The Perfect Neutral

bride in nude shoes: found via Santa Barbara Chic photography by One Love Photography

Still deciding what shoes to wear with your gown? Consider nude. Nude is the ultimate neutral shoe (they coordinate with everything!). Regardless if you go with heels or flats, choose a nude shade that blends with your skin tone to take advantage of nude shoes claim to fame: helping your legs look like they go on for miles!

Summertime Wardrobe Must-Have

If you’re like me, you’re not a big fan of running around town in shorts and a t-shirt. I guess I just prefer a look that’s a bit more pulled-together. Thing is, we’re all busy and I, too, love anything that saves a step in the morning. That’s why, for weekend or work, dresses are my summertime go-to garments. 

During the week, I love shift dresses with a great scarf, an open-front cardi, or even a short denim jacket topper to keep the air conditioning at bay. A-line dresses are fun, too, with that early 1960s sensibility that’s going on right now. And for weekend, I’m excited to explore our selection of maxi dresses. Honestly, give one a try; you don’t have to be a 6-ft. tall supermodel to wear them. Hey, if you can be cool, comfortable and on-trend all at the same time? Sign me up!

There’s a reason people on design-competition shows love to create dresses: They’re flattering to every body type and so lovely to wear. Find your style, find what makes you feel comfortable and beautiful and embrace the trend!

Hop into Spring

Look no further for your sweet and savory treats! We have a new selection of web exclusive delicacies: From cheese and sausage to candy and nuts. Buy a special treat to share or give to someone you know - our wide assortment of gourmet treats are sure to make it easy to find something for everyone!

Deal of the Day: Sandals!

Spring into spring with Dr. Scholl’s Nostalgia sandal, but get them before they're gone. Originally priced at $49, they’re $23.97 today only – our best deal of the Day!

Spring Trend: Nail it!

Step into spring with bold nail polish! We have a wide variety of colors from Nicole by OPI including new shades from the Kardashian Kolor collection! Only $8 each!

DIY: Cake Pops

Cake Pop Wedding Favors via Cake Pop LA 

A blend between a lollipop and a cupcake, cake pops seem to be, well, popping up everywhere! Make your own with Babycakes® Cake Pops Cupcake Maker. As simple to use as a waffle iron, this fun kitchen appliance lets you make up to 12 cake pops, donut holes or other gourmet desserts at once. It even includes 50 sticks plus a recipe book to get you started.

Espadrilles: The Go-To Summer Shoe

Ah, shoes. Unlike skinny-day pants and, well, not-so-skinny-day pants, they always fit, which is why I love splurging on them. And nothing says “summer” to me like a great pair of espadrilles. 

 

To the uninitiated, the jute rope heel or sole is what defines an espadrille; the uppers and heel heights can vary widely. We’re featuring adorable, bright, casual flats, colorful sky-high wedges and sandals embellished with laces, flowers and bows, as well as with deconstructed fabrics and woven leather detail. There is seriously a shoe for every outfit, every mood, every day. And they’re so very comfortable, too. I’m hooked, and clearly I’m in the market for more than just one pair. I think once you try them for yourself, you’ll agree.

  

Hey Batter, Batter!

 baseball bat, glove and ball image found via

Peanuts, popcorn and hot dogs -- oh my! That can only mean one thing: it's time to play ball! Get excited for the 2012 baseball season and be prepared for all those Major League Baseball games with our wide selection of officially-licensed lunchboxes and coolers, throws, wall decals, dinnerware and so much more. Don't get caught without 'em!

 

Deal of the Day – Your Prom Dress Dilemma Solved!

Prom Season is under way and have we’ve got a great deal for you today! Choose from 3 dress styles all at a great value price of 49.97. Your friends will not only be envious of how beautiful you look, but how much money you saved, too!

A Fresh New Face for Spring!

Freshen up your skincare regimen with one of these hot, new releases!

New! Origins Mega-Bright Skin Tone Correcting Serum

Looking for a more natural, gentle alternative to laser resurfacing or chemical peels? This plant-derived serum helps create a more even skin tone and makes dark spots fade into the sunset.  Pair with Brighter by Nature SPF 35 Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer for even better results!

New and Improved! Clarins Extra Firming Moisturizers

These Clarins moisturizers are revolutionary, techie powerhouses. They rebuild the bond between collagen, elastin, and cells paving the way for skin to become firm and tone on all levels.

New! Clinique Repairwear Uplifting Firming Cream

The products you already love have been reformulated for even better results.  Made in two distinct formulas for Dry Combination to Oily and Very Dry to Dry skin types, this cream boosts your eye area’s natural elastin and collagen. Helps visibly smooth out “laugh lines.” Get ready to give your eye area an overhaul.

New! Estee Lauder Daywear BB Cream and Daywear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Cream Oil-Free SPF 25

With SPF 25, this advanced moisturizer is an everyday must-have. Not only will it protect your skin against further damage by the sun, but it also defends your skin against premature signs of aging and diminishes its appearance.

Bokeh

image found via greenweddingshoes | Easy Dreamer Photography

Bokeh is a photography term used to describe areas of a photo that are not quite in focus. To obtain this blurred look, your photographer places a special filter on his or her lens. Bokehs can be done in just about any shape but for your wedding day, a heart-shaped bokeh just seems perfect.

