Velvet boots + Mulberry "Alexa" Bag Look-a-like

One of the trends that I am loving this fall, but was admittedly a little surprised to see was velvet. Back in April, after seeing velvet hit the runways of the the likes of Georgio Armani, Rachel Roy, Alexander Wang, an article on Style.com referred to it as possibly the "most polarizing textile of them all."  In the same article, Rachel Roy makes a great point "I don't use fur, so I was looking for fabrics that felt as rich and soft to the touch."  Well, when you think of it that way, it makes perfect sense.  Opulence and luxury in the form of fabulous furs (even if they're faux furs) is a HUGE trend this season. Indeed, velvet done right has the same glamorous feel to it.

Runway Images Borrowed from Style.com

I actually have several velvet pieces in my wardrobe that I've acquired over the years so thankfully I will not have to lust after any velvet additions to my wardrobe.  I've got a couple pair of velvet pants, a couple velvet jackets, and.... these velvet over-the-knee boots!

Jacket & Dress: unknow & old | Boots: MIA, Nordstrom Rack, Fall 08 | Bag: Nine West, TJ Maxx ($34.99) | Necklace: Claire's

I fell in love with these boots immediately when I saw them! You can wear them OTK , or you can wear them scrunched just below the knee, or scrunch them down to the calves.  They are so versatile! I've gotten a ton of wear out of them.  I don't remember the exact price, but I do remember that they were less than $50.  I had to snatch them up, and when I got home my roommate loved them so much that she went out and bought them the next day! (Hi Sunset!)  Unfortunately, I don't think they're going to make it through another winter.  If you look closely, you can see that the velvet is splitting on the top of the shoe and exposing the white fabric underneath. I am going to take them to a shoe repair shop and see if they can be salvaged.  Either way, they've done me well over the last couple years!

Okay, so remember my new Nine West messenger bag from TJ Maxx last week? Well, I love it!  Isn't it a little reminscent of the Mulberry "Alexa" Bag?

The Mulberry "Alexa" Messenger Bag

My Nine West bag is a fab look alike.  The shiny black leather and gold details on the buckles and straps are fabulous!  The best part... It cost only $34.99 at TJ Maxx. Gotta love that!  My new bag is the perfect basic black bag for fall!

Now, you may not have noticed a subtle design detail about the print of my dress...a design detail that is right on trend.  The print is actually shades of purple, black, and navy.  Black and navy is a color combo that many people lump into the same category as black and brown -- fashion taboo.  Well, as you all know I don't believe in fashion taboos and I happen to think that black and navy are a fab combo.  The black and navy floral print on this dress make it easy to give this trend a try!  It pairs back to both colors wonderfully.  Now  that I've brought this to your attention, you've probably noticed that the print has more blue than black, but it doesn't clash with my black boots and jacket at all.

Don't you all just love wrap dresses? They are so ladylike and figure flattering on nearly all body types. The surplice bodice automatically cinches the waist, and given the right fabrication and construction the dresses draped beautifully on the body.  I wish I had taken some shots without the jacket.

Oh now for the exciting news! I wore this ensemble to the courthouse to watch Fabrice get sworn in!! It was so exciting! He is an official attorney now and I am so proud of him...

Fabrice and Judge Hankinson

I want to thank you all for your congratulations on my last post about Fabrice passing the bar! I also got a few questions on that post that I wanted to answer.

MissKRoberts of Compulsive Flyness asks "How do the Go Jane shoes fit? Are they true to size?"

In my experience, the Go Jane shoes are not actually Go Jane brand. They are the standard cheaper brands like Quipid, Bamboo, Michael Antonio, and Anne Michelle. They have these brands at any of your cheaper no-name shoe and clothing stores.  They fit pretty true to size.  I wear a 7 1/2 and I've only had to return one pair of shoes that were too tight. I will say that Go Jane requires you to pay for shipping both ways so if they don't fit, you're out $7 - $10 return shipping, although if you are exchanging them you don't have to pay for the shipping of the new item.

CurlyKye requested a makeup tutorial. I think that is a great idea and I will work on putting together a post soon!

Tasha of Imperfect Concepts Boutique asked "Who is your dress by? I am looking for more dresses like that."

My dress is made my Soprano and I got it at Loehmann's although you can also find a selection of Soprano dresses at Macy's in the Juniors Department.  The brand is really reasonably priced in the $30 - $60 and they make for great basics.  They also make plus sizes, which is great!

So now, I've got some questions for you!

How do you feel about velvet?

Would you wear black and navy?

