The Black Dress - Wednesday's find

The v-neck gives this Banana Republic dress a sexy feel. This will take you from your desk to cocktails in a flash. Top with a cardigan for work and remove it for a night out. And at $132 you won't feel guilty buying a necklace to match!

The Black Dress - Tuesday's find

I've been seeing all these advertisements for the New Ann Taylor so this weekend I had to check it out. And for all of you who have to dress in business attire for work I highly suggest taking a trip. I remember my mom shopping in Ann Taylor years ago, but I felt the style & quality had diminished over the past few years. Their new collection is perfect for updating your work wardrobe. They have a great selection of work basics, and some really cute evening dresses as well. This sheath dress is basic but versatile. At only $155 this can create so many differnt looks for you. You can layer shirts under it and sweaters or blazers over it. You can even dress it up for a night out with some accessories, serious heels, and a clutch. And don't forget the magic a belt can achieve!
Right now if you buy 1 item you get another 50% off. Who can pass up a deal like that? Check it out at AnnTaylor.com

I'm back!

So it's been a while since I've posted. Between computer issues and a crazy work week I just haven't had the time. But I plan on posting every day this week so tune in for a daily dose of fashion finds.

This week also marks the start of NY Fashion Week which is such an exciting time to be in NY. I have a few events to attend this week and everything I plan on wearing is black, or mostly black. It's easy, very NY, and always in fashion. The thing I love about black is that you can accessorize it differently and create so many different looks. Think of a black sheath dress and all the possibilities. So this week I am searching for the perfect black dress...

The White Shirt - Friday's find

Yet another find at Banana Republic! The flirty ruffle placket makes this shirt ladylike and lovely; while the studded buttons bring some edge. A little detail goes a long way. The basic white shirt is not so basic anymore.

Roll the sleeves up for a more modern and casual feel, or leave them down if you mean business! At only $60 I think this is a great find.

The White Shirt - Thursday's find

You can't go wrong with today's find. It's the classic white oxford with a hint of stretch, and has front & back darts. You can literally wear this with just about everything. It's a great layering piece under sweaters, cardigans, and vests. Simple yet elegant and only $60 at Ann Taylor.

The White Shirt - Wednesday's find

This "Delightfully Askew Blouse" is for those of you who love your leggings or skinnies! Me included. My office is pretty much casual and laid back, so this $88 shirt from Anthropologie would work perfectly with leggings or ankle length skinny jeans. Just add ballet slippers and a short chunky necklace and the look is complete.

Tip: When wearing leggings always make sure that your top is long enough to cover your rear. Unless of course you're in the comfort of your own home.

The White Shirt - Tuesday's find

I am loving this ruffled tuxedo shirt from J.Crew! They took the classic white button down and added feminine details to give it a fresh look. The slim fitted silhouette makes it a perfect choice for tucking in skirts or pants, and it's available in petite and tall sizes to flatter every figure. At $89.50 this is definitely a great find. And if white isn't your thing, it comes in 3 other colors. For more details on this beautiful shirt go to Jcrew.com.

The White Shirt - Monday's find

Ok so this is not the basic white shirt, but it is a shirt and it is white, and it's fabulous! It's still as versatile as the classic button down, but its fresh, fun, and fashion forward. It has delicate ruffles and an asymmetrical structure. I'd pair this with dark skinny jeans. Just add a thin gold belt and a pair of black pumps (any one of last weeks finds will work) and the result is super chic! When it gets cooler out you can throw a boyfriend blazer over it. And at only $70 I think this is one fantastic find! I mean look at all the detailing. You can find this shirt at Banana Republic.

The White Shirt

Every woman should own a white shirt. It is the epitome of chic. An American Classic. And with all the styles and options to choose from, you can make the look entirely your own. Tuck it into a pencil skirt, layer it under a black shift dress, or wear it with trousers and/or jeans. The possibilities are endless! It's like the essential white t-shirt in a dressed up form.

Going through my closet I discovered 2 white shirts. One is great & one is not so great. And so my mission this week is to find that perfect white shirt that I can wear with just about everything. And if the price is right maybe 2 shirts, since I always seem to get dirty whenever I wear white!

