Kickin' it old school - Old school styles from the good old days

When I look at old photos of myself as a kid, it makes me sad to notice the lack of variety in my wardrobe. Not during my entire childhood or preadolescence....just first grade. I had plenty of nice outfits. I remember my mother standing in front of the closet pleading with me to wear them. But when I liked something, I liked it liked it and wore the same thing or some slight variation of it until I either fell in love with some other article of clothing or when I grew out of it...whichever came first. For ten pages in a photo album encompassing my entire sixth year of life, I am captured wearing a Cookie Monster T-shirt, red velour shorts with contrast white piping and knee high tube socks.

It wasn't my finest hour.

I wonder if my first grade friends remember me as crazy Cookie Monster shirt girl. Note to self - Track down first grade friends on Facebook and ask them.

Strangely enough, after my first grade graduation my style returned to what it had been back in kindergarten and Pre-K. Young, fun, bright, fresh and feminine. Just check out my stylin' summer minidress. The dress A+, the haircut C-....not feeling the Dorothy Hamill wedge.

This Bold Stripes Sundress from Forever 21 reminds me of the comfy, primary colored frocks that marked my return to the land of the fashionable living. It has a cool late 70's vibe and features bold, colorful stripes on a comfortable, easy knit sundress with an elastic-trimmed waist and a removable skinny waist tie. For only $22.90 I'm tempted to make it my new summer staple.

And it would look pretty rad with a Cookie Monster tee layered underneath.

Posted by Samara at 10:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Say My Name

Most of you know me as Sammy for short, but we've never been formally introduced.

I've been blogging for Let's Talk Style for a little over a year now (Happy Anniversary to me), so I think it's about time my regular blog followers and I were on a proper, first name basis.

Hi, I'm Samara.

My first name isn't a common one, so I usually opt for Sam or Sammy for short. It's easier for folks to remember and pronounce, and I never have to repeat it during new introductions. Predominately known as a city in Russia and/or a type of winged tree fruit, my name received some brief recognition after the release of the horror flick The Ring in 2002. The antagonist was my namesake and for awhile people associated me with the freaky little girl with bad hair who came out of the TV. That was fun.

Growing up, I hated my name. I would dig through displays of personalized name plaques, mugs, stickers and other silly trinkets, always finding dozens of Samanthas, Sallys and Sarahs...but sadly, no Samaras. In the world of useless tchotchkes, I had no identity.

Alas, imagine my excitement when I saw a chic handbag named after none other than yours truly! This briefcase/purse hybrid has my name written all over it. The Samara Leather Tote is a steal from Forever 21 at $34.80 and is totally something I would wear, which is fortunate. I would hate for my name to be represented by a fanny pack or a murse.

It makes me wonder if there was ever a sad little girl out there named Coach.

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Spring for some new Spring wedges

March 20th marked the first official day of Spring and I am torn between conflicting emotions. I am blissful, but bitter. Perky, and pensive. Frisky, yet forlorn. It could be my hormones, or it could be the fact that boot season is over. This weekend I begrudgingly put my heavy knee-high boots away in storage, kissing them goodbye until Autumn. The process sadly brought back flashbacks of flushing my floating Beta fish Franklin down the toilet. The only difference is unlike my boots, Franklin won't come out to play again when the leaves begin to fall in early October.

Now I'm over it, and ready to buy some new shoes. Before you claim that your shoe budget has been eliminated along with your retirement funds, you need to know that there are shoes out there that can make you Spring into the new Spring season for less than the price of a dinner out. You have to eat, and you have to have new shoes to take the place of your old winter booties and Uggs. You can't very well walk around barefoot, can you?

Espadrille wedges scream Spring, and you can find a colorful selection at a variety of price points. If money isn't an issue and you want to treat your inner shoe goddess, these Jimmy Choo Bombay Espadrille Wedges from Net-A-Porter make a fresh choice for four and a half inches of fabulous for $395. And frugal doesn't have to mean fugly. Payless Shoe Source is a great alternative for trendy styles that are surprisingly affordable. These Dexter Emma Wedges for instance make an adorably sweet statement, and add a bright punch of color for only $24.99. My third choice will give you a hit of espadrille ecstasy for only a tiny bit more than your Payless purchase. deLiA*s Selma Espadrille Platforms for $39.50 are casual, but cheerful. Trendy, and timeless. Flirty yet finished.

