Shopping Challenge Part Deux...

Thanks to Zara going online yesterday, ES can get all of these items from the comfort of her own home! I chose this dress because it's a great transition piece from summer to fall. For us here in D.C., you never know which season you're going to get in September. By throwing on a cardigan or a trench, this dress can easily be worn during cooler temperatures. I'm still loving gem tones and think they make any outfit pop. You don't need to over do it - subtlety is key.

Hopefully we've given ES some ideas that she can use for her party at the end of the month. Let us know how it goes and what you end up wearing! If you've got an event coming up and want some ideas of what to wear, email us at CardiCouture@gmail.com - we're always up for a good challenge.

Tory Burch linen dress
$425 - net-a-porter.com

Zara leather pumps
$90 - zara.com

Zara leather clutch
$159 - zara.com

Sequin gold bracelet
$24 - nordstrom.com

Kate Spade clear stud earrings
$38 - nordstrom.com

Shopping Challenge

A few weeks ago my college friend ES contacted me looking for some advice on what to wear to a magazine party at the end of September. Ironically she lives in the DC area, so I thought this would be a good challenge for Katie and I to tackle as a team.

Given that ES is a very busy mother of two adorable girls, I imagine that she does more shopping for them than she does for herself. But this time the focus is on her and looking extra fabulous for her night on the town. Being that most moms are on a budget, I thought I would suggest some dresses from Rent The Runway. For those of you who are not familiar, RTR allows you to rent designer dresses at a fraction of the price. It's a great way to have fabulous dresses for all the special events in your life without spending a fortune.

For some reason I was drawn to one shoulder dresses. I think all of these dresses would be figure flattering and stylish for ES at her magazine party.

Rebecca Taylor ($325) rental $50

Robert Rodriguez Black Label ($525) rental $75

Shoshanna ($365) rental $50

Thread Social ($550) rental $75

Stay tuned later today for part deux of this shopping challenge! If ES doesn't like my suggestions, hopefully she will like Katie's.

Shopping Challenge

Last week my sister sent me a link to these J Crew Lindy suede platform peep toes , and while I do agree they are pretty fabulous (in her words, and Rachel Zoe's, they are Ba-na-nas), they also cost $250. So, I told her that I would find a similar pair for less than half the price.

And I did...Say hello to the Ladi open toe suede bootie from Ann Taylor Loft. They are cute and budget friendly at $89.50.

Tunic Take Two

Last week I posted a Street Style chic photo of a navy Tory Burch Mini Dress. I love the look, but as you know TB comes with a hefty price tag, so I thought I would go in search of sassy tunic type dresses at more affordable prices. Click on the image for more product information. Happy Shopping!


Victoria's Secret $39.99 (sale price)


Victoria's Secret $85 (sale price)


Tory Burch $118 (sale price)


Tibi $141.60 (sale price)


K. Madison $79 (sale price)

Shift Shopping

I was given the challenge of finding a shift dress for one of my readers. I tried to find a good mix of colors and prices. I hope I was able to deliver...


Banana Republic $98


Adam $115. 50 (sale price)


Martin + Osa $74.95


Tibi $298


Benny and Hinzin $136

Shopping Challenge

I was given the challenge of finding a less expensive version of this Ben-Amun Tortoise Cuff Bracelet. My friend Jenn found this on Gilt Group for $58 down from $115. I thought it was a bit much for this type of bracelet, so I told her I would find some chic and cheap options. Anyone else have a shopping challenge for me? Bring it on!


Ben-Amun (orginally $115, sale $58)


ebay $14.99


ebay $34.99


ebay $22.99


ebay $14.99