OOTD: the daytime mini.

Don't you just hate it when you have a nice item sitting in your closet that you never wear? This happens to me way more than I'd like to admit. I have a tendency of buying things that I love but aren't super practical. The only upside to this is that it really challenges me to step outside my usual boundaries and switch things up.

So as I was sitting at work today, daydreaming and... well, not really working... I remembered that I haven't given enough attention to my Rebecca Taylor cheetah print skirt. The reason is definitely because it's a "going out skirt." Even though I wish my life were more glamorous, it's pretty true that my weekends don't always allow me to wear my fun little numbers. What's a girl to do? Wear them anyway. And wear them for daytime.

'Course, there are no rules per se for wearing a mini when the light is bright, but I think the best course of action is:
1. Balance the legginess on bottom with some covered-upness on top. This is always a good idea, but more so during the day!
2. Keep jewelry toned down, or else it gets too dressed up.
3. Try flats or sandals instead of heels to maintain the laid-back air.

(note: This is not work friendly. Although somewhat-short skirts are OK in certain office environments, please don't think I pranced in to work today wearing this little ditty. But it's totally day-do-able whilst shopping or catching a nice lunch on a patio. On a non-work day.)

Top: The Limited tee

"Blardigan": Nordstrom BP (Frenchi) cardigan

Skirt: Rebecca Taylor cheetah print skirt (still around here, and cheap!!)

Shoes: Sam Edelman (from Anthro, winter '10) reptilian oxfords (on sale here)

Belt: Express 

Necklace: EPIC Apparel

And, umm, so, why didn't I know Ms. Taylor has an online site? With amazing sale items to boot? ::scurries off to online shop...::

OOTD: I feel like an Anthropologie catalog.

My outfit today is Anthropologie-overload (in a good way). It's actually very, very rare that I do that, but it really worked today. The pattern of the abstract butterfly on the top with the flowers makes me think of spring despite the heat were having. Plus, I like it. And that's all that really matters, no? :)

Top: Anthro's Folded Wings tank

Skirt: Anthro's From Monet skirt

Shoes: Elizabeth and James Mason pumps (here in yellow)

Necklace: "Love" by flavanilla (she's on break now, btw)

Bracelets: F21, won from Maria

Short post today... but have a great Friday, all!

OOTN: "I change shapes..."

Last night, I saw Miike Snow in concert. For those of you who've never heard them, it's actually the band's name, not a guy who can't spell his name correctly (which is what I initially thought!). They have a unique techno/dance/pop/rock sound that I love. Lemme tell you-- amazing performance! I highly recommend seeing them in person, as they put on a great show.

Here's what I wore, which isn't that "new" or innovative for me... but hey, sometimes I like the looks I've created so much that I only tweak them a little. This was sort of one of those times.

(I realize my arms are up in each of these pics. What gives, me?!)

Tank: Old Navy ribbed tank

Skirt: F21 striped skirt

Belt: ??

Necklace: Baker's multi-chain necklace

Shoes: Go Jane cheapie booties

I thought it was an appropriate look for a concert, since it's a little edgy but still keeps my personality. Plus, these are comfortable shoes. Seriously. Who would have thought these $20ish shoes would be more comfortable than some of my $300-plus shoes? Crazy.

Also, I have fun news: I'm going to DC at the end of July to meet some fellow bloggers and some other gals I've come to know over time with this blog! I'll have more deets soon, so stay tuned for that. Thank you to all you fabulous readers/bloggers who have become my friends over the past year. This blog has opened doors for me I never imagined would be opened, and most of those doors aren't even related to fashion! It means the world to me that some of you have reached out and told me your story and have become my friends. Ya'll are the best, ya hear? :)

Also also (I know, I'm a little of everywhere today)-- even though I recently re-did my blog header, I should be unveiling a new blog look and header soon. I like what I made, but it's just not right. I've enlisted the assistance of a wonderful fellow-blogger, but more on that when the time comes nearer. Be excited!  :)

Outfit: from the archives, part 1.

Nope, no "OOTD" (and none for possibly the next couple of days). This is for two reasons:

1. I have an odd shark-like sunburn right now, despite my frequent turning-and-basting techniques this weekend. I do hope to remedy this with time and a less martini/sangria filled brain this Saturday. (it's really not all that bad, but I'm still too scared to see what my stupid camera will make my skin tone look like until I have a day or two to even out.)

