OOTD... ?

So I know I've been totally bad lately re: outfit photos. This blog started with me wanting to show my outfits, and while I still do, it's just not a feasible goal anymore. I mean, the occasional outfit will get blogged, but it's just so dern time consuming! For any of you who blog or do outfit pictures, I think you'll agree-- getting the outfit just right, setting up the tripod, getting the camera settings just right, running back and forth 100 times to get 3 decent photos, then editing them and posting them? Whew. With my schedule, I just don't have the motivation. But sometimes an iPhone picture or two will make its way since its so much less high maintenance. Therefore, I have a sort-of-hard-to-see-cuz-lighting-sux photo for ya! Wahoo!

(Dear Apple, please let the iPhone 5 come out sooner than this summer, and please make the camera super-awesome and amaaazzzzing. Thanks.)

Top: Anthropologie Linnea Blouse

Jeans: Level 99 Wide Leg jeans (in khaki here!)

Shoes: BCBGeneration Blend sandals

Bracelet: BCBGeneration leather Slang bracelet (so cute, check 'em out here)

No, but really. The reason I'm even posting these horrible pictures is because I heart these jeans. I just bought them at Nordstrom in Dallas this past weekend, and they are the most perfect wide legged, bellbottomed light washed jeans ever. While they're not on the website yet, it seems the same pair in the khaki are. Super comfortable and super adorable. Plus, they're only $99, which is 1/2 the price of most designer denim (I also love my shoes, which you can see here... also pretty comfy!). I may even convert from a Hudson fan to a Level 99 fan (woah). 

...and here comes the shameless plug to ENTER MY GIVEAWAY! Woot. :)

Shopping Reflections

Don't forget to enter my contest with Apothica! You've got plenty of time left to enter. Please spread the word about this great company and enter my giveaway at the same time! Visit my post here for more deets.
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Over the years, I have morphed in terms of my shopping-style. Once an impulse-shopper only, I've shifted into a more strategic buyer. Honestly, I credit the internet for these changes. I mean, without online browsing, catalogs were my only means of keeping up. Especially when living in small-town America for lots of my life. So I'd go to the mall (the sad, pathetic excuse for a mall we had in Podunk, IL) and head straight for the Express, picking out new items when they'd reach the racks. We even had a personal shopper (yes, Express did this... even though it wasn't official. She knew us by name. Kinda embarrassing, really.).

But now that I'm on my own as a shopper/fashionista-in-training, much more interested in the trends, and running rampant in a shopping mecca (seriously... Northpark has it all!), I do find myself really researching before buying. Sure, there are still the "OMG I need that, yoink!" moments, but I really (really!) do try and make sure I know I want it when I buy it.

Take the blouse, for instance.

I know you've all heard me talking about buying an Equipment blouse for ages now. Classic piece! But definitely pricey for something so simple and replicable. Madewell did a great job of creating one, and even my tried and true Express did a fine job. And for the past many, many months, I've amassed lots of 'em. I love them all dearly and wear them to death-- a blouse is sort of my go-to outfit these days, my uniform of sorts. But something about the Equipment ones said quality to me the others haven't quite matched. Well, readers... I finally pulled the trigger! And this long, self-indulgent post regarding pining for a blouse ends with this.

*Swoon.* (and a pair of Michael Jackson-inspired glittery loafers to boot!!)

Nail-time!

As I've previously confessed, my beauty skillz = nill. But, I make up for it in nail-knowledge. This weekend I have some fun plans and decided I needed fun nails to go with. I painted them with Lincoln Park After Midnight (a slightly purple-er shade of LPAD) and then... drumroll please... used Sally Hansen's Salon Effects nail strips on my ring fingers (looks like you can buy them online at ebay, here). I really wanted to try them after reading some reviews and seeing some ads but wasn't wanting to commit to a full set of nails with designs. My solution was to just do one on each hand for a little surprise. I think it's fun, and definitely a special-occasion-only look. What do you think? Tacky or trendy???

As for the product itself, I really like it! I am excited to see how long it lasts, since I've read reviews that say they can last as long as 2 weeks. I'm sure it will long outlive my manicure, which usually has a lifespan of 4-5 days on my hands. Ugh. If you look close at the last photo, you'll notice I messed up a bit at the cuticle by messing with it too much, but it's still not too noticeable. While it's a pretty easy process, I will say a steady hand is helpful.

Have you tried Salon Effects? Will you??

OOTD: Green lace.

I'm really really happy that lace is on-trend for spring. I'll say it once, I'll say it again: I heart lace. I know I'm becoming a broken record so I apologize. When I saw how Shopbop styled this Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent dress I just had to have it for myself (plus a little sale price never hurts!).

 Cute, right?!

While I didn't style it nearly as well as Shopbop did, I did try the tights/boots pairing. I should pull out my fur vest and try it on with this, though!

