http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/06/02/designer-inspired-lo

Alas…summer is officially approaching, but it’s really no fun unless you sport some black and white gingham.

This week’s inspiration was from the L.A.M.B. Spring 2008 runway show. Gwen stuck to pretty dark colors for this collection, and one can almost mistake it for a fall line, but she did slip in a few summery pieces like this adorable mini dress.

My picks below should do the trick, and the crimson red lipstick pays homage to Ms. Stefani herself.    

   Julie Haus Siren Dress -black & white gingham  - revolveclothing.com: $375     

Nine West Heathers shoe in yellow leather: $59.99

Xhilaration quilted black satchel: $19.99

Kat Von D Painted Love lipstick in Underage Red: $18

Shop here for more women’s dresses.

Shop here for more women’s shoes.

Shop here for more handbags.

Shop for more lipstick here.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/06/03/little-black-dress-d

This black dress can be dressed up or down with jewelry.  It’s pretty simple so wear some bold earrings to dress it up.  It’s on sale for a great price, especially considering it can be worn on many different ocassions from a cocktail parties to weddings.

Valentino Red Ruched V Neck Dress: :$173.90 (Was:$290.00)

Shop for more women’s dresses here.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/06/04/personal-pick-of-the

This Plenty by Tracy Reese strapless top makes me think of a warm summer night. The Cayenne Plaid (shown) would be flattering on most skin tones, but the top also comes in Sun Plaid, a bright yellow with brown tones, which would be great after you achieve a bit of a summer glow.

This top is easy to wear with jeans, ballet flats, or pair with heels if you’re going out later.  The contrast of patterns says enough so I would keep the jewels to minimum. If you must accessorize, gold would probably look best.

Plenty by Tracy Reese Strapless Top: $230

Shop here for more strapless tops.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/06/04/american-apparel-i-l

What the heck!?  I love just about everything you have to offer, American Apparel.  The quality of your clothing is awesome & so SOFT!  Why, why, why did you decide this swimsuit would be flattering…on anyone.  Not to mention the morbid tan lines that come from wearing such random designs.  I immediately thought of Borat when I saw this swimsuit.

Speaking or random designs, I do like this Nylon Tricot Le Sport Chic Swimsuit ($42)

The design is cute & it doesn’t look like you decided to stretch your undies over your head!  I suppose I wouldn’t mind the weird tan lines from wearing this swimsuit.

Shop here for more women’s swimwear.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/06/05/teal-deal-tory-burch

“Teal”…”Parrot Blue”…same thing.   I love the color of these flat sandals.  The color reminds me of a beautiful & clear tropical ocean which is the opposite of the ocean water in So. Cal, unfortunately.  Time for summer vacation!  These sandals will be comfy so you will be able to hit every tourist spot in whatever city you may roam this summer & still be in style.

Tory Burch Women’s Ali Leather Flat Sandals: $116.67 (Was: $195)

Shop here for more women’s flat sandals.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/06/06/this-week-in-style-b

Get bejeweled with StyleBakery.com’s ultimate summer jewelry guide. 

Inspired by the O Ambassadors, Girlawhirl wonders if she can help build a well!

SheFinds answers one of your more embarrassing questions: How do I beat bad breath?

The Beauty Brains scratch the surface on the story of Atopiclair a miracle cure for itchy skin.

SeenON! wants you to feel the “Love” with the Love Keychain seen on Sex and the City the Movie

Top Button has the bronzer collections to keep you glowing through summer and beyond!

I’m Not Obsessed shows you the top ten must haves for the summer.

This week Smarter Fashion covered:

  Get this L.A.M.B. Spring 2008 look for less!                    

     Desiree showed us her “Pretty in Plaid” Personal Pick of the Week.

We wondered why our beloved American Apparel gets a little crazy with their style ideas every once in a while.  Was this their inspiration?

We gave you another fabulous little black dress deal….

….and a bright teal flat sandal deal.

Shop for women’s clothing & accessories here.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/06/09/designer-inspired-lo

Getting dolled up is always exciting. I think it’s one of the best parts about being a woman.  From four-inch heels to sequin mini dresses to vintage clutches, outfit possibilities are endless.  Aside from aching feet in the morning, I ask: what’s not to love?

I do love glamorous fashion just as much as the next girl, but comfort has always been a priority. So, on one of those sweltering days of summer, (which looms ahead) I would opt for this chic look by Daryl K & Kerrigan.

