UPDATE

SORRY for not posting anything this week.  Our neighborhood is now in day 3 with no electricity.  I am leaving on a short vacation so will try to post when I get to our destination.  Hopefully for my poor family the power will come on today, fingers crossed.

LINK LOVE

I KNEW it, I have long said that stores like Kohls and Macys say they are having sales but the prices are not really sale prices and any frequent and informed shopper knows that:
http://www.today.com/news/buyer-beware-major-stores-may-mislead-sales-6C10367331

The last thing I need is another blog to read but this one looks very interesting:
http://www.thesimplyluxuriouslife.com

Time for the annual Tag Sale at Anthropologie, lots of markdowns as well as second and third cuts on previous sale items, happy shopping.
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp

One of my fave blogs, Effortless Anthropology (http://effortlessanthropologie.blogspot.com) highlights the best of the sale as well as how it all work:

So excited to go see the new film Before Midnight.  I strongly recommend you see this but only after watching the previous two in this series (http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-binge-on-before-sunrise-and-sunset-before-before-midnight-20130603,0,556093.story0

If you like, no LOVE the early Jen Lancaster books as much as I do, you will also LOVE her new book.  Have been listening to it in my car and sometimes run a few extra errands just to hear the next chapter...funny and heart warming: (http://www.amazon.com/The-Tao-Martha-Getting-Glitter/dp/0451417631/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371644644&sr=8-1&keywords=the+tao+of+martha)

FASHION FAVES

I probably think about fashion the way many people think about food or crafts or in my family...Notre Dame football and golf.   I love books about fashion, I love television shows about fashion and read MANY fashion blogs.  Given that thought, here are some of my recent fashion faves:

TELEVISION SHOWS

Resale Royalty

What Not to Wear

Say Yes to the Dress

Its a Brad Brad World


MOVIES

The Devil Wears Prada

Bill Cunningham New York

The Tents

The Last Emperor


BOOKS

The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own

Confessions of a Shopaholic

How Not to Look Old: Fast and Effortless Ways to Look 10 Years Younger, 10 Pounds Lighter  and 10 Times Better


BLOGS

Effortless Anthropologie

The Girls of Lincoln Park

Brunch at Saks

The Classic Woman

Gigis Gone Shopping


MAGAZINES:

In Style

Real Simple

People Style Watch

More

FRIDAY FANCIES

How cute is this JCrew dress???  LOVE the bows details , while also staying fun and tasteful (said the woman with animal print cat eye frames hahaha):

Eyelet and scalloped hem, thank you Talbots, now if you can also give me a 50% off sale, this could be mine:

I have never gone camping ( huge gasp of surprise here I know) but maybe that is because I never saw a cute sleeping bag, leave it to Anthropologie to tempt me (to buy this, not go camping...come on..its me):

Who doesn't love a good beach read?  I cannot always have my nose in The Economist:

A small follow up from my last blog post.  The bridal shower was wonderful and I hope everyone had as much fun as I did.  The bride looked stunning as always and is so gracious and sweet, it makes my heart smile to know she loves our son.  As I looked around the room at all of these amazing women, to say I feel blessed is such an understatement.  Please know how much I love all of you and so happy you are in my life.

FRIDAY FANCIES

I may have found a concealer that works for me, Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer:

I need some longer tops, tunic like without looking like I shopped at Chicos, wonder if these tees  from Anthropologie will work?

I am almost out of perfume and these two are my favorites, which one should I purchase?

I am going to share with you all one of my favorite fancies of all times.  I love to wash our bedding in this scent.  It also makes a fabulous hostess gift:  Tyler Glamour Wash in High Maintenance

I hope everyone has some fun weekend plans.  I am SO EXCITED for Sunday.  We are having the  first bridal shower for my soon to be daughter (can I say that without adding on "in law"? She is so special to me I think of her as a daughter already).  I am very fortunate to have  wonderful friends who were kind enough to offer to give the bridal shower and have worked hard to make it a very special day. I don't know what I would do without such fabulous women in my life.  THANK YOU Ann, Kate and so many other great friends.  

