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!!)

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: 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.).

Thank you. :)

Giirrrrllll, I love the necklace. Isn't it such a statement? :)

(cloudy day = bad bad lighting = grainy pictures. I need an SLR, STAT.)

(and p.s. sorry for wearing the same shirt all the freekin' time. I lived in this and the pink one all weekend. It's love.)

OOTD... No, not really.

Ok. I'll admit it. This is not my outfit today. But a girl can dream, right? I like this outfit because it doesn't look super-feminine, but it totally is. I mean, ruffles, sequins and rosettes? Totes femme. But somehow, this pulls of an edgy chicness that came together pretty dern well. A great weekend-evening outfit that may not be my OOTD, but will be in the future. (When it's 50 degrees warmer, also.)

Top: Young Fabulous and Broke zipper ruffle tank (love this brand)

Jacket: F21 silver sequined jacket

Skinnies: Express ponte leggings

Shoes: Badgley Mischka Halworth pump (1 left; now on sale!)

Necklace: EPIC apparel

Bracelet: A.V. Max

I cannot wait for the weekend. When you're spoiled with mini vacays, you start wanting them more... since last weekend my sister in law was in town, I had Monday off. And now I have a half-day on Friday because we're road-tripping to San Antone this weekend. But it's still not enough, want more weekend. :)  I'm really looking forward to San Antonio because we get to not only see our friends, but also spend some time in sunshine... Dallas has been a rainy, tranny mess for way too long. But I need to stop complaining on this thing because I'm getting sick of hearing it, too. OK. Good thoughts. Ummm... yay Thursday night television! (That's all I got.)

OOTD: mixing metals

Oh!! Ohmigosh, guys, guess what?! Spring is here! No, seriously! I guess Winter was all like, "I'm outta here," and Spring was all, "OK, I guess that means I'm up," because when I stepped outside today, it was 60 degrees. Tomorrow will be 70. Ah! Oh wait, hold on...

No.

OK, no. So it's still winter. But... umm... could've fooled me.

Dress: Urban Outfitters

Sweater: LINE cardigan (yeah whatever I know I wear this thing all the time, and yes I have other cardigans... sue me.)

Belt: F21 bow belt

Necklace: Charlotte Russe bib necklace (similar here)

Shoes: Sam Edelman metallic oxfords

I've been super neutral lately, which may just be testament to the season, but I feel like I need to step up my colors. Although I have to say, this outfit was so pretty. I snagged this dress on sale for $30 this weekend at UO and it fits like a glove. I should've gotten pics of the back of this thing and without the sweater because the shape of it is just adorable. (p.s. Hey Urban outfitters? Please allow your models to wear their proper size and look cute. Because your website seems to make the cutest dresses look blech.) Also, check out the oxfords! Here they are with a dress (and GASP? Is that SILVER and GOLD together? Yes. Yes it is). And yes, I've belted just about everything lately, but it just adds a little extra oomph when an outfit is otherwise rather simple. I actually did this for work today with my light purple NY&Co sweater and no belt, so there.

Tomorrow night will launch the BLOG SALE! I'll have a few pairs of pants, a dress or two, a few skirts, and some sweaters. Stay tuned!

eShakti order arrived!

So I believe my suspicions were correct-- the brogue thing was a questionable trend for you lovies. Which excites me, really, because it means I have a challenge now-- attempting to style my metallic flat oxfords for day and night to convince you (or at least make you think I'm less crazy) that the trend is actually pretty doable and pretty cute. Yay! Stay tuned for that one coming up, maybe this weekend.

On another (even exciting-er) note, my eShakti order arrived! The lovely ladies at http://www.eshakti.com/ let me pick which item I loved the most (a difficult feat) and sent me a free sample. How fun! Thank you, eShakti! Here are a few pics I snapped of this pretty lil' jacket. (PLEASE ignore the blotchy face, ugh... long day at work and makeup has officially melted off ma face.)

(pretty details, and I messed with the brightness to get the details better, so don't worry I don't have radiation poisoning on my neck)

Peplum! Preeeety!

Thanks, Rosa, for reminding me I need to tell ya'll about the site... hehe. The site is cool-- they have samples of their designs online and you have two options: buy standard sizing (0 to like 26 or something), or get a custom fit. Yes, it does cost a bit more but I don't think it's unreasonable (not sure of the exact fee). And I think it's worth it, because this thing fits like a charm. It's pretty simple-- fill out their custom measurements form and voila-- your perfectly tailored item comes to you in the mail, like, supahfast. (I've heard about a week after you order-- mine took slightly longer because of the holiday season and vacations) You can even have the dress length custom to what you want-- short or long, or if you want V neck instead of boatneck, they'll do it. Basically what nips/tucks you envision, they'll custom it to you.

