WHIMSY

As my family prepares for the departure of our oldest daughter for college in just a few days, the shopping frenzy has reached a fevered pitch! At the top of the list is a brand new laptop – a definite necessity for taking notes in lecture halls, writing term papers and of course, emailing mom from time to time!

My super stylish daughter is not one to toss a laptop in an ordinary backpack and go, so we found the perfect accessory for toting that shiny new computer – a Carolina Pad laptop tote!

I was already familiar with Carolina Pad products – paper clips, notepads, and fun accessories. But I was thrilled to find out that the firm also offers a full range of totes, laptop sleeves and more.

The Simply Chic Laptop Tote, pictured, was instantly our top choice. Shown here in a trendy black, white and pink combo, this style is also available in black and white with green accents.

The tote is incredibly sturdy (we’ve got to protect that investment, after all) and has a zippered closure for safety. It’s also well padded — just in case!

Plus, it makes carrying a laptop to class or the library extremely convenient. It has a detachable shoulder strap and is roomy enough to hold up to a 15.4″ laptop. Retail just $27.99

Carolina Pad products are available just about everywhere – from Target, to Walgreens, to Walmart. For a complete list of stores, visit Carolina Pad.

Easier yet, you can order your laptop tote online at Carolina Pad. And, you’ll find that there are a myriad of stylish, coordinating products that every fashionable college simply must have! From binders, to storage boxes and even paperclips, the Simply Chic product line is adorable.

This Carolina Pad tote is so stylish, I’d like one for myself, too. Why should college students have all the fun?!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition toStyle on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! ,Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

It seems that every newspaper I open and every television commercial I see lately is touting “back to school” necessities. Not sure about you, but I’m just not ready for back to school yet!

Although I hate to say goodbye to summer, I know I need to at least get started. And this year, back to school for our family means sending our oldest off to – gasp – college. Along with extra long dorm sheets, a coffee maker and a dozen blue books, my daughter needs what every girls needs. Shoes!

Not any shoes will do, however. She has very definite tastes and preferences, so one way we can always agree is to head to Payless Shoe Source. She gets the style she craves and I get a price that I can live with!

Since the University of Delaware has a sprawling campus, she’ll need lots of flats. Stylish, but practical, our top three choices are flats that would be perfect with a short skirt, long skirt, capris, jeans … really just about anything.

First, we both adore the Audrey Knot Flat. This is a fabulous little flat from American Eagle that has a bold, knotted detail. American Eagle flats are really comfortable and have a round toe and padded insole. Pictured here in a soft dove grey the Audrey Knot Flat is also available in black. Regularly $19.99, these are now on sale for only $12.99!

Next, we agreed that the Bloom Flat is the cutest shoe we’ve seen in a long while. This is another flat from American Eagle and features a soft jersey upper and a whimsical fabric flower detail. These are super lightweight and have a flexible outsole — perfect for walking to class. In addition to the choice of black, pictured, the Bloom Flat is also available in lilac. The Bloom Flat is now on sale for only $12.99 (regularly $19.99), so we might just have to pick up both colors!

Finally, the Brice flat is is a slightly dressier flat for sorority mixers and other campus events. This spunky plaid flat by American Eagle has a sturdy canvas upper and a cute strap detail. The Brice flat is available is the purple and blue pattern pictured, and would make the perfect pair of shoes for the transition from summer to fall. Retail $19.99

With so many choices, she might need a bigger closet!

Are you a Payless fan? Now you can win a trip for two to New York City and an All Fashion Pass for a runway show and a personalized tour of Christian Siriano’s design studio in the VIP in NYC Sweepstakes courtesy of Payless ShoeSource.

Enter Once. Some restrictions apply. US only (void AK, HI) 18+. Contest ends 8/15/10, so enter today!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition toStyle on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! ,Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Photos courtesy of Payless Shoe Source.

I’m on my way out the door for a weekend of fun in the sun, but I couldn’t leave without letting you all know about a truly fantastic sale!

Through this weekend, you can get 40% OFF any Butler Bag for you, your friends, and family.  Plus, order 2 bags and get FREE SHIPPING, as well.

