Author Archives: Xenia

Classic Summer Uniform

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With just 19 days to go before the first official day of summer, it’s time to start thinking about a go-to uniform that will carry you through the warmer months. Today we’re highlighting classic pieces that are perfect for any casual outing — from a morning at the farmer’s market to a leisurely brunch with friends. We’ve picked out pieces from Shopilly brands to fit every budget, so happy shopping!

White v-neck tee
Sometimes it feels like we’re on a never-ending search for the perfect white v-neck tee, but these come pretty darn close. At just $3.80 per shirt (no, that’s not a typo!), the Favorite V-Neck Tee from Forever 21 is a steal. If you like your tees a little on the longer side, try the Washed V-Neck Tee Shirt, 2 for $24.00 at Urban Outfitters. We also love the comfy jersey fabric of the Very Light Jersey V-Neck Top, which is $48.00 at Splendid.

Boyfriend jeans
Boyfriend jeans are great for achieving a relaxed but polished look, especially when cuffed at the bottom. The most casual jean of our picks is the Deconstructed Sexy Boyfriend Jean, on sale for $55.96 at Gap. It has a relaxed fit and just a few distressed accents for character. If you’re looking for a slimmer jean, try the Sienna Tomboy Crop, $99.00 at Lucky Brand, or the Rivet & Thread Selvedge Boy Jean, $228.00 at Madewell.

Strappy leather sandals
After months cramped up in closed-toe shoes, it’s time to let your feet enjoy the summer air in a pair of strappy sandals! The Merona Kiana Sandal, $19.99 at Target, has a cushioned insole and comes in cognac or black. The beautifully-made Congo Sandal, $68.00 at Splendid, features color blocking and a zipper closure at the heel for easy on-and-off. If it’s a gladiator-inspired sandal you seek, try the Joie Positano, which is made in Italy and comes in three colors. You can get it Zappos for $145.00.

Roomy tote
You never know when your casual outing will turn into an adventure, so carry a roomy tote to hold all of your necessities. We love the affordable Mossimo Supply Co. Tote Handbag in a summery coral shade. You can get it for $29.99 at Target. The sturdy Kennedy Canvas Tote, $79.50 at Banana Republic, comes in two fun prints and is the roomiest tote of the bunch. For a more luxurious look, check out the Madison East/West Tote in Saffiano Leather. It’s available in six beautiful shades and sells for $298.00 at Coach.

What’s your go-to summer uniform? Share your favorite pieces with us in the comments below!

Cheers,
The Shopilly Team

Photo credits: forever21.com, madewell.com, splendid.com, target.com

Summer trends inspired by Bay Area bloggers

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As new trends take the stage in time for summer, we’ve been scouring the blogs of our favorite Bay Area fashion bloggers to get a leg up on what’s up-and-coming. Here are some of our favorite warm weather looks, with shopping tips on how to make them your own:

Tulle skirts inspired by Fancy Fine

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Ashley Ording wore a gorgeous tulle skirt with a vintage lace top and vintage knee-length lace jacket for a flowy, feminine outfit worthy of a special occasion. To get Ashley’s look, try Topshop’s mini tulle skirt or, if you prefer longer lengths, black midi tulle skirt. Both skirts would pair well with a floral lace tank from Banana Republic, and a metallic skinny belt cinches the look. We think this outfit would be perfect for a summer wedding!

Textured layers inspired by Street Fashion Style

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Dyanna Dawson and JT Tran crawl the trendy streets of San Francisco for photograph-worthy fashion. Thanks to the bay’s notorious fog and clouds, the average San Franciscan has mastered the art of layering, and we see this reflected even in their summer outfits. We especially love the use of textured layers, as captured on Street Fashion Style — this San Franciscan’s velvet dress and denim skirt keep it interesting and, more importantly, warm. For a similar look, layer a denim jacket over a velvet corset tunic. By the way, both pieces are now on sale! The denim jacket is available at Free People for $49.95, and the velvet corset tunic is available at Topshop for $35.

Weekend rockstar inspired by Going West

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Jennie Lodge proves that you can never go wrong with a vintage band tee and rock-inspired mini skirt. She likes the olivaceous skirt from Bloomingdale’s, which features a stylistic front zip and asymmetric hem. For a casual weekend outing, we’d pair that with a vintage-inspired graphic tee from Urban Outfitters.

