Fantastic Fashion Finds!

Leather Sandals

2009-04-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

We now have the complete makings for an adorable summer outfit; the only thing left is sandals! Forget the rubber flip-flops, leather sandals are the hit this season! They look great with jeans, shorts, and dresses and you can wear them all year long! This best sandals this season come from Abercrombie & Fitch, Aeropostale, American Eagle, and Hollister.

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH:

$40

The white accent on these sandals will work great with any outfit. They really pop against the dark leather and will add spice to a dress or shorts. The price is high, however.

$50

The price is a little over the top for these sandals, but they have a gladiator kind of look with the twister rope and silver accents.

AEROPOSTALE:

$19.99

These leather sandals are very affordable. The straps are thin and the silver accent is nice, but they are nothing special.

$24.99

The T-strap design on these sandals are really adorable and totally fit the vibe I was trying to reach. The colors are really loud too. The pink and the turquoise are the best and will work with almost everything. Great summer sandal for an even better price!

AMERICAN EAGLE:

$29.50

This is the ultimate summer sandal! It's fun, cute, and affordable! The twist design is unique and will work with anything! Defininitely A++!!!!

$29.50

These are really cute sandals, too. There are multiple colors that you can get and the beads are a terrific accent. Another A++ to American Eagle!!!

HOLLISTER:

$30

Here are your basic leather sandals. The only thing that separates them from the rest is the rope accent. Still too plain for me!

$34.50

Abercrombie has identical sandals, but Hollister is a bit cheaper. All I can say is, "Plain, plain, plain."

Most of these sandals will look great with any outfit. Pick your favorites on your budget and make the most of your summer wardrobe!

Summer Satchels!

2009-04-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

So far we have seen the hottest trends this season like halter tops, shorty shorts, and skinny jeans. But what is a cute summer outfit, without a cute summer bag? Us girls need to carry all of our important belongings with us, and that means we need a fashionable satchel to match our summer outfits! Below are the best of this season, including totes from A & F, American Eagle, Aeropostale, and Hollister!

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH:

$88

This bag is really cute. The design is simple, but the colors are really fashionable. However, I'm not forking out almost 100 dollars for something that is possibly replicable elsewhere.

$98

Again, a great product from A & F, but still too expensive. American Eagle has a similar bag at less than half this price!

AMERICAN EAGLE:

$39.50

This is the ultimate summer tote! The color, the style, the vibe...everything about this bag screams SUMMER! The price ok, but definitely worth the bag!

$34.50

The colors aren't that great for this piece, but the style of the bag is absolutely adorable. I love the scarf for an added touch of flair! The price is alright, depends on how much you like the satchel.

$49.50

Yes, yes, yes! I love the color, I love the style. Again, American Eagle has a hit with the beach satchel! The prices is a little high, but the masses will pay for something so unique!

AEROPOSTALE:

$16.99

PERFECT! This is what I'm talking about! Its fun, but sensible. Adorable, but affordable. Simple, but unique. The colors are great, too! Aeropostale is definietly the winner this time!

$16.99
This bag has a really funky vibe with the "tattoo" look on the side. If you want something light for summer but something different, here is your bag! And it's cheap too!

HOLLISTER CO:

$44.50

This bag is the pure Hollister look. It is a little plain for the price, though.

$49.50

This bag is simple but the colorful lines across the top really pull it off. There's a preppy but fun vibe with this bag, if you want to spend that much.

Overall, I am really pleased with the bags I've seen this summer. They are the perfect additions to your new summer wardrobe and you can use them however you like! My favorites would have to be the purple tote from Aeropostale and the pink beach satchel or the yellow/white striped bag from American Eagle. Pick out your favorites and enjoy them all summer long!

Halter Tanks Galore!

2009-04-20T05:47:00.000-07:00

It's almost summer time now, and the short shorts and flip flops are in. But the #1 must have this season, is the halter tank! These are great additions to your wardrobe and can be layered in the fall! Some of this season's best tanks come from American Eagle, Aeropostale, Hollister, and Abercrombie & Fitch.

AMERICAN EAGLE:

$24.50

This is a really cute tank because it is so versatile. You can wear this to the beach, on the boat, or even out to dinner. There are four really great colors with this style, and the price is okay.

