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Gretchen Julius Jewelry
2008-02-18 03:40:00
I have been a fan of Gretchen Julius jewelry since I saw one of her pieces in Teen Vogue a few years ago. I love the whimsy of her safari collection, and the modern luxury of her cluster collection (and anyway, how can you NOT love a girl named Gretchen - although she spells hers wrong lol). But in spite of my desperate searching, I've never seen any of her pieces available to purchase online, until now. Yay!! Bird is now carrying several Gretchen Julius pieces in their online shop, but this camel pendant is my favorite:
More About: Jewelry

Steven Alan Sale
2008-02-18 03:31:00
Steven Alan redesigned their website to separate out their private label, Steven Alan, from the rest of the designers they carry, AND created an Outpost for sale items. Makes sense... Unfortunately, all the sale items in the Outpost are final sale, but if you're looking for Steven Alan's iconic button-down's and tunics for 30% off, now's the time, and here's the place.
More About: Sale , Steven

Eco-Chic: Loomstate Denim
2008-02-18 03:19:00
You know those jeans you reach for whenever you have to just "throw something on?" The worn-in, comfortable ones? Do they also make your *ss look like a million bucks? Are they a nice uniform dark wash you can dress up or down? Right. I know, we all have that pair of fall-back jeans to wear to the grocery store, or Starbucks, but why can't comfortable also equal flattering? Looking good and feeling good go hand-in-hand in my opinion, so why not look your very best every time you leave the house? Step 1: a GREAT pair of jeans - your holy grail pair that fits you perfectly AND is comfortable. Okay, so this particular pair may take some time to find, but it's worth it. The moment I saw these 100% organic cotton trouser jeans by Loomstate at eco-chic boutique Envi, I wanted to put them on. The denim looks incredibly soft, light, and the style looks like it nips in at all the important places and flares out to allow ease of movement. I haven't tried Loomst...
More About: Denim

New: Botkier Shoes
2008-02-13 23:15:00
It's not news anymore, we knew there were coming, but Botkier's new shoe line is becoming more available online. I've put together some places to buy Botkier Shoes online below, but here's a sampling of the shoes: (these are my favorites) Here's where to buy Botkier Shoes online: Shopbop Funky LaLa Rapunzel's (use code GRECHEN to save 15%!!) Botkier Piperlime (let me know if you find any more!)

New Alexander Wang
2008-02-13 21:29:00
I am falling hard for everything Alexander Wang this season...I love this white halter dress at Satine: and how cute is it with the cropped trench over? Check out more Alexander Wang online through this link, but here are some cute tops on sale at Basic Boutique and the super-cute zig zag cardigan at Otte.

Olive Shoes Sale
2008-02-13 19:39:00
One of my very favorite online shoe stores, Olive Shoes , is having a huge boot sale: All boots are on sale and are marked 30 to 60% off. Designers include CYDWOQ, Eileen Shields, Georgina Goodman, Twenty Two Shoes and Rundholz. (I know, you're probably ready to move on and start purchasing Spring shoes, but now is the PERFECT time to get a great, classic pair of boots on SALE) Like these by Twenty Two Shoes...guaranteed to be comfortable, I have a pair of flats by them and they are the most comfortable shoes I own: Or these: You really can't go wrong with either of these in my opinion...
More About: Sale

Impulse Seattle
2008-02-12 02:01:00
Impulse is a fabulous boutique in Seattle featuring designer apparel, jewelry and footwear. But the site is really a blog, and they don't sell online, at least not through a shopping cart. Which really isn't such a big deal considering you get to talk to a human about what you're buying; making the online shopping experience a whole lot more personal. But what I love most about Impulse is the outfit pictures and their incredible selection of designers, from A.P.C. to Y's by Yohji Yamamoto. You have to scroll through all the looks, there's no search function, but it's totally worth it.
More About: Impulse

Eco-Chic: Ecoganik at BTC Elements
2008-02-12 01:50:00
I keep coming back to this lovely lattice shirt by Ecoganik at BTC Elements . What a great piece to wear with jeans and sandals - it doesn't need any jewelry in my opinion, the shirt should stand on it's own. 100% organic cotton, $84 at BTC Elements.

