Over the weekend, I went to my local Tar-zhay to run a few errands - pick up some paper towels, scope out the new Global Bazaar section, hit the sale racks in clothing and accessories, try on a few pairs of shoes, mosey through the makeup aisle...ya know, the usual chores. So much to shop for, so little time - yet with so much still on clearance, so little money was spent! Here's what we bought...

Heavily Discounted LBD: When I spotted this Isaac Mizrahi for Target Taffeta Couture Bodice Dress on sale for just $12.48 (marked down from $49.99), I tossed it into my cart without hesitation. Tried it on at home and the fit is perfect. Made me feel like a ladylike Audrey Hepburn, although I plan on giving it some edge with layers of pearl necklaces, hot heels and bold makeup.


Fond Farewell: The Erin Fetherston for Target collection seemed to fly by, didn't it? Feeling nostalgic for this retired line - as well as the pull of a great deal - I decided to give this lovely Bonjour L’amour shirtdress a home. It was the very last one on the rack, you should have seen the look it gave me ("Pleeease take me! Don't leave me here all by my lonesome!") Originally $49.99, I paid just $12.48.


Puppy-Proof Boots: My boyfriend and I recently became the proud parents of the most adorable boxer puppy ever! Therefore, I was on the lookout for some cheap boots that I could wear during our many oftentimes messy walks in all kinds of crappy weather. Thankfully, I found just the ticket: These Mossimo Gillian Riding Boots are comfy, stylish (at least from a distance), and for just $17.48 (marked down from $34.99), they can take a beating (claws, mud, rain, slush, drool, chewing) and I won't have to worry one bit.

Say what you will: I love rhinestones. And I especially love the ongoing trend to embellish everything from handbags to headbands with these colorful, shiny faux gems. Some might say this clutch (left) was attacked by an overzealous 10-year-old armed with a Bedazzler - but I just say it's young and fun! Especially if paired with a otherwise understated ensemble, this clutch will give people a glimpse of your inner rhinestone cowgirl.

Rhinestone embellished clutch, on sale for $14.98 at Aldo

Find styling ideas for a mid-winter vacation or next spring by taking in these sweet new looks from Anthropologie.


Bike to work


See more matinees


Tune Dad's piano


Perfect a soufflé


Travel abroad


Learn to sail


Volunteer


Journal daily

Fashion and the figure go hand in hand. Not because of rail-thin models, starved celebs or any myriad of body-conscious images that permeate the (oftentimes) shallow world of fashion, but because fashion is dependent, nay, inextricably linked to the body, the human form. Yes, fashion is physically as well as visually expressive, from the fit to the movement to the tactile pleasure that it stirs.

This is not to suggest that fashion and one particular type of figure are married in a sartorial alliance, rather, that everyone should happily consider how their unique shape, weight, build and gait informs the clothes they wear.

Which brings us to fashion and fitness. At the start of every New Year, millions of Americans resolve to lose weight in order to feel healthier, boost their energy, live longer and above all, fit into their favorite pair of jeans. If you count yourself among their noble ranks, then read on for some tried-and-true tips on how to lose weight—and keep it off.

With creative and tasteful applications of metallics such as this embellished Chloé mini skirt (left) - and its oh-so-affordable Twelve by Twelve understudies (right) - me thinks this trend is here to stay for a very, very long time. And if we're wrong? Opt for the lesser priced version and you'll only be $50 poorer.

Luxe: Chloé mini skirt WAS: $1,910.00 NOW: $1,146.00
Less (Top): Twelve by Twelve wool cowlneck dress, $49.50
Less (Bottom): Twelve by Twelve wool turtleneck dress, $49.50