Alloy.com Shoe Du Jour

Hello Fashionistas!!! First of all I want to welcome my new readers from the Fashion & Beauty Friend Fridays group and the Meet Virgina Link Party. I appreciate you stopping by and I hope you'll find a reason to stay around a little :)

Now, I'd like to introduce a new weekly feature in collaboration with our friends at Alloy.com. I am very happy to have Alloy.com as an affiliate of The Fashionista Next Door because they have a lot of great trendy goodies for Fashionistas on a budget like myself. With that being said, I'd like to introduce our new feature...

I was browsing Alloy yesterday, and I literally sent myself 11 emails with shoes that I want to buy so I could share them with you all.  Today, as I was getting ready to post them, I thought to myself, "Hey, why not make this into a weekly feature... She of the Day... She Du Jour..." soooo here we are! I hope you guys like it, and maybe you'll even find some great shoes for yourself...

With Fall on the horizon, I've got BOOTS on the brain, and Alloy.com has some great boot options for LESS THAN $50! (you know that's right up my alley!)

Today's Shoe Du Jour, The Shelby Boot, is right on trend with great buckles on the shaft and lace up detail in the front. With it's 4 3/4 inch heel, it's got a sexy equestrian kinda vibe, don't ya think? These would be great for stuffing those skinnies into, paired with your heavy wool coats and chunky knits. Needless to say, I really, really love them and the price is right at $49.90.

Click Image to Buy!

The Shelby Boot
$49.90

Now, the problem is I've got my eye on a few more pairs of shoes on Alloy as well. I need to pace myself because I certainly can't afford to buy them all at once. ugh! So, without seeing the other options, should I go for it? or wait? Perhaps until the weather cools?

Oh and one more thing, if you should happen to decide to do a little shopping on Alloy, don't forget they offer Free Shipping On Orders Over $25 with the code AFS25A. I HATE paying for shipping so this is always a plus in my book.

Thanks for stopping by!!!

How to Dress Up Basic Black - Look #4

Look #4 Girl About Town, Part II

Black Blazer + Oxford Blue Collared Shirt + Black Leather-esque Leggings + Go Jane Black Shearling Boots + + Gold Evening Bag + Dots Tassle Necklace + Vintage Earrings

I don't know what it is with me and leather like fabrications these days, but I am really loving them.  Perhaps this is my way of forcing fall? Anyway, today's look is all about the small details that make it special.

The Black Blazer
I've said this a million times...a black blazer is your BEST friend.  Fabrice can't understand why I have so many, but they are all very different.  This one in particular is double breasted with fabulous black and gold crest buttons that make it extra special. The buttons give it a classic edge, and provide a little extra polish and sassy sophistication.  Thrown over this basic oxford blue collared shirt and black leggings, this blazer makes this outfit perfect for those days when you're running around town and you want to be comfortable, but you've got that lunch meeting, or dinner plans and you won't have time to stop home and change.

The Leather Leggings
I know, I know, I wore the leather cutout leggings last time. but again if you're talking about dressing up basic black, opting for textured leggings is always an easy go-to item.  They are automatically sexier and dressier than regular black leggings.  In this case, pairing them with a menswear inspired shirt, and a classic black blazer the sex appeal is not overkill and they've easily been transformed to day wear. The funky gold zippers at the ankle also complement the buttons and the gold evening bag for an all around cohesive look.

LOL at myself! I did this pose jokingly.  It's a pretty standard model pose, right? Fabrice totally laughed at me.  He pretty much thinks I'm crazy!

The Boots!!!
Well, I finally got my new boots and I pretty much love them. Olivia, they are very cute and comfortable.  For $30, the quality isn't bad at all.  I'd buy shoes from Go Jane again...especially trendy shoes that I am not looking to keep for the rest of my life anyway.

