Pitaya

Here is another boutique to check out while you are walking the streets of Ann Arbor. Pitaya started out in 1990 out of Bloomington, Indiana. Now they have branched out to over sixteen different locations. Pitaya offers cute, trendy merchandise at great prices. Here are just a few of the great finds I came across. Check out more at pitaya.com

So most of the time I talk about fashion.. but wine is also a big part of every girls life, and I think it also deserves some attention. How much fun do you have getting ready to go out if you don't have a nice bottle to celebrate the occasion anyway? I found this a couple years ago and it has been my favorite ever sense. My sister buys boxes of Bitch at a time, and I promise it's not only because she can really relate to the label. Bitch has a grade that is very soft and lightly colored, yet notes of strawberry and raspberry blends. So try it out girls... release a little bit of that Bitch in you :)

Anne Michelle

Addiction 61 Grey Button Up Boot
Colada 06 Black Ruffle Rage Fauxe Suede Heel
Essence 42 Grey Peep Toe Bow Bootie

Anne Michelle shoes are perfect for those who enjoy stand out designs and detail. They create heels, boots, and mules which all rock amazing ruffles, buckles, studs, or beads. Most Anne Michelle shoes I have come across are slip ons, made of synthetic leather and priced around $24 to $55. Although there is no direct website, I have found them at Target, Amazon, and Lulus.com of course.

Pink Pump Store

I am always one to support local business, and this is a business I think we all may be supporting a lot. Pink Pump was slated to open in July in downtown Ann Arbor on East liberty, taking the spot of the old John Leidy Shop next to the Michigan Theater. Although I am sad to say I have not been to the store yet, I think it will pleasantly surprise us all. The shoe boutique is owned by Tawny Theiu, who already has stores located in downtown Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham and Royal Oak. Shoes will range from $20 to $400 and will carry designers like Betsy Johnson, Jessica Simpson, L.A.M.B., Hunter, and Minnetonka. Here are links to both her website, and a complete article from AnnArbor.com. I love it already!

http://shoppinkpump.com/

http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/pink-pump-shoe-store-to-open-in-ex-john-leidy-shop-in-ann-arbor/

http://www.facebook.com/pinkpump?ref=ts#!/pinkpump?v=info&ref=ts

The Art of Crochet

BKE Boutique Crochet Tank TopWhat use to be used on crafts and doilies is now becoming chic thanks to designers like Chanel whose Spring/Summer collection brought a whole new way of using this knit. This summer it has been popping up everywhere, from skirts, shirt, dresses, and scarves. I think it may have some staying power as well, with cute designs like the one above from The Buckle.

Claire Fong

Goldsmobile Earrings
Taking my recent post to mind, Claire Fong designs some amazing earrings that will make any outfit pop. I love long earrings, and apparently so does she. With the quirky and artistic designs, I'm sure everyone will be asking where on earth you found them. You can actually find them at Lulus.com, but that could be our little secret...

ACCESSORIZE!

"A|X Armani Exchange is accessible Armani, inspired by street-chic culture, fashionable dance music and everything that signifies freedom and personal style. Armani Exchange is the youthful label created by Italian designer and entrepreneur Giorgio Armani. " website

I absolutely love this store. It feels great to splurge once in a while, but do not feel as though you have to in order to shop this label. This necklace which I love is $38 while sunglasses are $65. Compare that to Express jewelry or Jessica Simpson shades and you can see with a little effort you can expand your wardrobe and add in some designer items for less. Lets face it, accessories will make it or break it. A jazzed up white T-Shirt and skinny jeans can look like a million dollars without being even close.

Cut Outs

My pick: Is the Microphone On? Dress in Cheeta at Lulus.com

Cut-Out Dresses were huge in the celebrity world last Summer, but are now just making it to everyday wear. I absolutely love this trend. You don't have to reveal too much as its sexiness is about the flash of bare body, but not enough to feel out of place. The designs are so strategically placed it just becomes part of the dress.

MANGO

Dress Ladera
Sweater RTD Prove
T-Shirt RCD Combitop
T-Shirt Blondi
Dress Arena
Sweater RCD Cheerful
Mango Dress RSC Casablan

I recently went on a trip to Miami and discovered a store we do not have the pleasure of visiting in the midwest. That in no way means you can't shop there though! The first Mango store was opened in Barcelona, with five additional stores opening in their first year of business. Today they have stores all over the word from Canada, the United States, Mexico, and through out Europe. Check mango.com out now for some amazing pricing (average is about $35) on awesome duds. These are my picks...

