Meet the accessorized accessory.

Brilliance.  I'm a big fan of this accessorized accessory for a couple of reasons:

1-I already own a scarf

2-I already own a brooch

It is so obvious, guys.  A little something we can do without buying anything new!

(That rhymed!  How cute!)

Remember that scarf video I posted last week?  Check it out again for instructions to wrap the pashmina and then mosey on over to your jewelry box (or hutch if you're a glutton) and chose a pin to jazz yourself.  This is when the function of a cozy neck warmer turns into a fashion statement.  And just so you know, this can be done with any color, print, or material of scarf....

I'm lovin it!  (ba da ba ba ba)

Source: basiccravings.wordpress.com via Denise on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

Casual Friday--Sienna Miller Style

Yep, it's Tuesday and I'm already thinking about Friday.

Come on you guys, let's be real--I work for the weekend.

Anywho. Someone recently asked me what I thought was appropriate attire for casual Friday. For you 9-5'ers, I say it depends on your work culture and have shown two examples.  That is, two examples a la Sienna Miller.  As if Sienna Miller really has to adhere to casual Friday rules, but we pretend.  She's so cute.

Use your best judgement.  If your work thinks of casual as a pair of jeans instead of dress pants, then option one is for you.  If your work actually cares about the office-to-happy hour transition, then see option two.   Cheers!

1:

1-Grey Floral Blouse from Forever 21: $24.80

2-Mossimo Blazer from Target: $29.99

3-Brown & Merlot Satchel from Target: $39.99

4-Denim Skinnies from H&M: $29.95
5-Nude Pumps from Piperlime: $39.97 (down from $110)
6-Bronze Necklace from JC Penney: $17.99

2:

1-White Button-Up Shirt from Target: $19.99

2-Tan Cardigan Sweater from H&M: $24.95

3-Fringe Tassel Shoulder Bag from Newegg: $29.99 (down from $49.50)

4-Ankle Jeans from Old Navy: $24.99 (down from $29.50)

5-Black Leather Flats from Zappos: $29.99

6-Metallic Braided Belt from Dillard's: $16.80 (down from $28)

DMB-So Right & Combat Boots

Do you ever rediscover a song  you've always loved, but then you start listening to it on repeat like you've never heard it before.  I love when that happens.  My new favorite old song:  So Right-Dave Matthews Band

That has nothing to do with combat boots.  But I like them just as much as my new favorite old song.  So do Ashely Tisdale, Nikki Hilton and Rachel Bilson.  Actually, I'm not sure if they're DMB fans at all, but they are fans of the boots... And I will say, the boots are "So Right"...

I love everything about Rachel Bilson's outfit.  Mostly because I would automatically assume that combat boots would only go with a casual look.  I appreciate how she wore them with a dressier combo. 

1-Knee High Lace-up from Urban Originals: $34.20

2-Black Lace-up from Urban Originals: $29.50

3-Grey Plaid Cuff from GoJane: $34.10

4-Tan Canvas from Zappos: $55.96 (down from $69.95)

5-Brown Lace-up from Target: $29.99



Old Clothes & Pet Pigs

This picture is from early 2011 sometime.  I chose it because even though we all want to run out and buy everything new when the seasons change, we can easily shop our closets and dig out something we wore last time it was cold.  Also, the boots are a little more than prices I generally post.  When it is time to purchase new boots you'll wear the crap out of, it is important to make an investment.  I think of it this way:  A nice pair of boots will get me through 2-3 seasons, definitely giving me my money's worth.

In other news, I stopped in the Akira by my apartment yesterday.  I thought for sure I would leave with some goods. Clearance items were 70% off and a pet pig was running around the store.  Two good reasons to believe, but nope!  I walked out empty handed...
I really have to stop reading into "signs" so much...

