Today's Featureshttp://blog.ideeli.com/todays-features/2012-05-21T14:08:02ZSquarespacehttp://blog.ideeli.com/todays-features/2012/5/21/pin-points-50-ideeli-credit-could-be-yours.htmlideeli2012-05-21T14:00:00Z2012-05-21T14:00:00Z
Yes, we're addicted to Pinterest, too! We now spend countless hours pouring over gorgeous interior photos, drool-worthy food pics, and amazing fashion finds. Need proof? Check out our Pinterest page.

Speaking of, we love seeing Pins from ideeli on your boards. So much so that we had a brilliant idea (if we do say so ourselves). Pin-Points! From May 21-27, if you pin a photo from ideeli and we love it, you could win a $50 credit to spend any way you like. How will you know if you're the daily winner? We'll simply comment on your post, so make sure you keep checking back.

May the best Pin win. Go!]]>http://blog.ideeli.com/todays-features/2012/5/18/qa-wedding-tips-from-a-pro.htmlideeli2012-05-18T14:00:00Z2012-05-18T14:00:00Z
Bells are ringing here at ideeli as we kick off our Ready, Set, Wed! sales, filled with designer bridal gowns, wedding-worthy gifts, and more. We know buying a wedding dress is no ordinary shopping trip, so we enlisted the expertise of Anja Winikka, the online editor of weddings at The Knot. Get her unparalleled perspective on everything from dress-buying to wedding etiquette now!

Q: What are your tips for buying a bridal gown online?
A. Try on as many wedding dresses as you can. Bridal-gown sizes run differently―and vary from designer to designer―so you’ll want to know your size before getting serious in your search. If you see a dress online, try to find a local store that carries it and go try it on. You’ll not only want to make sure it fits, but also that it looks the same in person. And, finally, know the return policy (especially if you don’t try it on beforehand).

Q: When should a bride start looking for a wedding dress?
A. Start looking at least 9 months in advance. If you’re ordering a custom-made dress, buy it 6-8 months before your wedding date; if you’re buying it online, buy it 4-5 months ahead of time. Either way, you’ll still want to leave time for alterations.

Q: There are some simply gorgeous dresses out there - what are you favorite trends for 2012?
A. Illusion necklines are sophisticated and a nice departure from the strapless gown. It adds coverage, but it’s still very sexy. Also, changing into a short party dress is big right now―I love pretty blushes or body-con lavenders. Try a wardrobe change after the cake cutting. It’s a “wow” for guests!

Q: The veil―splurge or save?
A. Save! It usually comes off right after the ceremony. Why spend money on something you’ll wear for such a short period of time?

Q: We always hope that every bride’s big day is going to be perfect, but just in case, what should be included in a bride’s emergency kit?
A. A sewing kit, lots of safety pins, double-sided tape, stain remover, pain relievers, bandages, breath freshener, bobby pins, clear elastics, deodorant, hair spray, and lip gloss. Static remover is a great addition, as are extra earring backs and clear nail polish. In larger kits, some brides even bring portable steamers!

Q: What are you favorite looks for flower girls and ring bearers?
A. Let kids look like kids! There’s no need to put little boys in tuxes when something like seersucker suits and boat shoes are so cute for summer beach weddings. For flower girls, patterned frocks are super cute and easy to find. I’m obsessed with Kate Moss’s wedding and her flower children―like a mix-and-match style for flower girls and ring bearers. It’s best to have them match the aesthetic of the whole event.

Q: Bridesmaids and groomsmen have to deal with a lot - at least the good ones do - what should we think about when it comes to giving them gifts?
A. Try to keep individual personalities in mind. Get something that reminds you of them, like a French press for the coffee lover or a gift certificate to a hot restaurant for the foodie. Steer clear of the same cookie-cutter gift for everyone, like matching necklaces. That’s like saying to your bridesmaids, “I want you to wear this, so I’m gifting it to you.” Get more personal than that!

Q: If you’re having a destination wedding, do you have to pay for the guests’ flights and accommodations?
A. No. It’s a great gesture if you have unlimited funds, but most people don’t. However, hosts should pay for all wedding-related activities, including the rehearsal dinner, wedding reception, and Sunday brunch.

Q: Although we’d love to just have you on speed dial for any wedding question or emergency, is there some way we can have all of you knowledge at our fingertips (without, you know, stalking you)?
A. Brides live by our checklist on The Knot. It includes every single last thing to do, and you can customize it specifically to your wedding.