My overall review: I love this thing. It's made of a very heavy wool, so I know it will be nice and warm for these next few months. The embroidered sequins are darling and not too flashy, so the jacket maintains a level of elegance. That peplum? So cute. I took that pic with my arms out to show you how much it gives me a waist and flares out at the right spot. It needs a little steaming, but that's easy. One thing I kicked myself for (bad Justine) was not being more careful about my measurements-- the arms are a tad too short, but not so much that it's unwearable by any means. That was totally my fault; I was hasty in my measuring.

I can't speak to their sizing otherwise (i.e. without custom tailoring, as I chose to custom mine), but they have a sizing chart on their site listing deets. Overall, I think I will for sure shop there again. Oh, and maybe sooner than later: Use code 5liKOr to get $20 off a $30 purchase! Nice! (and I've said it before, I'll say it again for any new readers... SRSLY check out their necklaces. Total Anthro inspired, 1/2 the price!) Happy custom shopping. :)

Another random post.

I know I do these every once in a while, and I hope the lack of point doesn't bother you. Anyway.

1. Here is the F21 top I got during the after Christmas sales-- ladies, I highly recommend this. It's like an Ann Taylor or even J. Crew embellished tee for a helluvah lot less. Get it. Do it. :)

2. Tell me why I shouldn't buy these, please and thanks.

3. No. Words. Just. Love.

Alice + Olivia, sigh.

4. I am now a proud owner of an elliptical machine. Ehmm... wait. No. HUSBAND is the proud owner. I'll just look at it and eat a cinnamon roll and snicker at the increase in my stomach fat. You don't own me, fat cells... not yet!! (p.s. they will soon. Argh.)

Coral and Turquoise-- like bread and butter.

As I was watching Dancing with the Stars last night, I was taken by the number of multi-strand, layered necklace beauties I saw. The host, a judge, even a few in the audience worked the fun trend. So, this morning I was inspired to wear my version. Here is my AOTD (accessory of the day)!

You always find the prettiest things when you aren't looking... I had gone in to Aldo Accessories one day, just browsing, and saw this in a black and white version. I remembered that this came in a multicolor (with yellows, blues, pinks, oranges...) and asked if they had that one in. No, the sales girl said. But, they did have this one on hold: a coral/turquoise mix. Lo and Behold... even prettier than the multicolor one! (I am a sucker for coral/turquoise. I don't know what it is, but those two colors are just perfect together. Like peanut butter and jelly. Or ham and cheese. Anyway.) In order to sell it, they decided to just forget about the girl who had put it on hold and sold it to me. So, to sum:

1) I'm kinda glad I was on that side of the bargain.

2) Girl who wanted this necklace, if you're out there, I'm sorry. It was the sales girl's fault.

3) Not sure I condone Aldo's "hold" policy. If you're giong to hold it, then hold it. Right?

I shouldn't be complaining, but I still feel bad. And this was months ago. Guilt runs deep. :)

I'm Baaaacckkk!

Lemme tell ya: Texas BBQ + Justine = sick-to-your-stomach gooooood. But back to regular business.

I've been so bad about posting my outfits (OOTDs), mostly because I usually don't wear super-cute stuff to the office(s). I think I've said this before, but with a huge lack of trying in my office, there isn't much reason to go all out and wear a dress, perfectly accessorized everyday. But I'm trying, lovies, because I know my blog is my motivation!! Here are a few I liked when I put them on and I decided to share with you... some fave pieces that I try to style as many ways as I can.

I love this skirt! It's by a brand that I can never remember the name of... the tag says "P." I got it on super-sale at a boutique in Dallas called L.Bartlett (you should check it out if you find yourself in Dallas!). It is a wrap skirt that ties on the side and it is black and white striped, which the poor quality of the pic doesn't show. And those shoes are a fave of mine-- Chinese Laundry from ages ago-- tan colored zebra stripe. So cute.

