…man, the idea is appealing sometimes.

Like those times when you wake up, look around, see that no, you didn’t magically do laundry without your own knowledge the day before, and yes, there are only four clean items of clothing for you today.

These are the times that my fashion morals are challenged. How easy it must be for Queen Michelle to look amazing every morning, with those 600 mile long legs all a-slick with PVC. Top it with… well, whatever! She’ll look ridiculously good no matter what.

But for me? Can I walk around looking like I just left the Liquid Latex Wrestling tournament, and found a baggy t-shirt on the way home? I don’t know. I think I’m back on the “they’re not pants” bandwagon.

…Then I go to Black Milk. Then I realize it was a mistake, and my morals are aflutter with one hell of a dilemma.

The Phoenix Leggings $80

Much in the way I view Bebaroque as the Queen of Tights, I view Black Milk as the God of Leggings. The designer, James Lillis, knows what he’s doing when it comes to spandex + footless leg coverings.

Wet Look Leggings $40

The ever-popular, highly-appealing leather-esque leggings. I’ve been warming up to the idea of these over the many months that they’ve been… well, everywhere. Maybe someday soon, I’ll pick some up right after no one cares anymore.

Candy Candy, You Are The One And Only! Leggings $80

The beautiful print is by Machiko Satonaka. These are nowhere near my style, but I like them.

Resurrection $80

I love a good understated creepy vibe, and that’s totally these. They come in black with white bones, too – equally as cool looking.

Gold Spartans $90

These are fascinating. I almost wish I had the aesthetic preference to pair them with something really exorbitant and busy… But I think I would feel the most comfortable pairing them with something solid and architectural. Let ‘em shine, right?

Lace Spartans $90

These are… borderline too-”80s” for me. I love a good lace panel, but I’m not sure if I’d feel totally comfortable in these.

These are definitely leggings that you need to take care of. The higher prices are in line with the quality, to be sure, so if you get a pair – REALLY make them last!

Which are your favorites?

Technorati Tags: black milk, bones, leggings, liquid, patterned, pvc

Revenge?! So close to True Romance?

Yes. Why? Because I’m self-centered. I’m self-centered to the point that everything on this website revolves around me, and where my head is in the world of fashion.

Well, my head just ended a three year relationship, so guess what… Now my head likes the idea of taking revenge on the universe that just turned her life upside down. My head is also a “her”, apparently.

So, I hopped on the “revenge” train, initially, by facing the world in the morning. That was tough. So tough, in fact, that I needed some assistance.

…So I stole his sunglasses.

Yep. Those monster, gold specs are those of my ex-lover, and guess what – he’s not getting them back – sorry, darling!

Sunglasses. Think Lady Gaga, think Anna Wintour, and – oh, every other celebrity in a 500 mile radius of Earth. On days like today, I can’t help but relate to the women who never take their glasses off. I don’t want to look at anyone, catch their eye, get caught staring off, longingly… Nope, just leave me behind my slightly amber wall of anonymity, and my repairs can begin to take place.

I, personally, like aviator glasses mixed with a playlist of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, DJ Shadow, and Mos Def.

If I didn’t have an ex-boyfriend from whom I was able to steal sunglasses, I might reach for these…

Chinese Laundry Aviators $15

Hot Kiss Pewter Aviators $15

80’s Purple Yanki II Vintage Aviator Sunglasses $10

Tell me stories about how you overcame heartbreak.

Technorati Tags: aviators, breakups, fashion, sunglasses

This post could go one of two ways:

- It could be a post about brutal, insane, murderous, instable romance a la Quentin Tarantino (& Brad Pitt in a most hilarious role), or…
- It could actually be about concentrated, pure romance.

Fortunately, because there are so few blood-and-guts-related garments or accessories to be had, the latter is our topic of choice on this fine Tuesday.

Last weekend, I was contacted by a shop called Brittany & Cooper linking me to their deceptively kitschy little jewelry site.

The pieces that caught my eye most often were these adorable, vintage-looking love pieces. They’re a little weathered, really mushy-mushy-lovey, and exceedingly charming.

