Circle of Style

shameless plug!

2011-08-26T12:54:00.002-05:00

Hello readers!

Lots of new things in my life, so my blog is the equivalent of an overgrown lawn: in need of some love and attention!

Throwing some coupon love your way: If you are planning any vacations, events, parties, etc. enter this great contest over at my friend the photobook girl website and enter to win a FREE blurb photobook!

In the Circle: Featured Reader of the Month

2011-04-01T16:26:00.000-05:00

Here is a new installment that will be featured monthly on Circle of Style! Each month I will be looking to feature one stylish reader. Send me a photo of yourself in your favorite outfit and next month’s girl in the circle could be you!

Featured Reader: Sheila

Age: 20-something

Current Style: Vintage Indie

Favorite Outfit in Rotation: My pair of dark denim skinny jeans from Forever 21, a pair of brown vintage boots, a floral lace tank from Marshalls and a fitted, brown, super-soft cardigan from Lulus. It’s made my rotation because it is comfy, easy, and safe. I don’t always have time to take risks!

Where you shop to build your wardrobe: Mostly Goodwill, Salvation Army, Forever 21, H&M, and Marshalls.

More on Sheila: She’s been collecting vintage clothing and decor for years, perusing around antique and thrift shops with her mother. She had so many great vintage items; it seemed only natural to start an Etsy shop, which she did in 2008. Today, Sheila sells an eclectic variety of vintage clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, home décor, and gifts at her Etsy shop, So Passe. She has a lot of unique items that are rare to find anywhere else. “It’s my way of expressing my love of vintage to the world.” She hopes to have her own brick and mortar shop one day, but for now, Etsy is her home. I think I smell a fab antique shop in this gals future!

Why COS? Sheila thinks Circle of Style can benefit women by providing an affordable way for them to feel good about how they look and feel about themselves. “I know how important confidence is and having your own sense of style and wardrobe that makes you feel great will definitely come across in other facets of life.” Well said, Sheila!

If you love Sheila’s style and her current look as much as I do……here is your chance to prove it. Sheila is a contender for The Amazing Goodwill Model Contest 2011. She earns an A+ for Savvy Shopping in my book! Go to Amazing Goodwill’s Facebook Page and “Like” Amazing Goodwill. Then find the pic featured above and “Like” the photo. It’s really that simple!

Spring Cleaning Week: Hangers Galore

2011-03-31T17:09:00.001-05:00

This post title should be: "Welcome to the wonderful world of hangers." Yes, its true. There are Hangers for all of your wardrobe. Now while I don't think that everyone should run out and buy expensive wooden hangers, there is something to be said about a closet that has a uniformed appearance which can be accomplished by using the same hanger. For me, I use white plastic hangers and have all of my clothes facing the same way. I have a few garment and pant hangers, and the rest (such as my sweaters) are folded in plastic drawers. The pink, blue, yellow and other colored hangers in the house have conveniently ended up in my hubby's closet or the front closet. If I ever need an extra hanger or two, I will take the few white hangers left in hubby's closet and exchange them with more, you guessed it, colored hangers. I would rather go hanger-less than have a RED hanger in my closet! But that is just me and my Type A-ish personality (My dvds are in alphabetical order too). The one thing you should do (if anything hanger-related at all) is get rid of all those awful, tangle-inducing wire hangers. I chucked the wire hangers a long time ago, but alas..there comes a time when you need them, such as when the hose of your vaccuum is clogged! So keep a few spare around the house, will ya?

Maybe one of these days I will work on a same-colored hanger household, but for now, enjoy the article!

Spring Cleaning Week!

2011-03-30T15:27:00.002-05:00

Another great link from the tried and tested Real Simple, comes another resource for Quick & Easy Closet Makeovers. What's even better is that if you find the time to purge through those gently used clothes, why not do a "closet audit" and consign them? The best deal around is Divine Consign, going on through this weekend at the Elm Grove Womans Club. Their next event is being held in May and its still not too late to consign or volunteer for that event. There is nowhere else in the city where you can name your own consignment price, and earn up to 80% of your sale. Check out their website and come talk to me this weekend when I volunteer!

Spring Cleaning

2011-03-28T11:44:00.000-05:00

Although it may not feel like it, believe it or not, Spring is upon us! What better time than to spring clean those closets?! To add some inspiration I will be posting links all week for some great tips to clean, organize, and streamline all of the closets in your house.

Today's link comes from Real Simple. Its entitled, New Uses for Things in Your Closet, and there a some really good ideas from keeping your summer dresses on the hanger (without slippage) to new uses for a lingerie bag. Enjoy!

What TO Wear, Milwaukee!

2011-03-21T09:47:00.000-05:00

I have just launched my first service that I will be offering to the public! Check out my services page to see what I can do for you! Think What Not To Wear, but less abrasive, because lets face it: most of us do not have $5,000 to buy a whole new wardrobe!

Also if you are in the area you should be checking out this HUGE consignment sale, going on the weekend of March 31st : Divine Consign

Keepin' it real in 2011

2011-01-13T16:01:00.024-06:00

Oh good lawd has it been this long already? Please allow me to explain:

I have struggled for months now, with the fact that I ran out of steam to talk solely about fashion and clothes. Part of this evolution was due to the fact that I planned my own wedding in most of 2010. How could I write about outfits and spending money on clothes when I was saving all of my money for my Big Day? Thusly, my poor little blog sat in the shadows. Then I realized something. This is MY blog, and I can damn well write about whatever I wanna! This blog actually mimics my life. When I started it, I was all about fashion and trends and style. I feel like I have grown since then but my blog has struggled to grow with me, and I forgot the only mold I was trying to fit into was the one created by myself.

Realization being this: This blog, it is going to ebb and flow and mimic my life. It will not and should not be set into a mold where I talk only about one thing. If it is to remain successful or interesting to anyone, I am going to have to speak from the heart, and for that reason, my heart is no longer with merely a fashion-driven blog.

Don't get me wrong, I still love to shop, and I still love a great deal ($27 just yesterday at The Limited for 2 pairs of earrings, a suit jacket and a blouse..oh yeahhh) but...can I be honest? (Since its my blog, I will answer that...YES) I will be completely honest with you, dear readers: The other fashion blogs out there on my level, sort of made me barf a little in my own mouth. I don't like how they all had the same bleepin' YSL quotes, and J. Crew references. I don't have the time to snap a photo of my daily outfit, nor do I think that every day should BE a photo-snappin' outfit kind of day. Because that is not my lifestyle. And I am guessing, its not yours either.

This got me thinking. I still love shopping and clothes and fashion, but I am also an organization freak and love helping people. What encompasses all of those things? Well, I have found the answer! This year I will be unveiling a new look and a new layer to my blog, as well as new services to help all of the fabulous women put their best (fashion) foot forward. I will be doing wardrobe consulting, "closet cleanses", and personal shopping. Stay tuned in to view articles to help accomplish this yourself, or if you need a helping hand you can, well, enlist in my helping hand!

Have a Lil Help From My Friends..

2010-05-13T11:27:00.003-05:00

Hey all! I have been busy like a bee but I know all of you understand, if you read some of my previous posts you will know that I have been working and going to school full-time, and planning a wedding (5 months away omigosh!)

I try to update when I can. This time I had a little help from fellow awesome blogger, Kim, over at Fab finds Under 50. I wrote to her for her fab opinion about suggestions on what I should wear for my engagement pics at the end of this month. Check it out here!

We are having our pics taken at the place where we got engaged, Apple Holler. He actually proposed to me by handing me a half-eaten apple with the ring inside it (What is it with guys and giving rings in food? Lol). It was one of the sweetest moments ever!

I know we will go casual, a la jeans, because that is what we feel most comfortable in. We will have plenty of time to take dressy pics at the wedding and in the future. This is all about capturing us in our everyday lives and being happy in love. Aww! I still have to go shopping for the perfect top and for the perfect tennys or flats. I might rock out some heels last minute, you never know. Time will tell!

Hopefully I will be able to post some pictures within the next month or so. I just have to buy the rights to them from my lovely photographer Molly at MThree Studios. Her work is absolutely amazing!! I am nervous and excited at the same time for these pictures, I want them to be perfect!!

Selfish Style

2010-04-22T12:03:00.005-05:00

Hello Ladies!

2010 = Busy! Wedding planning, smack dab in the middle of my graduate program, and getting my fitness on has really taken a toll on my time and ability to write about fashion and shopping! Right now my life is more about wedding officiants and skull crushers than sandals and summer dresses :o(

However, I have to share with you at least a little something something. I received an email from site owner of SelfishStyle.com who came across my blog. She has so generously extended a 15% off coupon to all COS readers, just enter circleofstyle @ checkout. They have a cute mix of poly-cotton dresses, tanks, and skirts. I really like their website, very clean and chic. Plus, the prices are definitely on point with us chicas who like to look stylish on a budget. Oh, and did I mention free shipping?

Check it out, plus I finally started tweeting--my new obsession since I have gotten the iPhone. So don't forget to follow me @circleofstyle! And if you have the iPhone get yourself a twitter account and start tweeting now!

From Selfish Style -I am loving the twist front top, the strapless jacquard dress, and the open knit cardigan

Blush Milwaukee

2010-04-07T13:36:00.003-05:00

Hey gals! In addition to blogg'n about fashion, style, sales, and local boutiques, I will be adding a few more select places, like Blush MKE, so that you can stay on top of everything beauty, too! Circle of Style is your one-stop shop for everything Milwaukee has to offer in fashion and beauty! Follow me on twitter @circleofstyle

APRIL FACIAL OF THE MONTH:

Ultimate Hydration

A cool drink of water for thirsty skin after a long dry winter - this facial will drench your skin with moisture, saturating your skin with the most basic and important elements to healthy skin. Restore your skin's natural moisture balance with a facial designed to refresh and help your skin retain necessary moisture. April showers to bring a radiant bloom to your skin at Blush!

60 minutes for $75 plus complementary a la carte upgrade (save $35)

*pssst! book appointments for both April AND May's facials and receive an extended head and neck massage during both services! ($50 value). Who said life can't be a bed of roses ;)

April 14:
MATTE & SMOOTH FOCUS

Introducing the next generation in achieving a beautifully natural complexion! Keep your face shine free all day with Laura's new Smooth Focus Pressed Setting Powder and Mattifying Secret Finish.

Learn the secret to keeping your skin looking smooth and beautiful all day with a $50 mini make up lesson, completely redeemable in product!

Appointments are available between 1 and 6pm.

RELAX AFTER TAXES

You worked hard all year, now enjoy some much deserved "me" time with the Best of Both Worlds, our signature body massage + facial treatment.

75 minutes for $125 ($25 savings!).

Blush Beauty
249 N. Water St.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
414-272-1718
www.blushmilwaukee.com

SJP Perfume Contest!

2010-04-07T13:20:00.002-05:00

Enter to win "Covet" Perfume by Sarah Jessica Parker

Fashion Under $100 is giving readers a chance to win "Covet," Sarah Jessica Parker's second perfume release.

Covet has top notes of wet greens, geranium leaves, Sicilian lemon, lavender and chocolate; a heart of honeysuckle, magnolia and muget, and a drydown of musk, vetiver, bois de cashmere, teakwood and amber.

go to one of my fave blogs to enter! http://www.fashionunder100.net/

"Sweet" Bridesmaid Dresses

2010-03-16T12:01:00.012-05:00

I had a nice little Saturday a couple of weeks ago, 3 out of 4 BM's & I headed out to try on bridesmaid dresses. I had 4 stores lined up, but we only needed two! I thought for sure that with 4 opinions and 3 different body types that it was going to be a loong day. Turns out, it was quite effortless and painless!

I also thought that I wouldn't have any sort of emotional response to their dresses like I had with my own. But when my friend tried on the one-shoulder Melissa Sweet dress, and I saw her excited smile, it made jump up and down in my seat and love it. I even tried it on for fun, lol.

Check out the dress on the runway here: Style MS301 | Priscilla of Boston

And here they are on my BMs! They loved the pockets. It will be coming in Fig, which is a dark purple. I think the dresses really accomplish the "I can wear it again" factor. No frilly bows, no crazy colors, and no taffeta! They don't scream "BRIDESMAID" which I love and it keeps with the quiet elegance that I am going for on my day. Now I am on the hunt for shoes...my BMs talked me out of flats and I guess I don't want to be the short one in pics if they are all wearing heels, so I guess heels it is! Plus, I love shoe pics. just shoes in general. lol!

2010-03-15T09:33:00.004-05:00

Stop in on Wednesday and roll the dice to determine just how lucky. Your discount is based on your roll... 1= 10%, 2= 20% and so on up to 60% off everything!* How lucky is that?

Store Hours: m-f 10-8/sat 10-6/sun 11-5 414.727.4855 www.lelaboutique.com

Tons of luck to you from the girls at ,
Carrie, Stephanie, Tracey, Staci, Lyn, Alicia, Jeanette, & Kristin

Cinderella Project MKE

2010-03-04T16:51:00.006-06:00

Milwaukee is definitely buzzing with excitement because that big orange thing in the sky has been out..for 3 days in a row now. Woohoo! 40 degrees for the weekend is like a heat wave for us right about now. I do realize how completely sad this sounds, but we gotta take what we can get, right?

Spring also marks a milestone for alot of girls and that is PROM! I never went to mine because I was way too cool, hehe. I went to my boyfriends high school prom when I was a sophomore and he was a senior. I went with the princess look and wore a lavendar A-line gown with a tiara and a great big JLo-esque updo from the Latina hair stylist who lived down the block and did hair out of her basement. Ah, those were the days!

Lisette Gaduric from the Gadzuric foundation must have been reminiscing about her prom days when she came up with the Cinderella Project MKE. She admits to having a passion for fashion and helping out the community. Heres the scoop:

WHO: Dan and Lisette Gadzuric
WHAT: Collecting donated prom dresses for Milwaukee area high school girls

WHEN: Now through April 3, 2010
WHERE: See list below

MORE INFO: www.GadzuricFoundation.org / Cinderella Project MKE Facebook page

Drop off your gently used yet still fashionable dresses at the following locations:

• Christian Faith Fellowship Church (8605 West Good Hope Road; every Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.),
• Destiny Youth Plaza (7246 North 76th Street; every Wednesday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
• Ozaukee Family Services (885 Badger Circle, Grafton).
• Luci Boutique (locations available at www.luciboutique.com). Those that donate to Luci Boutique will receive 25
percent off the purchase of a new dress.
• Mary Ryan Boys & Girls Club (3000 N. Sherman Ave.; Monday-Friday, 2:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.)
• St. Joan Antida High School Boys & Girls Club (1341 N. Cass Street; Monday-Friday, 3:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.)
• Daniels-Mardak Boys & Girls Club (4834 N. 35th Street; Monday-Friday, 2:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
• Pieper-Hillside Boys & Girls Club (611 W. Cherry Street; Monday-Friday, 2:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.)
• Don & Sallie Davis Boys & Girls Club (2430 W. Rogers Street; Monday-Friday, 2:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.)
• Northside YMCA (1350 W. North Avenue)
• Select area high schools from January 11th-February 1st.

Red Shoes Make Everything Better

2010-02-12T13:16:00.007-06:00

Hey Chicas! I have so much to blog about yet so little time to fit it all in. What is on everyones menu for spring? I have to get a pair of bright bold sandals or flats! In the meantime, I ordered these epitome of "Capital S" Sexy heels from ShoeDazzle! I am not sure when or where I will be wearing these but a LBD has these shoes written all over them! They don't ship until 2/19 or else I would be sporting these for V-Day!

