Monday, May 30, 2011

OOTD- De Plane, De Plane!!







This long weekend was absolutely what the doctor ordered. Extra time was spent lounging, sleeping in late, indulging in lots of good food, watching bad sequels at the theater and enjoying the sun. Did you have some good old fashion fun??

On Saturday, I took the bf hostage and we heading to the park for some rest and relaxation. An added bonus was to watch the planes land at the airport. It made me so ready for a vacation.

Last year I had a total of one maxi dress in my closet (the one in this picture) and after a month, I now have four. One reason I was always so hesitant to buy one is that length can be a big issue. Super high heels or wedges were necessary to keep them from dragging on the ground, which can be such a hassle. I'm a gal who needs versatility. I discovered one fantastic way to enjoy them with flats and that is to give it a good knot. I can't believe it even took this long to figure out this trick, but I'm thrilled.

What clothing tricks have you discovered?


Outfit Details:
Black maxi dress and feather print vest- Forever 21 (similar style in orange here, similar here
Black elastic belt- J. Crew
Purple suede sandals- Loeffler Randall (available here)
Black/white striped tote- Rebecca Minkoff (different version on sale here, similar cute style here)
Black sunglasses- House of Harlow (available here)

Friday, May 27, 2011

Notes from the Dressing Room- Dying to be Forever 21

I want to thank you all for showing me and my blog some love. It gives me the warm and fuzzies inside. If you haven't entered my giveaway yet, get on that here!!!!

I thought I would switch up the outfit posting with a few dressing room reviews from Forever 21. Whether it's a store that you love or hate, you can't deny that there are a million things to try and plenty to love. For some, this store has the stigma of being full of disposable clothes and shoes, which can be true, but I have found some excellent pieces that have lasted me for several years. Can I add that I have had a real leather jacket from F21 since college!!!

I knew these reviews had to go up pronto because this store is a here today, maybe gone tomorrow place. I do want to note that the maxis I tried on were worn with flats and I'm 5'4.

Colorful Maxi Dress, $24.80, available here


I was instantly drawn to the colors of this dress. Seriously, wouldn't it be perfect for strolling around town on a hot weekend or frolicking on the beach. :)  I thought this was a great dress, but if you are in any way modest, this dress might be too low-cut (I was wearing a slip that day, which is what you can see in the middle). It did skim the body nicely and felt great to wear. 
Fit is true to size.


 Leopard Button-Down, $19.80, Not online anymore (Tag# 62097029014)
Colorful Striped Line Blend Shorts, $15.80, available here
I'm so sad that this top isn't online anymore because I thought it was fabulous. The fabric is a bit on the sheer side, but not so much that you can completely see through it. A nude colored bra would probably be all you need. It is cut higher in the front and lower in the back and I think it would make a great substitute for this Equipment blouse. The fabric actually feels substantial and pretty well made.
Fit is slightly big, depending on chest size you could size down.

I also think these striped shorts are great as well. The stripes are done nicely, not too thick or thin and although they are pretty short, these would be perfect for the upcoming super hot weather. I was almost tempted to purchase these, but put myself on a shorts ban for the time being.
Fit is true to size.


 Pattern Maxi Dress, $24.80, similar available here (Tag#00011330034)

I seem to want maxi dresses right now and just thought the detailing on this one was just so pretty. It has a plunging neckline (might want to wear a tank with this one), a tie-waist and ruffle trim at the bottom. It was so incredibly flowing and conjured up images of feeling so lady-like swishing throughout the town. So I had to buy it!!
Fit is true to size.


 Leopard Spots Ruffle Top, $19.80, available here
Suede Eyelet Trim Skirt, $22.80, similar here (Tag# 74687011024)

I'm usually weary of tiered tops because of how they can emphasis the chest in the wrong way, but this one gets a big thumbs up. The tiers aren't a-line and instead hang ever so lightly on top of each other. The orange leopard print is fun and would be perfect with some white jeans or even a cute short skirt like the one here.
Fit is true to size.

Speaking of this skirt, I thought they were shorts when I picked them up and was disappointed to see it was a skirt in the dressing room. This skirt has a beautiful trim, but is incredibly short. It did not pass the bend over test. I'm sure the length could work for some, but think it would have been much better as a pair of shorts and I would have snatched them up if they were.
Fit is true to size.



 Aztec Woven Skirt, $14.80, available here


I saw this skirt online first and was instantly smitten by the colors. It's a bit subdued, but at the same time has some vibrancy when you view it in person. This has a retro vibe and the material feels silky. Unfortunately, I tried this on in my normal size and the waistband was snug, so you might want to size up.


