Thursday, September 27, 2012

It's A Jungle Out There

Or a forest or a zoo, take your pick because animals are running rampant in the fashion world these days. I've succumb to the latest trend in both home goods and accessories, the only logical next step is to adorn my chest with a huge picture of a wolf, dog or perhaps a horse. The possibilities seem endless. Are you into the animal trend? If so, I am here to help with an assortment of things that are just too darn cute.




ONE by Sunny Girl Bulldog Sweater, $65, available here

Seriously, I can't resist a cute dog and this sweater is so tempting me!



Forever 21 Ditsy Feline Shorts, $17.80, available here

If you aren't into dogs, maybe cats will do you better. These shorts are on trend in color and pattern and it comes in a matching top (see here).



Madewell Sheepmeadow Sweater, $88.00, available here

It just kills me that these sheep have colorful socks on their feet. So adorable!




Target Black and White Owl Lamp, on sale for $35.99, available here

I have an addiction to lamps and chairs, so if I didn't already have plenty of those, I would be so want to buy this cute owl.




Tory Burch Brigitte Cosmetic Case, $65.00, available here

Tory Burch went crazy with the fox this season and if you aren't for animals on your body, this cosmetic case would be perfect.




C.Wonder Horse Stud Earrings, $38.00, available here
Starting small is the perfect way to test a trend and what better way than with these earrings.


If you follow me on Instagram (username: fshnonmymind), then you would have seen what wild animals I've accumulated recently. In case you haven't, here they are:

BCBGeneration fox bracelet (available here)


Patch NYC for Target candleholders ( owl available here)


I'm fairly certain that it's only the beginning. 




Tuesday, September 25, 2012

OOTD-Stepping into the Garden






It's officially fall and the one thing I pull out of my closet to wear is a spring like dress. I bought this pretty lady almost a year ago because it was perfect for an outfit idea I wanted to create, but then it got too cold to go bare-legged, so in the closet she sat. Her time finally came when the weather turned absolutely perfect. Cool but not too cold and tights aren't a necessity. I felt like skipping through a garden all day, although a pumpkin patch might be a bit more appropriate.

I want to apologize to you guys for the radio silence the past few weeks. I didn't mean to abandon you!! Between my guy's schedule change and being buried under a mountain of boxes because I'm moving soon, life has been hectic to say the least. Bear with me while I get things together. It should be any day now....right?

If you have any good packing/moving tips, please share!! 


Outfit Details:
Flower dress- J.Crew (adorable, more fall appropriate dress here)
Brown belt- thrifted
Pink ballet flats- J.Crew (same shoes in other colors here)
Blue handbag- Zara (alternative here and here)


Wednesday, September 19, 2012

OOTD- Getting Ready

There was a chill in the air this morning as I walked outside and I got so giddy at the thought of wearing a jacket. Is anyone else excited or am I in crazy fashion town by myself? I spent a good portion of my day looking at boots. I certainly don't need new ones, especially not ones that cost about $500 (Rag & Bone), but that didn't stop me from daydreaming or trying to do some creative budgeting to figure out if I can make those boots mine (probably not, unless I win the lottery tonight). While I was off in la-la land, I came up with some outfit ideas. What I would buy if money were no object and one that's a bit more reasonable but still cute. Take a look:

Unlimited Funds

Fall Outfit Splurge



Outfit Details:
Dress- J.Crew, available here
Boots- Rag & Bone, available here
Fox bracelet- Tory Burch, available here
Eyeglasses- Elizabeth & James, available here
Handbag- Sophie Hulme, available here





Gotta Pay the Bills Instead


Fall on a Budget


Outfit Details:
Sweater- Gap, available here
Skirt- Jack by BB Dakota, available here
Boots: Forever 21, available here
Eyeglasses- Warby Parker, available here
Hat- Madewell, available here
Handbag- Olivia + Joy, available here


Sweaters, hats and booties, oh my! :)

Friday, September 14, 2012

OOTD- Simplicity





As a fashion blogger and major fashion lover, I try to put on outfits that are fun or chic or put together. But then there are times when simple is the name of the game. Throw on and go is great, especially when I get to beat my guy in getting ready (for once).

Have a great weekend!

