Closet Fashionista

This Week in Fashion

2012-02-24T07:30:00.000-05:00

You only get four outfits this week because I spent Monday in my pjs...perfection! I love short weeks, don't you!? Although, this week wasn't the best week to have only 4 days because we had something due to a client today and we're totally not done, but it isn't my fault so it will be okay. (still panicking a bit though.) This week was also strangely warm, I didn't have to warm my car up before work or wear a real coat...WOOHOO!

This weekend is going to be fun. I'm going to a blogger meetup tomorrow with my lovely Connecticut girls (and meeting a new one!) and then Grandma's on Sunday. Other than that I'll be relaxing and watching movies. I may have a Disney Classics marathon (abc family is having one but I want to watch more AND with no commercials.)

Friday Addition: I think I jinxed the weather...woke up to snow on the ground this morning. Normally I would enjoy this...too bad I have to go into the office today...darn, I hate driving in the snow!

Tuesday: Dress: Jason Wu for Target $40, Sweater: French Connection gift, Heels: Marc by Marc Jacobs net-a-porter gift card, Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs Shopbop gift card, Watch: Michael Kors, Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs	Wednesday: Dress as skirt: Express from co-worker, Sweater: Inis Crafts gift, Wedges: R2 (DSW) $35, Watch: Michael Kors, Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Thursday: Jacket: Valentino via The Outnet $2, Cardigan: Ami Dans La Rue via Shopbop gift card, Top: Express $35, Pants: Elie Tahari via Shopbop gift card, Heels: Forever 21 $25, Watch: Michael Kors, Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs	Friday: Jeans: Rag & Bone (Shopbop), Sweater: The Limited gift, Boots: Grandma's, Watch: Michael Kors, Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs photo coming soon!

P.S. Check out this exclusive interview net-a-porter has with Michael Kors, I will be posting my favorites from his Fall 2012 collection soon!!

{it's all in the details} Burberry Prorsum F/W 2012

2012-02-23T07:30:00.000-05:00

Time for a double dose of Burberry Prorsum F/W 2012! But today we are going to get a bit closer and look at the details from the amazing collection! I haven't done an "It's All in the Details" post in a long time, so this is way overdue. Once again it was really hard for me to narrow down my favorites so you are getting a photo-spam. It is amazing how much detail is in these collections and how much we miss by just seeing the full outfits.

{daily inspiration / closet-worthy} Burberry Prorsum F/W 2012

2012-02-22T07:30:00.000-05:00

[warning: super long, image spam post]

On Monday when I had my day off work I got to drool over the Burberry Prorsum Fall 2012 live-stream! I was SO glad I didn't have to miss it. The show was amazing, especially the fake thunderstorm they had at the end, it totally caught me off guard and was the perfect finish to a perfect show!

Fashion season isn't over yet but I'm going to make a prediction and guess that this will be my favorite Fall/Winter 2012 show. I always enjoy a lot of shows but I know when a show jumps out at me this much it is destined to be my favorite. I wanted to post EVERY.SINGLE.LOOK in this post and had to resist…that doesn't happen often. I'll even go further and say this may be my favorite Burberry show ever, which is saying a lot. Burberry is always my favorite, I think Christopher Bailey must read my mind. He is simply amazing and never fails to disappoint! I need to either win the lottery or rob a bank so I can buy every piece.

The dark, muted, colors, textures, stripes, draping and everything about the collection was perfect. I also loved the bow details, silver and gold animal adornments on the belts and bags and ESPECIALLY the owl print t-shirts. I don't care how much they cost but I am going to get my hands on one of those! I'm an owl obsessed freak…maybe it comes from my Harry Potter obsession but I think they are SO cute! The menswear was also perfection, I would LOVE if my (imaginary) boyfriend wore the whole collection, especially the velvet ones...I'm a sucker for velvet.

Here we go with my favorites (there were 58, including the men, I'm posting 32...I couldn't resist!) Click to enlarge.

{new-ish in} Later Gator!

2012-02-21T07:30:00.000-05:00

Before I get to my post check out my feature on Smashion!

Yesterday we had the day off work for President's Day. I was looking forward to being very productive, doing a fun outfit shoot and relaxing. But that didn't happen. I did nothing until 4pm and then I decided to finally do something. I got out my fashion magazines that I picked up from my parent's house yesterday to read and took some photos of my new Alligator pin! I actually got this a few weeks ago when I visited a friend at Yale, but haven't found the perfect way to wear him yet. Then I realized that he matches my DKNY coat perfectly! So he has a new permanent spot in my closet and will finally start seeing the daylight! (in the summer I'll have to find some other ways to wear him)

Coat: DKNY, Pin: Laila Rowe in New Haven $10, Magazines: Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire

And for those of you that don't follow me on Instagram here are some shots from the past 2 weeks.

Shot of my Karl Addict outfit

Oh Chanel counter, how you tempt me!

