Rack to Reality

LOFT Colored Vinyl Tote: $29.50 (Use the code SHOP40 to save an extra 40%!!)

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Need an affordable and fashionable beach tote for that last minute beach trip? Ann Taylor Loft has you covered!

Fit: This tote is the perfect size to fit all of your beach needs this summer. It comes in three colors, royal blue, teal, and the summer’s hottest color…tangerine! The vinyl material makes it the perfect bag to go anywhere because it won’t get wet or sandy at the beach and its durable enough to carry as much as you need.

The two tone is the perfect way to jump on the color blocking trend. As seen in the photo, the bag is opaque at the bottom but has a translucent panel at the top that adds some more style.

Shopper’s Notes: This bag is definitely one of those “you get what you pay for“…it’s made of plastic and while it may only last you one summer, the the price is right and its a great bag to spice up your summer!

J.Crew Caroline Dress: $79.99

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This dress didn’t jump out at my right away, but I decided to try it on anyway because it was on sale …and I already had a huge pile for the dressing room. J.Crew has tons of great stuff on sale right now BTW! Anyway, the cut on this dress turned out to be so flattering and comfortable, I fell in love.

Fit: This dress fits very true to size and it comes in petite too! (There’s more colors left in stock online for the petites than in store).  It pinches in at the waist so it has the effect of a full skirt which happens to be a super flattering fit on most body types…more on that later.

To be honest, this dress is really basic, but in a really good way.  It’s still fashionable thanks to the cut and the material but it’s also the perfect blank canvas. I also like it because it’s conservative enough for work but casual enough to wear on the weekends as well!

Shopper’s Notes: This dress is universally flattering for all body types, but if you’re working a curvy body this dress will become your go to piece on those days when you don’t fell like trying but still feel like looking put-together! It will accentuate the your smallest areas and soften a large bust.

It comes in safari green, blossom pink, and faded black. I went with the safari green and I will be styling mine with brown leather accessories all summer long like a braided brown belt and wedges!

Lucky Brand Brandice Sandals: $59.00

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These shoes are an aH-mazing find. They are casual and comfortable…the perfect combination for summer.

Fit: A great fitting sandal is hard to come by but this pair is seriously comfortable. The soles are padded and the straps are a stretch fabric so they don’t give you blisters. The do run a bit small, so if you’re in between sizes I would go with the bigger size.

Shopper’s Notes: One of the reasons I feel in love with these shoes is because I am obsessed with stripes. But then I realized their full potential…they can work with just about anything!  I love them with denim shorts and an over-sized tee or a bohemian maxi.

Check them out in Olive Green here for a different style but the same comfort.  And don’t panic if you don’t see your size on their website, Lucky sells this shoe at Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Zappos, and even Amazon (where you save $3!).

I Heart Ronson Maxi Dress: $49.99

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In case you were wondering what my go-style is this summer…it’s the maxi dress.  I love the stylish ease that comes with wearing one of these and while I would typically avoid buying one in all black, this style from the I Heart Ronson line at JCPenney got me!  I LOVE IT!

Fit: Like most of the IHR collection, this runs big.  I got a XS and it still feels a tiny bit big on my so my reccomendation is to size down.  The dress has a pretty generous cut and while the look is loose and flowy, you don’t want to be swimming in all this material.  I like my maxis long enough so I have the option to wear it with heels or flats so don’t worry if you’re tall…it’s plenty long!

Shopper’s Notes: I am completely obsessed with material and the details on this dress.  It easily looks like it cost me a a fortune! The tassels at the bust add a really fun touch and I love the chiffon…albeit poly, it’s not itchy and feels like the real deal. I will suggest that you add your own skinny belt (try a braided style!) to give it that extra edge and to help define your waist!  You’re going to fall in love with this dress…

which is why I want one of you to have it or a $50 giftcard to JCPenney for FREE…winner’s choice! To enter this give-a-way, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post letting me know how you’d wear this fabulous maxi and it can be yours! Good Luck!

NOTE: Giveaway open to US residents only.  Winner will be notified via email on 6/20.

Old Navy Tiered-Hem Chiffon Tanks: $19.50 each

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This is one of my favorite items that I’ve found at Old Navy in a long time. This top comes in 5 different colors…prints and solids. The simple cut and chiffon fabric makes it amazingly versatile and I want it in every color now!

Fit: This top runs true to size. Its loose and feminine, and the A-line cut will look great on any body type.  Also, the ruffles at the bottom flare out a bit to add some interest…such a cute detail.

The top is double layered and the under layer can be removed if you want to work the sheer trend!

While I am obsessed with the orange and yellow for summer, the green is will transition perfectly for a layered look in the fall.

Shopper’s Notes: It is Old Navy, so the top is made of polyester. However, its not itchy or heavy and its still the perfect top to throw on and go. It can work for almost any occasion and looks good tucked in or free-flowing. Layer it under a cardigan or blazer for work or pair with shorts for a casual hot summer day!

We are always on the lookout to share Target’s best designer collaborations and this summer’s Calypso collaboration is one of the most anticipated yet. I have been dying for this collection to be released to Target stores across the country, and I was not disappointed. The Calypso collection is one of the most extensive and largest collaborations I have ever seen at Target. It features clothing, accessories, shoes, bathing suits, intimates, jewelry, clothes for girls and babies, bedding, housewares, furniture, dishes, and outdoor decor. Every department I ventured into had some sort of Calypso extension. And to top it off, its all available online!!

