Decorating for a Happy Thanksgiving

‘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

Autumn Color Inspiration

With the beginning of autumn comes the introduction of a new color palette that reflects the changing leaf colors, shorter days, and cooler temperatures. Ruby reds and vibrant oranges replace the hot pinks and icy blues of summer, and lately we’ve seen these new colors trends reflected on the catwalks, in the lookbooks, and all over the fashion blogs. Today, we’re paying homage to the new season with products inspired by the colors of some of our favorite autumn things.

Changing Leaf Colors

Cerise Shift Dress

Nothing screams autumn quite like the sight of jewel-toned leaves. This Jack by BB Dakota Bandz Woolen Jacket from Urban Outfitters captures the vibrancy of the changing leaf colors, as does this exquisite Cerise Shift Dress from Anthropologie.

Pumpkin Pie

Pudil Flats

We know, we know. It’s not Thanksgiving yet, but what would autumn be without pumpkin pie? This Double V-Neck Sweater from Express comes in an orange reminiscent of our favorite autumn dessert, and the unexpected detailing on the back gives it an understated elegance. Right now, the sweater is buy one, get one 50% off, so hop to it!

We’re also enamored with these orange Pudil Flats by Aldo. Pair them with a black pencil skirt for Halloween flair that’s safe for the office.

Bonfires

There are few things more inviting on a chilly autumn night than a warm, crackling bonfire. The color grey usually gets a bad name for being boring or bland, but this grey nail polish (NARS Nail Polish in Galathee from Sephora) proves to be both sophisticated enough for a fancy night out, and casual enough for a quick coffee with friends. If you’re looking for something a little more flashy, Rain Drops Nail Varnish by Illamasqua (also available at Sephora) comes in a shimmery light grey.

Happy shopping!
The Shopilly Team

Fall Preview: Ankle Boots, Sleek Trenches, and Cozy Knits

Labor Day marked the unofficial end of summer, and though we’re sad to see it go, we’re already looking forward to fall. In fact, we’re looking forward to it so much that we’ve rounded up a fashion preview to get you excited for the wardrobe transition that accompanies cooler temperatures and shorter days. Take a look at some of the trends we’re noticing from our favorite brands:

Ankle Boots

Fiera Ankle Booties

The last few years have been all about knee-high boots in riding and western styles, but we’re loving the lower-cut ankle boots that have been making the rounds in fashion blogs. These boots are both cute and versatile — wear them with summer dresses and bare legs now, and slip them over leggings or skinny jeans come fall. Some of our favorite styles are the Fiera double zipper booties by Aldo and the combat-inspired Towner booties by Nine West. We also like the eclectic boot styles Cupcakes and Cashmere blogger Emily Schuman highlighted in this recent post.

Sleek Trenches

ASOS Skater Trench

A classic trench coat is a must-have piece — throw one over any outfit for instant polish. Asos has a great selection of trenches at affordable prices. We like the Asos Classic Trench and Asos Skater Trench, both of which come in camel or black.

Cozy Knits

Knitted Tie Back Cable Top

If you’ve been affected by the recent heat waves in the midwest, cozy knit sweaters are probably not at the top of your “to-buy” list right now. That being said, this Forever 21 Floral Open-Knit Top is a lighter option for early mornings or crisp evenings. For those of you living in cooler regions, we love the adorable detailing on Topshop’s Knitted Tie Back Cable Top.

Which fall trends are you looking forward to wearing the most? Tell us in the comments!

Cheers,
The Shopilly Team

Fashionbi is Helping Companies Reach Their Potentials

Fashion digital marketing optimization are four words to describe Fashionbi, a company empowering fashion and luxury brands. In this day and age, with the social media boom, brick-and-mortar stores having to not only compete with their next door neighbors but also e-tailers on the web, and the emergence of “omni-channel” retailing, it is increasingly becoming harder and harder for brands to 1) stay afloat with their promotion goals, 2) remain up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry, and 3) track competitor performance and tactics.

That’s where Fashionbi comes in. We’ve decided to spotlight Fashionbi because we love that it is the easiest way to discover, compare, and follow facts and data in the fashion industry: a complete dream for tastemakers and marketing dynamos who converge to share and absorb knowledge and new expertise.

fashionbi

Headquartered in a fashion capital? Check. The company is based in Milan, Italy but has a true global reach with team members in China, Turkey, America, and Europe. Launched in 2012, this company boasts an international team that is able to truly serve its client brands and provide the best globally-relevant luxury market and brand research to help companies establish prowess in their niches.

