jack & jill design blog

2006-05-24T00:51:00.000-07:00

White Dress
Though I am looking for a simple yet beautiful dress for my upcoming beach wedding, you may just be looking for that perfect dress to pair with the great shoes you just bought at Target. Believe me, I understand, and I want to wear mine too.

No matter what your closet currently looks like, the trends this spring/summer allow for a lot of improvisation. This white dress may just be the staple you need to give your wardrobe a little freshening up.

Nieman Marcus offers a beautiful dress from the Karanina clothing line. If it fits into your budget with a price tag of $285, I say go for it. The delicate swirl embrodiery detail adds another demension to this otherwise plain white frock.

One of my old stand-bys,
American Eagle Outfitters, has done it again. They offer this simply delicious dress at a reasonable price. With adjustable straps and removable white sash, this 100% cotton dress will transform from casual to wedding-worthy (if your the guest!). If you're a gambler like me, wait a week or two and see if the already modest price of $48.00 has been reduced. I'd suggest the same great shoes from Target, a pair of espadrilles, or even a pair of flip-flops if you just feel like wearing it to the grocery store.

2006-02-23T07:08:00.000-08:00

Wedges

Spring is nearing I can damn-near feel it! I have visions of beautiful dresses in every color, for every occasion, and I am wondering to myself: What shoes shall I wear?

The most talked about, featured, and exploited foot accessory out there right now--wedges of course!

As always I've done some research on the expensivo side, and just to satisfy my non-existent budget (I just know I'm not allowed to spend a lot, or I go broke) I look for cheap stuff!

I checked out Bergdorf Goodman's site, because if I wanted to spend a lot, and look great, I'd go there. And I found these hot mama's (top) by Michael Kors. For $150 I think it's worth doing a little research.

And this why I love Target .

I don't think I'm justified in even calling it research, cause it took like, a minute and a half to find what I was looking for. Blatant imitations! Yea! Behold, I bring you Cherokee Ronnie Wedges! (left) And at only $19.99, if they have other colors I'll buy those too!

Coming soon, pretty dresses to wear this inexpensive shoes with!

2006-02-19T05:47:00.000-08:00

6ucci Horsebit Hobo

On my very first trip to Venice, Italy yesterday, I was stunned as soon as I walked out of the train station. The sky had opened up, and what was a dreadfully foggy morning, had turned in to a pleasantly warm and highly visible afternoon. After making a few obiligatory stops at pubs with my boyfriend and his friends, I found myself walking up on a street vendor who had a blanket laid down on the ground. Not completely uncommon for vendors in these narrow streets, but what I found on top of the blanket is what stopped me in my tracks. When I burst out with "Oh my god, that is the bag I've been looking for everywhere!" it was obvious to the haggler I was about to meet, and the company I had surrounding me, that either I was really excited about the bag, or I had a couple drinks AND I was really excited about the bag. I asked the vendor in attempted Italian how much the bag cost. My boyfriend told me that I could cut the crap because this guy spoke English. Sort of sheepishly he looked back at me and said in practiced English "50 euro." I knew the haggling had begun. I'm not sure how I ended up paying only 25 euro in the end especially since I started my bargaining at 30 euro. Before I had even settled on a price he was putting the purse in a plastic bag and handing it to me. He knew what he was doing. And I knew what I was doing. When you pay 25 euro (about 30 dollars American) you can expect all the details of this "replica" are not exact. The inside of the purse isn't very lush but nobody is looking inside except for me. And the G's look a bit more like 6's. But I choose to save! (Roughly $760 less than the authentic Gucci .)

2006-02-15T06:36:00.000-08:00

Brown Satchel
Any budget-conscious purse lover would have to pass on this Paddington Box Satchel . Although it is made with a touchable brown pebble-grain leather, and is crafted with great attention to detail, $1,575.00 could buy a used car. And unless this bag can get you to work on time, it can take a hike.

Many of the Paddington Box Satchel features are repeated here on this a.n.a Lock Trim Satchel. Although made with synthetic materials, it still represents your classic sense of style. Also available in 3 other colors, this keeper is a bargain at only $40.00 at J.C. Penney.

2006-02-13T23:24:00.000-08:00

Metallic Flats
These Valentino Crystal Thong Sandals are made in Italy with napa leather. A pair of these thongs would complement this springs trendy nautical look with ease. Wearable with pants, shorts, or skirts, does their versatility take edge off the steep price? $420.00 available at Neiman Marcus.

It is impossible to feel guilty for purchasing these cute and afforable thongs . With a padded sole and strappy upper, it has the perfect balance between fashion and function. Also featured in white and brown. A steal at just $17.99, these babies are available at Payless.

2006-02-10T06:28:00.000-08:00

White Camisole
A staple in Ralph Lauren's Blue Label, the Savannah Lace Camisole is made up of a machine washable 90% Modal, and 10% Silk. It is slim-fitting and has a crocheted lace trim at the neckline. A nice look, but not for $198.

The super soft Regina is available at Abercrombie and Fitch and made with 55% cotton and 45% modal. With a fitted look it boasts lace detailing and bead embellishment. While not quite a steal at $39.50, it certainly has Ralph Lauren beat.

Click on photos for larger view.