Mad Men Weekend Excitement the show, previews, and collabs

I can't wait to have this show every Sunday again...this will make up for not having Downton Abbey for a while...plus, the wardrobes are always so inspiring...and, it's fun now because you can shop from lines that are inspired by the show, a la Estee Lauder and Banana Republic collabs...see items below.

2 hour premiere this Sunday!  Catch up with Pop Sugar's update on what happened so long ago:)

Then, what to be excited for:

Celebrate our favorite show returning with fashion & beauty:

Mad Men at Estee Lauder:
I have always loved the iconic lipstick cases that Estee Lauder has and LOVE that they are doing a collab with Mad Men...it's a perfect connection!  Hopefully we will see more in the future.

Estée Lauder Mad Men Collection Lipstick in Cherry, $25

Estée Lauder Mad Men Collection Creme Rouge in Evening Rose, $40

Mad Men at Banana Republic:
As always, cute items with Mad Men inspiration.  I always appreciate a Cigarette Pant, so classic.  Lots more to chose from on the Banana Republic site as well, these are just a few that caught my eye.:)

Banana Republic The Mad Men Collection Cigarette Pant, $98

Banana Republic The Mad Men Collection Flower Stud Earring, $35

Banana Republic The Mad Men Collection Bouquet Drop Earring, $39.50

Banana Republic The Mad Men&Reg Collection Sleeveless Draper Dress, $130

Are you a college student? Here are some fab shopping discounts to take advantage of:

Each store will need you to bring your student I.D. of course:)

Nine West 15% (this just started, so take advantage!!)
J. Crew 15% (sometimes they ask for a valid student email-with .edu, so be prepared:)
Ann Taylor 15%
LOFT 15%
Banana Republic 15%
Club Monaco 20%
Madewell 15%
The Limited 15%
Urban Outfitters 10% (but, not all locations offers the discount.)

Do you know of any other good discounts others should know about?  Please share.

My guest review for AOL's Stylelist for the Style Council

Here's a pic of me trying the dress at the store that they didn't use...the shoes are my Manolo look-a-likes that I found at Newport News:)

I was really excited when someone from Styelist contacted me to say that they had my application for another program I tried to do with them, but they had a new project coming up called Style Council that they thought I would be interested in.  The project was for real women to go out and shop for a particular item and share their thoughts.  I, of course was excited to participate!  So far real women have shopped Old Navy, Banana Republic and now Ann Taylor (which is where I got to check things out:).

Rather than call before going in (like I do when styling a shoot) I just walked in like a normal customer off the street, and thank goodness the dress was there, but it was only in a XS.  But, being me, I still tried it...even though my size has gone up more than I want to admit since having my little baby:)  So, please check out my review and see what I thought of this great LBD sweater dress that's perfect for this fall!

Be inspired by Mad Men and Banana Republic style

Mannequin is the Muse for Barneys New York's Grand Opening Next Week

I am soo excited, not only do we have H&M announcing their grand opening in Scottsdale for November 5th, but Barney's New York is opening on October 15th at 12 PM and there are so many exciting things that go along with the opening and I have the scoop!

I still remember driving to Scottsdale just to see if it was true that Barneys New York was coming to Scottsdale. When I spotted the construction site and knew the legend was reality I started my countdown. Here are some shots of what to expect next week. I can't wait to walk into the store...It's so exciting after being in New York last month for New York Fashion Week and of course going into the Barneys for a catalog and to see all of the gorgeous clothes that are sold at this AMAZING store. I wonder if they will have a CO-OP department. We shall see, but until then, check out renderings and construction shots to get an idea of what it looks like.

The BIG deal for me is that Simon Doonan is going to be at the festivities so I will be able to get an autograph for my book:) But, the unexpected there is another wing to the Scottsdale Fashion Mall which includes a new store for Banana Republic. To make the evening even more exciting, there will be a fashion exhibit called, The Mannequin is our Muse where Scottsdale Fashion Square retailers, a group at Mesa Community College, local artists and even Simon Doonan (the creative director for Barneys New York) share their interpretation of style.

Here is a look at what the designers were thinking:

Simon Doonan: The creative director for Barneys New York took the household brillo pad to new heights with his creation.

Mesa Community College: Local students came up with the idea to design a collection of mannequins called "Urban Angels" to reflect the lives everyday people. Their instructor, Evonne Bowling took he

r students to a thrift shop and gave them money to buy their supplies. The series includes: A full-time mom/full-time student, a soldier, a doctor, and a rock star.

Sephora: The style muse for Sephora’s mannequin was celebrity tattoo artist Kat Von D, from TLC's LA Ink. The manager of Sephora asked Kat personally for suggestions on how to design their mannequin for the event at Scottsdale Fashion Square. Sephora's mannequin actually resembles Kat Von D.

The Trend: Sleeveless Trench Dress

On the recent Running in Heels episode, Talita went with Joyce to the Banana Republic fashion show and commented on the way she so loved their take on the trench dress...without sleeves...*I couldn't find the one featured on the show, and I don't think the one I have an image of is available yet...but, you get what I am saying:)

Then, I get an email today from Liz Claiborne by Isaac Mizrahi, and he is coming out with a denim trench dress without sleeves...

But, I think it all began with ELLE's Joe Zee sharing how ladies can transform a trench to a dress by having the sleeves cut off and then sewing an edge to finish.  I have been wanting to do that since I read that in  my mag...I am planning on getting the Norma Kamali trench from WalMart since it is only $30 and I wont' feel bad about transforming it:)

But, as we can see, the trend is everywhere and there are so many cute versions...choose which one works best for you!

eBay Thoughts...

I am not sure if this BR shift dress looks similar enough to the Carrie Bradshaw dress...hmmmm...to bid or not to bid...what does everyone think?

Check Out the Banana Republic Jewelry Sale-In Store

I looked online and only the regular price jewels were catching my eyes, like the bib necklace (that is a HUGE) trend this spring and summer featured here...maybe it was just the prices ranging from $19.99 to $39.99 in store that were making me excited...go and check out all of the sale pieces, the store I went to had two sections worth to look through!  And now the big wait to see if this beautiful piece drops before it is sold out..kind of the exciting way to shop...if it's meant to be I will get it:)

Full Skirts, Great Prints, Fab Discount!

Banana Republic is having a promo where if you put in: TAKE15OFF at checkout, you get 15% off...I LOVE the style of full skirts...they will never go out of style for me...They became REALLY big after Prada did them a couple of years ago, but skirts and full skirts for that matter have always had a strong presence in my wardrobe. They are elegant and the big one, they cover any flaws...I don't feel uncomfortable wearing a full skirt.

Everyone is Talking About Old Navy

Although they are all owned by the same company, it looks like Gap and Banana Republic better watch out, it looks like the combo of style and price are winning when it comes to the tier of stores being:

Banana Republic: HIGH

Gap: Middle

Old Navy: low

I am visiting Old Navy in person tomorrow.