Alexander McQueen Look-For-Less!!!

I know I am not alone in loving the Alexander McQueen Spring 2010 RTW collection. The reptile-patterned, digitally-printed dresses and the sea monster-like shoes was such a fantastical look that combined both land crawlers and sea swimmers. The beautiful colors of aqua, greens, browns and bright yellows were so eye-catching, and the prints were so expertly engineered, it would be hard to imagine anyone being able to replicate this look for less. Well, no one can do what McQueen does, and that's a fact...but they can try. So, try Armani Exchange did, and their efforts are not so shabby. As I was strolling by shops on my way out of work yesterday, my eye caught a glimpse of a fabulous dress in the window. At second glance, my first reaction was, ahah! I found it, yay yay yay- an A McQueen look-a-like! The snake-skin print frock was a great, affordable option for those who cannot even begin to ponder purchasing the real deal (myself included...).

Available online as well as in stores, the "Snake Print Dress" from Armani Exchange is only $120.00!!! This pattern also comes in a stunning, long flowing maxi dress, $150, and a chic mini skirt, $68. This is a look-for-less MUST BUY. I can't wait to snatch up that mini for myself. j'adore!

www.armaniexchange.com/product/id/100024806.do?zmam=38332444&zmas=2&zmac=2&zmap=2202.10375.2534

The breast kind of support..charitable shopping

October is official Breast Cancer Awareness Month and there are a million different ways that everyone can get involved to help spread awareness and fight for a cure to a disease that effects both men and women all around the world. According to The American Cancer Society's most recent estimate for breast cancer in the United States for 2009, about 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women. Current statistics state that every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, and one woman in eight who lives to age 85 will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. Much progress is being made in understanding the disease, but we still do not have a cure. Luckily, tons of companies have designed signature items for breast cancer awareness month, and have agreed to donate a portion of their proceeds to the cause. Great news consumers! You can do your shopping and do good at the same time! double yay. So take a look at some of these adorably charitable items and make a very worthy, generous purchase. Be a breast friend, support the cause to finding a cure for breast cancer!

(and check out the official Breast Cancer Site to find out more information and how else you can help out).

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Polaroid CZA-10011: PoGo Instant Mobile Printer -$49.99

A donation of $10 will be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) for every Instant Mobile Printer sold.

http://www.polaroid.com/bcrf.php

OPI Pink of Hearts - Exclusive Nail Lacquer for Breast Cancer Aware month 2009-$8.50

OPI will donate $25,000 to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure; and $5,000 to Rethink Breast Cancer in Canada.

http://www.opi.com/

Tory Burch- COLIN Vest- $295.00

During October, 15% of the proceeds will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation

http://www.toryburch.com/toryburch/browse/productDetail.jsp?icProduct=23091573&icSort=&icCategory=cat70004

SIGG Pink water bottle for Breast Cancer- ~$24.00 USD

About 1.5 USD per item sold goes to Breast Cancer Campaign to fun independent research into breast cancer, its diagnosis, and treatment.

http://hautenature.blogspot.com/2007/05/sigg-water-bottle-for-breast-cancer.html

Pink New Balance 993 Training Shoes- $149.99

Yearly New Balance contributes 15% of wholesale sales from the Lace Up for the Cure® Apparel & Footwear Collection, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $500,000 up to a maximum of $1 million, to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

http://www.nbwebexpress.com/newbalanceWR993KMC.htm

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Fragrance -(at Sephora) $90

The 3.4 oz Cashmere Mist Eau de Parfum Spray has a pink ribbon to support Breast Cancer Research. Donna Karan Cosmetics will donate a percentage of the proceeds to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P223806&categoryId=B70

Clarisonic Skincare Brush from Sephora $195.00

With every Pink purchase, Clarisonic will make a donation to help the fight against breast cancer.

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P211002&categoryId=C15188&shouldPaginate=true

Instant Gratification

midnight crystal ring $45.00

http://www.jcrew.com/

solid anklets 3-pack $24.50 (on trend with the neon!)

http://www.jcrew.com/

jewled feather headband $39.50
http://www.jcrew.com/


(Yay! Here, I found a version of the Rochas flower belt for less!!)
Bouquet sash belt $35.00
http://www.jcrew.com/




Duchess ston bracelet $75.00
http://www.jcrew.com/


Polyantha hair pin $15.00
http://www.anthropologie.com/

Pickstiched Change Purses $18.00
http://www.anthropologie.com/







Sweetest Hive Earings &28.00
http://www.anthropologie.com/









Pond Lily scarf $68.00
http://www.anthropologie.com/









Ranuncula Necklace $42.00

http://www.anthropologie.com/



As a self-confessed shop-a-holic, j'adore instant gratification a lot. I mean, isn't that what shopping is? You feel down, you "have nothing to wear", so you go shopping, find the perfect item(s) to cheer you up, and..ta-da! Instantly gratified. These days though, achieving instant gratification has become more and more difficult...recession blues. So lately I've been very good about not listening to the little Rebecca Bloomwood (from Confessions of a Shop-a-holic) inside my head. I've...drum roll please....been saving my money. And just like a woman on a strict diet is allowed a square of dark chocolate from time-to-time..so am I. So on my "cheat days", I head to either Anthropologie or my trusty J.Crew so get a small bite of gratification. Both shops have the ultimate selection of little goodies that won't ruin your shopping diet, but will be equally as satisfying as a major splurge. So head to your nearest store, or shop online (I live on their sites!) at http://www.jcew.com/ and http://www.anthropologie.com/ . Oh, and sign up for their mail catalogs, they will give you the best outfit ideas!