Fashion Deal of the Day: Twice

My husband is amazing for many reasons, but one of those many reasons is that he always finds really good deals. Every once in a while he throws me a bone to pursue like the below deal originally shared by Points & Pixie Dust, and I wanted to make sure and share it with you too...

Have you ever heard of Twice??  It's a (very) easy to use online consignment shop where you can purchase (and sell) women's secondhand designer fashion.  The Twice team collects all the fashion, photographs the items on dress forms, writes up descriptions, prices everything up to 90% off retail, then posts everything on their site for you to view.

Major perks and why you should go visit the site right now:
1) You get a $10 credit for signing up here.
2) You get a $10 credit for downloading the free Twice app on your Apple device here.
3) You get 50% off your first order by entering the coupon code: FIRSTPURCHASE50 upon checkout.
4) Free shipping for orders with subtotal of $49 or more
5) Free 30-day returns if something doesn't fit or if you simply don't like it

To make it super easy for you.  Here's how this deal of the century works step-by-step...
1) Sign up and you get $10 credit on your account (that's my referral link so thanks for using it!)
2) Download the app and you get $10 credit on your account.  Open the app once installed and sign in with your account login you created upon signing up for Twice in step 1.
3) Pick out any item (or items) that total at least $49 and put in your cart (yay free shipping!)
4) Go to checkout and enter coupon code FIRSTPURCHASE50 where it says "add coupon or gift code" (the 50% off is applied before the two $10 credits are applied...which is awesome because it means you save more!)

You should be able to score some great stuff for pretty darn cheap.   If you find something that's right at $49 you'll only pay about $5.  If you can't stop there then you can walk away just like me with 3 items for only about $30. Here's how it looked all added up for my order...

See that?!  I got Ralph Lauren jeans, an Anthropologie skirt, and a GAP shirt (all originally valued at almost $250) for only about $30.  Here's my super cute goods...

Hallelujah that felt good!  Can't wait to get my items in the mail - they should be shipped this week.

And...as if it could get any better...I'm also looking forward to receiving my free pre-paid "selling bag" in the mail so I can send some of my clothing in to be sold.  List of brands they accept for sale is here.  They'll make me an offer on my stuff, and then if I accept their offer, they pay me.  If I make at least $30 on my stuff, then my above score on 3 designer items becomes even better...FREE!

Let me know if you've used Twice or if you have any questions with making this deal happen for you.  Happy thrifty shopping!

Try ' Em On! Warby Parker Sunglass + Eyeglass Frames

Here comes the sun!  Spring and sunglass season is quickly approaching...hooray!!

Last week I was introduced to the stylish and totally affordable Warby Parker sunglass and eyeglass frame company.  Being a a self-proclaimed Ray-Ban aficionado for many years, at first I was a little skeptical of the new-to-me brand.  But then, I visited their website and got very excited to try something new.  Here's why...

1) They have super cute eyeglass frame and sunglass options - most of which are only $95 - that you can "virtual try-on" just by downloading a pic or posing in front of your webcam.  This is critical as it allows you to visualize how the shape of the glasses will fit with the shape of your face.  Here's how the "virtual try-on" worked for the sunglasses I selected (no mugshot jokes, y'all!):

2) All of their sunglasses have polarized lenses which are an absolute must in eye protection from glare and the sun's rays, especially for the daughter of an eye-guy (my dad has worked in opthalmic medical sales almost my entire life).

3) Warby Parker donates a pair of glasses to someone in need for every purchase made.  They work with nonprofit partners worldwide to help people see.  Love this!!

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4) And, last but not least, they offer a free and ultra convenient Home Try-On program.  You pick out up to 5 pairs of frames or sunglasses, they ship them to you for free in a nifty box, you have 5 days to try them on and decide which pair you like best, order your favorite pair if you found a keeper, then pack up your home try-on frames and ship them back for free.  How could I resist?

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Now for the most fun part!  Which 5 pairs did I select for Home Try-On, you ask?

These lovelies (in the same order as my "virtual try-on" above):

 Ames in Graphite Fog

Thatcher in Greystone

Jule in Striped Evergreen

Boyd in Marbled Charcoal (my wildcard pick!)

Spencer in Blonde Tortoise

I'm very excited to receive them in the mail and give them a whirl.  Which of my picks do you like best?  

