STYLEnosh

THIS WEEK'S SALES: LAST CALL BY NEIMAN MARCUS & MORE

There's a hole burning in my handbag. Don't be alarmed. I just really feel the need to hit the stores. Funny how new income can have that effect on you. 

Anyhoo, I definitely see a purchase or two in my immediate future. And it looks like I'll be heading to Last Call by Neiman Marcus.  Select accessories are 40% off. Translation: Some shoes and handbags are on sale! The savings will be applied at checkout so no promo code needed. And don't miss the 40% off zone, which features a ton of great picks to peruse. Discount good online and in stores through Monday, May 2nd.

I love, love, love this cutout bootie by L.A.M.B ($249 + 40% off). 

And this fun slingback by Delman ($159 + 40% off) can add a little sumthing, sumthing to your work look.

Images: Lastcall.com

It's also the perfect time to hit up your favorite consignment stores since everyone's clearing out their closets. I'll be at Alexis' Suitcase in Sandy Springs and Johns Creek. They have an amazing selection of designer goods at affordable prices. And the staff is plesantly nice and genuinely helpful. Visit them online for a designer handbag purchase or two. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TODAY SHOW VIDEO: LIGHT PACKING FOR VACATION

Planning a trip? Check out these tips from the Today Show and Shape magazine. You'll find ideas on bathing suits that slim the body and what to pack if you're only taking a carry-on bag.  Watch the clip and save yourself the irritation of over packing for your next trip.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

TACKLE THE TREND: CAN YOU WEAR A SHORTS SUIT TO WORK?

The new trend on the work scene is wearing a shorts suit. That's right, folks. The suggestion here is to take a dressy pair of shorts, add a jacket, and stroll into work. It's an interesting intersection of fashion and the workplace. Will the office dress code and the corporate culture seriously allow you to sport shorts, which it typically forbids, simply because you paired it with a matching jacket?

Is the shorts suit too fashionable for work?

I doubt most people outside of creative fields in highly progressive companies (e.g. a fashion magazine) will be able to take advantage of this look at the office. If you'd like to experience this trend, I suggest you tackle it on the weekend where you have the freedom to stretch your creative wardrobe muscle. 

 

 

Image: Texture patch pocket jacket $148 and Cassidy wide waistband short $44.90 at TheLimited.com.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO WEAR TODAY? TRY CLEANING YOUR ROOM!

 

No, I'm not your mother. But moments like this let me indulge my maternal instincts. Here's what I'm suggesting. Before you declare, yet again, that you don't have anything to wear, check out that stack of laundry molding on your closet floor. Or that pile of clothes that now permanently resides in that reading chair in the corner of your bedroom. If you complete three easy steps:

a) Clean your room - Especially your closet. It's extremely difficult to know what you have in there when everything is scattered about the place.

b) Do your laundry - I mean all of it. Wash those five or ten loads of dirty clothes. Take that bag of clothes to the dry cleaner. And oh, don't forget to pick it up.

c) Put the clean clothes away in their proper place - Don't let your freshly laundered wardrobe languish in the laundry basket for a week or two. 

I think you'll be amazed at how many wonderful clothes you actually own. And once your room is nice and tidy, make an effort to keep it that way. Well, at least for a few days. Then the cycle starts all over again.

 

MONDAY "GET DRESSED QUICK" FIX

Last week's Monday "Get Dressed Quick" Fix was all about the suit. Wearing a suit on Monday can make getting dressed, for arguably the least favorite day of the week,  a lot simpler. The first day of the work week begs for simple. You just spent the last two days hanging out with friends, running errands, working out, and going out. Then the alarm chimes on Monday morning and you go through that ritual of repeatedly hitting the snooze button. After forcing yourself out of bed, who has the energy to think about what to wear. The goal is to keep the all that extra thinking, i.e. work, down to a minimum.

Why not start the week off easy by wearing a dress. 

Grab a basic dress with classic styling and a pair of heels. You're done. And don't make the mistake of confusing basic with boring or ugly. Basic in this context means a standard, not overwhelming piece that can be dressed up with other items or work well on its own. If you want to get fancy by adding a big necklace or some chunky bracelets, feel free to stretch your creative muscle you overachiever. But it's Monday, so relax. Most people will just be happy you didn't win the lottery (again) and decided to come to work.

Image: Faux-wrap dress for $98 at Anthropologie.com. The navy color is a fresh, unexpected departure from banal black. 

 

 

 

THE THREAD VIDEO: AFFORDABLE, ECO-FRIENDLY FASHION

Many people are willing to buy more eco-friendly clothing but they just don't know where to find it. And honestly, they don't have the time to look for it either. If this sounds like you, take a short break from your busy life and see these earth conscious options that are thankfully kind to your wallet too.

For instance, Levi's created Water<Less jeans because the use of water to create clothing is a huge strain on the environment. And surprisingly, they managed to use less water and keep the price tag inexpensive at under $100 a pair. Genius!

Watch the video for more eco, budget based style from H&M, Boy Meets Girl, and more!

THIS WEEK'S SALES- HOW ABOUT AN EXTRA 40% OFF?