2. I have some archived photos and this sunburn/weekend come-down has been leaving me wearing my comfiest skirts, dresses and tee shirts. My current outfits aren't really fodder for a fashion blog... so the archives, it is!

Plus, hey... I like this outfit. It's a little weird, because I'm kinda-sorta wearing a cardigan as a shirt (gasp!). This is not a new trick, people, but I'm not usually a cardi gal and don't tend to incorporate them much into the wardrobe. That is, until I discovered the two I recently got at Nordies about a week ago. I love the grey one I wore here because it just seems to fit so well, and the color of this one is just so purrrrdy. It's like hydrangea or something. Not sure I even really know what color a hydrangea is, but I assume it's a pretty purplish-pink like this cardigan. Yep. Aaaaanywho.

Tee: Old Navy black tee

Cardigan: Nordstrom BP 3/4 sleeve cardigan (on sale!)

Skirt: Babooshka Boutique (ohhhh Etsy.)

Belt: F21 bow belt

Shoes: Liliana Bardor pumps

Necklace: Simply Vera Vera Wang

I think I may try this with the cardigan closed for a cleaner look, too. The thing about this skirt is that the paper bag style of it bans me from any sort of longer cardigan over it (or else there are weird bumps). Which, you'd think was OK living in Texas, but nooooo. Air conditioned buildings are brutal, and if you're wearing something that's not sweater or blazer-able, then you're bound to freeze the tush off ya. This was my solution, and it's perfect because the color is almost the exact color of the flowers in the skirt. (The hydrangeas? No, ok, they're some sort of pink daisy hybrid, whatevs.) This, of course, made me love this damn cardigan even more. Ooouff. Ohhh and do you see the pockets? Love the pockets! 

(p.s.... I am quite aware I need to change up my poses. I'm getting a little bored with this inverted right toe thing. I'll get on that, stat.)

OOTD: The pink parade.

Lots of the outfits I've put together recently have included a pink hue, whether it be blush or barbie hot pink. Not sure the source of my recent pink-madness, but I must say I'm enjoying it. I'm a girly-girl. There's no doubt. Pink has always been my favorite color, and with my light-ish colored skin and ruddy complexion (which oddly carries a more yellow tone on the rest of my body), I find I can (usually) wear it and have it be complementary. So, a premature apology for the amount of pink you're likely to see in the next few weeks.

(It really doesn't help that my new pink Zara blazer goes with just about everything in my closet... I heart it and want need it in black, stat!)

Top: BCBG Max Azria cashmere tee

Belt: BCBG Max Azria (the original Snakebite belt, heh)

Skirt: F21 striped mini

Shoes: Liliana Bardor pumps

Scarf: Tolani ombre linen scarf

(p.s., This is my "recreated" look from the post I did on Bazaar's recent issue.... most definitely inspired rather than a direct copy, but the mag gave me the idea, at least!)

Was it just in Dallas, or did Tolani scarfs take over the summer last year? It was probably regional, but  Tolani was the "hot" scarf to own... seen on Jessica Alba and Hillary Duff, most notoriously. The boutique I worked in carried tons, and all we did was dress in scarves last summer. Which means I have a ton, and I never seem to wear them anymore. I'm attempting to fix that and re-incorporate them into my spring wardrobe. We'll see how that goes... and if the weather cooperates!

OOTD: First 'Fursty!

Waaaay back when, I composed this list of designers I wanted in my closet.

(Quick disclosure, especially since the lovely Veronika just did a post about this, which I think is great to discuss: my closet has always been a mix of designer/mainstream [ya'll know I need my F21 as much as my Shopbop], but I really think the more into fashion I get, the more my idea of "designer" changes. I now think most of the stuff Shopbop carries is designer, whereas I used to think the epitome of couture was whatever Nordstrom TBD carried. Not that it isn't really pretty and nice and quality [please understand I'm not judging brands here because I do not discriminate-- ask my closet], but I've had the [mis?]fortune of gaining more knowledge about the millions of gorgeous designers out there, and it's been quite difficult trying to fill my closet with designers I respect and think are worth the cash.)

