If there are any of you out there who don’t believe the internet has some power, then let me tell you that there is now an empty space in my living room where those boxes used to reside. Of course, let’s be honest, who doesn’t believe the internet is a powerful tool? Other than maybe the Amish?
Although they do know the power of a roll and glow fireplace.
But that’s not important right now. What is important is that it’s that time of year; the time of year when summer fashion goes on sale so retailers can play mind games with customers by turning down the A/C and rolling out some sweaters just in time for August.
On Tuesday night I went shopping with some friends and we found some great deals. I even found a white pair of jeans after years of believing that the attractive white jean was just an urban legend and, best of all, they were on sale. Sadly, I cannot link to any of our finds because we were at The Rack. However, I’ve stumbled across a few other really cute things online (See? The internet is powerful) and I thought I’d share them with y’all.
So it’s kind of like Fashion Friday is back, except I’m not sure that I’m totally ready to commit to it every week yet. Also, if you’ve ever sent me a Fashion Friday question you need to know that my yahoo email doesn’t like me and deleted that entire file.
And why am I still blah, blah, blah when all you care about this point are the goods?
1. I fell in love with this Rainyday Mac when I received my first issue of the Spring/Summer Boden catalog back in March. Since that time I’ve received about eleven more Boden catalogs because apparently Boden isn’t afraid to use some paper. They also know that I am a sucker for 20% off and free shipping. It’s my love language.
Anyway, the Rainyday Mac is just as cute as it was the first time I laid eyes on it and turned down the page longingly, but it’s now 50% off. If it ever rained in San Antonio, it would have had me at hello.
2. Speaking of Boden, I also adore this Fab printed coat. It’s, well, FAB.
3. I bought this flutter sleeve pom-pom t-shirt last month when I found it on sale at Gap. I love it because it’s as comfortable as a t-shirt, but it feels cuter because of the pom-pom factor.
So basically it’s like the cheerleader of apparel.
4. There are all kinds of good deals to be found on shoes right now. I think these Neon patent capri sandals are darling and would add a little pop to any outfit.
I also adore these Camili ornamented sandals. They would look great with my new white jeans but I’m leaving the white jeans long so I can wear them with a heel. It’s not that I think you really care about my hem decision, but it’s been a decision I’ve wrestled with a lot over the last twenty-four hours.
And if you need a sandal with a heel for jeans that you’ve decided to leave long, I think these Sonya huarache platform wedges are great. Plus, I cannot see the word “huarache” without being immediately transported back to eighth grade. My white huaraches were to die for when paired with my Guess jeans and a ribbon belt.
5. I love this ruffled tank from J.Crew. It would look great with a cute skirt or a pair of jeans and it’s a little kickier than your average tank.
6. I recently saw this Big Buddha Hollywood Bag and I wanted to pledge my undying love and devotion to it. At least until something better comes along or the bottom of it gets filled animal cracker crumbs and leaky juice box remnants.
This slouchy leather bag is also cute and on sale since it’s white and the clock is ticking on white. Only about one and half months and six hundred heat strokes left until Labor Day.
And on a completely practical and bargain-related note, this canvas tote is pretty cute and comes in a lot of different colors.
7. Every week I watch “The Bachelorette” and have several thoughts that run through my head. Thoughts like “What makes a man decide to wear green shorty shorts on national television?” or “Does Jillian realize that Kiptyn’s mother would be the kind of mother-in-law that they make Lifetime movies about?” But the most consistent thought is that while I question her taste in men, I love her taste in accessories.
These Berrones earrings and this silver woven cuff bracelet remind me of the kind of stuff she wears.
I think they’re wicked cute. (I can’t believe I just went there. Totally cannot pull that off.)
8. Last night on E! News (the source of all serious news events) they did a quick fashion report on undergarments. I was watching because they mentioned Chickies which are made by a friend of mine and are a fabulous invention for taking care of cleavage issues without having to layer a bunch of tank tops.
They also mentioned the Lilyette strapless minimizer bra. I tried one on and I can tell you that it lives up to the hype. Best strapless bra ever.
9. You know a list isn’t complete unless I mention a few things from Anthropologie. This Toppings blouse is on sale and just darling in either white or orange.
And if that’s not quite your style, then check out this Gossamer Web top. So cute.
10. Lately I’ve loved the statement ring even though they don’t really work when you have short little fingers, but a girl can still dream. This turquoise ring is great and so is this one.
That’s all for now. I just had a little person come stumbling out of her room and she needs her mama to go tuck her back in.
Y’all have a great Friday.







