In These Shoes: ShoeDazzle Gally Sandals

Even though I work in fashion, my coworkers seem endlessly fascinated by the fact that I wear heels to work every day. "Even when it's raining!" one of my work friends once exclaimed. Much like my tactic for staying above the dirty summer sidewalks, big platform heels actually come in handy on rainy days because they keep you elevated over the puddles. Of course, you don't want to wear suede or leather or fabric in adverse conditions, but patent and synthetic leather withstand the conditions quite nicely. A great source for the latter is ShoeDazzle, which is one of those sites that makes you take a quiz, then "curates" a selection of product for you. (More on that later.) Nearly everything on the site is under $100, with the majority under $50, and many styles for even less than that. What makes ShoeDazzle stand out is the sheer variety of styles—this is where the quiz comes in handy to help narrow things down for you, although you can easily shop by style, new arrivals, or trend—and the fact that they have uber-stylist Rachel Zoe lending a hand. (Another bonus: ShoeDazzle has done away with that annoying monthly-commitment thing that similar sites still do.) The Gally wedge sandals (a Rachel Zoe pick) turned up in my shop, and at $39.95, I mean, how could I not buy them? Minimal and geometric, with a comfy wedge heel, they manage to be both neutral and interesting. I can also report they're incredibly comfortable, with a well-padded insole, and they withstood even the torrential downpour that was happening at lunchtime today. I got no fewer than eight compliments on them, including from one incredulous friend who made me take a shoe off to prove where they were from (she thought they were Céline!). And while it would be truly extravagant (and possibly stupid) to wear $1,000 shoes in the rain, isn't it better to spend just a fraction of that...and save the rest to spend on even more shoes?

Bonus: Now through Wednesday 6/12, you can enter to win a trip to L.A. here!

Little White Dresses Under $100

Almost exactly two years ago, I was heading out to Montauk to get married. (Coincidentally, it was also an unseasonably cold, rainy weekend.) While my wedding was fantastic and magical, the months leading up to it were, to put it mildly, one of the most stressful periods of my life. I was one of those people who read too many wedding blogs and became obsessed with art-directing every last detail of my wedding; I nearly had a nervous breakdown over tablecloths. But although it seemed a bit loopy at the time, one of my best ideas was wearing all white dresses for the entire weekend of my wedding. Not only did everyone know I WAS THE BRIDE, GODDAMMIT, I ended up with a bunch of cute summer dresses, all of which are still in regular rotation in my closet, with the exception of my after-party dress, which suffered an untimely death via whiskey-and-pizza stains. (Hey, I hadn't eaten carbs in a month—give a girl a break!) I'm of the mind that one can never have too many little white dresses—they're the summer cousin of that perennial wardrobe classic, the little black dress—so here are a bunch of this year's favorites, all under $100.

1. Okay, so this Nasty Gal Summer Dreams dress is technically cream, not white, but close enough. It has subtle lace insets for built-in ventilation, and the babydoll cut means you can drink as many margaritas as you want and not have to worry about your stomach sticking out. It's also 100% cotton, which is key for breathability. 

2. I like this Topshop lace shift dress because it looks like something Twiggy would've worn in the '60s, but you'd almost never find a vintage dress in such pristine condition. I won't tell if you won't. 

3. Speaking of vintage, ModCloth totally leverages that aesthetic for its Zooey Deschanel-loving, social-media-savvy, twentysomething clientele. In fact, I could picture the New Girl herself wearing this sweet Coconuts for the Coast dress. 

4. This Dorothy Perkins maxi dress is like a unicorn: it's white, it's long, and it's beyond fabulous. It's also 100% cotton and, at $55, a total steal, so, yes, I've already ordered one. Warning to my friends: You're going to see a lot of this one this summer. 

5. Miss Selfridge always seemed like the UK's version of Wet Seal to me, but judging by the number of groovy boho-chic dresses on their website, perhaps they're repositioning themselves. This pom-pom lace dress is finished with such lovely details, it looks far more expensive than it is—a straight-up bargain at $80. 

