Must Shop: The Boyfriend Sweater

I've long been a fan of layers - especially cardigans - since I get cold rather easily. So, you can imagine how happy I was to hear that cardigans were "in" for this season. I suppose the "boyfriend sweater" has been "in" for awhile now (remember this?), but let's just say I'm happy that they're still popular and the stores are still selling them.

My newly tight budget has had me looking even closer and more often at more affordable shops like Target and Forever 21, but I am loving the boyfriend sweaters currently available at Old Navy:

Women's "Boyfriend" Cardigans - $20 on sale from $29.50!!

Girls, I have to say, I think these sweaters are a STEAL at only $20!! I have the sweater pictured above in the same color - "Monaco Plum." It is super comfy and the material is sooo soft! The cut is nice, too - not too baggy and boy-like. You want to look cute in your boyfriend cardi...not like you're wearing your cute boyfriend's cardi...am I right? This cardigan has a nice, feminine fit - slim through the waist so you can add a belt to your look for extra flair. I also am a fan of the slightly longer-than-normal sleeves b/c I like to pull them over my hands...to keep them warm...and probably as a bad habit...lol.


Anywho, dress this cardi up or dress it down...wear it for play or for work...you'll love rocking this cardigan out. And, at this price, why not rock out a couple different colors?! :) I'm eyeing "Powered Milk" (off-white)...

Cardigan: Old Navy (duh!)
Skinny Jeans: Guess
Tank: Banana Republic
Pink Patent Leather Mary Janes: J Crew

NOTE: images by oldnavy.com and me, respectively

Must Shop: The Leather Jacket

I've been wanting a leather jacket for FOREVER now, but simply cannot find the "one." I was actually willing a year or so ago (when I wasn't trying to be so darn responsible) to spend a couple or few hundred on an "investment" piece, but just never found anything I liked.

I actually really like this one I found at Urban Outfitters:

Silence & Noise Motorcycle Jacket - $128

The price isn't bad either. I'll have to check it out in person. I'm sure real-leather would be better, but my wallet would appreciate this deal more.

I haven't found any good middle-ground options, but if you're wanting to go "all-out", here's a gorge leather jacket by who else by D&G:

D&G Dolce & Gabbana - Fitted Leather Jacket - $1495 (ouch)

Have you found any good leather jacket options this season?

NOTE: images by urbanoutfitters.com and neimanmarcus.com, respectively

Must Shop: Old Navy's Self-Proclaimed Flirty Top

I love the look of this breezy top - it is perfect for enjoying the last weeks of warm weather. I don't think the below picture does the top justice - it looks much better on the model they feature on the Women's Homepage, but here goes:


Women's Ruffle Chiffon Tanks - $26.50

This top would be great for anything from hanging out w/ girlfriends to going on a sweet date. I also like the other available color for this top - pink!

NOTE: Image oldnavy.com

Must Shop: J Crew Fleur suede peep-toe heels

I fell in love with these beautiful pumps as soon as I saw them in my new J Crew catalog:


J Crew Fleur suede peep-toe heels - $195

Don't the little rosettes make these shoes look so sweet? These would look great with all the ruffles that are supposed to be so popular this fall...or with a pretty floral dress? Yum!

NOTE: image by jcrew.com

Must Shop: Floral Dresses

I really, really, really want a floral dress. One of those dresses I can rock out now and pair with tights and sweaters to transition to cooler weather. Perhaps if the teeth-thing works out and I gift myself $100 to play with, I'll get one? Here are some of my faves:


Kimchi Blue Botanical Dress - $68


Kimchi Blue Redwood Dress - $58


Aubrieta Dress - $158

What are you looking forward to getting for fall?

NOTE: Images by urbanoutfitters.com and anthropologie.com, respectively

Must Shop: Kors Michael Kors Crocodile-Embossed Patent Pump

I would love this pair of pumps for work:


Kors Michael Kors - Crocodile-Embossed Patent Pump - $295

They are so fun, yet so classy! I love that heel shape, too!

NOTE: Image neimanmarcus.com

Must Shop: Mystique Jeweled Sandals

Shopaholic Sweetie, Stacy, emailed me about some fab sandals by Mystique. I wish I would have found these earlier in the summer, but figured I'd share them with you guys so anyone interested can get some to wear for the last summer weeks. Here are some of my faves:


Mystique Orange Cabochon


Mystique Bejeweled Clear Gold


Mystique Triple Coral Cabochon

Perhaps I'll score a pair next spring? I'm a wee bit out of spending money at the moment...shoot! lol

Click here to see more Mystique Jewelry Sandals

NOTE: Image sandalworld.com

Must Shop: Bakers Buckled Boots

I've been loving buckled boots ever since seeing Jessica Alba's way back when. I got a pair that were similar in style, but still not quite what I was looking for. I am really loving this pair, called Sadie, I found recently at Bakers Shoes:


They come in black...


...and gray

They come in a few more colors, but these are my fave. I am strongly considering purchasing these, even with my limited budget. These Sadie boots are priced at $139.95, which I think is pretty fair for boots. We'll see...there are so many things I'd like to get right now! lol

NOTE: Images by bakersshoes.com

Must Shop: American Apparel Black Mini Skirt

As I mentioned in my previous post, StyleDiary.net has a plethora of fashion inspiration, and besides those gladiator sandals, I've also noticed the black, strechy mini popping up quite a bit. After searching for one for a few weeks at places like Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters, I finally found a great black mini at American Apparel:


RSA7303 - Interlock Mini Skirt - $25

It's super comfy and super stretchy and while I'm hesitant to wear it without some sort of leggings under it (they don't call it "mini" for nothing!), I think this piece will transition nicely into fall. Should you dare, you could style it with bare legs for the warmer weather (be sure to put something with some coverage on top - preferably looser-fitting to balance your look), and then pair this mini skirt with leggings for the cooler weather.

