50+ New Arrivals and "Welcome Fall" Giveway!

The ladies at Ruche were posting away....50+ new Arrivals just in! To celebrate the start of fall and all our new arrivals, we'd like to throw another contest!! Whoo Hooo!


We are giving away this outfit:



come away with me light gray cardigan $34.99
weave me around clutch in smokey gray $38.99
patina feather and miniature key necklace by Violet Bella $28

(Graphics from puglypixel)

Now it is your turn to come up with your favorite Fall transition outfit!

Contest Requirements:
Write a comment on this post, LISTING OUT your favorite outfit pairings from items at ShopRuche.com. Be creative! You can even use jewelry, belts, shoes, accessories and even describe how you would wear everything together.


The Giveaway will run through Oct 10, 2010 pst. Winner will be announced by Oct 15th.

Contest Disclaimer:
Comments will be numbered (in the following order: blog comments then facebook comments) and we will use randomizer.org to find the winner.

No purchase necessary. We reserve the right to close the contests early or late without warning. We will post the name of the winner by Oct 15, 2010. Upon winning, you agree that your name can be published on this blog at the close of the contest. You must contact us within 7 days after the winner has been announced to claim your prize.

Must Have Cupcake Tote

For some reasons, one of my personal style feeder alarms slipped into my spam box. I was scanning through my spam folder when I noticed that single alarm buried among the junks. There I saw that shy little email telling me that I ought to check its content, a cupcake tote.

Several prominent fashion bloggers, I've noticed, seem to love cupcakes that they make sure to include cupcake photos on their blog. Some of them always take a break from a hilarious shopping escapade by retreating to a cupcake shop. Thus, why not cupcakes on a tote?

American Apparel No More?

I recently had a newbie customer who, bless her heart, could not get Paypal to work. She tried and she tried, but nigh: the site was being bitchy with international peeps. So in a last stitch resort to redeem her '70s sweater vest, she asked if I would accept an Amazon gift card instead. I'm not one for "trades" but then I remembered Amazon sells American Apparel. Sold!

Before the gift code hit my Inbox, I was already compiling a mega-wish-list ten times larger than the amount intended. While I was shopping at the Hollywood American Apparel, I fell in love with their sleeveless "Lawn Button-Up" tucked into high-waisted shorts. The billowing fit of a size XS(!) looked phenom with the Marilyn Monroe shorts I bought that afternoon. I always regretted not buying it, but my wallet forgave me.

Did I spend $68 more than my gift card? Yes. Was this Rum Raisin top worth $42+shipping+tax? Probably. Admittedly, I was seduced by the gift card and it's invitation to a "free" $35 purchase. But since I'm shit at narrowing options, I just decided to treat myself to the blouse above, 2 American Apparel tri-blend tanks, and the Alternative Apparel sweat pants I've been threatening to buy for weeks now in "Eco-Oatmeal."

Pretty legit.

Ever since I blew my proverbial load on separates and basics, I remembered my husband mentioning that American Apparel is extremely close to bankruptcy. They're closing a slew of stores in New York, their stocks are bottom-feeding, and they've lost about $30 million a year ($120m total). It's a little surreal to think about. This brand was on top of the world at one point, but their unwillingness to evolve is making them quickly irrelevant.

I mean, how many times a year do you buy basics? How many times ever, for that matter?

Right now, their fall 2010 catalogue is a pretty display of Katherine Hepburn inspired riding pants and camel cardigans. It's a welcomed departure from the neon spandex of old. But I still find their prices shockingly out of touch. I realize manufacturing clothes on US soil is more costly, but we're dealing with BASICS here. How often can one AFFORD to stock up at American Apparel?

Get Well Soon AA,

Sabrina London

How to dress a curvy body

When we look at the runway or the glamor magazines, we see lots of fashion inspirations from thin shape fashion models - how they dress and how they get prettified. However, there aren't as much fashion tips for women who are blessed with curvaceous built. While slim or petite figures are much easy to dress up, to flaunt fashionably a curvaceous figure is kind'a challenging, or so we thought.

Not anymore! Kim Kardashian is one of the few women who are proud and comfortable with their curves. Instead of hiding those yummy assets with baggy clothes, Kim handles the challenge of topping her curves efficiently. Her secret? Wearing dresses that fit her body perfectly.

Kim Kardasian believes that to highlight your assets when you are curvy, you've got to use some simple tricks.

Find a great tailor

Accentuate your waist

Avoid oversize tops and dresses

Embrace your shape

Read her Tips for Dressing a Curvy body.

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Sale, how I love Thee! Designers Shoes went crazy sale!

Yes, you heard me right, girls. Tons of designers shoes are now sold at crazy discount prices. From 40% to 70% discount, shoes are flying off the rack - for the most pretty shoes at least. The last time I checked, two of my favorites were sold out. Sigh! But still, here's the set of designer shoes that I am eying. ;)

1) Marc Jacobs Suede raffia sandals, 2) Rupert Sanderson Jupiter suede shoe boots, 3) Jimmy Choo Jazz leopard-print pumps, 4) Jimmy Choo Reese suede cutout boots, 5) Beatrix Ong Petal cutout suede sandals, 6) Giuseppe Zanotti Leather platform sandals 7) Christian Louboutin Brigette 140 python shoe boots, 8)Jil Sander Asymmetric suede sandals,9) Christian Louboutin Piros 120 suede boots, 10) Brian Atwood Jamie suede boots

Sale, how I love Thee! Shoes, how I adore Thee!

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A busy Sunday, a deafening storm and a Promo Code at once ...

As I write this post my neck and shoulders are paining from the day's business - cleaning the pad and laundry in the morning, going out to a fast food restaurant writing my lesson plans while chewing some french fries and sipping some cola, and sitting in front of my laptop afterwards searching and downloading for a bank of worksheets for each of my classes. There's a guy coming to school tomorrow for accreditation and thus the panic. Fingers crossed but he might end up observing my class. I hope not.

As I write this post the peaceful sky suddenly broke into an angry devilish storm. The thunders are deafening and the lightnings blinding. I had to hurriedly run to the balcony and cover my bunnies, they're entirely helpless in their cage, too scared from both the screams of the thunder and the splash of its cold water. How vulnerable.

Browny and Nouty

But I write this post not to dwell on my activities and the storm but to announce to you my dear readers that you can avail some Overstock products with a 10% discount using a code. We know that sometimes we can use shopping therapy as a break from this mundane working-for-money routine. Shopping therapy does not have to be extravagant to the max, but some practical purchases with an aid of a promo? hmmm, sounds enticing. Yet be warned, the key word here is PRACTICAL.

Using the code 121728 you can choose from a bunch of stylish Women's shoes, beautiful Umbrellas, chic Sunglasses, fancy digital cameras, sweet necklaces and pendants, or you can scan for your dream bling - beautiful Engagement rings at 10% discount on all products.

photocredit: weheartit

As I end this post the storm has subsided, whispering lazily against the roofs, exhausted and worn. It must be a peaceful night then. I wish for wonderful dreams. Perhaps a grand shopping ...

Enjoy shopping and have a wonderful week, girls.

Note:
All the ideas and opinions expressed are my own. No monetary compensation was received for doing this post, however, I was provided with a discount code.

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5 Great Places to Shop in Jacksonville

Some places you can shop in Jacksonville include Gateway Town Center, St. Johns Town Center, the Jacksonville Landing, Regency Square Mall, and River City Marketplace.

Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida and has a wide array of shopping malls to suit different tastes for tourists and guests to shop, dine or simply hang out. You can use your jacksonville restaurant coupons in these shopping centers. Here are five great places you can shop in Jacksonville.

♥Gateway Town Center

Jacksonville’s Gateway Town Center is the oldest mall in the city but is no doubt as fun and exciting as other contemporary malls. Gateway Town Center is found at 5184 Norwood Ave. and features a mixture of retail boutiques, like Footlocker and Ashley Stewart, and non-retail offices such as the War on Poverty office and some health care providers. The Gateway Town Center is open from 10 AMa.m. to 9 PM. Monday through Saturday and 12 noon to 6 PM on Sunday.

♥St. Johns Town Center

St. Johns Town Center is the newest and trendiest shopping destination in the city. It prides itself with its offer of a unique shopping experience with its open-air plaza. The plaza is lined with shopping staples like Dillard’s, Barnes & Noble, Target and restaurants. Another one of the town center’s edge would be its Anthropologie store which is inspired by flea market shopping, antique shops and exotic estate sales. St. Johns Town Center is open from 10 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday and 11 AM to 6 PM on Sundays.

♥The Jacksonville Landing

The Jacksonville Landing is noted for its u-shape. It has a festival marketplace along the St. Johns River and prides itself in its collection of 40 stores and restaurants including great night life hangouts. This mall also has a central courtyard decorated with a fountain which is sure to add a refreshing atmosphere for those warm afternoon strolls. The courtyard also hosts several concerts and special events. The mall is open at 10 AM to 8 PM Monday through Thursday, 10 AM to 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 5:30 PM on Sundays. Its nightclubs and bars are open much later into the night.

♥Regency Square Mall

On 9501 Arlington Expressway stands the Regency Square Mall. This mall is home to more than 170 shops and is anchored by several big names like Sears, Belk, JC Penney and Dillard’s. While grownups enjoy shopping and hanging out, the kids will love riding on the mall’s own kiddie train. Movie buffs and film goers will love to know that Regency Square Mall features its own AMC 24-screen megaplex for the ultimate movie experience. Mall hours are from 10 AM to 9 PM for Monday through Saturday and from noon until 6 PM on Sundays.

♥River City Marketplace

Jacksonville’s largest shopping mall, the River City Marketplace, has 70 shops and restaurants including Old Navy, Lowe’s, a Wal-Mart Super Center and a PetsMart. All of these shops stand in an open-air plaza. If you enjoy movies, you’ll love the mall’s 14-screen Hollywood Theaters. River City Marketplace is open from 9 AM until 9PM Monday to Saturday and 11 AM to 7 PM on Sundays.

Jacksonville not only prides itself as being Florida’s largest city, but also proves that it is a great place to look for shopping destinations.

photo: chicstories

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Leather Jackets are fashion essentials

“Long hair minimizes the need for barbers; socks can be done without; one leather jacket solves the coat problem for many years; suspenders are superfluous.” ~ Albert Einstein

I had always adored leather jackets and I see them as a fashion essential. Bikers, rock stars, punks, metal heads and goths usually wear leather jackets probably because of the intimidating look that these jackets create and the protection that they give. But for a non-goth fashionista, a leather jacket means cool. It transforms an outfit into something incredible.

photo credit: weheartit

Living in the tropics gives me an excuse not to wear leather jacket; the temperature usually hits as high as 40-42 degrees in this country and thus sporting a leather jacket is hardly an opportunity. However, when I get to move to Europe, leather jackets would definitely be my most favorite apparel.

Here are some of the leather jackets that I covet. I found my first choices very expensive thus prompting me to look for alternatives that are more affordable.

Kyle Cropped Leather Jacket from Alice +Olivia
$698.00

Moto Jacket with Zipper Trim by Xhilaration
$39.99

LEATHER JACKET by William Rast

before:$396.00 now:$335.00

Bonnie Bomber Jacket G by GUESS
$79.50

So tell me girls. If you are to take one black and one brown leather jacket from the above, which would you go for?

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6 Easy Ways to Travel Around Morocco

To travel around the fantastic place of Morocco, you can choose among car rentals or hire a private car, take a Petit or Grande taxi, take the bus, relax and ride a train, go biking, or take a ferry ride.

image credit: theage.com.au

Going around Morocco and having fun is not a problem. There are many exciting means by which you can discover the exotic place for a more exciting and truly memorable vacation. Here are ways to get around Morocco.

♥Choose among car rentals or hire a private car

You can find many car rentals with drivers to take you around Morocco. It is also recommended that you find a private car to rent or find your own driver who knows about the different sights and events in Morocco and the Moroccan traditions and culture. Make sure the driver you choose is trustworthy and knows about the places you wish to visit. Traveling around Morocco this way is also suggested if you are checking out possible home investments in Morocco, such as Tangier properties, resort villas, and more.

♥Take a Petit or Grande taxi

There are plenty of taxis you can find in different areas of Morocco to get you to places around town. The Petit taxis, which are color coded for certain areas, will conveniently take you around the city you are in. These taxis are metered. The Grande taxis, which are bigger and can take six passengers, are also available for longer trips. Grande taxis are usually found near bus stations. When taking a Grande taxi, you need to know that the six seats must be fully occupied before you can start your trip. If you want the taxi to leave before the other seats are filled, you may pay for the other seats, as fare is paid per passenger, not metered.

♥Take the bus

You can also ride a bus around Morocco, which is a cheaper option. Buses have their set routes, so make sure you know exactly where you need to stop. When riding a bus, you also need to be careful, as there have been many cases of robbery reported in buses.