Visit Butler Bag to see the latest styles that will help you stay organized (or at least try)! Have a great weekend!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition toStyle on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

I’m officially in love with this skirt from TopShop:

I love the asymmetrical hemline, the subdued gray color. I have visions of myself frolicking in a field, wearing this skirt…that’s how much I love the flowy fabric, and I think what keeps it from getting too feminine is the cool shade of gray. What makes it even better is the fact that it’s on sale for $20. Unfortunately, my size is out of stock, but you thinner girls can get it for a steal — the regular price is $70.

TopShop is one of those gems that I forget about from time-to-time for some reason. Then I rediscover it in my list of bookmarks and get pumped to check out their sale section. (Oh, how I love TopShop sales!) For me, most of their regular prices are a bit too much of a splurge, but their sale section is stocked with great options at totally affordable prices — so I can manage to lust after skirts like this one and then go ahead and pop them in my shopping cart.

You can also search for specific sizes, so you don’t have to fall in love with a certain piece, only to find out that a size 2 is the only one left (which is exactly what just happened to me — that’s why I’m warning you now)!

To get the same feminine-but-fierce feeling from a TopShop skirt, check this one out:

It’s a nice peachy color and almost looks like an upcycled lace slip skirt that someone added metal studs to, hence the name “Stud Lace Slip Skirt.” I like that the studs are subtle and placed strategically along the lace near the hemline and up the side so they almost blend into and become part of the design of the fabric. Trés chic, TopShop!

Needless to say, I’ll be back soon!

-Keri

One of my new obsessions is ASOS, taglined as “The Online Fashion Store,” and I seem to be the last to know about this fantastic shop! I’ve seen it mentioned on The CheapChica’s Guide to Style on more than one occasion, so I figured it was about time I checked it out myself. And I’m sure glad I did!

It’s a UK-based company that sells all sorts of designer clothing that are normally oh-so-tough to find, and they also have a slew of more affordable pieces that definitely look like they cost a fortune. I love how unique their offerings are, because I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t want to look like every other girl on the block — I want fashionable clothing that you can’t get at the mall, and ASOS has a LOT from which to choose!

When I clicked on the sale section in dresses, I was expecting to see a handful of pieces that didn’t sell, because, well…they aren’t cute (which is the case in most of the sale sections I seem to encounter). WRONG. I found 1,248 FABULOUS dresses at jaw-dropping prices. You can even narrow your price range so you only see the items you can definitely afford — and that even offers a lot of options! The three dresses pictured here are all under $60!

If you have the dough to spend, ASOS offers designer duds and accessories from the likes of Alexander McQueen, Betsey Johnson, House of Harlow, Hugo Boss, L.A.M.B….I could go on for ages.

There are shoes, handbags, sunglasses, lingerie and so much more all in one place, making it truly a one-stop online shopping experience. Since they ship from the UK, you’d think the ship charges would be outrageous, but you can get most orders within 8 days for just $6! If you can’t wait that long, get it in 4 days for $14!

So…uhh…what are you waiting for?! GO SHOP!!
(photos from ASOS.com)

-Keri

It’s no secret that I adore luxurious lingerie. I can easily drop $50 on a bra at Victoria’s Secret and can consider it money well spent. (They call them foundations for a reason, ladies!)

But keeping all of those beautiful pieces in good condition is challenging. I hate to hand wash, tossing delicates in the washer is a recipe for disaster, and even a lingerie bag is no guarantee that underwires will not get mangled.

So, I was really excited when I was contacted by Berry Perry about their innovative new bra washer, the Berry Ball.  The Berry Ball is a round “berry” shaped ball that allows you to easily wash bras with confidence!

The Berry Ball has a double half-shell design hinged with a rubber closure to support your bra and for better protection. The ball also has unique vent holes throughout so that water flows through during the wash and rinse cycles.

Because you can now use your washer for delicates, you can save loads of time (did I mention no more hand washing?) and protect bras from twisting, stretching and crushing.

