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

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

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

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

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

Time to (B)Ring in Summertime Accessories

Rings are the ultimate way to add personality to your outfit. Although some think that rings aren’t as important as other forms of jewelry, choosing the right ring to complement the colors in your outfit or your overall style can help elevate your outfit to the next level. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite summertime rings to hopefully share some inspiration! Happy browsing, Shopilly users!

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For only $5.80, go feminine and edgy with this etched faux turquoise ring from Forever 21! This ring screams go big or go home with its bright stone and cutout detail. The teal will add another perfect pop of color to your outfit and it is eye-catching enough to make a statement even if you decide to pair it with neutrals.

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Banana Republic has a knack for creating classy pieces of jewelry that will no doubt bring together your outfit, and this orchid band ring priced at $35.00 is no exception. It is perfect for someone with a lively and colorful personality, and the sea green and blue hues make this a perfect option for a beach outfit, a day at the park, or a garden party.

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The lapis quad ring for $22.00 from BaubleBar also hails as one of our top 5 picks for summer rings. More subdued than the first two options, this ring’s beauty comes from its bold shape and mysterious hues. Chic and exciting, this ring will surely transform any outfit.

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Not all of our picks for summer rings are the traditional three B’s– big, bold, and beautiful. This got heart ring from Free People is a simplistically sophisticated choice to let your clothing do most of the talking. For $50.00, a striking glitter of gold on your finger is soft and feminine and will add just the right amount of glitz and glamour to your ensemble.

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Rounding out our list is a stacked floral ring set from Charlotte Russe for only $6.00! Stackable sets give you room to play with different combinations of rings. Be creative with which fingers you place your rings on, as well as how many rings you want on each finger. The set features four metallic bands with faux-pearls, rhinestones, rosettes and a lovely floral cameo– perfect for a girly touch.

We hope we were able to inspire you to go out and find your perfect summer ring! Don’t forget to set up an account on Shopilly to follow your favorite brands and stores, and to receive up-to-date promotional information so you can snatch all the summertime accessories you want at their best prices.

And please let us know if you’ve found your perfect summer ring– you may be featured in an upcoming blog post!

Happy ring shopping,
Shopilly

Holiday Rush: Last-Minute Gifts Under $100!

Say hello to the holiday rush: With only 5 days left to finish your shopping, retailers are making spirits extra bright with special deals, last-minute sales and free upgraded shipping to deliver by Christmas. So if you still have a long list to go, avoid the crowds and check out our roundup of the web’s best last-minute presents for under $100. We’ve combed all our favorite gift guides to bring you deals and steals on items that are a delight to give as they are to receive. Happy shopping!

FOR THE ONE WHO LOVES TO BAKE: Tea Time Measuring Cups, $15

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We can always count on Anthropologie to bring out our inner hostess, thanks to their darling, vintage-inspired kitchen accessories. These bright ceramic measuring cups (on sale for $15, order by tomorrow for Christmas delivery) are sure to spark a smile every time she whips up a batch of buttercream cupcakes.

FOR THE POLISHED PRINCESS: Bow Leather Driving Gloves, $30

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Ann Taylor puts a bright blue twist on leather driving gloves with this sweet bow-topped pair ($60, plus an extra 50% off all cold weather accessories & full-priced items with code GIFTANN), which we think would be perfect for your sophisticate friend.

FOR THE SNEAKER PURIST: Superga Classic Sneakers, from $65

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Superga’s canvas kicks have been around for over 100 years but are making a comeback in a big way this season, thanks to a rainbow of new colors that promise to keep feet happy all year long. (from $65 at Bloomingdales, order by tonight for free Christmas shipping.)

FOR THE MAN WHO HAS EVERYTHING: Coach IPhone case, $78 each

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Equal parts masculine and refined, Coach’s classic IPhone case ($78, order by Saturday to receive by Christmas + free shipping over $150) is crafted of soft, supple leather that will keep his phone in tip-top condition.

FOR THE DREAMER: J.Crew vintage pajama set, $85

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She’ll get her beauty sleep in style, thanks to J.Crew’s cozy vintage pajama set ($85, enjoy an extra 30% off with code CELEBRATE), spun of crisp men’s shirting cotton and designed to inspire sweet dreams.

