Friday, September 9, 2011

Reflections...




Dear SS Fans,

As we as a country prepare for the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, I think it causes us all to pause and reflect where we were on that day. I was a sophomore in college at American University in Washington, DC pursuing my dream to one day becoming a writer, when many of my classmates, who were from the New York area, were made aware of what was happening back home. In that same vein, we learned of the Pentagon being attacked.

A few years later, as we all graduated and embarked on our careers, I was still dead-set on becoming a journalist. It was something I had pursued actively since I was 16 years old, starting out writing a column called "Teen on the Scene" for my small town's newspaper back in South Carolina. Now, several years older and wiser, with many internships and life lessons under my belt - and a college degree I would continue to pay for for years to come - I set out to live my dream.

But not unlike that now historic day in U.S. history, life throws you curve balls and challenges that you didn't see coming. It took me several years post-graduation and a lot of failed attempts to turn my writing career into more than just a passion I pursued on the side while working a 9-to-5 job, before creating Shopping Savage.

A few months ago, I quit my day job to focus entirely on Shopping Savage and that's when, once again, the curve balls came flying. Through a course of events so random you have to just chalk it up to "fate", I am moving from Columbia, SC to Atlanta, GA to really shift this site into high gear.

For the next few weeks while I adjust to my new surroundings there won't be any Shopping Savage updates. But that doesn't mean I won't be hard at work on the site. In fact, my goal is to "revamp" the site once again, with a new look and a few new elements. I want my readers to know me, not just the "sartorial soothsayer" that dispenses fashion advice like its being handed down from an omnipitent being. My friends ask me fashion questions because I live for fashion and they not only trust my viewpoint but my sense of style. My hope is to convince you to do the same.

With much luck, I should have it all together by the beginning of October, giving me just enough time to get myself - and my closet - settled into a new home with old dreams still awaiting fruition.

And let me just take a moment to give a very, very special thank you to all of you, my readers, for your feedback and support, checking the site daily and making this experience worth it, curve balls and all. Stay stylish and I'll see you in a few weeks!

Sartorially Yours,

Dwaun S.

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Thursday, September 8, 2011

This Trend Just In: Back to School in Style



Going back to school always means wanting new on-trend items. But sometimes being trendy can also read costly with limited wear or use after the trend has died out. Luckily, this year's back to school trends are more mainstream than before, meaning that what you buy now, you can re-wear for seasons to come. Below are the biggest five trends, with examples of what you can wear and of course, at prices that won't wear out your wallet.

1. Tribal inspired - Take wardrobe cues from around the globe.

AEO Embroidered Bag, $49.50, American Eagle Outfitters

Candie's Vivien Platform Wedge Sandals, $25.99, kohls

Foil Tear Cocktail Ring, $28, topshop

Zad New Peacock on the Block Feather Earrings, $14, lulus

Tan Leather Fringed Cross Body Bag, $66, topshop

Obey Tribal Denim Backpack, $59, lulus

Pod Pave Black Ring, $85, Melinda Maria

Grey Stripe Rope Sole Women's Classics, $54, toms

2. Boyfriend Look - 'Boyfriend' blazers and jeans, boxy shouldered bomber jackets and even slouchy button-down shirts are on trend for this season.

AE Straw Fedora, $ 15.50, American Eagle

Beracasa Leopard Olive Handbag, $41, lulus

Red Textured Trim Snood, $32, topshop

Patent Leatherette Wingtip Shoes, $24.80, forever 21

3. Bright and Bold - wearing bright colors is definitely on trend this year. Whether its done through color blocking or using one primary color in a neon shade to make your outfit pop.

AEO Wraparound Watch, $29.50, American Eagle

Bongo Large Hobo, $29.99, kmart

Ridge Large Backpack, $98, kipling-usa

Jeffrey Campbell Be-Well Red Suede Peep Toe Woven Wedges, $154, lulus

4. Goth goes Glam - Black is a typical fall fall-back color, but this year add a little punk, a dash of emo or a sprinkling of goth to edge it up.

CARLOS BY CARLOS SANTANA Women's Foxy, $98.99, amazon

Horseshoe Stud Waist Belt, $48, Armani Exchange

Nude, Love As It Should Be Wedge, $99, Pretty Pennies

Candie's Zipper Ruffled Flip-Flops, $11.00, kohls

GemGirls Evil Eye Friendship Bracelets on Silk Cord, $35, Kara Ackerman

5. Think Preppy - another 80's trend to resurface is pure preppy. Embrace your Muffy, Biff and Blair by taking a page from The Preppy Handbook and go for a polished look sure to meet the standards of all popped-collared wearers of the world.