Tan Cardigan from H&M: $39.95

Brown Stretch Leggings from Old Navy: $5 (down from $10)

Wedge Leather Boots from DSW: $119.95 (down from $170)

Metallic Tote from NY&Co: $44.95

Ssssnakeskin

I would never want to be a runway model.  Even though they wear fabulous clothes and get to play dress-up for a living, it just seems like a rough life.  I'm perfectly content to incorporate hints of high fashions into my wardrobe and maintain my Average-Jane lifestyle.

Anyway, snakeskin is all the rage right now.  It's slithered (nice word choice, huh?)  its way into the collections of many designers and has become one of the major trends this Fall season.  Take a looksies...

I'm not so sure I'd have anywhere to sport an all-snakeskin-print get-up.  And to be honest, I think if I were to wear something like what is shown above, I'd look like a hot mess.  Instead I think I will add just a touch to my closet.  Here are some picks:

1-Snakeskin Embossed Clutch from Sears: $29.95 (down from $115)

2-Snakeskin Pump Heels from Old Navy: $26.94

3-Snakeskin Scarf from Nordstrom: $28

4-Snakeskin Wrap Dress from H&M: $29.95

Pantalon Jaune

I studied for some time in France and one of my professors, Madame Puech, wore a pair of yellow pants on a weekend outing.  My friends and I referred to her as "Pantalon Jaune" ("Yellow Pants"..very creative, yes I know) all day long.  Madame Puech was a true character.  I loved that woman.  When my friends and I would show up late to class because we were shoe shopping, she wouldn't get mad.  Instead, she would have us to show her what we got.  One of 4 million reasons I love that country...sigh...

 Anyway, little did we know that this woman was starting a fashion trend. 

Here's how I'd work the trend for both day and night.   With "loud" pants like this, I think it is best to subtly work in color and neutral prints, but stay away from flamboyant ones so that you don't look like a clown.

Royal Blue Jeans from Kohl's $31.20 (down from $48)

Purple Jeans from Charlotte Russe: $29.99

Red Jeans from Old Navy: $34.94

Day:

1-Striped Beach Flats from DSW: $24.94 (down from $45)

2-Geo Pattern Bangle from Forever 21: $6.80

3-Grey Sweater from Forever 21: $12.80

Night:

1-Animal Print Tank from Buckle: $24

2-Black Wedge Booties from Old Navy: $36.94

3-Bow Shoulder Bag from Sears: $15 (down from $39)

4-Target Bomber Jacket: $39.99

On a mission for Missoni...

I'll be honest, I never paid much attention to the fabulous Missoni print until I started following the blog, Lions Tigers & Fashion, OH MY!  She displays it in many of her posts and now whenever I see it, I fall more and more in love. 

Fitted Zig Zag Dress from Forever 21: $22.80

Pattern Front Knit Top from Forever 21: $17.80

Yesterday while making a return to Forever 21, Missoni was all over the store. It seems it's the hot trend for Fall (ugh!  I love Fall, but hate that it means Summer is ending).  I tried on a couple items in the print, but decided none of them were the Missoni piece I wanted to add to my wardrobe.  The search continues. 

Lucky for me, Target will be coming out with a Missoni line on September 13th (less than a month away!).  There will be home decor, stationary, clothing, accessories, etc.  Now I just have to wait...

I think these shoes are really what I'm holding out for:

I Love.

What do you think of Missoni?  Do you plan on participating in this trend?

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DIY: Fringe Shirt

This project  really didn't take much brains to figure out.  I was inspired by all of the fringe shirts I saw at Lollapalooza (yes, I'm still on a Lolla-high) and knew I could easily do this myself.  Let's face it, it's way more fun to make something yourself and know that nobody else has it.  Such satisfaction!

So, let's get to work.  Here's how I did it:

Step 1:  Scour your drawers for an old t-shirt you don't care gets ruined or visit the thrift store to make such a purchase. 

Step 2:  Try the shirt on and mark to where you'd like the fringe to reach on your waistline.