Feeling the love? Shop our Ready, Set, Wed! sales now!]]>http://blog.ideeli.com/todays-features/2012/5/17/rush-hour-delonghi-espressodrip-combo-machine.htmlideeli2012-05-17T18:05:08Z2012-05-17T18:05:08Z
Start revving your engines, Twitter mavens, because every Friday afternoon, you've got somewhere to be.

It's no secret that we love a good giveaway. So in the spirit of all things swag, we're switching up the game with Rush Hour, a Twitter giveaway that will have you racing to the finish for sweet finds — think statement-making dresses, covetable designer accessories, and tons more! This week’s prize? A combination espresso/drip coffee machine from iconic Italian brand, De’Longhi, from our Ready, Set Wed! home sale.


With all those summer wedding invitations booking up your weekends for the next few months, you have plenty of happy couples to find the perfect present. Add a dose of European style to your gift-giving with this sleek, black espresso and coffee machine that can foam milk, produce morning espresso, and guarantee enough coffee for up to 10 guests. And don’t worry–we won’t tell if you decide to keep it for yourself.

For a chance to win this chic coffee maker, tune in to our Twitter feed and look for the hashtag #RUSHHOUR. We'll randomly pick ONE ideeli followers to win when they tweet us the answer to the contest question.

What's the contest question, you ask? Get on Twitter and find out!

Here's a recap:

1. Follow us @ideeli on Twitter.

2. Tune in 9am-6pm every Friday for a surprise giveaway lasting just 1 hour.

3. We'll announce the contest question when we announce the giveaway.

4. Tweet your answer with the hash tag #RUSHHOUR to enter the giveaway (or if you're just excited, we won't mind)
.
5. We'll announce winners soon after the contest ends.


Sound good? Do you feel the need for speed? See you at Rush Hour!

*Winners will be chosen at random, and must be 18 years of age and over. Item subject to final availability. Contest only open to U.S. residents. Sorry, but we cannot ship outside the U.S. One entry per person only. Winners will be announced via Twitter and will have 7 days to claim their prize. After 7 days new winners will be chosen. Winners must be followers of ideeli's Twitter account at time of drawing.]]>http://blog.ideeli.com/todays-features/2012/5/14/sneak-peek-ready-set-wed-bridal-sales.htmlideeli2012-05-14T21:00:00Z2012-05-14T21:00:00Z
We can’t wait all the way until Friday for you to see all of the glam offerings, so we’re giving you a little sneak peek of a couple of our favorite dresses now:

Short and sweet, this ABS by Allen Schwartz Tulle Jeweled Dress ($129.99) in off-white is party-perfect glam.

Badgley Mishka’s Strapless Lace Gown ($599.99) in ivory is long, elegant, and totally luxurious.

With just the right amount of flair, this BCBGMAXAZRIA Strapless Contrast Sash Gown ($279.99) in white is ready to tie the knot.

A Jacquelin Exclusive Strapless Rosette Gown ($459.99) in ivory and silver walks the line between stately ceremony and dance-all-night reception.

A little sexy and completely refined, the Nicole Miller Beatrix Jacquard Sleeveless Gown ($329.99) in ivory says “I do” with the right style attitude.

With a pretty lace train, Christina Wu’s Strapless Lace Mermaid Gown ($599.99) in ivory and silver ensures your walk down the aisle will be one to remember.

Ready to commit? (To a dress, that is.) Save the Date for Friday May 18!]]>http://blog.ideeli.com/todays-features/2012/5/10/rush-hour-jenni-chan-damask-wheeled-suitcase.htmlideeli2012-05-10T18:00:00Z2012-05-10T18:00:00Z
Start revving your engines, Twitter mavens, because every Friday afternoon, you've got somewhere to be.

It's no secret that we love a good giveaway. So in the spirit of all things swag, we're switching up the game with Rush Hour, a Twitter giveaway that will have you racing to the finish for sweet finds — think statement-making dresses, covetable designer accessories, and tons more! This week’s prize? An original Jenni Chan-designed damask rolling suitcase.


We’re all about traveling in style, and we’ve been especially inspired by the bags featured in our Luggage Week sales. And little says ‘chic and convenient’ better than a super-cute carry-on. This 21-inch rolling suitcase, in a stylish black and white damask, fits perfectly in overhead bins on airplanes, making it the ideal accessory for all your getaways.

For a chance to win this eye-catching bag, tune in to our Twitter feed and look for the hashtag #RUSHHOUR. We'll randomly pick ONE ideeli followers to win when they tweet us the answer to the contest question.

What's the contest question, you ask? Get on Twitter and find out!

