The reason why I like to shop online, and do on a weekly basis is because most of the time, I get the best deals in a matter of a click. Not only do I save gas, and myself from bruised feet and unnecessary fatigue, I also save money with discount and promotional codes that are offered through other websites (ebates, etc.) when I make online purchases at certain affiliated stores. The only negative side to shopping online is the shipping fees and longer lead time…plus, you really do tend to spend more when you shop online than in the stores, but sometimes it’s just all worth it. One other perks of online shopping is that sometimes you get to wear the latest trends way before others could because at stores like Forever21, new arrivals are available online before they hit stores. Additionally, items that are “online exclusive” at stores like Urban Outfitters or H&M are sometimes too tempting to pass on!

One of my favorite winter pieces to wear is a sweater dress! It’s cute and comfortable on a casual day out or just to lounge around the house. I believe that’s what makes winter sooooo alluring, because besides all of the celebrations, it feels nice once in a while to be able to sit back and do absolutely ‘nothing’. During the winter, it is acceptable for one to feel a little bit inactive and hibernate.

Here are sample pieces available on some other websites that I frequently visit: 

 From left to right, top to bottom:

1. TOPSHOP Knitted Slouchy Jumper Dress

2. DOROTHY PERKINS Grey Circle Jumper Tunic

3. ASOS Petite Sweater Dress with Contrast Detail

4. THREADSENCE Zuma Aztec Sweater Dress

5. ASOS Knitted Sweater Dress in Stripe

6. ALLOY Melissa Sweater Dress

7. YESSTYLE Patterned Knit Dress

8. NORDSTROM Frenchi Sleeveless Cabled Sweater Dress

9. GAP Striped Sweater Dress

10. ZARA Jacquard Dress

What are your thoughts on online shopping?

Stay chic,

G.V.

One of the reasons why Winter continues to be my favorite season is the fact that everyone looks absolutely beautiful in the winter. The cold air, the gloomy skies, the pairing of wool coats and leather boots, the silent smile on a pair of deep, red lips, and the mysterious eye-contact that we make to each other as if our frozen lips have prohibited us to utter worthless words aloud. Of course, that was just my hopeless attempt to paint a picture of a modern version of ‘femme fatale’ in your head, or rather my head. Nonetheless, there’s something mysterious about winter that I wish could only be explained in simple words. I figure maybe it’s just because I like the cold air on my skin – and the fact that you can’t really make a fashion faux pas in the winter because it’s just…impossible.  Fall/Winter fashion is something I always look forward to every year, and from what I’ve been observing – trends and looks from the 1920s are making a come back for the upcoming seasons. We’ll be seeing flapper-inspired looks, think “The Great Gatsby”, and accessories such as pearl, feathers, furs, fringe, velvets, sequins, and more!

Ever thought that you, too, can be one of the trendsetters among your peers? I’ve helped you put together some winter essential pieces that will make you a femme fatale of 2011. Your friends will be admiring you so much, but they probably won’t tell you. According to the 1920s’ notion, femme fatale is portrayed as “a sexual vampire; her charms leach the virility and independence of lovers, leaving them shells of themselves.” Now that’s quite alluring, isn’t it?