Even better, with Febuary brings American Heart Month, a great cause and a great way to raise money to raise awareness of the #1 cause of death of women in this country. The latest episode of project runway featured real women affected by heart disease and some of their stories really touched me. A portion of the proceeds goes toward the Heart Campaign, and that just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

Heres what ShoeDazzle has to say about them: Red is the new black and fares like a neutral with the season's hottest hues, from deep amethyst to lacy black to bright winter white. Looking forward? Make the transition to spring with nautical looks or blue seersucker trousers for an unexpected pop of color. Wynn's luscious ruby red will have you closing your eyes and clicking your heels three times, but this shoe wants to go anywhere but home with its flirty toe-cleavage and curvy accents.
Aaah, ruby slippers… If only a click of the heels could eradicate heart disease, the #1 killer of women. With a few clicks of your mouse, however, 10% of your purchase supports WomenHeart.org in providing education and training to women so that we can take charge of our heart health and become advocates for the 42 million American women living with or at risk for heart disease.

You really have to love this site. They have a blog too filled with tips n' tricks : Stylist Corner

Here are some of my recent purchases from Jan & Feb. They are all from Hautelook. Since then, I have made it a point to delete the emails because these three purchases right here have gave me some serious guilt when I have a wedding to save for!

Romeo & Juliet purple top. I plan to wear it with an open cardigan, skinny jeans and boots. Or pair them with a blazer, wide leg jeans and heels.

The dress color is like a slate gray when I got this dress in the mail I was a little disappointed. It was more cow maid then chic. Since this was from a no-return boutique sale (so much for my paying attention to details!) I will have to take it to the tailor so get the sleeves fitted and shortened. Then it could work with tights and tall boots and a cute cropped jacket.

I just had to order this dress! This dress has Caribbean Honeymoon written all over it! Although its gray, the pops of color brighten this adorable dress right up. Instead of the neutral shoes the model is wearing, I plan to wear them with a bright pair of sandals or flats for a laid-back and stylish look.

Stay tuned for more updates and check out my new fitness blog on hyperstrikemedia.com where I am blogging about how I am getting my fitness on as a bride-to-be!

[Event] Boutique Blowout

2010-01-29T13:22:00.001-06:00

I know that everybody and they mama must know about this event by now. Due to technical difficulties I could not get this up on my site for anything earlier this week!I am so excited to be there perusing through all of these fabulous boutiques' clothing. Hope to see you there!

[Event] 50% off Sale at Lela this Saturday only!

2010-01-08T17:12:00.002-06:00

This Saturday, come to Lela for our
semi-annual Brown Bag Sale where you'll receive 50% Off everything in the store!

You got it... For one day only, we're blowing out all fall/winter merchandise to make room for Spring & Summer's hottest new looks.

So get to bed early Friday night cuz doors open at 8am sharp on Saturday.
You don't wanna miss this one!

Twenny Twen Ten

2010-01-04T15:59:00.010-06:00

It is now officially 2010! I hope that everyone rang in a safe and happy holiday! I always get sort of sad after the holidays because everyone spends all this time preparing, planning, and anticipating Christmas and New Years, and then in just a two short weeks its all over and its back to the regular grind. The new year is a nostalgic time for me because I like to look back at the past year and look at my accomplishments (both big and small) but I like to look forward and see what new challenges, goals, and obstacles are in store for me. I like to embrace change 2010 is SO going to be my year!

Of course I speaketh of my wedding, 10-9-10! Obvs..wedding planning is in my future.. but maybe more importantly, wedding saving. I have found just about every vendor that I am going to work with and now we are just working on putting deposits down. So now its time for the most nerve-racking and emotional part of the wedding planning process...The Dress! I have mixed emotions about the dress. I feel like January is a very blah month. Important decisions should not be made in January! Yet my knot timeline says that this is the month to start the whole bridal gown shopping process. Ugh. And..what if I get cold feet about the dress? I just need to make sure that I am 100% in love with it...and I know I am going to be so picky, analyzing every detail and every angle of how I look in the dress. I think I have an amazing support system to bring with me, girls who will tell me point blank what they like and don't like about each dress. But I hope that everyone loves my dress and that not one person has a critical comment or else that comment will be stuck in my head! Here are a few of the pics that I have been collecting as wedding inspiration. I am starting to see a common theme of romantic hairstyles and easy decorations. I love every one of these pictures!

If you or know someone who is a Wisconsin Bride...they should visit this link with really good resources for local vendors, tips, and trends. It is always nice to real weddings in your area to help you find out what you like and don't like. How did everyone spend their New Year? and What does 2010 have in store for you?

I survived another Christmas!

2009-12-28T16:24:00.011-06:00

If you are reading this, then you have survived another Christmas holiday. Take a deep breath and let it all out! If you are like me, then you had to visit family on (count 'em) Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, ah ah ah (thats my count impression). It was alot of fun, but I think that for next year the fiance and I will combine our parents gift exchange and make it into one big celebration at our casa to make it a little less hectic. I have to admit that I don't mind all of that running around so much because A) I don't have any brothers or sisters so I like to visit with all of my cousins, B) there wasn't any inclement weather and C) unlike my family, the fiance's family likes to partake in a little thing I like to call, adult beverages. Hooray! There was some rain on Christmas day (boo) but nothing a Wisconsin-ite can't handle.

As far as presents go, Santa got me some pretty cool gifts. I got a Miss Sixty wool coat with a hood in black, for when my green or fuschia wool coats just wont do), a sweet dartboard with steel-tipped darts to get my dart skillz back up, and some VS pjs among other things.

I was extra excited about the board games that Santa brought! Now I feel like I have an enviable array of board games that anyone would love: Battle of the Sexes, Taboo, Pictionary, Scrabble, and Cranium. I cannot wait to host a game night with all of my friends!! Call it dorky if you want to, but games + drinks + winter = goofy goodness. It's good for the soul. I have always been partial to Scrabble and Scattergories myself. Let the games begin!

Next up on the list is planning for my NYE party. A quick trip to Discount Liquor and a cart full o' everything from Absolut to Vino, surely there will be something for everyone! I still haven't decided the "punishment" for those who dare not to wear B&W to partake in the MJ Tribute festivities. I should make them drink a warm shot of Cuervo..ooohh feel the burn!

What do you have going on for NYE this year? Do you go out for a night on the town, or do you like to chill at home and watch the ball drop with the one you love? Comment here!

[Sale] Miss Ruby $20 off Holiday Dresses until 12/31

2009-12-22T14:56:00.000-06:00

I can't wait to check this place out for Bridesmaid dresses next month! I hope they have eggplant!

Michelle Likey

2009-12-21T16:55:00.002-06:00

So I came across a fellow bloggers website, named Daddy Likey, via an awesome, amazing, outrageous giveaway! Don't let the name fool you, as it almost did me..It a crazy cool fashion blog and so I had to spread the love and let all of my readers know about it as well. All you have to do to enter is post a comment on her blog. This just reiterate's just how much us bloggers love comments! Thanks to all my amazing readers for the emails and comments. I feel the love!

http://daddylikey.blogspot.com/2009/12/mega-exciting-end-of-year-giveaway.html

Wanted

2009-12-21T14:06:00.005-06:00

Its been awhile since I have done a "Wants" section. Since I have been planning the wedding I haven't wanted to look at trends or sales on anything other than wedding favors these past couple of months! There little room in my budget for clothes, but thats ok! I have been getting creative with things that are already in my closet. (Is now the time to admit I bought a Simply Vera cardi at Kohl's while Christmas shopping yesterday? I only spent $35 though!) Thankfully, 2 of my friends and beloved WP (Wedding Party) chicas stepped in with their wants to help me out in this area. Keep in mind these are wants -the prices are not listed so as not to cause sticker shock. Without further ado, here they are...Wants, in no particular order:

Cinzia Rocca Wool Coat, available at Bluefly.com

Anthro cardi, available at anthro.com

Botkier boots, available at zappos.com

Luichiny boots, available at endless.com

BCBG blardigan (blazer + cardigan. yea!) available at Macys.com

Snuck in a want for myself! Ruffled cardi available at anthro.com

Ruched dress, available in many different colors and 10 different looks @ VS.com

B&W + NYE + MJ = Awesomeness

2009-12-18T12:07:00.009-06:00

Ever since the fi-fi and I have been together, we have always thrown a huge party for New Years Eve. The first year we were together and before I lived with him, I declared his house the NYE party house. It's been our tradition ever since! This year is the 4th annual bash! I wanted to do things a little different this year and make it themed. What better way to celebrate the last DECADE than with a themed party?

When I think of our circle of friends, and how we get down when we drink and dance...it became clear to me. MJ!!! So in order to honor his memory we are throwing a B&W MJ NYE party (did ya catch that?)

I went to the party store near my house last night. I found these great black, silver, and gold glitter clappers. Some miniature silver hats that look totally MJ! and I bought 4 dozen helium ballons. I Can't wait!

Here is my MJ themed outfit:

Jessica Simpson Pumps I scored on Ebay for $30

Hat from Express, $23 with coupons

MJ-licious belt to wear with my shirtdress, Express $19 with coupon

Phoebe Couture dress thats I bought from Hautelook earlier this year, about $60

I guess now all that's left to do is practice my moonwalk, lol!

Oh my blog!

2009-12-16T16:50:00.007-06:00

Oh my blog, what a year! I have spent some time during this holiday season reflecting on all that has gone on in my life in good ol' 2009. There have been some ups and there have been some downs, but thankfully more ups. In this economy, I have to count my blessings and be thankful now more than ever. Alot of people cannot afford some of the luxuries that most of us take for granted every day. Obvs, the biggest and most exciting 2009 news was my engagement on October 11. I pretty much started my MBA program in January of this year (keeps me nice and busy. So much so that I haven't as much time as I would like for my fab-o blog) but I still have a long ways to go before I graduate..July 2011 to be exact. When studying and reading and writing papers are not taking up my time, wedding planning is.

Thats right ladies, we set the date...10-9-10!

We both love the fall. We got engaged in the fall. We started talking in the fall. So it was only natural for us to get married in the fall, too. The wedding planning has opened up a whole new world to me. I have so many websites, tips, and budget savvy ways to get a wedding in Milwaukee for in or under 10 grand, its amazing. I should seriously start wedding planning on the side. Albeit the slightly stressful budget, it has been a blast planning everything.

To me $10,000 is alot of money. To the wedding industry, its a drop in the ol' bucket. Think about it...that isn't even 10% down on a house these days! When we first met with our wedding planner, Chris, (who just so happens to be our florist and a family friend of my fiance, he agreed to help us out at no cost...he is such a sweetheart!) One of the first questions he asked us was our budget..My fiance and I sort of looked at each other and shrugged. We had just got engaged, we hadn't thought of a so-called budget. I answered sheepishly, yet so innocently. "$5,000?" I thought it sounded like a good number. Ah, how ignorance is bliss. I almost thought I saw a bead of sweat instantly appear on his forehead. He wrote the number down, however so small, and let us know what some of our options were.

Then I got down to business. I bought my first bridal magazine. I went to all the mainstream wedding websites (such as WeddingChannel.com and TheKnot.com). I went to a few bridal shows in my area. That original budget soon doubled. Not by choice might I add. I figured out how much I would need to save each check and reconfigured some spending habits. (I now brown bag it for lunch everyday) I am probably the epitome of champagne taste on a beer budget. Make that a cheap wine budget. Thing is, with a little hard work and alot of networking, it is entirely possible to have a nice wedding, one that you can look back on and still be proud of, on a budget.

Number one is networking!
I would not be able to meet my budget if it wasn't for friends of friends who knows someone's brother or aunt who bakes, dj's, or makes killer invitations. So start utilizing twitter and facebook because it will get you alot of word-of-mouth vendors who may not choose to be on those mainstream websites. It will also help you on who not to go with.

Secondly, make the better business bureau your friend. I hesitate to use names, but a popular photography business offered me a "too good to be true" price on wedding photos at a bridal show. I looked them up and the business had 2 compaints on BBB! My cousin's wife had used the same company and had a bad experience. Needless to say, I wasn't calling them back for any services!

Be wary of any pushy vendors at bridal shows who offer discounts if you book same day. There should never be any pressure to book unless you have time constraints or you have a list of questions that have been answered in full. Don't even think about booking until you have asked the basic yet important questions. Get any extras in writing. The last thing you want is something happening the day or week before your wedding and it isn't in your contract and find out its not possible, or worse, that it costs more money!

You catch more bees with honey. You really love that venue but can't afford it? Let her know! Most vendors are willing to work with you. Plus, nobody wants to work with Bridezilla or Miss Attitude. This isn't a car dealership, so the usual walk-away approach or acting like you are not interested when you really are won't work as well here. If you are afforded a wedding planner, let him or her wheel and deal for you. They have connections up the wazoo and they are hired to help you --that includes bartering or discounts.

Most important stay true to yourself. It's so easy to get caught up in the wedding buzz. Next thing you know, your budget is through the roof because you are convinced you need a designer gown and have to serve a five-course meal. Think of the last 3 weddings you have been to. Did you really remember the monogrammed napkins or what flowers were in the centerpieces? What font was on the invitations? Keep it all in perspective. Yes, it's one day and it's only going to happen one time, but when that day is over do you really want to spend the next 2 years paying off that vendor bill? Didn't think so!

Check back soon for some local websites thats everything wedding! I am going dress shopping next month and have been having small panic attacks about it. My style is just not whats out there in the magazines. Is something wrong with me? Will I find the perfect gown on the first try or am I going to dedicate every single weekend towards gown shopping? Who do I bring with me? What if I fall in love with a dress I can't afford? Do I chance a trunk sale or pay full price to get waited on hand and foot at the bridal store? So many questions! So little time!

Get your Sale on @Luci

2009-11-03T17:01:00.000-06:00

LUCI SHOREWOOD CLOSES ON SUNDAY
60% TO 90% off all week

Shorewood Luci closes the doors next sunday! Shop till you drop , stop in and receive 60% to 90% off, everything must go! 4405 n. oakland ave. We are open 12pm to 7pm!

Luci Downtown and Luci Bayshore weekly sale
Hot merchandise arriving daily!

"Luci not only has the best prices, but we are always having a sale!!! This week buy any coat, sweater or top and receive the 2nd for half off. Gotta love it. V.I.P holders take an additional discount off of your purchase! Stop in and ask how to become a V.I.P if you are not one now! check out our new blogspot..... luciboutique.blogspot.com"

Holiday Shopping Parties!
We will give you a FREE DRESS when you show up with your party.

Book your shopping party now!! Luci is a great place to have a girls night out! We provide the space( bayshore or downtown!) the food and the beverages! We are getting booked for the season so give us a call for your holiday get together!! xoxo LUCI BAYSHORE 5627 n. center park way 414-967-7933 DOWNTOWN 532 n. water street 414-273-3733

Calling all Limited and NY&CO Cardholders! Plus, Urban Garage Sale!

2009-11-02T15:52:00.003-06:00

I signed up for this today. Nothing to lose if you call, besides great savings! Saving money and getting percentages off of clothing is becoming like a game to me. I like to figure out how much money I can take off of a full-priced sweater..so far, I saved $100 this weekend at Express, stocking up on sweaters!

FREE Exclusive FASHPASS Savings Book only for our Cardholders Save up to 50% on select designer fashions at some of your favorite stores! No purchase is necessary, but quantities are limited, so be sure to save the date — and get a head start on your holiday shopping! CALL NOW 1-877-335-PASS

Also, save the date: December 12th @ Turner Hall Ballroom URBAN GARAGE SALE

When is it: December 12th -10:30-5:30 pm

What is it: Your fave Milwaukee shops are giving deep discounts on clothing, shoes, artwork, and gifts. Finish up your holiday shopping all under one roof!

Who is it: Chartreuse, Flaire, Fred, Lela, Shoo, Luscious, Dragonfly, Hot Pop and many more!

find out more info at urbangaragesale.com !

