Friday Buy Day 5.8.15

Looking forward to another fantastic weekend, and thought we'd bring you some picks for your home this week.  Whether a cool new rug or an awesome new piece of art, both have the ability to make a huge impact in your space while neither are required to make a large impression on your credit card statement.  We're bringing you special pieces at ordinary prices:

Love this sexy piece of art by Oliver Gal.  The gold is a little more modern than a traditional red or pink, and makes it perfect for a living room or a bedroom.  Picture it hung above a mid-century dresser, or greeting you in the entry over a lucite console next to a vintage lamp.  It's bold...yet it's limited color-palette makes it a really versatile piece to add to your collection.  At $189 (from $356) it is a great price for a timeless, yet sassy symbol.

Next up: Moroccan leather poufs.  I'm sure you've seen these in a variety of stores, magazines and online...and for good reason.  They are a really easy way to pack a punch without draining your bank account.  These come in every color of the rainbow (and more) and look great nestled in front a fireplace for extra seating, or tucked under a kid's play table.  They're fun, easy to style and can be moved to the family room if you get sick of them in your bedroom.

Ah Mah Gawd!  How great is this rug?  Such a great rug at such a low price ($199 for 8x10..YES!) In fact, we were tempted to keep this as a personal secret but our dedication to bringing you the best stuff at the best prices prevailed!  Picture this in a home office with a brass desk, vintage chair and couple of those poufs we just mentioned.  Or it would look great in a serene master bedroom with creamy white bedding, a macrame wall hanging and a Mongolian fur bench. Monochromatic bedrooms are so soothing. 

It's mid-century. It's modern.  It's white (also comes in black...both are on-point).  It's brass.  It's perfection in a table/task lamp.  Instantly refreshes a side table or console table.  Would look fantastic flanking your bed, or add it to your desk for a chic work table accessory.  At barely over $150, this is a fantastic addition to virtually any surface!

We hope you enjoyed this week's Friday Buy Day!  Have a great weekend!

Friday Buy Day 5.1.15

It's May Day.  It's Friday.  And it's my Birthday!  So, I am particularly partial to this day.  

First up, is this awesome M by Missoni bag that totally embodies Spring, Summer and a fun bohemian style.  We have been wearing a lot of white on white, denim on denim and black on black lately and this is the perfect bag to add color and boldness to a monochromatic outfit.  Marked down to $197,  they probably won't last long.   So if you've been looking for that perfect (petite) Summer bag, you've just found it. 

I got a head start on Friday Buy Day, and already bought these darling crochet lace shorts.  First things first, they are not THAT short in real life (unless you are quite tall).  They look great with a denim blouse and ankle wrapped sandals (see below) or can be dressed up with an espadrille and a floaty cream blouse.  At $59, they are an easy trend to indulge.

These sandals are great.  Love the metallic silver color, love the linen texture, and love the chocolate leather piping and ankle-wrap.  They are on-trend, while also maintaining a very classic feel.  All sale items from J. Crew are currently an additional 30% off the lowest sale price using code May Day, so these sandals will ring in at just over $75.  A total score.

This top by Equipment feels effortless and chic.  Love the gingham pattern, the tied wait and the slightly sheer 100% cotton texture.  It would look great with white denim, and the ankle-wrapped sandals above for a classic Spring ensemble.  Or pair it with skorts (yes, I wrote skorts...we can get into that next week) and wedges for a fresh and feminine outfit.

Another year, another maxi.  This one is $100 from $250 and is a really easy style with a great print.  This type of dress is comfortable, stylish and a great packing companion as it takes up very little space in your suitcase, can be worn for day, or dressed up for an evening out.  For day, you can belt it and pair it with your panama hat. You can also wear it loose and add a fitted denim jacket.  For evening add a fun necklace and an orangey-red pout and head out for a margarita.

That's all for now.  You can always comment and let us know what you want to find on your next Friday Buy Day...like some good Skort options(:

Have a great weekend!!

Friday Buy Day 4.17.15

It's another fabulous Friday Buy Day. No theme this week except for some favorites that are deeply discounted.   J.Crew, Piperlime and Barneys Warehouse are having blowout sales and we're using this week to feature some necessary wardrobe requirements.  

