By Ty of www.gorgeousingrey.com

As much as I blog about luxury brands and gaze at the look books online; the truth is that I simply cannot afford them. So just in time for my trip to Cali (I have yet to purchase that ticket btw), I was asked to review the Kardashian Kollection and a few others over at Sears with a $75 e-gift card.

I managed to find 3 sale items.

Somehow I completely forgot I was plus size until I got inside and noticed that nothing in this so called ‘misses’ section went past a size (L). In true curvy chic form, I managed to find a few items made with lycra. I originally spotted a cute little jumpsuit from the Kardashian Kollection. Let’s just say that fitting room experience left me looking like Jane Fonda. *check my twitter TL for the funny outtakes*

I spotted an Apostrophe stripped maxi skirt. Since I have been drooling over maxi-everything since this summer, I ran over. Only to find there were 2 left, one in ‘not my damn size’, and another in ‘girl you tripping if you think you can fit this’. After a quick survey of the racks, I managed to find the black maxi skirt in an XL ($42 on sale 40% off).

Since I was determined to spend ALL $75 and everything was on sale, I went back for round 2. I spotted this Apostrophe draped front sweater ($42 on sale 40% off). Perfect dinner date sweater. Especially when paired with those skinny jeans we all have that are a little too snug. This sweater will hide all the middle that no one should see in public. I promise NOT to wear my stripes socks outside. It seems like a good idea then, I see I look kinda coo koo!

Thanks to this shopping experience I will be adding Sears as a place to shop. Who would have thought I could find so much for so less. I thought they just sold tires and such. #IKid!

Disclosure: I received samples from the searsStyle Kardashian Kollection and Apostrophe collection to review as part of the Glam Trendsetter Program.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Sears.

By Ty Alexander http://gorgeousingrey.com

We spend hours thinking of gift guides for our parents, siblings, our best friends, that one we love — but what about us, the bloggers.

We’ve been blogging all year around giving tips to make our reader’s lives more fulfilled, we completely forget to treat ourselves. So I’ve made a list of amazing gifts that your favorite blogger (including me) would love to have. Some fun and fancy, others useful and instrumental to our blogging lives. If you’re inspired by any feel free to purchase and send my way, XOXO.

Camera Straps.

As a Fashion Blogger one of our never ending goals is style and how to incorporate that into everyday life. I am still on the hunt for a sequin camera strap but I managed to find this way-too-cool strap from Capturing Couture.

31 Days To Build a Better Blog.

When I first started blogging I never realized how much work it was, and no one told me either. If I want to take my brand to the next level I have to make goals, network at conferences, and learn how to be consistent. There’s tons of guides and tips our there but I hear the best are in the e-book 31 Days To Build A Better Blog.

Rebecca Minkoff’s Tech Accessories Collection.

Let me first say that I am a bit biased because I love every accessory made by Rebecca Minkoff, but how cute are these. Rebecca has made it possible for all of our gadgets to have a bit of luxe too.

Spa Week Gift Certificate.

Relax. Relate. Release. The 3 R’s to keeping your blog healthy. Every blogger will experience times were they are simple speechless. Usually life happens and we get overwhelmed and the words disappear. Well I’ve been there and I’ve cured those feelings with a good massage, much need facial, and some fancy polish for my mani’s. Thousands of spas all over the world participate in the deals that SpaWeek.com present.

Magazine Subscriptions.

Although our lives exist mainly online our inspiration usually comes from a great magazine. Fashion advertisements also make the best cut outs for our vision boards. Grab a subscription to a magazine that your fav blogger may not be checking for.

The Coach + Fashion Foie Gras tote.

Coach has really tapped into the blogger market by reaching out to fashion & style bloggers for designer ideas. Their latest designer collab, The Fashion Foie Gras tote, seems to be the most useful bag yet. It even has a compartment for your camera. I want it!!!

Personalized Flash Drive.

Technology has made our lives so much easier. Try giving a personalized flash drive this Holiday season. We love things with our brand name on them. And how cute is this bamboo material. I’m adding this to my list (hint-hint).

Touchscreen gloves.

I’ve totally gotten sucked into the madness of texting and walking. It’s especially annoying in the winter months when I have to remove my right glove just to text ‘OMW‘. I’ve even lost gloves in nasty muddy puddles and on the subway trains just trying to text someone.

Peck’s Bent Wood Adjustable Laptop Desk

I really tried using my breakfast tray that my bff gave me to solve my sweaty thigh issue caused by my laptop. That didn’t work out so well. I ended up spilling coffee on all over my bed and down to my freshly finished hardwood floors just to save my laptop. The Bed Tray Shoppe has a really neat tray for all those late night blogging episode.

Just Say Thanks.

And if none of these gifts are within your economically challenged budget, a simple THANK YOU is fine. We love comments on our blogs and we’re super vain so just keep telling us how great of a job we’re doing… LOL.

Q: Have you made your Christmas list yet? What’s new that I should have too!

By Ty Alexander http://gorgeousingrey.com/

My new closet quest is to revamp it (completely) with staple pieces that will last beyond that items trending season. A lot of times we get caught up in the hype and we end up buying expensive pieces just because it’s from so-and-so famous designer. I am aiming to build an ‘awwh‘ worthy closet.

First item on my list is a bright colored blazer. I have a feeling that this will be a classic look for seasons to come. It’s the perfect transitional piece and instantly ups your LBD from chic to VA VA VA VOOM!

Check out a few that I’m eyeing! (click the image & shop!)

eloquii by The Limited – One Button Ruched Sleeve Jacket $126.00

Jessica London Military Jacket $59.99

I’m buying that eloquii blazer first before it sells out! Which is your favorite?