Are you there blog? It's me, Gracie

Dearest blog readers (if anyone is still out there!), I apologize for the abrupt hiatus last January that has left my beloved blog desolate for a little over a year now. I'll admit, it was a selfish move and I do greatly apologize for the lack of warning. Do you forgive me?

{insert puppy dog-like eyes here}

Never fear, however, as I am alive and well. Just exceptionally busy! You see last year I embarked on the final year of my MBA (sweet Jesus, I thought the day would never come!), and much to my surprise I did survive to see the Sunday morning that does not involve Managerial Economics with classmates at the local Starbucks. But, instead of taking a break after graduation, I decided to jump straight into my next big adventure.  So, in July of last year I fulfilled a lifelong goal... I opened my own boutique!

While my goal is to not let another year go by without a post on The Flip Side, shopgracieb.com (my site) is keeping me extremely busy these days. I would love to keep in contact with you dear readers, so please come join me at the shop and the shop's blog. I would love to have you!

PS - a discount to the first person who gets the reference from the title and leaves a comment :)

that's classic

Now, I love styling the newest trends as much as the next fashionsita, but let's face it... there really isn't anything any better than a good pair of riding boots and a classic trench.  Earlier this week I was perusing the web (yes, I have a tendency to do that from time to time), when I ran across a lovely little shop called EmersonMade. It was love at first sight. How can you not love the owner, Emerson, and her oh-so-adorable flower pins (see example in red above)? She recently came out with a line of clothing with which I am completely smitten. I love the old school, high waisted denim jeans. Albeit, they are a tad expensive (for me), but so classic and would last for so long. I am strongly considering....

and the winner is....

Congratulations to Alisha L! It looks like you get to do a little online shopping this weekend :) I"ll be emailing you with all the details about the CSN gift certificate shortly! 

raise your head high, and strut what ya Mama gave ya!

Do you ever have outfit ideas that you just can't seem to get rid of? I do, and Saturday was one of those days. Since the Modcloth skirts I ordered two weeks ago had finally arrived I just had to break them out. However, I also had a strange pull toward another article of clothing in my closet: cowboy boots. For some reason these two pieces came together in my head so clearly that I knew I would not be happy until I made the look work. But, after trying on 5 different tops and taking exactly 25 photos on the front porch, I began to question my outfit and called my BFF to ask him what he thought.... 

Well, let's just say that he didn't exactly give me the stamp of approval I was searching for (in my defense, he did grow up in Texas!)... 

Then in a strange twist, he said "but I know you, and you'll rock the look." Huh?! You just told me you wouldn't laugh at me too hard if I wore it to lunch (yes, we're that good of friends) and now you're telling me I'll rock it? He then went on to explain that he knew I'd look great because of my confidence. Fair enough. I've always believed that confidence is what makes a look, and I still do (see #5). So, I threw on that 6th top (the one I'm wearing here) and my cowboy boots and strutted my stuff all the way to Starbucks, to lunch and then home to study. And, did not question my sartorial decision again! 

sugar, spice and everything nice!

Happy Wednesday, dear readers! I hope you've had a wonderful week thus far! To excite you about the rest of the week, here are some lovely items that I've been swooning over recently. Lots of lace, sequins and girly glam! Enjoy!

1. Shrunken Ruched Sleeve Blazer, Topshop $110
2. Lace Runner Shorts, Topshop $60
3. Peach Lace Ballerina Pumps, Topshop $160
4. Amila Bangle Set, Amrita Singh $100 
5. Ivory cut-out lace full circle short skirt, Daisy Shoppe $76
6. Cinched Tote Bag, Nine West via ASOS $127
7. Sequined mesh tank top, Walter via The Outnet $92
8. Lolita Cross-Body, CC Skye via Endless $200
9. Tabitha, Jeffrey Campbell $116

like a kid at Christmas!

I was feelin' all kinds of girly and wonderful this weekend when I purchased these two beautiful skirts from Modcloth for $10 each! I can't even tell you how excited I get about receiving packages in the mail. This week I have literally been stalking the mail carrier. I'm already imagining tanks and cardigans with bare legs and flats now, and then booties, tights and sweaters when the weather turns cooler. 

