shopping

Holiday Gift Guide – Must-Have Wardrobe Items: Basics and Cashmere

by Kirsten on December 8, 2010

Moving right along with holiday gift suggestions for women, today features must-have wardrobe basics. Every closet and wardrobe should have a strong set of basics to base their outfits off of. They are simple, easy to find, and if you choose quality items, they can last a long time!

Cashmere Basics

Nothing feels as luxurious against your skin than cashmere. It’s lightweight and yet keeps you warm and cozy in all types of weather. Cashmere is an investment that you will keep for years to come should you choose items that are simple and easily updated with current accessories and jewelry. Here are some of my favorite choices that every woman should own:

Armand Basi – Onda cashmere sweater

Add this luxurious cashmere layer to sleek black pants and a cropped statement topper. Blue cashmere sweater with deep V-neck and button-fastening detail. Armand Basi sweater has cap sleeves, ribbed hem and simply slips on. 100% cashmere.

Buy here on SALE for $81 (Regularly $260) at The Outnet!

Cashmere Cardigan in Many Colors

Get your hands on our cashmere cardigan. Luxe in an irresistibly soft and beautiful knit. So wearable in a classic silhouette. This will become your go-to favorite for so many outfits. Whether it be work, at home, or for a night out, it has its place in every style.

Buy here for $98 from Gap!

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Splendid Basic Tees

Splendid continues to be one of the best brands for basics. Their quality is amazing, and they carry a wide array of colors and styles. Known for the softest fabrics and most color absorbing yarns in the world, Splendid created the ultimate t-shirt. Here are my choices for closet must-haves:

Light Jersey V-Neck

Light, soft and drapey short sleeve v-neck tee. Luxurious for everyday! Get a few basic colors: black, white, grey, navy – whatever looks best on your skin tone!

Buy here on SALE for $36.90 at Zappos!

Thermal Henleys

A classic long sleeve, thermal Henley with snap neckline. Non-thermal fabric trims sleeves from wrists to mid-lower arm. Curved hemline hits upper thigh. A perfect long sleeve option.

Buy here for $68 from Splendid!

Splendid Tanks

The must-have tank for the all seasons in comfortable Supima Cotton. Comes long past hip-length. Scoop one up in every color to layer with wraps, tops and dresses!

Buy here on SALE for $24.60 from 6pm!

Love, K.

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Holiday Gift Guide – Must-Have Wardrobe Items: Jackets and Coats

by Kirsten on December 7, 2010

In continuing with my tradition of supplying some amazing holiday gifts for the loved women in your life, here are some closet and wardrobe staples that every woman must have. Not only are they staples, but they will be items they will use and enjoy for years to come. Today features jackets and coats!

If you don’t have these items in your own wardrobe, why not pick yourself up a little holiday present?! You deserve it!

Classic Trench Coat by All Saints

Not everyone can afford the amazing Burberry trench that I believe every woman must one day own, but this classic trench does the job just as beautifully, and for a fraction of the price. Iconic and friendly for everyday use, it makes every woman look like a star. (Get another less expensive, but equally fabulous version here)

Buy here on SALE for $337.50 at All Saints

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Military Style Jacket by Aryn K

Military-infused fashion can be seen everywhere this year. A great way to get the look is with this sweater-knit jacket styled with military-inspired accents for a cute, cozy look. This is a great alternative to a heavy wool, and is much easier on the bank! Also check out these alternatives from Zappos!

Buy here on SALE for only $39.97 from Nordstrom

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Leather Jacket from muubaa

Nothing compares to the iconic style of a black leather jacket. Growing in popularity over the last few years, the asymmetrical design (in part thanks to the amazing designer, Rick Owens), has become the go-to choice for every designer out there. I own a similar jacket and absolutely adore it. Leather doesn’t come cheap, and it shouldn’t. It will last you forever and can be dressed up or dressed down accordingly. This happens to be an amazing price for the quality. muubaa is She is sure to be a stand-out in this style! *Purchase before 12/12 and use coupon code GIFT40 for $40 off!*

Buy here for $348 from Boutique to You!

Love, K.

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Traveling Fashionista Holiday Gift Guide – Denim and Jeans

by Kirsten on December 2, 2010

Holiday shopping can be extremely stressful if you are not sure what to get someone, particularly when you want to give an amazing gift that will be used for years to come. No worries, I am here to help! I’m always up to date on the latest styles and must-have items for women – heck, I do a pretty good job for men too! Starting today, you will get a variety of holiday gifting ideas, covering all facets of life!

