July Shopping Roundup

It's my third month in Hong Kong...time really flies! This month I was lucky to be able to visit Macau and Taiwan, and also bought some stuff home from my vacation!

Black leather clutch, MOP $300 (70% off) from Club Monaco (USD $38)
Bought this cute little clutch from Club Monaco at Macau Venetian hotel. Snagged the last one!

TRF Denim Shorts, HKD $259 from Zara (USD $33)

This is my favorite pair of shorts! Bought it to get ready for vacation.

Lavender T-shirt Dress, HKD $260 from Dazzle Spirea (USD $33)

Colorblock Top, NT 390 from Taiwan (USD $12)

The very last thing I bought right before I left Taiwan. Good buy!

Slimming Skinny Jeans, NT 3490 from Brappers (USD $109)
These are probably the most expensive jeans I've ever bought...but I love the slimming effect!
And one thing great about jean shopping in Taiwan, they alter it for you right on the spot, available for collection in 20 minutes! Great service...wish they had it in other countries!

Sales & Coupons Week of 7/31

A couple of coupon codes expire today since it's the last day of the month, so act fast!

• 80's Purple: 10% off your order with code EXTRA 10, offer expires 7/31/09.

• Charlotte Russe: Free shipping on any order with code AFFS, offer expires 8/1/09.

• Forever 21: Get 10% off select plaids with code PLAID09, offer expires 8/3/09.

• JCPenney: Free shipping on orders of $49 or more with code 49DAYS, offer expires 8/3/09.

• Lucky Brand Jeans: 10% off your entire order with code 9LUCKYU, offer expires 7/31/09.

• Singer 22: 20% off sale items with code 20PLUS, offer expires 8/2/09.

• Steve Madden: Free shipping with code CJFREESHIP, offer expires 7/31/09.

• Target: $5 off your order of $50 or more with code TCBTSFS7, offer expires 8/1/09.

• Urban Outfitters: 15% off regular price items with code FIFTEENOFF, offer expires 8/5/09.
  

What To Wear: Last Minute Summer Swimwear

It's the midst of summer and many of you are probably spending your summer days at the pool. While many retailers are slowly transitioning to fall, this is exactly the time where we can pick up some sale swimsuits. Whether you're wearing it for the rest of this summer, or saving them for next summer, it never hurts for an extra pair of swimsuit!

Pick a swimsuit that emphasizes on your assets and hides your flaws. Here are a couple of categories where you may fall in, and the swimsuits that are best for your body types.

Busty

DO wear halter tops, especially those that have banded bottoms to provide support.
DON'T wear bandeau tops and teeny triangle tops to avoid and oopsie!

From left: SO CAL Little Love Top, $24.99 & Bottoms, $19.99 from Tilly's
Ring Hipster & matching bottoms, $24.50 each from dELiA*s
Beach Sexy Polka Dot Banded Top, $21 & matching bottoms, $14 from Victoria's Secret

Small Bust

DO put emphasis on the top with details like ruffles and bright colors. Opt for bandeau tops or push-up triangles for more volume.
DON'T wear tops with too much fabric or a top that doesn't fit well!

From left: The Miracle Bra Push-Up Triangle Top, $28.50 and matching bottoms, $21.50 from Victoria's Secret
BCBGMAXAZRIA Tiny Ruffles Swimsuit Top, $36.90 and bottom, $33.30 from Macy's
Twist Bandeau and Foldover Hipster, $22.50 each from dELiA*s

Tummy

DO Hide your waist area with a tankini or a one-piece with some coverage of the tummy area.
DON'T Let it all hang loose by wearing teeny bikinis!

From left: Rampage Ruffled Tankini Top, $24.37 & Ruffled Skirted Swimsuit Bottom, $20.65 from Macy's
Zebra Long Tankini, $26.99 & Solid Ruched Side Bottom, $18.99 from Alloy
Side-Cinched Tankini, $22.5o & Low Rise Hipster, $18.50 from dELiA*s

Pear-Shaped

DO put more emphasis on your top than your bottom. Wear a top with more detail or color and stick with a darker, plainer bottom.
DON'T go for fancy details in your bottoms. Covering up with some board shorts might be a good idea too.