I've checked Rebecca Taylor off the list (and know that I haven't seen my last of her! sigh, love), and figured it was time to check off another. DvF was one of them. Up until now, I've not found anything by her that I thought was worthy and affordable enough (because honestly, $450 on a dress is just not in the budget at the moment!), but the Neiman Marcus pre-sale had such great stock, I had to finally cave. This top may be a season or two old, but it has a timeless quality about it that I knew would take me from season to season, year after year. Great fabric, nice flowy, elegant fit, beautiful pattern... Plus, a $265 down to $90 price-tag was within the budget, so it happened. Yes. It happened.

Top: DvF Ortega "In Budding Roses" blouse

Skirt: Etsy (gruhche)

Shoes: JS Cedary Sandal

Necklace: The Limited

It looks great dressy, like above, or even just with skinny blue or black jeans. It's a little tough to get the sleeves in to a blazer, but trust me. I'm working on it. :) The color palate is bright but somehow stays out of the loud and obnoxious realm. I'm very happy with it, and it was a nice little addition to my pre-sale fun! (The Robbi+Nikki top I've been talking about is great, too! It'll will be in an OOTD soon, believe you me...)

I'm Home! And I'm Tired!

I knew it would be exhausting, but sheesh! :) Had a great time but Vegas is for youngins'. My age may be a relatively small number but I have an old soul. (Either that or I'm just really lazy and out of shape. But I'm sticking with the old soul thing for now.)

For anyone who followed my Tweets over the weekend, you'll have seen some of my pics already. I'll give a quick (i.e. not long and boring and rambly to you readers) recap with photogs.....

We got in on Thursday evening. It was our friend's birthday but all he really wanted to do was hit up the tables, so we headed to some casinos and got a quick dinner on the strip. Here's what I wore-- comfortable and relaxed. (p.s... I do not gamble. Therefore there were no winnings or losings for me. However, I had fun drinking for free whilst watching others gamble.)

On Friday, I woke up early and did some shopping before anyone else was awake. Not sure what it was, but I just didn't find that much that tickled my fancy on this trip. It was a mood/mind thing, I'm sure of it... but I did get the Zara blazer in blush pink that I've been pining for, and a super cute French Connection bustier top. Two great purchases (OOTD posts to come in the future, be sure of it).  Besides shopping, we had brunch at the best place ever, Mon Ami Gabi (I totes recommend!), did more gambling, then got ready to head to Tao for dinner and dancing. Tao was lots of fun-- great (expensive) drinks, fantastic food, and great people watching. The rooftop pool turns into a swanky lounge area with pretty-people types at night, which is always fun to check out. Here are pics of my outfits-- day and night:

Saturday was... yes, more of Justine shopping. I ended up snagging a pretty Express chiffon top and two Anthropologie tops: the Nexus top in "beige" (yeah it's grey, sorry) and the Folded Wings tank in ivory. Rather pleased with the loot, and I came home with money to spend (which I'll get to later). That night was dinner at the Bellagio buffet (uhm, YUM.) and Conan's show at the Palms. I didn't get a pic of my outfit but I wore my Rachel Pally teal batwing dress, Jess Simpson nude sandals and Codename Ivy necklace. Here are some shots from the show. (hilarious! Go Team CoCo!!)

(he played the guitar and sang a lot, which was quite entertaining. He also "stole" Meatloaf's large blow up bat for kicks and giggles.)

Sunday was pretty chill. Brunch at a restaurant in the Venetian (can't recall the name, ooops), walked around the strip, gambled (and drank) at the Wynn, and said goodbye to our traveling mates. We had dinner at FIX at the Bellagio, but I did't  get a pic of this either, since it was again pretty casual and kinda boring. The outfit-effort was waning at this point. (BONUS: for anyone who watches "Pawn Stars" on Discovery, this is for you. Personally, I'm addicted to the show and came home with a Chumlee mug. Yes!)

(check out that great iPhone quality! When there's sunlight, the pictures actually turn out. Funny how that works...)

I can't wait to style my new items, especially my French Connection bustier. The colors are TDF. And at the end of the week, I hope to share my Shopbop loot with ya'll... uh-huh. That's how you spend the rest of your money, people, yup yup. :)  Hope everyone had a nice weekend and a good start to their week. Back to the grind, lovies!

