Victoria's Secret Semi Annual Sale

Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale starts tomorrow online for the Angel credit cardholders. I previewed items that are part of the clearance, and the selection is impressive this time a round. Some of my favorites from the Incredible, Angels, and Sexy Little Things collections are on sale, and in several colors, not just the undesirables. The panty selection is great as well; most bras have a matching bottom on sale. If you have the Angels credit card, definitely take advantage of the pre-sale, and if you do not, never fear, the in store sale is near!

Gorgeous!

I have a slight obsession with bras lately, thanks to a good friend of mine. ;) My latest favorite is the Gorgeous Push Up from Victoria's Secret, which finally arrived in the turquoise blue with white polka dots that I have been waiting for. I have it in white too. The patterns are gorgeous, indeed, and have super cute matching panties. And being the fan of push ups that I am, it does its job perfectly.

Victoria's Secrets latest bra, the Miraculous, adds two cup sizes instantly, and although, the designs are beautiful, it is the first bra I have ever said makes me look too big. They did just release it in a un-padded balconet version that is beautiful, and worth giving a shot.

And last, but not least, my tip for saving at VS: there are always coupons, and sales. I hardly ever buy anything full price. At the bottom of every receipt, there is a survey you can take for $10 off any $50 purchase, there are mailers for free panties and $10 off any bra, and if you are an Angels card holder (that is their credit card) you get a monthly savings booklet, plus points for every purchase made, leading to rewards cards. If you are ordering online, check out RetailMeNot before you place your order. Almost all the promo codes are listed there, and you can usually combine up to three. 

Happy Shopping!

Back from vacation...

As some of you may have (hopefully) noticed, I have not blogged in over a month. I have no great excuse, which leaves me a bit disappointed in myself, but I am trying to get back on track. I am currently trying to figure out what direction I am heading with my design and entertaining interests. 

Project ideas are compiling in my head, the one on the forefront being redecorating my condo. It has been almost two years since I moved into my two bedroom, two bathroom home, and now that it is mine, all on my own, I have free reign to color choices, furniture styles, and of course total responsibility for... the bill. My attempts will be very budget conscious and pocket book savvy, but fun and ever so Brittnee. Some of my favorites come from the lofty looks of the CB2 catalogue, which came today. Here is my current inspiration.

I love this bedding, and the tiny yellow bird tea lights.

This "bag vase" is only $2.95!

These trunks are on the pricier side, but can take the place of a nightstand.

Place two of these candle holders next to each other on a buffet.

This glass table top leave all color options open and the disk tea light holders work perfectly with the chrome base.

Feather Extensions

One of the biggest trends for spring, in case you have been off the planet for the past couple of months, is feather hair extensions and feather earrings. The goal is a splash of color, texture, or pattern that blends into your hair to add bit of interest. As much a fan of feathers in fashion as I am, I must say I am over this trend. 

I occasionally come across exceptions, women or men who have made it their own or done it subtle enough that it does not look like they are trying too hard. I think my main issue is that it is everywhere. You cannot walk ten feet without seeing at least two people who have it. I am sure with the extremity of this accessory, the fad will pass quickly, but for now, I suppose I will have to just accept it. Here are some celebrities that are carrying the trend. 

Steven Tyler

Jennifer Love Hewitt

Cassie Scerbo- My favorite 

Hilary Duff

Miley Cyrus

BLT Delivers Again!

Last night, I had the joy of dining at BLT steakhouse in West Hollywood for my friend's birthday. As usual, they delivered everything perfectly, course after course. I started with thick cut bacon that will make any one's mouth water. And then the popovers made with cheese in the dough were to die for, as always. I had been craving their spinach salad topped with blue cheese, grated egg, and more bacon, and it was so good I had to stop myself from finishing it to save room for steak. Filet with blue cheese sauce was cooked to a perfect medium rare, served sizzling on a cask iron skillet. Dessert is always my favorite course: apricot donuts with maraschino and brandy ice cream, carrot cake, spice cookies, and peanut butter chocolate mouse.

More than any of the food however, I always appreciate BLT for the service and sommelier's knowledge and enthusiasm. Mark, the sommelier, remembered us, even though it has been six months since we first met him, and knew just what we were looking for. I learn something new every time I am there, for instance, 100% Mourvedre wines are being produced and are fabulous, "kick you in the face" reds. I discovered my favorite dessert wine at BLT. Created in Uruguay, in a port style, it tastes like "liquid tootsie rolls." Mark picked out our first wine, and was quick to offer a second fabulous selection when we were ready. We received complimentary Rose to cleanse our palate after cocktails, and the after dinner drinks were on him. We feel like VIPs every time we dine there, and it is why we keep going back. We never feel pressured to eat faster, order excessively, or spend more than we are comfortable with. It is just a great dining experience over all. Go and enjoy!

PS: This is what I wore today.

Top: bebe

Skirt Shorts: Express

Shoes: bebe

Necklace: H&M

Sunshine!

