Day 10: Military Boots

March on!

Military inspired boots are another popular trend this season and likely to last several more seasons. I have a variety of boots in my closet but only one pair of  edgy ones- a flat pair of synthetic motorcycle boots with pockets on the side and a belt across the base running from the inside sole to the base of the ankle.  Just to give you a picture...

The Vince Camuto Fantasa would be the perfect addition to my boot collection because they are entirely different from anything that I currently own. The round toe, lace-up would add some flair to my otherwise soft style.

I spotted the Vince Camuto Fantasa  boots in an advertisement a couple of months ago; and ever since then, I have imagined wearing them with my skinny jeans and dainty tops.  The Vince Camuto boots may be purchased at Vincecamuto.com in black and in dark brown at piperlime.com.

Until tomorrow,

Chamele

Chinese Laundry: Avona Boot!

Hello Divas!

Despite the ups and downs, Life Is Good!

Chamele is back with the perfect short fall boots!  Did someone say distressed blue is the new "hot" neutral?  Check it out!

Day 23

I have been on the hunt for some chic blue suede boots. "Why blue suede," you ask?  I have no idea. Sometimes, I have these feelings of whimsy that come and go. I get inspired. What can say? I was thinking of an over-the-knee boot in an inky midnight with a cone heel and round toe. Unfortunately, I have not found that exact match. I did however find a cute pair of Chinese Laundry denim colored mid-calf boots perfect for fall weather.

The Chinese Laundry Avona comes in ink blue distressed color, a blue that is gray enough to become a neutral accessory. (Remember last season's neutral was pale pink. Just add a little white or a little black and you have your new neutral.  I will leave the lesson in color theory for another day.) It has a cone heel and is not too high that it can't accompany a day look.  The boot has a slight slouch that would look great paired over dark leggings and a tunic top. The Chinese Laundry Avona can be found at Zappos for 129.95 in the ink blue distressed shown above and in : mauve distressed, stone distressed and black suede.

Until tomorrow,

Chamele

Grandpa/Boyfriend Cardigans: Fall Trend

Hello Divas!

Remember to treat others like you want to be treated!

Chamele is back with Day 24 of Luxe Tips! Enjoy!


Day 24

I am on a quest to stretch my summer wardrobe as long as possible. I love my summer wardrobe which is replete with thin romantic dresses in bright  and pastel colors. When winter arrives, the hues deepen and the fabric gets bulkier;  and while I like a sweater dress as much as the next girl, they cling in both the right and wrong spots. Get my drift? My solution: extend my fun summer wardrobe by layering.  Simply add tights, boots, belts and long cardis and stir. 

I wear long thin knit cardigans as long as I can then I switch over to chunky Grandpa cardis and tights. Grandpa cardis are ever popular again this season and Tulle offers the perfect one. It is a chunky-knit oatmeal button-down with a shawl collar and is carried on both the Tulle and Modcloth websites.  I wear mine over leggings with my Frye Jane Stitch boots and dream about chai lattes and clam chowder.  It  is so cozy, you will welcome gray skies. This oatmeal cardigan,  like the Touch of Grace Sweater has already made its way to my closet. Nonetheless,  the A Touch of Vanilla Cardigan  is on the list because it is worth having two;  and Modcloth is now carrying the very sweater in black! I could wear just about any of my summer dresses with cream or black. Both at Modcloth for 59.99.

Until tomorrow,

 Chamele

The Outnet: High End Discount Shopping!

Hello Divas!

Life is full of choice, so despite your circumstances choose happiness and peace!

Chamele is back! I LOVE this post!  I have been eyeballing a few flat knee boots and these are just what I need.

Day 27

Okay, so I shop… a lot! But I absolutely make a point not to pay full price for something unless it is (1) under $100 or (2) a good pair of boots.  Speaking of #2, I have literally been tracking this pair of discounted Belle by Sigerson Morrison boots since they were first listed.  My theory is, “if an item I want is still at the store after one or more return visits, then it’s meant to be.” It is kismet.

If you are not familiar with The Outnet, you should get familiar. The Outnet is an online store that discounts couture pieces like many other online sites i.e. HauteLook, GiltGroupe, Billion Dollar Babes etc. They often carry Louboutin, Valentino and Chloe to name a few. Lately, they have carried a number of Sigerson Morrison boots.

I really want this pair because of the sleek leather and coquettish laces drawn up  the back of the  boot shaft.  See?  

It is not necessary to sacrifice function for aesthetic. The pair were originally $895.00, but now sell for $492.95.

Until tomorrow,

Chamele

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Sale Time! Get Your Staples!

Hello Divas!

How are you wonderful people?  I hope fab, fab, fab!

Lately I have been receiving tons of emails advertising sales at some of my favorite luxe stores.  The beginning of the New Year is always the time to get luxe items at deep discounts.  Currently, Nordstroms, Saks, Loehmanns are having FANTASTIC sales on high quality jeans, dresses, and shoes.  Here are some of my lust items:

Helene Berman Floral Sheath Dress. Stunning. Just Stunning.  I always recommend that every Diva own a classic black Sheath Dress.  However, this Sheath with its artistic floral print is classic but so beautiful.  The hot pink, white, and black colors stand out and make this dress a winner.  It is definitely a "go to" item when in a crunch! Love it! This dress originally retailed for $218.  It is now selling for $129!