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the internet? powerful? oh yes, indeed. i just learned that when my purse bottom is coated in cracker crumbs and juice remains that it is time to get a new one.
just wait til i tell my husband. a new bag daily! wow!
thanks, big mama!
What was in the boxes??? Did P. order a roll and glow fireplace?? If so, you can never leave him hone alone again…
I love the chickies!!! What a great idea.
Thanks Big Mama!
Thanks for putting the time into this. I love that turquoise ring, and only $5.80!
I read your blog daily, but can’t even remember how I found it!
I love your fashion advice..thanks!
I also love that I finally found someone who agrees with me about Kiptyn’s mother…
I should know…I have one just like her!
I am baffled by the pairing of the ruffle top from J Crew with the rolled fitted leg jean shorts. I rocked shorts like that in the 80′s and I can never handle the re-introduction of something I wore to death and have scoffed at in pictures.
Most of Jillian’s jewelry is by Stella and Dot. One of my friends sells their pieces in SA and sent me this link:
http://www.vancouversun.com/Life/Fashion+conscious+fans+love+Jillian+Harris+picks/1700639/story.html
Thanks for the fun summer ideas!
You totally slipped that wicked cute in there perfectly my friend. Spoken like a true Maine-ah!
That pompom shirt does have that extra spunk I look for in a shirt.
Thanks for the intro to “Chickies.” Need to check out a bra that actually takes care of the cleavage issues for those of us who want to be a little more modest!
All I can say that the internet must be pretty powerful because I sat down at my computer this morning thinking about how much I missed Fashion Friday and POOF there it is.
It’s a great service you provide. Darn great.
FYI, the Boden links aren’t working.
Whew! Good thing those J Crew Neon sandals are on sale. The regular price of $49.50 for a flip flop is absolutely crazy to me. But what do I know? The last pair of flip flops I bought cost me $6 at Publix. Consider that a vote of support and evidence that we need your fashion advice.
You do awesome FF’s–find such great stuff!–and had inspired me to do my own. However, I’m currently taking a break from the FF because my credit card couldn’t handle the intense pressure and constant exercise.
Um, don’t you think the cost of those chickies is OUTRAGEOUS?????????? Why not buy a real tank and cut it??
I’m sorry, Melanie, I missed the part where you said the Chickies inventor is your friend. I didn’t mean to offend you, or her, by my comments regarding price.
I love me some Boden. I think there will be Boden clothing in Heaven.
I have a question for you. I found two CUTE scarves at the mall the other day for–get this–2 DOLLARS, and I thought of you immediately. But here’s the question: Are scarves appropriate for summer? Mine are yellow and pink, and I was thinking maybe with a white t-shirt and jeans? We live in Wisconsin, so it’s not as oppressively hot as it is for you in Texas. Only 60 today here, in fact. Love your blog!
Apparently the Boden links are working now, cause I just bought the cute brown raincoat w/Free shipping and $41.00!! I am so excited. I’ve been wearing a trench coat that I’ve had since I was in law school – probably before most of your readers and you were out of college! IE early 90′s – so frightening – I can’t wait to have something so Wicked Cute! Thanks Melanie!
Melissa
Wicked Cute is my very favorite thing you have ever said…hee hee!
I sent you an email–you may look in the spam mail box… :0)
I love turquoise rings, but feel silly wearing them. I wonder if that’s because it’s the only jewelry I wore when I was 6, 7 and 8–we got them at Silver Dollar City in the summers.
Thanks for the recommendation of the strapless bra…I’ve been looking for one. I found it at Kohls.com even cheaper ($21.99). Plus, use coupon code NEW5919 for 10% off. And get free shipping when you use Kohls card!
Thanks for bringing back Fashion Friday! I LOVE these posts. Even if I never buy anything
Fun clothes. If only Dave Ramsey wasn’t part of my life.
Some day…
Thanks for this post! Loved all the links and ideas! It was very helpful for for me…a mommy who no longer has a fashion sense! Keep on helping those of us who have lost our fashion way! Haha!
I’ve got a 3 month old so I need to loose some poundage before I start but, I’ll be checking back for more fashion tips once I loose some more pounds!
On a side note I agree the Bachelorette has such a great sense of style! I enjoy watching just to see what she is wearing!
~ Ali
Big Mama, your selections are lovely, but living in Dallas, the cute little raincoats are not an option. 1. In Dallas, it’s either hot or fixin’ to be hot. 2. It doesn’t rain in Dallas. Other than that, I could totally use some of them.
