Aerie Has Best Bra Sale Ev-ah!

Aerie fans, rejoice! The super cute bra and undies store has kicked off what they consider the BEST BRA SALE EV-AH! Shoppers can purchase every single bra that Aerie offers for just $20! If you're unfamiliar, that's more than 50% in savings in many styles.

Adore the company's newest bra styles, Lindsey and Lexi?! There's no better time to check out these super cute designs, as pictured below. New and old, A to DD, every bra is just twenty smackaroos no matter what!

The icing on the cake to this promotion (which in fact might really be the best bra sale ever) is that there are free shipping -- and returns -- on each order. I love when brands have promotions that don't slam you with shipping costs right as you're happily checking out with what you thought to be some awesome deals. Nope, no hidden costs here. Just $20 bras!

So check out the Aerie bra sale right now and enjoy these awesome perks while they last! (No pun intended, of course).

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.

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Luxe for Less: Birkin on a Budget

The Birkin by Hermes has become an iconic bag of fame and fortune recently, and its popularity doesn't seem to be wavering. Originally turning heads because of paparazzi photos of celebs toting these luxe totes, the Birkin has now become a staple on everyday fashionistas' list of droolworthy must haves.

The Pink Ostrich tote is probably one of Hermes' most outlandish Birkin designs; its vibrant hue and unique texture make it stand out among all the other handbags in every room. Yet something is so classy and chic about this Birkin that despite its trendiness in pop culture, it is a bag that could be carried for seasons to come.

Some of Hollywood's most famous celebs, like Victoria Beckham and Lindsay Lohan, have been pictured carrying this daring bag. Naturally, that means it instantly became highly envied by the masses.

 

Searching for the shape and style of a Birkin on an average budget? House of Maxi has a stellar lookalike! For just $99.95, you can score their Hot Pink Ostrich Tote and add this attention grabbing bag to your wardrobe!

I like the gold accents of the House of Maxi lookalike more, even though the ostrich detailing is way more upscale and authentic looking on the Birkin. For a bag that costs thousands of dollars, that is to be expected. However, for those of us unwilling (or unable) to dish out some serious dough on a purse, this Birkin lookalike may be as good as it gets.

How do you feel about the iconic Birkin bag? Do you envy it unabashedly, or do you not see what all the fuss is about? Let me know!

- A

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!

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- 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!

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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

Miley Cyrus' "Protect The Skin You're In" Marc Jacobs Campaign

Miley Cyrus is getting mass media attention, as per usual, for showing some skin! But never fear, as much as the nay-sayers might criticize her for showing off her long and lean legs ad impressive body with crop tops and so-tiny-they-barely-exist shorts, this time Miley is baring it all for a good cause.

Miley teamed up with Marc Jacobs for the "Protect The Skin You're In" campaign, which raises awareness on sun protection and donates proceeds to the New York University Skin Cancer Institute. Skin cancer is unfortunately an illness that seems to be taken less seriously than other forms of the disease, so we are happy that this racy campaign is getting heads turning and mouths talking about the real issue at hand -- skin cancer.

The special edition tee sold out online and crashed the site, prompting Marc Jacobs' camp to instruct fans and supporters to purchase the t-shirt directly from their local Marc Jacobs retailer. Unfortunately, for those of us not living in a major retail area, there are no Marc Jacobs stores nearby so we'll have to wait for online orders to be back up and running.

At only $35, we think this tee is totally worth the money. The special t-shirt will also be for sale in Europe soon as well. As much as Miley may get mixed feelings from media critics and cynical people in the Twittersphere, we love her for continually standing up for the issues she believes in.

What do you think? Would you buy the Protect The Skin You're In t-shirt? Weigh in in the comments section.

- A

Pretty Prints Faceoff: Office Edition (Lilly Pulitzer v. Vera Bradley)

Alright so you know that you are the effect of 9-to-5 office life when you get excited about the release of the 2014 agendas! I can't deny that I got beyond excited when I saw the agendas on the Vera Bradley website and received an email from Lilly Pulitzer that their new designs were available to order.

Vera Bradley and Lilly Pulitzer are both style houses that are known for their vibrant designs and iconic patterns, and their new agendas are no different. Vera Bradley's 2014 Agenda comes in 3 patterns: Plum Crazy, Lilli Bell, and Go Wild. Meanwhile, Lilly Pulitzer 2014 Agenda comes in 5: New Green Coronado Crab, True Navy Tiger Lilly, True Navy Tusk in Sun, Turquoise Let's Cha Cha, and Tropical Pink Lulu.

Pictured below are Lilli Bell and then Tropical Pink Lulu

The Vera Bradley 2014 Agendas are $25 and 7" x 9" x 1.5". I compared it to Lilly Pulitzer's 2014 Agendas in the large size with dimensions of 7.35" x 8.75" x 1" for $28. At similar price ranges and with similar features (I mean, aren't all agendas essentially equal?), it really comes down to preference for this one.

Which brand's agendas do you prefer: Lilly's or Vera's? My vote is on Lilly all the way (Turquoise Let's Cha Cha is just TOO CUTE) but I think that both brands are pretty rad. Let me know which brand YOU choose in the comments!

Shoe Envy: Dolce Vita Gwen Heels

While doing my typical "window shopping" on the Free People website, I came across the cute shoes that I am now eyeing. The Dolce Vita Gwen Heels are strappy sandals that are constructed of leather. In true Dolce Vita (and Free People) fashion, I'm sure this is a quality pair of shoes that is perfect for the summer months. These heels can be dressed up or down, and at just over 4 inches high, you don't have to rule out walking down city streets in these or going out dancing all night.

Priced at $169, these Dolce Vita Gwen Heels are ready to fly off store shelves. With reasonable pricing for a designer pair of shoes, these heels capitalize of this season's trends while still  maintaining the touch of unconditional class due to its quality black leather and thick heel.

So there you have it: I'm currently envying the Dolce Vita Gwen Heels. If you would like to purchase it, go here now before your size runs out of stock. These shoes are going fast!

Giveaway Alert: Win An Alex and Ani Bracelet!

Love Alex and Ani? Love jewelry? Want to win something for your wardrobe? If you answered yes to at least one (but hopefully all three!) of these questions, enter our Alex and Ani contest! Running until August 9, the contest is valid to readers within the United States.

Alex and Ani is a super cool jewelry company, and after seeing how much one of my friends loved the initial bracelet I recently gave her for her birthday, I decided that giving away one to a reader would be a great first giveaway on Spend Save Win! Alex and Ani bracelets are beautiful pieces of jewelry that are made right here in the U.S.

Complete as many entries as possible in order to have the best chances of winning! Spread the word and be sure to tell your friends so we can continue to hold giveaways!





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Welcome!

Welcome to Stylish Gains! Now I am no stranger to blogging, so I'm going to get started right away with bringing you great giveaways...or as I like to call them, Stylish Gains, ASAP!

I am excited to share some of my favorite products and brands in the fashion, beauty, health, and lifestyle industries with you. If you're reading this, I hope you will share some of your favorite products as well. :)