Just like me.

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I'm a sucker for women's seersucker pieces

A few weeks ago I found a cropped seersucker blazer hiding in the back of my closet. That was a great day. Finding an old gem in my own wardrobe makes me feel even happier than finding a twenty in the pocket of my winter coat or last season's Coach handbag. I slipped my arms into familiar seersucker sleeves and found that it still fit perfectly. Score. And what perfect timing.

Seersucker stripes are usually my go-to uniform for Spring. Whether it be a seersucker blazer, dress, shirtdress, pants or shorts, it's a look that is sweet enough for church, casual enough for a barefoot walk in the park and can be dressed up easily with a trendy denim jacket or pretty cardigan.

If you want to fake the look of seersucker without the crinkly surface, try on some soft vertical stripes showcased here in a few select pieces from American Eagle.

1. The AE Striped Satchel is the perfect way to experiment with pattern. If this girly accessory works for you, you'll be moving on to seersucker separates in no time. Did I mention it's on sale for $11.95?

2. These adorable menswear inspired Favorite Striped Shorts aren't on AE's top 10 list for nothing. They're short enough to be sexy, not skanky and match with any Spring tank or tee. Plus, if you buy one pair of shorts, you can get a second pair for half off, so you can treat yourself to these...

3. Tuxedo Striped Bermuda Shorts that are a bit longer and dressier when paired with a sharp blazer or jacket. You might be able to get away with wearing them to work and pay only $20 if you buy another pair of sweet shorts.

Those prices don't seer suck.

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Look like Mischa in a pinch-a

The beauty of fashion is that it allows you to be whoever you want to be. Slip on a black sheath and presto, you're Audrey Hepburn. Put on a white dress and stand on top of a sewer grate and you're Marilyn Monroe. Wrap a dead swan around your neck and you're Björk.

Any signature celebrity look can be re-created, and for a considerable amount less that the stars fork up at Lisa Kline, Kitson and other high profile celeb boutiques. If you want to emulate this model spinning around like Mischa Barton during her happier times when she was employed on the OC, try on these snug, starlet worthy pieces...

Who wears short shorts? Young Hollywood wears short shorts! If you dare wear short shorts, shop dELia*s for Denim Short Shorts and pick up a Mischa inspired hippie Circle Necklace while you're at it.

Show your pride in all things Californian with this I Love LA tee from Alloy. You may love New York or Miami more, but when in Rome...wear shirts that say I Love Rome. Scarves are hot right now- neck scarves, head scarves, they add an air of mystique to any ensemble, plus they keep your neck warm and cover up hickeys you don't want your co-workers to see. Master Mischa's signature swirl with an Amber Striped Scarf from For Love 21.

Finally, nothing says "Hey I'm Hollywood royalty" more than a slick pair of Hollywood shades. These Hollywood Specs from Wave Fashion will make you fit in just fine, and who knows? With those peepers covered, you might even be asked for an autograph.

Posted by Samara at 09:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Get the Mosty out of your Maxi.

My friend Micki loves Maxis.

She'd live in them if she could, and why shouldn't she? Gwen Stefani, Nicole Ritchie, Eva Longoria Parker, Jessica Simpson and other fashion forward starlets are all enjoying the Celebrity Maxi craze this summer. The gowns are flowy, feminine and fabulous, and easy to toss in a carry on for a last minute holiday getaway.

Well Micki, consider this the Maxi pad, with plenty of Maxi dresses I've compiled for you to choose from... and no need to max out your credit card on these Maxis...they're all under $30 bucks each.

You missed Woodstock the first time around, but you can still embrace your inner flower child in this groovy Tie-Dye Maxi from gojane.com. Or go with a chic Halter Necklace Maxi from Forever21 that goes from coffee and biscotti at Starbucks to cocktails and sushi for dinner with zero effort.