Abstract Woven Pants, $19.90, similar available here (Tag #00011536034)

If you're anything like me, you love a good skirt or dress, but sometimes a girl just wants to switch things up. I thought these pants look extremely easy to put on and go when the weather gets warmer. They definitely are and I kind of like them in theory, but they are just too similar to a pair of pajama bottoms. Plus, the fit leaves much to be desired; diaper bottom is not a good look. I think a more streamlined fit and no elastic cuffs at the bottom would make a world of difference.
Fit is baggy, size down.


So, what's your stance on Forever 21? Love it or avoid like the plague??
I hope you all have a wonderful, long weekend!!!!!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

OOTD- Dressing Up the Curtains





This outfit was from Sunday when I joined in the ritual of dorky paper hats, tons of presents, and lots of oohing and aahing, aka a baby shower. We are getting a new bundle of joy to the family and I couldn't be more excited. The not so exciting part was trying to figure out what to wear. Occasion dressing is always a little panic inducing. Rarely are there moments when the perfect outfit is hanging in the closet just waiting. Since I wasn't headed to a fancy affair, I figured a little casual with a little dressy would be a good medium. So I threw on my grandma shorts, a new tank and the piece that can dress up most things, a blazer. I also added in my new bag, which was jokingly referred to as my overnight bag. Fashion life-tip: Pay attention to measurements!!!

Do you have a go-to dressy outfit or do you do the last minute scramble??


Outfit Details:
Striped tank and anchor belt- Madewell (tank on sale here)
Flower print shorts- Angie (Loehmann's)
Blazer- Priorities
Tan sandals- Belle by Sigerson Morrison
Studded lilac bag- Spotted Moth (available here)
Sunglasses- Ray-Ban
Bracelets- Accessories & Beyond, Forever 21, Target

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

It's A Celebration Today!!!!

A year ago I sat down and made my first blog post. I spent so much time reading other people's blogs (including some that I'm happy to have read my own) and contemplating for way too long about starting my own, that I finally just did it (and after I got a decent camera). I want to thank all of my readers and especially my followers with a small token of appreciation.

Everyone gets a cupcake!!!!!

Okay, so that wouldn't really work although everyone should experience the greatness of Georgetown Cupcakes. Instead, I'm hosting my very first blog giveaway. Two (yes, not one, but two) lucky people will win these lovely gifts:

First place: A gorgeous blue cross-body bag from Francesca's Collection, Sally Hansen nail strips in leopard, and a yellow crystal friendship bracelet from J. Crew.




Second place: Chanel polish in Mimosa and a coral rhinestone bracelet from Forever 21.



To enter the giveaway you must be a follower of Notes from the Dressing Room. Make sure you mention how you follow in the comments section with a way for me to contact you if you win.

For an extra entry, follow me on twitter and tweet about this contest. Don't forget to leave a separate comment stating that you tweeted!

Contest will end on Thursday, June 2nd at 11:00 p.m. (eastern time). Open to U.S. residents only. The items of this contest were purchased from me and are not gifts from sponsors.


On a separate note, I want to send a huge thanks to two people. The first is  Amy K. of Kelinda. Kelinda for doing such an awesome job on my cute new header. I absolutely love how it turned out and it's the icing on today's cupcake!!

The other person I want to give a million thanks to is my bf. He has been extremely supportive in every way. If he wasn't so patient and cooperative about being my photographer, I don't think this blog would be possible.



Tuesday, May 24, 2011

OOTD- Some Serious Leopard Lovin'





As you can see, I'm well on my way to a closet overrun by leopard prints and this is just a start. I'll soon rival my aunt's house of leopard print everything; plates, pillows, towels, you name it. This cutie of a blouse is from EmersonMade. If you guys aren't familiar, check it out now. This line of clothing is the perfect marriage of classic styles with a touch of whimsy. I would gladly buy every single piece that is made, if it wouldn't leave my bank balance so in the red. It doesn't help that Emerson looks so darn cute modelling all of the clothes and looking like she's having the time of her life.

Red pants never struck me as being very versatile, but they have proven to be surprisingly so. It even has me contemplating buying another color, like hot pink.

Would you or have you dared to buy some colored denim or are you sticking to the classic washes?


Outfit Details:
Leopard blouse (not available now, but it may be restocked, same style available here)
Red ankle jeans- Forever 21 (similar style here)
Yellow belt- Anne Klein (similar here)
Yellow bow flats- Seychelles
Tan handbag- Rebecca Minkoff MAM

Sunday, May 22, 2011

OOTD- Prowling on a Weekend





The weather was so beautiful this weekend and hot enough to break out the shorts, so I happily obliged. This simple outfit was perfect to showcase my newest leopard purchase, a clutch from one of my favorite bloggers, Taylor from Curly in the City. I seem to have some sort of addiction now to leopard (a little leopard shirt is on its way to me now) and clutches (this is my second purchase from Taylor and let's not talk about the clutches I already owned). I think I need an intervention!!! Who has the number to a good shopping therapist? I also need to discuss how many is too many pairs of black shoes and is it crazy to stalk a website several times a day.

