JC Penney "She Said" Pleated Wrap Skirt

Checking in for a quick post in the midst of all my moving madness.  I actually think I am finally done.  Anything that is not in my suitcases at this point is being given away or thrown away.  I'd just like to take a moment to throw in a plug for going green by going paperless.  I had at least 3 YEARS WORTH OF PAPER TO SHRED LAST NIGHT! ugh!!! Okay, I actually went paperless with all of my bills a couple years ago, but it is amazing how much crap I still receive in the mail.  I try my best to keep up with the shredding, but it's so much easier to stuff all the paper in to a drawer and forget about it, right? I know, horrible! I am pretty sure that sorting through old mail was harder than all of my packing combined.

Vest: Old Navy ($24.50) | Tank: Target ($5 on sale) | Skirt: JC Penney, Pleated Wrap Skirt by She Said ($14.99) | Belt: unknown | Flower Pin: H&M ($3.95) | Shoes: Jessica Simpson "Nolita" ($28??? on clearance at Macy's) | Neckace: Forever 21 | Bangle: H&M ($3.95) | Sunnies: Target ($16.99)

I am still loving my Old Navy utility vest.  it was definitely a great buy! I have been throwing it on over dresses and skirts for summer.  I absolutely love the utilitarian meets girlie girl look of pairing the vest with feminine pieces like this light weight flowy pleated wrap skirt.  I've also been rocking it with florals and lace!!! These looks will also transition well into fall with the addition of tights, leggings, and boots! I can't wait!

Anyway, isn't this skirt great? I browse JC Penney often on my lunch break because it's in the mall where I grab lunch.  Penney's always has the best "Red Zone" sales. This skirt was $15! Can't beat that.  I just love the floaty chiffon-esqe fabric and it actually has knife pleats on the front panel on one side, and the other side which wraps over is ruffled.  So the ruffles wrap over the pleats... soooo pretty!  I am also loving the color palette...green is always a winner because it's my favorite color, but the olive green and brown geometric print is fabulous. I think it has a safari inspired kinda feel, that works really well with the utility vest, don't ya think?

I am still loving my flower pin. I think it's going to be around for a while...LOL!  I just can't help myself. When I get dressed in the morning, I think to myself "Something is missing...I know...the flower pin..." Lol! What can I say, it just makes every outfit complete.  I have received several comments and emails from you all saying that you all were inspired to go and buy a flower pin for yourself.. GO TEAM FLOWER PIN!!! Lol :) Anyhow, I think it complements the femininity of the skirt quite well and really ties the look together.

 

I was having a Marylin Monroe moment here!

Well, that's all she wrote today folks. I've got to get back to business over here.  I miss my blogging time, and I can't wait to get settled so I can get back on a regular posting schedule. Thanks for sticking around in the meantime!

Have you jumped on the military/utilitarian trend?

What's your military inspired must have piece? An anorak? a vest? cargo pants?

How do you rock this trend?

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Forever 21 Polka Dot Platform Mary Jane - Part II

So, the question of the hour about these shoes was..."Are they comfortable?"  Well, first of all I guess I should say that expensive doesn't necessarily mean comfortable.  I have definitely bought discounted expensive shoes that have TORN MY FEET UP! That being said when I do understand people's hesitation to buy shoes from Forever 21 for fear that the cheaper fabrication might make them uncomfortable. Well, not to worry! If you are thinking about buying these beauties, you can rest assured that they are pretty damn comfy.  They have a nice cushiony insole, and overall my feet just didn't hurt at all after wearing the all day.

Dress: Forever 21 ($22.80???) | Shoes: Forever 21 ($25.80) | Flower pin: H&M ($3.95) | Bag: thrifted | Sunnies: H&M (2 for $10 sale...I need to buy some new sunnies)

My only complaint with these shoes would be they don't come in half sizes, so I had to go up to a size 8.  This usually isn't a problem as long as there is a strap, which these do have, but I have but because the heel is so high and the shoes were a little roomy, my foot was sliding forward and pushing against the front of the shoe.  This is nothing those little insoles can't fix and again I wouldn't attribute it to the shoe, but rather to the size.

