While I had hoped to see what might be trending for spring, this was the autumn/winter 2012 collection.  Over the summer I posted after each night, but this time around I live tweeted so I thought you all might just like to see a recap of what I liked best.  (Which by the way I saw about 14 runway shows over the week and its so hard to choose from everything!)

Jess Abernethy opened the week with Alpine Dream.  Lots of shearing on the sleeves, mixing of prints (think flowers on top and small dots on the bottom… things you would not think of putting together) and all flushed looking cheeks.  Get out the blush girls!

Maria Del Carmen Mercado showed how black is timeless and always in, especially when paired with lace.  This?  Was beautiful!

Sara Derfus had creative textured dresses like this

And used some great blue accents to make other bright colors really pop.

Karen Sabag showed us that feathers are not only in for your hair or earrings (which I have only just got on board with the feathered earring trend… the little 80′s child in me fought it for awhile)… but they can be applied to clothes to the waistline and even in some cases the neck.

This dress was GORGEOUS!

She also included some beautiful wedding dresses at the end of the show.  Getting married ladies?  I would definitely check out her designs if I was doing it all over again myself.  Or maybe a vow renewal.  Hmmm…

I was in love with Toni Lyn Spaziano‘s Chances R Designs line.  It felt very 60′s inspired… Pan Am sophisticated is how I would describe it.  Beautiful.

I was also fascinated by Karla Marie‘s Gorgeous Khaos line.  Think shiny, sparkles… lots of pale blue colors.  Bubble skirts with pockets!

Sarah Prost had some really cute skirts and dresses I could see myself wearing.  I loved her line last time too.  She makes gorgeous stuff!

And this time around she added a menswear line as well!

Lastly I would say all of Peach Carr‘s fashions are always in.  The former athlete in me is in love with her designs every time.  Chic tennis outfits that are made not only to dazzle on the court, but then head for a night out without needing to change anything but your sneakers… to high heels.  How cute is that!

I have to say it made the old field hockey player in me long to have had something that cool to play in, never mind hit the town in later on!

All in all amazing shows!  I am already looking forward to September when the next collections are shown.

Styleweek Providence Giveaway!

So who is ready for a giveaway?  Score some swag  from Styleweek Providence!  Leave me a comment below by Friday, February 10, and if you are selected, I will send you a package containing:

• Vitamino Color Incell Hydro-Resist shampoo by L’Oreal
• Vitamino Color Incell Hydro-Resist color protecting gel masque by L’Oreal
• Mythic Oil by L’Oreal
• Salon Effects real nail polish strips (in green with black lines) by Sally Hansen …which I would LOVE to try but currently do not have long enough nails… so you try and tell me what you think!
• Nuance dark cacao & coffee firming body cream by Salma Hayek
• Nuance Shape & Define Brow Kit by Salma Hayek

and maybe a few other surprise goodies, to be determined!  I promise, you will love it all!

P.S. – The Salma Hayek cream smells and feels amazing!

About The Author:  Liza lives in New England with her 4 favorite boys; her husband and 3 children. She started blogging in 2007, finally getting serious about her passion for writing in 2010. Always the athlete when she was younger, she did not find her inner girlie girl until college. After having 3 boys in under 2 years, she is trying to reconnect with her inner girlie girl (in a house where the toliet seat is always up), while staying on a budget.

 Featured photo

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Kitschy, Affordable Fashion At ModCloth

You may have seen ads for ModCloth on some of your favorite sites around the blogosphere, but you may never have checked them out. It’s time you did. ModCloth offers a selection of affordable, cute and totally kitschy clothing, accessories and home decor for the under 30 set (although they don’t card you at you checkout, which is good because they have some totally cute stuff that those of us a bit north of 30 can pull off). The style is retro and vintage; it reminds me of those old black and white TV shows from the 50s that my brother and I used to watch on weekday afternoons. Think “I Love Lucy,” but with a modern twist.

ModCloth was started by a husband and wife team, Susan and Eric Koger when they were only 17 years old (they were not married at 17 – just sayin’). It started as an outlet for Susan’s passion for vintage clothing and soon grew and grew. In a few years’ time, they had a real winner on their hands. I can see why. The reason I’m writing this at all is that I kept seeing their ads on other sites and always thought, “What a cute dress!” I finally clicked and found they were affordable as well.

One thing that sets this apart from other clothing sites is customer participation. The “Be The Buyer” feature allows customers to vote on sample pieces. Those that get the most votes go into production. Interesting concept and smart business, if you ask me. What better way in ensure that an item is popular than having customers pick their favorites before they’re even produced? They also feature stylist’s picks so you can see the next big things.