And when you get to be my age, you will not want to buy anything with the word “flutter” associated with a sleeve or anything else in the arm area. The arm itself provides enough flutter with the loose skin, no need in distracting with some fabric that will do the same.
Minimizer bra? Huh? Are there people who really need that? Maybe if I could catch some of the arm flutter and somehow involve it in the bra area. Other than that, I don’t see the need.
Perhaps I should start doing my Fashion Friday for Over Fifty (aka “Why Try?”) to cover some of your followers who cannot relate to your suggestions. But thanks for trying anyway, bless your heart.
I totally have the pom pom tee on right now in purple but without the pom poms! We have a gap outlet store in my town and we don’t have exactly what the real stores have but now I am upest that my shirt doesn’t have pom poms! But great post! Love all your picks!
That was fun, but is there away to post your links so they open in a separate window? My poor old computer had a tough time going back and forth so much.
Thanks for the Fashion Friday!! I really missed it! I enjoy looking at your ideas because I get in the rut of looking at the same two stores and forget that there is a whole internet world out there to find cute stuff!
BTW – I am with you with the little hands and fingers and I am ALL about the statement rings! I have a size 4 ring figer so it’s hard to find statement rings that fit, but when I can find them the bigger the better! I have one that takes up almost all 4 of my fingers. My hubby thinks its ridiculous, but they are so much fun! I mean, I can’t wear them to work at the bank but I can have fun with the rest of my life:) I even posted pics on my blog in May about some new ones i got at For Love 21:) So, go buy that cute turquoise ring! It will look great on your little hand!
I’ll have to try the strapless bra… definitely one of the bains of my existence. I’ve resorted to tape to keep them in place, which can be… painful…
Just today I was flying home from some work meetings in the blazing hot DC weather (not as bad as TX though, I was born and raised in Houston), and I thought, I’m totally in the market for some new cute shoes to wear with summer work attire.
And you bestow this post on me. Thanks! I love all the shoes, but the BR Ornamental Flat sandal in white looks perfect for what I’m trying to accomplish.
And the chickie thing is perfect… I have been so frustrated with a lack of options to deal with what seems to be a deeper and deeper V being designed in blouses (and even tshirts!).
Have a great weekend!
Oh my goodness- I have the minimizer, and it IS amazing!! First time in YEARS that I have been able to buy summer shirts with thin straps and the shirts with the rounded neck like my fav shirt I bought this summer: http://www3.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=50434&CatID=53695&GrpTyp=SIZ&ItemID=1639c89&attrtype=&attrvalue=&CMID=50434|53653&Fltr=&Srt=&QL=F&IND=19&cmVirtualCat=&CmCatId=50434|53653|53695
Great Friday Fashion! I so wanted that Boden raincoat in pink so bad, but they were out in my size. I automatically requested a catalog, and thank you for introducing me to a great website! Love the green bag too! You have exquisite taste! Have a good weekend! Oh, and I would be afraid to have Kyptin’s mother as my MIL! I was a Reid fan, but still an Ed fan even if he did sport some interesting green shorts and wife beater!
what was in the boxes?
i have boxes full of clothes to rid my life of just waiting for the moment to arrive when i have somewhere to take them.
–mari
I love the ruffled tank. Now if I can just find some jeans that actually, you know, fit. I’ve lost weight and my usual pair are baggy. But I haven’t lost ENOUGH weight, so my skinny pairs still cause indigestion.
I bought the J. Crew tank a few weeks ago and it is very flattering!
thanks for a Fashion Friday post!! Much needed eye candy to keep me out of the stores!
I love Fashion Friday- it’s my favorite kind of post! Thanks
I can only imagine what it would be like to need a minimizer bra…
but that white Anthropologie top sure is cute.
Oh, I love the Bev and would totally read her “over 50″ fashion advice, even if I am NO WHERE NEAR 50. ahem. And the Chickie site is great.. but as I approach 30 (plus 20), I’m not sure it can contain all of my “years” without there being a technical malfunction somewhere down the road. Hopefully on a LONELY, deserted road, rather than a busy highway.
I thought I read somewhere that you did The Shred??
I wrote a review of it and wondered if you’d stop by and give me a thumbs up or down…
God bless~
Amanda
sigh..i just love boden..and those prices on those coats..i just cant believe..awesome! glad you are getting it!
LOVE the Flutter tank at J.Crew, and sobbed in disappointment to see the CUTE top from Anthro is sold out!
Here is a question for you, for perhaps your next FF…
Boots, I need some. Knee high or shorter. My problem is that I have muscular calves and have a hard time finding ones that fit right and aren’t $500!! HELP!!
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