2009-10-30T11:19:00.003-05:00

Lela has been flooding my inbox recently! And for good reason, Gossip girl's Jessica Szohr has brought in some of her own fab pieces for consignment! I think that's worth checking out..i'm sure she has all name brand expensive pieces. I don't watch the show..but i'm guessing shes a size zero and whatever she has will not fit 99% of the population. Still kinda cool to have a B-list celeb thats local givin' back and staying true to the city where she came from! Check out Lela's email below:

Do Something for Yourself and for Someone Else
...This Friday thru Monday
Hey BFF!

2 gr8 reasons 2 shop @ lela this wkend!

#1 Do Something For Yourself: Meno Falls' Jessica Szohr of Gossip Girl has brought in some of her very own fab pieces for consignment. Walk in her shoes, own her jeans, and rock her dresses! Be-friend us on facebook and you'll get a sneak peek!

#2 Do Something For Someone Else: Bring in Non-perishable Food Items and save up to 25%! Items collected are being donated to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, formerly Second Harvest

Some great sales going on ladies..take advantage of them! Have a spooktacular weekend!

[Event] Luci Boutique 1yr Anniversary Party

2009-10-27T13:41:00.002-05:00

We're Celebrating our First Fabulous Year, and You're Invited.

THIS THURSDAY NIGHT
October 29, 2009
5pm - 10pm

DOWNTOWN STORE, 532 N. Water Street
To RSVP call 414-226-0114
Free Parking available at the Public Market after 6pm

FEATURING:
- First Ever, Pump-De-Liscuous Contest: Best 3 sets of pumps WIN $100.00 at LUCI.
- Di Carlo Salon will be whippin' up some great hair styles!
- Chair Massages by Spa Karma
- Serving the Luci-Tini and a variety of non-alcoholic beverages all night!
- Stop in for free and fresh sushi.
- Of Course, Luci always has the Best Prices in the city EVER!

Score some fab deals and sales 25% off all week!

XOXO
Luci

CHECK OUT THE LATEST AFFORDABLE LUXURY at luciboutique.blogspot.com

[Event] Think Pink & Save -Fred Boutique

2009-10-27T10:36:00.003-05:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Think Pink & Save!

Join FREDS October 29, from 11 am to 10 pm (ALL DAY) and shop to make a difference in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month! All day Fred & Luscious Boutique (Downtown & Shorewood) offer you 50% off your second items! A portion of all sales will go to help support Gilda's Club, a local women's organization who helps families and women living with Breast Cancer. See flyer below for complete details!

Please come out and support this very important cause. If you can't shop, just your presence can make a difference!

Fred Boutique Shorewood has packed the house with sweaters, denim and accessories.
Visit Fred in Shorewood at 4407 N Oakland.

Shorewood location only:
RECESSION PROOF SALE! In case you hadn't heard, Fred & Luscious are fighting back the recession this year with a BUY 1, GET THE SECOND 1/2 OFF on all Sweaters and Denim, ALL SEASON, ALL STYLES! (No one should have to pay full price for the basics...RIGHT??) Both locations are ready to go with new sweaters and denim arriving weekly.

Hint, Hint! Holiday dresses, jackets, and tops are already in-store! Beat the rush and GET EM WHILE THE GETTINS GOOD!

[Event] Tricks-n-Treats @Lela

2009-10-26T14:54:00.004-05:00

Tricks-and-Treats @ Lela

this Saturday, October 31st

Dear COS readers,

While not kill 2 birds with one stone? While your out with your hottest costume, stop over at Lela Boo-tique this Saturday. Come dressed up as your favorite ghost, goblin or geisha and get 20% Off your entire purchase.

Savings this scary only come around once a year, so dust off the cobwebs from your broomstick, and fly into Lela this Saturday between 10am and 6pm.

Thanks for your support of Lela and local businesses!

The Ghouls at Lela

Da Dum Da Dum....

2009-10-26T12:25:00.009-05:00

Hello COS readers!

This month has not slowed down one bit, it is really already the end of October?? I have some great news- I got engaged on October 11!! My fiance (its so cool using that word) proposed while we were walking amongst the apple orchards in a quaint farm/restaurant in a small town where we go to pick pumpkins every year! It's a little tradition we have, and let me tell you..it came as such a surprise! I had always thought that I would have some sort of idea, whether it be stumbling upon something (receipts, mail, etc. lol) or whether anyone would be acting funny or giving away hints. Nope, none of that so much! Stay tuned for everything wedding- related (whether you like it or not, that is! Theres some great BUDGET ideas out there.. so if not for yourself, keep browsing for someone you may know preparing for the Big Day!!)

Needless to say, its been a crazy whirlwind with a month, not to mention I am in the class from hell right now, never have my limitations been tested so much than in this month. It was so bad that I left school in tears and even pondered quitting school altogether..the instructor has to be a spawn of satan. Luckily, the end of October also marks the (near)end of this dreadful class. You can blame that for lack of posts! lol

On the shopping front, thats been almost near to nothing. Lets see, I scored some sweet brown leather riding boots from Naturalizer during the Boston Store goodwill days sale for $100 (pretty much the only time I set foot in that store for actual clothes shopping) and a chunky Forenza sweater from the limited for $35 (with coupons). I have pretty much only wanted to buy sweaters, since my current sweater collection is pilly and worn. I haven't decided between a few expensive sweaters that will last more than 2 winters, or buying more but getting cheap Old Navy sweaters that are sure to fray and pill. Either way, this chica needs sweaters!
I can't believe how good I have been on shopping. The last 5 purchases I have made have definitely been sale items or items that I had a coupon for. I have even held out on some things that I knew would go on sale. Score! Not only that, with a wedding to pay for I need to priortize, which means getting more creative with less money for clothes. I also snatched up a Guess wool ruffle coat (its at V.S in black for $149 plus s&h)'cept that I got it in a cute fuschia color instead of plain black at Burlington Coat Factory-- and only paid $100!

Heres a pic and recreation of my winter casual look: My naturalizer boots, my express skinny's, and my chunky Forenza sweater..

What I have my eye on for next month are regular sweaters, some long cardigan sweaters (warmth is a must!) some new black boots, (seeing as how my not-in-style-anymore-pointy-toed Nine West are at least 3 years old), annnd so I think its time for an upgrade! Last but not least I want (not need) a new black purse, only because I have had my old Coach for-ev-er and a day! What have you had your eye on for clothing purchases? Stay tuned for my style book of wedding dresses!!

Falling into Fall

2009-10-02T13:34:00.004-05:00

Ok, so I have been uber-busy lately between work and school. I think I am getting back into the swing of things and my schedule is even-ing out just a bit. One thing that has taken a back seat in my life lately is clothes. With the exception of a few tops here and a pair of boots there (scored a deal at Boston Store's goodwill days sale a couple of weeks ago) I haven't bought much of anything! Therefore I haven't wanted to write about them, much less open up any emails with tempting discounts or sales going on. My heart just hasn't been in it lately! Maybe it goes back to Maslow's heirarchy of needs, which suggests that we humans have a hierarchy of needs that are predetermined in order of importance; meaning the higher levels can't be met until the lower levels are met. Wow, can you tell that I am back in school? LOL. I don't mean to get all pyschological on anyones arse, but I just have put less importance on what i'm wearing these days and more importance into other aspects of my life.

Since the weather seems to be consistently in the 50's, this weekend I plan to take out the ol' sweaters and cardigans, and trade-in and box-up my bikinis, tanks, and sundresses. This is usually when I take inventory of the things I have that I still like, that I can still fit into, and from there it is out with the old and in with the new. Since alot of the fall sweaters and tops that I have are now a few years old and some of them look like it, I am making myself throw them away so I have room to build a newer fall/winter 'drobe back up. Maybe that will make me excited and make me want to shop for new things, instead of panicking that I won't be able to find new things and be left with this huge gap in my closet! Wish me luck! xoxo

[Event] Shanel Regier Trunk Show -Lela

2009-09-16T10:02:00.003-05:00

Shanel Regier Trunk Show
Straight off the Runway

Please come by Lela this Sunday for a Champagne Toast to Shanel's latest collection.

Fresh from the runway, these one-of-a-kind designs will not last long. As an added bonus, there will be new fashions not yet viewed by the public.

Event Info:

Sunday, September 20th, 2009 10am til 3pm

321 N Broadway
Historic Third Ward
414-727-4855

[Event] Design Your Own Dress @Miss Ruby

2009-09-01T15:05:00.003-05:00

Create your very own Audey dress with the help of Jessica Audey, designer of the Chicago-based Audey - http://www.audey.com/

Jessica will be at Miss Ruby on September 10 from 6-9pm to help celebrate Milwaukee's Fashion's Night Out (http://fnomke.blogspot.com/)

Audey's line gives custom dress making a new meaning. You start by selecting a silhouette (you can mix and match tops and bottoms, there are over 30 options to choose from). Then on to the fabric, where you can choose anything from bold colors to dramatic prints to some amazing new fabrics for fall and holiday.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to have Miss Audey help you design your own cocktail dress. And for those of you that don't want to design your own dress, Miss Ruby will have some fabolous pieces ready to go.

Shoe Dazzle Me

2009-08-26T08:38:00.000-05:00

So just when I thought I had seen the coolest fashion/shopping website, along comes Miss Big A$$ Kardash and ShoeDazzle! I love her! She is becoming so much more involved with the fashion-y side of her career, afterall..that is how she got her start as a stylist to the stars. On a sidenote, I am also really excited to see her guest star on my fave show EVER, America's Next Top Model (ANTM) which starts next Wednesday, holla! [This season of ANTM is catering to "short girls" *ahem* I am 5'6 and 3/4 and I happen to be taller than a lot of girls I know. But this is short for the modeling world. All I’m saying is that, yea I’m old, but I coulda been on this season! Lol] Annnyways, what I am trying to say is that you have to have to visit this site!

Whats ShoeDazzle-Dizzle all about? They say ‘Now you can have your own “personal stylist”’ --virtual of course! You take a quiz that will analyze your style. Then you get to pick from 5 shoes a month, all personalized to your tastes and preferences. If you like them, you get charged $39 for a pair of “ShoeDazzle” brand kicks that Kim and her other L.A fashionista’s and big names in the business are designing. From the pics, they look like pretty good quality. You have until the 5th of every month to say whether or not you like what has been picked out for you. If you don’t like you “skip this month” and you aren’t charged. How cool is that? I am going to join because I want to see if they will offer me any cool and trendy boots based on my tastes, without me having to waste all of this time searching online! I feel all Hollywood now that I said that, lol. It seems pretty harmless! Also, if you don’t like your selection after you receive them, you can return them or exchange them. I just hope that they have shoes that are less than 4 inches, lol. I am so over trying to break an ankle in the name of fashion! Ok stay tuned I am going to sign up on Thursday and see what Kim chooses for me, haha.

Learn more here or get started by taking the fashion quiz here! and let me know what your thoughts are about this site. Will you be tempted in joining? Is it too expensive or just right? Thanks!

This Thursday is Ladies' Night -

2009-08-25T15:07:00.003-05:00

Can you believe that it is almost the end of August. ..Yikes! You know what that means, and I am so ready for it --fall. So far it looks as if the trends from last year are going to fit right in with the trends this year. Make your fall-drobe feel updated by buying a fab pair of boots, skinny jeans, or a great cardi (like me!). I have been holding back some of my spending habits so that I can spend a few hundred updating my fall/winter 'drobe. Start now - 2 of my fave boutiques, Fred and Luci's, both boutiques have great selections and great sales going on right now, and are only a few doors down from each other. Woohoo!!!

Fred Boutique Fred Boutique 524 N. Water St. Milwaukee WI 53202

Luci flagship store
532 n. water st.
226-0114

JLo- In Style

2009-08-18T14:41:00.002-05:00

JLo took a much needed break from the show business (I think for her and for us..I couldn't handle another romantic comedy from her) and she is back in full force with a new cd, a new perfume, and a new movie coming out later this year. Her interview talks about everything from Diapers to her "Diva status" but I love her 5 page spread in the newest issue of In Style. She is 40 years old and still knows how to work it! Oh, and shes had twins. Oh, and shes still married to Marc Anthony, although she says that relationships take work and so her and Marc must have a mutual respect for each other if they have lasted this long.

Here is what she says about her style and I like quoting her on this because I feel like many of us can relate to it as well: "I still slip into different styles very easily. I can be a little bit hip-hop in sweatpants and sneakers and a baseball hat. Or I can put on a head wrap and get kind of bohemian with glasses and a caftan. I can dress conservative '60s glamour, or I can go supermodern chic ... I love all different kinds of things. I'm open. I think that's what makes it exciting to people. They don't know what I'm going to do next. Honestly, I don't know half the time." Check out some of these pics from her photo shoot.

This just in -Luci going green! Outlet & Consignment Shop!

2009-08-17T17:22:00.003-05:00

Have my prayers been answered? Finally a place where I may be able to get some cash for old duds that are still in great shape (*cough cough* some of which still have price tags..) one girls trash is another girls treasure! I'm all about it!

Read the email from Luci owner, Clai Green:

Divas ,

Thank you, Thank you for all your support again!!! If you read this mention shorewood today and you will get 30% off at our downtown and Shorewood store!!!!

This wednesday our Shorewood store will turn into "Luci outlet!" we will be buying off-price clothing and sending our leftovers from the other stores to shorewood !! This means you can buy some older threads for 60% to 75% off . We will also be buying your used threads, where we will give you luci money!!! College gals pass the word!!!( we might even be paying cash for the goods if they are fab!) So luci will also recycle in Shorewood!!!( we love designer jeans and designer tops , dresses!!!)

We will be stocking clothing of all sizes, even adding alot of off price plus sizes (yippeeee!)

All our new brands will be carried in our downtown and bayshore location!! Remember we only carry a few pieces of every style so the clothes go quickly at all luci stores!!!

Bayshore is already a success!! We are stocking so many different things downtown and in bayshore that we are giving you a huge selection!! This will only get better as we add a section of larger sizes up to 18 in our bayshore store in the next few weeks!!!

Remeber downtown has expanded so we now have the whole store , it looks fab , packed with jewelry, purses, belts and lots of clothing!!!

xoxo
luci aka clai

[Event] Party with Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian Tonight at Apartment 720

2009-08-14T11:14:00.002-05:00

I love these b!tches!!

For Bottle Service Reservations email kim@milwaukee-st.com

Apartment 720

720 N. Milwaukee Street

Best Budget Shampoos & Conditioners

2009-08-14T11:01:00.003-05:00

Hello all. TGIFF! I wrote about some of my fave hair products awhile back and I thought I would share this article by Lori Bergamotto, from RealSimple.com that I came across today. I can't wait to try some of these out. I feel like I need at least 3 of them since I want volume, shine, and defrizzies!

Real Simple readers pick their favorite budget-friendly hair-care products.

Shampoo for Dry Hair
Marc Anthony Ultimate Moisture Shampoo, $8 "This gave me ‘hair-commercial hair'-so shiny and so healthy-looking," said one brittle-haired user.

Best Shampoo for Oily Hair
Charles Worthington Results Balancing Act Shampoo, $5 The woodsy scent got mixed reviews, but the verdict was unanimous: Hair was "glossy without looking greasy."

Best Dandruff Shampoo
Selsun Salon Shampoo, $6 Testers declared they would use this shampoo even if they didn't have flaky scalps. "My hair was so soft, I couldn't stop playing with it," said one.

Best Shampoo for Curly or Wavy Hair
Garnier Fructis Curl & Shine Fortifying Shampoo, $4 With a "luxurious texture" and "wonderful lather," this left unruly curls looking smooth and well defined.

Best Shampoo for Fine Hair
Herbal Essences Body Envy Volumizing Shampoo, $4 This scored points for fluffing up hair after a single wash. "I didn't have to goop it up with mousse," said a tester.

