Shift dresses are back in a big way this season. The once 1960s retro mod chic staple has re-emerged as a summer necessity. Just add a pair of platforms, and you’ll instantly transport back to forty plus years ago. Want to upgrade your look to 2012? Cinch your waist with a solid black leather belt and add flat gladiator sandals. Simple. Easy to wear. Gorgeous. Check out these gorgeous shift dresses you’ll want to wear this season!

Shift One by shopinchic featuring flat heels

Look 2 by shopinchic featuring a polka dot dress

Shift Look 3 by shopinchic featuring leather clutches

Fresh, fun, fabulous, and feminine. These four words describe one of my most favorite summertime style staples: the maxi dress. Since this season is all about relaxing and living a little, why not wear clothes that make you feel comfortable? I love a chic maxi style dress because it’s comfy and easy to wear. Just add a great pair of shoes(espadrilles, flip-flops, or flats) and a gorgeous necklace. Here are four amazing dresses I want right now!

4 Printed Maxi Dresses by shopinchic featuring a strapless gown

It’s almost April and I couldn’t be more excited! I just love the sunshine, the warm weather, the energy, and most importantly, the awesomely bright colors you see on the clothes. And you know what I love even more than that? A good, no make that a great sale! I’ve got three amazing deals/discounts for you on this lovely Saturday afternoon so be sure to check them out!

Also, feel free to join my new Shop In Chic message board and chat about whatever tickles your fancy.

All spring dresses now 20% off at Arden B. I’m really loving the deals on all the fabulous dresses. They have a wide selection of super chic styles including maxi dresses, party frocks, sundresses, strapless dresses, and more. It’s a terrific sale that you really won’t want to miss.

Colorblock One Shoulder Dress- original price $98.00 new price $78.40; Variegated Stripe Maxi Dress- original price $59.00 new price $47.20; Belted Ruffle Halter Dress- original price $59.00 new price $47.20

Free Offer from Victoria’s Secret Score a free umbrella when you spend $65 or more at Victoria’s Secret. You must you the promo code RAINY65 during checkout to obtain free offer. This special offer ends tomorrow(that’s April 1st!) so be sure to shop Victoria’s Secret today.

Buy 1 Get 1 50% off Mix & Match Sale at Aeropostale This offer is good on select styles of tops, tees, tanks, and polos.

Aero Multi Stripe Jersey Polo- original price $29.50 now $10.00; Eyelet Peasant Cami- original price $24.50 now $12.25; Neon Floral Lace Cami- original price $24.50 now $12.25

Denim is….casual, smart, sexy, fresh, comfortable, feminine, etc etc. A good pair of jeans is perhaps one of the most versatile items you’ll ever own because you can take almost any one pair of denim and instantly create different looks just by switching around tops, shoes, and accessories. Need a few examples? Check out four very different but equally stylish denim looks I created through Polyvore and let me know what you think.

Hipster Cool by shopinchic featuring vintage sunglasses

Summer Casual by shopinchic featuring south sea pearl rings

Everyday Denim by shopinchic featuring a cross body shoulder bag

Dressy Denim by shopinchic featuring black handbags

Want to talk more denim? Check out my new fashion forum or join SIC’s community on Facebook!

Video courtesy of US Magazine If you don’t see it on the front page, please click the title and it will lead you to the page with the video.

Confession time! I did not watch the 2012 Grammy or the Red Carpet coverage show last night, and truthfully I have not watched any award show since the late 1990s, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not catching up with the big night’s most notable moments. I love music and fashion just as much if not moreso than the next girl. Unfortunately, I don’t have the money to purchase high quality images from last night’s show but I’ve got a video for you above that you can check out.

First off, I want to say that I’m still heartbroken that we lost one of music’s biggest legends the evening prior to the 2012 Grammys. I grew up listening to Whitney Houston and I loved her songs, so I’m still reeling over this news. I also hope her daughter Bobbi Kristina can find the strength to carry on.

