by Monica on March 13, 2011
J.Crew Pixie Pant: $69.99
Click it/Skip it: Click it!
If you haven’t heard about these pants yet, listen up! J.Crew’s Pixie Pant is one of their best selling items and probably my favorite pant (better than any jean too!) that I own.
Fit: These black pants are a thicker more “formal” version of leggings…they stretch like leggings and are super comfy but with more of a dressed up feel to them. They run true to size…I would normally go for a 4 but each time I bought them (I got both my pairs at the outlets for $15…call your local factory store to see if they are in stock) they only had a 6. Not as tight as I would want but I still love them.
The top of the pant is elastic, so you can wear these on even your worst day. My favorite detail…the backside features a sexy exposed zipper.
Cropped or regular? Go for the regular, rather than the crop. As for color, the black would be your best option, but if you wanna switch it up, these also come in a heather grey.
Shopper’s Notes: One annoying thing is that they are dry clean only. This probably has to do withe fabric shrinking in a high heat dryer, but I accidentally put one of my pairs (I have two pairs so I can wear them more often) in the washer/dryer and it ended up being fine. That may just be because they were originally too loose so when they just shrunk a little bit, it was to my benefit. Minus this, I can’t complain…I LOVE these pants and I wear them all the time!
by Monica on February 19, 2011
Madewell Snapshot Minidress: $69.99
Click it/Skip it: Click it!
Simple and chic. This dress is bound to be a winter-time favorite and can even work for “can’t get here soon enough” spring days! It comes in two colors: bandana blue and dark olive.
Fit: The dress fits true to size and zippers up the back…the exposed zipper is a nice touch. One of my favorite features is the volume in the shoulders…I love big shoulders right now and this dress pulls off the trend subtly. The dress is made of a satin-like material and has a tendency to wrinkle so make sure you keep this one hung up nicely. For me, I am loving the dark olive color…its perfect for spring and can be dressed up with heels or with a blazer for a more daytime appropriate look.
Shopper’s Notes: This dress can be styled for any taste and I don’t know about you, but the way this dress is styled in the picture would not be my first choice for this dress. The clogs are too casual for this dress and those look like ski socks…YUK!
I say dress it up with platform pumps, patterned tights, tons of gold jewelry, and an oversized clutch!
by Monica on February 12, 2011
Urban Outfitters Tulip Back Blouse, $48
Click it/Skip it: Click it!
The price is a bit steep for a basic blouse but I couldn’t resist this one! The back is positively sexy and its a great way to show a little skin when the weather is too chilly for your go to “night out tank”.
Fit: This top fits true to size and will look great on any size. The shoulders are a bit ruched and add a bit of volume to your look. The back is obviously the best feature…its a sexy twist that the cutout is from the bottom instead of the traditional “low back” cut.
The shirt can flap open in the back…and while it hasn’t happened when wearing yet, if you want more modesty, just pair it with a cute, colorful bandeau instead of a bra. The top is thin enough to be layered under just about anything, but don’t leave your jacket on too long…show of that back!
Shopper’s Notes: For the amount of use I am bound to get out of this top its worth the price. This top can be worn in the winter or the summer with skirts and jeans. Dress it up with a chunky, embellished necklace or wear it without jewelry and let the red speak for itself. This top is perfect for a date night or drinks with the girls!
by Monica on February 3, 2011
Lulu’s Bat Your Lashes Dress: $32.00
Click it/Skip it: Click it!
Lulu’s has a ton of super cute and trendy dresses, but I love this one shoulder number! It comes in a ton of colors and its so easy to wear.
Fit: This dress comes in small, medium, and large and fit true to size. The length is also true to the picture…but now that I have it in person, it might be more appropriate for non-conservative occasion.
The one shoulder is sexy without being revealing. Usually, I steer clear of one shoulder dresses, because I have a large bust and its not the most flattering cut on me. However, the flowing cut of this dress makes it universally flattering.
Shopper’s Notes: The dress comes in 6 color choices. I love the navy, because it looks chic with gold accessories and can work in the summer and fall/winter. The color makes it a great alternative to the classic LBD. I might pick up a second one in blush…once I work on my tan.
by Monica on January 29, 2011
Click it/Skip it: Mostly, Skip it
Old Navy has been running commercials for their $12 yoga pants continuously, so I finally gave in and went to try them out for myself. They have a full selection of shorts, different cuts of yoga pants, sweatshirts and active tops. While I was mostly disappointed by the selection in my store, I ended up buying their basic fold-over yoga pant mainly out of necessity and because they were only $12 bucks!
Fit: All of the options fit true to size and are offered in petite, tall, and plus size which is fantastic! They are soft and stretchy but my main complaint was just that. The pants are too stretchy and they’ve now stretched out too quickly after just a few wears.
I prefer my yoga pants to be a bit on the tight side, so they don’t move while I’m exercising and so that they hold me in. My Lululemon groove pants do a fantastic job of this, but I’m guessing that’s why they cost almost 7x as much…whatever material they’re using has to be pretty expensive!
Old Navy offered two other styles–a gaucho style pant which is something you want to steer clear of and a wide leg pant which had very unflattering and unpractical pockets. They both had me saying “skip it” as soon as I pulled them on.
Shopper’s Notes: While I will definitely use my fold over pair for lounging, I won’t be using them at the gym. This “active-wear” seems to be better suited for a very casual active lifestyle or laying around the house and while the price is right, it’s not up to par with my other go-to workout favorites from Nike, Lululemon, and Gapbody.
by Monica on January 23, 2011
Click it/Skip It: Click it!