ModCloth is fun, affordable clothing and accessories for the fashion forward woman. Go check ‘em out.

About The Author:  Megan is a professional writer, amateur photographer and an accomplished beauty product crash test dummy. She'll try anything once, especially if it's a free sample. She's still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up, but it will probably involve travel and Colin Farrell. And maybe some writing and photography. You can visit her at onethousandwordsormore.com or follow her on Twitter: msmegan.

Posted by Megan G. for Buy-Her.com.

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Low-Key Valentine's Gifts

While some ladies dream of a big, romantic gesture on Valentine’s Day, I am not one of them. Certainly if you had the means and wanted to fly me off to Paris for a romantic long weekend, I would be in heaven (I’d even settle for New York. Just sayin’.), but realistically, I prefer an acknowledgment of the day in a way that shows that my husband gets me. And that is the key, I think. I’m not into a lot of bling. I don’t care for roses, and although I like flowers, I am allergic to them.  Truth is, I don’t really want or need much. If your significant other is the same way, here are some ideas that may help you be the hero this Valentine’s Day. 

Four Low-Key Valentine’s Day Gifts

Divine Calm - Great Gift

1. A Relaxing Bath. Light some candles, draw her a bath with a lovely, skin softening additive like The Body Shop’s Divine Calm Serenity Milk Bath Powder ($18), then leave her alone for 30 minutes. Then greet her with a warm towel and robe. It will be worth your while. Promise.

A Just-Right Treat

2. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries ($19.99). A little chocolate plus a berry packed with fiber and vitamin C. Great for your health-conscious sweetheart. A half dozen will do nicely; she might even share.

Casual, But Not Sloppy

3. A Cool Leather Bracelet ($65).  This is a cool-looking, casual bracelet that you can make her own by getting it personalized for her.  Another idea that’s as unique and rare as she is.

Say It Simply

4. A Personalized Ring ($109.98). If you’re looking for a more grand gesture, this demure ring, make personal with her initial and maybe a little love note from you. A gift that’s one of a kind. Like her.

If all else fails, clean the house. Without her asking. Make her dinner and do the dishes. It’s the little things that mean a lot—and get the biggest rewards. Wink-Wink.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Featured Photo Credit

About The Author:  Megan is a professional writer, amateur photographer and an accomplished beauty product crash test dummy. She'll try anything once, especially if it's a free sample. She's still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up, but it will probably involve travel and Colin Farrell. And maybe some writing and photography. You can visit her at onethousandwordsormore.com or follow her on Twitter: msmegan.

Posted by Megan G. for Buy-Her.com.

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Hollywood Fashion Tape: I Accept No Substitutes

We’ve covered fashion tape before. It’s a wardrobe essential, in my opinion (although maybe they could make clothes that actually fit the way they’re supposed to, but whatever). There’s nothing that looks worse to me than bra straps that are hanging out, and nothing more irritating to me than a piece of clothing that won’t stay put. I’ve tried many different kinds of tape, at many different price points, but I always come back to one: Hollywood Fashion Tape.

At $8.99 for a tin of 36 three-inch strips, it may not be the cheapest option out there, but I think it’s the only option. While other tapes will stick temporarily, the Hollywood tape will stick as long as you need it to. I have a linen jacket with floppy lapels that will use the same two pieces of tape for months. I take it off to wash and iron the jacket, then apply new strips and forget about them until the next washing. The other thing I love about them is the material they are made from; it’s stretchy and flexible. This is important for a couple of reasons: 1. It’s silent – other types I’ve tried crinkle when I move, like actual tape; 2. It holds better because it moves with you and the fabric.

The tape size is perfect for most uses: keeping bra straps hidden, closing gaps in button-down shirts, keeping lapels in place, etc. If you don’t need the whole three inches, you can cut it (do so before removing the backing). You can also find special packs of odd shapes at fabric stores—they will help you through almost any fashion dilemma. I see they also sell small dots that can be an excellent choice if you just need a bit of tape.

My only complaint? Every time I buy more tape, I get another tin. I don’t need another tin, and I hate throwing them in the trash. Ladies—come up with a refill pack and I’ll buy it.

P.S. – Check out some of Hollywood Fashion Secrets’ other stuff—there’s something for just about every need. So cool.

About The Author:  Megan is a professional writer, amateur photographer and an accomplished beauty product crash test dummy. She'll try anything once, especially if it's a free sample. She's still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up, but it will probably involve travel and Colin Farrell. And maybe some writing and photography. You can visit her at onethousandwordsormore.com or follow her on Twitter: msmegan.

Posted by Megan G. for Buy-Her.com.

