Wednesday, September 28, 2011

What I'm Wearing: Taking My Summer Maxi into Fall

Summer weather has officially sailed off into the sunset, but that doesn't mean all of your summer pieces need to get stored away this fall. Reuse your summer maxi dress to create a cute fall-appropriate outfit. And if you don't already have a maxi dress or skirt, you can pick them up for cheap right about now on  many stores' clearance racks. I would highly recommend them because they are comfortable and chic! I took a basic black tank dress, brightened it with a coral blazer and colorful accessories and voila! Cute, comfortable, fall outfit!

Black Maxi-Dress: Elder-Beerman, Blazer: H&M, Necklace: The Wild Iris, Belt: Wal-Mart, Shoes: Kohl's
              Here is how you can get a similar look.


1. Scrunch Sleeve Flyaway Blazer - $26.50 from A'gaci
2. Colorful Woven Belt - $4.50 from Forever 21
3. Ronson Maxi Dress - $28.80 from JC Penney
4. Teal Tube Bead Necklace - $9.50 from Charlotte Russe
5. Sarina Twist Toe Flats  - $17.99 from Target

Do you have a maxi skirt or dress you will be using in your fall wardrobe?

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Trending Now: Tribal-Inspired Necklaces

Tribal prints and accessories are everywhere. There are so many cute ways to get in on the trend but I am focusing on tribal-inspired statement necklaces. A great statement necklace can add needed pop and interest to any outfit. Here are some tribal pieces to update your wardrobe.

   
1. Pierced Circle Tribal Necklace - $7.50 from Charlotte Russe
2. Focal Point Statement Necklace - $18.00 from Frock Candy
3. a.n.a Wood Collar Necklace - $17.99 from JC Penney
4. Cubes and Spikes Necklace - $7.80 from Forever 21
5. Chain Link Tusk Necklace - $16.90 from Go Jane



Will you be rocking the tribal look?

Monday, September 26, 2011

What I'm Wearing: The Girl Next Door


You are never to old to look sweet. This casual outfit was inspired by the sheer pale pink cardigan that is pictured.  It got kind of lost in my disaster of a closet and when I rediscovered it I knew I had to wear it soon before the cold weather swoops in. Every woman deserves to feel sweet and pretty and this is the right kind of casual outfit to achieve that feeling. The combo of lace and denim is timeless and ageless.  
Sheer Lace Cardigan: Forever 21, Lace Lingerie Cami: Garage Sale,  Calvin Klein Jeans: Macy's, Taupe Heels: Meijer, Feather Hair Clip: Booth at festival, Clutch: Beyond The Rack, "K" initial necklace: JC Penney


Here is how you can get a similar look.

1. Lace-Trimmed Kimono Top - $18.99 from Charlotte Russe
2. Knit Lace Cami - $5.50 from Forever 21
3. Rose Duo Hair Clip - $2.50 from Forever 21
4. Embroidered Boot Cut Jeans - $25.00 from Old Navy
5. Merona Euna Taupe Pumps - $24.99 from Target
6. Faux Croc Patent Clutch - $16.50 from A'gaci

Now, go get a little bit frilly! :)

Sunday, September 25, 2011

What I'm Wearing: Vintage Velvet

Ahhh velvet. A fabric that seems to fall in and out of fashion favor each year. I personally love this fabric because it really delivers a dose of drama. It's a beautiful, rich way to wear fall color. I bought this vintage dress at Salvation Army a year or so ago and didn't even wear it until today. With the ruched sleeves and beautiful color, I knew I had to have it and eventually would take it for a spin. I received a ton of compliments on this outfit, perhaps velvet really is back!

Velvet Dress: $3.99 from Salvation Army, Chandelier Earrings: $1.99 from Charlotte Russe, Vintage Gold Belt: $12 from Le Dominique Consignment, Rampage Faux Snake Pumps: I don't remember, I've had them a long time, Vintage Handbag: $5 from an Antique Shop

Here are some ways you can bring some velvet into your wardrobe this fall.

1. Apt. 9 Floral Mesh and Velvet Hair Clip & Pin - $7.20 from Kohl's
2. Leopard Cuff Black Velvet Gloves - $12.99 from Amazon.com
3. Scalloped Velvet Ballet Flat  -$19.50 from Charlotte Russe
4. Glamorous Velvet Dress - $36.59 from Asos
5. Red Velvet Bow Cinch Belt - $16.99 from Amazon.com

Will you be wearing velvet this fall?