Of note, the fresh and chic Warby Parker Spring 2014 collection can be found {here}.  

And, their limited edition Palm Canyon Collection can be found {here}.

I'll be sure report back and let you know how my Home Try-On goes!  See any you'd liked to try?

(please note: This was NOT a sponsored post - I am in no way being reimbursed for my comments.  As always, I'll be sure to give you 100% honest feedback about my experience with the Warby Parker brand.)

Best of 2014 Golden Globes Fashion (According to me...)

So, as always, there were several hits and several misses when it came to fashion at the Golden Globes on Sunday night.  Several of the "talked about" gowns were kinda blah to me, so I've crafted my own "best of" list for you.  Here are my personal favorites...

Amy Adams in a daring but gorgeous red color combo.  As long as you have plenty of back-up double-sided tape on hand, this one looked almost comfortable to me.

Emma Roberts looks so beautiful and all-grown-up in this statuesque black gown.  The gown is a very pretty shape and I love the turquoise earrings with it.

 Julie Bowen is in a bit of a wild card, but I'm loving it on her.  Not everyone could pull this off as it looks a little 80s brides-maidy to me, but with her glowing smile and cute little figure it's a win.

Olivia Wilde was the prettiest pregnant lady last night with this emerald green shimmer gown.  She looks so lovely in it - it fits her perfectly and the color is beautiful with her skin coloring.

Taylor Swift was lovely in this very classic looking black and red gown.  A sweetheart neckline is always so flattering on her and the red color is such a sweet almost-but-not-quite pink shade.

Julianna Margulies' gown choice was bold but I think the cap sleeves, gold detailing, full skirt, and deep v-neck on the dress are so beautiful on her.  Her make-up and hair were very pretty as well.  I think this may be my overall favorite this year!

(All gown photos were found on Buzzfeed - so many more to see {here}.)

Does anyone else have a favorite gown from this year's Golden Globes that I didn't mention?  Or, do any of these featured dresses strike your fancy??  Do share!

Splurge vs. Save : Gold-Toe Pumps

What's the perfect festive but sophisticated shoe to wear with a cocktail dress to all those Christmas parties? Gold-toe pumps, of course!

Sources: splurge |  save

How's that for a close comparison with a major price tag difference?  And, because it's the season for sharing, here's a few office-party-appropriate dresses that they'd look really cute with.

A solid pairing...

A lacy number...

And, a pretty print...

To stay warm, a little black cardigan would be the perfect topper for all of them!  And, the jewels of course...  My below pick goes with every dress and adds the perfect amount of sparkle.

Are you ready to dress up and go out on the town?  Now it's your turn.  What would you wear with some pretty gold-toe pumps?

Splurge vs. Save Fashion Edition! Fall Rain Boots

It's almost Fall!  And, with Fall, comes rain...at least in Boston.  We've had more rain over the last few days, than we've had in months.  Ugh!  The best (ok...only good) part about rain, you ask?  Cute rain boots, of course!  Here are two very similar options that are almost identical in looks yet far from identical in price.

              splurge  |  save

Which boot do you prefer?  The quintessential preppy Hunter Boot (splurge) or the near-identical Kamik Boot (save)?

I honestly prefer the more affordable Kamik boot's look because of the crest detail and black soles.  That's a win for looks and a win for the pocket!  (I own them, and can vouch that they're great boots...I even shovel snow in them)

Splurge vs. Save Fashion Edition! Leopard Skirt

I can't help but love a leopard piece infused into the wardrobe.  It's sophisticated, yet slightly bold and daring.  And, leopard print is very IN for Fall!  I've already seen leopard shoes, boots, purses, bracelets, sweaters, blouses, and skirts for the upcoming autumn season (and I don't get out much, y'all).

As with everything, moderation is key - only one leopard piece at any one time.  Unless you're auditioning for an off-broadway rendition of CATS. Promise me, ok?

                                                                                     Splurge  |  Save

Both skirts are cute pieces that can be dressed up or dressed down for different occasions.  Leopard print can even serve as a neutral of sorts, since you can pair it with a colored top, a colored bag, or a colored shoe.  Just don't go mixing and matching several colors with it...stick to one added color, like oxblood or emerald or plum, and keep the rest of your palette black, white, brown, or gray.  So pretty!

