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.

Bathroom outfit photos!

Sooooo, since I don't have any nice, well-lit photos on my digital camera re: recent outfits, I must resort to iPhone pics of some outfits I've worn and liked. Quality sucks, so I apologize, but hey. It's a step in the right direction, yes? :)  I'll be working on getting some good pics this weekend since it should be relatively slow, and I do have some fun, new pieces I'd love to play around with. Weird thing I've noticed: putting together outfits when you have little to no intention to put them out in cyberspace is a bit easier. It's strange, really, since you'd think the motivation would be decreased, therefore the outfits less thought out. But it's been the opposite: since I'm not worried about creating the "perfect" outfit for my blog, I'm less critical of every detail and a bit more free-flowing. I think I ought to try not trying so hard... if that makes sense.

Also. Please excuse obvious toilet in background. Gross. 

Dress: LaROK Call of the Wild Dress

Necklace: Anthropologie

Shoes (not shown): Steve Madden Tristano pumps (similar to these)

 (This was my take on a tuxedo for Fashions Night Out this year!)

Top: Patterson J Kincaid Harlow blouse

Pants: Express ponte leggings

Bracelet: Shop the Look cuff

Necklace: Nordstrom (forget the designer...)

Shoes: I dunno. This was taken way too long ago to remember.

Blazer: UO strong shouldered blazer (sorta similar here)

Sweater: BR leopard print sweater (and oldie but goodie)

Skirt: F21 Trumpet A-Line maxi skirt

Belt: F21 rhinestone belt

Necklace: handmade by Codename Ivy

Shoes (not shown): Steve Madden

It's a shame you can't see the full outfit in the last pic because I just loved it. The skirt is possibly the best thing ever. I even wore it today for a presentation in class and it got lots of compliments. The material looks a lot nicer than it is and it surprisingly works with a lot-lot-lot of things. Love! Might be my fave inexpensive item in my current rotation.

What are you loving more than anything in your closet right now?? And are you wearing the maxi skirt, too??

OOTT (outfit of the traveling.)

Readers. Oh readers. Its been a while, huh? Sorry about that, but as you may know, I just came back from DC yesterday evening and was so tired. Lovely Rosa and her cutie chihuahua Lola wore me out! After I sort through the pics (and when my computer wants to cooperate and let me get my pics off of my iPhone!), I'll post a few of what we did/ate. THANK YOU! to Rosa for hosting such a lovely weekend! We had a fabulous time. :)

Until then, here's a quickie of what I wore on my traveling day. The A+O Wrap Around Cardi came in the mail a few weeks ago and I heart this thing. The material is definitely gauzey, so it's not a fall/winter staple as much as it will be good for the summer/fall transition. But I also plan to layer with it (turtleneck under it; blazer over it). There are so many ways to wear this, but I tried it with a belt and liked it a lot. It was a perfect "inbetweener" item for the cold plane/the warm weather in DC. And the color is just so pretty!

(p.s. I did wear shoes for the airport. I just didn't want to wear them until the airport. Heh.)

 Tank: Nordstrom BP white camisole

Cardi: alice + olivia wrap around cardi (see link above)

Shorts: UO ruffle tap shorts

Belt: F21 bow belt

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??

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

Get the Look: Lacy shorts

(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!!)

I got a lot of compliments and comments on the F21 lace shorts in my OOTD earlier today-- thank you! Unforunately, they were for sale at Forever 21 probably 2-3 months ago (I had been looking for a pair of "boudoir" shorts after perusing the spring runways and there they were!) and most likely are not in stores anymore.

Soooo, I did a little searching on this world wide web and found some "inspired-by" pieces that can give you a similar look. I did not find an exact match, which stinks, but if you're wanting to recreate the boudoir short look like I was, these picks may appeal to you. Enjoy!

Lace Turn Up shorts at Topshop, $125

A close match, but *gulp*... that price!

Lace Pleat shorts at Topshop, $65

Come in black and a cute dusty blue.

Elizabeth and James Mondrian Lace shorts, $225

Double *gulp* at price. But super, duper cute!!