The first requirement is a darling sundress.  This one by Wren is the perfect combination of a little bit sexy and a little bit sweet.  Wear this to a friend's baby shower, or to brunch with your family.  Add a panama hat and espadrilles and head to Napa for a day of wine-tasting.  And, it certainly can be dressed up with statement earrings and gladiator-style heels for a warm evening out with the one you love.

Next necessary purchase:  This army swing jacket from J. Crew.  Originally almost $200, marked to $129 and now an additional 30% off the sale price with the code THEBEST.  Love the color, love the boxy, cropped shape and love the idea of wearing this with an outfit slightly more fancy than what you might traditionally see: we love it with super skinny jeans, a feminine floral blouse, and ankle-strap stilettos.  Not expected but quite chic.  It, of course, would also look terrific with distressed jeans, leopards flats (or high-tops) and a v-neck tee.  Be brave and embrace the less fitted, more voluminous style of this swing jacket...just make sure to balance the relaxed shape with a fitted bottom half. 

Oh, hi cute shoe.  How are you and where have you been all my life?  An espadrille with a wrapped ankle in orange (that is on sale for barely over $100 with almost all sizes left)?  Done.  With ripped jeans, with cut-offs, with a sundress, with a cover-up and a bathing suit.  Out to breakfast, out to lunch, and actually stylish enough to wear out to a casual dinner.  For a gift, for yourself, for Mother's Day.  Whatever your justification...just buy them already.

Finally, we get to talk about the Flare!!  This one by MIH is awesome: it features a mid-rise, dark rinse and perfect flare.  In other words, it is flattering on virtually EVERYONE.  On sale from $200 to $89 with every size left in stock, this is a mandatory staple for your closet. (I repeat, $89 with all sizes left)  This brand has a long in-seam, and is particularly flattering on all you blessed tall girls.  But truly...with the clean, dark wash and flare style it is a flattering jean for most body-types, not to mention spot-on trend (and you can't beat the price).  Where them with high-heels or high-wedges to get the most slimming look.  And, if you get them altered, make sure to wash them first and have them altered to the length where they are almost (literally almost) skimming the floor...it will elongate your legs and make you like 5 lbs lighter.  We're pretty sure $89 is the cheapest and fastest way to grow a couple of inches and lose a couple of pounds(:

Last mandatory purchase this week is this stunning bikini from Melissa Odabash.  This bikini is perfect in a lot of ways: the light snakeskin pattern will perfectly highlight your bronzed bod, the gold hardware on the briefs is decadent and interesting, while the twisted bandeau style on the top is modern and flattering,  At barely over $100, from $200, it is a small price to pay for the luxe look of this chic two-piece.  

We hope you've enjoyed this week's Friday Buy Day for necessary additions to your wardrobe.  Remember to scroll down a few more inches and add your email in the "subscribe" box to receive these stylish tips directly to your inbox!  Have a great weekend!

Friday Buy Day 4.10.15

It's Friday Buy Day again and while many of our friends are spending this week on vacation...we're home, but we're dreaming of a vacation so we thought we'd bring you some items to pack for your next trip.  And if you don't have one planned, these pieces might inspire you to get online and start booking. 

We love this Michael Stars panama hat ($54).  It has a slightly wider brim than a fedora style hat offering more coverage for your most prized asset.   The black band has a classic and refined feel making it the perfect hat for someone who might feel that a traditional Panama Hat or Fedora is too youthful or trendy.  It would look just as good as an accessory to your swimsuit as an accessory to your denim shorts and eyelet blouse.

And then there's that eyelet top we just mentioned.  The one that you will wear all Spring and Summer.  At $54 (true story), this black eyelet blouse is the perfect easy, breezy separate to pair with denim cut-offs, or ripped denim and the gladiator sandals from last week's Friday Buy Day.  It would also look fantastic tucked into high-waist flared jeans with a stacked wedge and some vibrant earrings.

How cute are these DV by Dolce Vita wedges?  Love the color, love the stacked wedge which makes for a comfortable heel height, and love the woven rope texture (and LOVE the price: $80).  These would look fantastic with flared denim and a cropped boxy blouse, or wear them with a printed skirt and a denim blouse for Sunday brunch.

Love pretty much anything Mara Hoffman, but particularly love all of her draped dresses.  They shape is floaty and bohemian, yet sexy.  Her designs are saturated with bright colors and bold prints and make for great conversation.  Take one of these on your next trip and we guarantee you will get a handful of compliments.

