OOTD: H&M score

I've gotta thank the lovely Rosa for this top, since she scoured her local H&M to find it for me! Even though Dallas has an "H&M Preview Store" (the first and only of it's kind, ever!), we still don't get much stuff in. I saw the dress-version of this top in this month's InStyle and just had to get it... the mint green color is sooooo pretty and the cutouts add a fun detail. Isn't it cute? Kinda reminds me of Catherine Malandrino, with the floral print. I totally recommend if you can find it in your local H&M....

Top: H&M

Shorts: F21

Necklace: Nordstrom BP

I didn't really do much in the way of accessorizing, but that's mostly because it can stand well on its own. I did, however, add a cute pair of leopard flats because... well, why the hell not. Every outfit could use a little leopard, IMHO.

(Also, blurry iPhone photos apparently continue. Argh.)

OOTD: Let's do this.

I know, it's rather ridiculous how long it's been since I have actually done a real life OOTD. With a real camera. It's pretty simple here today, lovies, mostly because today is going to be spent with studying and a little break for some Pier 1 decorations. Here's to getting back in to a rhythm, hmm?  :)

Tee: H&M, courtesy the lovely Rosa! (<3)

Jacket: Juicy Couture Capelet (get it here!)

Jeans: J Brand Lovestory (get them here!)

Shoes: Steve Madden Tristano

Necklace: Francesca's Boutique

Hat: Banana Republic

I've had this capelet for some years now and have loved it since; but now that capes are actually "in style," I'm pretty excited (p.s., it's still available on Bluefly!). I managed to snag the Anthropologie Sunner Cape before it sold out in my size but will have to wait until post-Christmas to model it or review it. That's because I bought it so that my husband could wrap it up and put it under the tree for me... from him. Gotta love marriage. And capes. Capes are good. :)

Photos from my iPhone, part 2.

... and here are some pics from the DC trip I just took. Only a few... I know, I know. I'm so bad at taking out my camera when I'm out and about. I just don't like living my life through a lens, I guess. :)

Georgetown Cupcake, AKA "DC Cupcake" (from the new TLC series!). The line was an hour long and we got there before it was even open for the day! Definitely yummy and worth it... 

NOM NOM. Strawberry. The best cupcake flavor ever.

Rosa's doggie, Lola! Her shirt says proud to be a Democrat, but don't let it fool you: She's a Republican. :)

A few landmarks in our nation's captiol.

Hard to see, but this is chocolate covered bacon. Yes, you heard correctly. Comes complete with two Bayers to prevent your heart attack. (Not really, but they totally should.)

What's a trip to the east without some crab? Crab cake Benedict for breakfast, yummm...

Pardon the interruption...

Morning, bloggies! As you may have read, I'm off to DC today to meet Rosa, a frequent blog-commenter, Summer from Sum Sunshine, and a few other J Crew bloggies! I'm super excited about the trip and can't wait to share pictures of what we did, what we shopped and what we ate (yum).

I'll be back on Monday with some updates! Until then, au revoir, and have a fun weekend no matter where you're spending it.  :)

Fashion + Google = Greatness.

Happy Friday to my readers!

So over on Jenny's blog yesterday, I spied a post that really intrigued me: it was about a new pilot program launched by Google to improve the ties between fashion and technlogy. This seems pretty fitting, since the world of fashion blogging has really grown over time, and we fashion-bloggers know first hand about the intersection between style, fashion and tech-savvy. Many of us fashionista/os are using the internet and technlogy to not just promote style, but follow and keep up with it as well. To get this all started, Google needs our fashion-blogging help.

If you'd like to join in on the project and help out, get in touch with Tony Wang on twitter. Follow him, then send him a message and tell him you're interested. He can tell you more about how to get involved.

Pros for us bloggers? More exposure and staying linked-in to the up-and-coming world of fashion & technology. Plus, it's always nice to give back to the people that make this really happen, huh? :)

So get your fashion-bloggey butts over to Twitter and talk to Tony. Do it. Now.

(And if you need some more Friday distractions, have a looksie at his blog, too. Keep up the great work, Tony!)

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!**

Never fully dressed without a SMILE.

