Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Accessories can save you

As I was chatting with my friend Gina today about our attempts to be frugal before an upcoming Vegas trip, I got to thinking about how I can create different outfits without actually purchasing anything.  And the answer is – accessories!  Jewelry, bags and scarves (which I already have plenty of) can really change a similar outfit into something totally different. 
A plain white t-shirt can really be spruced up with lively accessories.  A bright scarf can add a pop of color and some texture, a long chain necklace can actually make you look taller or by just adding some big earrings, you create an easy yet stylish look.
I recently took a look at some of my statement necklaces that add some zing to a black t-shirt or little black dress.  My flower necklace is fun and flirty, while my brown and crystal necklaces have more of an edgy look for a v-neck top.  Maybe I will even bring some of these necklaces to Vegas with me!  Either way, they will save me from spending “moolah” in the mean time on new things.  Cause I don’t need them.  J

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

UGGly or not?

Although the first day of autumn isn’t until September 23rd, it feels like fall has definitely arrived.  I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the temperature was 45 degrees last Thursday morning.  I was traveling for work and was ill prepared with one flimsy sweater and my flats.  All I could think about was how I wanted my UGG boots to warm my toes.  That’s right…  It’s fall and my UGGs are coming back out!  I know the boots have gotten a bad rep for being… well, ugly, but I still love them nonetheless.  They are comfy, warm and feel so delightful on your feet. 

But how can you wear UGG boots and get away with it without looking tacky?  First, UGGs with shorts or a skirt are out.  If it is warm enough for shorts, your feet aren’t cold enough for UGGs.  UGGs with leggings are questionable.  Because leggings are so tight, you may end up looking like a stick figure with elephant feet.  My preference is simply skinny jeans tucked into boots.  Clean, makes sense and not too obnoxious. 

Even with all of the differing opinions out there, I’m sticking with my story.  My feet are so comfy and toasty wearing my boots, especially when the crisp fall weather turns to frost and snow.  My warm feet will thank me for it. 

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Coveting Now - Missoni for Target

Fashion lovers everywhere have been patiently anticipating the September 13th launch of Missoni for Target.  Like a big movie premiere or Black Friday sale, folks lined up outside stores and stalked the Target website to get their hands on pieces from the much-anticipated collection.  So, when the Target website crashed just minutes after the items became available, it was interesting to watch Missoni cult addicts lash out on Target’s Facebook page.  Shoppers completely freaked out…  “I will NEVER get my Missoni rain boots at this rate!!” one consumer said.  Yikes.  I myself was excited about the launch and to look at the items online, however I don’t constitute buying rain boots as a life or death situation. 

Since the 1950’s, Missoni has been recognized worldwide for it’s eclectic, colorful and recognizable mix-and-match patterns.   It’s no wonder that crowds gathered for the launch of this line in order to get a little piece of iconic Italian fashion of their own…  at an affordable price.

I stopped by Target after work on Tuesday to pick up a few things and check out the collection.  By 5:30pm, it was slim pickings.  What was left was cute and eye-catching, but there wasn’t much.  I did manage to grab an adorable and affordable pair of colorful flats, an irresistible pair of socks and a patterned umbrella.  Although small, I’m really happy with my Missoni finds.  I will imagine myself walking the streets of Italy when I wear them. 



And to all those who didn’t get your Missoni rain boots…  Calm down.  There are plenty of boots in the sea of fashion.  J

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Shoe Surprise

Surprise!  Who doesn’t love a surprise?  Well, some people don’t, but I do!  Especially when that surprise is your Mom unexpectedly buying you a cute pair of shoes.  It all occurred when my Mom and I were perusing the end of the summer shoe sale at Dillards.  So many cute shoes at great prices, but most of them were sandals and peep toes on clearance in order to make room for the new fall inventory.  I had my eye on a darling pair of wedges at a bargain price, but still felt they were a little unnecessary since the summer months are over and the temps are cooling down.  And then…  Surprise!  My Mom says she’ll buy them for me!  What an unexpected treat and how sweet of her!  I was thrilled and quickly said “thank you!”  Even though I am bringing out some of my closed toe shoes and boots for the colder months, I will still find a day or two to wear them this season.  And when I do, I will think of the expected sweet surprise from my Mom. 


Monday, September 5, 2011

Working Girl

The Septemeber Issue…  The mecca of fall fashion and what’s to come.  So when the Septemeber issue of InStyle arrived in my mailbox, I quickly grabbed my sunglasses and sat out on a lawn chair to read it cover to cover.  I was happy to see a section on what to wear to work.  I am always looking for new ways to mix things up when I am in the office or attending an event.  So, I took their ideas and grabbed what I had in my closet to recreate some great outfits.  Here are my favorites…

Big presentation
Although I didn’t have cool orange pants like the magazine, I paired my green crop pants with a blue jacket and fun accessories. 



Working lunch
I loved the vibrant print dresses featured on the page and grabbed one of my own with a chunky belt and vintage bag for a professional look.


After work happy hour
I would have never thought to pair my funky boots with a little black dress, but the look worked with a leopard scarf and my glasses.



Hopefully these new outfits will take me smoothly from late summer to fall, atleast until the winter issue arrives.  J