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Unpredictable: Sass & Bide

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sassbideback sassbidefront

sass & bide is the namesake label of Sarah- Jane Clarke (sass) & Heidi Middleton (bide). A former accountant and advertising art director, the label offers a full range of women’s ready to wear, denim  & accouterment collections. Bold yet free-spirited, you can always find unique pieces in their collections.

The In Love With Romance Snake Chain Harness is a good example. Full bodied jewelry that can be worn over tees, dresses and jackets. Novel and unpredictable, the label is awfully fun to follow.

Spot On: Polka Dots

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Perk up a drab wardrobe with some polka-dots. The playful pattern is flirty, retro, whimsical and befitting at any age.

The classic style has evolved from Minnie Mouse to runways and red-carpets. It’s a style for all seasons, simply because it exudes an undeniably youthful flair, and yet remains an incredibly timeless option for women of all ages. Since the pattern is not restricted to one size, these pieces can be bold and vibrant or soft and subtle. The design adds texture to any ensemble and can be worn in a dramatic or casual fashion. Mix and match with other quirky patterns and prints for a bit of drama or use as the focal piece for casual style. Embrace the spotty trend this season and seasons to come with polka dots.

Spotted… a few of my favorite pieces:

JCrew ~ Polka Dot Dress: $198.00

Madewell ~ Dotted Chambray Boyshirt: $72.00

Madewell ~ Calf Hair Polka Dot Belt: $48.00

Mango ~ TOUCH Polka-Dot Wool Foulard: $69.99

JCrew ~ Polka-Dot Cashmere Sweater: $268.00

Comme des Garçons ~ Polka-Dot Leather Coin Purse: $155.00

Miu Miu ~ Sandali Polka Dot Cotton Sandals: $495.00

Open Ceremony ~ Shirley Polka Dot Haircalf Booties: $506.00

Paige Denim ~ Verdugo Ultra Skinny (selection of colors): $189.00

ModCloth ~  Dash of Dots Tights: $14.99

In The Know: Kate Spade Saturday

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This Spring, Kate Spade will launch a budget-friendly line, appropriately titled Kate Spade Saturday. The collection is meant to “capture the spirit of Saturday, every day of the week.”

Featuring everything from dresses and jackets to handbags, jewelry, home decor and eyewear  – all bright and bold in true Kate Spade fashion. The new lifestyle brand is targeted towards the younger fashionista – and priced 50% lower than the brand’s current offerings ($30 to $130).

While no stand-alone U.S. stores are planned as of now, you will be able to nab all the Kate Spade Saturday line at www.saturday.com – launching early next year.

5 under $50: Summer Dress

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Take the guess-work out of summer outfits. With the simple summer dress, one can quickly and casually throw it on all summer long.

Look for universal prints and colors. If you choose a more trendy version, i.e neons and/or bold prints, it will be more recognizable and you will not get as much wear out of it. Let the summer dress be the base of any ensemble and change it up with different pairings: jackets, scarves, layers (crop-tops/slouchy tees) and accessories. These dresses will be in your closet for numerous summers to come. Here are five favorites all under $50.00.

Volcom ~ Festivus: $45.00

Element ~ Robin Striped Dress: $44.50

BB Dakota ~ Dora Stripe Dress: $49.00 (sale)

Hive & Honey ~ Floral Blousant Dress: $39.99 (sale)

Forever 21 ~ Casual Chambray Dress: $15.50

How To: Distressed Jeans

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Create a distressed pair of jeans in minutes with the proper materials. This can be done to any old or new pair of jeans, shorts, cargo pants, trousers or jackets. The key is to be strategic with the rips and distressed areas so the item remains flattering and not overly done.

NEEDED:

◊ Fabric Chalk

◊ Scissors

◊ Tweezers

◊ Exacto Knife

◊ Sanding Block

◊ Small Wood Block

HOW TO:

◊ Wear jeans – with the fabric chalk draw a line above the knee cap of one leg and on the upper thigh of the other.

◊ Starting with the chalk mark on the upper thigh, with scissors cut two small parallel lines about 2 inches apart (see image 1).

◊ Insert wood block into the jeans and under the cut marks. With the sanding block, gently fray the edges of the outer cut marks leaving a bar of material in the center (see image 2).

◊ With tweezers, loosen and gently pluck-out threads (see image 3).

◊ Move wood block to the chalk mark on the knee. Take exacto knife and cut bluntly. This will create a more naturally distressed look.

◊ With the sanding block, fray the edges (see image 4).

◊ Continue to sand the area to enlarge the opening.

◊ With the sanding block, feverishly rub both the thigh area and below the knee. This will make jeans look “lived-in.”

TIP: Holes, worn-spots and rips can be added anywhere you like. For a more subdued look, keep it simple with strategic placement.

Brand Bravado: Winter Kate

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The Winter Kate Spring 2011 Collection by Nicole Richie reflects a love of vintage, ethereal flowing clothes.  From paisley and floral prints on beautiful silks and velvets to suede and leather fringe elements, Winter Kate is a very flexible collection.

These kimono style jackets are incredibly versatile… Wear with jeans, over a dress or this summer pair with a swimsuit. Belt it, tie it, wrap it or pin it; a kimono jacket is on my Must List.

Winter Kate Jackets

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