It’s such an easy look to imitate, and it’s one you can pull off any day of the week, all summer long.

Tip: go a size or two bigger in the AmApp tee to achieve the baggy runway look.                 

American Apparel Unisex Tri-Blend Short Sleeve Deep V-Neck in Tri-Orchid - americanapparel.net: $18      

Saree Plaid Short: forever21.com - $17.80

Champion Linen Sparkle Keds: keds.com - $44.99

The Ivy watch in gold by Nixon: nixonnow.com - $350

Shop for more women’s t-shirts here.

Shop for more women’s shorts here.

Shop for more women’s shoes here.

Shop for more women’s watches here.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/06/10/handbag-deal-adrienn

I normally prefer to wear medium to large sized handbags that have shoulder straps simply because they are more comfortable to carry & I tend to jam back my bags with things I might need, but rarely use.   I’m willing to make an exception for this bag.   It does come with a strap, but I think it looks much cuter without it.  I like the square shape & the front zippers. It also comes in “pearl” which is equally stylish & perfect for summer.

Adrienne Vittadini Taryn Collection Cross Body Bag: $179.99 (Was: $398)

Shop for more handbags here.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/06/11/personal-pick-of-the

During a quick trip to San Francisco recently, I came across a delightful pair of vintage sunny’s at one of my favorite stores in the Mission, The Painted Bird. I love them so much that I was inspired to go with some sassy shades for my pick this week.

I went with Tom Ford Eyewear because he masters every project he comes into contact with, from his impeccable clothing designs (he was behind the curtain at Gucci and Yves Saint-Laurent for several years), to Black Orchid, his intoxicating fragrance, and now sophisticated eyewear. The gradient lenses on the Jack Wayfarer Sunglasses are very French mod, ooh la la!

Tom Ford Eyewear Jack Wayfarer Sunglasses in tortoise or black: $360

Shop here for more women’s sunglasses.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/06/12/pretty-deal-single-d

This pretty & rich color looks awesome on any skin tone. I like empire waist dresses because they create an illusion that you have a slightly bigger behind for us gals that can use it. The neckline is a tad “risky”, but to where it looks “classy sexy” and not like the ladies are busting out.

Single Dress Silk Jacquard: $162 (Was: $244)

Shop here for more women’s dresses.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/06/13/this-week-in-style-b

The Beauty Brains tell us how to shop for cheap sunglasses that protect against UV rays as well as expensive designer brands.  

It’s not too late to get dad something great. Check out Girlawhirl’s Father’s Day Gift Guide!

SeenON! tells you where to get Carrie’s lovely pearls and other lovely looks from Sex and the City.

SheFinds can’t get over the new strapless G-string. Doesn’t it hurt to take off?

StyleBakery.com gives us the scoop on where to find drastically reduced designer duds online.

Top Button has the perfect Anya Hindmarch Bag to add class and sass to your summer wardrobe!

This week on Smarter Fashion we covered:

We showed you how to get this casual & stylish Daryl K & Kerrigan look for less!

Desiree showed us her Shady” Personal Pick of the Week.

We showed you a roomie handbag deal…

…and a pretty dress deal.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/06/16/online-coupons-expir

Our resident Monday “Designer Inspired” fashionista is having a blast on vacation as we speak, but will be back next Monday.  For now, lets check out some great online coupons from top online clothing & accessories stores.  We all can use a deal right now.

SmartBargains.com:

FREE SHIPPING on orders of $100 or more - No coupon code required.

Find at Smart Bargains: Franco Sarto Kiko T-Strap Flat Sandal with Chain

BananaRepublic.com: 

FREE SHIPPING on orders of $100 or more - Use coupon code: SHIPBR (Exp: 06/30/08)

Find at Banana Republic: Silk Faille Quilted Dress (Also comes in black)

Heels.com:

15% off $150 or more - Use coupon code JUNHEEL (Exp: 06/30/08)

Find at Heels.com: Boutique 9 Unika Pump   

OldNavy.com:

10% off Old Navy Styles when you use your card - Use coupon code ONCARDTEN (Exp: 06/19/08)

Find at Old Navy: Women’s Destination Tote Bags 

Alloy.com:

10% off orders over $75 - Use coupon code SAVE10 (Exp: 06/18/08)

Find at Alloy: Dot Long Tankini 

ArdenB.com:

Save 25% off any regular price item - Use coupon code AB062008 (Exp: TODAY!)

