Friday, August 13, 2010

Pajama Party!

Looking for the perfect pjs that will get you noticed at the next sleepover or in your dorm? Then look no further than Gilly Hicks!
For cooler nights, try The Basin pajama pants ($29.50). They come in several patterns, from navy floral to navy Cedric logo (GH's adorable koala logo) and the drawstring waist will help keep them up.
During the super-hot "dog days" of summer, wear the St. Ives sleep shorts ($15.50). The ruffly trim and cute patterns will make you stand out.
For something a little out of the ordinary, check out the Britt dress ($29.50). It's flirty floral lace is adorable, and the material is lightweight enough for sweltering nights.
To stay cozy and covered up, get the Broken Bay robe ($49.50). I like how the style is very collegiate, but it's simple and cute.
Instead of settling for oversize sleep shirts and gym shorts, why not look pretty while you sleep?

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Dress Your Body!

With body con dresses (think bandage dresses) increasing in popularity, it's a great time to get in on the trend...especially if you're petite.
Body con dresses are basically body-hugging dresses. They are usually made of cotton or modal and include some kind of spandex so they are form-fitting. Many celebrities can be seen working the red carpet in different varieties of body con dresses.
It may seem intimidating to try a body con dress (I know it was for me!) I'm not a curvy girl at all, but I prefer my clothes slightly flowy to show off my small frame. However, when I got my first body con dress yesterday (Gilly Hicks' Pretty Beach dress in navy dot, no longer available), I realized that tighter styles actually work well on petite bodies. They show off a small bust, and hug what little curves you may have to make you look more feminine. Instead of A-line dresses, body con dresses don't hide your tiny frame; they showcase it. And the style even works on curvier petites--just try a body con dress with a body shaper underneath to streamline but not hide your curves.

Some great body con dresses to try include Gilly Hicks' Pretty Beach dress in navy or pink floral ($19.90). The print is sweet and girly and it has plenty of stretch in it. Abercrombie & Fitch's Hailey strapless dress ($24.89) comes in tons of bright shades and the pockets help fill you out even more. Hollister's County Line dress ($29.50) is cut in a simple tank style, but the floral design looks cute.
This fall, try a body con dress--I guarantee you'll love it!

My body con dress!









                                                                                              

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Lusting for Leather

Since I don't have a job (outside of odd chores around the house), I don't usually have much money on hand. Of course, that doesn't stop me from checking out my favorite clothing sites on a daily basis (ae.com, abercrombie.com, gillyhicks.com and hollisterco.com) just to drool over all the adorable clothes.
Lately, I've discovered one piece at Hollister that I know I just gotta have! It's the La Jolla leather jacket for $99.50. Okay, okay, I admit it's faux leather, but it's the best I can get on my budget, plus it's super cute. Hollister's authentic leather jacket costs $200 more, and in my opinion, doesn't look as chic.
The La Jolla jacket is a deep brown color, with a high mock neck collar and a ribbed hem detail. The best part is, it would look great with almost anything. Try it with a dress, such as the Santa Margarita dress ($39.50) in pink stripe, or the strapless Santa Margarita dress ($39.50) in olive floral.
It would also be perfect with a cardigan, like the Moonlight Beach sweater ($44.50) in navy, paired with the Embarcadero tank ($17.50), the Vintage Beach woven belt ($29.50) and the Tamarack cuffed denim shorts ($19.89).
There are so many possibilities that I can't wait to get mine and try it with everything!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Epic Only Bargains!

Even if you can't make it to The Big Apple anytime soon, you can still check out Hollister's "Epic Only" collection online...and score some great deals!
I love the La Mesa sweater ($24.90). I was actually considering buying it soon when I go to return another sweater that didn't fit in with the rest of my wardrobe. It has a classic deep v-neck, cute braided cinch ties with beading and loose short sleeves. It's perfect for fall, and super-cheap!
Or try the Trestles Beach dress ($18.90). The top is a simple tank style, with a strap bow detail, and the skirt has a bright red plaid pattern. Get it while it lasts!
For an uber-adorable hoodie, get the Belleflower zip-up ($39.50). The red color is very vibrant, and the gray version goes with anything.