Today features the must-have jeans for women. Each recommended item has a brief description, picture, and link of where to purchase. My favorite denim blogger believes that every woman should have six pairs of jeans: a pair of skinnies, leggings, bootcut, flares, trousers, and a straight leg. I can’t agree more, and here are some amazing choices:

J brand 910 Skinny

Celeb favorite, almost a jean legging, these ultra skinnies have a perfect body-hugging fit and a sexy low rise. J Brand is known to be the skinny of all skinnies.

Buy here for $165 at Singer22

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J Brand Curvy Cigarette Leg

Carries more room around the thigh and a contoured waistband to reduce gaping at the waist. Perfect for elongating the leg and for curvier figures. I have this exact pair, and they are amazing for women with women who carry more around the hips!

Buy here for $159 at Shopbop

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J Brand 901 Legging

Ultra lightweight denim legging with an amazing stretch for the perfect fit. A closet staple! The ultimate in sexy, style and comfort!

Buy here for $162 at M.Fredric

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James Jean Twiggy Skinny Cargo

One of the hottest items of the season, the Twiggy is a 5-pocket legging jean that is fits to perfection! These cargo jeggings are a must have, and loved by celebs. Fits all figures amazingly.

Buy here for $152 at Zappos

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J Brand Houlihan

These have a huge cult following, and have been seen on almost every celeb. Super-sexy with zippered ankles, they will be sure to become a favorite item in your wardrobe.

Buy here for $230 from Singer22

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Anlo Cassie Legging

Super soft and lightweight, these leggings will quickly become a favorite. The stretch material make them comfortable, flexible, and forgiving! Great dark blue rinse.

Buy here for $120 at Nordstrom

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James Jean Twiggy

A personal fave, this denim masterpiece has angled back pockets, higher back waistband, and fit focused wash detailing, resulting in a jean that makes you feel longer, leaner and generally runway ready. You will love the way these jeans make your butt look!

Buy on SALE for $62.52 at 6pm

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Hudson Signature Stretch Bootcut

This flap pocket jean has an unrivaled fit and flattering style that looks amazing on everyone. My go-to jean for comfort and style. Wear with flats or heels, it flatters every body type.

Buy here for $187 from Zappos

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J Brand Lovestory Flare/Bell Bottom

Lightweight Denim inspired by the likes of Jane Birkin, Ali McGraw and all the fantastic ladies of the 70s. Slim fit through the knee and wider feminine waistband give these jeans dramatic curves. Wear with platform, wedge, or pointed-toe shoes.

Buy here for $178 from Singer22

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7 For All Mankind Trouser

A perfect jean to wear to work and yet also an amazing jean for a night out. With trouser pockets and a sexy and sophisticated low-rise that features a front tab button closure, slant front pockets and flap back pockets.

Buy here for $178 from Zappos

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Citizens of Humanity Ingrid Flare

The flare is a classic fit and style that can be worn with such flexibility and style variations. Citizens of Humanity has created the perfect flare with five pocket styling, simple lines, and their signature stitch. A closet staple for all women.

Buy here for $150 from Shopbop

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Henry and Belle Ideal Straight Leg

Straight leg fits are ideal for something between a skinny and a bootcut. The Ideal Straight sits low on the hip and has a straight leg. Figure flattering X-fit lycra. Seen on Jessica Alba and Katherine Heigl. Ideal for all body types, and a pair that I have been dying to try!

Buy here for $148 from NationalJeanCompany

Love, K.

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Space Savers – Going Green with Shop Miss Malaprop

by Kirsten on October 8, 2010

When traveling becomes a larger part of your life, particularly my own, I have learned that “going green” and purchasing items that are both eco-friendly and fair-trade, are imperative to sustaining a better life for everyone on this planet. This is why I am happy to share with you a new website that I think many of you will appreciate.

Mallory started ShopMissMalaprop.com to share some of her favorite handmade products that she has found from a variety of different artists and designers. This came after a few years of featuring such items on her blog, something she could feel good about recommending to her family, friends, and readers. Her goal is to become a conscious consumer – she wants to know where it came from, who made it, how it was made, and what it is made from. In her online shop, she shares this information, so we too can make informed shopping decisions.

