Shopping Reflections

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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!!)

Go Check it: ASOS US

Just a quickie little post today, lovies. I have some midterms, papers and I'm giong out of town this weekend (to San Antone!) so I'll be a bit MIA. Just wanted to draw attention to the new US ASOS site that's officially up! Many of you already know this but some might not, so I wanted to alert y'all. The general scoop is this: the site is made for more "American sensibilities" but is still being shipped out of London. So import duties may still remain, just FYI. I don't know about y'all but I'm thinking about placing an order! Here are some picks....

Warehouse Wool Skirt

(Long, 50's-inspired skirts are very right-now! I actually love this entire outfit.)

 ASOS Ruched Blazer

(Can never have enough blazers.)

ASOS Tassel Cardi

(despite the yeti-quality, I really like this!)

Thing the Interwebs Got Wrong: BB Dakota sweater jacket

Oh Shopbop... dear Shopbop. Please don't hate me forever for this post because I love you, I do. But this is pretty bad...

Option 1. Purchasing cute BB Dakota Branson sweater jacket on Shopbop for $85.

Option 2. Purchasing same exact jacket on Lulu's for $41. (No contest. Sorry.)

How is this possible? The same thing, at more than half-price difference. I've seen some minor price differences with some sites ($5 here, $3 there...). But a $44 dollar difference? You could buy two of them for the same price that Shopbop wants to charge us for one, AND have $3 left over for a soda and candy bar. Eeesssh.

Crazy interwebs...

Spring Fling Things, Part 1

Although I'm still having trouble with buying committment (when will it end?!), I'm finding a bunch of stuff that I'm excited about. Of course, it's all spring stuff, which is tough because I'm realizing that spring is still far away and this cold, dreary weather will be here to stay for at least another month. But a girl can dream, and she sure is...

So I've been wearing a lot of my eShakti jacket because of it's warmth factor and it's rather neutral-yet-sparkly pallatte. I decided to check out the site again today to see what they're doing for Spring, and I was very, very pleased. The site looks like it's getting better, and they even have some featured "collections" which are very cute. Here are my picks, which are all extremely reasonably priced and super on-trend for the season! (p.s. I had a hard time narrowing these down, so get ready for an onslaught of photos!)

Lurex Jacket: ($69) So friggin cute, this better end my shopping hiatus because I'm not sure what else will.

I love the colors on this Poplin stretch dress; ($49)almost nautical, but definitely very spring-day-of-shopping worthy.

I love the Ruffled jersey top with gold belt ($39.95); it reminds me of an Anthro piece!

The floral applique knit tank ($39.95)is precious and the detailing looks very rich.

This Layered Panels jersey tank dress ($49.95) will be perfect for my Vegas trip coming up-- hot hot hot!

The color of the Silk panels tunic ($49.95) is perfect for this Spring and was definitely all over the runways.

This Floral Rosette trim tank ($29) is so sweet! and get a load of it's pin below...

If you're just interested in the pin from the top above, ($12.95) they sell it separately and it's adorable, right?

And if that one's not for you, this one is insanely pretty ($12.95) and I must have thanks.

Again, I can't speak to their standard sizing and I've heard some folks say the shirts/tunics have run a little long. However, I'm sure the nice folks over there would easily tell you the measurements of the standard sizes of the particular items so you can know ahead of time. And the custom feature comes with a fee, of which I'm not sure the amount. All I can say is I love my eShakti jacket and can't wait to order some more pieces this coming season. Let's see how my committment phobia holds up to these eye candies...

OOTD: The best skirt EVER.

I've been wanting this F21 lace skirt since I saw it in the store 2 weeks ago. I didn't get it at the time because I had a whole bunch of other things to pick up, but after a few weeks of sleeping on it, I realized I needed it in my life. What I didn't know, though, was how versatile it would really be.

Everyone needs this, especially if you're wanting to try the lace trend for Spring '10. I think this skirt would be flattering on a whole bunch of body types-- the only problem is the sizing. I sized up to a Medium so I could wear it lower (so it'd be a bit longer and more appropriate). But if you can make it work, then do it! Fo'realz.

First attempt: My Polyvore creation. The real reason I actually bought it was to go with my eShakti blazer, and it definitely hit the mark in my books.

 

  

  

  

 

Second attempt: Menswear inspired. This baby was begging me, just begging, to be contrasted with menswear-inspired looks. So I did this, and I quite like it!

 

  

  

  

Third attempt: The peeking slip. I realized this skirt could be a great solution to some of my shorter dresses that were making their way to the end of the line in my closet. Lo and Behold, this little lacey number spruced up an otherwise short and boring hot pink sweater dress. Yay!

 

Really, it's saving me money. It's allowing me to wear all those other items that go unworn. So it was practically free. Or less than free! (rationalization = awesome)Yep. A great purchase. And so pretty and cheap. SCORE.

Fun Find: The 2 Bandits

I love finding new things on the internet, and so when I came across this (via DailyCandy), I had to share with my lovies. The 2 Bandits is a company that sells boot bands to spice up your plain-jane bootehs! What a great way to take last season's boots and make 'em exciting again! Or even this season's and just add a little extra oomph. You just slip em on over the boot, pull them up to the desired height and then adjust them so they stay put. Et voila, a fun accessory for your feet. Go check out the site, but for now, here are my picks:

How fah-reekin cute are those, right?!