TheFind Guest Post: Marimekko and Aesop Team Up for the Sake of At-Home Spa Goodness!

No matter how busy you get, it's always important to spare a little time in your hectic schedule for some serious TLC. After all, what's the point of working hard if you can't make up for it in some pampering time at the end of the week? Marimekko and Melbourne-based beauty company Aesop have joined forces to create a handy little spa-inspired duo, dubbed the Sauna Duet, perfect for sloughing and buffing stresses away in the comfort of your own tub or shower. Not all of us can afford pricey professional spa treatments – especially not on a regular basis – but this luxurious scrub and moisturizer pair proves that you don't need to seek the help of a professional just to "treat yo'self"! The scrub exfoliates for smoother, healthier skin that glows, while the balm restores moisture and hydrates skin for the perfect polished, pampered finish. Forget your fancy spa – turn your own home bathroom into a relaxing retreat with the help of this sexy Sauna Duet! - Alexandra Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

In These Shoes: June Ambrose by theme® Freda Sandals

I recently expounded on the joys of black platform sandals, but now that sale season has begun, it's a great time to buy some crazy fun shoes too. You know what I'm talking about: Shoes so impractical, you'd never pay full price, but once they hit 40 or 50 percent off, how can you afford to pass them up, amiright? I've been meaning to write about June Ambrose's HSN line for awhile, and before you start laughing so hard you can't finish reading this post, let me just say that HSN has some amazing exclusives, and they're really courting a more fashiony customer such as yourself. Case in point: the June Ambrose by theme® line of shoes; if you're not familiar with Ambrose, she's basically responsible for styling every fly music video you watched in the '90s and is thus worthy of her own shoe line. There are a bunch of fun styles in the line, but my favorite is the Freda, a sandal with bright blue suede, sexy mesh, and, best of all, a bold peacock print. (There's also a practical all-black style and a chic nude and leopard, but come on, the peacock is fun, and that's the point of this post.) Would I ever pay full price for them? Probably not, but they're on sale at the moment, and that's good enough for me—good, cheap fun.

TheFind Guest Post: Nordstrom's Juniors Department Unveils New Lingerie Line, BP Undercover

From their totally revamped (and more budget-friendly) Savvy department to the introduction of Topshop clothing, Nordstrom has had quite a few tricks up their sleeve in recent months! Now, they're appealing to every girl's appreciation for pretty, comfy things with their brand-new, in-house lingerie line, BP Undercover. BP is technically the department store's juniors department, but that hasn't stopped me from spending most of my shopping budget there, even well into my mid-20s (and I'm not exactly skinny-mini either). And now BP Undercover gives me more reason to take advantage of the department's lower price point. The collection includes everything from lacy thongs to cheeky boyshorts (and everything in between), as well as comfy loungewear like leggings and lightweight camis. Serving as an affordable alternative to Nordstrom's main lingerie department (which boasts a broader range of both affordable and luxe undergarments), BP Undercover is the perfect blend of sexy-meets-lazy-Sunday, and comfy-meets-cute. What do you think – are you a fan of BP's new lingerie line, or is it too cutesie for your taste? Let us know in the comments! - Alexandra Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

I Want It Now: Peasant Tops

Peasant tops were really popular about 12 or 13 years ago—one of my first summers in NYC—and I wore them so much, I completely OD'd on the trend. Even though they kept coming back from time to time, I just couldn't go there again. Until now. Maybe it's the Joseph Altuzarra influence, or maybe time simply heals all wounds, but regardless, a good peasant top sounds like something that will totally hit the spot right now, especially considering NYC has gone from spring to subtropical rainforest in sixty seconds and Memorial Day weekend kicks off in three days. I plan on pairing mine with cutoff shorts, platform sandals, and a frosty beverage. Cheers!

1. This Etoile Isabel Marant Dumas top is what got me started on the peasant top kick. I saw it at the Steven Alan store in East Hampton a few weeks ago, I fell in love, and it spoke to me. What did it say? "Cheryl, I may be 100% silk, but there's no way you're paying $445 for me." And thus began my search.

2. This Mango peasant top has a similar shape, with short sleeves, a yoke, and a fuller babydoll silhouette, but with a more trendy addition of neon embroidery. I always forget about Mango, which tends to be overshadowed by its better-marketed compatriot Zara. Items like this one remind me I should shop there more (especially since it's a mere $40!). 

3. Nordstrom has a bunch of peasant tops on sale at the moment, including this embroidered Bellatrix top (here's another fun one from Free People). It's more of a traditional peasant top, but I find the black-and-white color scheme to be a bit more refined and grown-up. 

4. Of course you can find peasant tops at Forever 21, and of course they're cheap: this embroidered style is under $20. The detail on this one isn't as, well, detailed as the others, but as they say, you get what you pay for...

5. Which leads me to my actual selection, the J.Crew embroidered gauze tunic. The color scheme and Mexican-inspired embroidery are similar to the Isabel Marant, and unlike most of the other styles here, it's made of a natural fiber (in this case, cotton gauze), which will make it nice and breathable in the summer heat. Ole!

TheFind Guest Post: Trend Alert! Printed Bomber Jackets

Although the weather's been getting a head-start and heating up in anticipation for summer, there's still plenty of spring chill left to necessitate stocking up on some season-friendly jackets for those cooler days and nights. And let's face it – you'd have to be on a serious shopping hiatus for the past couple months in order to avoid noticing the newly-resurfaced bomber jacket trend. But this time, the sporty style isn't stopping with just leather, suede, and other predictable takes. This season, bomber jackets are getting the printed treatment – from your typical springy florals and colorful watercolor prints to quirkier patterns like skulls, camo, and more! A tomboy-chic silhouette keeps things casual while still leaving plenty of room to inject lots of personality. Is it weird that these lightweight jackets are actually making me look forward to the colder off-days this summer? Check out some of my favorites in the links below! Pictured above: Nasty Gal Skull Bomber Jacket, Thakoon Addition Liberty Print Bomber Jacket, One & Only X Urban Renewal Printed Bomber Jacket, and Maison Scotch Camo Nylon Bomber Jacket. -Alexandra Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

Buy It: Chantelle Sensua Strapless Bra

Now that it's finally spring in new York, I have a bunch of cute little strappy sundresses waiting to be worn. But today I remembered I can't wear them yet because I need to get a new strapless bra. Shopping for bras falls into my trifecta of the three most annoying things to shop for —jeans and swimsuits are the other two—but strapless bras are even worse, especially because they are hard to find in my size. I made somewhat of a mistake going to a department store to shop for one; they had just two styles in my size. (Note to lingerie manufacturers: There are many women out there with small band sizes and large cup sizes, and they need strapless bras!!) One of the styles was heavily pushed by the saleswoman; it had that sticky, gummy stuff around the top, which supposedly helps it stay up, but I felt like it actually forced the bra down. Also, I felt like I was wearing armor; Brienne of Tarth I am not. Thankfully the other was the Chantelle Sensua bra, and even if I had tried on 20 styles, I think it still would have been my favorite. (Side note: Chantelle is generally my bra brand of choice; stick with what you love, right?) The cups are a bit stretchy and come up high enough so that you don't have that low, smushed effect that tends to happen with strapless bras. It's well constructed too, with underwires but without annoying side boning that digs into your ribs after a few hours. It also comes with detachable straps, so you can halter, crisscross, or one-shoulder it up. I loved it so much, I bought two: one in nude, and one in black. Which means you'll be seeing a lot of my strappy sundresses for the next few months.

In These Shoes: Black Platform Sandals Under $150

We fashion bloggers like to swoon over shoes, the more outlandish the better. Six-inch heels! Rainbow colors! Studs and buckles and straps and spikes! And yet, the shoes I end up wearing the most are the neutral ones.* I don't know if that's a sad commentary on my dreams versus my reality or what, but generally at the beginning of every summer, I buy a pair of black platform sandals and I wear the crap out of them. In spite of all the tempting summer colors out there, black is important in New York because, hey, it's New York! But also because NYC is disgusting in the summer, and all of those pretty candy colors are going to be gray with filth by the second or third time you wear them. Platforms are also key, because they keep you elevated several inches above said filth. (If you want to conduct a really gross experiment—at your own risk!—walk around the city in flip-flops for a few hours, and you'll see what I mean.) So here are five options I'm considering, all under $150. Let's discuss!

Clockwise from top left:

These Via Spiga Novia sandals were featured in Lucky a few months ago, and I've been obsessed ever since. I'm happy to report that they're now on sale at Nordstrom, which is making them a strong contender. I like the rope detailing at the sole, as well as the sculptural shape of the heel. 

If you've never had the pleasure of wearing a pair, Corso Como makes incredibly comfortable shoes, but ones that you'd never mistake for "comfortable shoes." These Marleen sandals have a nice, clunky wooden platform wedge that's lightened up by a fun cutout at the heel (note: do NOT be tempted by the pretty pink or green colors this style also comes in!). 

This may be the one pair of Jeffrey Campbell sandals that isn't a crazy platform, and since they're missing said platform, they don't really belong here, but I've had these Amity stud sandals on my radar for awhile. Really, you can't go wrong with a 2-inch heel, especially when it's decorated with subtle faceted black studs.

I've been stalking these Zara wooden sandals for a few months now, and I'm amazed they're not yet sold out. They look like the kind of shoe Fashiontoast would wear, you know, before she started wearing Céline and Balenciaga all the time. They're kind of '70s-trashy, but in a sexy summer way.

I saw a woman wearing these sandals the other day in my deli near work, and I followed her around the store until I could corner her and ask her where she got them. The answer: They're the Madewell tri-buckle wedge. I almost knocked over a stand of Pop Chips in the process, but it was totally worth it. See the lengths to which I go to find shoes for you?

*I should note that in my mind, animal prints are considered neutrals.

TheFind Guest Post: Dare to (Almost) Bare in Sheer Peek-a-Boo Pieces, Inspired by Georgia May Jagger

The whole cut-out and "peekaboo" trend has been around for awhile, but just recently, when Georgia May Jagger wore an LBD featuring a lacy panel that is now famously known as a "thigh window," it's like she suddenly breathed all new life into the see-through trend. And while I would personally never advocate for "thigh windows" to make it big in the fashion world, I have to admit – these peekaboo sheer panels are an interesting way to show off your favorite feature. So, I've compiled some more interesting on-trend pieces that provide a "window-like" peek at your secret weapon (or whatever makes you feel sexiest). Side boob? Check. Obliques? Check. Abs? Good for you, and check! And if you've got killer abs like Ms. Jagger, we've got a couple new takes on the "thigh window," too. Check them out in the links below! Pictured above: Dion Lee White Sheer-Paneled Topographic Skirt, Bailey 44 Mesh Panel Contrast Tank, Charlotte Ronson Sheer Panel Sheath Dress, and Vent My Thigh Leggings from TOBI.

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.

Lazy makeup, no brushes required!

I will gladly entrust my hair to professionals, but I hate having my makeup done. This is because makeup artists almost always make me look like a drag queen. ("Oh, look at these cheekbones!" they exclaim, eight layers of bronzer later.) I even did my own makeup for my wedding. I prefer a "natural" look, but as any woman knows, achieving that "I don't have any makeup on" effect requires, well, a lot of makeup. That said, I am incredibly lazy about doing my makeup, to the point where I avoid using brushes. So, in an effort to balance speed with actually looking like a presentable human being (ha!), this is what my daily routine looks like:

My makeup regimen begins with Clé de Peau concealer, which comes in a handy stick form. I dot under my eyes and on any pimples, then blend with my fingers. I know what you're thinking: $70 for concealer? Not only is it worth it—the texture is creamy, it doesn't sink into your wrinkles, and yet it manages to reflect light and make you look fantastic, no matter how little sleep you got the night before—but it lasts forever. Case in point: I am just coming to the end of a stick I bought in 2011. Yes, as in two years ago. 

