Sunday, July 31, 2011

Piece it Together

Its been a while since I've done a post on affordable outfits, so I decided to piece together some cute looks that are all under $100! Since fall collections are starting to make their way into stores and nudging summer collections out, I thought I'd create looks that would work for the first few days of the new season. By pairing a flirty summer dress with a long sleeve cardigan, it makes the transition from season to season gradual, without having to completely give up all of your favorite warm weather pieces. Love your summer skirt but aren't ready to say goodbye to it yet? Switch your favorite sandals for some flats and add a bright sunny cardigan to make it appropriate for the changing temperatures! Hopefully these looks will provide for some helpful inspiration while you are on the hunt for some new fall clothing!

The Outfits

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Top: Short Sleeve Pussybow Cotton Blouse $43.10 (Asos)
Cardigan: 3/4 Sleeve Crop Cardigan $19.99 (Charlotte Russe)
Skirt: Black Bandage Skirt $12.90 (Windsor)
Shoes: Leopard Bow Flats $16.80 (Forever 21)

Total: $92.79 + tax 

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Top: Crepe Chiffon and Lace Trim Top $19.80 (Forever 21)
Jacket: Crop Denim Jacket $26.50 (Wet Seal)
Jeans: TYTE Contrast Stitch Denim Skinny Jeans $15.00 (The 15 Dollar Store)
Shoes: Wild Diva Candies 42 Mid-Calf Boots $10.00 (Amazon)

Total: $71.30 + tax

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Dress: Kirra Belted Racerback Dress $24.99 (Pacsun)
Cardigan: Cream Flecked Jersey Long Sleeve Cardigan $40.00 (Topshop)
Shoes: Braided Faux-Leather Sandals $19.97 (Old Navy)

Total: $84.96 + tax

Only 3 days left to enter!!

Giveaway Reminder: If you haven't entered the 'Girly Giveaway' contest yet, simply like 'The Retail Therapy Diaries' on Facebook, write your favorite summer trend on the wall, and you will be automatically entered! Don't have a Facebook? Don't feel comfortable writing on the wall? Just email me your response to theretailtherapydiares@gmail.com and you can be entered in the drawing that way as well! Want to take a peek at the prizes? Find pictures as well as contest rules here:


Also as a reminder, you don't have to be from the states to enter! The contest is open to all! Good luck every


Inspired? Look for these items here:

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Shopping Adventures

Went on a family trip up to Vancouver again for some back-to-school shopping and sightseeing! I was able to hit up some of my usual favorites, but also some new malls and shopping districts that I had never been to before. There's just something special about boutiques. I love the fact that they have one-of -a-kind pieces that I'm not likely to spot on another retail therapy lover walking down the street. Plus they always seem to have such beautifully made clothing in fabrics that can just put a smile across your face. From silk to floaty chiffon, I enjoy treating myself every once and a while with a well made garment. There were tons of sales everywhere as stores and smaller boutiques were trying to get rid of their summer clothing to make room for the new fall collections. Getting a good mix of both fall and summer pieces, it'll help make the transition from warm weather to cooler temperatures a little easier! I've added descriptions of the stores I had purchased things from as well as some of my other favorites. This way it'll give you an idea of what places you might want to visit if you decide to take a trip up to Vancouver!

Back-to-School Purchases:



Esley Silk Babydoll Top (Haus of Luxe)


I.C.U. Collection Blue Floral Zipper Dress (Haus of Luxe)

I spotted the boutique Haus of Luxe inside of the Oakridge mall. Never having been there, it was nice to see all of the different shops. This one in particular is a bit pricier compared to the other places I went to, but all of their clothing was very nicely made. I loved the flow of the silk top, and I loved how the fabric felt on the dress. Wearing the dress today, the fabric felt so lightweight when it caught a breeze! They had everything from casual wear like pretty cardigans to club wear like body-con mini dresses! 