Pro-brogue

Came across these this morning while browsing and had to share...

Forever 21 gold metallic oxfords

I own some gold brogues from Anthropologie (going to have to do an OOTD with them soon because they are fabulous), and these pretties from F21 could be a good alternative (with a cheaper price tag!). Of course, the comfort levels may be different, as the Sam Edelman's I own are fantastically comfortable. But still a great lookalike!


I've found that lots of you are not a fan of the brogue thing, but I think they are so cute and a fun way to off-set a feminine outfit. And hey, at $24, it's worth a try, no? :)

Inspiration Board: WhoWhatWear

I love http://www.whowhatwear.com/ and read it daily. I usually can find oodles of inspiration and love "shopping their closet." Sigh. Today was no exception-- in fact, it might be the most inspirational one yet! (well, for me at least.)

(Check 'em out directly for a better view of this board-- blogger apparently does not want to upload a decent image. Argh)

This is just the kind of look I want to achieve more often. It's that effortless yet still pulled together look. I rely too much on rosettes, ruffles and sequins to do the talkin', but I really think that truly amazing style doesn't need all that to shine. Instead, the best things are the understated, architectural pieces that invoke an artistic aura. I just wish I had more of this in my closet. (not that I don't love me some sparkle or ruffle, obvi I do, and there is definitely a place for them in every girl's wardrobe!)

Some highlights for me:

1. That F21 leopard top I've been staring at and not buying because of my closet FULL of leopard.

2. That Topshop dress, even if it is maternity.

3. Oh, those shoes. Those Dolce Vita shoes. When will I bite the bullet on them!?

4. The Cynthia Vincent overzised navajo sweater. DIE.

5. The F21 skirt.

Shiiiiz, I'll just take it all, thanks. What are your picks? Do you love this board as much as I do?

Another eshakti offer!

Afternoon, all!

Remember that website I told ya'll about recently, called www.eshakti.com? OK, well they emailed me to let me know that if you use code 5IiKOr at checkout, you can get $20 off of a $30 purchase. (until the end of the month) Uhh... doing the math, that means you get 66% off! Nice! Yes, thanks, I'll take $30 worth of merch for $10. And remember to check out their necklaces, which I'm dyin' for. Like I said, I'll be featuring the jacket I ordered soon to let you know what I think of their custom services. Yippee!

Be back later with an OOTD, featuring the one-and-only Snowscape blouse. Sigh. :)

Lusting for Leopard-- a fashion-find

I understand that many people do not like animal print. And in a post not too long ago, I revealed my premonition about becoming a spinstress decked in head-to-toe leopard print. Yet, I still have a serious addiction to it. Serious. I was at my tailor today (last minute alterations before NYE'10) and both pieces were leopard print. Although the girl next to me said, "Cute!", her eyes told me the truth. YOU THINK I'M TACKY.

Whatevs.

Because of this particular problem, I saw this and "eeeppped!" a little. Actually, a lot.

Gianni Bini Zahara Dress: $44.40

You may not agree, but I actually think animal print can be classy and elegant. And it's something that never seems to go out of style. This dress has got that element of timelessness that I adore. For $44.40? Yes, please, thanks.

Don't get me wrong, though. Leopard has a fine line. And when it goes bad, it's nasty. Here's my proof, and my desire to show you that I'm not crazy and I'm really just like the rest of you: I believe there are some things that should never, ever, EVER leave a fabric store.

Audrina Patridge? Is that you!? No, no... but seriously. NO.

Although I've been tempted to give some leopard leggings a try, this is not what I had in mind.

I don't care if you're single and never want to be married-- these are not even appropriate for the sheets to see.

Babies, seriously. What were you two...?... oh no, wait. THIS IS FRIGGIN' ADORABLE.

Endless 40% off

Just in case you haven't had your fill of sales, Endless.com is doing a "12-Days of Christmas" sale, where different sales are featured for 12 consecutive days. I am DROOLING over today's section, which includes many a pick from L.A.M.B., Badgley Mischka, and Kate Spade (among many others) for 40% off. I didn't list prices, but you can search the site, and believe me, what great discounts! Here are my picks (NOTE: One of them will be on my doorstep TOMORROW! can you guess which?)

Kate Spade Glamour Pump

Pura Lopez R531 in red

Kate Spade Gratis Pump

Kate Spade Heart Pump

Badgley Mischka Haworth Pump

Ted Baker Elki Pump

Betsey Johnson Kazan Sandal

Hurry-- it ends tomorrow. With another sale of some sort. But it makes me wonder what could be better than this!?

Skirt problem: Solved!

I found a pseudo-solution to the F21 skirts/dresses problem. Get a larger size and wear them on your hips! Genious... (*flips hair*)

Skirt: F21 pink ruffles skirt (here)
Top: Limited black short sleeved turtleneck

Sweater: Juicy Couture ivory cardigan
Belt: Anthro's tea rose (here)

Necklace: strand of pearls from ?
Shoes: Steve Madden slouch boots

I didn't have time to take a full shot this morning, so it's hard to see the whole thing... but you're smart and you get the idea.



Another solution for skirts is always a slip or slip skirt underneath... I am a little sad that this one from Sock Dreams is so short, or else it would be mine in a splity.

How cute would that lace be sticking out from a simple A-line black skirt? Ohhhh love. Maybe a tailor could add length at the top... or maybe I'll just buy it to look at it. Sigh. :)