What I'm Wearing: Oh Snow You Didn't!

We're half-way there! Ooooh-oohhhh Livin' on a prayer. Sorry, I couldn't resist belting out some Bon Jovi. I hope you are all having a good week so far. I am doing pretty well despite the fact that the snow couldn't wait until December to appear, it just had to show up to remind me winter is upon us and make me bitter. It's a conspiracy against me personally, since the world clearly revolves around me.

I was in a bit of a rut getting dressed this morning and went for pieces I knew I would be comfortable in. I am quite sure I could live every day of winter in sweaters/dresses, leggings and boots. I apologize that it appears that I am flashing you all in the picture above, I just wanted you all to clearly see the pretty buttons and ruffles on the tunic. I promise I am not trying to show you my lady parts, this isn't spring break.

Tunic: H&M, Blazer: Maurices, Leggings: Forever 21, Boots: Go Jane, Earrings: Body Central, Bracelet: Wild Iris, Belt: Goodwill

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eShakti Product Review

I was extremely excited when the company eShakti contacted me to review a product of my choice from their website. eShakti is a unique online retailer that specializes in women's apparel sizes 0-26W.  The unique thing about this company is that they allow custom changes to the style and fit of the garment all for just $7.50. Sleeve, neckline and length are all things that are customizable on the garments, so you can build your own unique piece!

The garment I chose for the review was the Monte Carlo Jacket (no longer available). There were a wonderful selection of dresses and it was hard to choose what I wanted to try, but as I am a blazer and jacket enthusiast, I had to check out this piece.

I ordered this jacket with custom measurements. The order form was easy to fill out, it even showed you where exactly how to measure each part of yourself, making it easy for a novice like me.

Overall I really like the fit of this jacket. The sleeves were long enough, the length of the jacket hit perfectly on the hips. The only thing is that it is a bit big through the waist, but the overall fit is great. I fell in love with the asymmetrical pockets (1 on one side, 2 on the other) and the black fabric on the back of the sleeves. It is a unique, no button jacket that fits my 5'10" frame quite well. 

 

                                                                                   Back of the jacket

                                                                                              Side View

Jacket: c/o of eShakti, Top: Goodwill, Jeans: JC Penney, Shoes: Closet Overload Consignment, Necklace: Forever 21

Overall, I was very satisfied with my experience. It took about 9 days from the date of order to delivery and again, this piece was customized. If you have a holiday party coming up, you could definitely have one of the beautiful dresses on the site customized and sent to you on time. 

  

The areas on which I think the company could improve is in the selection of pants and jackets. I would love to see more dress pants and also some denim. It would be amazing to have custom fit jeans! The prices are more than I would normally spend, but they are not unreasonable. 

The biggest plus of eShakti is that all customization and tailoring is only $7.50 and if you take your pieces to have them tailored, you know that is a huge savings. 

I am a tall girl and I know it was great to have a jacket long enough in the arms and torso. My friend Sarah over at Coming Unstitched  is a petite girl and she reviewed a dress, so if you're petite go over there and check out her eShakti review.

eShakti is a very customer friendly company and they offer 100% guarantee on their products. 

Go to their website to check them out. 

Use the offer code  THECLOSET0811 to get $20 off your eShakti order. 

This code will only be good until December 31, 2011 so hurry and get a holiday dress for yourself, or a customized piece for a loved one!

What I'm Wearing: Fringe Benefits

Well it's the Monday after a long holiday weekend and that's about all I can say about it. Coming back from a break always means a hundred phone calls and e-mails to return, but overall I survived. Why is the Destiny's Child hit "Survivor" now stuck in my head? I think I still remember how the dance goes from that video too, but no one wants to think about me doing that, so we will move on. How was your Monday?

I decided not to get too fancy today and wore a white pair of skinny jeans, that I've probably only wore one other time. I am trying to force myself to "shop" my own closet, because it is overflowing with goodness and I don't give every piece the attention it deserves. I bought this fringed poncho a few weeks back at TJ Maxx on the clearance rack for $7. I am not typically a fan of ponchos, because my shape usually gets lost in them. Since this one was black (the color I gravitate toward in the store) and had fringe (one of my new favorite trends) I decided to try it on. Lo and behold, I loved it! This outfit was begging for some color so I pulled out a pair of red boots I don't wear very often to liven things up.

Poncho: TJ Maxx, White Skinny Jeans: K-Mart, Red Boots: Le Dominique Consignment, Purse: Nine West via Elder Beerman, Bracelet: Target

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Here is thing about me. I am kind of a klutz and awkward things regularly happen to me. So here is the list of things that happened today that make me think that fringe and I don't mix.

1. I went into a convenience store this morning to get a doughnut and a diet pepsi. I was sashaying about  when all of a sudden a piece of fringe gets caught on one of those hooks that holds bags of beef jerky. So I got yanked back a bit and had to get into limbo position to get myself unhooked. I hoped no one saw, but I know they did.

2. Coming into work not even  five minutes later than the previous incident, I get the fringe caught on the door handle. Am I incapable of getting around in fringe? I was beginning to think so.

3. I was leaving the grocery store and I had some bags with heavier stuff, so I was pushing my cart out towards my car and there was a cart corral along the way. I decided I could carry my bags from there and put the cart back. As I did this, I somehow got a piece of fringe stuck in the zipper of my purse. So I am trying to carry my bags and my purse is wrapped half way around me on my butt. I'm a class act, aren't I? How does that even happen? It got in the tiniest crack possible. Only me...

Despite these woes, I still love the poncho! 

What do you think of this outfit?

What I'm Wearing: Showing My Stripes

I'm back from a short hiatus. Did you miss me? Of course you did. I had a beautiful Thanksgiving with multiple dinners, way too much food and wonderful company. Friday I ventured out into craziness for some Black Friday deals. Actually, the better part of our morning wasn't bad - I think a lot of the crazies were out at midnight and then got back up at 10am or so, because that is when things started to get crowded. Anyhoo, I got a few Christmas gifts bought and a few things for myself, two of which I have on in this picture.

First off was this skirt. It was love at first sight. I just hoped it didn't make me look wide and surprisingly it didn't. Express was having 30% off of everything in the store, plus I had a $15 off of $30 purchase coupon - so this gorgeous skirt was about $25.00. Actually, if I total up the cost of everything  I have on - it would come under $40. Not bad, eh? I paired the cute skirt with a basic black sheer-sleeved top, cobalt pointy-toed pumps and a cute turtle necklace (which I purchased for $4.50).

 

Skirt: Express, Top: Closet Overload Consignment, Necklace: Body Central, Shoes: Guess by Marciano via Plato's Closet (brand new for $2.50!)

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How was your Thanksgiving break?

Did any of you get some great Black Friday deals?

What I'm Wearing: Monochromatic

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! I am so thankful for all of you who read my babble and encourage me daily. I am so blessed by your kindness. I hope you all eat lots today and throughout the weekend! I know I plan on scarfing up several delicious meals and then going into the trenches - fighting for deals on Black Friday. Like how I talk about it like it's war? Well it is. My mom and I map out a plan of attack. I don't think we will be doing what we did last year which was shop from 2am - 7pm. That was exhausting and I was particularly cranky by the end of the day.

Anyhoo, on to the outfit. My mom purchased this skirt for me at the Salvation Army for $1. Isn't it gorgeous? I didn't know how I was going to style it at first, but then I saw a lovely nude lace top in my drawer that almost blended into the light pink, paired it with a faux leather light pink jacket and pink heels for a monochromatic look. This is the first time I have went for all one color note and I have to say I really like it. I received a ton of comments that people loved this outfit and am thinking my mom is a genius for picking up this skirt for me. :)

Here is a closer view of the necklace and the textures of the shirt and skirt.

Lace tank: Clothes Mentor, Skirt: Salvation Army (Thanks, mom!), Jacket: TJ Maxx, Shoes: Rampage (gift from my brother), Necklace: Kohl's 

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What I'm Wearing: Dressing Down Sequins

It's a rainy, gross day here in Michigan today. So much so that I didn't even dress up for work. I went for comfort with a little fun sprinkled in the form of sequins. If you've been living in a cave, you may not have noticed the sequin trend. However, if you've been to a store recently, you can't avoid it. You have sparkle coming at you like a spider monkey the second you walk in. For a blingtastic loving girl like me, this is right up my alley, but I think anyone can easily incorporate sequins into their wardrobe.

So back to how I put this look together. I can't say this was a creative stroke of genius or anything, just a simple way to downplay sequins and make it an everyday kind of look. I grabbed the pair of skinny jeans first (I usually dress up for work, but I wasn't feeling it today) and then the bronze sequined tank. To keep it from looking like I was headed to a night club I put on a matte black cotton jacket with cute ruched sleeves and a pair of flat ankle boots. I was so comfortable all day and I didn't look half bad either. ;)

My doggie Kylie photo bombed me so I had to post this nice photo of her licking her lips. A real charmer isn't she? I love belt buckle look of the sparkly gold bracelet and my funky over-sized clip-on earrings.

Jacket: INC via Macy's (gift from Mom), Sequined Top: Material Girl via Macy's, Jeggings: Maurices, Boots, Rue 21, Bracelet and Earrings: Wild Iris

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I always make sure every piece is under $50.

Are you a fan of sequins?

What I'm Wearing: Autumn Inspiration

 

Happy Turkey Week! Yes, I said Turkey week. Christmas seems to get 2-3 months anymore so why shouldn't Thanksgiving get it's own week? - Says the girl who is already listening to Christmas music. Seriously though, I do love Thanksgiving. I love getting together with family and friends and eating abundance of deliciousness. Anyways, my outfit today was inspired by Autumn's beauty.

This color palette is certainly not an ordinary one for me, but how could I resist being a walking billboard for Thanksgiving?

Unrelated note: Have you guys been to the grocery store this week? Holy mother of potatoes, is it ever crazy. And what are a bunch of men who don't know where anything in the store is doing there? Oh well, I've got what I need to cook for my multiple Thanksgivings and I am not setting foot in a store until the day after Thanksgiving. As if that's any less crazy.

Below is a collage showing the details in this outfit. By the time I had scratched my way out of the grocery store it was quite dark and the pictures didn't show up well. I love the design by the collar on this coat. So cute!

Coat: Boutique de Joie, Shirt (underneath jacket): New York & Company, Skirt: Forever 21, Belt: Salvation Army, Earrings: Forever 21, Heeled Loafers: Chadwicks via Smart Chicks Consignment

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Are you inspired by the colors of Autumn? I know I am!

What I'm Wearing: Cat Call

Today is one of those days that I am proud to say I am wearing thrifted/consigned clothing from head-to-toe. I honestly cannot make enough cases for thrifting or shopping consignment shops. I have found some incredible things for amazing prices. I would encourage everyone to Google thrift and consignment stores in your area and go check them out. Some will be great, others will not be. You just never know until you check it out.

On to the outfit. I adore this red skirt and wear it quite often (I've posted in it several times). A fun colored skirt can make an entire outfit. The vest I have on is genuine leather and was an exciting Goodwill find as it fits me like a glove. Don't you just love it when that happens. I chose to pair the leather vest and red skirt with one of my favorite trends: animal print. Love the tie neck on the top and let that peek out over the vest. I didn't wear any jewelry with this outfit today because leopard, leather, red and embellished shoes are quite enough on their own.

Top: Goodwill, Vest: Goodwill, Skirt: Clothes Mentor, Shoes: Goodwill

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Is this a look you would rock?

Do you thrift or shop consignment shops?

I am currently featured on...

Stilettos Diary as a Style Inspiration. Go check it out! :)

What I'm Wearing: Metallic Jeans and Combat Boots

TGIF! Am I right? Of course I am. I'm apologizing in advance for the horrible photos this time around. I was a hot mess, I'd just had dinner and was not feeling the whole take 20 pictures thing. So we are working with the scraps here people. Anyways, on to the outfit. I bought these metallic jeans a month or so back and this is the second time I have wore them. I twisted my own arm (ouch) to wear these puppies again. When you live in a small town, people look at you like you are from Mars when you walk up into a joint wearing shiny silver pants. Thank the stars the girls working at Maurices thought it was a cute look (they are potentially the only sane people in the county).

I actually wore this look to the office today. I made it more daytime appropriate by pairing it with combat boots and mostly muted colors save the bright pink belt. I would highly recommend you get a pair of metallic jeans (whether it be silver, gold or bronze) as a way to spice up the denim rotation in your wardrobe.

Snake Print Cardigan: New York & Company via Clothes Mentor, Black embellished tank: Maurices, Metallic Jeans: Amazon, Bracelet: Elder Beerman, Combat boots: Madden Girl via The Shoe Dept. Belt: Goodwill

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Are metallic jeans something you would try?

What I'm Wearing: I'm Pretty Bright

Well hello everyone and happy almost-weekend! Today I decided to wear the skirt, sweater, necklace and belt I bought on my epic shopping adventure last weekend. Neon seems to have made it's official comeback as I saw quite a few neon greens, pinks and yellows in stores. I decided to hop on the bandwagon when I saw this simple, but glorious highlighter-colored sweater. It reflects my brilliant personality, don't you think? I know you are all nodding your head and saying "yes" right about now. Thanks for noticing.

I actually found the skirt later that day and was like "Oh snap, that will go with that highlighter sweater I bought earlier."  And for $11, who could say no? No one, that's who. It was too cold for bare legs, let me tell you. Big mistake. Luckily you can't see my leg hairs growing by the second in this picture, so we're all good.

Now you are about to witness one of my greatest talents....taking awkward photos.
See Exhibit A below.

Sweater: Rue 21, Skirt: Ann Taylor Outlet, Necklace: JC Penney, Belt: thrifted, Shoes: Rampage via Elder Beerman (several years old)

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Would you dare to go bright?

What I'm Wearing: A Mixed Bag

Do you ever just wake up in the morning and start throwing clothes on until it looks right? That was me this morning. I knew I wanted to wear my new skinny cords and the orange blazer caught my eye, so I just went from there. As I was digging through my sleeveless tops drawer, this white floral number jumped out at me and I knew it would go perfectly. It picks up the orange in the blazer and adds interest to the two solid pieces.  I wanted to play with a few of the colors in the printed top so I added my new Christian Siriano for Payless shoes and a mustard belt.

And so I ended up with a comfortable, work appropriate outfit that says "I know what I am doing." Fake it til' you make it, right? This look actually kind of goes against  my normal grain of clothing. Corduroy pants and no heels? I barely recognize myself, but that chick in the photo looks pretty neat, so maybe I will let that alter-ego out on the town more often.

Blazer: thrifted from Savers, Skinny Cords: Rue 21, Printed Top: Aeropostale, Shoes: Christian Siriano for Payless, Necklace: Forever 21 (3+ years old)

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Is this a look that you would wear?

What I'm Wearing: Beads, Bows, Pearls, and Pleather

You can never go wrong in black and white. Unless of course you drop your mascara wand on your white top, or get toothpaste on your black dress (I have been guilty on both counts). This is my old reliable color combination. It never fails to make me look and feel sophisticated.

I found this over-sized beaded vintage top at the Salvation Army and knew I had to have it as long as it didn't make me look huge or like a football player (it had shoulder pads that I cut out). I found it to be the right amount of over-sized with a good amount of weight that makes it hang on the body nicely. With the pearl-like beading around the sleeves and bottom it has a very Chanel feel to it. I broke out some chunky pearl bracelets, a cute bow ring and amazing bow pumps to keep with the vintage glamor feel, but decided to toughen it up just a bit with faux leather leggings. I am quite happy with the result.

Beaded top: Salvation Army, Faux Leather Leggings: Express, Bracelets: Deb and gift from mom, Ring: Glitter, Shoes: Paris Hilton via TJ Maxx

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What I'm Wearing: Monday Blue and Leopard Too

Happy Monday everyone! It was high time I broke out a little fun on a Monday. Sequins, leopard and cobalt blue? It's like a party on my body.  The blazer/jacket is a purchase from my favorite new store discovery, Love Culture. Some of you may already be aware of it, but my first experience with it was this weekend. It is very much like a Forever 21 with trendy items at reasonable prices. They do have a website so you can check it out if you would like. Sorry for that mini-tangent, but I was pumped to find another inexpensive trendy store option.

I've had this leopard skirt since last year and just now wore it for the first time. I do not know what took me so long, since it is so cute. I had the urge to wear sequins as well because they were EVERYWHERE when I was shopping this weekend. I literally could not believe how many sequined items there were - it's like the 80s disco era threw up at Macy's. Seriously. Not that it's a bad thing it was just a little shocking.

Blazer: Love Culture, Sequined Tank: The Limited via Second Chance Consignment, Skirt: Von Maur, Necklace: Kohl's, Shoes: Second Chance Consignment

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 Do you get sassy with your work wear?