bits of style

In my continuing topic of shoes...

2014-02-07T12:13:00.000-08:00

Scouring the internet to find good deals on shoes I find myself "googling" like my life depended on it. I have come across so many other blogs obsessing about their love of shoes. While I am admittedly am one of those women who has a constant love affair with footwear and an unhealthy (albeit controlled) addiction to expensive footwear, I still can't help but wonder. Are we all that crazy?

Crazy over something that adorns our feet? Where does the obsession come from? Undoubtedly, I would think some fault lies with mainstream media...I would love to meet a woman who had not heard or likened herself to the antics and shopping addictions of Carrie Bradshaw. We all swooned over the Manolo Blahnik "Something Blue" heel from the movie. (I am still swooning..and obsessing...and saving my pennies...and scouring for maybe a consigned pair somewhere...*ahem* but I digress). Are we misplacing feelings that should maybe go elsewhere...into shoes? I mean Carrie had love problems for the entire series of Sex and the City but rest assured the one constant in her life was her shoes (and probably her credit card debt)...

I am not casting judgement on us shoe obsessed gals, because I will defend, as Carrie Bradshaw so gracefully put it, "a woman's right to shoes". What else can we count on, but the beautiful shoes on our feet. Do you think the media plays on our vulnerability of shoe love? I mean...when the SATC movie came out, the "Something Blue" shoes were stated as being $525...but when they hit stores, they went to $925...and still all these years later are still that high in price... and we flocked to purchase them...Are we that easy?

I have done some research and read some articles and have now learned that the love of shoes actually has some historical and even scientific justification...I will not bore you with the history or science details, but I encourage you to research it. It might help with any guilt feelings lingering after purchasing that last pair of shoes... But it is a true love story with women and shoes and it usually has a happy ending. We find excitement and joy with a new pair of shoes...the smell of leather and the feeling of almost power with those stilettos on your feet...and the branding geniuses behind the footwear companies know this...They know the "high" that is achieved when we buy shoes...and why not bank on that right?

I will continue to buy and obsess over shoes and whenever my bank account can afford it, will give into the temptations of designer footwear...

COLORFUL SHOES

2014-01-30T10:24:00.001-08:00

Keeping on the same topic of shoes, I have been holding on to these beautiful sandals by Zara and have yet to break them out. Well I finally did! I paired with a pair of silk-ish skinny leg pants I found on clearance at GAP and a white sleeveless blouse and a skinny leopard print belt I thrifted.

Shoes make me happy! lol! :)

Sunglassess

2014-01-23T12:10:00.001-08:00

I find the choice of sunglasses to be a bit overwhelming. So many choices and options and colors and lenses...

But my absolute favorite that I think everyone should have are the aviator!

Many brands make the aviator in different sizes to fit different face shapes. I am partial to the classic Ray Ban aviator...But you should play around with the brands to find the perfect fit for your face!

Celebrities rock them all the time! They can be casual or glam, but look effortlessly chic! I just love them!

Then there is me...lol! Just being silly in my aviators!

What is your sunglass style? :)

What my foot wants...

2014-01-23T11:32:00.000-08:00

So my mind has been filled with shoes lately...so I have now tried to narrow down my shoe wants!

While my lust (borderline unhealthy obsession) over the Carrie Bradshaw Something Blue shoe contniues, some realistic options I am considering:

Loving this DV by Dolce Vita Peep Toe Booties-makes for a good season transition shoe.

I am a bit on the fence about these, but considering them enough to post them. I really love a good cage/gladiator shoe and for the price (they are from F21) I think this would be a good option!

Really hope these land on my feet sometime soon! :)

Alex and Ani

2014-01-21T17:50:00.000-08:00

The more I read over my past posts, the more I realize that I actually have a lot of obsessions! haha!

Another one to add to the list that I would like to share is my love affair with Alex and Ani bracelets. If you have not heard of them or purchased any, I implore you to do so because they are amazing and tell such a great story. I love that each bracelet has meaning and can be personalized to your style. They come in so many colors, varieties, patterns, textures, etc. etc.

Admittedly my collection keeps growing because everytime I step into a store I walk out with at least three bracelets. And the best part is that they are VERY reasonably priced! They start at $28!!!

They can be stacked and layered with an over sized watch!

Check them out, but I cannot be held responsible for inevitable addiction to these bracelets.

Beauty Picks

2014-01-21T14:47:00.001-08:00

I told a little lie...I had said in a previous post that I only splurge on shoes...well, I also splurge on some beauty...mostly foundations and powders. My go-to make-up brands are:

Make-up Forever
Chanel
Bobbi Brown
Benefit

Here are some of the staples that live in my make-up bag and some of the items I might recommend:

CONCEALER

I rarely go anywhere without it and I am really loving the Chanel concealer:

However, I also really like the Bobbi Brown concealer, especially that this has a setting powder, which is great for oily skin.

