The Saks Fifth Avenue Sale: 5 Sure Bets

My absolute favorite thing about the rise of online shopping is that it's no longer necessary to pay full price for anything. If you know where, and when, to look, you can find the most desirable fashion labels deeply discounted -- even same-season merchandise.

The current Saks Fifth Avenue online sale is a perfect lesson in when to shop to find great discounts. Saks has started to stock their new Fall merchandise, so lots of great Spring and Summer finds are now on sale to make room. Below you'll find my top 5 items to grab from the current Saks sale. Each item can be worn right now, and be easily re-styled for your Fall wardrobe. Check them out:

Maxi dresses are still super hot for Summer, and this slub knit vibes a little more luxe than plain jersey. I also like that the color is neutral and forgiving.



→ Buy the Splendid Slub Knit Maxi Dress, $67.99 (was $98.00), at saks.com.

Rachel Zoe Collection Clothing: 5 Styles Worth Trying

The new Rachel Zoe Collection clothing line has hit the racks. After what seems like years of waiting, thanks to the foreshadowing on Rachel's reality show, the line is finally available for purchase online.

The price point is firmly in the contemporary category, with clothing falling between $175.00 for jeans and $525.00 for a structured jacket. The line also contains shoes and handbags, but I found both uninspiring and, in some cases, downright cheap looking (despite the not-so-cheap price). So, I'll sidestep the disappointing accessories and concentrate on the clothing, which shows some promise.

One look at the Rachel Zoe Collection clothing and it's clear that Rachel herself had a lot to do with the styles selected. The line mimics her love of all things '70s, vintage and luxe-boho, with some nice outcomes. Sure, some pieces fall down flat, but that's to be expected from any freshman line. There are enough stand-out pieces that I'm at least curious about how this line will develop going forward. Here are my picks for 5 styles from the new Rachel Zoe clothing line that are worth trying:

A winter white coat always paints a luxurious picture, and this coat's ladies-who-lunch tweed fabric combined with military styling makes it interesting. I'm not head over heels about the acrylic/ wool/ cotton/ poly/ nylon blend, but the style is strong and the price is fitting.



→ Buy the Rachel Zoe Belted Chain Military Coat, $495.00, at bloomingdales.com.

Fashion Cents: Bikini Ready Ab Exercises

--By Kimberly Turner

It is officially bikini wearing season and if you are hiding under a t-shirt or "moo moo" stop it! Just get those abs toned so they fit inside of your bikini and not over it (a la the muffin top).

According to Cornell McClellan, First Lady Michelle Obama's trainer, it's easy. Just add these three ab toning exercises to your fitness routine and you will be bikini ready in no time. So watch the video as he explains the exercises and the right technique so you don't hurt your neck or back (and give me a break, I just started so not really where my abs should be but I'll share the after picture with you). Make sense?

P.S. Now that your abs are ready, get a bikini found on a starlet.

_____

Kimberly Turner, your personal style guru, is a contributing writer for Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle. Kimberly has an MBA from the University of Michigan and an Image Consulting Certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Kimberly lives in the Windy city of Chicago and is the host of FashionCents.tv.

New & Hot: Tory Burch Penny Loafer

What: The Tory Burch Penny Loafer

Why it's hot: I think this pretty much cements it. When you need a flat shoe of any kind, Tory Burch is the first place to look. The Tory Burch label seems to be coming out with inventive new takes on the flat each season, and this new Penny Loafer is just the latest in a long line of Tory Burch flat shoes that are at once classic, stylish and modern. And, beyond the style and utility of Tory Burch flat shoes, there's the popularity factor -- more often than not, the newest Tory Burch flat shoe becomes the newest department store sell-out item within months of its debut.

What to wear it with: The Tory Burch Penny Loafer -- currently available in Black, Bison Brown and a delicious Tory Red -- is crafted from Saffiano leather with a 1" wooden heel and a subtle goldtone Tory Burch logo nestled in where the penny would normally reside. These shoes are perfect for creating an updated tomboy look. Try pairing them with a button down and a slouchy skirt, or your favorite boyfriend jeans.

