Giveaway Congrats goes to...

Finally, I've tallied the results of my $150-valued Perricone M.D. product giveaway! Sorry for the delay, but without further ado...

... the winner is....

Erin une! Erin, I've emailed you, so please respond as soon as you can so I can have that sent to you promptly.

Also, thanks to all who entered! I wish I could give all my readers something special... but remember, try again next time if you didn't win this time! (Good things come to those who wait, hmmm?)

I'll be back later with some other goodies... and an update on my recent derma-laser-peel procedures!

Interview with Smashion!

Hi ladies and gents (?), just a little FYI this morning--

I was interviewed over at Smashion, a really neat fashion website that is also a market for buying and selling items. Here's what their Marketing Director, Vanessa, had to say about the company:

"Smashion enables members to buy or sell lightly-worn or NWT (new with tag) apparel and accessories on a no-fees marketplace. The site is our eco-friendly response to the growing trend in wearing second-hand clothing and the lack of a community-based, fashion-focused online marketplace. We want to show closet recyclers that they don't have to go to consignment stores to sell their merchandise -- where they'll lose a huge chunk of their profits."

There's also a fun Smashion Lounge with blog updates and fashion info, which is where my interview is posted. So, go check them out, and don't forget to read my interview! :)

http://www.smashion.com/lounge/interview/950-justine-fetching-fashions

And the winner is....

Sorry I've taken so long to announce the winner of my $25 gift card to Apothica.com, but I finally got around tonight to pushing aside my mounds of homework to attend to FF!

Using Excel's very sophisticated RANDBETWEEN formula (yep, I'm cool like that), the winner of my giveaway is....

....Drumroll (merci)....


Lola and Bean!! (lolaandbean.blogspot.com)

I will email you with the notification, but you will receive another email from Apothica directly for your gift card.

Thanks to all who played, and I will actually have another amazing giveaway next week! The gods above are shining on FF, yes'siree....

OOTD: Blardigans and corsets.

Thanks to EHayes, "blardigan" is my new word for this cardigan that is reminiscent of a blazer because of the cool lapel. I broke down this weekend and bought another in a very light heather blue, which matches perfectly to the blue color in my Geren Ford tiger ikat tank. (It was in part an effort to style that pretty tank with something else besides the color blush and some jeans... outfit to come later.)

And this corset hasn't been worn all that much since I bought it, because frankly it is quite tight and restricts my posture... which is slumpy. 'N I like it that way. :-P  *Schlump* But the colors on it are simply gorgeous. Love it.

 Corset: French Connection bustier top in China Rose

Sweater, aka Blardigan: Nordstrom (Frenchi) cardigan

Pants: Nordstrom (Hinge) silk pants

Shoes: MICHAEL Michael Kors cage sandals

Earrings: Francesa's Boutique

Quick shout out to Linda of Little Tin Soldier, who not only has a very cute blog, but created the pretty new header you see above. Isn't the little paper doll she drew of me adorable?! She's super talented and definitely fashionable, so go check her out. And Linda...  THANK YOU! I love it. :)

**Quick question to any of you who know HTML: Does anyone know how to use the Blogger "page" widget (like I have above) but make the navigation bar icons (jpegs) rather than just words? Linda made me some super cute matching buttons for my static pages but I unfortunately can't figure out how to code it so I can use them. Please advise, thanks!**

Merci beaucoup, mes amis!

Thank you all for your honest feedback regarding my new pants! I have to be truthful, I was secretly hoping for you all to say, "So pretty, Justine! Great! Keep em!", but the fact that you didn't just confirms my suspcion that they need to go back. Sad. But I guess the flip side is I can get something else in it's stead. After a big risk and fail with those pants, I think I might stick to something simple and practical-- new jeans. I've been wearing my Hudsons for several years now and they're starting to show the wear, plus no matter how much I love my AE super skinnies, I'm a bit of a denim brand whore (I'll admit it!) and want some designer duds. Oooorrrrr, the Equipment shirt I've been pining for... which isn't quite as practical, but has definitely been on my wishlist for some time. Decisions, decisions.  :)

I also get to pick up my presale top from Neiman's this evening, so definitely expect an outfit with it soon. I've never purchased a Robbi + Nikki item before, but given the father company (Robert Rodriguez), I have high hopes that it will be worn many, many times.

