"Buy yourself something nice."

That's what my ever-so-sweet boyfriend emailed me.

 And I sho did!


Another plus is that I was able to find this long-coveted item for only $170 from shopsplash.com using a coupon code! Always. Always. Always. Always find a coupon code. ALWAYS.

The fabric is a little less thrilling than I expected--polyester, nylon cheapie looking lace--and an even bigger downer was that it said "Made in China."  The Wildfox bikini top I bought from Revolve.com was made in USA so I expected all their other stuff to be of the same origin.  Why else would they charge such ridiculous prices for simple designs and okay fabric? I had to justify it somehow, but can't find a substantial reason  except that it's pretty.

I still LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Almost as much as I love the boyfriend.

That day I went a little crazy and bought the Laurel Canyon Woodstock hood scarf too. It was such a good deal at evesapple.com that I couldn't resist. $57.50 with coupon code! I wanted cream, but they only had brown.

I think I'll live.



Then today, fawning over my new dungarees, I couldn't help but look for more Wildfox Couture sales. And I did.  Got the Annie Hankshaw dress for $155.98 at lindseylou.com.



It pays (pun intended) to shop around because these lesser known online shops always offer great discounts--well below retail and there's almost always a coupon code lurking around.

P.S. The last two items I paid for myself. Didn't want to push it.

Speaking of Wildfox Couture...

I am so in love with this brand. Their laid-back prairie, cow-girl meets hippie, Penny Lane-rocker, surf-chick look is gnarly! 

QUEEN OF THE WEST - FLOUNCE SLEEVE DRESS $282

The West Was Won - HANKSHAW DRESS$ $445

From left to right: I just like the long lace vest, lace pants, and lace cuffed cardigan.

Freebird Hendrix Pants $129

British London Baby Doll Dress $159 

 

 Laurel Canyon Woodstock Hood Scarf in  brown (top) and cream (bottom).  $189

Prairie Rose Cutoff Trailer Tank $230; Dallas shoes $150

Rodeo Queen Dungarees $335

Annie Hankshaw Maxi Dress in Canyon Coral $419

Rodeo Star Billy Cropped Sweater $209; Desert Snow Coyote Maxi Skirt $319 

All these girls look like they just don't give a damn! They're all on something and I want some too! Puff puff...pass.

#1 You know it's a bad idea when...

You know it's a bad idea when you have a few "minutes" before getting ready for bed and decide to use that time to "browse" around your favorite shopping sites.

House of Harlow 1960 - Sunburst cocktail ring. Shopbop ($31.50)

Wildfox Couture - Daisy Denim Sinatra bikini. Revolve Clothing (top: $45, bottom: $70).

At least they were on sale.

Novice, Amatuer, Rookie

Every day, for the last few weeks, I have been google searching the heck out of the world wide web in search of the Current/Elliott Moonbeams and its orange and white counterpart.

Nordstrom's? Nope.
Shopbop? Nope.
Revolve? Nope.
Saks? Nope.
Ebay? Nope.

All my usual haunts were either completely sold out or not available in my size. Sure, I really, really, really wanted them. But it was different now. The more rare and unattainable they seemed, the more I HAD to have them.

I was on a mission. An assassin hiding in the shadows stalking its kill. Waiting for the right time to make a move. Then, BAM! I would finish him off. Job complete.

No dollar amount too great. No (online) store too far. I will get those jeans!

Call me La Femme Nikita. I was finally able to find some UK sites that had my size. However, after hours of scrolling through pictures, registering for the site, and deep contemplation I eventually wimped out and closed the window before I could check out.

Mission incomplete.

Nevertheless, "I always get my man."

jeansmalls.net *

Or so I thought.

Jeansmalls? What a rookie mistake. Tsk...tsk. The fobby name should've been a dead giveaway. Not to mention the reduced price.

So, I checked out and the screen says, "VALIDATION ERROR." I pressed the back button and submitted my order again. Screen said the same thing. I emailed them, which is fruitless of course.

Last week, I received a $307 charge from JIAJIA FIRM SUZHOU CN. Then today I received a small rectangular package--about the size of a wallet--from China containing Gucci sunglasses.

Geez, at least send me the correct, FAKE item.

*I was trying to do a screenshot of the site, but Blogger won't let me publish with the screenshot.

Stiletto Jean by Current/Elliott

Current/Elliott first caught my eye at the Loehmann's Clearance Center--man, I miss that store. It was perfectly stonewashed with fades and rips in all the right places.  

But that was where perfect ended. I tried on the 25s (my normal size) and it was slipping off my waist.  Same thing with the 24s. What was going on?  Do I even bother with the 23s? Well, they didn't have it anyway. These weren't even boyfriend fit. They were like houser, raver, wanna-be gangster  jeans.

From that day forward, Current/Elliott was off my denim radar. If they can't even fit properly, what's the point? Then, all of sudden, this brand was everywhere. Ads on my facebook. Mentions in Lucky, US, and Instyle. Celebs like Rhianna, Kate Bosworth, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Isla Fischer sporting the jeans. And looking fabulous, I might add. What was going on?

