OOTD: The joys of the tailor.

I had my J Brand Lovestory jeans tailored last week because they were waaaay too long. I'm always afraid of high-waters, so I brought some of my tallest shoes with me to get them hemmed. Now I'm sorta wishing I brought some slightly shorter ones, because when I wore them today with my MICHAEL Michael Kors metallic pumps, I was draggin' a bit. That's ok-- I'm sure a few more washes will bring them up a teense, too. Always better to have them too long than too short! (I remember back in the day when it was super-cool to have your jeans dragging on the ground. They'd get all beat up at the bottom and look worn. Maybe that was just my teenage "middle-finger" to the world. Stickin' it to the man. (Errr sumthin.))

Also what went to the tailor with the jeans: my Snowscape Tank (Anthro, Winter '10). I have been meaning to have it tailored for a while now but never got around to it. The jeans were a perfect excuse to bring the blouse along. So glad I did-- it used to be big enough that it would start drooping in the front and looked saggy. Now it sits higher and it's just plain better. Plus, they brought the darts in. You know... because I can't fill out big-girl clothes. Heh. :)

So what's a girl to do with her newly fitted items? Wear them both, at the same time.

(Also, I look tired. Why do I look so tired? I'm not tired. Maybe it's the ponytail. Hmmm.)

Top: Anthropologie Snowscape tank (a lookalike here)

Sweater: F21

Belt: Express

Jeans: J Brand Lovestory in Falcon

Shoes: MMK gold metallic pumps

Earrings: Francesca's Boutique

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!**

OOTD: I feel like an Anthropologie catalog.

My outfit today is Anthropologie-overload (in a good way). It's actually very, very rare that I do that, but it really worked today. The pattern of the abstract butterfly on the top with the flowers makes me think of spring despite the heat were having. Plus, I like it. And that's all that really matters, no? :)

Top: Anthro's Folded Wings tank

Skirt: Anthro's From Monet skirt

Shoes: Elizabeth and James Mason pumps (here in yellow)

Necklace: "Love" by flavanilla (she's on break now, btw)

Bracelets: F21, won from Maria

Short post today... but have a great Friday, all!

OOTD: summer snowscape.

I find myself admiring my Anthropologie/Corey Lynn Calter "Snowscape tank" in my closet but never reaching for it. I think that's because it's a bit difficult to style-- first, it's a little big on me, and second you kinda need a cardigan/jacket that won't hide the pretty. I need to get to a tailor asap, but before I do, I decided to try it out with my pretty "hydrangea" colored cardigan. :)

Top: Corey Lynn Calter (Anthro's Snowscape tank)

Sweater: Nordstrom BP 3/4 sleeve cardi

Pants: Nordstrom Hinge Silk pants

Shoes: Badgley Mischka Halworth pumps

I think the only thing I'd do differently would be to tuck the tank in, because I think it's a little too long with this pants/cardi combo. Either way, I think it works! And although I'm very covered up (a bit too covered for the hot summer), the silk pants, silk top and lightweight cardigan make a perfect combo for an indoor summer affair here in The Big D.

Have a happy and relaxed weekend, my lovies!

Outfit: from the archives, part 1.

Nope, no "OOTD" (and none for possibly the next couple of days). This is for two reasons:

1. I have an odd shark-like sunburn right now, despite my frequent turning-and-basting techniques this weekend. I do hope to remedy this with time and a less martini/sangria filled brain this Saturday. (it's really not all that bad, but I'm still too scared to see what my stupid camera will make my skin tone look like until I have a day or two to even out.)

2. I have some archived photos and this sunburn/weekend come-down has been leaving me wearing my comfiest skirts, dresses and tee shirts. My current outfits aren't really fodder for a fashion blog... so the archives, it is!