Step 3:  Cut off the bottom hem, then cut thin strips of the t-shirt up to the designated line going all the way around the shirt.  I'd say make them about 1/4" thick.

Step 4:  Throw that baby on and style your shirt using what you already own. 

Tada!

And it only took me about 15 minutes :)

Yellow Shirt:  Thrift -- $1.99

Skinny Jeans:  Forever 21 -- 4 years old

Turquoise Sandals:  Target -- 1 year old

Colorful Beaded Necklace:  Forever 21 -- 5 years old

Watch:  Gift

Lollapalooza Fashions

This past weekend I attended Lollapalooza for the 3rd year in a row.  It never fails that Lollapalooza ends up being one of my favorite weekends of the summer.  So many great shows and such fun energy.

One thing about Lolla is it's unique style. 

When it comes to deciding what to wear for such an event, things are a little more complicated than one would think.  While being fashionable is always at the top of my priorities, so is being comfortable.  These concert festivals involve being outside for 12 hours at a time, lots of standing and waking, the heat, the humidity, etc.  By now, I know exactly what to wear and not to order to make sure I'm not distracted by my clothing.  At Lollapalooza, all you want to focus on is enjoying the music.

Such a precious man staying cool and colorful this past Saturday.

Anyway,  here are some of the most stylish, yet approprately dressed ladies I spotted over the weekend:

1-Printed Maxi Dress from Dillard's: $29

2-Straw Fedora from PacSun: $14.50

3-Michael Antonio Pewter Sandals from DSW: $19.94 (down from $45)

4-Turquoise Necklace from Overstock.com: $18.99

5-Cross Body Braided Strap Bag from Tilly's: $16.99 (down from $19.99)

***

1-Royal Blue Racerback Dress from Asos: $34.48

2-Silver Sandals from Piperlime: $29.99 (down from $59)

3-Purple Stone Necklace from Forever 21: $7.80

4-Aviator Sunglasses from Urban Outfitters: $16

5-White Crossbody Bag from Zappos: $39.60 (down from $49.50)

***

1-White Fringe Tee from Lulus: $49 (down from $83)

2-Acid Wash Shorts from Forever 21: $22.80

3-Lace-Up Flat Sandals from Macys: $27.30 (down from $39)

4-Burgundy Cross Body Bag from Fashion Addict: $13.86

5-Aviator Sunglasses from Urban Outfitters: $9 (down from $14)

I'm not sure if you can notice, but this last girl is even wearing a black bra under her white tank!   That makes me so proud.

Would you wear any of these outfits?  How do you think these girls did?

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Colorful Monochromatics

If you're not afraid of color you may want to try this look. 

If you are afraid of color, then you probably would enjoy listening to Nirvana over reading this post.

It is easy to pull off an all black ensemble and look incredibly chic.  On the other had, wearing a colorful monochromatic look can be intimidating.  Just pretend you're Eva Longoria or Heidi Klum and walk out the door wearing confidence as your main accessory:

Here are some colorful monochromatic $teals:

1-Coral Day Dress from Urban Outfitters: $19.99 (down from $49)

2-Coral Cross Body Bag from YesStyle: $19.99

3-Coral Sandals from KMart: $9.99 (down from $14.99) 

1-Turquoise Shorts from Asos: $34.48 (down from $51.72)

2-Turquoise Tank from Urban Originals: $23.10

3-Turquoise Sandals from Aldo: $30

4-Turquoise Straw Tote from Urban Originals: $24.20

Take a look at your closet.  Certainly you've got a collection of items in your favorite color. 

Can you put together an outfit like this?  Would you give this look a shot?

It's not so black and white...

A black bra under a white shirt is such a controversial look.  Most people say no, I say yes.  This combination can surely be a fashion faux-pas, but I personally think it can be pulled off if done correctly.

