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. :)

OOTD: New venue.

Woah, woah. Is Justine doing two -- count 'em, TWO -- OOTDs in one week? It must be that Christmas magic in the air.

I thought I would try a new venue-- my front porch. If there's one thing I've learned about my point-and-shoot digital camera it's that it takes shoddy indoor photos. Its true abilities come out only in natural, bright light. Since I had a few minutes to spare this morning (skipping classes will do that for ya. Ooops.) I thought I'd try it on for size. Personally... me likey.

Top: Tucker blouse

Sweater: Nordstrom (kinda similar here)

Pants: BLANK denim skinny cargos (get 'em here)

Necklace: F21

Belt: F21 (here)

Shoes: Zinc (from a local boutique a long time ago)

And yes, my hair is now brown. I didn't feel like paying for keeping it up, so this is box hair color. I know... not good for hair health, yadda yadda. But c'mon, people. This is cheap and easy. :)

Pick(s) of the Day! (12.1.10)

While I haven't done this in a while, I just couldn't resist posting these gorgeous holiday shoes. Since I have two weddings coming up this winter, I've been on the lookout. And these might just do the trick, yes'siree...

J. Renee Erica Pump

Badgley Mischka Keeper Pump (love in the nude!)



Both avaiable from Nordstrom, both equally amazing. While I've never tried a pair of J.Renee shoes, I do own two pairs of Badgley Mischkas, and I must say-- they are even prettier in person! Which would you wear to your holiday soiree??

Recent buy: Miu-Miu inspired flats.

It sort of feels like my style personality has done some shifting since I started this blog over a year ago. My natural inclination is to overdose on frills, embellishments and girly details. But with the start of school and my seriously-serious desire to be comfortable at all times, practicality has set in. Therefore, I've been on this one month long search for the perfect pair of flats. My perfect pair would be an amalgamation of a pointed toe, a feminine detail, real leather and a trendy element. So I started with leopard, thinking that I could really use a little more animal in my life (ha.). I bought these Nordstrom BP leopard print flats in an effort to be stylish, simple and economical, but honestly? They just hurt my toes within 5 minutes of wear.

I then spotted these, which I thought were a nice combo of edgy and feminine. But I couldn't help but wonder-- do they walk the line of an 80-year old Grandma? Guess it didn't help that the reviews I found on Nordie's site were all from 45 years older and up. Hmmm.

I really sifted through the options, utilizing the ever-practical Shopstyle search but still came up flat. (oh yes I did just say that.)  Then, searching through the bowels of Shopbop (always comes to the rescue!), I found these seriously-reminiscent Miu Miu lookalikes... and although economical isn't really a word I can use to describe them, PERFECT is.

Vera Wang Lavender Label Gillian flats 

 (The Miu-Miu originals)

Thanks to a few Shopbop gift cards and an understanding husband, I found my new fall flats.  I think I can even say I like my Vera Wangs more than the Miu Mius! The silken bow is a nice touch, and I love mixing textures. Plus this dove grey color is insane in person. Oh, and the soft leather is crazy-comfy, too. For anyone looking for a great fall flat (and willing to spend a bit of dough), I definitely recommend. Who says I must abandon my frilly ways for comfort? Miss Vera, you've proved me wrong.

OOTD: Hi fall, it's me, Justine.

As if by miracle, Dallas had a cold front come through yesterday! It was amazing. 75 degrees and I almost considered the need for a sweater. It might not sound "cold' to some of you, but I cannot tell you how grateful I was to step outside in jeans (!!) and not sweat right through them. Getting in my car was not like walking through the gates of hell! Whooooppeee!!

(it's the little things, my readers. Little.)

Top: Seventy Two Changes boxy tee

Jeans: AE Super Skinnies

Flats: nicole (DSW) metallic buckle flats

Necklace: Topshop

I am quite intrigued, by the way, with this box hair color. It started out as a nice brown... then the blonde started showing through... and now it seems somewhat golden-like with red roots (you can kinda see it in the last picture if you click on it to make it bigger). Hmmm. I'm still ok with it considering the cost! But about this top... I've worn it before with shorts but I just love the way it looks with a fancy necklace and jeans. So cute! Plus it will be great with a chunky sweater when the temps get even colder than 75, sort of like they did on the product page of Nordie's site. (Which I'm not a huge fan of after the change. Thoughts?)

OOTD: out of practice.

I've been way slacking on OOTD posts, this I know. Here's the excuse: have you checked the temps out there? I mean, Dallas has had 110 heat indices for about 3 weeks now. At first, I could handle it. Now I'm over it, and frankly, if I can get from my car to an air conditioned building without sweat stains on my clothes it's a success. I wish I were exaggerating but it's the gods-honest-truth. Yuck.