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Bye, Bye Back Fat: Vanishing Back Bra

No matter how lean you may be (or used to be), chances are you are going to be familiar with the dreaded back boob: That lump that spills over the back of even your favorite bra and generally makes you feel fat, sloppy and icky. Guess what? It’s an almost universal problem unless you’re young and/or very skinny. But there is help: Soma’s Vanishing Back Bra. At a price range of $44-50, they’re not bargain basement bras, but they are most certainly worth every penny.

After going into early menopause, my whole body composition started to change. One of the side effects was back boob. No matter what I did, I couldn’t get rid of it—not by losing weight or by switching bras. I did finally go for a fitting at Nordstrom, thinking I was simply buying the wrong bra size. I was told by the trained bra fitter that it wasn’t the bra, “some people just have it.”

Translation: It’s totally you. Sigh.

So the quest began. I stumbled onto Soma because they were having a sale. It may be helpful to note that Soma is owned by the same company as Chico’s. For me, this is a good thing because they cater to the mature woman and therefore address body issues that Victoria would rather ignore (apparently). I found the Vanishing Back Bras and haven’t looked back. I don’t think I will ever wear another bra again. It’s true love.

They just work. You get a great smooth line on your back not matter how body-conscious your top. There are front close styles (my favorite because they’re easy on and off, plus you can store them folded in your drawer) and back close styles. They come with lightly lined cups, unlined cups and wireless. Plus they are extremely comfortable, at least for this 38B. They come in great colors and pretty patterns. So far, though, they don’t come in strapless. Boo. Because that, I think, is the last bra frontier.

Also battling VPL (visible panty line)? Try Soma’s Vanishing Edge Panties—they come in colors and patterns to match the bras (I love that) and are available in a variety of styles from boy shorts to bikinis. No panty lines and they don’t ride up.

A perfect pair, no?

About The Author:  Megan is a professional writer, amateur photographer and an accomplished beauty product crash test dummy. She'll try anything once, especially if it's a free sample. She's still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up, but it will probably involve travel and Colin Farrell. And maybe some writing and photography. You can visit her at onethousandwordsormore.com or follow her on Twitter: msmegan.

Posted by Megan G. for Buy-Her.com.

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The Woman Behind Sinister Urge

In Roller Derby you meet all kinds of people, and these folks are, more often than not, amazing. I am on a derby team that boasts artists, musicians, writers, chefs, and crafters. These people are impressive! The stuff they do and make is astounding. The creativity that seems to explode out of  nowhere is amazing as well. I’d like to take a moment to introduce you to two of the awesome ladies I have had the pleasure to know and skate with.

Joannie Atkins, better known to the Derby world as Strawberry ShortSkate, runs an Esty shop called Sinister Urge. She specializes in re purposed and recycled clothing. Her shop is small right now, but she is adding new stuff every day. From her profile on Esty:

The whole refurbished and recycling idea came from the saying “Waste not want not” or “One man’s trash another man’s treasure. I read an article once upon a time on how clothing is the one of the largest amount of space taken up in land fill’s, I thought ” What could I do to help reverse some of the damage?” Plus, I grew up making my own clothing and just couldn’t bear to toss a shirt I loved so much because of holes, or bleach etc. got on it so I started figuring out ways to hand craft them into usable household items!

At the moment, she has several re purposed t-shirts that she has turned into aprons, and not just run-of-th- mill aprons, but really COOL aprons!

Look at the apron ($30.00) to the right!! Joannie made that out of a shirt she found in a thrift shop. All the ruffles and stitching is hand done and there are no two designs that are alike in her shop because everything she does is one of a kind.  If you’re looking for a gift for someone special and want something unique, look no further. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Joannie does custom work, too. Have a favorite concert T that you can’t really wear any more, but can’t bear to part with? Joannie will turn it into anything you can think of! A scarf, a hat, an apron, a table runner…. you name it! With prices ranging from $17 to $30, and custom work being negotiable, this is a great idea for affordable, unique gifts with flair!

Jessie Schneider Of Cannibal Crafts

Next, I’d like you to meet Jessie Schneider, AKA- PB Arlene. She has a shop on Esty called Cannibal Crafts. She has all kinds of kitschy baubles and beautiful fused glass jewelry that she makes by hand! Jessie’s shop is a little bigger, but the hand crafted feel is still in each of her offerings. Her fused glass jewelry is especially beautiful. As described by her:

I love fusing glass. Ever since I was able to wield scissors my brother took to calling me “Destructra” because anything I got my hands on ended up changed forever (for the better, in my opinion). The process of fusing, getting the glass red hot, perfecting the temperature and time for each piece, and the painfully slow cooling period give me just enough time and inspiration to come up with the next combination of glass bits. These pendants do not come from an assembly line, each one is planned out and created one at a time with consideration and time given to my own quirky creative process. To me, these pendants are like wearable art. Each one is different and unique.

