5 Affordable Online Stores You Probably Had No Idea Existed

5 Affordable Online Stores You Probably Had No Idea Existed

The only thing that makes me happier than a Friday is a good retail therapy! And as much as I love strolling around the first floor at Maison Ogilvy or browsing the carefully curated new arrivals at HoltRenfrew.com, my monthly budget simply doesn't allow me to indulge in high-fashion and luxury items every time. But as a fashion girl, I made it my mission to remain on top of my style-game at all costs… Or in this case, at practically no cost ;) 

Piqued your curiosity just yet ? Check out the five online boutiques I simply could have never done it without…

1) TOBI

featuring the I'm Yours Sweater Crop Top, $33 and East Side Printed Neck Scarf, $30

TOBI always carries the most exciting things online and I find their style to be very reminiscent of Nasty Gal's for often, a quarter of the price. Whether it's basics, intimates, swimwear, evening-wear, ROMPERS!.. TOBI has it all and even more. The 'Sale' feature is probably my favourite as it allows me to get all the pieces I missed out on at a fraction of the price. And every career girl knows that a good sale always makes the bank account happy. Sorta… ;)

tobi.com

2) MISSGUIDED

featuring the Velvet Choker Shift Dress, $49

Missguided is such a good party brand for twenty-something ladies like myself! Their overall aesthetic channels the perfect combination of femininity, sensuality and effortless style, offering a great variety of pieces fit for a queen. Warning! If, like myself, you have a soft spot for the cool fabrics and textures of the 90's (velvet, satin, crochet and mesh that is) you might end up spending most of your days scrolling down the new arrivals and back in stock options of the moment. Most. Of. Your. Days.

Psssst! There's also a 20% discount for students in the US… #unidays

missguidedus.com

3) GO JANE

featuring the Day Date Ruffled Chambray Romper, $29

With currently up to 70% sale off sitewide, Go Jane is one of my most affordable online fashion discovery of 2016. Every since my very first order with them (a gorgeous pair of denim chunky heels) I have been completely obsessed with their weekly arrivals and their footwear shop, curating over 900 pair of pumps, boots, sandals, sneakers, flats, catering to everybody's taste and budget.

gojane.com

4) LULU'S

featuring the Ring the Bell Dark Green Crop Top, $42

I like to think that I was quite early on discovering and integrating Lulu's best sellers into my wardrobe mostly because it caters so well to my ultra feminine style and aesthetic. For almost 10 years now, Lulu's has been my go-to web destination for all-things dresses and cute accessories. As for my favourite feature from their website: the 'Back in Stock' section where they bring back all of the styles that sold out too quickly, so you can never miss out on a great #outfitgoals ;)

lulus.com

5) PIXIE MARKET

featuring the Ribbon Open Back White Tee, $78

Pixie Market is my favourite online destination for statement tops and other original pieces. I've always loved a good stand-out outfit and Pixie's allows me to innovate and get extra creative with my fashion sense. They've got a wonderful collection of fun, fearless work-appropriate shirts and blouses that make it super easy to transition from the office to happy hour in a knack. Don't go unnoticed!

pixiemarket.com

The post 5 Affordable Online Stores You Had No Idea Existed appeared first on PBTH **

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Beauty Pageant Minute: Miss USA 2012 Preliminary Competition Evening Gowns

Beauty Pageant Minute: Miss USA 2012 Preliminary Competition Evening Gowns

The Best of the Preliminary Gowns...

Miss New York USA Johanna Sambucini--keep reading for what I thought of her and her Evening Gown...

Continuing with my "Beauty Pageant Minute" postings---we are DONE with looking at those oh-so-last-week Evening Gown Portraits...it's all about what the "Miss USA 2012" contestants actually wore on last night's very important "Preliminary Competition" which was held at the site of Sunday night's LIVE telecast, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

This is the night where the Top 15 Semi-Finalists are picked by a panel of Preliminary Judges. Usually the Preliminary Judges are comprised of local dignitaries and/or "industry" insiders in the pr, entertainment and/or fashion and beauty world--as opposed to the LIVE telecast where the judges are usually from the NBC/Universal "family" (since the telecast airs on NBC) and/or actors, well known celebrities, and yes, a sports figure sometimes. Some of the Preliminary Judges included Alison Taub, an Associate Producer with "Inside Edition", Kim Wagner, Co-Anchor of "Wake Up with the Wagners", Randall Winston, Producer of "Scrubs" "Spin City" and "Cougar Town"and Renee Simon, Vice President of Current programming at the Style Network.