FOR THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS: Studded trays, $79

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She’ll host a swanky soiree for the opening of an envelope and always keeps hors d’oeuvres on the ready in case there’s unexpected company. Give the seasoned hostess a chic cocktail tray, such as S2’s studded leather trays ($79 for 2 at One King’s Lane) to add a pop of panache to her next get-together.

FOR THE SPA GIRL

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Kiss dry winter skin goodbye with Bliss Spa’s luxurious, best-selling body butter in fresh scents like blood orange, lemon + sage and creamy vanilla. (Today only, score 4 tubes for $29 with code TODAY12!)

FOR THE CITY SLICKER: Knowlita Typography Print

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We think Kowlita’s bold typography prints ($21 on Fab.com; hurry, sale ends in 2 days!) is the perfect present for anyone who hearts NYC. Our favorite is the Nolita print, reminiscent of the days when we lived on the Bowery (sigh).

FOR THE WILD CHILD

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The perfect accessory to add bite to drab winter outfits yet light enough to keep her cozy through spring, we’re wild for Banana Republic’s Lara zebra scarf ($50 + extra 30% off with code BRWINTER till Friday).

FOR THE FUNNYGUY: Jack Spade Cheddar wallet, $62

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He’ll be charmed with this cheeky wallet by Jack Spade (on sale for $62), crafted of fine-grain calfskin and designed to keep the modern bankroller’s cheddar (bones, clams, whatever) neatly tucked away.

Dressing for an Office Holiday Party, Part II

The holiday season is in full swing, so today we return to the topic of office holiday party attire, but with a focus on the fellows. Jeans or slacks? Tie or no tie? Vest and jacket, or just a button-down? Read on for our attire suggestions for a spectrum of dress codes:

  • Casual: If your office environment is casual and the holiday party invitation indicates that the dress code is “festive” – or another ambiguous adjective – feel free to dress as you would for work. Leave the polo and flip-flops at home, though – it’s a party, after all! Dark denim and a nice sweater are always a safe bet. Banana Republic’s Vintage Straight jean is universally flattering and available in 11 washes. Pair it with a classic Marled Wool V-Neck Sweater or this Slim-Fit Dress Shirt by Kenneth Cole (on sale now for 2 for $60), and you’re good to go.
  • Semi-formal: Sometimes semi-formal is also written as “informal” on event invitations, but don’t be fooled – both require a suit and tie. Armani Exchange is offering 30% off blazers and shirts, so if you’ve been meaning to invest in a basic piece like the Tuxedo Style Blazer or Herringbone Jacquard Shirt, now’s the time to do so. If you want to purchase a full suit, take a look at the selection from Hugo Boss. It offers five fits – classic, modern, slim, extra slim, and big and tall, so you’re sure to find something for your body type. Hugo Boss also has an impressive selection of neckwear, so don’t forget to pick up a tie or bow-tie to round out your outfit.
  • Formal: For a formal or black tie event, it’s time to break out the penguin-wear. Nordstrom is a good place to look for designer tuxedos – think Zegna and Dolce & Gabbana. J. Crew offers some more affordable options, as does Perry Ellis. Many of the pieces in the Perry Ellis “Dapper Dressing” category are now on sale, including the Brushed Twill Slim Fit Tux Jacket, so head on over if you’re looking for a good deal.

Happy holidays from the Shopilly team!

Photo credits: bananarepublic.gap.com, armaniexchange.com, perryellis.com

Dressing for an Office Holiday Party

With Thanksgiving behind us, it’s time to focus on the year-end holiday parties coming this month. Between the family traditions and celebrations with friends, you may hardly have time to get your holiday shopping done. But don’t let that get in the way of your wardrobe selections – especially when it comes to your office holiday party. If you’re having a hard time choosing a festive but appropriate outfit for your that event, take a look at these options, and then kick back with your co-workers and indulge in the holiday spirit!

