OOTD- Topped with a Pretty Little Bow

I was feeling all kinds of blue and green, but purple decided to take the spotlight on this outfit. I fell in love with a certain pair of Miu Miu shoes almost two months ago (see them here). I couldn't get them out of my mind (don't you hate, but secretly love when that happens), but my friend said I would be crazy to spend that kind of money on shoes and my wallet told me that it was definitely not going to happen. What's a girl to do when she's impatient and can't find a suitable alternative? This one makes her own!! It took me forever to learn how to design them and find the right sewing machine. Okay, I'm kidding about that last part, my sewing skills are basic at best and I can barely do a straight line properly.

What do you guys think about my creation?

Outfit Details:

Teal tee- Rogan for Target

Blue grandpa cardigan- Madewell

Green tweed skirt- J. Crew outlet (similar style here and here)

Lilac studded handbag- Spotted Moth (available here)

Peep-toe bow heels- Milk & Honey (check it out here)

Let's See What's In My Bag!!

I thought I would make a voyeuristic post today and let you guys see all that I like to lug around most days. So, you all know that studded lilac bag I've been carrying recently? A guy co-worker saw me with it the other day and wondered if I was headed to the gym. He thought it was a duffel bag. I thought that was hilarious and gives you an idea of how big this puppy is and much stuff I can put in it.

My stuff (in no particular order): Nook (where I log a ridiculous amount of time playing Angry Birds, oh, and read too), gum, skin balm, several lip glosses, one of several new CoverGirl lipsticks, plaid planner (I'm old-fashion that way), yellow notebook (courtesy of Marie Claire magazine), work badge, Stylit (so many outfit ideas, so little time), color pencils, Ray-Ban sunglasses, bridal book from the library, August J. Crew catalog, Secrets of Stylists book, pen, doggie umbrella, MbyMJ red wallet and a million receipts.

Not shown: Phone (of the non-fancy kind)

Speaking of bags, I've been in the process of clearing out my closet and cleaning house lately. I was going to sell some of my handbags and/or jewelry and thought about possibly doing a blog sale. But I wanted to gauge whether there was any interest or not. Here are a few bags that I'm thinking of letting go:

Pink Chanel, tan Miu Miu, Black Botkier Trigger, blue F21 messenger bag, green Marc Jacobs

OOTD- Striped Again

Apparently, my hand does not work as a fan very well!

This is the Victoria Beckham standard picture pose (minus the face, although she does do that pursed lip thing).

After wearing my green and blue striped tee recently, I felt compelled to let my other striped tee out for some fun outfit time. This probably wasn't the best day to wear anything long-sleeved, but the drastic difference between the outside and the freezer that is my office makes the sweaty commute in a weather incompatible top very necessary.

Is everyone else out there loving the summer or are you eagerly anticipating fall? I have one other striped sweater that I can't wait to put on again and why do I want to wear boots and J. Crew seriously teased me with the arrivals of such colorful, wool fabrics. I'm sure you can tell what side I'm on. In the meantime I'll keep my eye on the bright side: long days, ice cream for dessert, and yummy in season fruit. That might get me through the next month and a half. Now, I think it's time for an afternoon Frappaccino!

 

Outfit Details:

Striped top- J. Crew (almost the same available here)

Pink capri pants- J. Crew (same style in other colors on sale here)

Yellow wedges- Target

White watch- Aldo (old)

Gray handbag- Botkier

Sunglasses- Ray-Ban

OOTD- A Little Short Shimmer

You guys probably aren't surprised to hear this, but it was hot to death last week. This week is shaping up to be a slight reprieve from the heat, but that means nothing when it is only about 5 degrees less and still in the 90's.

The big boss was nice enough to suspend the dress code on Friday and let us wear shorts. The email sent out stated if you can wear it to the beach, you can wear it to the office. I'm happy to report no one got too crazy and came in a bikini top although there was talk among the guys of wearing thongs (very bad visual image)! My beach uniform of shredded jeans and a cover-up went unworn, but I thought I would go to a classier "beach" with the ensemble I put together. I wanted to pretend I was strolling along some fancy Italian beach, with a cocktail in hand, fabulous shades and people speaking that beautiful language all around me. It didn't quite transport me to the Amalfi coast, but c'est la vie!!

