OOTD- You Look Like Something I Used To Know

I saw this dress in one of the Sunday circulars and instantly knew I had to check it out in person. It reminded me of a Proenza Schouler for Target dress that I loved and never purchased, even when it was re-released (see #3). I still kind of kick myself for that one since Proenza Schouler was one of my favorite Target designer collaborations. Oh well, this little number will do just nicely, especially when it kept me semi-cute despite the fact that my face started melting in the heat this morning. Although this wasn't what I originally wanted to wear this morning, a lack of time and the need to wear some color created a wardrobe change. I don't think I've shown these kelly green shoes before and that might have something to do with them sitting in a shoe box for a good part of a year. Tsk, tsk, for staring at that box everyday and not reaching for it. I guess these babies were just waiting for this outfit.

Outfit Details:

Pink/purple dress- Target (available here)

Gray cardigan- BCBG

Lilac belt and pink studded bracelet- J. Crew

Lilac studded handbag- Spotted Moth (available here)

Green pointy pumps- Sugar (similar here in limited sizes)

Shades- Ray-Ban (available here)

"Unlock My Hear" chain necklace- JewelMint (available here)

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)

OOTD- Tucker, But Not For Target

 

Although today we were on the verge of a tornado, yesterday's weather was absolutely perfect. It made me want to put on my fancy new dress. I don't know why but when I buy something new, I like to hold onto it until I come up with the perfect outfit for it instead of wearing it right away. Which camp are you in?

Target is one of my favorite stores and I love the designer collaborations that allow me to afford some level of designer goods in my closet. I've been introduced to some wonderful lines (Alice Temperley, Rogan, Thakoon) and Tucker definitely scored high on the list, but you know the real deal is always just a little bit, let's say, better/more expensive looking/just a bigger step up? A recent Gilt sale allowed me to add this pretty little beauty of a Tucker dress for an absolute steal to join its fellow spring frocks in my closet. It got me so excited that I almost wanted to break the shorts out of hiding, go find a patio outside and enjoy an icy cold frozen drink. But all in due time.

Outfit Detail:
Purple jacket and tan woven belt- H&M
Dress- Tucker
Gold necklace- JewelMint
Tan flats- Zara
Blue/brown handbag- Rebecca Minkoff MAC

OOTD-Soft Landing

Look, I'm flying!

Although bold colors are the thing for this season, I couldn't resist the soft shade of this sweater. It was calling me from the computer screen to pair it with a pretty little skirt or something bold like my new cobalt blue shoes (thanks hon!).

Until I find that perfect skirt and there is no threat of rain to ruin my new suede shoes, I went for a simple outfit. My sweater kept me feeling cozy all day and my pants kept me limber for some serious super-hero like action. 

Am I crazy for buying a sweater with warm weather approaching? :)

Outfit Details:
Cashmere sweater- J. Crew (available here in gray)
Blue chinos- J. Crew outlet (similar here)
Patent leopard belt- J. Crew outlet
Tan ankle boots- Madewell
Rose gold watch- Shock Boutique
Crystal bracelet- J. Crew (via Ebay)
Gold mesh bracelet with crystal ball- Jewelmint (similar style here)

OOTD-Making It A Bright Day

I was all set to take outfit pictures earlier today when I realized that I forgot my battery at home. Oops! I also planned to wear a new pair of shoes that I picked up from UPS first thing this morning, but wouldn't you know it, they wanted to squeeze my feet into an absolute state of numbness. Interesting considering I tried the exact same size on in the stores a few weeks ago and they fit just fine.

All's well that ends well, since I brightened my day with this sweater. Serious pops of color can be a surefire way to lessen the winter gloom. Unless you live on the west coast, in which case I'm sticking my tongue out at you and whining that you all should learn to share that sunshine and warm weather.

How do you stay cute in the winter when all you want is for spring to arrive?

Note: I want to thank you for your patience during my absence and say that I really appreciate the condolences and lovely comments I received. My aunt is truly missed by us all and although my heart is heavy, I smile thinking of the moments and memories we shared.

Outfit Details:
Orange sweater- J Crew
Cream skirt- J Crew
Patent leather belt- J Crew
Heart necklace- Forever 21 (similar available here)
Mary janes- Steve Madden
Ring- JewelMint (available here)

Does This Make Me Semi-Quasi Famous?

I've mentioned before the jewelry of the month club, JewelMint, created by Kate Bosworth and stylist Cher Coulter before (see post here). Well, they held a contest for people to submit a stylish picture of them featuring their favorite JewelMint pieces. I decided to submit a pic that I featured here on the blog (see post here) and lo and behold, I won!!!!! I'm still giddy about it and just wanted to share. I'll be the lucky recipient of 3 new pieces of jewelry and guess who was featured in the weekly e-newsletter?  :)

Yay!!!

Kate Bosworth featured in the January 2011 issue of Lucky magazine wearing the necklace.


Interested in JewelMint, go now!!

OOTD-Mad for Plaid

Yay for the weekend finally getting here!!! I'm going to get all fancied up this evening for our company's Christmas party and I'm looking forward to it (fingers crossed I win the raffle this year).

Although it took a little bit of time figuring out what dress to wear for tonight, this outfit took about a year in the making. I don't know why it was so long before I decided to wear this skirt, but I had several questions to ponder. How do you take a plaid skirt and not look like a Ralph Lauren ad or like you are ready to hop a saddle and ride off on a horse? I think making it shorter a la Britney Spears in the Baby One More Time video would help, but getting looks and possibly being sent to the principal's office (aka the boss as a grown up) is not really my style. I nixed the idea of a sweater because that brought back flashbacks of wearing a uniform and those weren't pretty days of the past. Instead I rolled up the waist (did you ladies do that to your skirts back in the day too?), added a little animal print, and loaded up my wrists with some arm candy. I think I need to hunt for sexier shoes and definitely a blouse, but what would you do to make plaid a bit hipper?

And so completes my tap dance routine!

Outfit Details:
White tee- J Crew
Tan blazer- Forever 21
Plaid skirt- J Crew
Leopard belt- J Crew outlet
Brown suede wedges- Target (thrifted)
Jewelry- bracelets (Hollywood Intuition for Target, mall vendor, JewelMint), rings (House of Harlow), rose gold watch (Shock Boutique, available here)

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!!!

OOTD-A Little Grocery Chic

Did you have a lovely weekend? The highlight of mine was going to the grocery store!!! That might not sound like pure excitement to you, but after having major refrigerator issues over the past month or so, there has been a serious lack of food in the kitchen. I celebrated this momentous occasion by getting all fancied up. Not ball gown fancy, but I put on a few new things like my necklace, clutch, my crazy new platforms and showed off a little with my striped socks.
One thing I realized that is super important when you are venturing outside of your normal zone fashion-wise, confidence is always key!!! Always walk proud, even if your crazy socks are falling down in the grocery store. :)

Outfit Details:

Tee in dark rosewood- J Crew (available here)

Golden ankle cords- J Crew (similar style available here)

Denim jacket- Gap outlet

Brown suede platforms- Charlotte Ronson

Brown ostrich envelope clutch- M.Andonia (available here)

Necklace- Jewel Mint (check it out here!!)