  I think the trick is to make sure the white shirt is covering your body and isn't too tight.  Also, your bra should fit.  The point is the make the black bra noticeable, but not so obvious that it's all people are distracted by it.

This is a total $teal since we all have a black bra and plain white shirt in our wardrobe.  Two basic staples that, together, are fashion forward!

Look here:

Ashley Olson

Anna Kournikova

***

If you carry yourself like a hot mess, well then, you are going to look like a hot mess.  These two images support the arguments against my assertion that the white shirt/black bra is doable:

I do feel bad for blasting the late Amy Winehouse seeing as her funeral was just yesterday.  Let's face it though, she was no fashion icon...

If Tara Reid's bra fit her, shirt was a bit longer, and her hair was brushed, she might have made this conversation tee work.  Alas, she's a big fail.

What do you think?  Is it black and white?  Would you wear this look?

In honor of Sir.

My summer concert series continues this weekend.  I'll be seeing Sir Paul McCartney at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan!  I have always loved the Beatles.  My mom, who is a Beatles fanatic, always had them playing in the car and in the house during my entire childhood, adolescence and now adulthood.   Needless to say, my brother, sister, and I are very excited to be able to see Paul in person with our mom.  Not to mention, my mom is proud and ecstatic that all of us are joining her at the concert.  This is kind of a big deal.

Here are some fashions inspired by the Beatles era. 
I like to think of them as a convenient comprimise between past and present:

1-Tie-Dye Maxi dress from Lulu's: $49.50

2-Off Shoulder Poncho top from Charlotte Russe: $19.99
3-Paisley and Lace top from Forever 21: $17.80

4-Peace Sign necklace from Asos: $17.24
5-Braided Headband from BlueDame: $14.80
6-Fringe Crossbody bag from BleuDame: $34.80

Anne Hathaway's look at a $teal.

Celebrities are no different than us;  they strap their sandals on one at a time and wear day 2 hair like it's no big deal (I always think it looks better the 2nd day).  Obviously, what sets us apart from the stars is the fame...and the money.   Now, I really don't know how much this ensemble of Anne's cost her, but I'm willing to guess she paid more than I would think is practical. 

***



Abstract Dress from Urban Originals: $25.90

Black Crossbody Bag from Target: $14.99

Chinese Laundry Clear Flats from Amazon: $21.38 (down from $49.95)

Black Sunglasses from Forever 21: $1.50

It was pretty easy to create this outfit for a $teal:  $63.77

I bet Anne's sunglasses were atleast 3 times that much.

Happy Birthday America

To celebrate America's birthday, I'm taking off to my parents' cabin in northern Michigan for a canoe trip with about a million of my family members.  We make this trip every year and it's always a hilight of the summer.  To say that I am excited is an understatement :)

Here are a few of patriotic picks in honor of Independence Day:

1-Heart Flag Tank from Charlotte Russe: $18.99

2-Anchor Star Top from Urban Originals: $28.80

3Nautical Red Stripe Bag from World Market: $29.99

4-Denim Shorts with Stripes from Forever 21: $22.80

5-Striped Belted Dress from Urban Outfitters: $19.99 (down from $49)

6Red Espadrille Sandals from Amazon: $16.90 (down from $24.90)

 How do you plan to show your American pride?

(I can't wait for sparklers and fireworks!!!)

Happy 4th of July! Be safe celebrating and see you next week...xoxo

Color Blocking -- Everyone is doing it...

The big trend this Spring is color blocking.  If you don't know what it is, it means creating an outfit by combining colors to compliment eachother.  People have been doing it for years, it just seems that lately it is all over the place.

I'm seeing it everywhere--in my favorite fashion blogs, stores, on celebrities.  

Caitlin at Style Within Reach

Rouched Color Block Dress from Express: $89.60 (down from $128)

I think if you're going to buy this, even with the discount, use an Express coupon.  They send those babies out all the time.