♥Relax and ride a train

Taking the train is one of the best ways to go to some places in Morocco. Aside from being fast and affordable, the trains are clean and comfortable. Plus, you do not need any reservation to get a first class seat. You will also get a lot of opportunities to go and talk to many Moroccan nationals and learn more about the people and their culture. Routes include Tangier-Kenitra-Rabat-Casablanca, Uojuda-Fes-Meknes-Kenitra, Casablanca-Marrakech, and Casablanca-Mohammed V International Airport. There are also night trains in Morocco that depart daily at 9 in the evening.

♥Go biking

On one of your days in Morocco, try biking around the country roads. Not only will you experience adventure at its best, but you will also discover another face Morocco has to offer. You can arrange for biking tours from reliable operators to make your biking trip even more enjoyable. Other great places to bike around include the Sahara desert from April and May or in October and November. Chefchaouen is perfect during the summer and fall seasons.

♥Take a ferry ride

You may also want to smell the Moroccan breeze and take the ferries. The cities of Tangier, Cueta, and Melilla have their ports where you can depart from and arrive into. Aside from getting around Morocco, you can also take a ferry to Morocco from your country of origin or as a means of returning home. There are ferries that take you to Morocco from Spain, France, and Italy.

Aside from all these easy and convenient ways of traveling around Morocco, there are also more adventurous and extraordinary experiences to discover in this exotic destination. You can take a ride on a hot air balloon and see wonderful views of Morocco that you will never see on land, go paragliding, or take a camel ride through the Sahara desert.

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Venus Raj a suspect on Jesinta Campbell's dress sabotage ?

Could it be that Miss Philippines Venus Raj was behind the Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell's dress sabotage at this year's Miss Universe? Is Venus Raj capable of sticking those six pins on the back of her Aussie rival's national dress?

Venus Raj

Jessica Campbell was quoted finger pointing as to whom she suspects were capable of victimizing her just to stop her from winning the crown. Contestants from Mexico, the Philippines and Central and South America might have stuck pins in her costume, she assumed.

"Winning is so important for those girls because they become queens in their country and are worshiped if they win - and it changes everything forever for them," she told the Herald Sun. [Read the story]

Jesinta Campbell

She further pointed the girls whom she was certain were not capable of doing it to her. "My best friends were the girls from Ireland, Belgium, Great Britain, and Guam and I know they wouldn't have done that to me."

Jesinta claimed that her national dress costume has been sabotaged by sticking on six pins on the back of her dress. The well-criticized outfit, an aboriginal-print swimsuit, ruffled flamenco skirt and Ugg boots said to cause her pain and that was thanks to the evil-inspired rivals' pranks back stage. When she put on the dress, she felt the sharp pins stuck into her back. She took off the top and saw the pins but had no time to remove them or to put the top back. It was her time to go parade.

Miss Australia's national costume

This alleged sabotage and finger pointing caused head lines which made Aussie Jesinta Campbell more popular than if she had won the Miss Universe title. It fueled some uproar from the fans and people of those contestants who were singled out as suspects. She is called racist. Obviously, it isn't fair to single out only the Philippines, Mexico, C and S America out of 82 rivals.

So what did Venus Raj think of this report? Venus Raj refused to believe that Jesinta would accuse her because they turned out to be good friends. Venus was quoted saying "I don't believe that she said that because we were very close. She has a Filipino best friend, and Jesinta and I were roommates in LA. When her best friend and I talk, we translate for her. I don't think she can say those things." Venus Raj also denied that she is capable of sticking those pins on Jesinta's outfit claiming that she cannot even remember how the dress looked like. [Read the Story.]

Jesinta and Venus

In fairness to Jesinta Campbell, she refutes that she ever accused anyone. She says that she has been quoted wrongly and that the media blow everything out of proportion. She is definitely upset. To read how Jesinta denies report of her sabotage and accusations, visit her facebook profile.

Toddlers and Tiaras

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Roman Numerals XX and I

When I moved to LA, I stopped shopping at those big monolithic structures they call malls. Hence, I forgot the miracle healing powers of Forever 21 (it'll cure what ails you!). Maybe I just didn't recognize them with their uber-hip new moniker XXI. Come on, Forever 21. Switching to Roman Numerals won't make us forget your clothes are manufactured by little Indonesian kids. What great handwork on this ruffled top, Ndugu!

