Deals-Of-The-Month!

Oh bargain shopping, how I both loathe and love you for emptying my bank account one tiny purchase at a time and still putting a smile on my face. August was a month filled with scores for me, and I couldn't help but share my top bargains for the month with you here.

1. The $16 Joe's Jeans

Yes, it's true. I picked these up on final clearance at work. The employee discount helped out a little bit, but even so, these were a STEAL. This is a pair of Joe's "The Jegging" which usually retail from $158 and up. At TJ Maxx they were originally $59.99, and then got marked down and down and down until...voila, $16! I love these jeggings because not only are they super comfy and stretchy, they have five functional pockets so they look like skinnies. They have a 29" inseam so although they would be crops for the average gal, they are skinnies or cuffed crops on me. The wash is fabulous - vintage dark with great details. These pants were a tiny investment and I am literally wearing them all the time. Can't wait to tuck them into boots this fall!

2. The $10 Coach Heels

You have my permission to pick yourself back up off the floor and keep reading. This pair of Coach "Kyla" wedge heels were sitting at Goodwill with a special price of $10 (you know, so much more $$$ than the usual shoes there). I almost fainted when I saw they were my size. My hands shook as I put them on and realized they fit. Deal. Of. The. Century. Not only are these heels worth a TON more than $10, they are almost brand new. They have never been broken in or worn outside. So score one for me, thrift stores, and bargain hunters everywhere.

What is the best bargain you've scored recently?

Fall 2011 Wardrobe Updates

It's August, which means it's still generally hot around here (minus a few cooler days lately which have been glorious!). But September is just around the corner and that means I've started scoping out the pieces I want to add to my wardrobe this fall. September issues have been flying off of magazine stands (or into your mailbox) giving advice on the pieces you need this season, and I have definitely been intrigued. There are some trends I'm not really ever going to be into (like...argyle). But others I am certainly willing to branch out of my comfort zone and try, particularly if I can score them at steep discounts. So today I took a trip to Goodwill with a $20 limit to see what I could dig out of the racks to update my wardrobe for fall. Here are 3 key pieces that will serve as the foundation for 3 major trends that are going on this fall. Observe.

1. Menswear

This lightweight striped button-down by Gap is a perfect essential for a fall wardrobe. We've all heard the buzz about menswear taking over fashion (blazer, suiting, oxfords, boyfriend jeans, ties, etc.) and this button down is certainly borrowed from the boys but with a feminine flair. The lightness of the fabric moves with you and skims your curves without bulkifying your frame. In this neutral palette, it would go easily with some cool military cargos, dark wash skinnies, or tucked into a high-waisted skirt. It would look great over a tank top while it's still a tad warm, or layered under a sweater, trench coat, or leather jacket when the temperature drops. Besides, it's really soft and comfy so what other reason do you need for going out and finding one?

2. Nautical Inspired

The nautical inspired trends have been on off and around the runways for several seasons now. I feel like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren throw a bit into their collections nearly every year - and for good reason: the chic striped shirt has never gone out of style. Every girl should be in possession of one of those Audrey Hepburn-esque, big, striped tee shirts to throw on with a pair of skinny jeans and ballet flats. This fall, nautical can make a comeback in your closet when restyled in a modern way. I never get tired of that iconic stripes & skinnies look, but why not try mixing it up by adding some chunky wedge heels or boots, a pair of high-waisted flares, a trench coat and some gold bangles? Why not dress up your striped tee by pairing it with a classic pencil skirt in a coordinating color, accenting with sparkly jewelry, a peacoat, tights and peep-toes? I challenge you to go buy one striped tee shirt and see how you can style it this fall.

Striped tee shirt by Old Navy, via Goodill

3. Trouser Jeans

So maybe trouser jeans are not a trend in and of themselves. But this fall I've noticed the silhouettes are a mix of skinny and every variation of flares. Yes, those flares you tossed out of your closet several seasons ago when you were told that they, along with bootcut jeans, were a thing of your chic-less past and that with the advent of the skinny jeans, their services were no longer needed. Yet here we are watching flares walk down runways and into department stores all over again. "Everything is retro", my Dad always said. He was right. So I used to detest flares and all their hybrids. But I saw this pair of denim trouser-flare-thingies at Goodwill and decided that for $3.39 I could probably afford to go for it and see what happened.

Denim trouser-flares by Merona, via Goodwill

Ironically, despite my lack of height, these jeans are the perfect length to wear with short heels! I was so excited! I've always shied away from these kinds of flares due to my petite frame, but these jeans were surprisingly cute and comfortable. In fact, they looked excellent with my striped tee and some wedges! This fall I plan on wearing my leather riding jacket and ankle booties with these. Or a long, chunky sweater with ballet flats. They're a little high-waisted which means I have a chance at another fall trend that still scares me a little.

In conclusion, I would like to point out that the above three pieces cost me pennies over $10. And that, my dears, is why you should never fear thrifting.