$24.50

This halter tank is really unique! The style pattern is different, the colors are antiuqe, and the back is crocheted! The price is okay, but I wouldn't mind paying for a unique top like this!

HOLLISTER:

$24.50

This shirt screams "Hollister!" but the sleeves add a cute, feminine touch. The price is okay too. This is Hollister, keeping it simple.

$29.50

This "Surfer's Knoll" tank is average, until you see the cute bow! Again, it is a simple shirt, but still cute! This shirt would look great with denim shorts, crops, and jeans with a pair of sandals! The price is a little high, however.

AEROPOSTALE:

$19.99

This shirt is an absolute steal! This is the first burgandy shirt I've seen, and what's more, this is the first I've seen that you can wear with a bra! The small lace-V design on the chest really makes it stand out, too. And for 20 bucks? A++!

$19.99

This shirt is really cute. The shape of the top is really flattering too, for any figure! The embroidered lace down at the bottom adds a feminine touch and gives this shirt the ability to be dressed up or dressed down! And, again, Aero has the best price!

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH:

$80

This shirt is really cute, but there is no way I would spend $80 for it! Again, A&F is always expensive, but this is a little over the top, even for them.

$70

Again, way too expensive. You are REALLY paying for the name if you fork out $70 for this crocheted top when Aero has something similar for $50 less. Ridiculous...

Ok, so these are only a few of the tanks that can be found in stores this summer, but this gives you an idea of what to look for. So break out your shorts and sandals, find a cute tank top, and you're ready for anything life throws at you!

Shorty Shorts!

2009-04-13T13:08:00.000-07:00

Who wears short shorts? Girls wear short shorts! They're fun, sexy, and totally beachy! Short shorts are the hit for this upcoming summer! You can find great styles of denim and twill shorts at your favorite stores including, American Eagle, Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Aeropostale! These shorty shorts look great with sandals, tank tops, and skinny tee's! Below are the best of this season's wardrobe:

AMERICAN EAGLE:

$34.50

These denim shorts are the ultimate summer must-have! There are little paint-splatter spots on the shorts that really add a unique flair! The price is okay, but the shorts are cute and comfy!

$29.50

Here are your basic shorts that look great with t-shirts and tank tops! The price is better and I absolutely love the colors. The orange really stands out and there is also a beautiful light turquoise color to look at!

$39.50

Kind of expensive, but these plaid shorts are super cute and are the true definition of a summer short. We've seen these kind before, so its really hard to make them unique.

HOLLISTER:

$38

I love these white shorts! They are so girly and just scream "beach!" The price is ok, but these will look great with anything!

$38

Here, again, are your classic hoochie denim shorts. They aren't really that unique in any way, but people will pay to wear Hollister!

$39.50

The plaid shorts are really popular and seen all the time, which is why it's really hard to make them unique. But, I think Hollister's color schemes are the same but laid out different. There are 3-4 shorts that have really cute colors, but the price could be better.

A&F:

$50

Obviously, the most expensive shorts we have seen, as usual. These shorts look just like the other denims but they are expensive. But A&F must be doing something right, because the masses will pay!

AEROPOSTALE:

$19.75

Now this is what I'm talking about! Only $20 bucks for a pair of denim shorty shorts that looks just like the rest of them. Now everyone can hit the beach in their jean shorts!

$17.25

I like these khakis alot. They are the first I've seen that are not too dressy but not too dressed down either. I love the buttons added on the side for a cute, feminine touch! And for an amazing price too!

$19.75

Again, the plaid shorts are over-worn, but these are really interesting because the plaid isn't so overpowering. Just a few simple lines and a simple color can go a long way! I love this style and the price is perfect too! A++!

Floral Print Dresses

2009-03-18T10:58:00.000-07:00

Think light, beachy, and chic! Floral print dresses are the new style this spring and summer. Floral print dresses add a spark to your wardrobe with multiple colors, designs, and styles! The thing I love best about a dress is the way it makes you feel while wearing it. Floral print dresses do just that, but also add a “young and innocent” vibe. They are easy to mix and match with other pieces and accessories, and are great additions to your closet!