But I'm not one to judge. So when I popped by the Beverly Center this weekend (MAALLL!), I'll be first to admit I was immediately won over by low prices and high savings(!) Despite Forever 21's shameless trend-thieving from Urban Outfitters, they have SO MUCH STUFF. It almost feels like a thrift store at times because a lot of it's cheap junk; but through the roughage, you can uncover some incredible finds with promise to look so much better once they're out of the store.

The bullshitty thing about Forever 21 is that most of those remarkable pieces fall on the $28 and up category. While that's still balls cheap, it feels a little steep for a place with $4.80 camisoles.

On the other hand, who cares when you can buy a military-inspired cardigan for $30?

I bought this cardi in black and it's so amazing, I felt like starting a band.

Forever 21. Fun for the whole family!

Forever 24,

Sabrina London

$75 Gift Certificate Giveaway!

It's incredible to host another giveaway, a 75 dollar gift certificate which you can use to purchase any item of your choice from any of the online shops of our sponsor, the CSN Stores.

The items available to you through your gift certificate are not limited to fashion - shoes, handbags, wallet and accessories - only but also include modern bedding, cookware, furniture and lots of modern materials for your home.

Enter the giveaway:

♥ For one entry

Follow Creative Fashion through Google and visit the CSN stores - Luxe by CSN where you can find fabulous shoes, handbags and wallets; CookWare where you would get overwhelmed by beautiful cooking materials and kitchen wares, All Modern for all things you need in interior designing and CSN Stores then come back and leave a comment below this post stating what product you would like to purchase if you win the 75 dollar gift certificate.

♥For additional one entry

Become a follower of Creative Fashion on twitter or tweet about this giveaway and include the URL of your tweet in your comment. [Make a separate comment for this entry]

♥For additional one entry

Follow Creative Fashion on Facebook or share about this giveaway to your friends. [Make a separate comment for this entry]

The Giveaway is open to all US and Canadian residents only and ends September 30. Winner will be chosen using random.org

Fall Fetish: Tinroof Vintage

One of the reasons I'm so bewitched by vintage clothing is the ability to take something old and make it cutting edge modern. The best vintage shops don't just offer great used clothes, but a point-of-view and sense of contemporary styling. When I discovered the most recent offerings from Tinroof Vintage, I felt like I was looking at a 2010 fashion editorial. Yet every single garment is over 20 years old, and couldn't look more scrumptious. Here's our must-see list:

O-M-Geesus. Take a high-waisted skirt, add a random animal to it, and I'm so there. The styling couldn't be more impeccable. Pair a pearl-snap boyfriend shirt and neutral knee-socks and you've just taken this look to icon status. This high-waisted mallard skirt reminds me of the LLAMA skirt I sold over the summer.

Totes. Life-changing.

Here's another dreamy fall find from Tinroof Vintage. When I was in college, I would have totally rejected this look and dismissed it as "plain Jane." But being a young woman of 24, I 100% get the timeless simplicity of a sheer, nude blouse and camel-colored shorts. Inspiring.

Does anyone else enjoy watching Michael Kors on Project Runway scorn fashion-trends that exploded months after the show was taped? So far, he's chastised side boob ("never a flattering moment"), granny boots, and Gretchen's grandpa sweater. Well, well, well. Look who got it wrong again, Michael. Further proof you should never trust a man whose collection always finds it way to Ross.

Aren't you hemorrhaging over these crimson tights? More Navajo-inspiration with this mohair vintage sweater. Reminds of the new Marc Jacob ads.

If you have to go to any holiday parties this year, this is the dress to beat. Whether it's Thanks Giving or Christmas, this vintage '80s ruffled mini is sure to make a statement. And that statement is: I'm super, duper cute.

Cheating on My Own Store,

Sabrina London

Impromptu Trip to Vegas

For my brother's birthday, we surprised him with an impromptu trip to Vegas. We gambled at the Paris (as evident by the upside down Eiffel Towers below). There was car singing. Strawberry daiquiris. Cocktail waitresses with fake boobs. Miraculously, a $200 withdrawal from the ATM only resulted in a $14 net loss (not counting tips for the cocktail waitresses). I consider that a great success.

I wore my brand new draped cardi from Urban Outfitters, which the husband promptly spilled coke all over on the trip there.

Sean wore his stunning vintage '70s Yves Saint Laurent jacket from Goodwill.

West Coast... bitches.

I got cold.

Car-Lagged,

Sabrina London