Best Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair
L'Oréal Vive Pro. Color Vive Shampoo, $5 Ho-hum highlights need a boost? This delivered "vibrant color" and "fantastically shiny" hair.

Best Shampoo for Chemically Processed Hair
Pantene Pro-V Restoratives Time Renewal Shampoo, $6 Testers ranked this moisture-rich, "creamy" shampoo as the ultimate hair therapy. "Like a salon treatment."

Best Conditioner for Normal Hair
Pantene Pro-V Ice Shine Conditioner, $5 This thick (but not weighty) conditioner left testers' hair looking "vibrant" with "a great soft texture."

Best Conditioner for Dry Hair
Pantene Pro-V Restoratives Frizz Control Conditioner, $6 This conditioner, tested in the rain, got "an A plus" for keeping hair "smooth and shiny, even in frizzy-hair weather."

Best Conditioner for Oily Hair
Charles Worthington Results Balancing Conditioner, $5 Oily-haired testers who once shunned conditioners were converts. "No after-work oily scalp-finally," said one.

Best Conditioner for Dandruff
Head & Shoulders Conditioner, $5 The favorite by far, this conditioner left hair so softly scented and smooth that "treating dandruff was like a bonus."

Best Conditioner for Curly or Wavy Hair
John Frieda Frizz-Ease Curl Around Daily Conditioner, $6 "An amazing detangler," this thick, silicone-based formula tamed curls and created frizz-free waves.

Best Conditioner for Fine Hair
Tresemmé Silk Protein Healthy Volume Conditioner, $4 With a soft citrus scent, this formula in a 32-ounce bottle scored for delivering great volume and "great value."

Best Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair
Infusium 23 (Colour)ologie Conditioner, $6 This gentle, vitamin-packed formula "extended the brightness of my color for almost two weeks," said one tester.

Courtesy of Lori Bergamotto, RealSimple.com: http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/258/best-drugstore-shampoos-and-conditioners/

[Event] Brown Bag Sale -Lela's

2009-08-12T13:33:00.003-05:00

b r o w n b a g s a l e
t h i s s a t u r d a y

date: saturday, august 15th
time: 8am to 6pm
location: 321 n broadway

Hurry in this Saturday, August 15th for Lela's semi-annual Brown Bag Sale! Doors open at 8 am sharp. Feel free to stop by early or come in late. Just be sure you don't miss out on their best prices of the season!

See you Saturday!

The Girls at Lela

321 north broadway
historic third ward, wi 53202
414-727-4855
m-f 10-8 / sat 10-6 / sun 11-5
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102666457114&s=2148&e=001SzhO1Ml8rV-4gBPNU4JTxNB-tXkHxzI4ECDV7aJmlurwi4HprFnfdfEeNIRTtCEirM-7ZkuVeK3Osz5j_KHtv3sT_wxMqO8x9Q0yFUu_zpASQFbg7xw1Qw==

[Event] Luci Takes over the City

2009-08-06T10:40:00.003-05:00

Ladies you heard it here first:

'LUCI' TAKES OVER THE CITY !!

Read the following from Luci's owner Clai:

"Luci is excited to announce the opening of bayshore town center store, on August 13th @6pm!

Divas get ready for another fabulous store. What I love about luci now is there are three great places to shop! I am going to be carrying different merchandise at all three stores!! You can also be assured that our mall store will remain a boutique!!! Very few pieces of every style in each store! This will make your shopping experience unique as we bring in merchandise everyday!

Speaking of ready to wear, stop by luci downtown or shorewood, we are packed with fab new garments.Whatever the occasion is we have it, weddings, homecomeings, casual , work! A huge shipment just arrived in all stores!!

Bayshore will also be hosting our fashion show in the town square saturday august 15th 8pm! A email invite will follow!

Downtown and shorewood also recieved an amazing selection of handbags! I have been shopping in new york alot and la to bring you even more fab finds every week!

Stop in this week and recieve 60% off shoes, 20% off handbags and buy any top or dress get the second at 40% off . Vips get an extra 5%.

There you have it , this has to be the most drab letter i have sent out, but it was last minute!!"

xoxo
luci

downtown
532 n. water
shorewood
4405 n. oakland
bayshore
5724 n. centerpark way.

[Event] Martini Night @ Luci's

2009-07-23T17:12:00.003-05:00

Fabulous news ladies! Luci has opened another boutique at Bayshore Mall! I almost started hyperventilating when I read the newsletter. This is great great news! Luci will be located right across from the Apple Store (yea, I have no idea where that is, haha)

Please join Luci and I over the weekend for a glass of wine during gallery week. For more info contact:

Luci Boutique
A Boutique as Beautiful as You!

Downtown
532 N. Water Street
414.226.0114 Shorewood
4405 N. Oakland Avenue
414.967.1404

Email me if you would also like to sign up for their newsletter to be the first to hear about sales, specials, and new shipments!

[Event] Bridal Fashion Show @ Miss Ruby

2009-07-21T16:15:00.005-05:00

July 26 11am-3:30pm Davian's Banquet Center

A not so conventional wedding show offering the newly engaged a chance to meet with vendors in a relaxed, fun and informative environment. Come sample food, cake, and live music. And don’t miss the fashion show! For more info visit: missrubyboutique.com

[Event] Portrait Artist @Lela

2009-07-21T16:13:00.002-05:00

When you're out around town this weekend, be sure to stop in Lela!

Sit for a complimentary line portrait and view paintings by Chicago Artist Wendee Goles. Her work is a composite of life's journey glimpsed in that moment before continuing. Goles' method is heavy impasto solely applied vigorously and effectively with the palate knife. Come and watch her create at Lela!

Meet Wendee Friday 5 to 9pm, and Saturday 11am to 6pm.

Boutique Hours this Weekend: Friday 10am to 9pm, Saturday, 10am to 6pm.

Thanks for supporting Art & Fashion in Milwaukee! Look forward to seeing you!

XOXO,
The Girls at Lela

321 N Broadway
Historic Third Ward
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202Phone: 414-727-4855
Web: www.lelaboutique.com
Hours: M-F 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm

A Few of my Favorite Things...

2009-07-14T11:48:00.010-05:00

Hey chicas!

This week has been/will continue to be a crazy week for me. I hope that everyone is enjoying their (slighty cool, partly cloudy) summer, I am trying to get out a few nights during the week, whether it be watching a free band in the park or eating outside on a patio, just to relax and enjoy myself before its back to that colder stuff.

So! The one cool thing about having this blog is that when I tell people about it during a conversation, they end up telling me about a new website that I have never heard of, or a new and upcoming local designer, etc. Hopefully within the next couple of weeks I can interview/feature these people and their websites on my blog...I have 2 in mind! ...So more to come on that!

The next thing I really have been wanting to talk about is my fave beauty products. There are other blogs out there dedicated to just beauty and trying out new products (awesome!), much like to how this blog is dedicated to all things sales, shopping, and fashion (awesome!).

Here are a few products that I can personally vouche for (fuggedaboutid) and that I use in my daily, weekly routines. Once I find a product that works and I love, I stick to it like white on rice. I am very loyal to my products i guess you could say, lol.

Clarins Self Tanning Gel (available at Sephora), $32

I haven't been brave enough to use it on my face (although it says you can), on my medium skin tone, it gives me a believable tan (we want to look like we were in the sun, not look like THEE actual sun, har har) Wrinkles are not hot..so I gave up tanning salons a few years ago. It's goof- proof (it has to be if i'm using it, hehe) and it doesnt have an unpleasant smell.

Garnier Smoothing Milk and UV Shine Spray, $5 each

I do have to say that Garnier is ye old faithful. It's the one product that I might switch up as far as hair prodcuts go, but I always come crawling back. The smoothing milk is great to put on my hair when its damp, or right before I diffuse it, for nice soft waves/curls (my natural texture is wavy, and I have alot of it, but sort of fine-textured). In the summer, when heat on my hair is a no-no (sweating while getting ready sorta sucks), I usually rub some of this through my hair and let air-dry, and *whella*, beachy waves. For added shine I use the UV spray, just a few spritz because too much will make it look greasy. My only gripe is that I wish Garnier made their products in larger sizes so I didn't have to run to the store every two weeks to replace, since I use them everyday!

Graham Webb Volumizing Spray & Shine Drops, $18 each

WOW. A volumizer that actually works and says what it is going to do, can you imagine that?? I love that it is aerosol, I think because it's easier to pump and gives you control of how much you use, and this stuff packs on the volume. I've actually never been in a contact with a Graham Webb product that I haven't liked. Just a few squirts on the roots and when I use this I get lift (without the extra backcombing) or I can reactivate it the next day by just wetting my hands and running it through the roots. This product is so popular that it's usually on backorder at the salon where I buy it. It lasts a long time though, so that is good! I use another product that is a serum and (like only 3 drops, literally) and run this though my hair before I straighten and bam! No frizz, just nice & str8en'd hair.

Bumble & Bumble vs. Halo Shampoo/Conditioner

Halo has the smell, mmm. Bumble makes my hair soft and feels luxurious. Problem is..they can get expensive! But this is my battle right now for shampoo/conditioner. As far as that goes, I haven't found The One. Sigh. Maybe I never will, so I dabble with salon brands, and I dabble with drugstore brands. Garnier, Pantene, John Freida..you name it, chances are i've tried it (except for Aussie for some odd reason).

Lancome UV ColorIdeal SPF 15 Foundation, $37

This is my go-to foundation/concealer, it is sheer coverage and has UV protection, and the color is spot-on.

Cetaphil Facewash & Moisturizer, $10 each

I am new to the Cetaphil facewash, I have mega-oily skin and grand canyon-sized pores, gross right! I envy those with invisible pores (boyfriend). I used to use the Cetaphil bar soap facewash in high school, eww!) and so far so good. It doesn't leave a film on my face like Oil of Olay does. and it doesn't overdry my face like Neutrogena does. Before that, I religiously used Biore Anti-blackhead warming cleanser, then they went and changed their formula on me (bah-stads). I stopped using it because they added those exfoliating beads that never seem to wash completely off my face (where I find them in my hairline a few hours later..dude) and they were too abrasive for everyday use, so I chucked it. Cetaphil is so affordable and it lasts along time and it's not fancy but by golly-it works.

Bare Minerals Bronzer, $18

This stuff is pretty much awesome. It stays on all day, makes me look tan, and I usually wear it on my forehead, cheeks, under my chin (for a skinny chin- haha), and my 'decollatage' area. As far as the foundation, it works for even-ing out my skin tone or to set my face in the morning much like pwoder would, but I have yet to see their bareminerals foundation actually hide my dark circles and the occasional breakout.

Tobi Steamer, $99

If you hate ironing as much as I do, you need --and I mean need--one of these. It's seriously one of the best investments I have ever made and makes my life so much easier. I bought it one late night off an info-mercial when it was like $150 but I think now you can get them for $99. I have had mine for 2 years and it still works great. Now I don't mind getting the wran-kles out of my bf's shirts! It takes care of my clothes and makes them last longer, because what an iron does is press and flatten the clothes (making them misshapen and faded) while the steam plumps of the fibers of your clothes to de-wrinkle them. You went out to a smoky bar and need freshen up your jacket? Tobi. You want to de-wrinkle a shirt in under 2 minutes? Tobi. You want to steam clean your curtains, couch, mattress? (yes I have done all)T-o-b-i!!

The search continues for: mascara (I dabble), eye cream(never stay on it), body lotion (different needs for different seasons), eye shadow(mac is cool), coverup, anti-aging products, and anything to get rid of undereye circles. Have any suggestions? Tell me your list of fave, omg, cant-live-without products: email me or leave your comments!

One Helluva Week

2009-07-10T11:01:00.004-05:00

It's been awhile since I have been able to utter with absolute certainty: TGIFF (that extra 'f' is no typo, heh). I've had one roller coaster of a week. My 2 yr old Boxer, Santana, had to stay overnight at the E.R after I got home from school on Monday night and noticed his belly was bloated up like a barrel. Turns out, he got into his dog food and dam dog literally almost ate himself to death (this isn't a far stretch for a boxer, just an fyi). The vet said if we had waited any longer to take him in, his stomach could have twisted and if that would have happened, well..it would have been an emergency surgery to save his life. I'm happy my big boy is okay, but i'm still a worried mama, watching over him like a hawk! If you want to learn more, here is a pretty accurate article about GDV/Dog bloat here.

Portrait of a Tana...doesn't it look like he's saying "mama, eating 12 cups of food felt like a good idea at the time..I sorry"

On a lighter note, my week ended with an overall good note. I will be selling my jewelry online with a local boutique soon! Hopefully in the next week or so I can give everyone a little bit more information about it. I hope everyone has great weekend and here are some sales you might want to check out, I know I will be!

Macys One Day Only SALE:

Bandolino Summer Sizzlin' SALE: $29.99 and up, Free Shipping $49.99 and up.

Limited: Get 40% off all pants & jeans

xoxo!

All About Michael Kors

2009-07-08T09:59:00.008-05:00

I decided to do something a little different today, since I always express my love for a certain few designers (well, i'll start off with the ones that actually I wear and can somewhat afford..no use in drooling on my keyboard gawking at the likes of designer lines that i'll never be able to afford)...

The talented and distinguished Mr. Michael Kors began his fashion career at the young age of 19, designing a collection for a renowned boutique in NYC. Rave reviews inspired him to strike out on his own, and in 1981 (One year before I was born!), he launched the Michael Kors label and his first women’s collection…which was quickly snatched up by the likes of Saks and Begdorfs. His MICHAEL Michael Kors and KORS Michael Kors lines were launched in 2004 (my faves!). The MICHAEL line includes women's handbags and shoes as well as women's "ready-to-wear apparel" (less runway more realway). The KORS line contains (mmm..) footwear and jeans.

Those two lines are also picked up by more accessible department stores such as Macys and Nordstroms. MICHAEL by Michael Kors, a less expensive line of 'ready to wear' accessories and clothing, is really the only reason why I can have MK in my life! I personally love when designers start lines that are 'less expensive' (I say that term loosely because its all relative, some of these designers lines can still be in the hundreds of dollars range) and it makes us little people more aware of designers, therefore more aware of our own style (I can say since I love MK, a certain part of my style is American-chic yet sporty!). He’s dressed tons of celebs, everyone from J-LO to Madonna, and has won prestigious fashion awards throughout the year for both his menswear and womenswear.

His mission statement, courtesy of michaelkors.com, says:

Michael Kors is the leading American fashion designer for luxury accessories and sportswear. The company's heritage is rooted in producing polished, sleek, sophisticated American sportswear with a jet-set attitude. Whether Aspen, Palm Beach or Capri, our mission is to bring our vision of a jet-set, luxury lifestyle to women and men around the globe. Our products, emblematic of the highest standard of quality, include apparel, accessories and beauty. Our lifestyle-driven company embraces the highest standards of creativity, quality, technology and human resources.

I have this top in yellow. Matter-of-fact, I wore it to the No Doubt concert last week. Wonder if I should get this in lavendar too..I love the shirt that much I could own it in multiple colors...and at only $24.99...veddy veddy tempting!!!

All of these pics are from BDB and are available for $60 or less, most are $30 -- hurry! The sale ends tomorrow!

See more of his clothing HERE at his official website...check out the sales page I saw some great deals!

So who are your fave designers, or stores to shop at? Want me to write about any other designers in the future? Leave comments or Email here! xoxo

My Reader Request and Confession

2009-07-07T10:34:00.001-05:00

I decided to do a reader request today, even though it's just me doing the requesting. hehe.

I have been scouring the ends of the earth trying to find work appropriate summer sandals. I finally decided to turn to Piperlime when they were having their sale early last week..hopefully its still going on! I have 8 pairs of contenders, and want your opinions to help me choose! :o)

All of these sandals are under $50, they are all 1 to 2-inch heels (making them work wearable and comfy..as I often have to run across the parking lot to make it on time!) and they are all cute as heck.