So for the debut of my favorite new mary janes, I whipped out my good ol' F21 black and white striped maxi. The fiance LOVES this dress. It hugs every curve, so that's no surprise.  I actually wore this yesterday, and I tweeted a picture of it.  He actually went out of his way to send me an email to tell me how much he loved the picture! LOL!  You guys last saw this dress here, where I showed you five ways to rock it.... so add one more look to the list with the addition of my favorite new accessory -- the flower pin.  I gave the white one a break and replaced it with a black one, and I think it complements the dress very well.  I opted to leave a necklace behind and let the flower do all the talking... well, not really. I still have my giant hoop earrings and the infamous H&M bangle...LOL!

Well folks, I've gotta get back to packing so I have to keep this post brief. My boxes were picked up yesterday morning, and my car will be picked up on Saturday...aaaaaahhhhh pardon the sporadic posts over the next week or so. I've got so much running around to do... my blogging time has been replaced by errands and packing.  The thing is I have been taking pics everyday so I have several days worth of photos to post. I thought about doing one big post with all the looks from the past few days, but that would be BORING! So, I will post them as I am able.

I call this my Blake Lively pose.  Have you guys noticed that she always poses like this? It cracks me up!  If you haven't noticed it before, just pay attention next time you run across a picture of her. The hand is always on the hip, and her head is always cocked to the side. Lol!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

The Denim Shirt & The Flower Pin

The Denim Shirt
I can remember the day that I bought this shirt. My dad gave me a TJ Maxx for Christmas last year and I decided so I'd make good use of it and buy gym clothes to accompany my new year's resolution to work out consistently. I spotted this shirt on the way to the checkout and I had to have it...$16.00...done and done. After all, a denim shirt was an absolute must have for Spring.  Well my new year's resolution lasted until about March (I know, sad, sad, sad!) but this denim shirt is still going strong on the heels of the fall season.  The denim trend, and the denim shirt will continue to rock our wardrobes in fall so if you've haven't invested in this piece yet, now is the time!  Personally, I am looking forward to rocking the denim + camel look a la Chloe' . Now, all I have to do is find an affordable camel coat, and slacks....wish me luck...

Chloe' Fall 2010 RTW Colletion via Style.com

I hate to say this, but considering my current lack of gym time, this shirt was more of an investment than those yoga pants...Lol! If you've been reading The Fashionsta Next Door for a while now, you've seen this shirt make MANY appearances... and this certainly will not be the last...

The Flower Pin (again!)
Okay, so I have a confession to make. I have worn my new flower pin EVERYDAY (except this weekend, since I was camping) since it made it's first appearance on the gray v-neck tee last week.  What can I say, except that this little diddy is clearly my new favorite accessory, and you guys know the deal...I will wear it EVERY DAY until I am tired of it.  Remember, the H&M bangle (which I am also wearing here)? In order to justify my accessory obsession of the moment, I like to say if Carrie did it, I can do it.  All my fellow SATC fans out there know that when Carrie found a new accessory she loved, she wore it out! In fact, I remember Carrie being obsessed with the flower pin back in season 3, too!

Anyway, I've got two more flower pin looks coming your way over the next couple days, so bear with me! And I can't promise that will be the end of it. Flower pins may just make there way onto a few more outfits this week.  Hell, maybe we'll make it a challenge out of it!

The Blouse
This was another one of  my H&M clearance buys (bought at the same time as the off-the-shoulder peasant dress, and another dress that I haven't worn yet).  I wish I had taken a picture without the denim shirt. This shirt is really pretty... first of all it's sheer, which is always a winner.  I also love floral print, and the v-neck has a really great embroidered detail.  This shirt is clearly a spring/ summer item, but when I bought it I actually had fall in mind.  I figured this floaty, sheer blouse would look great with skinnies and boots come fall...ooh, and a leather jacket!  So, at $10, this lovely blouse was a great transition piece! Much like the denim shirt, and the flower pin, I am sure you'll be seeing much more of this blouse.

