what i want today: stella!

is it possible? has stella mccartney finally ditched her crunchy, boho vibe in favor of something more sophisticated and upscale? i just got to check out a preview of her fall line, and i have to admit - i'm already calculating how many pints of plasma i'd have to sell to score any one of several pieces from the collection.


that gorgeous tweed coat ($2,195), for example - i think i could even suffer through the chills of winter with a smile if i had this to keep me warm. love the classic toggles, and the modern take on a tweed pattern...just fantastic.


or check out this stunning silk pleated dress ($1,595) - a definite nod to the more structured styles ahead for fall. i am just smitten. that gorgeous grey silk, the fabulous detail on the sleeves and bodice...wow.


and then there's this beautiful green-and-black silk top ($1,095) that is just the statement-making piece i'm dying for this fall. for those of you that were loving the ombre trend we talked about last week, this takes it to a whole new level. the technique is called dégradé, and gives you the feel of ombre while incorporating multiple colors. don't say i never taught you anything ;)

i'm thrilled to see such gorgeous things coming out of mccartney's line this fall - here's hoping it only goes up from here!

what i want today: retro jacquard diamond skirt

i adore skirts - they're so fabulously girly, and perfect for most any occasion. but sometimes i get a little weary of the same styles over and over again. pencil, flare, a-line...black, white or a big, bold pattern.

so, i'm thrilled to pieces by this sassy little retro number from marc by marc jacobs. i love just about everything here - the chic pattern, the button detail (and i love that they're faux - i detest buttons on skirts, which only ever lead to unflattering bulges), the seasonless styling...everything. it's like chanel meets gogo girl. this will be fantastic all summer, sure, but also fab with tights in cooler weather. plus, with the retro vibe, this beauty isn't going out of style any time soon.

oh, and did i mention it's on sale?? $117 at bloomingdales, but buy quickly - their site is notorious for the eternal backorder.

what i want today: ombre from vince

i've always been a sucker for ombre dyes on fabric, ever since i was a wee girl. now that they're back in vogue, i'm as giddy for them as i was back then. pieces from vince (one of my absolute favorite designers) fall collection are starting to trickle in, and the collection is packed with gorgeous ombre pieces i'm dying to own.


this shirred ombre silk top is so subtle, it will pass muster long after the ombre trend fades. the detail on the neckline is just fantastic, and that shade of blue is as chic as it gets (though the grey color it also comes in is equally fabulous). this summer, i'll pair it with shorts for a casual dinner out, but the grey version would look just as lovely with my black tuxedo trousers - now that's versatility i can get behind.


and i haven't quite figured out the fundage details, but i can pretty well assure you this gorgeous cashmere v-neck will be in my closet by the time the weather turns cool. i'm absolutely addicted to cashmere sweaters, and this one has so much style, i hardly know where to begin.


and i've been after this branch print shell since i saw it at a trunk show months ago. it was gorgeous then, and i love it just as much now. and, as always with vince, it's endlessly versatile. i can see it with cut-off denim shorts, and i can see it with a pencil skirt - ooh, and maybe some fantastic bright heels. a perfect summer/early fall piece, any way you accessorize it.

all are available at shopbop. also, neiman marcus is currently doing an online trunk show of the fall vince line (so fantastic, i've been forced to ask my dog to hold onto my american express card for temporary safekeeping...). both are well worth a look!

deal of the day: 25% off at sotto boutique

the lovely owner of sotto boutique emailed me yesterday to let me know that, in the spirit of helping us all dress well during a recession, she's taking 25% off her entire site! just use code relief at checkout, through june 15, and you can single-handedly help to restore our flailing economy.


sotto carries a fabulously well-edited selection of the most on-trend looks from this season. i adore this dusty blue silk "sunday blouse" from church & state - buttoned up, it's the perfect good-girl look for work, but drop those buttons down, and it becomes a flirty, sexy top perfect for evenings out. the options here are endless - belt it, layer it (under a sweater or over a tank), but don't miss out on it while it's marked down to $195.