‘50s beach bunny inspired by SF Girl By Bay

Seafolly Dotted Boyleg Maillot

When Victoria Smith posted about “Beach Bound” accessories last week, we fell in love with her retro bathing suit picks. The Seafolly Boyleg Maillot is modestly cut and flattering, and comes in fun dotted, green garden and black garden prints as well. All are available at Anthropologie.

Happy Shopping,
the Shopilly Team

P.S. As you shop for new summer clothes, don’t forget to download the Shopilly Joy of Shopping app on your iPhone to have the best of shopping at your fingertips!

Photo credits: us.topshop.com, bananarepublic.gap.com, freepeople.com, bloomingdales.com, urbanoutfitters.com, anthropologie.com

Rethink Inbox. Shop Happy.

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At last, spring! After a brutal winter filled with record-breaking low temperatures and high snowfall in some areas, we bet that you’re as excited as us to welcome in warmer weather — and, of course, the wardrobe change that comes with it.

As you clean out your closet, use the Shopilly.com web app to simultaneously clean out your inbox. You can also download the Shopilly Joy of Shopping app on your iPhone to have the best of shopping at your fingertips. The app is free and designed for personalization and discovery of offers and sales at stores that you love most. Lucky Magazine recently named it one of the “13 Best Spring Cleaning Apps, Websites And Services To Get Your Space Sparkling”.

Using the app, you can easily browse your favorite Shopilly brands, like Anthropologie and Crate & Barrel. It’s like window-shopping, but all from the comfort of your phone!

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If an offer catches your eye as you’re browsing, tap on it to view the details. Sold on the offer? You can directly shop and buy from the store within the app.

Social Features and Lists

If you’re not quite ready to make a purchase, create a list within the app and save the offer for later. You can even set yourself a reminder to re-visit the offer before it expires. If you think a friend or family member might be interested in the offer, you can easily share it through email or by posting it on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Ready to get started? Download the Shopilly Joy of Shopping app for free here, and log in with your Facebook or Shopilly account. If you’re brand new to Shopilly, it takes just seconds to create a username.

If you already use the app, we’d love to hear what you think! Rate it in the iTunes App Store or use the slide-in menu in the app to send us your feedback.

Wishing you Shopilly Ever After,
the Shopilly team

Spring Trend: Icy Pastels

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Punxsutawney Phil may have seen his shadow on Groundhog Day, but we’re still holding out hope that spring will grace us with its presence soon. In that spirit, we’ve been perusing the lookbooks of our favorite Shopilly brands for spring fashions that we can’t wait to incorporate into our warm weather wardrobes. One trend that caught our eye during last month’s New York Fashion Week was the icy pastel color palette. Usually pastels conjure up images of Easter eggs and spring bouquets, but these icy pastel pieces manage to be more edgy than sweet.

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There are so many things we love about the Miel Dress from Anthropologie: the timeless silhouette, exaggerated bow, unusual color blocking. The full-bodied, satiny yellow skirt is paired with a black and cream pattern, giving this otherwise classic dress a contemporary twist.

Similarly, Kate Spade updates a classic cupcake skirt by presenting it in a bright, metallic pink. The Gene Skirt would be perfect over a simple top for a spring wedding.

If you’re looking to infuse some color into your work wardrobe, the Mint Tucked Tee from British retailer Topshop is a flattering choice. The tucked peplum shape provides a slimming effect, and the mint color is a refreshing departure from the usual office neutrals. Wear it to the office over a pencil skirt and then transition it to an evening piece by pairing it with skinny jeans and stilettos.

We love menswear-inspired styles (did you see Diane Keaton’s tailored suit at the Golden Globes?), and the Must-Have Blazer from Forever 21 fits the bill. Its longer, looser fit distinguishes it from most womens’ blazers, and the icy blue color is unexpected. At $29.80, this blazer is a steal!

Classic ballet flats are a wardrobe staple, and Cole Haan’s Manhattan Ballet flat is a beautiful take on the style. It comes in eight colors, but we particularly like the rose gold color- the metallic sheen keeps it from being too sweet. Right now, it’s on sale for $109.95.

Lastly, how beautiful is the Tamitha Backpack by Aimee Kestenberg? The leather zip backpack manages to be both stylish and functional at once, which, alas, is probably the reason it’s backordered at Nordstrom.