The sun is back! I am so excited for the warm weather to finally arrive. It means patio drinking and dining, top down on my car, and summer skirts and shorts. If nothing else, the sun just makes me smile. I hope all my fellow SoCal neighbors are enjoying this gift from mother nature!

PS: This is what I wore today.

Jacket: bebe

Black Tank: bebe

White Tank: Club Monaco

Jeans: Citizens of Humanity

Shoes: bebe

Necklace: H&M

Victoria's Secret Meets MLB

Victoria's Secret just released their new season of Big League Love, their exclusive line of Pink Major League Baseball wear. They are so super cute, and I am very excited Saint Louis Cardinals to their line up.
These are my favorites:

They also start the Panty Raid to day, with 7 panties for only $25!

PS: This is what I wore today.

Blouse: Red Haute

Skinny Cargos: Sanctuary

Heels: bebe

Happy first day of Spring!

Spring is officially here! And in LA, you can tell. It is raining cats and dogs, so I have decided to stay in bed, comfy and cozy, while I work on a few things. I am trying to imitate the ultimately relaxer. He will sleep anywhere!

Enjoy your Sunday!

Weekend Shopping Deals!

I just got back from the mall and found some great deals!

Express: All shorts and casual tanks are buy one, get one 50% off! Plus, go here to get a coupon for up to an additional $60 off your purchase. If you get coupons in the mail, you can score an even better deal. This is what I got:

White Camisole: $22.90

Striped Tank: $19.90

Black Skirt Shorts: $49.90

Grey Skirt Shorts: $49.90

My original total would have been $156.50, including tax. Instead, I paid $84.10, including tax, after the sale and coupon!

Bath and Body Works: From 1-5 p.m. today only, they are hosting their fragrance event. Help them choose the new summer scents, take advantage of some great sales, and receive a free tote, coupon, and full size Country Chic lotion with any Signature purchase. All Signature Collection items are buy two, get one free or buy three, get two free. Plus, go here to get a coupon for a free travel size item with any Signature purchase. Even better, you can combine all three offers! Here's what I got:

Signature lotions in Berry, Cucumber Melon, Bali Mango, and Country Chic: $10.50 each

Travel Size Spray in Apricot: $5.00

Tote: $5.00

My original total would have been $57.07, including tax. Instead, I paid $22.73 for all six items. And I got another coupon for a free item next time!

Banana Republic and The Gap are also having 30% off the entire store, and Nordstrom has shoes on clearance in every department. Let me know if you see any other great deals!

PS: This is what I wore today:

Sweater: Blush Boutique in Calabasas

Skinny Jeans: bebe

Wedges: bebe

Aviators: bebe

Belt: Blush Boutique in Calabasas

Inspirational Message

I saw this on my facebook today:

The girl you just called fat has been starving herself and has lost over 30lbs. The boy you just called stupid has a learning disability and studies over 4hrs a night. The girl you just called ugly spends hours putting on makeup, hoping people will like her. The boy you just tripped is abused enough at home. There's A LOT more to people than you think. 

PS: This is what I wore today.

Sweater: Tildon at Nordstrom

Jeans: Paige Denim

Wedges: bebe

Aviators: Michael Kors

Fall Runway at Dior

Despite the recent horror stories surround Christian Dior, John Galliano's final show of fifteen years with the fashion house deserves a big applause. It was absolutely breathtaking, and a true example of Galliano's talent, vision, and showmanship. The tent was decorated as Galliano's fans may have expected, a classic chandelier-ed parlor surrounded by gardens, and the clothing spoke for itself. The Style.Com reviewer felt the collection did not represent the designer's imagination as much as showing the couture collection may have been, but I felt it was respectful of the situation, and presented a more approachable Galliano. 

Like many of the Fall ready to wear shows, the romantic and Gothic eras were inspiration, and softer colors and silhouettes finished the show. Lush fabrics and furs were paired with deep reds, greens, and golds to start, and delicate whites were detailed with feminine layers, embroidery, and feathers. Go here to see the complete collection; some of my favorites are below, starting with his opening look. 

PS: This is what I wore today.

Sweater: Papaya

Tee Shirt: Club Monaco

Denim Skirt: Adriano Goldschmied

Weekend Shopping Sales

Nordstrom: The Women's and Kid's Shoe Sale continues with pairs marked down 30-70%!

Express: Spring Sale starts! 30% off women's shoes, sandals, belts, bags, and scarfs. 40% off men's graphic tees, logo tees, and polos. 30% off swimwear. Swim shorts and accessories buy one, get one 50%. Mix and match tanks buy one, get one 50% off. Go here to get coupons for $15 off a purchase of $60, $30 off $120, $45 off $180, $60 off $240.

bebe: $20 off a purchase of $125 or $50 off $250 for Clubbebe members. Membership is free, so sign up to receive coupons, pre-sale opportunities, and promotion updates!

The Gap: 30% off women's sale tops and 30% off Gap Body Fit items.

Banana Republic: Friday and Sunday all regularly priced items are 25% off.

