One of the biggest trends this summer are T-Strap Sandals, like those pictured on the left. I’ve been searching for the perfect pair for months now. It seemed like everything I found was either too cheaply made, too cheap looking, or gorgeous and far too expensive. While out shopping in San Francisco, and on a mission to find some sandals, I decided to stop into a Marshalls to see if they had anything good. I’m a big fan of bargain shopping and think that checking clearance racks and discount stores is always a smart option. After all, shoes really can make or break an outfit. Being able to save a few bucks here and there by shopping smartly allows for you to expand your closet a bit more.

I was very surprised and happy to find out that this Marshalls was a Marshalls Megashoe Shop location. The shoe department was huge and featured a lot of really cute styles and lots of brands. Steve Madden, Roxy, Jessica Simpson, Rocket Dog, Ralph Lauren, Kenneth Cole, Guess, New Balance… The list goes on. The prices were amazing too. There was a pair of Jessica Simpson tan round toe pumps that I was seriously tempted by. Especially after seeing that they were only $39.99! There was also a pair of great looking oxford heels and summery wedges. However, I decided to not get distracted by all the awesome deals on high heels until I had checked out everything. After browsing the racks, I found not just one, but two pairs of sandals that were exactly what I was looking for. One is a basic patent braided gladiator t-strap style by Steve Madden, and the other are silver flip flop style Kenneth Cole Reaction shoes embellished with shells. Best of all, both were only $24.99 a pair! I just looked up the Steve Madden sandals online and saw that they retail for $69.95 in stores. They are both perfect paired with jeans, shorts, skirts, or dresses as both are casual enough for day time wear and chic enough for going out at night.

I got the Steve Madden Synapse sandals in Black Patent and the Kenneth Cole Reaction Sand Rings sandals in Silver.

I was looking online and they are having a contest right now. Match up the pairs of shoes (while browsing what the department actually does look like) and you have a chance to win a $250.00 Shopping Spree. If these cute sandals were only $24.99 a pair, I can only imagine what $250.00 would allow me to find there.

Kanye West recently posted the above picture with designer Marc Jacobs on his blog. West has made his passion for fashion well known through out his career. Often mentioning designers in his songs (Yves Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton to name two) and talking about his desire to break into the fashion world. Kanye West also brought about the current trend of shutter shades. While Marc Jacobs needs no introduction.

To me, this photo represents the idea that fashion can’t be taken too seriously. Have fun with it. It was also nice to see this side of West’s personality. Hopefully this photo also means a possible collaboration between the two. What do you think of this photo?

While it’s obvious from previously blogged outfits, I’m a big fan of feminine styles and basic pieces. Examples are easy to find on this blog. Too lazy to look? Good. Check out these posts : Casual & Girly, Navy & White For Spring, Vintage Inspired Graphic Prints, Mixed Patterns and Textures, Classic & Feminine, and Featuring the Charlotte Ronson Bow Cardigan. However, one side of my fashion and style personality that I haven’t delved into here is my deep adoration for Geek Chic style. Sweater vests, cardigans, boating shoes and loafers, and anything argyle or plaid are items that I would love to fill my closet with. In fact, the outfit above is basically what I have already planned to wear today. The only differences are black Converse Chuck Taylors and straight leg dark denim by Abercrombie & Fitch. And that’s simply because True Religions are out of my current budget and I’m waiting to find boating shoes in a store front.

The key item in this outfit is the Abercrombie & Fitch Lisa Cardigan in Navy & Gray Stripe. I bought it today and am seriously obsessed with it. Cardigans are a staple in my wardrobe, and something that I believe you really can never own too many of. Not only is this cardigan a cute cut, but it has stripes and, best of all, pockets. I cannot begin to explain why a cardigan with pockets is amazing to me, so I won’t even try. Underneath it, I would layer the Hollister Co. Malibu Tank in White underneath the Hollister Co. Malibu Tank in Light Pink. A pair of dark wash straight leg or skinny jeans, such as the True Religion Johnny Stretch in Dark Baja are perfect for this outfit. They are comfy and classic.

As I mentioned, I love boating shoes. A lot of people hate them but I think that they are incredibly cute. They aren’t quite as casual as Chuck’s are, but aren’t as dressy as flats either. In this look, I used the Vans Abby Boat Shoe in White & Navy. I like to keep accessories simple when it’s an outfit with a bold print like these big stripes. A statement piece, like the Urban Outfitters Destination Charm Necklace in Paris, is perfect. Finish with a pair of horn rimmed glasses like these Forever 21 Glasses in Black. They aren’t too Buddy Holly, and aren’t too Rivers Coumo either. Think more along the lines of Chris Brown if you like. I would keep makeup simple. Just the basics being sure to add blush, and a cat eye look with black liner.

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While I’ve previously blogged about how to get the most out of your mascara in the blog series Mascara Tips parts one, two, and three, I’ve never taken the time to share tips on How To Get The Most From Your Eyelash Curler. When I first saw my older sisters using one of these crazy contraptions, I swore to myself that I would never endanger my eye in that way. Years later a friend used one on me. Despite insisting against it, I loved the results and have been hooked ever since. I don’t think that I’m the only one who considers an eyelash curler to be an absolute necessity. Ask me to go without mascara, and I’ll do it. Just don’t ask me to go without my eyelash curler.