Before I continue, I think I need to address another issue that I have; I don't have a dress code at work-I could come dressed in pj's, slippers, and a do-rag if I dare choose to. I guess not having a dress code doesn't mean you should wear something, just because you can. Even so, my everyday workwear usually consists of jeans and a random clean shirt out of my closet. Can you imagine..a girl who writes about fashion and has a style blog, wears mostly jeans and tees to work. Yep..its true! I sit behind a desk all day and design data circuits, so its not exactly a fashionable job. Plus, the whole office (even 2nd level managers) are very, very business casual. It's a double-edged sword. Those who have a dress code, hate it and wish they didn't. Those who do not, sometimes wish they had a reason to get dressed up everyday. Or there are those who just dont give no eff and dress up whenever, wherever. Are you that kind of person? I usually keep it for my personal life since I never leave myself enough time to plan outfits for work. I admittedly am one lazy chica! So that's my confession, thought I would get that off of my chest! Anywho, like I said..just because I can wear flip-flops to work, doesn't mean I should..and that is where even I will draw the line! ..Which is why I need to find a pair (or 2...or 3..) cute sandals that are casual, flat, and able to go with regular and cropped pants and jeans.

Here are my candidates...

From left to right: Kenneth Cole Sunny Dew $49.99, Rocket Dog Lisbon $24.99, BCBG Banny $39.99, Black Nine West Nathaniel $29.99

From left to right: Aersole Athens $49.99, Enzo Tonight $39.99, Wanted Empire, $24.99, Very Volatile Everyday $39.99

I put these in my cart last week and left them to marinate. Now after coming back and looking at them almost a week later, I can tell you that I am leaning towards the two white pairs (Enzo's or Aerosoles) or the two turquoise pairs (KC or Rocket). I am for-sure getting the black Nine West ones, since all of the black sandals that I own are too dressy for daytime. So these black casuals will work! I already own a pair of gold gladiator-type sandals like the Wanted Empires, except they are wedges and not as casual. The last pair is too close to flip-flips and too expensive for such little shoe at $40, don't you think?

So, what category do you fit into? Do you have a dress-code at work? Hate it or love it? Do you have no dress code but still dress up
(or not)? Also, which pair of sandals are you feelin'? Click here and tell me! Thanks for your comments! As always I. heart.your.comments!

[Event] ReFashion For Life- Lela

2009-07-07T10:23:00.002-05:00

Please join us this Thursday for "Refashion for Life"... a fundraiser and fashion show to benefit Commonground Ministry/Elena's House.

Location:
Callen Construction Showroom
S63 W13131 Janesville Road
Muskego, WI

Schedule:6:00pm: Silent Auction and Live Music By Mr. Lucky Light.Food From Saz's and Beverage Stations throughout the event site.7:45pm: Silent Auction Closes8:00pm: Fashion Show and Live Auction9:00pm: Live Music By Mr. Lucky LIght

Click on the image below for the full details, or feel free to contact the Refashion for Life staff @ 414-529-5509, or via email info@refashionforlife.com. We hope to see you at the show!

From: The Girls at Lela

321 n broadway
historic third ward, wi
414 727 4855
m-f 10-8 / sat 10-6 / sun 11-5
www.lelaboutique.com

No Doubt- I Had a Good Weekend!

2009-07-06T11:50:00.007-05:00

Hey Chicas!

Hope everyone had a good 4th! I spent the weekend sipping on Mango-infused vodka & Sangria, watching fireworks (of course), swimming, and eating entirely way.too.much.

Thursday night my girls and I saw No Doubt in concert at Summerfest. I hurt my feet in Michael Kors stacked heels from jumping around and dancing in place. My throat hurt from screaming and singing as loud as my voicebox would let me. All in all, those are the makings of a good concert! This was my 2nd time seeing her and my first time seeing No Doubt. I have to admit, I have a major girl crush on Gwen Stefani! After 2 babies she is still rocking 6-pack abs!!! She had 3 wardrobe changes, but my favorite was the ripped white tank to show off the abs with a neon green bra underneath! 3 girls rocking L.A.M.B outfits got to go on stage and take a pic with her!

After the concert, we decided to pass the time away by snapping some pics of worst dressed passers-by for my blog..here are a few of the least-blurry wntw's:

We Do Not Wear Knee-high Black Boots in July People!!!! Please please please don't do this (unless ur Gwen Stefani). We don't get enough summer as it is, to go disprespect'n it by wearing winter attire..geez :o\

Fireworks!!

A funny drunk girl on the corner, that in our tipsy state, was making us giggle, so we had to snap a pic of her! Remember, this was a good idea after cherry bombs and berry weiss and 15 minutes in the car, not moving.. I actually like her big yellow purse. A Milwaukee do!

How did you spend your 4th? What did you wear? I kept it uber-cas, with jeans capris, flip flops and a tank..then later on changed into socks, tennys, and a sweater..it was chilly-willy at night! Tell me by commenting here!

Biggest Closet Raid...EVER!

2009-07-01T13:19:00.008-05:00

How many bottles does of wine does it take for 7 hours, 4 girls, 3 closets, and 1 blogger/closet organizer? If you answered 8, then you win *ding ding ding* !! Thats right, 8 bottles and one Saturday ago in April, I went to my girl Missy's casa to raid/organize/clean her closet(s). My cousin Pam and my other chica (her sister, Jackie) joined in for moral support (and to help drink the wine, of course!) Prior to this day, she had warned me this could be an all-day project and gently suggested I might not be up for the challenge. Oh, but how I was! Even if I was sore for 2 days after! Missy, obviously blessed to have 3 (count 'em 1..2..3) reach-in closets,.had taken full advantage of this space-by filling them mercilessly with clothes. Im not gonna lie, she had alot of ish. It made us 3 girls say "Dang...and we thought we had alot of clothes!" and that's no easy feat!

Her dilemma: Her closets had become so jam-packed full of stuff a mixture of old,new, and never worn casual, work, and going out clothes, that she actually ran out of closet space (sound familiar? hehe) Therefore, a nice mountain of (really nice, really cute) clothes was beginning to form in her basement. Also, there was alot of things in her closet from high school and beyond that were outgrown, outworn, and just plain out of style (sparkly, pilled, Bebe cardigan, anyone?). And really, who doesn't have this problem to a certain degree?

My goal: was to make her life easier by ridding the clutter, using one closet for comfy/weekend-wear, and one closet for going-out and work-wear. We took one closet at a time and hauled everything out.Then we made 3 piles; 1 for keeping, 1 for tossing, and 1 for try-ons/maybes. That was the funnest pile, because Missy had to try every single item on to decide whether it was a yes or no. After the first couple of bottles of wine we were all calling dibs on some worthy clothes and shoes that she had tossed. Then, while the wine sunk in and the rest of the gals chatted, played dress-up, ate, and took frequent smoke breaks, I kept on cleaning and organizing. If had I stopped momentum..I don't think I would have ever gotten finished!

Before: left to right, Closet 1 before and after. Closet 2 before and after. Afterwards, closet 3 wasn't necessary so it was donated to the hubby!

Here's Missy's adorable Visla and my buddy, Copper, joining in on the fun. He helped me raid her dresser too!

The Aftermath: left, 3 garbage bags stuffed full of donation-worthy clothes. right, 1 ebay sell pile for gently used or never worn clothes..she made $400 since and still has more left to sell!

Before: The scary pile of basement clothes. After, the same clothes in a nice, organized closet!

This Saturday was the first time I had been back for a Margarita Night she was hosting. When noone was looking, I snuck back through her closets. To my surprise, it was still nice and neat! I was so happy and proud. Missy confessed that since we took the time out to streamline her wardrobe, she has an easier time finding things to wear for work, and hasn't bought much since-- she said she never realized how much she had and what was all in her fab wardrobe collection!

For more tips on how to streamline your closet, and how to shop it, check out SB's article.

To check out my first closet raid ever, go HERE!

Breakin' it down: Online Members only Sample Sales

2009-06-30T11:55:00.006-05:00

So in case some of us still haven't jumped on this bandwagon, I want to share a "secret" with all of my readers (I can't have any of my girls missing out on great deals!) So I am going to break down this new phenomenon--Private, members-only sample sale sites. Who are they? What are they? Most importantly..is it worth your time becoming a member? In a word, they are AWESOME, and the answer is yes, you should definitely join a few (if not all, like me..hehe).

It is especially AWESOME for those of us who *ahem* aren't lucky enough to live in L.A and N.Y. and go to them physically, now we can at least visit virtually! So...what is a sample sale exactly? Top Secret exec says "A sample sale refers to an event in which one or more in-demand designers will sell production samples and excess inventory at deeply discounted prices. Traditionally, one would have to go to New York or another big city to shop these exclusive sales, but the web has brought that experience to you in the comfort of your own home. Please note that although they are online, you are still shopping a sample sale. That means the color, size, texture, and details could potentially vary from piece to piece."

What do they all have in common? Each site will have 2 to 3 different boutiques at a time with a different designer in each boutique. The sale lasts anywhere from 24-48 hours unless otherwise noted. They all feature designer (both well-known and famous, and lesser known) apparel, accessories, beauty items, home goods, you name it. All sales are up to 80% off.....it's not a typo--up to 80% off!!! They typically will have all items as a FINAL sale other than apparel (excluding swimwear) and defective items, so it's important to use the sizing guides they provide. Lastly, the items that can be returned for in-store credit and are returnable within 14 days after being received. Afterwards you may get hit with "restocking fees" and/or denied anything at all. I always make sure to read a store's shipping and return policy so I never have any surprises!

HAUTELOOK-wins my virtual C.O.S award for the most affordable deals, a cool web design, and previews up to 7 days ahead. Cons: slow shipping 10-14 business days, shipping is $7.95 per boutique sale, and you cannot have items in your shopping cart for more than one boutique sale, therefore you will pay seperate shipping for seperate sales.

Sale starts at 8 AM PST, last 36-39 hours, no sales tax
Email me for a link to join Hautelook!

Whos Haute right now? Chanel, multi-designer blowout sale (includes YAYA , Development) , designer sunglasses sale (includes Christian Dior and Dolce)

RUE LA LA- Wins a C.O.S style award for best web design, most user-friendly, and has great deals, fast shipping free return shipping! (this equals guilt free online shopping!) previews up to 7 days ahead mobile updates. Shipping is $9.95

Whos on Rue right now? Juicy Couture, Haviana sandals, and L.A.M.B (see ya Thursday Gwen!!)
Join now! Instant link for COS readers! http://www.ruelala.com/invite/circleofstyle

GILT- (what u may feel when you order here?) Gilt wins the C.O.S Oscar style award. Think Oscar de La Renta, Valentino, all of those fabulous designers that A-list actresses wear. They would be like the Rolls Royce of boutique sales. They can still be quite expensive even with the discounts, but it all depends on the designer. They have a waitlist option, and shipping based off of your zip code (thats $10 for me) and a short 2-5 day ship-time. Overnight shipping is available for $36 (based off zip code again)

Sales start at 11AM CDT,
Take a gander and join: http://www.giltgroupe.com/invite/circleofstyle

Whos Gilt-y right now: Christian Lacroix, stuart weitzman, felix rey, judith ripka oscar blandi(mmm OB hair powder)

IDEELI-likes to switch things up, while membership is free, you can upgrade for like $6 a month and get VIP access to sales sooner than everyone else.
Every day, at a random time, They start one or more sale or giveaway events that features one or more items. Whether it is a sale or a giveaway, all events are for a limited time (often less than 10 hours). Sales always have a limited quantity. So it pays to move quickly if you see something you like. You're notified by email typically an hour before each sale event. All sales are final; no returns are allowed, with one exception: if you receive a defective product.
Shipping is $10 for the first item and $5 and will take 5 to 7 business days to reach you.

Who's Ideeli-speaking right now: abs Allen Schwartz, Laundry , Ed Hardy

Join now-instant link! www.ideeli.com/invite/circleofstyle

TOP SECRET- while not as popular and mainstream as the other sites, give this one a try. They usually get the same designers a week or two after Rue or Gilt gets them. So if you could'nt snatch it up Top Secret gives you a second chance.

Whos Top Secret right now: Liquid, Junior Drake handbags
Email me for a link to join Top Secret!

EDITORS CLOSET- Again, a lesser known site.. but still worth signing up, I almost purchased a sick, just sick, DG watch from here.

Whos in the Editor's Closet right now: Cole Haan, Rough Roses, Fossil
sales start: 10am EST

BILLION DOLLAR BABES- The only site to offer gift cards, some can shop offline in most major cities (chicago is the closest to us Miltown babes) The girls behind the scene seem pretty awesome and are more well known on the West Coast.

Join Now, Instant link for COS gals.. https://www.billiondollarbabes.com/register/u/b5d2d9cacdd8997ba498
sales start: 8am Pacific
Free shipping on orders over $150, 1 item 5.95, 2 items 7.95 3 items 9.95 etc.
10-14 days for delivery

Whose at Billion Dollar Babes: Trace handbags, Paige Black, Mimi & Coco

BEYOND THE RACK- Not the most 'pretty' storefront, BTR features a wait list, which enables u to be next in line for a sold out item if it becomes available

Whos on Beyond: Miss Sixty, Diesel, Joes Jeans
$9.95 shipping
3-5 biz days
sale starts: usually noon EDT and typically lasts only 48 hours
Email me for an invite!

Now, I am pret-ty confident that I happen to know of every-single-friggin site out there. Some are better than others, some you may have heard of and others you may not have heard of. and I will let you decide for yourself which ones are more awesome-er than others. I have my top 2 favorite stores (Rue and Haute) that I have purchased things from in the past. Other bloggers go nutso over Gilt and Ideeli.

BONUS: Skip past the virtual waitlists to join, and join through me! If you invite others and they join and make a purchase, you can get $10 on most of these sites. I can give you an invite to any or all of these fab sales if you EMAIL ME HERE! xoxo, Michelle

This week on Circle of Style

2009-06-29T15:01:00.005-05:00

I have alot of things going on this week, but I wanted to give you all a little preview of the going-ons to get your blog tastebuds droolin' :o)

This week I am going to uncover the good, bad, and uglys of online sample sale websites (thanks fashionista for the question because I was debating whether or not to do a post on this!)

Finally..my biggest closet raid to date (thanks missy for being so patient!!)

I need help picking out cute comfy work sandals! (Think: small heel, good to dress up or down, $50 or less) willpost pics of what I have so far!

Reader request...wedding dresses *gulp* new and uncharted territory for me..will have to spend a few days researching this one!

Thanks to you all for being loyal readers, you truly keep me going! If you haven't already, please think about signing up to follow my blog :o) bonus: you will then be automatically entered to some upcoming contests/giveaways/freebies.

In the meantime, why don't you check out some other fab fashion blogs..I did a little updating to the links to the right, so now you have more up to date info on other fab blogs, yay!

xoxo,

Michelle

[Event] Fred VIP Sale!

2009-06-29T09:30:00.003-05:00

Fred Boutique First VIP SALE Event!

VIP Card Holders Take 35% off EVERYTHING in-store!!Non-VIP Holders enjoy 15% off EVERYTHING in-store!!

Greetings! The time has finally arrived for our FIRST VIP EVENT! We are so excited with our new VIP program-and apparently you are too! Starting on Monday, June 29 and ending on Tuesday, June 30th- we are hosting a 48 hour SALE! **All VIP Card Holders can enjoy 35% off EVERYTHING in-store! Plus...all new merchandise received on Monday and Tuesday is included! WOW:)

**All Non- VIP Card Holders can enjoy 15% off EVERYTHING in-store! New merchandise included. Want to become a VIP??? Inquire details within store.

(Sale items individually marked 25%-75% off, and are not included. VIP SALE Event not valid with other promotions or giftcards. Sale does not include JAXi or VIVIFY Fashion Products. See store associate for details).

