Sunday, August 26, 2012

Trendy Tory

Unless you're one of the lucky ones who happen to live in parts of the world which seem to never have shortages of sun rays, it will soon be time to replace your favorite shades with a scarf and warm coat ! It may still be officially summer here, but I can definitely feel the winds getting cooler as several of my friends have left town to head back to school. For those less fortunate, you'll have to enjoy wearing your sunglasses while you still can.

Perhaps I was just looking in all the wrong sections, but I recently discovered that several discount stores such as Marshalls and TJ Maxx not only sell designer clothes for less, but also designer sunglasses as well! Usually hidden in small bins right near the jewelry counter, you can often times find high-end brands such as Prada, Dolce and Gabbana, and Balenciaga sunglasses selling for less than half their original prices. Now if you tend to be pretty skeptical about buying designer items in locations other than their official licensed websites and stores, you may initially wonder why the prices are so low. Most of the sunglasses selling are there for three main reasons:

  • They are usually sold without their cases/cleaning clothes (might have gotten lost on their way to the department stores)
  • They are the leftover models and styles from previous seasons
  • Their tags are usually replaced with the store logo (for example Marshalls)

Still not convinced? If you look on the side of the sunglasses, they have a product code (if they are authentic) that you can type in on google. If they are the real deal, the same model will show up in the search. Also for brands such as Prada, the location of creation is usually a dead giveaway in figuring out whether the pair in your hands is real or not. So the next time you're on the hunt for some designer sunglasses, it might be a good idea to stop into one of these discount stores to browse through their selection first. You may be presently surprised at all the trendy styles they have to offer!

Doing some back-to-school shopping, I figured I'd do some browsing in TJ Maxx. I came across a rather cute pair of Tory Burch sunglasses and thought I'd share them with you! A massive fan of Ms. Burch, I love the simple yet trendy feel of her apparel and accessories. I'm particularly a fan of her shoes because for one thing, they actually fit my abnormally small feet! Having a nice mix of tomboyish elements and feminine details, it's pretty easy to love her collection. So I'll share this fun Tory Burch piece with you in hopes that they will come in handy during these last few weeks of summer!



The trademark Tory Burch logo





Tory Burch TY7032 Sunglasses (Dark purple/grey color)

Want to win these? Here's how to enter!
  1. Head to The Retail Therapy Diaries Facebook page and become a fan. Only those who have liked the page will be able to enter (Click here to be linked to the page).
  2. Leave a comment on the wall describing your summer this year in three words or less (example: Super fun, boring, friend-filled, ruled by work)
  3. If you can link this post on your Facebook wall to get the word out, that would be great! But again will have no impact on your chances of winning whether you do so or not. 
  4. That's it! 
If you don't have a Facebook but interested in entering the giveaway, just send me an email (theretailtherapydiaries@gmail.com)leaving me a little message describing your summer!

Drawing ends on September 8th 2012. This one is shorter than the 'Double the Fun' giveaway, so enter before it's too late!

Have a Tumblr? Follow me by clicking here!

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Baroque Beauty

Fresh off the runway, Dolce and Gabbana's Fall 2012 Collection presents their take on the grandiose Baroque period. Spreading throughout most of Europe during the 17th and 18th century, these ladylike silhouettes, exaggerated patterns, and regal colors are making a comeback this fall in full force. Infused with a more modern twist, the giant poofy skirts of the past are replaced with more fitted styles to show off one's femininity in a slightly more futuristic way. Look for pieces adorned with Baroque filigree for a great statement piece. Go a step further by adding a hint of glam with metallic touches in regal gold! Embrace this trendy blast from the past by incorporating this fun trend into your back-to-school wardrobe. Think how perfect it would be to pay homage to the Baroque period in your trendy ensemble while sitting in your history class!

Untitled #133

How to Incorporate Baroque Inspired Pieces into Your Wardrobe

Untitled #132

Dress: Baroque Print Skater Dress $36.00 (AX Paris)

Evening Look
Shoes: Dark Nude Faux Suede Platform Shoe $47.00 (AX Paris)
Bag: Lulu Townsend Quilted Frame Clutch $34.95 (DSW)
Bracelet: Kenneth Cole New York Gold Cuff Bracelet $38.00 (Piperlime)

Daytime Look
Vest: Denim Western Gilet $47.00 (Jane Norman)
Bag: Sueded Fringe Cross-Body $23.00 (Charlotte Russe)
Shoes: Journee Collection Guess Ballet Flats $31.49 (Kohl's)

Untitled #131

Skirt: Baroque Ripple Skirt $39.00 (Lipsy London)