Need to Know: Nordstrom's Shoe Clearance!

In case you weren't aware, I stay informed of Nordstrom's sale events... especially when it comes to their shoes (I just saw the email pop into my inbox and had to share)! I love their selection and when they have a sale, it is definitely worth the time and money to shop it.  Here are a few things I'm currently viewing in my browser window :)

REPORT Signature "Vandalia" Bootie

REPORT "Harper" Over the Knee Boot

Miz Mooz "Chavez" Boot

Happy Thursday and happy shopping!

PS - Don't forget tomorrow is the start of Free Fridays! Spread the word... it's gonna be good!

Currently Browsing: Greener Grasses aka: Fall wear

I guess what they say about the grass always being greener on the other side is true.  Despite the fact that our summer weather is nowhere near over, something about it being August and the school buses reappearing around our neighborhood makes me dream of wearing fall clothing again. I wake up thinking of cargo leggings, layers of capes and sweaters, paired with over-the-knee boots.  So this morning, I thought I'd share a few of my dreams with you! 


Happy Monday!  

1. Hooded Cotton Poncho, Alice + Olivia, $240 - a little bit more to spend but if you've got it, it will be way versatile and way worth it!
2. Fluttering Lashes Poncho, Anthropologie, $58 - I might be buying this online later today!
3. Levi's 535 Faded Skinny Denim Leggings, Kohl's, $40 - I live in my pair all winter :)
4. Urban Behavior Stretch Cargo Skinny, Metropark, $69
5. The Skinny Low Rise Studded Jeans, Current Elliot via Net-a-porter, $93 - this particular style is currently out of stock, but there are other wonderful options
6. Enzo Angiolini 'Zakari' Over the Knee Boot, Nordstroms, $119.90
7. Dalley, Aldo, $80
8. Chinese Laundry 'Trust Me' Over the Knee Boot, Nordstroms, $99.95 - another possible online purchase this afternoon!

Currently Browsing: Caged Heels

Two things I realize about this post: 1) caged heels have been big all summer and 2) I am stretching it slightly to lump #7 into the category of caged heels. Two things you should know in response 1) all of the above shoes are reasonably priced (score!) and 2) I'm in love with #7! 


In all seriousness, right now is the perfect time to pick up a pair (or two) of these if you haven't already. First of all, 5 out of 8 of the above shoes really are on sale and 3 out of 8 are under $100! Second, almost any of the above would make a great transition shoe into the fall because of the boot-like silhouette. 


PS - if you're not familiar, I would highly recommend following either of the Nine West links below to Shoe Woo. I'm in love with this site - it's all about shoes on sale!

1. Joni, Nine West $39.99 (orig. $89)
2. Vicki Cage Platform Bootie, Rosegold $117 (orig. $168)
3. Belle, Sigerson Morrison $127.50 (orig. $255)
4. Pancho Cutout Peeptoe Sandals, TopShop $180
5. Val, Nine West Boutique 9 $159 (orig. $199) - sorry, only black is left
6. Lucky Strike Sandal, Chinese Laundry $71 (orig. $89.95)
7. Annton, Steve Madden $129
8. Olivia, Coconuts $65

cents-ability

My Outfit (on left)       

1. Cardigan, Old Navy $15                  

2. Belted Floral Dress, Target $19

3. Wedge Peep-Toe Sandals, Piperlime $30

Total: $ 64

ShopBob.com (on right)

1. Belted Floral Dress, Shoshanna $395

I get a lot of questions regarding looking chic while shopping on a budget. There may be some out there who can spend as much as they want on the latest and greatest fashions, but that person is not me. While I do love buying shoes, I also understand the time value of money and know that saving and investing at my age will pay huge dividends when I get older. The concern I hear most women voice, however, is how to do both while still looking stylish and wearing clothes that fit. When I tell people how little I spend on most of my clothes, they are amazed. My tip: find a piece that you cannot live without and then buy it for less. I never buy the mannequin in a department store. Instead, I dissect the elements from the mannequin and then replicate the outfit for a fraction of the price.  Take for example, the above floral dress.  Earlier this spring I had to have one.  On the right you have a $400 Shoshanna Belted Strapless Dress. On the left, well... the dollars and cents speak for themselves ;) Are there some differences between the two dresses? Or course! But, I don't really care because I achieved the look I was going for and could still afford to stop by Starbucks a few times that week. I promise, it works every time!

