Chasing Davies: August 2009

August 31, 2009

Shoe of the Day - Camel Boots

This morning it was 58 degrees. I wanted to bust out my boots, tights and favorite sweatery comfy dress...but I resisted, as the high today was still in the 70s. In honor of the cooler weather, these sleek, cute boots are what I'm eying today...


And what's better - they are only $39.50! Seriously!!! Sliver-Wedge Boots from Old Navy (they come in black, too).

LC Lauren Conrad Collection for Kohl's

Coming to a Kohl's near you this coming October - LC by Lauren Conrad! Read about her upcoming collection here.

In the meantime while waiting for the collection to hit stores, check out a sneak peak of her designs from Shape Magazine:


Thanks to the blog, Hills Freak for scanning in the Shape pages and posting on her blog. Check out her blog for more pics and pages from Shape's preview of LC's collection!

I'm digging that purple top.

August 29, 2009

Is this dress too tableclothy?

I like this dress...but afraid it looks a bit too much like a tablecloth... what do you all think?


Shift Dress from Shade Clothing, on sale for only $14.99! I could look a bit Mad Men-ish, no?

So what do you think about this dress?

August 28, 2009

Gorgeous.

Lovely necklace, no? This is my week's most amazing purchase...! I am so excited to get it. I will report back once I do.

Dress for Less

A very happy Friday to you all!

Today's Dress for Less if of two very cute ruffle blouses that are so popular right now!

You can spend $12 or $88!!

1


or



2



What do you think? Close enough?

Hope everyone is having a great Friday!

August 27, 2009

New Shopping Site Discovery

I recently stumbled upon a blog, Cable Car Couture, which I love and from their discovered this shopping site, Tabeez.com! It's filled with some really cute things, and at really great prices - 70% off their summer items!

I personally love...

Jacquard Tulip Skirt on sale for only $20.70!


Navy A-Line Button Skirt on sale for only $17.40!


White Skirt With Pockets on sale for only $11.40!


Long Open Cardigan With Chiffon Ties


Striped Pleated Dress


Multi Strand Gold Necklace


Satin Flower Belt




August 26, 2009

Shoe of the Day - Pink Sandals

I have these shoes. I love them so much, I just thought I should share. I got them last year at Nordstrom's Rack in Chicago and wear them Spring, Summer and Fall - as much as I can. They are uber comfy and easy to pair with anything.

Pour La Victoire Women's Nanette Flat Sandal ($51.18)

Today I'm struggling with sinus stuff and just feeling a little ick. I wanted to just wear something comfy...so to my trusty ol' super soft America Apparel V-neck T, Light Blue J.Crew Cafe Capri and lovely sandals I went... I added some jewelery with flecks of pink to coordinate with the shoes.

New York and Company Discount

I haven't shopped at NY & CO in awhile. But I received this discount email and was intrigued.


Looked around on their site, and found some cute things I might have to try out...

City Style Sleeveless Solid Ruffle Top ($29.99) in Zesty Teal - I love jewel tones for Fall and Winter. Looks good on the non-tan color of skin... :)


City Stretch Cowl-Neck Banded-Hem Tunic ($39.95) in more Zesty Teal - This would be cute of Skinny Jeans!


City Stretch Ponte Knit Pencil Skirt ($29.95) in Regal Rose, but it also comes in Zesty Teal!

Low Fat Wednesday

Good morning friends. A couple weekends ago I had dinner at my grandparents. One of our side dishes was Cucumber Salad. It was sooo good and I've been making it since. Before you stop reading...wait. I know it might sound boring or gross, but it's not. I don't even like cucumbers, and I like it. It's a light and healthy side dish/snack!!

First, what you'll need:

This makes about 4 servings (side dish sizes):
1 big cucumber
1/3-1/2 an onion (depending on how much you like onion)
1/2 cup of Light Sour Cream
Salt and Pepper

Slice the cucumber thinly and in halves. Chop onion and mix with cucumbers in a bowl. Mix the sour cream with the cucumber and onion, then add salt and pepper to taste.


I have been eating this as a snack a lot lately. It's so simple to make and not much to it.
It's good! Try it! :)

August 25, 2009

Wear Now, Wear Later - New Skinny Jeans!

Hello hello! Sorry for the late night post today, but it's been a BUSY day.

