An etsy find...

I can never get enough Etsy, nevernevernever! Just a quick one today, lovies. (btw... look for my blog post tomorrow on shopittome.com -- I will post a link to it here tomorrow)

Found this jacket, and really this shop...

Daniella Tello (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6525202)

I love the military look, and it even has structured shoulders! The best part is the price-- $80. Compared to Balmain, I'll take it!

I've been feeling a grey and black mood lately (not in the sense of angry, in the sense of clothing). So I will apologize for future OOTD posts that lack color... Chloe's post recently reminded me that I'm ok with an outfit with no pop of color. Sometimes, it's mysterious and sexy. Kinda like me. (HAHAHA HILARIOUS!)

Fun news!

Hello, mes lovies. I have some fun news-- I will be guest blogging for ShopItToMe on Thursday! (yay!) However, that means I have a day to write it (boo.). So, my lack of posting today is due to my need to write a blog post in which I style Fall's top pieces for under $100/piece. It's going to be fun, and hopefully helpful for some, but I gots-ta get working!

And, my life is super-busy right now. I know I rarely talk about what's going on in my life, but my wedding is in less than 3 WEEKS. Wow. Aaaaaand I'm studying for the Psychology GRE subject test which is scheduled for right after my honeymoon. Awesome. I'm a little stressed to say the least. I even took today off to study/write applications. Even though I worked all day long, I feel like I've gotten nothing done. Don't you hate that?! Anyway, I will be back on track tomorrow (after a glass of champage, Dancing With The Stars and SLEEP).

Thank you!

Yesterday, Summerilla gave me this.

I feel quite honored to have received my first award! But... ok. Here's the thing.

I don't do "forwards." You know, like the emails you get in your inbox and you're told to pass it along to 120934 other people you love. Don't get me wrong, lovies!! I am (really) grateful. But I just don't feel comfortable passing this along to a gagillion other bloggers and then make them pass it on and them pass it on... and... and. NEVER ENDING. So, I will graciously accept this award. And I might pass it on when I feel like someone is in need of an award, too. But I'll just keep that one in my back pocket for now.

Please don't be mad at me, fellow bloggies! It's not that I don't think you're awesome/special/"kreativ" (I hope that was supposed to be misspelled because I really hate misspellings. Dood.) I think you're all great, and a source of my inspiration. Without you all, I wouldn't be here. Now. Writing this. I'd still be hiding under piles of clothing in my closet and hoping to get a few compliments when I head out in the fashion-forward city of Dallas. So do understand, K? :)

By the way, the engagement photos were last night and we had a blast. We took pics on swan paddle boats, played the water-shooting games (and NEVER won a thing, grrr), ate cotton candy, and did a lot of kissy-kissy poses that I do hope come out better than they felt (definitely awkward!). Despite our bad luck with fair games, one of the carnies let us take a pic with a GINORMOUS hot pink Care Bear. Awesome. I just can't wait to see them!

And no OOTD today. I'm feeling slumpy. Sorry. :-P

OOTD (x2)

I'm trying to be better about this, lovies. I really am. So here are Friday and Saturday's OOTDs!

FRIDAY:

DRESS: French Connection bell-sleeved mini
TIGHTS: Nordstrom (hue?) shimmer leggies
NECKLACE: OOAK feather necklace from Nordies
SHOES: Charles by Charles David bow cage pumps

Oh man, when I first wore this dress, my future-mother-in-law asked, "Is that your nightgown, sweetheart?" Night-gown inspiration aside, I love this dress. It has a 60s/70s vibe. And a super contemporary necklace like this plays with the decade-vibe. Love!

SATURDAY:

Dress: BCBGeneration ruffle front mini dress
SWEATER: LINE flutter cardi
BELT: skinny gold belt from express
SHOES: Bandolino bronze zebra print flats

I'm just trying to soak up a liiiiiittttle more of the summer before it's gone. This dress gets me compliments every time I wear it. I went on a spending freeze a year or two ago for like, two months (SHIT I REALLY DID IT TOO), and afterward, this was my reward. I found it, and I fell in love. End of story, were living happily ever after. I wish I got more up-close details of the ooodles of ruffles at the chest (the dress and the sweater) but you can kinda get the jist.

