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... ?

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. :)

Not-OOTD: Snow day!

So, just like about 40% of the nation, I'm having my second snow-day today in good ole' Texas. Yep. Snow day, in Texas. Poor Superbowl guests, hoping for sun and fun and getting sheets of ice and snow instead. It's pretty horrific around here, but I can't complain. I haven't had school yet this week!

And since I've not been able to leave the house, you'll understand why no current outfits are to be had. However, I realized I had one old outfit to share with you. It makes me pine for the days of 55 degree weather we should be having right now. *Le sigh.* I think the reason it was never posted is because I'm not that crazy about it. It's a little casual and the cord leggings just never did me right. I bought them waaaay back when Nordies did their fall pre-sale and thought they would rock. Instead, they just look like too-tight pants. Win some, lose some, eh?

 Top: F21 sequin sweatshirt 

Pants: HUE cord leggings

Necklace: Francesca's boutique

Bracelet: Tom Binns x Disney Couture 

Boots: ROSEGOLD Sandra Convertible boots

Also, I have some great news to share. Over the past few weeks, I've become more and more committed to skin care and beauty products. I know, I know-- I am a confessed beauty idiot, but my changing and aging skin is starting to push me towards paying more attention to it. I've changed up my skin care regimen and have been really pleased with the results so far (less flakiness and redness! Wahoo!) So, it was crazy-timely when Skincarerx.com and Apothica.com contacted me this week about sponsorship. While the details are still being worked out, it does mean one thing for Fetching Fashions: more beauty/skincare reviews and discussions worked in with my love of fashion! I'm pretty excited to get more involved in the beauty-blogging world and hope you're as excited as me.

Here's to new adventures (and taking better care of my skin!).

OOTD: Furry business.

I rarely wear this faux-fur vest from The Limited because it just sort of overtakes the outfit. However, I've seen it on other bloggers (so cute here on Krystal!) and decided to wear it despite its largeness. Honestly, I think it looks ok, now that I'm seeing it in photos. Maybe I've changed my mind on it, after all.

Also. The semester has begun in full force! Which means more of Justine trying her hardest-and-darndest to keep up with FF. But I'm committed, so no worries. Just be nice when I'm a sporadic-blogger again. I know, I can't stand it either. But my degree (and mounting debt) calls. :)

 Vest: The Limited faux fur vest

Top: Parker cinched waist top (here, in gray!)

Jeans: AE Super Skinnies

Shoes: Nine West

Necklace: Forever 21

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

OOTD: All anthropologie, all the time.

Every once in a while, I'll find myself grabbing pieces for an outfit and realizing, "Hey. This is all anthropologie stuff." Sometimes I feel a little geeky and will change so I'm not wearing 100% one brand, but sometimes I'll say the heck with it and wear it proudly. Today was the latter.

Top: Pyrus Linnea Blouse (here)

Jacket: Idra Edited Suede Jacket (find on ebay!)

Jeans: Level 99 Lily Straight Leg (LOVE these, here!!)

Necklace: Frozen Globes Necklace (here)

Shoes: Vera Wang flats (the only non-anthro item on me now!)

Re: the blouse. I know a lot of reviewers thought it was way too boxy, and it's true. It's quite boxy. However, I really like my silk blouses to be light, airy and loose, so it's perfect. Plus I'm a layering whoooor, so again, it works. Re: the jeans. These things are like a glorified jegging and are ahhhhmazing! I totally recommend, especially at under $100. They are just as nice, if not nicer, than my expensive designer jeans. Just what I was looking for. 

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IN addition... I have another blog sale offering I found whilst rummaging through the closet. It's an Anthropologie Guinevere cardigan, ca. 2007 or so, worn once. Size S. I'm selling it for $55 shipped (or best offer). It's actually gorgeous but a little too big on me. I never seem to reach for it. It's so very anthropologie, too, isn't it?? Any interest??? :)

OOTD/Review: Gap Wide Leg trousers

A few posts back, I talked about how much I'm loving the 70's vibe 2011 has to offer, specifically wide leg pants. I bought the Gap Perfect khaki pants in slate grey (pavement). Technically, these aren't advertised as wide-leg, but from the product shot they sure look like it.

Top: Patterson J. Kincaid Harlow blouse (here in other colors; also on sale at Neiman's!)

Tank (under): BP cami (here-- I freekin' love these things)

Pants: Gap perfect fit khakis (here)

Belt: F21

Necklace: F21

Shoes: MICHAEL Michael Kors gold pumps

Review: While they are wide leg, they are not super wide leg. They are mostly straight leg with a little wideness. Which is okay, even though I was hoping they would fit slightly wider. Overall I do like them a lot. I chose pavement as a color because I thought khaki was too prep for me and white was not an option when I purchased. They sit low on the waist (8 or so inch rise) and are a pretty great inseam for me. They also come in short and tall. I bought a size 2, which was initially too big but after a wash and dry they're great. The 0 was a little to snug, pulling at the front too much. Therefore, I'd say they're pretty TTS.

Hope that helps anyone who was thinking about buying. Also, stay tuned tomorrow for a little blog sale for the new year. I've got some Anthro pieces for sale, a pair of wonderful jeans and some other goodies. :)

OOTD: Warm tones.

I thought the title, "Warm tones," was better than "This shade of green sorta reminds me of boogers." Right?