Look at this beautiful pendant! ($24.00)This monster of a pendant came from mixing different scraps of shiny dichroic glass into what looks just like a blob from an oily lagoon. It actually kind of reminds me of how Stephen King described the lake monster in his short story, “The Raft”. With its multiple layers and strange mix of colors, it  is a one-of-a-kind.

Jessie also makes these stiff felt moustashes ($16.50)that she sells in this “‘Stash Pack,” which according to her, “Moustaches and masquerades combine in a fun game of dress up with facial hair. I made a batch of these for my friend’s Moustache Bash as party favors back in 2008. Now I’m sharing the fun with you.  They’re fun to try on, trade with friends, and aren’t as stuffy as masquerade masks. A quick and clever disguise for any PI, though not nearly as incognito as say, a ski mask. I’ve found that carrying a couple in my purse creates even better photo booth pictures when out on the town.” Imagine having these around at your next party. Just add a photo station and instant awesome memories, not to mention really cool swag to send home with your guests. And those are just two of the many awesome crafts she has for sale in her Esty shop!

I hope you’ll take a moment to go check out these two shops on Esty that are run by two totally awesome roller girls.  I’ve personally owned items from both these crafty girls and I love them! In this Occupied Economy where we are trying to support the small business owner, here are two entrepreneurs who have their finger on the uncommon and the unmatched.

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One-Of-A-Kind Items At Style Outside The Box

I love design of all types: fashion, decor, even Web and print design, so when I heard* about Style Outside The Box, I had to go take a look. I am glad I did. Style Outside The Box is a Web site devoted to giving independent designers a place to showcase their quality goods. Think of it as Etsy with the iffy stuff filtered out.

From their Web site:

Style Outside the Box is the first shopping site where an elite style council juries and selects every product to meet Style Outside the Box’s standards, so customers never have to worry about the quality as well as the uniqueness of every product. We are a website solely for exclusive independent designers who stand behind every one-of-a-kind product made and sold.

Wave Throw Pillow

They sell everything: home decor; clothing and accessories for women, men and babies/kids; jewelry and gifts. My favorites are the home decor items, many of which are made with sustainable, eco-friendly materials. Prices run the gamut, from a selection of gifts under $30, to some pricier jewelry and dresses, although the prices aren’t unreasonable considering that each piece is one-of-a-kind.

It’s a wonderful feeling to get something beautiful that no one else has… it’s especially wonderful when you can give your BFF a great gift that’s as unique and gorgeous as she is. In fact, I have my eye on a nice item for a special someone who has a birthday coming up. I’m not telling who because she reads this blog (at least she better).

Ciao Greeting Card

Beyond the great merchandise and the wonderful venue for up-and-coming independent artists and designers, Style Outside The Box is a woman-powered business, just like Buy-Her. I love the idea of being able to support companies run by women, especially when they’ve got stuff I actually want.

Go there now and see what they’ve got—through the month of December 2011 they’re offering 10% off your purchase when you use code lovesotb.

*I feel compelled to mention that I learned about this site from my mother because her BFF’s daughter works for Style Outside The Box. While that’s what got me to the site, I recommend it because I love their offerings and wanted to share them.

Posted by Megan G. for Buy-Her.com.

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Price & Quality Meet At Dots

Hello ladies!  How I have missed you all lately!  We have oh so much to catch up on!

A few weeks ago I was invited as a blogger to a Dots opening in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.   Since my kids had their soccer banquet afterwards I had to take them – and my mom – with me due to time scheduling that day.  When we arrived we were able to take a look around the store and meet the District manager, Store manager and some of the employees.  Everyone was so nice to my boys!

I was totally impressed with the quality of the clothes.  It has been years since I was in a Dots store.  I would have to say the last time being when I was a college freshman at UMASS Amherst.  It was one of the only stores in a small strip mall near the college.  Back then my taste was more Abercrombie shall we say (though my pockets couldn’t quite afford it).

My Gray Sweater

Now that I am older and oh so much wiser… and a mom of 3 small guys… I prefer price and quality over names shall we say.  I can’t always pay top dollar for something that quite honestly will probably fall apart after it gets worn a few times.  Ever had that happen ladies?  I’m all about saving money while still getting fashionable clothes – like my new found love for Marshalls and TJ Maxx.