I think this outfit says something about my style. Leggings, sweater-dress, sparkle-bling and flowy sweater. I jonesed for this dress forever last Fall; it's by Free People and it has the cutest plaid straps you can't see here. Ugh. I think I need a better way of taking pictures... anyway. I wonder about cropped leggings like these. I read Rachel Bilson advise not to do the cropped ones... but, well, I think I like them! What do you think-- long or cropped??

This dress was a birthday present to myself (ha) two years ago. It's back when the TBD in Nordstrom still carried Halogen (any other retro-Nordstromers out there?!). This dress was a little early for its time (since plaid is back in right now), but I still loved it and I can't wait to rock it again this Fall. It looks best with knee high socks and pumps or boots. Do you notice the bows at the sleeves? Love.

This was (one of) my recent F21 purchases-- the cute peplum jacket. I love it and it's already proven useful. You can see the details a little better here. And get a load of my skirt... ohhhh leopard print, you bugger. I love you.

So there you have it-- some of my closet-besties. I think I'm going to try and wear the new Anna Sui dress sometime this week, so stay tuned for my take on that dress. Oh, because it's definitely still 80-someodd-degrees here. I'm thinking cool thoughts.

Shimmery Goodness, or Hot Mess?

It's taking everything inside me to not break down and buy this dress from this morning's HauteLook sale. Am I crazy??

VOOM by Joy Han

So I have this tendancy to be tacky and gaudy at times, but no matter. I love it anyway! I think it is super shimmery, bow-laden, gorgeously colored, and precious. And 71% off is such a great deal! I have a VOOM dress at home that is super fun and cute; a little kistchy, but that is what is so unique and great about it. What do you think? Pretty or pretty disasterous?

New F21 Items came in!!! Review!

OK lovies, here's the deal. I'm going to review the items I'm keeping from my recent splurge (because uploading on to Blogger sucks). To note, the items I'm returning, honestly, aren't because I didn't think they fit well, or were of bad quality- I'm returning them because I don't need them or won't really wear them based on my taste. So, to summarize: F21 CAN DO NO WRONG.

(ok that's false. But I really have come to love them lately!! And look how cute the following items are!)

First, the canvas textured knit sweater. I liked this a lot, but I'm actually still on the fence about it. The canvas-esque fabric is very soft and it fit well enough to wear with a slim tank or a thin sweater. I think I might have something similar enough to return it. But oh, the PEPLUM! Love.

Next, the Parlor Tunic Sweater. This is for sure a keeper. You can tell in the second picture, which you couldn't in the first or online, that it has SPARKLES. yes. OK. Great fall colors, again very soft material, versatile, and oh-so MINEMINEMINE. sorry.

Then there's the Striped Cinched Sleeved Jacket, which looks as cute on as it does online. Pretty true to the website picture. I like it, but either this or the black parlor jacket is going back. What do you think???

Now for the Animal Printed 3/4 jacket. OMG. Love. Seriously guys, so cute on, and I just love leopard print done tastefully for the Fall. To me, two things say Fall-- purple, and ANIMAL PRINT. So I know it sounds tacky, but you can't tell me this print is tacky. It is adorable.

Umm, can you tell I love it? Heh.

And finally, this is an outfit I put together yesterday from a recent trip to my local F21. (yeah no, not addicted or anything.) I love this look. Especially because the top was $8.80 and the skirt was $10.80. This outfit seriously cost me less than $100. That's the style I like! :) And it's perrrrrrfect for mambo taxis (aka best drink EVAH) in the West Village for happy hour.

Uhh, yeah. Leopard print AGAIN. :) And sorry about the grown-out-bangs-in-eye look. Ugh.

So help me out here, lovies. Which of those blazers (striped vs. peplum) shall I keep? I'm just not sure... Help!!

Budget-Buster vs. Stylish-Substitute

I had to post this one, lovies, because of my love-affair with Fiona Paxton.

I'm obsessed. Her items are drop-dead GORG but so incredibly expensive. Wahhh. For about 4 months or more, I've been on the lookout for good replicas. I found one several months back at Charlotte Russe and bought it-- it wasn't quite exact, but I can't seem to find a perfect replica for a reasonable price.

Well, this one seems to be decent. And at $38, it is very cute (www.freepeople.com). My only problem is the width-- way too skinny to be passed off as a Fiona, but nonetheless, a good find if I do say so myself.

Real on top, fakie on bottom.

I even implored Etsy to help me find a look like this for much less. Anyone who would have handmade it was charging even more than the $400 price tags Fiona features. Boo. If any of you know anyone out there that could make this for much less, lemme know! (WILL WORK FOR FASHION)

Couldn't hold out any longer....

