Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Jewelry Reincarnated

















The description of this necklace begins with "this necklace started life as a broach." Now it's a wonderful necklace. I love when jewelry lives multiple lives!

There is something so stylish and classy about gold and pearls. You know that whatever you wear this necklace with, even if its sweatpants, big sunglasses and a hat as you haul your butt to get coffee in the morning, you'll sparkle like the sun!

Made By: Plain Jane Jewelry. Visit the Etsy store here.

Price: $14.00

Getting A Look Without Going Over The Line
















I like to wear clothes that have cutesy elements. School girl collars, ivory cotton fabric...this is definitely a "school girl" dress. I know that it is definitely not everyone's look. I have long hair...this look seems to work with really long hair, or short hair. Just be careful you don't go for that Halloween-esque school girl look...that's a no go for any day other than October 31!

This simple dress needs some subdued jewelry to stay with the simplicity. Pair it with a cute pair of colorful flats, and MAYBE a pair of tights (but it's getting too hot for that anyway so it's really not a necessity). If it's a bit chilly, throw on a jean jacket!

Made By: Urban Outfitters

Price: $38.00

Awesome Or Ugly!






















Awesome?

Or Ugly?

YOU DECIDE!

GUYS BUYS: Going Out Shirts For Boys






















I have been a Ben Sherman fan for years. I've never found their ladies clothing to be anything special, but in the men's department, I have continually been impressed for many years.

This shirt is a non-obnoxious "going out" shirt for boys. Going to Vegas but don't want to wear something with glitter on it? Heading to a club and you loathe Ed Hardy with the fire of a thousand suns? I recommend Ben Sherman for quality clothing that is perfect for going out and not ridiculous in any way

Made By: Ben Sherman

Found On: amazon.com

Price: $46.62 (originally $89.00)




Casually Dressy




















I think it was very smart that they paired this shirt with jeans. While you CAN dress up this shirt, it also works perfectly as a casually dressy top, i.e. a dress that is dressy, but can (sometimes should) be worn casually.

It's a flattering cut, and I love the beading. Sold!


Made By: Re Collection

Found On: Shop Bop

Price: $62.10 (originally $207.00)

Tie One On



















Yesterday I spoke about the wonderful simplicity of a silver chain with a cute charm. Today, I preach the simplicity gospel once again...but this time with gold.

This bow has so much detail. Its three-dimensional crafting adds so much more depth to the piece. Even the detailing on the edges of the original bow makes it look like ACTUAL ribbon.

This necklace will match almost anything, and it's just plain beautiful!

Made By: Elegance With Flair. Visit the Etsy store here.

Price: $12.00

Hot Top In The Summertime!






















Summer! It's on its way! It means you should be fashion thinking ahead!

Dream about those days where you can put this super cute tube top on, head to a park, and lie in the warmth of the July sun....sounds nice doesn't it?!

Stripes are in! Not just on t-shirts. Who says you can't have them on a tube top? As far as tube tops go, this is a very flattering one. It's not straight across the top, which is more flattering for EVERYONE!

Made By: Hollister Co.

Price: $19;.89 (originally $24.50)

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Ambassador Of Style






















ModCloth named this dress the "Fashion Ambassador Dress." And you know what? This does look like something an ambassador would wear. But it's also still super cute and stylish! How did they do that? How did they make something that should be stuffy and conservative seem so awesome?
Nah, it doesn't matter how they did it, just that it's here for us to buy, wear, and be awesome in!

Made By: ModCloth

Price: $57.99

WHAT WERE THEY THINKING: Fashion Crockpot




















Each element of this top on its own would be fine. However, when you put them all together, it's a really bad mess.

I love the pattern. And I loved the hexagonal patches. BUT NOT TOGETHER! And then the straps! What are those straps??? What is this top trying to be? Making a great piece is not like making a meal in a crock pot. You can't just throw in a bunch of stuff and no matter what it will be ok. You need to make sure stuff works together, in style harmony! This is cacophony. A dissonance that is making my eyes hurt.

Shame on you, lulus! Please don't buy this.

Awesome Or Ugly!






















Awesome?

Or ugly?

YOU DECIDE!