Victoria's Secret: $10 off any bra and free Incredible Hiphugger Panty with in-mail coupons. All purchases of $10 or more receive a Secret Rewards Card redeemable in April worth between $10 and $500!

Bath and Body Works: Go here for a coupon for free lip gloss with any full size purchase of True Blue Spa products.

PS: This is what I wore today.

Blouse: Red Haute from Nordstrom

Shorts: Free People

Heels: bebe

Spring Has Finally Arrived!

Well, at least in Los Angeles it is in the seventies. I will take that and call it Spring. I am so excited to break out my Spring clothes and shop the stores for new trends. So far, the big loves on my list are white denim, navy blazers, feminine frills, and gold accents. I have even found a few budget pieces that I like better than my high end finds.  Here are some tips for shopping the new trends and finding what you like, at a price that fits your pocket book.

Flip though fashion magazines and pull out the pages with entire looks you like, no matter how expensive it is. These are your inspiration pages; bring them with you shopping. The fashion industry has a trickle down effect and the couturiers, like Dior and Chanel,  get copied all the way down to Walmart. 

Start at Nordstrom. They have every department imaginable (clothes, shoes, accessories) for many price ranges. Their catalogue is usually right on point with trends, and it features great looks pulled together from all different price points. Check the BP Juniors department, no matter your age, for great basics and bold prints. Nordstrom has a huge selection of denim. It can be a bit pricey, but if you are like me and have a hard time finding a pair that fits, you will appreciate a premium brand and wear them a thousand times, literally.

Once you have pin pointed your favorites, shop stores like bebe and H&M. They are considered mid range, and for the most part have decent quality clothing at great prices. I used to call H&M budget, but they have some higher end items in their "collection" sections. They are not on the same level as Forever XXI anymore. Shop XXI next to complete your look with accessories. 

There are tons more stores of course, these are just my favorite. I cannot stress the importance of fit enough, and if it costs you a bit extra to get it right, do so. It is worth it in the end, you will wear that item more, and the "cost per wear" will go down to almost nothing. Consider it this way: I purchased a pair of Paige Denim last year that cost me $200. You have seen me wear them at least ten times on the blog, at least. In actuality, I wear them almost everyday. If I under estimate that I have only worn them 100 times since purchase, that is only $2 per wear! Totally worth it!

I originally fell in love with these Citizen of Humanity skinnies  at Nordstrom for $154.

 Then I found the bebe version for $79 + 20% off!

I found this blazer at Nordstrom for $88. It fit very well, but was not the navy I was looking for.

Then I found this navy blazer for only $35 at H&M!

PS: This is what I wore today.

Striped tee: Banana Republic

Jeans: Citizens of Humanity

Wedges: Prada (Great outlet find!)

Necklace: H&M

On a lighter note...

Going curly for this fabulous Spring weather!

Dior Disappointment

I was so disappointed last night to hear the news surrounding John Galliano, head designer for Christian Dior. Galliano was suspended and later fired after he was arrested on Tuesday in Paris for yelling anti-semetic comments at a couple near him in a bar. After his detainment, another woman came forward with a similar complaint, and then video of the incident started surfacing. I have not personally watched the videos, and I do not want to, I am too disappointed. 

The House of Dior and Galliano's individual house have always been a huge inspiration for my designs. Galliano's showmanship, and imagination cannot be matched. His shows never disappoint, and have often been at the top of design lists through out his fifteen years at Dior. I cannot imagine who will replace his talent. 

Natalie Portman backed out of her part as the face of the new Miss Dior Cherie perfume stating, "I am deeply shocked and disgusted by the video. In light of this video, and as an individual who is proud to be Jewish, I will not be associated with Mr. Galliano in any way." 

Sources say the scheduled Dior and Galliano collections will still show in Paris this week.  

Kudos to bebe!

Tonight, bebe hosted their Spring Preview Event at stores across the country. The new collection was launched, and in true bebe fashion, special deals and gifts were offered. With every purchase, customers were treated to an exclusive O.P.I. bebe nail polish. Purchases over $100 were 10% off, over $200 were 20% off. I scored some white denim skinnies and an amazing gold clutch.

I want to give props to my personal bebe location on all the extras they provided for the event. There were models, a DJ, and refreshments including Ghirardelli chocolates. In addition to the nail polish, there were coupons for various stores in the Topanga Mall, perfume samples, and offers for free make overs at Aveda. There was even a lady doing feather hair extensions. Stephanie is the new store manager and has made a wonderful contribution to the bebe team. The event was a huge improvement from the last I attended. Nice job ladies!

A Bag to Die For!

Michael Kors Skorpios Shoulder Flap Bag in Walnut

And the Oscar for best dressed goes to...

The Academy Awards may be getting poor reviews for a not so exciting broadcast, but there were plenty of head turning moments on the red carpet. Valentino, himself, came to monitor his dresses walked down Hollywood's runway, and plenty of other designer had there beautiful gowns showcased by the elite of film. These are a few of my favorites.

Mila Kunis is Elie Saab

Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy

Natalie Portman in Rodarte