From left: Roxy Peach Out Hula Halter Swimsuit Top, $19.80 & bottom, $17.10 from Macy's
VOLCOM Stone Check Reversible Swimsuit Top, $43.99 & matching bottoms, $34.99 from Tilly's
Beach Sexy Flowered-Embroidered Bandeau Top, $24.50 & Solid String Bottom, $14.50 from Victoria's Secret

Short Legs or Body

DO create the illusion of longer legs with higher cut bottoms. A sexy monokini, especially one with a plunging neckline, will make your body look longer and taller!
DON'T put emphasis on your bottoms with boy shorts, ruffles, or detailed bottoms.

From left: Xhilaration Fringe Monokini, $29.99 from Target
VOLCOM Spike Stripe One Piece Swimsuit, $59.99 from Tilly's
Gold Ring One-Piece Monokini, $29.99 from Victoria's Secret

Shop Now: Cirque 21 by Forever 21

Forever 21 has a new limited collection called Cirque 21. It's a whimsical and colorful collection that may be a little too fancy for a more regular occasion, but definitely great for those that love to be playful and dares to be bold.

Here are some items from the collection:

Jester Lace Bubble Dress, $22.80

Polka Dot Bow Dress, $17.80


Pintucked Bow Chiffon Dress, $22.80

Circuit Box Pleat Skirt, $19.80

Bow Front Bubble Short, $15.80

Check out the Cirque 21 collection here!

In the Spotlight: Lily Allen for Chanel Fall 2009

Lily Allen's Fall 2009 Chanel campaign pics are in, and I'm impressed by her transformation! The black and white pics are Audrey-Hebpurn-inspired and features Karl Lagerfeld's signature monochrome hues, fingerless gloves, and neat tailoring.

This set of photos are for Chanel's Coco Cocoon bag, which is due to be released in October 2009. The bags are reversible, on one side it's either lambskin or ecru, with quilted lining on the other side. Great bag, if only I could afford one!

Here are some pics from the campaign:

This has gotta be my favorite pic!

Now take a look at her most recent shoot from ID magazine:

Huge transformation, no?

Resources: Marie Claire

Double Finger Rings Under $100

A dear friend of mine recently told me about double finger rings and I can't believe I've never seen them before. She told me she really wants one, but they all seem to be really pricey (as they're mainly silver or gold). I'm not too sure why they don't make cheap versions of these cute double finger rings. Too much work maybe? There are also a couple of sellers over at Etsy that make custom-sized double finger rings at affordable prices. If you're interested, be sure to check there too!

Here are a couple cute double finger rings which I found that are under $100. I guess that's till within affordable range!

From left: The Bolt Ring $22 from Karma Loop, Simple Circle Two Finger Ring $49 from ColleenBaran @ Etsy

From left: Erica Anenberg Silver Double Ring $50 from Max and Chloe (also available in gold), The Golden Spooning Fingers Double Knuckle Ring $60 from ATHD @ Etsy (also available in silver)

From left: Erica Anenberg Je T'aime Double Ring $63 from Max and Chloe, Double the Fun Bar Ring $70 from Supermarket

From left: Miss Wax MW Knuckle Ring $70 from 80's Purple, Entry Lock Double Finger Ring $88 from Little Rooms

In the Spotlight: People's Liberation at Charlotte Russe

Cheap and chic retailer Charlotte Russe has collaborated with high-end casual apparel People's Liberation for a line of affordable chic clothing! This exclusive line was uncovered at the Charlotte Russe Fall 2009 launch event last week and is available now.

I checked out the collection at their website and found some great items!