Can't wait to post a picture of the engagement shoot! A few days and I get to see them. Yay!

Wowie...

OK lovies, I almost hesitate to post this, because I don't want it to sell out (heh), but I had to share it with you. Sephora is selling this MASSIVE makeup kit, which retails at a $400 value, for $48!!!! Insane. For any of you who have never worn Sephora's stuff, I think it is great quality at a great price. I've never actually tried their blushes, but I'm addicted to the eyeshadows. I mean, the 90 eyeshadows are worth it just right there, since they're about $8 a piece for one (though, keep in mind, these shadows and shades are probably much less volume in terms of product... but still.).

Really, I'm not much of a makeup girl. I don't swoon over the newest shades of lipstick; I don't crave the best-on-the-market foundations; I don't spend hours debating the usefulness of lash separating versus lash boosting mascaras. In fact, I wear the same exact stuff every day. But a kit like this is perfect for me. It's a one stop shop for beauty! Maybe now I can actually do something different with my makeup routine. :)

** side note: you must be a Sephora Fashion Insider to receive this price. But I'm pretty sure that is a quick and easy fix for anyone interested and not an Insider...

My OOTD!

Ha! Would ya look at that. I actually did one today! :)

This is very similar to one of the first OOTDs I ever posted, but because I love it so much, here it is. AGAIN.

Top: BCBG

Jeans: Rich adn Skinny studded boyfriend jeans

Shoes: Steve Madden suede booties

Necklace: BP something or other

Belt: Express gold skinny belt

Bracelet: the fave AV Max pyramid studded sparkles cuff

So FYI, and anyone out there wondering how to do the boyfriend jean look in the Fall, this is my suggestion. It just looks so cute with the booties! and it would look very cute with some socks and high heeled oxfords, for those of you who like to be a bit more daring with your styling.

A little note: if anyone is experiencing some boredom with their same-old shopping sites (I know I am!), I've found that this season's Victoria's Secret is carrying some pretty cute stuff! I might do a post on this tomorrow, highlighting some of my faves. Especially the shoe department. They carry some great brands! Although this isn't considered some insider's find, I think it might prove an unexpected look at a site that can be rather hit or miss. Until then, lovies. Have a great Thursday (happy hour, here I cooommmmeeee!)

OK I break down....

For anyone who might be interested, since they are pretty much public property now.... :)

My bridal portraits were featured on Collages.net as the portrait "Website of the Week." A total compliment to me and my fabulous wedding photographers! If you'd like to take a peek-sey, here is the website. The portraits will be available for public view. Enjoy!

Also, The Look For Less just posted a great tip: Polyvore and Piperlime have joined up for a great contest where you can be the stylist. I've already styled three outfits... Here's a sample of one of my faves:

Untitled by justinelise featuring Seven For All Mankind jeans

(p.s.: FYI, I'm not affiliated with the contests I post about-- except for being a Trendsetter for Shop It To Me. I post this stuff because I want to share the fun with you!)

The Texas State Fair is my love.

Good morning, lovies. It has been raining for (it feels like) weeks in Texas and temperatures are dropping (40 degree difference from only about 1 month ago).

What does that mean?

The FAIR IS ALMOST HERE!

This year, the TTSF will be even better than usual, since fiance and I are having our engagement shoot there. Yeah, I know, possible recipe for disaster. But possible recipe for awesomeness, too. hells-ya! I can picture it now-- he and I sharing a turkey leg, him winning me a 5-foot-tall panda bear, me and the carnie grinning at eachother, getting fried butter/oreos/snickers/ice cream/[insert any food you can imagine here] in my teeth... it's going to be great.

No, but seriously. I think it's one of the most photo-worthy sites, and I know we'll get a lot of fun, whimsical, Texas-like pictures. Best part? I'm wearing this:

Anthropologie's Bold Boutonniere Dress

It just looks adorable on, as Anthroholic will attest. I can't wait to post a picture in a few weeks of the final result at the shoot. Fiance is wearing a nice pair of jeans, a very fine black/tan mixed courdoroy jacket and a tee underneath. We're just going to be darling. :)

My only problem at the moment is what to wear with it. Heels are a bad idea at the fair, and the neckline is so pretty I don't want to muss it up with jewels. Any suggestions???