I took some time to shop around, and for just $35 I was able to get the really cute long gray sweater you see to the right, the gray hat and a necklace/earrings set.  Just $35.  Not only does Dots try and stay on top of what’s trending, their website even has a What’s Hot Now section where you can see what the celebrities are wearing and how you can get a similar look at Dots.

Dots' Sweater Collection

In addition to tops, bottoms, dresses, shoes, hats and accessories I am loving their sweater collection.

Look how cute! Already I am thinking of what would look cute for some holiday parties that are coming up.

And now I have a giveaway, on behalf of Dots.  Four $10 Girlfriend Pass Gift Cards for one of my readers.  Leave me a comment between now and Friday, December 9th at 11:59 pm, on this post.  Tell me what YOU would like to get from Dots.  Winner will be chosen at random and notified by e-mail.

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Bracelet By Harliquinn Designs

I have a very good friend who “creates bling”.  And I love it!

Dara and I grew up together and now she designs her own line of jewelry called Harliquinn Designs.  Each piece is handmade by Dara, who grew up watching her mom make jewelry for fun before realizing how much she liked designing it herself.  Now she’s turned it into an incredible up and coming business.  I don’t just say this because she is my friend, but I love her designs.  Not only are the pieces beautiful but I don’t really see them around anywhere else which makes them unique.

Rings

She started with small rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and pendants. Now she’s expanded to include rings I like to describe as chunkier with more bling added.

Dara makes dog tags and charms to add to collars as well so even your favorite pet can have some bling as well.

Pet Tags

While I would wear just about any piece of jewelry Dara makes, it’s definitely the rings that are my favorite.  They are silver plated ADJUSTABLE rings.  That’s right, I said adjustable.  Gain a little weight, lose a little weight – you will still have the perfect fit.  She puts Swarovski fancy pointed back stones and chatons in a Crystal clay.  After the stones are placed, a mica powder is painted onto the pieces for more shine and glitz.

The ring I was given has black clay with a silver/metallic mica powder which I find seems to make the ring look different according to what I wear.  The ring has blackish colored crystals in gray, crystal, green and yellow stones.

Love This Ring

The day I picked it out I was wearing blues and the ring actually looked blue.  Another day I put it on with a mostly black outfit and it made the ring look so much darker – more black and gray.

Dara can be reached directly on the Harliquinn facebook page and the Harliquinn Designs website.  If you live in Rhode Island,

items are also available locally at A Bee’s Buzz.  Prices start at just $10 and go up from there.  All of her pieces are so different and unique, the jewelry is really worth a look!

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Shenya Jewelry has been featured on NBC's Today Show

OK ladies (and spouses and significant others and so on), listen up because today we are talking about Sheyna jewelry.

Sheyna has been featured on Oprah’s blog (Oprah!) and even during a segment of Bobbie’s Style Buzz on NBC’s TODAY Show. Sheyna approached Buy-Her and asked if we would also review a pair of earrings, to which we replied of course!

Shortly thereafter?  A cute little blue box arrived in the mail.

I opened the box as my boys stood around excited to see what arrived and pulled out these pretty earrings from the pouch.

Aren't they cute?

Aren’t they cute?  I have to say while I do not usually wear gold, I was still excited to put these on.  Blue is one of my favorite colors.  Adorable!  I wore them on a few occasions and while sometimes I seem to have a sensitivity to certain earrings, these did not bother my ears at all.  Which is always a plus in my book.

I am totally in love with the concept of Sheyna jewelry.  From the website, you can design your own necklaces, bracelets and earrings from a collection of about 10,000 items (from over 4,000 designers)! There is a spot on the website where you can create your own looks.  I had such a blast playing with it.

From the drop down box you plug in what you want – like a bracelet for example.  Not only do you choose what you want the band to look like, but then you can customize it with various charms, beads and more.  At the top of the design you are making, a running tally of the price is kept so you can make sure that what you are creating is in line with what you want to spend.  No surprises at the end.

Each item is handmade around the world and shipped - for free - about 28 days after the order is placed.  Free shipping!  Christmas is coming sooner than you think my friends!  Sheyna has so many stones, beads and charms to choose from.  The best part? You can go as big – or as little – as you want with prices ranging from $5 – $5,000.  Just thinking about being able to design a piece of jewelry for as little as $5 totally makes my day.  Affordable for everyone!

Did I mention they have a 30 day money back guarantee?  If you are not satisfied with what you receive, it can be returned for a full refund!  Oh, and they even have a deal of the day featured – something that has already been created.  Like what you see?  Snap it up quick!  If you will excuse me I’m going to hop back onto the website and get creative with another design.  The possibilities are practically endless!

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