Motorcycle Jacket, $59.99

Asterisk Burn Out Sweater, $29.99

Cut Off Mini Shorts, $59.99

Graffiti Leggings, $32.99

Tanya Skinny Jeans, $94.99
Not used to seeing hundred-dollar jeans at Charlotte Russe!

Are you liking these items like I am? Check out the rest of the collection at the Charlotte Russe website.

PLT Beauty: Maquillage X Alexander Wang Fall 09 Makeup Collection

Asian American fashion designer Alexander Wang has teamed up with Japanese cosmetic giant Shiseido's Maquillage brand to come up with a makeup collection for Fall 2009. The theme of this collection is "live in your makeup" and it consists of 4 perfect gloss colors, 6 moisture rouge lipstick colors, and 2 3D eyes creator colors. Wang also helped out in the designing of the packaging of the cosmetics for this collection.

3D Eyes Creator, ~USD $37 each

Moisture Rouge Lipstick, ~USD $30 each

The five Japanese endorsing models in Alexander Wang

The TV Commercial

I've heard good things about the lipstick, but also heard that the eye colors are really similar and too light. I think this collection is still available, I might go check it out the next time I go shopping!

Sales & Coupons Week of 7/24

• Aeropostale: 25% off any one item with code AERO25, offer expires 7/31/09.

• Alloy: Free shipping on orders of $25 with code AKHAFF, offer expires 7/30/09.

• American Apparel: Save 15% off your order with code d168-ft12495, offer expires 7/31/09.

• Banana Republic: Save 10% on your order with code EXTRA10, offer expires 7/31/09.

• dELiA*s: Save 15% off your order with code FORU15, offer expires 7/30/09.

• Fly Jane: Save $10 on your order of $65 or more with code BREEZE and save $25 on your order of $150 or more with code SNUFFY, offers expire 7/31/09.

• Sephora: Free shipping on orders over $25 with code 3SJ9HQ, offer expires 7/31/09.

• Shoes.com: Save 20% off sale items with code SUMMER and save 15% off your entire order with code FLAG15, offers expire 7/31/09.

In the Spotlight: Skechers Shape-Ups

The other day while I was shopping, I spotted these new funny-looking shoes by Skechers called Shape-Ups. Apparently they are those shoes that's supposed to tone your muscles and help you loose weight, like the Reebok EasyTone that I mentioned in one of my earlier posts.

Bascially, these kinds of shoes create instability so that your muscles will be working to keep balance even when standing still. The bottom of the Skechers Shape-Ups are curved and the heels is lower than normal shoes, so it makes your muscles constantly work to keep your balance centered. As you walk, your heel sinks into the soft foam in the shoe, then rolls forward onto the forefoot, and pushes off with your toes. As a result, the muscles in your legs, butt, and back are all being utilized while you're core is trying to keep balance.


An independent clinical study was conducted by Dr. Steven Gautreau D.C. of Manhattan Beach, California, to discover the results of wearing the new Skechers Shape-Ups. The trial consisted of 10 volunteers who wore Shape-Ups for a period of 6 weeks, during which their body weight, body composition, glutei strength and low back endurance was measured. Results of the trial showed improvement in posture, weight loss, body compsition and muscle strength, as well as endurance. The greatest single weight loss acheived was 6 pounds, with an overall average of 3.24 pounds. Sounds too good to be true!

Each pair of Skechers Shape-Ups comes with a booklet, instruction DVD and a pair of spare laces in a different color. Fitness Footwear Company Director, Emma Barlow said: "The great thing about Shape-Ups is that they look good, feel very comfortable and you can get all the benefits of wearing them simply by walking to work every day."

References: Health.com and PR Newswire

Not so sure about the "looking good" part, but though it sounds too amazing, I do believe that this stuff would work. That's if you're willing to sacrifice looks and wear these huge, chunky shoes out! But I have to give props to Skechers for coming up with such an awesome shoe, instead of those rip-off Crocs that I couldn't stand. But still I can't get over the looks of it, definitely a no-no for me. Would you try the new Skechers Shape-Ups?