Oh and if you don't believe that every woman should own one, then please look up Carolina Herrera. She has made the white shirt her uniform and looks impossibly chic in every picture I have ever seen of her. She has even paired it with floor length evening skirts and the result is simply elegant.

My weekly recap

When I embarked on this journey a week ago, I did not realize how difficult finding the perfect shoe would be. Let me rephrase that, how difficult finding the perfect shoe within my budget would be! See in the past if i loved it I bought it, well most of the time. These days I still want something fashion forward, something that I love, but at an affordable price. It's not that easy being a smart shopper! This takes research, time, and patience. I'm used to the immediate satisfaction of falling in love with something, swiping that card, and running home with my purchase.

I'm still debating between Mondays find and Thursdays find. And while they are completely different styles, ultimately they both serve the same purpose.

Moral of the story: if you really take the time to look at your options and think about how it will work with your existing wardrobe and lifestyle, you will most likely be left with ONE smart purchase.

The perfect black shoe - Friday's find

When I set out to do this blog, I did it as a way to help myself be a smarter shopper while sharing my journey with whoever would read this. My taste may be different then yours and so I don't expect everyone to agree with my finds. However a friend of mine made a great point. She does not work in the fashion industry and has to dress slightly more conservative then I do. She hates anything with a heel over 3" and even that may be too much. And she will not pay more than $200. So my goal today was to find something specifically for her.

So here is my find my friend! This incredible pump is by Ann Taylor and costs $145. The heel is only 2 1/12" high & has padding from heel to sole for comfort. It's even called "The Perfect Kitten Heel Pump" and I couldn't agree more!

The perfect black shoe - Thursday's find

How amazingly cool are these shoes? In my "search" I have come across these platform peep toe pumps by Michael Kors several times. Yesterday I received the MK Fall collection book and these were featured and it's official, I am obsessed! I'm not sure what I love more. Is it the stacked heel, the flirty peep toe, the buckled strap, or the gold hardware? Or maybe it's just that they scream "I'm sexy, confident, and powerful." All I know is that I immediately pictured the many outfits I can wear with these. And if I had to get up and speak in front of a room filled with people, as long as I had these on I'd be fine! And who would ever guess they only cost $110? I can't wait to run out of the office to go try these on. Lets just hope they're as comfortable as they are PERFECT! Great job MK!

The perfect black shoe - Wednesday's find

Last Fall I made a promise to myself. That by Fall 09 I would own a pair of Louboutin's. In a perfect world I would've kept that promise and these gorgeous Louboutin's would be mine. In an even more perfect world, I would be able to afford my promise. But there is no use in shedding tears over it now. (Well maybe just a little). Us Fashionistas know there is nothing quite like a Louboutin. Ahhhhh that glossy red sole!

In my quest for that perfect black shoe I came across these Dolce Vita Madison Platform Pumps on Endless.com. I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. Don't get me wrong, I ADORED DV's Spring collection of funky/flirty sandals but these pumps just took my love affair with the brand to a whole new level. AT $119.95, these beauties boast a leather upper & sole, a 1" concealed platform, and a 4 1/2" heel. Sorry red sole not included.

P.S. My promise has been tentatively "re-scheduled" for Fall 2010.

The perfect black shoe - Tuesday's find

In my quest for the perfect black shoe, I discovered the Giuseppe Zanotti croc leather peep toe pumps to the left. They have an elegant and timeless appeal. A true classic style that will work for years to come. But at $475 these aren't exactly in my budget. So I was determined to find something with the same feel but for a fraction of the price. Piperlime.com turned up these Lauren by Ralph Lauren bestsellers to the bottom right. They're croc embossed patent leather, but at $98 they certainly do the trick. Sure these are no Zanotti's but the idea here is to be a smart budget shopper. Use your head not your heart!



Tip to make your pumps last longer: immediately have a shoemaker add a rubber sole. It will protect the original sole from wear & tear and can be fixed as the rubber wears down. It will definitely add to the life of the shoes which gives you time to save for the Zanotti's! Or Louboutin's, or Manolo's or Choo's... sigh