Excuses.

So it’s been a while since I’ve posted. I know. It’s not worth trying to make excuses over so I won’t. I could try to blame it on work or I could try to blame it on lack of inspiration…but I won’t.

 …But I will say I’ve been inspired by the trend on today’s post and I’ve hit a point in today’s work where I can take a break.

So here it is. Cap-Toes. Where do I start? For the first time in a while, a shoe trend is making its way onto my “I’ve got to have it list” and it’s the cap-toe heels. I am drawn to the fine line of loving and hating them, thinking they are [could be considered] ugly but fashionable. So count me in.

These are my favorites.

Snake-skin cap toe, yes please.  Jimmy Choo, yes please.

(Jimmy Choo Alias Cap Toe Pump available @ BergdorfGoodman.com, $575.00)

New twist on the classic Mary Jane Manolo?  Definitely.  These are sure to be a cult favorite.

(Manolo Blahnik Campari Cap Toe Pump available @ Nordstrom.com, $735.00)

Perfect fall shoe.  The suede says it all.

(Narciso Rodriguez Two-Tone Pump available @ Barneys.com, $795.00)

An affordable take on the trend.  Irresistible.

(ASOS Sidney Pointed High Heels with Metal Toe Cap available @ ASOS.com, $74.57)

Stuart. Weiztman. Under Two Hundred Dollars. Enough Said.

(Stuart Weitzman Capsize Pump available @ Shoptheshoebox.com, $185.00)



What are your thoughts on the trend dear reader? 

XXoo,

Me

 

 

FBFF: What's Trending

After what seems like a month, Fashion Beauty Friend Fridays are back and I couldn’t be more excited.  This time of year is always a great one to talk about fashion; after all NYFW is less than a month away.

We are about to see a lot of trends during fashion week so it seems only fitting that this week’s FBFF questions focus on new trends.

1. With Fashion week just around the corner, we are all beginning to focus on the upcoming trends for fall. But what about the trends hitting stores now? What are you coveting? Haha well, I always get super itchy when I think of something that I know is going to be a HUGE trend in the future.  I hate waiting for everyone else to be wearing the trend and usually like to jump into it as soon as I can get my hands on it. This isn’t always easy since stores don’t always carry next season’s IT items.  BUT…if we are focusing on RIGHT now I’ll say I’m most exciting to start wearing the color blocking trend.  Like I mentioned in my last post, I started buying items to do this but it hasn’t been warm enough to wear most of it yet.  I’m also going to throw in and say that instead of bright neon color blocking (which is so right now) that we will be seeing a lot of jewel toned color blocking for fall and a lot of floral and bustier top lines.

2. How do you incorporate new trends into your wardrobe? I go shopping. 

3. What trend are you seeing and not loving? Hmmm, this one is kind of tough.  I kind of have a love hate relationship with the colored jeans thing happening right now.  I really want bright yellow pants but I am just not a jeans person.

4. Do you feel the pressure to constantly update your closet with the latest trends? Not at all.  I buy what I like and what I must have.  This always includes some classic pieces and some trendier pieces.  If it’s a trendier item I tend to not spend as much on the item – I save that for the classic pieces I will love forever.

5. Where do you find inspiration that takes the trend and makes it accessible to you and your personal taste? Well as far as inspiration goes, I follow my gut then I shop accordingly. This usually involves a serious amount of online shopping so I can just Google whatever I am thinking of.

What are some of your favorite trends right now?

XXoo

For more Fashion Bloggers' answers hop on over to Modly Chic.

New Year, New Things

So there’s A LOT of big trends starting to emerge right now and I couldn’t be more excited.  As you all know, I’m a HUGE fan of black and most of my closet is filled with it.  I’ve been wanting to incorporate color into my wardrobe for quite some time but there have no been many affordable options that I’m attracted to…

Well not anymore! Bright bold colors have taken over a variety of stores and are easily accessible online too. I have ripped off that big black Band-Aid and have run into 2012 screaming, “Color! I will wear you!”

It’s true.  I’ve been shopping a lot lately.  My husband and I don’t surprise each other with gifts on Christmas so every year we pick out our own the week after.  I began by spending the $100 gift card to Forever21 I received as a gift from my mother-in-law.  I filled my online cart with TONS AND TONS of skirts.  (Only one black one!) I picked out a red one, a bright blue one, a peach one, a variety of big bold necklaces, a blue and green belt and a bright orange tee shirt.  Since then I’ve also gone to the mall and come back with a multi-colored dress and a blue top.  I even ordered those nude Brian Atwood Maniacs I’d been eyeing for the last year as well as an orange and red bauble necklace from JCREW.

I know, it seems excessive (or so the Mr. thinks) but I’m not done yet.  There are so many great things out there so different from the “safe” options available in the past in a variety of prices that I just have to take advantage of it.

Here are some of my favorite “must-have” items:

The Spectra Skirt from Forever21.com.

Not only is this skirt under $10, it comes in four colors.  FOUR COLORS!!

(Spectra Skirt available @ Forever21.com, $9.80)

These blue Suedette Platforms.  I feel like I’m also posting blue suede shoes but I can’t help how amazing they all are!

(Suedette Platform Heels available @ Forever21.com, $24.80)

Bright yellow pants.

I’m absolutely obsessed with these yellow ones from J. Crew.

(Toothpick jean garment-dyed twill available @ JCrew.com, $108.00)

Anything royal purple.  Like this blouse from Piperlime.com.

(Parker Button Down Silk Top available @ Piperlime.com, $198.00)

A side piece.

And by that I mean a fierce clutch. I’m not usually much of a pink person but this clutch makes me want to be.  There is something so Barbie-esq about it, don’t you think?

(Jimmy Choo Cayla Patent Leather Clutch available @ MyTheresa.com, $1,150.00)

A piece that ties it all together.

For me, it’s this necklace.  It’s the perfect accessory when color-blocking in shades of blue and green!

(Cobalt Blue and Emerald Green Statement Necklace available @ Etsy.com, $58.00)

What about you, have you found any great bold and bright pieces you must have?

XXoo

FBFF: Feeling Festive? So Am I.

Happy December my loves! Just in time for the holidays, I'm bring you an early gift - a new post! (Just what you've always wanted right?

Inspired once again by the mind of Katy over at ModlyChic.com we have a great set of #FBFF questions.

Take a peek into my holiday pyschy.

No holiday party is complete without: Good food, good drinks, good friends/family.


My favorite Christmas song/album: I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas (Bing Crosby version only.)My favorite seasonal recipe: Eggnog with rum.


The perfect New Year's Eve outfit includes: Something that makes you stand out from the crowd.At the parties, I'll be drinking: LOTS of champagne.


Eggnog, good or bad? Good, only when spiked.Did you ever take pictures on Santa's lap at the mall? Yes!


Gingerbread Latte or Peppermint Mocha:Neither, I'd go white chocolate something.

Worst gift I ever got:I must've blocked it from my memory because I definitely don't remember!

Best gift I ever received: Everyday is a gift.

My family has this weird tradition:I wish I could say we had one...but we don't.

My best bargain find for a gift this year: I found my brother-in-law this amazing button-down Calvin Klein from Nordstrom rack marked down from $90 to $40!

If I could only buy all my gifts from one place, I'd shop at:The internet...and I do.

Rudolph the Red-nose Reindeer or Frosty the Snowman:Why make me choose!!??

My favorite holiday memory:Waking up early and seeing what seemed like a massive pile of gifts under the tree with my brother.

My favorite Christmas movie:White Christmas.

The best part about holiday decorations is:Getting caught up in the spirit.

Rip off the wrapping paper or neatly pull off the tape: Depends on how nicely the gift was wrapped.

Miracle on 34th Street or It's a Wonderful Life:Ahh um both? or can I chose A Christmas Story and White Christmas?

It doesn't feel like the holiday season until: I watch White Christmas.

All I want for Christmas is: You dear reader!

Happy Holidays to all! 

XXoo

P.S.  If you have a blog or a FB page, try to repost these questions - I'd love to see your answers!

Seeking Sequins

I guess you could say my love of sequins started long ago.  I could probably pinpoint it to age 5 or 6 when I began taking dance classes and have a variety of costumes covered in sequins.  I still remember my favorite piece – it was a red sequined headband worn proudly like I was starring in Flash Dance or another classic dance movie.

Sequined garments were big back then and were worn in every day life – not just as part of a dance costume for a recital.  These days, sequined garments aren’t always as easy to find but they are making a strong come back and whether you buy new or vintage a strong sequined piece makes the perfect staple for your closet.

Here are some of my favorites:

Perfect paired with a cropped sweater or tank creating an effortless but dressy look…

(Antik Batik Alep Cropped Sequined Pants available @ NET-A-PORTER.COM, $460.00)

A closet staple.  Wear it with leggings, dress pants, a skirt, boots, heels or flats.  Either way, this blouse is super versatile.

(Diane Von Furstenberg Kallina Sequined Kimono Top available @ Nordstrom.com, $498.00)

Shorts aren’t strictly for summer any more!  Pair these with tights and wear them year round.

(See by Chloe Sequined Shorts available @ THEOUTNET.COM, $138.25)

The perfect party top. Animal print AND sequins? A total yes please.

(Jazzy Sequin Animal Tank available @ CharlotteRusse.com, $22.99)

Need just a touch of sparkle?  This belt adds the perfect pizzazz to any outfit! 

(Glitzy Gold Sequin Ruffled Elastic Cinch Belt available @ Amazon.com, $16.99)

It was really hard to include all the fabulous sequins available!  If you’re looking for a one of a kind sequined piece check out Etsy or Ebay.  They have tons!

Until next time,

XXoo

P.S. If you want to see a picture of the headband that inspired it all, click here.

A Sale of Epic Proportions!

It’s hard not to love ASOS.  They’re affordable, fashionable, send you discount codes for up to 20% off and frequently offer free world-wide shipping.

Right now, they are having an amazing sale and unlike most other sales, this sale features items that are still in style!

I am so in love with this dress it’s ridiculous.  It’s sexy, simple, and would be flattering on almost all body types.  Plus I can’t get over the price!

(Vero Moda Key Hole Drape Back Low Side Dress ORIGINALLY $48.89, NOW $24.44)

 

This blouse is so in right now! Animal print is still a huge trend right now as well as front-tie blouses - definitely key elements for making it a wardrobe staple.

(ASOS Animal Pussybow Blouse ORIGINALLY $61.11, NOW $30.56)

 

I can’t get enough of ASOS dresses.  They are so fashionable but simple.  Just what I like.

(ASOS Waisted Flippy Dress ORIGINALLY $43.65 NOW $26.19)

 

Snakeskin print anything is so big right now.  These are the perfect height for the office or a night out.

(Snakeskin shoes ORIGINALLY $78.57, NOW $33.17)

 

If you’re not bold enough to wear this skirt in the winter it doesn’t matter put it away til spring.  Mid-lengths have just started to make an appearance and they are sure to big a huge hit for the next few years!

(ASOS Midi Skirt with Fixed Waistband ORIGINALLY $52.38, NOW $31.43)

 

Black and white and polka dots.  Need I say more.

 

(ASOS Spot Shell Top with Rounded Shoulders ORIGINALLY $43.65, NOW $21.83)

 

ASOS also has some amazing pieces of jewelry, bags, pants, shorts, menswear, you name it as well! Don’t hesitate on checking out this fabulous sale – items will be sure to sell out fast! 

XXoo

FBFF: (Fashion) Victim of A Contagious Epidemic

It happens to everyone. You might pay it no mind at first but after weeks of hearing or seeing something repeatedly it seeps into your mind and after awhile it's all you can think about.  You begin to get the "I have to have it RIGHT NOW" thoughts that seep in during meetings, every day conversations and as you lay in bed at night. You don't want to be left out of what everyone else has, do you? No.  So you with everyone else (who has also had these thoughts) hits the stores at the same time (and also periodically) vying for the same items that you HAVE to have. Voila, a craze has been created.

Since almost no one is safe from this epidemic and when exposed it is extremely contagious, this week's Fashion Beauty Friend Friday questions divulge into how it affects even the savviest shoppers.

1. Do you ever see a fad hit the stores and immediately dislike it? Has that fad ever began to grow on you? I can't think of anything off the top of my head but I know I've been victim to this before.

2. Has the popularity of a certain piece of clothing or line ever
convinced you to try on something (or purchase something) you dislike? This I can answer. Yes. I am not much of a Juicy Couture or Tiffany's person but I do own quite a few items from each brand.  Not that there's anything wrong with either, I'm just not one of those girls.

3. Have you ever changed your mind about a trend after seeing it
around for a while? Like the answer to number one - I know I have, I just can't tell you when or what.

4. Do you feel a certain pressure to have specific items in your
closet because 'everyone' else does?  I certainly don't feel pressure to have specific items in my closet because other people do at this point in my life but I definitely have before.  (See answer number two.)

5. Be honest, what do you think of the Missoni line? Did you grab any items? Is it worth the eBay prices? I'm actually going to answer this question first since I have strong feelings about it.  I cannot stand when high-end brands do lines for places like Target or H & M.  I like Target and I like H & M and I like Missoni and all the other brands that have designed for these stores but I like them separately.  I don't see a sense in paying a lot of money for something at one of these stores just because they label says a certain name.  You are still buying a piece of clothing from one of these stores not specifically the designer.  I think it's better to save your money towards a new garment from the line or buy vintage piece.  I feel the quality is much better.

What about you?  Have you ever fallen victim to a craze?

XXoo