Also, miss Chloe from the Chloe Conspiracy, and now See Chloe Shop, is hosting a great giveaway with one of my faves, Shopbop! Check out her giveaway here, and enter to win a $100 gift card. Not too shabby, eh?

Enjoy your Wednesday, readers! (and p.s., is it just me or is this week drrraaaagggingggg byyyyy?)

Thank you. :)

Giirrrrllll, I love the necklace. Isn't it such a statement? :)

(cloudy day = bad bad lighting = grainy pictures. I need an SLR, STAT.)

(and p.s. sorry for wearing the same shirt all the freekin' time. I lived in this and the pink one all weekend. It's love.)

My readers, my saviors.

Thanks to all who commented yesterday about the virtual shopping bag dillemas. When I started this blog, I did so with the hope that it would be like having tons of shopping pals who help me make bad good decisions about what to buy, and who don't stare at me blankly with their arms around their chests wondering when the hell can we leave, we've been here for five hours? Well, I got my wish! The shoe thing has almost become a task rather than something fun, and my indecisiveness has been running rampant. I had finally narrowed it down to two, and with your help, I chose the JS ones. Now, this post isn't just to brag about my cute new shoes (ok well it kinda is), but it's also to let ya'll know that the Jessica Simpson website is faboo, for anyone who didn't know about it. Because I didn't-- I stumbed upon it while searching for a downloadable image of the shoe itself to post on this here bloggy-blog. The site carries eveything of hers, and it seems you can find lots of good sales as well. The Cedarys were on sale for $59, and then I searched coupon codes (like a good little online shopper) and found a 20% coupon (cs2009), which ended up being good even on sale items. And doesn't seem to have an expiration... So I scored those pretties (after shipping and taxes) for less than $60. Which isn't the biggest bargain I've ever seen, but it was definitely my cheapest option out there for this particular shoe and color. And not to mention her clothes and accessories, too! Which are also on the site. Aaaaanyway, I'm getting wordy, but I thought I'd share since many of you seem to love JS and I know it's a rather popular brand.

If I wore super super high heels (like 5+ inches), I would definitely get these as well. Sigh.  (husband would be pretty sad since I'd end up towering over him...)

Jessica Simpson Danny Platform (on fashion chalet!)

Jessica Simpson Stone Sandal

Jessica Simpson Severe platform

The winner is...

Hello, lovies! This morning, I ran the random.org generator to randomly select a winner of my jewelry bar giveaway. Here's how I numbered everything: Every entrant got a number based on the placement of their comment (the first commenter got #1, etc), and then got two consecutive numbers if they were also a fan of the jewelry bar on facebook. Thank you all for the entries-- the most successful giveaway to date!! Great news to all who didn't win (and really, even the one who did!): Late this week (or possibly early next, depending on when I get the item in the mail), a NEW GIVEAWAY will be held featuring another great Etsy designer. So definitely stay tuned for that.

Without further ado, the winner of this week's giveaway was Nicole Q (#62)!  Nicole, I've emailed you and gave you directions on how to get a hold of the jewelry bar. Let me know what you pick; I'd love to see the final product. :)

And like I said, definitely stick around for next week's giveaway. It'll be just a pretty, I promise.

Housekeeping, again.

Meehhh, I don't like these posts, either!!

1. Thanks for all the nice comments on the post about my H&M dress! I'm glad ya'll liked it as much as I do. A friend of mine thought the first picture looked like me saying, "I'm a princess, wheee!" and she's kinda right. :)

2. Still 2 dresses for sale on the blog sale. I'm going to be posting them on eBay on Monday, most likely. Just sayin'.

3. I've never done this, but I've seen it done before: I'm opening the forum for "Questions about Me." I realize I'm not all that exciting and this might be a big'ole'bust, but I figured I'd ask for questions and see if I can't answer any that you (may/may not) have been wondering about. Either comment below or email me!