Back to the lighter news, I’m so glad Adele won, Jessie J sparkled, and Whitney was remembered. That night we had not only had a lot of fashion hits and misses, we also has a lot of questionable looks(what was up with Fergie’s see-through orange dress and what was Nicki Minaj thinking with her red hooded dress?). Let’s dissect the night further….

The Best: IMO, Jessie J’s gown was hands down the best look of the night! She simply sparked in a silver Julien MacDonald gown! I also loved how she kept her entire look simply understated with a high ponytail and simple makeup. Adele also looked gorgeous that night with a black Giorgio Armani gown complete with a boat-style neckline and three-quarter sleeves. Other winners that night include Katy Perry(who donned a dreamy blue crochet Elie Saab gown), Lady Gaga(anyone who can wear a custom-design black fishnet Versace dress receives props in my book), and Kelly Rowland(who wore a formfitting Alberta Ferretti peach gown complete with an embellished bodice).

The Worst: I like Carrie Underwood but I really didn’t like her fashion choice for that night. The Gomez-Garcia gown she wore that night looked more like an oversized over-embellished pillowcase as it didn’t flatter her figure. Other disappointed fashion choices that night came from Rihanna(her Giorgio Armani gown was pretty but too revealing) and Taylor Swift(the fabric of her Zuhair Murad gown is kind of). Check out the video above from US Weekly for full red carpet coverage.

Questionable Looks: The two most questionable looks of last evening came courtesy of Black Eyed Peas’ frontwoman Fegie and Nicki Minaj. Fegie’s see-through Jean Paul Gaultier show’s the singer’s undergarments- tres tacky. Minaj’s red hooded monstrosity(a Versace gown with a strange beaded face design on the front) stole the show from Gaga with the most bizarre getup of the night yet she didn’t quite pull the look with such aplomb.

Did you catch the 2012 Grammys or the red carpet coverage last night? Which celebrity sported your favorite look?

Who says you can’t give your friends and family a chic Christmas or holiday? Here are some of my favorite picks all of which are $25 and under~

1-Crabtee & Evelyn Wisteria of the Valley Sampler: Have a pal that misses summertime in the garden? Give her this elegant fragrance gift which includes 1.7 fl oz Wisteria Bath & Shower Gel, 1.7 fl oz Wisteria Body Lotion, 1.7 fl oz Lily of the Valley Bath & Shower Gel, and 1.7 fl oz Lily of the Valley Body Lotion. You can purchase this gift set at Crabtree & Evelyn for just $15.00.

2-Birchbox Membership: Do you know someone who loves to score beauty samples in the mail? Treat them to a Birchbox membership(starting at $10) and they can look forward to receiving a box every month that’s filled with deluxe-sized samples from brands like Stila, Smashbox, Kerastase, and more. Birchbox also has membership programs for men that include grooming products and bonus gifts he will love(like Skullcandy earphones). Unfortunately, they’re currently accepting backorders right now for $45 but you can join the waitlist and/or signup for their upcoming mailing list.

3- Fairisle Cowl Neck Sweater Poncho: Never let your sister choose between style and warmth again! Give her a beautiful fairisle print poncho that features a pointed hem and ribbed cowlneck design. This trendy poncho retails for just $24.80 at Forever 21.

4- Leopard Print Slippers: Keep their feet warm and toasty this Christmas with a pair of super cute slippers! These shoes feature a chic leopard print design and a single pom-pom on each shoe. These retail for just $24.50 at Ann Taylor Loft.

5-*Fragile Skinny Jeans: If you have a fashionable teen in your life, why not get her what she really wants? A great pair of new jeans. These super skinny jeans feature a low-rise fit, contrast stitch detailing, three pockets, and two faux pockets. You can purchase these jeans at Kohl’s for just $24.99.

6- Striped Scoop Neck Mickey Mouse Nightshirt: Who wouldn’t love a Disney gift that’s chic? This cute cotton sleep tee features a scooped neck, short sleeves, grey horizontal stripes, and four dancing Mickey Mouses on the front. You can purchase this tee for just $24.50 at Disney Store.