The Skirt (that's really a dress)
I've mentioned a couple times that my fringe necklace (last seen here) isn't actually a necklace at all.  It is actually the detachable fringe for this gray dress, which I bought off the Planet Funk clearance rack back in February. Since I bought the dress I have NEVER worn it with the fringe. I have always worn the dress under blazer or cardigan, and I've always worn the fringe as a necklace.  I packed up most of my clothes, leaving out my fave warm weather pieces.  Since I have pretty limited options (relatively speaking) I am being forced to rework some of my faves, so today I thought why not layer my new blouse over one of my old fave dresses.  Originally, I was going to wear my thrifted pink blazer but when I put it on, I felt way too put together (if that makes sense...) but I knew that outfit needed a grounding piece to tie it all together so I reached for my trusty dusty denim shirt.

Denim Shirt: TJ Maxx ($16.99) | Blouse: H&M ($10) | Dress/Skirt: Planet Funk ($29.99) | Shoes: Jessica Simpson "Nolita" ($28???, Macy's clearance) | Bag: thrifted ($8.99) | Flower Pin: $3.95 | Other Accessories: Forever 21 & H&M | Sunnies: H&M (2 for $10)

The Shoes
I got these Jessica Simpson "Nolita" cracked metallic pewter pumps at the same time as the Rachel Roy "Oma" wedges.  Of course, they were on clearance, and we all know that Macy's clearance racks are always shoe heaven.  I have to admit these racks are my weakness. It is hard for me to set foot inside of Macy's without browsing the racks and 9 times out of 10 I can find a great pair of shoes for twenty-something bucks.  These actually come in gold too (see here for $39.99), and if I can find them at Macy's for the same price as the pewter ones I might have to pick them up.  I love metallics!  In my opinion, they function as a neutral so they can be worn with pretty much everything.  Gilded looks in particular are going to be a HUGE trend this fall, so adding a pair of gold pumps to my wardrobe would be a good move...

So, have you jumped on the denim shirt bandwagon?

If so, how do you rock a denim shirt?

What are your spring to fall transition pieces?

Are you into metallic accessories? (shoes, handbags, belts?)

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Special Delivery: Forever 21 Polka Dot Platform Mary Janes

Look what was sitting on my porch waiting for me to get home last Thursday night....

Pardon the little elastic tie. I was in such a hurry to try them on, I didn't realize I hadn't removed it until I uploaded the pictures to the computer. Lol!

Don't worry, I will remove the stickers... Lol!

I love them so much!  I've been wanting to blog about them all weekend, but I went away for a weekend camping trip with the girls, so no blogging.  The inspiration behind these lovelies is no mystery...the Miu Miu Sparrow platform mary janes, retailing for a whopping $590...

Well to be perfectly honest, I am not sure that I would have rocked the birds even if I could afford them... but I will most definitely ROCK THE HELL out of the Forever 21 polka dot version and for only $25.80!!! SOLD!!! This is actually the first pair of Forever 21 shoes I've ever bought so I didn't know what to expect in terms of quality.  I have to say that I have no complaints at all. They look great and I can't wait to wear them.  Seriously I'm feeling like the possibilities are endless with these babies...dresses, shorts, jeans, socks, tights...LOVE.LOVE.LOVE.

So, I would love to link you guys to these but they have vanished off the Forever 21 website. I literally just ordered them last Tuesday, so I can't believe that they would have sold out so fast but maybe they did. I have seen a couple other bloggers post about them, including Karen at Where Did You Get That? so all of her 3000 readers may have jumped right on and ordered them on the spot. I haven't seen them in store here in LA, but I do believe they have them in store in NY.  Has anyone else seen them in store?

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Friend Friday: Conspicuous Consumption

This week's topic of discussion is conspicuous consumption. Fashion bloggers have many critics, and some believe that it is socially irresponsible, especially in light of the current economy??? What do you think?

1. Do you think fashion blogs are often just conspicuous consumption? Are some?
Hmmm. Good question. I think fashion blogs have the potential to become a stage for conspicuous consumption, but to say that ALL fashion blogs fall into that category would be an exaggeration. There are many genres of fashion blogs; you’ve got your street style blogs, your editorial blogs, your frugal fashion/looks for less blogs, your DIY blogs, and of course the infamous haul blogs. Your DIY blogs are anti-consumption all the way, so they definitely don’t fall into that category, and the editorial blogs are no worse than your average magazine. The street style and looks for less types of blogs are definitely the ones that run the risk of falling prey to excessive consumption, with haul blogs being the ultimate evil (as far as conspicuous consumption is concerned). The haul blogs are ridiculous in my opinion. I love sharing a great deal with my readers, but they are a bit excessive. My blog is a “street style” blog, which is also focused on affordable fashion, so there is definitely a little bit of pressure to buy things to stay on top of the latest trends. On the other hand, I was a hell of a shopper before I started blogging, and I would argue that blogging has brought new awareness to what I already have, what I really need, and how much I am willing to pay for something. I find that I am shopping with a purpose now, whereas before I was more of an impulse shopper. So, all of that is to say that it depends on the blogger and their vision for their blog.


