The Holiday Heel

Love LOVE L-O-V-E

Seriously though, how gorgeous is this?

Satin Sandal $850
http://www.salvatoreferragamo.com/
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A Very Cute Substitute

Shoes for Lovely People Hollywood Heel

Originally $136 on Sale for $115.95
zappos.com

In the Words of Rachel Zoe... I Die...

L.A.M.B "Camden" Bootie

$430

nordstrom.com

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RUFFLES Ankle Bootie

$74.99

bakers.com

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Contrary to most bargain-hunter's attitude on the subject, I absolutely do not support the counterfeiters of this world. I think it is completely immoral to copy a brand's logo (think Goach, Luis Vuitton and PRADA - Made in China) and strips away at the dignity of the brand and the designers that work tirelessly for us fashion feinds. Do not shop in Chinatown! Stay away from Canal Street- it's all cheap, it's all fake, it's all completely not worth your pride that will shatter when you fork over the cash.

That being said, however, I think it will be impossible to one day copyright a style, or try to punish those who take an idea (not a logo) and make it their own. For example, if it were up to many fashion designers, it would be illegal for mass retailers to sell the boot above, because it is so similar to Gwen Stefani's gem that was most likely (if not absolutley) designed first. Fashion is repetitive, never-ending cycle and requires a look in the past to create future trends. Would no one be able to sell a wrap dress because the ingenious Ms. Diane von Furstenberg did first? Ludacris! And so, I find it very much okay to buy items such as the Baker's boot, and will continue to scower the racks for finds that bring me the style of a designer good at an affordable price.

Thank you, good night, and I apologize in advance for the slow posting tomorrow- The fam is headed to the Chi! With any luck, we'll squeeze in some time for a little shopping...

And A Few More...

Modern Stretch Ruffle Dress
How Very Annie Hathaway of You!
Originally $98 on Sale for $49.99
express.com

Brooch-the-Subject Necklace
The Perfect Statement Piece for the Holiday Season
Originally $38.50 on Sale for $28.87
thelimited.com

Crop Leather Ruffle Jacket
A Girly Twist on Fall's Edgiest Trend
Originally $168 on Sale for $149
victoriassecret.com

HAPPY BLACK FRIDAY!

The great deals are everywhere today, so leave your heels and boots at home, throw on your flats, and get ready to fight your way through the mobs of mad holiday shoppers. I was driving to a movie last night (Role Models was hilarious, by the way) and saw people in line at Best Buy at 8pm! A great deal really brings out the crazy in some of us!

If you, like me, prefer a more sane way of shopping, try these online steals on for size...

Marc by Marc Jacobs "Jazzy Jane" Passport Case
A Perfect Gift for your Label-Loving Girlfriends!

Originally $98 on Sale for $56.90
With an Additional 40% Off at Checkout!
nordstrom.com
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BCBGMAXAZRIA Illusion Cocktail Dress
Super Chic for Holiday Parties!
Originally $290 on Sale for $173.90
With an Additional 40% Off at Checkout!
nordstrom.com
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Monies Resin Bracelets
So Bulky, So Beautiful, Add it to the List!
Originally $175 on Sale for $105
With an Additional 40% Off at Checkout!

Bloomingdales.com

A GOSSIP GIRL THANKSGIVING

I am happy to admit that Gossip Girl is my ultimate guilty pleasure. The story is great, the guys are gorgeous, and the girls have out-of-this-world wardrobes (most of the time). In this past episode, The Magnificent Archibald's, it was Thanksgiving on the upper east-side. As a Thanksgiving gift to you, I'd like to let you in on a little secret... Little Jenny Humphrey's adorable red and black plaid dress (below) has a label and price tag one wouldn't normally associate with the designer-clad cast of GG.

