Find It For Less

As you may have already gleaned from previous posts, I’m a big fan of designer duds. I love the quality with which they’re made and I love the little details that usually make them slightly superior (in my mind at least) to the offerings of retail stores. However, I buy such pieces sparingly because no amount of love (or lust) for them can justify spending $300 every time I need/want a new dress. Thus, I’m always on the look out for designer “look-a-like” pieces offered at less than designer prices.

In one of my earliest posts, I professed my deep and unconditional love for the Cynthia Vincent Luella wedge.  To be honest, my love doesn’t end with the Luella wedge – I love all Cynthia Vincent wedges. Her designs are always a cross between the feminine and the more rugged (think – big buckles, exposed zippers and heavy metal detailing) which I absolutely adore.  Every season, a new pair of wedges is introduced which I feel like I must own.  This season, it was the Daryl wedge.  However, at about $300, I wasn’t about to push “purchase.” But leave it to Steve Madden to make an almost picture perfect replica with a much skimpier price tag.

Cynthia Vincent Daryl Wedge (currently on sale $199.99-$239.99)

Steve Madden Trackks ($89.95)

Which one do you like best? To be honest, I really love the Steve Madden!

Day One DOWN

Hello readers! Day one of the Bar exam has come to an end (just two left to go) and I’m back safe and sound in my hotel room eating a turkey burger (with fries, obvi) and watching Teen Mom – great way to wind down after a hectic day! Thank you all so much for your support this week. Blogging will be pretty sparse/non-existent until Friday but I promise to get right back into it once the Bar exam beast is behind me. Until then, I’ll be here:

I hope you’re somewhere more fun doing something far less stressful.

Bar Exam Essentials

The exam is on Tuesday and until then I know I’ll be a ball of nerves. Because my nervous stomach is making it impossible for me to really sit still, this post is going to be short, sweet, and full of pictures. Here are a few of my Bar exam essentials:

Jersey Dress. Comfort is key.

Leggings/Jeggings. Again, comfort is key.

Layers. It’s the dead of summer so it’s safe to assume the hotel hosting the Bar exam will have it’s air conditioning turned on. Thus, it’s also safe to assume the temperature in the exam room will be completely wackado making layers essential.

Five Hour Energy. I’m a caffeine junky and this stuff is amazing – serious miracle worker. In law school I would drink it before every final and I’m convinced it helped me spot issues and recall rules of law – let’s hope it does this on the Bar as well!

Granola Bars. When I’m anxious/nervous I really have a hard time eating and granola bars are about the only food I can choke down.

What essential items do you need with you before/during a big test?

Designer Spotlight: Kendra Scott

I’ve never been a big “jewelry person.” In fact, I’m usually a minimalist when it comes to donning accessories. However, when Pretty in Pink Megan posted about Kendra Scott, I became intrigued. After visiting her site and wearing her pieces I have to say, I’m in love. Her elegant designs, bright, bold colors, and multitude of styles have turned me into a jewelry enthusiast. While I love her bracelets, necklaces, and rings, her earrings are my absolute favorite. From the ever popular and publicized Danielle earring to the more understated Linden, she has a earring style to fit every personality, mood, and outfit. Check out her website, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Here are a few items on my wish list:

 Danielle Earring in Yellow $60

Maggie Filigree Hoop Earrings in Gold $65

  Linden Earring in Black $60

Madina Filigree Medallion Earrings in Gold $50

I mentioned a few posts back that I was on the hunt for a few good outfits to wear while sitting for the Bar exam. To many, this might seem ridiculous (and to those of you in this camp you’re probably thinking, dumb girl – go study more and stop worrying about your dang clothes). However, I’ve always performed better on tests, papers, work projects, etc. when I feel confident, which comes in large part for me when I feel good about the way I look. Look good and you’ll feel good, right? On that note, I have to say that while I might not have my exact outfits picked out, I  do know exactly what jewelry I’ll be wearing – Kendra Scott (this earring specifically). I’m certain that wearing her big, bold earrings will help me to feel fabulous.

