OOTD- Branded

This outfit makes me feel like a brand ambassador for Madewell and you know what, I don't mind one bit! Each component of this outfit makes up a few of my wardrobe favorites (some old and some new purchased during the crazy sales of December). This beyond cozy sweater (that I would wear every day if it wouldn't be weird or potentially a little stinky, lol), these pants that feel like jammies and my cute new red shoes with a little something going on in the back were perfect to throw on and head out for a little me time at the nail salon. Tamed nails and some sparkle made the day complete!

Madewell is offering an extra 30% off sale items today with code LOVEIT

Outfit Details:

Sweater-Madewell (available here on sale)

Polka dot Pants- old Madewell (similar here, here and here)

Red shoes- Madewell (available here on sale)

Black studded handbag- Rebecca Minkoff (similar and smaller size here and here on sale, same size as mine in a different color here)

Jeweled beanie- J.Crew (similar here and here)

Chain necklace- old Target

OOTD-Stay Cozy

Hi guys!!! So glad to finally see Friday although with snow in the forecast and a house to clean up after the holidays, I'm not so sure I should go home after work. Maybe I'll make a detour to the airport and hop on a plane someplace tropical. I like that idea much better than thinking about cleaning. :)

Since the weather around this part of the east coast has finally started reaching temperatures that resemble winter, I've been craving sweaters. Now sure I have plenty of sweaters already in my arsenal that I could throw on including a few cashmere ones, but I've had my mind set on something that goes beyond the standard Crayola crayon box of colors. This little striped number from Forever 21 certainly hit the spot with some visual interest plus color and I had to get it right away. And right after I bought this sweater, I bought this one from Madewell. I'm in sweater heaven right now and it feels so cozy!

What's your favorite stay warm and cozy item? Scarf, fuzzy socks, faux fur earmuffs?

Outfit Details:

Stripe sweater- Forever 21 (available here and also comes in a red version)

Metallic skirt- consignment find Ann Taylor (similar here and here on sale)

Otk boots- old LOFT (similar vibe here on sale, similar here and here

Blue/brown handbag- old Rebecca Minkoff MAC

Green lionhead bracelet- Fallon

Spike bracelet- BaubleBar (out of stock but there is a waitlist here, similar here and here)

Leopard watch- Timex (similar here and here)

SHOP THE POST

 

OOTD-We Were On A Break

Wow, I sure took a hiatus that was longer than expected. Between the holiday season, getting prepared for Christmas and honestly needing a surge of fashion inspiration, it's been a little slow going on the blogging front. But I miss all of you guys and this blog and I swear I have been getting dressed (not getting dressed because there's nothing to wear in my closet is just not an option in real life). Like this weekend when I braved the malls to tackle some of my Christmas shopping. I managed to last a few hours before I was reading to expire from hunger and annoyance at being in a crowded mall and I knocked a few names off my list (sigh, but still several more to go). Lots of walking and bag holding required comfort from head to toe, so I threw on some jeans and a tee. Of course I couldn't leave out style too, so I added some color and loaded up with jewelry including a few new pieces from BaubleBar that I'm totally loving. And all of this jewelry layering has me craving more cute and edgy pieces. Maybe Santa will be really nice this year since I've been a very good girl...most of the time. :)

Have you finished your holiday shopping?

Have you been partaking in the two for me, one for you gift strategy like I have?

Have all of these retail sales been driving your wallet mad?

Outfit Details:

Blue blazer- old Lilly Pulitzer (similar here, here and here)

Gray tee- stolen from my guy H&M

Boyfriend jeans- Madewell (available here, similar here)

Purple suede flats- Madewell (available here on sale)

Sunglasses- StyleMint

Magenta handbag-old Kale

Necklaces (from top to bottom)-initial, old Urban Outfitters (similar here), heart, old Forever 21 (cute alternative here; double bar necklace, BaubleBar (available here in silver, alternative here)

Bracelets- left arm from top to bottom-white studded cuff, old Forever 21(alternative here); double arrow bracelet, Baublebar; purple skull bracelet, BaubleBar (available here)

Bracelet- right arm from top to bottom- studded bracelet, old Forever 21; gold watch, old Nixon (similar here); fox bracelet, BCBG (alternative here on sale, alternative here in colors)

OOTD-I'm Watching You

Happy Monday guys! For once, I'm going to be happy to see Monday because I am one step closer to stuffing myself silly with food in just a few days, lol. I can't wait!!