Cheap Monday Factory Shirtdress
$34.99
urbanoutfitters.com

As a side note, what has been going on with Serena's wardrobe lately? Most of the time I ache over imagining myself in the get-ups she rocks on set week after week. Thanksgiving though? Hmm not so great. Since when is it appropriate to wear an up-to-there mini during a family holiday!? That length is in no-way helping Blake Lively's sleek and svelte figure either. And why so matchy-matchy? The shoes completely match the top which matches the necklace which matches the skirt. Stop the madness!

Next week's previews look amazing- hopefully Serena will come out on top again. No way should Little J be stealing the fashion spotlight- even if she is the designer! Team S & B on the wardrobe front all the way!

One of the MANY Things to be Thankful for Today...

As a preview to the amazing deals you'll find out there on Black Friday- every shopaholic's dream (and worst nightmare)- here is a little eye candy from Tory Burch. Normally, Tory would be on my always growing, always unaffordable wish list, but not today! Both practical and chic, the Winnie boot is a perfect way to stay stylish during our less-than-fabulous Chicago winter weather.

Tory Burch Winnie Rain Boot

$150 with an ADDITIONAL 40% Off at Checkout- Insanity!
toryburch.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Quick Note about Ms. Malandrino

I had the great pleasure of meeing Catherine Malandrino a few years ago at a seminar in New York City. I have never in all my life heard anyone speak of fashion (or anything for that matter) with such passion. Please expect to see more of her, one of my favorite designers, as this blog continues...

THE OH-SO-BEAUTIFUL DREAM...

Catherine Malandrino Buzz Pleat Bodice Dress

$495.00

chickdowntown.com

...THE FUN AND FABULOUS REALITY

Express Silk Racerback Charm Dress
$79.50

express.com

Welcome!

“Bargaining has become a way of life for one-third of women shoppers. They’re damn proud of their savings.” –Wendy Liebmann, WSL Strategic Retail, WWD/DNR CEO SUMMIT

“Vogue's been on the decline and it looks like they've resorted to going a little more mainstream to sell some mags. Sucks for them that 'high fashion' can't pay the bills! Anna Wintour's mag will reportedly feature Gossip Girl fave Blake Lively on the February '09 cover. And, First Lady in waiting, Michelle Obama, will supposedly be the March cover girl.” –PerezHilton.com

As a self-admitted shopaholic, I cannot slam high-fashion. I could never. It is one of my dreams in life to own Chanel. Not a beautiful bottle of No. 5 or the ever-classic mother of pearl logo sunglasses, but real Chanel. Luscious, luxurious, expensive Chanel. I spent a summer interning in New York City and half of my time was spent bug-eyed and drooling over the windows at Barney's, Saks and every high-end boutique imaginable. And thus, it would be against my fashion religion to say that high-fashion is not worth the price tag. Most of the time, I would say it so is.

Unfortunately, I do not have the income, inheritance, or sugar-daddy it would require to support my expensive taste. Nowhere close, in fact. So what is a young, fashion-obsessed, moderately paid Chicago girl to do? Shed away my sense of high-end pride and take on the stigmaed sport of... bargain-hunting. Yes, bargain-hunting. Something so easily mastered by those not-so-close family members that leave you unsatisfied Christmas morning when you open a quite obvious GWP (gift-with-purchase) or BOGO (buy-one-get-one)... incense, decorative shoe soles, an Esprit purse circa 1991- my personal collection of Christmas losers goes on and on.

Fortunately, there is a new way to bargain-hunt, one that you can be proud of. There is no need to lock your Chloe bags (sure, I wish) and throw away the keys, ladies! Wow your friends, family, & co-workers with a wardrobe that screams ELLE Fashion Closet but won't leave you stuck in the dreaded cycle of minimum balance credit card payments. It has taken many years to master the art of finding a great deal, but I've got it down. With the economy in such a state, I feel compelled to share my daily research of fabulous fashion and those great pieces that are worthy of a high price tag, but are graciously affordable for us not-so-rich, but oh-so-glamorous girls.

Enjoy!