Long Cardigan with Ruffles (Garage Clothing)


Cami with Frill (Garage Clothing)

This was one of my favorite shops, and I found some great pieces for fall here! Located inside of the Richmond Centre, there were both stores found in the states as well as just in Canada.  I loved the way the cami draped as well as the adorable ribbon print. The cream colored cardigan matched well with the top and was warm enough to fight the autumn chill! I would way that this particular shop was rather affordable, and they had lots of great sales on cute summer items as well! 




Floral Ruffle Dress (Angela Clothing)

I wasn't able to find a website for this small boutique, but it was also located inside of the Richmond Centre. This was probably my favorite stop of the trip! There was a lot of asian inspired clothing, and everything was girly, ruffly, and pastel colored! Plus they had lots of great deals like dresses for under $20! There was a cute nautical inspired bustier top for only $6 too. Though they had a lot of cute items, the sizes did tend to run a bit small so if you like fitted tops and dresses, this is the place for you!


Mavi Serena Skinny Jeans (Below the Belt)

Below the Belt has become one of my go-to stores in the Robson area. Brands range from Hurley and other skate companies to Guess and Juicy Couture. They have a wide selection of name brand jeans and many are often times on sale. I love Mavi jeans because they just fit really well. They have a jegging feel without the jegging look which I love. Jeans are hard to find for me so finding a brand that works for my frame is awesome. 


Other Favorites:


Floral Twill Blazer (Smart Set)


I actually purchased this blazer on my last family trip up, but thought it might help to illustrate the kinds of clothes they sell here. Smart Set has a number of different locations in the Vancouver area and reminds me of a cross between Forever 21 and Wet Seal. They have lots of graphic tees, and fashion tops as well as accessories to go with your outfit. Ranging from casual wear to more formal wear, they have something for everyone.



This small boutique had some of the cutest jeans I had seen the entire trip. There was a pair of dark wash skinnies with rhinestone embellishment on the back pockets that caught my eye but they only had one left in the wrong size. But they had lots of girly options, with lots of floaty, drapey blouses. In addition, much like the other stores, they always have something on sale whenever I visit!



Laken Wedge $20.99 (Spring Shoes)

I spotted these shoes in the display and wanted them so badly! I've been on the hunt for white sling-back wedges without a ridiculously high platform and this one fit the bill. Sadly for me the smallest size they had was a 7 which was much to big for my tiny feet. As much as I love all the shoes that this store carries, they aren't small shoe size friendly. But if you have normal size feet, they have cute dress and casual shoes for great prices!



Propaganda Paige Sheer Floral Skirt (Plenty Clothing)

This skirt was so pretty sitting on the display table, but like with most skirts, it didn't quite flatter me. But if you are someone who loves flirty skirts, this is the place for you! It has an Urban Outfitters feel with pricier pieces. But you can definitely tell the difference those extra bucks make. Everything is so well made with intricate accents like crochet, and lace!


Only 4 days left to enter!!

Giveaway Reminder: If you haven't entered the 'Girly Giveaway' contest yet, simply like 'The Retail Therapy Diaries' on Facebook, write your favorite summer trend on the wall, and you will be automatically entered! Don't have a Facebook? Don't feel comfortable writing on the wall? Just email me your response to theretailtherapydiares@gmail.com and you can be entered in the drawing that way as well! Want to take a peek at the prizes? Find pictures as well as contest rules here:


Also as a reminder, you don't have to be from the states to enter! The contest is open to all! Good luck every

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Splish Splash

Had some fun in the sun this afternoon after doing some retail therapy shopping with my mom! I wasn't really looking for anything in particular, but I was on the hunt for some swimsuit bottoms. Last week I purchased a simple black swimsuit top, but wasn't a fan of the matching bottoms. Luckily for me, almost every store I went into was having a sale on all of their swimwear! Looking through the racks, a pretty lace top and bottom caught my eye. I ended up buying both pieces since they were both on sale, and also because the bottoms matched well with my other swim top. I'll be the first to admit that trying on swimsuits is up there on my list of least favorite things. From the unflattering lighting to the cramped dressing rooms, it can make trying on swimsuits a living nightmare! Looking for a different approach? Try ordering a swimsuit online so you can try it on in the comfort of your own home. Though it may seem like extra work, it just may be worth it to prevent feeling bad about yourself in that unfriendly dressing room. Just make sure you check the return policy! Sale items can be tricky to return! On the hunt for a new suit? Now is the time to find one, either for this summer or next! There are sales galore and several places are holding "buy one piece get the other free" deals.   