I had this outfit in the archives from before I went to DC. Actually, I wore this dress on our first night there and have yet to wear it for the blog. I bought it originally for my bridal shower last summer and thought it was the perfect thing to wear to something summery and bridal-ey, but the great thing is that it's just plain great to wear anytime. Minus the sweat stains. :)

Dress: Hannah G scalloped tiered dress (Nordstrom)

Belt: F21 bow belt

Jacket: F21 sequin jacket

Shoes: JS Cedary sandals

How are you beating the heat? Hopefully you've been more successful than me.  :)

OOTD: Free flowin'.

If there is one style I love love love, it has to be the easy breezy cotton/jersey look. Granted, I think my style incorporates a lot of femininity and sometimes even edginess, but I'm always most comfortable in a loose top and leggings. I think that's why I fell pretty hard for the Seventy Two Changes top at Nordstrom's Anniversary sale. Its also great because it can be as easily worn now as it will be in the fall months. It may not be to everyone's liking (my friend's mother saw it on my blog and said, "What is that?!", hehe) but as long as you're not wearing it with some loose pants or sweats, it really looks adorable. Case in point: ---->

(Batwings!!)

Top: Seventy Two Changes boxy tee

Shorts: F21

Shoes: Nine West

Necklace: Flavanilla (Etsy shop) Love necklace

There is a good reason this thing is called the boxy tee, and you can best see why in the last photo: it's literally in the shape of a square with holes in it for arms to pop out. The pockets just drape. The thing that really makes it has to be the little metallic stud details that add a little fun and make it more than just a sweatshirt-type top. This will look super cute with some leggings and booties for sure-- it even looks cute off the shoulders.

Well... I like it, anyway.  :)  Have a great Monday, lovies!

(and look, Ma, I'm finally getting a tan! Zoiks!)

Shifting into fall: RESULTS.

Fetching Fashions here to report on the Nordstrom Ann'y Sale! :)

First, my take on the things I was shopping yesterday:

The Sanctuary cargos: Although some seem to really like these, I'm still on the fence. I just think they're not very "me" despite the fact that they're a trend. Plus, they didn't seem to fit me right. The material was nice but I was hoping for something a bit softer. I'm still contemplating getting the real thing, but with my doubts about them being my style, not sure it's the best idea. Skipped.

The Lily White banded skirt: very cute, but definitely an $18 skirt if you catch my drift. Something F21 may have sold. I feel like it was pretty every-day and not all that special. Granted, it is only $18, but I passed for now. I may change my mind and get it, but with all the other things I'm saving for, I just don't think I need this skirt.

Nick and Mo jacket: not sold in my store. Argh. I was really looking forward to seeing this one!

HUE corduroy leggings: As I was walking up to the rack of leggings, a cute little sales girl came up and told me to act fast because they were already almost sold out. Hmm, ok. I tried these on in the greyish color and really like them. I understand why they're selling! They are soft and somewhat thick, definitely reserved for cooler months. I think they'll go well with lots of things in my closet and will be perfect for wearing to class and lounging about. Plus, only $22. Purchased.

Things I spotted but didn't talk about:

Halogen Olivia boots: I did not try these babies on, but I thought they were really nice. A simple, black boot. Something I really should purchase sooner than later. Unfortunately, the idea of wearing boots right now makes me feel ill (literally-- this heat is making me nauseous!) so I couldn't bring myself to buy.

REPORT Monroe boots: So pretty. I thought these were nice in every color. Very versatile and great price at $109. I would recommend... but again, see comment above re: feeling ill thinking about them. Sigh.

Seventy Two Changes Boxy tee: Something I completely overlooked online and thought nothing of, until the nice SA snuck it in to my fitting room while I was trying other things. Funny thing, I didn't get anything I brought in and instead left with this on her suggestion! Thanks, Nordies SA! :) Its just so nice and comfortable-- it's a super-soft jersey and has nice little pyramid studs on it. It was so cute with my J Brands and Topshop necklace (thanks, T, who recently visited Brighton, England!) that I had to buy it. Impulse much?

Also tried on the Patterson J Kincaid harem pants and liked them, but wasn't sure if I looked like I dropped a load in them or not. Passed.

In other shopping news, I went a searchin' for this pretty cardigan that Chloe featured on her shopping blog and didn't find it. Curse you, Dallas retail buyers who aren't getting sweaters because it's hot as bejeezus here! But it's high on my wishlist for sure!

How did ya'll fare at the Ann'y sale??

Shifting into fall...

It's a huge dilemma, people: do I fall into fall in the middle of July? Or do I hold out?

I think the problem is twofold: 1. There are so many cute new fall items out there. 2. I will not be able to wear said cute items for probably another 4 months. Sad story, but true for us Southerners. However, if I will be shopping, I ought to be shopping fall since my summer closet is pretty filled to the brim.

