Shape Up & Ship Out!

It's almost summer, and you know what that means. Magazines everywhere are giving us 5,921 reasons to "get in shape" for that perfect "bikini bod"! They'll give us a conditioning regimen, 4 or 5 moves for 10 or 12 reps, for that rock hard booty or flat as a board abs. And to this I say a big fat Clueless-inspired "WHAT.EVER."

When I'm talking shape up, I'm talking tribal accents, Aztec-inspired, geometric prints that are popping up left and right (like the cellulite dimples I'll likely sport on the shores...so be it!) I knew this trend was going to be huuuge when I saw the Marc by Marc Jacobs spring '10 collection.



L to R: Ukita Patchwork Skirt, $328; Iggy Sweater, $358; Diamond Strope Maillot, $142. All Marc by Marc Jacobs & available at Shopbop.com.

While I love the trend kinda-80's/kinda-tribal trend going on above, I don't really want to pay more than three bills for a sweater that might be misconstrued as one from Mr. Cosby's closet (no disrespect, MJ; just can't throw my funds at that). What I do want is to scour the racks at TJ Maxx, Marshall's and hell, even the thrift store, to find similar gems for less Gs. But for blogesphere & time's sake, I'll show the online goodies that straddle the line between Africa the continent and "Africa" the 80s tune by Toto.


L to R: Forever21 Woven Tribal Print Dress, $17.80; Design History Aztec Open-Front Sweater, $96 (on sale from $160); Urban Outfitter Tribal V-Neck Tee, $24

Double Vision

Loeffler Randall Metallic Sandals, $325 at Neiman Marcus

Kelsi Dagger Camellia Ankle-Strap Sandal, $84.95 at Endless.com

Creative geniuses? Coincidences? Comments?

These Boots Were Made for Savin'

Loeffler Randall Marti Buckle Boots, available at shopbop.com for $626.50 (on sale)

I will never forget the first time I spotted a pair of Loeffler Randall boots. My sister-in-law's impeccably chic friend Elizabeth was sporting a wonderfully wedged camel colored pair with a super-cool vest to top off the outfit. At that moment, I was hooked like the fashion-crazed fish I am. It just takes a bit of swimming around to find the (almost) equivalent at a lower price!

Since moving to Atlanta, I have visited the consignment shop Labels Resale Boutique several times (thanks to another impossibly chic friend named Elizabeth, coincidentally!) to whet my whistle for, what I like to call, "the thrill of the chase." There is something so rewarding to me about digging through racks and piles and boxes of inventory to find that special something...a seriously under-priced Bottega Veneta bag, an Hermes belt, a pair of Missoni flats.

One faithful day a few weeks ago, I did not quite make my Loeffler Randall digs dreams come true, but I did come pretty darn close. Check out these G-series moto boots I snagged for $30. An ounce more leather and I might convince myself I can handle a Harley.





In the past several weeks, I've worn these puppies more times than I can count, thanks to some rather erratic weather we've been experiencing. The colder temps lasting long into spring were almost...dare I say...enjoyable because I got to sport these boots for a little while longer than expected. Sure, they'll sit in the back of the closet as we'll soon fry eggs on the sidewalk in Atlanta. But for now, I've got a pretty cocky grin on my face for finding such a bitchin' pair of boots!