This classic look isn't going anywhere, so these cute loafers will be a go-to item for seasons to come. Stylist to the stars, and former Rachel Zoe acolyte, Brad Goreski was quoted on the Tory Burch blog praising the return of the penny loafer: "Penny Loafers have come back in a big way! They look great with jeans, a T-shirt and a cardigan but even better with a flirty skirt, blouse, tights and a well-fitted blazer. I am a big fan of a good-girl-gone-bad look." Super fun.

→ Buy the Tory Burch Penny Loafer, $250.00, at toryburch.com.

New & Hot: Stylemint Tee Shirt Subscription Service

What: Stylemint Tee Shirt Subscription Service

Why it's hot: Stylemint is the creation of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the design duo that moved past their child star roots to create popular and critically acclaimed fashion lines like The Row, Elizabeth and James, Textile Elizabeth and James, and Olsenboye. The premise of Stylemint is simple: you fill out a style questionnaire and newly designed tee shirts that fit your style profile are emailed to you at the beginning of each month, along with personalized style advice from Mary-Kate and Ashley. You choose to buy or skip the month. Each new tee is priced at just $29.99 -- super affordable in comparison with the Olsens' other lines, but containing just as much style.

Vince Summer Sale: 5 Top Picks to Snag Now

The Vince Summer Sale is on now and the sale section is full of some of my favorite Vince styles from fall and spring. In fact, three items I purchased at full price are included in the sale. Argh, doesn't that just make you so mad when stuff you paid full price for ends up deeply discounted? My only consolation is that I've been enjoying my picks for months -- I do love my Vince.

So, here's your chance to score some great Vince items for a fraction of what us impatient types paid when they first popped up. There are still a lot of sizes/ colors available, but I've been monitoring the sale for the past few days and things seems to be selling at a good pace. Bottom line, I wouldn't wait too long. And now, my top 5 picks for how to score big at the Vince Summer Sale:

I snagged this wool/silk/Alpaca Vince Loop Scarf back in December and ended up wearing it non-stop clear through the first days of Summer. It even made a cameo in my Jeep web commercial. I LOVE this scarf -- it's cozy, stylish and a ton of fun to wear.



→ Buy the Vince Loop Scarf, $49.00 (was $135.00), at vince.com.

Banana Republic Mad Men Collection Launches Today at Gilt!

By now I'm sure you've heard about the much-anticipated Banana Republic Mad Men Collection, which features exclusive styles inspired by the hit television show. The special Mad Men collection is set to debut at Banana Republic in August. But, thanks to online flash sale site Gilt, you can get your fix almost three full weeks before this sure-to-sell-out collection hits Banana Republic stores.

The Banana Republic Mad Men collection is designed by Banana Republic in collaboration with Emmy Award-winning Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant, and includes vintage-inspired styles for both men and women. Selections from the collection will be available on Gilt.com, at retail price, for just 36 hours.

The Banana Republic Mad Men collection aims for an effortlessly chic aesthetic with a modern take on the cool polish of the 1960s. The men's collection includes chunky-meets-streamlined knit sweaters, tailored suiting and fitted trousers, as well as classic accessories with character, including a money clip, silk ties, tie bars and fedora hats. The women's pieces are modern yet lady-like including a chic trench coat, tailored dresses, high-waisted skirts, silk tie-neck blouses and statement accessories, such as print scarves and leopard print pump heels. Doesn't it all sound just dreamy? I can't wait to see the entire collection!

Shop the Banana Republic collection early, exclusively on Gilt.com, starting on Monday, July 25, 2011 at 12:00 noon ET (9:00 a.m. PT). The sneak peek buying opportunity will only be available for 36 hours, and it's only available to Gilt.com members. If you aren't a member, you can use our Stiletto Jungle invitation link to get signed up.

→ If you already have a Gilt account, Login and shop the Banana Republic Mad Men Collection.

→ First-time Gilt users, join Gilt.com and shop the Banana Republic Mad Men Collection (it's free).

Stefani Bags Coupon Code: Extra 30% Off Sale Items

Itching for a new handbag? This new Stefani Bags coupon code is a great way to score that new bag at a fraction of the retail price.

Through Sunday, July 24, use coupon code Sunshine30 to get an extra 30% off all sale-priced items at Stefani Bags. The sale section currently includes a nice selection of bags from labels like Rebecca Minkoff, Botkier, Foley + Corinna, Bryna Nicole and Olivia Harris. Now remember, these bags are already on sale, and this coupon code takes an additional 30% off the sale price. The result is that many of these bags can now be yours for less than $200.

One of my favorite picks is the Botkier Charlotte Crossbody pictured here at top left. The small, yet roomy construction and comfy crossbody design is perfect for taking along on summer trips... even if that trip is just down to the local farmer's market. The Charlotte is regularly priced at $295.00, and it's currently on sale for $260.00. Add the Stefani Bags coupon code and this bag is now just $182.00, plus you get free shipping on all orders of $150.00 or more. Nice, right? But, if a bigger day bag is on your to-buy list, there is also a very good selection of Rebecca Minkoff MAB and MAB mini bags on sale, like the one pictured at right.

→ Buy the Botkier Charlotte Crossbody, $182.00 after coupon (was $295.00), at stefanibags.com; shipping is free on orders of $150+.

→ Buy the Rebecca Minkoff MAB Mini, $346.50 after coupon (was $550.00), at stefanibags.com; shipping is free on orders of $150+.

→ Browse all sale-priced items at stefanibags.com.

GWP Alert: Free 7-pc Elizabeth Arden Gift With Purchase - July 2011

It's Elizabeth Arden gift with purchase time at Macy's! Right now you can score a free 7-piece gift valued at $76.00 with any Elizabeth Arden purchase of $27.50 or more.

What I find particularly fun about this GWP is that the gift also includes two Prevage items. As you may know, the high-end anti-aging line Prevage is owned by Elizabeth Arden. But, this is the first time I've seen Prevage items -- which are quite expensive -- included with a regular Elizabeth Arden GWP. I'm a fan of Prevage Body Moisturizer, which I previously reviewed, and have every reason to believe that the other items in the line are just as fabulous. The fact that you can score deluxe samples from this pricey line with such a small minimum purchase feels like a bonus within a bonus.

Fashion Cents: Leg Toning Exercises for Summer's Short Styles

--By Kimberly Turner

Summer's short styles got you questioning if you should show off your legs or just keep covering them up with long flowing maxi dresses? Now, while I love a great maxi for their comfort and versatility, I still think you need to show some leg in the summer time. So I reached out to First Lady Michelle Obama's personal trainer, Cornell McClellan to give us some exercises for toning our legs so they look great in all of summer's short shorts and dresses.

Plus, he assures me that working the legs is essential for overall weight loss and that alone is enough to get me squatting. So check out the video so you can hear him explain the right technique for the exercises. Then add them into your overall fitness routine which should include cardio and a good diet AND don't forget to tone those arms. Make sense?

_____

Kimberly Turner, your personal style guru, is a contributing writer for Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle. Kimberly has an MBA from the University of Michigan and an Image Consulting Certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Kimberly lives in the Windy city of Chicago and is the host of FashionCents.tv.

Steal: Gap A-Line Panel Skirt $59.95

The ladylike silhouette -- from knee-length skirts and wide-leg trousers, to buttoned up shirts and demure shells -- has been quite popular the past few seasons. And, really, there are good reasons for the trend beyond the fact that it's all over the major runways. The ladylike look is both incredibly flattering and prone to looking posh, even when you don't invest a lot of money. Just check out this recent steal find from Gap.

The Gap A-Line Panel Skirt has the ladylike look down, from the camel-ish color -- which is actually called Chocolate Milk -- to the simple panel details. This skirt would look great paired with a simple button down top and peep toes right now. Come fall, just add a v-neck cashmere sweater. When winter gets chilly, add in some great knit tights. This versatile skirt will be perfect for work for the entire rest of the year, and it costs under $60!

This classic skirt is made from a durable poly/ rayon/ spandex blend, which isn't quite luxury fabric, but it will wear and pack well. It comes in sizes 00 to 14 and is fully lined, with a hidden side zipper.

→ Buy the Gap A-Line Panel Skirt, $59.95, at gap.com.

Stylish Work Flats: 5 Smart Pairs

Like most hardcore fashionistas, I love a good pair of heels. But, lately, I've been enjoying wearing a nice pair of flats for work once a week or so. And a recent trip to NYC reminded me that many urban fashionistas must rely on work flats for at least their commute hours, if not all day, in order to accommodate all of the walking they fit into their day. So, I set out to find some stylish flats that any woman would be happy to wear to work. All of these work flats are stylish, but with practical features that are designed for comfort.

These Chloe Buckle Ballet Flats are a superior luxe option, and feature a padded insole and leather lining for extra comfort.



→ Buy the Chloe Buckle Ballet Flats, $495.00, at saks.com.

Sale: UGG Australia Roslynn Boot $119.90

Super popular UGG Australia boots are nearly impossible to find on sale, unless you're into odd colors and sizes. Occasionally, you'll find a discontinued style at a great price, but that's rare. So, finding this fall's newest UGG boots on sale as part of the much-loved Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a pretty big deal. I'd snap these boots up fast.

The UGG Australia Roslynn Boot has the familiar sheepskin upper, shearling lining and EVA sole you'd find on the most popular UGG boots. But, this new style has been updated for Fall 2011 with a side zipper, which provides for a sleek fit, easy on/off, and a little more personality. This will be your go-to boot for keeping warm by the fire through Fall and Winter.

The UGG Roslynn Boot is currently on sale for just $119.90. The price will go up to its full retail price as soon as the Anniversary Sale is over on August 1 -- $179.95. That's a $60 savings, if you grab a pair within the next two weeks or so. This is definitely one of the best deals on a brand new pair of UGG boots you'll find online, so if you don't need a pair for yourself consider some early holiday shopping or a possible birthday gift -- this deal is too good to completely pass up.

→ Buy the UGG Australia Roslynn Boot, $119.90 (will be $179.95), at nordstrom.com.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2011 On Now!

The time has come for the 2011 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! This is definitely the best, and most highly anticipated, Nordstrom sale of the year. Two distinguishing features set this sale apart. First, this sale is all about great deals on just released Fall merchandise -- you get it on sale before it's ever even available at retail price. And second, the Anniversary Sale is known for exclusive beauty gift sets and special sizes that are only available during the sale. So much fun to be had.

This year's Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts on July 15, 2011, and runs through the end of the month. Prices go up on August 1. As with any big, well-publicized sale, you're better off shopping early as the most in-demand items tend to sell out first.

So, what will be the big score at this year's Anniversary Sale? It's always a bit of a guess, but there are a few items that look like particularly great deals. The new Michael Kors Blair mother-of-pearl face watches in silver, gold, and rose gold colored metal are a sure bet -- they're just $166, marked down from $250. The Trina Turk Ponte Knit Boot Skirt will be a go-to item all during fall and winter and will be on sale for $129, marked down from $198.

If beauty deals are more your thing, there's plenty to see. A huge Estee Lauder GWP worth $135 is yours free with any $35 Estee Lauder purchase, and a Lancome GWP worth $110 is yours free with a $39.50 Lancome purchase. A yearly favorite, Kiehl's super sized pump bottles are back: Amino Acid Shampoo and Creme de Corps body lotion.

Finally, what might be the star of the Anniversary Sale -- the Hunter Kellen Wedge Rain Boot just $99, regularly priced at $175.

→ Browse the 2011 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale online.

New & Hot: Lemlem for J.Crew

What: Lemlem for J.Crew tunics, dresses and scarves

Why it's hot: The Lemlem label is the creation of model-turned-mogul (and devoted activist) Liya Kibede. Lemlem, which means "to bloom" in Amharic, is designed in New York, but made in Ethiopia by local weavers. The label has created jobs for Ethiopian weavers, which is helping to form a path out of poverty for those local artisans.