French Love Meter $13

I’ve never seen this before – how cute, right? I love the idea of a “Love Meter”.

“He Loves Me” Spinner $13

Please do not use this for real-life situations.

Love Letter $12

I’ve seen a few incarnations of this one, but it never gets old. (Much like I would assume actual love letters never get old…)

Key To My Heart Pendant $15

I thought this was precious until I read the description: “OMG! You’ll totally win over your crush with this mega-hot Heart Key Pendant.” Let’s just not think about it. Hey, everyone has a demographic. Sometimes, you’re 10 years older than that demographic.

I Love You Postcard $12

Awww. S’cuuute. (This one is for the girl who is as cute as the one who got the Love Letter necklace, but requires less attention.)

So, what have we learned?

If you’re a good person: You can give the “I Love You” postcard to your Mom or best friend or something.

If you’re a bad person: These are a really great, passive aggressive way to make your one single friend feel inferior.

Just sayin’.

Technorati Tags: brass, envelope, love notes, necklace, pendants, valentine's day

Whether it’s a PR scheme or not, “Great Boots Under $100″ in my inbox will usually make me click on something.

This time, it’s Steve Madden – remember his early boots? They were not-so-impressive. These boots are more-so-impressive.

Because I’m keeping myself to a strict regiment of “Wish List”, I’m going to show you the flat boots from Steve Madden that I would consider wearing in public. Some of Steve’s boots can get a little…. Pretty Woman, but we’ll try to stick to the basics.

Moonlit (Also Available in Grey & Black) $59.98 (were $119.95)

These are the pair that I’m leaning on the most. Not just less than $100, but less than $60. They’re basic, but not boring, and that’s kiiiiind of my favorite.

Ballack (Also available in Black) $74.98 (were $169.95)

No, they’re not perfectly flat, I know… But they’re low enough that it’s really inconsequential (but I probably didn’t have to tell you that… Damn you, Need For Justification!).

Brinx $84.98 (were $169.95)

These are, yes, similar to the 500 other brands of “engineer boot” currently circulating through the feet of our planet. There is nothing particularly noteworthy about this Steve Madden pair, but I said I’d show you what I’d consider wearing in public, so there she is! Plus, I don’t know that you’ll find many leather engineer boots for less than $100 right now, anyway. So enjoy!

Technorati Tags: boots, flat boots, leather, sale, steve madden, walking

There are lots of reasons that I don’t own more jewelry, but one of the main reasons is, well… Jewelry lovers, consider this fair warning: you’re not going to like what you’re about to hear.

One of the reasons I don’t go gallivanting into the realm of accessories or jewelry is because I am so, so, so bored. I’m terribly bored. Oooh, a pendant on a chain. Oooh, a tennis bracelet. Ooooooooooooooh… A ring. A small circle that one places over their finger to a point that it is secured between two knuckles, displaying either only metal, a rock of some kind, or… Well, you tell me!

Bottom line: jewelry looks the same to me. All of it. I have a photographic memory when it comes to clothing, shoes, beautiful things in general, but jewelry? I don’t even know what I have. I couldn’t tell you if I owned 3 or 30 necklaces. I know I have two rings because I never take them off.

I want to enjoy jewelry – I really do! I just can’t get behind things that bore me, you know? I know how “uppity” the phrase “booooore me” sounds, but I’m serious. It’s a problem, and I want to fix it. Fortunately, I stumbled across the work of Vanessa Quijano. Actually, months ago I believe she sent me an email that got lost in the depths – now I’m kicking myself for not looking sooner!

I’m actually inspired by this stuff!

(Click the images to go to the product page.)

$82

$90

$76

Definitely check this one out on Smashing Darling, and click for a larger image. The details are gorgeous!

$56

Who/where is your “go-to” for interesting jewelry?

Technorati Tags: accessories, crystals, Designer on the Cheap, independent, jewelry, necklaces, silver, smashing darling, vanessa quijano, wrap

As we all know, my true love obsession with Bad Joan is ever-present.

The more designers they add, the more I adore them. The more categories they cover, the more I swoon. The smallest adjustments made to their inventory have me on my toes and, yes, there was someone named “Joan” in my dream last night.