Mambo Mania

You won’t find it anywhere else – the hottest surf and skatewear from Australia, inspired in equal parts by surfing, skateboarding, music, art and humor. The Mambo customer both here and abroad is a special one, with an outgoing nature, a unique look and a great sense of humor. Take a peek at our selection of casual (and cheeky!) looks for juniors, men, boys and girls and see if the designs and graphics speak to you.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention: Ryan Kwanten (Jason Stackhouse on HBO’s True Blood) is our official “Mambassador,” which means that he’ll appear in our ads wearing some of the latest Mambo looks for men. Hello - it doesn’t get any better than that!

Big Plans for Spring Break?

Spring starts March 20th -- time to start planning those upcoming vacations! Whether you're planning a Spring break getaway or traveling to the beach this summer, we've got plenty of options to help make the trip easier. Hit the road with ultra lightweight luggage, extra durable luggage, roomy duffel bags and essential suitcases for the little ones. And don't forget those travel accessories!

A Million Acts of Goodwill

Our Goodwill Sale is a savings event with a purpose. You know the saying, “I’m not spending money, I’m saving money”? When you participate in our Goodwill Sale, you’re not only saving money (up to 20% off) you are also giving back to your community. I don’t know about you, but this is a sale I can really get behind!

Here’s how to get involved:

• Clean out your closet. Set aside those gently used items you no longer wear.

• Bring your items to our store. Donate between March 7-22, 2012 and receive a 20% off coupon* for each item that you can use in our stores or online.

• Help others. Goodwill® uses the revenue from your donations to help people earn good jobs through training and support services.

• Get great deals. Restock your closet with spring fashion items that rarely, if ever, go on sale - such as designer sportswear, handbags, shoes, cosmetics and more! NO EXCLUSIONS (except Incredible Value items)!

This is the perfect time not only to give, but to save on items that rarely go on sale! Shop Electronics and buy the TV you never got for the Holidays or stock up on your favorite Cosmetics Brands. Go to our Homepage and get details on how to donate and save. Start shopping now!

*Customary restrictions apply.

Spring Trend: Eye Spy Bold Eyes!

Nothing says spring like bold eye color! Lancôme just released some new tools that would be great additions to your make-up bag: Liner Design Longwear Calligraphy Gel Eyeliner, a Smudger Brush, PLUS new Color Design Palettes for Spring!

P.S. Lancome The Gift of Paris is going on now … ooh, la, la!

Cupcakes!

dessert table image found via Ruffled | photography by Aaron Shintaku

Cupcakes are the ultimate bridal shower sweet treat.  Not only are they delicious, but they can be decorated to match just about any theme or décor.  To serve, think a bit outside the box and arrange them on a few different cake stands to add visual interest and height to your dessert buffet.  You can also stack footed cake plates on top of one another for an alternate look.

   

It’s Fashion Week!

Welcome to Fashion Week! Every spring and fall, we get an overall view of our fashion direction and I can’t wait to share all of the fresh, new merchandise with you. Bold pops of color, maxi dresses and exotic prints are just some of the things you’ll need to add to your wardrobe. So pull out the plastic totes, fold up the black turtlenecks and thick cardigans, and make some room in your closets and drawers. Personally, I’m looking to add a pair of bright jeans (blue’s great, but maybe red just to switch it up), an easy dress for weekend errands with the kids and possibly an armload of chunky bangle bracelets. 

Please visit our Spring '12 online trend guide for more info, or shop our most amazing looks from this season’s fashion books. 

Enjoy and happy spring!

  

Clean Slate

As spring approaches, we think about those cold days becoming warmer – and the chore of cleaning our homes. Clean, organized homes are wonderful, but it's not so exciting to get there. Send in the troops! Our exclusive line of LivingQuarters home storage solutions, including shoe racks, under-the-bed storage containers, drying racks and hangers, and even a compact folding stool, make organization effortless.

  

It’s Special Sizes Week!

Lots of women avoid shopping because they feel nothing comes in their size, so why bother? Pants are too long, the rise is too low (and you can’t sit down without revealing too much), shirts gap at the closure, the dreaded “muffin top,” etc. Or worse, it fits but it looks like you borrowed it from your grandma. Definitely NOT the way to channel your inner fashionista.

Well, I’ve got great news for you: It’s Special Sizes Week, which means we’re shining a light on those sizes that will make your life easier. “Petite” doesn’t just mean “small.” You’ll find sizes for women of a shorter stature, no matter what your shape. And you’ll find cute, fashion-forward things, too – have a look. And if you’ve been avoiding our Plus Size department, you’re missing an incredibly trendy and, yes, FLATTERING selection of merchandise. It can be done, and we’re proud to help you get out of your shopping rut and get it started. Click over to one of those pages for info about a special sizes discount, too. Not only will you look fantastic, you’ll save while you’re doing it. Now go put the “I” back in “shopping!”

shop plus-size | shop petites

   

Deal of the Day – Disney Kids Carry-On

Spring Break is around the corner and the kids can't wait to go somewhere warm. Have them travel in style with the Disney Kids 18-inch wheeled carry on for $39.97; four styles to choose from. But hurry, it's only for today and it's our best Deal of the Day!

New from Lancôme!

Emma Watson photo found via

Rouge in Love Lipcolor! Rouge in Love gives your lips a lovely dose of high potency color while being so lightweight, you’ll forget your wearing it! And it lasts up to 6 hours! Available in 21 shades, perfect for every outfit and every mood.

P.S.  Lancôme Gift starts on 3/7!