One of my favorite restaurants, The Chowder Pot

Fell in love with this sweater at Urban Outfitters, too bad it was $48

Wanted this Ralph Lauren sweater, but not for $100 (that's on sale)

Crazy BCBG pants ;)

Waiting for my roomie at Target

Watching Willy Wonka!

Tasty biscuits I made

Playing Lord of the Rings Trivial Pursuit because I'm awesome

My boots in front of a quilt my mom made

{closet-worthy} Michael van der Ham

2012-02-20T07:30:00.000-05:00

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday I look forward to receiving my What's New at net-a-porter email! There are always so many beautiful clothes to drool over. Last week it helped me discover an awesome new designer, Michael van der Ham! I fell in love with every single piece they had by him so I did some research on him. Michael is from The Netherlands and he counts Alexander McQueen as one of his previous employers...pretty impressive! London Fashion Week did a quick Q&A session with him and some of his answers are as follows:

Design signatures: “I like to mismatch different references in each item of clothing. My autumn/winter 2009 collection is a juxtaposition of elements from different decades in fashion. I made each dress like a 3D collage of clashing colours, textures, weights of fabric and cut.”

How would you describe the Michael van der Ham woman? “Someone who's not afraid to wear something a little more bold.”

Trademark piece: “Knitwear with chiffon tops and multi-fabricated dresses.”

Three autumn/winter 2012 inspirations: “It’s hard to answer without giving too much away: very rare and special fabrications, custom-made textiles and intricate cuts.

What does 2012 hold for your brand? “Hopefully more growth like in 2011.”

Here are some amazing pieces from net-a-porter, someone want to buy them for me?! The print mixing and draping is perfection and the pieces are simply gorgeous.

This Week in Fashion

2012-02-17T07:30:00.000-05:00

What is up with this week? Not to brag but I think I look extra good...and the funny thing is I did nothing different this week. Oh well, I won't question it, I just hope it continues. Besides my hair and makeup cooperating, this was a pretty standard week: work, blogging, posting Potter news and watching tons of TV (Sailor Moon, Gilmore Girls, Sex & the City, The Big Bang Theory etc.). As you can see I live a VERY exciting life...not!

Funny story about my Jason Wu dress from Monday: I was returning it along with the kitty tee and pink striped dress (because I've spent too much money lately) and i had noticed previously that they charged me twice for the tee so I was going to mention that, but then something awesome happened. The woman told me the dress wasn't on my receipt...meaning they accidentally charged me the tee price ($19.95) for it, so I decided to keep it...SCORE!

This weekend is a 3 day weekend, YAY! I have no plans for Monday, but I don't mind. I like lazy days, they are rather enjoyable. Sunday I'll probably go to my grandma's and Saturday I am going to make these biscuits (based on Ruby Tuesday's biscuits), but without the cheese because cheese is gross. Do you have Monday off?

Monday: Dress: Jason Wu for Target $20, Sweater: DKNY Cozy (TJ Maxx) $20, Heels: Forever 21 $25, Watch: Michael Kors, Purse: Mulberry won from The Flower Girl	Tuesday: Tee: American Eagle, Sweater: Tahari (TJ Maxx) $20, Skirt: Old Navy (hand-me-down), Heels: Marc by Marc Jacobs (net-a-porter) gift card, Bracelet c/o Maximal Art by John Wind, Watch: Michael Kors, Purse: Mulberry won from The Flower Girl
Wednesday: Top: Express $35, Sweater: Kohls' gift, Jeans: Free People (Gilt Groupe) gift card, Booties: Alexander Wang (The Outnet) gift, Necklace: Kara Ross ring giveaway win, Watch: Michael Kors, Purse: Mulberry won from The Flower Girl	Thursday: Sweater: American Eagle, Skirt: Ruche gift card, Heels: Target $20, Scarf c/o Fashion Flirts, Watch: Michael Kors, Purse: Mulberry won from The Flower Girl
Friday: Sweater: Inis Crafts (TJ Maxx) gift, Leggings: H&M $15, Skirt: really old, Boots: Vintate (eBay) $11, Necklaces: Etsy, gift, Vanessa Mooney

In other news, I joined a new site, HelloCotton, there is a link in the sidebar under "Quick Follow Links" where you can follow my profile. According to their site, Hellocotton is also a place for blog readers to meet up, follow their favorite bloggers and get inspired. Last but not least, Hellocotton is a platform where both established bloggers and newcomers can make the headlines! (I may not keep it, but we'll see how it goes)

AND, finally, Shop It To Me will be sending special edition Salemails today, for President's Day sales, so keep an eye on your inbox or log on to Shop It To Me Search to get in on the action. We're talkin' sweet savings and discount codes from 150+ retailers, filtered to your brands and sizes. If you aren't already a member make sure to sign up for Shop It To Me to get access to awesome sales and have style delivered right to your inbox!