while we're admiring that gorgeous shade of blue, i can't resist pointing out this lovely charlotte ronson cardigan. as usual, charlotte struts her stuff with impeccable design details that make a basic anything but. i adore those balloon sleeves, the two different knit styles, and the styling is as tailored as a cardigan gets, but the color keeps it relaxed. and if it feels too early for sweaters, this is a great summer "this air conditioning is positively freezing" addition to any ensemble, and will go from work to weekend seamlessly. nab it for $160 before the weather cools off!


and what a fantastic antidote to the bland gladiator sandal trend! these wedge sandals from devotte leelo are anything but neutral, and fabulous doesn't even begin to cover it. the purple suede and gold detailing are as decadent as it gets, but the styling keeps them ultra-wearable (and that slight wedge heel even makes them skirt-worthy). this is that pair of shoes you buy because you love them, even though it feels completely irrational, then realize you can wear them with absolutely everything in your closet. not a bad deal for $220.

check out all of the goods at sotto - i think you'll love just about everything they have to offer (and you will almost certainly, as i did, mourn the fact that those fantastic madison marcus leather jackets are already sold out). fortunately, there are plenty of other covetable items to distract you.

summer dress roundup

(again, a great big thanks to connie at the daily obsession for giving us her take on the best summer dresses out there!)

Ahh...as the weather warms up, I just crave dresses. That means I'll be keeping my eye out for new frocks and pulling out the credit cards so I can add them to my closet!

To start, I need to find some work-appropriate dresses. Hanii Y has this fabulous black dress embroidered with white circles, which are totally classic but fun. I adore the feminine puff sleeves, yet structured shape. I also know that I won't be sweating bullets at a client meeting when it's 90 degrees out, since it's totally lightweight. Linen is also never a bad path to go down. This Thurley dress feels very organic, but the black embroidery adds sophistication. All I would need is are a pair of simple black round toe pumps to finish the look.

For the weekend, I'm all over lightweight sundresses like this one by Maeve. The bright color is cheery, but what really captured my attention was the neckline. It has a lovely pleated design over the decollete area, which I think is so fun. Another option is this fantastic silk halter dress by Vanitas of California. How can you not love the beautiful dripping blue, green and white print? Plus, you could wear this on a variety of occasions - from the annual family picnic to a friend's engagement party.

Lastly, I have to talk about my favorite go-to store, J. Crew. I can always count on them for some great, reasonably priced pieces - and lately, they've been knocking it out of the park. For a easy day dress, my pick is this cherry blossom button-front dress. I'd belt it and wear it to work with a structured tote and heels. I also adore this colorblock shift; the vibrant pairing of orange and magenta is so bold and fun, making it perfect for the season. Plus, the texture and shape of the dress is a bit of a throwback to the '60s that is flattering on most body types.

Have any other suggestions? Drop a comment and let us know!

what i want today: joey top by le train bleu

this top just reminds me of everything fabulous about summer. the deep violet color and cheery floral pattern is a little bit bohemian and a little bit tropical, the drape is beautifully relaxed, and the breathable silk fabric is just what i'm looking for as a dressier option when the weather is miserably hot.

i'd pair it with a flared white cotton skirt, short-shorts, denim cutoffs...just about anything, really. it's that fantastic.

grab it for $138 at le train bleu, and use code luckybreaks1 to save 25% on any of the many gorgeous pieces you'll find sitewide!

vogue - march 2008

if you do nothing else this month, if you buy no other fashion magazine, don't miss the stunning (truly, stunning) mario testino photo shoot beginning on page 526 of the march issue of vogue (US edition).

my horrible, "picture of picture" versions are below...but really, these are just to get you to go check it out in person. please don't consider them a substitute. i think it's one of vogue's most iconic spreads in years.

what i want today: marc by marc jacobs spring '08

i am so very, very pleased with the marc by marc jacobs spring '08 line, i had to share. it seems like he's finally shaken the "despondent teenage grunge" vibe, in favor of something a little more retro, a little more colorful, and definitely a little more fun.


take this silk "scarf stripe" dress ($458) for example. an updated but classic silhouette, a fabulously retro print, but the details are still signature marc. this is a look that would be perfect for the office, but you could so easily dress this down with a long cardigan and colorful flats.


