We are skipping the whole wedding party thing - no bridesmaids and groomsmen and no flowergirls and ring bearer. We’re keeping it simple and just having a maid of honor and best man. This has made it a lot easier to decide on 1 dress for Paula, my maid of honor. By keeping it small it also saves us a lot on the flowers too.

I first came across this dress when I headed for BCBG at the Carlsbad outlets. It was hanging in the window of the Barney’s New York outlet and I automatically jumped to the conclusion that a Barney’s gown would definitely be way out of our budgets. Still I couldn’t help but notice aside from its sleek elegance,  it was the exact shade of my wine color (which is a freakin’ hard ass color to find.) Out of curiosity I went to peek out the price tag on our way out. It’s a CO-OP dress that was dropped down to $249 from $385. Still I knew that would be too much for Paula to spend, but my bargain shopper instinct told me that eventually the price would have to drop lower and then the stalking began.

I seriously stalked this dress waiting for it to go on sale. Everytime JD and I drove to visit his parents in Oceanside, I would ask if we could stop by the outlets to check on the dress. For weeks the price stayed at $249. About 2 weeks ago we dropped by again and I grinned when I saw that the gowns were gone from the original rack. They had been moved to the clearance racks! I gleamed when I turned the price tag  reading “$189″ in red ink.  That fit into Paula’s $200 budget. I had a feeling there was a chance the price would get slashed even lower but didn’t want to risk it. Her she is………..

Yes Paula I’m wearing your brand new Barney’s dress. You said you wanted to see pics of it and because I fought the temptation to keep it for myself, I most likely will borrow it

Silk charmeuse with a ruffle layer detail at the waist

I was wanting to post this yesterday, but got pretty sidetracked with the news of Michael Jackson’s death. I didn’t think it would affect me the way it did, but when I listened to the news and got into my car to hear the radio paying tribute, the waterworks started as the first tribute song to play was “Man in the Mirror.” I am really shocked and sad at the loss of an icon that was a special memory of my childhood. May he rest in peace. =*(

Free People twisted floral dress. Originally $168. On sale for $69.95. Also comes in teal.

Free People Embroidered Thermal Hoodie. Originally $148. On sale for $29.95

Steve Madden ‘Bliz’ Sandal. Originally $148.95. On sale for $88.90

The fringe craze is still going strong and can be found on anything from shoes, clothing, handbags, and jewelry. Fringe accents can evoke that Western, ethnic, or Roaring 20s style. Tip: 1 piece of fringe will make the statement. 2 at the most. You don’t want fringe overkill.

Fringe necklaces on Etsy. How hip are these necklaces?! Aren’t they a great accessory to dress up a plain top or tank?

Fringe tops: Forever 21

Fringe shoes

$34.65 Express

$39.99 Piperlime

$39.99 Piperlime

Hello lovely readers. I was in Vegas this past weekend for the Pacquiao/Hatton fight. One of the funnest weekends I’ve had back home in a long time - more on that later For now I wanted to share with you this ebay store I randomly came across called “AGAPE.” It’s a Hong Kong store so there is a price to pay for shipping which isn’t much especially considering how surprisingly low the prices are for such cute, trend-setting clothing.

$26.95

$19.95

$21.95

$25.95

They definitely carry a cutesy, girly selection where you just might get lucky and score a rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, or even a bridesmaid dress, but you were already thinking that right?

Roxy Radcliff Mary Jane Shoe. Originally $34. On sale for $9.97

Roxy Radcliff Shoes. Originally$34. On sale for $8.50

Lucky Brand Ruffled Print Sleeve Top. Originally $79. On sale for $39.50

Lucky Brand Embroidered Cardigan. Originally $99, On sale for $49.50

This classic color combo continued to be hot across Spring runways. Black and white will continue its sophisticated freshness into Summer and can be found in floral, graphic, geometric, striped, and polka dot prints. Consider breaking the uniformity with a pop of a bright colored accessory like that yellow clutch.

Steve Madden satin heels. Originally $89.95. On sale for $69.95

J.Crew silk gala clutch. Originally $88.00. On sale for $59.99

Unfortunately the ivory and black clutches are the only 2 colors not on sale.

I’ve been LOVING everything with rosettes for a while now so it was no surprise this adorable little handbag would catch my eye. What a precious bridal accessory it would make. The ivory version was unfortunately out of stock, but this white one sells for $34.99 on Amazon.com.

I also came across these  satin Ras flats. These bow-decorated cuties come in an array of candy colors at $71.38. I thought they’d be a perfect find for the conscientious, tall bride or for one that wants to be comfy in some colorful footwear. And wouldn’t that last one make a fab ’something blue?’

I’m considering slipping into a pair of flats when the dancing starts. The heels I have now are at least 3 inches high and I just realized I’ll be towering over my dad.  I especially don’t want to be uncomfortably taller than him during the father/daughter dance so I’m keeping an eye out for some cute flats to switch into ; )

I never cease to be surprised at the finds I come across on Amazon.

Black tiered Charlotte Russe dress. Originally$32.99. On sale for $16.49

Max Studio metallic Boudica sandal. Originally $185. On sale for $138.75

Steve Madden cowboy boots. Originally $139.95. On sale for $79.95

Steve Madden peep toe pumps. Originally $79.95. On sale for $49.99. They also come in white for any interested brides out there.

Anthropologie earrings. Originally $28. On sale for $19.95. I love these earrings!

Freepeople cosmic free clutch Originally $68. On sale for $29.95

Happy Shopping! Enjoy the rest of your weekend

Tiered, tulip, and bubble minis are the hot skirt styles to wear for this year’s spring and summer. Look for them in bright colors and patterns and balance out the volume with structured or fitted tops. I love wearing the high-waisted skirts with a fitted top or tank tucked in. The great news is, these full minis are forgiving of hips and thighs in contrast to the skin-tight mini skirt.