The Retail Therapy Diaries: September 2011

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Magnetic Pull

Before I start this post, I'd like to apologize for the lack of posts recently. School has been keeping me super busy and my stress level has been on the high end lately. I've only been back for a week and a half and this week already felt like finals week, full of late nights and hardcore studying! Needless to say I've been a little preoccupied! I will try my best to not wait for weeks to go by between posts and keep the fun trends and looks coming! Now on to today's post! I was first introduced to this cool product from a photo on a friends Tumblr page featuring a magnetic nail polish that creates a swirled effect when the magnet on top of the bottle is placed above the nail. It seemed like such a fun idea but wasn't sure how to get my hands on a bottle. Luckily I stopped into my neighborhood Rite Aid and found it displayed with the new items. I had to have it! The Magneffect nail polish by Layla Cosmetics was the only magnet activated polish I had ever seen. I actually had to go back and buy it because I wasn't convinced that the polish was worth as much as it was priced the first time around. However after giving it a day of thought, I decided to give it a shot and purchased the Velvet Groove shade that combines a pretty purple with magenta when activated by the magnet! I tried the polish this afternoon and loved it! It was so cool watching the colors mix together! Another plus to this polish would be the fast dry time so you aren't waiting forever. Though the price may be steep, I thought it was worth it. It provided a one of a kind look that I had never seen before. I'll be sticking with this polish for a while. Hopefully other brands will pick up on this cool new trend with more affordable prices!

Magneffect by Layla Cosmetics

Violet Groove Shade

Here's what the magnet looks like on top! The line down the middle directs the way that the swirl on the nail will go! So if you hold it horizontally, there will be horizontal lines! Want them slightly off to the side? Simply turn the cap till the line matches up to where you want it.

What it looks like on!

Inspired? Look for this item here:

www.amazon.com

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Back-to-School-Blues

I just finished up my second day of class and can't help but wish that it were still summer! I've got a case of the back-to-school-blues and in need of a remedy. Luckily for me and others who have caught the bug, there's a temporary cure that can turn that frown upside down! Though it may not rid you of those pages of readings or hours of studying, shopping for a great outfit always puts me in a better mood! It's retail therapy to the rescue! Inspired by my blue mood, I created three different outfits inspired by the color that would be great outfits for school. These will hopefully help you to look polished and stylish walking around campus. But as I mentioned, retail therapy is just a temporary remedy for the back-to-school-blues and I have to tackle some reading before class tomorrow!

Blue Inspired Outfits

Dress: Neve Dress $35.34 (Abercrombie)

Jacket: Roll Sleeve Crop Jacket $21.50 (Wet Seal)

Shoes: Patent Leatherette Flat $9.99 (Wet Seal)

Tank: Ruffle Tank $14.90 (Alloy)

Cardigan: Lightweight Boyfriend Cardigan $29.50 (American Eagle)

Leggings: Just One French Terry Leggings $12.99 (Tilly's)

Shoes: Black Poppy Knee High Back Buckle Boots $49.50 (Pacsun)

Jeans: Candie's Color Skinny Jeans $31.20 (Kohl's)

Blazer: Classic Career Jacket $27.80 (Forever 21)

Tank: Cable and Gauge Bowneck Tank Top $39.99 (Lord and Taylor)

Shoes: Decree Mesa Boot $39.99 (JcPenney)

Inspired? Look for these items here:

www.lordandtaylor.com

www.jcpenney.com

Sunday, September 18, 2011

DIY Project

Feeling creative? Looking for something fun and eye catching to add to your room? Showcase your artistic side by creating your very own fashion inspiration board! Not only is this project fun and simple, it's also a cheap and affordable alternative to some of the more pricier home decor options. Rather than just hanging up a pretty picture, an inspiration board is a great way to illustrate what things you are loving at the moment and is also a great conversation starter! What's especially great about this project is that there is no right or wrong way of going about it. If you're a fan of fashion designing, you can clip magazine photos that may inspire a new project. Are you a fan of trends? Clip photos of the hottest pieces of the moment and stick them on the board! You can reference back to the clippings before your next retail therapy session! If fashion isn't your thing, make a board that suits your other interests! Ready to get crafty? Roll up those sleeves, find some old magazines, and let that creativity flow!

Supplies:

cork board
magazine clippings/photos
sticky tack/thumb tacks
cut out letters (optional)
super glue (optional)

Personally I wanted to add a glitzy touch to my board, so I super glued glittery cut out letters in the top corner to add some visual interest! I decided to use sticky tack rather than thumb tacks so I wouldn't have to damage the photos, but if you want to quickly post clippings, thumb tacks are a great option!

TRTD's Inspiration Board

Inspired? Look for this item here:

www.target.com

Friday, September 16, 2011

Varsity Blues

Now that classes are back in session, why not keep warm with a varsity style jacket or cardigan for a preppy yet urban feel? With nautical inspirations, stripes are back in for the fall season! Personally I'm not a huge fan of thicker coats, but I think that the varsity style cardigans would be great for layering and allows you to slowly step into the trend without having to commit to it 100%. Never had the opportunity to wear that varsity jacket in high school? Well now is your chance!

Varsity Jacket Options:

Women's Varsity Jacket $24.80 (Forever 21)

Varsity Jacket $24.50 (Wet Seal)

Jersey Varsity Jacket $32.93 (Asos)

Simple Varsity Jacket $28.99 (Papaya Clothing)

Varsity Cardigan Options:

Mossimo Varsity Cardigan $24.99 (Target)

Nautical Knit Cardigan $19.80 (Forever 21)

Varsity Striped Cardigan $35.00 (Urban 1972)

Varsity Day Striped Cardigan $35.00 (Threadsence)

Inspired? Look for these items here:

www.forever21.com

www.wetseal.com

www.asos.com

www.papayaclothing.com

Monday, September 12, 2011

Sleek Stripes

As promised, I've decided to focus today's post on the sleek and sharp striped blazer. One of the hot trends for the fall season, stripes help to add a chic, nautical vibe to an outfit helping to pull a look together. In particular, the white and black striped blazers are gaining popularity among celebrities. Whether a loose boyfriend style, or a structured padded shoulder style, blazers just add that finishing touch of polish making sure you look put together whenever you wear one!

Striped Blazers on the Runway

Givenchy

Ralph Lauren

Striped Blazers on Celebrities

Kim Kardashian

Taylor Momsen

Striped Blazer Options:

Maison Scotch Jacket $93.00 (Repertoire Clothing)

Lead Me Straight to You Blazer $84.99 (Ruche)

Striped Button Front Blazer $28.80 (Go Jane)

Striped Ponte-Knit Jacket $36.99 (Charlotte Russe)

Connie at Night Chiffon Striped Blazer $39.00 (Threadsence)

Lapel Striped Blazer $50.00 (Yes Style)

Inspired? Look for these items here:

www.repertoirefashion.com

www.shopruche.com

www.gojane.com

www.charlotterusse.com

www.threadsence.com

www.yesstyle.com

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Tied Up

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I LOVE this new fall trend! The tie-neck blouse is a simple yet chic way to add a touch of sophistication to your wardrobe. Perfect for a day at the office paired with a solid colored pencil skirt or for the classroom with a cozy cardigan and skinny jeans, this piece will get you noticed! Seen on several celebrities, this trend can work for both day and night. Paired with some flats, leggings, and an oversize bag, you'll look pulled together yet comfy taking a trip to the grocery store. Wanting something fun for a night out? Look for a flowy dress version of the trend and belt it to create a sleek silhouette! I'll certainly be adding this fun trend to my closet this season. What fall trend are you most excited to try?

Celebrities in Tie-Neck Blouses

Kourtney Kardashian

(Wearing another fall trend, the striped blazer! I'll do a post on this trend tomorrow!)