The Berry Ball even comes with a laundry bag specially designed for your panties, socks, and hosiery. With this complete cleaning system you can simply put your most delicate items in the washing machine all at once – with no worries! Retail: $13.99

Best yet, Berry Perry will give a Berry Ball to one lucky Style on a WHIM reader. And, there are so many easy ways to win:

1. MANDATORY – “Like” Berry Perry on Facebook: (please leave a comment to let us know) 1 entry

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Already a follower?  Just leave us a comment that you follow.

Contest is open until midnight on August 5 and the winner will be notified August 6. Good Luck!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition toStyle on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Photo courtesy of Berry Perry.

UPDATE 8-6-2010. Heather F. is the winner of the Berry Ball washing system from Berry Perry. Congratulations Heather!

Everyone who knows me well can tell you that, despite my nearly 6-foot frame, I wear high heels. I love the way they make me feel and the way they tighten my calves and thighs, etc. Lucky for me, the man friend is about 6′4″, so I can pull it off without looking like too much of a giant–though we do get a lot of attention for being eye-to-eye when I traipse around in my heels. I figure I’ve just spent the majority of my teenage years wishing I was shorter and that I could blend in rather than stick out like a sore thumb, so why shouldn’t I be comfortable with my height by now?!

That said, I have mostly black high heels (because, well, they match practically anything), purple, red, coral and silver. One color that is cropping up ALL OVER lately, and that I have never given a second thought to until now, is NUDE. And I chose the word “nude” over “beige” or “taupe” because it just sounds so much cooler. That’s also what most of the top designers are calling the neutral shade this season anyway. The best part of the trend is that nude heels will go with just about ANY color because they look like your skintone! I highly reccommend any woman of a petite stature to invest in a pair because they’ll enlongate your legs like crazy.

Of course, I’m lusting after Prada (right photo) and Louboutins (left photo) because they’re exactly what I imagine when I think of my ideal pair, but since the majority of the shoes in my closet cost under $30, I think designer footwear is rather out of my league. I may have to suck it up and splurge a little because the trend still hasn’t dwindled down to the lower-priced stores just yet–I’m hopeful that it’ll happen soon!

I did find Steve Madden Miami pumps at DSW.com for $59.95 that come in three different shades of taupe/beige/etc. I think the ones labeled “pink” look more like my skintone than the taupe ones, but I’d have to see  them in person to make a final decision. Needless to say, they are the quintessential pump and will go with anything in both your summer and fall wardrobes. Snatch a pair quick because sizes are going fast!

I’ve also been in search of the perfect peep-toe pump, and I’m loving these Tahari Dara heels, also from DSW.com. They’re $69.95 and have a really cute bow. Girly and fabulous! I’d probably pair them with something a little less girly, like a nautical-style navy blue dress, and let the shoes talk for themselves.

Booties will be back for the fall, and these Madden Girl Raleigh Booties are absolutely on-point. Gotta love the ruffle detailing–ruffles are still wonderful and totally in-style! They’re more affordable at $49.95, and I suggest wearing them with a pair of cropped leggings or with a blush pink dress and a thin white slouchy sweater.

No matter which nude heels you choose to slip on your feet, you’ll look like a celebrity! Just look at the ladies below!

-Keri

A little black dress is an absolute necessity for every stylish girl’s closet. There’s just nothing like a grab-and-go outfit that will always look smashing and appropriate. And if you’re lucky, you have several favorites from which to choose!

But honestly, an LBD can get just the tiniest bit boring. I mean, there’s only so much you can do with jewelry. So, I was thrilled to find Witt Gypsy Studios, an amazing company makes the most gorgeous, unique evening bags, guaranteed to breathe new life into any LBD.

Each bag is painstakingly crafted by hand, beginning with building the birch “cigar box” bodies. Then the bags are not only hand painted, they are actually woodburned first to give the animals texture and detail — they almost look like they have fur, feathers and wings. Woodburning is basically the equivalent of sculpting on a flat surface – this gives just an inkling as to how detailed these bags are.

The bags are also hand lined with matching fabrics. My bag, the snow leopard, is lined with faux fur, for a bag that is as breathtaking inside and it is outside! And many of the bags have beaded handles, gold or silver fixtures, and swarovski crystal embellishments, as well.

