I don’t usually gush over sales at Bluefly.com because they’re as abundant as the rain is in Seattle, but when the sale means that a Carmen Marc Valvo dress that I wouldn’t even consider looking at a week ago is now within my price range, I think it’s worth talking about.

Dresses at Bluefly.com range anywhere from close to $40 to $500. Of course you can always find a fab formal gown, but what I adore about Bluefly is the fact that I could pick up another maxi dress or sundress to add to my enourmous collection that just doesn’t need anymore dresses. How about picking up one of these Nicole Miller purple printed lurex georgette Maxi Dresses that is now 49% off? I’d say yes!

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Have you signed up for Ideeli and Haute Look yet? Have you finally bought amazing designer clothing at more affordable prices now that you have access to lower prices? Can you not get enough of finding amazing sales that only you and a few other people know about? I’ve found another place for you to bookmark then!

Gilt Groupe is another member only website. Gilt Groupe, like Ideeli, sends e-mails daily about amazing designer sales. Today, for example they had Seven for Mankind jeans, Anna Sui dresses and Elie Tahari bags and shoes. All, of course at a pretty steep discount!

And guess who has an invite? I do! Click here to get shopping!

Picking up a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes makes any day a good day. And finding a pair in bright pink can surely make your day even better! Look at these Claudia Ankle Strap Sandals that are just super hot!

Sak's Fifth Avenue

You can find them in the hot pink, black and taupe. I love the peep toe and the patent leather material. They’re perfect for the Summer/Fall transition. They have the classic 4 and a half inch heel and a half in platform. They are $795 at Sak’s Fifth Avenue. Hurry! They’re one of the best sellers so you don’t want to miss out.

At the age of 25 I can look back now at Independence Days past and smile fondly at the bright red, white and blue shirts that my parents dressed me in as a child and then laugh even harder at dozens of graphic tees I saw every 4th of July at my summer jobs at such places at the ice cream shop, Six Flags, and the hardware store.

Zuma Press

Friends, a word of advice, unless you are going on a family outting where you are taking lots of pictures, you are under the age of 8 or over the age of 59, the Patriotic tee needs to be retired like the tacky sweater. Maybe I should throw a theme party, “the Patriotic T-Shirt Party.” It could catch on like the “Tacky Sweater” parties of the holiday season.

So, if you are between the ages of 9 and 58 it is highly recommended that you choose something other then the graphic tee, the face painted shirt or the actual flag as a piece of clothing this upcoming weekend to celebrate your freedom.

Why not go with something more subtle? A white sundress? A bright and shiny red bag? Or a fun blue top? These are all great options and options that are at your fingertips! And of course, if these aren’t giving you that fashion fix you’re looking for stopping by your neighborhood Norddstrom, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, or even Target isn’t a bad idea…just please..do not wear that $5 flag shirt from Old Navy..again this year!

Nanette Lepore lispstick embroidered silk ‘Creole’ top

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Alice & Olivia sky blue jeweled detail tutu dress

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Narcisco Rodrigue White Cut-Out Dress

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Bottega Veneta Oversized Intrecciato Tote

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Kors By Michael Kors Allie Espardille Wedges

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As my mother and I sat and watched the BET Awards last night we commented about many things, ranging from the people we didn’t know, to the awards, to the fashion.

And, oh no! The fashion throw backs…the shoulder pads. Or, as the fashionistas are calling them strong shoulders.

Zuma Press

Maybe if the designers call the trend something different no one will know we’re bringing something we’ve all tried twenty some odd years to forget about. It’ll be just like straight leg jeans. We won’t call them straight leg jeans, we’ll call them pencil jeans!

Even people in the industry, like Jeanie Syfu of The Fashion Show has noticed the strong shoulder, she told our own Rachel Segal,  ”[During Fashion Week] we saw splashes of neon, menswear looks, the return of the shoulder pad and prints.”

Yikes! Not only has it made it’s way to the Runway, it’s made it’s way to the Red Carpet. So, what’s next? Main Street? The Horror! Next stop…second grade and the stirrup legging.

Beyonce, she can pull off the look. She looked stunning in that little sparkly dress. But, it’s still up in the air as to whether any normal person could pull off wearing something like a grey Miu Miu Angular Shoulder Dress. What are your opinions on this look? What are you looking forward to this upcoming season? Let us know at the Splendicity Community!

Net-A-Porter

The change of seasons, or the countdown to the change of seasons as it might be, means new clothes! This includes marking catalogs, websites, and talking to sales associates about what’s coming in as the racks start changing.

Sak's Fifth Avenue

One item that I have added to my “Pre-Order” list is this Brian Reyes One-Shoulder Pleated Silk Dress. It is the perfect color to transition between summer and fall and isn’t too heavy to be a fun dress in the still warm months of late August or early September.

The dress has a gathered self bet at the middle and a hidden side zipper. It measures about 23″ from the natural waist. It’s currently priced at $1,3450. Pre-Order it now!