1. Try different brands and styles. Just because one eyelash curler works great on one person doesn’t mean that it is going to have the same results on another. Just like the hair on our heads, everyone has different eyelashes. The shape of your eye and face can also make using some eyelash curlers difficult. Try new types until you find the one that is the most comfortable for you to use.

2. Don’t apply full pressure! This really cannot be stressed enough. Just because you can clamp down the curler at full force on your lashes doesn’t mean that you should. This can cause your lashes to break. Instead, apply about half force by simply letting your hand relax. Don’t actually close your hand anymore than it does on it’s own.

3. Curl in multiple places & hold. Just like a curling iron on your hair, you can’t expect immediate results. It takes using a couple of tricks and some time to get great lashes. Start by curling the base of your lashes first, then the middle, then the ends. By curling in two or three places on your lashes, the curl created will last longer. It also creates a more natural look as the curl is gradual, instead of an extreme bend at the base of the lashes. Each time that you curl, hold for around 15 seconds.

4. Try heat. Personally, I’ve yet to try a heated eyelash curler, but I have heard that they are amazing. If you want to try out the results without purchasing one, simply blast your regular eyelash curler with your blow dryer for around 5 seconds to warm it before using. Heating your eyelash curler will help your curl hold longer.

Do you curl your eyelashes daily? Why or why not?

After recently purchasing a pair of Michael Kors slip-on sneakers, I have to say that I am currently infatuated with his work. The shoes surprised me by being not only incredibly cute (I can’t even count the number of compliments I’ve received), but also incredibly comfortable. Seeing as I am currently infatuated with his designs, I wanted to share news of the Michael Kors VIP Shopper Private Sale. This sale includes ready to wear clothing items, handbags, shoes, and accessories. Selected items are up to 50% off!

Pictured above are my three favorite items from the Ready To Wear section. They are all going to be great looks for the summer and even into the transition to fall. From left to right, these outfits are the : Michael Kors Safari Jacket & Flared Trousers, Michael Kors Long Cashmere Cardigan & Silk Pleated Skirt, and the Michael Kors Cropped Jacket & Audrey Skirt.

After featuring it in the post Lust Item : Charlotte Ronson Bow Cardigan, I couldn’t not post an outfit created around the item. I love that it is a statement piece that remains basic, allowing for other elements (such as patterns and bright colors) to be added to the outfit without taking away from it’s effect. I wanted to create an outfit that fits with the feel of the cardigan - feminine and classic, but slightly edgy. The light gray color of the top help to tone down the menswear style and cut of the cardigan. While the bow and pleats turn it into something that’s both masculine in style and feminine in appearance. This makes it an incredibly versatile piece.

The main piece in this outfit is, obviously, the Charlotte Ronson Bow Cardigan. I think that it would look great with a simple white tank, such as the Michael Stars New Classic Beater Tank in White, underneath. Since I will be adding other patterns and bright colors with accessories, it’s best to keep the outfit basic. If you wanted to go edgier and with a less classic style, a patterned or colored top would be great under the cardigan. I’d also pair it with a great pair of dark wash skinny jeans. The William Rast Ultra Skinny Jean in Dark are perfect. For those who haven’t heard yet, the William Rast line was created by Justin Timberlake. However, don’t let that turn you off from the brand. William Rast denim is very high quality and has an amazing fit.

As previously mentioned in this post, I wanted to keep the clothing basic so that I could have the freedom to add patterns and color with accessories. Accessories are also a great way to update classic pieces. One item in my closet that I am in love with and wear all the time are leopard print flats. They instantly add a bit of oomph and sass to any outfit. This is why I love pairing them with classic feminine styles. The Corso Como Fara in Ponyhair Leopard are some of the cutest leopard ones on the market. When I saw the Kenneth Jay Lane Flower Ring in Pink I knew that it had to be included. Not only is it flat out beautiful, but it adds a pop of color to this outfit. A great leather handbag, like the Urban Outfitters Sabina Leather Convertible Satchel in Brown is always a great accessory. It’s functional, looks good, and is a timeless item.

What would you wear with this cardigan?

At a recent video to the BET television studios, everyone got to check out Rihanna in Balenciaga Gladiator Heels, a black dress, and a black blazer. Gladiator heels were one of the hottest trends from the spring runway collections and were featured by more than three designers. However, I’m not sure that I personally am sold on the trend. To be completely honest, they remind me of something that we would see Britney Spears running around in. Of course, you have to give Rihanna props for being willing to try such a daring item that few could pull off with success. These heels are such a bold statement piece that it really does take not only the right outfit, but also the right personality and a hell of a lot of confidence to pull them off. By pairing them with a simple black outfit, Rihanna can actually kind of make them work.

What do you guys think of this look? Is it something that works on the streets, or should it have just been left on the runway?

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