4. Happy Easter weekend! I may not get many posts in (family in town, heading to a ranch in Texas, wahoo!) but I'll try and take a pic with my Easter outfit, which will definitely feature more gratuitous photos of the new, pretty dress. Yippee, Hooray!

OOTD: Getting to the root of the problem.

First off, I am so super-happy that many of you liked yesterday's post. Thank you to who commented and read... I am really glad I shared that with ya'll, not just for your sake but for mine. It's always refreshing to be 100% honest and I think we all appreciate it. Money is tough to talk about for a lot of people-- it can cause anger, embarrassment, fear or excitement-- so I'm thrilled I'm surrounded by readers who can look at it honestly and appreciate my honesty!!

But on another, very serious (coughcough) note, I have two pressing topics.

1. I love this skirt (which is similar to this one here). I bought it way back before the weather was this nice to wear it and I stashed it in my closet behind other stuff so I wouldn't bring it out too early. I did it not only because of the weather but in anticipation of needing something new and fun in my wardrobe. 11 days until I shop again, and it's time for that little somethin'-somethin' to curb the shopping hunger. This did the trick!! And I can't wait to wear it, like a milliontrillion ways. (Stay tuned, I'll style it as a top when summertime arrives!!)

2. There has been a serious tragedy as of late, and I alluded to it a few days ago-- my roots. They're atrocious. I took a buncha photos with this outfit, and ya know what? Couldn't use half of 'em. My roots were so friggin' heinous that I couldn't bare to post the pics. Lord... here's the sitch: if I get them done, which is always costly for full highlights, I'm tapping into my shopping budget. Yep. Hair+clothes come out of that same small budget. Sigh. But to be honest, I can't wait anymore. I think I might try Aveda Institute one more time since it worked ok last time. It's just that it takes sooooo looooong because my hair is huge and the poor students have no idea what to do with it. Dilemmas, dilemmas...

On to the pics!

 Skirt: F21 striped mini

Top 1: Young Fabulous and Broke ruffle top

Top 2: Matty M via Nordstrom

Sweater: Velvet long cardigan

Belt: Anthro's Tea Rose belt

Shoes 1: Liliana bow pumps

Shoes 2: Liliana Bardor pumps (urbanog.com)

(p.s.: sorry for not posting links lately. Lemme know if you want "similar" links!)

And one more thing......

Hey, Justine? How do you feel about SPRING being here???

:::::

"A-Okay."

A shoe kind of gal.

Hi, lovely readers. Thanks to all who had great suggestions for my upcoming Vegas trip! I really just can't wait, and I plan on heeding all the advice that was given to me. Seriously, stuff I wouldn't have thought of-- ya'll are the bestest. :)

I know I've been posting tons about shoes lately, but I just had to include three more pairs I'm so incredibly lusting after, it's crazy.  I'm no purse-girl. I carry one with me for about 1 year straight and then get another, with which I do the same, so I really don't care too much about getting new bags. I love clothes and accessories, of course, but nothing will match my love of shoes. I can't say I still wear items of clothes I've had for 4+ years (I cycle through clothes like crazy), but I can say I get attached to shoes and will wear 'em until the cobbler tells me they're dead. I think shoes are about the closest to wearable-art that I can own (since pretty architectural clothing usually = SERIOUS CASH). So anyway. There's my justification, and here are the super-de-duper shoes that I really must own. Sigh.

Seychelle's Joan Wedge

L.A.M.B. Veena Sandal

Victoria's Secret Colin Stuart Bow back peep toe

The L.A.M.B. and Seychelle's shoes are quite similar but definitely not similar in price... but I would still get both if I could. And how cute are the bows and wicker-heel on the Colin Stuart wedges? Wow... there is definitely a theme in my recent shoe lusting-- hints of beige and pink and slightly chunky.