Pins and Needles Scalloped lace tap shorts, $25

An inspiration piece, but I like it nonetheless, and to be honest, it's a lot closer to what I was initially looking for. The price is easier to swallow, too! Come in cream as well.

Kimchi Blue silky lace tap short, $28

Another cute UO option! The hem gives the same look as the F21 shorts, which is nice since that's really what you see. Come in purple, black and nude.

Plus gals, remember: lace will continue to be in style through Fall '10, so these boudoir shorts with the addition of some textured tights will look fantastic come the cooler months!! :)

Wishlisted: Urban Outfitters.

Told you it wouldn't be long until I got the shopping bug again! UO has had ups and downs for me... and I went a very long time before I even went in again. But I'd say around Fall 09 there was a turnaround and I rediscovered the joys of the store. One thing I've said before, and I'll say again (just in case there are some UO reps that read this, or something...) Please get some better styling on the site! Whenever I go in to the store, I'm always way more impressed with the items... they never look as good online as they do in person. The clothes seem to just hang on those models. Which is a shame, really. So please stop dressing those poor, scraggly haired gals with bandeau tops, acid washed denim jackets and high waisted shorts with socks and sandals. Really, not a good look.

(She looks great.)

(She looks not-so-great. Sad.)

Aaaaaaanywho, here's what I'm wishing was on sale for this holiday weekend. Sigh. A gal can dream! :)

Cheap Monday Mandy skirt ($38)-- that draping is fantastic and the futuristic tye-dye is so on point!

Dolce Vita romper ($185)-- a little pricey for a romper to me, but I like that pseudo-Ikat, tribal look!

Nom de Plume Yaya King skirt ($54) -- leopard. Meow. 'Nuff said. :)

Kimchi Blue Scallop skirt ($58)-- Scallops! Love! omg, I need this plz?

Kimchi Blue ruffle tap shorts ($58)-- It's my tap shorts! With a pretty floral print! Heart.

Matiko Nicki Peep toe wedge-- Shoe porn. That peep is perf! :)

Happy shopping, and happy Memorial Day! :)

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

OOTD: Rebecca Minkoff Helmut pants

Uninspired post title, yes. And again, I fool you with the "OOTD" title... I haven't actually "worn" this yet because of the debate between return/keep. But the following is how I would wear it, should I keep.

Which brings me to my question du jour: These pants: what do I do? Keep or return? (btw, this is the other item I scored from the Shopbop F+F sale). Here's a pro/con list:

PRO:
1. I don't own any other khakis (that fit).
2. They fit pretty well, I think!
3. They're trendy without being overboard.
4. I really like how they go with some of my items... a nice departure from the jean look.

CON:
1. I'm nervous that, because I'm not a "khaki" girl, I won't wear them enough.
2. The pocket is cute, but I'm nervous the paint-splatter print will clash with some things.
3. They're too expensive to sit on a hanger in my closet, unworn.
4. Will they go out of style? (my thought= no, but still a concern...)

Top: UO silk top

Pants: Rebecca Minkoff Helmut pants

Scarf: skulls! yay! :) (from a Dallas boutique)

Belt: F21

Shoes: Chinese Laundry

And a quick shot of just the pants, for fit and detail's sake (p.s., if you can't tell, they sit low on the waist but have a slightly dropped crotch effect):

Thoughts? Suggestions? Comments? Help?!

OOTY: a hint, and a score.

Sorry about the lack of fun posts lately! Inspiration seems to be waning this week. Ya'll were so helpful on the shoe decision, and I think I've also made the purse decision too, so thanks! But I know that's not all that fun for you... just bare with me. My inspiration will find its way back soon. I think it's related to this cold thing I have goin' on. It was bad on Monday, then got better, but now I have this gross snotty/coughy thing going on that's just not cuttin' it in my books. Oh well... the show must go on.