Instead of a new post, I'm going to cheat today, my lovies, and direct you to a guest-post I wrote for Joanna's blog-- 101 Things I Love. She's doing a fun series (which is almost over!) about things that make us smile. Read the past entries while you're over there reading mine....

... and check out what makes ME smile here!

Happy Thursday. :)

OOTN: "I change shapes..."

Last night, I saw Miike Snow in concert. For those of you who've never heard them, it's actually the band's name, not a guy who can't spell his name correctly (which is what I initially thought!). They have a unique techno/dance/pop/rock sound that I love. Lemme tell you-- amazing performance! I highly recommend seeing them in person, as they put on a great show.

Here's what I wore, which isn't that "new" or innovative for me... but hey, sometimes I like the looks I've created so much that I only tweak them a little. This was sort of one of those times.

(I realize my arms are up in each of these pics. What gives, me?!)

Tank: Old Navy ribbed tank

Skirt: F21 striped skirt

Belt: ??

Necklace: Baker's multi-chain necklace

Shoes: Go Jane cheapie booties

I thought it was an appropriate look for a concert, since it's a little edgy but still keeps my personality. Plus, these are comfortable shoes. Seriously. Who would have thought these $20ish shoes would be more comfortable than some of my $300-plus shoes? Crazy.

Also, I have fun news: I'm going to DC at the end of July to meet some fellow bloggers and some other gals I've come to know over time with this blog! I'll have more deets soon, so stay tuned for that. Thank you to all you fabulous readers/bloggers who have become my friends over the past year. This blog has opened doors for me I never imagined would be opened, and most of those doors aren't even related to fashion! It means the world to me that some of you have reached out and told me your story and have become my friends. Ya'll are the best, ya hear? :)

Also also (I know, I'm a little of everywhere today)-- even though I recently re-did my blog header, I should be unveiling a new blog look and header soon. I like what I made, but it's just not right. I've enlisted the assistance of a wonderful fellow-blogger, but more on that when the time comes nearer. Be excited!  :)

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?)

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.

Can I shop yet?

In terms of my shopping-life, the past day has felt like 500 days. I am not cut out for this "40 Days of No Shopping" bull crap. Ugh. And this cute Anthro dress went (quite shockingly) on super-sale today-- gals, did this not fit right err sumthin? I can't quite understand it, but guess what? It's not happening for me anyway. ARGH.

Tesserae Dress (Anna Sui for Anthro)

In other, happier news, the wonderful, beautiful and ever talented Vera shipped my skirt and it arrived in my mailbox this afternoon. Yay! I woulda styled and taken pics of it tonight but I'm having one majorly bad hair day. So yeah not happening.  But visit her Etsy store, because she has a grey version of my skirt in store now! And I want it as well, but OH YEAH. I CAN'T. Awesome. Lovely Nicole did a fabulous job styling it over on her bloggity blog yesterday, so check it out. I'm totally stealing the striped shirt idea. So cute.

Ya'll, I'm weak. Wish me luck. This is just bad... bad...

Happiness is...

... having such a fun blogging community! Thanks to Elanor at Shopping the Closet for my Happy 101 Blogger Award. I thought this would be a nice way to reflect on what makes me happy, even when I am stressed. Max.

(p.s. these are in no particular order...)

1. My husband. Sounds corney, yeahyeah, but he really does!
2. Shopping. Duh! I love new finds, scoring deals and discovering brands and boutiques I've never heard of. I guess it's a little like hunting for me, and that makes it challenging and exciting. Plus, helloooo, clothes are preeeeetty.
3. My career path. Yes... despite the pitfalls, I would never choose any other route or profession.
4. Texas. It's hilarious and kitschy and country-bumpkin and everything really is bigger.
5. PJs. The second I come home from work or wherever I've been, I throw on sweat pants, a tank, a sweater, and slippers. Then I proceed to hide under Brookstone's NAP blanket and pillow, put on reality television, and smile. That's happiness, people!
6. Wine. Ya'll know how much I love me some wine. (in moderation and not while driving. Just a PSA.)
7. Kiddie movies. Some of my faves= Babe, Wall-E, Up, and Pocahontas. Do not judge. I regress easily.
8. Television of all sorts. I rarely discriminate. I love Sci-Fis, drama, action, reality, chick-TV, home renovation, bridal shows...
9. Health. It's something I usually take for granted, but I feel pretty happy that I'm generally a healthy person with no serious conditions. This blogging community has definitely opened my eyes to the blessing of health.
10. Of course, all of you. Seriously. I'm not being sappy. Well... I am being sappy, but it's heartfelt and true.

