Steal of the Day

Found: The perfect transition dress from the office to drinks--serious, sophisticated, and undeniably sexy. Button it up for day and let loose for evening. Either way, snatch up this $59 any occasion piece right now.

The Beauty Beat

Vintage Bangles and I got to talking this weekend about an old favorite hair product we used to use in college. In fact, pretty much everyone we know has applied it to their tresses, or at least stolen a few drops from a friend’s bottle. Biosilk silk serum used to be as ubiquitous as Chanel No. 5 perfume, but unfortunately they share a common ingredient that does not work in Biosilk’s favor—alcohol. While the product boasted smooth, shiny strands that felt supple and moisturized to the touch and even the most untrained eye, the alcohol in it gradually dried out our hair over time…which sadly sent us running to purchase yet another bottle of Biosilk to add more moisture. What a false sense of security! These days I have my beauty compass set on alcohol free but regrettably cannot find drug store-priced products…only the salon bigwigs that add more moisture but dry up my cash flow. Until now. Nexxus is one of those brands that boasts salon quality results without the lofty expenses. While I have yet to test their entire array of shampoos and conditioners, one bottle of mousse turned my head at Walgreens with its “Alcohol Free” promise right on the front. So, for the past year I have been putting it to the test—yes, that’s how long this $10.99 can has lasted me! While I can’t say I’m in dire need of volume, sometimes my roots fall flat. Applying just a silver dollar-sized amount to clean wet hair wherever you need a little extra body does the trick. Whether air-drying or blowing dry, the result is shiny, bouncier hair with a just-got-a-blowout-at-the-salon quality texture and smell. The moisturizers in the mousse make hair feel healthier and more natural than when slopping on gel or shine serums. No fried ends, greasy roots, or mysteriously dry, brittle hair—even after a year’s worth of use. In fact, I’d say my hair is in better condition than ever…which is miraculous coming from the girl who used to sit in front of the TV and watch six episodes in a row of “Friends” while she flat-ironed her hair so that it hung stiff and somber like Cher’s. Oh, if I could turn back time….so glad a little volume and bounce are back on the runway….

Buy it now!

Featured Favorite: Topshop

Platform Tie Sandal                                                         Feather Frill Dress

Long live Sept.9, 2008.... the day we, in the U.S. of A, got our very own Topshop website. Personally, I just spent the equivalent of a "Weeds" all day Showtime marathon playing with the new Kate Moss holiday collection and figuring out international shipping costs. Ok, here's my take: Some of the stuff looks like a more expensive version of Forever 21 but plenty of treasures definitely exist. I feel like the Kate Moss collection is a little misleading since everything she models obviously looks amazing after the styling and airbrushing effects of a professional photographer. I would take a closer look at the styles simply sitting on the hanger. With that in mind I still found so many great pieces. The quality of these garments is a huge improvement over their cheap American counterparts, especially the shoes. I found a bunch of beautiful shoe options (and lots on sale) that are 100% leather...and... speaking of sales, the ones on this website are AMAZING. That is where you will find me. Typically everything is marked 80-90% off. The flat rate of $15 shipping is extremely reasonable considering your box will float or fly across the Atlantic to land on your doorstep. I will leave you with those parting words and release you to go enjoy the website the way I did... Have Fun! Just don't steal all the good stuff! www.topshop.com

Trend Friend: The Asymmetrical

Dress: Forever 21; $24.80
Sweater: Gap; $68
Jacket: Hanii Y; $1,140


According to ancient philosophers, having perfect symmetry has long been the penultimate symbol of beauty. Well let me tell you people, that philosophy is as ancient as the men behind it. From a slightly crooked smile, to an uneven hairline, to a sprinkle of freckles on one cheek, there is something more artful and interesting about the asymmetrical. Lately, designers have been taking this more contemporary way of thinking to heart with their creations. From a cardigan collar to the buttons on a jacket to the straps on a cocktail dress, the look is suitable on virtually anything. If you hated geometry as much as I did (a special thanks to my tutor!), then you will especially enjoy this rebellion against equal lines and angles. However, I will say that designers still haven’t abandoned proportion. In fact, asymmetrical garments can be some of the most flattering. If you have a defined collarbone and dainty shoulders, showing part of your décolleté with a strapless dress is sexy in a very peek-a-boo way without being risqué. Or, if you’re anything like I am—always cold with space heater in tow—try out the trend with a luxurious fall/winter knit. A sweater with an oversized collar that drapes longer on one side is whimsical and makes an everyday item that much more exciting. The best part is, you can make the statement as loudly or as softly as you like. This is a great style to try for the trend-timid.

Local Find -- Mingle Jewelry

I don't know about you, but I've definitely been there--I buy a cute, trendy (okay maybe even a little kitschy) necklace at Forever only to have it fall completely apart upon first wearing and then go forever amongst the deep depths of broken $4.80-somethings in my jewelry drawer. Hence, my newest resolve in shopping: buy better jewelry. Although I'm many many years from the tax bracket to stop buying costume altogether, I've decided that my jewelry--unlike my clothes, which will inevitably fade, shrink, stretch and wear no matter how much I pay for them--should have a little more staying power and statement power. So, with my mission clear and my wrists and ears bare, I have been searching for some stand-out jewelry to stand the test of time. At Envie (one of the great Austin boutiques hidden away on Burnet Road), I took notice of what is now my new favorite local jewelry designer.


