Sin City.

Good morning, bloggie-lovies.

As you may know (because I won't shaddup about it!), I'm leaving for Las Vegas this afternoon! Which means no blogging this weekend. BUT. I will be updating my Twitter frequently and posting pictures of shopping escapades, the bright lights and yummy food. So please go check me out over there this weekend. On Monday or Tuesday, I'll post some pics on the blog and give a little recap, too.

I hope you all have a nice weekend!!

Review: E&J Mason pumps + Intermix CS

Afternoon, lovies! Hope you've had a good week so far. I'm almost done with mine-- just a few hours tomorrow morning and it's off to Vegas! I feel like I've been talking about this trip and hyping it up for ages now and it's finally here. I've never been to Vegas, and it seems like such a "me" city (dressing up? Nice food? shopping and spending money? Ummm, yes), so I've just been pretty dern excited.

I wanted to quickly review my Elizabeth and James Mason pumps, which I snagged off Intermix.com on super-sale-- from $350 to $118! Not too shabby. I got them in the hot pink... mostly because that's all that was left. I took a major gamble because it was a final sale and I've never tried E&J's shoes, but fortunately they seem to run rather TTS and my normal 8.5 worked.

 (grainy iPhone pics are all I got!)

A few comments about this whole process are in order:

1. When I bought these, it was looking like there was no way they'd come before my trip. I ordered them on Thursday afternoon (last week) and decided against the upgraded shipping. After some thought, I started worrying... what if I really do want them for Vegas? I mean, they're freekin' Barbie doll heels. Perfect, right? So I call their online support line and a woman named Meryl answers. Apparently, she's their online support girl so you may have had contact with her if you've ever shopped Intermix and called customer service. She was fantastic... although she didn't promise me she could rush the shipping for free, she was super helpful and even plotted where she could ship them from so that they may get here faster. A day later, I check the UPS status, and it was originally scheduled for the 29th (would've been too late to make it with me on the trip) and was moved to the 28th (just in time!) No charges! So great.

2. They arrive on time today. I open the box and pull out the shoes to find what every girl dreads... an obvious floor model shoe. Scuffs on the heel, some dirt stains, and wear in the suede (some pilling). Ugh. These are final sale, and the damage wasn't enough to make me super mad or want to return them, but let's be honest... it's not what I expected. So I again call our friend Meryl. She was sweet and friendly as ever. She acknowledged it was their fault and searched for ways to help me out. After some time, she said 10% extra discount is all they could do and they would refund that money to my card immediately. Although 10% was only a little over $10, she was accomodating and acknowledged that because it's final sale, there isn't much she could do. But, they did something, and to me that counts. I've definitely been in spots before where they won't do anything and treat you like an ingrate for asking.

Overall, I am pleased with the purchase. Let's face it-- they would've been slightly scuffed the first hour on my feet anyway, so it's not a big deal. And they're pretty. And I plan on shopping Intermix again. All in all, a success, I'd say. :)

WWJW: A fuchsia treat.

There is nothing wrong with what I wore today, lovies. In fact, it's my favorite dress to wear to work because it's one of the only ones that's decent in my closet (i.e., isn't up the butt). It's cute and comfortable, and we all know how much I love my jacket.

BUT.

I got something fun and pretty in the mail today-- something I've been debating over for the last, oh I dunno, month or two. Its not surprising I do that with bag purchases, because I don't make many of those. I'm not a bag-lady. I own a few and I wear them until they rip to shreds (literally-- used a nice leather Juicy Couture purse until the metal wore down and broke. Literally, metal broke. Granted, I used it daily for YEARS). So when I started thinking about a nice clutch for Vegas, I knew it would take me a while to decide. Not that there were any other contenders, really. I just don't buy many bags. It's always a tough thing for me, but I'm pleased with the results. It's small but the leather is very soft, the color is a deep raspberry, and best part-- despite the bright color, it goes with a lot.  It transforms from day to night with a quick unfastening of a strap and fold of a handle. Simple, elegant and easy. Perfect for me and my non-bag-obsessed ways. So anyway, the moment I opened the package I knew I had to try it on with a pretty lacy and ruffly outfit. :)  Here we go...

