Cute Dress Central

Top Left: Sweet Eloise Dress, $32.00. Top Right: Symphony Strapless Pleat Dress, $43.00.
Bottom Right: Shiloh Dress in Cream, $All pictures courtesy Lulu's Fashion Lounge.



This is a secret I've been keeping from y'all for a while.

About three months ago, I came across a website where I found a large collection of wonderful dresses - very in vogue, breathable fabrics, punchy colors - and wanted to keep this wonderful base of unique fashion all to myself.

But I realized how unfair that is. Expecially considering what a bargain these frocks are (most are listed as under $50).

So here you go, I promise you won't be disappointed!

Lulu's Fashion Lounge

Dress Like The Stars

Image courtesy of www.fashionunder100.net

Are you the kind-a-girl who shops completely off the mannequin? I never do, because the put-togethers in the window always seem a bit forced, like they have to advertise as much as they can in one outfit.

However, nowadays we have everyday pictures of our favorite celebrities fashioning the latest trends. One blogger who has become an expert on identifying affordable celebrity "doppelganger" outfits is Dana, from Philadelphia, who has a very helpful site called Fashion Under $100.

In it, you have the latest paparazzi snapshots of celebrity fabulousness stepping into a car, or out of Starbucks, and next to it, a put together identical outfit including shoes and accessories - which together must be less than $100 in total (links and prices for each item included).

I think it's a wonderful idea for those who want to capture a look they've already seen (and worked) on a celebrity. Let me know what you think!

Don't Be Green With Envy: Grab Rachel Weisz's Style for Under $100

Picture of Rachel Weisz (wearing Valentino) courtesy of zimbio.com, Strapless hunter gown courtesy of salehabit.com

Shades of green have been a current and infamous trend for the red carpet. Amy Adams, Angelina Jolie, and Jessica Alba have all been spotted with the hue. (Could it be the new black?) Rachel looks ever so fetching in her hunter green Valentino gown at the Cannes premiere of "Agora", and I know Prom Season is just about here (and Wedding Season is well under way) so I thought it would be a crime not to mention that there is a way to steal Rachel's alluring premiere look:

The ever so fabulous website SaleHabit.com posts sales happening in boutiques, couture, department stores and various chains, with links to purchase the items online. There are some ridiculous bargains, and many items go for at least 40% off, which is a great resource for those with a recession budget. The green dress featured above is currently listed on salehabit.com for $99. I love the sweetheart neckline, the sleek, sheath-mermaid skirt, and the deep hunter hue. Pounce while you still can - and check out the website!

My New Favorite Website

Faux Leather, $58, shopsueyboutique.com (photo courtesy of luckymag.com)

I'm a kitten with a craving for fois gras - at the price of cat chow. Luckily, Shop Suey Boutique (www.shopsueyboutique.com) has some tasty - and affordable - options. Lucky magazine features this handbag as one of the Top 100 Accessories for Spring under $100. With pastels, intricate detailing, and animal skin and prints, there's a lot to gobble up. :)

Celebrities Do It All Nowadays...But Should They? A Rant.

Starting a clothing line is one of the common rites of passage for many celebrities, such as Jennifer Lopez, Justin Timberlake, Sean Combs and Nicky Hilton. Many also opt for makeup, perfume, restaurants, and any other branding opportunity they can get their hands on. Now, I'm a supporter of entrepreneurship, but I have to say, I am tired of everyone doing it. And with celebrities like Lindsay Lohan and Jessica Simpson trying to make a buck off their names, the question I'm left with is, "what made you quit your day job?" When has the craft of acting or musicianship become so uninspiring as to be a gateway profession to the real business of branding? I would love to see Lindsay in a real movie, or Jessica Simpson take herself more seriously as to not flub her lyrics in every concert.

Am I completely off with the assertion that the business of branding has gotten out of control? Discuss.

Animal Print Ballet Flats

Drama is abound in spring fashion. The animal print trend is making a fast comeback, seen recently on such celebs as Reese Witherspoon - Yves Saint Laurent has recently released ballet leopard flats, and the print lined the bags, belts and shoes of Louis Vuitton's 2009 Spring/Summer Collection...rawr! I cannot yet afford designer duds just yet, but I think a pair under my skinny jeans would look so cute...so I thought you would appreciate some highly affordable alternatives, as it is indeed a popular, feline addition to your wardrobe (well, minus the zebra...)

Meadow Ballet Flats, $24.99
(Photo courtesy of target.com)

Other Picks:

Zebra Casual Ballet Flats, $3.99 (amiclubwear.com)
Leopard Ballet Flats, $28 (urbanoutfitters.com)
59 Seconds Zebra Print Flats, $25 (yesstyle.com)
Bandolino Leopard Peep-Toe Flats, $69 (piperline.com)

Welcome, kittens!

Due to an extraordinary amount of time that I have spent window shopping both in the city and online, I have decided to share these tidbits that I have discovered whilst snooping 'round. I expect you'll get your paws on all these items. So let's get started!

Bisous!
le chaton noir