Guest Blogging!

The last week has been so crazy between work and my parents being here (yay!) that I have not been writing as much at nite.  Let me assure you though, that I will resume regular posting soon.  However, amidst all the recent craziness in my life, I did find time to write a guest post for Shop It To Me's blog, Blog It To Me.  I want to thank the wonderful ladies at Shop It To Me for inviting me to post for them - I had a wonderful time!  Please go over and check out my rundown on the hottest indie fashion magazines.  These glossies will not disappoint!

Need to Know: Coach Sale!

Angelina Sunglasses, Coach $95 - Orginally $375

Happy Saturday, my lovelies! I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather! I don't normally post on the weekends, but when I find something that you just have to know about it would be rude to keep it to myself! I came across this wonderful Coach sunglasses sale on Editor's Closet and when I say sale, I mean Coach sunglasses at 1/4 of the regular price.  That's worth posting about!

Side note: If you're not already a member of Editor's Closet, but would like to be simply email me - gleighb (at) gmail (dot) com - and I'll send you the link to join.  You won't be disappointed, even if you decide not to purchase any shades today.  Editor's Closet is an exclusive member's only site that offers tons of designer clothes at a fraction of the price each week. 

Now you know, so go enjoy the rest of your weekend in style!

Shop It To Me!

You might have noticed a new addition to the right hand side of my blog. I am proud to announce that I am one of the newest Trendsetters featured on Shop It To Me!

Shop It To Me is one of the best kept secrets of online shopping. I've been a subscriber and huge fan for nearly two years now.  Some sites give you a short time period during which to buy products from only a handful of designers.  But, Shop It To Me allows you to choose the designers and then you make the purchase on your own terms.  Select your sizes, your favorite designers, and Shop It To Me will email you all of the best deals on the web according to your personal settings.  Simple as that!  Now, go on... go register and start enjoying some great steals and deals.

**On a side note: I have to send a very Happy Birthday out to my dad today - Love you Daddy!

Currently Browsing: Nordstrom's Shoe Clearance

I have not done much online browsing lately, but this caught my eye.  Nordstrom is having a shoe clearance! Oh, alright... I might as well indulge. Here are a few items of interest. Happy weekend and shopping!

Dolce Vita 'Jayden' Bootie, $122.90

GUESS 'Aero' Pump (Nordstrom Exclusive), $79.90

Steven by Steve Madden 'Vestted' Short Boot, $99.90

Jeffrey Campbell 'Lubbock' Over the Knee Boot, $149.90

Elizabeth and James 'Lucy' Caged Sandal, $223.90

DV by Dolce Vita 'Willy' Bootie, $92.90

Elizabeth and James 'Goody' Oxford Bootie, $223.90

Tory Burch 'Sophie' Wedge, $175.90

Grand Opening!

So, I bet you'd either forgotten by now or had started to doubt whether or not I really had big news this week.  Oh, but do not fear!  Dear readers, I would never leave you hanging like that!  So, without further adue I am proud to unveil The Flip Side of Oz online shop!  I have been a busy, busy girl during the last two weeks preparing some goodies to unleash to the world, but the time has finally come.  Please stop by and check it out (you can click on the image above to take you directly there).  I've also included a widget on the left hand side of this blog to showcase a few items.  Happy shopping!

Dear Frye

Frye Paige Tall Riding Boot $398

::sigh::

Oh how I love thee.  The reason you don't have a home in my closet really has nothing to do with you.  It has to do with your price tag.  You see, I really don't love your price tag.  But, just when I was about to give up hope I noticed several co-workers wearing a similar style boot.  One in brown and one in black - both super cute and both exactly what I have been wanting.  As it turns out the black pair came from (of all places) Old Navy.  So, while doing some online perusing for some Frye-inspired boots I decided to poke around their website to see what they had... and low and behold Old Navy saved the day.  The boot comes in gray.  Love you Old Navy. Love your prices.