Especially after you see the COACH shoes I picked up in my next blog...cheers!

A Light n' Easy Summer Makeup Look!

Warning: photo-heavy blog ahead! Sorry, but it seemed necessary (or at least fun?). Anyways, I've been thinking about this blog for a while now simply because I use this makeup routine almost every day and I am loving it! I'm a fan of natural-looking makeup most all of the time, but particularly during the summer when you want to look happy and sun-kissed, not caked in foundation. So my latest summer beauty trick? Watering down my foundation and applying it with a sponge. Observe.

Step 1: Moisturize!

I love this Aveeno moisturizer because it smells like plants and it really makes my skin feel fresh! Perfect for summer. Plus it's available on the cheap in any drugstore.

Step 2a: Choose foundation

I like this one by Covergirl for sensitive skin because it's available in so many colors (like extra pale for me!) and it goes on smoothly - no caking.

Step 2b: Apply water to your foundation sponge (with fingers or faucet)

Diluting the foundation with water not only feels GREAT on your skin, but it helps it go on smoothly and evenly, giving it a very light texture, almost like a tinted moisturizer!

Step 3: Apply cover-up if needed

Step 4: Apply pressed or loose powder to face

I like this cheap one from Kmart by Jordana (made in USA). It goes on smooth and has great coverage. Here's a photo of the face after the first 4 steps:

Step 5: Bronze and Go!

I love a light bronzer for summer. I used Urban Decay Baked Blushing Powder/Bronzer. It goes on very shimmery and light - even works on the chest for definition! Best of all it'll work on all skin shades from milky white to a rich cocoa color. It has a nearly sheer color that blends to the skin. Love it!

So that's my easy, sun-kissed summer beauty look! It takes about 5 minutes or less and works for every day. It's my personal favorite. The cooling power of water really does wonders for the skin!

What do you think? Do you like light makeup looks in summer or do you keep your makeup routine pretty much the same year-round? Have you ever diluted foundation with water or something else?

Haze.

Today is supposed to be the hottest day of the year so far for my city. Heat index of 115? Yuck. Thankfully I worked at the crack of dawn today and was home before lunch so I could beat the heat! So in lieu of laying out, shopping, or otherwise potentially sweat-inducing activities, I decided I needed to reinvent some basics that have been sitting in my closet for a while and gotten very little use. My black racerback maxi dress was a great piece to buy, and I just had a feeling I'd get SO much use out of it! But I've only worn it twice, and I figured I just needed some new ways to style it other than the dress + sandals + jewelry route. So here's what I came up with for today. Maybe I'll wear it out to dinner later if it cools off a bit - otherwise I might just wear a bikini (I kid, I kid :P).

Black racerback maxi, Forever21; Cropped denim jacket, Banana Republic Petites; Gray Striped Tee, Mossimo for Target; Leather belt, Vintage; Shoes, Target.

Here's my thinking. Layers are always great in the fall, and they lend an extra bit of oomph to an otherwise basic outfit. I decided to apply the same principle here, despite the soaring temps. The gray stripes make my dress feel less monochromatic and it's different from just throwing on a scarf (which I am also a fan of!). The denim jacket is too hot to wear while outside, but I'm always cold indoors, so I usually throw a jacket in my purse or car when I'm out. The denim is better to me than a cotton cardigan because the new texture gives the outfit an edgier feel. I find that mixing materials can often improve the look of a basic outfit. After all, here I'm just wearing blacks, gray/white, navy blue denim and a touch of brown. All of those colors are neutral; but if you throw in the denim jacket and the leather belt, it instantly gets a vintage touch and an intentionally roughed-up look without being too obvious. This outfit would also be great in the fall with some ankle boots or moccasins. Clearly I am looking forward to cooler weather.

P.S. This is also a good outfit on a blah day because it gives you a bit of shape but is still forgiving. The cropped jacket and belt show off the waistline while the tee shirt skims over the torso. And let's be honest...no matter what size you are, we ALL have those days! :)

Nail Art Idea: Polka Dots/Checks

When I was little, there was a song on the Disney Channel called "Polka Dots, Checks & Stripes". I have no idea what the point of it was, other than to honor a young girl's ridiculous fashion choices (her name was Sue, I believe?), but I got the song stuck in my head as I looked at my nail art brush today. And then I got an idea.

Light pink polish: Wet n' Wild; Black nail art: L.A. Colors Art Deco

Right hand was done asymmetrically from the right one, just for kicks!

This fun idea is asymmetrical, which I think makes it more interesting. I've been seeing a lot of plaid manicures lately in magazines, and I thought I'd mix it up a bit by trying a spin-off. I didn't like the idea of plaid on every fingernail, so I decided to intersperse it with polka dots - one of my favorite patterns! The black atop light pink polish gave it a girly-meets-edgy look that I rather like. Especially since my toes are hot hot pink with black french tips. Should have taken a pic of that too, oh well! At any rate, I like this spin-off and I will definitely try some other color variations next time!