Yesterday, if you follow my Twitter feed, you may have heard I went on the typical wild-goose chase for the Cynthia Vincent for Target wedges. (Quite frankly, I'm getting sick of this, Targhetto! Just produce more than you usually do 'cuz you know they'll get bought! I'm done with the whole "sold out" crap!) After searching a few stores and calling a million, I walked into the North Irving Target (for any of you DFW'ers) and got there juuuuuust as the lady was opening the shipment boxes! I waited in fear as she opened them, knowing there were only one or two styles that came early.... and lo and behold, there were the brown wedges! Yippee! Now, I have been debating between the brown and black, especially seeing how cute the black ones were on Wendy of Nitrolicious. But the decision was made for me, and that's ok. They're really pretty in person, and definitely very comfy. I found them to run slightly big. Not by much-- I'm normally between an 8 and 8.5 and typically just have to size up, but I definitely had to size down on these. That's also because the ankle strap was way larger on the 8.5 and I have teeny tiny ankles. They're still a little big on the 8s, but not noticeable enough. Anyway, here's my OOTY (what I wore to play Wits and Wagers and watch the BoSox on TV at a friend's house last night):

(Not many pics today-- my time was short and my lighting was really, really bad.)

Shirt: UO shoulder detail silk top

Jeans: AE super skinnies

Necklaces: Nordstrom BP, and a mystery designer...

Belt: F21

Shoes: Cynthia Vincent for Target gladiator wedges in Cognac

I'm being a little sneaky here, did ya see? See the "love" necklace in my photos? It's courtesy a certain Etsy designer who will be hosting a giveaway on my blog on MONDAY! I know I promised this week; there were some technical difficulties with getting it on time, but the item is here and ready to be given to a lovely who deserves it. :) Can't wait, and stay tuned! 

And have a faboo Saturday. I'm working on that inspiration building, don't you worry...

WWJW: Back to (almost) normal!

Thank God that was the quickest cold known to man... I think because I really laid low yesterday, I feel a ton better today. Still, you know that "I'm better but I'm still kinda icky" feeling? You can't pinpoint it, but there's something that's still off the day you start feeling better? Well, that's how I was today. I feel a ton better, but instantly grabbed a button-up and boyfriend jeans this morning when I went in my closet because it was easy. After looking at myself all day in the mirror, I kept thinking, blah blah boring. So naturally, I decided to play a little dress up this afternoon after work. Perfect time for a WWJW post, eh? :)

:::WHAT I ACTUALLY WORE:::

 Shirt: Express ombre button up (knock off of those James Perse ones from last year, remember?)

Jeans: Rich and Skinny boyfriend jeans

Sandals: Nine West gold sandals

:::WHAT I WANTED TO WEAR:::

(if I weren't gross and phlegmy. TMI?)

Shirt: Urban Outfitters Shoulder Detail top

Necklace: Anthropologie Ranuncula Necklace

Skirt: Banana Republic, aeons ago

Shoes: Linea Paolo reptile slingbacks

Belt (first pic): Steve Madden (via Nordstrom)

Apologies for the gazillion photos of the dream outfit, but I was super excited about it because this skirt has been sitting in my closet for 1000 years, totally unworn. The tags were removed, suggesting I had in fact worn it at least once, but honestly I can't remember when that would have been. Here was the problem: see how high it sits and how long it is? Stupid me thought it was supposed to sit on the low waist and I was baffled by its ill fit and long hemline. Now, I know this had to have been purchased a long time ago, because I've had the high-waisted skirt figured out now for some time. Musta been back when that really wasn't in style (was that even ever? who knows. I've not always been style savvy, lovies). Also, how I could have ever worn that thing on my low waist is a mystery. Aaaanyway, point is this is a fantastic spring skirt and I'm already envisioning a ton of ways to wear it. It's a fun change of pace from my uber-short skirts and dresses. Plus, (bonus), it's work-appropriate! Yippee Hooray! 

Oh and that shirt? So glad I bought it in the blue after loving it in the pink. I think it goes with everything I own, not even kidding. I heart it. And the material, and the simplicity, and the color, and the everything. It has FF seal-of-approval all over it. Go buy it, now. :)

One last thing: look ma, I'm a blonde again! You can still sorta kinda see the underneath-roots because I waited too long to get it re-done, but it's a hell of a lot better. And the girl I had at the Aveda Institute was fabulous-- I scheduled an early-summer appointment with her so the root issue wouldn't be a problem again. Done and done.