Dress: Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent lace dress (here, on sale!)

Jacket: Express biker jacket

Tights: Hue

Boots: Steve Madden

Necklace: Express

FFF: 1.11.11

Make a wish! It's 1.11.11. (You're supposed to make a wish, right?)

Just a little want of mine to post for the day. I'm .11 seconds away from pulling the trigger on this gorgeous lace blazer by Rory Beca (.11... get it? Cuz' of the date? {lame-o}).

Rory Beca Sofia Lace blazer (here for $143)

Almost sold out on Shopbop, but it's in full stock at Nordstrom! I tried this on the other day and woah, it's super cute (and TTS). I imagine it with a maxi skirt, belted at the waist and some huge sunnies. Plus, lace is a big trend for the spring... and we all know how I am about my trends. Now for the weather to begin to cooperate with me and my dreams. Hrmph.

Also, don't forget about my New Year Blog sale! :)

What's in store, 2011: Wide Legs

Happy New Year's Day! Did you enjoy your NYE? The hubs and I had a nice dinner and headed to a house-party afterwards. It was relaxed and nice-- just what I prefer.

Of course, once holiday sales settle down, it's time to start thinking spring fashion and more importantly, new trends for 2011! If one thing's for certain in fashion this year it's this: the 70's are back! Love it or not (for the record, I love it), retro styles will fill our racks this spring. My fave 70's trend that will be back in full force is the wide leg pant. Generally flattering on most body-types, these trousers will come in various shapes and sizes but will shine in the most basic form-- stove-pipe legs, straight down from the hip to your shoe. Here are a few of my picks!

1. The affordable classic: Gap's wide leg trousers

 

I ordered these in the slate color, which I think will go great with tons of items in my closet. I'll report on how they look when they arrive.

2. The high waist: Topshop's Tobacco belted wide leg

I totally heart the color on these! Definitely a retro classic.

3. The wide leg denim: Hudson Woodstock wide leg

I love this brand because the denim is always soft and not too thick. I bet these are adorable in person. (also, don't forget an exaggerated flare denim for this season!)

4. The cute, comfy pants: Patterson J. Kincaid Jennalyn Chambray wide legs

I love these and bet they would be great to lounge in or run errands with a tee and cardi. Cute!

Do you plan on partaking the wide-leg trend or leaving it behind in the disco-era?

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. :)

On the Hunt: The Cape

In early August, I began my hunt for fall clothes. I did this because I had no idea what the money situation would be like with me back in school. So I bought a few essentials: a new strong-shouldered blazer, a chunky knit sweater, cord leggings, cargo skinnies, an oversized blouse (or two)...

But now that we can officially start thinking about fall (well, most of YOU can. I'm still sweating my tooshie off here in Dallas) and more trends have emerged, it's about that time to re-evaluate wishlists and figure out what's missing from my closet. The one thing I must say I really want and don't yet have? The cape.

Not sure about y'all, but the cape seems like the perfect topper for cool weather. Warm and cozy, like a blanket with arm holes (snuggie-capes?). Bonus points because they work better with puffy sleeved blouses than do traditional coats with narrow sleeves. Here are my top 3 picks!

THE STRETCH

Nanette Lepore Get a Clue cape

THE PENNY SAVER

Newport News cape-style jacket

THE IN-BETWEENER (aka, that for which I'm saving my money)

Anthropologie's Everything-In-Place Cape

Just love all these and think they'd be super versatile... what do you think? Are you shaping up for capes this fall? 

The Cargo pant: my pick...

So a few days ago, I posted about the Cargo pant trend for this fall and decided to indulge myself with a pair. The ones I ultimately decided on were the Blank Denim skinny cargo pant in Army. The choice was easy-- the price, fabric, style and retailer (ahem, free shipping and no tax, hellloooo Shopbop!) made it a no-brainer. I was a little worried that they wouldn't work, but lo and behold, it's love at first sight! Here's a quick review:

I got a size 27, which promptly sold out hours after I purchased (I kinda love when that happens!). One weird little annoyance: they smelled funky when I opened the package. It's probably the fact that they sat in the heat for days whilst being shipped, but still... a strange, sour smell. They're currently in the wash and I'm sure the odd odor will go away, so no biggie.

The detailing is super cute. The pockets are on the side rather than the front, which is my preference. The zippers near the calf go up to the knee, which would make it difficult to hem if you're a shortie. These are just the right length on my 5'6 frame, if not just a teense too long. So that's a consideration. There are some tabs and non-functional zippers placed horizontally at the back of the knee (the knee-pit?). Overall, just really cute and comfortable! The material is super stretchy, which is a plus in my books, and really soft. I can't wait to wear these when the weather cools a little.

