2.26.2013

Sweater Weather


Sorry for the MIA-ness, I've been on vacation in Steamboat Springs and well, I need another vacation in a sunny, tropical area a.s.a.p.  So, I was thinking The Bitter End Yacht Club in Virgin Gorda might a lovely change to the horrible cold weather I have had to endure lately.  I've been once before and BEYC is quite amazing.  No need to worry about paying for breakfast, lunch or dinner for that matter, it's all included.  Oh you want to learn how to sail?  No problem, they have it covered.  I really do wish I could transport myself there now.  Unfortunately from the states it takes approximately 14 hours to get there by big plane, little plane and small speed boat, but it's worth it.  I am finished with my winter rant now, carry on...

Shoes: Modern Vintage via Ebay, $22
Handbag: Kate Spade Frosted Felt Treesh via Ebay, $80
Jeans: Guess Starlet in Noisy Wash, $62
Long Sleeve T: Gap Pure Body long-sleeve T Crew, $12/$20
Faux Fur Collar Sweater: ESPRIT, $40
Necklace: Urban Outfitters, $10
Phone: Native Union Pop Phone Handset, Nordstrom Gift from the BF

2.15.2013

Friday Fantasy #14 - Wardrobes




I am very proud to introduce to you, the great and  amazing wardrobe that has made a world of difference in my life.  I can now actually see my clothes at eye level  You have to understand where my clothes lived before this wardrobe though.  Imagine a 1940's house with a closet two thirds as wide as this one, yet from floor to ceiling.  Great for people who are tall and can reach the two shelves that were installed, but not so much for a 5'4" person.  I also adore the drawers at the lower level of this wardrobe because I can see all 24 pairs of pants/jeans I placed in there.  How do you fit 24 pairs of jeans into a drawer you ask, easy roll them. It is such a great space saver that you can also use this technique when packing a suitcase for a trip.  How do you manage to fit more into less space.  I'd love to know.  Have a great weekend!

Wardrobe: Ikea 'Birkeland' Wardrobe, $399 similar "Tyssedal" Wardrobe
Dress: Banana Republic Grey Faux-Wrap Dress(2010), $40
Glitter Tights: Hue via Nordstrom Rack $8
Shoes: Chanel Butterfly Cap Toe via Ebay, $325
Infinity Scarf: ESPRIT, $10

2.14.2013

Brown All Around


Well, today it's snowing, but yesterday it was just plain lovely and warm enough to wear a dress.  That's Colorado weather for you though.  I thought bringing my boots to work this morning would deter the snow, nope.  Earlier in the week I wore these boots with jeans, however they work with leggings as well.  The boots have to honestly be one of the best $90 investments I have made, especially since it's hard to find Alberto Fermani boots on sale under $200.  Do you have any amazing steals that you have found?  I'd love to know where an how you found them.

Dress: ESPRIT Collection, $40
Leggings: Brown Hue Super Opaque Footless Tights via Nordstrom Rack, $4/$13
Boots: Alberto Fermani via Rue La La, $90/$495
Rhinestone Sun Bracelet: Urban Outfitters, $5/$30
Handbag: Coach Alex Sateen Tote via Nordstrom's, $166/$395
Pagenat Earrings: Nordstrom Rack, $15

2.12.2013

Casual Refinement





There are very few pieces to this outfit which is what makes it work so well for days you can't think of what to throw on in order to look great and pulled together.  Sometimes adding more accessories takes away from the focus and beauty of an outfit.  The general rule of three accessories to an outfit at most to make the ensemble look balanced is understandable.  I think however you can play with this when you are stacking either bracelets or necklaces.  If you are adding three bracelets go a little smaller and lighter on the earrings, say small rhinestones or pearls.  This evens out your look and allows it to seem overall effortless, which is secretly what every fashionista strives for,is it not?


Sweater: J. Crew Factory Outlet last year, $20
Jeans: Guess 'Starlet' Noisy Wash Jeans, $62/$89
Bracelet Vince Camuto Chain Bracelet via Nordstrom Rack, $26/$58
Hoop Earrings: Nordstrom Rack, $10
Boots: Alberto Fermani via Rue La La last year, $90/$495
Nails: O.P.I. DS Coronation

2.05.2013

Leather All Around





Speaking of amazing finds...this suede Banana republic dress was a mere $10.  I kid you not and it still had the original tags on it when I found it staring me in the face at the thrift shop.  I just about died when I tried it on to because it fit perfectly.  To continue the leather theme I added these Modern Vintage 'Roxy' heels that have the most intricate braided detail in them on the heel.  These heels are also very very comfortable since they have a padded insole, so it feels as if you could stand for hours in these without wincing in pain at all. 

There are two brands of shoes that I would recommend for comfort in heels hands down and they are Corso Como and Modern Vintage.  Both brands are in the moderate to high price range of $150-$250, depending on how much you tend to spend on shoes.  There are often sales on flash sites such as Rue La La or Hautelook where you can get these in the $65-$125 price range however.  You just have to keep your eye's peeled and act fast when you see them on sale!

Dress: Suede with tags on Banana Republic Dress, Goodwill, $10
Shoes: Modern Vintage 'Roxy' Sandal via Nordstrom Rack, $36/$250
Necklace: Vintage via 6th & Pearl Antiques, $5
Gold Chain Bracelet: Vince Camuto via NR, $26/56
Scarf as Belt: Vintage via Estate Sale, $3
Handbag: Milly 'Victoria' Chain Shoulder Bag via NR, $130/$380

2.04.2013

Friday Fantasy #13 - Marchesa




Well as you can see I missed Friday by a couple of days.  I didn't want to wait until next Friday however to share this with you, because it is, to those who wholeheartedly celebrate Valentine's Day, a very Valentine's dress.  I found this dress mashed in a sea of other clearance dresses at Nordstrom rack last Fall.  When I tried this dress on it fit perfectly.  The price then was somewhere around $240 which gave me pause, but it was Marchesa!  What are the odds of that happening?  With me, probably the same kind of odds that occur when I find a Millly skirt like this in my size or never worn vintage Ferragamo's.  Very lucky, yes I know and that is why persistence pays of in the quest for gems like the one above. 

A note on fit and ease:  This dress fits true to size and I am wearing a size 6 here.  There is not a lot of walking length her however, you will be taking smaller steps to get to where you need to go which is one of the drawbacks to this dress.  Overall though it's beautiful.  The ruffle has an amazing ability to spring back to life when it is steamed out.  I puffed up the shoulder ruffle, but in pictures it is a bit flatter at the shoulder.  See link below.

Scarf:  Modcloth last year, $18
Wristlet: Lilli in Boulder. CO, $10
Shoes: Nine West 'Msknoitall' via Nordstrom Rack, $31 similar here
Earring: Urban Outfitters, $5