this darling silk tank dress is another great example of the new-and-improved marc. the shape is much more tailored than i'm used to seeing from him, and i love the '60s vibe, but those bright enamel buttons make it clear he's sticking to some of his signature style.


i hate shopbop's styling on this piece (i am so not wearing a sweater vest with short shorts), but i love this cropped knit vest ($228). check out the close-up pics for better detail - it's the perfect way to add personality and style to just about any ensemble. this is one of those pieces that you're not sure about, until you get it home, and then you suddenly find you're wearing it with everything. ditto for this gorgeous crocheted cardigan ($348), which i'm pining for in a very serious way.


and once spring officially hits, i'll be dying for this gorgeous silk striped cami ($188). the violet/navy combo is so striking, yet i know it'll be incredibly versatile in my closet.

even this simple silk jersey tee ($158) has me swooning. the color is the ultimate neutral, and the sailor-style tie is so of-the-moment. this would be gorgeous as a layer, or solo when the weather warms up.


i even love his new take on old marc classics. this turnlock teri tote ($428) has become notorious in seasons past for its sinfully soft leather, but this new grass green shade makes it completely irresistible to me.

check out all of the gorgeous options at shopbop.com or net-a-porter.

what's next: mod print dresses

everywhere i turn this month, it's all about mod print dresses. cute little minis with gorgeous retro-inspired prints, and oh-so-wearable silhouettes. a few of my faves:

the print on this gorgeous badgley mischka shift dress ($398) is so stunning, i hardly know where to start. it has all the vintage charm you could ask for, which tells me this beauty will be staying in your closet for decades to come. the price is a little steep, but it's actually reasonable for the brand - a great opportunity to score a high fashion piece without a second mortgage. if i splurge on one great piece this spring, i think this dress will be it.

this marc by marc jacobs colorblock dress ($298) just screams retro, but he's done a beautiful job of updating the styling for modern wear. plus, the silhouette is ultra-flattering for just about anyone.


on the more affordable end of the scale, i love this shirt dress by maggy london ($158). i'm not normally terribly impressed by her construction, i'll warn you. but i love the print, and i love the ruffle collar - this dress would be absolutely perfect for work, and i think undoing a few buttons at the top would even make this happy-hour appropriate.

from our friends over at tobi, this soda blu flutter dress ($93) is a great way to try out the trend without breaking the bank. love the color combo, which is striking, but neutral enough that you can really use accessories to change the look.

finally, this version by ziji is really gorgeous - i love the print, but i love the silhouette even more. the drop waist, the asymmetrical neckline, the draped sleeves...it's just fantastic. and, it's marked down to $60. so, if you happen to be a size 8, you shouldn't even have to think about this one!

what i want today: gorgeous dresses from....jcrew??

i'm sitting here being very annoyed with j.crew - their stupid 'final sale' emails always, always suck me in. i end up spending 20 minutes finding things i want, only to talk myself out of them because i just know i'll get the one sweater that was mislabeled or something, and is actually 2 sizes too small, and i'll be stuck with it for time and all eternity (a phrase that is funnier if you grew up around mormons, but i digress).

however, they've managed to (briefly) redeem themselves. i haven't seen pieces this stunning come out of j.crew....well, ever, really. i mean, i don't really go to them for the fancy, dressy stuff - they're more of a "cashmere sweater & flats" sort of place, right?

but they have a couple of really beautiful options available right now. i absolutely love this silk boatneck a-line dress, which would be a stunning substitute for a suit at the office. or if you love the colors, but wish the style was a little more casual, check out this version, which has a gorgeous ruffled hem, but is otherwise a very straightforward silk sheath that could be styled a dozen different ways.

not a big fan of the pricing - i still dry heave a little at the thought of spending $335 on a j.crew dress. but i have to give credit where credit is due, and these are pretty fantastic.

reminder: fall '08 fasion week is here

if you happened to miss the memo, fashion week (fall '08 already? really?) is upon us. your best bet for succinct reviews, without (a) getting trapped in the millions of pics flying around out there, or (b) having to wait for the april vogue, is to hang out at the daily obsession this week, where we're all manically writing up every single show, and two of the editors are actually at the tents, which is pretty freaking fantastic (i'm not jealous, i'm not jealous, i'm not jealous...).

if you check out nothing else from fashion week, the proenza schouler show is required viewing here at shoppingsmycardio. well, not required...how about "utterly fantastic, and not to be missed." yes, that's it.