Golden Goddess












If you love gold sandals as much as I do, you probably started drooling the minute you saw this photo.

I love that this gold is not slap-you-in-the-face gold. It's a bit more subdued...almost brassy. It's a classy, versatile sandal. Also, the heel isn't so high that you are gonna be in pain all the live long day. You will definitely be able to walk/dance/function like a normal lady in these sandals.

Made By: Aldo Shoes

Price: $59.98 (originally $90.00)

GUYS BUYS: Go Retro
















This t-shirt looks like the most comfortable t-shirt ever. It's got a retro vibe that I really like (and that you would expect from men's clothing at Urban Outfitters.)

When it's 90 degrees and insanely hot this summer, you'll be just a bit cooler in this shirt, which is clearly very thin (and soft!)

Made By: Urban Outfitters

Price: $18.00

Every Day Bunnies






















It really pays to have a cute silver necklace for everyday wear. If that necklace happens to have a bunny on it, all the better!

This necklace is perfect for a casual outfit. I also sometimes have a problem where I just fall asleep with my jewelry on. This is the perfect necklace for folks with that problem. It will go with whatever you choose to wear the next day! No effort necessary!

Made By: Pinking Edge Designs. Visit the Etsy store here.

Price: $18.00

Embellish It A Bit






















I have been on the hunt for a nice white shirt that is not stretchy or silky, but has just a tiny bit of embellishment. It doesn't surprise me at all that I found this item at J. Crew.

J. Crew is known for taking the most basic of basics and adding just enough detail to make the ordinary special. This really is just a white shirt, and yet...it's so much more!

Having this kind of white shirt also enables you to go out and buy some crazy colorful skirts, knowing you have a wonderful basic to pair them with.

Made By: J. Crew

Price: $49.99 (originally $78.00)

Thursday, March 25, 2010

California Dreamin'
















Hello my fashionistas. I'm going to California!

Even fashionista bloggers need vacations every now and then. I'm headed west to meet up with my boyfriend in LA, who is on tour with his band, Small Black. I'm in dire need of fun and sun and not being in an office! Regularly scheduled postings will begin again on Tuesday.

Have a great weekend!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Polka-Dot Me Here, Polka-Dot Me There





















Spring usually means an awful lot of polka dots. And bright colors! I love finding them together.

I will admit, this is not an easy blue to pull off. It can easily look too bright or garish. Trust your judgment on this one, because it may not be for you! Once you get past tone issues, the cut will be generally flattering for all, as long as its not too tight.

Made By: Forever21

Price: $22.80

The Multi-Dimensional Circle Earring

















I have a pair of earrings just like this from Forever21, and while I love them, they have purple and pink rhinestones on them, which prevents me from wearing them with a lot of outfits.

With these earrings I would have no such problem! Classic, yet edgy! They can literally be worn with any color, and just stick with other silver jewelry in your fashion scheme. I love how you can stare at the earrings for a long time and still continue to find new elements...that's a surefire sign you have an interesting piece.

Made By: Luna Silver. Visit the Etsy store here.

Price: $12.00

Awesome Or Ugly!






















Awesome?

Or Ugly?

YOU DECIDE!

GUYS BUYS: The Leather Jacket





















Leather Jackets are expensive, but ALWAYS classic (if you buy the right one).

This is the right one. It is plain, but stylish. What makes it stylish is that it is good quality leather, the lines are clean, and it's cut well for a man's body.

Keep in mind that, although it is expensive, this is an investment piece that you will have for many years to come.

Made By: Cole Haan

Found At: Saks.com

Price: $336.99 (originally $675.00)

BACK TO BASICS: Brown Leather Sandal












Everyone should have a serviceable pair of flat brown dress sandals in their closet.

There will be days (and times) you don't want to wear heels. What if you are going to a party that is outdoors and it rained the night before? Your stilettos will sink into the ground with every step! Or what if you are training for a marathon and you did a big run the day before? Those flats will be your foot savior! These are even small enough to throw in a bag as your "switch into" shoe. While everyone dances barefoot at the wedding after 3 or 4 hours, you can switch into these babies and be comfy as ever!