Night Out Look
Bodysuit: Black V Mesh Bodysuit $32.00 (Miss Selfridge)
Shoes: Bamboo Dash Velvet Heels $19.99 (Tilly's)
Bag: Lulu Townsend Flower Snap Box Clutch $29.95 (DSW)
Earrings: Juliet and Company Oversized Pearl Studs $21.00 (Shopbop)

The Office Look
Top: Pleat Neck Crop Top $20.00 (Pilot)
Shoes: No Need to Spree Heel $34.99 (Modcloth)
Bag: Classic Satchel $50.00 (Monsoon)
Bracelet: Mango Cuff Bracelet $18.00 (Place des Tendances)

Don't forget to enter the Double the Fun giveaway! Click here to enter now!

Inspired? Look for these items here:

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Double the Fun

I have some good news for my loyal readers today! It's time once again for a fun giveaway. This time around there will be two winners instead of one for I have two prizes to share with you. Always on the hunt for great accessories to complete my outfits, I decided to find a few classic pieces from Topshop that would work great for the fall season.  Think of this as a chance to check off one more thing on your back-to-school shopping list! This is my way of thanking all of you for the support you have given me this past year! It means so much to me. Good luck and enter away!

Giveaway Prizes

1.) Star Necklace



The perfect topper for a day or evening look, this star necklace would be a great addition to your accessory collection! Luckily for all of us, delicate jewelry pieces are always in trend as a classic favorite. You can thank your lucky stars if you walk away with this prize!

2.) Lightweight Scarf




Show your Olympic spirit with this lightweight scarf adorned with iconic British symbols like Big Ben and afternoon teacups! Perfect for those cooler fall days, this scarf will come in handy as you walk across campus from class to class. Full of neutral colors, this scarf will provide some versatility as you form your fall wardrobe. Take a chance and may lady luck be on your side!

Giveaway Prize Guidelines

1.) Head to The Retail Therapy Diaries Facebook page and give it a thumbs-up if you haven't already become a fan (Click Here to be linked to the page).

2.) Leave a comment on the wall letting me know about your favorite fall accessory!

3.) In addition, let me know which prize you want as your first choice! If your name is chosen twice it'll help me figure out which prize to give you.

4.) If you can link this post on your Facebook wall to get the word out, that would be great and would mean a lot to me. But please don't feel pressured to do so, for it will have no impact on your chances of winning.  

5.) That's it! This giveaway is open to all readers. I am willing to send the prizes anywhere!

If you don't have a Facebook but are interested in the prizes, send me an email (theretailtherapydiaries@gmail.com) leaving me a message with all the information  necessary. 

Giveaway ends on September 8th 2012 so make sure you enter before it's too late!

Have a Tumblr? Follow me by clicking here!

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Modern Tradition

Modern meets tradition with this cute fall trend! Inspired by the traditional Japanese garment, kimono jackets and tops are emerging onto store racks for the upcoming season.  Featuring the traditional oversize sleeves, kimono jackets add a modern twist with fun prints and patterns. The bigger sleeves are perfect for those cooler evenings, but are also light enough for the warmer afternoons which make this fall essential a perfect transitional piece from season to season. Thrown over a tank or fitted t-shirt, you can pair the kimono top with shorts or jeans, helping to provide some versatility as you start to pack away some of your summer favorites. So pay some homage to the past by adding a modern kimono to your wardrobe!

Celebrities in Kimono Inspired Tops


Jenna Dewan-Tatum


Cat Deeley

Outfit Ideas

Untitled #129

Top: Green Floral Waterfall Kimono $20.00 (Dorothy Perkins)
Tank: Lace Corset Style Crop Top $45.00 (Topshop)
Leggings: Oasis Jersey Leggings $22.00 (Oasis)
Shoes: Gladiator Sandals $44.00 (Tally Weijl)
Bag: Chocolate Brown Medium Satchel Bag $47.00 (Debenhams)
Necklace: Trendy Gold Stick Allway Necklace $16.00 (Debenhams)
Bracelet: Yellow Gold Feather Cuff $37.00 (Jigsaw)

Untitled #130

Top: Pink Chiffon Kimono $50.00 (Miss Selfridge)
Tank: Hi-Lo Racerback Tank $16.90 (Alloy)
Shorts: Bailey White Shorts $34.50 (Delia's)
Shoes: Harley Plaited Leather Sandals $44.00 (Topshop)
Necklace: Gorjana Small Feather Necklace $42.00 (Shop LA Style)

Inspired? Look for these items here:

Photo Credits: