What 2 Wear When...: Lauren Merkin

Sunday, October 14, 2012

One of my dirty little secrets.

Every Tuesday and Friday, I make a few minutes and sit quietly with a particular email that comes to my inbox on those days. I won't even open it on my iPhone; I need a bigger screen to check it out. What email is this, you ask? It's my 'Shop It To Me' email.

Image from shopittome.com.

Brilliant site for someone like me! Shop It To Me is basically a shopping 'sale' search engine that's customizable. It canvases dozens of retail sites and delivers emails to you full of sale items from these sites based on your shopping preferences; you decide what retailers and brands of clothing you want to have emailed to you as well as specifying sizes, price range, and percentage off retail price. As their site says:

"When you sign up, Shop It To Me will send you either a daily, semi-weekly, or weekly email of sale items which match your preferences."

For example, each Tuesday and Friday I receive an email, sorted by retailer (or you can choose to group by brand or type of clothing), of all the brands and types of clothing IN MY SIZE that are on sale for 20% off or more. You can adjust almost anything! I have about 30+ brands listed on my account with no restrictions on retailers. I search only women's clothing, but you can add men's and children's as well.

Last Friday, my email had some great fall items, like this DVF coat from shopbop.com, about 30% off retail, just in time for winter.

Image from shopbop.com.

This Tory Burch Silk top is 40% off at Nordstrom.

Image from nordstrom.com.

And I love this Lauren Merkin clutch at Bergdorf Goodman, $75 off, down to $150.

Image from bergdorfgoodman.com.

I'm a car coat junkie, so this Juicy Couture one appeals to me, especially at 30% off.

Image from piperlime.com.

So, instead of me trolling around all the separate sites, I can have 2 emails a week, outlining what's on sale where. And what girl doesn't like a deal every now and then?! Love it! ~ JH

Thursday, August 2, 2012

...it's Fall 2012: Color Blocking

Lisa and I are embarking on a series of examining the fall trends that we love, and how to wear them and insert them into your wardrobe. We hope these posts help you wade through the myriad of trend choices presented each season!

First up is a favorite of mine: color blocking. The technic of color blocking is when different solid color fabrics are sewn/knit together to make one garment. Working a color blocked piece into your wardrobe is pretty easy; you usually want to pair the piece with something neutral and solid (black pants, jeans, etc.). I will definitely be picking up at least one color blocked item for this fall/winter. The question is: which one?

The fantasy starts here, with this Boy. by Band of Outsiders color-block sweater. And, a fantasy it shall remain as the price of it is way too high to even discuss. But, I love it and had to share. For my non-model-oridinary-life, I would have put it over black skinny jeans or pants and black booties. Love.

Image from nordstrom.com.

In the 'more reasonable' category, this Vince color block sweater is great, and I can totally imagine it over my leather leggings (leather, another fall topic we'll be discussing...stay tuned) and pointy-toe pumps.

Image from net-a-porter.com.

For a great budget-find, this Gap color block boatneck pullover is an easy addition to anyone's closet at $49.95. And, it comes in 3 other color-ways too!

Image from gap.com.

Color blocking works well on dresses as well. This dress from W by Worth is nipped in at the waist to give you a curve even with the boxy blocking. I can see it paired with black, opaque tights and heeled black suede booties.

Image from wbyworth.com.

The side color blocking on this Tinley Road dress makes anyone look like they have an hour-glass figure. And, at $68, it's a steal!

Image from piperlime.com.

I've seen a number of blouses with some color blocking details on them, but fall in love with this Equipment one. How great would this work with jeans?

Image from my-wardrobe.com.

Finally, if you don't feel like you want to go out and purchase a new piece, check out these 'faux' color blocking ideas below. Add a vibrant turtleneck under a sheath dress, pair bold shoes and top with neutral pants, or go all black and add a pop in a skirt or earring. Let us know what you end up deciding! ~ JH