What is your dream vacation destination??? 

Outfit Details:

Pink button down and patent belt- J. Crew (similar top here at a bargain price)

Black shimmer shorts- Ann Taylor (via clothing swap) (similar effect on these shorts here)

Tan platform heels- Miu Miu

Striped handbag- Rebecca Minkoff Mini Cherish (same style in a studded version here, chicer version here, similar chain strap version here)

Sunglasses- House of Harlow "Charlotte" (available here)

Arm Party- top two Forever 21 (similar here), watch Shock Boutique (available here), bottom J. Crew (similar here)

Notes from the Dressing Room- Off to Madewell

J. Crew rolled out some colorful, yummy goodness for fall today, so I'm only assuming Madewell is just around the corner. I headed to the store this past weekend and have a little round of dressing room pics and reviews.

Silk Spotlight Tee in Dusty Blossom, $88, available here

Although this top is silk, it is perfect for throwing on like a tee (just a tad dressier). I do think it is a bit boxy, but a belt could definitely help out in that area. I thought this very pale pink shade was very pretty and soft enough to go with pretty much any other color. I tried this on in my normal size and it was still a little bit loose, so you might want to size down depending on how you want it to look. This top gets a thumbs up from me.

 Anchors Away Dress, $95, available here

Sun-Kissed Canvas Belt in Ground Paprika, on sale $29.99, available here

I saw someone wearing this online and thought it really looked cute, so when I saw it on the racks I thought why not. I tried this on in my regular size and it was fitted, but not too baggy. The knit is a nice medium weight (not super thick and too much for the summer weather and not thin that it is borderline see-through). To keep it from being a shapeless block, I tried it on with a belt and thought that was a small item to add a big improvement. I should also note that the back is maybe an inch longer than the front.

 Silk Spotlight Tee in Latern Red, $88, available here

Plaid Pleated Silk Maxi, $145, not available online, check store (Style #51876)

This top is the same as the one in the first picture but in a bright orange shade and in a size smaller than I normally wear. Although this outfit does not show it properly, the fit is a lot slimmer than in my normal size and I really liked it being less flowy. Despite the color name containing red, it is most definitely more orange.

Out of all of the things that I tried on, this skirt was by far my absolute favorite. It had a shape that is perfect for twirling, the pleats are done in a way to make it just skim the body, and the colors were great. I could see this being worn now in the summer and later in the fall with maybe a nice orange or grey sweater/cardigan. Fit is tts and it barely skimmed the top of my shoes (I'm 5'4).

Same top as above

 High-Waist Widelegger Jeans in Downpour Wash, $125, available here

Holy high-waisted pants!!!! I thought I was just picking up a pair of flared jeans and didn't even see the high-waist part. I'm sure this would work on someone, but considering that I'm short-waisted, I'm not sure this is the right pair of jeans for me. I will say that they are incredibly soft and fit the body nicely. This is about tts, but you should know that there is maybe a good 4-5 inches of fabric pooling at my feet (tried on with flats). Great for tall ladies, not so much for the shorties.

I only walked out with the shoes I wore a few post back, but that skirt is haunting me. :)

What was your last fun purchase?

OOTD-The Case of the Meltdown

Before I begin today's post, I just want to say thank you to all of my wonderful readers who left congrats in the previous post. It truly warmed my heart and put a smile on my face.

Yes, he put a ring on it!!!

We're just going to ignore those pesky straps. This is real-life picture action here!

Time for Angry Birds!!

I have a propensity for wearing this striped top with a pink skirt (see here). I can't help it, I love the combination!! The weather guy said that it would be close to 100 degrees today and all I thought of was flowy and light. This little swingy skirt definitely fit the bill, but it didn't keep me from melting into a slight puddle of sweat while taking these pictures this evening. I'm thinking tomorrow calls for wearing a bikini to work. Do you think I'll get a pass for inappropriate workwear? If I am sent home, I can just go across the street to the high-rise with the rooftop pool. Can you believe I get teased with that kind of view everyday in the summer?? It's almost enough to make me cry.