Then a few weeks ago, I was window shopping on shopbop.com and came across these beautiful jeans: 

Current/Elliott Stiletto Jeans in Moonbeam

It couldn't just be a fluke because they made these too:

Current/Elliott Low-rise Stiletto Jeans

Well, now I get it.

Asos Outlet

My last list comprised of cute--but dangerously close to maxing out your credit card--dresses.

Don't fret! Like any retailer, they have sales! Not just semi-annual or buy $150 and get $30 off. No. No. No. They have an outlet store, which means there is a plethora of decently-priced goodies all year round at up to 70% off!

Like any sale, wait too long and your size is gone or the item is out of stock. So check frequently and buy right away!

I've compiled my favorites under $50 to all you budgeting buyers. I've also added some tops and pants, which I completely ignored on my previous list. I know there's more to summer attire than just dresses, but they're just so much more fun!  

ASOS PETITE Pique Chelsea Scalloped Shift Dress $49.08 (got one, but in 2 sizes too big)

 

ASOS Pinafore Dress in Cord $39.08 (only size 12 left)

A Wear Bold Butterfly Print Tunic $31.81 (out of stock)

Laundry Room Check Panel Dress $31.81 (don't have my size) 

ASOS Cut Out Summer Dress in Color Block $19.09

ASOS Cut out Front Bow Dress $32.72

ASOS Knitted Pleated Pants $21.81

ASOS Linen Mix Rope Belt Wide Leg Pant $24.54

You can still wear pants in the summer! Just go for wide legged ones, especially in linen or knit to keep things airy and non-sweaty.

ASOS Corset Top With Fringing Detail $18.18

ASOS Corset Top With Color Block $30

Sure you can wear these bra tops alone. But not all of us  have flat tummies, big breasts, and legs for dayzzz. Still, there's hope for us non-flat tummied, big breasted, long legged beauties.  Just wear 'em under sheer, cutout, or crochet tops (see below: ASOS cutwork or ASOS tunic with pretty lace panels). It'd also be cute under tank dresses that are cut too low or overalls (see above: ASOS Pinafore dress). 

ASOS Printed Peter Pan Collar Top $22.72

 

 ASOS Knitted Shift Dress In Deco Pattern $29.09

 

ASOS Cutwork Top $36.36

Wear with ASOS Corset Top With Fringing Detail (see above).



 

ASOS Premium Suede Tie Back Apron $38.18

ASOS Tunic with Pretty Lace Panels $24.54

Wear with ASOS Corset top with color block (see above).

Lottie and Holly Floral Crochet Trim Crop Top $18.18

I wouldn't wear these two pieces together. Too matchy-matchy. Plus, the shorts are too frumpy. They need to be shorter and tighter. The top would go well with the ASOS Linen Mix Rope Belt Wide Leg Pant (see above).


See, don't you just love ASOS?

"The word on the street is ASOS".

I couldn't agree more with the Evening Standard. This London-based online retailer has almost everything a girl could ever want. From designer brands to up-and-coming labels, they have outfits in every style, occasion, and figure.

Best of all, if you're from the U.S., shipping is free and no tax! Returns are also free! 

Summer is practically here so get shopping!

My Summer Picks 

River Island Bow Neck Dress

$45.45

The print and neckline are adorable! Who doesn't love a short, well-fitted shift dress?  Backyard BBQ and picnic worthy.

ASOS Lace Dress in Floral Print

$54.54

Wow. Navy blue and peach! Brunch with the in-laws and afternoon tea--or mimosas--with your girls.  

ASOS Midi Body-Conscious Dress In Aztec Print

$45.45

 Cap sleeves and scooped back are perfect for those hot summer nights walking in the city!

Since wedding season is also upon us.... 

Found a few that are perfect for the engagement party, church ceremony, or reception.

Finders Keepers Kisses Lattice Dress

$181.79

This is my absolute favorite. The cut out, belted faux leather waist and asymmetrical hemline...sexy!  Oh, and the colors. I'd just wear this everywhere.


 

My second favorite! The scalloped t-back is the best part! Swoon Scallop dress by Three Floor; $141.80




Three Floor does it again with their Cross My Heart Midi; $214.51. I usually hate dresses that hit past my knee. I'm 5'2" so I usually look stumpy, frumpy, or both. However, you can't resist these colors. And the pleated skirt!




This is so elegant and sexy! I hate midis, too many sequins, and non-multicolors.  But the cut out sides and open back keep it interesting!  Just wear sky-high heels to avoid stumpy and frumpiness. Embellished Midi Dress with Open Back by ASOS; $218.15

Oasis Color Block Pleat Dress

$109.07

A little boring for me, but my eyes lock into anything that's sea foam green or peach. And when they're together, it's even more irresistible. Just accessorize the shit out of this thing. I'm thinking a bright, jewel encrusted bib necklace and huge, bauble rings--one on each ring finger. Add sexy heels--something strappy--and you're good to go.

I just realized that this list ignored everything else--shorts, rompers, capris, skirts, tops, etc. Time to make another list...