Plus, hey... I like this outfit. It's a little weird, because I'm kinda-sorta wearing a cardigan as a shirt (gasp!). This is not a new trick, people, but I'm not usually a cardi gal and don't tend to incorporate them much into the wardrobe. That is, until I discovered the two I recently got at Nordies about a week ago. I love the grey one I wore here because it just seems to fit so well, and the color of this one is just so purrrrdy. It's like hydrangea or something. Not sure I even really know what color a hydrangea is, but I assume it's a pretty purplish-pink like this cardigan. Yep. Aaaaanywho.

Tee: Old Navy black tee

Cardigan: Nordstrom BP 3/4 sleeve cardigan (on sale!)

Skirt: Babooshka Boutique (ohhhh Etsy.)

Belt: F21 bow belt

Shoes: Liliana Bardor pumps

Necklace: Simply Vera Vera Wang

I think I may try this with the cardigan closed for a cleaner look, too. The thing about this skirt is that the paper bag style of it bans me from any sort of longer cardigan over it (or else there are weird bumps). Which, you'd think was OK living in Texas, but nooooo. Air conditioned buildings are brutal, and if you're wearing something that's not sweater or blazer-able, then you're bound to freeze the tush off ya. This was my solution, and it's perfect because the color is almost the exact color of the flowers in the skirt. (The hydrangeas? No, ok, they're some sort of pink daisy hybrid, whatevs.) This, of course, made me love this damn cardigan even more. Ooouff. Ohhh and do you see the pockets? Love the pockets! 

(p.s.... I am quite aware I need to change up my poses. I'm getting a little bored with this inverted right toe thing. I'll get on that, stat.)

OOTD: The easy-peasy pant.

Those of you who read yesterday heard that I found the easy pant I've been looking for! Yippee hooray! You'll remember the fit issues with the Lulu's pants and the resounding distaste for the RM Helmut pant (which, thank you for the honest feedback because it really looks like no one found them attractive on me!)... but I think I've done it. Yes-- found the properly-fitting, nicely tailored, comfy-womfy easy pant! Eeesssh... more like difficult-to-look-decent pant.

This pair really does look great with a large number of items in my closet. I was afraid because of it's slightly voluminous nature that it wouldn't work with looser tops, but I think it still works just fine. Needless to say, I totes recommend these pants. They're TTS, by the way.

(ooops. Tripod and user error-- no head.)

 Top: F21 flowers and ruffles tank

Cardigan: Frenchi cardigan (I love this soooo much)

Pants: Hinge silk pants

Shoes: Steve Madden Tristano

Belt: F21 bow belt

I also styled them with my Zara blazer, another cardigan, some tanks, some silk blouses... doesn't matter. Looked great. I'll be sure and post some more ways to wear them at a later date in time. So what do you think? Have I finally found the pants to save me from my never-ending search? Can my soul finally rest in peace!?  :)

Caught my eye...

I'm not sure why exactly, but I rarely check Arden B for new arrivals, neither online or in the store. I think it's mostly because the window stylings look a little... well, "cheap," in my opinion. At least at the store in Northpark. Anyway, can't recall how I stumbled upon it yesterday, but I found myself browsing through their new spring offerings. Hey-- I was pleasantly surprised! I found a cute dress, romper, and some great blazers whose quality seemed nice. Only seeing the stuff in person will reveal the truth, but I was still inspired to do some Polyvores with a couple items I'm loving. (And even used some of my already owned pieces, just in case I decide to purchase an item or two during my shopping spree in Vegas :) )

Totally loving that dress in the last set. How cute is that, especially paired with the Immutable Jacket? Mmmhmm, might have to be mine. And that white blazer is adorable. I've been looking for one, and really want one that's "girlfriend" style, since the more fitted blazers are coming back for the spring. This might fit the bill nicely. And notice the Foley + Corinna Disco City Bag? Courtesy Shopbop, it should be sitting on my doorstep by Tuesday. Eeeep! :) I love it when I finally make decisions.

Also, quick update: the spur-of-the-moment house thing did not come through. I'm definitely disappointed, but I'm sure there will be something else out there. Things happen for a reason, right? Right.   :)

If you love it so much, why don't you MARRY it?!