Miss USA Alyssa Campanella co-hosts last night's Miss USA 2012 Preliminary Competition

The Preliminaries were hosted by the reining Miss USA, Alyssa Campanella and Chet Buchanan, host of the local Vegas radio show "Chet Buchanan and the Morning Zoo" on KLUC 98.FM. The show was streamed live on the web via UStream. OK, now that we got all that out the way...Wanna know what I thought of the Gowns?? Well, here were my Top Picks:

Go On Mija! Miss New York USA 2012 Johanna Sambucini: 25 year old 5' 9" tall Johanna was born in the Dominican Republic and HUNEY, it shows! She
WORKED it overtime in the gown portion of the Miss USA 2012 Preliminary
Competition. She wore a see-through nude-colored halter-neckline style gown with encrusted crystals. I wouldn't be surprised if her gown was by one of those Puerto Rican and/or Dominican fashion designers who design for Miss Puerto Rico and Miss Dominican Republic Universe. Or if she went straight to the "Pageant Gown" Source and payed the extra thousands for a Venezuelan pageant gown designer. Whatever--and whoever she chose--it was FABULOSO!

Miss Oklahoma USA 2012 Lauren Lundeen: Next on my Top Picks List is this lovely woman representing Oklahoma. Not sure if it is a coincidence but she wore a similar gown to "Miss New York USA 2012". It had a nude-colored base, fitted and filled with encrusted mirrored crystals. The difference, it was not a halter-neckline style. The 5' 9" beauty once again, vibed her best "Miss Venezuela" confidence/look, and went for it, when it came to her evening gown. Love the hair, make-up, the fit of the gown. She's basically a TIE for "Best Dressed" of the Miss USA 2012 Evening Gown Preliminaries. At least for me. Only negative: those shoes! Too big, too stacked heel, too Drag Queen/Stripper. A pair of gorgeous silver strappy ones would have been perfect. 

Miss California USA 2012 Natalie Pack: Interestingly enough, Natalie wore the same gown she was featured in the "Miss USA 2012 Website Evening Gown Portraits". I liked this gown there and I still like it now on her. As you know, she was a contestant on "America's Next Top Model" so hopefully she knows how to work a runway and a gown. It's funny how she looks very UN-model and more-Miss Pageant. There is a difference. I like the peachy-pink color on her and the diagonal asymmetrical gathering and draping. The slit IS "HOOCHIE" HIGH but oh well, you can't win 'em all...

Miss Nevada USA 2012 Jade Kelsall: Jade looked like Beyonce-Meets-Cleopatra...in this white strapless gown she wore for last night's Miss USA 2012 Preliminary Competition. Except for the too-high stacked heel "Disco" pumps (seriously Ladies, why all the tacky shoes with these gowns??), the dress was stunning, elegant (HELLO: No HOOCHIE slit, nasty boob-revealing neckline!). I love the gold and silver metallic midriff section. I just want to be fanning her and serving her grapes!



In the Red Category, these two ladies--and their gowns--were my favorites:

Miss Tennessee USA 2012  Jessica Hibler: Jessica is only 5' 6" (these pageant girls--especially the ones who are winning as of late--seem to be on the 5' 9" or taller height spectrum) but with that said, she looked GLORIOUS and statuesque in this strapless gathered bust/draped chiffon lipstick-red gown. The big ol' bun on her head adds height and I am happy she didn't do the "Pageant Tacky" and put on 12" platform Drag Queen/Stripper heels to make herself seem taller. The gold pumps were a good choice. P.S. to all short(er) pageant girls: I've spoken to actual Miss USA and Miss Universe judges and they've told me that (they) can see the 12" platform heels and the first thing they think is "Oh Huney, she must be SHORT!". Just saying. Back to the gown--it's very "Hollywood Glamour". Nothing directional or overtly sexy but it looked very nice on her.