Next is Laura Mercier foundation powder. I know everyone and her mother raves about Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer, but if you've ever seen me without makeup (and I'm sorry if you have), you'd know that my pores need the big guns. This powder has sheer but buildable coverage, giving my schnoz a starlet-like airbrushed quality. I apply it with the sponge that comes with the compact. 

In spite of an overplucked period in the '90s, I have pretty decent eyebrows, so all they require is a quick coating of Benefit Speed Brow, which comes with an indeed speedy mascara-like wand. 

One of my least favorite things is when you read an article (or watch a video) on natural makeup that requires like six different eye shadows and four different brushes. I use one item, and it comes in pencil form: Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow. I like 28E, which is a pearly beige color, kind of like the natural shade of my skin but a little more glowing. I smear it directly onto my eyelids (it's like a big crayon!) and blend with my finger if necessary. 

I'm blonde, and in spite of having brown eyes, if I don't wear eyeliner, it strangely looks like I don't have any eyes at all. Thus you will rarely see me (pun intended) without Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in matte black. This is my favorite eyeliner in the world—it stays put all day, it doesn't smudge, and it comes off easily when you wash your face. If they ever discontinue it, I will cry inky black tears. 

When it comes to mascara, I generally grab a tube from my never-ending swag stash, but in the rare times when I run out, I will gladly pay $9 for L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes, which has a nice, non-clumpy formula that thickens lashes and doesn't flake. 

Every once in awhile, I get a knowledgable makeup artist; one told me that I shouldn't wear blush—my skin is naturally quite flushed—and instead I should use highlighter on the tops of my cheekbones with bronzer in the hollows for contouring. As annoying as it is to use two different colors, Nars The Multiple is a genius product, and also comes in blush-ier shades too. It has a lovely creamy texture; I smear Copacabana on my cheekbones (and also on my brow bones) and Laguna for contouring, then I blend with my fingers*.

Last but not least, lipstick, which is inherently an item you can put directly on your lips. (I always laugh at makeup artists who tell you to use a brush. As if!) I am forever in search of the perfect my-lip-color-but-better shade; lately I've been alternating between Nars' Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dolce Vita and for an even more bare look, Dior Addict Lip Glow. 

So that's it—like I said, a lot of products to make myself look like I didn't use any, but the whole routine takes about five minutes, no brushes required. Added bonus: more time for sleeping in!

*As you may have noticed, I'm a big fan of blending with my fingers. To be completely honest (and to probably sound a bit paranoid), makeup brushes kind of gross me out, thinking of all the germs they carry. I figure my hands are always clean, but for smudging purposes, Q--Tips and cotton balls work well too, as does the miraculous (and washable) Beauty Blender. 

TheFind Guest Post: Mel x Forever 21: Summer Jelly Flats

High-end plastic footwear retailer Melissa has been revamping everyone's favorite childhood summer shoe staple for the high-fashion world with the help of designer collaborations with the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Jason Wu, and even Karl Lagerfeld. Now, the Brazilian footwear brand is ready to bring all its jelly fabulousness to the bargain-friendly babes out there. Melissa's more wallet-friendly diffusion line, Mel, has teamed up with Forever 21 to create a six-style capsule collection, just in time for summer. From bow-adorned ballet flats and sliver wedges to strappy sandals and studded slip-ons, Forever 21 and Mel are determined to help us revive our summer childhood memories without the buyer's remorse that might normally come from splurging on a designer pair of plastic jellies. Each pair retails for a very reasonable $19.80-22.80, and they're officially on sale in stores and online as of April 26th! Snag a pair (or several) before they're gone for good! —Alexandra Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops. 

Spring Shopping Guide: Cutout Dresses

Fashion is having a crop-top moment. It's really having an early-'90s moment, and crop tops are a part of that, but same difference. The first time this look was in, I was a teenager with low self esteem and too much baby fat. Now that it's back, I'm in my mid-thirties, and while I'm in pretty good shape, I'm not in Gwyneth Paltrow shape. Hence I will not be wearing a crop top, but I might just try the age-appropriate alternative, the side-cutout dress. It's a look that achieves the summery, skin-baring look of a cropped top, but in a more modest, flattering way. You know, for old ladies like me.

$$$
Stella McCartney has built a very nice career for herself making clothes that women with imperfect bodies can actually wear. And because of this, many of her looks get knocked off to high heaven. But take one look at this gown and you can see why: It emphasizes the positive in the sexiest way and cleverly uses illusion fabric to create a daring cutout look—without the actual cutouts.