Wendy Culpepper Jewelry
2008-02-12 01:25:00
I've been a fan of Wendy Culpepper's designs for quite some time; she designs for strong women using simple, classic, yet bold elements. All of her pieces are infinitely wearable, and many have been featured in publications such as InStyle, Lucky, and on Rachel Ray. My favorite piece is in the Paradise Collection, the Zuri 14k gold vermeil earrings - I imagine wearing these with a long, casual, brightly colored dress & flat sandals this Spring: A new venture for Wendy, and something very close to her heart, is her Ignite Charity Collection. The campaign is all about "Igniting Change," and depending on the gemstone someone buys, that will dictate which organization their 15% goes to: Peridot: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Blue Topaz: Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, Rhodolite: Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The surge ring - with the peridot stone for the ASPCA - is my favorite piece: Keep these in mind for bi...
More About: Jewelry

James Perse at Tobi
2008-02-12 01:10:00
It's really a toss-up between James Perse and Splendid for me when it comes to basics. I have lots of both, and while I love Splendid's 1x1 tees, I prefer James Perse's selection of colors and styles. Both hold up incredibly well, Splendid 1x1 a teeny bit better than James Perse. I really rely on both of these designers to keep me in tee-shirts and basic long sleeve v-necks. I've had my James Perse tees for much longer than some of my Splendid ones, and they still look like new. Really. But since you can really never have too many basic white v-necks, or long sleeve tees, I'm always on the lookout for new James Perse or Splendid to add to my collection. Here's a sampling of some of the new pieces from James Perse at Tobi : I'm looking forward to adding all of these to my closet over time...one piece at a time probably! Use code GRECHEN10 for 10% off at Tobi.

Loeffler Randall on Sale at Jumelle
2008-02-12 00:53:00
It's worth the time it takes to browse through Jumelle for fabulous sale items - some things are marked down 65%, like these lovely Loeffler Randall shoes. Also, Jumelle is hosting a spring cleaning sample sale Thursday, February 14th - Sunday, February 17th. Current fall/winter and past seasons inventory will be 75% off. Shop for all seasons on collections by APC, Isabel Marant, Karen Walker, Mayle and many more.
More About: Sale

Jinny: Sale
2008-02-12 00:37:00
What a great sale at Jinny! I posted about a gorgeous Mara Hoffman wrap I found here several weeks ago, and I love to browse the site frequently for updates. There are so many lovely things on sale, but the 3.1 Philip Lim pieces are the most remarkable; marked down at least 50%. Get free shipping on your order with code "valship" through 2/13.
More About: Sale

Personalized Anya Hindmarch Pouches
2008-02-06 18:35:00
I'm a sucker for personalized items: nameplate necklaces, initial pendants, monograms, if it has a "G" on it, or I can put my name on it, I'll take it. And with all the "stuff" we have nowadays, what better way to add meaning to one more thing than by putting your name on it, or a special message? Now, you can get these lovely Anya Hindmarch leather pouches embossed with a personal message (up to 20 characters) of your choice. Visit Anya Hindmarch for more details. Deadlines for orders of embossed leather pouches (delivery by Valentine's Day)in the UK - Monday 11th February, and the US and Rest of World - Thursday 8th February 4pm (GMT).

Eco-Chic: Stella McCartney for LeSportsac
2008-02-06 18:02:00
I am a huge fan of Stella McCartney; her designs are always simple and classic without being at all boring. And although I am not currently a vegan (I was), I respect her decision not to design with leather, suede or other animal products. Other than a pair of sandals from a couple of years ago, I have never purchased any of her pieces, although I am always tempted by her handbags (but have a problem paying $1,000+ for non-leather...). Her new collection for LeSportsac is much more reasonably priced - although not cheap at all - and made from "recycled eco polyester" (whatever that means). My favorite pieces are in the travel section: I love that this has a bottom section for shoes, and it's big enough for a carry-on on the plane, or to take on an impromptu weekend trip. Most of the items are available in different patterns, you can play around and find the one you like the best. All Stella McCartney for LeSportsac pieces are pre-order only, and this one ...