Made By: MIA

Found At: DSW

Price: $29.94 (originally $60.00)

Draw(String) Me In















Is this a top? Is this a dress? WHO CARES! IT'S CUTE! If you get it and it's a little short, wear it with leggings and call it a day.

This dress/shirt has so many dimensions! A tiny ruffle around the top, and a slight clash of patterns that works perfectly. Love the pattern, love the cut, love everything!

Made By: Anna Sui

Found At: Anthropologie

Price: $69.95 (originally $128.00)

The Ultimate Party Dress





















Before you get your hopes up about the price of this dress, let me break the news that it is $397.00. BUT it's still a deal because it was originally $795.00!

On the off-chance you have some money to blow, I recommend blowing it on this dress. Sparkly, flattering, a truly amazing color scheme...what's not to love except the price? If you hit up clubs, I cannot imagine a better dress for you to dance the night away in.

Made by: Haute Hippie

Found On: shopbop.com

Price: $397.50 (originally $795.00)

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

GUYS BUYS: One For The Boys Who Don't Work In An Office


















I got some flack yesterday for posting too much boys clothing that is for guys who work in an office.

Guilty as charged!

In an effort to make amends, I bring you this delightful cotton polo. I've been obsessed with anything black and white striped, and that applies to men AND women.

This shirt is perfect for walking your dog, grabbing a beer with friends, or wearing to your non-office job.

Made By: Brooklyn Industries

Price: $29.99

Awesome Or Ugly!

















Awesome?

Or ugly?

YOU DECIDE!

Trends + Creativity = Shoe Brilliance























This is definitely not your average black leather shoe.

It's got all of the hot-right-now style elements (a zipper, cage sandal, geometric heel), but with a twist. The zipper is on the side. The cage sandal is asymmetrical. The heel is...well, just plain awesome.

These shoes can be worn in any season...fancy that!

Made By: Modcloth

Price: $39.99

The Case For Lace





















Let's talk about LACE!

It's everywhere. You can't avoid it! But you know where I didn't expect to see it? American Apparel.

I bought this shirt last night (as well as a dress that is probably way too short, but that is for another post another day!) When I first put it on, I didn't think it was anything special. However, when I tucked it into a skirt, it became PHENOMENAL. It looks extremely expensive, and tucked in the shirt hung perfectly on my body. It highlighted the good! It minimized the bad! I quickly fell in love.

Made By: American Apparel

Price: $38.00

SWEET AND PETITE: Black Slacks















Who doesn't like a good pair of black work slacks? I know for my petite ladies, it is tough to find designer pants that don't need to be tailored. Thanks to Michael Kors, you don't need to worry about that now!

The fit is a straight leg with a bit of stretch, so the pants will be form fitting but not inappropriately tight!

My sleekest outfits consist of black pants, a clean and crisp white shirt, and then a kick-ass pair of heels and some colorful jewelry. Folks, you don't have to go nuts to be stylish! Half the battle is just making sure stuff doesn't clash.

Made By: MICHAEL by Michael Kors

Found At: Macy's

Price: $69.50

Retro Fashion Done Right

















I have pondered sixties fashion for many years, and I have come to the conclusion that, generally, I don't like it. It's not really my style. I'm more into the bright colors and gold jewelry of the 70s, or the neutrals and draped fabrics of the 40s, or even the big poofy skirts of the 50s. But the 60s (particularly the late sixties, and maybe even early 70s) are not my cup of tea.

BUT. That being said...sometimes great pieces give a little *nod* to the period, and since I like retro stuff, I'm usually on board.

This milly dress does exactly that. It gives a *nod to the sixties without making you look like you are dressing up as Winnie Cooper for Halloween. This dress is both fashion forward and work appropriate, so here you don't have to compromise your style for your job!

Made By: Milly

Found At: Nordstroms

Price: $139.00 (originally $350.00)

CROCO-BELT






















FINALLY! A black patent leather crocodile belt!

Do I even need to write something about how awesome this is? Because it should be self-evident that everyone should have a belt like this.

I recently lost mine and I have been going NUTS without it. Imagine having ten dresses you can't wear because you're missing the belt required to wear them!

I saw a belt that looks exactly like this for $150 in bloomingdales, so this is a great find.

