What a Steal!

Faced with excruciating heat and humidity for over a month now (I miss you Vienna!), it’s been hard for me to look forward to anything other than:

A. A refreshing smoothie (via Smoothie King - Strawberry X-Treme)

B. Yummy ice cream

C. Any place with air conditioning!

Being the fashionista that I am, the above is really saying something. Normally my mind is preoccupied with thoughts on Fashion (with a capital F).

The other day, however, I came home to a package addressed with my name. Yay! Because I had just ordered something (to be revealed - take a guess!) from J. Crew’s online website last weekend, I had a feeling what might be waiting inside…

My J.Crew cardigan!

Opening the package revealed that I was right, my Liberty of London floral printed cardigan had finally arrived! And it’s lovelier than I could have imagined – the image online doesn’t do it justice. Upon examining my new cardigan, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Liberty of London print was silk and not cotton. From seeing it online, the entire cardigan appeared to be of the same fabric. In love with all prints (especially floral), this cardigan was meant for me.

An impeccable white cardigan with floral patches on the front and a solid back was exactly what I needed to boost my mood!

And the fact that I received free shipping + an extra 40 percent off the sale price…is icing on the cake. What would have cost $128 ended up being $25! Score! Although I’ve never been a compulsive online shopper (except for ogling after swoon-worthy high-end items, of course!), this deal at J.Crew.com was too good to pass up.

Close-up of front detailing

While I haven’t officially worn my new cardigan (other than trying it on – it fits perfectly!), I have constantly been thinking of the endless number of outfit combinations that I must try. With a skirt, paired with jeans, over an LBD…

Now that I own an authentic Liberty of London print (Liberty of London for Target doesn’t count!), I can’t wait to invest in more.

Extreme close-up of Liberty print (isn’t is cute?)

For those who are unfamiliar with Liberty of London, it’s a long-established department store in London (hence the name!). It all began when Arthur Liberty traveled the world in search of beautiful and inspiring items that he believed would attract clientele. When Arthur opened Liberty of London, he hoped that he could “change the look of home wares and fashion.”

In the early days, Liberty fabrics were used to make all of the clothing and furnishings sold in the store. Today, however, the department store has expanded to carry clothing from a range of designers (from 3.1 Phillip Lim to Alexander McQueen) as well as accessories, cosmetics, and gifts.

Curious to see what other prints Liberty of London had up there sleeve, I checked out their website and found these great options:

Statement of Inspiration

“The Liberty design studio create new and re-work classic prints every season, inspired by nature, architecture, our heritage and the store itself.”

All of the fabrics above (and more!) can be purchased at Liberty of London’s website – browse away!

Have you found made any steals at J.Crew lately?

What do you think of my new cardigan, Liberty of London and their fabulous prints?

Item of the Day: Soft, Luxurious and Italian…Limited Edition TOMS

Made from Italian wool and cashmere, these TOMS are sure to keep you warm and snuggly come fall and winter (ditch those Uggs!).

What: The Row’s Larry, Alexandria, and Hayden Classics for TOMS

Cost: $140 (Alexandria and Hayden Classics) $150 (Larry Classics)

The Clincher: A cute AND comfy shoe is hard to come by these days! Designed by The Row (Mary Kate and Ashley), these are especially noteworthy. With three colors to choose from (gray, black and plaid), they are super conventional and can be paired with everything from skinny leg jeans to a skirt or dress.

Bottom Line: Although expensive, the limited edition cashmere TOMS are for a good cause. Just think, with each pair you purchase , you are helping a person in need. One shoe at a time, you will make a difference in someone’s life. Being effortlessly chic and contributing to the good of society – you can’t lose!

While I don’t currently own a pair of TOMS, I have been thinking about purchasing one. I have always been drawn to the simplicity of Blake Mycoskie’s (TOMS founder) designs and could see myself wearing them on a number of occasions (a true wardrobe staple!). With a soft spot for anything cashmere, I am definitely tempted to invest in a pair.

What do you think about The Row’s designs for TOMS. Will you be forking out $140-$150 for a pair of these designer duds?

Topshop: What I’m Yearning for this Month…

Left click to see larger!

Last month I spotlighted a few of my favorites from Anthropologie; this month (as you’ve probably already guessed from the title) Topshop is on my radar. While I’m not lucky enough to shop at a brick and mortar Topshop store (except for when I visit NYC), I do love perusing their online collection. Catering to a variety of styles, Topshop carries a mixture of everything from bodycon skirts and dresses to smart blazers and fun jewelry. With origins in London and a collaboration line with Kate Moss, it’s no wonder why I love Topshop so much!

Based on the five items that I have selected, the look I am currently going for is polished and prim. Right now, I am especially looking for things that are conventional and can be worn on a number of occasions (and seasons!). Trying something different for July, I created the layout above of my favorite pieces. Because I’ve always been interested in layout design, I thought, why not give it a shot! Let me know what you think!