While heading out for the evening this weekend, I decided to show off my new jeans. They certainly are bright, aren't they? I tried them on ages ago at J.Crew and immediately wanted to take them home with me, just for the color alone, but that $125.00 had me cringing. I have a good selection of designer jeans in my closet, but I don't recall ever paying full price for the majority of them. I stalked these suckers like a hawk, but this color never went on sale...until two weeks ago. The crazy thing is I took them off my radar because I had lost hope on getting a good deal, plus I really don't need more jeans. But all bets were off when they came down in price; I made these babies mine in a hurry. I couldn't help it, bright colors make me happy. And happy I was prancing around in my bright new denim and high heels, that I only wore them because I would be sitting down. I'm such a high heel wimp. ;)

What's your denim purchase persona? Do you like to buy designer or the more budget friendly options? If you buy designer, do you generally pay full price?

Outfit Details:

Marled cardigan- J.Crew (similar here, here and here)

Abstract top- Forever 21 (similar here and here

Jeans- J.Crew "Toothpick" in neon violet (color available here on sale and similar here)

Black pumps- Yesstyle (similar here, here, real deal designer version here)

Black handbag- Foley + Corinna (same designer, almost the same style here and take an additional 20% off today with code MERRYDAY)

Black watch - Michael Kors (similar here, more budget friendly version here)

White bracelet- ILY Couture (available here)

OOTD-She Shoots, She Scores

I posted a pic of last weekend's activities on Instagram which included hopping in the car with my good friend and heading out to Lynchburg, VA to the shopping mecca that is the J.Crew clearance center. I went earlier this year with my mother and made out like a bandit. This time I wasn't so lucky, but this scarf and blazer were among the goodies that I did score. Do you know I actually tried on that scarf when it came out and really wanted to buy it but never did? I also tried on this blazer when it hit the Madewell stores and loved it but didn't buy it. Lady luck was definitely on my side, minus the fact that I didn't find any boots which is what I really wanted. Oh well, cie le vie!

I hope you guys have a fabulous weekend! There might be some shopping in my plans, hopefully for holiday presents, but I can't guarantee it will work out that way. The retailers have been way too tempting this week already and my wallet needs a break.

Outfit Details:

Scarf and turtleneck- J.Crew (similar scarf available here) (similar color top available here)

Orange blazer- Madewell (same blazer in other colors here and in ivory on sale here, wool alternative here, velvet alternative here)

Burgundy skirt- Forever 21 (pencil version available here, sweater skirt here on sale, cord mini alternative here, faux leather alternative here)

Burgundy bow patent flats- Shoemint (available here in very limited sizes, alternative designer version available here, cute smoking flat alternative at a good price here)

OOTD- A Part of the Tribe

Layers, how I've missed you!! This is one of the reasons why I love Fall so much, no need for a jacket/coat, just some nicely thought out pieces to layer and you're good to go. I couldn't resist getting this dress when it popped up for sale at StyleMint. The print was totally my style and I just loved the colors (darks with a pop of color). Surely, it could stand on its own, but I was itching to mix things up a bit and added a touch more pattern and relished in the fact that the weather was perfect and wore boots sans tights.

I hope you guys had a great weekend! Between getting a teapot and having a cup of tea outside for breakfast, scoring a few goodies at Target and Last Call Neiman Marcus and watching (some of) the game with my guy and having him explain what a punt is while I totally didn't get it, I could say there were some enjoyable moments. Sometimes, it's the simple things.

What fun things did you get into this weekend?

Outfit Details:

Chambray shirt- J.Crew Factory (alternative here and here in polka dots)

Aztec print dress- StyleMint "Vaneza" (available here, alternative here and here)

Pink studded belt- old Mathew Williamson for H&M

Black buckle boots- ebay find Loeffler Randall (alternative here)

Black quilted handbag- thrifted (similar here, cool alternative here, larger alternative here)

Blue leopard scarf- via South Moon Under (pretty alternative here)

OOTD- Mom, Let Me Borrow Your Jeans

Omg, I'm wearing my mom's jeans! Okay, that isn't true, but I snatched up these boyfriend jeans from Madewell last week partially because I've been dying to try this style and most definitely because they were about $15. When I was in the dressing room, I had the fleeting thought that I was probably wearing mom jeans, but that price seduced me and I thought what the heck, I'll rock them the best I can without looking like a style disaster. In my mind, this would look way cooler with a spiky pair of Christian Louboutin heels and a leather jacket, but a girl has to work with what's in her real closet. Even if it isn't filled with bad ass shoes. Oh well, maybe in my next lifetime, I'll be that girl who can manage in 4-5 inch stilettos. In the meantime, I'll be wearing shoes that don't have me dying to kick them off after a few hours. You guys, I'm totally turning into my mother! I'll blame it on the jeans.