Katie Holmes

Olivia Palermo

Tie-Neck Inspired Outfit

Top: Short Sleeve Tie Neck Blouse $45.00 (Warehouse)

Shorts: Second Female Shorts Cute $43.00 (We Like Fashion)

Shoes: Steve Madden Sparkle Flats $39.00 (American Eagle)

Bag: Tassel Handbag $34.90 (Windsor)

Earrings: Floridita Rose Crystal Stud $14.00 (Dorothy Perkins)

Tie-Neck Options:

Bow-Tie Top $26.94 (Old Navy)

If You Dot it Top $44.99 (Modcloth)

Neck-Tie Blouse $19.80 (Forever 21)

Peach Pit Crop Jacket $48.00 (Nasty Gal)

Lush Tie Front Chiffon Top $34.00 (Nordstrom)

Chiffon Sleeveless Pussybow Blouse $23.78 (Asos)

Pussybow Short Sleeve Blouse $45.74 (Asos)

(This is the one I'm planning on purchasing!)

Pussybow Playsuit $64.03 (Asos)

(So torn on this one! I really want it but thinking I won't have much time to wear it for the remainder of this year since it'll start to get cold soon.)

Inspired? Look for these items here:

www.warehouse.com

www.welikefashion.com

www.ae.com

www.windsorstore.com

www.dorothyperkins.com

Friday, September 9, 2011

Lavender Fields

Lately I've become a fan of the soft and romantic lavender hue, especially on flowy silk and chiffon pieces. Adding a touch of lavender to your outfit automatically adds a feminine touch and softens a look from appearing too bold or sharp. With the cooler months ahead of us, throw on an oversize lavender sweater for a cozy look. Don't want to look too precious? Try pulling on a black leather jacket for sweet look with an edge.

Celebrities in Lavender

Taylor Swift

Hayden Panettiere

Kristen Cavallari

Lavender Options:

Sunday Wrap Dress $24.00 (Nasty Gal)

Shredded Crop Knit $48.00 (Nasty Gal)

Bouquet of Lavender Polka Dot Top $37.99 (Ruche)

Sweet Little Lilacs Tank $34.99 (Modcloth)

Lush Lavender Floral Romper $31.50 (Threadsence)

Inspired? Look for these items here:

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Branded

For as long as I could remember I was convinced that there wasn't a difference between designer jeans and regular jeans at affordable prices. I just believed that denim was denim and that all jeans were basically the same, aside from styles and washes. However a pair of dark wash skinny jeans caught my eye on the display table at Nordstrom and I decided to give them a try. Boy was I wrong. Slipping into those Hudson jeans were something else. Right when I stepped into them, I could tell the difference in fabric quality. Those had to be the softest and most comfortable jeans I had ever tried on! Plus they were rather flattering, which is always a plus! Though I still do believe that jeans found in the discount racks can still be just as wonderful, investing in a great pair of designer jeans may not be such a bad idea! I could tell that the material was durable and would last for a long time. They would be a great investment so I wouldn't have to constantly replace my other jeans that would wear down at the knees after a few months. Obviously those cute pairs of designer jeans will cost you more, but if you look carefully, you can actually find some for a lot cheaper! I've attached a few links that will direct you to discounted designer brands so you too can experience the magic of luxurious denim without burning a hole in your wallet!

Here are the jeans I purchased! Interested? Let's be twins!

Nico Mid Rise Super Skinny (Hudson Jeans)

Looking for discounted designer denim? Check out these links!

www.upscalejeans.com

From Joe's to Citizens to 7's, this site has you covered. Providing you with the best deals, they have a wide selection of both used and new jeans that you can purchase. Not only do they provide links to these different brands, they also have a handy guide to help you differentiate between the real deal and the knock-off!

www.bluefly.com

I know Bluefly isn't known to be super affordable, but if you look under their denim section and click to view the different selections from low prices to high, there are actually some great deals! I even came across a pair of Michael Kors skinny jeans for $60! Now that's a steal!

www.revolveclothing.com

Like the link above, if you take a look at the sale and reduced jeans, you can get a great deal on something cute! Usually they sell the jeans from the previous season that didn't sell, and try and sell them for cheaper in the hopes that eventually the will sell out. Like I said before, denim is denim so even though they may not be the newest pieces for the season, they will still look great now! And really. Who's really going to be able to tell anyways? It can be your little secret!

Here are a few links to some of the hottest designer brands of the moment!

www.joesjeans.com