Store Appeal

Karen Millen: The Little Black Dress

Karen Millen is a glamorous and chic clothing collection brought to you from the UK. Founded in 1983, you can see the European tailoring and style that make Karen Millen special. All of their gorgeous clothing is designed in house, and the collections range from day, work, weekend, and formal wear.

I was especially attracted to the lovely party dresses in the Karen Millen collection. You can see the beautiful couture type details and craftsmanship in each one. Here I’ve picked out a few signature Little Black dresses, a key staple for every woman’s wardrobe. Take a look below:

Karen Millen Ruffle Prom Dress, $160.00. Strapless tutu dress with contrast silk satin panel corset bodice.

Karen Millen Satin Dress, $99.00 (Original price $380.00!). Satin fitted pencil dress with deep v-neckline ruffled small cap sleeve detail. The necklace is detachable so you can wear it with or without depending on the occasion!

Karen Millen Cupro Dress, $59.95 (Original price $350.00!) Soft cupro dress with deep v neckline and shoulder drape detail. I especially love the wonderful draping details on this dress. It’s chic and a bit asymmetrical for a unique twist on the little black dress.

Shop more Karen Millen here.

Clinique: A Classic Favorite

You’ve probably found yourself walking right past the Clinique makeup counter time and time again. Yes it’s been around for ages, but that’s for a good reason! Clinique has been a trusty makeup and skincare leader since 1968. I always have something or another in the bathroom vanity from them, whether it be my mom’s signature lipstick or favorite eye cream. I can always count on Clinique to satisfy my skincare and makeup needs. Check out some of my favorites from Clinique below:

Get long pretty lashes with this mascara set, featuring a cute pink makeup clutch.

For breakout prone skin like mine, choose a lightweight oil-free moisturizer that helps clear up your skin.

And for a moisturizing lipstick that will outlast the others, try Clinique Long Last Soft Shine Lipstick.

Find more Clinique products right here.

Marc by Marc Jacobs: Online Bargains

Marc Jacobs is infamous for being creative director with Louis Vuitton, as well as his Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc Jacobs brands. Seen in the arms of tons of celebrities and stylish people alike, you can’t go wrong with one in your arm too. But, you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for the Marc Jacobs bag you covet. I’ve been finding tons of really great bargains online. Here are some Marc Jacobs bags I found that won’t leave you feeling broke.

This is an adorable classic, in a color that would go with any outfit in your closet. The Marc Jacobs Natasha Q Crossbody bag, only $138.99 (60% off of $348.00 original price) at Saks Fifth Avenue.

The perfect small classic leather saddle bag, in a trend forward olive green. The Marc by Marc Jacobs Turnlock Bell Saddle Bag, $90.99 (60% off of $228.00) at Saks Fifth Avenue.

This one is my favorites that I found, with it’s adorable slouchy silhouette and sleek grey color. The Marc by Marc Jacobs Little Ukita Satchel, $347.99 (30% off of $$498.00)

Find more deals from Marc Jacobs here.

Alice + Olivia: Funky + Contemporary

Store Appeal: So if there’s one thing Alice + Olivia are good for – and known for – it’s their impeccable selection of party dresses. The youthful, contemporary line represents the “quirky style” of its founder, Stacey Bendet. In addition to the dresses, the line expands into tops, pants, jackets and even basics (read: white tees with a flair) and some accessories. A kids line and a charity tee selection makes this hipster fashionista brand quite likeable.

Our Vote: With over 60 dresses on their site to choose from, it’s a virtual closet of young Hollywood. Priced well between the $200s and $500s, it’s a great online destination to find that killer cocktail dress that most likely no one else in your circle will have. But probably what’s more entertaining that sifting through the well-stocked online showroom is the “4AM Finds” which truly represents that quirky nature Stacey confesses to have. These pieces include oddball frocks and accessories from other stores like Sephora and Amazon.com that not only make it a pleasure for the online shopper, but make the brand that much more…appealing!

Our Favorites:

1.)    Alice + Olivia Tabitha Dress – $198

2.)    Alice + Olivia Sydney Faux Wrap Dress – $368

3.)    Alice + Olivia CeliaVest – $264

Michael Kors Men’s Accessories – Watches, Sunglasses, Cologne

Store Appeal: Since the 80s, Michael Kors has been one of the premier and iconic American fashion designers. His collections never fail to awe snooty fashion editors while his urban-jet-setter-chic ad campaigns leave tongues wagging at just a glimpse of the good life. In 2002, the company launched a full-scale men’s collection, becoming the preeminent driving force in defining the modern American man.  

Our Vote: The Michael Kors man is easily defined by his simplicity and attention to detail. A Michael Kors men’s accessories collection geared towards everyone from the sportsman to the businessman, complete with watches (the ultimate male status symbol), cologne and sunglasses.

Our Favorites:

1.)  Michael Kors Black Oversized PU Chronograph Watch – $195

 2.)  Michael Kors Acrylic Watch Black & Gold – $225

 3.)  Michael Kors Digital Watch White – $195

 4.)  Michael Kors Men’s Fragrance – $52

 5.)  Michael Kors Updated Aviator Sunglasses – $195

Vera Wang Lifestyle – Jewelry, Home Décor, Accessories, Flowers and more

Vera Wang Lifestyle - Accessories, Shoes, Flowers, Jewelry and more

Store Appeal: In Vera Wang’s effort for total world domination, the luxury wedding dress designer has moved her thriving brand into home décor, fragrances, a moderately-priced fashion line through Kohl’s department stores, shoes, jewelry, even flowers and stationary. Since 1990, Vera Wang has been one of the most well-received and critically acclaimed designers of the generation. Her couture-quality and simple elegance is appealing to audiences of all price points.