I was lucky enough to get to try out one of the products she features on her site, a reusable bag that comes in array of bold prints and patterns from b.b. begonia. It’s a perfect bag to bring traveling, and can also be used on a daily basis when at home! Here is a bit of some information about b.b.begonia:

Based on the belief that “going green” does not mean sacrificing style, b.b.begonia is proud to offer reusable shopping bags in a wide range of beautiful, fashionable prints. b.b.begonia eco-friendly products are designed and developed in Winnipeg, Canada and manufactured in China under fully socially-compliant, fair wage and fair labor conditions.

Reusable bags have become a huge part of many people’s daily routine. They are carried to the grocery store, left behind in our cars for that “just in case moment”, and now are a must-have item for our travels.

Here are a few photos of the bag I chose from b.b.begonia, it’s fun, sassy, and I love how much stuff it holds. As you can see from the photos below, it shrinks down to just about nothing, and yet when fully opened, is pretty substantial in size!

Isn’t this bag totally adorable?!? I love it and know you will too!

ShopMissMalaprop.com not only has these great bags, but she carries SO much more. Even better – a portion of all proceeds from sales on her site, and in person, currently go to The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies to help with their wildlife rescue efforts related to the recent Gulf of Mexico BP oil spill disaster.

A wonderful site to support, and a big kudos to Mallory for sharing this with me, and now YOU!

Happy Shopping!

Love, K.

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Top 10 Luxury Shopping Travel Destinations in the World Part. 2 of 2

by Kirsten on May 6, 2010

I must be in a shopping mood lately, as I feel like I can’t help but fantasize about new clothes, shoes, and accessories. You name it, I want it. Some of these places may be a bit out of your price range, but if you are a true fashionista, they are places you must visit nonetheless. Yesterday I posted the first five cities, and today consists of the last set. Find the best luxury shopping places in the world, whether you are traveling for the sole purpose of shopping, or happen to be in the area and love fashion. Fashion and travel??? Count me in!

Bond Street

London, United Kingdom
Since the 18th century, Bond Street is known for carrying the best of the best in London, now consisting of high end boutiques and the leading premium priced designer brands in the world. Also known as the Mayfair District, Bond Street consists of both “Old Bond Street” and “New Bond Street”. This area does not only cater to women, but also has a bunch of specialty shops carrying Italian menswear. More than likely you will find just about every major designer you can think of including Gucci and Armani; perfume; art and antiques; and more Royal Warrant holders (suppliers to the royal family) than anywhere else in London.

more of the best luxury fashion and shopping travel destinations after the jump!

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Top 10 Luxury Shopping Travel Destinations in the World Part. 1 of 2

by Kirsten on May 5, 2010

There is something to be said about going on a trip for the sole purpose of shopping. I am definitely not that lucky, nor would I make a trip for just that reason. Ok, I take that back. Should I have all the money in the world available to me, I of course would take vacations to go shopping in the most swanky spots on the globe. I sure would love to bust out an AMEX Black Card in these cities, shop till my feet hurt, and feel like I am Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. I know, I know, a bit of a fantasy, but a girl can dream. Besides, I plan to be able to do all of these things one day. Knowing what you want only helps you get there faster. Or maybe I will have some rich old uncle leave behind his multi-billion dollar empire to his favorite niece, although that seems a bit far-fetched considering none of my uncles are rich. I’m definitely not the type to want or look for a sugar-daddy, nor would my bf D. be very happy with this plan, so looks like this girl has a lot of work to do. But, I digress. Let’s get to it. The Travel Channel listed these ten cities as the top luxury shopping destinations of the world.

Rodeo Drive

Beverly Hills, CA
Los Angeles has more than its fair share of luxury stores, homes, cars, you name it. Rodeo Drive is their namesake and with a zip code of 90210, you can bet almost anyone in the world (thanks to the TV show) knows where this lands on the map. Although only a short three blocks, you can’t step foot into any of these stores without dumping an arm and a leg on even the smallest of items. Celebrities know to frequent this street if they want to have their pictures in the next gossip mag (even when they swear they hate it) as they do some damage to their bank accounts. With over 100 boutiques and some fancy hotels sprinkled in, you are sure to find something to tickle your fancy. Look for stores such as Bottega Veneta, Chanel, Hermes, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Stuart Weitzman, Valentino, Versace and many more.

See the next four cities after the jump!