Buying/Debating/Wishing...

Hi readers! With the decrease in my posting has come some confusion in what I should post when I do. I personally like reading other's picks to buy, wishlists and recent purchases, so I hope you'll be interested in that, too. Let me know if there are things you'd rather me talk about, because I'm open to suggestions! I'd love to start doing some OOTDs again but time has been the main issue-- if you'd really like more of that, let me know and I'll try to work on it. K? K.  :)

Recently Acquired:

With Bloomie's 20% off for F&F time (through November 14th), I decided it was due time to make an order. Even though I actually bought these Blank Denim cargos a long time ago, a sad mishap with bleach rendered them unwearable. Ugh. Fortunately, I re-purchased them at a discount, which makes life a little easier, no?

And I couldn't resist this... a blardigan (by Aqua, Bloomie's contemporary/cheap house brand)! Perfect in cashmere, plus it will look super cute with a maxi skirt like this one (which I purchased and totally love!).

Debating:

I have been wanting a new, comfortable day dress recently, and I love that this Free People dress could go either day or night. But, is it that cute? Not sure... any thoughts on what I should do? Buy or don't buy?

Wishing:

I heart this Steve Madden Berllinn boot. It looks comfortable and chic.. I love how the cuff is not scrunched like lots of other cuffed boots are right now. I'll be waiting on a sale for these, though... or maybe Santa will bring them? Hmm?

Fetching Fashions Fancies (8.9.10)

{Ha! 8, 9, 10. (Sorry.)}

Free People Kitty Cat Cardigan

Love the mix of intarsia-print with animal. Meeeee-owww!

Also, check out this post here, which shows 3 leaked images of the new Tucker for Target collab. Honestly? I'm super disappointed with what I've seen. I'm hoping the other items are better, because this is like a 70's disco party gone bad. Ugh.

Budget Buster vs. Stylish Substitute

Although I do these posts few and far between, I saw this one today and got a leeeeetle excited, because I kinda like the cheaper version better. Yay!


Budget Buster:

Free People Stripe Sweater, $138

Stylish Substitute:

Forever 21 Striped Stud Trim Cardigan, $32

I think I like F21's version better because of the studs and the length, but Free People's color is much better. Well, the price is really what would do it for me, since I would gladly pay $100 less for the F21 version!

No OOTD today. It's so cold they closed schools, which means I'm wrapped up in a sweater and jeans. Not very exciting. Let's hope the weather getss a teense warmer.

Also, GO HORNS!!! (Texas vs. Alabama tonight 7 pm CST. I'll be watching it with bells on. Eating Buffalo Wild Wings. Yum.)

Lushious Lacey Love

My holiday traveling is officially over. I had a great time in NJ, but I'm so happy that I don't have to worry about an airport for at least another few months.

I came home to a happy surprise-- my order from Sock Dreams arrived! I took way too long to place an order, but I'm glad I finally did. Anjali, you're my new hero: I'm not sure how I lived life without these thigh-high lace stockings. I'm now a proud owner. My plans for the evening were only an outing to a local Tex-Mex resto, but I decided to debut my beauties anyway. I threw this together in about 5 minutes, but I think I did well... Here's an OOTN!

Top: Free People "Scandalous" Lace top
Sweater: J. Crew's Color Block Cardi
Skirt: F21 bubble hem chiffon skirt
Tights: Sock Dreams! EEEEKKK!
Shoes: Steve Madden taupe suede studded booties
Necklaces: WHBM black layered necklace, from years ago, and some random strand of pearls

It's rare when my outfit is current enough to link things, but tonight it's the case. It's not that I don't buy things (Lord knows I do), but I tend to mix the new with the old a lot... which is probably a good thing. Note: refer to the last picture for the more-accurate color of the skirt. It's definitely teal; not bright blue. Also, after checking out the photos, I realized the shoes weren't working. So I did these instead...

BCBGirls high-heeled oxford booties (circa 2007?)

Mine.

It's been hard keeping up with posting this week, so my apologies. As a general warning, my posts will be sporadic for the rest of the month. What with that little thing called a WEDDING coming up. In a week. ONE.

WEEK.

