Rihanna Plays Peekaboo With Her Lingerie, & You Can Too With A Bralette!

imageEver since I graduated from the realm of training bras long ago, I’ve had a love for fun lingerie… despite the fact that my decolletage sort of demands undergarments that are more functional than flirty and flimsy. And with the rise of peekaboo lingerie, namely bralettes, I can’t help but lust after the lacy trims that have been peeking out from under low-neckline sweaters, boyfriend blazers, and oversized tanks — another trend Rihanna rocks admirably! While they are meant to serve as lower-maintenance lingerie for the more modestly endowed gals, bralettes are primarily for show with their bright colors, bold patterns, and scalloped edges. Make sure you don’t go overboard with the whole idea of show-and-tell skivvies, though; the idea is to leave plenty to the imagination and give onlookers just a glimpse! Luckily for me and all you other ladies who need a little extra “shelving,” although bralettes don’t offer much support (in fact, it would pretty much defeat their purpose), they can be layered to still achieve the peekaboo look without necessarily having to go commando. Check out the slideshow for some of my favorite little bralettes!

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OMFG: Rodarte To Design For Target!

imageRodarte is designing a line for Target’s Go International project, allowing us to die happy after purchasing, well, everything the day it’s available on December 20. Because, really, what else is there to live for once you’ve filled your closet with Rodarte for $60 instead of $4,000? We’d sort of resigned ourselves to the idea that Rodarte would always just be a little too cool to be at all accessible, but the 55 piece Target collection plans have proven us wrong and caused us to hold our collective breathe in anticipation. Rather focusing on any one specific type of the clothing, the line is said to range from knee highs to party dresses and jackets, meaning we could potentially make endless combinations in our online shopping carts as a means of entertaining ourselves. And because Rodarte is Rodarte and, thus, known for their over-the-top-awesome details, you can count on a semi-scaled back interpretation of the same sort of intensity you see in their regular runway shows.
Super excited about Rodarte designing for Target? To find out more, click over to our friends at The Frisky!

Summer To Fall Finds for Vintage Fashionistas!

imageWhen the sun’s blazing and the air conditioner’s blasting, lightweight summer sundresses hold great appeal. But if you can wrench your thoughts away from staying cool long enough to look at a calendar, you’ll realize that Labor Day and back to school are just a few weeks away. And that means falling leaves and cooler temperatures won’t be far behind. So while you’re enjoying the remaining dog days of summer, you may want to trade your sun visor for a proverbial Fall thinking cap. Using your imagination, and a few layering devices like leggings, cardigans, long-sleeve tees and turtlenecks, you can easily transform summer dresses into go-to fall frocks. Just click the slideshow to see a selection of vintage dresses that make excellent presto change-o finds!

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DKNY Supports Charity CITYarts In New York City!

imageDKNY has designed a tee with a cause, cleverly dubbed the “Chari-Tee.” DKNY’s Chari-Tee is an interactive program between DKNY and those who love and wear it! The tee retails for $65 and benefits a menu of NYC organizations. Each hangtag lists five NYC charities to which you can donate. Once you’ve decided on the organization, log on to dkny.com and select your choice. DKNY will then donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of your Chari-tee! It’s a fun, cool way to send instant love to NYC! In addition to the Chari-tee, DKNY has produced eight different eco-friendly printed totes featuring artwork of eight NYC students, created for the CITYarts “Portraits of Peace” initiative. There are 5 of each style — 40 unique bags in total. The totes are only $25 each with all proceeds going back to CITYarts, but they’ll only be available at the DKNY store on Madison Avenue, so make sure you head over if you’re in the area! Don’t forget to check out the Couture In The City blog for more fashion finds and style news!

Hot In The Hive: Spinning Bird Jewelry Stand

imageLet’s get something straight — I am not high maintenance. In fact, I could easily cut my getting ready time in half if I didn’t ever-so-frequently end up spending 20 or more minutes untangling my jewelry from the heaping pile sitting atop my dresser. No matter how often I try to keep my accessories free and separated for easy access, there’s just some freaky inanimate mutual attraction that forces all necklaces and earrings and bracelets and chains to magically knot themselves into an impossible tangled mass. The solution? A handy spinning jewelry stand, similar to those organized revolving earrings displays you see on countertops at the mall (but much cuter for your room, of course). This one is shaped like a birdcage and has plenty of holes to hang your earrings from and keep your studs, hoops, and chandeliers with their matching pair partner and away from potential tangles with other jewelry. I’d run out and buy one now if I wasn’t too busy looking for that other silver hoop of mine…

Price: $32
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add the Spinning Bird Jewelry Stand to the Hive.