:::WHAT I ACTUALLY WORE:::

Dress: Francesca's Boutique

Jacket: F21 Articulate Jacket

Necklace: blue pearl, gift from Hubs

Shoes: BCBG Max Azria reptile slides

:::WHAT I WANTED TO WEAR:::

Skirt: F21 lace skirt

Tank: F21 purple ruffle tank

Sweater: J Crew rose corsage cardigan

Belt: F21

Necklace: The Limited

Shoes: MICHAEL Michael Kors metallic heels

Purse: Foley + Corinna Disco City, in fuchsia (courtesy the lovelies at Shopbop, a fab sponsor!)

(p.s. Am I the only one who not just has trouble spelling "fuchsia," but also feels slightly perturbed at the odd spelling?)

Jessica Simpson Dany platform, FYI

Just to let ya'll know (since I know many of you were lusting after the hot shoe of the season, the JS Dany platform)... Jessica's site says that the Dany will be back in July in all her glory. You can't preorder on the site yet, but chances are if you call CS they may help you out. Who knows. And just to rile us up on this Monday, look what I spotted: none other than a STUPID EBAY PRICE GOUGER. Hey, jerk-of-a-seller-- I hope you don't get your money, because it's not sold out if they're coming back this summer! $350?! You are ridiculous.

Gross.

OOTD: relax, max.

I just freekin' love this weather, peeps! It's been in the high 70s/low 80s and SUN. LOTS OF SUN. Heart. Its putting me in the summer-state-of-mind, and when I feel like that, I feel like relaxin'and'maxin'. (I just made that up, with the help of 90's sitcom reruns, I think.)

Tee: Old Navy perfect fit tee shirt

Vest: Monrow cotton vest

Skirt: F21 striped body con skirt

Shoes: MICHAEL Michael Kors cage sandals

Necklace: Baker's multi-strand chain necklace

I feel like this is a very Cali-inspired outfit. Just seems so laid-back and chill, which is what I was going for. Sometimes, all I want to do is wear my sweatpants outside, so instead of succumbing to the badness that is flannels-in-public, I reach in my closet for the most comfortable pieces and see if they work. I got lucky today, lovies. It did. (and a little inspiration was found in Harper's Bazaar, who suggested the vest to be paired with a tight skirt. Nice.)

OOTD: salmon ruffles.

This is actually my outfit of yesterday, but whatever. I was excited about it because not only is it my fave dress (see the Q + A post answer on my favorite item in my closet), but I found a way to wear my Escarpment cardi! I love this cardigan and got it for my birthday (October 09) but have only worn it a few times. Mostly because I have no idea how to wear it. I suppose it would work with a cream tee under and jeans, but come on. Boring. I actually really like it with the salmon color of this dress, and it worked perfectly for a day at the race tracks in Dallas. Which, FYI, was quite entertaining!

Dress: BCBGeneration ruffle minidress

Cardigan: Anthropologie (Bailey 44) Escarpment Cardigan

Shoes: Nine West gold sandals

The ruffles almost border on overwhelming on this dress, but it's just so cute I don't care. Over the top is my middle name... err, names. I remember buying it (cue nostalgic music): it was my first purchase after my shopping ban several Lents ago (prolly 3 years ago). I hadn't even stepped into a retail store in 40 days and I scooted my butt straight for Nordstrom. Looking through the racks, I spotted this-- and it was the only one left. I remember the sales rep telling me a woman and her daughter had come in earlier that day and loved the dress, but weren't sure so they said they'd come back the next day to get it. The sales rep goes, "I knew this would get bought up before they came back!" Apparently, they had just put it out that morning, and all were sold by the end of the day. I hate that I get a thrill out of scoffing up one of the last of something, but it made it even more exciting for me when I pulled out the Visa for the first time in over a month. Sigh. :) Good times... and it's happily ever after for me and salmon ruffly dress!

Congratualtions to...

... # 54, who is Jen (of The Life Accounts)! Jen, I'll email you today to get your address and will ship the pretty necklace before I leave for Vegas next week. :)

(p.s., I assigned numbers in the same manner as I did for my last giveaway-- comments got numbers in the order they were received, and people who tweeted got two consecutive numbers.)

If you follow my Tweets, you'll notice I stopped by Targhetto today and saw the ZP for Target line already out (for those Dallasites-- it's the Cityplace Target in uptown). Here are some pics and comments--

1. The brocade skirt. They didn't have the dress version yet, not sure if they are getting it either. But the material is very nice and stiff. Almost too stiff on me, since it created a strange shape and kinda made me look weird. Guess it didn't help that I didn't have an appropriate top on, but whatever. At $50, I passed.