In other news, another round of Shop It To Me's Battle of the Brands is up. Im voting:

1. Alice and Olivia

2. J Brand (even though I'm a little mad at them becasue I can't fit into my normal size. Boo, J Brand. I'll still vote for you, though.)

3. Splendid (too comfy to pass up)

4. Betsey Johnson (too wacky to pass up)

And by the way, how the hell did 3.1 Philip Lim not win? Has anyone ever seen the gorgeousness that is PHILIP LIM?! I apparently think everyone should have my taste. Whatevs.

I'm Baaaacckkk!

Lemme tell ya: Texas BBQ + Justine = sick-to-your-stomach gooooood. But back to regular business.

I've been so bad about posting my outfits (OOTDs), mostly because I usually don't wear super-cute stuff to the office(s). I think I've said this before, but with a huge lack of trying in my office, there isn't much reason to go all out and wear a dress, perfectly accessorized everyday. But I'm trying, lovies, because I know my blog is my motivation!! Here are a few I liked when I put them on and I decided to share with you... some fave pieces that I try to style as many ways as I can.

I love this skirt! It's by a brand that I can never remember the name of... the tag says "P." I got it on super-sale at a boutique in Dallas called L.Bartlett (you should check it out if you find yourself in Dallas!). It is a wrap skirt that ties on the side and it is black and white striped, which the poor quality of the pic doesn't show. And those shoes are a fave of mine-- Chinese Laundry from ages ago-- tan colored zebra stripe. So cute.

I think this outfit says something about my style. Leggings, sweater-dress, sparkle-bling and flowy sweater. I jonesed for this dress forever last Fall; it's by Free People and it has the cutest plaid straps you can't see here. Ugh. I think I need a better way of taking pictures... anyway. I wonder about cropped leggings like these. I read Rachel Bilson advise not to do the cropped ones... but, well, I think I like them! What do you think-- long or cropped??

This dress was a birthday present to myself (ha) two years ago. It's back when the TBD in Nordstrom still carried Halogen (any other retro-Nordstromers out there?!). This dress was a little early for its time (since plaid is back in right now), but I still loved it and I can't wait to rock it again this Fall. It looks best with knee high socks and pumps or boots. Do you notice the bows at the sleeves? Love.

This was (one of) my recent F21 purchases-- the cute peplum jacket. I love it and it's already proven useful. You can see the details a little better here. And get a load of my skirt... ohhhh leopard print, you bugger. I love you.

So there you have it-- some of my closet-besties. I think I'm going to try and wear the new Anna Sui dress sometime this week, so stay tuned for my take on that dress. Oh, because it's definitely still 80-someodd-degrees here. I'm thinking cool thoughts.

See ya next week!!

Sorry for being MIA, lovies! It's been a busy week. Lots to do at work, plus I'm headed to San Antonio tomorrow afternoon and still haven't packed. Sheesh. We'll be back to our regularly-scheduled programming next week, I promise. :)

Until then, hope you're voting at shopittome.com... and I'll leave you with the cutest video ever. At least daddy was a good sport. Discuss amongst ya'selves.

Battle of the Brands

Lovies, this is hilarious. Have you ever wanted to see your fave brands duke it out in an all-out Survival of the Fittest?! Well NOW THEY WILL!

Sorta. (courtesy Shop It To Me)

Visit http://blog.shopittome.com/2009/09/15/battle-of-the-brands/comment-page-1/#comment-22029 and vote on which brand you think should win in a college-bracket-like tourney. If you vote on each battle, you could win.... drumroll pleeeeeeease: Marc Jacobs accessories! Yes! Not only is this fun and silly, but with a pot of gold at the end of your rainbow, it's definitely well worth it. Join www.shopittome.com if you haven't yet-- you must be a member to win. (but no worries... it's totally easy.)

My picks? Definitely L.A.M.B., Black Halo, 3.1 Philip Lim and DVF. Hands down, lovies. It would be a blood bath. :) What do you think?!?!

Fashion week Smashion week

I have a dirty, dirty secret, lovies.

I don't get runway fashion.

I know, I know!!! I'm a disgrace to all fashion-lovers out there! But I can't be alone. I mean, much of the new fashion is hardly translatable to "I live in the normal world" fashion. Asymmetry here, slashing there, bulges everywhere... what?!?! What do you suggest I do with this, Cushnie et Ochs???