  1. A nice sweater, fitted pants and pumps make a lovely combination that you can wear straight from the office to the party. I love this sophisticated draped cowl-neck sweater by Banana Republic in festive red. Pair it with bootcut pants like the Gretchen Black Bootcut Pant or, for a dressier feel, a high waist skirt like the Midi Knit Skirt (both bottoms by Bebe). Finish the outfit off with Nine West’s Caress pumps, available in safe solid colors or in gold glitter if you’re so inclined, and you’re instantly party-ready. By the way, Nine West is offering 30% off your entire purchase until 11:59 pm EST tonight, so hop to it!
  2. If your first priority is to stay warm, followed closely by appearing stylish, you can kill two birds with one stone by choosing a sweater dress. J. Crew’s Tee Dress is Italian cashmere, so you’ll stay cozy all night long. Another good option is French Connection’s wool-blend Milla Milano Dress. Pair either dress with tights and boots to shield your legs from the cold as well. The Martta Boot by Coach is a beautiful riding boot for those who prefer flat footwear; if you want a few extra inches, the Tres Chic Boot by Kenneth Cole is now 50% off.
  3. A dressier venue gives you the perfect excuse to invest in a new dress, and Express has a good selection of holiday dresses that won’t break the bank. This Long Sleeve Sequin Embellished Dress is great for anyone who gets cold easily, while the Ponte Knit Sheath Dress is flattering and does double duty as a must-have basic piece for any wardrobe. Some more formal options include this show-stealing Draped Long Silk Dress by Mango, or the intricately detailed Caridad Ruffled Dress from Anthropologie.

Fellows, if you’re feeling a little left out, sit tight – we’ll have office holiday party dressing tips for you next week!

Photo credits: bananarepublic.gap.com, bebe.com, usa.frenchconnection.com, kennethcole.com, express.com, shop.mango.com

SHOP IT: WINTER COATS

Baby, it’s cold outside! In light of the Nor’easter blustering through New York City, not to mention snowstorm Brutus making his way west, it’s time — in most of the country — to bundle up in your warmest winter threads. And with all the pre-holiday specials going on, there’s no better time than now to invest in a chic winter jacket. After all, it’s the first thing people notice with your outfit, plus if you find the right one, you’re sure to keep it for many more seasons to come. Read on for our roundup of the season’s warmest, most winsome offerings.

BEST NYLON PUFFER
 
   

If you’re looking for a plush down-filled jacket that won’t make you feel like you’re wearing a sleeping bag, Victoria’s Secret’s knit collar coat (on sale for $126, use code FALL12 to receive $15 off) is cinched at the waist to flatter your figure, and comes with a built-in knit scarf to keep you extra cozy. Another great option is DKNY’s opera coat ($495) cut in a relaxed, robe-like silhouette and perfect to pair with leggings or skinny jeans. As for our favorite, most luxurious non-puffy puffer? Burberry Brit’s down trench coat ($995, use code NOVGV to score a free Neiman Marcus gift card), featuring belted cuffs, rain flaps and a chic double-breasted silhouette. (This one’s a keeper.)

BEST BRIGHTS
     

Perk up your look on even the coldest day with a cheerful pop of color. We love how Banana Republic’s sunny yellow jacket ($225, take 30% off with code BRSAVE30) instantly boosts our mood. Or go pretty in pink with J.Crew’s sweet coat ($325, take 25% off + free shipping using code OURTREAT), lined with special Thinsulate to keep you extra toasty. Asos’ darling cobalt blue design ($92.35), complete with a cute hood, is sure to wake up winter doldrums.

BEST (FAUX) FUR-TRIMMED
   

For the perfect day to dinner jacket, opt for luxurious faux fur flourishes, such as Victoria’s Secret’s cherry red topper ($131) which has a removable collar, or Rachel Zoe’s Trish peacoat ($404, get free shipping) which looks equally chic over office outfits and cocktail party ensembles. Or go all out in Kate Spade New York’s Allie coat ($898), crafted in season-perfect pumpkin with a generous plush trim.

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT

As for those of us living in the warmer parts of the country, there’s no real need for a  heavy-duty jacket, of course. But you can still bundle up on our chillier nights in Rachel Roy’s perfect throw-on-and-go sweater coat ($189) For something a bit more daring, try Via Spiga’s sleek black cape ($100, marked down from $170) to wear with skinny jeans and heels, or stick to something classic with BCBG’s khaki trench ($398, enjoy free 3-day shipping) to wear with just about everything you own.