Find at ArdenB.com: Scoop Neck Dolman Top

LuckyBrandJeans.com: 

FREE Lucky T with any purchase - Use coupon code 8FREET

Find at LuckyBrandJeans.com:  Classic Rider Jean       

ShoeMall.com:

15% off all Sandals + FREE SHIPPING - Use coupon code SANDAL15 (Exp: 06/17/08)

Find at ShoeMall.com: MIA Women’s Buttercup Flat

Find more coupons & deals for clothing & accessories stores here.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/06/17/clutch-deal-heather-

Another Deal of the Day in my favorite color.  This is a pretty unique clutch & obviously it’s called “Bowtie” because of its shape.  The skinny middle makes it that much easier to …clutch.  Thank goodness it doesn’t look pretty much exactly like a bowtie, because I’ve seen some like that which I’m not particularly found of.  This cute clutch comes in other colors: “Ginger” which is sort of a copper color, “Gold Pebble” & “Polar Ice” which is a silver-ish color. 

Heather Hawkins Bowtie Clutch: $188 (Was: $235)

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/06/18/top-5-sunglasses-at-

Horray for summer and all it brings! Even if while driving I almost crash because the sun is blinding me & you sometimes burn me, I still love you sun.  We all need to protect our beautiful peepers so check out my top 5 fave oversized sunglasses at SmartBargains.com:

Marc Jacobs MJ014 Oversized Glasses:

Bargain Price: $139.99 (Compare at $250)                

Gucci Oversized Wrap Sunglasses: Bargain Price: $149.99 (Compare at $310)  

Boss by Hugo Boss Womens Plastic Sunglasses: Bargain Price: $89.99 (Compare at $140)

Yves Saint Laurent Plastic Sunglasses:

Bargain Price: $139.99 (Compare at $260)

Marc Jacobs MJ080 Oversized Glasses:

Bargain Price: $149.99 (Compare at $310)

Shop here for more women’s sunglasses.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/06/19/watch-deal-vestal-me

I love watches with thick bands like this one.  They are very vintage & a great accessory to have in your wardrobe.  This style also comes in brown (looks like copper) & “silver stripe.”  Vestal makes another similar watch with a sleek all black look called Metal Montecarlo for $200 which is my next favorite.  

Vestal Metal Montecarlo: $162 (Was: $180)

Shop for more women’s watches here.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/06/20/this-week-in-style-b

Top Button will give you an edgy look much less permanent than tattoo temptress Kat Von D, with her new makeup line at Sephora!

The Beauty Brains show us which is more irritating to skin: David Lee Roth’s Van Halen or Peter David Roth’s skin care line.

Wondering what to wear today? StyleBakery.com offers two flattering looks that go from lunch with friends to the office with ease SheFinds shows you how to kick that pay cut in the butt and be a Frugalista.

With summer officially here SeenON! shows you the must-have summer essentials that all the stars love!

I’m Not Obsessed shows you how to get Nicole Kidman’s Lady Like Style From Her Recent Vogue Shoot.

Everyone’s clamoring for sex and the city fashion, and Girlawhirl.com readers save 15% on the items available at patriciafield.com!

This week on Smarter Fashion we covered:              

Check out our picks for the top 5 oversized sunglasses at Smart Bargains.

We gave you some more great online coupons for well known clothing and accessories online stores that will expire soon!  

We showed you a handy clutch deal…..

…and a thick band watch deal.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/06/23/fashion-politics-ver

Obama’s charisma certainly helped him win the Democratic nomination for the 2008 presidential election, but apparently his fashion sense is also being recognized.  I read on ABCNews.com that Donatella Versace dedicated her Spring 2008 men’s collection to Obama:

‘Versace described the Obama-dedicated style as one designed for “a relaxed man who doesn’t need to flex muscles to show he has power.”‘

He doesn’t care much about fashion at all, but I’m sure he’s flattered that he’s “natural” fashion sense is pleasing to high end fashion designers. 

Check out the article here. 

Watch a clip of the Versace Spring Summer 2008 Men’s Fashion Show right here. 

YouTube - Watch Link

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/06/24/dress-deal-semantiks

Floral patterns are in this season.  If you aren’t too thrilled about this because you feel that prints aren’t flattering on you, this dress has a stylish floral pattern that’s pretty subtle.  The white & yellow simply peek out of the dress, & the navy & black blend nicely together.  For under 100 bucks..it’s a great deal!