7- *Contour & Blush Palette There really is no need to purchase a lot of expensive makeup when you can buy one quality cosmetic palette from BH Cosmetics for less. This kit includes six shades of matte powders that you can use for blushes, contouring, even eyeshadows! During their Black Friday weekend special, this kit is priced^ at $10.42. After the sale, the kit is still affordable at just $18.95!

* indicates an affiliate link

^ indicates a price change in the near future.

Boots are sexy and ankle boots(or booties as they are sometimes referred to) are even sexier. Whether you’re wearing super skinny jeans, a pretty feminine floral dress, or perhaps a tee shirt and denim skirt, it’s important to know that booties have the power to change any look into edgy madness! Don’t believe me? Check out five fabulous pairs of booties below and you’ll see what I mean.

1- Zig Soho Rally Booties $99.95 at DSW

2- Boutique 9 Daphnea Booties $225.00 at Nine West

3- Dereon Animate Yourself Booties $80.00 at Baker Shoes

4- Renton Lace Up Boot £66.00 at Dune

5- Rocket Dog Black Satire Ankle Boots £60.00 at Schuh

It’s almost that time of year again! Who doesn’t love to have an excuse to get all dressed up in something that you normally couldn’t wear on a daily basis and go out to party a little? That’s what Halloween is all about. So if you haven’t already decided on your costume yet or you’re already thinking about next year, I have compiled some of the chicest choices out there. Whether you’re looking for a sexy little number or something decidedly retro, here are the coolest looks.

Fairytale Costumes by shopinchic on polyvore.com

Fantasy Halloween Costumes by shopinchic on polyvore.com

Retro Halloween by shopinchic on polyvore.com

Sporty Grrl Halloween Costumes by shopinchic on polyvore.com

Luv ya!

Anna P.

Fashion’s Night Out is almost here! The successful worldwide  shopping event is celebrating their third year on September 8 2011,  but this year the festivities will include many online stores. If you live in New York City or one of the many U.S/Canadian cities listed, you can spend the evening shopping for the latest falls trends, indulge in makeovers, sip cocktails, take advantage of special offers, and much more. Fashion’s Night Out is going to be huge! Are you going to attend or shop online?

Obviously I cannot cover every single event or party but I will keep y’all posted on select events that I think are worth checking out. This edition is for New York City so stay tuned for FNO info in other cities and online. Of course you can also check out their official website for everything you need to know!

New York City

7 For All Mankind will feature a fun shopping event that involves drinks, treats, and their new fall denim collection. Free alterations will be available to guests who make a purchase. The event is from 6:00 pm to 11:00.

347 Bleecker Street New York, NY 10014

73 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10003

394  West Broadway New York, NY 10012

Take 5 and enjoy a little pampering at the Lali Lali Salon to indulge in beauty treatments like manicures, spray tans, makeup touchups, and more.  This salon will also offer treats like cupcakes and champagne to customers who attend the special event which lasts from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

650 Broadway 3rd Floor New York, NY 10012

Shop the new denim line at Original Penguin and receive a $40 gift card that you can use on another purchase. Enjoy music from DJ Shawn Williams and a special live performance. The event lasts from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

103 Greene Street New York, NY 10012

Calypso St. Barth will take you to paradise with their little shindig. Enjoy live music from Broadbelt Guitar Duo and peruse the racks for tropica-inspired clothing and accessories. This event lasts from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

654 Hudson Street New York, NY 10014

7 Low key hairstyles for the summer from Self

How to wear a printed maxi skirt from Who What Wear

Kate and Pippa Middleton reignite a hoisery trend from NYMag

13 Beauty tips you may have never even heard of from Glamour

Take a close look at Kim Kardashian’s and Kris Humphries’ wedding invites from OMG

Make your makeup last through the summer heat from iVillage

How to get that California surfer girl look from InStyle