Ask Victoria: Online Shopping Sales

Posted on November 14, 2012 by victoria

Question: I recently had a baby and will not be hitting the mall this holiday season. Believe it or not, I haven’t really shopped online much before. Where are some good sites to start?

In addition to supporting friends and small businesses, I love shopping online, especially at this time of year when stores can be painfully crowded. These are some of my favorite online shopping sites because they often offer discounts, free shipping and speedy service (plus, they offer gift wrap if you don’t have time or energy.) Plus, you can shop at any hour, which may come in handy with a newborn!

Kate Spade 40% and more sale

J.Crew 30% off sale items with code MUSTHAVE

Club Monaco 30% off cold weather accessories

Shopbop free 3-day shipping

Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale up to 40% off

West Elm 15% off sale items with code THANKYOU

Loeffler Randall 30-60% off

GAP 20% off with code GAPGIFT

Bonus tip: If you’re buying a big ticket item (or even a small one) a lot of companies will give you 10-20% off just for signing up for their email list (you may unsubscribe at anytime).

Pictured is Urban Outfitters Polka Dot Storage Boxes

Ask Victoria: Gifts For Guys

Posted on October 24, 2012 by victoria

I was recently asked about gift ideas for guys that go beyond the traditional options such as ties or barbecue accessories. I love picking out gifts for the men in my life and try to select items that they wouldn’t normally treat themselves to (designer socks, nice toiletry bags and skincare, for example.)

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I recently started a For Him Pinterest board if you want to check out other ideas.

Ask Victoria: Birthday Gift Ideas For Fall

Posted on October 3, 2012 by victoria

Question: In the next month I have three birthday parties to attend and am looking for some cute and stylish gifts for under $100. They are all female friends. Any ideas?

Answer: There are always safe gifts like candles or a scarf, but also consider something unexpected (and fall friendly) such as an umbrella, gloves or hat. Happy shopping!

Ask Victoria: Read Any Good Books Lately?

Posted on September 19, 2012 by victoria

Books are some of my favorite gifts to give and receive. When it comes to fiction, I devour everything from David Sedaris, Jeffrey Eugenides, A.M. Homes and Jonathan Safran Foer. This year I was blown away by Walter Issacson’s Steve Jobs, Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann and really enjoyed Patti Smith’s Just Kids.

Next up I’ll be digging into Gone Girl, Hologram For The King and The Art of Fielding and I’m going to ask for Kate Moss by Mario Testino for Christmas. If you have a must-read please share!

Pictured above is Nigella Lawson in her incredible library from House and Garden

Ask Victoria: Transitioning From Summer to Fall

Posted on September 5, 2012 by victoria

Question: Fall is just around the corner, but I’m not ready to say goodbye to summer. What are some pieces that will make the transition easier?

A great new bag, some cute booties and pieces with color (and a bit of extra weight) are key for welcoming the new season. I love all the new sweaters and sweater dresses that are out this season.

Diane von Furstenberg Aina Dress / Kate Spade Gumdrop Stud Earrings / Clare Vivier Messenger Bag / Sam Edelman Lisle Boots

Ask Victoria: What Are The Fall 2012 Trends?

Posted on August 29, 2012 by victoria

I’m really feeling the fall 2012 trends and cannot wait to get my hands on a black leather skirt, some geometric prints, a roomy coat and some gold threaded opulence! The best thing about trends? They are available across all price levels so if you don’t want to invest in designer pieces try places such as Zara and H&M. Other big trends for the season include lace, peplums, denim chambray shirts and velvet.

Pictured above: Milly Delphine flared leather skirt / Zac Posen metallic brocade pencil skirt / Halston Heritage draped-lapel wool coat / Mango scarf square C

Ask Victoria: New Office Looks

Posted on August 22, 2012 by victoria

Pictured: DVF Dress / Coach Legacy Bag / Rose-Gold Link Ring / Jennifer Zeuner Horizontal Bar Bracelet

Question: I recently left corporate America, where I had to dress conservatively, to take a job in marketing and public relations. I still want to dress appropriate, but there’s a lot more room to express fashion. What are some ideas?

Answer: I am personally a big fan of dresses, because you can wear them so many ways with a simple change up of accessories. Now that you are in a more creative environment, consider adding interesting color, texture or prints to your office wardrobe. It’s likely that you can wear all of these pieces in your personal life so you’re getting more bang for your buck too! Some other ideas:

Ask Victoria: Chic Sun Hats

Posted on August 15, 2012 by victoria

Question: Where do you find stylish sun hats? Between the beach, boats and the pool I’m afraid I’m getting too much sun this summer. Thank you!

Answer: For summer heat you need a wide brim. Baseball caps and fedoras won’t always do the job so I like to go for oversize floppy styles. I personally wear the Ribbon Braid Hat from San Diego Hat Company because it’s crushable, affordable, easy to pack and I’ve gotten it wet and it still looks great. I love the glamour of this Ultrabraid XL Brim Hat and American Apparel’s Floppy Summer Hat. Eugenia Kim’s Woven Straw Hat has a geometric sash and the whimsy of Kate Spade’s Dunes Lane Fringed Straw Hat. Happy sunning!

Ask Victoria: How Do I Wear Polka Dots

Posted on August 8, 2012 by victoria

I adore polka dots because they are whimsical and bring a little vintage vibe. Try incorporating them in the form of accessories or a dark colored skirt.

Commes des Garcons Polka dot-print leather coin purse / Burberry Prorsum Polka Dot Scarf / Rebecca Minkoff Polka Dot Quilted Flirty Bag / Kate Spade Loire Black Suede Heel / J.Crew Pleated Crepe Skirt

Ask Victoria: Gifts For Those Who Love to Travel?

Posted on July 18, 2012 by victoria

I love this super-cushioned neoprene Kate Spade iPad Sleeve with a sophisticated “out of office” script message.

The NARS Beach Lover is a five-piece travel-size set for eyes, lips and cheeks that will give you an island glow before you even touch down at your favorite vacation spot.

The rugged cotton Canvas Overnight Bag from J.Crew has an interior pocket for smaller items and antique brass hardware — and you can’t beat the $36.50 price tag!

My secret to a good night sleep is an eye mask, particularly on the plane (don’t forget the ear plugs while you’re at it). I use Mary Green’s silk ones and love the reversible Good Morning/Good Night Sleep Mask.

When I’m traveling internationally I don’t always feel like I’m putting my best face (or hair) forward so it’s nice to at least have a chic passport holder. This one from Smythson is a timeless option.

A Gifted Society

Have a gifted day.

Category Archives: Ask Victoria