Leighton Meester Spring 2011

The nice thing about is that it doesn't require you to go out and buy something new in order to create the look for yourself.  Most of us have plain colored items in our closet. 

Just be smart about the way you pair them up. 

Here is how to do it yourself:

1-Orange Dress from Asos: $46.16
2-Pink Faul-Leather Belt from Old Navy: $12.50
3-Pink and Orange Paisley Crossbody Bag: $14.95
4-Dollhouse Wedge Sandals from Amazon: $27.56

OR!

1-Teal Top from Forever 21: $7.50
2-Blue Lace Skirt from Target: $29.99
3-Pink Cross Body Bag from Forever 21: $14.80
4-Turquoise/Khaki Beaded Necklace from Forever 21: $5.80
5-Navy Wedge Sandals from Payless: $49.99

Have fun shopping in your closet, because that is really the only place you need to go to create this look!!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

In honor of Mother's Day, I would like to take the time to post about my

one-of-a-kind, loving, supportive, quirky,  hysterically funny and, of course, stylish momma.

I am definitely my mother's daughter.  We share good and bad, but never ugly! 
She's inspired my fashion sense and savvy spending.  My mom has always taught me to be resourceful with my clothes.  If there is a rip or button missing, she has found some sort of way to still make an item work, either with a broach, fashionable buttons, etc.  If she doesn't like a long tunic, she will shorten it to make it just a top.  These tweaks have taught me how important it is to think about the garment on the hanger and how to make it an outfit, not just a shirt or a skirt.

I love what my mom wears.  She always looks good: age appropriate, yet youthful and fresh.  I must say that her wardrobe is pretty predictable, but I still like it.  I put together an outfit I would wear at 27, inspired by the fashion taste of my very stylish 50something year old mother. 

1-Tie-Dye Top from Forever 21: $19.80

2-Black Bermudas from Old Navy: $19.50

3-Lucky Brand Peace & Dove Necklace from Macy's: $32.00

4-Peace Sign Cuff Watch from Overstock.com: $18.49

5-Tribal Ankle Strap Wedge Sandals from Agaci: $22.50

1-My mom loves tie-dye.   Half of her wardrobe is probably some sort of fashionable tie dye.

2-In the summer, she wears bermuda shorts all the time.  They're a staple for her.

3-Peace signs.  Everywhere.  Just like her tie-dye. 

4-Again.  Peace signs.  Everywhere.

5-She likes sandals with a heel.  The only time I ever see my mom wearing flats is when she is wearing sneakers to take our dog (best dog ever!) for a walk. 

Fashion advice in the words of my mother:  "Always dress your best and wear lipstick.  You never know who is looking on."

And I always remember this because as they say...Mom is always right :)

Happy Mother's Day, Momma.  I love you <3

White'n up!

I'm an old fashion kind of gal and like to wait to wear my whites until after Easter.  And since it has come and gone, it's time to lighten up the wardrobe.  My mission this weekend is to find a pair of white jeans.

1-White Skinny Jeans from Old Navy: $25 (down from $34.50)

2-Style & Co. White Bootcut Jeans from Macy's: $44

3-MNG by Mango White Jeans from JCPenney: $39.92 (down from $49.90)

You can pretty much wear white jeans with anything you would pair with regular denim.  Here are a couple examples to take your new whitey tighties from day to night :)

Day

1-Striped Turquoise Tank from Forever 21: $4.80

2-Turquoise Bangles from Forever 21: $9.80

3-Pink Studio Mustard Sandals from Amazon: $38.03 (down from $79)

4-Tan Satchel Bag from Fred Flare: $18

Night

1-Black and Gold Bangles from Forever 21: $7.80

2-Black Ruffle Front Tank from Forever 21: $14.80

3-Snakeskin Clutch Purse from Asos: $26.90
4-Black and Gold Bead Dangle Earrings from Forever 21: $7.80
5-Blue BCBG Snakeskin Pumps from Amazon: $31.60 (down from $79)