As far as how the boots contribute to the overall look.  Well, first of all they are right on trend for fall.  Pairing your more classic pieces with trendier items is a great way to add a little personality to your look. The boots are also on the casual, rugged side with the combat sole and shearling around the ankle. Like the oxford shirt and blazer, these little details are also working to ground the sexy leathery leggings for day, but the 4" heel is keeping the look feminine and edgy.

The Accessories
I kept the accessories pretty simple with the vintage gold and crystal earrings. They are classic glam, and perfect for this ensemble. Because I wanted to wear the gold evening bag for extra glam appeal, I opted for my pewter tassel necklace instead of a gold necklace. I know that many people are scared to mix metals, but in this case it works because it's not gold and silver.  The pewter almost falls into the background as a non-metal in this look

So, I've got one final black look tomorrow.  The black pencil skirt. Believe it or not, I have no idea how I'm gonna work that one. This series has been a good challenge for me because my style of dress is relatively casual.  I don't go to formal events and I don't dress up for work. I have the pieces to put together nice outfits, but dressy for me is probably still casual for most. So tomorrow, for the pencil skirt ensemble, I plan to really dress it up a bit. When my friend asked me to do this series, I know that she meant how do you dress up simple black for every day wear. In other words, how do you get out of the black jeans/leggings + a cute top routine and I am hoping that she got a lot of good ideas, and of course I hope you did, too!

What exactly are my legs doing here? hmmmmm

This picture was super blurry, but I loved the way it looked. Almost looks like we did that on purpose.

Unrelated Blogger Question: I bought a domain name...yay!!! but I am scared to switch over because I don't want to lose my Feedburner subscribers.  I know that Blogger is going to keep my old 'ifeluvsu.blogspot.com' link active and simply redirect to my new URL, but what about those who subscribe via Feedburner. Will the feed be broken if I switch?  Has anyone done this before?

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Leather Shorts (Cont'd) + Mossimo "Karensa"

The How to Dress Up Basic Black series is not over yet, but I wanted to take a break and post some pics that I took last Wednesday.  About a week and a half ago I told you guys that I'd bought a pair of leather shorts.  I asked what you guys thought of the idea of leather shorts after Mr. Fabrice told me they were tacky. Most of you agreed that it's all about styling.  Well, you all will be proud to know that I successfully changed Mr. Fabrice's mind and after seeing the complete look I put together he was a big fan...mmm hmmmm.  And not that I needed any convincing, but I was also a huge fan. I think I might be wearing these a lot this fall!

Top: JC Penny 'I Heart Ronson' (approx $15?) | Shorts: Dots ($14) | Tights: Target ($5) | Shoes: Target/Mossimo "Karensa" ($29.99)

So I decided pair my shorts with a feminine polka dot blouse that ties at the neck (although the tie gets lost in the pattern...lol). You can't really see the color of dots very well in these pictures but they are off-white, pink, and blue on a black background.  I really love this colorful dot print... so much so that I bought the skirt in the same print, too.  Don't worry, I won't wear them together...at least i don't think I'll wear them together. You never know. I am a firm believer in never saying never... belted with a blazer it might work in a printed dress kinda way....

 
I grounded the look with black tights, and added a little contrasting texture with these suede Mossimo "Karensa" pumps. I can tell already that these shoes are going to be a go-to for fall.  They are SUPER comfy, first of all, but beyond that they are just so darn cute.  Real suede...4" heel...hidden platform...fab little faux bow detail...$29.99...sold!  I'm calling them a pump, but on the Target website they're calling them a bootie. Eh... I guess they are kind of a bootie. I will call them a hybrid bootie/pump...

umm yea. I got some dust or lotion or something on the shoes, but don't worry I caught it in the pictures and cleaned them before I left the house! Lol :) Oh the joys of suede!

I threw in the pink bag for a little color... it complemented color palette of the dots in the blouse nicely and was a nice finishing touch on the look overall.  The croc skin brought in yet another texture, and one might have thought it would be too much, but I think it worked out well. What do you think?

So, if you were against leather shorts before... did I win you over? Would you consider giving them a try? or are you still looking at me shaking your head like "What was she thinking!"

I won Fab over and let me tell you, he's no easy sell! I will say this much...even if you are fundamentally against the idea of leather shorts, I think I successfully showed that when styled right, they don't necessarily fall into the "trashy" category, which is what I think most people are concerned about. You hear leather shorts, and you think thigh high boots, and halter tops...right? No, no, no, that would indeed be all wrong.  Here, the shorts are admittedly sexy, but by no means trashy! By pairing them with black tights and a feminine but slightly conservative cut top, they are truly just another pair of black shorts, BUT the leather fabrication adds visual interest and texture to the whole look and makes it special....

Or maybe, I'm delusional... Lol! You be the judge!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Loads of Goodies at CSN Stores

If you're an avid blog reader like me, you've probably noticed the blogosphere is crazy for CSN Stores.  Well, I was pleasantly surprised when they contacted little ol' me with an opportunity to do a product review. Yippee!!!  I haven't decided what I'm going to review yet but with over 200 online stores to choose from under the CSN Stores umbrella, the options are endless... they've got it all from furniture and home decor to shoes and handbags. That's right folks, you can pick up a that new end table and a new bag all in the same place AND they offer FREE SHIPPING on most purchases over a certain dollar amount. Can't beat that!

I am pretty sure that I've got shoes on my mind, so I started browsing and here are a few things I've got my eye on...

Journee Collection OTK Boots - $52

Carlos Santana Lace-up Sandals - $99

Luchiny Wooden Sandal - $69 (also in black below)

Luichiny Peep Toe Bootie - $55

Any opinions on which one I should choose??? Sheesh, they are all HOT!!! How can I possibly choose just one!

I just noticed that all but one of these options is black. I REALLY need to get out of this black shoe phase. Maybe I'll pick something colorful to force myself to snap out of it!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

How to Dress Up Basic Black - Look #3

Look #3 Girl About Town (Black & Tan)

featuring.

H&M Leather Cut-out Leggings + Black Skirt Worn as a Tunic + Tan Swing Coat + Mossimo Black Suede "Karensa" Pumps ($29.99) + Dots Tassle Necklace

It's funny, I can clearly remember when leggings came back on the scene back around 2006, and I remember thinking to myself... Seriously? Stretch pants are back? NO THANKS!  Of course, I should have known better because sure enough, they have become an absolute essential for my wardrobe all year long! Of course, I started out with plain black leggings, but nowadays there are plethora of fabulous legging options out there...one of which is the leather legging! Last fall American Apparel's Liquid Leggings hit the scene and we all went wild.  This season, we are revisiting the leather legging trend in a whole new way... with leather cutouts! These leather cut-out leggings from H&M were only $19.95, and they are a GREAT way to 1) jazz up your black legging based ensembles and 2) add leather pants to your wardrobe this fall without breaking the bank! and the best part is you still get the comfort and versatility of your good old faithful leggings. Can't beat that!

Now, In addition to swapping out my regular black leggings for the leather cut-out version, I also topped off my all black ensemble with a tan-ish swing style coat. and viola! I am ready to hit the town.  Investing in  a few statement jackets/coats in neutral colors is definitely a sure fire way to maximize your wardrobe. I went the fancy route with the leather leggings and flowy tunic, but this jacket would have looked pretty jazzy over plain black leggings and black t-shirt, too.

 So, to recap the key elements of this look:

1. Choose statement black pieces.  All black ensembles are almost always chic by default (I said almost), so have fun with it!  Play with shapes, and textures... mix and match....go crazy!
2. Top off basic black pieces with a statement jacket/coat in another neutral but contrasting color.

So, I have to apologize in advance for the picture overload today, but I finally feel like I got my picture taking mojo back.  Thank the LORD!!! I have been hating my pictures lately... partially because they have all been taken in doors at night but I got my lazy buns up at lunch and got dressed....and I am VERY happy with the results! :)

I am absolutely in LOVE with all the gorgeous greenery here in ATL...

