Strategic Shopping for Stylish but Affordable Apparels at Zepherra

One strategy that I found effective in styling is creative combination. By that, I don’t refer to only creative ways of mix matching or style hunting but I refer to strategic ways of combining designers, high street or lookalikes in an outfit. This way of styling has served me best since I started to fall in love with fashion during my university days.

If my shoes are designers, people would certainly notice them. Therefore, I pick a dress that is not a designer but simply is a look alike. The dress can be easily understood as designers too. To complete the outfit, I would take a purse that is a highstreet product and then walk like everything on me is designers.


However, this strategy would effectively work if you are resourceful. You have to be able to identify products that are affordable but are great lookalikes of designer products. This area requires good taste and keen eyes but is practically helpful given the economy.



Zepherra is a shop that sells lovely dresses and apparels that I consider great lookalikes. Their products are creatively crafted and are fashionably designers inspired. What is more hilarious about this shop is that their products’ prize usually ranges $10 to $30. It is not difficult to identify apparels that would suit your need for lookalikes because what their shop offers are not only very affordable, they are also very stylish.

Halter Dress: the dress that suits any other girl

Girls, if there is one style of dress that suits any body type, that is Halter Dress. All you need are only a pair of arms good enough to bare. Comes in many forms such as spaghetti straps, thin or wide straps that tie to another piece of material, crosses the collar and meets behind the neck, these dresses are usually versatile.

I love the thought that Marilyn Monroe’s fashion sense is very influential even up to these days. Known for her trade color that is white, several white dresses were created through her inspiration. My favorite among all these white dresses is her version of halter dress. If you let yourself slip inside it, you allow yourself the bliss of receiving pieces of her beauty sprinkled through this creation. It’s entirely very Marilyn.

The skirt of a halter dress is never boring. There are varied styles for the skirt that you can choose from. Usually the fabric where the straps are tied drapes on the body. The lengths can be long or short, the hems can be uneven, but the fabric is always light. Aside from being a sexy low cut with creative layering for the skirt, a halter dress gets an edge if the waist line is fabulously designed.

If I were to wear Maxi dress

Girls, if there is one style that I am much challenged to wear, that is maxi dress. A long maxi is even more challenging than the short. I admire seeing them worn by tall elegant women who look like queens and goddesses if not innocent girls ready to run off the shore for a play, barefooted. But I have to face it - I am not tall. I can stand 5’5’’ through the aid of 3-inch-heels and perhaps that would suffice to pull on a maxi. But I am scared; I might look like a tent. And yet I cannot just keep admiring and not trying it on me. After all, I am on the quest for creativity. Thus I try to figure what are the important things to consider for a fabulous maxi dress outfit.

I don’t like dresses with big patterns such as large flowers because they just don’t fit a petite frame. Since I don’t have long legs, high heels are a must. It is easy to look short with this type of dress; therefore I have to avoid horizontal patterns no matter how enticing the design can be.

I fell in love with a Celia maxi dress because of its very J.Lo style with elegant combination of colors, but it's a tube. I am not abundant enough for a tube, therefore I have to stick with V-neck cuts to create those imaginary pair of richness and to elongate my figure – thank God maxi dresses usually come in that form. I prefer to go single colored for a sleek and smooth look unless otherwise the patterns are miniature and polished enough to earn my nod. But regardless of the pattern, I am rest assured that I won’t look like a tent as long as I go more structured through an empire waist. I don’t have a large stomach, thanks to my being underweight, but if I do have, I would go for an A-line cut to hide it and thereby create a flattering look. Lastly, I believe it is a rule that only oversized bags and chunky jewelries can maximize a maxi dress.

So tell me, girls. How would you like your maxi dress?

Support the Heart Cause, Wear Red Dress

♫♫♫♫♫ Pretty little Girl with the red dress on,
Pretty Pretty Pretty little girl she can dance ♫♫♫♫♫

While red shirt in Thailand stand for some political cause, with red shirt people rallying here and there for several weeks now seizing some important areas, malls and blocking the flow of traffic – which is entirely insane, red dress for women stand for a much worthwhile cause. Heart disease is thought to be a disease for men but is actually a more common disease in women. Two-thirds of women who have a heart attack fail to make a full recovery. Even scarier is the fact that while women grew older, the more prone to heart failure they become.

In an attempt to raise awareness among girls (and women), the Heart Truth puts on amazing runway shows of designer red dresses every February. The red symbolizes heart, the dress symbolizes woman.