From left: Jump Start, Metabolize, Sleek Fit (all $110)

Each pair of Shape-Ups comes with a DVD and instruction booklet

Visit the Skechers website for more styles!

In the Spotlight: Lindsay Lohan for Fornarina Fall 2009

Lindsay Lohan is Fornarina's face once again this fall. I have to say these photos don't look like her at all! I totally couldn't recognize her from the pictures, thought that it was some European blonde model. Mainly because she looks so pale. Or maybe it was the airbrush. But anyhow this is a pretty nice photoshoot worth checking out, Lindsay or not!

Here are some pics from the photoshoot:

This pic reminds me of the Katie Holmes for Miu Miu campaign earlier this year...especially that red python bag

This pic kind of reminds me of Madonna

For larger and more pictures, visit Lohan Groupie!

PLT Pick: Charlotte Russe Two-Tone Romper

Jessica Szohr aka Vannessa from Gossip Girl wore this awesome two-tone romper to the Charlotte Russe Fall 2009 Launch Event this past Wednesday. It looks so good on her, as if it's some designer piece. Wonder how it will look on us with normal bodies!

Jessica Sozhr looking good at the Charlotte Russe launch event

Two-Tone Romper, $24.99 from Charlotte Russe

I bet this romper will be selling like hot cakes after Jessica Szohr wore it!

Off to Vacation!

I'll be away on vacation to Taiwan from Monday to Friday! But don't worry, I've prepared a several posts to keep everyone company while I'm away. I will probably not check my email during this time, so I'll be replying to emails after I come back! Make sure to stick around for the upcoming posts.

DIY Time: Simple Button Ring

I've been pretty interested in DIY jewelry lately, and here's a simple tutorial that I'd like to share with everyone! I'm sure everyone has some buttons lying around, why not turn them into cute button rings?

Materials Needed:

• Cute buttons
• Shank cutter (if the buttons have loops at the back)
• Ring bases
• Craft glue or strong adhesive glue

If you don't have any cute buttons or ring bases, don't worry! Try looking in your local craft store, if not do a search to get them online. I googled and got a couple of sites: Jan's Jewelry Supplies, Fire Mountain Gems, and Rings & Things

Difficulty: 1.5/5
This project is fairly simple, the only tricky part is removing the button shank for a smooth surface.

Step 1: Pick out a cute button, or you could double up and glue two or more together!

Step 2: If the button has a shank, you'll have to cut it off with a shank cutter (plastic only!) And if the shank doesn't come off clean, use sandpaper to sand the bottom of the button so that it's (almost) completely flat.




Step 3: Apply some glue onto the back of the button. Use a toothpick for precision if necessary. Let dry for a little.



Step 4: Apply some glue onto the ring base and let dry for a little.



Step 5: Put them together! Place the ring base directly in the center of the button. Let dry for 1-2 hours.



And you're done with your cute new ring!


Tip: Depending on the type of glue you use, usage and drying time would vary. Refer to the instructions on your glue for more information!

In the News: Forever 21 to Launch Home and Beauty Lines

What is this I'm hearing about? Forever 21 is launching home and beauty lines? The Cut reports that Forever 21 is entering the home and beauty market and merchandise will hit the largest F21 stores later this year. There are no details of what kind of products they will be selling, but I know it's going to be good! Forever 21 sounds like a cheaper version of Urban Outfitters in the making. I'm excited to hear this!!! Yay to cheap and chic :)

In the News: H&M Sales Fall More Than Expected Despite Discounting

While we're happily enjoying huge discounts in our favorite stores, the retailers are actually suffering more than they expected. In the July 16 Wall Street Journal article titled "H&M Sales Fall More Than Expected", H&M announced that its June same-store sales fell 5% compared with June the previous year. Despite pushing its summer sale a month earlier to May this year, H&M's total sales (including new stores sales) rose 4%, underperforming analysts' forecasts of an 8.4% rise.

