OOTyD: Bow fevah!

Today's outfit of the (yester)Day is just a quick one, again. It was raining and I didn't want another indoor picture (I like outside ones so much better), so I snapped a few before the sprinkles became a downpour. Dallas, you'd think, would be pretty and sunny year round, but we've had way too much rain to even consider that anymore. I'm bitter. Whatever.

I went to happy hour with a friend last night, and it turned into happy hourS. Those are the best, aren't they!?  I think this outfit is one of those day-to-night possibilities, so it was fine for work and Chuy's Tex Mex restaurant. NOM NOM.

Dress: old turtleneck dress, Bebe (quite similar here!)

Sweater: F21 bow sequin sweater

Belt: old Limited bow belt

Tights: Nordstrom HUE

Shoes: Steve Madden Tristanos

Earrings: Simply Vera Vera Wang

I'm surprised at how much I'm enjoying this F21 sweater. It is just way too cute for words and surprisingly works with a lot of different items and make different looks. I'm pretty happy with it. And those shoes... OK I'll shut up-- I've sung their praises before, but I am simply IN LOVE with them. Look at those studs! That platform! And they fit perfectly. It's love. (I said I'd shut up, didn't I? Sorry. Ahem.)

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? :)

One romper, three ways

This past summer, I was on a quest to find "the perfect romper." Although there were many contenders, the budget never seemed to work with my desires. Ain't it always the case? So I spent the entire summer romper-less. But... this October, I found "the one." It was Anthropologie's SINE romper, can't remember the actual name they gave it. It satisfies my criteria: 1) it's not jersey. I wanted something dressier, or else I'm afraid I might start looking like I'm wearing some sort of sleeping outfit. 2) It has a defined waist. 3) It's generally neutral. 4) I don't look like Amelia Earhart. It's just so darn perfect (and has pockets! Eeeepp!) I had to finally post some pics with it. Believe it or not, there are endless possibilities styling this pretty. I'm having a hard time deciding how I want to wear it today! I'd love your opinions... which way do you like it best?

Way 1: Boyfriend Blazer

Romper: SINE black silk romper (similar here)
Blazer: F21 Stripe Trim Blazer
Tights: Anthro's geometric patterned tights in Plum (similar here)
Shoes: GoJane booties
Necklace: F21's Anthro lookalike (here's Anthro's take)

Way 2: Color Splash

Romper: see above
Sweater: NY&Co Antique Button Ruffle Cardigan
Tights: see above
Shoes: see above
Necklace: see above
Belt: random cheapie

(This one isn't much different, huh? Just a bit more color, maybe a little less edgy...)

Way 3: Shimmer and Sparkle

Romper: see above
Sweater: F21 Sequin Bow Cardigan
Necklace: ModCloth
Tights: Sock Dreams leg warmers (similar here)
Shoes: Madden Girl zebra pumps

(Note: I apologize about the color differences in the photos... I'm still trying to find the right combo for Photoshop... I am so not tech savvy enough.)

I'm personally leaning towards one over the others, but I'm curious to hear what you think.... Hmmm??

One last one of the day, I swear.

Remember those Steve Madden's I posted a while back? The crinkle metallic with the bow? The ones that are so super old and not found online? I found this on Urban Original's site and thought they were a good look-a-like for those still interested. They're cute! And cheap! And yay!
Also, Chloe? Sorry... I'm coping you fo'realz. I NEED THESE SHOES.

Liliana Bardor D'Orsay heels

And enter my contest! Do it! :)

Oh how I love a new find...

Lookie here at what I was alerted to, mes lovies: www.eshakti.com It's a website that features really cute clothes at great prices, and get this-- all custom to your exact size and specifications. In Dallas, there are a lot of custom men's shirts stores in town, but I've never seen a women's store that will basically tailor to your every need (heh, pun is intended there, yep). The fantabulous Jennifer of eshakti.com emailed me the other day. I have lots of reservations about working with companies on product reviews, because quite frankly, if I wouldn't have reviewed it otherwise, I don't think it's fair. But when I perused the site, I was kinda shocked I hadn't found out about it sooner. When I saw this little beauty, I just knew I had to try it out.
So cute, right? And that's not all. Check out this top-- Wavelet Blouse, anyone?

The best part is that the prices are pretty dern good. For example, our little Anthro look-a-like goes for $49. Oh! and the jewelry is super-fun, too. I'm thinking about ordering this aaaaaand this...