Our Vote: Unfortunately www.VeraWang.com is more of a gallery than a store as you cannot make purchases directly from her site. Many of her lifestyle products such as home décor, jewelry and stationary are sold through third-party sites. However, she does own one of the most beautiful designer websites around and her full range of luxury and lifestyle products is a pleasure to behold (and makes you want to save your pennies to buy a piece of her dynasty).

Our Favorites:

1.)    Vera Wang Jeweled Flower Bow Bracelet – $395

2.)    Vera Wang Sequin and Crystal Necklace – $495

3.)    Vera Wang Lavender Label Lisa Ballet Flat – $295 

Intermix – Fun, Designer Style

Store Appeal: Intermix is the designer boutique for designers and high-end brands that most stores don’t carry. Always au currant with the latest styles, if you’re a label lover or want to be the first in your group to wear the latest/yet-to-be-seen trends, Intermix is your place.

Our Vote: If you’ve never been to an Intermix store, you’re missing out. Although they’re not in every city, the Intermix store can be somewhat of an anomaly, as it is a boutique with the designer labels and looks most high-end department stores don’t even carry.  However, with discounts and free shipping for qualifying orders, it’s easy to fall in love with Intermix.

Our Favorites:

1.)    Splendid Long Sleeve Stripe Throw – $165

2.)    Guiseppe Zanotti for Balmain Zipper Crisscross Suede Sandals – $995

3.)    Parker Bustier Swing Dress – $218

4.)    Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Stone Cuff – $125

Bliss Skincare

Store Appeal: Every once in a while, you come across a brand or a business that is absolutely ga-ga about what they do and always makes sure their customers are happy with their products. Bliss Skincare is one of those. From their quality skincare products to their “Customer Serbliss” they are self-proclaimed as fun and unpretentious.  The body products have appealing fragrances like lemon+sage and vanilla+bergamont.  Bliss even has an entire product section devoted to cellulite (heaven!).

Our Vote: The online store is as fun as the company philosophy. It’s a treat to surf the pages of their hundreds, if not thousands of products.  And while that many products can at first appear overwhelming, there are detailed descriptions, customer reviews and bundle packages galore to ensure that the shopper makes the right choice for themselves. With prices that hardly any spa can beat, the only danger of shopping this store is how quickly your shopping cart may tip over!

Our Favorites:

1.  Bliss FatGirlSlim – $60

2. Bliss Lemon Sage Body Butter – $28 and up

3. Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash – $9 (travel size), $22

Be&D Handbags, Shoes and Accessories

Store Appeal: Very rarely does an American designer craft handbags that could pass for the Old World glory that is seen in Chanel and Balenciaga – with the exception of Marc Jacobs.  But many American handbag designers have a very streamlined, modern interpretation, which is not a fault, but they find it hard to recreate what’s already been so successful in Europe for over a century.  American designer handbag line Be&D does a brilliant job of melding the two for modern twist on an old favorite, though this is not by accident.  Be&D, which was founded in 2004 by Be Inthavong and Steve Dumain, is now helmed solely by Dumain, who grew up with an affection for antique luggage and in college studied international business, Spanish and art. The handbags, shoes and other leather goods are modern and sexy, but carry elegant and flattering lines. Just what every woman wants.  My personal favorite is the Be&D Kan Kan Tote.

Our Vote: While the online store is easily navigable, the photos are only one-dimensional and can be a bit lackluster, particularly when trying to demonstrate the detail of the fabrics, materials and hardware used on the products. Nonetheless, the shopper still gets a decent idea of what the product might feel and look like in hand, and fortunately, the dimensions and vivid descriptions of the materials used in each product are listed.

Our Favorites:

1.    Be&D Kan Kan Tote - $1,390

2.    Be&D Rizzo Shoes – $458

3.    Be&D Dallas Tote - $895

Stuart Weitzman Espadrilles + Summer Shoes

Store Appeal: For years, I have been a huge Stuart Weitzman fan. His shoes are so beautiful and fit so well. It’s no surprise women all over the world, including celebrities like Jennifer Anniston, have been singing the praises of Weitzman shoes for over 30 years. Possibly more important than the shoe itself is the company’s customer service mantra: “…every woman who walks into a Stuart Weitzman store will be the most important customer we’ve ever had.” Learning the business of shoemaking and design from his father, Weitzman now creates more than 300 new styles of shoes and handbags a year, proclaiming each is a monument to fashion and innovation. Weitzman shoes are even featured in Beso.com’s “Go Nude” shoe promotion – this season’s hottest trend in shoes!

Our Vote: Aside from each pair of shoe being made in Spain with over 80 pairs of expert cobbler hands of the course of 6-7 weeks per pair, each shoe also has its own very special place on StuartWeitzman.com. Click on a shoe, it will take you to its page, where size, color and material availability is presented to the shopper with the greatest of ease. What’s more, to the right are the metrics about each shoe – where it was made, materials it’s made from, design elements like platform rise and type of heel. Additionally, each shoe has photos taken from every angle to give the shopper the best feel for the shoe to aid in their decision-making. With prices that are hard to beat especially considering the craftsmanship, quality and mastery of design and function, Stuart Weitzman shoes are as much as symbol of status as they are a testament to the shrewdness of the woman who wears them.

Our Favorite:

1.)   Stuart Weitzman Alexa Espadrille- $375

2.)   Stuart Weitzman Saxony Bootie – $256

3.)   Stuart Weitzman Blingy Jelly Sandal – $110

4.)   Stuart Weitzman Avignon Platform – $365

Jennifer Aniston Wears Stuart Weitzman Alexa Espadrilles