By now, the weather has either just about killed you because the temperatures haven’t fallen below 90 degrees in two months our you’re wishing for the temperature to rise above 70 degrees so you can wear those summer clothes that we keep talking about.

Zuma Press

If you’re in the first group, I feel your pain. While my thermometer currently reads 102, I am sitting at computer wishing for a frozen margarita and a pool to magically appear. I’m doing this while wearing the #1 summer essential for those of you that endure the summer heat from May to September, a sleeveless top.

At this point, I don’t even care that my arms don’t look like Michelle Obama’s arms and that I still look like the ghost of Christmas past (I’m still working on that tan!), it’s just too darn hot to hide those arms! So, biting the bullet and going sleeveless is the obvious route when the temperature is way up.

True story: I bought a cheap tank top and ended up ripping it on a file folder at the end of the day at work. I think three offices down heard me yell some inappropriate obscenities in several different languages when I heard my shirt rip.

I’m always going to tell you to go with the luxurious options, so let’s take a look at a few of our less boring sleeveless essential options for 2009. Wearing a plain camisole or a plain jersey knit top day after day is just like wearing black pants or dark washed jeans everyday. It’s sad! And I don’t want anyone to be sad!

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T-Bags Printed Detail Chained Cami

This is pictured with a white skirt, but paired with some dark jeans and some funky heels or flats is how I would wear it…all the time. I love the colors. Brown, blue, red, yelow, white…all in one. Who could ask for more? Oh, the luxury shopper could! Because the chains give you even more of a boost. Now you don’t even have to wear a necklace…how cheesy! The top is $87.50 now…that’s 50% off the original price.

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ALLDRESSED UP Ballin Tunic Top

If you’re not as daring as some girls are with a cami, then this tunic top may be a good choice. How about some light khakis or some linen pants with this top? It’s 60% off and is currently $82.

Net-A-Porter

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Jersey Knit Top

Who said that jersey had to be boring? I didn’t! I love the pleats throughout this Vivienne Westwood top. The square neckline is to die for. This top is a bit pricier, it’s $335, but for Vivienne Westwood..I’d pay $335 for sure.

Some days I feel lazy,  a jersey knit skirt, a t-shirt and flats and I’m ready to go. Other days I feel the need to get super dressed up and just be pretty, even if that means over dressing.  Some days, my friends will ask me, “do you have a hot date later tonight that I don’t know about?” There is no hot date (sad face…) but I look hot! And looking good is always a good thing!

Net-A-Porter

This Oscar de la Renta Sequin-Sprayed-On Dress makes me feel like getting dressed up for that non-existent hot date that my friends are asking me about. The dress is multi-colored with short sleeves made of 100% silk with paillette detailing. The dress is $4,790 from Net-A-Porter.

One pieces have made their comeback in 2009. They are risque, they are daring, and they leave odd tan lines.  For some years now women have moved away from the one piece just because it doesn’t seem as “sexy” or as “appealing” as the bikini.

Image: Zuma Press

But, then, we remember the little red one piece worn by Farrah Fawcett and how many people fell in love with her and the red swimsuit because it was sexy and it was memorable.

The red swimsuit I speak of is from the poster that “was on every single man and boys’ wall” during the 1970s. And who can blame them? She was beautiful!

Did you know Farrah made more money from the red swimsuit photo then she did from the one season of Charlie’s Angels? Yes, I do not lie! This photo was also her favorite of the 25 photos taken at this sitting. The photographers weren’t even sure if it was the best one!

So, if you’re looking to gain the same type of attention and fun spunky attitude that Farrah had in 1976 in that famous photo, then I suggest you take a look at these swimsuits:

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Sak's Fifth Avenue

I love showing off my feet. When everyone in the office leaves I turn up my music really loud, take off my shoes, dance around badly and sing even worse. So, fall is almost a mourning period for me. But, I’ve decided, this fall, to look on the bright side of things. Boots can also be fun!

Think of all the ridiculously tacky socks you can buy..the possibilities are endless! And the styles of boots number almost as high as the the number of tacky socks you can wear with boots.

 But, as the luxury fashion writer, I am going to urge all of you to please be careful in your boot purchases! Buying 5-6 pairs of $30 ankle boots and only wearing 2 because the other 4 give you horrible blisters or they just don’t match is just not right. Shoes are meant to be seen not hidden! Walk in them. Run in them. Dance in them. Get blisters. And do this all before going to work or going out on the town.

Instead of buying 5-6 ill fitting boots, buy 2 expensive boots that fit perfectly. Let me show you some that would be a good choice in a variety of styles.

Ankle Boots

Alexander McQueen

Donald J Pliner Michi

Thigh High Boots

Stuart Weitzman

Sam Edelman

Just Fun Boots

Oh Deer…

Cole Haan

Gabriella Rocha Jordenna

All Photos from Zappos.com