Stop and Stare

I've been a Shopbop fan for several years now. This is the first time I've seen them give out a code for an additional 30% off their sale items (30MORE). The true extent of this economy has just now fully hit me. Bear Stearns can go crashing down in value, the real estate market can implode, gas and food can rise to astronomical proportions--nope, it's all nothing compared to Shopbop trying desperately to liquidate their inventory. This isn't an April Fool's Day joke, people. It's real. It's happening. God help us.

Well, I'm going to do my part to fight this looming recession--by shopping! And I'm going to highlight some of the cutest stuff I found. However, in the interest of saving time and our wallets, I'm only showing items under $50. I know! Shopbop hardly ever has stuff under $50, and I managed to find a handful of adorable wares! Naturally, the nicest apparel is all still over $100, but I'm pretty impressed with being able to find a satisfactory selection in such a low price range. These things go fast though, so don't be surprised if everything is sold out by the time you start searching. Oh, and free shipping! Gotta love that!

C&C California Tonal Dots Bold Tank: Yes, just a basic tank top but with polka dots! I heart polka dots, so much that I can almost comprehend why Damien Hirst's spot paintings can command over a million bucks apiece, despite the fact that the guy has done almost a thousand of them! But I digress. $48 $16.80

Parballe Keyhole Tee: I really dig this t-shirt! It's not cute enough to justify the original retail price, but it comes close. The metallic print rocks, and I adore extra touches like the embroidered keys on the upper back of the tee. The semi-sheer quality is nice too. $99 $20.79

Miki Tanaka Square Rings: Aren't these gorgeous? I never buy jewelry because I'm prone to losing them within 24 hours, but this is really tempting. I love how unique they are; they seem both delicately wrought and solidly designed. My favorite is the one that dangles, but that shit would snap off in no time. I have really bad luck when it comes to keeping around my accessories. $176 $36.96 (#2)

KZ Jersey Drape Cowl Neck Dress: Oomf. Last Christmas, I helped Phil pick out a KZ dress for Jade, one that I absolutely adored. Then in February, it went on sale. I mulled for twenty minutes, and it sold out under my very nose. While this dress isn't as cute as the one that got away, I do like it, and I'll be damned if I let it get sold out again! But I can't decide what color! Green isn't really my hue, but it looks so good on the model that it's fooling me into believing I could pull it off. I love the gray, but it's spring now! Decisions, decisions. $187 $39.27

T-Bags Solid Turtleneck Open Back Mini Dress: T-Bags usually has some crazy prints going on with their clothes, stuff a boring person such as myself can never wear. So it's a pleasant surprise to see they've made what would be a basic closet staple (turtleneck dress), but with a sexy twist. While I love the concept of open back apparel, I don't own any such items. Why not? Because I like being able to comfortably wear a bra. I don't want to have to go out and buy those bras that paste to each boob. Still, every time I see bare-back stuff, I want it. $202 $42.42