Luscious Boutique - Downtown
If you haven't yet checked us out, you are MISSING OUT! Luscious Boutique Downtown is now OPEN! And we are celebrating until the end of June with a 25% off store-wide GRAND OPENING SALE!Contrary to rumours... Luscious Boutique starts at a Ladies size 6! We are not plus Size....We are Curvaceous Size! Stop in and find out what that means:)

If you haven't yet booked a shop party, do so before months end! Each shop party includes FREE hors'dourves and libations, your very own Style Maven, and now...both Luscious Boutique and Fred Boutique!Book before June 30th and receive a 20% kickback from all monies spent! Plus the hostess and guests receive special Discounts! (Are we crazy????) Lastly, NO!! The Party does not have to be during the month of June! Book it for whenever, for whatever, but DO IT NOW!!

Are You Poppy? I'm Not.

2009-06-26T11:55:00.008-05:00

So I have to admit I was a little excited to get an email about this new "poppy" line that Coach has in store. Well I got this in my inbox today..and boy, was it not what I was expecting..at all! I think it compares to what Pink is to VS, Poppy is to Coach. Although I am kind of glad they are expanding their line to what appears to be a younger crowd (middle school or high school? lol) that leaves us big girls to our classic Coach purses. While i'm no longer a fan of the "C' stamped purses and have not been for awhile, I still love their construction and shiny buckles and stitching on their leather purses. I haven't found any other brands that I love, in a price range that Coach offers. It's either way more expensive (LV,Chanel,Kate Spade, etc) or whatever Macy's carries. Heres what Poppy has to offer...

Is it just me or do these look very Punky Brewster-ish? These are actually $138, not exactly the most affordable for the average high school girl.
This shirt is bright and colorful but all those colorful C's will set you back $78..for a cotton tee.

Again, a very bright and busy wristlet, but only $48
As if it couldn't get anymore gawdy, BAM! Electric Zebra! $198

I can say I like the gold straps, but the buck stops there. I am not sure if my boyfriends little sis (a high school junior) would even wear this? I should get her opinion! Holy $368 for it.

Oh yeah..and if you spend $200, thats right folks, $200..Coach will give you logo'd out pencils...and a journal! So i'm sure you all want to buy something now right ;)
So while I love a colorful bright statement bag as much as the next girl, I don't think I will be investing in a Poppy anytime soon. Does anyone out there wear Coach bags or accessories? Have you been turned off by its popularity..since everyone from 8th grade to soccer moms seemingly have jumped on the Coach bandwagon in recent years? Share your op's here!

Macys & Maxis

2009-06-25T12:46:00.002-05:00

I am overloaded with sales emails in my inbox. Never a bad thing..unless you are like me (..but hopefully not as unsuccessfully) and trying not to shop as much. Nonetheless, I have to share some of these deals with you. It should be enough to float anyone's boat and at any budget.

Macy's is having a 50% sale + FREE SHIPPING on select dresses. Shop here! Below are some of my favorite Macy's dresses, inspired by one of my fave celebs, Jessica Alba.

Macys, $66, Love the detailing at the neck

Macy's $47, Casual summer in a dress, ahhh...

Macy's $29, Dress up with gold accessories like the ones below from Forever 21

Bonus! Forever 21 Accessories won't break the bank..

Now just add some fun shoes, like these ones from Piperlime, all on sale for 50% off!!!

Piperlime $49

Piperlime $59

Piperlime $39

Tonight is the opening of the infamous Summerfest. I won't be going into Summerfest but I will be walking to the lakefront to enjoy the Big Bang fireworks..oneo f my favorite traditions and nights out of the whole year!

[Event] Mr. Big Wine & Martini Night @LUCI 'S

2009-06-24T12:40:00.004-05:00

Luci's will be giving away a $300 shopping spree to one lucky girl! Also, with every $100 you spend you’ll receive a free piece of jewelry. Enjoy complimentary laser counseling and gift certificates by Enhancing Light. Be sure to stop by on your way to The Big Bang!

NEW! Enjoy Luci’s new complimentary make up room. Freshen up with a variety of make up and skin care products brought to you by Blush

Downtown: 532 N. Water Street (414) 226-0114
always open late
Monday - Wednesday 10 to 8
Thursday - Saturday 10 to 10
Sunday 12 to 6

If you would like to RSVP, call (414) 226-0114
Free one hour parking with validation from the Public Market.

[Event] Public Enemies - Lela

2009-06-24T12:33:00.003-05:00

Don't Miss the Milwaukee Premiere of PUBLIC ENEMIES Starring Johnny Deppm which of course, was filmed right in good ol' WI.

When: Tuesday, June 30th at the Milwaukee County Historical Society is THE place to be in Milwaukee!

Steal the spotlight as you cross the red carpet with the paparazzi vying for your attention.
Explore the original set where Johnny Depp robbed the vault and became Public Enemy #1.
Costumes from the film will be on display.
Guests are encouraged to come dressed in period attire.*
Attempt a heist of your own with a photographer ready to catch you in action.
Cocktail Party including Specialty Drinks, Beer, and Hors d'oeuvres between 5pm and 8pm.
Then you're off to the elegant Majestic Cinema for a special screening of Universal Pictures' Public Enemies at 8:30.

Click HERE for more details and to purchase tickets to this exclusive Milwaukee event.

Thanks for helping support The Milwaukee County Historical Society and Film Wisconsin!

Brought to you by The Girls at Lela

*Dress The Part at Lela
Between now and Tuesday, June 30th, mention "Dillinger" at checkout for a 10% discount on the perfect outfit for the occasion.

321 North BroadwayMilwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
http://www.lelaboutique.com/

Reader Request: Tiki Time!

2009-06-22T11:06:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend and got to enjoy some of that orange stuff in the sky!

So I want to start off the week with a reader request from my friend Jessica. She emailed me this great site, Eshakti, and mentioned she was dress shopping for a Hawaiian-inspired dress for a Tiki convention in San Diego (..one of my fav cities in the world). I told her I could get some opinions from all of the great chica's who read the blog..so please share your opinions!

Michelle,
That would be awesome! I am going around the middle of August and we are going because my fiance is in a band playing hawaiian music at this tiki convention. This is the link to what we are doing: http://www.tikioasis.com/
I found some traditional hawaiian dresses, but do not really like them that much. Maybe other people have ideas.
Thanks for your help!
Jessica : )

Dress #1 I am loving the details at the neckline

Dress #2 Love the color and flower pattern is subtle yet chic-not overpowering

Dress #3 Love the embroidery detailing here

Dress #4 cute hemline and detailing

So whats it going to be ladies? Add your comments below! I personally like dress #1 or dress #2
because they feel the most summery and tiki-like (hehe). San Diego in August is just beeeeautiful summer-perfect weather so the bright, summery feel of the first two are really doing it for me! Now more about this site...freeking awe-some!!! You need to check it out because the brains behind the site says "that eShakti enables you to easily custom-style your top or bottom right during the ordering process? Want it longer or shorter, less or more sleeve, different neckline – you got it!" This is like heaven for me, I pass up so many cute dresses because of their too-short and uncomfy length. If I find a dress from this site-- problem no more! For a small fee, they will change around sleeves, neckline, and lengths to truly make each piece your own. This is seriously ingenious how come more sites don't do this?!
Examples:

The shop-ibilities are endless! And for those of us who pay attention to details in our clothing will have alot of fun with this!

Bonus: Circle of Style readers can register here and receive a $15 gift card towards your first purchase!

Have a great week and don't forget to add your comments below. I love comments! It keeps me going to find all kind of great deals and sites for you! Have a great week!

Dreaming of Summer...

2009-06-19T12:09:00.001-05:00

After staying awake until 4am to deal with the badass thunderstorm that kept me awake last night, I am dreaaaammming of summer. So to brighten my day I am posting pics of these pretty easy breezy dresses from Victoria Secret. I want them all! I haven't ordered from their catalog in forever, I used to order clothes all of the time but they never look quite as good on in real life as they do on the brazilian models. What gives? lol. These dresses are instant outfit, just throw on some cute comfy sandals, choose one accessory such as a headband or chunky bracelet and you're out the door! It's such an easy to look put together! And if you are like me and own tons of casual summer dresses that are uber-comfy--it almost feels wrong it's so easy!

If you looked up summer in the dictionary, you should find this dress! Bonus: Babydoll is flattering to almost every bodytype. I bought a similar dress like this one when I was in Mexico from woman who made it herself. This one alot of cute detailing. Me wants..

I know this is a totally 70's but I think its so cute! Don't know if I would actually have the guts to wear it though! I have alot of these "one-time" dresses, you wear them once to an event, take all kinda pictures in them and then they stay in the closet for years never to be worn again. sigh.

My friends would call this a Michelle dress. Basically, if I was a dress this would be me. LOVE IT, *drool*drool* Is this too dressy to wear on a casual Sunday? Or is this an 'occasion' dress?

Ok I want this one bad too. I love the lavendar color, I love the length, I love the belt. The sleeves are a little too long though. A good tailor could fix it. Whats with me and puffy sleeve dresses? Haha. Maybe it's my inner hippie coming out?

If this wasn't enough to brighten your day or give you some serious shopinitis, here is something that made me giggle this morning in my overly tired, delirious state. I am way to serious for a Friday so I am posting this irrelavance to lighten my mood!!

I am entitling it, aptly, Silly Ways to Wear A Scarf:

For the woman who wants to get away with sleeping on the job.

For the woman who stained her shirt with a skim mocha latte on her way to work.

For the lazy, yet sophistcated woman.

For the even lazier woman who just dont give no..

Ok for the very cold woman in winter... or for the woman trying to cover up a neck brace?

And Finally, for a Pirate's woman

Hope this made you smile! :o) Have a good weekend everybody!

I'm baaaaack!

2009-06-18T12:58:00.010-05:00

Hello ladies!

I'm baaack! Ireland was absolutely beautiful. Lots of sightseeing, pubs, eating, and drinking is what was in store for me. Style took a backseat and t-shirts and jeans prevailed. Although we frequented pubs everyday, it really wasn't that kind of vacation where you have to see and be seen. I was so proud that I packed efficiently! I wasn't one of those people who had to lug around heavy awkward luggage and boy- did that feel great (even though my boyfriend would have felt the brunt of that effort, hehe). The one dilemma that I did run into was what we packed for--which was typical Ireland weather - 60's and below..but it was anything but typical! We had unseasonably hot weather in the 80's all week long. It was fab-u-lous. Oh, and if you are ever in The U.K. you totally need to check out the shops in Belfast, I got two whole outfits for under $50 pounds (er, thats $80 U.S. dollars, still pretty fabulous, right?) Holy throwback to the 80's though. All the stores reminded me of Forever 21 or TopShop, it looked like the 80's threw up and left leggings, neons, and of the shoulder shirts in it's path. With our t-shirts and jeans on i'm sure we stuck out like gaudy tourist Americans..ah,well!

If you still have that great summer vacation planned, check out some articles on How to Pack like a Pro, and lessen your load!

I have an inbox full of great sales this week! Everyone from Bloomingdales to The Limited are having mega sales, probably to start bringing in inventory of next season (so not ready for it!!!) But, there are some great deals out there for everyones budget. Check out my links to the right to get in on some of these great deals. As for me, I am having fun creating new outfits with 'old' clothes. I took inventory of my closet and still have so many things with tags on that I have never worn. I am not allowing myself to buy anything else until next season, which we know we will see all too early in the stores next month.

To keep with the spirit of summer, I'd love to see pics or hear about any recent vacations you have had and did you over or underpack? I plan to post 2x a week or more depending on what my schedule allows...so stick around for some great ideas, tips, and sales on dressing casual cool...As the Irish would say, Cheerio Lads! Here are some casual cool pics of my vacay!

Style Vacation

2009-05-19T17:25:00.000-05:00

Holy Moly! Has it been this long since my last post? *teardrop teardrop* My life has been crazy this last month, namely school and work, are insane. For those who don't know, I work full-time and I am also going to school full-time for my master's degree in business. So I had a good excuse not to blog, right?! Well, I am trying to get back into the groove of things, and not a moment too soon. Something I have to get off my chest -- Ireland in 11 more days!! That's right, I am at work but officially on "vacation mode", where it becomes hard to focus and do anything other than daydream about when i'm ipod'ing it on the plane, on my way to Europe. I was thinking, this vacation will be like no other. It's not about primping and priss'ing (ha! is that a word? It is now!) Most vacay's I carefully and stratgecially plan out what I am going to wear. I obsess over it actually, I write down what outfits to wear on what days, and having it on paper is the visual I need to create that cute-yet-effortless vacation style that I love so much. With backpacking through Ireland --this will not be a planned-outfit sorta vacation. It's also going to be a style vacation! And I am happy about that. Just tee shirts and jeans for me. The weather will be warm, in the 60's, so it is going to be all about layering and comfort. Ah, sort of a nice break from the hustle and bustle of being stylish and taking the pressure off of looking good.

Now I have been blogging for a couple of months now, so I thought it was time to debut...me! Try to pick me out from these pics. These are some pics of me with my stylish girls!

This pic (above) was on my birthday (in November) a couple of years ago.

Here's a pic of me and my girls this past November in beautiful Puerto Vallarta. We are showing a little leg in this pic..hehe

..And here we are again in Chicago a few months back. This is my fave pic..I did this cool fade to black background on it. I will debut my true identity on an upcoming post!

[Event] Making a Splash - Mr. Big Martini Night

2009-04-30T13:42:00.003-05:00

There will be a giveaway for a $300 shopping spree to Luci. Massage and facial from Karma Spa. A makeoverby Blush, gift certificate to Shoo and a complimentary cut and color from M Salon.

Enter our Mr. Big Drawing for a chance to win gift certificatesfrom Shoo, Blush, Karma Salon,M Salon, Juju Gifts, Thief Wine andLuci Boutique! A $700 Value.

Luci Downtown: 532 N. Water Street (414) 226-0114 always open late Monday - Wedesday 10 to 8 Thursday-Saturday 10 to 10 Sunday 12 to 6 -Free one hour parking with validation from the Public Market.

[Event] Thursday Ladies Night at Fred Boutique

2009-04-30T13:39:00.003-05:00

Join us this Thursday for Ladies Night at Fred Boutique and enjoy 20% OFF! As an added bonus, enjoy 15% off at Luscious Boutique on April 30th as well! See flyer below for more details! Start going through your closets now to make room for this season's hottest looks. If you haven't been in to Fred recently, check out what all the buzz is about! Stay current with fashion by visiting Danielle's Style Blog as she tells you the looks she's obsessing about and ones she could go without! See you Thursday!

Grab This Look for Less...Way Less!!

2009-04-27T12:10:00.002-05:00

I am going to tell you how to get this look for less. For $0 actually, because i'm saying you shouldn't buy this look, ever! It's so hideous to me. I opened my deals and steals email this morning, and I usually look forward to how Instyle copies celebs' looks and makes them affordable for the "average" (mostly everyone?) person. But today I almost dropped my jaw in disbelief. If this "look" doesn't work under bright flashing lights how would this ever work for a regular gal going to the office? It wouldn't! So as always, I think that blogs, webites, and magazines are great for inspiration, but not always tasteful or fashionable in the literal sense or in the "real world." This pic is a perfect example of staying true to yourself and your own sense of style and not wearing something just because a magazine says that its "in." Aw, I feel so much better for getting that off my chest. It is Monday (wah-wah) but I wish you all a Happy Workweek and stay tuned for pics of my biggest closet raid to date!! I want to know what you all think about this outfit, is it just me or is somebody out there feeling this whole look on Miss Meester?

Who had the best look?