This summer was the first time where H&M had a prominent designer for their summer collection, where popular designer collections were previously limited to fall and spring. British designer Matthew Williamson designed for H&M this past spring and summer, including menswear in the summer collection. Analyst Anders Wiklund expects H&M to outperform its peers in the current economy because of its cheap-and-chic business concept. According to Wiklund, "H&M has many qualities that will enable it to fare better than the competition."

H&M is currently the world's third-largest fashion chain by revenue, behind US-based Gap Inc. and Spain's Inditex SA (including brands like Zara).

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That previous article sounded all bleak and negative. Wall Street Journal reports another article also dated July 16 titled "H&M Fares Well Despite Downturn" that has a completely different take on the same story.

This article says that H&M posted a 6.4% rise in fiscal second-quarter net profit, "as it continued to fare better during the economic downturn than many of its rivals."The article also quotes the same analyst Anders Wiklund saying that H&M's quarterly earnings were "strong throughout" and that "everyone is affected by the downturn, but one continues to see that H&M is doing relatively well."

Current CEO Rolf Eriksen, who has been leading the company since 2000, is turning 65 and retiring next week. Taking his place is 34-year-old Karl Johan-Persson, son of H&M's majority owner and grandson of its founder.

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From these two articles we can see that it's true that numbers and statistics are very meaningful and tells a lot, but it also depends on how you use the numbers for interpretation. I guess H&M isn't doing so bad in this ecnomy afterall!

Sales & Coupons Week of 7/17

• Akira: 20% site-wide from now till July 25th, no coupon necessary.

• Aldo: 10% off your order with code 29247590, offer expires unknown.

• Express: Save $30 off your order of $75 or more with code 3733, offer expires 7/19/09.

• JCPenney: Save 15% off your order with code SURVJUN9, offer expire 7/20/09.

• Macy's: Receive 99 cents shipping on summer clearance items with code 99CENTS, offer expires 7/19/09.

• Piperlime: 20% off orders of $125 or more with code SUMMERFUN, offer expires 7/21/09.

• Target: Save $5 off your order of $50 or more with code TCMT3343, offer expires 7/18/09.

• Urban Outfitters: Free shipping on select furniture with code HOMEFREE, offer expires 7/19/09.

Repeat After Me: Agate

Agate (pronounced ag-it) is a chalcedony quartz that forms in concentric layers in a variety of textures and bright colors. Agates are usually associated with volcanic and metamorphic rocks. Each individual agate forms by filling a cavity in its host rock, resulting in its round nodule shape and concentric rings like the rings of a tree trunk.

History
In ancient times, agate was highly valued as a talisman or amulet. It was also said to quench thirst and protect against fever. Persian magicians used agate to divert storms. Collecting agate bowls became common among European royalty during the Renaissance.

Uses
Agate is mainly used to make ornaments such as pins, brooches, marbles, and seals. It is also used to make motars and pestles to crush and mix chemicals because of its hardness and ability to resist acids.

References: Gem by Gem and Wikpedia

Lucky charm or magic stone? Try some of these agate ornaments!

Dipped Agate Necklace in Gold $18 from Lulu's

Teardrop Agate Earring $18 from Arden B

Sophia Necklace $19.90 from Alloy

Turquoise Sterling Silver Pendant Agate Stone Necklace, $22.99 from Amazon

Akira Summer Sale: Everything's 20% Off!

Sale alert! Akira Chicago is having their summer sale from now till July 25th, and everything is 20% off! Free standard shipping on orders over $75, and free return shipping on net orders of $75 or more.

Featured Items:

Slim Fit Denim, now $31.20

This is their best selling denim, a basic staple to your wardrobe!