The pretty, summer-perfect designs of Lemlem have drawn a devoted following since the label's inception in 2007 and were even featured in the July issue of Elle magazine. Now, the label has paired up with forward-looking accessible label J.Crew to offer a capsule collection that shows off three of Lemlem's best-loved designs: the tunic, the dress and the scarf.

What to wear it with: Lemlem for J.Crew has a breezy, relaxed vibe and 100% cotton construction that is perfect for even the hottest days of summer. The dresses and tunics would look just as good at lunch with the girls as they would playing cover-up to your favorite bikini at the pool. The Lemlem Tullu Scarf is the ideal lightweight summer scarf -- take it on your next trip to the beach to help keep warm on chilly nights.

→ Buy the Lemlem for J.Crew Adama Dress, $245.00, at jcrew.com

→ Browse all Lemlem for J.Crew at jcrew.com.

DJ Premium Coupon Code: 15% Off Site-Wide

We just received this exclusive DJ Premium coupon code as a little gift from the team at DJ Premium to Stiletto Jungle readers -- 15% off site-wide through July 31, 2012! Use code STILETTO at checkout to receive your reader discount.

That's right, with this DJ Premium coupon code you can score an extra 15% off your order each and every time you shop at DJ Premium through the end of July of next year. If you aren't familiar with DJ Premium, this is a great chance to add it to your normal online shopping routine. The DJ Premium sale section is one of my favorite places to bargain shop, and their new arrival section is always full of fun new finds, from denim to shoes and jewelry. They carry labels like Diesel, Acne, Botkier, Dolce Vita, Joe's Jeans, L.A.M.B., True Religion, Sass & Bide, Pour la Victoire and more.

Remember, to redeem your DJ Premium coupon code, simply enter the code STILETTO at checkout. This code is good through July 31, 2012.

→ Browse all of DJ Premium online.

Review: Sheex Performance Bed Sheets

--By Pearl C.

I love my Sheex!

Recently I was looking for new sheets on bedbathandbeyond.com and stumbled upon a product called Sheex- a new luxury performance bedsheet inspired by professional-quality athletic fabrics to help you sleep better. You had me at SLEEP! I dug in a little more and learned that the material breathes 50% better than cotton, and is wrinkle, fade and shrink resistant. Don’t you just hate it when you wake up in the middle of the night and you feel all sweaty and gross? Sheex keep you cooler at night with moisture wicking properties to keep you dry and by transferring body heat 2 times better than traditional bedding. Anything that helps me sleep better at night deserves some serious attention.

GWP Alert: Free 6-pc Lancome Gift With Purchase - July 2011

It's Lancome free gift with purchase time at Dillard's! This 6-piece free gift includes a reversible tote bag and your choice of makeup and skincare, and it's yours with any Lancome purchase of $32.50 or more. Plus, there's a step up bonus: if your Lancome purchase totals $75 or more, you'll also score a set of 5 Juicy Tubes lip glosses or 4 expert makeup brushes. The entire GWP has a potential value of up to $183 with the step up gift.

The best part about this gift with purchase is that the details of the gift are really up to you. You get to choose from three options for each of the 5 portions of your gift, on top of the reversible tote. Check it out:

FOUND: Kate Middleton's Beige Strappy Sandals Worn to Polo Match

It's been a bit of a disappointment that, aside from the green dress worn to her first LA event, most of Kate Middleton's Los Angeles wardrobe has been full of items that are pretty hard to find for sale online. Still quite accessible fashions, just from labels that require an actual store visit. A notable exception is the versatile beige strappy sandal Kate wore to a charity polo match in Santa Barbara (click through to see all photos, including close ups).

For her day at the polo match, Kate Middleton paired a breezy Jenny Packham dress with shoes from one of her favorite lines -- L.K. Bennett. Want to steal Kate Middleton's beige strappy sandal look for yourself? She's wearing the L.K. Bennett Sliver Sandal in Dark Taupe. This super versatile, and leg-lengthening nude patent leather sandal is the kind of shoe that can be worn year round.

