Seeing Stars!

No, not the celebrity kind (not outside of my tv, at any rate) but the kind which inspired all these great pieces of apparel.

Move over floral, stars are cute, fresh, and all over everything!

Starting with undergarments, try this Victoria's Secret bra for $20.99, and matching panties. Aerie also offers an adorable star print bra in several colors for $29.50.

For star tops, Urban Outfitters has a truly impressive collection of star spangled merchandise, including a long sleeve blouse, a short sleeve one, two t-shirts, and one t-shirt (my favorite) that has birds made out of stars.

Bottoms are bit harder to come by, but ebay has some options.
First I found this kind of awesome, kind of gaudy "when the hell would I ever wear this" sequined shooting star skirt. And it isn't all too cheap either with a buy it now of $145 -- however they have a 'or best offer' button, so who knows, maybe you could get a great deal on it.

There are also some black with white star leggings, and some tights with smaller stars in gold or blue. Both under $20.

For something a bit more dressy, and that I would love to be wearing this New Year's Eve, check out this black and gold strapless dress, for less than $100 - with a retail price of over $300. The stars on it are those much less common six pointed ones, so it's very unique. It's even got a bubble hem, and you know how I love those.

On the complete opposite end of the star dress spectrum, another great sale item at VS is this cover-up for $26. It just has to sit in the closet for the next six months, along with this super sexy star bikini for $29. Do you think if you sun tan in that you'll end up with a star tattoo on your thy?

Finally, there are star accessories, and my goodness, there are ever so many options. For the very most cheapest, go to Forever21.com they have earrings, necklaces, scarves, pins, hair clips, and belts! And wouldn't you know it, everything is under $10!

I'm also loving this foil star print scarf, which comes in five different colors and is only $7.50! Just look at those cute shiny distressed stars!

I also found these cute star cut-out pumps from Amazon for $38.95

I hate Cheap(ly made) Shoes!

My pair of 'suede' slouchy boots by Candie's are beginning to deteriorate after only been worn about five times! They were originally priced at $80, which I don't consider to be particularly inexpensive for man-made materials. Granted, I paid less than half of that, but I expected more.

The lower part of each heel seems to be splitting, cracking - perhaps. I'm tempted to return them and get these Chinese Laundry Boots instead - a $90 boot made from real suede on sale for $27 - that is my kind of boot!

Amazon has all kinds of crazy deals on shoes - just go to the shoe section, choose to only look at items 70% or more off, select your size (to avoid disappointment) and go crazy! Though should you discover an awesome deal, act quickly - amazons prices tend to fluctuate a good deal, and you never know when something will go out of stock, never to return again.

Also on the note of cheap shoes, I wandered into the payless in the mall the other day - attracted to this teal peep-toe mary jane wedge, like a bee to honey. Frickin adorable, available in size 7.5 wide (something I harldy ever find) and the most uncomfortable shoe ever. I had it on for five minutes, with my socks, and I had to get them off. It was a terrible shame, and all I could think was "if only these were nice leather that would stretch out and become comfortable, then I could be happy"

But I'll just go back to Amazon... there is a wealth of fantastically expensive shoes at 70% off or more waiting for me.

This Outfit for Under $100

Here is a really put together layered look I tried out this weekend. I feel that the one item that really pulls it all together is the red bow belt (Khols $12), worn on the natural waist. It gives a nice silhouette to the otherwise slouchy pieces.

I Started with this short sleeved Gathered neckline top, in blue (Gap $17.99). I actually found mine in more of a teal in the store, and for less. Sale prices are almost always better in the store, so it's worth it to go look if you can. Over that I put a nice Slouchy chocolate brown cashmere blend cardigan (Forever 21 $29.80).
Since this a casual look, dark wash wide leg jeans, (Old Navy $14.99), and then my standby cold weather shoe, a brown pointy toed boot by Rampage (Amazon $19.98)

And that brings us to $94.76! To this ensemble I also added my fab feathered headband, which generated plenty of positive comments though out the day.

Awesome Christmas Presents $23 and Under

With only 23 days left until Christmas I thought I might share some gifts I've been eying, for both my friends, and myself.

Ceramic sparrow salt and pepper shakers, $14 from Fredflare.com; cute 3" birdies I would love to place on my table. I love anything with a function that is also adorable to look at.

Photo coasters - I got these for my mom and have already preloaded them with some fabulous snapshots I know will embarrass her! They can be purchased from a few different places and vary in price, I like this set of four from Target for $13.29.

Eye Test Necklace, $23 offered by artist Tilly Bloom from Etsy.com is very funky and fun, and is a fantastic gift for any of your girlfriends who love having their chest stared at. The artist offers many other pieces of jewelry, all plastic with ink illustrations, very detailed and unique.

Gem Earrings from American Eagle, they are gold tone branch looking hoops with gems inlaid, and are a great price at $12.50. I've seen similar earrings from jewerly sellers like Lia Sophia for $44.

Chocolate Brown Messenger Bag, on sale for $19.98 at Aldo, would be a perfect gift for my brother. I wish they'd included some dimensions, but it looks big enough to shlep around a 15" laptop.

Yes Frills Jewelry Organizer, is a white metal orginizer that is wall mounted, great for freeing up surface space in a small room. It has dozens of swirls and hooks, for necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Offered online only from Urban Outfitters, and is $20.

Mini Pocket Mirror, by free people comes in four sequined and embroidered variations, and at $14 is sure to add plenty of sparkle to an on the go makeup application.

I love trapper hats with their fur and fringe, and Aeropostale has this one on sale for $14.75. The fair Isle print is always classic, and I think this could be good for both boys and girls.