Flat Fever

1. Vera Wang Lavender Label “Lisa” Jeweled Ballet Flat $295.

2. Sam Edelman “Calypso” Quilted Ballet Flats $99.

3. Burberry Check Ballet Flats $250.

4. Vera Wang Lavender Label “Lillian” Patent Ballet Flat $195.

5. Tory Burch “Reva” $195

To say that I love flats is an understatement and come fall, I guarantee I’ll be wearing them with almost every ensemble. Not only are they arguably the world’s most comfortable shoe, but because of their simplistic design, they can be worn with a multitude of different outfits. Skinny jeans, dresses, tights, leggings – flats compliment them all. The five pairs pictured above are a few of my recent favorites (you might remember seeing the Tory Burch Revas previously in this post). From jeweled toes to animal prints to metallic gold, each pair exudes a very distinct personal style. However, each and every one would make a welcome addition to my closet and fall wardrobe (with the Revas definitely being the front runner – a classic gold flat is a must).

Do you wear ballet flats? Which brands are your favorite?

Thrifty Thursday: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

I’ve always loved the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. It’s a great opportunity to buy designer/pricier pieces at a great bargain and stock up on necessary fall basics. While I wasn’t online for the immediate start of the sale (I’m not that much of a shopaholic), I did log on pretty much right after I woke up. I’ll admit – my initial perusal of the much anticipated Anniversary sale resulted in disappointment. There were a few pieces I was in love with, however, they were sold out of my size. Well dear readers, on Tuesday night Nordstrom much have sensed my disappointment and heard my pleas because they restocked a lot of items. I was able to snag a Vince cardigan (which is again already sold out of all sizes except for large) that I had my eye on from the sale’s start, the pair of Sanctuary cargos pictured below, as well as a very budget friendly pair of leggings. Here are a few fabulous finds (not all under $50 like usual but they are all under $100 and are great bargains) that tempted me:

I ended up purchasing these Sanctuary Skinny Leg Cargos ($78.90). They’re almost identical to the J Brand Houlihan Cargos but over half the price.

Every closet needs to be home to a good trench coat. While I would really love to own this one by Burberry, my bank account won’t allow it. Happily, this one by DKNY is absolutely adorable and affordable (on sale for only$98.90).

I love oversized sweaters. My favorite fall outfit consists of skinny jeans (or my new skinny cargo pants), a light t-shirt, and a chunky oversized cardigan. This cardigan by Hinge ($65.90) would look adorable with just about any fall ensemble.

I’m usually not one to add a lot of sparkle to my outfits. I prefer bright colors and fun patterns to bold metallics and sequins. However, when I spotted this jacket by Flounce ($89.90) I was immediately drawn to it. How perfect would this be for the 2010 holiday season?

Did any of you buy anything at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?

Confessions of Late Night Addictions

For the last few weeks I have had an impossible time falling asleep. I’ll lay in bed with the lights out fully prepped for a good nights rest but my mind won’t stop whirling. My sleeplessness is usually triggered by thoughts of the Bar exam – What are excuses for nonperformance of a contract? How is an Easement created? Which hearsay exceptions require the declarant to be unavailable? Once I start rehashing my outlines in my head, it’s impossible for me to fall asleep for at least the next two hours. Well dear readers, I’m happy to report that a few nights ago I found a solution to my sleepless night dilemma. What is it, you ask? HSN and QVC. I spend at least 30 minutes before turning the lights out every night watching the Home Shopping Network or QVC. I’ve always been a “stress shopper” – when I’m stressed and overwhelmed, rather than turning to food or alcohol, I turn to shopping. What better way to get my shopping fix than watching the two best at-home shopping channels, right? And surprisingly, there have been a few items offered that I really like:

How cute is this bracelet watch by Rachel Zoe? I love that it’s functional (as a watch) but also so stylish and such a bold statement.

I adore this sweater vest (also Rachel Zoe) for layering in the fall.  Sadly, it’s sold out in my size.

These earrings by Tori Spelling are so chic and would look fabulous with a colorful fall ensemble.

What do you think of the above pieces? Have you bought anything from QVC or HSN?