Product review: Shop The Look!

Afternoon, lovies! One thing I've been meaning to do and thinking about since I took my little hiatus is this product review from a great online accessories boutique called Shop The Look. The fab ladies over there contacted me a while back asking me if I'd like to review some things of theirs, and since they stock cute, trendy pieces, I could not say no. Shop the Look has been featured in tons of magazines we all know and love (Lucky, Redbook, InStyle, hellooo!!) and always feature affordable baubles that look like the real thing. Here's what I reviewed:

Mixed Rocker Cuff, $14

Looped beaded necklace (on sale here!!!)

I thought the necklace looked so much like that Anthropologie necklace that was out this summer (whose name I'm blanking on at the moment), but I really liked the mix of metallics and neutrals this one offered. It's super cute with anything from jeans and a tee to a LBD. (EDIT: I was wrong to say the necklace is sold out-- it's actually ON SALE for under $8! grab it up, peeps!) Plus, I love me a good cuff, and the Rocker cuff is just what I need to spice up an outfit. The one little drawback I found? The clasp is a bit hard to maneuver on the necklace, but once it's on it's not a problem. Otherwise, quality seems great, especially for such inexpensive pieces.

Anyway, go check out what you can find over that way! They are running a free shipping with a $20 purchase promotion (use code FALLFREESHIP), so make sure and stock up on your fall faves now while the promotion lasts. As always, happy shopping bloggies!   :)

OOTD: velvet's one last hurrah.

As many of you well know, I've been acting like it's spring for, oh I dunno, like 2 months now. Most of my outfits are shamelessly springy even when it's not really the right weather or right month to be donning my duds. C'est la vie. But last night, whilst in my closet flinging items around, I rediscovered this... velvet blazer. From Anthro, circa 2007 (?). I'll set the scene...

*Enter Justine, fanatically flinging clothes*

"Top... top... get rid of this... keep this.... ehhmm?... velvet blazer... top, top..."

"Wait. Velvet blazer?" *Pan in to face. Look of horror as realization sets in that Fall/Winter is gone and Spring has arrived. Velvet blazer will be null and void in T-minus a few days.*

So I grab some tops, some pants, some accessories and start playing around. It was way too late to be putting anything on my body besides flannel pants and slippies, but I made some "hanger outfits" as per my usual and set them aside for the next morning. Honestly? I didn't like what I did but I kept it out anyway.

Fast-forward, Tuesday morning. Begrudgingly put on the outfit. And what do ya know? I kinda like it. No.

I actually like it!

And so, dear lovies, here's my Lesson of the Day: don't always trust hanger outfits. They can deceive. (oh yeah, and don't rush the seasons so much! and don't cry over spilled milk! and don't kick a gift horse in the mouth! and don't eat year-old mayonnaise!)

(gratuitous ass-shot, whoopie!!)

Blazer: Anthro Odille, ca. 2007ish

Top: EPIC apparel burn out tee

Pants: Express black jeggings? ponte leggings? you decide.

Necklace: super-pretty thing from Nordstrom accessories dept.

Shoes: Chinese Laundry zebra hair wedges

(and please take note of pretty lilac nail polish. I lurve.)

OOTD: Cut-off madness

I've really been toying with the idea of pairing denim shorts with a sweater and tights to make them winter-appropriate. I've just not had the guts to do so, until today. Hope I can pull this off ('cuz if I don't, oh well. TOO LATE.)

 

 Blazer: Pencey via Shopbop

Sweater: Express cable knit sweater

Shorts: F21 distressed denim shorts (similar here)

Tights: Juicy Couture

Necklace: Express mixed metal chain necklace

Shoes: Steven by Steve Madden Grinnd booties (on ebay! can't believe I found these)

The best part about this outfit? I've realized that this blazer does so much better when worked into an edgier outfit. That way, the out-of-control fringe just looks "I don't care cool" instead of "I'm a disheveled mess poop".