Feeling floral and flirty? Stop and smell the flowers in dELiA*s Emily Maxi Dress that's so adorably sweet, it gives me a cavity. Finally- Extra! Extra! read all about it, Newport News has a Summer Maxi Sundress on sale for only $19. Talk about Maxi-mum savings.

*Oh Micki you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind, go Maxi!

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Belt it out.

Let's talk cool celebrity trends.

Take a cue from O.C. cutie Rachel Bilson (or the stylist from her last Nylon cover shoot) by toughening up a sweet party dress like this ivory cream dream with a rock star grommet belt. Everyone loves the unexpected.

Another celebrity trend I'd like to try? Dating other celebrities. As far as I know, Rachel's still hooked up with her Jumpers co-star Hayden Christensen aka Anakin Skywalker.

Forgive me for my UsWeekly moment. Back to fashion...

Get the dress from Delias on sale for only $14.99, and save even more cash by snagging a belt from your garage band boyfriend's closet.

It's my party and I'll wear a belt if I want to.

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California dreaming.

Summer is all about the sundress.

What'll show off your new summer tan (real or fake) better than a white minidress paired with some oversized shades and a sweet bag? Nothing I tell you. Nothing.

I feel like I checked into the Hotel California in this vintage creme dress from American Apparel's new vintage division - California Select.

It's light, airy and cool on even the hottest summer day...and it's cheap...and boys dig me in it. Enough said? And it can totally get you through the seasons if you pair it with a turtleneck and some tights to keep you warm on a winter's day (on a winter's day).

You don't have to live in LA to be California stylin'. Wake up from your California dreaming and log on to Ebay...
and don't forget the SPF.

I wish we all could be California girls...

*sammy

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I don't think you're ready for this jelly

It's peanut butter jelly (shoe) time.

Dear readers,

I offer you the fountain of youth for $10 in the form of a jelly shoe.

I might have dissed jellies before, but if they're selling them at Urban Outfitters, they've gotta be back in again. Even mega designers like Michael Kors, Fendi and Marc Jacobs have jumped on the jelly bandwagon.

If you're still unsure, I've constructed a little jelly pros and cons list.

Pros-
1. They'll protect your tootsies from hot sand on the beach, coral, shells and stones in the water...
not to mention rough concrete.
2. They're comfy.
3. They're super cheap.
4. They're way cuter than they were in the 90's.

Cons-
1. They make your feet super sweaty.
2. They leave weird design imprints on your feet.

I guess the pros outweigh the cons, so feel free to...

Do the peanut butter jelly (shoe), peanut butter jelly (shoe)
Peanut butter jelly (shoe) with a baseball bat!

Keepin' the jelly jammin',

*sammy

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Cheap. Green. Cool.

By now you've probably noticed the coolness factor has increased exponentially at your local Target, featuring creations from esteemed designers like Proenza Schouler, Jovovich-Hawk (Resident Evil star-slash-model-slash-designer Milla Jovovich's line), and the lovely designs of the wispy, ever so ladylike Erin Fetherston.

Guess what? Target just got even cooler.

Rogan Gregory is the newest hot-as-sin artiste designing for Targét's GO International line.

Featuring pieces made from organic cotton at unbelievably low prices, Rogan wants us to look good and feel good about wearing his eco-conscious rags.

My favorites? A toss up between his striped jersey t-shirt (that doubles as a dress for shorties like me), and his crisp linen striped vest. Wait, that yellow leopard print tank is pretty cute too. Oh yeah, the line also features chic swimwear and the most adorable terry cloth hoodies.

The only problem I've found with GO International is that the pieces seem to go too quickly...at least in my size. Rogan's line is there until June 28th. So wake up before they're gone gone.

I wonder if LC picked up some pieces after she loaded up on Reeses Pieces from the candy aisle.

Keepin' it on target,

*sammy

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Cheap kicks

Dear Caprilee,

-Jackie

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No Jackie,

It's not tacky shopping at Payless. What's tacky is spelling tacky with an ie.

