Shoeclips.biz Giveway!!! (Finally)

Okay ladies! It is finally time for the shoe clips giveaway courtesy of our friends at Shoeclips.biz! Yippee!

One Fashionista Next Door reader will win a pair of Floral Black & White Polka Dot shoe clips!!!!

Let me refresh your memory with how fabulous these lovely shoe clips are :)

Pardon the scuffs on the back of these puppies! I've had them for years, and would you believe this is the only pair of sling backs I own? Gotta fix that, pronto! But you guys get the point.

Not only can you snap these lovelies on to your favorite shoes, but you could also snap them on to the pocket or  lapel of your jacket...or snap it on to a handbag...

I've had this little Coach clutch for YEARS and I haven't taken it out of the dust bag in forever. This is a cute way to jazz it up, I think!

Here's how to win:

1. You must be a subscriber of The Fashionista Next Door! (subscribe via google friend connect, bloglovin, or feedburner)
2. Visit the Shoeclips.biz website and leave a comment below telling me which shoe clips were your favorite!

Steps 1 & 2 above are mandatory and will get you 1 entry!

For one additional entry (optional)...

Follow me on twitter and tweet about this contest.  Leave an additional comment with a link to your tweet. (If you already follow me on twitter, just let me know in the comment!)

The Fine Print

*Contest begins NOW and ends next Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at midnight EST.

*Contest is open to US and international readers (yay!)

*You must be willing to provide your shipping address so the fab folks at Shoeclips.biz can mail your prize.

*You must include your email address so I can contact you. You don't have to leave it in the body of the comment. Just enter it in the fields provided by Intense Debate.

*The winner be randomly selected using the Random.org number generator.

That's it! Good luck everybody!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Old Navy Giveaway Winners!!!

Drumroll please...

I am pleased to announce the winners of our three Old Navy Gift Cards for one pair of FREE jeans!!!

I totally forgot to get screen shots of the random.org results so you guys have to trust me on these! I'm an honest person, I promise :)

The 1st Winner is...

Tairalyn

of LahTeaDah, a blog about all the joys of tea!

...and the 2nd winner is...

Kimberly

...and the 3rd winner is...

Jodi 

Congratulations to Tairalyn, Jody, and Kimberly!!!  I will be emailing you to get your mailing address so I can mail your gift cards!!!! I can't wait to hear which jeans you decide to buy with your gift card!

Thanks to all who participated in my little giveaway! Until next time....thanks for stopping by!!

Old Navy "Rock Star" Denim Legging....and a Giveaway!

A little over a week ago I was contacted to spread the word about the fabulous $2 cami sale at Old Navy, and I mentioned that there would also be a giveaway coming soon! Well, the time has arrived and I am very excited to announce The Fashionista Next Door's first sponsored giveaway! Yippee! Three lucky Fashionista Next Door readers will win a gift card redeemable for a free pair of jeans from Old Navy!

Now before I get to the entry rules, I have to tell you guys that I had never really bought jeans from Old Navy. I love Old Navy for basic tops, sweaters, cardigans.  They have the cutest summer dresses, and great lightweight outerwear, but I had just never really bought jeans from there.  I just wouldn't feel comfortable promoting something on my blog that I didn't personally love, so off I went to Old Navy to try on some jeans!  I was pleasantly surprised by how many cute jeans there were and how well they fit, and for those of us who are on a budget the price point is excellent with all jeans ranging from only $29.95 - $34.50.  You can't beat that!

After trying on 3 different styles including "The Flirt" and "The Diva", I fell in love with "The Rock Star" denim legging.  I love the fit, and they have really great recovery, which is really important for a girl like me who hates belts.  I hate putting on a pair of jeans that fits like a glove in the morning, and by the afternoon they are all saggy and baggy.  These lovelies have 2% spandex making them nice and comfy, but we can thank the 21% polyester for the recovery, and the taut feeling that kinda holds everything in! The Rock Star comes in 3 colors -- black, gray, and ruby (a dark indigo wash) and if you're into ankle zippers like me, the come with and without them.  I went with the black because I practically live in black jeans in the fall.

Now on to the important stuff... the entry rules! Up to three entries per person! 

1. You must follow or subscribe to The Fashionista Next Door via Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin or Feedburner.  Leave a comment below letting me know which method you use to follow = mandatory 1st entry
   
2. Like The Fashionista Next Door on Facebook Leave a separate comment letting me know =  optional 2nd entry
   
3. Like Old Navy on Facebook (this comes in really handy for news about upcoming sales and promos). Leave a separate comment letting me know = optional 3rd entry

The fine print...

• Giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only.  (Sorry!)
• Gift Card expires March 31, 2011 and is valid for one free pair of jeans valued at $39.50 (US)/$44.50 (Canada) or less.
• Gift Card must be used in store, and cannot be used online.
• Contest ends Sunday, August 15 at 12 am midnight PST.
• I will pick 3 winners using the random.org number generator on Monday, August 16.

 Good Luck to EVERYONE!!!!

I always get a ton of compliments on this "necklace."  You guys have seen me wear it a couple times before, but if you are new to The Fashionista Next Door, this is actually not a necklace at all.  It is a detachable fringe from a dress I have.  Ironically, I have never worn the dress with the fringe attached.

Vest: Marshals ($7 on clearance), Tank: H&M ($5.95), Jeans: Old Navy ($34.50, but they could be FREE for you!), Shoes: Jessica Simpson "Casa", Bag: thrifted, Earrings: Forever 21 "Dangle Stone" ($5.80), Sunnies: H&M (2 for $10), Bangle: H&M ($3.95)

These "flyaway" vests and cardigans have been all the rage for the last couple years.  They are a must have in every color! They are a basic with just enough flare to jazz up any outfit. Anytime I see one on sale in a color I don't have I just snatch them up.  At $7, this white one was a keeper!

Now, let's talk about THE SHOES!  The Jessica Simpson "Casa." I picked these beauties up last week for $24.42 at Macy's. I have to say the Macy's clearance rack never disappoints me!  It was one of those 65% off with an additional percentage off once you got to the register sales. Love those!  They come in two colors - metallic pewter, and chili (red).  I opted for the metallic pewter, but now I'm dreaming about the red soooo stay tuned! Lol!  I was also able to find them online in both colors on 6pm.com for $35.60.

Thanks for stopping by!!! and good luck, again!

Featured Fashionista Next Door: Tex

I am always thrilled to feature fellow fashionistas here on The Fashionista Next Door!  I have to say that I absolutely LOVE today's fashionista.  Her style is right up my alley.  It's feminine, it's chic, it's everyday glam, it's effortless...should I go on?  I am not quite sure how I found Fashion Butter but I am glad I did! Sooooo, without further ado, meet Tex!

Couldn't you guys totally see me wearing this dress!!?!  The best part? The dress is a one of a kind Fashion Butter original! That's right folks, this little diddy is completely DIY. You guys know that I am obsessed with DIY bloggers.  I feel like this is a talent that I am lacking soooooo I live vicariously through you all...Lol!  (btw, I have not forgotten about my DIY trouser shorts).

Anyway, I love everything about this dress, which Tex dedicates to our dear friend Mrs. Roper...that's right, Mrs. Roper of Three's Company! ha!  After all, she is the QUEEN of the printed caftan!  Well, this isn't quite a caftan but I am pretty sure Mrs.  Roper would approve of the lovely print! My fave part is definitely the crocheted collar... FAB.U.LOUS. 

Tex gives the run down of how she put the whole thing together and it sounds soooo easy. Still, I have a feeling it is probably a tad bit harder than it sounds...

"The black crochet collar you see on this dress was part of a tunic I had in my closet.   I loved the idea of the crochet neckline but wasn't into the material it was originally attached to anymore, so I decided to attack the entire thing with the seam ripper."

"After removing the crochet collar from rest of the tunic, I took apart the body of the garment section by section.   Then, like the magic that is Larry Dallas in a leisure suit, I instantly had my sewing pattern appear right in front of me (which I already knew fit me - yay!)   Using some brown and black print material I picked up during a trip to Bali several years ago, I pinned, ironed and sewed the dress according to the lines of the original piece of clothing.   I did leave extra material for a longer hem, and at the end of the project added the tapered side vents.    Honestly, the hem was all trial/error and some freestyle sewing, but I really like the way it turned out.  Regal Beagle, here I come!'

Seriously, how much do you LOVE the Balinese fabric?  It really is quite gorgeous! and I love the asymmetric hemline.  It adds a little something, something that I adore. Tex, we are loving this dress! and I love the simple accessories with it....no muss, no fuss! stack on some bangles (or thee bangle) and go, is right up my alley as you all know :)

Tex really is wonderful, and of course, you can find more of her fabulousness on her blog Fashion Butter! Go...now! Oh, and she's also got a wonderful giveaway going on right now for one of these beautiful sterling silver initial rings.  The last day to enter is Friday, July 16 so hurry on over and check out the details and entry rules.

Since my blog is fairly new (less than 4 months old) I kinda feel like a small fish in a really big ass pond, so I was THRILLED to learn that Tex was a frequent reader of my blog...aaaaand she even leaves comments, which I very much appreciate (from all of you!).  I was very honored when I received her Featured Fashionista Next Door submission, and her timing was perfect since I am still in convention mode over here!