Another great part: I have never worn these shorts. They're F21 from last year when I was itching for some Current/Elliott insanely-awesome suspender shorts... that I think I'm still wanting for this year. These, I thought, were my answer, but turns out they weren't. No good reason, either. Just wasn't getting that "feeling," ya know? Anyway, they work here, and I'm just happy I'm able to put them to use now.

You know. That is if this doesn't make me look homeless.

Inspiration Board: WhoWhatWear

I love http://www.whowhatwear.com/ and read it daily. I usually can find oodles of inspiration and love "shopping their closet." Sigh. Today was no exception-- in fact, it might be the most inspirational one yet! (well, for me at least.)

(Check 'em out directly for a better view of this board-- blogger apparently does not want to upload a decent image. Argh)

This is just the kind of look I want to achieve more often. It's that effortless yet still pulled together look. I rely too much on rosettes, ruffles and sequins to do the talkin', but I really think that truly amazing style doesn't need all that to shine. Instead, the best things are the understated, architectural pieces that invoke an artistic aura. I just wish I had more of this in my closet. (not that I don't love me some sparkle or ruffle, obvi I do, and there is definitely a place for them in every girl's wardrobe!)

Some highlights for me:

1. That F21 leopard top I've been staring at and not buying because of my closet FULL of leopard.

2. That Topshop dress, even if it is maternity.

3. Oh, those shoes. Those Dolce Vita shoes. When will I bite the bullet on them!?

4. The Cynthia Vincent overzised navajo sweater. DIE.

5. The F21 skirt.

Shiiiiz, I'll just take it all, thanks. What are your picks? Do you love this board as much as I do?

What I wore...

Happy 2010, lovies! Hope you all had tons of fun. My evening was... interesting. We went to a local bar to celebrate and a Beatles cover band played four sets of Beatles songs. Don't really know why we didn't think of this before, but when we got there, the average age was probably around 55. The best part about it was that these were no typical middle-agers, no no. They were rowdy. I was even sacrificed to a very large, scary oldie by my husband for a dance. There may be imaged evidence of this somewhere. Anyway, it ended up be a fun night, loaded with champers, singing, dancing (with and without creepy men), and even an engagement (they met at the Paul McCartney concert four months prior. Precious). I've only got a few pics of my outfit, as it became very difficult to snap photos with company at the apartment before hand...

Dress: Rodarte for Target Leopard print dress (I just love this thing)
Necklace: Free People (in red hue here)
Shoes: oh, you know.
Hair: colored and cut by Aveda Institute's finest 18-year-old stylist who loved Lady Gaga as much as I do (thanks for the suggestions, all! I am happy with my first attempt at Aveda Institute)

Oh... and a little fun with my friend, T:

(p.s.: T is rockin' Banana Republic's Tiered pleated dress, cutes!)

My roots...

In my effort to get back to my roots ("edgy with a touch of feminine glamor"-- I made that up. Nice, huh?!), I'm re-vamping my shoe wardrobe. Shoes can transform ALL outfits-- jeans and a tee with some insane shoes make you instantly glamorous. One of my favorite go-to edgy shoe brands is Dolce Vita. I discovered their fantastic 30% off sale this afternoon (valid through Christmas day) while browsing. Oh man... these are what my dreams are made of. Here are my picks!

Dolce Vita April Pump

This YSL tribute shoe is to die for, and with discounts is a not-so-shabby $116. So doable! The five-inch heel? Slightly more tricky.

DV by Dolce Vita Whitney Bootie

These look like a blooming flower in person (they were right next to my new Steve Maddens in the store). That is, if flowers were made of fine leather and zippers. Oh! and approximately $70. Nice.

Dolce Vita Trinity

I've seen these on several bloggers-- very pretty.

Dolce Vita Josey boot

I adore these. Just adore. A true statement piece!

Check 'em out, lovies! And use code "Holiday."