Not to sound like I'm on the Payless payroll, but seriously- why pay more? It's perfectly acceptable to buy shoes from Payless. I'm giddy for these Liddy Canvas Wedges by American Eagle. They come in a lovely summer shade of canary yellow for only $19.99, and if you can't afford that, what can I tell you. You might have to hit Goodwill and invest in some previously owned shoes that someone's Great Aunt Ida wore in the swingin' 60's. That, or something in the form of an Old Navy flip flop.

Happy shoe shopping Jackie...and while school is out, crack open a spelling book or two. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.

*Caprilee

Posted by Samara at 02:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Flat is back.

As we know, I am a wedge-aholic, willing to risk numerous trips and spills all in the name of fashion. I usually grimace at the mere mention of the word flat. It conjures up memories of having baloney sandwiches thrown at me while being called Fanny Flat-chest by big fat 8th grade meanies...but, there are rare occasions when a flat finds it's way into my heart and I'm willing to sacrifice height for hype. That's why God created stepladders.

Besides making my podiatrist happy, these Steve Madden Copula flats are so adorable, I think you should only be allowed to wear them if you're simultaneously licking an ice cream cone. Something in a sorbet.

They're on sale for $39.95 from $59.95, which means I might have to buy two. Maybe I'll wear a different one on each foot and double fist a strawberry and pistacchio cone. Doubling my pleasure, doubling my fun.

My Copula runneth over.

Posted by Samara at 09:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Teen beat.

You don't have to be a teenager to dress like one...that is, if you're under sixty. Sorry Mammer (I used to have a friend who called her grandma Mammer...it made me laugh).

Cardinal rule in wearing clothing meant for teenagers-

1. As long as your boob and/or hiney isn't hanging out, you're fine.
2. Be wary of message tees. You don't want to be a thirtysomething prancing around town in a T-shirt advertising that you pooped at the mall today. That's just poor form.

Take a look at this cuter than a kewpie doll Jennifer Dress from dELiA*s.

It's tropical chic, age appropriate, and at $39.50, you won't have to blow your entire allowance on it.

p.s. Next time you hit the ladies room at the mall, keep it to yourself Mammer.

*Keepin' it PG-13,

sammy

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Gold Rush.

They just raised the credit line on your AmEx Gold card...What better way to celebrate than on this Alexandra Dillon Sequin mini dress? It's gold, it's glam, and it'll go great with my new gold grill. Okay...maybe not.

Originally $169, on sale for $49.99 at Victoria's Secret. Wish I could score some gold free panties too while I'm at it.

It's worth it's weight in gold.

*sammy

Posted by Samara at 06:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bite Me.

It's official. I've been bitten by the Bitten bug.

If you didn't already know, fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker has her own line of apparel sold exclusively at Steve & Barry's stores nationwide. The line is aptly named Bitten...I know what you must be thinking: big ass flower pins, vintage frocks, miles of Manolo Blahniks, gold nameplates, newsboy caps...a fusion of whimsical eclectic, neo-bohemian, and princess couture. You're wrong.

The key looks are comprised of American classics- smart, comfortable staples that are wearable, and made for chicks of all ages, shapes, and sizes...and I went and saved the best for last- Bitten won't break your bank. In fact, every piece in the line is priced at $19.98 and less. If you don't believe me, check out this Mercer two button vest for $8.98. That's a deal that's good enough to eat.

Sarah Jessica says, "Fashion is not a luxury, it's a right." True dat Sarah. It's our inalienable right. I think we need another amendment to the Constitution...the right to bear cool, cheap duds. I'll write to my Congressman.

I've bitten off more than I could chew.

* sammy.

Posted by Samara at 07:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Are you ready boots?

These boots are made for walking
and that's just what they'll do...
one of these days these boots
will be on sale from Jimmy Choo.

Nancy Sinatra was right. That day is here. Get these ruched prairie boots from the master of fab footwear Jimmy Choo before they're out of your size. Don't let the name fool you, Laura Ingalls from Little House wouldn't be caught dead in these. I know it's gladiator sandal season, but it's never too early to start stocking away for Fall. Retail value is $1200...You can nab 'em at Bluefly.com for $599. That's a bootylicious deal if I do say so myself.

