Look For Less ~ Slouchy Sweater

Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 3:26 AM

I know you probably read the title to this post and thought, "Why is she talking about sweaters when it's 80 degrees outside?" To my credit, this is a short-sleeve, loose-knit version...which makes it much more doable this time of year. And I love the versatility of it - so cute paired with little black shorts or wide leg linen pants in summer, but could easily be layered over a long sleeve tee with skinny jeans & boots for fall.

I have been lusting after this Vince version for quite some time. But even with it currently being on sale, $240 is still too steep for me. So, I had put it on my "wish list" and thought maybe someday I would find something similar for less (fingers crossed).

Thankfully, this weekend was my moment! I swear, I only drove to the Outlet Mall because I had a return...but I also had a 60%-off-any-item coupon at Banana Republic. So, I popped in to have a look around and, to my delight, this sweater was the only one of its kind in the entire store, in my size & marked down (I may have audibly squealed)!

Banana Republic Short Sleeve Sweater - retail $80 , bought for $20
(similar J. Crew version on sale here)

Details I love: Slightly boxy shape makes it comfortable, subtle metallic thread adds a dose of polish, slouchy neckline gives it an effortless look (& allows for an off-the-shoulder option)

Greek Goddess

Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 3:17 AM

It's time for another simple & pretty summer up-do! I saw this look on the InStyle website and just knew I had to share it with you all. I have already done posts on the undone bun (here), the feminine ponytail (here), the side braid (here) & the ballerina bun (here) - which are all great options when it gets hot outside and you just want to pull your hair off your neck & shoulders.

This look is slightly more sophisticated, but still soft and romantic...and even those of you with shorter hair can pull this one off! Technically, it is still a bun, but it has that goddess-y twisted-back detail in front, making it totally chic & definitely date-worthy! Take a look & then read below for 3 simple steps to recreate it yourself.

How to try it:

1) On either side of your head, roll back the strands along your hairline, adding more hair as your work your way backwards, just like you do with a French braid. (Tuck in a few pins if you find the twists are heavy and tipping forwards.)

2) Wrap the two twists into an "untidy" bun and secure with pins and elastic. If you have shorter hair and aren't able to make it into a complete bun, just twist as much as you can & pin it into place.

3) Lightly spritz with a flexible hold hairspray to tame flyaways and help secure the style.

Electric Avenue

Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 3:00 AM

Neon was a huge trend for Spring 2011 - but because I grew up in the 80's/90's, I was very hesitant to try it out. However, I did finally cave & buy a few bright pieces to add a dash of color to my wardrobe. As we look towards fall (yes, it will be here before you know it!), I am anxious to mix these eye-popping accessories with the heavy neutrals that autumn & winter bring...to help ease myself into the colder season (example seen on the Fall 2011 runways here).

Still on the fence? Try picking just one of the options below & pair it with white, dove gray or nude for a chic contrast. My budget-friendly picks to help you get your feet wet:

Dorothy Perkins Blue Chain Necklace - £7.00

Essie Neon Perky Purple - $10.99

Napier Yellow Hoop Earrings - $12.60

Forever 21 Pink Pop of Color Bangles - $5.80
ASOS Lime Boyfriend Belt - $13.79

MAC Neon Orange Lipstick - $20.99

Rugby Junior World Championship Final New Zealand 2011

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The New Zealand team celebrate at the end of the Rugby Junior World Championship final match against England in Padova, Italy, Sunday, June 26, 2011.

The French Open Nice Pictures And News 2011

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The French Open Nice Pictures

Meet in the Middle

Monday, June 27, 2011 at 3:00 AM

At the request of several readers, I have decided to take the plunge and do more outfit posts (most likely, one per week). And it's good because it will help challenge me to get creative with my wardrobe. This being the first one, I wanted to touch on a trend that is big right now - midi skirts (this one's for you, Kimi). At first, I wasn't sure how flattering this length would be on my figure...but after buying one, I am hooked!

I love the vintage-vibe that they give to an outfit and how they ooze femininity. Thanks to the neutral color, I am finding mine to be incredibly versatile. I'm already dreaming up more combinations in my head ~ a peach silk tank with a floppy hat & wedges or a simple fitted white tee with flats. This time, I chose some chunky shoes & a tribal-inspired necklace to juxtapose against the sweetness of the skirt.

What I'm wearing:

Forever 21 skirt & belt, Mossimo tank, BCBG sandals, Kohls & Steinmart bracelets, BCBG necklace

Wegmans LPGA 2011 Pictures

Sunday, June 26, 2011 at 10:13 PM

Cindy LaCrosse

Morgan Pressel

Minea Blomqvist

Angela Stanford

Yani Tseng

Hee Young Park

Paula Creamer

Fifa Women World Cup 2011 in Pictures

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Marta, forward (Brazil)

Birgit Prinz, striker (Germany)

Homare Sawa, midfielder (Japan)

Kelly Smith, striker (England)

Hope Solo, goalkeeper (US)

Christine Sinclair, striker (Canada)

Lotta Schelin, striker (Sweden)

Faye White, defender (England)

Yorely Rincon, midfielder (Colombia)

Linda Bresonik, defender or midfielder (Germany)

Wimbledon 2011: Andy Murray

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Andy Murray Wimbledon 2011

Dos Santos seals Gold Cup win 2011

Saturday, June 25, 2011 at 8:50 PM

Mexico won the CONCACAF Gold Cup with a 4-2 win over the United States in a hugely entertaining final played in front of 93,000 fans in Pasadena, California..

Dos Santos

Top 5 Hottest Female Sports Stars For 2011

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Softball star pitcher Jennie Finch lead the US Olympic team to a gold medal in 2004 and a silver medal in 2008. The 6'1" stunner can really throw some heat.

Anna Kournikova has ranked as high as the world's eighth best single female tennis player, and was ranked #1 with her partner, Martina Hingis, in doubles. The Russian-American beauty has a drink named after her: a white Russian with skim milk is called the Anna Kournikova.

Lisa Leslie is to women's basketball as Michael Jordan is to men's. She won the MVP award in the WNBA three times and is a four time Olympic gold medalist.

Paula Creamer is a 24-year-old golf phenom who's won 11 tournaments, 9 of which have been on the LPGA tour. Four! Hottie on in the clubhouse.

Amanda Beard captured our hearts as the 15-year-old teddy-bear-clutching teen on the US Olympic swim team. When she came back as a 19-year-old, and a 23-year-old, look out! The swimming pool caught fire.