(ps...a great big kiss to coutorture for that lovely pic, not to mention the thousands more they've left us on their site.)

what i want today: tangerine...belt

no, not a tangerine speedo. tempting, though.

in general, i'm really happy about the trend toward bright, bright colors for spring - perhaps it's the grey skies we're suffering through right now. but in particular, i'm loving the pop of color this little flash of orange gives an otherwise very bland ensemble. this is a great way to start incorporating spring trends now, without breaking out the florals and strappy sandals (really not winter-weather-friendly).

pick it up at banana republic for $38, and be creative - this is a piece you'll find goes with dozens of wardrobe combinations.

what i want today: cashmere military-style sweater

so, my hubs has recently pointed out that i've been overdosing on grey lately. i suppose he may have a point. but how can i resist when there are so many fabulous options out there?

take, for instance, this gorgeous, military-inspired cashmere cardigan. the styling on this is just flawless - it manages to be completely on-trend, but not so over-the-top that you won't be able to wear it in six months. the fold-back lapels give this such great detail, as does the button-tab mandarin collar. the color makes this a perfect neutral, and as a serious cashmere snob, i can tell you that neiman marcus private label cashmere doesn't pill, doesn't stretch, and lasts forever.

best of all, it's part of the winter clearance at neiman. regular price was $425, but tack on all of the post-holiday discounts, and you can take it home for about half that.

after all, there will be plenty of time for color this spring...

what i want today: cheap denim!

nearly all of the post-holiday sales are in full swing now (check out the goodies at active endeavors and at shopbop, to name just a few. ooh, and remember that you can use code cardio to take 20% off anything that's still full-price at active endeavors!), and i can't possibly lead you through them all.

but i will let you in on a fabulous deal on some denim over at banana republic, of all places. i picked up these trouser jeans a while back, and i have to say that if you can completely ignore the fit on the model (which is frightening, i realize) and trust me, i think you'll love them. i'd stack them up against any of my premium denim for both fit and wash. i opted for the tall size, which gave me a nice 34" inseam (the website says 36", but it just can't be right), which i can easily cuff for flats or leave long for heels. they just got marked down to $59, and you can take an extra 20% off through 12/24 with code brholiday, meaning you can score a really well-cut pair of jeans for under $50. in my book, that's about as good as life gets. in fact, i'm thinking i might need a back-up pair...

ooh, one last tip: i am almost always a size smaller in banana republic jeans than i am in anything else they carry. so, size down...or order one of each & return the one that doesn't fit, which is what i'd do.

designer of the day: amalialad

the lovely and insightful clothes-pin has turned me on to a new designer who has me completely excited. amalialad (dalia lama spelled backward) is designed by janis stemmermann, and her pieces are just genius. so original, great color combos and silhouettes, and the price points are high, but not impossible, like so many new lines.

pieces are still a bit tough to find online, but here are a few of my favorites:

i'm obsessed with this darling school top. love the belt, love the sassy orange color, and love the versatility - this would be amazing with jeans, a skirt or even as a shell under a suit - i'm thinking grey pinstripe would be amazing.

if you like the shape of the school top, check out the school dress. great opportunity to try out the brand without breaking the bank, and i can see this dress being endlessly versatile. it's tailored enough it would work as a tunic or as a dress, and it would be darling under a sweater jacket while it's cold this fall. best of all, i managed to track this one down on sale for $123!

this pop quiz cardigan is a bargain at $150 - i love the idea of mixing it with a bright t-shirt and jeans for a casual saturday. and the fiddler cardigan would be another great basic - pair it with a dress trouser for work, or layer it over a long tank with jeans for a great weekend look. (you can find it in a gorgeous burgundy color here.)