Lastly, I know isn't so obvious why this tweed print Rag and Bone sneaker goes with the Spring/Summer suggestions, but in our world the perfect sneaker is a year-long obsession.  This one is half off right now with ALL sizes left ($197 from $395) and is on-point.  This is a great high-top option for those who want a more refined, less "street" style shoe.  The tweed print adds interest and color without being so loud that you have to think about matching them with your outfit.  As for the Spring/Summer relevance, we live in San Francisco(:  But, even for those of you who actually get to enjoy a Summer, these are the perfect travel companion.  Wear these on the airplane with skinny jeans(or skinny sweats), a tee and a cashmere sweater for a chic but comfortable outfit.  Or, we love them paired with cut-off shorts and a racer-back tank.  

With pieces to pack and the perfect shoe to wear on the plane, it is time to start clicking and making plans for your next warm-weather getaway.

Friday Buy Day 4.3.15

In honor of Spring Break and Coachella, we thought we'd dedicate this week's Friday Buy Day to some cool pieces that worn collectively will create the perfect bohemian ensemble, and worn separately are stylish staples for your Spring/Summer wardrobe. 

I love this Tularosa slip dress.  Simple, sexy and so versatile.  Delicate cut-outs and the short hemline are perfect for a festival or a leisurely Spring break brunch.  Effortless and on-point, it is on sale right now for $77 (all sizes left)!!  You will get your wear out of this dress within the first week of wear.

These sandals are awesome, and for $150...they are not on sale, but they are a great price for a stylish addition to your wardrobe.  Gladiator sandals are a huge trend this season and these are au-current without being over-the-top.  Pair these with the Tularosa slip dress for a stylish, simple and sexy ensemble.

Yes, please.  Love the shape, love the clear acrylic frame and love the price ($160).  These glasses are a cool collaboration between Stone Cold Fox for Wonderland in the Colony style.  Because clear glasses are a little more trendy than black or tortoise, these glasses are perfectly priced to fulfill your cool girl fix while not emptying your piggy bank to do so.

This necklace screams Festival Style.  A little bit Western, a lot a bit boho and the perfect addition to a sexy slip dress and gladiator sandals.  At $34, consider it the perfect, guilt-free accessory.

And lastly, the denim jacket.  It wouldn't be Spring nor Summer, nor would any festival outfit be complete without a denim jacket. This one from the Gap is a great wash and is $69.95 plus an additional 40% OFF with the promo code NEW!  It runs a little big, so buy it in one size smaller than you normally wear, layer it over your sexy slip dress with your gladiator sandals and your bolo necklace.  Pop on your oversized clear shades and head out the door in your haute festival ensemble to enjoy some great music, friends and fun!  

Friday Buy Day on Monday

We feel terrible that we didn't get to post this on Friday, and we'll try to never let it happen again...can't stand the disappointed texts and emails (:  Although not keen on making excuses, last week was filled to the brim with exciting and productive preparation, meetings and presentations. Couple that with some out of town visitors for us, and some out of the country visitors for Shannon...and the one thing that didn't get completed to our satisfaction was Friday Buy Day. Hoping that by posting this on Monday, it may offer some inspiration at the start of a new week.  

We've been focusing a lot on fashion for the last Friday Buy Days and and we thought it would be fun this week to focus on some fun (small or budget friendly) ways to update your space, or just make it feel a little more fresh for Spring:

First up are these barstools from CB2.  We have purchased similar ones in the past for over $700 each and while these are not exact replicas, they are pretty darn close. We love the cognac leather seat, the whipstitch detailing and the rustic iron base. At $269, these are less than half the price of their similar counterpart and deliver the same rustic chic style.  Add a couple around a center island or replace your current barstools with these stylish seating alternatives to turn your kitchen nook into a fine dining experience.

Another great way to freshen up your space for Spring is foliage. We love flowers in a space, and more economical than replacing flowers each week is investing in a large plant. A fiddle fig leaf plant is always a great choice, with beautiful leaves and a rich green sheen.  They are sturdy plants, and adapt well to most climates making them a great choice for a lasting and low-maintenance alternative to purchasing fresh flowers regularly.  These can be found at your local nursery or at many Lowe's and Home Depot locations.  Typically you can find a nice size one for approximately $180 and they add beautiful dimension and texture and color to a space. 