Outfit Details:
Striped dress- no longer available Madewell (alternative herehere and here)
Leopard headband- J.Crew (alternative here and here)
Watch- Target (available here, designer version it's modeled after here)
Knot link bracelet- Forever 21 (alternative here, designer alternative here, colorful alternative here)
Tan peep-toe platforms- old consignment find Miu Miu (cute wedge alternative here, alternative here and here)

Monday, September 10, 2012

Notes from the Dressing Room-Kirna Zabete at Target

Do you still get excited for the designer collaborations at Target or are you been there, no big deal anymore? Well, I'm all for a new mix of products from designers and stores in these collaborations, so I was at Target first thing Sunday morning for a peek at The Shops. Home goods and products from Patch NYC and the Curiosity Shoppe, menswear from Odin and what I really came for, womenswear and accessories from the ladies who run a boutique with fabulous things I could only hope to afford one day, Kirna Zabete. Here are some dressing room reviews of several items from this collection:

Kirna Zabete for Target Long-Sleeve Tee in Black/Blue/Gray Kiss Print, $19.99, available here
Kirna Zabete for Target Hi-Low Hem Skirt in Blue Geometric Print. $29.99, available here  

I'm real into Aztec prints right now, so this shirt was up my alley although it has kisses on it. I didn't even realize they were kisses until I saw the product description. They don't stand out as much in the blue print as it does in the pink colored tee. This top is a nice variation on the whole stripe trend going on. I really liked it although the sleeves and length are rather long (so long-waisted girls will be happy). I put this on my maybe list on print alone and the fact that it has a slim silhouette. Fit is tts.

I'm not big on the high-low hemline in skirts, but thought I would give this a try. I could just imagine it now with bare legs and later with tights and ankle boots. The print is really pretty. It has a geometric print on the top layer and the bottom layer is a floral print in the same color palette. It's comfortable (elastic waist) and tts. The low part of the skirt hits about knee-length with the high hitting a few inches longer. It's not a dramatic high-low line, but it is sure to be flattering on lots of ladies. I give this skirt a thumbs up.



 
Kirna Zabete for Target Long-Sleeve V Neck Jersey Dress in Red Geometric Print, $34.99, available here

I love red, but don't have a lot of it in my closet, so when I saw this red printed dress I thought why not. Now it's rather plain with its simple line/shape, but there are some nice details going on. The sleeves have a sheer red panel going down and the hem has a sheer red panel of fabric as well. I like interesting details, but for some reason I wasn't loving this dress. Perhaps it could have benefited from a belt for some shape or a smaller size, but my feelings were meh. Fit is tts to slightly big. Size according to whether you want a fitted or looser shape.



 
Kirna Zabete for Target 3/4 Sleeve Knit Sweater in Gray/Pink Polka Dot, $29.99, available here
Kirna Zabete for Target Faux Leather Skirt in Black, $39.99, available here

This sweater peaked my interest when I saw it in the lookbook, so it definitely went into my shopping basket. The color combo is nice and the fabric is soft. Although the dots are raised, they aren't designed to add tremendous bulk to the sweater. They went a little different with the sleeve-length that I'm not sure what to think of and leaves me on the fence about the sweater. I tried this on in my normal size, but think I could have sized down. What do you think? Size down? Overall, I think this piece went on my like list for detailing. I certainly don't have a sweater like this in my closet.

I'm covering it up a bit with this sweater, but the bottom is a faux leather skirt. Faux leather is always an iffy thing. A lot of times it isn't done right and just looks exactly like what it is, faux. Every once in awhile, it looks like the real thing. Unfortunately, this looks like faux leather. It has a shiny, plastic sheen to it that just isn't nice. It's really too bad though because the shape and fit were totally on point. Maybe if it was that coated cotton that's made to look like leather, it would have been cuter, but in this form, it's not worth the price. Fit is tts.


Kirna Zabete Ponte Zip Front Dress in Gray, $49.99, available here


I don't know what's up with the flamingo pose in the second picture, but I wanted you to see the cute lining. This knit dress has some lovely things going on. First, check out the polka dot lining (the lining is only around the bottom portion of the dress). Second, the color is a perfect shade of gray that will lend itself to so many fabulous colors. Third, the fit is great. It skims the body without being too tight. I can see this dress working with several body types. Now, I'm sure the zipper front will be polarizing. Some people like exposed zippers, some don't. I don't mind an exposed zipper, but I wish this one wasn't silver. I think it would have been better in a black or to have the zipper covered with a panel of fabric. Also, this ponte knit is a bit wrinkle city. I'm completely surprised at how wrinkled this fabric is because I thought this kind of knit was designed to keep the wrinkles at bay. Certainly, nothing an iron couldn't handle, but that took a few points from this dress. I believe I tried this on in my normal size (10) which fit fine, but I think this runs a smidge small.