Anyway. I got this little beauty today from Free People:

I remember spotting this loverley maybe a month ago and almost bought it on the spot. In my store, it came in the pink and a forest green (not offered online). And I fell in love with the green color. Fortuitously today, I found it for about 1/2 off! And the price wasn't even bad to begin with-- $88. I got it for a cool $39.99. Not a bad deal. The material is a super-soft jersey, reminiscent of a Rachel Pally frock. (ohhohhh and it's got pockets! and flounce! and prettiness!) And though it may look boring here, I promise the styling options are endless. This little baby will make it on the plane to Hawaii with me but will also have a rotating spot in my Fall lineup. With some vintage brown leather boots, a multi-chain layered necklace, an ivory chunky-knit and slouchy purse. Sigh. Yippee!

Also on my purchase list today: 4 pairs of much needed undies (holes? yeah I know, embarassing), a pretty bra (honeymoon HELLOOOO), a cute little blue cord blazer from AE (which I might trade for that cute black blazer I've seen everywhere with the little flower on it) and skinny jeans, also AE. Not usually an AE fan, honestly, and my store carries poor selections, but I needed some affordable skinnies that were low rise and stretchy. Check, check and check.

Enjoy your Saturday night, lovies, and I will make a huge attempt to post, at least through Wednesday. (Thursday= beginings of family madness. Gulp.)

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.

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

dinner dress...

I love this dress. I bought it from a boutique in Dallas last fall, and it's by Free People. It has a cool, Indian-vibe to it. The only pain-in-the-buttocks thing is, it's pretty short. I can't really wear it without tights or leggings, which I feel like detracts from wearability of the dress. I don't get much use out of it, but when I do, I feel pretty and put-together.

I'm wearing it with my paisley cut-out earrings from F21, Nordstrom shiny leggings (not liquid leggings, be specific...) and some BCBGirls oxford booties (which you can't see... but you will eventually. I wear them a lot). I have a really cute Juicy Couture wool capelet that I will wear with it when it's cooler out... and then some knee-high boots. Fall, why won't you come to meeee nowwww??? :(

Hope everyone's Monday found them well!

Fall Wishlist

OK lovies, so now that I averted disaster (i.e., fixed my work mess), I'm ready to let the inquiring masses know about my Fall top-picks (since I know you're just chomping at the bit, hehe).

I got the 15th ann'y InStyle in the mail last night, and it very much so inspired me to start thinking about the key pieces I feel are needed in a Fall wardrobe. Not that I haven't been obsessing over that for the past month or anything, no no no. :)

1. A pair of skinny jeans (like, duhhh.)

My favorite are the Hudson Collins. ($178) Unlike many of Hudson's jeans, these skinnies fit close to the body, which is hard for me because I have no curves. I have trouble with skinnies that actually fit close to my calves, and these really do. Hudson denim is known for it's comfort and general wearability (they fit almost any body type), and the denim is high quality and rather lightweight. I love them.

2. A fur vest.

I have been holding off on fur for a while, but I just can't seem to keep my eyes off of the ones I've found so far. I prefer faux (not really because I'm an animal activist, mostly because my wallet requires it), and it can be hard to find a realistic and not cheapo-looking fur. However, I feel like BB Dakota's fur vest looks realistic, as does Nordstrom's faux fur vest. ($98) I personally prefer Nordstrom's, in this case.

For those of you who're willing to spend a tad more moulah, check our Juicy's caplet. SOOO FREEKIN CUTE:

3. A front-ruffle/bow blouse.

I'm actually having a hard time finding one I want. Here is a picture of the general style:

Alone, this might have a tendancy to look a bit like a pirate (argh, maties!). However, with a cardigan (see #4), skinnies (see #1!) and a skinny metallic belt, we have an adorable fall outfit. It's versatility is lust worthy-- think even a grey pencil skirt and tailored blazer. So, dear readers out there, if you spot one that is affordable, please send her my way!!

4. Ahem... that cardigan.

I am one of those freaks of nature (remember, I told you I'm bad with classic pieces) that does NOT have a nice cardigan she likes. Sure, jackets a-plenty, but ask me for a staple cardi and I'll pull out some ragged old thing that looks like the moths got to it before I did. HOWEVER. I will turn over a new leaf this fall. (ha! fall... leaf... so clevah. :-P ) Here is my pick, Aqua from Bloomie's ($138):

5. An over-the-knee boot.**

This is tricky. One, the price. Real leather or suede can prove expensive for something that might be a bit trendy. Two, the trash-factor. Heels AND over the knee might be trampy (I say might be, lovies. You may prove me wrong!). So, my pick for the Fall will be suede, grey (or black), and flat to low heeled. This will do the trick, available at Free People ($188):

**Doy! I'm totally editing this, because I just found these that I'm in love with and I want much more than the Free People version. I would post the full picture, but I'm having trouble with it. So just click the link already, ok?! :)**

6. Paper-bag Skirt.

I did something stupid, lovies. I got rid of a beautiful, crimson colored, silk Penguin skirt with a flowery-embossed print. Ugh. I sometimes make bad decisions. It sat high on the waist and had that paper-bag feel. Well, now I need a new one. Hmm... This one from Tulle is crazy-cute, and is soooo cheap!! I see it with my new, long cardi from Anthropologie: (Tulle, $22!!!)

7. Metallic Brogues.

I love pairing things that are feminine with things that are masculine-- polar opposites in fashion attract me. That's why I can see these brogues, some socks, and a skirt as being a fun and fashionable take on Fall trends. I'm IN LOVE with these (Pour la Victoire, $218), from Free People (go figure!):

Sigh. Wishlists are fun, but they are daunting! Maybe these inspirations will get me eating some hotdogs and Spam to save up some money (gross)... So what about you, readers? What are your top-picks for Fall '09 fashion??

Argh. I was played.

Don't you just hate it when good, respectable brands make you think you're getting something so great, so original, something you'll never see again after you buy it? And then you realize they just want your money?

As I was dutifully browsing Lulu's this morning, I came across this.

Copy cat.

Do any of you recognize this? Well I sure do. Because I bought it. Last year. From Free People. For about triple the price. How can Free People put their name on this and then the same design is sold... the next year, mind you!... for a fraction of the cost? I'm just bitter because I paid too damn much. HOW COULD YOU DO IT TO ME? I'M SO LOYAL AND THIS IS HOW YOU REPAY ME?!

Sorry.

The Free People sweater was a little different. Had an assymetrical button line. Whatever.

On another note, say hello to my little friend, found this morning at Bloomie's. Her name is "Gorgeous L.A.M.B. bootie".

If anyone happens upon a cheaper version of this, be sure to let me know! So pretty. Look at that towering heel! I even like the subtlety of the metallic stitching (haha, I just called "metallic stitching" subtle). It's not studded like a lot of the boots right now (which I love, don't get me wrong, but this just works). Gaw, I love Bloomie's! I started a wishlist there last night, chalk full of Aqua stuff. (hey yo, future-hubby-- you should check it out. It's public. Heh.)

p.s.: Monday morning confession. It's me, work colleauges, who has been stealing the plastic forks, spoons, and any will-work-as-a-shovel-into-my-mouth utensil to eat my maple yogurt with walnuts and granola every morning. I'm confessing this because I know no one at work will see it. Mwahaha!!

Super Saturday, come to me

So to round off the load of loot spending spree, the fiance promised me that we can go to the mall this weekend to get me "something." Trust me, dear readers, this is no small feat for a mall-phobic man. He is doing this out the of oozing love in his heart (*sucking up*). I forsee it all now. "Something" to me could mean any number of things (5 things?! $300 shopping spree?!), but to him, it means a pair of socks. Or a $40 dress, which he will swear up and down is expensive.

Soooo doesn't understand fashion.

Fear not, lovies. In order to make this trip more manageable for the future hubby, I've decided to do the selfless thing of scoping out the mall before we actually go. You know. Try on all of those iffy items that have me standing in the mirror in 500 different poses without him. A not-so-feeble attempt to prevent him from getting so fed up that we leave with him huffing and puffing several steps ahead of me (dragging me out of Intermix as I claw at a Rachel Pally maxi). Nightmarish, no?

I went to the Anthropologie, and was sad to see that they didn't have the linen jacket or purple wool beauty that I so desperately wanted... but they did have the slub moto-jacket. And guess what? Disappointing. Kinda baggy, sorta hobo-ey. Not good, lovies, not good. Buuuuut. I did find this, which is more beautiful in person, and would be so supah versatile I almost bought it on the spot:

What, you say? Almost sold out online? GASP! Hurry, Saturday! I want this! I picture it with that Iisli dress I posted about before. And some rugged, brown, buckled boots. Sigh. OK, but fear not (like you were, right?!). I have another want for Saturday:

It could go under the Anthro sweater. It could go with jeans. Under a black tube dress. Over a bandeau for some sex-appeal. Over the river and through the woods... oh, what? Sorry. But I think it's a versatile piece. Perfect to make an outfit edgy or sweet. Oh, the options!

Hmmm... now to figure out a way to appease the crying masses that will be my fiance in T-minus 1 day....