Another stylish way to freshen a room for Spring is by switching out your pillows. We love a good mix, but be careful not to overdo it. Many of us (we are guilty too) have a tendency to "over pillow" sofas and beds, when a restrained...yet artful mix is always best. We've included some images above of pillows we love...all found on Etsy, and all very reasonable (starting at $70).  

Lastly, a fun and free way to update your space for Spring is to move your furniture around! In the above picture from the Sonoma project, we rearranged all of the furniture to create more space, and a fresh new feeling in the room.  The leather chairs were originally in front of the TV and we moved them by the fireplace, the cowhide pillows originally lived on the sofas and we created a cozy nook by adding them to the rustic fireplace, and the built in daybed was originally covered in pillows....we took most away and added a few larger ones and one lumbar on each side. 

So, go ahead and put your sofa on the other wall.  Take the bench that's in your children's room and add it to the living room as a fun seating option in front of your fireplace. Or, move your daughter's dresser in front of the window where the roman shade and the streaming light act as the only art above.

Choosing one, or a combination of the above suggestions will add a fresh dose of style to your space...just in time for Spring. 

Friday Buy Day 3.20.15

Shannon and I went to a really chic baby shower last night at a wine bar.  It was a semi-casual affair, being the mom's second child, and was a great excuse to get together with friends and enjoy some adult beverages and yummy food, and celebrate the baby girl-to-be.

When I was getting dressed for the occasion, a dress was calling my name but I couldn't quite find the type of dress I had conjured up in my head. It was a warm evening, and the event started at 6 PM so what I wanted to wear (that sadly was not in my closet)  was a Springy and special outfit that was worthy of this fun and celebratory event.  The night called for one of those "in between" ensembles:  I didn't WANT to wear jeans (although I did) but a sexy LBD wasn't the right outfit either.

Ultimately, I ended up wearing an Equipment eyelet silk blouse, tucked into Paige skinny distressed jeans with embroidered ankle strap pumps (although never planned, Shannon and I showed up looking like twins).  The look worked...but it made me realize that I wanted to dedicate this week's Friday Buy Day to cool pieces that could work for a stylish day ensemble (work or lunch, etc) and could also work for something like an evening baby shower at a bar.

Here goes...

I love this look (the blouse from the top pic, the skirt from the bottom pic).  The boxy cotton top with the cool drawstring detailing on the side with the eyelet pleated mini-skirt.  It is a fresh, modern and on-trend.  This outfit is work appropriate if you work in a creative capacity (sorry Finance girls) as the mini-skirt is really not that mini unless you are quite tall and the blouse provides full coverage.  Pair it a gladiator style sandal or platform wedges (yes, they're back in a big way for Spring) for a daytime fete, or up the volume with black ankle strap heels and deco drop earrings for an evening event. All white is here to stay and this whole outfit is under $150...now it's just the tan I have to start working on.

This floral dress from Asos caught my eye because of the playful print and the sophisticated shape.  This is another piece that, depending on how it is styled, can be more conservative, or more edgy.  For a conservative luncheon, it looks great as shown: simple heel and a nude, pouty lip.  For a night celebrating at a cool wine bar, I would up the edge factor and pair it with booties (those Isabel Marant ons that were suggested awhile back...on sale of course..would be great) and a black leather moto jacket.  Saturate your lip in a dark raspberry or classic red and be on your way.

Come On!  The last time I was this excited about a tube top was 1999.  I am dead serious...they were in heavy rotation during my days at USC.  But, now that I'm a grown-up, I am thrilled to find that the Australian designers at Camilla and Marc have designed an elegant and sophisticated strapless top.  If you look closely, you can see the asymmetrical belt and the soft draping of this awesome piece.  

I absolutely love the idea of it paired over wide leg trousers, and the polka-dot ones shown in the picture are a steal from Asos priced at $81.  Long over long is a big trend right now and this ensemble feels very modern and current without feeling trendy.  This would've been the perfect outfit to wear last night!  For an edgier look, I love this strapless blouse over leather leggings with a cropped blazer.  Right now, all sizes are available except 44 and it is on sale for $185 from $370.

Hope you enjoyed this week's picks and feel free to enter your email address if you'd like to get these tips delivered directly to your inbox.