What are some of the spring trends you’re loving right now? We’d love to hear from you- write to us in the comments!

Dessert and Wine Pairings to Impress Your Valentine

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Between the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day, the first two weeks of February are jam-packed with good eats…and, of course, quality time with loved ones. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’ve turned our focus away from seven-layer dip and hot wings to dessert and wine. If you’re preparing a nice dinner for your significant other, best friends or family, use this dessert and wine-pairing guide to impress your loved ones. After all, we believe in the sentiment that the way to anyone’s heart is through his or her stomach!

Wine toast

Dessert: Tiramisu
Wine pairing: Zardetto Zeta Prosecco, $22.99 at Wine.com
A sparkling wine with high residual sugar will complement the sweetness of a classic tiramisu. Zardetto Zeta Prosecco is a good pairing choice for this dessert, given its rich and creamy notes. If you prefer a lower alcohol content, you may want to try pairing tiramisu with Moscato D’Asti, which usually contains 5.5% alcohol by volume.

Dessert: Figs with blue cheese and honey
Wine pairing: Chateau Guiraud Sauternes, $75.00 at Wine.com
Sauternes pair wonderfully with sweet and savory flavors, and a simple dessert of fresh figs and blue cheese drizzled with a bit of honey fits that flavor combination. Pair it with the 2005 Chateau Guiraud Sauternes, which is layered and complex, boasting aromas of honey, juicy fruits and almonds. Originally $75.00, it’s on sale for $49.99 at Wine.com, so take advantage of the deal before it sells out!

Dessert: Molten chocolate cake
Wine pairing: Young’s Double Chocolate Stout, price varies at World Market
The only better than chocolate is, well, more chocolate! Hints of bitter chocolate, roasted coffee and caramel in Young’s Double Chocolate Stout make it a perfect partner for a decadent molten chocolate cake.

Dessert: Old-fashioned apple pie
Wine pairing: Graham’s 20 Year Old Tawny Port, $34.99 at Wine.com
Ah, the comfort of a warm slice of apple pie. Complement the cinnamon, nutmeg and butter in apple pie with a full-bodied port. The dark berry flavors and spice in Graham’s 20 Year Old Tawny Port do a lovely job of highlighting the warm spices and richness of apple pie.

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Shopilly!

Winter Apparel to Keep You Warm

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Brrr, it’s been cold out there! This New Year brought the usual celebrations, resolutions and an unexpected polar vortex. Luckily, January is a great month to take advantage of close-out sales, so if you’re in need of some cold weather apparel or accessories, you’re in luck. To get you started, we’ve highlighted some of our favorite deals and steals:

Winter Apparel to Keep You Warm

Hats
The belief that 40-45 percent of your body heat is lost from your head has been debunked – in reality, it’s closer to 10 percent – but it’s still important to keep your noggin warm during the winter months. The AEO Metallic Knit Beanie, which is on sale at American Eagle for $11.99, combines fashion and function with its slouchy fit and eye-catching metallic sheen. For a more weather-resistant hat, check out the Power Stretch Beanie at Eddie Bauer. It’s on sale for $19.99 and features wind- and abrasion-resistant Polartec fabric.

Scarves
If you’ve gotten caught in cold or windy weather without a scarf, you know how much you miss one. Don’t let your neck go exposed- invest in a thick scarf like the Chunky Cowl Scarf from Gap , on sale for $31.46. The REI Rib-Knit Cable Infinity Scarf is another good pick at $37.93. It’s extra-long, so you can loop it around your neck multiple times.

Gloves
Before you step out into the cold, put on a pair of gloves to keep your fingers toasty. These luxurious Cashmere Short Gloves are on sale for $54.99, and Ann Taylor is offering an extra 50% off on all sale styles. If you prefer keeping your fingers free, these exquisite Dyani Arm Warmers from Anthropologie will still keep your arms and palms warm. They’re on sale for $59.95.

Coats
A sturdy, warm coat is your best friend in cold weather. Check out Burlington Coat Factory for great deals on name brand coats. For example, the Herringbone Belted Coat, which usually sells for $160, is just $79.99 right now. French Connection has a significant number of coats on sale right now, too. The chic Tulip Coat with Leather Trim offers a pop of color for $299.99, down from $325.