Do you have a strategy for getting dressed in the hotness or do you start to not care as much when the temperatures are unbearable?

Outfit Details:

Striped tee- H&M

Pink pocket skirt- J. Crew (similar double pocket skirt here)

Faux pearls- Marc by Marc Jacobs Accessory Boutique

Link chain with locket- JewelMint

Tan woven belt- Secondhand

Olive wedges- Madewell (available here)

Green handbag- Marc Jacobs Multi-pocket (old) (similar color here)

Vacation Souvenirs

Are you the type of person who comes back from a vacation with a suitcase full of souvenirs? Do you like to buy t-shirts, shot glasses and magnets with your destination on it? I have sworn off that kind of thing and although my last tee purchase makes for a good gym shirt, I still like to have a piece of my vacation to come back home with me. So I just wanted to share a few of the souvenirs from my trip last month.

I saw this belt from J. Crew in a catalog and immediately wanted it because I've been on the hunt for belts with color and patterns. Patience can be a virtue because when I dragged my guy to the mall, there the belt was on super sale. I love it so much I wore it the next day while still on vacation.

I got roped into a little make-over when I peeked at the Chanel counter and tested the new Illusion D'Ombre eyeshadow. It adds such a wonderful sparkle to the eyelid, but not in young, only for going out kind of make-up look. A little bit of luxury for a price that's kind to the wallet. Love it!!

And this last piece is pretty special, can anyone guess what it might be?

What's your guess???

OOTD- Under Construction

I hope you all had a little enjoyment in your weekend. I sure did with catching up on my Mad Men (I'm way behind on so many popular tv shows. My guy and I are just now watching 24, that's how bad it is), strolling through the mall where I picked up the shoes I'm wearing here and enjoyed a nice popsicle to try and beat the heat. What kind of fun did you get into?

I found myself in a parking lot with some construction materials and thought it would make a good backdrop. Not a glamorous one, but certainly more interesting than the one I use everyday. It was perfect for showcasing my new shoes that I got a ridiculous bargain on (about $35) and even though you might think I was attempting the whole boho look, it was an experiment in a technique to curl the hair with no heat. I found a blog with a YouTube video demonstrating it and I thought I would give it a try. It totally worked and looked cute for all of 2 minutes before I stepped outside and the humidity ruined everything!!! I wept for my poor, oh you were so cute curls on the way to work this morning.

Are you a big fan of YouTube videos? Have you learned any great tips (fashion/hair/make-up) by checking out a video?

Outfit Details:

Double v-neck tee- Monrow (similar here)

Green skinny cargos- ?? via Nordstrom Rack (similar here on sale)

Shield necklace- Forever 21 (similar here)

Striped tote- Rebecca Minkoff Mini Cherish (metallic version available here)

Green/taupe wedges- Madewell (on sale here)

Half tint shades- House of Harlow "Charlotte" (available here)

Bloggers Do It Better...In Maxis

It's time for another Bloggers Do It Better Challenge and I've switched up my hemline to a maxi. Don't tell anyone, but I had to fudge some details to make this outfit happen. Up until this year, the only thing maxi in my closet was one dress from Forever 21. Now I have three, but there are no skirts to be found. So instead of going out and buying something completely new, I took one of my skirts, folded it in, and fancied up myself a semi- paperbag waist, maxi skirt. It's amazing what you can come up with in a pinch.

I think orange and blue make for a great combination, so I took this tee out of hiding and paired it up with my new maxi. A bit of fancy bling and the Eugenia Kim hat that I stalked the stores for last year added some nice touches. I think they were all major touches to an outfit that's just missing one minor "technical" detail of not having a real waistband.

Was there ever a time when you transformed an item in your closet into something else?