Outfit Details:

Striped blouse- Old Navy (same top in different colorway and limited sizes here and different stripe top available here)

Cardigan- old J. Crew

Boyfriend jeans and ankle boots- Madewell (available here, similar jeans here on sale, darker wash available here) (cute boot alternative here, here and here)

Patent leopard belt- J. Crew Factory (alternative here)

Handbag- Rebecca Minkoff MAC (cool alternative here and  here by same designer)

Get The Look:

OOTD- Busting Out of the Box

It's all about the small victories sometimes. I actually put on an outfit today! After living out of boxes and wearing pretty much the same thing on repeat, I'm slowly coming back to the world of fashion (creating an actual outfit and putting on jewelry) and blogging, both of which I've missed. Gotta get my mojo back. I think a scroll through Pinterest might be in order. Pics of Olivia Palermo usually does the trick for inspiration. Besides that is much safer than heading out to the mall...which is now up the street from my new place. Such bad temptation, so close. I need someone to take the credit cards away, quick!

What's one thing you like to do when you're feel in need of inspiration?

 

Outfit Details:

Sweater- LOFT (alternative here)

Pants-ASOS (wool alternative here and skinny leg alternative here)

Leopard handbag- thrifted (alternative here, here and beautiful designer version here)

Pink velvet shoes- Marc Jacobs (alternative here and it comes in a pretty ruby color)

Blue crystal necklace- Forever 21 (older version but re-released in other colors here)


SHOP THIS LOOK

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)

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 here, here 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)

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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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)

OOTD-How Does Your Garden Grow?

With summer getting closer to home base and making way for Fall, I figured I better get all the floral, neons and pastels out of my system before I have to retire most of them (although I'm going to hold on to the floral for a bit longer). First up is this adorable skirt that I found on one of my consignment store treasure hunts. Some days are fruitful and some days are not, so it was a total score to walk away with a cute new skirt. I'm even envisioning ways to fall-erize it. Tights, boots or maybe a sweater might be in its future soon. Oh I can't wait for layering, but in the meantime I'll try and enjoy the tank tops, bare legs and long days.

Do you have any fun plans to enjoy before the summer comes to an end?

Outfit Details:

Yellow silk blouse- J.Crew (same blouse in other colors here, more budget friendly option that comes in yellow as well as other colors here)

Blue flower skirt- (consignment find) Gap

Pink studded belt- Matthew Williamson for H&M

Brown necklace- Baublebar (available here)

Pink ballet flats- J.Crew (available here and also comes in other fun colors)

Bracelets- (on left side from top) Forever 21, JewelMint; (on right side) J.Crew (similar here with more pave links, similar here with less pave links)

Leopard watch- Timex (available here, alternative here and here)

Blue handbag- Zara (same bag different size in other colors here, similar in blue here)

OOTD-A Mixed Up Jumble

You know the mixing pattern rule that tells you to pull a color from one of the patterns and make sure it's in the other print for some level of cohesion? Well, I decided to take that rule and run with it for this outfit. I'm still trying to figure out if it worked....the jury is out on that one. I've had this top for awhile and I absolutely love it because of how many different colors are in it. This makes it the perfect candidate for mixing so I grabbed a few things with green, blue and a bit of orange in it and created this outfit. Not exactly pattern with pattern, but pattern with texture is close enough, right?

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!! I'll be attending some family reunion activities this weekend so I'm sure to meet a ton of relatives and long-lost cousins twice removed or something like that. :)

Outfit Details:

Top- (old) Thakoon for Target (possible top option here)

Green tweed skirt- J.Crew outlet (similar here and here in a darker green)

Tan belt- J.Crew

Blue handbag-Zara (similar here, here and here)

Colorblock flats- Isabel Toledo for Payless (an alternative for the new season here by the same designer, cute alternative here)

OOTD- Drop It Low

Do you guys notice a little something different around here? Thanks to Linda of the Little Tin Soldier blog and her amazing skills, I have myself an awesome new blog header and buttons. I've been a fan of her cute paper doll drawings ever since I stumbled upon her blog one fateful day, so I couldn't be happier to have a drawing of my own. And if you look, you'll see some things from my own closet. I love it!

Did you guys have a great weekend? If you follow me on Instagram (fshnonmymind), you'll see some glimpses of my weekend:

Clockwise from top- Goodies in the mail, trying on some spots at H&M, an arm party mix, gelato after a day of shopping in the city

Mother nature tried to rain on my parade, but I didn't let her get to me. I grabbed my umbrella and headed out. Nothing was going to come between me and my gelato. :)

Outfit Details:

Denim vest- Ebay find (similar vest here, here and here)

Drape back tee- Rachel Rachel Roy (available here)

Black knit skirt- Gap

Basketweave sandals (old)- LOFT

Black handbag- Foley + Corinna (different size available here, smaller size here)