... well maybe I will!!!

(Sorry, hubby.)

It'll soon become apparent why that's my title, but before I continue I must shout-out to TWO Rosas right now:

1. To Rosa, who doesn't have a blog, but many of us bloggies know her because she is fantastic and leaves sweet comments on a buncha blogs. Girl, you need your own blog stat. I owe her the biggest thanks because without her, this dress would not be in my possession (I promise not to get too Oscar-y here, k). She kindly scoured her H&M for this dress and apparently got weird-eyed from her husband for beeline-ing to it when she spotted it. Teehee.

2. To Rosa of Love at First Shop, because I first spotted it on her and her sister and fell. in. love. immediately. They looked freekin' adorable, and when I heard it was only $19.95, I begged Rosa (ahem, see above) to find it and send it to me. So thank you to both Rosas!!! :)

Anyway, here is what I love so much that I might marry (well, at least wear until its a dingy shade of tan) (and please pardon the five-gagillion following photos, I'm a tad excited if you can't already tell):

 Dress: H&M Garden Collection dress (made of 100% recycled cotton, eeepp!)

Shoes: Linea Paolo reptile wedges

Review-wise, the dress is made of a very heavy recycled cotton. The dress is unique because it has this reconstructed, bulky look about it, but it somehow maintains an air of lightness and femininity that I love. The flower appliques at the top are a bit frayed at the edges, lending to that gruff demeanor. I just heart.

...and some pics with my new Immutable Jacket (a la Anthropologie) --

Belt: Rodarte for Target leopard belt

Shoes (in 2nd pic): Charles Charles David cage bow pumps

p.s. This jacket goes with everything. Honestly, I was a bit disappointed when I received it-- the material is very polyester-ey and felt cheap. But when I found it literally goes with everything in my closet, I was sold and hooked. So no returning happening here.

And can you blame me for breaking the shopping ban for these things? Hmmm? Nope didn't think so. :)

OMG!! BB vs. SS (again)

I know I just posted a Budget Busters vs. Stylish Substitutes about 10 minutes ago, but get a load of this!!!

Bellatrix (via Nordies) Embellished Silk Racerback Tank, $78!!!

Why, hello there, you oh-so-similar tank top. I purhcased this (almost) exact thing from Anthropologie (Corey Lynn Calter) just this winter. Hrmph. Can you believe it's only $78?! Granted, I only spent about that myself since I waited on a sale, but here I was thinking it was a unique piece. Goes to show ya everyone copies everyone. At least the good news is for those of you who hesitated and didn't get it-- well, here y'are! :)

Rain, rain, come back!

... sooooo totally NOT like me to say that. I hate the rain. But when I received a huge package in the mail on Thursday, courtesy dav Rain, I was counting down the days until Dallas sees a downpour again. I have hesitated on buying rain boots because, frankly, I think most of them are rather hideous. It's hard to be a "shoe girl" and wear rain boots since they're usually so clunky, unfashionable and blah. But I knew I wanted a pair, not just for practicality but because the adorable Brits at the 2009 Glastonbury festivals looked so darned cute in 'em!

I think I found my answer.

dav's rainboots are so cute! They carry not just a ton of color/pattern options, they also carry tons of styles (I had a hard time not getting some of the rain flats). And not only that, but you can get rain-proofed purses, umbrellas and luggage, too. It's a one-stop shop for rain gear. Yay! They were awesome enough to let me pick out a pair of boots and my fave accessory, so here's what I got:

(Holy hair!!)

These are the English Floral Sky Blue boots. Oh so cute! And check out those adorable little birds on the umbrella! I didn't want to open it in the house, 'cuz, well you know.  As for the product, I think they looked exactly the same in the product pictures and no surprises, which is  nice to find. The material is made of a very sturdy but still movable material, and the best part? They're lined with a super-soft and comfy fleece. So my feet will be dry and cozy. The foot-bed is padded for extra comfort, too. Overall, a great product and I recommend if you're still looking for rain boots or need a new pair. (p.s.: the umbrella seemed pretty sturdy and went up and down rather easily, but time will tell as always!) Thank you, dav!!!