1. Peach Double Breasted Gold Blazer – This blazer is so sleek and sophisticated! Not only do I love the color (a fabulous alternative to classic black), but the gold buttons are luxe as well. When paired with a black skirt or white shorts, the effect will surely be phenomenal.
2. Green Maxi Skirt- While I love my minis, I must say, this green maxi skirt is quite swoon-worthy. In line with Olivia Palermo’s impeccable style, it’s certainly tempting me to go the extra length. Thinking ahead to fall, I imagine it will look superb when worn with a blazer, tights and oxford shoes.
3. Violet Structure Sleeveless Skater Dress- Although I own many dresses, none of them are as classy and timeless as this one. Everything about it is reflective of my feminine style. In addition to the dress’s classic pleats, I also love its high neckline (very Audrey Hepburn). Perfect length, perfect color, perfect silhouette – what more could I ask for?
4. Multi Pansy Waterfall Print Shorts- Always say yes to flowers and pleats! Saddened by the thought of ever having to leave my skirts and dresses behind (sigh!), I like how these shorts resemble a pleated skirt in the front. Foolproof on windy days and bursting with color, it’s a keeper!
5. Black Washed Zip Pocket Rucksack- Tough and edgy, this rucksack immediately reminds me of those biker boots that I failed to purchase last winter (maybe it’s a sign!). While this rucksack doesn’t fit my style, I think that’s why I like it. Although I am hesitant to trade in one of my designer handbags full-time, I wouldn’t mind donning a rucksack such as this one every once in a while.
   

What are you loving from Topshop this month?

New Blog Design + Headbands I Want NOW!

I thought it was about time that Fashion Aficionada got a new face (or at least a better one). As you can see by the new background, I’ve been working on designing a more sophisticated and fashion savvy layout. Although my blog’s makeover is not done, I think it’s looking a lot better! While my previous layout was passé and (let’s face it) boring, this one grabs your attention and appears more professional.

In selecting the background image, I knew that I wanted something that reflected my love for fashion. What I did not want was a generic patterned or solid colored background (blah!). In love with headbands (of every shape, color and size – literally!), I decided to create a mini display of some of my favorites. Using my handy-dandy camera, I narrowed in on a few of my flower adorned headbands and, eureka, a new background image was born!

When did my obsession with headbands begin, you ask? Although it could just be a result of my love for all things feminine and girly, I’m going to take a wild guess and say that Gossip Girl’s Blair Waldorf (pre-college days) had something to do with it. Always impeccably dressed and carrying the latest designer bag, the Queen Bee showed, time and time again, the power of a good headband. After seasons of drooling over her extensive collection of stunning and over-the-top headbands (and killer wardrobe), there was no turning back.

No one can pull off a headband like B can.

As the headband connoisseur that I am, you can imagine that I am constantly on the lookout for potential headbands to add to my collection. While shopping in Vienna, I was lucky enough to come across Alexandre de Paris, a store located in the Ringstrassen-Gallerien, which specializes solely in hair accessories (you can imagine my delight!). After trying on a few of the store’s elaborate headpieces, I settled with the one pictured below. Adorned with metallic gold and bronze petals, it is absolutely divine. When set against my dark hair, the glimmering flower makes the perfect statement.

Tres Chic!

Keep a lookout in the future for new backdrops!

To keep Fashion Aficionada fresh, I plan on changing the background image every so often. Below are some headbands that I am lusting over right now – enjoy!

Anthropologie

Monarch Wing Headband for $28.00
Anthropologie always has the loveliest headbands. This red one is no exception. With a simple bow and red tribal-inspired pattern, it’s simply adorable.

BHLDN

Feathered Petals Headband for $100.00

Don’t let BHLDN fool you, although it’s a store that primarily caters to future brides, they have some of the most gorgeous headbands. Based on their attention to detail, it’s clear that headbands from BHLDN are made for princesses (and I’m not just referring to Kate Middleton).

Pompom Rose Headband on sale for $75.00
Headbands really do make the perfect statement. Don’t underestimate the power of a good headband. Some days, a pop of blue is all you need.

Voluminous Silk Headband for $130.00
Can a headband really ever be too big? No way!

Unlooped Bow Headband for $72.00
G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S!
A no-nonsense headband that is both practical and effortless.

Eugenia Kim

Claudia Feather-Embellished Silk-Satin Headband for $125.00
Headbands decked with flowers too girly for you? Try feathers, they are a bit more grown up. This one is especially versatile when worn with smart blazers and cute skirt/cardigan combos.

Jennifer Oullette

Extra Wide Stripe “Gossip Girl” Turban ($75.00) and Solid Extra Wide Turban ($70.00)
The purple/navy blue/yellow headband has “collegiette” written all over it. With an extended selection of colored stripe combinations to choose from, your school’s colors just may be represented. And if not, you have to admit, these headbands are too cute to pass up.

Remember, there are also solid colors to select from too! This headband, which is dubbed the “turban” style, is currently on my list of headbands that I need. I have yet to own a turban style headband (hard to believe, I know!).

Cara Accessories

Smashing Pearls Headband for $32.00
Classy and fabulous, this headband will look superb with any LBD.

Alexandre de Paris

Serre-Tete Couture Beige Headband for €91.00
Handmade in France, headbands don’t get better than this one.

Candyband Accessories

Whisper Headband for $40.00
Elegant and chic, this is quintessential for any black-tie affair.

Which headband is your favorite?
Are headbands overdone or are they a timeless addition to any fashionista’s wardrobe?