Meinto.com: Giving Local Fashion an Online Presence

If you're like me, you feel odd when you see the shirt sitting in your closet sported by Lea Michele on Glee or the embarrassment of strutting into formal in the same dress that two other girls are sporting. This is why occasionally I turn to local boutiques like Pitaya (which is a small chain with only 17 stores nationwide) and SKY Boutique, which is my daily neighborhood fashion ogling stop. However, it's really sad to see local businesses (including restaurants) being bought by more mainstream mall or store chains.  Meinto.com is a new Miami-based site that helps prevent local fashion businesses from shutting down by helping them open an online version of their store as well. I know I spend forever on the internet gazing at Forever 21 and H&M before a shopping trip but can't find the clothes in store and oftentimes don't have the time to stop by my local boutiques to see what's in stock. Having a small-scale selection that is visible online is the perfect balance. While my student budget forces me to prefer to find cheap steals at the mall and thrift stores, sometimes it's nice to treat yourself to that stunner piece. Most of the pieces are definitely out of my range though, like this Dolce & Gabbana (ugly) jacket for $600, but for the designer bargain hunter, this could be an option. There are some pieces under $50 that I would consider.

Much better: a black mesh striped leather jacket for $60 (NY Fashions) and this cute Peter Pan collar black and white romper for $72 (Electric Couture). These prices are comparable to Threadsence, Lulus, Romwe.

 Here is an example of a store info page with a photo, the boutique address, complete with a local map

Meinto's site has a clean design and is easily navigable with a useful search function for both items and boutique stores (unlike Forever21). They offer 30 days return and over 3000 brands for women, men, and kids. In the store search bar, I entered my St. Louis zip code and unfortunately nothing came up. This is because most of the local stores listed are near Miami, Florida. Hopefully with time, this could expand to the entire US (Meinto has already worked well in Europe). It's a good concept and it is really sad to see local stores go out of business. 

There's also a Facebook video contest - you can win $1000 of boutique clothing from Meinto! You must be a resident of the US and at least 21. The contest ends on 3/19/2012.

Readers - do you shop local fashion?

This is a sponsored post in which I was provided monetary compensation. This does not affect my honest opinion whatsoever.

Forever 21 x Hello Kitty Collection

As a lifelong fan of cute things, I was excited when Forever 21 announced their collab with Hello Kitty. Initially looking through the items, my reaction was disappointment at everything gawdy, but after some choosing and closer looks, there are a few pieces that can apply to a more mature wardrobe (what I'm striving for nowadays). You can shop the collection here. If you want anything, shop fast because they're disappearing left and right.

Lookbook

(where is this white sweater ... so cute)

My picks:

Leatherette Trim Raincoat $29.80

My favourite and most practical one of the items in their collection: a clear raincoat. I'm crazy about clear umbrellas and a clear raincoat is so practical for my biking and rainy St. Louis weather needs. However, if it only had a hood ... I can always DIY one on. The price is a little steep, still chewing this over. I'm afraid that it will just start to crack and break because of flimsy cheap plastic.

Pointelle Hello Kitty Cardigan $24.80

Bright pink, all right. But look it has little patterns of Hello Kitty on it! Super cute and nice to brighten up a cold winter day at the library. Ideally paired with a chambray shirt, bow tie, and hipster glasses. The print top the model has on is cute too.

High-Low Hello Kitty Dress $22.80

Hi-lo trend! If it were chiffon and more classy, I'd get it but it's still cool and makes Hello Kitty more grown up and fashionable.

HK Boyfriend Cardigan $24.80

Collegiate-ish, red

Intergalactic Hello Kitty Tee $17.80

Can't complain, nice big print

 Hello Kitty Film Strip Tote $16.80

My top accessory pick. It's so adorbs! I almost never use totes though. They hurt the shoulders when I carry my 10-lb + load every day to class. Pricey for a bag.

 Hello Kitty Trio Socks $8.80

I have a soft spot for socks, if you didn't already know.

Going to snoop these out in store to make sure the quality and fit is good before I commit. Meanwhile, heading back to San Diego at 6 AM tomorrow! I'm super pumped to be home with my family and eat amazing food and not have to deal with senior year havoc for a few days. Finished a "clustermuck" of Immunology today (3 essays, an exam, homework) and I'm ready to take off : )

Readers - will you pick up anything from the Forever 21 x Hello Kitty 2011 Collection?

All photos are credited to Forever21.com

I Rented the Runway

I was flipping through the InStyle November 2011 issue and I saw an eye-catching gold dress that Selena Gomez wore with a long white side tail/sash. Then I noticed that it was from Rent the Runway, so I was reminded of the  $100 credit from Jean's giveaway I won last year. So, I just spent 2 hours picking out a rental designer dress for my Winter Formal. Luckily the code still works! 

So after all was said and done, my dress is rented for 4 days in size 0 and 2 (the second size is free!) and I am ready to rock my senior year on the dance floor. I also got 20 zig zag Upsie Daisie Clothing Adhesives for $10. Shipping was $7.95 and they pay for the return. They also charge $5 insurance for the dress. The grand total? $97.95 0.00 thanks to the amazing gift code! Hopefully I won't trip all over the sash xD

If you're interested in Rent the Runway, here's an invite link. If you sign up using this, I get $20 credit and would like you very, very much.