Here are my favorite dresses from Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection 2010

Kim Kardashian

Heidi Klum

Kristin Chenoweth

Mamie Gummer

Bethenny Frankel

Kate Moss was not in this runway show but I found her Donna Karan red dress entirely stunning.

Nor was I in the show but I thought that I can add my voice as well through this red dress.

Therefore girls, if you wish to help increasing awareness among women about the necessity of healthy lifestyle to avoid heart disease, you better grab yourself a red dress, or search your closet for that beauty that you left hidden in your closet and wear it out to the world for a stylish worthwhile cause.

photos: community.livejournal.com

Summer Outfits Essentials

Just around the corner in every woman's mind - is a lovely dress, a wonderful suit, or entire costume which will make an enchanting new creature of her. ~Wilhela Cushman

Wilhela is incredibly right. We girls have it always in mind the thoughts of outfits that would recreate us. That said, we don't have to explain why the need to recreate our style with summer outfits essential for this season.

From Coachella we received tons of suggested must haves for summer outfits.

♥M Missoni Bias Stripe Romper, ♥Ash Ivy Open Toe Studded Booties, ♥Something Else
Slouchy Shoulder Bag, ♥Blank Denim Stud Shorts, and ♥Diane von Furstenberg Zora Dress,

Gorgeous summer dress and spring dresses from Collette Dinnigan

Hunting for spring dresses or summer dress can be really fun. Not only that your mood is driven by happiness brought by the weather, not only that it marks the farewell to boredom that white surroundings inevitably bring, but that it signals salvaging and wearing more colorful dresses.

But while we blogged about must have flowery summer dress or printed dress, we found that alternative dresses can be otherwise. Brought by Collette Dinnigan, our alternative spring dresses or summer dress are not too flowery and not too printed but are luxurious, sexy and glamorous.

♥Pebble Beaded Strapless Silk Chiffon Dress
This posh and sophisticated dress in nude silk is a perfect evening dress. Its tube top, no sleeves and high empire waist screams sexy!

♥Pewter Embroidered Smock Dress
Loose fit are a favorite of mine for summer dress. For girls with active metabolism and sweat glands, this type dress offers freshness all the time. Girlish lingerie look, shirred elements and lace inlays are the key elements for the glamor of this summer dress.

♥White Embroidered Smock Dress
We cannot deny, that when it comes to walking under the sun, white is the best color of all. This white reflects the light instead of absorbing it, leaving you less hot. Therefore what is better for your summer dress than this loose cut, knee-length with discreet embroidery and shirred elements that is white?

♥Black Sequin Strap Dress
I cannot find better words to describe this dress. Should I just stay back and let you judge it by yourself? I'd say it cannot be a less luxurious cocktail dress.

♥Raspberry/Pale Pink Tiered Sleeve Ruffle Dress
Alright, so this one is classified on our typical spring dresses or summer dress; other than it is more an extravagant dress in raspberry silk.

♥Eucalyptus Drape Shoulder Silk Satin Dress
Another spring/summer essential - cocktail dress in mint silk. Noble one-shoulder Toga dress with intricate drapes. Drapes. And what did we say about drapes?

What are your thoughts on these alternative spring dresses and summer dress? Are you ready to salvage any of them?

Sale, how I love thee! LnA Cape Tee and Chaser LA/NYC

There is no doubt that Nicole Ritchie has blossomed into one of a huge fashion icon. Her House of Harlow and Winter Kate products not surprisingly were flying off the racks in minutes – if not seconds. Who wouldn’t want to salvage any of her designs? There is even no doubt that I was swept by this admiration that I naturally became a fan of both her lines. If blogging about her often does not make things obvious, that is.

What a doll is this girl who once said that so much has happened to her life so that lifting her top up in the midst of a crowd would not really matter? But indeed so much are about to happen to your summer whereabouts, girls, if you, too, are to sport this outfit she was seen modeling around her town lately. She simply gave us another answer to our quest for more adoring summer outfits.

My favorite boutique has identified the kind of seller that rose to the top – LnA Cape Tee. Their theory is that because favorite celebrities such as Nicole Ritchie and Ashley Tisdale are seen wearing them, fashion girls were whacking the shelves to get them too.

LnA Cape Tee has extremely loose fit with off-the-shoulder cut. They are especially perfect if you would take a stroll around the city under the sun. Even if you sweat? No worries. They'd be quick to dry. The loose fit would prevent you from feeling sticky and ughh!