2. As bloggers do we have the obligation to explain our personal financial status, how we pay for the things we showcase, if we have debt, etc.
I don’t think we are obligated to share any personal or financial information. I get that with influence comes responsibility, and you’ve got bloggers out there blogging outfits that costs more than one month of my salary, but I have to take responsibility for my own finances. I look at the outfit, and I know that I can’t afford it. Period. More power to the blogger who can…how she is able to do it, isn’t really my business. If she has chosen to go into debt for fashion, that is her personal choice. Everyone chooses what they are willing to spend money on. For some of us, it’s fashion.


3. Critics often say that fashion bloggers should use their money to support more worthwhile causes than clothing themselves in a different outfit daily. What's your reaction to this? (here you can reveal charities if you'd like.) Why do critics assume that fashion bloggers wake up in the morning, put on an outfit, take a picture and do nothing else with their lives? My blog is ONE part of my life. Just because I love fashion doesn’t mean I don’t have a passion for other things. I happen to know many bloggers who not only donate money personally to worthwhile causes, but also use their influence to promote awareness for the cause.


4. Since you started blogging, do you spend more money on fashion and beauty products? No, not at all. I was always a bargain shopper (I don’t really have a choice in the matter), but as I mentioned before I am much more aware of what I am buying these days, and because I want everything I wear to be accessible for my readers, I am even more adamant about things being affordable. I wouldn’t say that I splurge any more than I would have before. Every once and I will I will treat myself to a pricey pair of shoes, or a nice handbag, but that is nothing new.




5. Life is about more than what money can buy. What are the things that top your list of what life is all about?
Love, family, children, justice, equal right (my fiancée calls me a bleeding heart liberal... what can I say, I just love people), happiness. 

If you would like to participate in Friend Friday, visit Modly Chic for more info. The more the merrier, and we'd love to have you join the discussion!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

CrazySexyCool

Okay, so maybe not so crazy, but this look is definitely "sexy, cool" (shout out to all my 90's peeps and TLC fans!!! Lol).

T-shirt: Target "Boyfriend V-neck Pocket Tee" | Jeans: No name, TJ Maxx ($16.99) | Shoes: Wild Pair (29.99) | Flower Pin: H&M ($3.95 | Earrings: Forever 21 ($5.80) | Bangle: H&M ($3.95)| Sunnies: H&M (2 for $10 sale)

 
I have 7:30 am meetings on Wednesday. It's only 30 minutes earlier than usual, but it makes a hell of a difference when it comes to getting ready.  This morning I just did not have the energy so I quickly decided on the standby t-shirt and jeans ensemble as I was brushing my teeth.  Now sure, I could have thrown on some flip flops and called it a day, but what kind of fashionista would I be if I did that? AND furthermore, who says a t-shirt and jeans can't be sexy? With the right shoes, and the right accessories this t-shirt & jeans ensemble is flirty and cool....and best of all it was truly effortless (...and very Carrie Bradshaw, don't ya think?)

The Shoes
I love, love, love these shoes (what shoes don't I love?)...so much so that I went up a half size because the damn store LOST the mate to the 7 1/2 ugh! I actually tried these on and fell in love with them a couple weeks ago, but I left them behind after the phantom left shoe ordeal at the store. I couldn't stop thinking about the perfect shade of blush, and the sky high stilleto heel, and the perfectly stacked platform, and the super sexy ankle strap....so I went back HOPING they might have found the match for the 7 1/2...no such luck. So I asked the saleswoman to bring the 8 out so I could give them a try. Well, wouldn't you know it, the 8 was a little bit more roomy, but it was still an okay fit and since they have an ankle strap I don't have to worry about them slipping off my foot... SOLD! I walked out of the store $29.99 later with a big ole cheesy smile on my face...looking at these pictures, I am soooooo happy I decided to go back...these shoes are soooooo pretty!

