Dear Ether,

Hey, hey, hey! “Fashion Fridays” are back and I have something fun for you today.  Okay, so the brand Karta is a really cool label started by Californian Judi Lambert who started her career working for the department store Nordstrom’s.  But thank goodness for us fashion fanatics, left retail and launched her lovely collection in 2007.  Many of her pieces are vintage inspired, but Lambert also makes sure to keep up with modern trends and her clothes are whimsical, trendy and delightful!!  

Karta is famous for jeweled embellishments that allow you to wear an outfit without having to accessorize because they are already baubled-out.  From Kelly Osbourne and Mischa Barton to Jennifer Love-Hewitt and Nicki Hilton, Karta has a celeb following that’s making the brand soar in sales.  Found in top department stores and boutiques, Ms. Lambert keeps bringing out collections that make shoppers plunk down their credit cards and their closets glitter.

So, now that you have my little history lesson of this uber chic brand, let me tell you about my story.  There’s a discount store that is a staple for any lady who loves her labels but is on a budget.  C’mon, girls—Loehmann’s!  Not only do they carry amazing brands ranging from Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Valentino and Miu Miu but they also have up and coming designers (like Karta) that you can get your hands on for a steal. (I would tell you all about their handbag and shoe department, but if you don’t have one in your country or State I don’t want to upset you.  Fine, you forced me to spill.  Pierre Hardy for 150 bucks, or Givenchy shoes for 200 smackaroos that normally retail for quadruple that….yeah…..it’s heaven).   

I’d been in Saks and had seen my fashion picks (below) for $200.  I LOVED them but walked on by as soon as I saw the ticket price.  Low and behold, I saunter into Loehmann’s, my marvelous palace of prices, and what do I see hanging on the extra 40% off rack?  Yep, my $200 Karta tops.  How much: $20!  So, I bought two.  I never usually do this but I figured you can’t even get a T-Shirt from The Gap anymore for $20, loved both colors and splurged.  So…..with that story in mind, enjoy “Fashion Fridays” and have a great weekend.

I’ll speak to you tomorrow Ethers!

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

Hot pink mama! So, here's the bejeweled top in a highlighter pink. Really gorgeous for summer and would be amazing on tan skin tones too. Notice my matching varnish! Ooo la la!

I love this yellow because it goes beautifully with dark beauties or with paler ones too. Pair with white trousers and gold sandals and you can wear this day or night. Still looks kinda groovy with the pink varnish, no?

And here they are in their bright and lovely glory. Total: $44 (including tax). Retail Value: $440 (including tax).