 canvas shoes, $20, Forever21 flat thong sandal, $13, Floral print handbag, 10 GBP, Pink bracelet, $44, Marc Jacobs gold chain bracelet, $42, Monsoon stud earring, 14 GBP, BKE bracelet, $8.04, Forever21 floral jewelry, $2.80, Floral hair accessory, $12, Floral sunglass, $9.99, Floral scarve, 6,95 EUR

Shopping Online

As a fashion loving college student who is on a tight budget, I am always trying to find the best deals without giving up the brands I love.  Already, I make sure that I cut coupons, only buy what is on sale, and shop at off-price retailers such as TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and DSW.  However, I don’t always have time to go out shopping, which is why I love shopping online. Thankfully, there are a lot of ways to save money online, and not just with the ways that I mentioned before. Now, there are exclusive members-only shopping websites that allow you to have your favorite brands at sample sale prices. I’ve decided to introduce you all to a couple of these websites today so you can all sign-up and enjoy the savings.

1. Ideeli.com

Ideeli is an invite only shopping community that offers authentic luxury items at a preferential price (as much as 80% percent off!) Everyday, you will receive an e-mail a little before 11 a.m. advertising between 7-10 brands that will be on sale for the day, and what they will be selling. Products range from Ralph Lauren home goods, to Betsey Johnson sunglasses, to everything else in between. Hurry though, everything is on a first come, first serve basis, and highly desired items sell quickly. So if you see something you like-grab it as soon as the sale opens at 12 p.m! One note of caution- items are non-refundable, so make sure you get the correct size, and really want the item. Want to know how you can become a part of the exclusive club? Click on my invitation in the link above so you can join!

2. gilt.com

Gilt is very similar to Ideeli because it is another invite-only shopping community that offers authentic designer brands at great prices. However, I find the biggest difference between Gilt and Ideeli is the types of products offered. While the items Ideeli sells can usually be found in a local department stores, items found on Gilt are more often seen on celebrities or the red carpet. As a result, I don’t often buy very much from Gilt because the prices are still pretty high, but it is very fun to look. Like Ideeli, items are on a first come, first serve basis and are non-refundable. In addition, an e-mail is sent out everyday  a little before 11 a.m advertising the sales for day (which start at 12 p.m.) Want to join? Click on the link above for your invitation!

3. shopittome.com

Shopittome.com is quite unlike the other two sites I talked about earlier. This time, by entering some of your information (such as your size, and favorite brands,) shopittome scans the web, looking for the best deals on your favorite brands and in your sizes. Around 12 p.m. everyday, you’ll receive an e-mail advertising the best deals for the day, and where you can purchase these deals. Unlike the other two, this site is not invite only, so you can simply click on the link above to join.

One last tip, if you don’t have one already, create a junk e-mail account for all of these websites to send to. It would be a hassle to delete these everyday if they were sent to a student or work e-mail, so designate an e-mail address just for store coupons, promotions, and offers. That way, when you are in the mood to shop, you can see what is available, and where you can find the best deals.