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?

Wishlisting: Shopbop

As many of you who have read my blog for some time know, Shopbop + me = true love (coincidentally, it also = true brokeness, but whatevs). My wishlist is always full at any given time and I'm constantly editing it. Because the stock over there is so extensive, it sorta helps me keep my trend-priorities in line. Do I want a leopard print bootie or a military trench? Even if I don't end up getting half of what's on there, it helps me think about what I really want to indulge in and what I think I can live without (or find a cheaper version somewhere).

With my birthday month approaching (yes, birthday MONTH. It's a month-long affair. You understand.), I'm thinking abotu what I really want and what I can live without. Hmmmm....

 Patterson J Kincaid Scarlet Tunic

Seeing as though I've collected silk blouses like I collect lusty, 17-year-old-stares when I'm in my Eclipse (yes, creepy), do I really need another silk blouse? The answer isn't so simple with this beauty, seeing as though the shape and embroidered details make it so much unlike many other things sitting on my hangers.

LaROK LUXE Corporal Cool jacket

This is the prettiest military style jacket I've found! It's a little pricey, but with a little b-day cash, it might be a nice splurge. It's pretty versatile, too. (Although, it would definitely be between this and the Anthro cape I featured yesterday. Hmm.)

Boutique 9 Rivit boots

A sad thing has happened since I began school (besides the extra 10 poudns I've gained from eating pizza rolls nightly)-- I've pretty much stopped wearing heels. I love the lace up boot look, so I thought these were a great option. Only problem is, they may be a teense too literal on the military trend, plus I honestly have a hard time imagining how my closet would make these work.

Free People In the Trenches jacket

An alternative to the LaRok jacket, even though this is a much more feminine take. I so much love the ruffle hem, ohhhh do I. But it's "fine knit," which is perfectly fine for the next 3 months, but then will sit un-worn from January until March. Maybe that's not a problem enough to not get this.

Patterson J Kincaid Harlow blouse

Again, with the blouses... I actually own this in the ivory color, which is since sold out on Shopbop (although the beigey-pink color is divine!!). It seems silly to buy another, but I really love my ivory one and could totally use a little more red in the fall wardrobe (seeing as it is a trendy fall color).


What are your current shopping dilemmas??

The Fall Checklist.

If you can't already tell, I'm starting to warm... errr, cool? to the idea of fall. Its so hard when you start seeing the pretty colors and luxe fabrics the cooler months bring! So, as I do biannually, I find myself creating a loose list of what sorts of things I'll be buying in an effort to nail down some sort of style aesthetic for this half of the year. Here it is so far.

1. Olive green.

I don't care if I end up with a jacket, sweater, pants or top in this color as long as I own it. I have been drooling over the moss and army green shades I've been seeing and know it will be a big color for the fall/winter seasons. This J Crew silk jacket is very, very high on my wishlist right now, though! (Why must it be more than $100... why?!)

2. Blazers.

This is no shocker, people. My love for blazers and structured jackets is nothing new. But this season, since school will be in the picture, I plan on really getting some versatile blazers to mix and match with different tops and dresses. I love the vintage-like print on this one from Topshop! So fun.

3. OTK boots.

I've been talking about these since last year, yes I know. But I really love the look. The problem is the price. I don't want a leg full of pleather (teeters on trashy...), but the leather boots are a little hard to swallow. These Boutique 9's are perfect, but I will have to save my money!

4. Leopard.

Again, this is nothing new. I heart animal prints way more than I should. But I'm thinking I need some leopard booties as the quintessential expression of the fall leopard trend. *Dreams.*

5. Comfortable sweaters.

Duh. I mean, this is on everyone's wishlist, right? But I'm talking luxe, thick sweaters to be layered with and cozied up to. Very much like this cabin sweater by Anthro. Sigh.

6. Et Cetera.

This includes: cargo pants; a trench coat; clogs; lace up/peeptoe boots/booties, and so on. These are more wishlisted than needs, but should be included nonetheless. I'm organized here, people. :) 



What's on your must-have list for Fall 2010?

Shifting into fall...

It's a huge dilemma, people: do I fall into fall in the middle of July? Or do I hold out?

I think the problem is twofold: 1. There are so many cute new fall items out there. 2. I will not be able to wear said cute items for probably another 4 months. Sad story, but true for us Southerners. However, if I will be shopping, I ought to be shopping fall since my summer closet is pretty filled to the brim.

With these considerations in mind, I will trek to my local Nordstrom today to see what I can see of the Anniversary sale. Here's what I'll be shopping (lest the 106 degree temps make me faint):

Sanctuary Peace cargos, on sale for $78.90 (and believe you me, that ugly belt will be promptly removed.)