Chaser LA and Chaser NYC Tops bear the same concept. Comfort and style to make your summer getaways.

Oopps!
We got a coupon code for you to salvage these looks at 10% off. Use the code SPRING10
when you check out at the counter. If you want more grand sale, visit this link to Boutique to You. You can get more shocking discounts other than the spring10 code. Hilarious!

Fashion Dictionary Made Easy: Capri pants vs. Bermuda shorts

Which set are Capri pants? A or B?

♥Capri pants ("capris") are a style of pants designed to end mid-calf or just below the calf otherwise known as long shorts or three-quarters.

♥Bermuda shorts are a type of short trousers around one inch above the knee otherwise known as walking shorts or dress shorts.

Both Capri pants and Bermuda shorts are widely worn as semi-casual attire by both men and women during warm weather.

Capri pants were my favorites during my university days. I’d always wear them with sketchers or tennis shoes, mid-riff shirt and accessorize them with a big JanSport backpack. But we didn’t call them Capri pants. We called them pedal pants or three-fourths.

Bermuda shorts became my favorites when I started working and especially after I moved to this country where the temperature is much hotter. I love to wear them most of the times with tennis shoes and occasionally with boots or stilettos.

Oopps!

Capri pants end at mid-calf or just below the calf. Bermuda shorts end around one inch above the knee.

Etsy Finds what I love across Europe

Who does not love Etsy? Even before this blog was born I was already Etsy hunting. I even considered joining the hunters by becoming an Etsy retailer so that I would have the reason to hunt for what I'd love and then sell whatever is beyond the budget. Ha! Things became too hectic that spare time only allows me to manage this passion blog. But my weekly, if not daily, etsy watch is on going. It is never idle. The shop recently has turned its eyes at every angle across Europe leaving nothing unexamined by its lense.

"Etsy is taking a trip through Europe, with Etsy sellers from eleven different European countries. Take a look for yourself with our Shop Local feature — you'll find shops across borders near and far. Are you already on your way to Berlin for the grand opening party on April 1 at their new Etsy office? Get going! You only have a week left. RSVP for the party here."

I wanted to join the party but I was too late. The hall was fully booked. Therefore I contented myself checking all the finds - Etsy Finds: Across the Pond, Etsy Finds: Go Euro, Etsy Finds: Early Bird or Night Owl?, Etsy Finds Decor: Romantic Curiosities.

Did you girls get those notices too? From women's fashion, to home decors, to paintings, to photography and everything in between. You bet, I satisfied my thirst first with what's I'm more into. Thusm here are my picks:

♥ SPRING SALE (S-M) Lace-Up Leg Warmers in Purple - READY TO SHIP
Style Tip: Wear them pulled up over your heels, scrunched down around your ankles, or peeking out of your boots for three completely different looks.
♥ Vintage Shoes- Gold and Silver Rose Lace Pumps size 7
♥ Grace Couture - Brown Ostrich Feather Purse with Swarovski Crystal Trim -ONE OF A KIND
♥ Nuno felted wrist arm warmers - Growing Spring on my skin OOAK
♥ Lily Pad Brooch in Pastel Tones
♥ Custom tea dress - a rare vintage vera print, fifties inspired
♥ Tournoyer - Silver Copper and Oxidized Silver Ring

Expose your Best Assets with Drapes

There is one style that takes center stage this season. It is said to hide a multitude of sins and play up your very best assets. Drapes create gorgeous waves while clinging on to your great curves, making you look fresh and relaxed, elegant and stylish. The fabric is always soft and light giving you more rooms for movement.

♥Purple Label - Women's Oceana Tunic Dress (Black/Taupe) short sleeve tunic dress with contrasting layer draped over the front.
♥Simone Draped Overlay Dress 50%off - a beautiful silk piece featuring a ruched front sash and a hidden back zipper. This dress also has small side pockets as an added detail.
♥Rachel Roy Signature Draped skirt - this silk-jersey skirt features drapes at the front and back. Hidden side zip. Lined.
♥Kaylee tankus grey pinch back dress - heather grey jersey knit dress with side cowl. double paneled drape back with gather at lower back. model wears size small. You must see the back part girls. It's hilarious!

Natural Worn Out jeans: AG Denim

Some keen observers have said that jeans are one of the items that are not often seen in the blogosphere. Perhaps this is due to the notion that jeans are simply for usual everyday outfit. Thus style bloggers, those who blog about their daily outfits, rarely feature themselves wearing jeans.