A little bit about me real quick - yesterday the house we were under contract with (a short-sale, so messy) officially fell through. Today we got all proper and legal forms signed to be surely released from that home and get our escrow money back. Today we also, over lunch, jumped back on the band wagon and went to look for a new home...again. Well, one had happened to come on the market today, so our realtor got us in and we immediately loved it! In the area we wanted, had 3 bedrooms, with a potential to build out a 4th, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 car garage, fenced in backyard and potential to grow into it and update it. Had it all...and in our comfortable price range. So, right then and there - we went and made an offer. A couple hours later, found out our offer (of asking price) was accepted and we are now under contract for the 5th house in 5 months. Let's hope this one is IT! I'll keep you updated....

So back to Tuesday's Wear now AND later post: The item...the jeans I eluded to a few posts ago - skinny (yes, skinny...) jeans I found in Chicago at Filene's Basement for $40 dollars!! You're thinking, ok $40...that's not a great price. Well, this brand is sold at Nordy's for lots more than that, and has a GREAT fit (now, I'd pay triple for a great fit in jeans - something I always have a very hard time finding).

The brand? Don't laugh at me. Not Your Daughter's Jeans (NYDJ for short). Yup.

Not Your Daughter's Jeans Tummy Tuck Women's Slim Fit Pant With Ankle Zipper

You can see me wearing them in a couple previous posts since my Chicago trip.
Payless Shoe Review
JCrew Weekend

So, the best part? The part about the tummy tuck - so true. It just fits so wonderfully - pulls the abs in. Does not push them out and over to create a muffin top. It does not sit so low that your thong and ass-crack hang out. It also does not squeeze you so tight you feel like you can't breathe, let alone eat (though maybe not eating is ok...). Nope, none of that. They just fit, nicely and appealing and they are slimming and sooo comfortable. They are very soft.So anyways, you must try them. If you've steered away from skinny jeans (or any jeans), try this brand. I have a hard time with jeans. I need to buy like 3 different sizes and have them combined into one to fit me, but these slipped right on perfectly. Ok, enough gushing...you get it, right? Where you can find these specific jeans?

Amazon ($108) and where I got them, Filene's Basement in Chicago (830 N. Michigan Avenue)

But you can find many other NYDJ styles many other department stores and online.

So how did I wear my new skinny jeans today, in the now (summer, 80s, icky, yet cold at the office)?I wore the skinny jeans with a embellished short-sleeve, zip up cardigan (I call it my Michael Jackson shirt) - the one pictured is similar, though my embellishment was down the center. I wore this cardi over a long gray t-shirt and with bright green Franco Sarto Wedges (a few years ago, the pair pictured have the same color).

And how can I wear these later, when it's colder, with layers (fall, please...!)?

Wear a fun, loose cut blouse/shirt - like this super cute one (pictured). Add a warm, cozy sweater cardigan over this for layers of warmth! Tuck the bottom of the jeans into some tall boots.

So, what do you think about the brand - NYDJ? Have you ever tried them on? Would you ever...?

August 24, 2009

Shoe of the Day - Endless.com Discount

Good evening lovelies... Endless.com is offering a 35% discount now through September 30th. At checkout, use the code "luckymag" to receive the discount.

Update: I think this discount only applies to the All Black Women's Tiffany Satin Flat With Jewels. Though, I'm not entirely sure, as the wording is confusing, but as people are having problems using the discount code, this must be.

The Magazine Announcement looked like:
ENDLESS
Order at www.endless.com and enter "luckymag" at checkout to save 35 percent.
All Black Satin "Tiffany" Shoes Regularly $125 Lucky Breaks Price $81.25

To me, that meant an order from Endless for the discount - and then just listed the shoe it was portraying (the satin flats pictured). Not sure though. Any one know? Sorry for the confusion!

Here are some Endless shoes of the day that I'm dying over (in honor of Rachel Zoe - watching the premiere now).

Pura Lopez Women's P259 Slingback Sandal ($310)

All Black Women's Flannel Fabric Kitten Heel ($116.95)


Pura Lopez Women's N601 Peep Toe Pump ($354.95)

Steve Madden Women's Bummble Ballerina With Flower Ornament in Yellow ($59.90)

Pour La Victoire Women's Ella Flat Sandal in mint ($160.21)

Oh man...beauties. Absolute beauties....