Made By: Forever21

Price: $8.80

Monday, March 22, 2010

Be A Star(Fish)

















Why have the ordinary dangle from your ear when you can have something interesting, like a starfish!

All starfish shapes are NOT created equal. This one has character and spunk, and yet they still are very elegant. I try very hard to find the nexus of elegant and funky, and these are definitely it.

I love how all of the designer's jewelry is nature inspired...perfect for spring (or, really, any season!)

Made by: Works and Finds. Visit the Etsy store here.

Price: $5.00

BUY IT

Fashion Trigonometry






















Purple?

CHECK!

Sequins?

CHECK!

Weird, awesome, kind of mesmerizing geometric shapes?

CHECK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is all of my favorite fashion elements rolled into one! And you know what this should be paired with? A pair of shiny black leggings!You cannot deny how awesome that would be! And then, depending on whether you pair it with a flat or a heel, you can direct the dynamic of the outfit.

Made By: Forever21

Price: $19.80

BUY IT

Awesome Or Ugly!























Awesome?

Or ugly?

YOU DECIDE!

BUY IT

Spring In Full (Earring) Bloom

















I may not be one for jewelry with hearts, but anything with flowers or leaves and I am totally down.

Even more than your average flower earrings, these hydrangea blossoms have quite a bit of detail! They also retain a stunning luster that will jazz up any outfit and brighten up your face. I wish I had these earrings this minute to counteract this horribly gloomy day!

Made By: Kenton Beadworks. Visit the Etsy store here.

Price: $17.00

BUY IT

GUYS BUYS: Dress For Spring


















Finding a gingham pattern that doesn't look like a table cloth is tough business, but once you find that gingham pattern, its likely beautiful, and very stylish (but also manly!)

For under $40, you can own this blue gingham dress shirt, perfect for spring. This is really for the super skinny guys out there, as it is Extra Slim Fit. French cuffs make it fancy, great for work or as a dress shirt for a spring wedding!

Made By: Brooks Brothers

Price: $39.75 (originally $79.50)

BUY IT

Golden Flip-Flopper























Old Navy has the most amazing flip flop deal out there.

$3.50.

For $3.50, you can buy twenty pairs in every color of the rainbow and still be under the price of ONE pair of most shoes. I will never forget the day I dragged my boyfriend into Old Navy, and he seemed totally horrified at first that I, owner of a million shoes, would be grabbing flip flops like there was no tomorrow.

When he found out they were $3.50, he went to get a pair himself!

Gold is so versatile so if you're only going to get one pair, and you're not gonna get black, gold is the way to go. But honestly, it's nice and early in the season...stock up on all the different colors now before they sell out!

Made By: Old Navy

Price: $3.50

BUY IT

Dressy Or Casual? Either Way, It's Wonderful





















Is this dress dressy? Or casual?

Not sure right?

That makes it the PERFECT dress to wear when you have no idea whether everyone is going to be dressy or casual!

This dress looks comfy. This is a great color for a lot of different skin tones (although I think it would probably look best on someone with dark skin), and I love that flirty lace detailing on the top!

Made By: lulus.com

Price: $35.00

BUY IT

Friday, March 19, 2010

WHAT WERE THEY THINKING: Equestrian Style Gone Wrong




















Yikes! There is a lot of bad going on here.

There is NO shape to the sweater. Just a big, long, shapeless wool sweater. The kind your grandma would knit for you. Definitely what you should wear if you want to look like you're wearing a sack.

Are those riding whips on the dress? Badly placed, indeed. It looks like they are cupping her breasts, but not really because the dress has no shape and so you can't see her breasts.

It's off the shoulder, so if you have boobs, don't bother trying to wear a non-strapless bra!

OH YEAH, and it's white ivory, and likely see through. What. A. Mess.

Shame on you, Kimberly Ovitz! Please don't buy this dress.

Awesome Or Ugly!






















Awesome?

Or ugly?

YOU DECIDE!

Mass Produced Splendor








Hooray for unusual jewelry! I usually hit up Etsy for "different" stuff, but occassionally, you can find moments of brilliance from the mass producers. This $4 wonder is a good example.