Granted, these bags are petite, but they definitely have room for all of the essentials. What else does a girl need but keys, a cell, a credit card and a fabulous lipstick? Retail $450

In addition to the animal series, Witt Gypsy evening bags come in a huge range of styles – each more beautiful than the last. Birds, whimsical dragonflies, mysterious geishas and more adorn these intriguing, miniature pieces of art.

Alas, I can’t carry an evening bag every day. Lucky for me, Witt Gypsy has also created a full line of clutches, regular sized handbags and now – handpainted canvas totes! Prices range – clutches start at $55, handpainted totes at $55 and full sized handbags start at $325. Shop online at Witt Gypsy.

Whatever style you choose, these beautiful bags from Witt Gypsy are truly “art you can carry.”

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

I love being barefoot in the summer. As soon as I walk in my front door, the sandals come flying off and I’m in shoeless heaven. Normally, the only adornment my feet have is a fun shade of toenail polish (currently bright pink) because I prefer to be low maintenance when the temperature is in the 90s. But Susan and I received a Bankle from two:peas® jewelry in the mail a few days ago, and it’s making me rethink my ankle accessories!

What’s a Bankle, you ask? It a bangle for your ankle! Each Bankle is comprised of high quality sterling silver “bar” sections connected by chain links that lend a bangle-like look. There are four different styles that include gemstone dangles and one without dangles. The Juliet Bankle, which is the one Susan and I received, has one section with three little red garnet dangles, as you can see in the photo. It’s super shiny and feels almost fluid thanks to a beautiful polished finish. And I loved the little star-shaped dangle at the clasp!

Now, as if the Bankle isn’t cute enough in itself, the two:peas® website shows a bunch of different ways you can wear them. Separate chain extenders are available and can make your Bankle into a boot anklet, a lariat necklace, a draped chain statement necklace, and more! Pretty neat. If I was to wear it as an anklet, my favorite is the simpler Cyd Bankle. And if I was wearing one around my neck, I’d opt for the Ginger, which features 18 white gemstone dangles, paired with several of the longer necklace extenders.

The Juliet is rather out of my price range at $315, but the Cyd is more affordable at $190. They would make pretty and thoughtful bridesmaids gifts!
(photos courtesy of twopeasjewelry.com)

-Keri

Back-to-school shopping time is here and amid groans from my kids, we went on a marathon shopping expedition to the mall for all of those can’t-live-without items. You know, Converse All Stars, Aeropostale polo shirts and anything from Icing!

Since I knew we’d be gone for hours (and hours!) I took my new tote filled to the brim with all the debris necessary for three kids – snacks, water bottles, you name it and I’ve got it in my bag. This often proves hard to handle – literally. My tote sometime weighs so much that I lumber around with it, switching shoulders and generally suffering from an aching back.

So, I was amazed with the way this new tote “Changer” Tote from Meray Arnett changed my experience. The bag is stylish – in satin nylon with a contrasting leather strap – but it’s the functionality that I love! Although it’s sturdy and has a really supportive bottom, the bag itself is so lightweight the extra “gear” wasn’t a problem at all!

Plus, the bag features a slide-thru strap so that you can wear it as a shoulder bag or (later in the day) as a crossbody bag. Sometimes I feel like I look like a pack mule with a crossbody or messenger bag, but this one is so cute (mine is candy apple red with silvertone hardware) that it was just adorable!

In addition to the red, the bags are available in a sweet lavender, sensible grey, brown, or beige, classic black or navy, and a really lovely icy, light blue. They are also available in two sizes. The large (if you have three kids like me!) is perfect (Retail $185), or the smaller (Retail $165), which has the same features, high quality construction and functionality.

All of the bags are fully lined, have a great zipper closure (no more spilled contents) and a zipper on the back (no more lost keys). There is also an interior has zipper pocket, card holder and two phone pockets to help keep you organized.

This is just the perfect bag — for a shopping trip or for everyday. A very chic, functional alternative to a canvas tote or a — horrors! — backpack (Yes, Carrie Bradshaw would be appalled that I even thought it).

You can find a store near you at Meray Arnett or shop online.

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!