Adorable Pink Slippers by Juicy CoutureThese babies may need to be added to my Christmas wish list:
Juicy Couture - Cheekie Crocheted Slipper - $68
How adorable are these slippers? I think I may need them...no, seriously. I was using some cute Vera Bradley slippers until I came home to find a piece of slipper-sole in my dog's mouth and the rest of the slipper in a shredded heap on my bedroom floor. I couldn't be mad at my puppy...I actually giggled a bit b/c it just seemed so funny to see my slipper torn up into so many little pieces. Ah well...if Santa doesn't bring these slippers to me, I'm sure I'll find another replacement.
Note: image by neimanmarcus.com Black & White Dress with a Colorful CardiganThe forecast for this past Friday was in the mid to upper 70's, so I decided to take advantage of the warm weather and the casual Friday (unofficial) dress code and wore this:
I paired this basic white & black dress with a simple red cardigan. You guys know I LOVE cardigans, and Friday's weather was perfect cardigan-weather. I even gave my fave linen peep-toes another outing since it may be one of the last days of the year I can comfortably do so (without freezing my toes off).
Wrap-Style Dress: The Limited
Camisole: The Limited
Linen-Peep Toe Pumps: Banana Republic
Red Cardigan: Target J Crew - Extra 30% Off SaleJust wanted to let you guys know that J Crew is giving an extra 30% off of sale items. Get them before they're gone!
Here's my pick of the sale items:
J Crew - Fleur patterned peep-toe heels - $169.99 PLUS 30% off the sale price! (from $228 full price)
Offer good in stores and online - through Saturday, November 8th.
NOTE: Image from jcrew.com Banana Republic's Stitched leather gloves - Must ShopI have been saying for the last couple years (read forever) that I want a nice, sleek pair of leather gloves to wear during the cooler weather months. I often have to walk a couple blocks from my car to my office, which makes it extra important to bundle up and block out all those chilly, winter gusts of air. It also helps that I think sleek, winter gloves are super-chic!
Banana Republic - Stitched leather gloves - $69
I really like the leather gloves I spotted recently (online) at Banana Republic. I even like this orange-y color, which is weird b/c usually I like to get my first of a staple in a classic color...then get something fun next time around. You know, I just realized I've been saving my BR reward cards for the last year or so, so I bet I could snag a pair for "free." Nice!
What do you think about winter gloves? Do you have any fave brands for gloves?
NOTE: image by bananarepublic.com Is It Possible to Have Too Much Clothes?I was watching Tim Gunn's Guide to Style the other day, and they featured a girl, Diana (click here for her episode), who had too much clothing without a good idea of how to put outfits together using all the fabulous stuff. I totally related to her situation b/c I am often bombarded with the amount of clothing I own and am sometimes overwhelmed trying to put an outfit together for work b/c there is so much to go through.
The show really got me wondering if it is possible to have too much clothes. I am the kind of person who always feels like they are missing something. I could always have a suede pair of brown boots...or a black pin skirt...or something else to compliment my wardrobe. I always feel like there is something missing from my closet. But perhaps even though there are items of clothing I feel like I am lacking...just maybe I already have too much clothing.
Here's my closet...yikes! Such a mess!
Yes, it's color coordinated, too:
Actually, I have pants in one group, then tops (left half - work stuff, right half - non-work stuff), suits, dresses, skirts. I also have jeans in a dresser, T-shirts somewhere else, a few standing bins of tank-tops, work out gear, and three bins of sweaters. I am feeling slightly embarrassed as I type this all out...sheesh! Perhaps my situation is worse than I originally imagined?
Anywho, I wanted to see what you guys think on this topic, so I created a poll. It's a bit reminiscent of the How Many Shoes Do You Have poll, but different enough for its own poll. :) Cast your vote!
Fingerless Gloves Go Red Carpet with Mena SuvariMena Suvari attended a party in celebration of the new Hugo Boss concept store in New York, NY. She wore a chic blue and black number with a blue satin-y, fitted skirt, trapeze-style jacket, and black, leather, fingerless-gloves.
Mena Suvari arriving for the opening party for the Hugo Boss concept store in the Meat Packing District, New York, NY.
Photo Credit: Johns PkI / Splash News
Does this mean fingerless gloves are making a come-back? I've actually been wanting to knit or crochet a pair for myself...mostly because I wanted to wear them in my ice-box-chilled-office to try to stay warm, but this could be a good excuse to get started on them. :)
What do you think about Mena's fingerless-gloves? Yay or Nay? Looking Chic in a Slow EconomyI don't know if you've been watching the news, but as my job is slightly related to banking, I have been all tuned in over the last few weeks. Seeing the markets taking a turn for the worse is a scary thing...especially when it gets you thinking about the security of your own job. I don't know if we're in a recession or not (different people will say different things), but I do know that the economy is slowing down and money is tightening up. I'm working harder than ever to pay off my credit card, and I'm taking serious cuts in my spending habits. I highly encourage you guys to do the same. Pay off your debts and start saving. There may be hard times ahead! It's better to be safe than sorry. I'm no financial planner or anything, but I've been thinking a lot about my spending habits and my lack of savings, and I just don't want you guys making the same mistakes (i.e. spending all your money on clothes) that I have. :)
Looking Chic in a Slow Economy
To work with my even tighter budget, I've decided to pick a couple items a season to make my "it" items. Instead of buying gobs and gobs of clothes, I'm going to try my best to buy one or two "it" items a season and use my existing clothes to finish out the look. Now, "What exactly is an "it" item?" you may ask. I think an "it" item is a different type of thing to every person. "It" is something you really want right now, something that is trendy right now, something that you've been wanting for a long time. To me, an "it" item is something kinda trendy or "of the moment" that will compliment my wardrobe or replace something that needs to be replaced. "It" is something that I intend to wear quite often for a given season (or longer) that will enhance my wardrobe but fit well with what I already have. I don't want to get an "it" item that will require new shoes or a new top b/c that will kinda null the point of trying to only get a couple items to begin with.
I recently purchased such an "it" item:
J Crew - Distressed vintage slim jean in worn indigo wash - $135
I got these jeans almost two weeks ago, with my October budget money, and I've already been able to wear them several times. I've been super-pleased with my purchase. They are very versatile, comfortable, and chic. :)
But, back to the money-talk...my dear fellow shopaholic-friends, please do think about your finances. I obviously don't know your financial situation, but if you're a shopaholic like me, it will be hard to slow down your spending habits. To me, slowing down on shopping can be like going on a new diet. Whenever I've tried to stop eating bad food cold-turkey, it's never worked. Whenever I've tried to stop shopping cold-turkey, it's never worked. I've been weaning myself down from shopping over the last few months and I think I've been doing pretty good! I've been returning to my old habits of shopping the sale racks and looking for good deals, and I've found some great steals! I paid off one credit card and now have one more, plus the iMac to go. The only other thing I'd like to do now is set aside some money for a rainy day. :)
Take care of yourselves. Happy shopping, happy saving! I'd Rather Be Here...Excuses, excuses...What can I say but sorry for being so MIA lately! I stink...i know!
I'd rather be here right now:
(photo from my honeymoon in the Caribbean)
Things have been hectic around here lately. Not just the usual, I have twenty different things to do tonight kinda hectic, but something deeper. I've been thinking about a lot of things lately and those things being changes. Change can be a scary thing...especially when the change can be so big. Guess I'm just trying to figure out what I want to do with my life and where I want to go. I'm confronted with big scary questions like, "Do I still want to persue my jewelry biz..." Yucky stuff like that that makes me wish I was on a big beach somewhere without a care in the world. Anywho, I did manage to squeeze a small shopping trip with one of my girlfriends into the weekend yesterday and got a little something-something I hope to share this week. Till then, take care friends! What's Black & White & Yellow All Over?Sorry I've been a bit MIA, but if you only knew what a trainwreck my home is right now, you would totally understand. This past weekend, I got a couple bookcases off of craigslist and spent the entire weekend organizing them and also making jewelry for an upcoming sale I have this Friday.