Honestly, and I wasn’t planning on posting this, I’ve completely assigned a persona to Bad Joan. She looks like this:

The obvious choice. She she gets on the computer every morning with a cigarette in her hand, and a passive aggressive attitude, and sends me emails saying “Hey, Elle. Just wanted to drop you a note that I have new Jenny Han pieces. Oh, yes I know you can’t afford them… Well, of course I’ll still send them! There’s nothing more delicious than seeing you in excruciating, longing-related pain….”

Bad Joan.

I’m 100% sure that the folks who actually run Bad Joan are absolute dolls – mostly because I’ve spoken with them before and they sound nothing like the Joan that I envisioned.

Anyway, I told you this story because of the immediate visual situations that new clothing occasionally inspires. Do you experience it, too? When you lay eyes on a new, beautiful garment, and all of a sudden you have to buy it because, Oh My God, you’re going to be late for tea with your stylist, and then you’re going to be rushed off to the opera – which means you won’t have time to pick anything up to wear to that dinner party tomorrow night, which the Queen will be attending.

Please tell me I am not nourishing some kind of insanity here.

Either way – insane or not – that is the imagery recently conjured up by the latest pieces from Jenny Han.

Jenny Han Silk Blouse in Winter $54

Cinched Back Blouse $53

Pintuck Blouse $53

Ruffle Front Dress $60

Jewel Neck Dress $60

Maybe I just love clothes too much. Maybe, at this point, it’s not an obsession anymore, it’s a condition.

Technorati Tags: bad joan, fashion, independent designer, indie, jenny han, silk, winter

I was browsing last month’s Lucky Magazine this morning, and came across the most beautiful, delicate necklace on one of the “I’m Loving This” pages. It was almost a broken tulip shape, with the bud at the chain, and a very elegant, curvy stem.

I discovered that it came from Demitasse Jewelry, who I’d never heard of, previously. I love finding beautiful, interesting jewelry because I know nothing about it. I always crave it, but my passion lays in the garments of the world. I’m a buffoon when it comes to accessories.

Anyway, back to the necklace. Point is:

It’s beautiful.

I’m in love with it.

I need it.

Oh yeah, and it’s not a tulip after all…

IT’S A FREAKIN’ MUSTACHE.

You heard. I’m in love with a golden mustache.

This particular model, shown above, is Salvador Dali’s (or The Dali’la Stashe) mustache. Turns out I’m not so shocked about my own adoration – Salvador Dali & I have always had a strong connection. We share birthdays, and a total adoration for surrealism. Being that this necklace is only $65, I may just have to save a couple weeks of coffee money to snag one for myself! What’s two weeks of home-brewed coffee when you could have Salvador Dali’s Mustache immortalized around your neck forever? If you want to up the cute-factor, I’ll tell you that this mustache is only 1 1/2″ long.

And yes, Birdie, you may use it as your own mustache. It’s even encouraged.

Beautiful.

Also, if you’re not really into Dali, don’t fret – there are others….

This is the Georgina Demistache, modeled after King George, available for $115.

Perhaps you need a Demistashe Rosary to help clear yourself from the great sin of shaving. Available for $98

I know you didn’t think it could get better, but let me drop a little note about the designer…

LA-based designer Rachael White established her fine jewelry line, Demitasse, in 2006. Demitasse reinvents the opulence of antique tableware and serving pieces into fine gourmet jewelry of gold, sterling, diamonds and sapphires.

True love. It’s here.

Technorati Tags: artists, creative, dali, facial hair, jewelry, mustache, mustache finger, stache

It’s been over a year since I moved to Chicago, and I’m finally starting to feel some roots forming.

That means, of course, I now feel entitled to want better amenities. While I was still in the honeymoon phase of this big, new move – everything was magic. My tiny apartment was perfect and quaint, my biiig windows were beautiful – who cares that they face a brick wall and my kitchen – it’s adorable, with its 64 sq. inches of counter space.

Well… Now that I’m actually living here, I’m itching for an upgrade.

I can’t stop fantasizing about parties, gatherings and soirees… Beautiful music, beautiful people, beautiful clothes, and beautiful food. Don’t worry – I’m not going yuppie on you. We might be drinking Two-Buck-Chuck, Ak-Mak tapas, and grilled cheese petit fours, but it’s going to look and feel much fancier.

Exchange by Charles David – Adept $24.75 (were $99)
See by Chloe Draped Silk Dress $156.25 (was $625)
Blu Bijoux Black Cougar Bangle $54
Charlotte Russe Ribbed Knit Tights $8.99

The dress: it’s easy, it’s pretty, and it’s really, really on sale. I love the shoes for a) the ridiculous price and b) the extreme versatility that comes from such a unique shoe. It’s not just a black pump – it’s unusual, it’s got an element of design to it.

Some of you know about my other projects – obviously there’s The Demoiselles and there’s Getting Healthy – but a lesser-known side project, only visible via BlogRoll, is Ghetto Galley – my sweety’s and my food blog. It started with an obsession with (prepare for shock) making really high-quality food for a very small price, but it bloomed into a full-throttle obsession with everything kitchen.

…Making my lust for entertaining even stronger.

cb2 Dandelion Square Platter $12.95

cb2 Marble Cheese Trays $16.95 – 19.95

cb2 Arc Stemware $3.50 – $3.95

And, what of the music, you ask? Here’s a sample of my winter playlist (view the whole playlist here!):

Goldfrapp – Black Cherry
Yonderboi – Ohne Chanteuse
Ella Fitzgerald – Angel Eyes (Layo & Bushwacka Remix)
Deer Tick – Baltimore Blues No. 1
Thievery Corporation – Lebanese Blonde

Do you entertain in a small area? What are your tips and tricks?

Technorati Tags: budget, cb2, charles david, chloe, crate & barrel, dress, entertaining, party

I know, it’s been all of five minutes since I posted about my Official Wish List (capitals necessary). Honestly, I’ve been compiling that wish list for months (literally, it’s been a major concern here at the B&B B&B) and finally got the decisive energy to buy a bag that had been on my Amazon wish list for almost a year when it went on sale. I’m so apprehensive about spending large amounts of money on things that I’ve been taught are “frivolous”, but that’s not fair! I deserve to have high-quality things, damnit!

So, if you remember (or look down), number one on my list was “A Quality, Versatile Handbag“. Did such a thing exist? Well, at the time that the list was created, no. At the time the list was posted… yes. I’m so glad I finally bit the bullet and bought something that would last. Sure, it was more than my monthly cable bill (which I paid, too, don’t worry), and it was more than three weeks of El Train fare… But it’s going to last me much, much longer.

It feels really strange to be the author of a blog called “Broke & Beautiful” and be currently penning a piece about spending more than you usually do. Trust me, the coincidence is not lost on me. I’ve always believed, though, that you can be cheap, you can be broke, or you can be financially challenged.

When you’re cheap, you spend the smallest amount of money humanly possible to acquire the item that will just complete the task you’ve set for it. It will do its job, that’s for sure, but whether or not it will do it well… Highly debateable, and for the no-money that you’re not spending as a cheap person, chances are good that no, that thing you wasted your money on was a piece of crap.

When you’re financially challenged, you’re essentially in denial. You’re constantly wishing you had more money, more space, more tiiiime! You’d rather walk through Saks and Nordstrom every weekend longing for things than actually purchasing any of it. You end up coming home with bags and bags of Forever 21 and H&M stuff that you treat like crap because you don’t really have any respect for it, you just bought it to satiate the need to have beautiful things and you happily sacrifice quality for quantity. Variety is the spice of life, right?

(Can you tell which one I used to be?)

When you’re broke, you’re not complacent, but you’re not quite satisfied, either. You’re always looking for the maximum value not just in clothes – but in life. You want to have a beautiful, rich experience – but you don’t want to sacrifice other positive aspects of life if the experience isn’t worth it. Your clothes are unique, but accessible. They’ll last you years and years, but you didn’t spend a fortune on them – you put intellect into your clothes, your style, and your outlook. You research before you buy (and it kind of gets you going…) You get defensive when people suggest that fashion is for the simple minded.