The Flower Pin
When I was in college my friend Lisa and I use to go to random craft shops and buy fake flowers, and hot glue gun them to bobby pins for our hair. I am not sure why I felt the need to pay $3.95 for this little flower pin from H&M instead of just hitting up the craft store.  Nonetheless, this little flower pin is very cute &  functional. It has a pin closure to wear on clothing, and it also has a little clip so you can wear it in your hair. Not bad, right? I bought a black one too, and they also have red, tan, and black polka dotted flower pins. I am thinking about grabbing a red polka dot one. I think that might look very fun on the lapel of one of my many black blazers.  Anyway, this simple white flower is definitely the perfect finishing touch on this look.  It single-handedly took my plain gray v-neck tee from drab to fab!  If you're a t-shirt fan, try jazzing it up with a fun flower pin. You could also attach it to the end of a necklace, or pin it to a thick ribbon and tie it around your wrist as a bracelet. There are so many things you can do, and it will always add fun feminine flare to whatever you're wearing.

Well, that was simple enough... T-shirt & jeans + one pair of foxy shoes +one fun and flirty accessory = one effortlessly sexy and cool ensemble... that took about 3 minutes to pull together and had me feeling sassy and cute all day! Can't beat that! Oh, and not to mention it was uber COMFORTABLE!

How do you spice up a t-shirt and jeans?

Are you into a flower pins and/or other floral inspired accessories?

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Forever 21 Lace Tee + A Little Q&A

I have to be honest, I wasn't really in love with any of these pictures so I almost didn't post them, but that wouldn't be fair, now would it! I actually really loved my outfit but the photos were just ehhhh. I got a new camera on Saturday, finally! I can't believe I have been getting away  taking pictures using my iPhone for so long. Well, I'll be losing my lovely photographer when I move so I'll have to learn to take pictures of myself using a real camera and a tripod (insert sad face here).  You guys will have to excuse me if my first couple weeks of photos in ATL are a little bland. I always get a lot of compliments on my smile (blushing... THANK YOU GUYS!!!) and I have to tell you guys that those are genuine, LMAO smiles because my photographer and I have such a great time with my little amateur iPhone photo shoots.  For my new readers who may not know this,  I actually started calling my OOTD posts "Goofy Pics" because I am always laughing hysterically in so many of the pictures. I have gotten better, but one day I need to create a blooper slide show for you guys. I mean the facial expressions associated with my laughter are insane!

An example of the foolishness that occurs during my photo shoots (I can't believe I am posting this.. LOL!!!!)

Anyway, my over sized lace t-shirt from Forever 21 makes a come back today, and this time it's paired with my olive green cargo shorts for a girlie utilitarian inspired look.  Recently, our friend Tiffani over at Accidental Chic posted that she just couldn't get into the lace trend because it is a little too lingerie-ish.  Well, I don't have to tell you guys that I love lace, but still, I totally know what Ms. Tiffany means.  Lace has the potential to go completely and utterly wrong...it is definitely all about the styling! Pairing this lace top with cargo shorts in an earthy color takes the lace from overly sexy to flirty.  Lace also works very well with denim... throw on a lace top with jeans, or top it off with a jean jacket or vest.  I think the key is juxtaposing the femininity and sexiness of the lace with more casual, androgynous or masculine pieces.  Lace is continuing into fall as one of the top trends so finding some great lace options shouldn't be hard. I mentioned to Tiffani that they have some great racer back lace tanks at Target for $14.99, and Forever 21 has a ton of great affordable options too.

Top: Forever 21 | Tank (under lace top): Target "Long and Lean" tank ($5 on sale, $8 regular price) | Shorts: random | Belt: Mom's | Shoes: Bakers ($20 on sale | Necklace: Farmer's Market ($5) | Bag: Buffalo Exchange ($15) | Sunnies: H&M (2 for $10 sale)

I love my little gold bag.  There is something so chic about pairing an evening bag with casual day clothes. I know I've said this  before, but I just love the look of it.  Didn't the bag just complete the whole look?  Thanks to whoever ex-communicated this lovely little number from their wardrobe and sold it to the Buffalo Exchange because I love it!

