Fashion

Upscale Sale Roundup!

Oh, it’s that time of year again! For what you ask?

Time for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! Apparel, accessories, shoes, handbags, makeup and more is on sale now at some majorly discounted prices. You can snag Fall’s top picks for a fraction of their regular retail prices. There are some good deals online, but you’ll find the best steals in-store. The sale is over August 6th, so don’t miss it! Here are some of my favorite items online:

Michael Kors ‘Bradshaw’ Watch: Sale: $183.90 After Sale: $275.00
Michael Kors ‘Lucy’ Crystal Bezel Watch – Sale: $129.90 After Sale: $195.00

Michael Kors watches are classic, yet contemporary. They are one of my favorite accessories and I believe a girl can never have too many  MK watches!

La Mer ‘The Collection’ Anniversary Set (Nordstrom Exclusive) ($325 Value) $270.00

I’m not sure I could justify nearly $300 on my face, but if you have the additional income and are looking to get rid of some wrinkles sans Botox, La Mer is for you. Renowned as the best skincare product in the business, La Mer always comes with a hefty price tag no matter how you slice it, but you can save yourself a pretty penny during the Annual Sale!

Frye Melissa Trapunto Boots – $239.90! You’ll pay $357.95 regular price.

Frye boots should be a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. The quality makes the price well worth it, as you can get several seasons out of them. This price is hard to believe at $239.50 – you can save more than $100!

Bod & Christensen Leather & Ponte Crop Jacket
Sale: $279.90 After Sale: $425.00

It is hard to think about leather when its 90+ degrees outside, but your bank account will thank you for thinking ahead with this purchase. You can save almost $150 on this jacket.

Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Click on over to Neiman Marcus for an additional 25% off of all of their Last Call merchandise. You’ll find some top designer brands on sale, including Dian von Furstenburg, Rebecca Taylor, Michael Kors and even Lanvin. The best deals are on dresses, most of which you can expect to start around $100 and go up to as much as $1,200.

DVF Karin Tie-waist Dress
Originally: $365.00
NOW:$127.00 (+25% off)

Need I say more? DVF under $100? Sign me up!

Rachel Zoe Krista Bubble Dress
Originally $395.00
NOW:$138.00 (+25% off)

Another brand name, Rachel Zoe, at close to $100. Designer duds at dramatically discounted prices. Sizes are limited and the sale ends tomorrow, so start shopping!

 

Totes for All Your Summertime Needs

On Saturday, my friends and I began our day at the National Portrait Gallery and then moseyed on over to the US Botanic Gardens. Schlepping my laptop, sketchbook and camera across the city, I was thankful for my over-sized purse but wishing I had invested in a great tote for all my summer needs. Summer means more pool trips, beach weekends and more activity in general, which equals more stuff.

If you’re in the market for a good tote bag, take a few tips into consideration:

  • Size – Make sure it is big enough to fit everything you might need, but not big enough that it is too cumbersome to carry comfortably.
  • Fabric – In the summer months, stick to fabric totes and steer clear of leather. If a sun tan lotion spills or your bag gets wet by the pool, you can throw a fabric tote in the wash but a leather one will never recover.
  • Straps: Make sure the straps are comfortable. Some extra padding can never hurt and if you are going to fill this baby to the brim, you want to avoid it digging into your shoulder.
  • Color – Make sure the colors won’t rub off on to your clothes – or your skin if you sweat. This is more of an issue with brighter, bolder colors, so if you purchase one of them consider throwing it in the wash before you use it.
  • Price point – If you’re on a tight budget, don’t spend more than $100 on a tote. There are a ton of great options out there, many for around $50. You want something that is affordable and stylish, but not something that will cost you the better part of your paycheck.
  • Durability – Be sure to look at the construction of the bag to make sure it can hold up to the task of lugging your goods. If it isn’t, you could find your belonging strewn across a sidewalk courtesy of a tote tear.

Here are just a few ideas for your perusal. I highly recommend the Gap color block tote. I know two people who have it and it is their Saturday Summer staple. Any favorites?

Summer Totes

Summer Totes by kerrychannon featuring colorblock handbags
 

Fourth Fashion: Don’t let the Fireworks be the Only Show Stopper!

First of all, I can hardly believe it is July already. It seems like I was just celebrating New Years Eve and here we are nearly halfway through 2012! But, I digress. Let’s focus on more important things – like the fashions we can don while celebrating America’s birthday!

I usually travel for the 4th of July, but I am very excited to be celebrating here in our Nation’s Capital for once! There is nothing quite like the displays of patriotism that occur, leaving us all feeling more American than a slice of Apple pie washed down by a swig of Budweiser.

As you can imagine, here in D.C., there is no shortage of things to do, places to be and people to see on the 4th. In fact, the trouble often is choosing just one option! I’m taking a more laissez faire approach to my plans tomorrow and just seeing where the day takes me. However, if you have your plans all ironed out you are probably now wondering what the heck to wear! Fret no further and take a peek at some of the outfit ideas below. No matter what your plans are, you’ll be prepared to do America proud in these patriotic ensembles!

One tip to make sure you look like Miss America and not Uncle Sam – don’t over do it! Anchor your outfit with one patriotic color and accessorize with the others; don’t try to let them all compete.

Fourth Fashion: From Day to Night
Not sure what your plans are? Be ready for a daytime celebration, an evening event and everything in between in this outfit.
Fourth Fashion: From Day to Night by kerrychannon featuring cat eye sunglasses
Fourth Fashion: A Daytime Celebration
– Planning for an outdoor bbq or staking out a plot of grass for some evening fireworks? Take the casual approach with these looks.
Fourth Fashion: A Daytime Celebration by kerrychannon featuring peplum and polka dots.
Fourth Fashion - A Dressy Affair
– Does your 4th of July call for playing a bit of dress up? Pair your favorite red, white or blue dress with some eye-catching accessories and you are ready to party the night away!