Also in the mail today was my BB Dakota Branson sweater. Ladies, fear not the kinda-poor product shots and baggy look of this sweater. It is adorable in person, really soft and chunky and right on trend for this fall. Way more expensive looking/feeling than the $40 I paid. Get one while you can! Its sure to be a staple in my closet, I just know it.

Falling for the trend: the Cargo Pant.

The J Brand Houlihans blew up bigger than Heidi Montag's boobies this spring, and they're back again (the cargos... not the boobs. Those are here for good, I think). I held off for a while, lovies, because I was super worried about what to wear with them. I mean, I have quite a girly aesthetic... cargo pants? Not so much. But with more and more designers releasing their take, I just may have taken the plunge for fall. My only caveat= that they be skinny cargos rather than the loosey-goosey parachute-material type cargos. Here are some of my picks (most of which are under $100, because let's face it-- I ain't paying that much for cargos):

Easy Money Coin cargo jeans

These were by far my favorites that I've tried on so far. Soooo soft and comfortable, plus flattering on the toosh. I did find them to run a little small (I could wear the 28s!), but nonetheless a great option.

Blank Denim skinny cargos

Blank has a great reputation for fun, trendy pants. I've yet to try these on, but hey-- Kim Kardashian wears them! The zipper detail is adorable on the front pockets, and I like how the leg zippers are on the inside, rather than the outside, of the leg.

Level 99 cargos
I liked these when I tried them on at Anthropologie, but these seem to run a little large. The 25s were best on me.

Victoria's Secret London Jean cargo
Not sure you can beat the price, and the product image makes them look a lot like the J Brand Houlihans. I haven't seen these in person but they look like they could be a great buy!

INC ankle zip cargo
I love most everything INC does because it's usually a nice price and quality material. These seem a bit more streamlined and a little less fatigue-like to me, which makes me like them more, and may be best for those who are still hesitant about the trend in general (kinda like me!).

Which skinny cargos have you tried? And will you be partaking?

OOTD: I'm blue.

I seriously detest that this shirt never photographs in it's actual color. Which is actually teal. While this makes it seem bright blue. All frustrations aside, I really love this blouse and never knew how much wear I would get from it at the time I bought it. Who would have thought I would become a silk blouse freak? All the better, because these pretty little babies will get me through the fall and winter under the blazers I plan on buying.

(p.s.: T-minus 1 day until my DC excursion!)

Blouse: BCBGMax Azria

Skirt: F21 stripe knit skirt

Shoes: Chinese Laundry zebra hair shoes

I really hate to say it, but this is about as print-mixing as I will go. I've seen bunches of other bloggies pulling off the print mix look, but I just can't seem to do it well. This blouse has a pseudo-cheetah print embossed on it; the skirt is striped; and the shoes are zebra. Wild and crazy, eh? I think there must be something about the look that is a little too hectic for me, and especially given the neutral tones of this past spring and now fall, I feel the urge to minimize rather than maximize. (Not that I'm all that great at minimalism, anyway.) (The first step is realizing you have a problem. The second step is realizing you don't want to do anything about it. :) )

OOTN: I must be crazy, but...

The forecast has called for 106 heat-index temperatures all day. What do I decide to do? Go to an outdoor play. Awesome.  :)  Here's the outfit, which is honestly a little more "tribal" than I typically go for, but hey. I've been lately inspired by all the utility-pocketed shirts and cargos I've spotted for fall. Plus, it's so super hot and I don't feel like wearing my go-to white or black F21 shorts tonight. Sigh.

 Top: F21 beaded tank

Shorts: Mossimo army green shorts

Belt: EPIC Apparel beaded belt

Shoes: CV for Target sandals

1. Please ignore my totally horrible photoshop skillz and the fact that I had to photoshop out my bra straps because I forgot to put on a strapless. Ooops. (maybe I just shouldn't have said anything and then you wouldn't have noticed? Too late.)

2. I think I'm teetering on going overboard on the beads, but I also think it works. So I'm sticking with the latter.

3. Who is ready for the weekend? I feel like it should be Friday already. I'm ready for some pool-time, the Anniversary sale and relaxing. Come quickly, Saturday!

Shoe Love: shoes that kill.

It's no secret that I love shoes, just like it's no secret that I like taking risks. However, these shoes by Ruthie Davis? They take that to a whole new level...

Ruthie Davis SPIKE in Dark Gaga, pre-order them here for a whopping $1,395

Just had to share these today. When I saw the email in my inbox this morning from SHE Boutique, I knew this is the stuff that fashion is made of. Artistic, architectural, wonderfully-wacky, almost-unwearable, (totally out of my league).... Not that fashion has to be or even is always like that, but it's inspirational when it is! RD is known for her crazy shoes-- last year I spotted some detachable heel shoes that I thought were pretty neato. If I could, I would totally rock these babies with some skinny jeans and an oversized linen sweater. Casual on top, BAM on bottom. :)

OOTD: the daytime mini.