When the weather really warms up, what is the first thing you can't wait to put on?


Outfit Details:
Button back top- Yesstyle.com
Distressed denim shorts- I "Heart" Ronson
Pink patent belt and pink necklace- J Crew outlet
Black sandals- Zara (old)
Leopard clutch- Curly in the City (buy similar styles here)
Sunglasses- House of Harlow 1960 (available here)

Thursday, May 19, 2011

OOTD- Curves Ahead





After a quick styling consult with Fashionista Next Door and a bit of Prada Spring 2011 channeling, this new striped tee helped to create one of my favorite outfits to-date. I was a bit apprehensive about taking the top home with me because I had no idea what to pair it with (other than denim), but I did it anyway to shake up the offerings in my closet. This outfit is a mix of old favorites (pink pencil skirt and platform shoes) and new favorites (necklace and tee). I couldn't help but feel cute and confident all day.

Do you have a go-to outfit that will instantly set your mood right? What would you pair with this green/blue tee?


Outfit Details:
Blue/green striped tee- H&M
Pink pencil skirt- J Crew (similar here)
Patent leopard belt- J Crew outlet
Medallion necklace and white striped canvas handbag- Forever 21 (necklace available here)
Tan platform shoes- Miu Miu
Bracelets (right-Club Monaco, left-mall vendor, rose gold watch-similar here)

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Snack Break- Should Be Working, Rather Be Shopping

Time for another installment of oh so lovely things that have caught my eye while trolling the internets. My focus is a little off of working right now. How can I concentrate when I'm thinking of these pretties?


Tie-Dye Tribal Dress, $450, available here



Can you say summer beauty?? With me currently on some kind of boho kick, this dress just speaks to me and tells me to buy it and book some fabulous vacation so we can go float around everywhere. My sensible side is a killjoy though because this is just too pricey for my blood. Still can't help but smile at it though.


Red Carpet Platform Bow Heels, $39, available here

Oh, to be able to wear a 5-inch heel shoe. Just look at that back!


Milly Elisa Sailboat Print Cotton Shirt, $230, available here
Although this outfit is a bit preppy, this shirt just amuses me. It's so whimsical.


Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in Yellow Brick Road, $16, available here

Thanks to Rosa, I've actually been entertaining the thought of wearing yellow nail polish. The trouble we can get into while blog viewing.



Lottie Bow Bracelet, $12.99, available here
How freakin cute is this!!??


What do you have your eye on right now??

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

OOTD- The Girl I Used to Be





This past weekend's weather tried to put a damper on hanging outside, so the bf and I headed to the refuge of the mall. We (mainly me) made out like bandits at H&M,  scarfed down some hot wings after a serious week-long craving and enjoyed some movie time watching Bridesmaids (surprisingly funny although it's not the kind of movie I rush to see). I made the day even better by wearing my new earrings and this beautiful colored skirt that I scored the last time I went thrifting. I couldn't believe my luck since it is perfectly on trend.

Has anyone else gone through different clothing and/or jewelry phases? When I was younger I wore all kinds of hoops and dangly earrings, but the past few years it's been nothing but small studs. I don't know if this recent earring purchase is a manifestation of my current love of all things boho or a return to my former self. One things for sure, style is a constant evolution.


Outfit Details:
Gray sweatshirt- Forever 21
Purple skirt- thrifted (gorgeous, more expensive alternative here, similar pencil version here)
Tan sandals- Belle by Sigerson Morrison
Orange bag- Rebecca Minkoff MAM
Desert Sand Earrings- JewelMint (closer look here)

Monday, May 16, 2011

Playing Hooky

So, last week I played a little hooky from work and took a trip up to one of my favorite cities, New York, for a real deal sample sale. Rebecca Minkoff (one of my all time favorite handbag designers) was slashing prices on fabulous bags and I couldn't resist joining the fun. Here are a few pics from my day off to enjoy:

My drool is on the glass...come to me pretties



I'm somewhere near the end of this line



So many bags! Decisions, decisions!



Score! Debut to come soon



Scary subway time



My neck hurts from looking up


Baby, I don't think this is the right Statue of Liberty



Somehow ended up in fancy shoe heaven at Saks



Oh, how I love you YSL beauties!



Afternoon cocktail time with a side of cupcake. What better way to end the afternoon, but a bit tipsy?



Winding down the day at Rockefeller Center



Feet so tired, I think it's time to roll!


THE END

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