Britney slip up, anyone??

OK. But disasters aside, there are many shows that are down to earth for people like me who can't prance around town with a veritable paparazzi-worthy photo-op (i.e. RTW collections). Here is what I love about Spring '10 fashion:

1. CHARTREUSE (and all big, bold colors). Gaahhhh, beautiful. The colors this coming season are magnificent and bright. Especially this yellow green that I noticed in many of the shows.

Lela Rose

2. Futurism (if that's a word). Pencey did it last year, and it seems like Leifsdottir may have thrown a little in, too. But this season's "futurism" is taking it to another level. Layers of material and space-like prints are beautiful and pull-off-able. Right?

Christian Siriano

3. Bandage. We all know this story, lovies. But it's continuing, and I'm happy. Though this may not be something new and unique, or even a token Spring '10 style, I'm loving the lines and wrapped material.

Band of Outsiders

4. Big bold florals (to pair with the big bold colors). Again, here is a way to take your current waredrobe into the Spring... with flowers! Nothing says Spring like fresh blooms, and almost everyone got the message. Gorge.

(p.s.: Get a load of Vivienne Tam's insane butterfly prints... Yes. I will def. be copying that one, so pretty!!!)

Vivienne Tam, DVF & DKNY

5. Messenger bags. OK. I don't know if this will really be a trend perse, but I noticed a lot on Vivienne Tam's runway (can you tell I'm in love with her?!)... so surely, it must be the new statement bag! Well... for me, at least.

Vivienne Tam

Of course there are about 1,000,000 other new and old statements that pranced onto Spring's runway, but I don't have the time (or energy) to find them all. I drooled over Vena Cava

Monique Lhuillier, Cynthia Steffe, Jason Wu, Costello Tagliapietra, Tuleh and so many others. Go check em out, lovies!

Anna Sui For Target REVIEWS!

Yay, it's here! It's so funny how everyone has different opinions on this line, and I bet mine won't be an exception. I can only imagine that you would really want to try on before you buy with this, since the materials, feel, and cut on each piece varied a lot. In addition, I was a little disappointed in the very 1970s throwback. How is that Gossip Girl? And how does that fit in with Fall's 80s and 90s inspiration? Oh well. I'll be sure to make notes on fit and material for ya on each. So, without further ado:

Floral Metallic Jacquard Dress

Even though Golden Means gave this a rather unfavorable review, I loved it. I will rock this dress for a holiday party or even to work with some tights and booties. Love. I found it soft, and though unlined, it didn't need lining. It is high necked but not stuffy, in my opinion. The belt? Not the best, but very good... and come on. What do you want from a $45 dress??? (A note about the whole line-- almost all the dresses featured a hook-and-eye closure at the top of the zipper, which to me is very nice and shows an attempt at quality. More than I can say for some other Target lines.)

Houndstooth Jacquard Dress

Chloe, you'll rock it. Me? Not so much. I feel like jumpers make me look like a pre-pubescent school girl. Hmm.... I guess my boxy figure (aka sans boobies) lends to this. Oh well. Still thought the material was decent-- a little stiff, but very cute nonetheless. Love that bottom trim lace!

Herringbone dress

Awww! I liked this. It was almost a denim material, which made it work-casual, and the window-pane-esque paneling gave a modern edge to a classic dress. I didn't get this because it again was somewhat stiff, and not quite my personal style.

Burnout strappy dress

Holy 1970s-wallpaper/throw rug, batman! Lord. This was an abomination. Orange, brown and yellow satin/velvet? Ick. The fit was nice and the shape was interesting, but good lord. Not sure if this can be modernized. Enough said.

Silk Patterned Dress

I think this dress is one of the best in the collection. I liked styling it with the sleeves up on the shoulders rather than dropped, but I like that it gives you that option anyway. I would have purchased this one if I hadn't fallen in love with the blue dress. I really am a sucker for a princess cut top. It would look cute with the new tailored blazers for the season. And the material was very soft. A note on size: I tried a 5 for this one, and a 3 for all the others. I think it might run a little small.

t

Bib Tee Shirt (fringe)

I liked this, but I only liked it. The fringe is on point for Fall, and I could sleep in it it's so comfortable. But like I said, I wasn't wowed. (Maybe it's hard to be wowed by a Target line? I don't know.) And I'll be honest. I look about 4 months preggos. I'M NOT.