Gilt

The Gilt Group is an invitation only website dedicated to provide you with coveted fashion and luxury brands at prices of up to 70% off retail. Each sale begins at midnight and lasts up to 38 hours. They also provide a Sales Calendar so you have the most up to date information on what will go on sale and when. This week Alexander McQueen is on Monday, Marc Jacobs and Vera Wang are Wednesday. You also receive a coupon for $25 any time you refer someone else. It doesn't get much better than that. Here is a sneak peak of what you can expect: Above the Belle Flare Jean by William Rast Original Price $229 Gilt Price $89

Pink Loves Major League Baseball

I'm sure I'm not the only one that was absolutely thrilled when Pink released their Collegiate Collection. Finally, not having to search all over to find some cute State clothes! As of March Victoria Secret has launched another co-branded merchandise collection with a Major League Baseball Collection. At least near college schools, they have some selection. Trying to find a cute Tigers t-shirt that didn't look like a cheap garage sale item took me down a dead end last summer. As of now, to the disappointment of my Michigan girls, there is not a Tigers line. They have 11 teams signed including Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Los Angels of Anaheim, Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals. I am sure they will be expanding however, as it took some time to get all the colleges involved. Here is a look at their first line.

ASOS.COM

I was recommended to visit Asos The Online Fashion Store by a friend a couple weeks ago, and this site has a lot going on. It's based in the UK but allows you to get express shipping to the US for only $14. Prices are also pretty reasonable. There is a vast array of styles and options to choose from. I especially love the ability to view the models walk on a runway, which puts somewhat of an end to the age old mystery "what is this really going to look like". Another feature, that I found pretty sweet, is the ability to look up clothes by celebrity. I looked up two of my faves, Sarah Jessica Parker and Lauren Conrad, and found these two ensembles. Check it out for yourself at asos.com

See Thru Soul

See Thru Soul is a brand that makes some really hip looking flares. I've found them at Von Maur and The Buckle, but you can find sites that sell them all over the web at some pretty good discounts. They are well made and well worth the wait...

Make Up For Ever

I tried this HD Microfinish Powder under one of the Sephora Rep's recommendation, and this stuff is crazy cool. The powder is really lightweight and silky. It sets your foundation and mattifies skin without changing your color. It is used in the film industry because it is so long lasting, and will even "waterproof" your makeup. After two weeks of using it, my verdict is it's pretty sweet.

Buxom Babe

Bare Escentuals has come out with Buxom Lash, a paraben-free, lash-volumizing mascara. The formula is extremely silky and never clumps or flakes. Formulated to separate while creating bigger, fuller lashes. I have tried many different mascaras, and can not come across any that have come close. It's also antioxidant-rich and formulated without those nasty sulfates, synthetic dyes, and synthetic fragrances that other formulas have. I would also give their Lashliner and Buxom Inside Eyeliner a try. You can find them all at Sephora.

Jean Minni

I absolutely love the Flat - Pleat Faux Jean skirt from Express. It's really soft and comfortable, and gives off an effortless, sexy look.

Fringe is in...

These suede Minnetonka Triple Fringe Boots have been favorites of celebrities like Lauren Conrad, Hillary Duff, and Miley Cyrus. They are super comfy and cute with 3 tiers of tonal fringe and finished with lacing around the outsole and a low profile rubber sole. Perfect for this time of year as they can be paired with jeans, skirts, or shorts. You can find them at Urban Outfitters in brown or black.

The Skirts Have It

Skirts and dresses have made a huge comback in the last couple years. And designers are becoming more creative then ever with their looks by adding lace, frills, ruffles, zippers; really anything goes. Most are pretty versatile so you can wear them during the day or at night like this cute little number called the Bloom Satin Skirt you can find at LuLus.com. I would say you can never have enough...

Site to Check out

If you haven't come across LuLus.com in People Magazine or Perez Hilton just yet, keep an eye out. This site is full of super cute, trendy clothes at a really great price. Even better, it was created by a Mom and Daughter. On the About Us portion of the website it states they "started with a vision of providing the latest for the fashionably hip along with providing exceptional value, quality, and superb customer service." With dresses like the Smokey Vocals Dress below, i think they have accomplished just that. Be warned, the stuff goes fast though. If you really like something, I wouldn't wait to purchase more then two days..

Hot Shorts

Looking for some cute shorts for the summer that won't break the bank? Check out the cuts and styles at American Eagle. While this store is always up and down with me, the denim is usually the best thing about it- and this spring's collection proves just that. In addition, at $25 dollars, it's pretty tough to beat. Check them out this week. Here are a couple of my picks.

To Cuff It Or Not?

The Cuff like Clarice from Bakers is upcoming but not sure where this fashion statement lies. The purpose of the shoe is yet to be determined. If it's cold enough to need a cuff, why do you want your toes to freeze. And if it is warm enough to show your piggies, why would you want a cuff? Either way, I do have to admit it is very interesting...

Spring Love

Spring is right around the corner, and you know what that means: It's almost time to put away those boots and bring on the peep toes, platforms, and sandals. So what are going to be the hottest trends?

Pastels and flirty ruffles like this pretty little number from Aldo. The Starace has the platform and heel hight to make any outfit pop. Paired with a romper during the day, or a skirt in the evening- these are bound to turn some heads.