What other Fall fashion trends are you loving?  I'm also loving all the blue I'm seeing.  I don't typically wear a lot of blue, but I'm really starting to fall for it lately (pardon the pun...ha ha).

Rio Ready Fashion!

I'm super stoked for my husband and me to get away for a little R&R in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this April.  We love to travel (our favorite hobby!) and it's been a very long while since we left the country for an international adventure. This fashion board is serving as my inspiration for fun, sun, sand, and exploration in the beautiful city of Rio!

1. The Taylor earrings ($14) - Charles Emerson Design // 2. Beachmaster Sunglasses ($119) - Tom's // 3. Top 10 Rio de Janeiro guidebook ($11) - Amazon // 4. Snap Happy bangle and nail polish set ($30) - BaubleBar // 5. Pleat Shoulder Top ($53) - Warehouse // 6. Mossimo Colorblock Dress ($25) - Target // 7.  French Connection Bow Leather Belt ($51) - Asos // 8. Asymmetrical Hem Sleeveless Dress ($60) - Loft // 9. Paita Tote ($150) - Anthropologie // 10. Everyday Khaki Shorts in Black ($20) - Old Navy // 11. Tom's StrappyWedge in Blue ($69) - Amazon // 12. Ruffled Bandeau Top ($20) and Bottoms ($14) - Old Navy // 13. Lucky Brand Moran Wedges in Proseco ($79) - Piperlime

The Tom's wedges, the pink earrings, and the colorful tote are my favorite items featured above. They all scream HELLOOOO warm weather!

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Has anyone been to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil?  We plan to get in some quality beach time, enjoy the culinary offerings, and of course see major landmarks like Sugar Loaf Mountain (photo 1 above) and Statue of Christ the Redeemer (photo 2 above).  Got any trip tips for us?

Oscars 2013 Best Dressed Fashion Line-Up

Any one else watch the Oscars last night?!?  I was very excited that Argo won best picture - I thought it was a phenomenal film, and I'm always a fan and supporter of anything the Ben Affleck/Jennifer Garner family produces.  They just seem like they'd make great neighbors...know what I mean?

Now, on to the best dressed fashion line-up.  Drumroll, please....here are a few of my favorite frocks from last night's events!

Most Retro-Glamorous...  Stacy Keibler in Naeem Khan

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Most Fun With A Vivid Hue...  Jennifer Aniston in Valentino

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Most Sophisticated...  Jennifer Garner in Gucci

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Most Stunning Color...  Reese Witherspoon in Louis Vuitton

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Most Like a Barbie Doll...  Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture

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Most Sequins and Shine...  Nicole Kidman in L'Wren Scott

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Aren't they all lovely?!?  The trend for the night seemed to be sleek, straight-lined, and modern.  Very few full skirts this time around.  Which dress was your favorite?  Do tell!

Downton Abbey Inspired Design

Oh, Downton Abbey, how I love thee.  Anyone else in love with this TV series?  It's a PBS Masterpiece Classic that airs on Sunday nights.  For those of you not (yet) addicted to it, Downton Abbey is a period mini-series with the most sublime costumes, set design, and casting.

The series takes place in early 20th century England - it covers the first World War and the decade that follows, depicting the post-war experiences of a wealthy aristocratic family struggling to socially modernize with the times. Right now, they're airing the 3rd season but you can catch up on all the 1st and 2nd Season episodes online at Hulu.com.  Well worth a view for anyone who loves history, fashion, design, or just a great storyline.

Now that I've gushed about the show, here is a gorgeous photo of the 3 sisters of the family that the show revolves around:

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They're stunning, huh?  When I saw this photo over on Darlene's Fieldstone Hill Designs blog it moved me to hunt for some home design inspiration that matches the beautiful colors and soft details of this photo.  Now that Spring is upon us, "pastel-ed" jewel tones are dominating runways and home design so it wasn't tough to find these lovely spaces.

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While not necessarily period appropriate to Downton Abbey, these rooms definitely speak of the color inspiration (coral, lavender, gray, and mint) of the above portrait of the girls, and ooze a certain ambiance of classical styling and very refined taste.

What are you thoughts?  Do you like these colors in interior design?  Any other Downton devotees out there?