Even though there is truth about jeans being a ready-to-go everyday outfit, they can also be done up so that you can create an elegant look from them. More importantly, there are several ways you can choose to wear jeans such as creating geek or boyish free style look. I'd like to take a note at how celebrities wear jeans.

A one-of-a-kind look that celebrities are seen sporting lately is the mimic of an old denim jeans, worn out by ex-boyfriends, a wash that's been worn for years. Created in 2000 by jean geniuses Adriano Goldschmied and Yul Ku, AG Denim quickly rose to celeb status. Lindsay Lohan, Eva Longoria, Fergie, Heidi Klum, Gwynth Paltrow, Vanessa Minnillo, Charlize Theron and Cameron Diaz, are few from the many that patronize AG denim. The idea of this brand is to create jeans that copies the look of a worn out jeans over the years but in a natural polished way with modern touch.

Spotted: Celebrity outfit - Black Devil Jeans

Just what is Black Orchid and just who is Julien Jarmoune?

Black orchid is almost mythical. While for centuries curious people were perturbed about the existence of such a flower, there was hardly any black flower or orchid that they could find as much as they could hardly breed a black tullip. Thus tremendous effort spent in the search of a black orchid went mostly in vain.

However, according to the story, there were such flowers that searchers found. They were not entirely black but they were too dark that you could almost say they are truly black. Their colors are most likely dark brown or dark maroon.

It is also said that the beauty of these dark-colored flowers called black orchid are too alluring that even if you hate vampires, you would love to take a couple of them to bring home. They're that beautiful.

Julien Jarmoune is one designer inspired by the beauty of black orchid. He was smitten by the idea of the rarity of this flower. This inspiration lead to the birth of his brand "Black Orchid". Rare and highly desired is the trademark of this designer's creations so that even celebrities patronize his products. Julien felt that the market was "saturated with ostentatious designs that he decided to create an elegant but basic jean that would appeal to women of all ages".

Black Devil Jeans in Thunder is the newest creation for Black orchid. Kristin Cavallari and Charlize Theron were spotted sporting these very jeans. Available in Black Orchid's "Thunder" wash. These devilishly divine skinnies feature zipper detailing on the back pockets and at the ankles.

Therefore girls, zip up your style with Black Orchid's Black Devil Jeans by visiting Boutique to you and grabbing your first pair.

But if you already got your first devil jeans, then let us know what made them unique. Would really love to hear from you ;)

Sale, how I love thee! Shopbop

We've spotted another grand sale, girls. Shopbop is having one big end-of-the-season sale for bags, boots and button-downs.

And what do we mean by some big sale? It's not just some percentage off, it's something as big as 50% to 70%!

Plus it's free delivery world wide within two to three days!

Here are some of my picks from the 70% off category. From left:

♥Ports 1961 Jama Coat Dress $3,895.00 FINAL SALE* $1,168.50
♥Rachel Pally Desiree Dress $192.00 FINAL SALE* $57.60
♥Elizabeth and James Estelle Jumpsuit $465.00 FINAL SALE* $139.50
♥Alice + Olivia Structured Bustier Dress $396.00 FINAL SALE* $118.80

And of course, boots and pumps! Who doesn't love them?

And then we have leggings! leggings! leggings! They're 70%off too.

Now go; check this grand sale out before they vanish ... :)

Our winner and more of Do-it-yourself outfits!

Hello girls, I hope you all enjoyed your late-in-bed Saturday. That is something you deserve after a long week of work. Let your beauty rejuvenate and get up fresh.

Today, we announce the winner for our Go wild and Free, Get your accessory! contest sponsored by our dear New York Design Shop.

And the winner is ... ... ... Cafe Fashionista! Congratulations Erika. I'm heading to your site to inform you. You won an accessory of your choice.

A big thank you to all who participated in our giveaway contest. I really appreciate every comment you made. Very much!

And as a thank you to our sponsor, let us once again take a look at what especially NYDS has got for us?

They are a shop that sells fashion accesories such as belts, necklaces, headbands, hats, belts, scarves, gloves, pins and bracelets. They also have a wide variety of trendy apparels and most especially, they offer tons of DIY guides which enable you to top your creativity in fashion. For every material that you'd need for your new do-it-yourself project, you are rest assured that you can as well avail them from the shop.

Here's one of the DIY projects that I would love to do-it myself.

Have a great weekend everyone :)