2. The pink zebra dress. Like most things, I assume, this looked better on Nicky Hilton. Sigh. Somehow it flattened out the boobage (whatever is there to flatten). The material and quality was nice, just like on the skirt, but it just didn't seem to work on me. Plus, it's a rather loud print. Not very versatile, but would be fun for a girls night out or a bachelorette party. $70, I passed again.

3. The grommetted dress. If there were a dress to buy from this collection, I would have gone for this one. Problem was, I took a usual XS and it didn't even zip. Didn't bother trying on the small, but I assume it would have been ok. The design was really cool and the material almost felt like a heavy silk. I didn't check, but I assume it's poly. I could see myself getting plenty of use out of it, but given that I'm about to spend a ton in Vegas this coming weekend, I passed. (one weird thing, as I look at the pics: the strips of material across the breast bone seem like they're not straight. I think that might just have had to do with the fact I couldn't zip it and it wasn't on me correctly.)

Sorry about the quality... you know how it is, with iPhones and Target lighting and all.   Did not spot the maxi dress I wanted to try. I did see the red leather jacket, which was cute and looked like the quality was nice, but it's red. BRIGHT red. Doesn't seem so practical to me, really. And at like, $250 (I think that's the price), it's just too much to spend at Target. Let me know what ya'll think about the line when/if you see it!!

Caught my eye...

I'm not sure why exactly, but I rarely check Arden B for new arrivals, neither online or in the store. I think it's mostly because the window stylings look a little... well, "cheap," in my opinion. At least at the store in Northpark. Anyway, can't recall how I stumbled upon it yesterday, but I found myself browsing through their new spring offerings. Hey-- I was pleasantly surprised! I found a cute dress, romper, and some great blazers whose quality seemed nice. Only seeing the stuff in person will reveal the truth, but I was still inspired to do some Polyvores with a couple items I'm loving. (And even used some of my already owned pieces, just in case I decide to purchase an item or two during my shopping spree in Vegas :) )

Totally loving that dress in the last set. How cute is that, especially paired with the Immutable Jacket? Mmmhmm, might have to be mine. And that white blazer is adorable. I've been looking for one, and really want one that's "girlfriend" style, since the more fitted blazers are coming back for the spring. This might fit the bill nicely. And notice the Foley + Corinna Disco City Bag? Courtesy Shopbop, it should be sitting on my doorstep by Tuesday. Eeeep! :) I love it when I finally make decisions.

Also, quick update: the spur-of-the-moment house thing did not come through. I'm definitely disappointed, but I'm sure there will be something else out there. Things happen for a reason, right? Right.   :)

OOTD: Not such a "Bazaar" inspiration

I used to be faithful and loyal to only one magazine: InStyle. Of course, I'm still loyal and faithful, but I admit-- I'm now sharing my editorial love with Harper's Bazaar. Despite the fact I can't afford 7/8s of what's featured, no matter-- the inspiration abounds in those pages! Searching through the pages urged me to pare down a little in my ensembles. Although I love going all out-- mixing textures, colors and patterns-- sometimes it feels nice to have it be simple and streamlined. I gravitated towards a black tee, sleek body con skirt (animal print, natch) and a gorgeous statement necklace that brings in the neutral of the heels. Simple, but elegant, I think. (SPOTTED: the ever-elusive ponytail. For some reason, I hate ponytails on me, but it seemed to work today.)

Tee: Old Navy Perfect Fit tee

Skirt: F21 leopard skirt

Necklace: Codename Ivy

Shoes: Jessica Simpson Cedary heel

Also, I'll be posting the Flavanilla giveaway winner tomorrow! Ya'll still have until tonight at midnight to enter, so get to entering. :)

Also also, T-Minus 6 days until I leave for Vegas! Wahoo! I'm in the process of packing, which takes me a while. Involves a process of laying out my favorite items on the bed, pairing them together with other items, photographing them, then accessorizing them. Lots of steps, yep yep.

To make the grey clouds go away?

... light 'em up with HOT PINK. Hells to the yeah. :)

Elizabeth and James Mason pumps, on sale at Intermix (*with additional 15% off, wahoo!)

If anyone has owned these/tried them on, how do they fit? 'Cuz they were final sale and if they don't fit then I'm offering them up to one of you. Heh.

OOTD: To the maxi!