With these considerations in mind, I will trek to my local Nordstrom today to see what I can see of the Anniversary sale. Here's what I'll be shopping (lest the 106 degree temps make me faint):

Sanctuary Peace cargos, on sale for $78.90 (and believe you me, that ugly belt will be promptly removed.)

Lily White Banded Skirt, on sale for $17.90 (!)

Nick and Mo Ruffle Jacket, on sale for $39.90 (I am a little worried I'll be sized out of this.)

Hue Cords leggings, on sale for $21.90 (looks cozy!)

And, because Shopbop is like crack, I also bought this pretty little fall piece last night:

Alice + Olivia Wrap Around Cardi

Outfit: from the archives, part 2.

Given the current state of affairs at Fetching Fashions Central, there are no cute outfits to be had. Nor are there places to blog. Nor is there motivation (sorry). But... there are archives. So here we go.

Top: UO silk shirt

Skirt: F21 lace skirt

Belt: Anthropologie Tea Rose belt

Shoes: Liliana bow pumps

Necklace: Express, old old.

When I got my IRO shorts in the mail last week, I decided to take some pictures wearing them different ways and suddenly got inspired to create this outfit instead. Some of the pics I take don't end up going on the blog, mostly because since creating this thing, I've seen how really, really useful photographing outfits can be, blog or no blog. This was one of those things... it was a bit of an experiment and mostly just curiosity, since I haven't worn this belt in a while AND I don't tend to like wearing shirts un-tucked. This shirt has to go un-tucked most of the time because it's a little too short for me (curse long torsos!).  Anyway, I like the way it turned out, and figure it's good fodder for this week, since I need to remember what it looks like when I clean up. HA. :)

Also, I'll throw this one in there because I really like it... how I originally envisioned this shirt to be styled that day, with the IRO shorts (I had to tie the drawstring tight so the shirt wouldn't come un-tucked!):

Top: UO silk shirt

Shorts: IRO Mya shorts

Shoes: Elizabeth and James Mason pumps

Necklace: Nordstrom

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!

OOTD: Switching places.

(Quick update! Please go check out my post on Jen's blog, The Look For Less. I participated in her "3 Wishes" summer series and had so much fun doing so. Thank you, Jen!!)


Yesterday, the loverley Erinn gave me a shout-out on her bliggity blog for being a flowy blouse repeat-offender. Can't argue there! :)  Today, I'm throwing her a shout-out in the way of one of her fave staple pieces: the grey cardigan. This may be a go-to for her, but for me, it's really unusual. And I'm totally loving it. (maybe it's a cheat, because isn't it reminiscent of a blazer? oh, me.) Last night, I  paired it with my lacy shorts, a cream colored tee and a bib necklace to create what I'd like to think is "laid-back chic." Ahem.

Tee: The Limited, oldie

Sweater: Nordies Frenchi cardigan

Shorts: F21 lace shorts

Shoes: Elizabeth and James Mason pumps (only left in lime)

Necklace: Charlotte Russe

Bracelets: courtesy Maria! (from F21)

(Yay for sunburn having faded! I can now rejoin the ranks of the normal-hued civilization! Do I look tanner? Yeah, no. Oh well.)

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: A color encore...

First thing's first: I had a very good and productive day yesterday.

1. I finally found out about my financial aid, and looks like we're getting more than I thought, which is great. Especially with the whole house thing looming... no one wants a mortgage + a lack of funding. So, crisis averted!

2. As I mentioned yesterday, my new closet has shoe cubbies. That fact alone will probably put a smile on my face for some time to come. I'm definitely planning on being really organized and creative with my new closet and will make sure to do closet photos when we move in.  (side note: for those of you asking for pics, I'll be sure and do those... eventually. I'm a little embarrassed by my poor decorating skillz, so although I'm exercising my design-bone, I'm a novice. And you have to bare with me. Merci.)

3. I was quite productive shopping yesterday! I got two new cardigans (here and here) and a fantastic new pair of pants. As you may know, I've been in the market for non-jean pants and finally found them. They are the Hinge silk pants, and as a quick review: they run TTS and are made of the softest and prettiest silk. Fabulous... I recommend for anyone in the market for the "soft/easy pant" look.  (Outfits with them to come.) I've been so bad about getting staple-pieces recently, so these new additions will maximize my closet and hopefully even save me some moolah in the future.

4. I, like many of you, realized how underwhelming the Anthropologie sale really is, and saved myself some serious dough. :)

Anyway, on to an outfit. With PINK. MORE PINK.

(By the way, still not sure this all works together-- something about the blazer and shorts combo? I think I'm worried about the proportions. I think it's ok, but still not 100% positive... this is what these photos are for, lovies!)

(hahaha... that face! I was trying to be fierce, and then started to laugh...)

Top: BCBG pink tee

Blazer: Zara Basics blush blazer

Shorts: UO ruffle tap shorts

Shoes: Steve Madden Tristanos

Necklace: Bakers multi-chain necklace