Bullseye: The Archer Sandal Steal

I instantly fell in love with the DV by Dolce Vita Archer Sandals when I first saw laid eyes on them back in April. But with classic black, beachy white and bold neons and snakeskins, it was hard to pick just one. I finally settled on the bright pink and, while thrilled with my decision, still found myself lusting after the basic black months later.

DV by Dolce Vita Archer Sandal, $69.99; DolceVita.com

Enter the Mossimo Poeske Flat Sandal from Target. Although lacking in the gold-tipped toe department, at $14.99 it is enough to satisfy my craving for seconds... and maybe even thirds (shhh!).

Mossimo Poeske Flat Sandal, $14.99; Target.com

Major Steal: H&M Dressy Tanks

Against my better judgment, I walked into H&M on Friday telling myself that I would only “browse” (knowing full well that this would be an impossibility). Twenty minutes later, with an armful of potential purchases that I was attempting to justify, I stumbled upon this amazing score. There stood in front of me a gorgeous rack of silky, dressy tanks with gold buttons in a myriad of colors and patterns.  Telling myself that I had already done enough damage to the wallet, I almost passed it by… but not before I saw the price tag. $4.95 each?!? It couldn’t be. This deal was way too good to pass up, so naturally, I bought two.

These tops are perfect for throwing under a blazer for work, or for pairing with white jeans and wedges for a casual sunset happy hour. And at only $4.95, I recommend you run, not walk, to your nearest H&M to snag some for yourself.

Quick Pick: Merona Envelope Clutch

This oversized envelope clutch is the perfect addition to any warm-weather wardrobe. Wear it with the strap as a daytime shoulder bag, or without it as a chic, evening clutch. It seems like every designer is doing their own take on the ostrich bag, and now you can get the look for a mere $19.99.


Merona Camel Envelope Clutch, $19.99 Target.com



Jessica Simpson Does Louboutin

Inspiration... one of the most common words in the fashion industry. A few months after fashion week it is common to walk into Zara or Forever21 and see an "xyz-inspired blouse" or an " xyz-esque bag." The fashion realm is ripe with euphemisms for what many might refer to as just plain old knockoffs. For the most part these things go undisturbed, but once in awhile there is a knockoff so blatant that it can only be referred to as a straight up robbery. See Exhibit A: Jessica Simpson's Evangel platforms, $98. And below them we have the "inspiration", Christian Louboutin's Staratata sandals which retail for cool $995. I am all for saving a buck when it comes to shoes, but maybe this time Jess went a little too far.

Top: Jessica Simpson Evangel Platform, $98; Bottom: Christian Louboutin Staratata Sandal, $995

Glitz & Glam

The eclectic New York-based jewelry label DANNIJO has exploded this year, with fans ranging from mega celebs like Blake Lively, to fashion bloggers a la The Man Repeller, Leandra Medine. However, with novelty necklaces ranging anywhere from $400-$900 a pop, these goods are certainly not within everyone's budget. But not to worry, these crafty Etsy sellers have picked up the neon rhinestone trend. Their gems are every bit as pretty, but are thankfully a little/a lot more affordable!

DANNIJO Capucine Necklace, $445 Image via dannijo.com

Clockwise from left: Neon Navette Necklace, $65 Lily Dawson Designs; Vintage 1950s Hand-Painted Neon Rhinestone Bracelet, $75 Love Obsessed; Neon Crystal Bib Necklace, $85 Rocks Paper Metal Jewelry; Neon Rhinestone Earrings, $26 Lidart

Denim & Daisies

Traditionally, Spring has always been a time for florals. Floral skirts, floral dresses, floral scarves, and now… floral denim? Yes, love it or hate it, the floral denim trend is in full bloom this season. Celebs like Lana Del Rey have been seen out and about sporting this look in various forms, from cropped jeans to short shorts. The pastel shorts are easy and subtle enough to incorporate into your warm weather wardrobe, but if you’re feeling a little more daring, the Forever 21 Premium Floral Jeans are pretty awesome with a pair of wedges.

Jenna Dewan-Tatum in LA, Photo via Denim Debutante

Lipsy Floral Short, $62 ASOS; Premium Floral Skinny Jeans, $24.50 Forever21;  Acid Floral Fray Hem Short & Floral Printed Short, $29.50 each Delias

Smoke Show

With the first official day of Spring behind us, it's time to put the boots and fur back in the closet in preparation for the warmer days to come. Footwear is the first step in this transition since being caught outside in the beating sun with knee-high boots on is basically like having your legs stuck in a sauna. Before you slip on the same old ballet flats, consider updating your look. Maybe we are still feeling the aftershocks of the Mad Men effect, because smoking flats are emerging as the hot new shoe silhouette for spring.

Leopard print smoking flats are particularly on trend as they are perfect for pairing with hot pinks and fuschias, key colors for spring. Get the look on any budget:

Jimmy Choo Wheel Leopard Haircalf Loafers, $495 Saks

Dolce Vita Nariko Smoking Leopard Haircalf Loafers, $165 Saks

Qupid Strip-27 Leopard Flat, $29 DSW

SP12 Color Trend: Mint Green

Pastels in general are big for Spring 2012, but mint green seems to be the definite breakout star of the group. Here are a few very on-trend, very wearable pieces to help you incorporate this fresh hue into your look. I am particularly fond of the Last Century necklace, (slightly DANNIJO-esque, but for only $39) and the adorable ASOS patent loafers... spring is calling my name!