We identify with Fashionbi because it is the first company to specialize in digital marketing optimization for the fashion industry, similar to how Shopilly is the first optimization tool for fashionistas and shoppers. Fashionbi lets you track, compare and follow any fashion brand and helps you improve your brand performance just as Shopilly allows you to track your purchases, compare new arrivals and sales promotions, and follow your favorite retailers to help you improve and streamline your shopping experience.

Need to increase awareness for your brand, or work to solidify the associations behind your brand? Are you meaningfully tapping into social platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram? Request information with Fashionbi today to learn more about how this company is making waves, and can help your brand make waves today too.

Follow them on Facebook and Twitter today to learn more and stay updated with the company!

Shopilly’s Favorite Summer Cocktails

Beyond beautiful weather and longer days, one of our favorite things about summer is berry season. As summer approaches, we dream of luscious strawberries, plump blueberries and fun hybrid berries like olallieberries. And, like most people, we love berries in all forms — fresh, in pies, and as jams — but our favorite thing to do with berries is to enjoy them in summer cocktails. In the spirit of summer cheer, we’ve included recipes for two of our favorite cocktails so that you, too, can take advantage of berry season before it’s over!

Shopilly's Favorite Summer Cocktails

Strawberry Basil Lemonade (inspiration: theKitchn)
Makes 1 serving

  • 3 strawberries, de-stemmed
  • 5 basil leaves
  • 1.5 ounces vodka (the original recipe calls for Smirnoff Strawberry Vodka, but unflavored vodka will do as well)
  • 1 ounce pureed strawberries
  • ½ cup lemonade
  • a few ice cubes

Start by muddling the strawberries and basil leaves and vodka in a glass*. Transfer the mixture to a cocktail shaker and add the pureed strawberries to the mix. Add ice, shake for 15 seconds, and then pour everything back into the glass. Lastly, fill the glass with lemonade and stir before serving.

*we like these Rocco Blue Double Old-Fashioned Glasses or, if you’re feeling playful, these Mustache Double Old Fashioned Glasses. Both are available at World Market.

Blackberry Cooler (inspiration: Rachael Ray)
Makes 1 serving

  • 4 mint leaves
  • 4 blackberries
  • 2 ounces gin
  • 1 ounce elderflower liqueur (the original recipe recommends St-Germain)
  • ½ lemon, juiced
  • a few ice cubes
  • optional: agave nectar, to taste

Start by muddling the mint leaves in a cocktail shaker, like this one from World Market. Add the berries and continue muddling. Add the remaining ingredients into the cocktail shaker and shake to combine. Strain the mixture into a rock glass* and enjoy.

*we’re fans of the Harry Rocks Glass from Crate&Barrel — beautiful and inexpensive.

We hope you enjoy these recipes, and we’d love to hear about your favorite summer cocktails in the comments below!

Cheers,
the Shopilly Team

Photo credits: worldmarket.com, rachaelraymag.com, crateandbarrel.com

Shopilly and Reiss Announce New Partnership!

We at Shopilly are very happy to be partnering with the global fashion icon, Reiss, which is launching its new Men and Women’s collection (called the “Reiss AW13 Collection”) on August 6th.

Reiss is a respected brand worldwide and has a strong following ranging from famous Hollywood celebrities to the British royal family.  Please check out a preview of the catalog below, and visit the Reiss website for a closer look at the catalogs as well.

Women's Reiss

Womenswear collection is a flexible wardrobe of timeless pieces that you can play with according to your mood.  Modern Femininity exudes the Reiss women’s wardrobe bringing the past into the future.  Feminine silhouettes are the crux of the season with staple items re-assessed and subtly re-worked, looking at detailing and fabrics.  Fabrics include modern parachute cottons, pure silks, fine gage cashmere knits and double-faced crepes.  The color focus is Rose, Absinthe, Duck egg blue, Lilacs and Lavenders, Black and Whites.

Men's Reiss

Menswear collection is timeless and believable for the self-assured man who has an adventurous spirit, rugged and boisterous.  When designing the collection, Reiss design team was inspired by how children’s books simplify grown-up situations with a playful approach.  The collection also works as separate pieces with functionality and art at its core.  The styling is a reductive and restrained offering with an undeniably stylish etiquette of dress.  The color palette is built around Persian ink, Empire blue, soft and dapper grey.  Luxurious fabrics were chosen for the collection including wool, cashmere and Italian leather.