Machine Destroyed Denim

From left: Distressed Skinny Jeans & Super Destroyed Denim, both $39.20

From left: Distressed Denim Shorts & Distressed Denim Mini Skirt both $31.20

Head over to Akira Chicago and shop their site-wide sale!

Reader Request: Brown flats & Brown Cardigan

From my reader Darla:
Lately I've been on the search for a pair of cute brown flats, something simple but still stylish and cute and I haven't been able to find any that fit that description. As well I've been looking for a cute simple brown cardigan, something with a v-neck and not so long, about 22" long.

I want to know if you have any suggestions on where i can find these items,
either online or in a store. Thank you.


Is brown the most unpopular color or what? I now understand how Darla couldn't find the perfect brown cardigan, since most stores have the basics in other colors, or have drapey and long cardigans. Took me awhile to find some brown items! Also, I know H&M has a lot of the basic cardigan that Darla is looking for in a variety of colors, but I'm not sure if it comes in brown (I myself have a black and a blue one). Maybe check there too!

If any other readers have suggestions for Darla, please comment and let her know. Hope this helps!

Flats

From left: Zip Front Ballerina Flat $16 from Go Jane, Blowfish Serge Knotted Ballet Flat $34.95 from DSW, Classified Colman Tan Imitation Suede Hardware Flat $22 from Lulu's

Cardigan

From left: Cotton & Linen V-neck Cardigan $49 from Victoria's Secret, Ruffle Trimmed Cardigan $49.50 from Gap, Basic Cotton Cardigan $9.99 from Pink Ice

PLT Beauty: Essie Matte About You Matte Finisher

Essie has just released its matte finished "Matte About You", which can instantly turn any glossy nail color into a smooth matte finish. Coincidentally, OPI is also releasing its Matte Collection about this time. It will definitely be more convenient and cheaper to get a bottle of matte finisher and turn your favorite colors into a matte finish than to get a new bottle of matte polish in your favorite color!

Some matte/glossy ideas that Essie has provided, which you can create with Matte About You and your favorite nail color.

This is a really good idea compared to a whole new collection of matte colors, but there will definitely still be a difference between an original matte color and a color used with a matte finish. There will still be some gloss with the matte finish. For examples, visit All Lacquered Up to see the differences between OPI's matte collection and the same colors used with a matte finish!

Reader Request: Oversized Blazer

From my reader Amy:
Hello, I was reading your blog and came across the post "June Shopping Roundup". I really liked the oversized blazer, and have been trying hard to find one here with no success. Could you help me out? I would love to get my hands on that blazer. How does it fit? Thanks!

The blazer fits very well on me, not too large and not too small, and I'm a size 6 (like in H&M sizing). It also comes in both gray and black colors. If anyone else is interested in this blazer, or any other item in my June Shopping Roundup, let me know and I'll provide you with more details!

Some additional pictures of the blazer:






Email me at pretty.lil.things.blog@gmail.com if you're interested in this blazer or any other items!

DIY Time: Cutout Leggings

A couple of days ago I wrote about the legging trends for this summer, and I mentioned that I was digging the cutout legging trend. Well, I've decided to create my own cutout leggings! Here are step by step instructions on how I did it.

Materials needed:

• Long black leggings
• Fabric chalk/pencil for markings
• Tape measure
  
• Scissors
• Clear Nail Polish (optional)
  

Difficulty: 2.5/5
This project is very tedious, and it's much harder to cut on fabric than you might imagine!

Step 1: Get a pair of long black leggings (or any color you like). Pick one that is thicker and is made of a better material, preferably long and up to the ankle.



Step 2: Flip it inside out so that you don't dirty the outside when marking. You won't want the cutouts to go all the way to the bottom, so start marking about 4 inches above the bottom of the leggings.



Step 3: Using the fabric chalk, mark how you want the slits to be cut. For mine I made them 0.5 inches apart, but it's really up to you (definitely make it at least 0.5 inches though, because the sides of the slits tend to curl up) Make them of different lengths and sizes, with the cutouts shorter towards the bottom and longer towards the top. You can make the cutouts stop wherever you want, for me I made up to my about my thighs. Note: Make sure the slits you mark are not too wide, because after cutting it actually appears much bigger than when you wanted it to be (see picture below)!