Divided into three sub-collections, you can shop the specific collection that works for your style. The Shore collection features the more neutral looks and has the feeling of a sandy beach, the Reef collection (my favorite) is bright, fun, and is mostly made up of dresses and bedding that are coral or pink, and the Sea collection, made up of mostly blue, has the breezy and serene feeling of the ocean.

The line has the classic Calypso style that will make you feel like you’re on an exotic island even when you’re just lounging at a backyard pool. Now, I can’t give everything a glowing review because there were some misses…I would stay away from the tie-dye print, the maxi dresses felt like very poor quality, and some of the housewares might only work if you’re having a theme party.

My top picks…the Linen Tote for the beach, this khaki shift dress with neon beading, these chic decorative pillows for an outdoor patio, this breezy tunic, this clutch would make an adorable makeup bag, and this candle smelled amazing!

So, trust me, take a few minutes out of your day to check this out before all the goodies are gone…and if you shop in-store, make sure you pick up a cart, because you will fill it with all tons of fabulous Calypso pieces for less!

Anthropologie Sale Section: $39.95-$99

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Because I am always shopping on a budget, most of the time Antropologie is more of a window shopping stop for me. I google at all their amazing retro-style dresses, eclectic house-wear, and bohemian tops. But, I rarely ever can leave the store with what I want. However, today I raided their sale rack and I found some great and not-so-great finds that I had to share.

First for my favorites…this Pop Art Palette Top (left) is the perfect top to wear with jeans and flats now and with a cute pair of denim shorts when it gets hotter. Its soft and loose and I’m obsessed with the colors.

My other buys…the draped collar tunic, which is so cute in the bold hot pink or the more subtle army green. It can be worn on a casual weekend or tucked into a skirt for work! The Diamond Lattice Dress, was a bit of a splurge but it was so flattering and universal for casual and more formal occasions this summer. And lastly, this Elegant Angles Bag was a steal! It was almost 50% off and its the perfect classic bag for everyday.

As for the bad…I tried on a lot, everything I thought I would love but these were surprisingly bad…This Perpendiculars Sweater was all wrong for me. I have been buying all stripes lately, but this top was too short, too tight, and too unflattering. Next I tried the Plains Ranger Shirtdress, it was too long and too frumpy…but I loved the pattern. Lastly, I wanted this Latticed Weekend Skirt to work out, but who was I kidding? White pencil skirt covered in eyelet fabric with a big pocket adding to the volume in the front…no, just so bad.

Overall, when I left Anthro I was so happy with what I did leave with. They have some amazing transitional pieces on sale right now and you have to go check them out now!

Need more advice? Anthro’s website features great reviews on everything that might help you out if you’re on the fence…

Mossimo Messenger Bag: $20-$35 (depending on in-store pricing)

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While Proenza Schouler is not happy about Target “knocking off” their ever-so-popular PS1, the rest of the world is thrilled…if you judge by how fast this sold out online.

The PS1 original generally retails for around $2,000…it’s timeless and the perfect bag for any bag lover, not to mention it’s THE bag that every celebrity is currently carrying! Leighton Meester seems to have one in every color and the Olsen Twins are constantly photographed donning their favorite version.

And for all of us w/o the celebrity paycheck, a similar version is now available for a fraction of the price at Target! Other retailers have come out with their own versions in the past, but no look-a-like has gotten as much press as this Target take.

Fit: This bag seems to good to be true and it basically is. It looks great from afar and online…the perfect match to the original PS1, however up close this bag totally disappoints. First the good…the very large size (a laptop could fit), the style, the wide array of colors, and the surprisingly large amount of pockets are all great features.

However the bad cancels out the good…the quality is less than satisfactory. The bag is not as structured as the online photographs seem to imply and the leather (pleather perhaps?) has a very distinct chemical smell.

And don’t get me started on the quality…the straps started to fall apart as soon as I started carrying my laptop, so you can’t even take advantage of the functional size.

Shopper’s Notes: Go see this bag in person before you buy…y0u may feel differently about it. IMO, this bag will not last you and you get what you pay for. If you are looking for a PS1 look-a-like, I would spend a little bit more and get something that will last you longer. Check these bags from ASOS for a sturdier option….

More Asos…

Aerie Printed Tank Dress: $39.50

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Spring is almost here and this is the perfect little sundress to transition between seasons. Pair it with a boyfriend cardigan or utility jacket for spring and carry it into summer for those t00-hot-to-handle days!

Fit: This dress has the perfect silhouette to flatter any shape. The bodice features a slight v-neck that will work on any bust and the the waist is cinched with an adorable tie that has two threaded beads at the end. The cinched waist will help accent the smallest part of your body while still hiding that bit of “winter weight” you may still be trying to loose in preparation for the summer.

The only thing I will warn you about is the length of the dress. It’s definitely on the shorter side, so this dress is may be more appropriate for those 5′5″ and under…or you can always wear it with leggings!

Shopper’s Note: This dress comes in three patterns/colors. I love the French Vanilla! It has an art deco feeling to me and I definitely think its the most chic looking option. You can style this dress with a rugged jacket and boots like the model or try a more beach-y vibe with sandals  or dress it up a bit with a great pair of wedges. I will definitely be getting a lot of wear out of this one!