The Dress Challenge: A First Look (2012)

The dress choices are rolling in for Dress Challenge 2012 and I thought I would give you a sneak peek at what other have selected for me so far.  I am seeing a color family scheme pop up quite a bit.  Let's start with the very first entry that came in and a color I really like because it is deep, rich, and something I don't wear often enough:

Bentoboxx selected this one and I love the raisin color.  It is by Lauren by Ralph Lauren and it is available at Nordstroms.  My one thought is that I might have to hike up the hem to show a little more leg, but this is a very classic design.

Next up is this Banana Republic dress selected by Eli and yes, Banana Republic was the winning dress last year.  I think Eli is going for a known winner.  This dress is available in four colors and Eli went straight to the Geranium Pink for me, but I think I like it in Fresh Fern.  I am posting both photos for comparison.  Which color do you like better?

Here is the final selection I am going to show you today, it is from a New Zealand fashion house, but I like the simplicity of the design because it can be easily accessorized and the Berry Red color is one I don't wear too often because red can be hard to wear on camera.  This shade has just enough pink in it, that it could work.  Thanks for this pick, Donette!

So, do you see anything you like so far?  I would love to hear your comments or see your picks for me for the Oscar Nominations.  Remember, the winner who picks the perfect dress receives a $25 gift certificate to the store of their choice.  To enter, read the rules here and enter the link to your dress here in the comments below, on Facebook, or on Twitter.  You have until Wednesday, January 11th to enter.  Now, get shopping!

Friday Online Bargain Shopping

I woke up this morning to an email from one of my favorite sites, Ebates, letting me know that Nordstrom was running a double ebate special for Friday.  Now, normally, I wouldn't run and just buy anything because there is a sale, but I had a $50 Nordstrom gift card burning a hole in my pocket.  How could I maximize this deal?  After clicking on the Ebates link, I head straight to the clearance section of Nordy's to try and find a pair of wedges for the summer.  I feel like I am completely behind on the wedge trend, but I didn't want to spend a fortune on the shoes.  Bingo!  A cute pair of Jessica Simpson shoes in my size pops up and in a variety of colors.  I choose "Birds of Paradise" for a fun summer pop of color and head to check out.  Here is where my deal gets exciting:

Jessica Simpson Jungle Espadrille Sandal in "Birds of Paradise"
Original Price:  $68.95
Sale Price:  $49.90 (25% off)
Tax:  $4.87
Shipping: $0 (I never pay for shipping, it's just my shopping rule.  Stores make plenty of money in the retail mark up to pay for shipping for the consumer.  Nordstrom allows you to pick it up at your local store instead.)

So, my total should be $54.77.  So, I plug in my $50 gift card.  Now my total is $4.77.  But wait!  I am getting 12% back from Nordstrom/Ebates.  That 12% works out to $6.57.  So, if I subtract the tax I paid from my Ebate, that means I got PAID $1.80 to shop at Nordstroms today plus I received a new pair of Jess Simpson wedges.  Not a bad day at the office.

Total Profit:  $1.80 (and a new pair of shoes!)

For tips on online shopping, see my previous post here.
To sign up for an Ebates $10 bonus, click here.  (New customers only)

This post was created entirely by me.  Ebates did not ask me to post for them.  I like their services and thought I would pass the information on to you.  I like shopping and I like saving money.  

The Dress Challenge: More Selections

I cannot believe the response to this challenge.  It confirms that you like to shop, you have good taste, and you have been hard at work shopping for me.  Someone even gave me 13 options to choose from!  I have a lot of new selections to post that really stand out in my mind.  Let me know what you think of some of the options from Friday's post and today.  Remember, you have until Wednesday at Midnight ET to enter.  All of the rules are here.  This decision won't be easy.

Let's see some of the latest frontrunners:

From Krystyn:  Julie Dillion, Nordstrom, $178

Ah, the first green dress of the bunch.  I love this color, the simplicity, and the belt.

From Krystyn AND Kimberly:  Cynthia Steffe, Bloomingdale's, $110.25

So cute that TWO of you selected this dress.  The color is perfect for the camera, the neckline is asymmetrical perfection, and the layering of the fabric flatters the front of the dress.

From Roni B:  Yep, this Roni B.  The amazing woman who styles a lot of my looks has even jumped in this challenge.  This time, with accessories.  

You will see that this is a very "KB" look, especially with that belt in the mix.  I think I want a little more color for this event, but I may be stopping by Roni's for a closer look at the outfit.  I am sure there is something I could wear this to..... 

From Bentoboxx:  Adrianna Papell, Nordstrom, $148

I am a huge fan of this shade of purple and this dress is available in petite sizes--score! This is probably one I would also hem above the knee.  It's all about the shoes and a little leg.  

From Rebecca:  Tahari by Arthur S. Levine, Nordstrom, $118

A very Jackie O look and the first one of the bunch.  The color is gorgeous and the simplicity is divine.

The Dress Challenge: A First Look

Thank you for rising to The Dress Challenge.  I am so happy that many of you are excited and shopping online for my big event.  I want to show you some of the entries that I have so far. It is not all of them, but it certainly gives you an idea of what is catching my eye. I will showcase a few dresses the next couple of days to show off what great taste in fashion you all have. Keep them coming, I am having a blast with your choices.

Take a look at some of my virtual wardrobe:

From Andrea:   Dress by ModCloth (a favorite of mine), $162.99
Not a ton of color for camera, but this is so feminine.  I would get a lot of wear out of this. 

From Robin:  Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Nordstrom, $124.
Love this color, classic design, might want to shorten to show a little more leg.

From Lula:  Banana Republic, $150

This one hits almost everything I am looking for: color, a little leg, yet classic.  

If you want to enter your choice for my on-camera wardrobe for Nominations Day, here are the rules.  Remember, there is a $25 gift certificate at the store of your choice at stake!