OK, so since I'm a day back-logged on the outfits of the week, this is actually yesterday's outfit, and I think you can tell. When I'm not feeling the best, it's written all over my face. Look at these pics. Dude... I look sad. Anyway, I like the outfit and loooove maxi dresses, so I wanted to share. I'm totally shocked I haven't yet posted an OOTD with a maxi dress, since they're a go-to comfort outfit for me. I mean, how simple is that: a long dress that practically feels like a nightgown? Yes please. :)

Cardigan: Nordstrom Halogen embroidered cardigan

Dress: Nordstrom BP maxi dress

Shoes: Jessica Simpson Cedary nude sandals

Necklace: Flavanilla Love necklace

So I did go to the doc yesterday because my cough was getting just annoying, and turns out I had bronchitis. Or, have it... but the antibiotics should push it out in a matter of days. Crisis (for Vegas) averted!

And oh! The new shoes arrived. I'd been just dying for a pair of nude sandals, and while they're not perfect, they're awesome and totally pretty, so I'm happy. The size worked, too, which made me more happy. Here are some closeups:

Just what I was looking for: very nude, open toe, high heel, and covers my arch. They seem pretty darn versatile, too.... will look nice dressed up or down. I recommend!

And thanks for all the well-wishes about the impromptu house thing! It's definitely NOT ours yet, and I'm anticipating a long process, so I shouldn't be speaking too soon. There's still a chance it doesn't happen. But one can only hope (and still be scared poopless).

Woah, Dude.

Nothing to post for today for three reasons:

1. I have a giveaway! Please go enter it. :)

2. I have a pounding headache and have finally broken down to go see the doc this afternoon. Le sigh. Don't want to be ill for Vegas in one and a half weeks!

3. Something crazy happened last night. One minute, husband and I were talking about maybe renting a house from my inlaws (since our apartment complex sucks and we need to move)... and the next they put an offer in on a gogeous house and we may be moving into it (and, ahem, basically assuming the payments of a mortgage) within the next two months. My head continues to pound, readers. Pound. Bare with me, the shock and illness should pass soon.

(Well, at least I know the illness has to pass, but the shock may linger for some time. Especially with, you know, an increased monthly payment and decreased income and impending student-hood. Gulp.)

Giveaway Week 2 of 2!

Morning, lovies! Without further ado, I present to you: my second week of giveaways! A little belated, but no matter-- this week's giveaway is sponsored by the lovely Flavanilla. She has a fabulous Etsy shop, which you must check out, plus a blog that's always filled with pretty pictures. Her designs are always fun and whimsical and are perfect to wear alone, or pair with other necklaces (like I did on Saturday's OOTD post). I love her Love necklace that she kindly sent me and hope you'll enjoy the offering she has for you: a lovely flower drop necklace!

(I'm always a sucker for pretty packaging!)

Ok, here are the rules of the game:

1. For one entry, comment on this post below and be a follower of Fetching Fashions! In the comment, please leave your email address so I can contact you if you win. This is imperative, folks. :)

2. For a second entry, tweet this giveaway! Please leave another comment below if you tweet and leave your twitter user name in the comment. (In the tweet, you must reference both the giveaway with Flavanilla, and obviously, my blog post. Here's a sample you can cut and paste: Visit Fetching Fashions for a chance to win a pretty necklace by Flavanilla! Deets here: http://bit.ly/bqkhdq)

That's all, my lovies. Happy entering! The giveaway will end on Friday, April 23rd at midnight.

OOTD: Love, zebra.

Two years ago, I had an unhealthy obsession over T-Bags. It's not to say I don't still like their designs, but there was something about the comfort of the material and the bright colors that had me in a tizzy. I'm glad I loved them when I did, because the dresses and shirts that I own are super comfy and are a great way to look cute + still be comfortable. Not sure I'd shell out the price for a rayon dress these days, but back then I did and thank goodness. :)

Wearing the Love necklace again... can't wait for Monday's giveaway. :)

Also wearing the CV for Target wedges. Wore them all weekend. Srsly. Heart.

Copying my newest style icon, Anh from 9 to 5 chic. Love the way she folds up her skinny belts and had to try myself! :)

Dress: T-Bags zebra print dress

Sweater: Anthropologie Summerweight cardigan

Belt: Express from forever ago

Necklace: a mystery Etsy designer (mwahaha)

Shoes: CV for Target cognac gladiator wedges