The bare accessory

The take on the fanny pack has never seen better days! First of all, its name "fanny pack" is now in the past along with its 80's design.  The bare accessory is now being called the belt bag or the belt purse.  High-end designers have been reinventing it and thank goodness not only has its name been dropped, but its parachute material of nylon has been updated to something more lavish like leather.  There is no reason to feel discomfited about this spring/summer 2011 trend because I could honestly say that I love its new design, fabrication, and its sophisticated style!

photos: courtesy of Elle.com

Diane Von Furstenberg, SS 2011

Jaeger London, SS 2011

Hermes, SS 2011

Emilio Pucci, SS 2011

Jaeger London, SS 2011

As shown in the images above, the belt purse is practical and versatile.  It can easily be worn casually on your hips or directly on your waist for a more sophisticated style.  I found a Michael Kors belt purse at TJ Maxx for an unbelievable price of $24.99.  It has a combination of brown leather trim and beige canvas material. It's simple, chic, and for the price...it's unbeatable and I am speechless...

Michael Kors purse belt

Michael Kors purse belt

Clearance at Target!

The weather in Los Angeles is not what I have anticipated! It is chilly and overcast so, I am begging for the SUN to shine through again!  Meanwhile, I was at one of my favorite places to shop-TARGET and came across the sleepwear department and found some cute grabs in the clearance rack. It's exactly what I needed once getting home to sip on some hot coco.

I found a Gilligan & O'Malley long sleeve french terry sleep shirt that is so soft and I just love the contrast trim.  It's on clearance for $8.48 originally $16.99.  I wish the colors would show more through my pictures but the shirt is a striped gray and pink color and they also had the matching pink color drawstring waistband relaxed fit shorts that are only $6.98 originally $9.99.  Can't beat these prices and I just love the color combination of the pink and gray-it's so soothing.  It's exactly what the doctor ordered! 

GILLIGAN & O'MALLEY SLEEPWEAR

GILLIGAN & O'MALLEY SLEEPWEAR

Now, when the SUN comes out again how about opting for a lighter type of sleepwear! I came across another Gilligan & O'Malley sleepwear romper for $13.98 originally $19.99.  This is too cute especially the lace detail and key hole neckline.  This lightweight pink floral romper is perfect for a good nights rest on a summer night! 

GILLIGAN & O'MALLEY ROMPER SLEEPWEAR

GILLIGAN & O'MALLEY ROMPER SLEEPWEAR

GILLIGAN & O'MALLEY ROMPER SLEEPWEAR

Crop-is-in!

I am crushing over this season's trend of cropped over-sized shirts and even more when I find one in one of THE HOTTEST COLORS this season-ORANGE! Here is Testaments cropped over-sized button-up blouse in an orange crush color at TJ Maxx for $29.99 and retails for $68.00 .  I especially like the asymmetrical hem and how it is cut to hang on the body! This blouse is so popping on color and can be worn buttoned, unbuttoned, or tied like how Kristen Cavallari wore her Naven cropped blouse in the picture below.

Photo: Courtesy of shopstyle.com

Kristin Cavallari in Naven blouse

Testament Orange Cropped Blouse

Testament Orange Cropped Blouse

Shoe Clearance!!

♥ ATTENTION ALL MAXXINISTAS ♥ TJ Maxx just announced their SHOE CLEARANCE STARTS TODAY! They are marking down all spring shoes, sandals and select designer footwear! Save up to 70% off dept store prices.

Day time feminine

Anyone looking for a day time summer dress that brings out your femininity? I found this ultra cute day time Max Azria summer dress in lavender color for $34.99 at TJ Maxx  and retails for $80.00! I love that this dress is lined inside and the lace applique detail adds this romantic feel.  Perfect for a lunch date!