{daily inspiration} Fighting Evil by Moonlight

2012-02-16T07:30:00.000-05:00

[10 points if you knew what this post was about just by reading the title]
I have been on a MAJOR Sailor Moon kick lately and have been watching my DVDs. I used to watch this show every day before school when I was younger and it brings me back to those times when I was young and carefree. Quickly, for those of you that have never heard of the show, it is "the magical action-adventures of a teenage girl who learns of her destiny as the legendary warrior Sailor Moon and must band together with the other Sailor Soldiers to defend the Earth and Galaxy." Here is the show's intro:

One thing that is different between now and then is that now I pay a lot more attention to the clothes they wear. And let me tell you, these girls may be cartoons, but they have some serious style! I would be happy to wear almost all of their clothes, we can definitely take inspiration from the show. Their skirts may be a bit short for real humans though, so we would need to lower the hemlines a teensy bit. Here are some of the outfits featured in the show (some more wild than others) There are a ton more I would post (including non-sailor scouts) but I figured I would spare you a total photo spam.

And let's not forget the handsome Tuxedo Mask aka Darian...I had a HUGE crush on him when I was little. If there was a real guy out there like this I would marry him ;) (I quite enjoy his voice)

If you want to learn more about the show, and where to buy the dvds, check ou this awesome site: Moon Kitty. [I have the first few seasons but they are bootlegs, I need to buy the Official ones, but I researched it and it would cost me about $700 for 4 seasons because they don't make them anymore...EW!]

Image sources: 1, 2, 3

And one final shot, she is a bad guy so I didn't want to put her with the Sailor Scouts ;)

{daily inspiration} Theyskens' Theory & Diane von Furstenberg Fall 2012

2012-02-15T07:30:00.000-05:00

I seem to be on a black and white kick this week so here are two Fall 2012 collections that I am enjoying that are predominately black and white! First up is one of my favorites every season, Theyskens' Theory by Olivier Theyskens! His collections are always comfortable, cool and edgy, just what I like!

Next is the always lovely Diane von Furstenberg, another amazing collection that also included a lot of burgundy pieces, which is another of my go to colors! Diane has a way of putting together outfits that look so effortless, it is quite a talent. The first four looks are my favorite, the prints and textures are combined so well.

What have been some of your favorite Fall 2012 collections so far?! I am going to TRY not to post too many, but I will have to post my favorite designers, so expect some Burberry and Marc Jacobs at least!

{holiday} Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T07:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!! I hope you all have romantic plans tonight. My plans are sooo wonderful, I will be sitting at home watching TV. YAY! ;)

Speaking of Valentine's Day, the Maximal Art Giveaway ended yesterday and it is time to announce the winner! The winner of this lovely heart charm bracelet is...

Comment #25, Shea of Rocker Chic! I will be emailing you shortly!

{outfit} Karl Addict

2012-02-13T07:30:00.000-05:00

The moment I chose these awesome ripped effect/paint splatter jeans from my new sponsor OASAP I knew exactly what I wanted to wear with them! I went for the whole edgy rocker chick look, I am basically Karlified! Karl Lagerfeld shirt, gloves and a Chanel bag to top it all off! I really love the full black look but I never had all the pieces to be able to do it, and now I do! I even went with really dark lipstick, ha ha. And I put on too much blush, but who cares, it was crazy day! [photo overload, sorry, haha] My lovely roommate helped me out with the detail photos before we went to have out girls day.

We went to one of my favorite restaurants, The Chowder Pot and then to the mall! I was a bad girl and bought Chanel April nail polish and Beauté Initiale Energizing Multi-Protection Fluid with SPF 15 (I got a sample of it and became addicted). And I finally got a good one piece bathing suit, TWO actually. I had ordered this Miu Miu one but it was too open on the sides for my liking. I got this brown and navy striped DKNY one-piece and this Michael Michael Kors leopard print one-piece!

P.S. Don't forget to enter the Maximal Art giveaway to win a heart charm bracelet!

Jeans c/o OASAP, Tee: Karl c/o net-a-porter, Blazer: Ralph Lauren gift, Fingerless Gloves: Karl c/o net-a-porter, Booties: R2 (DSW) $35, Bracelet: Diamer Jewelry c/o The Missing Piece, Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Shopbop) gift card, Bag: Chanel

This Week in Fashion

2012-02-10T07:30:00.000-05:00

It looks like there were 2 themes with my outfits this week. I decided to make it a scarf week since I have quite a few and hardly ever wear them. My newest is my blue Jason Wu for Target scarf (worn on Monday)...LOVE it! But, as you can see, I also wore a lot of purple. I haven't had a purple-centric week in a while, I usually try to mix it up with other colors, but we all know how much I love purple. I was also very good and stuck to my wearing makeup every day rule! It always makes me feel so much more confident, I don't know why I don't just take the extra 5 minutes to put it on...I blame laziness.