and i love this ruffle kimono sweater - it would be such a great "throw on over anything" option to have in your closet.

as i said, i had a little bit of a struggle tracking pieces down, but you can find several at basic boutique, anthropologie, and goldyn. but my pick is basic boutique, as using code People20 will get you 20% off merchandise on their site, including sale items! plus, the folks over there are really quite fabulous to deal with - i love it when an online shop really manages to make the shopping experience a great one, and basic boutique does it very well!

what i want today: cheap thrills

red heels are one of those things i always want, but can never bring myself to splurge on. so when, on one one of my recent wanders through target, i came across these yummy red patent peep toes, i had to share. $25, a gorgeous shade of cherry red, and a very walk-to-work-friendly 2.5" heel. that's really about all a girl can ask, don't you think? i pranced around the store in these babies for several minutes, and they're actually surprisingly comfy.

styling options are pretty endless, i think. go classic with a black skirt and black opaque tights, or go completely crazy and pair them with something unexpected, like this darling yellow minidress (i love the styling on both models, and would happily steal the look!).

holiday sale fabulousness at tobi.com

it's not often an opportunity like this presents itself, so prepare to max this benefit. tobi.com is offering 25% off sitewide when you enter code GIVEGET at checkout, now through Monday, 11/26/07. that means 25% off classic pieces like paige jeans, jennifer tuton jewelry, vince cashmere, and oh so much more. i mean sure, it's the season of giving & all that...but hey, you deserve to get as good as you give!

some of the many, many things in my shopping cart this morning:

* that yummy lily mcneal sweater we talked about yesterday

* any of jennifer tuton's gorgeous jewelry, but especially this amazing turquoise pendant necklace.

* i'm obsessed with paige denim, and have been dying to pick up their fabulous hillhurst trouser jeans.

* with all of those holiday parties you're about to get invited to, i can't think of a more perfect splurge than one of milly's gorgeous cocktail dresses. i love this tank cocktail dress - the empire waist will hide any holiday indulgence, and the style is classic enough to allow you to wear it solo or change it up with accessories.

* i love this long-sleeved, tunic version of the loomstate tee from yesterday's post - the color is gorgeous, and it will make a great layering piece. plus, loomstate is just the ultimate when it comes to amazingly soft cotton.

* this foley + corinna jet setter tote has a gorgeous, classic shape, but the dark plum color keeps it interesting, and right on trend for the winter months.

of course, it's much easier to justify spending on yourself if you're also buying gifts for others....fortunately, tobi has loads of options for your nearest and dearest.

* red flower sets the bar when it comes to candles - amazing burn times, and decadent, fabulous scents. they're perfect for your mom, your big sis, or that flawless hostess you know. for holiday gifting, i love the italian blood orange, which will give a bright, festive scent to anyone's house, without being overly traditional. and, only $25 each with your discount.

* i love everything over at juice beauty, and this little "to go" kit is the perfect way to create a new addict...especially at $22.

* denise heffernan makes some really stunning earrings, and you can pick them up for a steal. i love the grey topaz cluster earringsand the gold ginko leaves, and i think they'd be incredibly versatile for all sorts of different styles.

* and i generally shy away from buying clothes as gifts...it's just an all-around tricky business. but i happen to love this draped top by velvet - it's a very classic style, endlessly versatile (great layered or solo), universally flattering, and it's a great $50 gift for the fashion lover on your list.

and, of course, you always get free shipping at tobi...just one more thing i love them for.

so, remember, the magic code is GIVEGET. trust me when i tell you this is a sale worth taking full advantage of - it's your chance to stock up on loads of fabulous, full-price items that never see the discount side of life. happy wednesday!!

what i want today: good thoughts for the shoppingsmycardio dog

second surgery in a month for my sweet little pup today, so send up some good thoughts for her, please!

in the meantime, she's helped me pick out today's "what i want" items...but she's a serious shopaholic, so we have a handful of goodies today. pretty fabulous dog to be enabling us all even during her time of stress, don't you think?