2009-04-23T16:36:00.005-05:00

I personally do not watch The Hills or The City, but I should, it sounds hilarious! I hear alot of talk about it on the way to and from work on Cosmo Radio (holla!). I came across this pic of The Hills girls, in attendance at Paley Fest, some fabulous locale in the west coast i'm sure! I am loving Lauren's look, the color of her dress is fabulous (short but whatever, with those legs she can work it), the ruffles are soo cute, and her belt and shoes go nice without being too matchy-matchy. My least fave look is Whitney on the far right the color is blah and washing her out, and the fit is something like a night gown. So who's style do you like best? The least?

From left to right: Stephanie Pratt, Lo Bosworth, Lauren Conrad, Audrina Patridge, Whitney Port

If you like LC's dress too, you can score one just like it at Net-A-Porter,

Exception to the Rule?

2009-04-21T14:25:00.003-05:00

So I made a small, little, miniscule exception to my no shopping rule. Now, before you get all disappointed in me, hear me out! I was checking out the sales on Hautelook and had absolutely no intentions of buying anything. But there were scarves! Cashmere scarves! Scarves are basically my new obsession. These scarves were originally $172, but I scored one for 85% off. The sale price was $25, but I had a $10 credit so it's like I only paid $15 (plus s/h) for a CASHMERE SCARF people! Wouldn't you have done the same? Please say yes hehe.

These are going to be great all year round because they are lightweight. I chose the lavendar one because that color seems to complement me pretty well and although I was dying to get the bright orange one it seemed less Spring and more Fall.

Jessica Alba is scarf obsessed too...check out these style pics put together by Fashion Under $100..linked on the right

Like a Breath of Fresh Air..

2009-04-16T16:48:00.009-05:00

Happy Monday morning! Trying to stay cheery although its been raining for the past 2 days. I feel surprisingly refreshed after completing my first week of no-shopping. No bad withdrawals, nothing that I passed up that I was in love with. I think school and work has kept me busy enough to where I am not noticing the lack of purchases. Plus, I am still waiting on the dress I ordered from Hautelook's right before I started my fast. This is the post I am going to look back on when I am in week 3 and 4 going absolutely insane from shopping withdrawals! Have you ever put your self on a ban? How long did you want to abstain from shopping versus the actual amount of time it lasted?

On a side note, I noticed this cute tiered dress (above) by Laundry sold out very quickly on Hautelook last week. Well, I found it at Top Secret, another online sample sale has the same dress for 60% off of the original price, lasting 1 day only and on sale for $104. If you have to have this cute dress, or would like to see more of Laundry's dresses or would like an invite code, email me here. If I wasn't on my shopping ban I would quite possibly have to snatch it up. But I am really wanting Old Navy's linen drawstring pants and am considering making a small exception for them..? In the name of comfy travel gear that is! and they are only $19.50.

Not sure about those front pockets. I might make my way to the mall this week and give 'em a go.

Luci Boutique Specials

2009-04-16T14:10:00.002-05:00

Heres an update from local boutique for all of my Milwaukee chicas!

New Fresh Spring Looks Just Arrived!
Buy any sassy top or sexy dress and receive the second at 40% off.Buy one pair of denim get the second one free.Spend $200 or more and receive a $25 gift certificate.

All VIP members receive an additional 5%off. Ask us how to become a Luci VIP.

Complimentary 1 hour parking in the Public Market parking lot with a Luci validation.

Don't Forget to stop in and see us on Friday, during Gallery Night.DOWNTOWN: 532 N. Water St.

2 out of 5: Spring Dresses

2009-04-16T10:41:00.008-05:00

Ok, how is it already Thursday!? This week has been crazy busy for me at work, which left hardly anytime for my new fave hobby, blogg'n. The weather is slowly warming up and the sun a-peeking through the clouds. Dare I say it--I think I can finally smell spring in the air! I am also happy to report that I have been good all week and stayed true to my no-shopping rule, only 44 more days to go! I was tempted by these 2 dresses though, on Hautelook's BCBG and Laundry Sales. Email me for an invite if you aren't already a member to these awesome sites!

How I love the shape of this dress. I think BCBG is one of my favorite lines. The dresses and shirts fit me great, and the dress was one of those 'exposed zipper' styles. I didn't buy it because it was a little too dressy, and for $145 although it was 57% off, I just couldn't picture where I could wear this enough times. Plus, the exposed zipper look, to me, makes a dress or shirt look cheap, not chic. It was the deal breaker.

This droolworthy dress is by Laundry. On sale for $97. After both my boyfriend and my best friend told me that they were unsure about the sleeves, I decided it could be a deal breaker. I happen to think the sleeves are what makes the dress super-cute, along with the print. But for me, the length is what was the issue. I'd have to do about one million lunges before I would feel brave enough to wear something with this hemline. Oh, and not bend over whatsoever! I have a real fear of short dresses, can you tell? hehe.

Since we are already on the subject of dresses, one trend that will have staying power in your wardrobe has to be the jersey dress. No, you don't have to go to Hoboken to get a jersey dress..it is the type of forgiving, comfortable, breathable material--what a spring dress should be all about! There are tons out at your local department stores and at just about every price point. I found some cute ones below at Macys and Nord's, all under $150.

Had to throw this pic in here. I love how Jessica Simpson is all dressed up and looking all cute and Romo is dressed down in jeans, sneaks and a hoodie. It reminds me of my boyfriend and I! Oh, and if I had her legs those dresses would have been mine!

Pick your fave color, solid or print and go to town. My number one rule with dresses is to make sure you feel as comfy and confident in them as you would your fave pair of jeans. If you feel uncomfortable or exposed, its going to show. If you have issues with your legs like I do, not to fear because Maxi dresses are here! Pick your fave in a longer hemline and you will be as chic as ever this spring. Yay!

One out of Five: Spring Trends

2009-04-13T10:19:00.009-05:00

Did anyone try to log onto Hautelook this morning? I wanted to peruse through their Monday sales, ya know..just to look..but when I clicked on it I got an "internal server error" each time. After about 3 minutes of trying I finally gave up. I thought to myself, Hmm..maybe it's a sign that I shouldn't even be looking, why risk being tempted to shop right? hehe.

So I read through Style Bakery's article, Top 10 Spring Trends, and about 5 editors each picked out and noted their version of Spring's Top 10 trends. I will not stop talking about Spring until it is here damn it! I searched through all 50 items and saw some that I loved and some that I wouldn't wear (boyfriend blazers? are you kidding me?) I am going to make my own list and pick out my personal top 5. They are practical, they are going to fit most body types, and they aren't going to break the bank! Shoot, you might already have them hanging in your closets. right. now. I will debut a new one everyday this week so stay tuned!

#1 Cardigans. not just for preps anymore.

I am loving bright cardigans. Although, I have to admit that I just started liking cardigans. I used to think they were too preppy for me and that they made my waist look too boxy, not the look I am going for! But now they come in more figure flattering shapes. Since belts are all the rage right now, you can cinch in the waist of a cardi by wrapping a belt around it. Instant chic! The first time the bright cardi caught my eye was a few weeks ago when I was watching one of my fave shows, ANTM (Americas Next Top Model, holla!) If you can see through the immaturity and cattiness, it is a good show....I swear! I have never missed one espisode and I have watched every season. So anywho! Tyra had them wear different colored bright cardi's to walk the runway. They wore them with dark tan pants and a plain white scoop neck tank underneath and neutral flats. So cute I can't even tell you! I tried finding pics of that episode but there was nada. So now cardi's are my friends. I have one in white, in short-sleeved one in gray, and one in a teal/turquoise color. Time to add some color! There is so many options out there and the best part is that they are all under $50!

Shut up..a cashmere blend from Forever 21, $14.99

I heart Ruffles! Banana Republic Cardi, $47.99

More fun colors @Old Navy Cardi, $30

Is yellow the new black? Because I love it so much! Banana Repub Cardi, $45

I love the shape of this red one @American Eagle, $24.95

You can add these into the mix with your bright patent sandals or your new bright bag! They are versatile, they are going to last longer than a season, and they are super cute and pulled together with a wide or skinny belt. If you do not already own them, you are doing your basic style wardrobe a disservice. With 2 or 3 cardi's in your entire wardrobe, including one 'trendy' bright color or cute detail like a ruffle of wrap, and you will have a good collection. Pair them casually with jeans, over a dress, over a white tee and tan pants with cute wedges or flats, (don't forget your belt to create that great hourglass shape!) that is how I will be wearing them!

Mandatory No-Shopping

2009-04-10T16:40:00.004-05:00

This just in! Going forward I am on a mandatory 50-day no shopping rule. I have bought a few things that I just can't shake feeling slightly guilty about my last few purchases, especially when everyone around me is losing their jobs, their homes, and more. I will write more details on Monday! I want to save all of my extra spending moola for Ireland in T -50. Don't worry, I will still have tons to blog about, including a new bi-monthly section featuring local designers; My next and biggest closet raid to date; what I am lusting after, and maybe even some pics of what I am wearing these days. If anyone is brave enough to join me on my fast from shopping please send me a comment or email and we can do it together! Until then, I hope everyone enjoys their Easter holiday!

Reader Request: Spring Bags!

2009-04-09T10:50:00.016-05:00

My very first reader request, yay! I love your emails so please keep them coming! Much thanks to Missy, who wrote asking about what is 'in' for this spring for handbags. A good rule of thumb is to see whats in style as far as clothing (ruffles in tops, patterns in maxi's, bright colors overall) and incorporating one or two of those trends in a bag. Now I am all about splurging on what is worth it, and saving on what is not a style staple. For bags, I tend not to skimp on price, because that old saying "you get what you pay for" rings true with bags. Not that I am going to go all crazy, but Forever 21 is not somewhere that I would buy a bag from, feel me? A few hundred bucks or less for something that hangs off you arm almost everyday, in my opinion, is worth the investment in something that will not fall apart or look like crap after a month, and you can rotate into your wardrobe as seasons and trends change. With that being said, I came across a few different sites that have some of this season's hottest styles and most stay around $200 or less (bonus!). A few of these styles I know you will already have in circulation, plus few new trends to check out, or leave alone. It's up to you!

1. Bright, bright, bright! Take a cue from any neon color or your favorite fruit (lime, mango, banana anyone?) and get a bag in that color! Score it in a slouchy, hobo, or clutch! Although brights are in, you might want to stay away from bright pink unless you want to channel your inner barbie or Paris Hilton...but that's just me!

Banana-licious Hobo @Piperlime, $85

Adorable Tote @Coach, $298

Papaya Daquiri Slouchy @Limited, $34

Hey, a pink I kinda like! Dooney&Burke @Nordstrom's $195

Fuschia Tote @Coach, $298

Eggplanty Goodness (hehe) Kenneth Cole @Piperlime, $268

2. Patterns! Now here is one of my favorites, because you can look totally put together in solids and then have a crazy great patterned bag, like the ones below.

Orla Kiely @Piperlime,$168

Hampton Tote @Coach, $328

Lucky Brand @Piperlime, $269

MARC by Marc Jacobs @Nordstrom's, $198

Orla Kiely @Nord's, $178

Plaid-tastic Juicy Bag @Nord's, $85

Beach Bag! Express, $15

3. Ruffles and Fringe. Or any other detail (I am loving canvas, wood structured bags) that will make your bag stand out from the rest. Now personally, I am not a fan of the fringe, it reminds me of my Aunt going to Western Days all fringed-and-silver-jewelry'ed out at State Fair Park, lol (or maybe its just a WI thing, haha) but, here are some fringe-worthy bags anyway!

Fringed Out @Express, $76

Espadrille-y @Limited, $24

This one I might have to snatch up! So cute! Ruffle @Limited, $20

Fringe Clutch @Express, $35

Canvas @Coach, $298

Betsey Johnson @Nord's, $285

So which bags are you loving? Which ones will you pass up this season? I love the ruffle clutch for nighttime and Orla's patterns are sick!! Send me an email with your newest handbag purchase and I will post it in a future blog, Who Scored What. Gracias!

mmm...sherbert

2009-04-07T17:15:00.006-05:00

Ok, so I warned you in yesterday's post..I heart Saint Grace. Which is exactly the reason why I snatched up the exact same dress that I have in bright yellow, in this awesome peach sherbet-y color (appropriately named Sorbet). Um, if Spring don't come a'knockin soon I don't know what I'm going to do! I blissfully run my fingers through all the new spring clothes in my closet, just begging to be worn. But its still oh-so-windy and cold here in the Milly...

I usually go for the bright colors in the summer rather than muted tones, but I think this dress will look cute with so many things in my current wardrobe, like my silver flats, my endless array of flip flops, my cute scarves that I use as headbands in the summer, and my new gold wedges that have yet to arrive from Nord's (I backordered them 3 weeks ago). And...as if that wasn't enough, Piperlime went and did it again, with their tempting new sandal emails..I bought some more wedges! I clicked right to their $60 and below real steals, and got the cutest wedges eva eva. I had to show pics of all the angles so that you could see their optimum cuteness...and I am thinking about going to Fred's and Detour after work tonight after I get out of work..um, can you tell I am still on a shopping high? These are the last shoes I am going to buy for awhile, I promise!

Vera, Gaultier, Louboutin, Oh My!

2009-04-06T11:37:00.008-05:00

I managed to stay afloat with my monetary situation this weekend..yay! However, I am sad to report that I am not on strike as of yet...is it bad that I am secretly wishing for one? I just think of all of the time I would have on my hands to get all of the things on my ever-growing to do list done! Plus, the time off just to chill-ax and unwind would be great for my bf and I (he also works for the same company)..we have known about the possibility of a strike for so long that we have managed to save some moola, especially since both of our incomes would be on hold if we had to picket. Anyways, there are some killer sales this week!! Here are a few that I will be checking out, drooling over, 70% but still can't afford, etc:

Gilt Groupe: L.A.M.B, Jean Paul Gaultier, Rock and Republic, Christian Louboutin, Vera Wang Lavendar

Rue La La: John Galliano, Alice and Trixie, Da-Nang, Juicy Couture

Hautelook: Nicole Miller, Saint Grace (yum!!)

Saint Grace is a personal favorite of mine. Last year I bought a bright yellow sundress that I scored for about $30. The dress hit me just above the knee (my ideal length) and I wore it to my cousin's wedding in Mexico this past November. I received alot of compliments and the best part was that it was soo soft and soo comfy; makes it easy to achieve that "I didn't try that hard" style.
Cute and comfy Saint Grace dresses..

Checking the Checking..

2009-04-03T12:26:00.008-05:00

So I knew I had to do it. I had been avoiding it all week. But, the weekend is fast approaching and I had to know what I was working with. My heart started to beat faster, my palms sweaty. I took a deep breath and logged in--the damage was worse than I thought. I was viewing my checking account! My fundage is still recovering from my weekend in Chicago, and that was 2 weeks ago! I had gotten a paycheck in between then and now...What did I do wrong? I always pay off in full anything I may charge to Express, Limited or Piperlime. So what gives? Too much eating out I suppose. Does this ever happen to you? A mini-panic attack when you look at your checking account?

In light of my situation, and with an impending doomsday work stoppage, I am thinking I may have to stay at home this weekend. Not only that, I should be saving my money for my trip to Ireland in less than 2 months. So this weekend I will be on a shopping hiatus. I had wanted to check out a few consignment shops or thrift stores, but even that I cannot justify right now. Anyway, guilt-ridden shopping is the worst! Maybe I can re-evaluate my closet and put together some new outfits this weekend instead. Yay for closets!

Despite the fact that I am broke, I will still be in attendance for my first ever Fashion Show! April 17th @ Turner Hall, its only $15 and good times should be awaitin'. You can't have a Fashion Show in Milwaukee without alcohol (or anywhere for that matter!) so I can save any money I would have spent this weekend on this event here! For some reason I am thinking the lighting will be too dark to get any good pics with my digital camera, but I am going to try anyway. Stay tuned for pics of this event! Or if you are in the Milwaukee area yourself, come join the fun. Check out Turner Hall for tickets and to get more details!