Do these look like $4 earrings to you? They don't look like $4 earrings to me! In fact, they look much more expensive.

They look a bit on the dressier side, so give them the night out they deserve!

Made By: Charlotte Russe

Price: $4

GUYS BUYS: A Cuff Link To The Past





















"The Legend of Zelda: A Link To The Past" is my favorite video game ever. EVER.

EVER.

It can now be the best cufflink ever.

I can't imagine a better cufflink. And honestly, the details are AMAZING! It looks exactly like the cartridge! I really can't get over this. What a great conversation starter!

Made By: The Clay Collection. Visit her Etsy store here.

Price: $27.00

Meeting A Mom Skirt





















Look! It's a "meet-the-mom" skirt! You know...when you're meeting the mom of your significant other, you want to be covered up, but still feminine, conservative, but still sexy! This skirt is the nexus of all those polar opposites.

Great color, great shape (not TOO much of an a-line), and your boyfriend can still look at how awesome your legs are while you make brownies with his mama.

Made By: Lulus.com

Price: $34.00

Thursday, March 18, 2010

DESIGNER ALERT: Pink Work Shoes From Proenza Schouler!





















Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't wear pink shoes to work! Why just think of how wonderful these shoes would be with a khaki pencil skirt, a very light pink silk blouse, and a kick ass necklace?

The shoe itself is really a work of art, both in the color and pattern, but also in the shape! So different! Modern, yet definitely vintage in its nod to the 40's. Again, couldn't be happier with all these 40's styles coming back in!

Made By: Proenza Schouler

Price: $195.00 (originally $650.00)

Black Pump Wonder






















This photo does not do these shoes justice.

They are AMAZING.

A coworker had them on and I couldn't stop staring. When I asked where they were from and she honestly told me Payless, well I almost couldn't believe it. In person, they look like a $200 shoe. Go Payless!

Made By: Payless

Price: $24.99

GUYS BUYS: It All Plaids Up
















In the world of boys clothing, plaid seems to be generally accepted by men from all walks of life. Preps and hipsters alike can enjoy these wonderful, light plaid shorts, perfect for summer.

Come on....how many pairs of shorts do you have that are khaki? Let's spice your shorts collection up a bit!

Price: $19.99 (originally $59.99)

Made By: Lucky Brand

Awesome Or Ugly!






















Awesome?

Or ugly?

YOU DECIDE!

Green With Envy





















This dress is on sale because VERY few people can pull off this green. However, if you are one of the few, the proud, who can, it's a GREAT dress!

The color really pops, and I like that it has a very slight drape/ruching element, but nothing that makes it go overboard. The green has to be the star here, so any further embellishments on the dress would be a no-no!

I love that it is paired with a strappy gold sandal. I recommend this pairing!

Made By: BCBG

Price: $173.60 (originally $248.00)

Love At First Floral





















Oooooh ok forgive me, I am kind of obsessed with Fred Flare right now. This is always how it is when I find a new store! I go ga-ga for a week and then I promise I will calm down!

I love this dress for so many reasons! Summer floral? Yes! Interesting details and elements? Yes! And holy lord...IS IT POOFY? YES! Looks great on the model, it's under $60, I'm in love.

One word to the wise....if you have arms that you don't like or are on the bigger side, I would NOT advise this dress, because the sleeve cuts in a weird place. But everyone else...go for it!

Made By: Fred Flare

Price: $54.00

Bling A-Head






















I love headbands! I love jewels! This was a no brainer.

I know a lot of you are not down for crazy head pieces, but this one is so subdued that its hard not to jump to buy it. What better way to accessorize a red or black dress than with this headband! You'll probably reflect light and it will take people a few seconds to realize why!

Made By: Forever21

Price: $4.80

Flowers And Stripes Forever






















Dresses that "clash" two things and do it well are major finds. It's hard to put stripes and a pattern together. When it works, it's like finding fashion gold!

This dress is a successful clash. I love the flower pattern over the blur striping. The dress also looks like it would be a good fit for certain bodies. While the dress doesn't need a belt, I bet it looks better if you put on one.

Made By: ModCloth

Price: $49.99

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Awesome Or Ugly!





















Awesome?

Or ugly?

YOU DECIDE!