Would you like to be the next Featured Fashionista Next Door? Email your submissions to fashionista.next.door@gmail.com!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Drumroll Please....

I am excited to announce the winner of my Reader Appreciation Giveway!!!! And the winner is....

 Entry No. 79...

Well, who's that you ask?

Well, according to my handy dandy spreadsheet.. Number 79 is...

Birdie 

Congratulations, Birdie! I'll be contacting you via email to get your shipping address!

Birdie's Summer Must Haves

Foundation with SPF
Giant Gucci shades
A well done pedicures

A little more about Birdie...

 Birdie is the author of the FABULOUS blog Bonnie Vie!  As Birdie explains on her home page, Bonne Vie is a French term literally translated as "good life."  Bonne Vie is at the heart and soul of Birdie's blog that she hopes "inspires her readers to live well!"  Definitely head over and check out her blog, when you have a moment.  I found Birdie's blog via the IFB Links a la Mode listing last week, where her article Is “nude” a problem? Or just a color palette? was featured! It is a great read!  In addition to blogging, Birdie flexes here creative muscle as a photographer. While you're checking out her blog, be sure to take a look at some of her FABULOUS photos too!

Congrats Again Birdie!!!  I hope enjoy your goodies!

Shoulder Pads and Sensible Shoes...

You may remember back when I posted my thrifted HOTT pink silk blouse I mentioned that I had also picked up a couple blazers and an animal print jumpsuit. Well, I'm slowly starting to pull out my new-to-me duds.  I am one of those weird people that buys new clothes and saves them for a special occasion.  Am I the only one who does that? I know, weird! Lately, you all have been my "special occasion."  Aside from being OBSESSED with reading fashion blogs, one of the other reasons I started fashion blogging was because I needed to re-assert my personal style.  It's so easy to get complacent with your style when your job doesn't require you to dress up every day and you're just sitting at a desk staring at a computer for eight hours.  I hate putting on a super fly outfit only to come home exhausted at the end of the day and peel it off... what a waste!  It's nice to be able to wear jeans and sweats occasionally on a lazy Friday, but seriously, you get so comfortable and next thing you know, you're having to go home to change after work before happy hour because there is NO WAY in hell you'd set foot into a bar wearing those dusty jeans and flip flops! I can't be the only one that's ever been stuck in that rut!  Seriously, I used to say if my co-workers saw me on the streets outside of work they wouldn't recognize because I look like a completely different person.  Well, one day I decided that was really pretty stupid considering that I spend 5 days a week, 40+ hours a week at work...that is a considerable portion of my life! Why spend it looking dumpy...even if only my PC is watching. This was definitely a paradigm shift for me, and I have to admit that I still come home some days feeling like I just wasted a perfectly good outfit, but on the other hand, I approach my day with more confidence because I feel better about how I look.

Okay, I totally got way off track there. The point is, I am finally pulling out one of the blazers I picked up at the Goodwill a few weeks ago for $9.99. I am totally in love with everything about this blazer. The color, the cut, the shoulder pads! It is PERFECTION!  It was a real find for me because I had actually been hunting for two vintage blazers -- one in white, and one in blush.  I am still hunting for a white one, but I can definitely cross blush of the list.  The color of this blazer is a brighter blushy  pink than what I was looking for, but I think it serves the same purpose.  I LOVE vintage blazers because the fit is totally different from new blazers. They are more over-sized and boxy and of course they have KILLER shoulder pad action.  (My mom is going to die laughing when she reads this because I hated shoulder pads as a kid.  I used to rip them out of all my dresses and mini-blazers!)

What I'm Wearing...

~ 1980's Vintage Renee Tener for Jeanne Pierre blush blazer, thrifted

~ H&M tank, $5.95 in stores now

~ Boyfriend jeans, thrifted

~ Old belt circa 2005

~ Arden B. necklace (L's favorite)

~ Thee H&M silver bangle (Don't forget to enter my giveaway to win your own!)

~ Target silver tone hoop earrings

~ Modern Vintage brushed gold pumps
(I bought these a couple years ago, but I've only worn them twice. They were on the Nordstrom Rack clearance racks marked down from $297 to like $20 or something ridiculous.  I love, love, love the color, but I realized today that the heel is a little low for my taste.  The low heel gives them a real "sensible" kinda vibe. What do you think?  I've considered getting rid of them several time, but I can't seem to part with them.)