Some of the best new floral print dresses this season are from Aeropostale, American Eagle, Old Navy, and Forever 21.

AEROPOSTALE:

$34.50

I love the colors in this dress. It rings true to the meaning of a floral print dress. I could hesitate a little on the price, but on a sale day this dress is only $24.99!

This dress is so great it doesn't have to be paired with anything, it speaks for itself! Some really cute flips and a cute hair-do will go a long way with this floral summer dress!

OLD NAVY:

$19.50

Cute dress. Nice colors. Boring style. But not bad for $20. When you can hit Old Navy on a sale week this dress is $15!

This summer dress seems a little on the "blah" side to me, so I think I would have to have a few accessories to spruce up the outfit. The best part of the dress is the neckline, so a great necklace will really stand out and show off the dress's best asset! I wouldn't add any cardigans (unless you must) because the pattern stands out by itself and a cardigan will cover it up or dull it down.

AMERICAN EAGLE:

$44.50

Definitely the best colors so far. But I believe I could find something I like for a lot less. But, definitely cute.

I love the colors in this dress and it would look great with a plain-color cardigan and a wide, waist-cinching belt.

$34.50

The tie-ing shoulder straps are really unique and this fun dress comes in a variety of colors. The price is a bit better, too.

I think this dress would look amazing with a light cream or white colored cardigan and pearls! Even a belt would look cute, so you can show off those unique shoulder straps!

FOREVER 21:

$24.80

Pretty interesting colors. Bravery and confidence is key when wearing this dress! Not a bad price though, if you like to scream LOUD!

This dress is going to be tough if you want to pair it with anything. You must be careful with jewelry and cardigans. This dress is loud as is and jewelry may clash. I would let the dress work with itself and maybe pair it with simple gladiator sandals.

$22.80

This is by far my most favorite dress! Not necessarily the true "summer-y" colors I would have picked but the whole style and color scheme just works! And yay! for the price, too!

This dress is so amazing I wouldn't add anything to it unless you must. This dress screams elegance and I would only wear it with a simple black heel and either pearls or diamonds!

Skinny T's, Logo T's, Long & Lean T's.....

2009-03-02T10:59:00.000-08:00

Skinny T's, Logo T's, Long & Lean T's... I don't care what you call them, they are all great for one main reason: versatility. You know these shirts. They are the ones you buy and fall in love with after the first time you wear them, you have so many of them in your wardrobe your friends can almost guess which ones your going to wear on casual nights out, and you always feel comfortable when you wear them.

Yes, we all love skinny t's! And for what other reason besides the fact that you can pair them with any jean, any shoe, any jacket, or any purse! They look great by themselves, over a cami, or under a jacket. You can even pair them with dark jeans, light jeans, ripped jeans, capris, skirts, and shorts. I've found my favorites for this season! Take a look:

AEROPOSTALE:

$19.50

$19.50

$24.50

Aeropostale definitely has the most colorful t's out of the bunch. There are so many to choose from, and what's great is the price! These fun shirts can be yours for about $20, but if you catch them on a sale week, it's 2 for $25! A great steal!

ABERCROMBIE AND FITCH:

$30.00

$30.00

$34.00

Again, with Abercrombie, you're paying for the name. But what I really like with this bunch is the last shirt called "Daphne" with the picture print. It's very unique and totally in for this season. Way to step up the game A&F!

AMERICAN EAGLE:

$17.50

$17.50

$15.50

$15.50

I'm not sure what American Eagle was trying to accomplish with the tye-dye t's (maybe uniqueness?), but the solid "Favorites" have really nice, bold colors. And so far, the best price at $15 - $17.

HOLLISTER:

$19.50

$19.50

$19.50

I'm actually really pleased and also surprised to find that Hollister has some really cute T's at a decent price - $20. There are quite a few of your same ole, same ole Hollister t's but they've upped the ante and thrown in a few new designs to add a twist to their already popular collection.

All in all, I was really pleased with some of the designs I saw this season. I'm giving a round of applause to Hollister and Aeropostale for the best deal, a pat on the back to A & F for the neatest design, and an "A for effort" to American Eagle for the tye-dye and bold colors.