Cheers to the Weekend with Kate Spade Saturday

We can all recognize Kate Spade by its iconic colors, perfectly chic bows and polka dots, and cute taglines and phrases that bring the brand to life (live colorfully anyone?). So when Kate Spade introduced a sister brand that boasts prices that are 50% cheaper, it was no shock when all of us non-New-York-non-Japan millennium consumers flocked to the Kate Spade Saturday website to get our hands on the coveted girly sweet (but not saccharine) products.

Saturday’s represents an offshoot of the Kate Spade brand’s success, which has only been exponentially rising over the past decade. Though still upholding the signature Kate Spade design aesthetic we know and love, this line features more affordable inventory that reaches out to a younger customer with more casual and minimalist looks.

The brand has already ascended to international prominence with six permanent stores in Japan, and plans to open more in the future. More U.S. stores are also slated to open, including other New York locations as well as outposts on the West Coast. For now, customers in the U.S. can get their hands on a $70 splatter paint wallet or a $150 canary crossover dress through purchasing online or through visitng the New York pop-up shop.

splatter

Beyond success in the Japan market, a key guerrilla marketing tactic in New York helped the brand solidify its stardom and generate buzz before announcing more store launches. A partnership with eBay to create cutting-edge window shops made Saturday’s the talk of the fashion and business world. From June to early July, “shoppable” storefront windows allowed customers to buy clothing and accessories from a catalog of 30 inventory items through a touch-screen device displayed in the windows. Passerby selected what they wanted on the screen, entered in their phone number to receive order confirmation, greeted a messenger who delivered the products within the hour to select areas for free, and payed upon delivery. Talk about truly experiencing a revolutionary brand.

Taking this a step further, Kate Spade Saturday has extended their stay at 30 Gansevoort Street in New York by building out the space behind the digital storefront. This pop-up shop will be open through October 31, with special events held every Saturday (no surprises there, but we surely approve of the weekly celebration to celebrate the brand name!)

Here are our top two favorite looks from the Kate Spade Saturday 2014 Resort Collection. Let us know which one you love more!

KSS_Resort13_LookbookSM-5-640x960 (1)

This pairing screams “live colorfully” in the most subdued way possible, and that’s why we love it. A cool lavender paired with gold accent jewelry and a pastel checkered mini-skirt? Yes, yes, and yes.

KSS_Resort13_LookbookSM-9-640x960

The “because we’re excited about Fall fashion” look. The combination of a simple charcoal sweater, metallic tote bag, and a soft sea-foam hue is cozy but glam. Understated, but not underwhelming.

Be sure to follow Kate Spade on Shopilly, and visit the Kate Spade Saturday website to browse through the apparel and accessories.

As always, happy shopping!

Team Shopilly

Keep Cool From Head to Toe

If the recent heat wave on the West Coast is any indicator, this summer may be a scorcher, but it’s hard to stay indoors when sunshine and fresh air are calling your name. Whether you’re eager to head outdoors for a casual pick-up game, or you’re determined not to let a little heat disrupt your outdoor workout routine, here are some pieces that will help keep you cool from head to toe:

Performance Train Cap

Performance Train Cap, Reebok, $18

A good athletic hat serves multiple purposes: keeping the sun off of your face and keeping hair and sweat out of your eyes. Look for a breathable hat with reflective panels like the Performance Train Cap by Reebok to keep you cool and visible during your workout. However, don’t assume that wearing a hat will absolve you from wearing sunscreen! You should still apply waterproof sunscreen on your face and other exposed parts of your body every two hours to avoid sun damage when exercising outside.

Azagra Running Tank Top

Asics Azagra Running Tank Top, Sports Authority, $42

We love this tank top’s unique perforated cutouts and sweat-wicking fabric. This well-ventilated tank top also provides a supportive shelf bra and UPF protection from the sun’s rays, making it perfect for outdoor activities like a game of kickball or leisurely jog.

Run Speed Short

Run Speed Short, Lululemon, $54

The Run Speed Short is one of Lululemon’s most popular items, and for good reason. Its 2 ½” inseam is short enough to keep you cool, without showing too much leg. Lightweight fabric, paired with a COOLMAX liner, wicks moisture away, while a convenient zipper pocket on the back of the waistband allows you to go hands-free during outdoor activity.

CoolMesh II Tab Back Socks

WrightSock CoolMesh II Tab-Back Socks, REI, $11

Fans of WrightSock’s CoolMesh sock series swear by its ability to wick moisture away even on the hottest of days. Don’t let the CoolMesh II’s double-layer design fool you — these socks are surprisingly light, and the layers absorb friction and moisture to prevent blisters. The high tab-back also prevents uncomfortable chafing along your heel and achilles.