Miss Utah USA 2012 Kendyl Bell: Yes, she's very "Pageant Betty Elegant" in this, but that's why I am giving her "Pageant Gown Props" for it. She could have gone "I am a 55 year old 'Real Housewife of Orange County' at a Black-Tie Wedding" (wait until you see my "Oh Huney" posting!) but she chose to go for a more "Pageant Classic". This red gathered bustier with fitted taffeta gown with a one-shoulder sequined trim is a very standard Pageant/Prom/Evening Dress that one can find online or at a "Pageant and Prom" boutique, but at least she chose one of the better ones. Nothing wrong with this look on Miss Utah USA...except, for yes...those PUMPS!!!

Miss Illinois USA 2012 Ashley Hooks: I like Ashley's gown and therefore I felt she was one of the better ones from last night's Miss USA 2012 Preliminary Evening Gown Competition. It fit her like a glove, yet not too tight, I like the high-neck halter style, open back, degrade sequins and iridescent gold color. She looks like a "Miss Bermuda" at a Miss Universe or Miss World competition and that's fab for me!



Finally the Gionni Straccia Girl:

Miss Nebraska USA 2012 Amy Spilker (left): Amy's gown is very similar to a gown designed by Venezuelan Pageant-Go-To Fashion Designer Gionni Straccia. It's also similar to the gown that

Morgan Woolard Miss Oklahoma USA 2010 (right) wore two years ago and in which she almost got the Miss USA title (she was First Runner Up). I'm assuming the gown Miss Nebraska USA 2012 wore last night is by Straccia. If not, he might want to sue someone. Just saying. Irregardless, I like this white strapless gown on Amy and especially, the coral-colored sequins highlighting the Empire/underbust and high-hip area.




**Up Next: My "OOOOOH GURL, Is it 1988...and Why Are You Dressed like a Peacock?" Girls from the Miss USA 2012 Preliminary Evening Gown Competition

DRESSES from SHERRY LONDON

DRESSES from SHERRY LONDON

Hi Everybody,
Today's post is about beautiful evening dresses. This week I'll show you few propositions from the huge offer of Sherry London store.
 I've had the opportunity to look at their website, check out what I found!



Last time the online stores are totally taking over the market of elegant evening maxi dresses. There is no other place where you can find such a great collection of so many different designs. Of course, it is still unusual to order something you never tried on, but if you know your body measurements well, it shouldn't be a problem at all. 
And when you think about the advantages of the situation... you can choose a dress of a Hollywood Star for a little over $100, with your chosen color and cut. Evening dresses UK store of Sherry London are crazy beautiful, I found some amazing examples:

You can find also dresses more casual long evening dresses, like those:

If you like something classical, you can check the black evening dresses or hot red evening dresses! 

The store is having an offer of the plus size evening dresses and actually a huge range of regular sizes. You find for sure a match. 
If you look for some beautiful piece for wedding party, Matura ball or other special event  this store is definitely for you to visit! Enjoy your time there! 


My dear fashion fans, thank you for your visit on my blog, I invite you to follow me via GFC or Bloglovin platform, also you can find me on Facebook, Lookboook and Instagram :)
You can write to me per e-mail or via other social networks. 
I will try to come back to you soon with new outfit post! <3 Keep in touch! 

How to wear a White Blazer

How to wear a White Blazer

(UPDATED CONTENT)

HOW TO WEAR A WHITE BLAZER

I love a crisp white blazer.  It is Spring's answer to Fall's essential leather jacket. With white being a strong trend this season, the white blazer is ready for its spotlight!  White is a very elegant and timeless colour but neutral so it goes with everything.

Wear a White Blazer with gem tones, neutrals, and animal or other prints. Or Use a White Blazer to create a backdrop to showcase texture like prints, leather, rouching, and pleating.  Whether it’s for a day, work, or evening, a White Blazer can pull an outfit together. Here are my styling tips:

Play with layering and wear a tunic and skinny jeans, or colour block with a rich toned blouse and skirt. 

Pair a white blazer with a whimsical Spring dress for an effortlessly pulled-together outfit or the blazer-and-shorts look works perfectly on both petite and tall girls. The Structure of the blazer really balances the feminism, softness, and casual vibe of floral pieces. 

For those who think floral is too girly, and want to try something sexy. You can pair a white blazer with animal prints! The pure and clean white blazer makes the wild and sexy print dress so stylish. Keep the colour palette neutral, like black and white, then add a bold coloured bag to brighten up the whole look.

Instead of the usual LBD, try out a blazer and jumpsuit for your next party. The black-and-white contrast demands attention.

