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. :)

FFF: 2.22.11

Here I go, broken record... so sorry for the MIA-ness lately! I'm learing that a part of being a student + having a blog = certain periods of radio silence. But, like I said, I have a giveaway very soon! So surely pay attention for that. And here's a little pre-order pretty that caught my eye on Nordie's site yesterday... I love this blush pink color! Definitely a nice little spring flat, and hey. Gotta love the Tory Burch emblem! Just sucks that I have to wait until late March before they arrive. Grumble.  :)

Tory Burch Caroline Flat

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

FFF: 1.11.11

Make a wish! It's 1.11.11. (You're supposed to make a wish, right?)

Just a little want of mine to post for the day. I'm .11 seconds away from pulling the trigger on this gorgeous lace blazer by Rory Beca (.11... get it? Cuz' of the date? {lame-o}).

Rory Beca Sofia Lace blazer (here for $143)

Almost sold out on Shopbop, but it's in full stock at Nordstrom! I tried this on the other day and woah, it's super cute (and TTS). I imagine it with a maxi skirt, belted at the waist and some huge sunnies. Plus, lace is a big trend for the spring... and we all know how I am about my trends. Now for the weather to begin to cooperate with me and my dreams. Hrmph.

Also, don't forget about my New Year Blog sale! :)

OOTD: ruffly ruffles rufflester.

(p.s.: There's still time to ask me questions! Thanks for the questions so far, and I can't wait to share my answers with you-- probably tomorrow evening.)

Have I mentioned how much I heart ruffles?! Thank you for not going away this spring, you pretty, ethereal things, you.

Top: UO Shoulder Detail Blouse

Shorts: UO Ruffle Tap Shorts

Shoes: Liliana Bardor pumps

Belt: Express

Necklace: Express

I bought these two items last week because I fell in love with these shorts and thought I might as well get a top to go with 'em, too. Honestly, I think the top works better in "theory" than in "practice" but it still works alright (maybe it's a matter of a different belt/necklace combo; maybe it's just not the perfect top for these shorts, I'm not yet sure). And I'm mixing metals again... livin' life on the wild side, I am. I love the pastels here... it's what I've been lusting after since the rays of spring started seeping in to my mind. I feel so feminine, as evidenced by the second photo (is that my ode to the tap short? heh!). As a quick review for anyone interested in either piece, the shorts are a 2 but I'm planning on exchanging them for a 0. I'd say that means they're pretty TTS. I knew I might have trouble with sizing since I've never ordered shorts/pants/skirts from UO, but I wanted to get them anyway and try my luck. And this top was an amazing spur-of-the-moment buy-- it's a thin silk chiffon with gorgeous up-close details that I failed to photograph, but trust me. It's understated and gorgeous. I am quite tempted to get the other colors, too-- there are so many options for styling this shirt. And both items are under $50. That's my kind of deal. :)

Finally found them...

... I mean, the perfect pair of nude sandals. Yay!

It all began when I spotted these, the most perfectest nude sandal by none-other than Jimmy Choo. Sigh.

JC's Private sandal, in beige. Oh yeah, and $950. Blah.

So I've been on the search for a similar pair. At first, I wanted something super-chunky, but as I was looking, I thought a buckle-laden wedge may not be dressy enough for some of my light spring dresses and decided that wasn't what I needed. So my final search criteria included relatively high heel (I'm a 3.5 incher and above) and quite simple and understated. Something... well, just like the Private above. I like it's class and sophistication-- it's a whole lotta shoe but still simple and stunning.

Let me tell you, there is not a lot out there that replicates that shoe. Oh... and I didn't want a cheapo $20 pair because I wanted these to be nice and last at least the whole season. I finally went to Aldo's site after not having visited for month (I'm usually not impressed, actually). Then... I found these.

And on sale!

There are obvious differences (patent vs. distressed-looking leather, a thinner toe strap, the buckle), but still close enough and still super pretty in my book. Best (most gratifying) part? I went on to the site today to grab the stock photo and guess what? They're again full priced. So I made the right decision on snagging them last night with free shipping AND sale price. Yay! :) I like when things like that happen to obliterate any possible feelings of shopping remorse.