 
Kirna Zabete for Target Full Jacquard Skirt in Teal, $39.99, available here


I love a full skirt, so this was right up my alley. The color is gorgeous, the fabric is interesting and feels nicely made (at least for Target). I looked at the selection online before heading out to the store and this skirt was at the top of my must try/might buy list. It was still at the top of my list once I tried on lots of stuff. I didn't think it was too voluminous and the length is great at just above the knee. Now about that fit....this skirt is designed to be high-waisted so the waistband is a bit tight. There is no way that I would have fit into my normal size, so I actually sized up two sizes because that's what was on the rack and it fit! Now, I do have a bit of  tummy action going on, so that affected my sizing, but I would size up at least one if you are interested in this skirt. Along with the fit, there was a section of pleating that didn't want to lay flat. I'm not sure if that was a packing issue or if that was an issue with the design of the skirt, but keep that in mind if those kinds of things bug you. Overall, this is my favorite piece in the collection and I give it a thumbs up. If this blue doesn't necessarily float your boat, it also comes in black (available here).



Kirna Zabete for Target Zip Front Sleeveless Tweed/Faux Leather Dress in Black/White, $44.99, available here
I can't resist tweed, so this was a must try. It has a simple shift shape, but really nice black faux leather accents. The faux leather I don't mind so much on this piece because it's done in small quantities here and there. Overall, I thought this was really nice because of the accents, but the tweed is definitely not high quality. Not that I would expect it to be on par with pricier tweeds out there, but this was wrinkle prone. One sitting and it would just look unkempt. I was really disappointed in that aspect because otherwise it would be a great buy. Also, not great was its short length. Sure, it would work fine for the weekend, but this was a bit too short for office-wear. Despite my misgivings, I still like this dress and think the design is cute.


So what do you all think of this collection? Did you have a chance to check it out at your local Target or online? I ended up buying the teal skirt and some candleholders from the Patch NYC collection (check out my Instagram for a pic). That was my favorite collection out of all four, but that's probably because I'm in a home decorating kind of mood these days.





Friday, September 7, 2012

OOTD-This and That




Happy Friday guys!! Are you pooped from all of last night's Fashion Night Out festivities? I tried to hang, but just couldn't do it beyond checking out a handful of stores (I can't imagine what it was like in NYC). I must be getting old because the crowds were too much for me. I did get a free cupcake though, so life is good.

I felt unintentionally patriotic in this outfit with the red, white and blue colors running through my jacket and pants. But it also felt awesome because I stepped out of my comfort zone with some mixing. I tried texture with pattern which is a bit more subtle than pattern and pattern. Who knows what might come next? I saw this outfit on Net-a-Porter's website recently that has my fashion wheels turning. I want to reinvigorate the outfit combinations I can create with my current clothing so I don't feel the need to go out and buy a new wardrobe. I'm trying to please my wallet a bit more right now since I still haven't found that money tree or won the lottery. But if I go temporarily insane and end up buying something ridiculously expensive like this, I will plead that I was blinded by the pretty.

What Fall/Winter trend are you excited to try out?

 
Outfit Details:
Red tank- Old Navy (on sale here and in other colors, blouse option here, cute star print option here)
Flower jeans- LC Lauren Conrad for Kohls (available here, alternative for the new season here)
Tweed blazer- Banana Republic (alternative here and here)
Blue handbag- Zara (available here in a gorgeous bordeaux color, also available here in other colors)
Tan sandals- Sam Edelman (available here in limited sizes, I LOVE THESE SANDALS, GET A PAIR)
Arrow necklace- Stella & Dot (available here in silver, cute alternative with a heart too here, easy on the budget option here)
Bead necklace- DIY project (modeled after this necklace here in limited quantities, also available here)

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Tuesday, September 4, 2012

OOTD- Days Go By




It's September guys!! The months have seemed to just fly on by and now Fashion Week (where I would love to be but am not), fall clothing (so many new things to add to the closet, so little money for it all) and even pumpkin spice lattes have arrived. Yes, I did have a pumpkin spice frappuccino and yes, it was seasonally wrong and wonderful.

With some holiday downtime, I broke out my bright white blazer and neon shirt for probably its last appearance this year. Although I'm loving those deep, rich colors being displayed in all the magazines, I might have to sneak a bit of brightness in every now and then. I mean, how can you not be happier with color this bright?  Okay, I'm off to search for a neon sweater, lol. I might have to make room in my fall budget for a touch of neon.

Outfit Details:
Neon pink shirt- J.Crew (similar here and here in long-sleeve version)
White blazer- Forever 21 (cute budget friendly option here)
Denim shorts- (thrifted) Old Navy
Colorblock flats- ShoeMint (similar solid color option here and neutral alternative here)
Aztec earrings- JewelMint (cute option here)
Neon wallet/purse- Rebecca Minkoff (same color available here, awesome studded option here in other colors, small quilted bag option here)
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