Thanks for stopping by!!!

How to Dress Up Basic Black - Look #2

Look # 2 - Casual Business Lunch

featuring.

Anne Klein Pinstripe Blazer + Silk Camisole + Old Navy Black Jegging + Forever 21 Red Clutch + Steve Madden Suede Red Pumps + Forever 21 Necklace + H&M Bangle

If you don't own a pair of black jeans, you MUST got out and get a pair ASAP. They are essential to a casually chic wardrobe! Okay, maybe that was a little dramatic, but they really are great to have on hand for occasions where jeans are appropriate but you want to look a tad bit dressed up and polished. I actually own several pair -- a few skinnies, and one bootcut pair. I actually wish I had taken some pics with the bootcut pair as well.  Anyway, the key to this look is mixing dressy and casual separates, and there are several elements about each piece that makes the whole look work really well together.

1. The Blazer - Unlike the ever popular, over sized boyfriend blazers that have been ruling the fashion world for the past few seasons this jacket actually belongs to a very classic, tailored suit (one of three that I used for interviewing after college).  Tailored pieces will always provide just the right amount of polish to any of your casual pieces.
   
   I chose a pinstriped blazer instead of a sold black version to break up the black a little bit.  Playing with patterns and textures is always a great way to add a little depth to an all black ensemble. Shadow stripes would also be a great alternative here.
   
2. The Cami - Silk camis are always a quick and easy, no fuss way to add a little femininity against menswear pieces like a tailored blazer.  This one is great because it has a flattering empire waist and it is long and floats around the hips under the jacket.  The addition of the silk cami was is another great way to add a little depth by way of texture.
   
3. The Red Accessories - This look could have very easily been paired with black shoes and a black bag, and this option might be more appropriate for those of you who are more conservative, but opting for red accessories adds a little unexpected edge that I love.

Thanks for stopping by!!!

How To: Tying A Scarf, Part I

Hey Fashionistas! I am trying my hand at something new... VLOGGING! or video blogging :)  I got a lot of great feedback on my new series How to Dress Up Simple Black... thanks to you all for the comments...

MissKRoberts of Compulsive Flyness commented...

"I'm so glad you're doing these features on all black. Loving this first look! You've done one scarf 5 ways how about a feature on just how to wear a scarf? I can never get my scarves to look like you've got yours above."

.... and Olivia of 406Olivia commented...

"Love how you layered the scarf AND necklace! I haven't figured out to wear both..."

Well ladies, I thought I'd try to reply to your comments with a little tutorial... hope you guys enjoy! :)



MissK, thank you for inspiring me to dive into the wonderful world of vlogging. More scarf tying tutorials are on the way soon!

Also, stay tuned for the 2nd How to Dress Up Simple Black look coming up next....

Thanks for stopping by!!!

How To Dress Up Basic Black - Look #1

Earlier this week, one of my good friends sent me a tweet requesting that I do a post about how to dress up simple black. Well Miss Aja, here you go! For the next few days, I will show you a few looks using a few basic black pieces from my wardrobe:

1. Black Maxi Dress
2. Black Jeans
3. Black Leggings
4. Black Silk Camisole
5. Black Blazer
6. Black Skirt Suit

Look #1 - Lunch Date

H&M Black Maxi Dress + LOFT Floral Scarf + LOFT Clutch + Nine West Strappy Sandals + Dots Tassle Necklace

It doesn't get any more basic than this racer back jersey knit black maxi.  It literally feels like a night gown.  The great thing about a simple black dress is that it is a blank canvas for colorful and fun accessories!  Have fun with it! The pretty floral scarf and lady like clutch instantly gives this dress an elegant look that's perfect for so many occasions.  Isn't this look perfect for a lunch date, or dinner with the girls?  Swap out the heels for flat sandals and you've got a chic look that's perfect for running around town, too!

Can't wait to show you guys look #2 tomorrow!

Thanks for stopping by!!!