This is going to be a crazy busy week for me, but here's a quick outfit shot for something I threw together:
Skirt: Steinmart?
Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft (just scored it off the sale rack for $20!)
Shoes: Vintage Ferragamos Must Shop: The Boyfriend SweaterI've long been a fan of layers - especially cardigans - since I get cold rather easily. So, you can imagine how happy I was to hear that cardigans were "in" for this season. I suppose the "boyfriend sweater" has been "in" for awhile now (remember this?), but let's just say I'm happy that they're still popular and the stores are still selling them.
My newly tight budget has had me looking even closer and more often at more affordable shops like Target and Forever 21, but I am loving the boyfriend sweaters currently available at Old Navy:
Women's "Boyfriend" Cardigans - $20 on sale from $29.50!!
Girls, I have to say, I think these sweaters are a STEAL at only $20!! I have the sweater pictured above in the same color - "Monaco Plum." It is super comfy and the material is sooo soft! The cut is nice, too - not too baggy and boy-like. You want to look cute in your boyfriend cardi...not like you're wearing your cute boyfriend's cardi...am I right? This cardigan has a nice, feminine fit - slim through the waist so you can add a belt to your look for extra flair. I also am a fan of the slightly longer-than-normal sleeves b/c I like to pull them over my hands...to keep them warm...and probably as a bad habit...lol.
Anywho, dress this cardi up or dress it down...wear it for play or for work...you'll love rocking this cardigan out. And, at this price, why not rock out a couple different colors?! :) I'm eyeing "Powered Milk" (off-white)...
Cardigan: Old Navy (duh!)
Skinny Jeans: Guess
Tank: Banana Republic
Pink Patent Leather Mary Janes: J Crew
NOTE: images by oldnavy.com and me, respectively Must Shop: The Leather JacketI've been wanting a leather jacket for FOREVER now, but simply cannot find the "one." I was actually willing a year or so ago (when I wasn't trying to be so darn responsible) to spend a couple or few hundred on an "investment" piece, but just never found anything I liked.
I actually really like this one I found at Urban Outfitters:
Silence & Noise Motorcycle Jacket - $128
The price isn't bad either. I'll have to check it out in person. I'm sure real-leather would be better, but my wallet would appreciate this deal more.
I haven't found any good middle-ground options, but if you're wanting to go "all-out", here's a gorge leather jacket by who else by D&G:
D&G Dolce & Gabbana - Fitted Leather Jacket - $1495 (ouch)
Have you found any good leather jacket options this season?
NOTE: images by urbanoutfitters.com and neimanmarcus.com, respectively Must Shop: Old Navy's Self-Proclaimed Flirty TopI love the look of this breezy top - it is perfect for enjoying the last weeks of warm weather. I don't think the below picture does the top justice - it looks much better on the model they feature on the Women's Homepage, but here goes:
Women's Ruffle Chiffon Tanks - $26.50
This top would be great for anything from hanging out w/ girlfriends to going on a sweet date. I also like the other available color for this top - pink!
NOTE: Image oldnavy.com Wisdom Teeth Removal Over...Thank Goodness!Thanks again to everyone who commented on my previous post about wisdom teeth removal. No shopping spree for me...I took the IV sedation. I had to - I was a nervous wreck yesterday. Here's how it went down...
I tossed and turned the entire night before the surgery. I woke up super tired and starving b/c they said I couldn't eat anything 8 hrs before the surgery. At this point, I still hadn't decided 100% which anesthesia method to choose. I was trying to talk myself into doing just the local anesthesia, but it was pretty obvious to myself just how nervous I was. I got ready, said some prayers, and around 9:15am, we got in the car and headed to the surgeon's office. I considered telling my hubby to turn around the entire ride over. "Do I really need to get these wisdom teeth out?" I pondered. We arrived at the office park and saw a girl getting wheeled out to her mother's car with gauze in her mouth...I figured she must have just finished up getting her teeth done. Lucky!
The office park had one main entrance and about 20 offices inside. When we walked through the main entrance, I was surprised to see it had this really nice inside garden area that I found slightly relaxing. Lots of pretty greenery and a quiet ambiance. We found the office of my surgeon, and I signed in. Another girl came in the door about five minutes after me with (who I guessed to be) her mother and grandmother. I noticed she looked extremely nervous, too, and when she said to her fam, "I'm having second thoughts," I wanted to tell her, "Hey, let's get out of here...we don't need to get wisdom teeth out, right?" But, I kept my mouth shut and gave her a nervous smile. Minutes later, I was called back by the nurse or surgeon's assistant or whoever he was. He was very nice and tried to joke with me so I would laugh and wouldn't be so nervous. He took me to the room where they would do the procedure. It was very stark and empty - just a gray chair, white walls, and some silver trays and tools. The room freaked me out, to be honest. It was about then I realized that I would absolutely have to be sedated. I asked the nurse if most people were sedated and he said yes. He went on to explain that it's easier for the patient and surgeon if the patient is asleep b/c otherwise, they are (without intending to) fighting against each other and also how there are things you hear and see that the surgeon is used to, but may frighten the patient.
He didn't have to talk me into it any more...I was ready for the IV sedation. He started by hooking me up to the heart monitor with three sticky pads that had little wires connected to them. The monitor beeped quite quickly showing the nurse and me just how nervous I was. He even commented that it sounded like I had just run three miles! lol It was then I knew that I made the right decision to be sedated. The nurse covered me up to my shoulders with a blanket (which I found to be a bit more comforting) and put the finger-monitor on my right arm's pointer finger. He then put an oxygen-thingy in my nose. Shortly thereafter, the surgeon came in all jolly like a grandpa (which was one of my favorite things about him - it helped me feel a bit more relaxed). He made small talk with me for a bit, asking about my job and what not and then said, "This will hurt just a little bit" as he put the first needle in my arm. I had read before that Versed worked quickly, but when roughly 30 seconds after receiving the dose, I felt really, really, really drowsy, I remarked, "Hey, this stuff does work fast!" That's the last thing I remember before waking up with gauze in my mouth. It was perfect - I don't know how some of you guys could be awake for your wisdom teeth removal (you guys are brave!), but I am so glad I chose the IV sedation. I think if I were younger, I could have handled it better. I mean, I had four teeth pulled when I was a teen without hardly blinking, but I guess the older I get, the more I overthink things or something.
Anywho, just wanted to check in to say that everything went well and I'm just going to be recovering over the next week or so. I've got lots of yogurt, pudding, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and other soft foods to chow down on. So far, so good, but man, could I use a burger!? lol :)
Thanks again everyone for your thoughts and kind words!Must Shop: Target's Jrs Xhila Cap Slv Open CardiganI saw this adorable cardigan online and knew I wanted to try to find it in store today. I also wanted to swing by Target to see if I could pick up any more work-friendly clothes and some layering, white tees. I, of course, found too much stuff I liked and had a hard time putting things back. I always have a hard time putting items back from a potential purchase collection (that stack of clothes heavily draped over your arm as you walk around a store) whenever they look good on, have a good price, and are versatile items that I think will get lots of use. Something's gotta give, though, so I managed to put a few items back.
I did end up finding this cardigan:
Jrs Xhila Cap Slv Open Cardigan - $17.99
It must have been a popular item - the rack with this item was nearly empty and only had a handful of XL and XXL. I normally wear a S-M, but figured I'd try one on anyways, seeing as how layers seem to be so loose this fall. The L and XL actually fit pretty well - nice and loose - a great compliment to a tank, tee, or even dress. I love layers! I ended up picking this cardi up in brown and black. I think they'll work nicely from casual to dressy and even to work!
NOTE: image target.com Goodbye Blog FriendsNo, I'm not leaving. Things are crazy, and it's hard to find time to blog sometimes (and mod comments - sorry if it takes a couple days before I approve), but I love my blogs and cannot bear to part with them just yet. Nooooot yet!
I'm talking about my other blog friends. Today, I had to delete a handful of links from my blogrolling list. I knew they hadn't been posting for awhile, but I just couldn't bring myself to remove them. Today, I checked on some of my old blog friends and found many that hadn't posted in over a year. I know people check other blogger's blogrolls to find other great blogs and it just doesn't seem fair to leave links up to blogs that will never be updated. So, farewell dear blog friends. We had a good time commenting back and forth....sharing shopping & fashion inspirations...and just making new friends. Until we meet again, thanks for the fun.
Fashionably Yours,
:) D Sale Alert: Take an Extra 30% off J Crew Sale Through MondayListen up ladies...J Crew is offering an extra 30% off J Crew Sale items online & in-store through Monday. I ended up stopping by the mall today to check things out. I've been looking for some cute shorts, but they didn't have any good ones left. I went to the "popular" mall in town - people hit those sale racks up hard core!
I'm pretty happy with today's shopping. You guys know I've been working on keeping my shopping in check, which is always a challenge, especially when there's a good sale (things were an extra 40% off at the store I went to). I managed to hold myself back from buying a couple tank tops and some comfy khakis, and only got one thing - this madras skirt:
Baja patchwork madras mini - $49.99 (from $68 - plus an extra 40% off the sale price)
Click here to shop J Crew Sale Must Shop: J Crew Fleur suede peep-toe heelsI fell in love with these beautiful pumps as soon as I saw them in my new J Crew catalog:
J Crew Fleur suede peep-toe heels - $195
Don't the little rosettes make these shoes look so sweet? These would look great with all the ruffles that are supposed to be so popular this fall...or with a pretty floral dress? Yum!
NOTE: image by jcrew.com Must Shop: Floral DressesI really, really, really want a floral dress. One of those dresses I can rock out now and pair with tights and sweaters to transition to cooler weather. Perhaps if the teeth-thing works out and I gift myself $100 to play with, I'll get one? Here are some of my faves:
Kimchi Blue Botanical Dress - $68
Kimchi Blue Redwood Dress - $58
Aubrieta Dress - $158
What are you looking forward to getting for fall?
NOTE: Images by urbanoutfitters.com and anthropologie.com, respectively Must Shop: Kors Michael Kors Crocodile-Embossed Patent PumpI would love this pair of pumps for work:
Kors Michael Kors - Crocodile-Embossed Patent Pump - $295
They are so fun, yet so classy! I love that heel shape, too!
NOTE: Image neimanmarcus.com Incentive: Wisdom Teeth Removal...Yuck!This is a bit off topic from my regular posts, but read on if you're curious...
So, I have to get my wisdom teeth out. I fully expected to have to have all four out, but would you know it...I had a consultation a week or so ago and found out that I only need to get two out and they are not impacted. Supposedly, per the doc, he can "easily" take these two teeth out in 10 minutes by, basically, pulling them out. He said I could choose to do local anesthesia (novocain shots...ick!) or IV sedation. Now, I know I'll sound like a big baby here, but I'm just not sure I can handle someone digging around in my mouth for 10-15 minutes with sharp, pointy tools, so originally, I was leaning towards the IV sedation. I talked to the insurance lady who is supposed to give me a quote in a week or two for how much I should owe after insurance and she said she didn't think insurance would cover the IV sedation for "2 easy extractions" (funny how everyone keeps calling this "easy"). So, I find out that the IV sedation is roughly $350. $350?! I'm thinking that I could do some serious shopping damage with that much!
I haven't decided what to do yet. The thought of being conscious during this "easy" procedure freaks me out. I mean, I've had fillings, but this seems different and much more scary somehow. But, then, the $350 price tag isn't sounding so hot either, not to mention there is that 1 in a million chance of dying (I know...I'm super paranoid...it's so silly). So...long story short...I'm thinking I need to offer myself some incentive to take the novocain shots. What do you think? Is sitting through the procedure worth a $100 shopping spree? I recently got a really expensive bill from the car people, so I don't really have $350 to spend at all, but I figure it's better to spend $100 I don't have than $350 I don't have, right? I mean, I'm practically saving myself money here, right?! lol
Do any of you guys have any other ideas for incentives or would you just pay the money to be out during the procedure? Must Shop: Mystique Jeweled SandalsShopaholic Sweetie, Stacy, emailed me about some fab sandals by Mystique. I wish I would have found these earlier in the summer, but figured I'd share them with you guys so anyone interested can get some to wear for the last summer weeks. Here are some of my faves:
Mystique Orange Cabochon
Mystique Bejeweled Clear Gold
Mystique Triple Coral Cabochon
Perhaps I'll score a pair next spring? I'm a wee bit out of spending money at the moment...shoot! lol
Click here to see more Mystique Jewelry Sandals
NOTE: Image sandalworld.com Must Shop: Bakers Buckled BootsI've been loving buckled boots ever since seeing Jessica Alba's way back when. I got a pair that were similar in style, but still not quite what I was looking for. I am really loving this pair, called Sadie, I found recently at Bakers Shoes:
They come in black...
...and gray
They come in a few more colors, but these are my fave. I am strongly considering purchasing these, even with my limited budget. These Sadie boots are priced at $139.95, which I think is pretty fair for boots. We'll see...there are so many things I'd like to get right now! lol
NOTE: Images by bakersshoes.com Sunday Brunch: Cool BluesMy hubby took me to a semi-fancy, romantic restaurant for brunch this past Sunday. The restaurant has the cutest, coziest atmosphere with a touch of that industrial-open-warehouse look with exposed brick walls and wooden beams overhead. We enjoy the look & feel of the place, but we really go there for the food. They have an amazing Bananas Foster French Toast, among several other yummy dishes. They also feature several traditional Southern dishes with their own little flair. This past weekend, I had biscuits & gravy for the first time (a rarity for someone who has grown up in the South).
The day looked amazing - bright sun, blue sky - but the heat & humidity were pretty rough. I think I picked this blue & white outfit to try to keep myself cool mentally. I got this skirt at BR off the sale rack when I was supposed to be shopping for my honeymoon a couple months ago. Wait, I wasn't supposed to be shopping for anything but a rehearsal dinner dress that day? Hmm...oopsie! Chalk it up as another impulse buy by the shopaholic...lol.
Wedge Shoes: Banana Republic
Blue Patterned Skirt: Banana Republic
White Tie Top: Old Navy
Purse: Chanel Boutique-ing My JewelryThis past weekend, I dropped some earrings off at a boutique that will start carrying my jewelry designs (under my jewelry biz, D Celestine - http://www.dcelestine.com). I wanted to wear something professional, but pretty. I decided to go with my new Forever 21 top I scored in my thrifty shopping spree awhile back.
I tried tucking the top into my skirt...
And, I tried leaving it out...
But I'm not sure which way I like better. I probably would have worn these with my skinny black jeans if it weren't so darn hot outside! Anywho, what do you think? Does it look better tucked in or out?
Floral-detailed top: Forever 21
Skirt: Kenneth Cole Reaction
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Date Night: Chocolate FondueMy SO planned a cute little date night for us last night. He took me out to get some chocolate fondue - yum! Even though he was just wearing jeans and a polo, I still wanted to dress up a little. Here's that dress I got from Forever 21 on my Thrifty Shopping Spree I blogged about awhile back:
I love the draped hemlines in this dress. I've been playing with skirt shapes lately, trying to figure out which ones will flatter my body best, and I was surprised to find this shape seems to work pretty well. A great surprise indeed b/c I don't like too-tight clothes - the loose fit of this dress is right up my alley.
Dress: Forever 21
Shoes: Calvin Klein
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