Swimsuit Options (All under $50!):



Capistrano Bandeau Bikini (Hollister)
Top: $13.90
Bottom: $13.90



Banded Halter Floral Bikini (Old Navy)
Top: $7.97
Bottom: $7.97



Jane Bikini (Abercrombie)
Top: $16.90
Bottom: $16.90



Ruched Bandeau Tankini (Delia's)
Top: $9.99
Bottom: $9.99 



Empyre Girl Veneer Black and White Stripe Tankini
Top: $19.99
Bottom: $24.95



Ruched Bandeau Tankini
Top: $19.90
Bottom: $14.90


Side Cutout Monokini $24.50 (Charlotte Russe)


Ladies Bright Cutout Swimsuit $13.00 (Peacocks)


Hurley Siegfried Monokini $19.97 (Buckle)

Cover-Up Options:


Bra Top Dress $29.50 (Victoria's Secret)

Want something easy to pull on after a trip to the beach? Go for an easy cover-up dress! If you pick one with pretty embellishment of a fun neckline, it can also be a great option for a nice dinner after you've had some fun in the sun!


Plaid Shirt $19.90 (Forever 21)

This is a cute way to cover-up but still show a bit of skin. Simply tie the ends of the shirt together into a knot and pull on some denim shorts! It's simple but something a little different in comparison to a plain t-shirt.


Fisico Christina Ferrari Sarong $30.00 (Yoox)

If you are a fan of the classics, then a sarong is for you! It adds a feminine flair as well as a touch of modesty to your swimwear look. Pick one in a fun color that matches well with your suit, whether it be in the same color family or is its complement!

From TRTD's Closet


Swimsuit: Ralph Lauren Lace Bikini Bandeau Top and Bottom (Macy's)

The other top!


Swimsuit: Triangle Bikini Top (Victoria's Secret)

The great thing about solids? They make mixing and matching tops and bottoms a cinch! 

Inspired? Look for these items here:

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Hold it Right There

Suspenders aren't just for the older crowd anymore! Many celebrities have been spotted wearing the strappy look that is not only fashionable, but functional as well. Suspender shorts and skirts in particular have been gaining popularity throughout the summer season as they allow one to release their inner child once again. By attaching suspender straps to a fitted bottom creates the look of a pair of comfy overalls. To prevent your look from looking too childish, pair your suspender bottoms with either a fitted v-neck top to elongate your neckline, making you look taller and thinner, or simply add a feminine pair of high heels! The short/skirt versions are particularly versatile because they can just act as bottoms as well if you hide the straps by pulling a pretty top over them. Want to take your suspenders from summer to fall? Just layer them over a pair of dark leggings or tights to keep warm!

Celebrities in Suspender Shorts


Lauren Conrad


Maria Menounos

Suspender Shorts:


Distressed Denim Short with Suspenders $19.80 (Forever 21)


Ruffle Suspender Shorts $25.20 (Yes Style)


Cooperative Coney Island Suspender Short $9.99 (Urban Outfitters)


Denim Suspender Shorts $28.80 (Yes Style)

Suspender Skirts:


Womens Vans Suspender Pinstripe Skirt $41.00 (Urban Excess)


Urban Renewal Chambray Suspender Skirt $19.99 (Urban Outfitters)


Dark Denim Stretchy Bubble Suspender Skirt $44.99 (Ecrater)


Fremont Suspender Skirt $66.00 (Revolve Clothing)

Giveaway Reminder: If you haven't entered the 'Girly Giveaway' contest yet, simply like 'The Retail Therapy Diaries' on Facebook, write your favorite summer trend on the wall, and you will be automatically entered! Don't have a Facebook? Don't feel comfortable writing on the wall? Just email me your response to theretailtherapydiares@gmail.com and you can be entered in the drawing that way as well! Want to take a peek at the prizes? Find pictures as well as contest rules here:


Also as a reminder, you don't have to be from the states to enter! The contest is open to all! Good luck everyone! 