Budget Buster vs. Stylish Substitute

And now it's time for an installment of the very few and far between post called "Budget Buster vs. Stylish Substitute." Found this, had to let ya'll know:

Nordstrom BP Lush Rosette Ruffle Tank, $28

Look familiar? Yep, a rip-off of J.Crew's Ruffles and Roses tank from this Fall.  I love mine to pieces (see here), but it's now sold out online. The BP knock-off isn't as frilly and nicely embellished as the J.Crew version, but for anyone who wished they got it or just like the looks of this one here, it's a steal at $28. And in 3 colors (teal, grey and black). The only thing I don't really dig is the slubby material, which in my honest opinion, may need to go away soon (sez the girl who just wore burnout in a recent outfit, oy).

Valentine's outfit Revealed!

Happy Valentine's day, bloggies!!

The outfit's really not all that exciting, because it's basically an outfit I've posted before with a few tweaks. Oh well... I am rather excited about wearing this skirt, though, because you Fetching Fashions Frequenters will remember how much I loved this upon spotting it a month or so back. Sigh.

 

  

  

Just can't decide where to wear the socks... higher? lower? I just adjusted them all night. Gotta love thigh-highs...

Top: Free People lace top

Skirt: Anthro's From Monet Skirt

Socks: from Nordies 

Shoes: the beloved Steve Madden Tristanos

Necklace: Baker's mixed metals chain necklace

I'm not sure about this whole pairing-- I couldn't quite decide if I looked trampy or feminine. (I think the socks were what made that a question.) But what's done is done, and what's fashion without risks? hehe... and as you can tell, I decided against buying something new. I really have too many unworn dressy items in my closet to get a whole new outfit that will sit in the closet until another special occasion. A good decision on my part (you know, to make those lots of bad decisions a little less problematic).

OOTD: Feelin' the color

I finally did it! I created an outfit with color! Woah.

  

 

Blazer: BCBG Max Azria puffed sleeve blazer

Shirt: F21 purple ruffle tank

Skirt: F21 Floral skirt (Twist line)

Shoes: Nine West covered platform pumps

Necklace: I have no idea.

Belt: Steve Madden

A few less pictures today, lovies. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, but it was so bright taking these pictures that all of my faces came out squinty. I love me some sunshine, but I have to say, the best pictures turn out when it's overcast. It's the curse of blue eyes... too sensitive to sun. Sigh. :)

This outfit is pretty different than what I've been doing lately-- it's much more tailored and feminine (and, GASP, has color!). That's what I love about fashion-- tweak this top here with that skirt there, and BAM, a whole different persona. I could easily wear this to work and then grab a drink afterward. Another good day-to-night ensemble.

Also, thanks for all the opinions on the Shopbop wishlist! Still not sure what I'm going to do (seems like most of you loved that Rory Beca dress!), which means I may not be diggin' any of them enough. We shall see.

Etsy Designer spotlight

Morning, everyone! Since I love independent designers and love to support them, I'm thinking about starting a spotlight post a few times a month on designers I find and fall in love with. I'm going to kick off this feature with a designer I found from the ever-wise Dramatis Personae. Color Me Conscious, a designer from my parent's home-state of New Jersey, designs with a purpose: a portion of each sale goes to a "cause of the month." For January and February, Color Me Conscious will donate a portion of proceeds to Heart Disease Awareness Prevention, RED. (Check out her Etsy site for more info on the cause and, obvi, her amazing designs.) How cool is that? Oh and wait. Check out her super-insane-pretty-awesome cuffs. I'm a-gettin' me one of these babies.

Of course, she designs other things, too, and everything is just so pretty. But these cuffs are what my dreams are made of. And that picture right there above? That print will go PERFECTLY with my F21 Twist skirt and Steve Madden Zebra pumps, hello?! It's like she read my mind.

Anyway, check her out! And tell me what you think...