What do you think?

What Inspires You?

Today I was thinking about what I should blog about next, and then I realized that I have a confession to make. You see, lately I have been completely un-inspired by fashion. It's freaking me out! Typical me can walk into my closet and instantly see the outfit that fits my current mood. But lately I've been staring at the hangers full of jeans, dresses, cardigans, and shirts, and wondering what in the world feels like "me". I am not a fan of this feeling. I don't think my husband is either. Every time we've gone out lately it's been roadblocked by one of my outfit crises. I'm always looking for the right shoes, those earrings I love, jeans that flatter my [insert any body part here], or something like that. I have more pairs of jeans than I can wear and yet I'v felt like none of them will work lately. Has this ever happened to you?

So, I'm trying to find a way to reclaim my sense of inspiration. I don't know what made it go away. Could be the fact that I've been busy with other things, maybe I'm not in touch with myself, or I could just have a closet full of crappy clothes (I kid, I kid!). But regardless, I need my mojo back! So I'm making a list of things that usually get me going, and I'm very interested to hear some of yours...

1. Coffee.

Yes, it really does inspire me. It's bold, smells delish, and puts me in a better mood. I know, it's sad.

2. People I meet.

And I meet a LOT of people on a given day, in my line of work. When I pay attention, I often notice a subtle detail of their outfit that inspires me or interests me.

3. Music.

A song can instantly change my mood or give me a mental image of who I want to be on a given day.

4. Being practical.

That's right, out of practicality, some of the most interesting fashion forms are born. I mean just look at where belts are in today's world! Sometimes a watch, cardigan, pair of cargos, socks, bra, or otherwise "functional" article of clothing can really make an outfit pop.

5. Hippies.

I think that's pretty self-explanatory. But seriously, I mean it. Freedom and fun mixed with effortless nuances...yes.

6. Fun.

The picture below is one of my favorites in terms of a fun outfit and something very unique. I love the different kinds of polk dots, acid washed jeans, and ballet flats. Why? Because it's fun, and I like being fun.

It's not small wonder my style changes daily with all of this inspiration!

Maybe old pictures ^^ inspire me too...

What inspires your style?

Summer Inspiration: The J.Crew Catalog

This weekend I spent a much-needed day at the beach with my husband. While we were there, I found inspiration in lots of unlikely places – from the street style to the absent-minded shoppers. But one thing in particular struck my fancy and ironically coincided with the fashion urges I’ve felt lately: The J.Crew summer catalog that I picked up while shopping. The tale of the pants I found on sale and begged to have will no doubt go down in the history of our marriage, but let me say for now that due to unforeseen circumstances, the aforementioned pants that had been left at J.Crew last night were purchased this morning by yours truly (my half-grumpy, half-smiling husband waiting in the car as I paid!) I did pick up a catalog last night, and as I thumbed through it, I was drawn to the light fabrics, neutral palette, and print-mixing that I discovered within. Most of all, I was intrigued to see how the stylist worked her magic on the military inspired cargo pant trend that seems to still be in force this season. I picked up my first pair almost a year ago at LOFT, and have enjoyed the slim but slouchy fit and comfortable fabric. I pair them with anything. Then I got some cargo jeggings (see previous posts) and some Joe’s cargo pants. Now I have acquired a hybrid that reminds me of cargos, genie pants and trousers all rolled into one. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you The Canteen Pant by J.Crew.

As a side note, it is currently available online for a clearance price of $29.99, but I was able to snag them for $20 in-store. The pant comes in green, pewter, copper and white. I opted for pewter since I already have the olive green color in so many things, and pewter is a great all-season neutral for me.

Let me start by saying these pants are to-die-for comfortable. The cotton is sooo soft. J.Crew claims the style is flattering on everyone, and I totally buy it. I’m petite, but the slouchy look still gives me some shape and is slimming too! The waist is so interesting to me because it has a zipper and clasp (like trousers) and a drawstring (like track sweats), in addition to the already elastic waistband. I’m actually a fan of the combo! I’m a big believer in both drawstrings AND elastic waistbands. If it’s not comfortable why bother? Anyways, these pants go great for the beach, work (if you work where I do), the mall, or even a fun night out. Here I've assembled an ideal casual look with The Canteen Pant.

Weekend Off

The Canteen Pant, J.Crew; Oversized Striped Tee, Mossimo; Sandals, NY&C; Shades, Forever21; Necklace, handmade in Africa; Earrings, vintage; Tribal ring, Forever21.

Pairing these pants with a lightweight tee, strappy sandals, and basic jewelry or relaxed but more put-together (and I daresay comfortable!) than the old jeans plus tee shirt routine. Wear it to the grocery store, running errands, or to a weekend get-together.

What do you think of these comfortable-chic pants?