Luxe For Less: Studded Ankle Strap Heels

A pair of statement heels is a must have, and there's nothing I love more than a sleek black silhouette and gold accents! Naturally, when I stumbled upon the Valentino Garavani Rockstud Pump, I loved it. It was an edgy heel that channeled some of the popular trends out there right now like ankle straps and pointed heels. However, I do always love a good deal, so when I found some awesome lookalikes I squealed with excitement! (Is it bad that I'm being serious?)

Check out the newest edition of Luxe for Less below!

Valentino Heels // LuLu*s Heels

I personally love the Lulu*s versions better! The "gold" accents pop more than in the Valentino versions, and I think the Vegan nubuck suede actually looks a bit sharper than the designer leather versions.

Which pair of studded t-strap pointed heels do you like better?

Budding Business: BellesandBowtique

Due to my love of supporting small businesses and shopping independent endeavors, I've decided to start a new blog series: Budding Business. I will continuously feature great independent businesses that have great products and awesome potential!

For anyone in the teen or twenty something Twitter world, an "anon" is perfectly common. These anonymous accounts are themed around various things, from being single in your twenties, to being preppy and proud, to being bratty and spoiled. One of the more popular anon accounts, @belles_and_bows, isn't really anon at all. Britnee runs the popular Twitter account, and now she has channeled her creative talents -- and massive popularity -- into an Etsy business.

Aptly named BellesandBowtique, Britnee has created a cute little offering of handmade products. My favorite are her pocket tees. These pocket tees can either be ordered with individual patterns or with your personalized initial added as well!

Ranging from $18 for the basic tee to $20 for the personalized option, BellesandBowtique has these tees affordably priced, and they are too cute for words! Visit the BellesandBowtique Etsy shop here.

Would you rock a personalized pocket tee? I totally would! Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Last Night Dresses: My Favorite Picks

I absolutely love dresses! You can't go wrong with them -- whether it's a dress for the day, the night, or the beach, there is always the perfect dress for every occasion! Today I just stumbled upon Last Night, a great little online shop that has on-trend dresses "for every night to remember." Sounds like a brand that's right up my alley.

Last Night was actually founded by a west coast blogger, Stephanie Liu, who wanted to create a brand that embodied fun-loving women and wild memories! I absolutely love their current styles, and I have included some of my favorite dresses from Last Night below:

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 //

I encourage you to check out Last Night's website, and check out all the awesome dresses that they have to offer! You can also follow Last Night on Twitter here.

- A

The Search for the Perfect Ankle Strap Heels

Alright so far the LONGEST time now (I mean, I'm talking all summer), I have been on the search to find the perfect ankle strap heels with no luck. I found a great pair of gold (tone) and black ankle strap heels from Target earlier this summer, but they are not sold online and were sold out within a 50 mile radius of my city. (Yes, I was willing to drive that far.)

Since then, I have been on the prowl for the perfect pair of versatile ankle strap heels to wear with boyfriend jeans and cocktail dresses. I see so many options online of course, but in the stores I have not been able to find that Cinderella fit I'm looking for. Naturally, since I haven't found a pair I've liked in person, I'm hesitant to purchase a pair online. Especially because the width can vary in shoes and with nearly your whole foot exposed in ankle strap pumps, you definitely don't want your foot hanging over and looking sloppy and unsightly.

I've considered options from Steve Madden to Payless, so I'm definitely open to the ideal heel to meet my needs of both fashion and function.

The latest option I've considered Anne Michelle black ankle strap sandals from LuLus. They are simple and sleek, and the are a bargain at $26 (with free shipping!) so I wouldn't mind taking a risk and ordering online. And measuring in at a 4" heel height, I consider it the sweet spot for tolerable pumps.

But since I've already waited this long to purchase, I figure I might enlist the help of other style-conscious shoppers! Have you found a pair of ankle strap heels that you love? If so, who designs them? This girl right here needs some shopping guidance.
- A

Win a $10 Credit to Urban Outfitters!

It's giveaway time again! As promised, Stylish Gains aims to be your hub for all the little stylish gains in your life. In the spirit of fun and fashion, we are now giving away $10 credit to Urban Outfitters, which you can use in store, online, or over the phone (to order)!

Urban Outfitters is a trendy retailer that is quite popular with us twenty-somethings, so I am sure that this $10 will go to good use! Enter below and be sure to use multiple entry methods -- the more you enter, the more likely you are to win!

What would you do if you won this $10 credit to Urban Outfitters? Comment below and let me know!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
- A

Bananas for Burberry

If you ask any group of fashion conscious shoppers if they like Burberry, you might get mixed reactions. Some people think the classic print is pompous and showy, while others consider it an iconic print exclusive to the elite. Despite the polarizing effect the brand might have on some people, I have always found drool-worthy pieces to add to my lists of "Things I Want To Buy But Probably Shouldn't."

As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of shoes and handbags, I am especially fond of Burberry's offerings in that area. However, I do also love their classic polos, which only show a bit of the infamous pattern when unbuttoned. Not to mention, they have a pretty awesome line of men's and women's fragrances as well.

I am totally digging the Burberry Belted Check Rain Boots this year. While Burberry has always designed cute rainboots, these are perhaps my favorite because they are rainboots that are "moonlighting" as typical everyday boots with their uber cute design.

Below I have compiled a few of my favorite picks from Burberry currently! I am adoring each and every item!

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 //

If price wasn't an issue at all, which of these four Burberry pieces would you choose? Or if your dream pick from Burberry isn't here, what would it be?

- A