Meet Mingle Jewelry, a collection of simple yet striking hammered silver and gold bangles, cuffs, stacked rings, earrings, and necklaces designed by Rachel Roberts, a young Texas native and UT grad. This collection will survive in your jewelry box for years to come, with its fresh and contemporary look. These pieces won't overshadow your outfit and can be worn with strong patterns and statement pieces, but would look equally chic with a simple white tee and jeans. I'm in love. Top on my wishlist: these hammered silver bangles for less than $100. All fellow Austinites can find Mingle Designs at both B. Chic and Envie (here I found lots of pieces that aren't even on the website), or anyone can order online.

Girl's Best Accessory

Michael Kors: $36; Via Spiga: $130; Linea Pelle: $187.50

Want to make getting dressed a cinch? Buy a double-buckle belt. From Michael Kors to Via Spiga to Alexander McQueen, designers have been shaving pounds off of women while adding a sense of cool sophistication. For the past few years, we’ve seen hundreds of belts on the runway and on women who want to draw a little for attention to their waist and disguise their mid-section (yep, I’m one of them!), but this newer style is a bit more refreshing and ultra slimming with more coverage and fun detailing. Though there are cheaper incarnations at places such as Target, I do recommend splurging just a little because this is a piece that goes with everything. Toughen up a frilly dress with a brown leather double-buckle belt or go bold with a red belt against a dark tunic. They even liven up an everyday pencil skirt/blouse combo. These belts also go surprisingly well with printed frocks and tops as they keep the attention on the thinnest part of your body even amidst a bold pattern. Pictured are a few of my favorites, all ranging in price from low to medium to high.

Trend Friend: 2-in-1 Color Block Dresses

Designer choice: Theory dress; $295.

Reversible jackets, double-stuffed Oreos, and pullout sofas—there is nothing better than an item that serves a dual purpose. On a slightly more luxurious note than my favorite snacking cookies, a new kind of 2-parter has recently been gracing the runway, designer boutiques, finally arriving at my favorite bargain havens. The color block dress is sophisticated, office-friendly, and the perfect dose of retro with a contemporary twist. As an avid jeans addict, I typically like to dress up my denim for a night out. Having grown up in Chicago and moved to Austin for college and career, I simply never got used to the feeling of a jersey dress clinging to my curves making me feel oh-so-exposed—especially during chillier evenings. Enter: the color block dress, with its cinched in waist, tailored skirt, and simple yet flattering top. Upon zipping up this clever design, the wearer looks as though she has effortlessly put two pieces together from her wardrobe. The result is elegant and a little Parisian. It’s a little more ladylike than jeans and a blouse, but with just one garment to deal with, it’s altogether easier. For day, try a dress that has longer sleeves and a simple black or navy skirt. Add some fun yellow or red heels for a pop of color. If you’re curvier, go for a sleeker, more structured shape. Those on the more petite side looking to add some curves and show off their tiny waists should try the dresses with the paper bag skirts—scrunched at the top for hour glass definition. For evening, it’s all about bare arms. Go sleeveless, add ruffles, and experiment with prints on either the top or the bottom—but not both. While the title trend insinuates that this style has an impending expiration date, I predict, here and now, that the color block dress may just be the quilted Chanel bag of this generation—timeless and a closet staple.

Cheap Choices: Right- Forever 21; $19.80
Down- Papaya; $31.99

Steal of the Day

Today if you visit bluefly.com you get 30% off any already reduced item like this luxe cashmere v-neck tunic by CeCe for only $55.99, down from the high retail pricetag of $275. Shop fast! This sale ends tomorrow!

Star Style: On The Cheap

Rachel Bilson first made waves as the high school hottie on "The O.C.," and while the teen-pleasing show is forever immortalized on DVD, it is Bilson's unique style that makes every sidewalk spotting of the actress completely memorable. Her look, a mix between bohemian, edgy, and ladylike chic is a sublte scene-stealer. Though she may wear a low, messy bun or an ovesized scarf, she always looks put-together--never sloppy. Bilson may achieve fashionista status with the help of a Hollywood budget, but here's how to shop her look and make it your own without taking out that mafia loan...

Jacket: Forever 21; $39.80Scarf: Old Navy; $12.50

Jeans: Urban Outfitters; $54


White t-shirt: Nordstrom BP; $20


Shoes: DSW; $69.95



Sunglasses: Sunglass Warehouse: $15.95

Steal of the Day

Found: The most adorable sheer chiffon dress, perfect for layering. The abstract bird print gives such a vintage feel and the material makes this piece look more expensive then it is. Wear it with a grey slip or a long sleeve tee/turtleneck on cooler days. On sale, this look can't afford to be missed. 

*At the checkout, don't forget to put in coupon code luckybreaks8  for an additional 25% off your purchase.