And remember, Endless shipping is FREE.

J.Crew Weekend

Went to Magnificent Mile's J.Crew this weekend in Chicago. I limited my purchases to a certain amount, because let's face it, if I didn't have a limit, I would have had to buy a new suitcase to get it all home. Let's start with what I want, want soooo bad, but did not get:

I did not purchase this lovely burst of sunshine because, well first, it's $245, and I can't even wear it yet (it's still too warm for a coat)! But, I'm gonna keep my eye on this baby... It fit well and comfy. And the arms were long - sometimes I find that they are a bit too short on me!

But I did have a very gray day at J.Crew, what I did get:

I normally purchase bright things, but fell in love with these gray pieces this weekend. I think these will also go well with all my bright items, for layering options and such. The dress was way comfy and I think will be cute for work. Who doesn't love a J.Crew cardi? Well, this one was no different. It's the same cute as the corsage cardi. Anyways, I had fun and am excited for what I did get.

What do you think about the yellow coat? I know HeidiG is also eying this lovely...anyone else?

August 23, 2009

Payless Shoe Reviews

Lately, I've been posting shoes from Payless and gushing about some of their new guest designers. So this weekend, while in Chicago - my sister and I stopped into Payless to try some shoes on. Here are our thoughts regarding some of the ones we tried on...

Koture Ruffle Peep-Toe

These are the ruffle heels I posted a couple weeks ago.In Black

In Purple

LOVE. These heels didn't feel like Payless heels. They were comfortable; my foot felt supported and cushioned. I thought the shoe looked just as cute and lux in person as the photos. The ruffle on the toe is cute and just enough detail to make them different and unique. My sister and I both walked out of the store (BOGO TIME, through Sept. 7th) with these in purple.
I though these boots looked so cute online and even still a bit in person, but once I put them on, they lost their swagger. The material and the way they looked on was cheap. The ankle was unsupported, as well - so foot was pretty wobbly.

Lela Rose for Payless

Mallory Suede Bootie

These booties were kind of fun. Not very practical, nor the most comfortable - but love the vibrant cobalt color.

Ballet Flats
These were cute on. I love that cobalt color. These are currently not available online. Check you're local Payless store for these if you're interested.

Christian Siriano for Payless Reviews


Let's start with what I liked about these boots: the cone toggle. And that's where that list ends.

The site description says, "a comfortable round toe," but I beg to differ. The toe is the most uncomfortable part. The toe space is too small and pinches the toes. The feet and ankles are not supported and caused a wobbly walk (and I know how to walk in heels). Overall, I think the look of the boots aren't very cute either - they look like rain boots.

Strut Pump
I like the look of this shoe, the chain detail on the toe, the heel, but the heels are way too high and the toes are pinched = very uncomfortable. We even tried a 1/2 bigger size to try and avoid the squished, pinching toes, but then it was way too big. Because the shoe is also a little heavy, it doesn't stay on easily at the slightest bit too big.

Sandstrap Peep Toe

This shoe includes the teal bottom, which I think is kind of fun, but that's about it. It was horribly uncomfortable, stiff and way to tall (a bit repetitive, I know). The ankle strap was rough and uncomfortable, as well. Comfort aside, I didn't even like the look of it on. Looks cheap (yes, I know this is at Payless), and definately felt cheap. This shoes comes in black and brown (both shown, one on each foot).

I really wanted to test out some of Abaete's shoes - but didn't see them at this store. I'll try back here in the KC stores, particularly for the ones I posted about a week ago.

Thankfully I did manage to get a pair after all that work - and purple no less (I didn't realize the purple/blue theme until now...hah).

Any recent Payless shoes you've gotten that love/recommend, or any you've tried on, and definately don't recommend?

August 21, 2009

J.Crew RuffleTank (I love Ruffle, still)

I love this tank. I thought I should share on my blog too, in addition to Gigi's - and her adorable posts (she always looks so cute in her pics). Well, here is my attempt. But, really, I love this tank. It's fun to tuck in, or leave out, dress up or down, under a cardi our alone...etc. What do you think??