On another note, I've decided that although I'm not going to call it a "shopping ban" per se, I'm going to try and refrain from all shopping until my Vegas trip at the end of the month. Right now, especially after these post-shopping ban buys, I have what I need/want and really don't need anything else. Despite its difficulty, I really liked going without for a few weeks. Honestly, although I went a little overboard on my post-ban shopping (shorts, a top, shoes, a purse, a dress and a jacket, YIKES), everything I got was a smart buy. And I really think that's due to letting it settle for weeks on end before making any rash decisions. (and I also think by calling it a SHOPPING BAN [scary] my id-like shopping desires rage and make rebellious-Justine come out... so I'm just tricking myself this time by getting rid of the pressure. Heh.)

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. :)

OOTD: Harem calling my name?

Jury is still out on the pants I featured in this post. Today is the first day I'm actually wearing them out (nothing like some patio drinkin on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon). I think I like the outfit, but husband gave me the weirdo-eyes when I came out of my closet in this outfit. Now, I don't normally take cues from Mr. Unstylish, but you always have to wonder if his opinion will be the same of others... do I look like an idiot? Here's the problem, I think-- they sit too low on the waist. They're just a tad too big right now... I think I'll go to my local tailor and have them sit higher so as to make them a little less strange. Oh, and another problem? I can't sit in them for more than 10 minutes without wrinkles being out the waazooo.

Nonetheless, I can't seem to give them up. I still gravitate towards them. I still..... well, I still like them. They're fun and risky and comfortable, and I just want them to work so badly. Therefore, I'll make them work. Damnit.

Pants: Lulu's At Ease Trousers

Top: F21 paisely ruffle tank

Sweater: J.Crew ruffles and roses cardi

Shoes: Charles by Charles David wedges (on Bluefly!)

Necklace: F21 pearl drop necklace

Designer love: Parker

I just had to dedicate a post on Parker's designs because Shopbop just added a whole bunch of new arrivals today that had me drooling (well, among others, including Sachin + Babi, good god check them out).

What I love most about Parker is the combo of laid-back cool and flirty fabrics/colors... their styles are always chic but trendy enough to catch my eye. Plus you can usually score an item between $100 and $200, which is not too hard on the wallet. This season's colors and prints are very retro-throwback... very 1970's. And after seeing The Runaways this weekend (I recommend, if not just for the fashion!) I am so craving more 70's in my life. Hey, Shopbop? Please don't run out of these because I am totally grabbing one or more of these designs in 2 weeks, ok? :)

Ohhhh and ok, why not: MORE EYE CANDY. Drool.

Milla Dress

A shoe kind of gal.

Hi, lovely readers. Thanks to all who had great suggestions for my upcoming Vegas trip! I really just can't wait, and I plan on heeding all the advice that was given to me. Seriously, stuff I wouldn't have thought of-- ya'll are the bestest. :)

I know I've been posting tons about shoes lately, but I just had to include three more pairs I'm so incredibly lusting after, it's crazy.  I'm no purse-girl. I carry one with me for about 1 year straight and then get another, with which I do the same, so I really don't care too much about getting new bags. I love clothes and accessories, of course, but nothing will match my love of shoes. I can't say I still wear items of clothes I've had for 4+ years (I cycle through clothes like crazy), but I can say I get attached to shoes and will wear 'em until the cobbler tells me they're dead. I think shoes are about the closest to wearable-art that I can own (since pretty architectural clothing usually = SERIOUS CASH). So anyway. There's my justification, and here are the super-de-duper shoes that I really must own. Sigh.

Seychelle's Joan Wedge

L.A.M.B. Veena Sandal

Victoria's Secret Colin Stuart Bow back peep toe

The L.A.M.B. and Seychelle's shoes are quite similar but definitely not similar in price... but I would still get both if I could. And how cute are the bows and wicker-heel on the Colin Stuart wedges? Wow... there is definitely a theme in my recent shoe lusting-- hints of beige and pink and slightly chunky.

(oh and p.s., definitely going through the Bargaining stage right now. Definitely asked the husband whether it would technically break my shopping ban if I just so happened to leave cash on the dining room table that just so happened to be the right amount for a pair of shoes. He said YES. Hrmph.)

Shopping for Vegas right.

I have about 6 weeks until I go to Vegas (lordy, can you tell I'm excited?) and I've been planning outfits since I found out we were going. I mean, this is a big deal, lovies:

1. I've never been.
2. It's the perfect excuse to dress up 24/7.
3. I never get to dress up 24/7.
4. I will actually have a reason to have short skirts and pretty dresses (because I usually don't. My life is generally low-key despite my wardrobe's insistence that I be a well-dressed socialite).
5. It's my way of staying sane for the next 4 weeks.