Yay! Tonight, I'll be back with an OOTD... and I'll set up some posts for this coming weekend so as not to leave ya hangin'. I'll be in CT for 3 days (and ohgod I have to pack still. Ugh.). Then my traveling will be done for a few months. Thank Lordie!

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?

Justine's take on Stripe Hype!

I was rather excited to see a F21 package sitting on my doorstep yesterday evening! For any of you who follow my Twitter feed, you'll know how fah-reeekin annoyed I was with UPS the past two days. Needless to say, this package shoulda gotten here LAST WEEK and it just came today. Argh. But it's here, and I'm happy. Yay!

One of the items I purchased was part of an effort to amass some striped items for the spring. I had this fabulous idea of a striped dress that could also work cinched up as a tunic. I found the perrrrrfect item to fulfill this wish.

(Warning: lots of leg photos coming up! Yipes short dress!)

  

  

  

Okokokok.... I'll put some clothes on, sheesh.  :)

  

  

Tunic dress/top: F21 striped tunic (other colors here)

Belt: F21 bow belt 

Hat: Nordstrom 2009

Shoes: Chinese Laundry (1st pic); Steve Madden (2nd pic)

Necklace: F21 gold chain link oldie

Perfect for Vegas, no?? :)  I feel a little "Lauren Conrad" in the second set of pics. And a little Amber-inspired in the first... maybe it's the use of the hat. Who knows. For review purposes, I had to order this top/dress in a size Med, since the smalls were sold out (and now all sizes in this color are sold out). So it fits a little loosely in my waist, but definitely fits well in the... ahem... buttocks area. As you can tell. I'm almost happy I was forced to get a size up because I'm not sure I could make this a dress with any less material. I'm almost not sure I can make it a dress now! But like I said, for Vegas, definitely fine. Some of ya'll shorter ladies will do OK with this probably. 

And thanks for all the help with the elusive bow dress! Pammy has basically convinced me to buy the blue instead and stop fretting about the pink... but oh that pink....

Finally.

I've been eyeing Vera's Etsy shop (shop name: gruhche) for some time now and waiting to settle on an item. She makes the most gorgeous, fabulous, beautiful and feminine clothes. Since I have a Vegas trip coming up, I think the Ivory Mummy Skirt will be perfect for a loose fitted top and high heels, day or night. I just can't wait-- I'm finally going to own a Gruhche design! Thank you, Vera, for making such puuuuurdy clothes. :)

(Pictures from her blog-- all credits to Vera.)

Isn't it so sexy and pretty? Yay! :)

EDIT: Just found this insanely pretty Rebecca Taylor skirt... but me thinks it's way too similar to the one above to buy it. Sad. Someone please buy this so I may live vicariously through you, thanks. (p.s. Check out more of RT's stuff here!)

I won! Thanks, "101 Things I Love"

Afternoon, my lovies. Hope you're having a nice afternoon and an almost-happy-Friday. When I came home from work today, a little package was left on my door and I instantly knew what it was. Last week, 101 Things I Love had a little contest on her blog, and due to my crazy love of wine, I knew the answer pretty readily. She sent me a bunch of beauty goodies as my prize! Since I suck at beauty care and products, I was excited to get a mish-mash of things to try out (and hopefully get addicted to). Here's my loot:

From left to right, clockwise: Relax Soothe Refresh Eucalyptus Spearmint revitalizing foot & leg cream; pHormulate hydrapolish strengthening hair serum; Beauty Addicts Matte Bronzing Powder; Lumene Targeted Wrinkle treatment; Marina cosmetics Hydrating Lip Gloss.

Thank you, Johanna! And ya'll should visit her blog 'cuz shes really cute and adorable and knows a lot about fashion/beauty.  And I'll let you all know how the revitalizing cream works tomorrow, because I'm definitely using it tonight while watching my fave television (NBC, woot-woot!).