Forever Frugal Friday ~ Steal vs. Splurge

 

if you like these archer sandals by dolce vita for $68.95, you will LOVE these even more...

 

forever 21 is currently selling these almost identical metal-trimmed thong sandals  (except in price) for $16.80!  for the price of one dv sandal you can get three!  i may not be a genius when it comes to math, but i know a good deal when i see one, and this my friends is a great deal!

 

 

 

Forever Frugal Friday

just like last year, i continue to be drawn to animal prints, neon, stripes and chevron and why not allow a few trends from last seep into this year? 

 

leopard print ballet flats - must own

 

geo pattern shift dress - while i am not crazy about the color of the dress, i do really enjoy the belt and chevron print.  i am thinking with a bright statement necklace we have an all around winner!

striped shirred waist top - it can be concluded that i have a slight addiction to stripes, but then to go ahead and add the peplum to the stripes - go ahead and commit me cause i love every bit of it.

what trends are you okay with moving from 2012 to 2013?  which trends would you like to see disappear?


Forever Frugal Friday ~ Gift Guide 2012

 

forever 21 offers a great selection of gifts to help you cross off some names from your list.  a few of my current faves...

 

studded glitter loafers / heart sweater / sparkling square necklace / neon fold-over crossbody bag

Gift Guide 2012 ~ Nifty Gifty Under Fifty

 

a fifty dollar present is generally reserved for those that you care about.  you are looking to impress and the items above are all guaranteed winners!

 

donner skirt / backup battery / loafers / champagne flute / xo circle necklace

 

nest votive collection / sequin clutch / bralette / bracelet

 

happy shopping!

 

 

 

 

Forever Frugal Friday

 

i haven't hopped on the "it's fall now" bandwagon at all.  i still want to wear summery dresses and play in the sunshine and late into the night. 

 

while fall doesn't technically arrive until september 22nd, perhaps i can ease into the new season with this button tab shirtdress w/ belt.  i mean it kind of has long sleeves, and it's black so that makes it fall-ish right? 

 

even if the temperatures are super hot still here in l.a., once the sun goes down this dress is easily transitioned with ankle booties or even glam it up with some sexy heels for date night. 

 

whatever way you choose to wear it, you are sure to be a hit!

AllSaints McQueen

has anyone else been watching sytycd?  oh boy i just love that show.  i love the music, the choreography, but often times i enjoy cat deely's incredible wardrobe. 

the 200th episode of sytycd premiered with cat walking out in this bedazzling allsaints oyster long sleeved dress and totally squeaked out loud.  then i saw the gorgeous taylor from glitter guide wearing it for her bachelorette party and i was oh so jealous. 

the colors in the dress are modest and calm - a complete juxtaposition with the head to toe sparkle.  the colors intrigued me and led me to my next obsessions the alexander mcqueen swarovski crystal double-skull bracelet, the swarovski crystal accented skull barnacle ring and the enameled skull bangle all which would work on their own with this dress or absolutely anything else!

unfortunately these items are all but a wish in my lust list, which left me craving some actual sparkles and shine that i can afford. 

deborah lippmann's dancing in the dark is just the perfect combo of dark and light. 

loafers aren't normally my style but make them pink and add glitter and all of a sudden they are just my style.  these kate spade cora glitter patent leather & metallic loafers may be on the pricey side but they would be worth the splurge since they are work friendly!

bobbi brown's sparkle eyeshadow is a great way to add shine and glitter into your life without looking like a stripper.  pretty and lady like and just right for that special night.

lastly the emi-jay gold glitter hair ties are just awesome for summer ponytail's or to keep your hair back and end up with a dent.  i picked up a few a few years ago and fell in love and was recently gifted a glittery black and tie-dye one from mrs. r.  adore!

what's your thought on glitter and shine everyday?  do you save it just for special occasions or wear it all the time loud and proud?