(oh and p.s., definitely going through the Bargaining stage right now. Definitely asked the husband whether it would technically break my shopping ban if I just so happened to leave cash on the dining room table that just so happened to be the right amount for a pair of shoes. He said YES. Hrmph.)

Another blah blah post...

So I know these posts are just so darn boring, but hey, you're my captive audience and I want to talk, damnit. So here we are.

First, about my weekend: I had a nice (but hectic) time in Denver for all of 24 hours. The weather wasn't that bad, so I was surprised pleasantly. Interview went well, I think (it's always hard to really say, isn't it?) and the program seems amazing and challenging. Next weekend is a combined interview/family visit in Connecticut, so that should be fun. But I have to say I can't wait until this is all over and I know what my life will be for the foreseeable future. Stressful, this all is!!

But along the same lines, I've been toying with the ideas about my work/my love of fashion. I've had soooo much fun blogging in this past half year and love hearing from my readers (thank you to my 181 fans! So exciting and I'm grateful to all of you! Plus the non-followers, I lurve you too.) However, I also love psychology and will be in school (WILL BE, ya hear?). Which poses the inevitable question: how will I keep both up, especially since the worlds are so different? I guess I'm not sure if I'll be able to do the school thing (and not just school, but a Ph.D. program) and blogging at the same time. Don't get me wrong, I want to! I do! I'm just a little unsure I'll have the time to dedicate like I do now, sans school. The future of my blogging is questionable, but I'm holding out hope.

This calls for a little question of my readers, especially the ones who are in school and blog (or something similar): how do you do it? Do you find the time? Is it a distraction or a welcome outlet from school?

eShakti order arrived!

So I believe my suspicions were correct-- the brogue thing was a questionable trend for you lovies. Which excites me, really, because it means I have a challenge now-- attempting to style my metallic flat oxfords for day and night to convince you (or at least make you think I'm less crazy) that the trend is actually pretty doable and pretty cute. Yay! Stay tuned for that one coming up, maybe this weekend.

On another (even exciting-er) note, my eShakti order arrived! The lovely ladies at http://www.eshakti.com/ let me pick which item I loved the most (a difficult feat) and sent me a free sample. How fun! Thank you, eShakti! Here are a few pics I snapped of this pretty lil' jacket. (PLEASE ignore the blotchy face, ugh... long day at work and makeup has officially melted off ma face.)

(pretty details, and I messed with the brightness to get the details better, so don't worry I don't have radiation poisoning on my neck)

Peplum! Preeeety!

Thanks, Rosa, for reminding me I need to tell ya'll about the site... hehe. The site is cool-- they have samples of their designs online and you have two options: buy standard sizing (0 to like 26 or something), or get a custom fit. Yes, it does cost a bit more but I don't think it's unreasonable (not sure of the exact fee). And I think it's worth it, because this thing fits like a charm. It's pretty simple-- fill out their custom measurements form and voila-- your perfectly tailored item comes to you in the mail, like, supahfast. (I've heard about a week after you order-- mine took slightly longer because of the holiday season and vacations) You can even have the dress length custom to what you want-- short or long, or if you want V neck instead of boatneck, they'll do it. Basically what nips/tucks you envision, they'll custom it to you.

My overall review: I love this thing. It's made of a very heavy wool, so I know it will be nice and warm for these next few months. The embroidered sequins are darling and not too flashy, so the jacket maintains a level of elegance. That peplum? So cute. I took that pic with my arms out to show you how much it gives me a waist and flares out at the right spot. It needs a little steaming, but that's easy. One thing I kicked myself for (bad Justine) was not being more careful about my measurements-- the arms are a tad too short, but not so much that it's unwearable by any means. That was totally my fault; I was hasty in my measuring.

I can't speak to their sizing otherwise (i.e. without custom tailoring, as I chose to custom mine), but they have a sizing chart on their site listing deets. Overall, I think I will for sure shop there again. Oh, and maybe sooner than later: Use code 5liKOr to get $20 off a $30 purchase! Nice! (and I've said it before, I'll say it again for any new readers... SRSLY check out their necklaces. Total Anthro inspired, 1/2 the price!) Happy custom shopping. :)

Auld Lang Syne.