Posted by Samara at 05:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If you've got good genes...

I wish I were rich and skinny enough to wear True Religion's Rich & Skinny jeans. They're on sale at eluxury for $159 (marked down from $216) plus free standard shipping on orders of $150 or more. That'll make you at least $57 richer. I can't help ya with the skinny part.

Do you think the folks at True Religion have a Middle Class & Stumpy jean? If so, I'm on it.

*Keepin' it short and stumpy,

sammy

Posted by Samara at 08:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Gone with the Cami.

Spring is almost here, and nothing says Spring more than camis and capris...except maybe ladybugs and daffodils.

Score the franky cami from JCrew before they're all gone with the wind. You can layer it, or wear it as is...plus it comes in other fun colors like sour lemon and fresh clover. It was $58, but i'll give it to you for $39.99...because you look hot today.

If it's not your style, that's cool. Franky cami, I don't give a damn.

*Keepin' it thrifty,

sammy

Posted by Samara at 09:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Be Shifty for Cheap.

I'm over my closet.

Last I counted, I have half a dozen LBD's (that's an acronym for Little Black Dress for my gentleman readers). They say a girl can't have too many little black dresses, but they can if 1- They all look the same, and 2- They all look the same.

Never fear, I've got a Juicy deal that'll make your mouths water...more than when you first glimpsed Brad Pitt in that cowboy hat in Thelma and Louise. What have I got for you? A little black dress for a little bit less. Look at that, I'm a poet and I didn't know it.

Follow Amy Winehouse's lead (sans the drug addiction and hairdon't) and get back to black with this i'd swear it was vintage Juicy Couture Embroidered Shift Dress. It's delicate, it's airy, and it belongs on my body. Originally $238, you can nab it for $195. Not a huge discount, but $43 will definitely buy you the collector's edition of Thelma and Louise so you can relive that scene where Brad plays bang bang with a hairdryer.

Get shifty now before your size goes buh bye.

I will wear it with a fox, I will wear it with bagels and lox.

*Keepin' it cheap.

sammy

Posted by Samara at 08:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hush.

I have a secret.

It has nothing to do with Victoria, and no...I don't see dead people. Sometimes I wear my jammies outside. There I said it. Before you judge me, allow me to talk you through the method to my madness. I don't wear pajamas with feet/trapdoors in the booty, or the onesies I blogged about earlier this week. I wear sweet little chemises, slips, camisoles...items that are just too damn pretty to wear under a comforter. I wear them with jeans, tights, boots, hoodies, chunky sweaters...anything that'll toughen them up a bit and give me coverage in case the nighty nightie is too sheer. Tell me this look doesn't deserve to be seen out and about:

And did I mention how much cheaper they are than dayclothes? Get your own at Urban Outfitters for $32.

I pity the fool who doesn't wear their pj's all day.

*Not keepin' it secret.

sammy

Posted by Samara at 09:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cheap Trick Jacket

Confession. I online shop 'til I drop. I look for the latest bargains and rejoice when I find a designer item that i can actually purchase without having to eat ramen noodles for a month in penance for. I just found a pretty sweet deal if I do say so myself, and I'd like to share my find with all you lovely fashionistas...and my newest reader Bob. Hi Bob.

Check it- The Elie Tahari Caprice jacket. It's flirty, it's feminine, it's perfectly cropped, has an adorable mandarin collar, and it'll look pretty badass with my new skinny jeans. Originally you're looking at a $628 price tag, but now you can get it on super sale at Neiman Marcus for $220...and did I mention the jacket is tricked out? Yes my friends (and Bob), it is totally reversible. So in essence you're getting two count 'em two jackets for the price of one. Or $110 each. Any way you slice it, it's a fine piece of jacket pie.

Plus free shipping at any price with code NMAPR. Don't say I never gave you anything.

*Keeping it real.

sammy

Posted by Samara at 10:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)