A fabulous Friday find...

I love it when I not only find looks for less, but looks for a hell of a lot less. Don't these Baker's shoes look just like the L.A.M.B. pumps? They're on sale, PLUS an additional 25% off, putting them at a cool $22.50. Sweet.

And for the real thing....

Though the color is a tad off, I would say that if you love this style, the less expensive alternative has to be the way to go!!

New F21 Items came in!!! Review!

OK lovies, here's the deal. I'm going to review the items I'm keeping from my recent splurge (because uploading on to Blogger sucks). To note, the items I'm returning, honestly, aren't because I didn't think they fit well, or were of bad quality- I'm returning them because I don't need them or won't really wear them based on my taste. So, to summarize: F21 CAN DO NO WRONG.

(ok that's false. But I really have come to love them lately!! And look how cute the following items are!)

First, the canvas textured knit sweater. I liked this a lot, but I'm actually still on the fence about it. The canvas-esque fabric is very soft and it fit well enough to wear with a slim tank or a thin sweater. I think I might have something similar enough to return it. But oh, the PEPLUM! Love.

Next, the Parlor Tunic Sweater. This is for sure a keeper. You can tell in the second picture, which you couldn't in the first or online, that it has SPARKLES. yes. OK. Great fall colors, again very soft material, versatile, and oh-so MINEMINEMINE. sorry.

Then there's the Striped Cinched Sleeved Jacket, which looks as cute on as it does online. Pretty true to the website picture. I like it, but either this or the black parlor jacket is going back. What do you think???

Now for the Animal Printed 3/4 jacket. OMG. Love. Seriously guys, so cute on, and I just love leopard print done tastefully for the Fall. To me, two things say Fall-- purple, and ANIMAL PRINT. So I know it sounds tacky, but you can't tell me this print is tacky. It is adorable.

Umm, can you tell I love it? Heh.

And finally, this is an outfit I put together yesterday from a recent trip to my local F21. (yeah no, not addicted or anything.) I love this look. Especially because the top was $8.80 and the skirt was $10.80. This outfit seriously cost me less than $100. That's the style I like! :) And it's perrrrrrfect for mambo taxis (aka best drink EVAH) in the West Village for happy hour.

Uhh, yeah. Leopard print AGAIN. :) And sorry about the grown-out-bangs-in-eye look. Ugh.

So help me out here, lovies. Which of those blazers (striped vs. peplum) shall I keep? I'm just not sure... Help!!

Wednesday's random rambles

Wednesdays, for me, suck. It's the end of my week at one job but the beginning of it for another. But yet, its the middle of the week. Confused? Yeah, I know.

My ole' pal fashion will get me through the day! Here is a polyvore put-together that I would wear; an inspiration of how to transition your summer wardrobe to the Fall.

Summer/Fall transition outfit by justinelise featuring Lanvin necklaces

On another note, this doesn't qualify as a look for less (as it isn't really much less), but I thought I'd post it. This necklace from Free People has been a big seller this summer, and it's obvious why: the pretty neon colors and "statement" size make it a lust-able piece! It currently retails for $38 online.

(sorry for the small size, couldn't find a bigger pic)

That one comes in hot pink as well, while the neon yellow/blue is currently sold out.

If you like the idea but not a fan of neon, Aldo Accessories has the same necklace (in gold, just a wee bit less expensive!) with a gorgeous fall color palette...

I actually think I might like this one better. However, I have the yellow/blue one already and I'm not sure I want a second of the same thing. I don't typically buy two of the same thing in different colors, although I'm sure that many of you do!

Aaaaaand, another random note: Check out this beautiful necklace my FSIL scored recently (off of, you guessed it, the amazing ETSY!):

Insane-pretty. Courtesy BejewelledBespoke

I love necklaces. :)

Budget-Buster vs. Stylish-Substitute

I had to post this one, lovies, because of my love-affair with Fiona Paxton.

I'm obsessed. Her items are drop-dead GORG but so incredibly expensive. Wahhh. For about 4 months or more, I've been on the lookout for good replicas. I found one several months back at Charlotte Russe and bought it-- it wasn't quite exact, but I can't seem to find a perfect replica for a reasonable price.

Well, this one seems to be decent. And at $38, it is very cute (www.freepeople.com). My only problem is the width-- way too skinny to be passed off as a Fiona, but nonetheless, a good find if I do say so myself.

Real on top, fakie on bottom.

I even implored Etsy to help me find a look like this for much less. Anyone who would have handmade it was charging even more than the $400 price tags Fiona features. Boo. If any of you know anyone out there that could make this for much less, lemme know! (WILL WORK FOR FASHION)

So... what are you wearing??

Wouldn't you like to know!

Oh, you would? OK.

Sweater: the Limited brown crop sweater

Top: Ella Moss

Jeans: faded black Rich and Skinnies

Shoes: Zinc, my fave pair of Fall shoes!

Necklace: ummm... White House/Black Market? Maybe?

I was thinking that after my post last night, I should try out a mix of brown and black today, just to shove it in the man's face. Yeah. Sorry my face looks a little weird in that picture; I think it might have been the lighting... sure we'll go with that. Since it's been chilly (read: 89 instead of 109), I decided to wear something fall-ish today... and those shoes are sooo great for the fall. The bow on top is a gorgeous silk/satin, and the distressing of the leather makes it look rugged but feminine. Although the black and browns in the outfit are pretty close in terms of color-depth, I still think the combo works here. Maybe it's the silhouette, but I just like it.

And now for something completely different: me in Luckenbach a few weeks ago. Woohooo! Love Texas!

Style of the Day: Brocade Brigade

I love brocade. I've struggled with this for some time. Because it seems to me that one has to be careful with such a heavy, weighed-down material. It can also appear mature; a 20-some-odd should be careful, my instincts say.

But, I've learned over the years that fashion is NOT about rules. It's about getting around the rules.

Here's an example: my mom always taught me never to wear black growing up. "It conceals," she said. I didn't have anything to conceal. NOTHING. Catching my drift? Anyway.

I grew up afraid of the color black. Which is why I believe I always took a chance with colors-- with no go-to black in my closet (the ever-amazing LBD ne'er by my side), I had to rely on the other neutrals and pops of color to get me through. (I know, I know, *waaahhh*. But it's proving a point, so just listen, gahh...) In the process, I learned that sometimes, mom/"the rules" aren't always right. (Sorry, momma! You give good advice otherwise! heh)

So, here we are, Justine in her mid-20s, and trying to defy the rules that "people" assume have to be there (no white after Labor Day? Watch me! Black and brown don't mix? Yeah right). Why can't I wear brocade? Here is my take, lovies, on a rich, elegant fabric.

I love pairing the unexpected. Even when that means taking a risk like wearing skulls, brocade, and caged shoes all at the same time. I can picture a tall, mysterious woman, walking the streets of NYC on a cool, drizzly night, the streets shining with rain... And this outfit.

Yes. Breaking the rules is fun. :)

Budget Buster vs. Stylish Substitute

Here's another find of mine, although it's admittedly not the exact same...

I've been drooling over the Pelle Moda Kammi bootie for some time now but missed out when it was on a pretty good sale. Now it's full price again/on sale for like $15 less. Now I have to wait for another decent sale. Jeez.

Sexay-bootays!

Buuuut.....

Go Jane has these similar booties that may do the trick for me! Maybe.

GoJane cheapos... worthy? yay or nay?

Help me, lovies! Are these worth waiting for (Pelle Moda makes a good shoe), or should I just get the GoJane knock-offs instead? I mean, the details of the Pelle Moda version are seriously superior, but honestly, the overall look is the only thing that people notice when they're on your feet (I mean, unless you're me and you creep people out at the mall by staring at their feet and making grimaces to tell if they are reaaaaaally those new Pour la Victoires or not. What?!).

p.s.: Sorry for the gagillion posts about shoes lately. I'm just a little obsessed with the new Fall shoe trends!

p.p.s. Don't spend your Saturday night watching Bring It On: All or Nothing. It's not good. I promise.