A white blazer looks amazing paired with pastels and pair with tough accessories for a cunning ladylike look.

A blazer can instantly add polish to a pair of jeans. Create a casual, yet sharp look with a white blazer, flared jeans, a flowy silk top, and pointy-toe pumps. Perfect for a casual work environment or your next lunch date.

Wear white on white. This is one of my favourite pairings. It looks sweet, elegant yet modern and chic.  Too scared to rock all white? Totally don’t blame you by the way – I am like a stain magnet. Go for all black topped with a white blazer instead.
SHOP MY PICKS

Maison Margiela Crepe Blazer

Paule Ka Belted Blazer

UINSTONE Women's Shawl Blazer

HyBrid & Company Double Notch Lapel White Blazer

Here are some ideas of how to wear a White Blazer:

  

I hope these white blazer style tips have given you some inspiration! Till' next time xo

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss USA 2016 Preliminary Evening Gowns: My Top 10 Best Gowns!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss USA 2016 Preliminary Evening Gowns: My Top 10 Best Gowns!

Miss USA 2016 Preliminary Competition Gown Fab: Some of my top favorite gowns from the Miss USA 2016 Preliminary Competition, Las Vegas Nevada

The 65th Annual Miss USA beauty pageant is under way in Las Vegas Nevada with the finals occurring this Sunday at the just-opened T-Mobile Arena. This Wednesday, the ever-important Preliminary Competition happened. This is where the contestants vying for the 2016 Miss USA crown and sash competed in Swimsuit and Evening Gown in front of a panel of judges (different from the Final night judges) to determine the Top 15 Semi-finalists who will be announced on Sunday night's live finals.

Gown Gals: Miss USA 2016 Preliminary Competition Evening Gown Competition, Las Vegas Nevada

This year there are 52 contestants (as opposed to the usual 51 contestants covering the 50 US states plus the District of Columbia) with the 52nd one being "Miss 52 USA". This was a marketing/pr/promotional campaign organized by the Miss Universe Organization and fashion company Sherri Hill (who is a sponsor of the pageant) to pick a 52nd contestant to compete in the 2016 Miss USA pageant. Now, getting back to the subject at hand (Pageant Gowns!!)...as you know, I'm a big "pageant fan" and love discussing "Pageant Gowns" here on my blog so, naturally, it's time to review my picks for the Best Gowns of the 2016 Miss USA Preliminaries, beginning with my favorite one:

Miss South Dakota USA Madison McKeown: Out of the 52 contestants vying for this year's 2016 Miss USA title, in terms of evening gowns, Miss South Dakota SHUT IT DOWN. When she appeared onstage, I immediately knew that we had gone into non-Sherri Hill Couture Territory! Madison wore an ivory silk crepe gown that had an attached dramatic cape. She OWNED the stage and runway. The gown featured a hand-painted dip-dye of blue and silver. It fit her perfectly and well, she brought the Miss USA 2016 Preliminary Evening Gown Competition to a new Haute level.

Score: 9.9

Not surprisingly, the gown was created by Lebanon-based Couturier Tony Ward...

Tony Ward Couture Fall/Winter 2015/2016: The gown is from his Fall/Winter Haute Couture collection which he showed in Paris. Normally a Couture gown like this (it has to be pre-ordered and normally, hand-made), can cost about $50,000-$75,000. It is usually a one-of-a-kind creation (or maybe 5-of-a-kind!). I would be interested to know if in fact the lovely Miss South Dakota USA paid such an amount for this Haute Couture creation and if not, if the Tony Ward Couture people were kind enough to let her borrow the sample. Comparing the length of the sample worn by the runway model vs. the lovely Madison McKeown, it certainly does not look like the runway sample since the length of the column gown (in the white section) seems much longer (I assume the runway model is 6 feet as opposed to Miss South Dakota's 5' 8" height) so...was it customized for Miss South Dakota? And for free? Inquiring Pageant Gown Bloggers want to know (i.e. Me!).

Miss District of Columbia USA Deshauna Barber: I loved this golden gown worn by Miss District of Columbia USA. The dress was designed by Juan Carlos Pinera and featured a nude organza base with gold metallic criss-cross detail. In addition, it had an iridescent organza attached overskirt which was a BIG TREND of the night and I will cover that in a separate blog post for sure! Nevertheless, this was one of the most outstanding gowns of the night.