Lastly, if it’s maximum warmth you seek, take a look at the Annapurna Jacket, which features lightweight, compressible PrimaLoft One insulation. It’s on sale for $132.93 at REI.

Stay warm!
The Shopilly Team

Photo credits: ae.com, gap.com, anntaylor.com, usa.frenchconnection.com

Cyber Monday Deal Round-Up

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Now that you’ve had a few days to digest all of the turkey, stuffing and pie, it’s time to move on to the next order of business: taking advantage of all of the great Cyber Monday deals! There are few things we at Shopilly love more than a good sale, so we’ve rounded up some of the hottest deals from our favorite brands for you. Check them out below, and happy shopping!

Cyber Monday 2013

Aeropostale
Casual apparel brand Aeropostale is offering up to 70% off everything, plus free shipping on orders $75 and over. For the ladies, we love the delicate lace work on this peasant top, now $22.25. For the fellas, this donegal cardigan provides a lot of class for just $29.75.

Fab
“Everyday Design” retailer Fab is a great place to find inventive, quirky stocking stuffers, and right now it’s offering 30% off sitewide (note: a few brands are excluded from this promotion; see website for details). How fun are these fingerless heart gloves and triceratops cufflinks? And if you pick out $200 worth of stocking stuffers, you’ll get $30 of Fab credit to use by December 16.

REI
For the outdoor recreation buffs, REI is wishing everyone “Happy Holi-Deals!” with an extra 30% off one item at its online outlet store. Visit REI-outlet.com by 11:59 pm PST tonight to take advantage of this deal.

TUMI
If holiday travel has wreaked havoc on your luggage, fear not! TUMI is offering 30% off full price T-Tech products like this lightweight large trip packing case, originally $545 but now $381.50 with discount. You’ll also receive free shipping.

Wine.com
‘Tis the season to be merry- especially since you can save 10% on your purchase of 6 or more wines on wine.com. Mix and match your favorites and enter the promo code MAKEMERRY at checkout. If you’ve already stocked up on wine but need accessories like wine glasses or decanters, use the promo code BESANTA to save 20% on your purchase. Cheers!

Decorating for a Happy Thanksgiving

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‘Tis that time of the year again, when the skeletons and jack-o-lanterns of Halloween are put aside to make way for Thanksgiving decorations. Here at Shopilly, we’ve been scouring Pinterest for creative new decorating ideas, and we’re inspired by all of the beautiful boards we’ve seen. Today, we’re sharing some of our favorite ideas, along with tips on how to use Shopilly to achieve these festive looks.

Thanksgiving Candle Display

Thanksgiving Candle Display (Better Homes and Gardens via Christi Naler)
The key to putting together an interesting candle display is to vary the candle sizes, shapes and colors. Pier 1 Imports has an impressive selection of candles- we would pick up a few Ember Candles, Spiced Cake Candles and Island Orchard Candles in various sizes to create a display evocative of autumn leaves.

Edible Maple Leaf Napkin Holders

Edible Maple Leaf Napkin Holders (The Gardening Cook via Stacy Shepherd-Jordan)
The only thing better than an artistic napkin holder is an edible artistic napkin holder. This (partially) edible maple leaf napkin holder is simple to put together, but adds so much holiday cheer to any table setting. Bake up some maple leaf-shaped cookies with Williams-Sonoma’s Fall Copper Cookie Cutters, and while your cookies are in the oven, gather the best-looking leaves from your yard. After the cookies have cooled, layer one cookie over a leaf and a Solid Linen Napkin, and tie everything together with a matching ribbon.

Thankful Message Board

Thankful Message Board (Better Homes and Gardens via Lauren Miller)
If you’re having company over for Thanksgiving, leaving out a thankful message board is a fun way to engage your guests and set the mood for the holiday. You can put together a thankful message board with relatively little work- all you need is a few sheets of colorful paper and a photo frame like one of these Black & Gold Wood Gallery Frames from Restoration Hardware. Remove the glass panel from the frame and insert a sheet of colored paper as the background for the message board. For added elegance, use a textured sheet in place of a regular sheet. Cut various leaf shapes out of the remaining sheets of colored paper (hint: trace a leaf-shaped cookie cutter if it helps!), and leave them by the message board for your guests to fill out. You may also want to invest in some removable adhesive putty to attach the leaves to the board.

Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!
The Shopilly Team