Metallic Ruffle Sleeveless top

Polyester is in the title of this shirt. Ick. It definitely felt like it. And, it didn't seem to fit with the aesthetic of the rest of the line. I felt more like a Geisha girl than a Gossip girl. Blech. Not good, lovies.

That was all I tried. I did want to try the Feather Dress but I forgot. Ooops. I again disagree with some reviews that thought it was cheap looking. The wool-like dress material felt thick and nice, though possibly itchy. And of course the feathers were actually little metallic plastic things, but again. Come on. Were talking Target. Targhetto. Let's be honest. We're not getting 24 carat here, lovies. So, to sum, the quality and fit really did vary so it's difficult to make a sweeping review. I would say I was pleased somewhat, especially with my blue dress, so generally it is a good for-Target line. Oh, Anna.

Saturday night OOTD

I actually would like to change that to OOTN, outfit of the night. I did wear something different this afternoon, but now I'm wishing I hadn't-- I totally love this look! What do you think?

Blazer: purple velvet by Symmetry
Top: F21 floral teal top
Jeans: Hudsons (the one and only jean brand for me!)
Necklace: Francesca's boutique
Shoes: Nine west dual metallic shoe (see below)

The heel is silver! I love mixing metallics.

You can see the top better here....


...and the blazer/necklace here.

I love this blazer because it is very rare that I can wear it. The weather has to be just right--fall, given the material; cool, given the heaviness of it; and still warm-ish, since it's short sleeved. Ooouufff. But tonight is the night, lovies! :) And I looooove the mix of light pink, teal, and this deep burgandy/purple. My favorite thing is playing with color and texture in an outfit. I've learned that neutrals go beyond black, brown and white. And deep jewel tones can be mixed with a myriad of other colors! I mean, within reason, obiv. Hope you are all having a fabulous weekend full of wonderousness and love and joy. Awwwww. Heh.

To fur or not to fur?

OK lovies, it's time to get serious about Fall wardrobes!! Besides the OTK boots, I am seriously thinking about a fur vest. Sure, there are plenty of faux-options out there, and most of them are passable. But why not get real fur, if it's affordable? Case in point:

Option 1 above: $69.99

Option 2 above: $95

Aaaaaand here's the catch. This is apparently a wholesaler from China selling on Ebay. Now, that's not bad in and of itself, but my worries are obviously quality and true advertising. Is it really real? Is it as nice in person as it is in the pictures? Does a language barrier make for poor online buying? Ugh... The positive side is that the seller's feedback is very good and everyone seems pleased. The store is also a Power Seller, which I've heard is a good sign. But I'm very much an Ebay newbie. I rarely buy on Ebay, and I especially hesitate on out-of-the-country wholesellers. It's like those fakie Louboutin websites... so tempting, but is it really worth it?

What are your thoughts, lovies? Would you go through with it? Would you hesitate? What's my prognosis?! Ahhh!

HO. LY. FARK.

This is my dream dress. Just found on Nordstrom.com. I die. That's it for me, folks. Dead. Want this. NOW.

Too bad it WILL NEVER HAPPEN. $795?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME, HAUTE HIPPIE? WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!

Ahem.... sorry. There goes that verbal diarrhea. But seriously.... I know I've never been able to categorize my style, but whatever this is categorized as, is it. It really embodies all that I look for and love in clothing-- color, texture, showin-some-leg, sparkle, and flow-ey. (p.s. I think I just made "showin-some-leg" a fashion trend. Whatevs.) A girl can-- and will-- dream!

Eye Candy

Current love/lust list, all courtesy the one and only store for me (aka Etsy.com).....

Lirola; so dainty and pretty....

Zelaya; here is my winter-white-wear! :)

raquelcastillo; a perfect way to draw summer into Fall

Esoneofone; definitely save this baby for the spring, but how darling!

bejewelledbespoke; j'adore chunky bracelets as much as chunky necklaces!

Ohhh damnit, Gruche... I missed out last season and damned if I do this season!

Both ovejanegra; chunky knits work, too. hehe.

....aaaaand a vintage piece by persephonevintage; love it.