I've done a lot of reading-up and heard from lots of other bloggers/readers about the best way to travel to Vegas. Sounds like there are a few things I must keep in mind--

1. It gets cold at night (especially when I'll be there), so a sweater or jacket is necessary.
2. One walks a lot. Comfort must be kept in mind with fashion.
3. Style needs can transition rather quickly (i.e. from gambling at the Flamingo to a nice dinner or club), so be prepared.

(Sorry about the lists. I like lists.)

Based on these considerations, here's my shopping list!

1. A very versatile light jacket. Becuase my style teeters the line between girly and edgy, the staple pieces I buy always have to have the right combo of being feminine and rocker-ey. I have to be able to wear a staple jacket with jeans and a tee, or a hot pink babydoll dress, or studs, denim and leather. Nothing too frilly or cutesy, but definitely still light and pretty. Here are my ideas:

Anthropologie, $128

Anthropologie, $88

Shopbop (C&C California), $110

Macy's INC, $89

(p.s., the INC jacket is the forerunner right now!)

2. A nude shoe to go with most outfits. The rules above apply here: can be casual-ed down or dressed up but keeping the edgy/pretty feel. I posted on shoe ideas here already, but I've found a few more I like.

Shopbop (LAMB), $325

Macy's INC, $89

3. A cardigan. OK... so this is pathetic, but I don't really have a simple cardigan that can be worn many ways. I have my colorblock cardigan but it's wool. I have some other ones but they're cropped. I have flowy ones but they're too long for a short dress. I need a simple, v-neck, cotton, button down cardi. Preferably in beige.

Both LOFT, $49.50

What I'm already taking:
1. Versatile dresses (like the one here) that can go between day and night.
2. Short skirts for going out (like here and here!).
3. Flats/sandals.
4. Jeans and pretty tops (duh!).

Any other suggestions, my well-traveled friends? Ideas are always welcome. :)

Spring Fling: the Soft Pant.

So, Shopbop  recently featured a blog post on the "Easy Pant," or the "Soft Pant," which is essentially defined by a jodhpur-esque dropped crotch, lighter material and tapered leg. The look really taps into that laissez-faire styling that spring will be seeing this year. I have to admit, I've been quite intrigued by this look since last year when it started becoming popular but held off in suspicion that it wouldn't last long. Would ya look at that, here they are, back in full force for this spring. I'm excited, really, because no matter how "easy" Shopbop makes it seem, I feel they aren't as easy to pull off. A challenge! The blog recommends a loose fitted blouse with a jacket, or a simple tank. Hmmm. I think I have other styling ideas:

1. Keep the colors neutral. This is just a personal thing, really, and the reason I say so is because it is so quintessentially Spring 2010 that it just seems right to pair it with a soft, muted pallate.

2. Pair with a structured jacket. I tried lots of different looks here, lovies, and photographed them all to see what worked. To be honest, the tailored jacket worked best. The boyfriend jacket seemed way too unstructured and maybe even pajama-ey. So here's my example of how to pull it off:

 

  

  

  

 Jacket: Halogen (Nordstrom) ca. 2007

Top: Express embellished neckline top ca. 2006

Pants: Lulu's At Ease Trousers

Shoes: Steve Madden Tristanos

Necklace: Nordstrom (forget the designer's name but she is super cool...)

3. If you are to do a more loose fitted top, just make sure it doesn't look like you rolled out of bed. I tried to achieve this with the statement necklace, but it could be taken further with a great updo and some bold, fun makeup. I also liked that this cardigan had some depth to it with the fluttering ruffles, so maybe that helped keep it polished and not too loungey.

  

Sweater: LINE ruffle cardigan

4. Tailor them if they bunch. I haven't done this yet, but I think if the length were more at the ankle instead of bunched at the shoe, it would just look better. (That's on the to-do list.)

And if a jacket or cardigan is not in the books (i.e., when it's way too hot out there to wear more layers), I do think a pretty embellished tee or tank would work, just like was recommended on Shopbop's blog post.  Ground the look with some chunky platforms or wedges. I'll definitely be keeping these comfortable pants in the running through the warmer months and I can't wait.

What do ya'll think? Is this look easy to pull off, or is it on the "Black Diamond" level of fashion?





Note: uhhhh... Please ignore "Answer 5." Damn Polldaddy....