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

My Favorite Outfits Under $100

With the weekend coming up I thought it would be a great time to post another one of My Favorite Outfits Under $100 – this time, inspired by a girl’s night out.

Summer is the perfect time to get together with your best friends and no matter how much you may love your other half, there is nothing like a girl’s night filled with best friends and fun.

Super Cute Romper $19.99

(One Shoulder Knit Romper available @ CharlotteRusse.com, $19.99)

The Perfect Purse $20.94

(Exotic Roll Clutch available @ TheLimited.com, $20.94)

Detailed Accessory $8.80

(Zigzag Stretchy Bracelet available @ Forever21.com, $8.80)

Leg Lengthening Pumps $14.99

(Single Peep Toe Pump available @ Wetseal.com, $14.99)

Total Cost = $64.72

I love this outfit 1.) Because it’s SUPER affordable! 2.) It’s cute and trendy! 3.) It’s feminine and flirty.

What are some of your favorite ways to spend time with your girls?

Have a great weekend everyone!

XXoo

My Favorite Outfits For Under $100

Dear Reader –

I know I’ve been slacking on my posts for a few days now, not posting nearly as frequently as you or I would like.  This is mainly in part to a rather hectic work schedule (the advertising world is full of demands and deadlines and it seems as if extra needy clients are my holiday gift this year...I must've been naughty.)  I’ll also blame all the online shopping I’ve been doing for other people this year – I ordered everyone’s gifts online.  While ordering online was a much better option than braving the craziness in the stores and malls, it probably consumes just as much time.  (I just didn’t have anyone elbowing me to get by or have anyone honking at me as I slowly drive around stalking parking spots.)

While I’d like to share all of the fabulous things I found for other people this year, there would be way too much to post.  I found great sales everywhere and was able to get everyone way more bang for my buck!

Instead, I’d like to get back to my roots and do one of my favorite post challenges – My Favorite Outfits for Under $100.  New Year’s Eve inspired of course.



Forty-five plus

(Paprika Sequin Sweetheart Prom Dress available @ Rarefashion.co.uk, $45.00)

Seventeen sixty plus

 

(Foxy Originals Inca Earrings available @ Ebags.com, $17.60)

Seven eighty plus

(Pyramid Textured Wallet available @ Forever21, $7.80)

Four ninety-nine plus

(Women’s Opaque Black Tights available @ Zoogstercostumes.com, $4.99)

Twenty-two eighty equals

(Suedette Bow Pumps available @ Forever21, $22.80)

Total New Year’s Eve outfit cost: $98.19

Now it’s up to you to figure out where to celebrate!

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

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

It's that time of week again and while this post has taken longer than usual (I'll blame the lack of brain cells I have by the end of the work week,) I've come up with another outfit for under $100 just in time for the weekend. 

While most of you will be wearing something slightly more avant garde this year, I'll be sticking to regular garb and enjoying some nice dinners out with my other half.

It's not like I don't love Halloween, I do - but it takes me weeks to plan the perfect costume.  Very similar to how I plan the perfect outfit for a special occasion (or any occasion really)...lots of online stalking, careful plotting and ordering.  It might tend to teeter on O.C.D. (which I've already admitted I might have slight tendencies) but the end result is nothing short of phenomenal.

I'd prefer to not go out any other way.

Here's my favorite outfit for under $100 this week.

(Sheer Chiffon Dress w/Belt available @ Forever21, $29.80)

(SM New York Women's Chloe Clog available @ Sears, $21.99)

 (Vintage Monet Sleek Ribbon Hinged Cuff by Oneofakindwisconsin available @ Etsy.com, $5)

(Vintage Goldtone Multi Bangle Bracelet Set by VonlenskaVintage available @ Etsy.com, $9)

(Floral Engraved Earrings available at Forever21, $1.50)

(Bohemian Embossed Rose Clutch available @ Forever21, $19.80)

While I love name brand designers, when I'm on a mission for the perfect look I'll shop anywhere to find exactly what I'm looking for.  More and more often I'm turning to stores like Forever21 to find trendy pieces at an affordable price.

What's great about these pieces are that they will last more than just the weekend.  Throw everything together for a great bohemian look or throw in some of your favorite items for your own twist.


Total Outfit Cost: $87.90.

You're welcome, that's $12.10 you have left over for another drink.

Until Monday,

XXoo

Take A Hike!

I love the idea of these heeled "hiking" boots.  I'd also love to see someone actually hiking a mountain in any of these but unless you are extremely brave (or extremely ignorant) these boots would look much better paired with a flannel shirt and scarf than paired with a mountain trail.

Here are a few of my favorite hiking inspired boots this season.


This first pair is affordable and cute(and also available in black!)  I'm a HUGE fan of the faux sheepskin fold down - I'm buying this pair to wear with dark denim skinnies and a boyfriend flannel.

(Lace Up Shearling Bootie available @ Charlotte Russe, $30)

This pair is the perfect shade of brown.  The double ankle straps help to accentuate any ankle (in a positive way, I promise)and would look perfect with a cozy sweater dress.

(Dolce Vita Women's Joelle Boot available @ Endless.com, $219)

In my opinion, Diane Von Furstenburg can do no wrong.  DVF is known for updated versions of classic styles and these boots are no different.  (Think heeled moccasin.) Trendy but worth the investment, this pair could be worn for years to come due to its simplicity.

(Diane Von Furstenburg Jameson Hiking Booties available @ Shopbop.com, $395)

These Elizabeth and James booties are also worth investing in.  On trend for more than one reason (they're suede, platformed, a bootie, have laces and feature a neutral color)they'll fit in for seasons to come.

(Elizabeth and James Moxie Suede Hiking Booties available @ Shopbop.com, $395)

Under $30, these boots are another great buy this season.  Can be passed off as a hiking, grunge or military inspired boot - all HUGE trends right now.

(Workman Lace Up Bootie available at Forever21, $27.90)

Topshop is known for selling affordable yet on-trend items and these boots are no different.  These won't break the bank and are a great alternative to wearing heels this winter.  (Guaranteed to keep your feet warmer too!  Hopefully.)

(Arella2 Heeled Hiking Boots available @ Topshop, $190)



Embarrassingly enough, I love this next pair of boots because they remind me of 2 shoes I (shamelessly) owned and loved growing up. Penny Loafers and Timberland boots.  Enough said.

(Tory Burch Howard Wedge Hiking Boots available @ ToryBurch.com, $395)

I love this next pair.  They remind me of the snow boots I threw into the backseat of my car last winter for emergency purposes.  Granted, the ones in my backseat - yes, they are still in my backseat - don't have a heel but if I owned these at the time I might've tried to wear them in the snow (especially after all wine we drank to stay warm.)

(Nine West Shoes Joss Booties available @ Macy's, $190)

Even though this last pair is the most expensive, (I have champagne taste remember,) they are one of my favorite heeled boots this season.  I think its because something about them screams "I can kick your ass!  Wear me hiking up a mountain or to war, I'll keep your feet warm too!"

(Rag & Bone Mallory Leather Lace Up Ankle Boots available @ NET-A-PORTER.com, $815)

In all, it's worth investing in at least one pair of heeled hiking boots this season.  No one wants to wear pumps or riding boots all winter and take note - Uggs don't dress up well (so please stop trying people.) 

XXoo