Silk brulee tank ($44)
Colors: Ivory, Slate, Dark Charcoal, Vintage Rose, Light Amethyst

Anyways, I recommend. :)


Country Club Plaza in Kansas City is getting...

a Forever 21!!!! A big one, 27,000-square-feet, 2 stories to be exact. It will be opening in the former Mark Shale space in the spring of 2010.

Read more here.

This is fun news...but I would have maybe liked to see an H&M, Ikea or something the Kansas City area doesn't already have. I guess, though, this is better than what it could have been. :)

Dress for Less

A very happy Friday to you all, from Chicago! My happy shopping place! I am going to J.Crew on Michigan Ave tomorrow. It's big, pretty and much better than little ol' KC's store. I'm excited.

Today's Dress for Less is a dress... can you tell which one is more expensive?

1 and 2

Ok, well I''m sure you can tell and I bet you know were one is from. But I think if you are looking to save $92 dollars, I think these dresses are similar enough and have the same idea. Both are pretty.

What are you excited for this weekend??

August 20, 2009

Gossip Girl, Watch it and Wear it!

Guilty little pleasure...Gossip Girl. I love it. I love the clothes and style. I love the drama, too, I admit. Well, it premieres Monday, September 14 9/8c. YAY!

But, even MORE exciting? Target's next clothing line...Inspired by Gossip Girl, by Anna Sui. Check out the sneak preview here. WOW. I will be making a mad dash to the nearest Target on September 13th, when this line comes to stores to try out some of these numbers. I particularly have my eye on...
Mark your calendar:
9/13 - Go to Target
9/14 - Watch Season 3 of Gossip Girl

Shoe of the Day - Coach Wedges

I'm in Chicago - been in work meetings, but get to stay the weekend to have fun. I have already hit the shops though...!! My co-workers, Filene's Basement and I had a good time. I scored a beautiful pair of coach wedges for cheap. They are so pretty and comfy.

You can score these beauties yourself through Ebay, variety colors and sizes.

Oh how I love Chicago...I've gotten a few other things...Jeans (skinny jeans, which I NEVER thought I could wear - but the brand I got - post on that to follow soon - really changed my view), Jewelry, and Fun bedazzled Michael Jackson-esq short sleeve zipper card (hah, long discription, I'll post a pic soon, because I think it's so funny - in a good way).

Most excited to hit up J.Crew and Anthro!!! They have better and bigger stores here than in KC and I am READY!!!! So I'll follow up with my, hopefully, exciting purchases soon....!!!

Remember to vote for Charlie! You can vote once a day and EVERY vote counts!!! Vote HERE.

Hope you're have a great week!

August 19, 2009

Low Fat Wednesday

Happy Hump Day! I'm not a real foodie, and don't know the best recipes and such, but I am like, probably, most women and am on a constant quest to eat healthier, wiser and cut calories. So when I discover food tricks, brands or recipes that I think would help me (a non-food expert), I would love to share! So I'm deeming hump days, Low Fat Wednesdays for those kinds of posts.

Has anyone tried Arnold Sandwich Thins?? I learned about these yummy, low carb and calorie, yet filling alternative to a big bready bun or bread slices in Chicago from a few friends. They finally came to my area (KC) a few weeks ago and I can't rave about them enough!
I am a girl that LOVES carbs. Always have, to a fault. So I try to find ways to still satisfy my craving in a healthier manner. For me, these Sandwich Thins in Multi grain or Wheat are perfect.

Try it this way:

Today I hate one, toasted and open-faced with 1/2 a can of tuna and 1/2 a cup of lowfat cottage cheese mixed together on top. Protein wonder.

You could half them, spread with a butter substitute, sprinkle some garlic on top and stick in the oven for a side to your Italian meal.

Use for a typical PB&J. Or use for your deli sandwich (turkey + mustard + pickles = YUM).

Slap a hamburger or chicken from the grill on here to use as a bun.

Whatever the way, you'll feel satisfied. You can find these in the bread aisle, near the hamburger and hot dog buns. They are slightly more expensive, but worth it.

What are you carb weaknesses? What do you do to satisfy your cravings, yet stay healthy??


Please Vote For Charlie!

Remember the video of the dogs I posted last week? That black and white one is Charlie, and he needs your help! Please vote for him for the cutest dog. It'll only take a second. Go here and vote!

You can vote once a day, everyday! So remember to vote everyday! :) Thank you, thank you!