Though I don't recommend buying a new dress or suit for Easter, I'm always game for a little weekend relaxation at the mall. Looking for a great deal? Well, you picked a the perfect week to be on the hunt for a discount. Several stores are leading with an additional 40% off everything in the store. Read on for the details and have a fantastic weekend!

Ann Taylor  Take 40% off everything in stores and online. Use promo code SPRING40.

Ann Taylor Loft  Also take 40% off everything in stores and online. Use promo code TAKE40.

The Limited   I guess last weekend's sale was a success because it's back again. Today only: Take 40% off everything in-store and online. The price shown online already reflects the discount.

Gap   It's not 40% but I think an extra 20% off women and men styles is at least worth a look. Offer good online only and ends today. Use promo code GAPSALE.

Madewell  Take an extra 25% off all sale merchandise in stores and online. Use promo code WHYNOT. Also, get free shipping for any purchase over $100. Offer good through Sunday, April 24th.

Banana Republic   Take 25% off sale merchandise in stores and online. Use promo code BRSALE25. Offer good through Monday, April 25th. 

 

Image: Banana Republic

BUYING A NEW OUTFIT FOR EASTER IS SO 1982

Yesterday I was talking to a friend and the subject turned to whether or not people still buy new clothes for Easter Sunday. I personally think this tradition is outdated and a bit nonsensical. If you're squeezing every dime to cover this week's groceries, you probably don't have the cash to spring for a new outfit to wear for one specific day.

My friend's argument was that it's good to teach young people that there are occasions that require dressing up and wearing nice things. Agreed! I definitely believe in getting cleaned up and looking good. Everyone should understand the value that a polished, personal presentation adds to your image. (And confidence.) But I always question whether or not that means buying a new dress or a new suit in order to "look" good. I think most of us can look just fine with what we have already hanging in our closets.

How do you feel about purchasing an outfit specifically for an occasion like Easter? Is it a wonderful tradition that you look forward too every year? Or is it just an excuse to shop "legitimately" for yet another thing you really don't need?

Image: Jessica Howard dress and shrug set on sale at Kohl's for $94.99. Pastel colors in a floral pattern. This dress set just screams Easter to me.

 

 

 

ENOUGH WITH THE BLACK HANDBAGS

I'm seriously in awe that people still carry a black handbag as their daily bag of choice. It seems so 1990s and completely unnecessary. I had black Coach shoulder bag that I never carried. It just felt too bland for everyday use. I gave it to my niece for her 17th birthday last year. She appreciated it way more than I ever would. 

Why are women choosing to cling to their black bags like a baby to his blankie? Is it just easier to stick with what you know?

But you really don't have to lug that black bag around month after month.There are an array of colorful choices available to you, at every price point to meet every budget. Here are a few examples to inspire you to walk away from black bag syndrome. Isn't it time for your handbag to be fun?

 Image: Tory Burch Robinson satchel for $550 at Nordstorm.com.

Image: MARC by Marc Jacobs tote for $178 at Nordstrom.com.

 

Image: MARC by Marc Jacobs hobo for $298 at Nordstrom.com.

 

 

 

TACKLE THE TREND: MONOCHROMATIC

Monochromatic- according to thefreedictionary.com- means having or appearing to have only one color. So how does that translate into your wardrobe?

Wear one color or one family of colors from head to toe.

Image: Pink silk cami $78 at jcrew.com and pink tweed skirt $295 at katespade.com.

The color can be subtle like army green or it can be a bright tomato red. (See this link to an Elle magazine editor's sophisticated take on the trend.) Just try wearing pieces that are in the same color family at the same time. Keep your accessories neutral in khaki, black, or a cognac brown and you'll look fresh and pulled together.

Would you wear one color from head to toe?

 

 

 

 

 

LUCKY MAGAZINE VIDEO: HOW TO SHOP FOR DENIM

A good fashion how to video can be hard to find in today's "check out my crappy fashion video" world. It tends to get a bit annoying. So imagine my delight when I discovered this video gem from Lucky magazine. The topic is shopping for jeans and who couldn't use some concrete advice on how to buy a decent pair. (Trying on jeans is second in shopping consternation right behind buying a bathing suit.) The video is titled How to in Two Minutes so it's a quick view. And most importantly, these are excellent tips that most people will find useful. See, shopping for denim can result in a fantastic pair that looks absolutely fantastic on you. 

MONDAY "GET DRESSED QUICK" FIX

Mondays can be a little tricky when it comes to getting back into work mode. For some reason, the weekend just never feels long enough no matter how many days you had off from work. Why not make the transition easy on yourself by wearing a suit on Monday. Selecting a suit saves time and effort because the jacket and pants (or skirt) already coordinate with one another, which prevents you from spending 30 minutes frantically rummaging through your closet trying to piece a look together. The other benefit of wearing a suit on the first day of the week is that you'll feel more polished and confident. And I can't think of a better way to transition back to work. 

What are your tips for getting dressed and out the door quickly at the start of the work week?

 

Image: Pippa blazer for $168 and Pippa trousers for $128 at Bloomingdales.com.