OOTD: relax, max.

I just freekin' love this weather, peeps! It's been in the high 70s/low 80s and SUN. LOTS OF SUN. Heart. Its putting me in the summer-state-of-mind, and when I feel like that, I feel like relaxin'and'maxin'. (I just made that up, with the help of 90's sitcom reruns, I think.)

Tee: Old Navy perfect fit tee shirt

Vest: Monrow cotton vest

Skirt: F21 striped body con skirt

Shoes: MICHAEL Michael Kors cage sandals

Necklace: Baker's multi-strand chain necklace

I feel like this is a very Cali-inspired outfit. Just seems so laid-back and chill, which is what I was going for. Sometimes, all I want to do is wear my sweatpants outside, so instead of succumbing to the badness that is flannels-in-public, I reach in my closet for the most comfortable pieces and see if they work. I got lucky today, lovies. It did. (and a little inspiration was found in Harper's Bazaar, who suggested the vest to be paired with a tight skirt. Nice.)

What Would Justine Wear (WWJW)?: Tailored to perfection.

For lack of a better title for this new recurring post, I've decided on WWJW. (I hope that's not offensive to anyone, oy.)

The pictures of what I actually wore really are from today-- the pictures of what I wanted to wear are from a week ago, when I first got the Anthropologie Immutable Jacket in the mail. I snapped a bunch of photos with different outfits to see how I'd like it... and as you know, I love it. Despite it's flaws (i.e. poor fabric and kind of shoddy quality), it's such a versatile jacket and I've been so desperately searching for one, so it's staying with me. This was my favorite creation of my mini-photo shoot that day, and although I haven't exhausted this jacket's possibilities, the fantasy outfit is one of my favorites to date. Yep... quite possibly my favorite Fetching Fashions outfit. I've been dreaming about this outfit, lovies, seriously. It's gotta be the tailored look about it... it's what I've been totally wanting to achieve lately. And on a kinda gross, humid, nasty day like today (in which I opted for comfort over a tight skirt, and probably rightfully so), there's nothing I want more than for a place to wear this ensemble. Oh well! 

:::WHAT I ACTUALLY WORE:::

Tunic: EPIC apparel

Jeans: Current/Elliott destroyed denim

Shoes: Steve Madden Tristanos

Necklaces: Etsy (thejewelrybar) and Nordstrom BP

:::WHAT I WANTED TO WEAR:::

Skirt: gruhche (by Vera of Deep In Vogue)

Jacket: Anthropologie Immutable Jacket

Tank: Victoria's Secret lace cami

Necklace: Baker's multichain necklace

Shoes: Charles Charles David cage bow pumps

Bracelet: A.V. Max pyramid stud cuff

OOTD: Real vs. Fantasy.

I feel like I can be rather misleading here on Fetching Fashions. That is, with my outfit posts. Some of them I really did wear that day! (like here) while others are more of what I would wear if dress code and appropriateness weren't a thought (umm like here). I used to only post pics of what I was actually wearing back when I didn't have a tripod and took my photos in the bathroom at work. But you could never really see the outfit and the pics were super-bad, so the tripod came along. But all that made me wanna do is play dress up. Which is all well and fine! And it's not that I wouldn't/don't wear these dress-up outfits. It's more that they're what I wish I could wear whenever I please... like fantasy outfits! (hmm... that sounds a little rated-R. Not meant to be, p.s.)  So today, I'll post two outfits: what I really wore, and then what I wanted to put on and prance around town in. I might start making this a feature to get the best of both worlds-- you can see how I dress on a hum-drum weekday aaaand my fun inspirational outfits. Yay!!

Oh. and I'll try to keep at least one element from the reality outfit to transition to the fantasy outfit. Kinda like an "inspired by" thing.

:::WHAT I REALLY WORE:::

Top: F21 ruffle top

sweater: F21 bow cardigan

Jeans: Hudson triangle pocket bootcuts

Shoes: Liliana bow pumps

:::WHAT I WANTED TO WEAR:::

 Top: F21 ruffle top

Jacket: F21 Articulate Jacket

Skirt: Rebecca Taylor Cheetah skirt

Shoes: Michael Kors cage sandals

Necklace: Free People

p.s.: hair appointment made for April 11th. so far away....