High Low Maxi Skirt $80, Asos.com, Lace Strappy Sundress $65 Topshop, Last Century Beaded Necklace $39 Lulus.com, Collared Button Down $39.90 Zara, Mini Party Messenger Bag $49.90 Zara, Macabee Pantent Loafer $68, Asos.com



Marni for H&M

After months of lookbook images circulating the web, the newest H&M designer collaboration finally dropped today- Marni for H&M. Much to the disappointment of story-hungry reporters, the launch opened with minimal chaos. It seems that the retailer has learned a thing or two after its Versace, Celine and Lanvin debacles, as it decided to enact some pretty intense crowd control measures this time around. The hopefuls waiting in line outside are being given wristbands and split up into groups of 20. Once inside, the group will have a mere 10 minutes to snatch up as many of the goods as they can, to take home and cherish sell on eBay.

Check out a few of my favorite pieces below and head to H&M to shop the complete collection!

Printed Blouse $79, Patent Leather Top $149, Ruffle Jacked $69, V-neck Tank $59, Images via H&M.

The Steal: Pintuck Duvet

I'll admit it, my bed is one of my absolute favorite places on earth. And since I spend so much time in it, it's only natural that I would want it to be the comfiest & coziest that it possibly could be. I recently got a new down comforter, and while searching for its perfect duvet counterpart, I came across this West Elm Pintuck Duvet Cover. Thanks to its luxurious, cloud-like appeal, I have fallen in love.

West Elm Organic Cotton Pintuck Duvet and Shams, $167 (Queen)

The price tag, however, is another story. The queen-size cover, plus two shams, plus shipping, will run you over $200. This is a lot to spend in addition to my down comforter (and don't even get me started on the throw pillows). Alas, I have found a solution: the Target Puckering Duvet Set- $69.00 for the duvet and two shams. Definitely a great alternative for half the price!

Target Puckering Duvet Set, $69

Get the Look: Street Style Steal

Long, flowy skirts aren't just for springtime anymore! These sheer numbers have been dominating the street style realm for the past few months, and emerged as a serious trend at the recent runway shows. Designers like Dior and Nina Ricci have thrown their hats in the ring, and now you can snag the look too!

Image from fortheloveofpretty.net

Sheer Pleated Skirt, $24.80 Forever21; Textured Crop Sweat, $44.00 Topshop; Sam Edelman Wilma Ankle Boot, $64.90 Endless.com; Clare Vivier Oversized Clutch, $185 Shopbop; Hammered Double Cuffs (Set of Two), $25.07 Asos

J. Crew Factory Picks

While it is common for savvy shoppers to set out to the outlets in search of a steal, it is usually not the most enjoyable experience. Long drives, huge crowds and big headaches are just a few of the cons that come to mind. Luckily, there is a much better solution. More and more of our favorite stores are starting to put their outlet goods on the web. Most notably is J. Crew, which has launched the online "J. Crew Factory." Although I wouldn't exactly call the majority of items bargains, there are some gems (especially for jewelry & accessories) if you do some digging. Here are some of my J. Crew Factory picks- all under $50!

Clockwise from top left: Tissue V-Neck Tee, $22.50; Crystal Bib Necklace, $49.50;
Dip-dye Scarf, $26.50; Carson Short, $42.50; 

Cheap Eats

Le Cirque, NYC. Image via NYMag.com

Dining out in New York is no bargain. In fact, depending on your destination of choice, the cost of a meal can be comparable to that pair of Jimmy Choo's you've been eyeing. (Exageration? Only slightly.) Enter Savored.com. For only $10, you can make a reservation at one of the 280 participating New York restaurants (or hundreds of others across the country). That $10 reservation gets you an uncapped 30% off your entire bill. And yes, that does include drinks. Pretty major when trendy cocktails average $10-$16 a pop. Not bad right? The best part is that these restaurants are not your average bottom-of-the-barrel, Groupon leftovers. The Savored.com directory features some of the most popular spots in the city, including the prestigious Le Cirque and Upper East Side staple Nino's. A girl's gotta eat, so why not save some money while doing it!

STEAL-toed

These Stuart Weitzman MJ's are the love child of two of Spring 2012's biggest trends: metallics and pastels. They were everywhere during NYFW, but dare I say it... I like the Zara version better! Savings: 65%.

Stuart Weitzman "Capsize" $395, StuartWeitzman.com

Zara "Court Show" $129, Zara.com

Baroque or Broke?

I don't know about you, but my sunglasses are basically destined for disaster the second I lay hands on them. Sand scratches? Check. Toss 'em in the purse? Yup. Sat on them again? Whoops. With that kind of survival rate, I refuse to drop a ton of money on something that I will most likely drop on the sidewalk a week later. The good news is that cheap, designer-inspired sunglasses are readily available. Check out these Prada Baroque look-a-likes blatant copies for a mere $9.95. Yes, $9.95. That's 97% less than the $290 Prada price tag. Can't tell the difference? Neither will 97% of the people you wear them in front of. (And the other 3% will be kicking themselves).

Prada Baroque Sunglasses, $290.00 Nordstrom.com

"Designer Inspired Oversized High Fashion Sunglasses with Baroque Swirls Arms"
$9.95 Amazon.com