Stuart Weitzman Crisscross Platform Pump.  This pump is insane and only $166.  It is a Croc and Ostrich embossed leather platform pump with a stacked heel. A shoe like this by any other brand would cost you a cool $750 plus! This is a steal! This pump originally retailed for $355. As you Divas know, I am a Stuart Weitzman fan. I love his pumps! You get the same quality as Manolo or Jimmy Choo for half the cost! Love it! 

Jimmy Choo Peony Tall Leather Boots.  These boots are at Saks and are only $385! So attainable.  They originally retailed for $965! That is almost 70% off! Wowza!  

J Brand, Rag & Bone, and and 7 For All Mankind select styles are also selling for 50% off at Saks. 

Shop and enjoy!


Toodles!

CEW UK Beauty Awards 2009

All of the CEW Beauty Award winners for 2009 The winners of CEW
(Cosmetic Executive Women’s network) UK Beauty Awards 2009 were
announced yesterday. Judged by over 400 CEW members, the awards were
given to products based on certain criteria like innovation and
excellence. 301 products were nominated and just 27 products were
selected as CEW winners for 2009. Why do we care so about these beauty

Hot Drugstore Find of the Week: Boots Amazon Forest Brazil Nut & Vanilla Body Butter

Hello Divas!

I hope your day is gorgeous and wonderful! I spent the night in the ER with luxe baby and I am exhausted. Luxe baby has a stomach virus. Boo! She is too cute to be sick! LOL! However, using my Boots Amazon Forest Brazil Nut and Vanilla Body Butter after my shower, did give me a little pick me up! Now I actually purchased this body butter from Target and for only $10.00 it is a true steal! What I love most about this body butter is the smell. It is so scrumptious it smells like a decadent piece of candy. It has a very intense vanilla and Brazilian nut scent. The body butter has a very thick consistency and you only have to use a small amount to hydrate your skin. Also this body butter contains natural and organic ingredients. Natural Brazil nut oil and Organic Vanilla are core ingredients. And did I mention it is only $10! A similar tub of body butter at the Body Shop goes for $20! So Boots body butter is a nice alternative if you are on a budget! In addition, Boots has several body butters in varying scents! You can purchase Boots Amazon Forest Body Butters here or at any Target!

Toodles!

Effective Discount Shopping

Hello Divas!

How is life treating you? Fabulous right? Well some of my girlfriends always ask me two questions: 1. Where did you find that item of clothing, shoes, purse, etc.? and then after I tell them what I paid for it, 2. How do you find such great deals? So this post is for them and the rest of you ladies who love to shop but loooove a bargain.

1. Consignment Shops/Thrift Stores: Based on what I am looking for, my first line of defense is always consignment shops or thrift stores. When looking for great deals on high end jeans or bags, I always shop here first. Usually, I can find very gently used or never used, jeans, bags, and shoes at the Junior League of Atlanta's Nearly New Shop. Check out my previous post on this fantastic thrift shop here. Junior League members, who are very posh and stylish women, donate tons of designer wear to this shop. The clothing is always in good shape and very reasonably priced. A $400.00 Bestsy Johnson bag sold for $75.00! Paper Denim and Cloth Jeans....$15.00. This is a MUST stop if you live in Atlanta. If not, check your local Junior League to see if they also have a thrift shop.

2. Discount Stores. My Second line of defense is discount stores that sell designer fashions for less. These stores include your Loehmann's, Sims, Ross, TJ MAXX, Marshalls, and Burlington Coat Factory. If I am looking for semi-formal or formal wear, cashmere, or shoes, I usually shop at Loehmann's. I shop at Ross if I am looking for dresses for myself or clothing for my son. I purchased my son several stylish but classic Ralph Lauren polo shirts at Ross for 13 bucks! You can't beat that! TJ MAXX and Marshalls are favorites for Jeans (True Religion Jeans at the TJ MAXX and Marshalls in Buckhead (Atlanta) usually go for $99.), suits, handbags, or high end bath and body products. Lastly, Burlington Coat Factory is excellent if you are looking for a high end but affordable coat or business suit. My favorite Burlington Coat Factory is located at Discover Mills Mall in Duluth, GA.

3. Department Stores and Speciality Stores. My last resort is Department Stores. Of course, If I am buying high end make-up or beauty products, I usually shop at Sephora or a Department Store. I like shopping for beauty products at Department Stores because they usually give you a gift with purchase. Love these! But I only shop at Department Stores for clothing or shoes if they are having a major sale.
For example, most Department Stores and speciality stores will have a couple of semi-annuals sales a year. This is a great time to get real bargains. Also, I shop at Nordstrom's for my Stuart Weitzman shoes. I discovered that Nordstroms will most likely have a sale on Stuart Weitzman's shoes that the boutique does not. In addition, I do frequent a couple of boutiques that I really like, but I have found that if I wait 2-3 weeks, an item I am in love with will usually go on sale. This is when I go in to swoop it up!

My motto is to never pay full price. Especially now that I have kids! LOL! And if you are not on a budget, effective discount shopping only gives you an opportunity to buy SO-MUCH-MORE!!!!

Toodles!