Yeah, I got a little sassy there. You saw it here first!

Anyway.

The idea of “broke“, I feel, is the best of the three, hands down. It’s got the structure for longevity, the potential for expansion and contraction… Maybe it’s just the control freak in me, but I never want to be locked into a lifestyle. I never want to be locked into a style. If I’m dropping $5 on a shirt, not only am I going to not be locked into a style, I will be physically forced out of it once the thing starts falling apart. On the contrary, if I’m dropping $750 on a cocktail dress… I’ll be physically forced out of my house and style because that is way too much dough.

Unfortunate facial placement and expression here.

The thing about a bag is this: It’s never just a bag. It’s never just a four-walled, flat-bottomed, handled mass of fabric. Your bag, at least from the perspective of a 20-something city girl, is just as much a piece of your identity as your shoes, your resume…? When you walk into an interview, a meeting as an independent business owner, a date with a new sweetie, your entire being is a representative of you. A lot of people will take this concept and mark it “superficial“, or “shallow“. It’s not – it’s a choice. You can choose embrace your life through every portal of your being… or you can choose not to have those things represent you.

However, if you’re reading this blog, you’re probably not one of those people.

The bag is the Joe’s Jeans Handbags Victoria Bowler, which I fell in love with around $170 and finally got together with at $71.60.

I was originally looking for a bag that was…

• Good for work.
• Good for not-work.
• Goes with everything, be it messy, polished, trendy, classic, blue, purple, or bright orange.
• Capable of carrying my laptop.
• Capable of carrying cookies.
• Under $120.

I’m proud to say that this bag has achieved each of these goals, most remarkably “carrying my laptop”. Comfortably, no less!

My only qualm is the length of the handles. With my ugly, gigantic, puffy, nylon coat – the straps won’t fit over all the volume to sit on my shoulder. Fortunately, number two on my Wish List is a remarkable winter coat, so this shouldn’t be an issue for too long.

The leather is really gorgeous – it could be the fact that this is one of the few only leather bags I’ve ever owned. In fact, that’s probably exactly what it is. Either way, it makes me happy.

Seeing the Amazon.com box sitting on my couch felt good. Walking over to open it up felt like I was siphoning my respect for the bag’s quality into myself, as someone who recognized her worth enough to treat herself well.

Shirt, Marshalls, $7
Skirt, Torrid , $12
Leggings, Torrid ,$15
Shoes, OnlineShoes.com Warehouse Sale, $30
Bag, Joe’s Jeans Handbags Victoria Bowler, $71.60
Jacket, Mike & Chris Rugby Jacket (no longer available in Grey), gift!

It feels good, and I’m definitely not sure I could ever go back to being financially challenged.

Technorati Tags: bowler, broke, handbags, inepxensive, joe's jeans, quality versus quantity, shopping

It’s possible that the “Spirit of the New Year” – resolutions and such – is nothing more than necessity masquerading as some supernatural inspiration that only comes once a year, right after Santa.

Either way, I like it, and as long as it’s all progressive – I have no complaints.

Well, that’s not true. I do have complaints. I’m dissatisfied with my life value. In other words, the amount of work I’m putting into my life right now is not worth the result. Make sense? I’m doing the life-equivalent to hamster-wheeling. Not good.

So in the last few months – via Getting Healthy, and otherwise – I’ve been making some changes. For one, I got a new job at a publishing company. It’s not a call center, it’s not a restaurant, it’s a publishing company and it’s a lot more “up my alley” than sausage demonstrating (and, yes, I have been a sausage demonstrator. Read as: my last steady job). So, in the same vein, I have to examine my #2 passion, as well – clothing, obviously.

Yes, I am taking this supernatural inspiration Claus to my closet. …Claus-et? No, too far.

I’m dissatisfied with my clothing value. I am either paying too much for stuff I’m not wearing often, or I’m paying too little for things I love that only fall apart. This isn’t good!