Don't you just hate it when you have a nice item sitting in your closet that you never wear? This happens to me way more than I'd like to admit. I have a tendency of buying things that I love but aren't super practical. The only upside to this is that it really challenges me to step outside my usual boundaries and switch things up.

So as I was sitting at work today, daydreaming and... well, not really working... I remembered that I haven't given enough attention to my Rebecca Taylor cheetah print skirt. The reason is definitely because it's a "going out skirt." Even though I wish my life were more glamorous, it's pretty true that my weekends don't always allow me to wear my fun little numbers. What's a girl to do? Wear them anyway. And wear them for daytime.

'Course, there are no rules per se for wearing a mini when the light is bright, but I think the best course of action is:
1. Balance the legginess on bottom with some covered-upness on top. This is always a good idea, but more so during the day!
2. Keep jewelry toned down, or else it gets too dressed up.
3. Try flats or sandals instead of heels to maintain the laid-back air.

(note: This is not work friendly. Although somewhat-short skirts are OK in certain office environments, please don't think I pranced in to work today wearing this little ditty. But it's totally day-do-able whilst shopping or catching a nice lunch on a patio. On a non-work day.)

Top: The Limited tee

"Blardigan": Nordstrom BP (Frenchi) cardigan

Skirt: Rebecca Taylor cheetah print skirt (still around here, and cheap!!)

Shoes: Sam Edelman (from Anthro, winter '10) reptilian oxfords (on sale here)

Belt: Express 

Necklace: EPIC Apparel

And, umm, so, why didn't I know Ms. Taylor has an online site? With amazing sale items to boot? ::scurries off to online shop...::

OOTD: It's a skirt, it's a tube...

... iiiitttt's SUPER TOP!

(Admittedly ridiculous. Sorry.)

But no, seriously. Way back when I bought this skirt, I was excited to try it as a tube top, too. See, I don't buy strapless tops or dresses all that often. Not only are they not the most flattering on me, but I lack the equipment to hold them up. But sometimes, I like the idea of them, so this skirt was perfect-- I was buying it as a skirt (and would get most use out of it that way), but also knew I could dip my toes into the pond of tube tops, too. Problem solved.

Plus, after yesterday's outfit, which was pretty mainstreamed, I wanted to spice up my new bell bottoms. I mean, don'chall miss it when I don't wear wacky things?  :)

Top/Skirt: F21 striped mini

Belt: Rodarte for Target leopard bow belt

Jeans: J Brand Lovestory in Falcon

Shoes: Steve Madden Tristano heels

Bracelet: A.V. Max pyramid studded cuff (and... eeeppp!)

Ring: MbMJ bow ring, won from ELECTRICFRINGE (thanks, lady!)

Track Pants Trend

Despite my frustration with fall arriving in the fashion world right when I'm gearing up for sunshine and barbeques, I couldn't help but notice a new trend for fall this morning and yesterday morning-- the track pant. Both Shopbop and Net-A-Porter are suggesting to wear these previously-gym-bound-babies with heels and a pretty shirt (or even simple jersey knit). Here's my quick take-- the same rules that apply to the easy pant apply to the track pant. In fact, I have a feeling the track pant will be taking over for the easy pant come cooler weather.

Honestly? I find myself liking them (go figure). However, there is a fine line between going to the gym and going on a date, so let's review, shall we?

1. Keep it tailored. Juuuust like the easy pant, there needs to be some structure to this look. A blazer with strong shoulders, a cinched in jacket-- anything with obvious lines and some fitted aspects will do.

(Rag and Bone, Fall '10-- they got it down!)

2. Play off the opposites. To make it fun, pair the casual pants with a dressy top. Lace, velvet, brocade, even fur! (all very cold-weather appropriate) would be a great contrast to the relaxed nature of the pants.

(Photo from Mint Velvet)

3. Keep it simple. Although I've seen celebrity iterations of the look with lots-o-layers and fun baubles, for the mainstreamer, it's better to just keep it streamlined. Plus, it's never a great idea to overwhelm a new trend-- you run the risk of looking like a bag lady. Or just plain crazy. (Unless that's what your going for, then...)

(Photo from Fifi.com.au)

4. (Net-A-Porter says...) Wear heels! I agree with this in general, because flats or sandals might give off too much of the casual vibe. Then again, I bet some fun gladiators would work, too. It all depends on everything else worn with them.

(Net-A-Porter)

Other tips or tricks: wear them with a cute bag; choose pants with tapered legs; dare to go edgy; buy them in a neutral hue (grey, black or beige).

So, can you see yourself converting your gym wear to your evening wear? Is this more do-able than the easy pant?