Repetto Yellow Flats
2008-02-06 15:42:00
I hesitate to say never again...but I haven't worn heels since I got my Joie metallic flats several months ago. I have some lovely sandals with heels that I'll probably pull out when it warms up, but honestly, I love living in flats. And I ESPECIALLY love them as a way to add some color to an outfit. Like these muted yellow flats by Repetto:
More About: Flats , Yellow , Yello

Creatures of Comfort: 50% off Sale
2008-02-06 15:36:00
Creatures of Comfort started their 50% off sale...sale items are mixed in with everything else, so you have to search (but that's really part of the fun of Creatures of Comfort, isn't it?). Anyway, I found this cute Eley Kishimoto Cardigan marked down to $153:
More About: Sale , Creatures

Reviews: Loyale Jacket
2008-02-01 23:35:00
If you've been reading Grechen's Closet lately, you've probably noticed that I've focused a lot of attention on "Eco-Chic" and ethical shopping. I've been following many of the online pioneers of eco-friendly fashion (both designers and boutiques) for the last several years, and am so pleased to see the niche getting attention and the designers taken more seriously. I am a HUGE fan of the independent designers in this field, not only for their innovative designs/styles, but also for their ability to basically create a new market for socially responsible AND fashionable clothing. (the AND here, is key...) Think about it, only 3 or 4 years ago, when you thought of "organic" or environmentally friendly clothing, what came to mind? Itchy hemp tunics and boxy cotton t-shirts? Right...I rest my case. Check them out now, nothing itchy here! I appreciate the simple, utilitarian designs of many earth-friendly designers; the pieces are made t...
More About: Reviews , Jacket

Eco-Chic: Saks Green House
2008-01-31 23:13:00
So, Saks Fifth Avenue has jumped on the GREEN bandwagon along with everyone else it seems...Look, I'm all for bringing organic and environmentally-friendly fashion to the masses, but I really prefer to keep my socially-conscious shopping to the little guys; it just feels more appropriate. For me, part of WHAT I buy is also WHO I choose to buy from. As a small business-owner myself, I find it more fulfilling to purchase from other small businesses. Nevertheless, Saks has made a valiant effort, and they feature some interesting pieces by Song, Ogle, J Brand Organic Denim, Beau Soliel, Organic,and jewelry by Alex & Ani (of which I have a few pieces...LOVE). But if you're genuinely interested in learning more about what's out there in the world of eco-friendly fashion & design, there are many more designers & boutiques to shop from that will add more meaning to your shopping experience. All of my favorites are listed here, in Eco-Chic & Ethica...
More About: House , Green

Eco-Chic: Stem Organic Jacket
2008-01-31 22:48:00
Finally, a piece of clothing that's environmentally friendly (well, organic anyway) AND affordable. Honestly, why does socially conscious shopping have to be so expensive?? Anyway, I love this cute jacket by Stem at Nordstrom, also available in black, for $68:
More About: Jacket , Organic

Expiring: Extra 20% off Sale Items at Jake
2008-01-31 01:12:00
This is it...last call to take an EXTRA 20% off already reduced sale items (most by 70%) at Jake with code "extra20sale." See by ChloeNeal SperlingErnest Sewn
More About: Sale , Items , Extra

Do-Goody 1: Show Some Love
2008-01-29 22:47:00
Love is in the air...don't keep it all to yourself and your immediate loved ones, share it, and join Delcina to SHOW SOME LOVE to kids around the world. When you purchase any of the items on this page, 35% of this item's sales will be donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation. Carry a beautiful bag, AND make a child's dreams come true...what could be better?
More About: Love , Show , Goody

Do-Goody 2: Chie Mihara for Charity
2008-01-29 22:47:00
It's not like we need an extra incentive to donate to charity, but c'mon, it doesn't hurt...especially when we can own these super-cute Chie Mihara sandals AND donate 15% of the purchase price to the ASPCA at the same time. Only at Coclico.
More About: Charity , Goody

Eco-Chic: On Sale
2008-01-29 00:12:00
Here's a round-up of some of our favorite sale items at some of our favorite online Eco-Chic Boutiques... At BTC Elements, I'm dying to get my hands on this Stewart+Brown jacket (and the Emily Katz Rain jacket I posted about a week or so ago is on sale): I ordered this Loyale Jacket from Equita - I can't wait to get it and will definitely post a full review! It's on sale now for $105: Check out other sale items from Equita here, and if you find something you love that's not on sale, take 20% off your order with code "grechen20." Love this Edun Cardigan on sale at Coco's Shoppe for $99 (and you can take an extra 25% off with code GCLOSET): Modify has lots of cute things on sale from Beau Soleil, Perfectly Imperfect, Loyale, Edun, and more. This is a nice, sleek jacket - perfect for any occasion, by Edun, on sale for $142: How about this super-chic dress at Beau Soleil? I might layer it over a tank or something...but I love the l...
More About: Sale