So I’ve completely gutted my wardrobe, taken inventory, inspected fabrics, seams, notions… It’s time for a 2010 Overhaul. I’ve created a list, not necessarily priority-based, of all the items I “need” (meaning “hardcore desire and can justify the purchasing of… oh, & would improve my quality of life to a noteworthy degree”) in order to feel like I’ve got a solid wardrobe on my hands – more importantly, one that will last for years with minimal investment and upkeep.

1. A Quality, Versatile Handbag
Must go from work to… not-work easily. Must go with pretty much everything. Must be able to hold pretty much everything, including my laptop & cookies. Must be under $120. This has to last me for > 2 years.

2. A Remarkable, Classy Winter Coat
Do you want to know what kind of professional attire I currently wear to work? A gigantic, puffy, nylon (yes, it makes the “nylon-rubbing-together” sound!) coat that hits the top of my hips, with a furry hood. This is my professional choice. Nay, it is my only choice. Therefore, I must find a beautiful, elegant coat that is preferable duster or trench length. I’d like for it to be wool, lined with a natural fiber, and have the construction of the Coliseum. Or at least something that will last me > 5 years. Must be under $200. (Yes, I’m upping the price because the materials I “require” are more expensive!)

PS – It’s 5 degrees as I write this, and that’s only scratching the surface of a Chicago winter.

3. Go-With-Everything Black Heels
You know the ones I’m talking about. They look good with mini dresses, leggings, trousers, maxi dresses (!!!), and jeans. No more than 3.5″, platform preferable, must not cost more than $100. These will last me > 1 year. Hey, I wear my nice shoes.

4. High Quality Jeans
…in spades. I mean it. Since I’d been able to, I’d bought my jeans at Target until about a year ago. Not kidding. Once I was introduced to the world of good denim, I’ve not bought one pair. Why? A combination of my size, and my standards. Premium denim brands don’t seem to offer my size, which is a 14 or 34-36 in jeans, depending on where. However, once I met my Thimbler Jeans, a custom made pair sent to Jen & me for review at TD, I was kind of googly-eyed over denim. So, if they have to be custom – fine. But I’m not paying more than $100 for them, and they’d better last me > 3 years.

5. Multi-Situation-Appropriate Tops
This means, in short, that the tops I wear to work must also be good at going out for drinks, meeting a friend for coffee, going to the grocery store, and doing out to dinner. And whatever else I feel like doing. So, they have to be gorgeous, I must be crosseyed in love with them, and they must be the epitome of versatile. Because of the high criteria here, I’ll “need” fewer of them. This will allow me to spend no more than $100 on each, and it will last me for  >3 years, with good care (which I may have to learn).

6. Un-Snow-Boot Snow Boots
Remember what I said about my coat? The whole “opposite of professional” thing? Well, take that story, delete the piece about the coat, and replace it with the terms “gigantic rubber boots”, and you see my problem here. Knee-high boots are perfect for snow, but I really am not into the idea of carrying other space-consuming shoes in my purse to change into after I arrive. Plus, who wants to be the kid sitting in the stairwell, pulling their boots off, socks, etc…? Not me. I need decent-looking, weather-surviving boots (flat to 1.5″ heel for walking) that can be worn with dresses, leggings, jeans, pajamas, whatever. Must be less than $150, and last me for > 5 years. Oh yeah.

•••

I’m going to replace my “Wish List” page (in the sidebar, on the right!) with this list, as it’s more important than wishes at this point – it’s dire. I’ll update as I acquire each piece!

I should also note that this list is really only looking ahead the next 3-4 months. I will continue to add to it as the weather, and my needs, change. On a similar note, this is a guilt-free list. This is the product of crunching the proverbial numbers of my knowledge of clothes combined with my own personal needs and style. Anything on this list has officially been removed from the previously popular “Wannnnnt, but shouldn’t…” list and only the “I deserve, and will have” list – without a droplet of shame! If it improves my quality of life, how could it be superficial?

What do you “require” or “need”, fashion-wise? Do you have a list?

Image via WeHeartIt

Technorati Tags: essentials, fashion, investment pieces, lists, resolutions, style