Step 4: Start cutting! Remember, DO NOT cut too wide because, the hole becomes a lot bigger when you wear the leggings! So some of them can simply be a slit, because it will open up when you put it on.

Just a little slit will turn into a larger hole.

This is how it will look after cutting.

Step 5: If your scissors can't cut that well or you're like me and can't cut that well, use a pair of smaller scissors and trim around each slit.


Step 5 (Optional): To prevent fraying, you can apply a coat of clear nail polish around the edges of each slit. However be warned that it might itch a little when you wear it!

And ta-da! You're done with your new cutout leggings!

Stay tuned for more DIY projects in upcoming posts!

This Weekend Only: 7 for $25 PINK panties

PINK panties 7 for $25 in stores this weekend only at Victoria's Secret! That's two more panties than usual. Time to stock up!

Sales & Coupons Week of 7/10

EDIT: added today's special Forever 21 code.

• Forever 21: Today Only! Get 10% off orders of $50 or more with code FBTENOFF, offer expires 7/10/09.

• Alloy: Save 15% off your online order with code SHOP15, offer expires 7/13/09.

• Armani Exchange: Free shipping with code AXFSJULY, offer expires 7/12/09.

• dELiA*s: Save 15% off your online order with code HOT15, offer expires 7/16/09.

• Karma Loop: 20% off entire order with code JN11465, offer expires unknown.

• The Limited: Save $20 off your order of $60 or more or $30 off your order of $100 or more with code 322, offer expires 7/19/09.

• Mac Cosmetics: Free shipping on any order with code CRAFT, offer expires 7/13/09.

• Old Navy: 15% off orders of $75 or more with code SAVENOW, offer expires 7/11/09.

• Target: Save $5 off your order of $50 with code TCBBYPAT, offer expire 7/11/09.

• Urban Outfitters: Save 25% off your online order with code 25OFFSALE, offer expire 7/14/09.

• Victoria's Secret: Free shipping on orders of $75 with code 75FREESHP, offer expires unknown.

PLT Beauty: Renew Your Nail Polish!

If you're like me and love nail colors, you probably have lots of half-used nail polish bottles lying around. Solid colors (without shimmer/glitter) tend to clump up and dry a little after a few uses or when the bottle hasn't been used for some time. And it sucks when you're favorite colors starts to streak when you apply! The solution? Nail polish thinner. Just add a few drops of thinner into your bottle to add the flow back into the color. It will be much smoother and easier for application, just like a new bottle of polish!

A couple of nail care brands have their versions of nail polish thinner, and some are also pretty cheap, like this one by Beauty Secrets:

Beauty Secrets Nail Polish Thinner, $3.99 from Sally Beauty

The only bad thing about regular nail polish thinners is that, just like its name, it will thin the nail color and reduce its color and shine. Use those that are specially made to renew your nail color, like this one from Zoya:

Renew Polish Rejuvenator, $8 from Zoya

Now you can save your favorite nail colors!

The Summer Series: It's Leg-o-tastic!

Leggings are comfy and convenient to wear, and I'm sure many of us own a couple pairs of basic leggings for mixing and matching. I personally love wearing leggings, especially with cute tunics and long tanks paired with a pair of flat sandals or cute heels for the summer.

Now that the basic solid colored leggins are pretty saturated, you can play up your outfit with a variety of different types of legging! I'm totally digging the ankle zip legging and the cutout/destroyed legging trends, thinking of trying them out!