Loeffler Randall Handbags: Sale + 20% off
2008-01-28 22:41:00
Through 1/31, take an additional 20% off sale items at JC Madison with code JAN08. There are tons of deals to be had: Kooba, Velvet, Saint Grace, Rachel Pally, Adina, citrine by the Stones, and more...but my favorite is this teal handbag by Loeffler Randall: I have one of Loeffler Randall's first season bags and love the unique shape and design. The leather is sturdy and textured, and the color, not the same old "tan." This bag will be $316 after code...a great deal for a bright, colorful bag with character!
More About: Handbags , Sale

Eco-Chic: Sara Shepherd Jacket
2008-01-28 22:32:00
Props to The Coveted who first posted about this jacket and boutique: Eco Citizen on her oh-so-fabulous blog: Perfection. That's pretty much all I can say, except that while I'm sure the price is worth it, I wish it was about 50% cheaper so I could BUY it! It's definitely not any more expensive than any other high-end designer jacket, and according to Eco Citizen, it is: "...made from soy bamboo which gives a waxy linen sheen, crisp to the eye and soft to the touch...Made to order...and Ethically produced," all of which has to be paid for. And thankfully, it's now possible for you to engage in "principled shopping" without sacrificing unique style and modern design. If you don't believe me, take a look around Eco Citizen, and then spend some time browsing some of the boutiques on our list of Eco-Chic & Ethical Shopping Sites...just also start saving your pennies!!
More About: Jacket , Sara

Alex Monroe Apple Earrings
2008-01-28 22:10:00
Yes, I realize I've been posting disproportionately about jewelry lately (usually it's bags lol), but I am desperately searching for pieces to add to my VERY sparse collection and occasionally run across something I absolutely MUST share. Like these earrings by Alex Monroe : Kim & Maki have just added some pieces from the new collection, and you can take 20% off your order with code "Grechen." Read more about Alex Monroe
More About: Apple , Earrings

Mike & Chris Handbags
2008-01-26 00:34:00
So, if I HAD to downsize my bag from my extra large Jerome Dreyfuss Billy Bag I'm carrying now (which I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE), I would have to go for this "clutch" by Mike & Chris . I love Mike & Chris's innovative designs in fleece and cotton, why not leather too? Actually, I was very close to splurging on one of their leather hoodies, before I made a resolution not to buy anymore hoodies...but that's beside the point... Available at Frankey's with 30% off THIS WEEKEND ONLY (expires 1/27) with code 12508css. After this Sunday, take 20% off all regularly priced items with code "closet20."
More About: Handbags

HUGE Sale at Active Endeavors
2008-01-25 21:17:00
Just about everything is on sale at Active Endeavors...seriously. I was just browsing yesterday, and most of the pieces that caught my eye are now almost 50% off. Hopefully this means they'll be adding some new Spring items soon. Hint, hint. J Brand Lovestory: $89Lily McNeal$104Alisha Levine$132
More About: Sale , Huge

30-70% off Sale at Hayden-Harnett
2008-01-23 21:32:00
I can't quite figure out why I need a coin purse, but every time I see one of Hayden -Harnett's, my desire for one is re-ignited. Like this one, which is marked down to $21: There are so many great things on sale to list them all, but here is a sampling (click on the photo to go directly to that item):
More About: Sale

Iwona Ludyga Designs
2008-01-22 21:44:00
I am stuck in a jewelry rut. I don't wear much, but what I do wear, I leave on for weeks. I love the pieces, but I haven't had any new jewelry for several months and I'm jonesing for something!! Most of all, I would love a simple bracelet I can wear all the time (never take off). I had a sterling charm bracelet by Giles & Brother that I loved, but it broke (grrrr) and I haven't found one I liked as much to replace it...until now. In fact, I'd love to have all of Iwona Ludyga's designs, but my favorite pieces are the bracelets at the moment... Like these:
More About: Designs