And the winner is:

Mikade Gold Sash Dress | Designer: Erin by Erin Fetherston | $75 rental | $595 retail

Runner-up that wasn't available during my formal:

Malia Tulle Sequin Gown | Designer: BCBGMAXAZRIA | $100 rental | $595 retail

There are a lot of other interesting options, and JJ really liked the gowns and other unique cuts. Check out these insane retail prices. Obviously you can see I am into sequins this season (Express has some nice but pricey sequin holiday dresses).

Elegant

Arabian Sea Gown | Designer: Alberta Ferreti | $300 rental | $2595 retail

Luxury Lush Gown | Designer: Bibu Mohapatra | $350 rental | $3500 retail

Gold Peacock Lace Dress | Designer: Haute Hippie | $150 rental | $995 retail

Michelle Peplum Dress | Designer: Moschino | $300 rental | $2195 retail

Sapphire Star Dress | Designer: Mark & James by Badgley Mischka | $50 rental | $350 retail

All Eyes on You Gown | Designer: Carmen Marc Valvo | $125 rental | $745 retail

Screen Siren Dress | Designer: Badgley Mischka | $125 rental | $850 retail

Seeing Ruffle Dress | Designer: Parker | $50 rental | $315 retail

Red Carpet Beauty Gown | Designer: Badgley Mischka | $150 rental | $795 retail

Fun

Teal Time Ruffle Dress | Designer: Haute Hippie | $75 rental | $375 retail

Duplicity Contrast Dress | Designer: Herve Leger | $150 rental | $1350 retail

Lady Tux Dress | Designer: Robert Rodriguez Black Label | $75 rental | $425 retail

Golden Tank Dress | Designer: Robert Rodriguez Collection | $75 rental | $595 retail

Crimson Scalloped Dress | Designer: Robert Rodriguez Collection | $75 rental | $595 retail

Readers - which dress would you have chosen?

All images belong to RentTheRunway.com and InStyle.com. Compilations by me.

Lulu's 15% Off Code: PANDA

Lulu's offers a wide selection of dresses, tops, bottoms, and shoes shoes shoes! I have been eyeing their neverending Jeffrey Campbell collection forever and recently I've been checking out their clothes too. There are many beautiful sheer pieces and perfect-for-summer fabrics that are crave-worthy. They carry coveted brands such as BB Dakota, Chinese Laundry, and Lush with popular boutique finds like my mint green scallop hem shorts and the black lace crochet skirt also found at Pitaya and Modcloth ("Social Hour Skirt"). Items go fast, so sizes aren't always fully in stock.

Lulu's is kind enough to give a 15% discount off your total purchase with the code PANDA (case sensitive) for my readers. Hurry! This coupon code will only work starting today 7/18 to 7/20. If there's a piece you've always wanted, here's your chance! This code is valid for US & Canada only (sorry!), and one use per customer.

Here are my shoe and fashion picks (click on the number to view item): 

 

1. Jeffrey Campbell Skate Brown Scrollwork Wedge Booties $188

2. Bamboo Ceasar 01N Leopard Print Velvety Wedge Booties $36

3. Jeffrey Campbell Rockin Black Architectural Cutout Wedge Booties $162

4. Jeffrey Campbell Munroe Aqua Fuchsia Lace-Up Platform Pumps $145

5. Christie Pinkley Blush Pink Blazer $56

6. Do the Rustle Pink Mini Skirt $25 SALE

7. Irish Moorelands Pleated Green Maxi Dress $41

8. Genoise Cake Strapless Ivory Dress $42

9. True Blood Black Dress $32

All photos belong to Lulus.com

Don't forget to enter my Alonai shoes giveaway and JStyleShopper $100 giveaway!

Craving: Highglossfashion

1. The Ariana (bright orange satchel) $80

2. The Jane (hot pink crossbody) $60

3. Blue Lagoon Clutch (navy and white striped clutch/crossbody) $45

4. Paloma Dress (mesh lightning cutout and back) $40

5. Leopard Cross Body Bag (with tassles) $15

6. Audrey White Sunglasses (cateye) $5

7. Antique Metal Knuckle Ring $5

8. Peachy Keen Leaf Earrings $15

9. Key Ring (double finger) $6

10. Wet Look Legging (not shown) $5

Highglossfashion has a ton of stuff on sale right now. A lot of nice things are only $5 but then again I don't need anything I see. There are a lot of nice things and I'm drooling all over the navy and white striped clutch. It's perfect. [Click] on a number above to shop or see full uncropped images.

Made this collage with Photovisi. It's okay for a free collage maker but it chooses which of your photos to crop and there's not much flexibility. What do you use for collage makers? I'm finding the need for a good and simple one. Meanwhile, hit that FOLLOW button for me. 2 more until 400 GFC followers : ) You guys are the bee's fuzzy knees.

In other news, it's Friday! This has been the longest (and most productive) week at work. Outfit post later tonight after MCAT studying and X-2 Netflixing. This weekend will involve knowledge consumption and secondary applications writing. I don't think it's quite hit me yet - the crazy fact that I am applying to med school. That warrants a ZOMG.

Photo credit: Highglossfashion.com

Don't forget to enter my Alonai shoes giveaway! Heels, flats, boots that fit all (US size 2-14). Two winners!