Forever Frugal Friday

i am still hesitant to wear flats with my short stubby legs, but kind of really adore these sweet, girlie metallic bow flats that would look just perfect with a cute white shirt dress and your hair in a pony or top knot. 

sparkle + bow +  comfort = summertime fun!

Forever Frugal Friday

i am still on the hunt for a the perfect summer wedge and keep trying and trying and keep coming home empty handed. 

from the pictures i see online, these tiered wedge sandals seem pretty cute and a decent height.  however, the think the suede and cork could come off looking cheap and i may need to try before i buy on these guys. 

what i like about them is that they v below the ankle, elongating the leg (i need all the help i can get with that).  anyone seen any adorable wedges that are nude and angle below the ankle for under $150?

i'll report back my finding on these...

I'm Lovin' It ~ Summer Lovin'

happy may gray day!  even though the gray skies continue to rule over los angeles, my recent spray tan appointment and vacation in 15 days has me in a summer lovin' kind of mood. 

even though my vacation isn't to anywhere tropical, i am dreaming of blue skies, warm sun on my shoulders and all the fun that summer brings today. 

the items that currently haunt my summer dreams include:

jo malone vanilla & anise cologne - smells just like a root beer float.  yum!

every summer my flip flops take a beating and need to be replaced and every year i almost cave and buy those $50+ capri ones and every year i am saved by a cheaper pair.  this year gap nailed it with their leather flip flops available in a variety of colors and even come with a little extra cushion for your footsies.  awesome.

like the ray of light  kissing my shoulders, my toes will be sporting deborah lippmann's version of ray of light.  perhaps i will even listen to madonna's take on "ray of light".  that's cray, cray.

fringe benefits this summer - yes please!

in order to fully get the most benefits from my fringe, i plan to snack on these tasty little that's it. bars that give you two servings of fruit in one bar.  two fruits, one bar - much better than that other two girls one cup business (do not google it).

lastly a sweet little tumbler to enjoy a variety of light beverages from - although i am heavily leaning towards a calimocho or sangria - yum. 

what are you craving for summer?

Forever Frugal Friday ~ Stripes & Scallops

necklace/tank/heels/skirt

i am majorly loving the scallop lace trend that i see everywhere.  combine that with some stripes that i am still addicted to from last year, some nude heels and a statement necklace and i have a perfect little friday or saturday night outfit. 

now where to go...

I'm Lovin' It

{via}

just finished breaking bad season two on friday...eagerly awaiting the arrival of disc one of season three.  i love that walt. 

oh yeah, and don draper's back...what's not to love about that? 

zou bisou bisou

i had a little time to wander around third street before easter brunch, and happened upon these amazing steve madden studlyy flats that i just cannot stop thinking about.  in fact, just typing that sentence out reminds me of how sad i am not that i do not own them...just may have to fix that problem...

um, anyone been in the gap recently?  i want every single item they are currently carrying.  if the third street store wasn't out of my size in this dot sateen dress you can guarantee i would be the proud owner of it. 

seriously people.  get into the gap.  every single thing is awesome and lustworthy. 

{via}

in an effort to stay paleo, healthy and energized i stumbled upon these bars by go raw and am smitten.  i have not tried the live granola bar, but all of the other four and while some are better than others, they are truly all tasty and fulfilling.  my faves are the banana bread flax bar and the spirulina energy bar. 

l.a. residents...they are currently on sale for $0.99 at ralphs...go stock up!

i have been on the hunt for the more affordable version of this look for a few weeks now and surprisingly have had zero luck.  i love these two simple pieces together really leave an elegant and yet casual look.  i also just may have to splurge on the pieces to get my dream look.

a few years back i bought the h&m version of these tuleste market rosette earrings for less than $5 and wore the shit out of them.  i received compliments almost every time i wore them and was sad to retire them after b told me they were looking very tarnished and not so nice. 

i miss them so very much and would have bought every single pair in the store if h&m carried them still, but alas they do not.  instead, i may just need to hunker down and buy the original inspiration for my knockoffs which are way prettier and actually very affordable. 

what are you currently lovin'???