Old Navy Women's Tall Faux Leather Boot $34.50

Currently Browsing: Bombe Chests

Avery Bombe Chest $799.99

A friend of mine recently approached me with a project, which involved finding a more reasonably priced alternative to this beautiful bombe chest (pictured above) from Crate & Barrel.  Now, I love a good search for a well priced item.  It's something about the hunt of finding exactly what I want at exactly the right price.  It's my version of crack an adrenaline rush, so it should go without saying that this project was a lot of fun for me.  I hope it helps, Kim!  The following options are all priced at least $200 less than the the Crate & Barrel chest, but still very beautiful.

Option 1

Nebraska Furniture Mart Hand Painted Bombe Chest $379.99

Option 2

Overstock.com Hand-painted Satin Black Accent Chest $303.99

Option 3

I am in amazement that even Pottery Barn is priced better! Beautiful!

Pottery Barn Daniella Chest $599.00

Option 4

Okay, so this option is what I would call an updated version of the bombe chest, which is typical coming from Ikea (I love that store!). The legs and hardware keep it bombe like, while the straight edges give it a bit more modern feel. It may not be quite what you're looking for, but for the price I had to include it. 

Ikea Edland $199

 

Option 5

Finally, if you're not in a huge hurry to buy, the following are a few additional shopping destinations I would scout once or twice just to see what they have in stock. I was unable to include pictures from these stores because you never know what they are going have.

1. Hobby Lobby
2. Gallery Classic
3. Tuesday Morning

Alrighty, happy shopping!  I hope this helps in your quest for a bombe chest!

Currently Browsing: Layered Necklaces

Erickson Beamon White Lies Necklace

Long, layered chain necklaces (or at least the look of) were all over the place this past fall.  And, despite getting all geared up for S/S 2010 (cuffs and bangles are gonna be huge!), I must admit that I am still in love.  The look is an uber chic and easy way to dress up an outfit, whether you're going to the office or running errands in jeans and a tee over the weekend.  Here are a few goodies that I've been eyeing. 

Simply Vera Vera Wang Tone Pearl Multistrand Necklace at Kohl's

Banana Republic Lorenz Necklace

Simply Vera Vera Wang Jet-Tone Crystal Floral Necklace at Kohl's

Banana Republic Fiesta Necklace

Tuleste Market Layered Ball and Chain

Currently Browsing: Vintage

I have never considered myself a brand-infatuated person.  Instead I like to shop styles that attract my attention and flatter my shape.  If the item just happens to be made by a designer that is fine, too - I certainly don't discriminate. However, one thing I have found is that brand name does not necessarily equal quality.  Vintage items (designer or otherwise) are often times just as good a quality if not better that some current day name brands.  Plus, let's face it, styles come and go, so you can rest assured that every fashion (even circa 1984) will rear its head again.  Here are a few of the styles I'm browsing this weekend, but they will be vintage (of course!).

Brown Oxford Shoes

Steve Madden Tuxxedo $49.95 (plus free shipping with this code)

These vintage oxfords are awesome!  Finding these cuties

(darn not having a smaller foot!) last month has left me wanting a pair so bad!

These are going to have to go on my wish list because they are simply

way out of my price range.  I will say that while the price is steep,

the quality truly is magnificent.  I've recently been introduced to Ferragamo (thanks Glenda!)

and when I can afford it, I will be purchasing some shoes from this Italian designer. 

More on this later...

High-waisted Tulip Skirt

The price of this skirt from Forever 21 is unbelieveable!

It's only $9.99 and the pleating is exactly what I'm looking for!

Prints are huge for this spring.  I love the colors on this one from Urban Outfitters

You really can't beat Forever 21 when it comes to prices.

This skirt is also a good image of what I'm looking for and even at the

higher end of their price range, $19.80, it's still within my budget!

Again with florals!  I'd feel a little bit closer

to spring in this skirt from UO.  On sale: $29.99

Tapered Pants

These are great, and an oustanding price - $14.99!

Forever 21 never dissappoints.

Urban Outfitters made this great pair that would be perfect for work.

Okay, that is enough for this evening.  I'm off to bed so that I can get up early and scout out some treasures.  Have a happy Saturday!