Besides those on Style Diary who have styled this skirt quite nicely, I've also seen some pretty chic looks on Miss Ashley Olsen here and here. Oh, and if you check out the link to AmericanApparel.net, click on the link for "Press" - there's a photo of Cameron Diaz rocking the skirt out with some big boots (I think the AO look is more up my alley, personally, though).

The look is a tad risque, but so chic if executed properly. What do you think? Would you wear a black mini?

PS Don't those shoes in that last photo of Ashley Olsen remind you of these Michael Kors Patent Sandals I blogged about awhile back?

NOTE: image americanapparel.net

Must Shop: New York & Company Pink Cardigan

As you guys know, I am always getting cold...typically whenever I'm at a restaurant or at work. I went to the mall today with a friend and spotted this super cute cardigan:

New York & Company City Style Button Front Cardigan - $32.95

At right around $30, this cardigan makes a great buy and is even machine-wash safe, which I love! This cardigan would be perfect for layering during these warm months.

NOTE: Image nyandcompany.com

Must Shop: Pour La Victoire Babette Heel

I wish I had seen these when I was at Urban Outfitters today:

Pour La Victoire Babette Heel - $139.99 (from $198)

So different and fun!

NOTE: image by urbanoutfitters.com

Must Shop: Blazers for Spring 2008

If you're on a budget or maybe just picky and want to only get a couple "it" pieces for spring, then definitely pick out the chicest blazer you can find, b/c afterall, no matter your style, you can find one to suit your tastes and...

...with a blazer, you can...

Go minimal:

Back East Blazer (Online Only!) $58.00

Go Maximal:

Iisli Tiffany Sequined Blazer $498

Dress it up:

Lightweight wool peplum blazer $198

Or, dress it down:

Three-button shrunken blazer $69.50

The possibilities are nearly endless. Which one is your fave?

Notes: images/items by repsective sites

Must Shop: Non-Bra

I remember a long time ago, someone told me you could put band aids over your you-know-whats in lieu of a bra or strapless bra or in place where a bra can't go (think skinny strap prom dress, etc.). Let me tell you from first hand experience, the band aid rumor is just that...a rumor...and it definitely doesn't work!

Not a fan of going w/o, I knew there had to be something out there!

A few years ago, I discovered the wonder of bra petals. Tape-like on the inside - smooth & cloth-like on the outside, you could stick these bad-boys on for the skimpiest top or prettiest formal dress (with that uniquely awesome back that prevented the use of all bra shapes known to man) to give yourself some extra coverage. However, these didn't go on quite so flat all the time and were disposable, becoming expensive, especially with all those cute going-out tops on the market these days. Not to mention they're sort of like saran-wrap - easy to mess-up.

Then, I discovered, perhaps, one of the best inventions ever for us girls - "nippies silicone by bristol6:"

These are like bra petals, but so much better. They're easier to put on (you don't have to worry about accidentally sticking the petal to itself) and are reusable for up to 50 times! Now you can buy all those super-cute strappy tank tops and formal gowns without worrying about how you'll cover yourself up. You'll be able to spend the whole day or night out and about in total comfort for a mere $19.95.

No matter how strange the straps:

bebe Halter Blouson Tunic Top

or how deep the "V":

bebe Mirrored Satin Chiffon Dress

You're covered with bristol6 nippies silicone - click here to get yours!


This ranks a 5 on the Must Shop Meter based on price and usability.

NOTE: images by bristol6.com and bebe.com, respectively

Must Shop: Big Bangles

Big Bangles are one SA girl's "Must-Shop" that anyone can afford and make a great accessory for Fall 2007. Here are some of my picks:

Wilsons Leather Khaki Snake Bangle - $10
Banana Republic Geo Stripe Bangle - $28
Sequin Hinged Crystal Bangle - $145

Since Big Bangles come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and prices, this "Must-Shop" item ranks a 5 on the Must Shop Meter:

Grab a bangle (or a couple bangles) to accessorize your fave Fall 2007 outfit.

Must Shop: Booties for Fall 2007

Not sure if anyone's noticed the new "My Must Shop List" to the right side of the blog, but one item I'm loving most right now are Booties. I'm completely obsessed with this latest must-have, meaning that I simply must shop for the perfect pair. Here are some of my faves:

(click image to enlarge - Blogger shrunk my image!)
Images and items from
Christian Louboutin - NeimanMarcus.com
Anne Klein NY - Zappos.com
BCBGirls - Nordstrom.com
Michael Michael Kors - Zappos.com
Moschino Cheap & Chic - shopbop.com

What do the Booties rate on the Must-Shop Meter?

I gave this trend a 3 due to uber-trendiness. This look isn't for everyone, but if you decide to rock the booties, be sure to rock them with confidence...You'll be the trendiest girl on the block with these bad boys!

I've narrowed my faves (within reason...sorry Louboutin) to these:

Which ones should I get? Does anyone know if Zappos has a good return policy if they don't fit? I hate ordering online, but the free overnight shipping rocks!