Score: 9.78

Miss Georgia USA Emanii Davis: One of my favorite gowns of the Miss USA 2016 preliminaries was this ivory design worn by Miss Georgia USA. Emanii wore this crepe column gown that had a sequined shoulder detail and chiffon cape. I thought she looked regal and goddess-like. I also loved her styling (the slicked-back chignon was VERY "Miss Venezuela" fab!). If there was any criticism, the bust had awkward fit issues (that's for another blog!). The gown was from Sherri Hill Fall/Winter 2016 NY Fashion Week (as I am sure lots of others were, since the company is after all, one of the major sponsors).

Score: 9. 60

Miss Alabama USA Peyton Brown: Peyton wore this white with gold sequin trim "Grecian Goddess"-inspired gown. I thought it was an impressive showing and great gown design. The fit was perfect and I think she nailed the "Fashion" and "Pageant" components.

Score: 9.50

Miss Louisiana USA Maaliyah Papillion: Maaliyah made me yell an "Oh Dear!" when I saw her during the Miss USA 2016 Preliminaries as I watched online...and for good! I thought that this was a sexy, brave choice for the stunning Miss Louisiana USA beauty. The black gown featured a lace sequined-and-see-though column with an organza overskirt (there's THAT overskirt!) but more importantly, the gown had an attached leotard. This is something that we have seen from some Haute Couture designers such as Zuhair Murad and Elie Saab in the past years and while, sometimes, it may look a bit "Uh Oh!", here it worked.

Score: 9. 55

Miss Minnesota USA Bridget Jacobs: Bridget wore this silver and ivory sequined gown to Wednesday night's Miss USA 2016 Preliminaries. The gown looked elegant, expensive and fit well. I also LOVED the capelet detail. It was also nice to see a gown NOT featuring a super-high slit and OVERSKIRT (hello!). Oh, and it was the correct length (no tacky platform heels showing too much!). The design was a version of a Sherri Hill design shown on the Fall/Winter 2016 NY Fashion Week runway. 

Score: 9. 50

Miss Wisconsin USA Kate Redeker: I am normally not so much a fan of a typical "pageant princess"-like gown such as this one worn by Miss Wisconsin USA but...I really liked this dress. The gown was a midnight blue-colored design with a pointed velvet bustier and iridescent organza gathered full ballgown skirt. She looked classic and like a princess. I also thought her styling--makeup, earrings and that super-chic chignon--were EXCELLENT! The gown design was shown during the Sherri Hill Fall 2016 NY Fashion Week show in a different color way--modeled by the current Miss USA Olivia Jordan (lower photo above).

Score: 9. 45

Miss Pennsylvania USA Elena La Quatra: Miss Pennsylvania USA wore this silver sequined gown which I thought was worthy of my Top Ten inclusion. I thought the design was very pretty, elegant and gown-sublime. I loved the delicate shoulder details and the nude-over-sequin design worked well. I also give her props for having the gown be the proper length and not showing the shoes.

Score: 9.30

Miss Kentucky USA Kyle Hornback: First off, I LOVED the bright canary yellow color of this ballgown. To be frank, Miss Kentucky USA did not have much runway grace while showcasing this gown at the Miss USA 2016 Preliminaries (she was close to looking like a truck driver attempting walk the runway!) but I did like this gown and design; it was impressive and impacting. I also liked her styling with the sleek center-part hair and minimal jewelry sans the earrings. Now, if someone could just teach her how to walk like a DIVA in this DIVA-worthy gown.

Score: 9. 25

Finally...

  

Miss New Jersey USA Jessielyn Plumbo: I was very impressed with Miss New Jersey USA and her choice of this gold mermaid-style gown for the Miss USA 2016 Preliminaries. While the style isn't anything extraordinary or Haute Couture-worthy, it was impacting on the stage and the gold sequin fabric worked fabulously with her tan coloring and blond hair. Therefore, her gown made my Top ten Best Gowns of the Miss USA 2016 Preliminary Competition.

Score: 9.20

**UP NEXT: My "Uh Oh" List of Breast-a-Licious Pads, Feather Cray-Cray, and Tacky Stripper Heels of the Miss USA 2016 Preliminary Competition!



Here's a hint:

Pageant No-No's