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Leopard Booties, Take II (Thanks to Alloy)

Well folks, I treid to... as Tim Gunn said "make it work" with those sad, sad, sad knockoff cow print ...cheetah print... no, leopard print booties, and it just wasn't happening. I haven't been able to bring myself to put them back on my feet. As you all know, after sharing them with you guys, I posted a pair of leopard booties from Alloy.com, and the very next day I bought them.  I am so freaking happy I did, because I love them! Aside from not being pony hair, they are perfect!



Cardigan: Stolen from mom | Dress: Target ($6 on Clearance) | Belt: Old! | Jeans: Old Navy Rockstar Denim Legging ($39.50) | Shoes: Alloy ($39.90) | Necklace: Farmer's Market ($5) | Watch: Michael Kors

Really, I couldn't have been happier with them.  I have to admit I was kinda nervous after the first disaster! I thought to myself, maybe it's just not meant to be.  Maybe if you can't afford to spend $1000 on designer leopard, then this is trend you'll have to pass on. I know, I'm so dramatic.  LOL! but seriously, the options under $50 were sparse.  Nonetheless, these did NOT disappoint.  They are super cute and super comfy! The 5" heel is high, but the 1" hidden platform makes them totally doable. If you can do a 4" heel, don't be scared off by the 5 incher on these babies!  Not that I need another pair of black booties, but I am strongly considering getting those too!

So, this is my take on Kim Kardashian's all black ensemble featuring the Christian Louboutin leopard booties. Not bad if I do say so myself...

So, what do you guys think of the new leopard booties? MUCH, MUCH better, right? Lol~

Thanks for stopping by!!! and have a GREAT weekend!

H&M Aviator Jacket

Yes! Yes! Yes! I got one.  I love H&M and I can ALWAYS find something that I like, but usually the advertised pieces...i.e. this Aviator Jacket, are nowhere to be found by the time I make it into the store, ESPECIALLY since the nearest H&M is now 35 minutes away from me. (I know, very sad!)

We all fell in love with Burberry's shearling collared aviator jacket on the Fall runways, but we were NOT in love with Burberry's $3,595 price tag. ummmm yeah, not EVEN in my dreams.


photo credit


Thanks to H&M for offering us this gorgeous look for less retailing for only $29.95. Can't beat that! I really love this jacket. First of all, it is very warm! It has a quilted lining and shearling trim.  The faux leather is super soft and buttery. the hardware is just enough to give the aviator feel without being over the top.  There are some buckles around the collar, zippered front pockets, and some seaming detail on the sleeve and back. Just perfect! If you can find one at your local H&M.... GRAB IT and RUN (well, buy it first! Lol!)



photo credit


This outfit is nothing special. Just something I threw on to run to Target late last night. Unfortunately, I never made it to Target so it ended up being the outfit I wore to make a late night fast food run. I know... horrible! I was supposed to go grocery shopping this weekend, and I just never made it.  I am sure I could get a little creative with the random assortment of items in the pantry, but fast food seems so much easier :)



Jacket: H&M ($29.95) | Top: Random??? | Jeans: Levi's Hi Rise Skinny | Shoes:  Same Edelman "Venice" ($99) | Socks: Target | Owl Pin: Stolen from mom

What do you guys think of the rolled jeans + socks + peep-toed booties combo? 

It was actually inspired my Maegan over at Love Maegan. She rocks this combo all the time, and I happen to love it although I realize it is not the most flattering for the vertically challenged like myself.  I've been hesitant to try it for that reason, but you guys know me. I wear what I fancy, so I went for it.  I love the look of these particular jeans rolled up with the socks and boots. These jeans just look and feel like classic Levi's... perfectly worn in and comfy! They are perfect for this no muss, no fuss ensemble.

You may have also noticed that I am wearing black and brown, again. What can I say? I just really like the combo.

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!!!

Not So Mellow Yellow...

First things first, yes! These are the same jeans I wore yesterday. Lol! What can I say I love the fit.  Now that we got that out of the way let's move on to the top....