A boring post, my darling lovies.

1. ENTER MY GIVEAWAY! TELL YA FRIENDS! YAY! :)

2. Thank you to all my readers, old and new, and thanks for making this (half of) 2009 so fun for me every day. I seriously look forward to posting daily (which you should be able to tell with the amount I post!) and look forward to hearing what you think about my style, my picks, and the fashion world in general. You've all been an inspiration to me, too, and as old and cliche as it sounds, it's totally 100% true. I can't wait to start off 2010 with the blogging community!

3. I'm hoping this coming year will bring some changes to my blog, maybe a makeover and some extra goodies. I'd also love to hear more of your suggestions-- I know I said it before, but don't ever hesitate to contact me with your thoughts or questions. I don't find emails annoying-- I find 'em fun. Oh, and expertise is always appreciated. :)

4. SEE YA ON THE OTHER SIDE OF 2010! Have a safe and fun holiday!

Love and gratitude,

Justine

Flattered!

Although I've been a spazz about this before, I guess there's no harm in having a little fun and passing it along, no? :)

1. My television is always blaring HGTV. Even right now. I'm a little addicted. (shout out to Color Splash! Love you David, you're my gay boyfriend k thanks.)

2. I'm six years younger than my husband (ohhh jail-bait).

3. I love fashion, but I hate makeup and undergarments (no worries-- I wear both daily). I never spend good money on either, even though they are some of the most important things to spend money on.

4. I know Tim Gunn. Oh wait, you knew that?! heh.

5. I grew up with cats and would love a pet, but the hubs is allergic. I ask him when we can get a pet every day. My mom owns a talking bird. Not my idea of a pet, but whatever.

6. I don't like ice cream. You know, I think I admitted this waaaay back in this blog's inception. But some of you may not have read that, so this counts as something you didn't know, right? Right.

7. I've lived in several different states and went to a total of nine different schools between Kindergarten and 12th grade. Whew!

Here are my nominations for those bloggers who want to participate.
1: Fashionista Diaries
2: Natalie at Fashion, Food and Other Assorted Frivolity
3. The lovely ladies at Shopping the Closet
4. Veronika's Blushing
5. Adored Austin
6. Kansas Couture
7. Last, but certainly not least: Gigi!

Thank you, Jen, for the nomination!

A few very, very important things:

1. For any Dallas readers, the Irving Target (N. MacArthur) will NOT have Rodarte out until Sunday. Never fear, though-- the Medallion Center is already released. And I'm going promptly after work; photos will be up this evening of my reviews. (oh how I love the big city.)

2. I bought three, count 'em, THREE cardigans from NY & Co yesterday for a whopping $40. Yes... I'm kinda excited. Go check it out!!!

In a pretty sherbet orange color... yum

3. I want to thank all my followers and readers. It's been so much fun starting this blog, and I hope to continue to make it bigger and better as the months roll on. I am so inspired by my fashionable readers and the people who comment on my posts. It makes me feel pretty nice to know you respect my opinions! For this, I will be doing my first ever GIVEAWAY! Although I'm not yet sure what the prize will be, I'm pretty sure it will be a little item from a certain Target GoLine... hehe. I'll be releasing this giveaway in the coming week, so please stay tuned.

4. Simply.... Yay, or Nay? (this dress has been staring my in the face for about 1 week now, and I'm having a hard time telling myself no. What do I do?!)

KAS Harvey Embellished Shift Dress

I'm thankful....

1. For Thanksgiving-eve flights with 10 people on them. (OMG, NOT KIDDING!)

2. For this.

3. ... and this.

4. For mothers that make enough food to feed a crowd, despite only cooking for 4.

5. Oh hell, why not?

6. For husbands. Just in general... but particularly mine, yes.

7. For the contents of the picture below... nom nom YUM YUM...

Happy thanksgiving to all! And many Bellinis to you, too.

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