LINK LOVE

Do you hesitate to enter the dressing room to try clothing on?  Does this fear hinder your shopping selections?

http://generationfabulous.com/lessons-dressing-room/

Not everyone over 50 feels self conscious rocking a tutu:

http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?blog=3885195&group=0&frame_type=a&link=aHR0cDovL2FkdmFuY2Vkc3R5bGUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuZnI&frame=1&click=0&user=0

If you are offended by a few vulgar words then feel free to skip this commentary, I promise I will understand.   As someone who often overdresses for any and all occasions, this made me laugh:

http://powderroom.jezebel.com/please-stop-telling-me-i-dont-have-to-dress-up-for-w-505596878

Does the new peplum trend scare you?  Are you afraid that it only works for women who are 5'9 and size 6?  Not true at all.  This article helps you find the style that works for your body type:

http://matchurself.com/2012/07/trends-to-be-carried-over-to-fall-peplum-tops-how-to-wear-them.html

This blogger recently traveled to Chicago and while there photographed some street style she found interesting.  I was fascinated not only to see what she published but also what others were wearing:

http://www.over50feeling40.com/2013/06/chicago-street-style.html

RETAIL HITS AND MISSES

Banana Republic-It has been a very long time since I walked into this retailer and found anything I wanted to buy on sale let alone full price.   Many years ago (6-8) it was my "go to" store.  Loved the beautiful jackets and skirts, their dresses were a wardrobe staple.  I think the quality of the clothing has taken a serious nose dive as has their style.  Most of jewelry is large and unattractive (and that is saying something from me given my love of statement pieces), the leather bags seem flimsy and my guess is will quickly show wear and tear.  The shirts and blouses are very thin, most require a cami underneath.

VERDICT: MISS

Anthropologie-Everyone and anyone who knows me knows this is my favorite store in the entire world.  I love the beautiful home goods, the fabulous books, the awesome accessories and their pretty feminine clothing.  In the past year or two I was worried that the company was going too Boho and couldn't understand why since that "look" belongs to their sister store Free People.  However  I have recently noticed a return to the Anthropologie looks I have loved and many many things I hope to purchase (which I have placed on the site's wish list and I vow to stalk till they go on sale).

VERDICT; HIT

Macys- I am sure upon seeing this store name my friends are ready to click to a new website given my many rants on my dislike of this retailer.  I swear I have tried time and time again to like this store but it just isn't going to happen.  Every store I have gone to, regardless of location is always messy with piles of clothing waiting to be organized and put back on the racks and removed from dressing rooms.  If I wanted to go thru racks and racks of unorganized items, I would go to TJ Maxx or Marshalls where I expect that but also then know the price will reflect the effort.  Finally I HATE their coupons.  They are almost always restricted to their house brands with many many many...MANY restrictions.  I feel like if a coupon could one time apply to something I hoped to purchase it would be applicable between the time of 11:55 and midnight on Christmas Eve.  I know I am being sarcastic but I am done with this store

VERDICT: BIGGEST MISS POSSIBLE

Target- I generally like Target's clothing.  I find the Merona and Mossimo brands good quality for the price.  I do not buy items here I categorize  as investment pieces; if they are "foundation pieces" for my closet I understand they are generally one season wear.  That said I have a several summer knit dresses I have worn 2 summers.  Yes they have some "pilling" and don't look quite as nice as when I initially purchased them but they are definitely still wearable for a day to day casual look while running errands, etc.

VERDICT: HIT

SEPHORA-I am a big fan of this store.  I find the staff to be knowledgeable of most of the brands and merchandise they carry.  They are always happy to give samples so I can try products at home prior to making a purchase, carry a huge inventory of brands  and have a very generous return policy.

VERDICT: HIT

I would love to know your retail hits and misses, please share in the comments section below.