Designer Summer Looks for Less
by Stephanie Berenbaum - June 11th, 2012
Affordable Formal Wear Fashion
I don't mean to brag, but I've had a quite a few Fab & Fru fashion victories over the past week. With all of the special events I have to attend this summer, I was desperate to find the perfect dress (or two) to round out my summer wardrobe. And as much as it pains me to admit it, I found my fashion inspiration at one of my most dreaded destinations - the local mall.
My Shopping Mall Strategy
For me, a trip to the Beverly Center mall requires some major mental prep - even when I'm focused on exactly what I need to find. I usually start my shopping efforts fighting a mild wave vertigo as I acclimate to the windowless, depressing vortex of chain stores, food courts and eager perfume sprayers. But this trip, I was particularly victorious when I decided to power up my iPod and let Mick Jagger accompany me up the escalator to my summer fashion destiny. The surprise result: Mick and I found some KEY Fab & Fru staples, and the best part is we did the legwork for YOU!
Peep Show
It's sort of backwards that I found shoes first, but you can't question life when it throws a great pair your way. I stumbled into Ann Taylor - a store I have not shopped at since my days of needing stockbroker suits. And what did I find? A pair of shoes that they ironically call the Perfect Peep Toe Slingbacks - and seriously, they live up to their name…
These surprisingly comfy, designer looking heels come in a fun glossy nude patent leather that goes with everything. I wore mine to my first Bat Mitzvah of the season this past weekend and didn't feel the need to take them off - even after hours of dancing. These ladies are well worth the $158 price tag - I saw a similar designer shoe for 3 times the price!
Banana Republic Bonanza
The next stop was Banana Republic, and I hit the jackpot with two dresses that I can dress up or down…
Their $98 knit lace sheath is a sexier take on that summer favorite - white lace. It's stretch-y fabric makes it ultra flattering and the lace makes it seem way more luxe than it's price tag suggests!
Little Red Dress
My second Fab & Fru summer find? The Sofia Square Neck Dress from Banana actually will look even better on you than it does on the model on their site - and that is saying something! It has a great fit - the fabric offers a bit of stretch and a sophisticated cut. Plus, did I meantion the unique neckline - way more flattering than a regular square cut. And it almost mimics the $1,400 Jil Sander dress I've been drooling over for months - but for $130. Bonus - both my Banana Finds look fabulous with my nude heels!
Trina Turk for Banana Republic
Ok, so now that you have your chic summer basics, maybe you feel the need to buy something a bit more outlandish? You can't beat L.A. designer Trina Turk for bright, fun, Palm Springs inspired favorites. But her prices are usually as outrageous as her prints…
That is until now! Trina Turk just released her limited edition line at Banana Republic, so now you can enjoy her sherbet colored confections at a fraction of what her clothes usually cost. And good thing you took my advice and bought those nude Ann Taylor heels, because you'll need something neutral to go with your crazy Trina Turk print!
Ann Taylor & Banana Republic Discounts!
Shopping online? Get even more off from with deals from AT & BR:
At Ann Taylor you can get 40% off all full priced styles, AND free shipping on orders of $175 or more!
Get Free Shipping on orders of $50 or more! …and if you sign up for a Banana Card and save 15% on your first order!
Happy Shopping!
Read more at Fabandfru.com
