J. Crew upgrades, you benefit (but be patient)
J. Crew is in the process of upgrading their web site; what you can see of the new site is quite lovely. HOWEVER, it is loading painfully slowly, which is kind of a killer if you are someone who likes to browse there daily.
Like me.
Fortunately, the nice people at J. Crew are making it up to us: for a short time (I have no idea how long, but certainly RIGHT NOW!) they are offering free shipping to compensate for the poky slow web site. Enter code FREESHIP at checkout and you’re on the road to some cool new duds, without the hassle of paying to have the box sent to you.
You might want to grab a snack before you start browsing, though — the site is loading VERY SLOWLY. In fact, you might want to make a cocktail and just relax a little.
Corossol jeweled sandals, $325.00. Not even free shipping makes these an option, sadly.
Cover up with a cool kaftan from Boden USA
Summer officially starts today, which means that it’s time to get serious about swimsuit season. My idea of getting serious about swimsuits, by the way, is to break out the self tanner and find a great cover up, because no one really needs to see me in a bathing suit.
Ever.
Tunics and caftans are big this summer, both in size and style; look for one that is slim enough to NOT look like maternity wear but roomy enough to be comfortable. I also prefer an opaque fabric, something that really covers your swimsuit; it’s a little more modest and flexible.
Boden USA has some terrific kaftans, in bright colors and with cool button trim. In washable cotton voile, these are the perfect solution to a day in the sun.
Fun button kaftan, Boden USA, $74.00.
Orange you glad it’s summer? J. Crew is!
Welcome to the first long weekend of summer! If you’re REALLY lucky, you will be doing something festive and fun over the next three days, which could mean traveling to somewhere exotic or just taking your coffee out on the porch in the morning.
Because summer is really just a state of mind, you know.
What does it take to get in the vacation mind frame when you’re not actually leaving home? How about a bright summery frock, one that can go from pool to club and on to brunch in the morning? This one, from J. Crew, will do exactly that; pull it over your swimsuit for a little extra coverage, or pair it with a slim cardigan for dinner with the family. The clean, classic line and bright colors make it the perfect summer dress.
J. Crew embroidered medallion Alexa dress, $98.00. Available in sizes XS - XL, in sweet orange (pictured) and soft fuchsia.
Shop It To Me takes the work out of bargain hunting
I love a bargain, especially when it’s something that I’ve had my eye on for a while but haven’t been able to bring myself to actually buy. I think about the reduced price as a sign from the universe that this particular piece was meant to be mine.
Wouldn’t it be great if there were someone who could keep an eye on all your favorite stuff FOR YOU, and then e-mail you when it went on sale? And wouldn’t it be great if you could specify what brands and sizes and types of clothing you wanted that someone to look for?
That would be so great. And fortunately, Shop It To Me will do EXACTLY that.
When you register with Shop It To Me, you specify what size you wear and what you’re looking for, both brands and styles. They scour the web for you and e-mail you the deals. You choose how often you want to be notified of sales, which keeps the clutter down; the e-mails contain a partial list of sale items that might interest you, with a link to a complete list. It’s simple and useful and brilliant.
It is seriously the Best Thing EVER, short of having a personal assistant who shops for you.
What do YOU covet? Because I want this J. Crew blouse
I have been lusting after this J. Crew blouse for a while now. I love the structure and the ruffles and the buttons. I love how versatile it is — perfect with jeans or trousers or a skirt (and yes, I suppose shorts, which is what J. Crew is showing it with, but good lord who still wears shorts? Not me).
But rather than recommend this blouse, which is perfect for me but maybe not for you, I am curious: what are YOU coveting these days?
Tell me. And then let’s talk about where to find the pieces you REALLY want.
J. Crew solid silk Elizabeth halter, $88.00. Available in six colors (I’m leaning toward the fresh clover myself).
Diane Von Furstenburg wants to hear about the woman you love
We all look to other women for support and inspiration; if you are lucky, there is one special woman in your life who has been a rock to stand on and a soft place to land. And now is your chance to give back to her what she has given to you.
Diane Von Furstenburg wants to know about the woman you love: “Diane von Furstenberg believes in the transformative value of women’s participation in society. In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8th, DVF invites you to share the love with an inspirational story about a fabulous, strong, intelligent woman who has nurtured or inspired you. What woman has accentuated the spirit of camaraderie of women, mentored or encouraged you? Submit a photo with a detailed description or write a blog, with photos if you’d like, of a woman who has positively impacted your life. The winner will win a trip for them and a friend to NYC for a $5,000 shopping spree at Diane von Furstenberg’s flagship NYC store plus two tickets to the DVF Spring 2009 fashion show!”
Full details and a link to complete contest rules can be found here. Enter today! I’m sure you know someone who deserves to be recognized.
Diane Von Furstenburg “Mondrian” shift dress, Nordstrom, $375.00.
Bluwash keeps your jeans like new
I hate shopping for jeans; its just so depressing. When I finally find a pair that fits, I buy multiples, and then I wash them inside out, in cold water, and hang to dry.
Because god forbid I have to do the jeans shopping again.
Thanks to the smart people at StyleDash for discovering Bluewash. Patent-pending formula neutralizes chlorine and chemicals that fade your jeans.
Bluewash isn’t cheap; a 32 ounce bottle will run you $22.00. But it will also wash and revive 58 pairs of jeans, so that seems like a worthwhile investment.
Bluewash is available at ShopIntution.