 To offset my disappointment with the pictures, I am throwing in a little Q&A.  If you're obsessed with reading fashion blogs like me, you may have noticed that there is a fun fashion blogger Q&A game going around.  It's been so fun reading everyone's responses to all the random questions.  Today, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the fabulous V of Grit & Glamour tagged me! Yippee! I'm so excited to join the fun!

V asks...

Practically everyone is six degrees from a celebrity, political figure, or famous person. Will you explain your six degrees of separation from someone famous?
Hmmm. This is a tough question. I live in LA and a couple of my really close friends work in the entertainment industry so I have had the pleasure of attending some swanky Hollywood parties. I am usually not too impressed with celebrities at these events, but I AM A HUGE BEYONCE fan and was thrilled when I got a chance to attend a birthday party for Solange, and of course B was there!! AHHHH!!!  On another note, my family is very involved with CA state government and my grandma knows anybody who's anybody in Sacramento, including Arnold Schwarzenegger... Oh and my uncle was a very good friend of Tupac, and I actually got to meet him when I was in the 3rd grade just before his career took off...

What have you always wanted to do, but haven’t yet?

Travel. Unfortunately, I have never left the country and I am dying to travel... I really, really, really want to go to Italy...and EAT! My fiance' has traveled quite a bit, and he is actually originally from France.  Most of his family still lives in France and Martinique so I am looking forward to traveling to meet my new family too.

Your favorite meal is…
Don't laugh at me... beans and rice! LOL :) Seriously, I love it! Especially black beans...

If you could only save one pair of shoes in your closet, which pair would it be, and why?

OMG, ummmm... seriously? Let's go with my Cathy Jean nude pumps because they go with ALMOST everything...almost! (If I had a peep-toe nude pump that would be even better! Maybe I need to invest in a pair? Now that I think about it, how have I gone this long without them? Adding them to my wish list as we speak)

Which handbag would you buy if money were no object?

Honestly, I have always wanted a Speedy 35.  I know that is not the most illusive, or expensive bag of all luxury bags, but as of yet I have never been able to afford one so it will definitely be the very FIRST bag I buy when (not if) I can afford to spend $700 on a bag.  Once I get that out of the way, I guess I'd have to go with a Birkin. (gotta get the classics under my belt before I graduate to the fancy shmancy bags)



Who is your girl crush?
Ummm overall Beyonce for sure, although lately I have not been feeling her style so much. I'm kind of bored with it, I guess...So, that being said, my current girl crush in the style category is Eva Mendes.  She always has the perfect balance of classic and trendy.  Her style is timeless and effortless...

What is your vice?
hmmm would shopping be too easy? Okay, if can't pick shopping, then I'm gonna say salty food. I will literally DEVOUR anything resembling a chip or french fry.

Last song you listened to?

Marvin Gaye -- "Got to Give It Up"

This song came on this morning while I was driving to work, and I was literally doing "the bump" with the air. I always dance and sing in my car, and every once in a while I catch the person in the car next to me staring... Lol! At least I keep the windows rolled up when I sing!

So I am supposed to tag more fabulous bloggers and ask some questions of my own, so here it goes! (please don't feel obligated to play!)

Fashion Du Jour

Avid Accents: My DIY Diary

Accidental Chic

It's My Taste

Chanel Craves

406 Olivia

The Art of Accessories

Notes From the Dressing Room

and here are my questions...

1. What is one food that you could eat over a over again, and never get tired of?
2. What's in your bag right now? (feel free to omit receipts! Lol!)
3. Name one, just one item that you are absolutely lusting after for Fall?
4. What made you start fashion blogging?
5. What do your friends and family think about your blog?
6. We've all subscribed to at least one trend, and thought "what was I thinking" in retrospect.  For me, I'd have to say Cross Colors top the list. Name one trend you regret wearing?
7. Do you wear make up on a daily basis? If so, what are your beauty must haves?
8. How do you feel about leather in the summer (I just can't get into this personally, but it's been a big trend this spring/summer)?

Can't wait to read all your responses!!!

Thanks for stopping by!!!