Here are some cute clothes I want to snatch up from Detour, one of the boutiques @ the show ../>/>

Keeping up with the Kardashian's....style!

2009-04-01T22:08:00.013-05:00

Um, I sort of hate to admit this, but the DVR don't lie... I have been positively addicted to these sister's and their show, Keeping up with the Kardashians. I want to hate Kim and her big booty sooo bad, problem is she is just too damn sweet! Kourtney is the oldest sister and Khloe is the little sister who also happens to provide the comedy relief. Either way, their set-up was destined for reality tv, and I am loving the drama, the attitude,and the shopping they do on the show. If you haven't yet checked it out, the episode to catch is when they confront Kim about her "shopping addiction" --truly hilarious! I "borrowed" their style and if these chicas inspire you, or you just like their digs...get their look on a budget below...

Kourtney -recreate her whole look for $72.89!
Forever21.com - Accessories - Jewelry - 1061971739 $6.80
Forever21.com - Accessories - Sunglasses - 1054969361 $5.80
Payless ShoeSource $22.99
Forever21.com - Tops - Dressy - 2058004602 $22.80
Alecia Skinny Jean $14.50

Kim- 2 dresses 1 budget, both under $50!
Payless ShoeSource $24.99
Forever21.com - New Arrivals - Apparel - 2058610257 $24.80
Forever21 Forever21.com - New Arrivals - Apparel - 2043050535 $22.80

Klhoe- $103, or add your own black boots and save $50!
Forever21.com DENISE - Boots - Bakers Footwear $49.99
Leaf Headband UrbanOutfitters.com $18.00
Gingham Buttoned Dress $22.80
Fab Ankle Skinny Jean $12.50

Jackie's Wants..

2009-03-31T17:39:00.009-05:00

Coach Tattersall Great American Trench, a whopping $698..we can dream can't we? Lately, I have been feeling as uninspired as the weather. I have a growing to-do list but no energy to do it. I managed to clean my house this past Friday after 3 weeks of letting dishes and laundry pile up, then stayed home all weekend to enjoy my hard labor! Maybe its the lack of Vitamin D; the weather has been positively blah, gray, and rainy the last couple of days. Its during times like these that I like to call on my friends for inspiration..for one of them will always inspire me, whether it be with advice, a joke, or with what they have been lusting for online. As it stands with most of my friends, it would be things we are wanting -but as we know all too well- cannot afford at the moment. Here is my newest addition to the blog, and it is entitled "Jackies Wants." Take a look at her wishlist and start getting inspired! What things are you lusting for as of late? Are you like us and build wishlists and put items into your online 'shopping cart' that you love but have no intention of buying, be it the cost, etc?

Alice Cami was going for $28 on hautelook.com
Anthro top, $88

Reppin' Brew City here! Miller tee, $20

Monsoon Embroidered Sundress, $48

Ok is it just me or do these shoes make you want to fly to tahiti and sip on cocktails served in a coconut cup and little umbrella? Yum! Piperlime, $55

Strike, schmike...we're going shopping!

2009-03-29T22:34:00.009-05:00

So with the possibility of a looming strike at work, you would think my friend Jackie and I would be on a shopping hiatus. uh, not so much. Last Friday, a group of us went to Chicago for a Girl's Night Out, literally! We attended Sheckys, an online and event destination site that cleverly takes the term "Girls Night out" to a whole other level. They partner with sponsors and local designers, write about fashion, and feature articles about the latest trends. They are hosting these events across the U.S and bringing them to a city near you! We justified our overnight stay to Chi with the lure of saving up to 70% off of emerging designers' clothing! Plus, with all the stress at work it was soo nice to get away. We also went to a local, gritty,(ie awesome) Blues club and later then met some friends to dance and drink the night away...but! Back to shopping, hehe. By far, my favorite designer there was Nikki Poulos. A designer from Florida, she epotimizes summer chic with her cute, slightly vintage-y print maxi dresses. Although I dropped the ball on buying one of her cute maxi's (The medium was a little too clingy, the large a tad too big, and spending $90 on a maxi and it not fitting perfectly? that was cutting it too close for me. Besides, she was the first boutique that we stopped at and I hadn't seen the rest of the vendors!), but my friend Jackie snatched up the cutest maxi ever.

Me of the left, Jackie on the right.. I just love her patterns! As if we hadn't done enough shopping in Chi; the next day (after we drove home and recovered from pure exhaustion) I was at Bayshore (mall) when I received a text...come to find out that 2 of my friends were back in IL doing none other than..you guessed it, more shopping! Guess we didn't get our fix in Chi! Here are a few other maxi's I am totally loving right now that won't break the bank..

If you are going to wear a maxi with an all over print, keep the rest of the outfit simple. Think flat sandals, minimal jewerly, and easy-breezy hair. Really wishing the weather was nice enough to wear them...where is Spring?!

Win a $500 Gift Certificate from The Limited!!

2009-03-27T14:07:00.004-05:00

As always, any deal that I find is worthy enough, I am going to pass it on to my blog. One that I could not pass up from my inbox today was from The Limited to win a $500 gift card.

You get another entry for each friend that you refer. A big reason why I love the limited is because they give 15% off to students and teachers (bring your i.d. cards ladies!) and they always have a discount or coupon if you sign up for emails or have the Limited card. They also have the best cami's ever; I must have one in virtually every color of the rainbow. Stay tuned each week for more deals that you can steal!

Click here now to enter! http://surv.cheetahmail.com/s?n=1&aid=1385098083&o=1.

My summer shoes!

2009-03-25T16:24:00.010-05:00

So every summer I like to "splurge" on one pair of new and fabulous, part-trendy, part-here-to- stay shoes. I usually have a hard time finding a pair that I am absolutely in love with, that meet my criteria and my budget, even though it is a splurge a girl still gots a budget! I am happy to report that I found them! Everything that I have been looking for-- all in one shoe! I 'splurged' at under $90 (but free s/h)! Here was the criteria that needed to be met:

Comfy (always #1 on my list)
3 1/2 inches maximum height...I am so over 4+ inch heels that kill my feet
It can go from day-to-night..this is a must for me and summer shoes-ies
Can wear them on my scooter without looking like a SuperTard.
Going to go with at least 3 existing outfits. The key word being existing!

Here were the contenders (Cue Rocky themesong):
Ciao Bella from Piperlime $69..

BCBGirls Gold Wedge from Nordstrom $79

Naturalizer Espadrille $59 from Piperlime

So..who were the lucky winners to ship to mi casa.........? Lucky shoe #2..the gold wedges from BCBGirls!! At first I wanted to go with the Naturalizers. Although I don't own any, they are supposed to be known for their comfortable shoes (right? or are these total mom shoes?), and although the hardest of the 3 to match, I still had 3 outfits that would easily go with these shoes. Plus, I heart espadrilles!! Then I saw the flats which caught my eye but I thought to myself.."eh, I can do better." Plus, for $70 I knew that if I held out just a little longer that I would find more bang for my buck. and I did! I absolutey love my gold wedges, although I really wanted espadrilles, I still get the part-trend that I wanted, which is the gladiator style..and I don't think that they are "too" trendy to where I can't wear them again next summer (my friend second'd that motion.) So, what do you think? Did I do good? These gold wedges scream my style because I can dress them up or down, at a barbecue in a cotton dress, or downtown on a Saturday afternoon zipping around on the scooter in shorts and a bright tank. Bonus: they will match my new yellow top that I just bought from Hautelook. O happy day! Now, if only it would start warming up 'round these parts.......

Members only

2009-03-19T14:17:00.004-05:00

I am going to release some good fashion karma here I just know it! I was recently invited to this "members only" site called Editors Closet http://www.editorscloset.com/index.php; they sell designer duds at discount (i.e. more realistic) prices . I joined, of course, and I almost bought the most awesome DG watch ever (but it sold out right before my very eyes..don't you hate that?) The gurus behind E.C. beg the question, "Do you enjoy shopping at sample sales or warehouse sales but don't want to travel?" Why yes I do and no I don't (were they reading my brain or what?) How about this --what if you live in a city that just doesn't have many (if any) sample sales? Well then, this site is for you. I am all about sharing the wealth, so i'd like to extend an invitation to anyone who wants to join. If you are interested, please email me circleofstyle@att.net and I will send you a link so you can join too (just save some of the cute stuff for me!) and let the good karma juices flow! You can also join yourself by going to directly to the website (link above) but you will be placed on a virtual back-of-the-line list. Bonus: we each get a $5 credit on our first purchase! *high five*

Spring shopping fev-ah

2009-03-18T11:42:00.000-05:00

Check out the 2 awesome tops I scored off hautelook.com this morning! Not only are they Michael Kors (drool), but they were both 75% off! So the purchases were (almost) entirely guilt-free. So what if this is like the 4th yellow shirt that I own? This top is definitely giving me spring fever! I just wish s/h wouldn't be a nail-biting 2 weeks, because I would love to wear this on my GNO this weekend in Chi! It was orginally $80 and I snatched it up for $30. Yum.

This gray cardi will be perfect over a cute dress or tank top. Perfect for those chilly spring nights! Originally $90 I snatched it up for $30. Yay!

Overall, I think my a.m. purchases woke me up more than my usual cup of java! Here was one more shirt that I was eyeing up but it didn't make the cut. Maybe if it was in another color? So, whaddya think...did I do good?

My first closet raid!!

2009-03-17T12:13:00.000-05:00

my A.D.D cousin

This is what I was working with...

So, I decided to raid my cousin Pam's closet on Friday night. I was keeping in the spirit of my new blog and with the faint hint of spring in the air, really, what better time than spring to clean out a closet? I got the idea from this awesome article out of Style Bakery, entitled 10 ways to Recession Proof Your Wardrobe (check if out for yourself @ http://www.stylebakery.com/style-recipes/10_ways_to_recession-proof_your_wardrobe.html). There are great tips that will help you purge the things that are taking up unnecessary space in your closet. You keep only what you love, and this will allow you to evaluate your current wardrobe. The best part is that you open up valuable closet space for future ‘smart’ purchases to mix ye old faithful articles of clothing with new pieces (the article does a much better job at explaining it so I suggest you take a look! hehe.)

Frankly, I think Pam thought I was a little crazy since my idea of “fun” on a Friday night was to go through her closet and clean up shop. Our conversation on Friday afternoon went something like this:

Me: So, I have this idea, and it will be perfect and just in time for Chicago. I want to clean out your closet and get rid of all the things you don’t wear anymore.
Pam: Um, Michelle. Have you seen my closet lately?
Me: Yes, which is exactly why I think you need it!
Pam: *long pause* Fine. Bring some wine. You’re gonna need it.

So, after some prodding, and reading part of the article out loud to her to sort of ‘introduce’ the idea, I somehow finally got her to agree to let me empty out everything in her closet! I told her we would be making 3 piles, one of the things she loves and/or wears regularly, one for “unsure” clothes (she would be trying these on later), and one “garbage” pile on the floor for clothes deemed unworthy (we would later be donating them).

3 garbage piles, 2 bottles of wine, and one a.d.d cousin later, we had a clean, organized closet! I organized her clothes according to function (work clothes, pants, sweaters, casual tops, going out tops) I hung everything facing the same way, and turned everything inside-out, right-side in. I even started to change out the hangers so they would all be of the same color, but she frantically stopped me. "Enough! It's good enough! Let's go have a drink." I reluctantly agreed. After all, who was I to turn down a free, well-earned drink? This after pic just doesn't do 'er justice..we had so much more room than what it looks like!

A toast to a job well done!

My Style Credentials

2009-03-11T13:16:00.001-05:00

Ok...so I have never worked in retail, I have never went to school for fashion, and I don’t subscribe to vogue. Nor do I live anywhere close to being considered ‘fashion-y’ for at least 90 miles. What I do have under my belt, however, (besides a mean left hook) is hours upon hours of experience in advanced shopping retail 101. And I don’t think I’ve ever missed one episode of WNTW. In fact, I could bet my right leg that I have watched each episode at least 3 times (or more..I kid you not! Just ask my poor boyfriend.) Impressive huh? But I’ll tell ya whut; it takes more than watching style show reruns to give you style creds. It takes dedication. It takes a keen eye that is always on the lookout for what to wear to complete her outfit. It takes hours of shopping at malls, outlets, and even consignment shops. It takes creativity and breathing new life into an old shirt you haven’t worn in 3 years. Style is a lot like love, indescribable. I also think I am finally at that age where its ok not to wear a trend just because some crazy NY fashion designer designed his whole line around pink leotards and stated it was going to be “in”. “IN” is a relative term. And being from the Midwest, we are low on the fashion food chain, we are lucky to get some measly scraps of cloth and fashionable leftovers. But I think that is exactly what makes us Midwest chicas more saavy because we have to work harder than those who have rich daddies' credit card and a Sak's 5th Avenue on every corner. The internet makes it all possibly baby. Ah, how did our mothers and their mothers, and their mother’s mothers do without? The online shop-ibilities are endless when you have a glowing screen in your face and a glass of white wine in your non mouse-clicking hand. I think style is what fits you and your body. Its not about spending $30 or $300, (well, depending on the occasion!), but it’s about creating your own look and being able to be confident in that look. Style is walking into a room and knowing you own that ish. Style is like the feeling you get when you are walking out of the salon after a perfect cut and style, that wish-i-could-bottle-it-and-wear-it-everyday feeling. Practice makes style! And I have had my fair share of style mishaps (I still cringe at some of the outfits I wore while I was in vegas and that was just a few years ago). I can say that style is like a drug and the more you use it, the more you need it and want it. So, I may not live in Manhattan or own a pair of Manolo's but I know what works for my body and what doesn't. And what trends to wear, and ones to admire from afar (sorry, no harem pants for these thighs!). So stay tuned for some really great ways to recession proof your wardrobe!

Yves Saint Laurent said it best "Fashions fade, style is eternal."

So what's this all about?

2009-03-11T12:55:00.001-05:00

So you may be asking yourself what this blog is all about. Well I came up with the idea after I got one of those forwarded emails. You know the ones --you fill in things like what you have and have not done, or you list where you would rather be than answering the question "what is your favorite color" before deciding to forward it on to 100 of your closest friends? All the while wondering who in the world is going to read it (obviously the most bored) and going to hit you back with their responses? Well, this blog, my friends, was in response to one such email that was entitled "The Bucket List." It listed the things that you want to do before, ya know, you kick the ol' tin bucket. After I finished mine, one such item on my list stared back at me, daring me, taunting me for what felt like a good 8 hours (I was at work at the time, hehe). There it was in black and white: #2 Write a book. (#1 in case you are wondering is the ability to wear a real bikini bottom, and not a bikini bottom underneath $50 Victoria Secret oogly but oh-so comforting coverup -but that's a whole other blog, hehe). And what better way to start the whole writing process than to create a blog? Hence came none other than Circle of Style. What I aspire to write about is my circle of friends, and simply, their style. I was inspired by a book I recently bought by Kim France and Andrea Linett, entitled "The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style." They are the authors of the best-selling book "Lucky Shopping Manual', and this was their long awaited sequel.

So why me, why now, why about fashion? Well first of all, it is damn interesting and I figure, in order to write a book I should probably want to be excited about it and want to start it but more importantly, finish it (often a problem of mine)! Secondly, each of my friends has their own unique sense of style, everything from goth-rocker chic to i-only-buy-designer-snobby-chic and I hope to capture this spectrum of style in an upcoming book. So I ask of you, what do you think of my idea? Is this something that you would read, see yourself being in or liking? Best of all - this blog will document the challenges and obstacles I will surely have to overcome in the book "writing and starting" process. So for now, I will leave you all to marinate on this and stay tuned for more later!