Friday, January 28, 2011

The It List!

theitlist


Happy Friday and welcome back to another endlessly inspiring IT list... there is truly something for everyone here, so get clicking!


  • rose a la mode is on vacation at the beach... and of course looking ever so stylish while there!  I love this outfit... what I wouldn't give to be walking on the beach! (get more of rose a la mode on twitter!)
  • a spot of whimsy is having a little celebration over on her blog and is giving away a one-year subscription to either martha stewart living or real simple... head on over to enter.  These are definitely two of my most favorite glossies! (get more of a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
  • much to my delight reorganized her pantry using ball jars. Swoon!  Vintage inspired organization at it's best!
  • merci blah blah looks fabulous (as always, but especially) in this breton strip top... hello gorgeous long skirt!
  • capital barbie is embracing scalloping in fashion... it's so fun and feminine, it's hard not to be drawn to it. I love these red scalloped pumps! (get more of capital barbie on twitter!)
  • sweetie pie style always brings the best inspiration on a monday morning... this jade-like chain necklace had me at hello.  (get more of sweetie pie style on twitter!)
  • good life for less launched a fabulous e-book... "50 things every woman must own..." They are selling like hot-cakes, get your copy now! (get more of good life for less on twitter!)
  • a delightful design just started a fun new series called "ask abby" - check out this week's question or submit a question about interior design yourself! (get more of a delightful design on twitter!)
  • rosy + tart is giving away a $25 giftcard to modcloth.  Hello spring shopping!  Enter the giveaway and check out her spring picks right away! (get more of rosy + tart on twitter!)
  • undeniable style is paying homage to style icon jane birkin.  It's no wonder this lovely lady has one of the most coveted handbags named after her! (get more of undeniable style on twitter!)
  • good tots starts a weekly series featuring etsy sellers that carry fun goods for kids... this week's featured seller sells the most adorable Valentine's heart confetti. Must have!
  • the hillside home is pulling together inspiration for her great room. I am loving the sophisticated yet cozy blue color she has chosen for her wall.  Check out the whole inspiration on her blog!
  • a fashion fixation pulls together a very simple but very stylish outfit for a road-trip. I love the use of a belt here! (get more of a fashion fixation on twitter!)
  • yams designs delivers big time inspiration this week... all in black and white (remember last week it was technicolor?).  You have just got to see what she has pulled together! (get more of yams designs on twitter!)
  • one hundred inspirations is definitely thinking spring this week... they recreate this fun whitney port look for less than $85!  What a deal!
the IT list is published weekly by jill of the good life for less... for more information on how you can be involved... click here!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Not so straight edge

You know what I love? When a piece of clothing holds my attention because of it's detail.  Embroidery, embellishment, or interesting lines.  Today I want to highlight great hem lines like a scalloped edge.  These enhancements add a subtle pinch of personalization and sophistication.

Gap, Scallop trim top, $49.50
The scallop overlap is so interesting on this top, I might add a belt to define the waist.

Start your leg lifts and lunges now ladies, this dress will make your limbs look miles long!

Pretty gold buttons.  Try this with black tights right now.

modcloth, going places heel, $38
Yes! Even shoes have great lines!  So feminine.

J Crew, Chiffon rufflotta, $21 (on sale)
This silk blouse is so soft.  I love it with black denim or a suit!

Adding interesting elements to normal pieces can give your look new life.  Details like scalloped edges or fringe or other embellishment makes your outfit stand out.  

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Retro Wednesday

Hey there lovebugs,
I hope your humpday is going fabulously.  DC is expecting a bit of snow today, so cross your fingers for me!  Also- before I forget, who has got a recipe for me to feature? Any Super Bowl appetizers that you make every year? I would love to see them!

Today we're going to time warp a little bit.  Yesterday was all about the structured button down shirt, today let's loosen up a little bit.  I'm thinking retro, hippy, groovy, baby.  I like this trend because it's comfortable, it's affordable, and it usually let's me eat a lot without feeling trapped in my clothing.  Three very important things.

Boden, Retro spot tunic, $72
I love this print!!! It's so much fun! And it has 'retractable' belt loops so you can wear with or without the belt!  Genius.

Coldwater Creek, Matka jacket, $35
So Coldwater Creek isn't my favorite store, mostly because it's a little too country mom for me.  But I'm loving this cropped coat! The blend of colors is so chic.

Modcloth, Grand Prix necklace, $40
How adorable is this? The chain is extra long so it's perfect for a tunic of even a crewneck tee.

Gap, vintage flare jean, $69.50
I am loving these jeans.  They are dare I say, groovy?

Forever 21, Loose fitting silk top, $30
These colors are amazing, plus the seamless mix of patterns- it's downright joyful!

As you can see, the retro trend is beyond affordable and super playful.  It may need some accessory dressing up for the workday but for going out or weekend wear it is far out!

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

The Classic Shirt

The classic white button down is one of the most important items in any wardrobe. Period.  Why? Let me count the ways.


  1. It will stand the test of any trend, style, or passing fashion obsession
  2. It is the definition of clean, crisp, and put together
  3. It can be worn $300 suit OR a $30 pair of jeans
  4. Do you really need more?
Every woman should have at least one standard button down in white.  The variations on this masterpiece are also something to experiment with.  Today I'm going to show you some of my favorite not-so-traditional button down whites.

Rugby, Skinny Ryder Shirt, $60
I love the detachable sash on this shirt and the french cuffs give it an extra bit of wow.

7 for all mankind, piecing top, $69
Like I said, sometimes you need a clean and crisp shirt for the weekend.  This is it.  

I LOVE this tuxedo pleat style.  Can you picture it with a bold pencil skirt? Yum.

Nordstrom, Tahari Tundra blouse, $59.50
Besides the fact that this model looks like she's about to sneeze; look at the great rouching and darting down the torso.  This is going to bring attention up from any problem mid-section areas and showcase your beautiful collarbone.

The white button down will serve so many purposes for you.  Work, play, dress up, relax, you name it.  The best part about it is your ability to have fun with it.  Metallic skinny belt it or go for a emerald green drop earring.  So many possibilities.

Also, for my more well-endowed friends out there.  You know who you are.  Fear not! The ultimate button down pucker solution!!!!!  No See 'ems I swear by 'em.

Be fabulous today!