Here's a recap:

1. Follow us @ideeli on Twitter.

2. Tune in 9am-6pm every Friday for a surprise giveaway lasting just 1 hour.

3. We'll announce the contest question when we announce the giveaway.

4. Tweet your answer with the hash tag #RUSHHOUR to enter the giveaway (or if you're just excited, we won't mind)
.
5. We'll announce winners soon after the contest ends.


Sound good? Do you feel the need for speed? See you at Rush Hour!

*Winners will be chosen at random, and must be 18 years of age and over. Item subject to final availability. Contest only open to U.S. residents. Sorry, but we cannot ship outside the U.S. One entry per person only. Winners will be announced via Twitter and will have 7 days to claim their prize. After 7 days new winners will be chosen. Winners must be followers of ideeli's Twitter account at time of drawing.]]>http://blog.ideeli.com/todays-features/2012/5/8/ideeli-debut-must-have-bags-from-kooba.htmlideeli2012-05-08T14:00:00Z2012-05-08T14:00:00Z
Today, Kooba creates bags adored by women around the world. Which is why we’re so excited to have them as an ideeli debut today. In celebration of the brand’s ideeli debut, Los Angeles-based writer Maegan Tintari of the blog . . . Love Maegan styled 3 Kooba bags featured in our sale. Here’s a look at the 3 bags she mixed with her refined Cali-cool aesthetic:

Alexander
"The Alexander bag in Mulberry is a classic hobo with a twist! I love the squared-off bottom and all the zipper compartments in the front. It's the perfect bag for everyday use."
Jude
"Too bad Coachella is over! This lightweight and streamlined shoulder bag is perfect for carrying essentials at a day-long event or festival."

Cally
"The perfect ‘carry-all,’ this classically shaped north-south handbag holds everything I need to take with me when I'm on the go and looks chic with just about everything in my closet."


Want your own? Score these bags and more at our Kooba sale (ending May 10 at 10AM).]]>http://blog.ideeli.com/todays-features/2012/5/7/our-top-carry-on-packing-tips.htmlideeli2012-05-07T21:00:00Z2012-05-07T21:00:00Z
There’s little we love more than a jaunt out-of-town, whether for a weekend at the beach or a week in Paris or London. All of the airplane carry-on restrictions in recent years have been cramping our packing style, though – it’s hard enough to fit all our shoes and outfits in one bag, and we hate having to check a weekender just because of our hair products. Which is why we’ve compiled a collection of our favorite packing tips to help you be efficient, stylish, and not have to check a bag on your next trip.

1. Pick Your Bag
The most important part of packing is the bag; without the right bag, clever tricks only go so far. If you’re just going for a couple days, we’d opt for a classic shoulder bag like this sturdy Bric’s piece or this gorgeous leather Claire Chase duffel. This expandable Tumi roller might make it harder for you to find overhead bin space (and you might even have to gate-check), but it might be beautiful enough to be worth it.


2. Only the Essentials
Your mom probably told you this more than once, but we have to echo her: Lay out everything you want to take on the trip; then only bring half of it. Even if you’re going for three weeks and plan to check a bag, you’ll have a chance to do laundry. If you’re just going for three days, you don’t need enough clothes for nine.

3. Roll Your Clothes
Not only does rolling your clothes help them fit in smaller spaces (and more of them), but it helps keep them from getting too wrinkled, and definitely helps prevent the hard creases you get from regular folding.


4. Circumvent the No-Liquids Rule
No, we’re not suggesting that you just bring all the liquids you want in your carry-on. Rather, even many of our favorite designer toiletries and hair products offer travel-sized versions; if you can’t find what you’re looking for, any pharmacy sells small bottles into which you can decant. If you don’t even want to deal with those, plan to stay at a hotel (or with friends) with quality in-room toiletries.

Need a new bag? You’re in luck! This week we’re featuring some of the best brands in luggage — Tumi, Victorinox, Nicole Miller, and more — with our Luggage Week series. Bon voyage!]]>http://blog.ideeli.com/todays-features/2012/5/3/rush-hour-flora-bella-paper-straw-hat.htmlideeli2012-05-03T18:00:00Z2012-05-03T18:00:00Z
Start revving your engines, Twitter mavens, because every Friday afternoon, you've got somewhere to be.

It's no secret that we love a good giveaway. So in the spirit of all things swag, we're switching up the game with Rush Hour, a Twitter giveaway that will have you racing to the finish for sweet finds — think statement-making dresses, covetable designer accessories, and tons more! This week’s prize? A hot pink, floppy-brimmed hat from celeb-favorite Flora Bella.