Outfit Details:

Blue gator tee- Rebecca Taylor

Orange maxi dress (worn as skirt) and statement necklace- Forever 21 (similar dress available here and skirt here) (alternative necklace here)

Brown woven belt- secondhand

Brown wedges- Dolce Vita for Target (available here)

Straw hat- Eugenia Kim for Target

OOTD- Mini, Maxi, Midi

My skirt lengths sure have run the gamut this week. For a slinky mini, to this slight midi length number, to a little something you'll have to wait until tomorrow for. Oh, the suspense!

When I spotted this skirt at the thrift store, I couldn't believe my luck. It was perfectly on trend in both shape and color. Plus, it got extra bonus points for two little pockets. I thought the muted tones of gray and taupe in the blazer lent themselves perfectly with such a vibrant shade. And I would like to admit that I have a fashion phobia of pairing gray with brown tones, yet I did it here in this outfit. I'm not sure what to think about this bold step for me.

Are there any color pairings that you stay away from with your clothing or is it a fashion free for all when it comes to mixing and matching?

Outfit Details:

Tribal print blazer- Forever 21

White tank and tan woven belt- H&M

Purple skirt- Thrifted (similar color in a maxi here, similar style here)

Lilac handbag- Spotted Moth (available here)

Tan platform- Miu Miu (similar available here, similar designer pair that I am now in love with available here)

Let's Talk About those Jeans

I've already professed my love for a certain pair of red jeans in my wardrobe. So much so that I've even thought about adding another color to my arsenal of denim. During my last visit to Saks, I spied a rack of so many Crayola colored pairs of jeans and had to give them a whirl.

J Brand Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans in Bright Green, $176, available here

AG Farrah Skinny Cropped Jeans in Ultraviolet, $159, available here

Shown with: Equipment Annabelle Anchors Top, $238, available here

Although I liked both pairs, I am a little partial to the AG's because they are by far the most softest pair of jeans that I have ever tried on. Seriously, they felt so good on and were just ridiculously comfortable.

I sadly left both pairs in the store and the AG Farrah's weren't in my size anyway, but I've noticed a lot of other retailers jumping into the arena. If you've been thinking about adding something different to your denim collection beyond just skinny or wide-leg, take a look at these options:

Blank Denim Spray On Skinny Jeans in Rust, $80, available here

I find red to be the most versatile color denim option. It could work with black, browns, grays, almost any other color you might have in your wardrobe.

JCPenney City Streets Super Skinny Yellow Jean, on sale for $19.99, available here

A subtle yellow shade that will still command some attention.

AG Stevie Ankle in Sulfur Plum, $158, available here

This soft mauvy pink shade would work well into the fall.

Rich & Skinny Bikini Flare Jeans in Heavenly Blue, $156, available here

Craving something other than a skinny jean these days? This pair will work perfectly and it comes in red too.

How trendy do you get with your denim? Are you a brand loyalist or do you branch out?

OOTD- Mom, Can I Borrow Your Shorts?

Don't you love the fancy background!!?

I did not borrow these from my momma, but bermuda shorts usually have that mom-wear vibe. I find them to be a bit challenging, but I just couldn't resist this gorgeous shade of purple. So instead of pairing them with a something simple that could work for the playground or PTA, I decided my ridiculously bright yellow blouse would keep this outfit from being a snooze-fest.

Do you fashionable ladies have any suggestions on making such a conservative piece a bit more fun?

I'm thinking a good hem roll would be a start like they were styled in the catalog.

(source)

P.S. This post is not a dig on moms or their wardrobe, but you know comfort is key when dealing with kids and that usually means simple, no-fuss, easy pieces. There are tons of fashionable moms out there!

Outfit Details:

Yellow draped blouse- Zara (old) (pretty yellow blouse here, similar vibe here in one-shoulder)

Purple bermuda shorts and belt- J. Crew (shorts on sale here)

Brown wedges- Dolce Vita for Target (available here)

Cat-eye sunglasses- Forever 21

Handbag- Rebecca Minkoff MAC (similar vibe here)