This sexy Reem Acra gown was part of her stellar spring 2013 runway show, of which I was a big fan. Ok, so this is not an everyday look, and considering the back (or lack thereof), it's definitely not a look for everyone. But it is a look.

If you're not walking a red carpet anytime soon, the key to pulling off a cutout dress is achieving a balance between demure and sexy. This Carven dress has a high neckline and a below-the-knee hemline, and the cutouts are high enough on the ribcage so that you won't have to worry about your love handles spilling out. Win-win!

$$
This Opening Ceremony dress takes the demure look a step farther with an even higher collared neckline and full, flirty skirt. Expect to see it on moneyed Williamsburg hipsters all summer long.

This Three Dots dress is one of my favorites here. If you're like me, you probably own something similar already—something easy and unassuming, in striped jersey—but the cutouts give it an unexpected look, as well as a hint of sexiness.

Another one of my favorites is this Rachel Pally maxi dress, and it appears Shopbop customers agree: As of this post, it has 89 positive customer reviews. The top is more bare than most of the styles pictured here, but it's tempered by the long, flowing maxi-length skirt. Could you find a more perfect vacation dress? I think not.

$
As you might imagine, ASOS has many options when it comes to cutout dresses. But if you don't have the body of a 22-year-old, I recommend this Oasis little black dress, whose cutouts are so discreet, I almost had to zoom in to see them.

This Topshop sundress is a bit more obvious, but it gets points for the cheery color and well-placed cutouts above the waistline. Cool exposed zipper too.

Finally, I am clearly not the intended audience for Nasty Gal, but with all the media attention the site's been getting lately, I thought I should check it out. Most of its clothing would've been far too revealing for even my boundary-pushing 18-year-old self, but every once in awhile, you hit upon something sweet, like this Summer Breeze dress, a perfectly named and designed example.

The 5 sample sales to hit this week

Once upon a time, I used to list every single sample sale in NYC every week. It was, to put it mildly, time consuming. Then I started to dread Mondays about 5,000 times more than I normally dreaded Mondays, so I stopped. (And, anyway, sites like Racked NY started to cover them way better than I could.) But every so often, sales so great come along, I can't help but share them. Here are five must-hit sample sales this week.

I hit the Friends & Family preview of the Thakoon sale this morning, and all I have to say is OMG. Everything is $200 or less; there's a room full of samples, mostly priced in the $50-$150 range, and a room of stock mostly in the $100-$200 range. Both Thakoon and Addition are in heavy supply; if you are a size 4, you will hit the sample jackpot. Through 5/3; 8:30-6:30: 225 Varick (at Houston), ste. 300.

Pretty much every girl I know loves Elizabeth and James (myself included), so all I really need to say is that clothes, shoes, jewelry, and accessories are up to 80% off. 5/2-5/3; 11-7; 233 Spring St. (6th Ave. & Varick), 10th fl.

Yigal Azrouel became famous for making sexy, draped dresses and perfectly cut leather jackets, but in recent years, he's taken a more refined, sophisticated turn. And because I love a designer who can age with me (and who starts a secondary line, in this case Cut 25, for those of us who never want to grow up), I highly recommend this sale, which tends to have a fantastic selection of actual samples. It runs 5/2-5/5; 10-7; 129 Grand Street (Broadway & Crosby St.).

Because I think one's apartment should look as good as one's closet, hit Madeline Weinrib's sample sale benefitting the Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. You can score her lovely printed pillows, rugs, fabrics, and furniture for 40-70% off and, yes, you will help cure cancer. Really! 5/3-5/5; 10-6; MSKCC Thrift Shop, 1440 3rd Ave. (81st & 82nd Sts.).