Solid

From left: Faux Leather Legging $19.50 from Wet Seal, Silence & Noise Ankle Zip Legging $38 from Urban Outfitters, Destroyed Ankle Legging $28 from Arden B

From left: Cotton Spandex Jersey Two-Sided Legging $30 from American Apparel, FULL TILT Three Stud Legging $12.99 from Tilly's, Zippered Ruffle Ankle Legging $20 from Forever 21

Pattern & Print

From left: Painter Tie Dye Leggings $33 from Lulu's, Tribal Leggings, $12.99 from Charlotte Russe, Into the Wild Leggings $14.99 from Pink Ice

Fom left: Faux Denim Legging $14.50 from Wet Seal, BDG Burnout Legging $18 from Urban Outfitters, Lace Leggings $29 from Akira Chicago

Tip: Use code PRETTYTHINGS15 to receive 15% off at Akira Chicago!

The Summer Series: Safari Chic

The safari theme is really common this summer. And I'm not just talking about the leopard, zebra, and python prints that have been around forever. Looks like the tigers, giraffes, and leopards are let loose, we'll probably see more of these beasts on our chests!

Celeb Style

From left: Megan Fox in Stella McCartney Tank & Jessica Simpson wearing bag from her own line

Tees
From left: Feather Burnout $32.90 from Alloy, Burnout Zebra Tee $17.50 from A'GACI, Rainbow Leopard Tee $28.50 from dELiA*s

Tops

From left: Abstract Animal Halter Top $14.99 from Charlotte Russe, Embellised Zebra Bustier $38 from Arden B, Leopard Print Ombre Top $24 from Akira Chicago

Tip: Use code PRETTYTHINGS15 to receive 15% off at Akira Chicago!

BottomsFrom left: Reptile Knit Legging $12.80 from Forever 21, Giraffe Print Mini Skirt $12.99 from Wet Seal, Abby Low-Rise Cheetah Short $29.50 from dELiA*s

Accessories

From left: Madden Girl Solaar Studded Gladiator Sandal $29.95 from DSW, Nicole Lee Mamba Handbag $79 from Lulu's, Textured Snake Bangle $19.50 from Arden B

Sales & Coupons Week of 7/3

• Aldo: 10% off your order with code 29247590, offer expires unknown.

• Arden B: Buy 1 clearance item, get 1 for only $5 (equal or lesser value). Offer expires unknown, no code required.

• Betsey Johnson: Buy 1 get 1 free with code JULY04, offer expires 7/6/09.

• Charlotte Russe: Independence Day Sale, 20% off sitewide from now till 7/7/09. No code required.

• Deb: $10 off purchases of $30 or more with code OMGEJ623, offer expires 7/3/09.

• Express: $15 off every $60 you spend in-store and online with for 5 days only with code 7271, offer expires 7/5/09.

• Forever 21: Free shipping with purchase of swimwear with code FREESHIP, offer expires 7/5/09.

• Lucky Brand Jeans: Free shipping on any order with code LUCKYFGS, offer expires unknown.

• Lulu's: 15% off site-wide for 3 days only with code FIRECRACKER, offer expires 7/4/09.

• Pacsun: 15% off your order of $75 or more from now till 7/7/09 and take an additional 50% off markdowns, no coupon code required.

• Payless: 15% off you order with code 27769 and $10 off your online purchase of $60 with code 27777, offers expire 7/27/09.

• Revolve Clothing: 10% off any brand, with code CANDY, offer expires unknown.

Lulu's 3 Day Sale: 15% off site-wide!

To celebrate July 4th, Lulu's is having a 3 day sale on July 2nd, 3rd, and 4th! Enter the code FIRECRACKER and receive 15% off site-wide during these 3 days!

F21 Free Shipping w/ Purchase of Swimwear

Good news! Forever 21, who I believe rarely offers free shipping, is promoting their swimwear collection now and is offering free shipping with purchase of swimwear. This offer ends on July 5th, so don't miss this offer and get a cute swimsuit for the nice weather! Use code FREESHIP before July 5 for this offer.

Tops and bottoms are $12.80 each. Check out the swimwear collection at Forever 21!