Forever Frugal Friday

with coachella around the corner (sniff, sniff - so sad i am not attending) i noticed i have been eyeing clothes that would be just perfect for the hot sun, cool music and insane crowds. 

this blossom y back cami would be just perfect for the hot afternoons with some cute cutoffs and fantastic fringed booties like these. 

oh boy...just putting this outfit together in my head has me really regretting not buying tickets...

any of you attending coachella and if so what are you wearing?

Shopbop $100 Giveaway - Tory Burch, Jeffrey Campbell & More!

happy monday! 

i am so excited to bring a fabulous giveaway to all of you readers courtesy of shopbop!  shopbop is my daily go to for all things trendy, lust-worthy and fantastic!  

shopbop carries a fabulous array of designers and i currently have my eyes on some tory burch sandals, and am obsessed with these jeffrey campbell sandals in coral (hot color for spring). 

 after seeing blake lively sport these theodora & callum espadrilles, i instantly desired their tribal take on fashion for myself (including the coral geometric scarf above).

and now one lucky reader will get to indulge in their own shopbop luxury with a $100 gift card to spend however you like!  be sure to +1 shopbop to always be in the know with the latest arrivals and newest trends. 

TO ENTER:

*leave a comment below telling me what you would treat yourself to from shopbop with the $100 winnings (be sure to leave your email as well)*

EXTRA ENTRIES:

*please leave a new comment for all of the additional entries*

1.  become a follower of ybb via google friend connect at right

2.  follow shopbop (@shopbop) on Twitter

3. tweet or retweet this giveaway and be sure to tag @lyndsylee

i'll announce the winner on april 12th!  good luck!!!

Desperately Seeking Sully ~ Minty Fresh

i am loving the abundance of mint i am seeing on the street, in the stores and in the blogworld.  mint is lovely, and smooth and the perfect color to add to your wardrobe this spring.

mint is luckily one of those colors that just about anyone can wear.  if you are a bit on the weary side of pastels, why not accent your outfits instead with this fresh color? 

mint conditioner/crystal stripe-link bracelet/sweet mint organic lip balm/minted nail enamel 

quilted leather corner purse/shurkus platform courts/pastel jelly watch/clement scarf

i just love getting fresh, and you should too...with mint!

Forever Frugal Friday

i am in dire need of some new wedges for spring/summer. 

while i still have my eyes on these jade dolce vita wedges, i think i just may have found a great cheap alternative in these patent crisscross wedges.  i love that the top strap is at a crisscross angle to help elongate (instead of cutting off my short stumps) my legs.  i also am loving the pop of color to brighten up the otherwise nude wedges. 

great for dresses, colored denim and maxi dresses - an essential piece for any closet.

Desperately Seeking Sully ~ Dorothy Perkins

i am not sure how i am just being introduced to the fabulous dorothy perkins, but man oh man am i glad i have now met her! great fashion and stylish items for amazingly low prices. a great site to pick up some new work pieces and just about anything else. here are just a few items i am currently coveting!

 the taupe/navy batwing dress which drew me into the dorothy perkins website

this navy contrast waist wrap dress is just perfect for the office

i love the metallic flair that spices up these apricot twist peep toe pumps

aqua/pewter side bar clutch needs to be mine, stat

this bad ass gold look spike necklace will help me gain some street cred

loving the colors and mixture of prints in this navy spot and stripe scarf

are you new to dorothy perkins too?  have you ordered from them before and if so how was your experience?  what items are you loving right now from the store?