The best 'flops'? Check out the Vintage Flip Flops ($39.50) with dot print bow embellishment. It's basic enough to go with skirts or jeans, but still looks stylish.
This fall, mix up with wardrobe with some really Epic pieces!

Stock Up On Shorts For Fall

Shorts aren't just a summer thing anymore...especially for petites. In Seventeen's September 2010 issue (now on newsstands), the article "Make Your Body Look Amazing!" explains that the best fall piece for petites is fall shorts.
What exactly are fall shorts? Pretty much any dark, solid-colored shorts that don't scream summer (steer clear of neon shades, big floral prints and the like). They can be cotton, wool, modal but stay away from linen shorts, which are more summery. They can be boy short length (just above mid-thigh) or shorter but make sure they look polished.
Try A&F's Kaylin shorts ($38)--the muted colors look very chic for autumn, and the pleats will help fill out your small frame.
Hollister's Bay Shore twill shorts ($15.89) have a classic look that's great for summer and fall. Plus, it's shorter and slimmer fit will make your legs look super long.
For a great denim option, go for American Eagle's AE Boy Fit Dark Denim Shorts ($39.50). The dark wash makes them nice enough for dinner out, but the destroyed style makes them casual, too.
When the weather cools down even more, switch up your style by pairing twill or wool shorts with tights to keep you warm and looking great!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

More than Just Underwear...

"The Cheeky cousin of Abercrombie & Fitch" is not just about bras and panties anymore. Sure, Gilly Hicks has got plenty of those to rival Aerie (American Eagle's lingerie brand) and Victoria's Secret PINK, but they now also offer tons of clothing, from denim shorts to dresses.
The prices at GH are similar to those at Hollister, and the styles are typical of an A&F brand. Right now, none of their pieces costs more than $49.50, so it's a great deal. Unfortunately, there are only 15 stores in 9 states, so more than likely, you'll have to order online, but standard shipping rates start at only $8!
If you're into sweatshirts, try their Kiama hoodless sweatshirt ($24.89). It comes in 8 bright colors that look great with everything from jeans to miniskirts. Or if you prefer hoodies, Hewlett Street ($24.89) is a good pullover option.
Like dresses? Then you'll love Lake Haven ($49.50). It features a tank-style top, smocked waist and attached skirt in 4 patterns. The Pretty Beach dress ($19.90) is a more classic style, with cute prints.
If you're a fan of the jeggings, GH has a wide selection, varying in price from $12.90 to $39.50.
Trying to find a cheap but good quality lip gloss? Check out the clearance section for last season's scents and get them for only $1.90 each!
So visit gillyhicks.com and get shopping!

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Shorts...in the Fall?!

And you thought you'd have to stash your favorite pair of shorts when the calendar changed to September, right? But as long as it's not snowing, or 30 below, you can still wear shorts through the fall, with a few minor tweaks.
One great way to stretch the wear-time of your fave pair is to wear them with a sweatshirt. Try the Maura shorts ($19.89) from Abercrombie & Fitch with the Cass pullover hoodie ($39.89), or the Rebecca hoodless pullover ($39.89). Both sweatshirts come in a wide variety of colors that you can mix and match with the basic colors of the shorts for a nice, classic, college-like look.
For a more laid-back approach, check out Hollister's San Clemente athletic shorts ($19.50), paired with a brightly colored graphic tee, such as the Surfers Knoll t-shirt ($19.50), which is available in 6 neon colors.
For a cute, casual date look, go for some dark wash boy fit shorts, such as the AE Boy Fit Dark Denim Shorts ($34.95). The subtle destruction looks like you didn't try too hard, but the elegant dark wash makes you look nice enough for dinner out. Try 'em with the AE Classic Blazer ($59.50) and the AE Lace Embroidered Tank ($24.50) for a very put-together feel, or with the AE Plaid Favorite Shirt ($39.50) for a cool vibe.
No matter which way you choose to wear them, shorts are a great, unexpected piece for fall.