And if you've ever experienced the hair-pulling frustration of attempting to shop Gilt Groupe's end-of-season clearance sales online, I have a treat for you: The Gilt City Warehouse Sale. Ok, it's $10 to get in, but there will be drinks, snacks, Uber gift certificates, and, yes, clothing and accessories for men, women, children, and the home for up to 90% off. You must be a Gilt member to attend, so join now if you haven't already! 5/4; 11-9; the Altman Building, 135 W. 18th St. (6th & 7th Aves.).

TheFind Guest Post: Denim Trend Report: Look Fit in Flares!

Girls like me who practically live in jeans aren't exactly short on options in this fashionable day and age. Cropped, bootcut, skinny, boyfriend-inspired styles in all types of prints and patterns – the possibilities are nearly endless, and the term "blue jeans" is hardly an accurate descriptor for America's favorite go-to casual pants. The latest jean trend to make a serious comeback this season? Flares! The key to pulling them off the modern "bell bottom" in 2013 is to make sure the flare isn't too wide, and make sure they're long enough to pair with heels or platform espadrilles to elongate your legs for the most flattering look. To keep the look from appearing too sloppy, pair your modern flared denim with a top that's either fitted or can be tucked in (or half-tucked!) to offset the volume down below and show off your shape! Not convinced? Shop some of my favorites in the links below and see for yourself! From left to right: Blank Denim Flare Jeans, Rachel Zoe Rachel Flare Jeans, and J Brand Love Story Flare Jeans. - Alexandra Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops. 

Spring Shopping Guide: Metal Corner Bags

I agonized over what to call this trend: metal-tipped bags? Metal-trim bags? Metal-edged bags? It's a very specific trend, but one that I'm seeing more and more. I found "metal corner" to be the most descriptive of what I want: A soft, slouchy leather bag, edged in metal at the corners—sometimes the bottom, sometimes the flap, sometimes the top. It's a subtle execution of hardware trim, and it gives these bags a quietly luxe look, no matter what the price.

$$$
The bag that inspired this post is 3.1 Phillip Lim's Scout drawstring tote. Lim has been killing it lately with his bags, and this one is no exception—I was drawn to it from about 50 feet away. The leather is soft and slouchy, which is a nice counterpart to the thick (but not too heavy) gold trim at the corners. Even better, there's just one shoulder strap, making it the perfect combination of hobo and tote.

I've long admired Alexander Wang's Emile Tote, however whenever I pick one up, I realize it suffers from the same fate of nearly every Wang bag: It's damn heavy. Still, if you don't actually have to carry it anywhere—or if you're freakishly strong—it's a beauty.

If Gucci were a city, it would be Vegas: expensive, decadent, and a yet little trashy. It's that balance of luxury and sex that makes bags like the 1970 hobo—one of the more glamorous shoulder bags out there—so perfect.

$$
Loeffler Randall is churning out some of the coolest bags I've seen in awhile; my one (tiny) complaint is that the best ones are too small for me and all my daily crap. Still, with its metal chain strap and corners, the pochette bag is almost enough to make me pare down (or, at least, make it my go-to evening bag).

One of my biggest regrets is selling my Foley + Corinna city tote on eBay; wherever it is, I hope its owner is enjoying it. Their bags are so soft and thoughtfully made, I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on this equally cool, updated frame tote.

And speaking of bag designers I love, this metal corner clutch from Rebecca Minkoff is fun, fun, fun. (Which reminds me, it's time to break out my neon mini MAC!)

$
Below $100, knockoffs abound, and this Warehouse tote is pretty much a blatant copy of Alexander Wang's Prisma tote. But if that doesn't bother you, it's a practical shape and color—a chic update to an everyday bag.

I like this Obey satchel because it's a more luxe update of that ubiquitous schoolboy satchel that's been everywhere for a few seasons now (and with good reason—it's a very versatile style).

But while we're at this price, why not have a little fun? This tassel-detail clutch is one of my favorites in the bunch—and under $25 at that!