MASCARA

I admittedly have an obsession with mascara and finding the perfect mascara. I have landed on a few that really love (for the time being at least..lol) One is even an over the counter brand that I actually have been very loyal to for awhile.

Maybelline is a great OTC mascara brand!

Chanel Le Volume:

Benefit They're Real!

FOUNDATION:

This is my recommendation for a foundation if you tend to be oily. I use this foundation especially in the summer and then put a few dabs of powder over it. It is a very matte foundation and can appear a bit dry during winter months. So during winter months I will mix the foundation with my moisturizer and then dab some powder over it!

Make-up Forever

POWDER

Powder along with concealer I cannot live with out. Again, I have a few that I go between

Make-up Forever HD Powder. This is loose, sheer powder that I use for setting when I know I don't need any additional color...good when I mix my foundation with my moisturizer to then set and matte a bit.

Chanel Double Perfection Powder. I like this powder because it actually has enough pigment to use as a foundation. You can wet your brush, dip into the powder and it becomes a great foundation,but then you can use for touch-up throughout the day with the included sponge in the compact.

Below is Chanel's newest launch called Les Beiges. It is a sheer, finely milled compact powder that has a hint of color. It is supposed to give a subtle (not sparkly) glow. I was given a sample and I really liked it and am now contemplating pulling the trigger and purchasing it.

Hope this helps! :)

A Beautiful Walk

2014-01-20T10:55:00.005-08:00

I like to think I can stretch a dollar when I buy or put together an outfit. I thrift like its my job and I bargain hunt like I am a predator after her prey! HOWEVER, if anyone knows me, I suffer from a condition known as the "Carrie Bradshaw Syndome" (and yes, I just made that up as I was writing this)....but it is a real condition to me...I will spend money on shoes!

I have obsessed over these shoes for many years...and now I want to pull the trigger on them! But as what happened with my last pair of designer shoes I bought, the buyers remorse is already setting in (and I haven't even purchased these yet!!!)

My frugal habits kick in and I will first comb through ebay and other second hand websites to see if there are any used pairs in my size out there for sale, but if that doesn't work, I might starve, freelance, sell clothing items, etc to get these shoes. A good pair of shoes are totally worth it (at least that is what I tell myself!)

Stripes

2014-01-19T17:19:00.000-08:00

I don't know if it's an "official" trend, but I certainly am seeing a lot of stripes just about everywhere! For the faint at heart when it comes to patterns (I am one of those people), stripes are a safe option. They are not over the top or obnoxious or too LOUD. It is a classic pattern...and they are so much fun to pair with fun colors....

But look so great with classic black (or denim!)...

As with all fashion, this trend comes in all shapes, styles, and price....below are a few great (in-expensive) options! Click on the image to to be directed to site...

Lashes Part 2

2014-01-19T15:40:00.000-08:00

I have posted about lashes before, but I would like to make an addendum as my eyes have recently been opened (no pun intended...well maybe pun intended..lol) to my new obsession regarding lashes.

Let me preface by saying that I am not typically a false lash kind of gal. I think most look false and that is not the look I am going for...All I want it to my eyelashes to look full(er). In comes the Ardell accent lashes..specifically the Ardell 318. I have used other Ardell accent lashes, but these are the most natural looking as the lahes sort of cross cross over each other. I must also state that while I sweat by the DUO dark tone lash glue (since I have dark lashes), the clear glue works just as well!

Please excuse my unkempt eyebrows, but below is what the accent lashes end up looking like. You have a slight winged out effect and lashes look much fuller. This is just my everyday look, but I have paired this with a dramatic smokey eye (which I learned from this great you tube video...) and it really looked amazing!!!

The only problem I have found, however, is that these are sometimes hard to find. I can only imagine that Sally will end up carrying them, but to date, I have not seen them at Sally's. Where I have found them (of all places) is in the beauty aisles at Bed Bath and Beyond. However, where I get them at a really good price is online here. I would recommend buying more than one pair and this site is always offering coupon codes. Furthermore, since I am frugal gal, I have re-use my lashes. With proper care and cleaning, they can last awhile. Check out You Tube for some tutorials on cleaning false lashes! Hope you enjoy them as much as I do! :)

Sunday Funday at the Farmers Market

2014-01-19T14:01:00.000-08:00

So I have been spending most of my time in Florida lately (the only good thing that has come from being unemployed) as this is where my boyfriend lives during the winter months. This particular Sunday, I wanted to be productive and made my way to the local Farmers market....and I was very pleasantly surprised! It was such a beautiful day here that I could not have picked a better Sunday Funday for me! :) Just look at that bright blue sky...

I really like to cook and love finding new and interesting spices to make marinades, dressing, etc. Check these unique blends! Cant wait to try them! And how can you leave a Farmers Market without some fresh local produce...and so cheap too! mmmmm...can't wait to make some homemade guacamole with those Avocados!