Max Azria summer dress in lavender

Max Azria summer dress in lavender

Max Azria summer dress in lavender

Max Azria summer dress in lavender

DEALS & STEALS FOR UNDER $50

NEW FASHION DESIGNER DEALS UNDER $50.00

HOBO INTERNATIONAL ORANGE CLUTCH $49.00 AT TJ MAXX

HOBO INTERNATIONAL CLUTCH FRONT VIEW

HOBO INTERNATIONAL CLUTCH INSIDE VIEW

MICHAEL BY MICHAEL KORS BLACK FLAT SANDAL $49.99 AT TJ MAXX

MICHAEL BY MICHAEL KORS FLAT SANDAL FRONT VIEW

MICHAEL BY MICHAEL KORS FLAT SANDAL BACK VIEW

MICHAEL BY MICHAEL KORS FLAT SANDAL TOP VIEW

The Wave of Floppy Hats

Mrs. Cynthia Rowley you have caught my eye again with your decorative 70's inspired floppy hat that features a multicolored beaded bow alongside the brim of the hat.  This classic style brings in some serious appeal and I love the relaxing unstructured design of the hat and better yet, I love the price!  This hat is priced for $19.99 at TJ Maxx and retails for over $50.00.  Not only will this hat provide you with all the shade you need, but it will provide you with all the chic style you need for summer!  This is my new favorite accessory for summer!

CYNTHIA ROWLEY FLOPPY HAT

CYNTHIA ROWLEY FLOPPY HAT

CYNTHIA ROWLEY FLOPPY HAT

CYNTHIA ROWLEY FLOPPY HAT

INSPIRATION PHOTOS: Tracy Reese Spring 2011 RTW

Photos: Courtesy of style.com

How would you wear this? Comment below and share with me your thoughts!!  

For a day on a cruise, I would most likely pair it with an electric color swim suit such as this yellow-green Calvin Klein one piece with criss-cross back from TJ Maxx for $29.99 and a black swim suit cover-up by Jordan Taylor Collection at TJ Maxx for only $29.99 and retails for $48.00.  The passport wallet is also, available at TJ Maxx for $7.99 and available in other bright colors such as this one that is in turquoise with a yellow-green color inside.

 

*Khaki Essential*

For all the women on-the-go I found a versatile pair of Calvin Klein khaki pants at TJ Maxx for $24.99 and retails for $58.00.  That's half the original price plus, these khaki's come with a slim, studded belt!  What I love most about khaki pants is that they are truly a simple pant that can be worn with almost anything.  These CK khaki's have a classic fit that works on almost every shape.  They have a flat-front, slanted side pockets and are straight leg (easy to cuff for a trendier feel).  

CALVIN KLEIN KHAKI PANTS

CALVIN KLEIN KHAKI PANTS

I am continuing on to "keeping it classic" so, I then spotted an Elizabeth & James blue and white stripe collar shirt at TJ Maxx for $99.00 originally retailing for $225.00.  This shirt is another wardrobe classic staple and the gathered button back detailing is a wonderful touch of femininity!  Totally reflects Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen's fashion label mix of masculine and feminine designs! 

ELIZABETH & JAMES BUTTON-UP SHIRT

ELIZABETH & JAMES BUTTON-UP SHIRT

ELIZABETH & JAMES SHIRT, CALVIN KLEIN KHAKI PANTS, KELSI DAGGER SHOES, KENSIE OWL BUCKLE BELT

My inspiration runway picture from Paul Smith Spring/Summer 2011

PAUL SMITH SPRING/SUMMER 2011

Photo: Courtesy of marieclaire.co.uk

Orange Oomph!

I love the color palette this spring and the hot hue combinations such as, orange and purple that has been spotted at Gucci and Diane Von Furstenberg Spring 2011 runways.  The vibrant colors are so popping that they give me almost an automatic boost of energy.  During these hot couple of days, I think we could use the extra surge of liveliness that the sun has seized from us.  

GUCCI SPRING 2011 RTW

DVF SPRING 2011 RTW

 Photos: Courtesy of Elle.com

Color blocking these bold hues is one of the several trends this season and it’s not as hard as you may think.  Orange works well with other bold colors such as purple, pink, and red.  With this in mind, I spotted some tangerine orange Halston Heritage shorts on clearance for $34.00 at TJ Maxx!  Originally they retailed for over $250.00 so you could only imagine the burst of euphoria that gushed through my body!  Now I was on a mission to pair these shorts with another bold hue and what do you know... I then found a Free People hot berry burn out cotton tee that would totally complement the shorts.  The Free People shirt costs only $19.99 and retails for $58.00 and I can’t even begin to tell you how comfortable this outfit is.  This ensemble is perfect for a day of leisure while still looking on trend.  You could easily add another pop of color or you could separate the two pieces and recreate two whole other outfits.  With these affordable prices it is okay to go wild and stray from classic color pieces.  Take a risk with me, I promise not to break your bank ;)

FREE PEOPLE HOT BERRY TEE

HALSTON HERITAGE ORANGE SHORTS

HALSTON HERITAGE ORANGE SHORTS

FREE PEOPLE TEE & HALSTON HERITAGE SHORTS

FREE PEOPLE TEE & HALSTON HERITAGE SHORTS

Calypso St. Barth for Target!