 This blouse is yet another one of my thrift store finds. I was drifting from rack to rack at the Goodwill, and I saw the bright yellow sleeve poking out from the blouse rack.  I rushed over and pulled out the blouse to reveal a gorgeous cowl neck collar.  It was ALMOST love at first sight...almost. In theory, I love the bright yellow but in reality it is not really my yellow.  It's just a tad bit too mustard-y, and in my opinion it washes my complexion out. I do better with lemon-y yellows.  So, I decided to pass and I hung the blouse back on the rack.  But, I got that feeling...you know the one where you feel like you can't live without it? You start styling it your mind... you pick out shoes, and accessories...yep, that feeling... and then SOMEONE ELSE PICKS IT UP!!! and you could just kick yourself. Well, that is precisely what happened.  Someone else picked it up... but...they put it back and that was all I needed. I rushed over, grabbed it, and threw it in the basket. At this point, I still wasn't sold but I didn't want anyone else to snag it... at least not while I was still in the store!  So, I grabbed all my goodies and went into the fitting room, and that is where the magic happened...

 I slipped this beauty on over my head and it really was love at first sight. I really loved the fit, and the shoulder action and the sleeves...I still had concerns about the color, but I figured I could fix that with the right accessories.  I happened to have a pair of jeans in the fitting room with me because my original purpose was finding a pair to cut up for a pair of cutoffs (another story for another day!).  I threw on the jeans and instantly decided that this blouse had to be mine.  The bright mustard-y yellow looked FAB.u.lous paired with denim and that was all I needed!

I picked the blouse up from the cleaners last week, and I've been looking at it every time I open the closet, but in true Eboni fashion I was waiting for an occasion to wear it.  Well, today, I just couldn't resist any longer (my overflowing laundry basket didn't help!), and I figured why not get more use out of my new favorite jeans.  I thought my trusty dusty scarf tied as a belt added a nice classic-modern touch, and paired with my navy blue vintage clutch (also thrifted), this outfit is so super ladylike and fun!

I got a few comments about my new earrings! Not that any one is counting but I've had them about a week and this their third appearance. I absolutely love them! As I mentioned before they are the "High Glam Hoop Earrings" from Forever 21.  They retail for $5.80 and you can buy them online here.

Now, I have to tell you that I was thrilled when I found these because I had just seen these gorgeous POParazzi Swarovski Crystal Bamboo Earrings.

photo borrowed from FASHION du jour

Our friend Leslie over at Fashion Du Jour received a pair from her hubby a couple weeks ago, and I've been lusting for them! You guys know how I love hoop earrings.  They retail for $120 and that is just not in my budget soooooo I was very pleased to find the Forever 21 embellished hoops, and of course they were right in my price range.  That is not to say that I wouldn't LOVE to have the real deal, too!! But I am happy for now :)

One last thing! I have meaning to say THANK YOU to Miss Catherine over at the ABC's of College! Catherine was so kind to contact me for an interview for a feature she runs on her blog called "Dress Like a Fashionista." Catherine's blog is focused primarily on advice for prospective college students, but I love that she throws in an element of fun with her fashionista feature.  Besides, we've all heard that old adage you have to Dress for Success.  Anyway, it was a great honor to be asked to participate.  It's always such a great compliment when someone admires your style.  Head on over to Catherine's blog and check out the interview when you can!

Thanks for stopping by!!

More Lace, More Denim, More Animal Print...

I don't know what's gotten into me lately but I seem to be stuck on lace, denim, and animal prints. Not sure why, but when I look in my closet, those are the things that seem to cry out "weeear me, Eboooni...weeeear me," so as a result you guys have seen look after look featuring lace, denim, animal prints, all of which are totally on trend, but I think I'm falling into a rut of sorts?  Well, rest assured that I do own other fabrications and patterns, and eventually I will get over my latest obsession. Bear with me, and I hope you enjoy the many variations of lace, denim, and animal prints I present along the way!  Seriously, I think this might be the last one...maybe.  I don't want to make any promises. Lol!

Today's ensemble was inspired by the fabulous, dreamy, luxurious, 3.1 Phillip Lim Embroidered Hairpin Lace Skirt.  

This lovely skirt is actually no longer available, but retailing for $450, event when it was available there was no way I could afford it. Boy oh boy, was I thrilled when I found a very similar lace skirt at Forever 21 for only $22.80.

What I'm Wearing...

~ LAL denim button down shirt

~ Forever 21 Lace Skirt

~ Brown Corset Belt

~ Bakers patchwork pumps 

(This is where the animal print comes in. I love these shoes! they have great patches of tiger, snakeskin, and croc! soooo cute! and they were on sale. I got them for like $18!)

~  Brown Vintage Clutch  

(one of the latest Goodwill finds I talked about here)

~ H&M Bangle

~ DKNY layered chain watch

~ Tiffany's toggle necklace worn as a bracelet

~ Forever 21 Necklace

~ Mossimo Sunnies

~ Earrings from JC Penney

Thanks for stopping by!!!