Eden Studded Ruffle Flat from Dream Out Loud by Selena Gomez, $19.99, kmart

Candie's Bow Cat's-Eye Sunglasses, $14.99, kohls

LC Lauren Conrad Solo Ballet Flats, $36.99, kohls

VALENTINE Coral Patent Toe Ballet Pumps, $36, topshop

Jack Purcell Helen Marimekko, $75, amazon

For more back-to-school savings tips, revisit this "Dear Shopping Savage".

All pictures provided by Seventeen

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Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Savage Style



After the great response of this savage styler, it was a no brainier to think that Alissa Wilson, fashion blogger of Stylish Curves, would be loved just as much. If not for her personality and owning every inch of her curves, then most definitely for her serious sense of style, usually piled high on a pair of stilettos.

Lace top - Old Navy, Skirt - Faith 21, Shoes - Gifted by Call it Spring, Necklace - Gifted by Call it Spring, Bracelet - Gifted by Loft


Dress - Eshakti, Shoes - Calvin Klein, Shades - Kensie, Bracelet - Rainbows


Denim Shirt - Gap, Sequin Skirt - Calvin Klein, Lace ankle boots - Betsey Johnson, Earrings - Armani Exchange, Bracelets - Ashley Stewart, Cuff - Alexis Bittar (gifted)


Dress - ASOS, Shoes - Call It Spring (Gifted), Clutch - Century 21, Belt - NY&Co, Cuff - Loft (gifted), Earrings - Forever 21, Sunglasses - Forever 21


Dress - Michael Kors, Shoes - Enzo Angiolini, Bag - from Auntie's closet, Watch - Michael Kors, Fedora - H&M, Bracelets - Ashley Stewart, Ring - Forever 21, Earrings - Stella & Dot (gifted)


Dress - Evans (gifted), Denim Jacket - Old Navy, Shoes - BCBG, Cat Eye Sunnies - Forever 21, Bracelets - Ashley Stewart (gifted), Watch - Michael Kors, Necklace - Logo Instant Chic (gifted)


In her words:

"Stylish Curves is a fashion and lifestyle blog that wants to bridge the gap between straight and plus sizes by showing plus size curvy women that they can dress just a fabulous as straight size women do. The blog aims to give the curvy plus size woman a different perspective on fashion by showing them how to shop within and outside the plus size realm to get celebrity looks and to create their own personal style. We live in a world that wants plus size women to be unhappy with their bodies and Stylish Curves believes that every woman should learn to appreciate and love their bodies no matter their size.We deliver the hottest on trend fashion, curvy celebrity news, and shed light on new and upcoming plus size talent in the entertainment industry."

Dress - Banana Republic, Jacket - GAP, Shoes - Nine West, Necklace - H&M


Dress - ASOS Curve, Belt - DII, Shoes - Charles David, Necklace - LOGO Instant Chic, Watch - Michael Kors, Earrings - Forever 21, Bag - Tory Burch


Dress - Faith 21, Shoes - Enzo Angiolini, Clutch - Beacon's Closet, Watch - Michael Kors, Bracelets - Ashley Stewart, Sunnies - Kensie


Dress - Faith 21 Plus, Jacket - Z. Cavarrici, Shoes - Guess, Bag - Loft, Bracelet - Ann Taylor (gifted), Earrings - Call It Spring (gifted)


Dress - Fashion to Figure, Shoes - Guess, Earrings - Fashion to Figure, Bracelets - Ashley Stewart


Belted Cardigan - Faith 21 Plus, Skinny Jeans - ASOS, Shoes - Guess, Earrings - Ashley Stewart, Bracelets - Ashley Stewart, Bag - Loft


She recently quoted Kimora Lee Simmons on her site, saying, "I read a quote from Kimora Lee Simmons and I believe she summed it best: "Dress like you're going to see your worst enemy!"" Can't think of a better motivation to treat everyday like its made for settling stylish scores, no matter your dress size!

"A long time ago I stopped telling myself what I can't wear and just started wearing what I want." ~ Alissa Wilson

Top - H&M, Skinny's - Forever 21, Shoes - Charles David, Bag - Given to me from my aunt, Necklace - Forever21


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