Semantiks Print Dress: $69.90 (Was: $118)

Shop for more women’s dresses here.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/06/24/quail-birds-of-a-fea

Growing up in Southern California has its perks; one of them being the weather!   Michelle Nguyen, who is 25-years-old, produced a line called Quail which is currently based in Long Beach.  Michelle has had her line going for four seasons, and recently graduated from L.A.’s Biola University. Under the lens of dark haired, tattooed models, vintage silhouettes and earthy palettes, Quail is a California girl at heart.

“I’ve never had to pack away my summer clothes or dress for the seasons,” Nguyen says. “When i was designing I definitely thought about how fantastic the weather is, and in California, my clothes are very wearable all year ’round! The colors transcend seasons.”

It’s true!  Quail shows a lot of leg, with pouffed mini skirts, high waisted bow shorts, and loose fitting, artist inspired dresses. She wanted the line to be masculine and feminine with oversized shirts and sweaters.  A very balanced look- not frail and lace. Quail is definitely a brand you’ll want to sport this year.

Click here for more information & to check out her Spring 2008 collection.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/06/25/personal-pick-of-the

Whew! Greetings fashion friends, I am finally back from my whirlwind trip to the East Coast with reports on a white-hot trend I spotted on almost every gal in the Big Apple: gladiator sandals!

Ok so, some of you may have cringed at the sound of that, and in all honesty, the bold look may not be for everyone, but I can’t help but think that glad sandals are still such a refreshing and daring take when compared to even the fanciest flip-flop.

Any fashion maven would know that these were pretty trendy last summer too, but this season I’m spotting some pretty interesting versions like the Dolce Vita Apollo. I’ve always been a fan of DV, and I think their selection of sandals is one of the best and most well rounded.

Take with you this tip though; these babies are not ideal for walking long distances, particularly in a concrete jungle such as Manhattan.

Dolce Vita Apollo Sandal: $139

Shop for more gladiator sandals here.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/06/26/handbag-deal-cynthia

This stylish bag has plenty of room to fit daily necessities plus a large sized wallet and/or day planner.  In order help to keep the soft distressed leather clean there are four brass feet at the bottom of the bag.  It’s on sale now for 25% off, but hurry….the sale ends today!

Cynthia Rowley Colleen Too Double Handle: $279.99 (Was: $375)

Shop for more Cynthia Rowley handbags.

Shop through all handbags.

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/06/27/this-week-in-style-b

SheFinds ditches last season’s sarong in favor of the chic Saress.

Helena de Natalio handbags have everything Girlawhirl looks for in a handbag. And now girlawhirl.com readers can take 30% off their orders!

I’m Not Obsessed shows you how to get Jessica Simpson’s real outfit for $2,556 or the steal for $165.

StyleBakery investigates cult beauty products: are they worth the hype?

The Beauty Brains reveal the real reason why women wear makeup.

Top Button knows the secret to the switchover from poker-straight locks to luscious curls, thanks to Ouidad Salon.

This week on Smarter Fashion we coved:

Versace’s Spring 2008 collection was inspired by Barak Obama.  Watch a video of her runway show.

Check out Desiree’s “American Gladiator” Personal Pick of the Week!

We showed you a floral dress deal….

…and a Cynthia Rowley handbag deal.

Check out an up and coming designer, Michelle Nguyen from Southern California who’s designs were inspired by Cali’s beautiful weather. 

http://blogs.smarter.com/fashion/2008/06/30/designer-inspired-lo

On a recent ravage through the sale section at the Gap, I scored a special design edition cotton blouse by Phillip Lim.   Apparently, Gap collaborated with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Vogue and featured these limited edition cotton blouses.

As fate would have it, I managed to not only get my hands on one in my size, but for less than 15 bucks! My bargain isn’t part of this week’s look, but a 3.1 Phillip Lim 2008 Resort look is.

Initially, I was drawn to the color combo of this look (I’m a sucker for that camel brown), but it was tough finding a jacket that looked similar. Your best bet in finding one would probably be to go on a hunt and search at a couple of obscure vintage stores.            

H81 3Q Windbreaker in red: $24 - forever21.com

         Navy Stripe Fitted tie-neck shirt: $48 - gap.com

                       

Boxer Skirt: $39.99 - urbanoutfitters.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs Leather Platform Sandals in brown, $225 on sale!

Shop for more women’s jackets.

Shop for more women’s shirts & tops.

Shop for more women’s skirts.

Shop for more platform sandals.