I've found my favorites, have you?

Skinny Jeans!

2009-02-09T11:09:00.000-08:00

They're one of the hottest new trends since sliced bread! Skinny Jeans have been seen on stars such as Rachel Bilson, Britney Spears, Katie Holmes, Mischa Barton, and many more. Skinny jeans are your regular trendy style but with a smaller cut ankle circumfrence than the knee; making the legs appear long and lean, and giving off a hip indie vibe. Skinny Jeans can be worn with almost any kind of top and look great with sandals, flip flops, and ballet flats. Abercrombie & Fitch, Aeropostle, American Eagle, and Hollister all carry many stlyes, rinses, and "textures" of Skinny Jeans. Below are my findings:

ABERCROMBIE:

Destroyed Skinny Jean - 2 Rinses
$89.50

Erica Vintage Dark
$90.00

Erica Dark Rinse Stretch Skinny Jean - 2 Rinses
$79.50

As you can see, Abercrombie has the most expensive pairs of skinny jeans compared to the other three stores. As far as quality goes, they are almost top of the line, probably on the same caliber as Hollister. Abercrombie stores are also limited to high-traffic areas and you might have to travel some in order to find a store near you if you live in a smaller town or city. Abercrombie has a positive stigma in the world of fashion and people are willing to travel and pay twice as much. Basically, you are paying for the name that is stitched into the denim.

AEROPOSTALE:

Bayla Light Vintage Skinny Jean
$49.50

Bayla Pickstitch Skinny Jean
$49.50

Bayla Extreme Light Vintage Skinny Jean
$49.50

Bayla Colored Skinny Jean - 3 Rinses
$49.50

Aeropostale is known for having the best prices among these stores and the target market tends to run towards the ideas of a "fun, active, teenage crowd." As far as quality goes, Aero is in an intermediate area above, say Walmart or Target, and possibly below American Eagle, Hollister, and Abercrombie. The fact that Aeropostale offers a pair of skinny jeans that is brightly colored, and most of their jeans can be snagged at just under $30 when on sale, really sets Aeropostle apart from the other three stores.

AMERICAN EAGLE:

Vintage Destroyed Skinny 77 Jean - 3 Rinses
$49.50

Skinny 77 Jean in Brushed Steel Wash - 2 different rinses
$49.50

Skinny 77 Ankle Zip Jean - 4 Rinses
$49.50

American Eagle seems to set right in the middle of Hollister and Aeropostle by providing above-average quality for average prices. American Eagle offers the most popular style of skinny jean, destroyed wash, for the cheapest price, compared to Hollister and Abercrombie. Also, AE opens the market for a new trend with their Ankle Zip jean, a product that no other store carries.

HOLLISTER:

Laguna Skinny Jean - 3 Rinses
$49.50

Laguna Destroyed Skinny Jean
$59.50

Scripps Pier Super Skinny Jean
$60.00

And finally, Hollister appeals to those that want to wear a popular name brand. They provide fashionably respected clothes, slightly higher prices, and above-average quality. Again, paying for the name, and disappointing because there was nothing unique in the line, except maybe the super skinnys which are mostly the same.

The prices listed are standard, off-the-rack prices. When you can catch the weekly sales, the skinny jeans in Aeropostle and American Eagle can be snatched at just under $30! A great steal for stylish jeans!

Shoppers Anonymous

2009-01-28T17:30:00.000-08:00

I have decided that I am tired of wasting my days looking around for the best deals on the best clothes, instead of actually using my time to shop. So here's the low-down: I have two jobs, the second of which is used for spending money since I'm kind of addicted to shopping. Not to mention the great discounts I get for working at this particular retail store. (This said store is to remain unnamed as I am going to compare it among other like stores.) I am going to use my retail knowledge and contacts to find the best deals on the hottest new trends to share with other shop-a-holics! The target audience for this venture are females ages 16 - 22. (Sorry boys!) I will be comparing pieces and prices from four main stores: Hollister, American Eagle Outfitters, Aeropostle, and Abercrombie & Fitch. Of course other stores may be used if deemed necessary. So, if your looking to revamp your wardrobe or just add a few necessary items, continue checking in for the latest trends and sales!