You Inspire Me, Fashion Bananas

Are you guys familiar with Delmy of Fashion Bananas??? I don't know when or how I found her blog, but ever since that day I've been a big fan. She knows how to do classy, sexy, girly, and fun all at the same time and it doesn't hurt that she's gorgeous too.

She recently posted a look that was relatively simple in elements, but still all of the things that I love about her outfits. I've had a blue button down shirt in my closet taunting me to wear it and her recent post inspired me to actual wear it again and to break out a pair of my favorite shoes. A party isn't complete without fun shoes. :)

My mother and I went to a shopping event at Nordstrom yesterday morning (can't believe I woke up so early to shop), so I snapped a few outfit pics in the dressing room. As you can see by the bag in the corner, I was naughty and included myself on the Christmas shopping list.

Check out Delmy's blog for more pics here

It buttons down the back

 

Outfit Details:

Blue button-back shirt- Forever 21 (real deal Elizabeth & James version in pink here)

Denim skinnies- Levi's

Mixed metal tangled necklace- Forever 21

Pink velvet heels- Marc by Marc Jacobs

Tan alligator embossed handbag- Rebecca Minkoff (similar color here, same style different color here)

OOTD-Baby, It's Cold Outside

I would have done an outfit post, but a combination of boring plus freezing your butt off cold, conspired to give you a coat of the day look instead. This coat is one of my favorites and was such a cute find in Forever 21. The main reason why I snagged it was so that the sleeves could show off these long gloves I purchased. Have you ever done that? Purchased one thing just to really showcase another (i.e. sexy shoes or a fab necklace)?  My mother saw me in this last weekend and is determined to steal it from me, so now I have to find her a nice alternative because this coat is mine!!! Paws off mom, even if it is your bday, lol.

Hope your weekend is lovely!!! And if the weather has paired up with the month of December to make it freezing in your area too, stay warm and toasty!!!!

Outfit Details:

Tweed coat- Forever 21 (similar vibe here, oooh in red)

Bowler hat- Forever 21 (available here)

Pink circle scarf- Forever 21

Long fingerless gloves- J Crew (similar here)

Black pants- Theory

Flats- Chloe

Checking of Your Xmas List- Present in a Pretty Box

Finished your Christmas shopping yet or do you have no clue what to get and will probably spend Christmas Eve in a herd of shoppers trying to snatch up the last spinning toothbrush. :)  There are plenty of gift lists out there, so instead of suggesting another pair of gloves, electronic gadget or pajama set (nothing against those though if your recipient wants or needs them), I wanted to give you some ideas that are just a bit different. First up.......

Have you guys heard of JewelMint yet? The brainchild of Kate Bosworth and her friend/stylist Cher Coulter has been getting lots of press lately including a Rachel Zoe mention in her e-newsletter and blurbs in People Stylewatch and Instyle magazines. It's kind of like Columbia House (tell me I wasn't the only one who got a rack of cds from them ages ago) where there is a selection of jewelry you get to choose from and pay just $29.99 each month for a little piece of lovely. If you choose not to pick anything for the month, they won't charge you anything.

As much as I would love lots of Chanel, Hermes, and David Yurman in my jewelry box, I am perfectly happy with getting fun little pieces from Forever 21. But when a lot of stuff starts turning different colors or the "gold" flakes off, I've reached the point when I want to upgrade a bit. I still don't need the fancy jewelry, but decided to give Jewel Mint a try last month to add some different pieces in my collection and not spend an arm, leg, and left pink toe to buy.

Jewelry ranges from simple to ornate pieces, silver and gold; there's bound to be something for everyone. Since they offer gift cards, it could make a wonderful gift for a jewelry lover or fashionista on your list. Or you could be naughty and gift it to yourself!!

Piet Necklace (seen in this post)

My first piece was this gold necklace with leather inset shapes. It arrived in a timely manner, wrapped in a nice box and I love it. Something simple, but still fun to throw on with a tee or simple dress. Time will only tell whether this ends up a different color, but fingers crossed it holds up.

Current Selections:

Aqua Bomb Ring

Lapis Necklace

Very Audrey Earrings

Gehry Cuff

Casati Necklace

(sources)

Interested? Check out the website here.

Disclaimer: JewelMint did not pay me to advertise their product, I am just a regular gal who actually used the service and wanted to share. If you want to be super awesome and decide to take advantage of this offer, send me an email for a personal invitation. Happy shopping!!!

You Inspire Me, J Crew Catalog Girl

If you are anything like I am, you are constantly inspired by the images and people you see. That super stylish co-worker who always comes in to work looking so pulled together rain or shine, the latest Lucky magazine showcasing a spread on wearing bright colors together, the paparazzi snapping a pic of your favorite celebrity wearing something that you would love to own, but probably can't afford.

I have a million pictures pasted into a sketch book and tons of pictures on my computer. Images I want to hold onto for future reference or something that sparks a, "hey, I can totally wear that." So with that, I want to introduce a segment called, You Inspire Me. I take something I've seen and re-create it using what I have in my wardrobe. First up, is Ms. Model from J. Crew's November catalog.

I loved the colors of this outfit when I saw it, but when I got up close and personal with the color and skirt at the store, it just wasn't the same. I imagined a deep, rich merlot-esque kind of color and saw clay instead and let's not speak of how that skirt's paperbag waist did me no favors. I already had a sweater in my closet and then Forever 21 came to the rescue with a skirt who's color was just what I wanted. I took a few liberties with what I wore, since bare legs were not in order for yesterday's weather. How did I do?

Outfit Details:
Camel coat- thrifted
White lace trim tank- Gap
Burgundy v-neck top- Mexx
Wine a-line skirt- Forever 21 (available here)
Wine tights- Hue (similar colors here)
Braided belt- consignment find
Tan booties- Madewell

OOTD-Knee High in Funtown

It's Monday which means back to the grind. Although I'm severely lacking in the motivation to work right now, I'm going to relish in the memories of my nice weekend and the thought of another holiday soon approaching. This weekend the bf and I travelled a great distance to get some crab cakes (I was going to tease you with pictures, but that will have to come later) and then we played let's pretend we're moving right now and browsed through the furniture at Room and Board.

This was my favorite sofa because of the nook. Perfect for cuddling up, watching a movie, napping or reading a book/magazine on a lazy day. I'm determined to have a nook in my next sofa.

I'm also going to have a huge mirror for outfit post and making sure I look suitable before stepping outside in the morning!!!!

Who knew how on trend I would be!? I got an email from Who What Wear about cascading earrings. I haven't worn a dangly earring in such a long time and decided to break these out of hiding.

So in love with this color. Gorgeous!!

So now that I've seen all of this gorgeous furniture, I'm selling everything I own (minus a purse or two) plus my left kidney to get new stuff. Do I have any takers? Lol, seriously, that nook isn't going to pay for itself. :)

Outfit Details:

White tee- Target

Green cardigan- Madewell

Denim jeans- J Brand

Tan wedge boots- Crocs (yes, Crocs!)

Tan ostrich clutch-Urban Expressions

Green pea coat- Tulle