Spring Shopping Guide: Vertical Stripes

Horizontal stripes are such a wardrobe staple (and a perennial best-seller) that I'm surprised designers didn't push vertical stripes on us sooner. Granted, stripes and geometric patterns of all kinds were all over the spring runways, but since no one likes to look like a prisoner in wide horizontal stripes, let's focus on the flattering properties of the vertical variety.

$$$
I find Marc Jacobs fascinating as a designer, in that he manages to totally reinvent the look of his label every season. The common thread is that's there's usually a strong vintage undercurrent, and for spring, he went very mod and minimal, with stripes and checkerboard patterns. While many of the pieces had somewhat of a boxy fit, I think they work better with vertical lines, as in this sequined tunic and trouser skirt.

For a more subtle approach, this Lanvin striped blazer has much wider stripes, so the effect is almost more of a super-slimming colorblocked one, rather than an obviously striped one.

But if it's obvious you want, there's always this Balmain striped shirt. This is a pretty versatile piece—Balmain probably wants you to wear it with skinny leather pants (and you can), but I'd roll up the sleeves, unbutton a few buttons, and wear it with jeans.

$$
At the end of Fashion Week last September, Juicy Couture invited everyone to a party out in the courtyard at Lincoln Center, with pink champagne and a video directed by Zoe Cassavetes. These striped jeans made an appearance in the video, and I'm glad to see them looking even better than I remember.

Striped skinny jeans can be tricky, however, especially if your legs are of the more muscular variety. These Club Monaco pants are a bit more forgiving, with their looser fit and narrower stripes.

While there's something kind of mod and androgynous about vertical stripes, this Bailey 44 dress manages to be quite feminine, and with the waist-nipping crisscross effect at the waist, the cut is pretty much universally flattering. Win-win!

$
But back to pants for a moment, these BlankNYC striped skinny jeans are one of my favorite items in the bunch. Yes, the stripes are almost closer to a pinstripe than a true vertical stripe, but they have the genius addition of a thick black inset at the inseam—just the part where I'd worry about the stripes pulling.

Forever 21, always a great source for fleeting trends, has a ton of striped merch, like this striped shirt, styled almost exactly as how I'd wear the Balmain above. It's also a hundredth of the price, so it has that going for it.

Another of my favorite items in this trend is this unexpectedly sexy ASOS striped pencil skirt. It's more fitted than the Marc Jacobs skirt above, and while you wouldn't think that wider stripes would be more flattering, I think these are. I also like the midcalf length, which nicely balances the curve-hugging fit.

TheFind Guest Post: Four Fresh Spring Spins on the Chambray Shirt

The button-up chambray shirt is one of my favorite spring wardrobe staples – it's casual yet cute, laidback without being sloppy, and – best of all – it's incredibly versatile. And now that the style has been "in" for a few years now, this season is bringing forth some fun updates to the classic style, from studs to leather accents and more. Whether you're brave enough to rock denim on denim, or just want a stylish over-layer for your festive spring dresses, check out my favorite spring spins on the chambray shirt!

Studs and spikes: Rocker-inspired accents and hardware like studs, spikes, and rhinestones give this otherwise preppy look an edgier vibe. Pictured above: Forever 21 Spiked & Studded Chambray Shirt

Prints and patterns: From floral to polka dots and beyond – all our favorite jeans are getting the patterned treatment, so why not our denim shirts? Pair with leggings or some contrasting colored denim for maximum effect! Pictured above: Band of Gypsies Floral Chambray Shirt

Dip-dyed: Tie-dye, ombre effect, or dip-dyed – this style has a decidedly DIY vibe, but you have to admit – it brings back awesome memories from summer camp. Just me? Pictured above: Warehouse Western Shirt in Dip Dye

Leather accents: Last fall and winter saw plenty of leather accents – dresses, contrasting-sleeve parkas, and even t-shirts – so it's only fitting that our favorite spring fare should get the same treatment! Pictured above: IRO Travis Denim Shirt 

- Alexandra Gambardella

Content provided by TheFind in partnership with Cheryl Shops.