Tarte Cosmetics Picture Perfect Eye Lash Curler: $15
I have always been a fan of a good eyelash curler. My lashes are short and I can never find the perfect mascara to give me an amazing lift so curling my lashes first usually does the trick.
My basic curler from Revlon for about $5 worked well and I would recommend it to anyone not looking to invest a few extra dollars, but I thought I it was time to upgrade. Everyone says the Shu Uemura Curler can’t be beat but at Sephora the other day I tried out their popular Tarte Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler and I LOVE IT!
It is so easy to handle and it is built to fit naturally in your grip, plus I love the purple color! The soft rubber won’t hurt sensitive lashes or eyes and any beginner can figure this one out. With my cheaper curlers I had to squeeze hard to get a great curl but with this curler just a gentle squeeze for ten seconds will do the trick.
Shopper’s Notes: I got this at Sephora for $15 but try Ulta. Ulta offers the curler plus “Deluxe Light Camera Action Mascara” for the same price! And be sure to check out the side bar of the website for coupon codes.
by Monica on January 16, 2011
Lululemon Athletica Slipless Headbands: $12.00
Click it/Skip it: Click it
It may be that I have a weird head shape or something but I have never found a headband that would work for me at my workouts. They would always slip off and I would find myself focusing more on my hair than my running.
Fit: These headbands are all about the fit. They have a silicone band on the inside that is meant to keep it in place no matter what moves you’re doing. One size fits all and they have nine stylish colors online! You can’t go wrong with any color and after you try one out I’m sure you will going back to pick up more colors.
Shopper’s Notes: Tons of celebs are huge fans of Lululemon and recently Jessica Alba was spotted sporting one of these slipless headbands. It looks like its staying in place for her! 
Now, I can’t promise that this headband will stay on everyone’s heads but it really has worked great for me, and I would recommend trying it out. They’re $12 a headband and so worth it. They’re the perfect thing to buy to motivate you to stick to that New Years resolution!
Update: Thanks to one of our sporty readers, we just discovered Sweatybands–same price as these, but lots of fun design options!
by Monica on December 24, 2010
Forever 21 Tiered Embellished Dress: $19.80
Click it/Skip it: Click it or skip depending on your body type!
Holiday parties coming up? This tiered dress is festive and perfect for any event this holiday season!
Fit: I can’t promise that this dress will look great on every body type…and I would look for something else if you have a larger chest or are looking for something that shows off your curves.
That being said, I love the style of this dress…it’s very loose and voluminous and would look great on a boyish figure! Also, if you’re tall, watch out because it runs a bit on the short side…you might want to pair some faux leather leggins under it and wear it as a tunic instead of a dress.
But if you’re under 5′5″ this dress will look adorable on you! Its flirty, short, and comfortable and even though its polyester it looks like silk. The beaded detail on the straps also helps it look much more expensive than it really is!
Shopper’s Notes: I don’t love the styling on the model pictured here. Personally, I could do without the knit hat and instead suggest wearing our hair pinned up–very old Hollywood and retro glam! However, I do love the chunky statement bangles with the dress and for shoes, I say go high contrast with some sexy black pumps and textured tights if it’s freezing where you are!
For less than $20, it’s totally worth the price!
by Monica on December 15, 2010
I Heart Ronson Blazer: $39.99
Click it/Skip it: Click it!
I love the more casual look of this blazer. The cotton fabric and the dressed up lapel can work for day or night. I am so glad I walked into JCPenny and found this because I was just about buy GAP’s very similar version…but I like this one so much better and its a much better deal for only $39.99!
Fit: This blazer fits so true to size. Its not boxy and has three hooks on the inside instead of three buttons. They have x-small to x-large and this blazer is universally flattering no matter your size.
Shopper’s Notes: This blazer actually looks more expensive than the Gap version that I initially wanted. The black lapel adds some visual detail and this would look great with jeans for day (I will be sporting that look) or over a dress for night. Click it! You will get a lot of wear out of this for December!
by Monica on December 4, 2010
BCBGeneration Sateen Puff Dress: $118
Click it/Skip it: Click it!
I have been on the search for a great classic but modern LBD for the upcoming holiday season so I hit up Bloomingdale’s where I found a few strong contenders…but I fell in love with this BCBGeneration mini dress. To be perfectly honest, its a bit more than I wanted to pay but I have a feeling it’ll be totally worth it thanks to the versatility and CPW (cost per wear)!
Fit: This dress runs a bit large in comparison to other BCBGeneration dresses. I have a large bust and in some dresses (mainly strapless) I tend to wear a 6 but in this dress I bought a size 4. This dress cinches at a high waist so I’d buy what ever size you would wear in high-waisted skirt.
The shoulders have a little puff, but not so exaggerated that it begins to look costume-y or Kardashian like!. The shoulder detail and high neckline definitely give it that modern touch I was searching for while the back adds some sex appeal with a deep V cut.
Shopper’s Notes: The dress is a sateen and cotton combo so it can work for a more formal occasion…but the cotton also let’s it do double duty for a more casual night out. And don’t be afraid to load up on the accessories with this one. The simplicity of the dress is begging for you to add an armful of chunky and sparkling bangles, a statement necklace and a pair of strappy stilettos.
If this dress is out of your price range my other top contenders from Aqua, Free People (I’m loving the lace accents on this one) and Quotation were all under $100!!