As I'm sure you've already guessed, this strappy sandal is already quite sold out in the Dark Taupe color that was spotted on Kate. But, there is a silver lining to this story. First, L.K. Bennett has been great about re-issuing the sell out shoes that Kate Middleton is photographed wearing. So, I suggest getting on the email notification list for when this shoe comes back in stock. Second, this same shoe is still available in other colors, including Natural Snake and Black Suede. If you simply must have the Kate-approved Sliver Sandal in Dark Taupe right now, you can always hit up Ebay -- there are already a couple of sellers listing pairs at premium prices.

→ Buy the L.K. Bennett Sliver Sandal in Dark Taupe, £185.00, at lkbennett.com.

→ Buy the L.K. Bennett Sliver Sandal in Natural Snake, £195.00, at lkbennett.com.

→ Buy the L.K. Bennett Sliver Sandal in Black Suede, £185.00, at lkbennett.com.

→ Buy the L.K. Bennett Sliver Sandal in Dark Taupe, $473.50+, at ebay.com.

FOUND: Kate Middleton's Green Dress From Her LA Reception

After nine days touring Canada, Kate Middleton -- aka, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge -- touched down in Los Angeles with her prince in tow. After what felt like mere minutes in California, Kate was off to her first event: Variety’s Venture Capital and New Media Summit at the Beverly Hilton Hotel (click through photo or link to see full photos and details). Her outfit of choice was a very American pick: a lawn green silk dress from Diane von Furstenberg.

Kate Middleton's green dress was a wise choice for her first US engagement. Not only was it insanely flattering and a perfect shade for a sunny LA day, the dress's designer is the current president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. You gotta love a politically correct fashion choice.

Want to steal Kate Middleton's green dress style for yourself? In keeping with her love of affordable fashion, Kate choose a straight-off-the-rack new arrival priced at just $398.00 -- the Diane von Furstenberg Maja Dress. This 100% silk dress comes in a stunning shade of lawn green, with a deep-v back that features gold button closures -- a fun feature that isn't apparent in most of the press pictures from the event. The matching green silk tie belt is a nice addition that helps to define the waist without taking away from the overall beauty of the single-shade dress.

Like most Kate picks, this green dress is selling out fast. It's still available, as of this writing, on the DVF site. And, of course, it's popping up on Ebay, which may be your best bet for finding this dress over the next few weeks. But, given that it's a new summer arrival, I suspect it will be back in stock soon.

→ Buy the Diane von Furstenberg Maja Dress, $398.00, at dvf.com.

→ Buy the Diane von Furstenberg Maja Dress, $398.00+, at ebay.com.

Grey Nail Polish: 3 Shades to Try Right Now

Evidently, I'm a grey nail polish connoisseur. Who would have thought.

This past weekend, while at a wedding, I had one of those little side conversations that make you question your own sanity. A fellow guest complimented my grey nail color and mentioned that it reminded her of one of her personal favorites -- OPI's You Don't Know Jacques. I immediately launched into full-scale shopping blogger mode. Before I could event take a breath, I let her know that it was an apt comparison as my color of choice is often lumped together with her fave and the "greige" nail polish trendsetter Chanel Particuliere as the top ways to indulge the trend. I think I might have scared her. Sarah, if you ever read this, I am not, in fact, insane. Really.

Now back from the wedding weekend, and armed with my newly acknowledged knowledge of the grey nail polish market, I figured it was time to spill the info. Personally, I tend towards darker nail colors, but during the summer a grey polish is a nice way to lighten up the look without losing the edgy vibe. Itching to try grey polish for yourself, but unsure of which is right for you? Start with one of these top picks:

Sale: Winter Kate Crane Silk Chiffon Jacket $133

Nicole Richie's Winter Kate line has been a runaway success since its debut, which means that it's pretty hard to find on sale (and often excluded from use with boutique discount codes). So, this find -- the very popular Winter Kate Crane Silk Chiffon Jacket -- is a particularly great deal. It's on sale for $133, marked down from $195.