Whether you’re heading to the Kentucky Derby this weekend or planning to spend your whole summer on the beach, a wide-brimmed topper takes your look to the next level. It’s the perfect accessory for sunny days, protecting your skin and adding a dose of glamour to your look. Best of all, this paper straw version from Flora Bella brings extra vibrance thanks to its hot pink stripes.

For a chance to win this stylish sun hat, tune in to our Twitter feed and look for the hashtag #RUSHHOUR. We'll randomly pick ONE ideeli followers to win when they tweet us the answer to the contest question.

What's the contest question, you ask? Get on Twitter and find out!

Here's a recap:

1. Follow us @ideeli on Twitter.

2. Tune in 9am-6pm every Friday for a surprise giveaway lasting just 1 hour.

3. We'll announce the contest question when we announce the giveaway.

4. Tweet your answer with the hash tag #RUSHHOUR to enter the giveaway (or if you're just excited, we won't mind)
.
5. We'll announce winners soon after the contest ends.


Sound good? Do you feel the need for speed? See you at Rush Hour!

*Winners will be chosen at random, and must be 18 years of age and over. Item subject to final availability. Contest only open to U.S. residents. Sorry, but we cannot ship outside the U.S. One entry per person only. Winners will be announced via Twitter and will have 7 days to claim their prize. After 7 days new winners will be chosen. Winners must be followers of ideeli's Twitter account at time of drawing.]]>http://blog.ideeli.com/todays-features/2012/5/1/celebrate-may-downloadable-prints-available.htmlideeli2012-05-01T15:00:00Z2012-05-01T15:00:00Z
Hooray for May! And why wouldn't we be excited? Summer’s on the horizon and Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and graduations are on the schedule. And that means one thing here at ideeli (and we suspect everywhere): Time to celebrate! Whether your month is busy, busy or wide open, join in the festivities with our downloadable prints. Even the most ordinary, office-bound days will get a lift with the sunny yellow and magenta pink of this party-ready room.

These bright prints, downloadable for desktop, iPhone, iPad, and even Facebook timeline backgrounds, mean this celebration will last all month long!

IMAGES
Desktop
1280x800

1366x768

1440x900

1024x768

Facebook Timeline

iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S

iPad

Let us glam up your gadgets every month! Keep an eye out for new photos that inspire us in June.]]>http://blog.ideeli.com/todays-features/2012/4/26/rush-hour-carols-daughter-hair-milk-set.htmlideeli2012-04-26T18:00:00Z2012-04-26T18:00:00Z
Start revving your engines, Twitter mavens, because every Friday afternoon, you've got somewhere to be.

It's no secret that we love a good giveaway. So in the spirit of all things swag, we're switching up the game with Rush Hour, a Twitter giveaway that will have you racing to the finish for sweet finds — think statement-making dresses, swoon-worthy getaways, covetable designer accessories, and tons more! This week’s prize? A Carol’s Daughter original Hair Milk Set, to pamper and tame your tresses.


Hair is as important an accessory as shoes and bags — even more so, really, because you can’t just replace it with each season. Fortunately, the team at stylist-favorite Carol’s Daughter knows just what natural ingredients make products that will reinvigorate, moisturize, and protect your locks. Whether you’ve got untameable curls or not, these three products — a shampoo, conditioner, and ultra-moisturizing curl definer — will guarantee your hair is coiffed and healthy for years to come.

For a chance to win this set, tune in to our Twitter feed and look for the hashtag #RUSHHOUR. We'll randomly pick ONE ideeli follower to win when they tweet us the answer to the contest question.

What's the contest question, you ask? Get on Twitter and find out!

Here's a recap:

1. Follow us @ideeli on Twitter.

2. Tune in 9am-6pm every Friday for a surprise giveaway lasting just 1 hour.

3. We'll announce the contest question when we announce the giveaway.

4. Tweet your answer with the hash tag #RUSHHOUR to enter the giveaway (or if you're just excited, we won't mind)
.
5. We'll announce winners soon after the contest ends.


Sound good? Do you feel the need for speed? See you at Rush Hour!

*Winners will be chosen at random, and must be 18 years of age and over. Item subject to final availability. Contest only open to U.S. residents. Sorry, but we cannot ship outside the U.S. One entry per person only. Winners will be announced via Twitter and will have 7 days to claim their prize. After 7 days new winners will be chosen. Winners must be followers of ideeli's Twitter account at time of drawing.]]>