I'll let you know when the jacket comes in how it measures up (heh, more puns, sorry), but if you're already sold on the idea, Jennifer told me they're doing 20% off site-wide just until tomorrow. Check it out!

(OK, and just one more 50's-inspired frock, for all you Mad Men lovers out there):

(Drool.)

I caved.

I couldn't stop thinking about the leopard dress... so I broke down and got it. I think the final tally on my Rodarte for Target list will be the leopard dress, floral dress and the belts (black and leopard, natch). I'll be stalking the site at midnight... who's with me? Who's bringin' the popcorn?

This year has not been my year for gift-giving. I've had orders canceled, items out of stock, "sorry, ma'am, we haven't invoiced these yet," etc. Argh. My trip to the mall today was supposed to be for other people, but due to unforeseen circumstances, it ended up being for me. Here's one of my fantabulous scores-- the other will be an OOTD this week coming up. (oh gaaahd I'm in love...)

(What's that, you spy? A floral dress? Hmmm... ;) these look supah-cute with that dress!)

Steve Madden Tristano

I did some try-ons at Anthro and UO, also. For fun, I'll post those pics/reviews here. Just for giggles.

The only Anthro try-on I snapped a pic for is the insanely gorgeous SINE jumper. Oh man oh man, it took all my willpower to not buy this baby on the spot. I'm really hoping for a sale here.

SINE Bow-Bound romper

I already own a SINE romper from the summer and I love love LURVE it. It's being dry cleaned as we speak, getting ready to be winterized with some tights and a sweater. But this baby is just callin' my name. Sale? Please?

I also tried on the Corey Lynn Calter dress I was dying for. Unfortunately, the few reviews on Anthro's site are right-- the rib cage area is insanely small. And it was a little thinner than I expected. Again, if this goes on sale, I'll definitely get it (and size up once or twice to fit my ribs).

When I went into UO, I saw some things I'd been eyein' on the site, so I tried them on.

This Lucca Couture dress was backordered/sold out online but is back in stock! I had it on my wishlist for a long time and just had to see what it was like in person. I really liked it. The color was light, so I didn't feel like it washed me out too much, and the shape was something I tend to gravitate towards. All in all, it was generally TTS and worth the price.

Below is the Ecote Metallic dress that is prettier in person than it was online. Beautiful! And another good shape for my figure. I liked that it had that long waist and the poofed skirt. Another one worth the price, IMO.
I couldn't find this next one online, but I feel like it was at some point. Just a cute skirt, with a nice little flair. The material felt nice and it was super-comfortable. Unfortunately, I don't really need more skirts at this point, so I passed, but it would be a very useful item to own!
Random post, I know. But it was just that kind of day.

A few very, very important things:

1. For any Dallas readers, the Irving Target (N. MacArthur) will NOT have Rodarte out until Sunday. Never fear, though-- the Medallion Center is already released. And I'm going promptly after work; photos will be up this evening of my reviews. (oh how I love the big city.)

2. I bought three, count 'em, THREE cardigans from NY & Co yesterday for a whopping $40. Yes... I'm kinda excited. Go check it out!!!

In a pretty sherbet orange color... yum

3. I want to thank all my followers and readers. It's been so much fun starting this blog, and I hope to continue to make it bigger and better as the months roll on. I am so inspired by my fashionable readers and the people who comment on my posts. It makes me feel pretty nice to know you respect my opinions! For this, I will be doing my first ever GIVEAWAY! Although I'm not yet sure what the prize will be, I'm pretty sure it will be a little item from a certain Target GoLine... hehe. I'll be releasing this giveaway in the coming week, so please stay tuned.

4. Simply.... Yay, or Nay? (this dress has been staring my in the face for about 1 week now, and I'm having a hard time telling myself no. What do I do?!)

KAS Harvey Embellished Shift Dress

Beer + cheese = deliciousness

I was arm-twisted (heh) into going to a beer/cheese tasting tonight at a local bar. I have a very refined cheese palate... in other words, I'll eat eat. I'll eat the shit out of it. Also, beer. I'm good at drinking it. Uh-huh yep yep. This is what I decided one should wear when trying to appear like I'm not wearing clothes that allow for bloat but still wearing clothes that allow for bloat.

(I didn't crop Santey Clause out of it this time... cute.)




Top: J Crew Florence Tee
Jacket: Charlotte Russe military blazer (like here)
Scarf: EPIC apparel (where I used to work; check it out!)
Jeans: AE super skinnies
Earrings: gifted... I think.