first up, i've been dying to talk about this lily mcneal sweater, which is just endlessly versatile. the a-line shape really gives this piece its magic. i love that you can wear it open as a cardigan, loose as a jacket, or closed as a dress (maybe throw your favorite jersey tank dress underneath, just to make sure the layers work out okay). this is destined to become a staple in my closet. true, jezebel is looking at it more as a snuggly blanket for her to sleep on...but she'll have to fight me for it.

the peacock motif on this coin purse by dutchy is just too cute (though, i admit, i've been a little obsessed with the peacock motif of late). the 4x6 size makes it perfect to throw in your bag as an extra holder for cash and those annoying one-store-only credit cards you don't want to make space for in your wallet, but it's still large enough to throw a cell phone and a lipstick into if you wanted to make a quick grocery store run (or a quick run to the pet store...). not bad for $64.

last but not least, jezebel thinks this have faith t-shirt by loomstate would help to remind us to keep our fingers crossed for her all day. and since i've been craving a loomstate t-shirt for months now, this might just be the excuse i've been looking for, especially since active endeavors has that lovely 20% discount for jezebel's admirers (use code 'cardio' at checkout).

of course, since jezebel helped, we have to talk canine couture as well. jezebel already has this cute cupcake leash, but i'm thinking she might need the toadstool version too. and i really think she should have this cute pink plaid teddy bear to hang with during her recovery. and maybe this 'sniffany and co' dog bed. no? too much? sigh...

so, to recap...send good thoughts, shop 'til you drop, and forgive me if posting's a little sparse this week :)

what i want today: "new vintage" by candela nyc

i admit, the term "new vintage" is one that makes me crack up a little bit...and i really shy away from using it. really, all it means is "we found a way to get you to pay full price for vintage-looking clothes...we are so clever!" but with such a strong 1970s and 1980s influence shining through, i can't really come up with a better description for the new pieces from up-and-comer candela nyc, so i guess "new vintage" can be a good thing after all!

candela NYC strikes me as a line that definitely has room to grow (the pieces are universally not quite tailored enough for my tastes), but i love the aesthetic, and i'm excited to see what they come up with in future seasons.

right now, i'm loving this gorgeous deco top, which would make for a fabulous holiday ensemble with jeans, slacks, or even just under a blazer. plus, i'd like to officially thank the designer for not deciding this top is a dress, just because everyone else is doing it this fall. the sequins and tunic shape are really on trend right now, it's true - but the deco design is so classic and unique. i really think this would grow up to be one of those timeless pieces in your wardrobe that's always in vogue.

also, while i have to admit that i normally have a pretty strong fear of the shorter boot (stemming probably from the sweater boots i wouldn't take off in junior high), these lovely leather boots are hitting me in all of my happy places.

the cognac color is fabulous, i love the ankle detail, and the shaft of these beauties is high enough that i wouldn't be walking around all day dreading the oh-so-unappealing look in which you cross your legs when you sit, and your pants are higher than the top of your boot (an irrationally strong peeve of mine). i think these are a safe bet for those looking for that pants-only boot option. and again, they have that fun, sort of vintage-y vibe that i think will keep them in style long past their trendier counterparts. for $300, if the leather's as soft and yummy as it looks, that's a pretty reasonable investment boot.

as i said, i think they have some growing up to do, but there are some great seeds here (for example, i'm loving the bianca tunic, but want it to be a bit less shapeless for a holiday look).

you can check out more from candela NYC at active endeavors, and i'm thrilled to let everyone know that they've been nice enough to offer shoppingsmycardio readers a 20% discount sitewide with code "cardio"!

and one more thing i want...

the lovely editors over at coutorture wrote up this waterfall cardigan by splendid this morning, and i can't get it out of my mind. it strikes me as the sort of piece you'll never end up taking off. i love the option of styling it casually, just loose over jeans, or dressing it up with a belt. the grey color is perfect this fall, of course, and at $140, the price is even right (esp. since shopping at bergdorf online means no tax unless you live in NYC, and shipping is free with code BGSHIP, if you can tack another $10 onto your order).

plus, splendid does such a fabulous job of making cotton pieces that are incredibly soft and luxe. this would definitely be a great staple to add to your mid-fall line-up.