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Downtown Divas at Dusk + Consignment Haul


Tonight I attended "Downtown Divas at Dusk" in downtown Tecumseh, Michigan. This event is open to the public and most of the downtown shops participate. It was a fun night, almost every store had free hors d'oeuvres, drinks, or desserts. A few shops even gave you free gifts just for stopping in. I only bought from one store, which is my absolute local favorite: The Wild Iris. The Wild Iris carries unique jewelry, clothing, accessories and gifts and I don't think I've ever went in there and came out empty handed. So if you are a local, you need to go check it out!

Here are the free gifts I got from The Wild Iris. The ring was just for coming into the store and the scarf was a free gift with purchase. Pretty awesome, right?

Below are the items I purchased this evening from The Wild Iris.

I promise these pictures don't do these items justice. They are all fabulous.


I also had the chance to stop into a new consignment shop in Adrian beforehand called The Eden Life. They have only been open a few weeks and are not totally stocked yet, but their prices are really great. I got the vintage clip-on earrings below for a mere $0.99! Here is what I bought.

Did anyone else score some good deals or hot items this week? 

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

What I'm Wearing: Printed Scarf

Wearing a printed scarf can make your basics look  instantly more interesting and fashionable.  Without the printed scarf my basic green shirt and white skirt would have looked fine, but considerably less eye-catching. A great scarf can dress up basic shirts, dresses and sweaters and is a great way to transition your wardrobe to fall. Below, there are some great options at very reasonable prices.
Shirt: Forever 21 Scarf: Old Navy Skirt: Cato Shoes: BCBGeneration via Macy's Earrings: Gifted

1. Long Leopard-Print Scarf - $9.50 from Charlotte Russe
2. Oblong Dot Scarf - $12.99 from Target
3. Fringe Eternity Scarf - $15.50 from A'gaci
4. Floral-Print Gauze Scarf - $14.94 from Old Navy
Navajo Woven Scarf - $6.50 from Forever 21

Will you be wearing printed scarves this fall?

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

What I'm Wearing: Business is Golden



I am a big fan of the rich jewel hues that are accessible and fashionable for fall. Mixing colors, fabric and prints are also popular for the cooler season. I, for one am trying to break myself from the habit of buying lots of blacks and grays (I will never completely give it up) and embrace autumnal colors and weather. 
I came across this goldenrod colored cardigan (pictured above and below) on the JC Penney clearance rack and immediately knew I had to have it. Goldenrod and mustard tones are the epitome of fall color elegance.


This is what I wore to the office today. 


Below the pictures of my outfit, there are some goldenrod and mustard colored pieces you could use to spruce up your fall wardrobe.

  • Worthington Cardigan - JC Penney (recent)
  • Green Merona Shirt - Target (several years ago)
  • Zipper Pocket Brown Skirt - Ann Taylor via Clothes Mentor
  • Madden Girl Printed Shoes - TJ Maxx
  • Gold and Cream Bracelet - The Wild Iris
  • Green Handbag - Gifted

Here are a few close-ups of my shirt, shoes and bracelet.




Here are some ways you can get a little more golden this fall.


  
1. Mossimo Plus-Size 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan - $19.99 from Target
2. Fash Yellow Snake Print Faux Leather Handbag -$15.99
    from Amazon
3. Smocked Boat Neck Top - $7.99 from Old Navy
4. Oversize Linen-Blend Tee - $13.80 from Forever 21
5. Charter Club Petite  Studded Cardigan - $21.56 from Macy's



Happy Shopping!

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Monday, September 19, 2011

Five Fashionable Must-Haves for Fall

The seasons are changing and with that we need to start transitioning our wardrobes to accommodate the new weather and trends. There are many great colors and styles that are on trend this fall but I've compiled just a handful of my favorites below. Women of all shapes and sizes can pull of each one of these trends with ease.


I hope you will "fall" in love with these trends too. Yeah, that was a bad joke. I apologize.



1. Animal Prints 
   (specifically leopard and python prints)

 There are so many incredibly cute ways to participate in the animal print trend. Below, I've shown a few ways you can incorporate leopard and python into your wardrobe this fall.

1. Mossimo Supply Co. Odell Ballet Flats - $12.99 from Target
2. BCX Leopard Printed Bubble Mini Skirt - $19.99 from Macy's
3. Leopard Lace Top - $12.80 from Forever 21

1. Melie Bianco Sophia Python Clutch - $28.49 from Sage Clothing
2. Exotic Snake Skin Print Scarf - $8.99 from Amazon.com
3. 2b Animal Print Sequin Top - $24.95 from Amazon.com


2. Blazers

A blazer can add immediate sophistication and structure to any outfit. Every shape and size looks great in a fitted blazer. If you don't own one, you should consider picking one up for the cooler season.


1. Striped Knit Blazer - $27.80 from Forever 21
2. Red Ponte Knit Blazer - $36.99 from Charlotte Russe
3. Star City Two-Button Jacket - $19.99 from JC Penney

3. Statement Necklaces

A statement necklace can go a long way to sprucing up your wardrobe. Big, bold necklaces can transform a basic long-sleeve t-shirt into a work of art. Perfect for the days where you can't decide what to wear.

1. Liz Claiborne Purple Bib Necklace - $21.99 from JC Penney
2. Linked Oval Statement Necklace - $10.50 from Charlotte Russe
3. Beaded Warrior Necklace - $8.80 from Forever 21


4. Dress and Leggings Combination

Re-purpose your summer dresses or add some warmth to your fall dresses by pairing them with leggings. I am in love with wearing leggings with long sweaters or dresses, to me they are as comfortable as sweatpants but acceptable to wear in public.


1. Spot Print Dress - $32.93 from ASOS
2. Basic Long Leggings - $4.50 from Forever 21
3. Bongo Belted Dress - $20.00 from K-Mart 
4. Spiegel Metallic Python Print Leggings - $21.00 from Amazon.com


5. Red
One of the most classic and universally flattering colors is back with a vengeance this season. Make your wardrobe red hot this season with red pants, shirts and accessories!


1. Mossimo Ultrasoft Cocoon Cardigan Sweater - $22.99 from Target
2. Spiegel Quilted Chain Strap Clutch - $24.00 from Amazon.com
3. Bella Red Patent Platform Pumps - $20.99 from Amazon.com
4. Colored Mock Jegging - $24.80 from Forever 21 


What's your favorite fall trend?  


Friday, September 16, 2011

Find the Right Jeans for Your Body at the Right Price!

Denim can be a girl's best friend and sometimes it can be the worst enemy (I'm looking at you muffin top).  Getting the right fit is imperative for looking your best this fall. I came across this great article about what denim is best for each body type. The article also showed where you could purchase each style of denim, but to myself and to many people I know, those prices are a tad unreasonable. Below I have found two pairs of jeans for each body type (with lengths for petite and average/tall). I hope this helps you as you shop this fall!


If you are Pear-Shaped (bigger on the bottom)...

You should stick to either straight leg or slightly bootcut/flared jeans. Higher waistlines and darker washes work best at slimming your hips, thighs and booty.
1. Relativity Petites' Flawless Bootcut Jeans -
      $29.98 from Bon Ton (Elder Beerman)

2. Style & co. Straight Leg Relaxed Fit Jeans (petite)  -
      $27.98 from Macy's

3. Style & co. Straight Leg Embroidered Pocket Jeans -
      $29.99 from Macy's

4. Brown Tonal Heavy Stitch Skinny Boot Jeans -
     $20.65 from A'gaci


If you are Apple-Shaped (have a little extra in the tummy) ...

You should stick to mid rise or high rise jeans in medium to dark colors. Jeans with a straight leg or slightly flared will work best for you.
1. Style & co. Petite Embroidered Pocket Straight Leg Jeans
      $20.99 from Macy's

2. Mossimo Petites Boot Cut Premium Denim Jeans
      $24.99 from Target

3. Style & co. Straight Leg Relaxed Fit Jeans
      $27.98 from Macy's  

4. Basic Editions Slimming Boot Cut Jeans -
      $14.99 from K-Mart


If you have a Curvy shape...
Avoid lower rise jeans and go for trouser jeans to balance out your shape. If you want a slimmer fit, you can go for a straight leg jean. 

1. Wide-Leg Trouser Jeans - (petite) $34.50 from Old Navy

2. Sonoma Straight Leg Trouser Jeans (petite)- $28.99 from Kohl's

3. American Star Thick Stitch Denim Jeans - $25.99 from K-Mart

4. Simply Vera Wang Boot Cut Jeans - $32.99 from Kohl's 


If you are Boy-Shaped...
You should avoid baggy styles and go for form fitting styles like skinny jeans, straight leg jeans and trouser jeans. Wide leg and flared styles are something you should avoid.
1. Merona Petites' Slim & Straight Jeans - $24.99 from Target

2. Fab Petite Skinny Jeans - $10.50 from Forever 21

3. Dark Wash Core Bootcut Jean - $23.25 from Aeropostale 

4. Essential Skinny Jeans - $24.90 from Forever 21


If you are Plus-Sized...
 You should consider a wider leg for balance or a straight leg to slim. If you are average to tall height you could also try boot cut to play up your curves.
1. Avenue Plus Size Petite Straight Leg Jeans
         $34.90 from Amazon.com

2. St. John's Bay Double Button Boot Cut Plus Jeans
         (petite) $24.99 from JC Penney

3. Plus-Size Merona Blue No-Gap Waist Slim & Straight Jeans -
          $29.99 from Target

4. Forever 21+ Stretch Flare Jeans -
          $24.80 from Forever 21   


Will you use these rules to shop for denim this fall?


 

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Outfit Idea of the Day: 70's Vibe

What is old is new again. That's right, I'm talking about the 70s people. Flare jeans, flowy tops, platform shoes, and retro colors have made a major comeback for fall. I have yet to go out and purchase a pair of flare jeans but I think I will be headed to stores to try some on soon! A part of me has always felt akin to 70s clothing, I love the colors and shapes it produced! Below are some pieces that would make a very chic retro inspired outfit. I really love these colors together and I want it all right now!


Here is how to take your wardrobe back to the 70s.



1. Printed Sheer Top - $19.80 from Forever 21

2. Liliana Platform Pump - $20.99 from Amazon.com

3. Hi-Rise Retro Flare Jeans - $36.94 from Old Navy

4. Tiered Faux Stone Earrings - $3.80 from Forever 21

5. Flower Swingpouch Cross-Body Purse - $16.95 from Amazon.com


Do you think this outfit is groovy?

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Get Bootie-licious This Fall

You probably would have to be living under a rock to not notice the plethora of heeled booties in magazines, stores, and on celebrities. They have been trendy for the past couple of years , but I have never seen as many as I have recently. They are HUGE for fall. They look great from anything from dresses to skinny jeans. Celebrities have been rocking them from the street to the red carpet and I think they look hot!

Olivia Palermo, Rachel Bilson and Jessica Alba look awesome rocking booties and so will you!

I've been doing some research to find some booties that I can add to my wardrobe for fall and have compiled a list of beautiful booties at reasonable prices below. I must confess that my favorite pair are the snake peep toes! :)


1. Paprika Dress Booties with Metal Chains - $17.49 from K-Mart

2. Morong Suede Snake Peep Toe Booties - $24.99 from A'gaci

3. Leopard Print Heels - $26.80 from Forever 21

4. Tulip Pointy Toed Ankle Booties - $23.10 from makemechic.com

5. Lace Up Tassel Wedge Ankle Booties - $23.90 from makemechic.com

6. Suede Peep Toe Snap Tab Booties - $24.99 from jenlinn.com

Are you gonna rock booties this fall?

What is your favorite style?

Monday, September 12, 2011

What I'm Wearing: Faux Leather and Lace

This was honestly a last minute decision this morning, I was in a frenzy because I had nothing to wear (feel free to roll your eyes). I grabbed my old trusty black faux leather skirt and proceeded to rifle through my shirts. Nothing was hitting my fancy and my eye kept being drawn back towards my faux leather moto vest. Thinking to myself "How in the world am I gonna make this look non-biker chick?"
"Lace!" I answered myself. Yes, I occasionally talk to myself and my clothes, don't judge.

So I then frantically went through my camisole and sleeveless shirt drawers and pulled out a nude and cream gem that I hadn't even wore yet. Much to my delight I thought it broke up the faux leather-fest quite nicely.

Add a pearl bracelet,  a pretty headband and bow adorned heels and I was feeling more proper lady than Harley enthusiast.




Headband: $1.97 from JC Penney (last winter)

Faux Leather Vest:
Candie's from Kohl's - around $14

Lace Camisole:
New York & Company via
Clothes Mentor Consignment $4

Faux Leather Skirt:
New York & Company $10

Faux Pearl Bracelet:
Gift

Shoes:
Paris Hilton via TJ Maxx $22







Here is how you can get a similar look.




1. Leatherette Halter Vest - $19.80 from Forever 21

2. Miss Chievous Rosette Lace Tank - $12.99 from Macy's

3. Silver Pearl Flower Metal Headband - $14.50 from Amazon.com

4. Surplice Faux Leather Skirt - $32 from Venus

5. Pearl Bling Stretch Bracelets - $6.50 from Charlotte Russe

6. Qupid Bow Accent Black Pump - $25.00 from Amazon.com


I think a long sleeve lace shirt would transition this outfit to fall nicely.It just happened to be a beautiful day here!

Is leather and lace for you?

Sunday, September 11, 2011

The Watch List

Not too many years ago you couldn't even get me to look at a watch. I thought they were for old people and nerds. My mind has very much been changed by the onslaught of interesting watches that can become a statement piece. Watches are classic and timeless - well they are time-full...nevermind, you know what I mean. Anyhow, I now own about 3 watches which is a big improvement from zero, but I am looking to add to my repertoire. I've been seeing beautiful tortoise shell styles, gorgeous multi-tones and awesome edgy statement makers. I've comprised a list of watches I like, well actually, two lists. One of classic styles and one with attention grabbing watches. All of which you can pick up for great prices!



 
1. Bongo Black and Silvertone Watch - $16.99 from K-Mart

2. Geneva Chronograph Tortoise Band Watch - $19.99 from Amazon.com

3. Drama Queen Silver Snake Skin Finish Watch - $26.99 from Amazon.com

4. Black Faux Leather Skinny Band Watch - $9.99 from Target



 
1. Bongo Gunmetal Double Wrapped Band Watch - $16.99 from K-mart

2. Studio Time Leopard Bangle Watch - $19.99 from Kohl's

3. Decree Studded Bangle Watch - $19.99 from JC Penney

4. Studio Time Jet Snake Bangle Watch - $16.99 from Kohl's


What is your watch style?

Saturday, September 10, 2011

This Outfit is Suspended.

 In my last post I talked about how I wanted to try out wearing a pair of suspenders. I love the way they looked on Cameron Diaz and thought why not give that look a whirl?

I bought these navy blue suspenders at Goodwill and immediately went on a search in my closet to see how I could make them work.

I saw this diagonally striped shirt and knew my suspenders had found a friend.

My mom made the tie I am wearing a few months ago and I've been trying to work it into an outfit ever since.
Enter suspenders.


I went with retro curly hair and bright red lipstick to pull off a vintage and menswear inspired look.





Top:  Macy's

Suspenders: Goodwill

Jeans: Maurices

Shoes: Express

Tie: Made by my talented mother


I do really want this black pair of suspenders with white polka dots. How adorable are these?


You can seriously find all sorts of patterns and colors on the internet if you want a more feminine pair. My favorites are polka dots, metallics and just plain red.


If you are wanting to try this look for cheaper, you can do what I did and just pick up a pair at a thrift store.

This look was easier to pull off than I anticipated. I neither felt goofy or that I was being stared at like a circus side show. Good times.

Check out the close-up picture of the tie my mom made me below. It really is darling. She made it by sewing two ties together and making rosettes with excess material not used in the base of the tie. And then just added a button and the little anchor. I love it!






Would you wear suspenders? I personally think its a cheap and easy way to get in on the menswear trend!

Friday, September 9, 2011

Thrifted Accessories Haul

 I took a little trip into my local Goodwill and Salvation Army today just to see if there was anything worth picking up. It was a great and cheap day when it came to accessories.

I have been coveting every emerald green purse I see in magazines, but they all seem to have a hefty price tag.  So imagine my surprise and joy when I came across this beautiful vintage purse. What's even better? It was only a quarter. Yessss!

The second purse I found at the Goodwill  was this gorgeous fuschia envelope style gem. It has black and gold trim and looks totally current. I could not believe my luck. This baby was also $0.25!

Can you believe it?




My third Goodwill find were these brand new looking gray crochet adorned ballet flats. I really don't own anything like these so I am super excited that I picked these up for just $1.00. They will look great with my skinny jeans, and dress and legging combos this fall.

I have a bit of a thing for belts, okay maybe its borderline addiction but I like to have one for every outfit/occasion. :) Anyhow my mom pointed out this gold metallic round disk belt (she is an enabler) and for $1.00 I had to have it. 















The Salvation Army also had a couple of things I had to have. Surprise, surprise, it's another belt!  Without the mini chain on the front I probably would not have given this belt a second look. But the little gold chain makes this belt chic and interesting. For only $0.59 I couldn't pass it up.







I have also been wanting art deco inspired pieces in a major way and lucked out big time when I came across this gold and black vintage necklace at Salvation Army. And with a $1.49 price tag, I feel like one lucky gal.




 I was just saying out loud that I am in the market for a pair of suspenders and about one minute later my mom held up this navy blue pair. I'm not sure yet how this look will come out on me but I saw Miss Cameron Diaz in a pair some time back and I loved the way it looked. So for $1.00 I had to give it a whirl. Post to come in the future about how this little experiment turns out.



             Look at how cute Miss Diaz looks!
               It's really kinda sexy I think!                                         



So the total for my accessory haul is $5.58 + Tax.

Not too shabby eh?