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

It’s Not Old, It’s Vintage

I’ve always had a hard time getting rid of clothes and jewelry (why lie, handbags and silk scarves too) due to the mindset, “You never know what may come back in style!”  Granted, you can’t keep everything forever or you’ll be considered a hoarder but it’s always good to hang on a few pieces that you love.  However, I love it when other people get rid of their old clothes, jewelry, handbags and scarves so that I can turn their trash (I’m using the term trash loosely) into my treasures!

Don’t worry if you don’t have a closet full of fabulous vintage clothing or don’t live by any consignment shops – the internet has made acquiring vintage clothing super easy!. While it may be nearly impossible to stumble across a vintage Chanel scarf for $25 online, you can find a ton of other great things in these online vintage boutiques.  (If you want to find a Chanel scarf for a steal you’ll more than likely have to vintage shop the old fashioned way – hitting antique stores and thrift shops.) (However, if you stalk sites like Ebay and Etsy enough you might also find some great things other people missed.  Just this week I bought a vintage Dior suit in perfect condition for $30.  YES, I SAID THIRTY AMERICAN DOLLARS PEOPLE.)

Turning an outfit into a unique look is easy when you invest in a few fabulous vintage pieces.  Here are my favorite essentials.

BlazerS (noun.) a fun way to spruce up a lackluster outfit while staying warm. Comes in a variety of styles, colors and fabrics.

(Vintage Christian Dior Blazer available @ Thrifted.net, $52.00+)

Statement Bags (noun.) a great investment.  Will never go out of style. An heirloom to be passed from generation to generation.

 

(Vintage GUCCI Rare Black Monogram GG Satin Clutch w/Enamel GG Emblem, $275.00)

Jewelry(noun.) something fabulous that adds a unique aspect to your outfit.

(Vintage YSL Snake Brooch available @ Etsy.com, $49.00)

Silk Scarves (noun.) not just for your grandma.  Wear around your neck, on your head, around your waist, or on a bag.

(Vintage Chanel Silk Scarf available @ Rubylane.com, $200.00)

Sunglasses (noun.) yes, I’m mysterious and elusive.  Might be a movie star or someone important or might have just left the eye doctor and cannot be exposed to sunlight.

(Vintage Carney 200s available @ http://neldasvintageclothingcom.storesecured.com, $45.00)

More Jewelry(noun. Plural.) better than having just some jewelry.

(Vintage Napier Earrings available @ Michellesvintagejewelry.com, $29.00)

Do you own any vintage pieces?  Would you?

XXoo