The Crane Jacket is translucent 100% silk chiffon with an all-over abstract print. It has a single button/loop closure at the rib cage, but I think it looks best left open. Pair this jacket with jeans and a tank top for a simple, yet slightly dressy, summer look. The Crane jacket is also a great little cover up to have on hand for wearing with your favorite little black dress. It's more contemporary than a wrap, but more summer-appropriate than a sweater or more substantial jacket. You could even pull on this jacket with a solid color maxi dress and sandals for a boho-chic look, just like Nicole Richie herself.

The Winter Kate Crane Jacket is currently available in sizes Small and Medium, but it appears to have a very forgiving cut that could make sizing a little more flexible. Be sure to check out the measurements to see if one of the remaining sizes could work well for you.

→ Buy the Winter Kate Crane Silk Chiffon Jacket, $133 (was $195), at tobi.com.

GWP Alert: Free 5-pc Laura Mercier Gift With Purchase

A rare Laura Mercier gift with purchase has just popped up at Neiman Marcus... time to stock up and snag a great little gift in the process. This free 5-piece Laura Mercier gift is valued at $55.00 and is yours with any Laura Mercier purchase of $100.00 or more.

These hard-to-find Laura Mercier gifts are a great opportunity to snag a replacement for your favorite products -- a tube of Tinted Moisturizer, a tube of Foundation Primer and a palette of Secret Camouflage and you've scored this free gift:

Under $100: Chinese Laundry Shooter Suede Wedges

Wedges are such a great shoe to have on hand at all times. But, wedges are particularly useful during the summer when walking on grass and other less stable natural surfaces is more common. I learned the hard way over the weekend that heels and grass do not mix well. I wished I had gone wedges and, if you have a picnic or outdoor cocktail party in your future, you'll be wishing for wedges too.

These affordable Chinese Laundry Shooter Suede Wedges are perfect for summer get-togethers. The 3.5" suede-wrapped wedge heel, with .5" platform, is a manageable height. The Taupe Suede color pictured here is a great warm-weather neutral that will pair with both warm and cool shades (it's also available in Black Suede, for those of you who can't tear yourself away from black). The rubber-like synthetic sole will give you some grip as you walk around, while the 100% suede upper still gives off a luxe look. The most summer-perfect part is the price -- since you won't be dropping a paycheck on these shoes, you won't feel like throwing up when your friend's neighbor spills red wine on them at your next weekend party.

→ Buy the Chinese Laundry Shooter Suede Wedges, $89.00, at piperlime.com; shipping and returns are free.

Fashion Cents: How to Get Michelle Obama Arms

--By Kimberly Turner

You religiously read the Stiletto Jungle blog to get great shopping deals because you are "long on style but short on time." You already have your own sense of style and you NO longer follow those traditional wardrobe rules like no white after Labor Day or your purse has to match your shoes. So while you are putting that purple strapless top with those red jeans and sky high wedges, I just want to remind you of one fashion rule that NEVER goes out of style: FIT INTO YOUR CLOTHES!

Somehow, we have gotten away from making sure that our clothes look good on us. Those cotton/lycra tees sometimes end up showing off our muffin top versus showing off the stylish way we put an outfit together. And with summer heat and less clothing, there are lots of body parts hanging out (and I do mean that literally).

Now I'm not promoting being model skinny, I just think healthy and fit are key. Don't firm arms look better in something sleeveless than arms that wave to us? Of course they do. That's why we are all enamored with First Lady Michelle Obama's toned arms. So I turned to her personal trainer for exercises to get arms toned and backs sexy for the summer. It's not too late to start so check out this video for 7 exercises he says that you can even do at home. I promise you that backless dress will be even more flattering with a little toning. Make sense?

_____

Kimberly Turner, your personal style guru, is a contributing writer for Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle. Kimberly has an MBA from the University of Michigan and an Image Consulting Certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Kimberly lives in the Windy city of Chicago and is the host of FashionCents.tv.