I don't usually go so "steel blue," but I thought it worked. It needs a pop of color with some heels/purse action. OK... now I'm off to accessorize. And feast. :)

Girl Power!

I think it's hilarious and awesome that almost every single blog I follow is posting about the cold. And her absolute detest of the cold. It's generated a lot of discussion, lovies! It wasn't all that long ago that I was excited about a little chill in the air, but this seemingly arctic winter isn't pleasing anyone. Oh well... just like the rest of ya, I'm not letting it get me down! What I am upset about is my stupidity and forgetting not to step in the grass today so as to not ruin the suede on my new Madden Girl pumps. Shite. Having pretty things takes responsibility... and I seem to forget this often. Oh well... here's a pretty, girly, frilly, pink outfit to cheer you me up.

Top: gold satin ruffly thing, from Express (sorta kinda similar to)

Sweater: cropped embellished cardi, WHBM (similiar to)

Belt: uhh... stretchy and black.

Skirt: F21 side ruffle skirt (still available)

Shoes: BCBG reptile print slides

Necklaces: Express and maybe F21?

Most of these items are ones I drug out of my closet, with the exception of the slides (bought this summer, but maybe no longer available) and the skirt. Although I love doing this, I hate that I can never link my stuff... I'm going to try and do something similar to the other fashion-bloggies and link a "similiar to" item next to the things I wear that are old as poop... hope it's helpful!

p.s., Funny thing about this skirt. I bought it larger so I could wear it lower (like I've mentioned), but wanted it high waisted for this outfit. So I took a thick belt and cinched the skirt, using the belt as a way to keep it up. I think this works for a lot of skirts, which gives me some versatility I wouldn't have had without the trick. Some skirts may not look nice when cinched, but it's good to at least attempt!

F21 arrivals aaaaand DSW shoes...

I love getting packages in the mail, even when I know the contents. I received my F21 items and the MaddenGirl shoes from DSW today. Yay! I was so excited, I just had to show you, mes lovies. So I played a little dress-up when I got home from work today. I'll provide some reviews, too. First up is the Rose Print Skirt from the new Tres Paris Twist Line (out of stock online).

I bought this before it was actually a part of the collection-- seems like they accidentally released this, then took it off the site, then re-released it. Whatever-- I got it, that's all I care about. And I'm in love. Again, bought a Medium instead of Small so I could wear it a little lower, and it worked marvelously. The colors are super pretty, and I can't wait to pair this with some patterned tights. Me likey.

I paired the shoes with it, too, as you can see. Here's a close up of those:

These fit well and look so much better than their $40 pricetag (aaaand I scored 'em for $30!!). The purple is more like a burgandy, but no matter. It's hard to tell, but there's also an architectural-type platform... just adorable. One word: having long toes makes 'em feel a little scrunched, but no pain no gain, right?

And of course, the sequined jacket (also sold out online):

This blazer is great to dress up a casual outfit, and I'm sure would look similarly fab-oo with an LBD. I shouldn't be expecting amazing quality, but I did hope it would be a little more substantial, a little more structured in the shoulders. It's rather thin and unstructured, though. I'm still happy and think it's a great piece for $30ish.

Overall, my buys were a success. Chalk it up to another successful Black Friday/Cyber Monday. :)

Pining for Pastel

I wear a lot of neutrals. I think this is because I know I can do a lot with them, but I've lately been dreaming of softer days. Something ethereal and dreamy, ya know? For example, RforT's baby blue lacey dress... which may hit my store a few days before the 20th (eek and eep!). Until then, here's what I'll be dreaming about! (please don't yell at me regarding the amount of picks from a recently-banned-from-my-reach F21. Please?)

Forever 21 Sequin Bow cardi

Forever 21 Chiffon tiered top (Boutique Line)

Forever 21 Tiered Chiffon Woven Top


J. Crew Ruffles and Roses Tank



Free People Shine on Ruffle Bottom Tube Skirt

Great thing is, most of these items are about $50 or below (the last skirt is about $58), which puts them in my reach. Maybe they won't be relegated to la-la-land?

(Side note: any F21 buys will mean I'm be going back on my "word" regarding F21 pieces. It just sucks that they've done so freeeeeekin' well lately! Argh! If it's too expensive, I don't buy it; too cheap and I shun it. Damned if I do, damned if I don't. What's a fashion-luster to do?)

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!?