Forever Frugal Friday - Steal vs. Splurge

happy friday people!

while perusing the internet yesterday in search of items for my b*day wishlist i saw these cute nine west caridad wedges and thought, those look pretty fantastic.  they didn't make it on the wishlist but were an item i planned to keep my eye on. 

today, i saw these cutout suedette wedge sandals and thought i was having a moment of deja vu and had just seen them somewhere.  and then i remembered the nine west ones.  i actually like the forever version better (not only in price) as they are the perfect transition piece right now in LA.  the nine west ones scream spring/summer to me and the forever ones are winter leading into spring.  perfect! 

Flatlining...

Being a shorty, I always tend to go for heels. The higher the better! Anything to make my stubs look a little bit longer. I turned my nose up at flats and balked at the idea of ever wearing them...

But all of a sudden, everyone was wearing flats. Super stylish bloggers, actresses, and style icons were all wearing them!  And now that my eyes are open, they can't stop looking at all the glorious flats around!

(clockwise from the top)

Beatrix/Adena/VECTRA3/Orlas

Tough, yet lady like flats are my current obsession.  In fact, this past Saturday at Casey's Irish Pub I couldn't contain myself and had to compliment this lady on her incredible flats (and of course ask her where she got them).  I want to wear them with everything, but most likely colored denim or boyfriend fit jeans.

(top to bottom, far right)

Cap-Toe Canvas Ballet Flat/Neon City Flat/Louisa 2/Darby Glitter Loafers

My other flat obsession is sparkle, shine and neon flats.  Okay, the neon obsession and sparkle obsession are nothing new for me, but in a flat shoe, oh boy oberto!  Perfect for LA days and the perfect accent to complete any outfit.  In fact, Doux Rousse dedicated any entire post on how to wear those amazing J.Crew Darby Glitter Loafers (did you know they are currently on sale!!) and it appears those shoes go with EVERYTHING! 

So now the question is which ones should I get?  What is your essential "flat" outfit?  Which flats are your favorite?  Am I the only one "flatlining" out there?

Gift Guide #4 ~ Kate Spade for All!

I am pretty sure if I only received presents from one store this year, Kate Spade would be the place for me this year.  Every single item I am head over heels in love with!  And if you follow Kate Spade on Twitter or Instagram you would see all the fabulous happiness this company spreads to all around!

If you are still stumped on what to get that special lady or bestie in your life, look no further than below!

all wrapped up cards/live colorfully borough coasters/bellevax fingerless gloves/cascade bib necklace

putting on the ritz earrings/this is the year bracelet/cheers necklace/pavé surround large stud earrings

sparkle summit brynn/charm shoe/sparkler gia/gold playing cards (* pretty please santa)

Any of the goods above is sure to make your loved one overjoyed!

Desperately Seeking Sully ~ Orange Crush

As I look at the window and am greeted with fog, it has suddenly dawned on me that fall has arrived and with fall comes new scents, flavors and a color palette.  And since we are in the month of October (and I did just return from Amsterdam where the color of the country is orange) I decided I should really try to incorporate the color that I despise so much into my wardrobe. 

(click to enlarge)

clutch, watch, bangle, ray-bans, earrings, iphone cover, gloves

I think the easiest way to incorporate orange for me would be in accessories.  Accessories allow you the luxury of being bold and bright without being too trendy or over the top.  I am loving all these varieties of orange goodies but am most definitely favoring the iPhone cover, as I am about to make the switch from blackberry to iPhone.  It's a little bit edgy, fun, punk and perfect to set me apart from other iPhone users. 

(click to enlarge)

sweater, blouse, ruffle top, pumps, dress, scarf

While the easy and safe route would be accessories, I would like to own one orange staple item.  However my fair skin and light hair are not complimented by orange.  So the trick is to find the right orange for you!  For me, I veer towards the coral and the red-orange options.  But if you are gonna go full out orange a scarf or shoes would be another great choice. 

This fall I am really going to try face my fear of looking like a pumpkin and try out this orange trend.  With options like the ones above I am pretty sure I can't go wrong!  What are your thoughts on orange? 

Gung-ho or steer clear?