The Budget Stylista: Don’t Be Fooled by the Rocks That I Got!

imageJewelry can make or break an outfit. This is fact. It’s a great way to spice up your usual uniform (jeans, black v-neck, black flats – I know it all too well), assuming, of course, that you don’t go overboard and look like you went shopping in your grandma’s closet (tchotchke heaven). This season there is no better way to reinvent some old pieces in your wardrobe than by adding some bling bling. Right now jewelry is big, it’s bold, it’s bedazzled, jeweled and animal printed. It’s also ridiculously overpriced at so many places. But those aren’t the places you are going to be shopping, because it is so easy to find pieces for cheap that look like they belong in J.Lo’s closet. Read: bling blingin’ on the cheap cheapin’. So before you go spending $150 on a necklace you claim will give you seasons of love, come to terms with the fact that in 12 months time, you will more likely than not have moved on out – Jeffersons style – to something that’s a lot less animal printed. So why spend $150 when you can get the same bangin’ look for $15? Yeah, I thought so. Want to see more blingin’ budget jewelry? Click over to our friends at College Candy!

Buzzworthy Deals From Rarechic, Topshop, Saks Fifth Avenue, And More!

imageBirthday deals, denim deals, they’re all here! Read on for today’s Buzzworthy Deals.

All aerie bras are 30% off! They’re great for balancing a closet condition known as too much PINK.

Rarechic’s owner Leslie Lewis is turning 32 this week. What does that mean for you? Take an extra 32% off sale items with code BDAY, now through August 13th. Awesome… it’s like getting your own birthday present without having to tack on another year.

It’s time for the Topshop final clearance! Lots of new items have been added!

Take 35% off all full-priced merchandise at ShopRapunzels.com with code 35off, now through tomorrow only!

The Saks Contemporary Denim Event: Spend $250-$499 on his and her denim and receive a $50 gift card. Spend $500+ on his and her denim and receive a $100 gift card! Use code COTTON9. Offer valid through August 10th!

Create An Outdoor Oasis With A Hammock Or Swing!

imageSummer is the perfect time to go on an exotic vacation, lie on the beach and sip fruity cocktails. Though typical me forgot to request vacation time off and plane tickets (and baggage fees!) are still kind of ridiculous, I’ve decided to stay home instead. Who knew that my front porch, backyard or even my living room could transform into a vacation worthy spot? All it took was a swinging hammock or other hanging chair. I love the Palmetto All-Weather Wicker Hanging Egg Chair from Pottery Barn that I can totally use as an outdoor reading nook. Kids (and grownups) will go wild over the Giddyup! Tire Swing made of recycled tire swings. Hang it on a sturdy tree branch and your backyard will soon become the go to destination for outdoor parties! Take a peek at my slideshow for more hammocks and swings!

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Treat Your Feet! 15 Fancy Flip-Flops Under $15

imageFlip-flops, thongs, rubber slippers … whatever you call them, you can’t deny that they’re awesome. I’m usually a dresses and heels type of girl. No sneakers for me! But I can’t always run around town and complete errands in a timely and comfortable manner if I’m teetering around in heels. I love flip-flops. They’re comfortable and you can barely tell you have anything on your feet! I’ve even gone hiking in flip-flops and felt as at ease as if I had a pair of Nike sneakers on! Another great thing? They’re so cheap, with retailers like Old Navy and Wal-Mart offering multiple pairs in every color imaginable for less than it would cost to hop the subway. I personally own quite a few pairs of these rubber slippers in a multitude of colors and I love matching them to a casual jeans and a t-shirt type outfits I usually wear for a relaxed weekend. However, as great and easy as these simple pieces of footwear are, I still run into a dilemma. Sure, flip-flops are comfortable and totally appropriate for just hanging out with family and friends, but what if you have something to go to that requires actual footwear? Most of the time, my feet are too sore from the night before to imagine stuffing them into another pair of stilettos, but I can’t roll into a nice luncheon with a pretty sundress and some ratty flip-flops! Luckily, it’s summer and designers are offering a great selection of fancy flip-flops featuring jewels, metallics, leather, and other fun and pretty details at more-than-affordable prices. Check out the slideshow for flip-flops that will enhance the outfit without hurting the feet!

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Makeup Artist Pat McGrath Sweetens Up D&G’s Makeup Line

imageDolce & Gabbana recently launched a new cosmetics line, Dolce & Gabbana, The Makeup. The line was developed by legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath, who is also responsible for the innovative beauty behind brands like Giorgio Armani, Max Factor, and Cover Girl. Now, Dolce & Gabbana is stepping up their sweet factor with McGrath’s renowned skills. The line is enthused by the breathtaking Mediterranean coasts and Hollywood glamour. It’s a sexy and confident collection and McGrath gives us the beauty dish on a few of her favorite products. Click on over to the Essence blog for a run-down of her picks!