1st eBay selling and Fall 09 trends

Whew! I have to say, my first experience selling on eBay was stressful. Staring at the price, refreshing every 2 minutes... come on, just one more dollah! ONE MORE DOLLAR!!!

Sheesh.

It was successful, though, and I plan to do it again. It beats my local consignment stores, for sure.

On another note, I need to impose a shopping-restriction until around the holidays (after Thanksgiving, I think). I've gone a little mad lately, and my closet is starting to shape up to the point of it being ridiculous to buy another item. Funny, because I don't think I bought the top trends. Let's review.

1. OTK boots: nope. As much as I wanted them, tried them on, and stalked styles online, I never bit the bullet. There is still time, yes, but the excitement has worn down a bit.

2. Fur. OK, yes. :) I plan to post an OOTD with it soon. It is the cutest faux fur vest from Limited, and it's the only one I found that looked slightly real.

3. Sequin leggings. No. Though I still think I'd rock em, they're so specific to going out-on-the town, and let's face it. I'm an old married woman now. :)

4. Faux leather/pleather. Besides purses and accessories, this is a no. I'm just not edgy enough. (LIFE-TIP: Know your limitations.)

5. Boyfriend/structured jacket. Nopedy-nope-nopers. Again, I want one. But I have so many jackets, and with the winter coming, I know I'd opt for a wool coat rather than a lightweight structured shoulder. Too bad, though. Maybe if this persists through Spring (which I'm sure it will), then I'll bite then.

Sigh. Despite my lack of a trendy wardrobe, which is quite surprising, I'm still happy with my pieces. There will never be a slow down of fashion trend, and I have my whole life to whoooor myself out. Right? right.

That being said, how did you fare with Fall's trends, lovies???

OOTD and review

I think I'm making up for my lack of October posting in the last few days of the month. Oh well!

Here is my OOTD, which feature's Anthropologie's Short and Sweet Jacket in green (by Tabitha):

I posted a picture of it both open and closed, and by the look on my face, you may be able to tell which one I prefer. I love this jacket, but (for me), it does NOT work closed. Not only does it scrunch on my boobies, the ruffles don't fall correctly for it to look pretty. In addition, I bought a size up on this one. My usual 0 was way too small in the arm/shoulder area, and despite my small chest, was almost impossible to clasp shut. This is a 2. And honestly, if I had to, I could have even bought a 4 and been ok. The reviews online seem to say the same. So if you're buying sight-unseen online, size up.

...but EEEEKKK it's so cute! Loves! :)

p.s. Sorry about my crummy pictures. They either seem too dim, too blurry, or just not good quality. This one is an iPhone (duh), so it's not going to be the best. But I bought my digital camera not too long ago hoping it would be a big winner, just to find out it's a disappointment (and I'm $350 lighter. Ugh). Totally jealous of you super-nice-fancy-camera people with professional looking shots!

Kisses (and MRS) to Lovies

Announcing...

Drumroll, please....

Mrs. Wifey!!

I no longer have a fiance. I have a HUBS. So weird.

I have so much to talk about, and I missed my blogging so much. Actually, it's a little sick. I thought about blogging at my wedding reception. And on my honeymoon. I thought about all the new outfits I have to post (oh I love birfdays) and the newest (i.e. TODAY) additions to my wardrobe. At any rate, I love you all and missed you tons. But now I'm back, so let the old-married-woman-fashion-blogging begin!

(Promise #1 as a married woman: no house dresses allowed. Or nightgowns. Or other kinda gross old-woman clothing. EVER. And sorry to you nightgown-wearers out there, no offense.)

Also stay tuned to a few fun wedding/reception pics. Here is one of my faves from the night before the wedding (note what the glass says... ok so it's hard to see. It says BRIDE. I'm going to miss that as an excuse...)

Winter-White want

This jacket could be terribly disastrous....

or terrifically amazing!

Forever 21 Articulate jacket

I just love this, but I'm a little worried about a white jacket. 1) is it seasonal? Can I really do this for the Fall? I know I don't like rules, but this is a lot of white. 2) will I get red wine/barbecue/anything I might eat all over it? These worries aside, the details of this jacket are too adorable for words. If this were in charcoal grey, there would be no questions. Hands down, MINE. But... I might wait for better judgment to set in. Thoughts?

OOTD... fashion is my oasis.

Sorry for the lack of posting this weekend. I tell ya... (and no, it's no excuse)... I've got a lot on my plate!

But back to my oasis.... FASHION!

Here's my OOTD... it's the Anna Sui dress! It's finally COLD (i.e. 70) here in Dallas.

As you can tell, I'm pairing it with the F21 Peplum sweater jacket today, some long ponte leggings, and (you can't see, but they're) Nordstrom BP patent leather pointy-toes. I'm a little strange-- I don't like belting often. Sure, it's most flattering, and I totally love the look it gives, but belts are so constricting. I'm between a rock and a hard place when it comes to styling. Although I know what looks best, I sometimes try other things in the name of the Almighty Comfort. Oh well. I think this styling looks good, but you notice I forgo (forwent?) the belt today. Monday morning is not a time for being a slave to fashion.

I should be posting an engagement pic soon. Just waiting for one to come my way. :) I also plan on getting my blog-lovies opinions on which dress I should wear to my rehearsal dinner coming up in less than 2 weeks (OMG).

And a favor, s'il vous plait-- for anyone who has had trouble commenting on my blog, will you please shoot me an email letting me know? I'm thinking about changing widgets because I've had some trouble with people commenting and seeing comments. Feedback would be much appreciated! Thanks lovies... and have a nice Monday.

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!

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!)

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!

Gotta love weddings...

...mostly because you get stuff!

Oh yeah, and the part about marrying your one and only true love and whatever. :)

No, I'm just playing. But I am serious about the gifts part, too. This might be our fave gift so far (yessss I am opening, but I was told to open this one! And so what, I'm not traditional and I plan on getting all the use out of our lovely gifts, which seems to be the best way to express my gratitude, of course along side thousands of thank you notes. Ugh.):

THE GRIDDLER.

And please disregard any vestiges of the Batman video game playing in the background. Boy do we need a house, stat. :) Of course, I love everything I have received so far, but I have been looking forward to this one for a while. My wonderous French co-worker gifted this one, and I can't wait to make steaks/chicken/fish/veggies on it. I think I'm going to make an entire meal on the griddler!! (**plotting like a mad woman, rubbing her hands together in a menacing way**)

OK. Apologies. aaaaaaaaannnd on to fashion.

I have (obvi, since I've posted a little about this before) been looking for the perfect over-the-knee boots for under $150 (-ish). I actually found some beauties on DSW, but reviews are worrying me. Not tall enough? Too slouchy? (p.s.: If any of you lovies happen to try some on, or own a pair, or know someone that does, let me know how they are! Really, I'd love to hear about any of your OTK boot finds.) What is a fashion slave girl to do?

Here are some pics of the ones I love, from DSW. What's your opinion? Are these a one-hit-wonder, or will they last a few more seasons? Worth the buy, or skip it all together? (btw, I think I've already made up my mind. heh)

New F21 Items came in!!! Review!

OK lovies, here's the deal. I'm going to review the items I'm keeping from my recent splurge (because uploading on to Blogger sucks). To note, the items I'm returning, honestly, aren't because I didn't think they fit well, or were of bad quality- I'm returning them because I don't need them or won't really wear them based on my taste. So, to summarize: F21 CAN DO NO WRONG.

(ok that's false. But I really have come to love them lately!! And look how cute the following items are!)

First, the canvas textured knit sweater. I liked this a lot, but I'm actually still on the fence about it. The canvas-esque fabric is very soft and it fit well enough to wear with a slim tank or a thin sweater. I think I might have something similar enough to return it. But oh, the PEPLUM! Love.

Next, the Parlor Tunic Sweater. This is for sure a keeper. You can tell in the second picture, which you couldn't in the first or online, that it has SPARKLES. yes. OK. Great fall colors, again very soft material, versatile, and oh-so MINEMINEMINE. sorry.

Then there's the Striped Cinched Sleeved Jacket, which looks as cute on as it does online. Pretty true to the website picture. I like it, but either this or the black parlor jacket is going back. What do you think???

Now for the Animal Printed 3/4 jacket. OMG. Love. Seriously guys, so cute on, and I just love leopard print done tastefully for the Fall. To me, two things say Fall-- purple, and ANIMAL PRINT. So I know it sounds tacky, but you can't tell me this print is tacky. It is adorable.

Umm, can you tell I love it? Heh.