Inspired? Look for these items here:

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

In a Week

Finally made it to my first 100 posts! It's been really fun coming up with different things to blog about each day and I'm looking forward to the next 100! In honor of my 100th post, I wanted to do something a little different today! I decided to pick out a few pieces and combine them in different ways to make up a weeks worth of outfits! It's always fun to see how versatile basic pieces can be, and how many different looks you can create without spending money on a bunch of different things that could only work with one outfit. So make sure you take a look in your closet and check to see that you have all the basics! They're your best friends among a sea of acquaintances in your wardrobe! To make your week's worth of outfits unique, I've excluded shoes and accessories (aside from a belt). It's up to you on how you want to finish off your looks!  Anyways, hope you have all been enjoying my posts as much as I have enjoyed writing them! Happy reading!

The Basics 
(What you need for a weeks worth of cute outfits!)

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A Closer Look:


Essential V-Neck Tee $4.50 (Forever 21)


Pins and Needles Cropped Bustier Top $29.99 (Urban Outfitters)


Great Plains Black Cardigan $35.00 (Coggles)


Crop Denim Jacket $32.80 (Wet Seal)


Urban Renewal Sweater Bodycon Tunic $29.99 (Urban Outfitters)


Class Dismissed Skirt $27.99 (Modcloth)


Basic Dark Denim Skinny Jean $9.99 (Papaya Clothing)


Signature Leggings $39.50 (J.Crew)


Crocodile Stretch Waist Belt $8.50 (Wet Seal)

The Outfits:

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Monday: Coming out of the weekend, monday's can be brutal. So why not cut yourself some slack and go with a more simple yet comfortable outfit to start off the week! With a simple cardigan, v-neck tee, and pair of skinny jeans, you'll look polished and fresh even if you may not be feeling that way on the inside!

Tuesday: Want to go for a girly/tomboy look? Combine an edgy denim jacket with a pretty tunic with leggings to make the outfit appropriate for the classroom! 

Wednesday: Since the week is halfway over, why not put a little more effort into your look! Create a feminine look by tucking the tunic into a banded skirt. Picking a floral pattern will look cute, not tacky. Finish off the look with a warm cardigan!

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Thursday: Been up all night studying for that test you forgot? Make a quick outfit by adding a more casual spin on monday's look by switching the cardigan for a denim jacket! Plus if it gets warm in the classroom, you'll still look chic with a white tee and skinnies!

Friday: You did it! The week is over and it's time to celebrate the start to the weekend. Pair the tunic with a belt to help define a waistline, and add a lacy cami in a neutral color underneath for a touch of modesty to compensate for the shorter length of the tunic/dress! This outfit will also look great for a night out after classes!

Saturday: Enjoy the night life with a cute outfit! Simply tuck in the bustier top into the banded skirt, layer on a belt and you're ready to go! Accessorize with a cute clutch and some heels.

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Sunday: It's the end of the weekend and time to sit down and finish all of that work you procrastinated on! This look would look cute for a study session with classmates, church, or any other activity you may have planned!

Giveaway Reminder: If you haven't entered the 'Girly Giveaway' contest yet, simply like 'The Retail Therapy Diaries' on Facebook, write your favorite summer trend on the wall, and you will be automatically entered! Don't have a Facebook? Don't feel comfortable writing on the wall? Just email me your response to theretailtherapydiares@gmail.com and you can be entered in the drawing that way as well! Want to take a peek at the prizes? Find pictures as well as contest rules here:


Also as a reminder, you don't have to be from the states to enter! The contest is open to all! Good luck everyone! 


Inspired? Look for these items here: