I Hope Everyone Notices, I Showed Up Nude Today

I still regret deciding to buy grey peep toe Christian Louboutins over nude ones two years ago.  There have been so many occasions that I've longed for that addition of a great flesh colored shoe in my closet and alas, there aren't any in there.

The popularity of camel is helping earth tones come back in a big way.  Along with olive green, nude tones are sure to be a big hot for spring and next summer.

In my constant struggle to add color (nude is a color right?) to my wardrobe, I've begun to look for great pieces in this lighter shade of tan.

Here are some of my favorite things I've found thus far.

I love a great nude top.  This top would look great with jeans and heels for a date night or with a pencil skirt to work.  The combinations are endless!  Great investment shirt!

(Petite Nude Crop Tab Sleeve Collarless Shirt available @ TopShop, $70.00)

Three words. Marc. Jacobs. Clutch.



(Marc Jacobs Fold Over Clutch available @ MyTheresa.com, $512.69)

Jumpsuits are on the rise and its easy to see why!  (You don't have to find a shirt to match your pants or vice versa.)  This one is sure to be uber cozy and sheek.  Thakoon makes GREAT clothing.  Pair it with a patterned scarf or a great pair of earrings.

(Thakoon Metallic Stripe Silk-Blend Jumpsuit available @ THEOUTNET.com, $540.00)

I love Stella McCartney for a few reasons. 1.) She follows me on Twitter. (True story.) 2.) She is vegan and makes all of her garments accordingly. 3.)You can wear her designs over and over again - they are timeless!

(Stella McCartney Python Print Cashmere and Silk Scarf available @ NET-A-PORTER.com, $472.50)

I'm SO excited for the return of Halston.  As a HUGE Billy Joel fan and fashion lover, I began to search for great vintage Halston pieces the first time I heard the song, "Big Shot."

 (Halston Heritage Pleated Flower Dress available @ MyTheresa.com, $523.21)

It may be pricey for a necklace but it'll go with anything.  Imagine Cameron Diaz when she wore a necklace similar to this one (but turquoise) with a fabulous white gown.
 

(Balos Necklace available @ Anthropologie, $180.00)

The elusive Christian Louboutin pumps I still regret not getting.  I'll get them one day!

(Christian Louboutin Very Prive 120 Patent Peep Toe Pump available @ Footcandyshoes.com, $795.00)



Many people have reoccurring nightmares about showing up to school or work completely nude.  For me, it’s something I look forward to.

XXoo



Friday I'm In Love

…with feminine touches.

Even though I love to dress up, I wouldn’t classify myself as someone who dresses particularly feminine.  (My favorite color is black.)  I’ve never been a huge fan of excessive pink or bows but lately I’ve been wishing I had some girlier pieces in my wardrobe.  I recently ordered a giant bow head band from Urban Outfitters and figured this would be a great way to start adding some of these pieces to my closet.

(Halter Ruffle Front Top, available @ Wet Seal, $21)

 XOXO

(Premium ruffle chiffon pelmet skirt available @ Topshop.com, $80)

Kisses

(Marchesa Notte Lace Detail Cocktail Dress available @ MyTheresa.com, $1,089.030)

 XOXO

(Marc Jacobs, Ruffled Detailed Skirt available @ MyTheresa.com, $307.06)

Kisses

(Christian Louboutin Fortitia 100mm sandals available @ NETAPORTER.com, $875)

Love

(Club Monaco metallic Naomi Clutch available @Shopbop.com, $88)

XOXO

(Moon Terrace Creme Dress available @ Lulus.com $59.00)

Kisses 

(Valentino Peep-Toe Lace Couture d'Orsay Pumps available @ Saks Fifth Avenue, $885)

XOXO

(Betsey Johnson Bow & Satin Tie Necklace available @ Nordstrom, $98)

So I still couldn't manage to stay away from the color black.  What do you expect?  I'm only human.

XXoo

My First Friend Friday

Through one of my favorite Twitter friends and bloggers, @OhMyTy(visit her at www.heybellablog.com,) I came across a great interactive group for bloggers.  Katy, at www.ModlyChic.blogspot.com, has created a weekly questionnaire for a community of (mainly) fashion bloggers to answer 5 questions that pertain to the world of blogging.  Each week the questions change.  Links to all of the group members’ answers can be found on her blog.

As a slightly less seasoned blogger, I thought this would be a great way to communicate with other bloggers and show my support for their sites as well.

Here are this week’s questions and answers.

1. What are the 'unwritten rules' about copying content that we bloggers should all abide by?  I don’t think bloggers should copy content from other bloggers and try to pull it off as their own.  Other blogs should only be used to inspire.

2. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. But when it a
post imitation and when is it copying?  They say imitation is the highest form of flattery but too much imitation can be very irritating.  Most people want to stand out as an individual and while it’s nice to have people look up to you and emulate you, most people do not want a carbon copy of themselves.  Imitation and copying is the same thing to me.

3. Taking another blogger's idea (perhaps for an outfit, or DIY
tutorial) is pretty common in the blogging world. Do you think it is
necessary to credit the original source?  If you are copying another blogger’s work you 100% should cite your references!  If not, it should be classified as plagiarism.

4. How have you improved your blog by comparing it to other bloggers?  I use other blogs for structuring ideas for my own blog.  I don’t want my blog to look or be like anyone else’s but I make notice of different things bloggers are able to do (like toolbars, photo collages, etc) on the same blog format as me and then I try to figure out how to make my own blog more professional and less amateur. 

Have you made changes due to something you have seen others doing? Only for the above listed reasons.

5. Have you ever had one of your posts copied by another blogger or publication? How did you handle the situation?  Since I have not been blogging long, I have not had anyone (that I have noticed) copy any of my posts.  I try extremely hard to make my blog different from most of the ones I read.  However, if this were to happen, I would be okay with it as long as my readers knew my content was original.

Interested in joining in the conversation? Learn more about Fashion Beauty Friend Friday and then join the Google Group. This will get you access to the Friday questions a couple days early as well as the off-blog conversations we have on any number of topics.

XXoo

My Favorite Outfits For Under $100

I know it seems like A LOT of my under $100 posts come from Forever21(.com) but that is mainly because they are on fire right now!  I never have as much luck when I actually go into the store (malls = generic redundancy to me) but it seems like each week Forever21.com is adding new items at great prices.  How can a girl resist?

I figured I’d post an outfit appropriate for the upcoming holidays – something fun and flirty, yet still affordable.

1. Pleated Satin Blouse, $27.80

2. Glimmer Duo Ring Set $4.80

3. Daisy Jewel Earrings, $3.80

4. Plain Knit Tights, $6.80

5. Ruched Coin Purse, $4.80

6. Polka Dot Taffeta Skirt, $13.80

7. Lace Platform Heels, $28.80

Total Outfit Cost: $90.60

All items available at Forever21.com.

One of the great things about all of these items is their versatility!  Mix and match each piece for various outfits this winter.  You can't go wrong with a classic Mary Jane style heel and it's never a bad idea to buy several pairs of plain black tights.  Black tights are easy to spice up by adding sparkles and rhinestones for a personal touch.  (I recently did a pair using multi-sized gemstones and super glue!)

What does everyone have planned this holiday season?

XXoo

Latest Fix: Jeffrey Campbell Shoes

I admit it.  I’m addicted to shoes.  While I don’t yet see this as a problem, some people around me might beg to differ.  My love of shoes has evolved much like my taste in clothes, music and food.  When I was younger, it was mainly tennis shoes – I always had to have the newest pair of sneakers that Nike, Adidas and Reebok made.  Entire paychecks were blown on pair after pair.  I was careful not to walk through grass, mud or puddles and when it was unavoidable; I had methods for restoring their look. (Scrubbing Bubbles and a toothbrush works wonders.)

As I’ve grown older, so has my taste in shoes.  Gone are the days of spending tons of money on the latest sneaker.  Now heels, platforms, wedges and boots are my new drug of choice.  I carefully plot out my new buy; searching high and low for the perfect product – one that will keep me high for years, an investment. In my mind I’m just another collector, not an addict.  Some people collect stamps, I collect shoes.

I usually find myself at a loss for things to wear with all my perfect shoes.  (I’m trying to work on this but in the process of searching for actual outfits, I well, keep finding more shoes I love.)

Brands like Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, and Ralph Lauren have been staples in my shoe closet (yes, my shoes have their very own closet)for years and I’m always looking for other great designers to add to the collection.

I recent months I stumbled across a name I hadn’t heard in quite some time – Jeffrey Campbell.  While looking for my latest fix - a pair of black suede platform wedges - I came across a pair of Jeffrey Campbell’s Ninteynines.  They were extremely similar to a pair of Dolce & Gabbana ones I had been eying but for half the cost.  I had to have them.  And so a new addiction began. 

(It doesn’t help that Jeffrey Campbell shoes are EXTREMELY comfortable as well as fashionable.  I.E. EXTREMELY addicting.  Don’t let some of the platforms full you.)

While Jeffrey Campbell shoes are quickly gaining notoriety for some of their sky-high platforms such as the Litas, Jeffrey Campbell also makes a ton of other great shoes, in all different heights.

  

Jeffrey Campbell offers a drug for every user.

Need, need, need, need, need.

 

(Jeffrey Campbell Rally in Taupe Suede available @ Lorisshoes.com, $152.00)

 

I HAVE to have it!

 

(Jeffrey Campbell Sweat Lace Up Booties with Knit Cuff available @ Shopbop.com, $162.00)

Need, need, need, need, need

(Jeffrey Campbell Two Time Lace-U Wedge in Taupe available @ Needsupply.com, $175)

I HAVE to have it!

(Jeffrey Campbell Cast in Tan Leather available @ Jildorshoes.com, $100)

 Need, need, need, need, need

(Jeffrey Campbell Emma Sandal available @ Nordstrom, $124.95)

I HAVE to have it!

Who needs rehab anyways?

XXoo

Mid-day Cravings

Sadly, by the middle of the day my focus and ability to concentrate is shot and my mind begins to wander.  It begins with thoughts like, “What am I going to make for dinner tonight?  What am I wearing to Stu's party this weekend?  I wish heels were appropriate for all occasions..” and usually ends up with me googling something fashion or design related, most of the time shoes.  (A great pair of shoes is my biggest weakness, I always find myself craving yet ANOTHER pair of shoes, i.e. see below; but lately I’ve been trying to even out my closet with some great clothes to wear as well.) I digress. 

I find myself making lists of all my “mid-day cravings.”  I have numerous web sites booked marked and memos on my phone titled “Clothes for Fall 2010.” (As well as “Clothes for Spring 2010," "Winter 2009," Wines to Try," "Halloween Costumes,"etc.  You get the idea.)

Sadly, in part to a thing named “bills,” my lists and book marked web sites have grown out of control, making it almost impossible to buy everything I save.

I figured today I would share some of my favorite things that I am craving right now.

 



(ASOS Tie Neck Military Blouse available @ ASOS.com, $48.27)



 (Jeffrey Campbell Ninety-nine Black Suede available @ Lorisshoes.com, $106.00)

(Chloe Cat-eye Acetate Sunglasses available @ TheOutNet.com, $118)

(LNA Long Sleeve Collar Shirt in Cream Stripe available @ Singer22.com, $154)

(Yves Saint Laurent Palais Platform Suede Pumps available @ NET-A-PORTER.com, $720)

(Feminine Knit Cardigan available @ Forever21, $29.80)



During this post I’ve added 5 book marks to “My Favorites” on the computer, printed out 3 recipes (still don’t know what I’m making for dinner,) and have taken a trip downtown to drop off some paper work, had JC Shoes respond to one of my tweets (I die,) left work, gone home, sleep ten hours, woke up and have started a new day.

 

What do you crave?  (Right now, I'm also craving a glass of wine...or two...or three...)

XXoo

Geek Sheek

Let your inner nerd out.

While this isn’t my husband’s favorite look this fall, it is one of mine. I love that this look has a “hot” nerd appeal, taking old geek classics and revamping them into pieces for everyone’s closet.

Here are 5 essentials for channeling your inner dork.  No pocket protector required.

An Over-sized White Blouse

(ASOS Oversized Boyfriend Blouse available @ ASOS.com, $41.38)

 Cuffed Pants

(Cuffed Twill Pants with Belt available @ Forever21, $24.80)

 Plastic Framed Eyeglasses

(WAYNEEG Wayne Eyeglass available @ American Apparel, $45)

 Messenger Bag

(Ferragamo dark brown leather Driver messenger bag available @ Bluefly.com, $1,160)

Oxfords

(Lanvin Platform Oxford Clog available @ Barneys, $1,155.00)

How do you guys feel about this look? 

XXoo

My Favorite Outfits for Under $100

I cannot believe it's Friday already and time for another post on my favorite outfits under $100.  It’s been such a crazy week. I’ve only managed to post one time since last Friday due to numerous after hours business dinners, excessive client meetings and a ton of other things I’d have preferred to not do all week.

Today’s post is inspired by true events - being invited last minute for a casual dinner at your boss’s house. 

While I cannot tell you how to act (every situation is different,) I can help you with what to wear.  Even though last minute dinners don’t allow much time to shop before, owning a few of these basic pieces will help if this ever happens to you.

A Simple Sweater

(Long Sleeve Crew Neck Sweater available @ Forever21, $9.50)

Dressy Jeans

(Levi's 524 Skinny Jeans available @ Dillards, $15.99)

A Statement Necklace

(Faceted Czech Crystal Black Mixed Clear Necklace Sterling Silver 19" available @ FarEastJade.com, $15.99)

The Perfect Clutch

(Lulu Townsend Rose Leaf Clutch available @ DSW.com, $26.95)

Nice Flats

(Lace Flat available @ NewportNews.com, $24)

Total Outfit Cost:$92.43

Always remember to be a polite guest, bring a nice bottle of wine to share and remember to say thank you!

Have a great weekend everyone,

XXoo

Faux What?

I’m not sure if it’s because I have a cold or if it’s because the temperature has dropped to around 50 degrees but it’s really starting to feel like winter outside.  Cold weather makes me extremely restless, disheveled and dowdy – craving layers and layers of clothing.   I partly despise winter (so much) due to the lack of glamorous clothing options (that are affordable) and partly because people start dressing down all the time.  Gone are hot summer nights where girls wear dresses and heels and men and are bronzed and wear nice fitted shirts.  Instead, they are replaced by people in puffy coats, jeans, countless varieties of Ugg boots and sweatshirts. 

While I used to view faux fur as gaudy and trashy, I’m really looking forward to bundling up in this trend.  Retailers such as Net-A-Porter, Shopbop, and Neiman Marcus have all helped revamp faux fur into something more glamorous and less as something people only buy when they can’t afford the real thing.

Stores like Nordstrom, Asos, Forever21 and many others have made it affordable to own more than one faux fur piece this winter.

Here are my favorites.

Fun 

(TopShop Caramel Faux Fur Gilet available @ Topshop.com, $42)

Relaxed

(Faux Fur Collar Jacket available @ MetroMix.com, $29.99)

Classy

(Kristen Blake Hooded Faux Fur Vest available @ Nordstrom, $98)

Trendy

(Long Fantasy Fur Snood available at Asos.com, $34.48)

Bold



(Faux Fur Ankle Boots available @ Forever21, $32.80)

What are your favorite faux fur pieces this year?

XXoo