Sorry, fiancee of mine. But you can't hold me back. I'm like a crack addict that never recovers. Shopping is a part of me. Just learn to accept it, K? tee-hee. O:-)

Loooook how preeeeety! Courtesy the beautiful Yoon of Thejewelrybar on Etsy:

I need some nice, not-costume jewelry, and at a price of $38 for gold and real gems? Sold! Done! Sign me up! Fini.

Check out her stuff; you won't be sorry. I promise.

In addition, I've decided to do the very bad thing of buying at least $75 worth of F21 clothing to get free shipping with the intention of returning most of it.

Read: intention.

So once that arrives, I'll do a little review of some pieces I'm afraid to let pass me by. So much lately has sold from right under my feet... err, cart. Gotta stop letting that happen. Honestly, I've seen people asking how to shop at F21, given their overwhelming selection and sometimes messily-kept shop. Here's my tip (if anyone wants it... Tim Gunn?? HA.)-- BUY ONLINE. Free shipping over $75, and you can get refunds! The way to go.

F21.... Always good for some fun cheapies. I know, I know... I totally just posted about how I have to stop buying crap. But, on a very tight budget (I'm getting paid NADA right now...), a love for passing trends, and a seemingly stepped-up quality (is that just me? have you noticed that, too??), it's ok. Right? Yes. I'll just buy my jeans, shoes, purses and coats at Nordstrom. OK. Good.

And for some brain mush that I could NOT stop staring at last night, courtesy Conan O'Brien: PUPPIES DRESSED AS CATS. Omigod. Love.

Holy Crapola.

My super-amazing FSIL (future sister in law, thanks Cathy!!) pointed these out to me today whilst searching for the perfect bridesmaid shoe... although these are not it, they are MINE MINE MINE. That is, when I can spend money again. OMG I want them right now.

I'm feeling a 2-year-old temper tantrum come on. I apologize.

Nina, $99

Gaudy? A little. Amazing? Yes, 100%. I mean, they would have the sole (gahh, no pun intended... ok yes, PUN INTENDED!) purpose of dancing and sipping martinis while on my feet, but whatever. I do that! Sometimes. Everything else would be simple and muted... LBD, possibly. Maybe they'll inspire me to create an outfit around them with Polyvore. Stay tuned, lovies...

You liked that dress?

Well if you did, check out what Shopbop just put on their website. Looks just like my dress, only a white tee shirt version! Funny how I find this the day after blogging it:

Torn By Ronny Kobo, $99

Well... if that doesn't suit you, there's also this:

Free People, $148

It's with silver embellishments, not the gold, but it's the exact same dress otherwise.

Maybe I'm being a bitch... but I like the gold better. Heh. :-P

Busy Friday

Sorry I was MIA for a day... yesterday was BRIDAL PORTRAITS DAY! Ugh, I was a frenzied mess, like, all day. But I think the pictures will turn out great-- super glossy, very fashionista-appropriate. I love my photographers for the wedding (thanks Amber and Jeremy!!) I'll be sure to post those when I can (aka, when future hubby decides to stop looking at my blog since he can't see me in my dress!).

Since it's been a while since I've posted some Justine-outfits, I'll post a few from the past couple of days:

Neutral Hues...

LINE cotton cardi that I wear all the freekin time
F21 beaded top
Hudson bootcut jeans
My watch!

Hawaii inspiration!

T-Bags LA top I plan to sport on my honeymoon
Nordstrom leggings
Nine west gold flats
Again, my watch... love.

My new sweater love

Anthropologie Sparrow sweater
F21 floral top (dude I wear a lot of F21)
J Brand jeans

Just a fave...

Ohh lovies, I lovie my burnout tee and Charlotte Russe embellished-bib find!

And a few shoes, to throw them in here :)

A small sample of my shoe rack...


the ones I wore with the F21 floral top, jeans, and Antho sweater... (MICHAEL Michael Kors)


... and just a fave pair of mine (Charles by Charles David)!

I'm still on the fence about my Hawaiian inspired T-Bags top. Too kitschy? Not sure. But I am sure that it will be good for my Hawaiian honeymoon! These pictures make me realize I am everywhere on the scale of fashion... I really don't think I can characterize my style. Rocker? Boho? Romantic? Comfy? All of the above?! What about you? What is your personal style, and can you even call it anything?