 Sweater: J.Crew Dulphine open cardi (here, in other colors)

Shirt: The Limited sequin tee (here)

Jeans: J Brand Lovestory (here, different wash)

Shoes: CV for Target wedges

Belt: Forever 21

Necklace: ShoptheLook.net

In all seriousness, I heart this sweater. I spotted it when it was full price on J.Crew's site but I rarely buy online because of their crazy-ridiculous shipping prices (no, I don't want to add another $100 to my cart to save $15 in your insane shipping prices. Grrr). When I went into the store after Christmas I saw it on sale for $49, but I still just wasn't biting. After many a passing thought about it, I saw it yesterday for the $49 plus 40% off so I finally bit. Yay! The color is such a great warm tone despite its boogery-ness. And with pink, it's perfect. Good thing I have a few more shirts in the same pink/mauve tone to pair it with.

Also, I realized all of the things I'm wearing were bought on a good bargain, making this outfit come to about $150 rather than the full price, which I calculated to be around $500 (that is when you consider what an original pair of CV wedges cost! OK, so I cheated.).

OOTD: Remixing the NYE dress

On NYE, I wore this Rory Beca silk dress (sold out in purple) because it was the perfect combo of casual and dressy. Since my new year's festivities were pretty simple, I decided to wear something I knew I would be able to wear in other ways. Here's my quick, first shot at re-styling it (although I think the choice of blazer may not have been ideal. I'll do better next time). Pretty go to for me: leggings and a blazer to finish it off. I'm way too predictable. :)

Dress: Rory Beca Claudia dress (here)

Blazer: Urban Outfitters

Belt: Express

Tights: Hue

Shoes: ROSEGOLD Sandra Convertible boots (here)

I can't believe my nice, long holiday break is over! I'm back at work but don't have school until after MLK day, so I shouldn't complain too much. I already miss my couch, blanket and cup of coffee, though.

And yes, to those people wondering if I'm actually wearing clothes without a coat (and the occasional bare leg)... it's true. Dallas has really yet to see coat weather save for a few days and some chilly nights. Compared to last year (e.g. 2 snowstorms BEFORE Christmas!), the weather has been great for dress-wearing. Score.

OOTD: Playing dress-up

Given that it is almost NYE and we are embarking on a new year, I thought my outfits should reflect that. While I really only wore this around the house today (don't make fun.), I did actually wear this for my husband's 32nd birthday at a cute little Parisian bistro down the street from us.

(p.s., saying my husband just turned 32 makes me feel a little old, especially when I was casually told by a peer at school that 30s are "actually middle-aged." Vom.)

 Dress: F21/Twelve by Twelve (maybe still in stores)

Blazer: Remain Paul strong shoulder jacket (here)

Belt: F21 bow belt

Shoes: Sam Edelman Niland (here-- the most comfy heels ever!)

Bracelet: Tom Binns Alice in Wonderland bracelet (here!)

Aaaannnywho. About the outfit. The dress was a great find at F21, especially because I have struck out with them lately. Nothing has really caught my eye, save for this little dress. I have been into lace recently and really like the chic and uber-feminine style of this. The jacket was a great purchase because I was dying for a new black blazer (I think I had a blazer in every color except for black, until now). How cute are the tuxedo-esque details? My bow belt is sort of my bow tie replacement, methinks. :)  Re: the bracelet-- I'll show it in more detail in another outfit soon because it's just the coolest thing ever, but this is all ya get right now. (it was my Christmas present from hubs!)

OOTD: A holiday folly.

It's no secret that Groupon had a fantastic deal last week for $25 for $50 at Nordstrom Rack. "Great!", I thought. "Perfect for holiday shopping!" Ummm... yeah... about that.

I tried, readers. I really tried to find those holiday gifts. But none were to be found that would be good enough for my gift-recipients. I thought all was lost for said gift-certificate, until I spotted this little pretty in the racks. The Nanette Lepore Maddalena jacket seems to be sold out almost everywhere (might be from Fall '09?), and I remember this on Nordie's site a while back. Unfortunately, $500 is out of my budget for a blazer, but when it's on sale for $199 + $50 off? Yes, please. And I'm pleased (and a little shocked) to announce that this is my first ever Nanette purchase. I say shocked because I really don't know why I haven't bought something sooner...

Jacket: Nanette Lepore Maddelena Jacket

Top: Robbi + Nikki silk tank

Jeans: J Brand Lovestory jeans

Belt: Anthropologie Tea Rose belt

Shoes: Go Jane faux suede bow peeps

I took off the grosgrain belt that came with it and opted for something more fun, like this big rosebud belt. It just seemed to work better, and I'm just thinking about getting rid of the belt that came with it. And check out the back of this thing... I'm a bit in love! 

Now to finish that holiday shopping...

OOTD: the warm before the cold.

Here in Dallas, weather is... strange. Come October, a chill begins to set in, crispness fills the air. But then, some sort of warm front inevitably comes in... and out, and in and out. Until around January, when the air is just cold, cold, cold. Most people don't think Dallas can get cold. But let me tell you-- it can. Trust me. It's funny to hear the northerners who move here for school or work and tell me, "I had no idea it could get this cold!" Yep. It does.

Anyway, right now is one of those warms before the cold. Before I must wear tights (to my chagrin). So I'm takin' advantage, people! It's skirt-sans-tight time!

Sweater/blazer: Bloomingdale's Aqua cashmere sweater (also very similar here)

Top: Anthro (Corey Lynn Calter) Snowscape tank, last winter 

Skirt: F21 bubble hem skirt (similar here)

Shoes: Steve Madden Tristano

Earrings: Francesca's Boutique

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. :)