Lily White Banded Skirt, on sale for $17.90 (!)

Nick and Mo Ruffle Jacket, on sale for $39.90 (I am a little worried I'll be sized out of this.)

Hue Cords leggings, on sale for $21.90 (looks cozy!)

And, because Shopbop is like crack, I also bought this pretty little fall piece last night:

Alice + Olivia Wrap Around Cardi

This or That? (Wishlist...)

Morning, lovies! Good news is I'm starting to feel like myself again! Which means I think it's almost time to try out the new blog nook and post an outfit picture. In our master bedroom, there's a little sitting space that husband said I could use and decorate however I want... it's only about 5x9, but it's perfect for taking my photos. I plan on getting some pillows and fun wall decals, so ya'll will see the transformation over time. Anyway, I have some important business to take care of.

(Correction: this is not at all important, sort of like the fodder of this entire blog. BUT, it is supah-fun. Heh.)

Which do I get? (Please keep in mind that NEITHER of these items are necessary or even all that useful. They are fun and unpractical, so keep that in mind when stating your opinion. And no, I don't want to spend my money on something I'll wear everyday, because where's the fun in that?)

This:

(Diane von Furstenberg Blynney Jacket)

or That:

(Pelle Moda Finet cage sandal, in Aloe)

I've been obsessed with that jacket since it came out months ago. Pros: will go between seasons and can be worn as either a jacket or a shirt (when belted up). It also has a vintage flare to it, plus all I would need is a tank and a pair of jeans and there's a fun outfit! Con: it's a lot of animal.

The shoes have also been on my wishlist since I first saw them months ago. Pros: that color. Look at that color. Sigh. But, they're season specific (not fall or winter appropriate!). And I've been finding myself wearing heels less and less (although I've been wearing them a ton in my blog photos).

So... help?

A letter to Santa Claus.

Dear Mr. Claus

Dear Bringer-of-goodies

Dear Santa:

Hi. This is Justine. I actually haven't believed in you since I was in the third grade and this snotty little blonde girl told me her brother told her you weren't real. When I asked my mom she backtracked a lot, so I knew Miss Snotty McGee was correct. Anyway, point is I need a little faith right now. Because there's all this stuff I want, and the funds are limited. So I hope you're out there.

(Yes, I know it's June. I also know you're probably relaxing before the big season, which begins around October because we capitalists like milking every last cent out of anything that once had meaning, but I thought you might have just a little time for me.)

I'll even make it simple! Just one store! You can send your elves over. Just make sure they bring the sleigh, because what follows is a long list....

1. All three of these jackets. Please ignore that they are basically the same thing, because I love each of them dearly. And yes, it's a need, not a want. Sheesh.

2. This dress. Because it is so me.

3. This sleep-set. Because it is too freekin' cute for words.

4. This necklace. Because it's zebra AND huge flowers. 'Nuff said.

5. These two tanks. Because they're cute, and I like cute things, especially when they have huge flowers or bows on 'em.

6. Last but not least, this adorable embellished sweater. To remind you of your colder whereabouts.

I thank you for your generosity ahead of time.

Sincerely, Justine.

(P.S. All items shown are Anthropologie, obvi. What's on your Anthro wishlist??)

Wishlisted: It's a short story (etc.)

I can't seem to get enough shorts. Silky, cotton, ruffly, you name it. So I figured I'd throw a few of my faves in a post. And a few extra things at the bottom for good measure. :)

Lulu's Kiss Chase Shorts, $37 (don't forget the 30% off coupon!!)

Urban Outfitter's Cooperative Pleated Rayon Short, $38

UO's Kimchi Blue tap short, $48

IRO Mya shorts, $138.60 (which I snagged this morning on sale and had a leeettle difficulty with, courtesey Shopbop's annoying inventory glitches. Ugh.)

Plastic Island Bardot Shorts, only $46 on sale!

Sachin + Babi Poppy Shorts, $150.50  (a little wacky, yes, but fun nonetheless! And a great alternative to a skirt for a dressy dinner date!)

And some other exciting things, just because my wishlists are getting outofcontrol....

Nordstrom Charlie Jade 'Greneda' romper, $115 (it's like an abstract butterfly print! Love!!!)

Anthropologie's Rochelle Blouse, $88

Anthropologie's Pizzoccheri Jacket, $88 (NEED. THIS.)

Free People Lacey Top, $68

Free People Nigerian Tulip Top, $88

Shop Ruche's After the Rain top, $35.99

Whew! That's a lot of wishing... :)

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! :)