So this jacket is a size 10.  Vintage sizing always throws me for a loop.  Why has it changed so much over the years?  I think that might be a good little research project for me.  This brings to mind the infamous Miss  Marilyn Monroe, people love to throw out that she wore a size 16...blah, blah, blah.  Well, I did a little research on Miss Monroe's stats.

Height: 5 feet 5 1/2 inches
Weight: Varied, 115 - 120 lbs.
Measurements: 37-23-36 (Studio's Claim); 35-22-35 (Dressmaker's Claim)

(stats from http://www.marilynmonroe.com)

ummm in today's world, I'd say she'd be about size 2! Possibly a 4 because of the waist to hip ratio. Seriously, a 23" waist!  So, all of that goes to say that hearing "Marilyn Monroe was a size 16" doesn't meant a damn thing to me in 2010! Lol!

Sorry for the rants in today's post! Lol, thanks for stopping by!!!  And don't forget to enter my giveaway before June 30.

It's Reader Appreciation Day!!!

Well folks, here were are on Reader Appreciation Day!  Alas, it is time for my very first giveaway.  I hope you guys like my "Eboni's Summer Essentials" bundle 'o joy!  Because I appreciate each and every one of you so much, I am sponsoring this little giveaway myself as a gift to my readers, but I do hope that as my blog grows, I will one day have the opportunity to offer a sponsored giveaway for you guys! Sooooo here it goes...

One lucky Fashionista Next Door will win my summer essentials survival kit consisting of SIX of my favorite items this summer (you guys should recognize some of them! lol):

1. H&M Aviator Sunglasses
2. My FAVORITE H&M Bangles (Yes, this is THEE bangle that I wear every single day, except you get one in gold, too!)
3. H&M Silver Hoop Earrings (have you noticed I wear hoops almost daily?)
4. Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara in "Very Black" (Don't wear much makeup but I wear mascara every day!)
5. MAC To The Beach Collection Lipglass in "Splashing" (I was originally going to get 'Pinkarat' Lustreglass, which is actually my every day color, but I figured I'd get something from the To the Beach collection instead because it's limited in availability.  I did try the color on in the store and it is FABULOUS and very natural looking which is right up my alley!)
6. OPI Nail Lacquer in "Gargantuan Green Grape" and "Samoan Sand" (I am officially in love with my lime sherbet toes! I could not find the exact color anywhere, but I did find this OPI polish that is very similar! I also got a nude shade because I never, ever do color on my hands regardless of what I've got going on the feet.  I always stick to nudes and buffs on the finger nails)

You can't really see how loverly the nail polish colors are in my rinky dinky iPhone pic, so I found some pics online to show the colors better.  Aren't they great!

The lip gloss....

Entry Rules:
Contest is open to US and international readers.  I will ship internationally if necessary.  Winner must be willing to give their shipping address so I can ship off the goods.

1 entry (mandatory)

1. Follow The Fashionista Next Door with Google connect, Bloglovin or Feedburner.  Leave a comment below and let me know that you're following, and which method you're using to follow.
2. In your comment, tell me your top 3 summer must haves.
3. Input your email address field provided so I can contact you if you win.  This information will not be posted publicly.

 1 additional entry (optional)

1. Post about this giveaway on your blog or site.
2. Leave a separate comment with a link to your post.

1 additional entry  (optional)

1. Tweet about this giveaway.
2. Leave a separate comment with a link to your tweet.

Contest ends Wednesday, June 30 at 12 midnight PST and a winner will be randomly selected using Random.org's number generator.  Good Luck!!!

Now on to today's Goofy Pics... I also have a Fashionista in the Next Cubicle but it's late and I'm tired, and I'm pretty sure my fiance is not gonna speak to me for the rest of the week so I better get off this computer...QUICK!  He is so over my blogging!  I'll post the Fashionista in the Next Cubicle tomorrow!

Recognize the aviators and bangles??? Lol

What I'm Wearing...

~ Linen "Peplum Blazer"
(the little 'peplum' in the back was much cuter before I sat in my desk chair all day. Love linen, but we all know how it wrinkles)

~ Lace skirt worn as a shirt. 
(I am not really a fan of this actually worn as a skirt, but I do love it as a tunic.  It looks fabulous under a black blazer, but I thought I'd switch it up with the eggshell blazer today... it is summer after all)

~ Black skinny belt taken from a random black dress???

~ Black leggings from a random Forever 21 type store.

~ Michael Kors pumps with zipper toe detail, purchased at DSW

~ H&M silver bangle (Who's gonna win TWO of these for themselves???)

~ Lucite and lace bangle

~ Forever 21 necklace (this necklace makes soooo much noise when I walk. Lol!)

~ Target silver tone hoop earrings

Thanks for stopping by!!! and Good Luck to every one!