I was invited to an event in NYC tonight but I'm not sure I'll be able to make it because it is such a hassle to get to the city after work for only a couple hours. I really want to go but, as you know, I'm also scared of catching a cab on my own. Then Saturday I will be doing some house chores. And Sunday is roommate day! My roomie and I are going to spend the whole day together because even though we live together we hardly see each other... Do you have any exciting weekend plans?

Speaking of weekends, you may have noticed that last weekend I didn't post on Sunday like I usually do. I've decided to take both Saturday and Sunday off blogging because traffic is pretty slow because most people are out doing things (unlike me). I hope you can all survive the heartache I know you are all experiencing right now. ;)

Monday: Dress: Marc by Marc Jacobs (eBay) $27, Sweater: Ami Dans La Rue via Shopbop gift card, Pumps: Candie's $12, Belt: Kenneth Cole Reaction $7, Scarf: Jason Wu for Target $20, Watch: Michael Kors, Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs	Tuesday: Blazer: Gap $3, Top: Michael Kors $25, Jeans: Free People (Gilt Groupe) gift card, , Boots: Vintage (eBay) $11, Scarf: Target $12, Watch: Michael Kors, Purse: Mulberry won from The Flower Girl
Wednesday: Sweater: French Connection gift, Skirt: made by mom, Scarf: made by me, Heels: Miu Miu (eBay), Watch: Michael Kors, Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs	Thursday: Dress: Marc by Marc Jacobs (eBay) $27, Sweater: Ralph Lauren $8, Sandals: Vera Wang (Kohl's) $20, Scarf: Yarnz c/o net-a-porter, Watch: Michael Kors, Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Friday: Jeans: Free People (Marshalls) $20, Sweater: Madwell (Shopbop) gift card, Jacket: Mudd $8, Scarf: from my aunt, Heels: Forever 21 $25

{introducing...} The Splurge

2012-02-09T07:30:00.000-05:00

Say hello to Sirius! Yes, named after Sirius Black from Harry Potter. No, I am not ashamed that I name inanimate objects after Harry Potter characters. (my car is named Hugo and my purple Marc Jacobs is Arnold; those are more obscure Potter related names though)

Sirius! And my ever expanding inspiration board

Well...I finally got it! I bought my Chanel 2.55 Classic Flap! I am not going to make it a habit of buying expensive pieces but this is a classic item that I have wanted for years and it will last forever. I know that some people would say buying a Chanel bag for $3000 is against the mission of my blog, which is dressing on a budget. But it actually isn't, I have been slowly saving for this bag for 2 years, it was part of my budget to put away a certain amount of money for each paycheck. If I had just splurged on this out of the blue then THAT would be against my blog. The point is, if you want something expensive you need to plan out your money situation, decide when you want to buy it and then figure out how much money you need to save per week/month in order to buy it in that time frame. OR another idea is you can have an "emergency clothes fund" where you save some money in case of an amazing sale or item that is selling out fast. This way you aren't taking money out of your food and living essentials budget.

Bags: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Net-a-Porter gift card), Ralph Lauren (Christmas gift), Chanel

If you remember from the end of last month I had finally saved enough to buy a Chanel but struck out TWICE in the same day. I won't retell the story but you can read it in this post. On February 1st I was checking out Madison Avenue Couture, the store that had a Chanel sale on Rue La La, to see if they had any Chanel bags in stock. They showed a bunch on the site but most were already sold and hadn't been deleted from the site yet. But then I found it, a Chanel 2.55 in black lambskin with gold hardware...exactly what I was looking for! So I ordered it and proceeded to freak out about how much money I had just spent.

My actual bag, photographed by Madison Avenue Couture

The next day they called me to tell me they had already sold the purse I bought and hadn't marked it as sold on the site yet, but they had the same exact purse that I bought except it was 4 years newer than mine and subsequently $400 more expensive. They offered that to me and to make up for the mistake they didn't charge the extra $400. Before I accepted I wanted to double check the authenticity of the bag with PurseForum so I asked Madison Avenue Couture for some images of the purse so I could post on the forum. They happily obliged and by the end of the day the girls of the PurseForum confirmed it was authentic! So I emailed them back letting them know I would take the different purse and waited in agony for it to come. It finally arrived on Saturday and I couldn't be happier!

My actual bag, photographed by Madison Avenue Couture

Madison Avenue Couture carries many high end designers and they have a 100% authenticity guarantee and make sure everything they sell is authentic. Most of the items are pre-owned but some are brand new as well. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for cheaper designer items, they are obviously still expensive but cheaper than buying new, full-priced items. They also have amazing customer service and want to make sure you're happy with your purchase.

*I was not paid or asked to write this post about Madison Avenue Couture, I just wanted to share my satisfaction with my readers to let them know about my experience.

{outfit} Eggplant

2012-02-08T07:30:00.000-05:00

Fact: this blazer was only $3! Lydia found it at her local thrift store and it was in my size so picked it up for me because she knows how obsessed I am with purple!! Gotta love awesome blogger friends! This blazer is replacing my much brighter BCBG blazer that makes me look a BIT too much like Willy Wonka, and I LOVE Willy Wonka... I felt a bit like an eggplant in this outfit with my purple blazer and then my green top, so the title of this post isn't THAT random...

This week all my posts seem to be about new things! Tomorrow you get to see my new most prized possession. His (meaning it's) name is Sirius, which gives you no clues as to what it is. But most of you already know what it is, I just like pretending you don't.

Blazer: Gap $3, Top: Michael Kors $25, Jeans: Free People (Gilt Groupe) gift card, , Boots: Vintage (eBay) $11, Scarf: Target $12, Watch: Michael Kors, Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs

{just in} Jason Wu for Target

2012-02-07T07:30:00.000-05:00

My loot, the bag and pink dress are for other people

I made out pretty well with Jason Wu for Target, though my store didn't have a few of the pieces I really wanted (see below). I arrived at my Target at 7:50 (it opened at 8) and there was NO one there (okay, like 2). Then we all ran inside when the lights turned on and grabbed things we wanted to try on. I tried on almost one of everything they had and I bought the following

I am TOTALLY in love with the blue floral dress, I just wish my Target had the skirt version :( (they had the top but I left it there because I wasn't sure about the sheer top) I made a new friend too, we were talking while waiting for the store to open and then decided to go to another Target together to see if they had different stuff (they didn't).

I tried to swirl, haha

P.S. Does anyone want this dress, it's a size Medium, I got it for my mom but she didn't like how it looked on her. I'd sell it for what I paid + shipping, email me: aclosetfashionista-blog[at]yahoo[dot]com :) It also has a fabric sash belt but that's not in the photo for some reason. I may return the black and white dress, pink top and kitty tee too because I just found out yesterday that I'm going to London in March (Harry Potter stuff) so I need to stop spending all my moola. So if anyone wants any of those pieces let me know!

I also wanted these pieces but my Target didn't have them and they were sold online within a matter of hours so I missed out.

I was also a bad girl after I bought all this and ordered from Net-a-Porter, you'll see what I got soon if it fits. AND yesterday I finally used my Outnet gift card and bought something..

{be my valentine} Maximal Art by John Wind Giveaway

2012-02-06T07:30:00.000-05:00

There is only one week left until Valentine's Day, and since I don't have a Valentine (as usual,) I have decided that ALL of you are mine! And one of you will be able to win the adorable charm bracelet featured below from Maximal Art by John Wind (you may remember this company from a previous giveaway and this feature). John Wind creates amazing jewelry that any girl would love. I've chosen a few that I think would make great Valentine's Day gifts for the women in your lives (friends, mothers, girlfriends, etc.)

Silver Mesh Bow Cuff $79, Multi Strand Baroque Pearl & Gold Chain Necklace $199, Tiny Cotton Ball Sparkle Flower Post Earrings $42, Gold Bee Charm Holder Necklace $54, Feather Cuff $85

Bracelet c/o Maximal Art, Heels: Marc by Marc Jacobs (net-a-porter) gift card, Tee: American Eagle $5

To Win: The giveaway is open to my readers in the United States and will close on February 13th! I will announce the winner on Valentine's Day

Mandatory Entry: You must be a follower of my blog with google or bloglovin. You must also like Maximal Art by John Wind on Facebook. Make sure to leave your email as well so I can contact you if you win!

Bonus Entries: Leave one comment for EACH additional entry. Each comment counts as an entry so if you put all your extra entries in one comment that only counts as 1 entry...

Follow Maximal Art on twitter [@JWMaximalArt]
Visit the Maximal Art website and comment with your favorite item
Follow Closet Fashionista on Twitter [leave your twitter username so I can check]
Like Closet Fashionista on Facebook
Follow Closet Fashionsita with Google AND Bloglovin

Winner: The winner will be announced on Twitter & probably the blog on the 14th and will be chosen by random.org

This Week in Fashion

2012-02-03T07:30:00.000-05:00

When I look at my weekly roundup of outfits I get very annoyed with myself... As you can see, on Monday and Tuesday my face looks lovely because I actually took the 7 minutes to put on my makeup (I timed it once). The rest of the week I was too lazy and didn't so my face looks dead, ha ha. And don't lie to me and say "ohhh your face looks great, what are you talking about," because it really doesn't ;) My outfits also decrease in awesomeness as the week goes on, another thing I need to remedy! So my goal for February is to wear makeup every day AND wear awesome outfits every day!

Does anyone have exciting plans this weekend? Saturday I plan on doing absolutely nothing and Sunday will be quite the busy day. I am getting up early to get to Target for 8am for Jason Wu for Target! I know I am going to come out with nothing but it's the thrill of the hunt I enjoy. But hopefully I do get at least one piece! Then later in the day I'm heading home to watch the Super Bowl with my family.

I also have some REALLY big news, if you follow me on Twitter you already know, but I'm going to keep you in suspense until it arrives. But if you are really curious just check my Twitter ;)

Monday: Blazer: The Extreme Collection (Second Time Around Vintage) $50, Sweater: Willi Smith (TJ Maxx) gift, Jeans: Free People (Marshalls) $20, Wedges: Crown Vintage (DSW) $35, Watch: Michael Kors, Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs	Skirt: Zara (eBay) $30, Top: Express $35, Sweater: Forever 21 $11, Shoes: Payless $18, Necklace: Vanessa Mooney won from Sterling Style, Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Shopbop), Watch: Michael Kors
Wednesday: Cargos: American Eagle $0, Sweater: Kohl's gift, Flats: Liz Claiborne (DSW) gift, Watch: Michael Kors, Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs	Thursday: Sweater 1 (stripes): hand-me-down, Sweater 2: DKNY Cozy (TJ Maxx) $20, Jeans: Sass & Bide (eBay) $20, Booties: R2 (DSW) $35, Watch: Michael Kors, Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Friday: Skirt: abercrombie kids $12, Sweater Top c/o Pixie Knitwear, Blazer: Necessary Objects (Rue La La) $20, Booties: Alexander Wang (The Outnet) gift, Watch: Michael Kors, Purse: Mulberry (The Flower Girl Giveaway)

{off-blog} Dress for Less

2012-02-02T07:30:00.000-05:00

No post here today since I did a guest post on Shannon's blog, Wine Taste Girl, while she is on vacation! It will be posted some time today, I'm not exactly sure when. UPDATE: The post is up, here.

But here is a little sneak peek, it is a Dress for Less featuring the following little beauty:

Splendid $97

{outfit} Blueberry Brownie

2012-02-01T07:30:00.000-05:00

Two outfit posts in a row, I'm on a roll (maybe you'll get one tomorrow too...but that's unlikely, its hard taking photos in the morning, so cold!) And today's title is really random, but my outfit is brown with purple...so :)

It is funny to think about how our style changes over time when we become more confident in ourselves. If this was 2 years ago I would NEVER wear what I wore yesterday. The short skirt, shiny leopard print fabric, button down shirt and brown pumps are all things I would never wear together. I only started wearing a button down a few months ago (this is still my only one, I need some more...) And the REALLY funny thing is...this outfit is SO basic (apart from the skirt.) What are some things you wear now that you would not have worn in the past?

I tried to do something with my hair but it failed miserably, I didn't do it tight enough. The photos don't show it well but I did an upside down french braid on the back of my head and then put it in a bun at the top. And I even added a cute comb thing with gems on it. I think its because my hair is shorter so it doesn't stay as well as it used to...

Skirt: Zara (eBay) $30, Top: Express $35, Sweater: Forever 21 $11, Shoes: Payless $18, Necklace: Vanessa Mooney won from Sterling Style, Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Shopbop), Watch: Michael Kors

{outfit} Second Time Around

2012-01-31T07:30:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was oddly warm, all I wore was this blazer, no coat! For those of you that don't recognize it, this is the blazer I bought last Wednesday while in New York City. I bought it from Second Time Around (on Mott Street). Another location of this store had it's own show on Bravo, Fashion Hunters, which I actually quite enjoy. Did any of you watch it? I almost didn't buy this because it was $50, but I am so glad Lydia convinced me. I love it so much, there are so many fun details (the stitching, three pockets on one side and even the lining, which I forgot to photograph...next time!)

This is one of my all time favorite outfits, jeans + heels + blazer...perfection! It is one of my go to looks (along with dress + blazer/sweater) easy, professional and a bit casual all at once! I am trying to grow a nice blazer collection, and I have another one on the way thanks to Lydia, she saw one at her local thrift store for $3...it's dark purple AND velvet, my two favorite things (she has a teal version of it!)! I can't wait for it to arrive Do you like blazers?

Blazer: The Extreme Collection (Second Time Around) $50, Turtleneck Sweater: Willi Smith (TJ Maxx) gift, Jeans: Free People (Marshalls) $20, Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Shopbop), Watch: Michael Kors

I also really liked this shot, but the sun flare ruined my face (which was actually pretty for once, haha)

{recap} KARL for Net-a-Porter Launch + The Chanel Debacle

2012-01-29T07:30:00.000-05:00

This is a few days overdue but here it is, FINALLY, my recap of the launch of KARL by Karl Lagerfeld for Net-a-Porter! This post will be in the form of a very LONG diary of my day/review of the collection. I was specifically invited to the event, by the lovely folks at Net-a-Porter, but it was an open event so anyone could go. My day started SUPER early, I got up at 6am & caught an 8:15 train where I met up with Lydia! We talked about craziness on our ride into the city and had to hail a cab. Thankfully for us there was one just sitting there waiting so we didn't have to try really hard (we both STINK at catching cabs.) We got to the event about 45 minutes early & the line wasn't too long, yet. Then began our long wait for the fun to begin! There was a guy & his girlfriend ahead of us (he worked at Chanel) and he kept complaining about how tacky & dumb the event was and "Chanel would never do something like this"...I wanted to punch him!

As it got closer to 10:30 the staff started walking around asking if we had downloaded the KARL app yet so we could shop and win once the event began! They also handed out gift bags to the first people in line. We all got bags and "Karl Addict" tshirts and then everyone got another special item. I got the famous Karl Lagerfeld gloves ($65) and Lydia got an amazing sequin collar ($175.)

At 10:30 they removed a cloth banner covering the window to reveal 3 of the outfits from the collection and this is where the fun began! They let us through in groups and we used our iPhones and iPads (they also supplied them) to scan the outfits and try to win pieces from the collection! So many girls around Lydia and I were winning but luck just wasn't on our side. Then we proceeded inside the building where there were more outfits to scan as well as a fun coffee stand so you could get a drink in a fun Karl Lagerfeld cup. After scanning for a while and not winning we gave up and decided to head out for some NYC fun. Some of the girls who worked for Net-a-Porter actually remembered me from the Affiliate Tea in July, so that was nice!

To finish up with the Karl part of the day, here are some of my favorite pieces in the collection, I tried to win some of them at the Window Shop, but sadly I only left with my bag, tshirt and gloves. The collection is full of some amazing statement pieces that are also pretty basic. For example all of the sequin pieces, if you wore them all at once you would look like a crazy person, but wear the jacket with simple jeans and pumps and it is perfection! I love the edgyness and that it is only 3 colors: black, white and grey/silver. Click to view product pages.
[I should have bought the Burgundy dress...maybe if it comes back in stock...]

After the event we went to take our outfit photos (and we stupidly though "oh, we'll do our crossing the street photos later" and never did them...poo!) then walked for a bit and found an adorable cafe in the West Village called Doma where we went for lunch! I got DELICIOUS French Toast with sliced fruit and Lydia got an icky goat cheese salad thing ;) After we were fed and watered we headed out to do what any fashion bloggers would do in the city: SHOP! Our first stop was Second Time Around, where I got the blazer I posted on Thursday. Then we also stopped at Loehman's, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Zara and H&M before we were too pooped to walk and had to head home.

The lovely Lydia (all photographs in this post, except the second one, are by her)

Sandals: Miu Miu eBay, Blazer: Moschino Cheap & Chic eBay $27, Jeans: Free People (Gilt Groupe) gift card, Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Shopbop), Watch: Michael Kors, Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Shopbop) gift card, Coat: TJ Maxx gift ($40)

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Here is the story I promised on Thursday (this is very long winded and ends badly, so you don't have to read it.) As some of you may know, I have been saving up for a Chanel bag since I started my job, I will FINALLY have enough once my tax return comes through but Chanel is raising their prices by 500-600 dollars on February 1st (YUCK!) so I was hoping to find one in the city. But as timing would have it, Rue La La was having a Chanel sale on Wednesday at 11am (aka right in the middle of the Karl event.) So at 11 I went to the app on my iPhone & tried to find a suitable purse. I found the perfect one: a vintage Jumbo Black Classic Flap in Caviar for $3,999, which is $1000 cheaper than the current purses ($1600 cheaper than they will be in a few days).

After agonizing and bugging Lydia about it for a few minutes I finally pressed "Buy It" but my credit card wouldn't work!! That's probably because I've never spent that much money in one transaction...EVER...so it thought my card was stolen. I couldn't call the company to let them know because I was in the middle of a crowded room, so I tried another card, still no go...and then the bag was gone! I was SO depressed. My Chanel dreams were crushed and I gave up hope on ever getting my most coveted item.
[After we left the event I had to call my credit card company, but at least I got a good shot out of it that you saw above ;) Props to Lydia for taking advantage of my misfortune and turning it into an awesome picture!]

But when we were in Loehman's, Lydia pointed out a $16,000 Hermes bag and we drooled over it, I slowly looked up and there it was...a gorgeous dark purple (my favorite color) Chanel, on sale for $2800, so we asked if I could see it. As I held the purse I died a bit inside...SO soft, so amazing, but it wasn't a classic flap so I passed. Once again I was so close and had it ripped from my hands! VERY depressing. I just have to hope that a sample sale site will have another Chanel sale soon (doubtful).

It was like this but fully quilted like the classic flap

Here's hoping that I get amazingly lucky and find my perfect Chanel for under $4000....highly unlikely. (I want black, purple or dark burgundy...black would be ideal but those are hard to come by in Classic Flaps)

This Week in Fashion

2012-01-27T07:30:00.000-05:00

This was a wild week, but only because it was split up by my jaunt to NYC! Two days of work, one day of whirlwind travel and then 2 days back at work...it makes me tired! Don't worry, I'll be posting my recap of Wednesday's event this weekend! But you get a sneak peek by seeing my outfit! (photo by Lydia)

This weekend will be fun though, my sister and I are visiting with mutual friends we've had since elementary school (she was friends with the older one, then I became friends with the younger one and all 4 of us hang out). We're staying at the oldest one's apartment near Yale so we'll be hanging around New Haven. We're also going to see Beauty and the Beast tomorrow before heading over there! :)

Monday: Sweater: H&M $20, Flats: Missoni for Target $30, Belt: Kenneth Cole Reaction $7, Watch: Michael Kors, Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs	Tuesday: Dress: McQ by Alexander McQueen gift, Turtleneck: French Connection gift, Wedges: R2 (DSW) $35, Watch: Michael Kors, Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Wednesday: Blazer: Moschino Cheap & Chic (eBay) $27, Sweater: TJ Maxx $10, Jeans: Free People (Gilt Groupe) gift card, Sandals: Miu Miu (eBay), Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Shopbop) gift card, Watch: Michael Kors, Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs	Thursday: Pants: Glo (really old), Sweater: Inis Crafts (TJ Maxx) gift, Flats: vanEli (DSW) gift, Watch: Michael Kors, Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Friday: Dress: Marc by Marc Jacobs (eBay) $27, Sweater: The Limited (TJ Maxx) gift, Boots: vintage (eBay) $11

{instagram diary} NYC - Karl Lagerfeld for Net-a-Porter Launch

2012-01-26T07:27:00.000-05:00

Super quick post today since I am DEAD tired from my trip to NYC, I promise a more detailed post soon! But I do have a confession...I am a HORRIBLE blogger and didn't take any pictures, luckily Lydia did so I will be stealing her photos (she also took some amazing shots of my outfit, and I took some okay ones of hers...I'm not as good of a photographer...see her post here) ;) I got an iPhone on Sunday... FINALLY...so I took some photos with Instagram!

My shoes (I lasted half the day before changing into flats)

The line at the KARL event

Lydia and me!

Cute model at the KARL event

Lydia at Doma Cafe in Chelsea

My delicious french toast from Doma

And here are 2 that Lydia took:

Our nails matched our purses!

Me taking a picture of my tasty french toast from Doma!

Lastly I only bought ONE thing while in the city (would have been more but you'll get the full story later). We stopped at Second Time Around (on Mott Street), which is a consignment shop. They had so many awesome pieces but I feel in LOVE with this blazer, it was a splurge at $50 but I love it, it's so unique! I'm not entirely sure what designer it is by...the tag says: The Extreme Collection - Privée - Limited Edition ...any ideas?

UPDATE: Thanks to Tracy I know it is actually called "The Extreme Collection," imagine that... [I'm such an idiot, why didn't I think to search that instead of Privee]

{daily inspiration} ... A Thousand Words

2012-01-25T07:30:00.000-05:00

Another one picture post. Sometimes it's best to let the photos (and fashion) speak for themselves (itself).

The Sartorialist

{daily inspiration} A Picture is Worth ...

2012-01-24T07:30:00.000-05:00

Today I thought I would keep things simple and post one image with no text (except this) As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words...what does it say to you? [to be continued tomorrow]

The Sartorialist

{what to wear} Launch of KARL with Net-a-Porter

2012-01-22T07:30:00.000-05:00

On Friday I got a very exciting email from net-a-porter inviting me to the launch of KARL by Karl Lagerfeld for net-a-porter on January 25th in New York City. I hastily asked for the day off and thankfully it was granted! At first I thought it was an exclusive event because my email said to RSVP, but then I got a general email in the form of a net-a-porter newsletter and it is actually an open event, so you guys can go too! There are pop-up store locations in 5 countries, I posted the information below.

The only problem is to shop the collection you need an app on your iPhone or iPad 2 and I have neither...it may finally be time for me to bite the bullet and buy the iPhone4s...I've wanted one for a while but just didn't want to spend the money. I only have 3 days to get one though and I hate going places after work...so we'll see if I can make it to the store today or something.

Now the next problem is...WHAT DO I WEAR!? This is my first time going to an event like this, the past 2 times I was able to go to a fashion event was an affiliate tea and my Outnet Photoshoot, nothing as big as this. I've been agonizing over what to wear and so far I was thinking of a simple look with some pop. I have to decide what to wear UNDER the blazer though...and I'll probably need a coat...perhaps my leopard coat?or would that be too leopardy?

Sandals: Miu Miu eBay
Blazer: Moschino Cheap & Chic eBay $27
Jeans: Free People (Gilt Groupe) gift card
Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Shopbop)
Watch: Michael Kors (25% off at Lord & Taylor)
Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Shopbop) gift card
(I will obviously have flats in my purse for when my feet start dying)
And yes, this is sorta a copy of something I wore 2 weeks ago, but when something works why not wear it again? ;)

I am also freaking out because I've never caught a cab on my own before...as many of you know I am VERY shy so whenever I go to NYC alone I walk EVERYWHERE and avoid talking to people. BUT if I walked to this event it would take forever, so that is not an option, ha ha. But now that I did this post there is no chickening out because you all know I'm going ;)