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!

Taking In "The View"

Ever since Bob Barker stopped hosting "The Price Is Right", my interest in daytime TV went south. Don't get me wrong, I love starting my day with Meredith, Matt, Al and Ann on the "Today" show, but once Hoda & Kathie Lee come on at 10AM...it's all over for me (but trust me, you'll want to click the link).

So imagine my surprise when I was bored as hell waiting for an oil change and saw Marisa Tomei sporting these gorgeous nude booties on "The View"!
Simply LOVING their skeletal yet feminine look, I shrieked with glee realizing that we have a pair at by Anna Michelle at fab'rik that give Miss Tomei a run for her money.
Not only do these shoes completely elongate your leg (as most skin-toned heels will!), but I'm telling you, they are the most comfortable shoes I own! (What? Like you really thought I hadn't bought them already?) And for $36, this is trend you can easily follow...guilt-free!

Becoming the Bag Lady

I've never been one of those girls to possess a ton of handbags. I tend to buy a bag & stick with it for the majority of the year (read: until the bottom of the damn thing becomes brownish, grayish with dirt. Just ask my Herve Chapelier bag, circa '05-'07...RIP "Chap"). But something has come over me, dear readers! I'm realizing you don't have to spend a ton of a cash for your carryall, so you can afford to switch it up if you dote on a tote. I've always been one for neutral colors so I can hold my little ones near and dear year-round.

Call me boring, but I'm seriously sweating these neutral knapsacks for a 12 month span of sportin'.
(From Left: Forever 21 Flap Down Hobo Bag, $30.80; Spiegel Patent Tote, $44 (comes in three other springy colors too!); ASOS Side Zip Slouch Bag, $51.28)

Trust me, a bright green bag for spring time is tons of fun, but if you want a friend forever, go with neutrals like those shown above. And here's a tip: don't be afraid to buy from a discount site like Gilt, HauteLook or RueLaLa...buying accessories is so much easier than opening up that UPS box and finding out those jeans don't fit (...because they're too big, of course)!

Lela Rose Is a Rose Is a Rose

There are many things I love in this world. And I know "love" is a strong word, but it doesn't even begin to describe how strongly I feel about my parents, sister, husband, in-laws and sweet pup (a black lab named Monroe...the most handsome dog in the universe).

In terms of fashion, I happen to love a Texas-born designer by the name of Lela Rose. To me, she epitomizes the definition of southern elegance. Her looks are prim and proper without being stuffy or matronly; she's conservative with a twist...a plunging back here, a mesh panel or thoughtful pleat there. So naturally, I chose Ms. Roses's handiwork for the most important day of my life thus far, my wedding day!

(The result? My all-time favorite dress I've ever worn, above!)

But I'd be foolish to think I could afford this look everyday (and if you can, may I suggest you check out my sister-in-law's store Vermillion in Raleigh, NC)! But lately I've seen some nods to the craft that is Lela Rose's. Her Spring 2010 Fashion show presented extremely wearable pieces in cheerful colors.
Inspired by the two beautiful looks above, I found the following pieces to help recreate the timelessness & easily mix-and-matchable style of the sweetest flower in fashion!
Leave it to Forever21 to nod to Lela's looks with whispy prints and bold hues. It seems as though this $27.80 blush linen blazer could be an essential piece to usher you into spring! (Chiffon Leveled Dress, $27.80, Watercolor Flower Dress, $24.80)

Any of these shoes would serve you well with the above pieces. Even Lela herself supports thrifty finds, with those $34.99 fuchsia pumps (middle, above) available at Payless. The most versatile find today are these $28 Twist Buckle Gladiator Sandals (left, above), tough enough for dancing on the lawn at your favorite concert but polished enough to wear to a bridesmaids luncheon. And finally, these $39 Blowfish Denim Flats (right, above) perhaps speak to Lela's trademark pleats so much so that I must give them their own close-up, Mr. Deville.

(Left: $39 Blowfish Flats at Lulus.com; Right: $950 Lela Rose Sheath at shopbop.com)

Remember, even if you can't afford your favorite designer, you can afford to be inspired and find the looks for less. It's the thrill of the chase that excites me!

What designer trends are out there now that you'd like to recreate for 100andsouth?

Marinate on This...

So my life is sort of in transition mode currently, so bear with me until the next official 100andSouth post. For now, I leave you with a quotation to remind us that happiness comes in many forms (...like these killer Seychelles strappy heels that are on sale, perhaps?)

"To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable; and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly...to listen to stars and buds, to babes and sages, with open heart; await occasions, hurry never...this is my symphony." - William Henry Channing