And finally, this is an outfit I put together yesterday from a recent trip to my local F21. (yeah no, not addicted or anything.) I love this look. Especially because the top was $8.80 and the skirt was $10.80. This outfit seriously cost me less than $100. That's the style I like! :) And it's perrrrrrfect for mambo taxis (aka best drink EVAH) in the West Village for happy hour.

Uhh, yeah. Leopard print AGAIN. :) And sorry about the grown-out-bangs-in-eye look. Ugh.

So help me out here, lovies. Which of those blazers (striped vs. peplum) shall I keep? I'm just not sure... Help!!

Wednesday's random rambles

Wednesdays, for me, suck. It's the end of my week at one job but the beginning of it for another. But yet, its the middle of the week. Confused? Yeah, I know.

My ole' pal fashion will get me through the day! Here is a polyvore put-together that I would wear; an inspiration of how to transition your summer wardrobe to the Fall.

Summer/Fall transition outfit by justinelise featuring Lanvin necklaces

On another note, this doesn't qualify as a look for less (as it isn't really much less), but I thought I'd post it. This necklace from Free People has been a big seller this summer, and it's obvious why: the pretty neon colors and "statement" size make it a lust-able piece! It currently retails for $38 online.

(sorry for the small size, couldn't find a bigger pic)

That one comes in hot pink as well, while the neon yellow/blue is currently sold out.

If you like the idea but not a fan of neon, Aldo Accessories has the same necklace (in gold, just a wee bit less expensive!) with a gorgeous fall color palette...

I actually think I might like this one better. However, I have the yellow/blue one already and I'm not sure I want a second of the same thing. I don't typically buy two of the same thing in different colors, although I'm sure that many of you do!

Aaaaaand, another random note: Check out this beautiful necklace my FSIL scored recently (off of, you guessed it, the amazing ETSY!):

Insane-pretty. Courtesy BejewelledBespoke

I love necklaces. :)

So... what are you wearing??

Wouldn't you like to know!

Oh, you would? OK.

Sweater: the Limited brown crop sweater

Top: Ella Moss

Jeans: faded black Rich and Skinnies

Shoes: Zinc, my fave pair of Fall shoes!

Necklace: ummm... White House/Black Market? Maybe?

I was thinking that after my post last night, I should try out a mix of brown and black today, just to shove it in the man's face. Yeah. Sorry my face looks a little weird in that picture; I think it might have been the lighting... sure we'll go with that. Since it's been chilly (read: 89 instead of 109), I decided to wear something fall-ish today... and those shoes are sooo great for the fall. The bow on top is a gorgeous silk/satin, and the distressing of the leather makes it look rugged but feminine. Although the black and browns in the outfit are pretty close in terms of color-depth, I still think the combo works here. Maybe it's the silhouette, but I just like it.

And now for something completely different: me in Luckenbach a few weeks ago. Woohooo! Love Texas!

Budget Buster vs. Stylish Substitute

Here's another find of mine, although it's admittedly not the exact same...

I've been drooling over the Pelle Moda Kammi bootie for some time now but missed out when it was on a pretty good sale. Now it's full price again/on sale for like $15 less. Now I have to wait for another decent sale. Jeez.

Sexay-bootays!

Buuuut.....

Go Jane has these similar booties that may do the trick for me! Maybe.

GoJane cheapos... worthy? yay or nay?

Help me, lovies! Are these worth waiting for (Pelle Moda makes a good shoe), or should I just get the GoJane knock-offs instead? I mean, the details of the Pelle Moda version are seriously superior, but honestly, the overall look is the only thing that people notice when they're on your feet (I mean, unless you're me and you creep people out at the mall by staring at their feet and making grimaces to tell if they are reaaaaaally those new Pour la Victoires or not. What?!).

p.s.: Sorry for the gagillion posts about shoes lately. I'm just a little obsessed with the new Fall shoe trends!

p.p.s. Don't spend your Saturday night watching Bring It On: All or Nothing. It's not good. I promise.

You liked that dress?

Well if you did, check out what Shopbop just put on their website. Looks just like my dress, only a white tee shirt version! Funny how I find this the day after blogging it:

Torn By Ronny Kobo, $99

Well... if that doesn't suit you, there's also this:

Free People, $148

It's with silver embellishments, not the gold, but it's the exact same dress otherwise.

Maybe I'm being a bitch... but I like the gold better. Heh. :-P