Get away with Target's new designer collaboration!  Calypso St. Barth is offering three collections-The Sea Collection, The Reef Collection, and The Shore Collection.  The collections include everything from home decor to women's petite and plus size apparel.  Prices range from $1.99 to $79.99 and will be available starting today May 1st through June 11 at Target stores and online.  Get a piece of their enticing collection!

 

  

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Photos: Courtesy of Target.com/lookbook

(Left) Tie-Dye Caftan in Pink $49.99, Fan print flip-flops in Pink $12.99, Hammered hoop earrings in silver $14.99, Long nugget chain necklace in silver $22.99 (worn as bracelet) (right) Dip-Dye Tiered Maxi Skirt in Green $34.99 (worn as dress), Linen espadrille wedges in turquoise print $29.99, Three-layer wood and shell necklace $29.99, Canvas elephant print tote in brown $19.99

(Left) Linen wrap dress in white $42.99, Linen espadrille wedges in tan $29.99, Gold and wood drop earrings $14.99, Starfish pendant necklace in gold $19.99, Beaded wood necklace with gold pendant $19.99, Rope bracelets in green and turquoise $14.99, Long nugget chain necklace in silver $22.99 (worn as bracelet), Canvas fan-print tote in turquoise $19.99 (Right) Sleeveless dress in pink $39.99, Linen pants in white $29.99, Linen espadrille wedges in tan $29.99, Floppy hat in white $14.99, Rope bracelets in green, turquoise and pink $14.99 each, Scarf and straw tote in pink $24.99

(Left) Tie-dye maxi dress in pink $39.99, Crochet vest in white $29.99, Linen espadrille wedges in tan $29.99, Elephant pendant necklace in gold $19.99, Long nugget chain necklace in gold $22.99, Rope bracelets in green, turquoise and pink $14.99 (Right) Sleeveless dress in beading in khaki $42.99, Floppy hat in white $14.99, Linen espadrille wedges in turquoise print $29.99, Circle chandelier earrings in silver $14.99, Rope bracelets in green, turquoise and pink $14.99 each, Long nugget chain necklace in silver $22.99 (worn as bracelet)

(Left) Tie-dye print t-shirt in orange $19.99, Crochet-trim bikini bottom in turquoise $22.99, Turquoise Bead with silver pendant necklace $19.99, Multi-beaded necklace in turquoise $39.99, Rope bracelets in green, turquoise and pink $14.99 each, Long nugget chain necklace in gold $22.99 (worn as bracelet) (Right) Tankini top in pink $24.99, Fan-print dress in turquoise $36.99, Linen espadrille wedges in tan $29.99, Three-layer medallion shell necklace in gold $29.99, Rope bracelets in green, turquoise and pink $14.99 each, Long nugget chain necklace in gold $22.99 (worn as bracelet) 

(Left) Beaded Triangle bikini top in lime $22.99, Linen pants in white $29.99 Coin scarf in blue print $19.99, Beaded sash belt in tan $16.99, Tie-dye flip-flops in turquoise $12.99, Multi-strand seed bead necklace in white $39.99, Rope bracelets in green, turquoise and pink $14.99 each, Long nugget chain necklace in gold $22.99 (worn as bracelet) (Right) Embroidered Bikini Top in Blue $22.99 Embroidered Skirt in Blue $29.99 Linen Espadrille Wedges in Tan $29.99 Rope Bracelet in Green $14.99 (worn as necklace) 

(Left) Crochet-bib tunic in blue $36.99, Beaded bikini bottom in lime $22.99, Tie-dye flip-flops in turquoise $12.99,  Circle chandelier earrings in silver $14.99 (Right) Printed Chemise in pink $24.99, Elephant pendant necklace in gold $19.99

(Left) 2-Piece Cami and sleep shorts in lime $27.99, Tie-dye robe in lime/blue $29.99, Starfish pendant necklace in gold $19.99, Rope bracelets in green, turquoise and pink $14.99 each (Right) 2-Piece Ruffle Cami and sleep shorts in white $24.99, Starfish pendant necklace in gold $19.99, Long nugget chain necklace in gold $22.99, Rope bracelets in green, turquoise and pink $14.99 each