One of my favorite condiments is honey....I love it in tea, to use to make glazes, to caramelize, etc. But I am kind of a snob, because ever since I tried raw honey, store bought honey....just tastes...well...store bought! But, in my honey snobiness, I also have come to love raw honeycomb! Beware how sweet it is though...and how addicting it is! I really love to spread on a green granny smith apple and the tart of the apple really compliments the sweetness of the honeycomb. Great snacking!!!

Looking forward to my next visit to the Farmers Market! :)

Let there be cake!!

2012-12-04T22:54:00.001-08:00

So I know I post about style, but since it's the holidays and 'tis the season for good (not so good do you food)...I wanted to share my latest conquest...my first layer cake!

I just got a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer as an early Xmas gift and could not wait to break her in!! Lol! I so lovingly named her Lolita...:)

One of my favorite cakes is Italian Creme...so I dove head first and decided that should be Lolita's debut! And here she is and boy was she good!!!

Next conquest is a Red velvet cake! Hope I can fit into the clothes I am blogging about! Haha!

DIY

2012-10-25T19:08:00.000-07:00

It is no secret that I am always on a budget. But, I am so blessed to have so much inspiration around me to help me develop my style into a reality and not a luxury.

Style doesn't just stop at your clothes. My home is a reflection of me as well. Wall art, hower, can add up...so I did some research...and as much of the world is, I am absolutely infatuated with pinterest and find myself on it for hours! :-/ It is here I found what I was looking for...

One particular pin has been on my mind for several months and I finally bit the bullet and tried it out. It was originally on Lowes Creative Solutions, but I found it via pinterest via a another blog..(whew...that is like seven degrees of separation)..check it out here

It was much easier than I thought...and it turned out so much better than I thought also. I got all the materials at Lowes...and the entire project probably cost be about $50!

I am moving so I have not put mine up yet, but this is what the end result will look like..

Lashes

2012-10-25T18:10:00.002-07:00

I really have an odd obsession with lashes...not so much as an everyday item, but when I want to wear a smokey eye look. This is my "going out look" of course...Daytime makeup is much more conservative. :) However, as much as I like lashes, I don't like spending $5 bucks a pop for a pair...that may last only a day or two...and $5 is on the very inexpensive end!!!

I recently discovered e.l.f. and have gotten some great products from them. Great news is that this brand is now carried at Target, so instant gratification..no need to wait and to have it shipped. One of the products they carry are lashes. The big hiccup for me is that I don't want it to look like I have false lashes on...and I kept getting that look with a full strip of lashes. I don't want the obnoxious lashes that clearly look false...I like an natural false lash look...lol

In comes my love of accent lashes...meaning lashes that just go on the end of your lashes. It is such a great way to enhance your lashes but in a natural way...but again, not spending the $5 a pop on them. So...I bought the full strip $1 lashes from e.l.f. and just cut them. And here is my end result...I will post pictures of me with them...rocking a smokey eye! :) Give it a try...see how it works for you...

Leather pants please

2012-10-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

So I went out on a limb and bought a pair of leather (well synthetic leather) pants...I only did because I have seem so many "conservative" non-Harley Davidson ways of wearing these and more importantly I scored these at F21 on clearance for $9!!!

I decided to soften them up with a blousy top and a boyfriend blazer and then paired them with a fantastic pair of heels! I also tried to accessorize it with a scarf...just to ass to the "layered" look that I do love so much!

Yellow and Mint!

2012-04-30T12:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday!!!

It is another chilly day here in Rochester, but thankfully it is supposed to get warmer this week! Which is good because I want to bust out my spring colored outfits out! My colors I am obsessing over lately are...

YELLOW

I thought this skirt was unbelievably cute and I featured it in my last post but not only thought I would re-post but link it so you can purchase this beauty. This is still on my wish list and can't wait to add it to my closet! :)


JCrew No 2 Pencil skirt

Loving a great yellow blazer...pair with jeans, navy blue, cobalt...I bought a great one just like this one at the Banana Republic outlet:


BB Dakota

MINT

Just bought this dress and absolutely love it! It is a classic silhouette and can be be used into the fall with a darker blazer and tights...

In LOVE with Fashion Twill dress

and last but not least, I have not gotten but am very much wanting to get a pair of mint color skinny jeans!

JCrew Ankle Jeans

Pencil Skirts!

2012-04-24T20:40:00.000-07:00

I can safely say that I have many layers of addiction to my shopping, but one thing that I can always count on me obsessing over are pencil skirts...

There is something so tailored and classic that you just can't go wrong! They can be used for many occasions from work to play...

Play around with blazers, belts, even dress up a "work" pencil skirt with fun sequin top for a night out.

I love the pieces below because with one pencil skirt there are two great outfits to go from day to night! And I love how you can play around with the shoe colors too!

Pencil skirt from day to night by rlm427

I have tried to stop myself from buying more pencil skirts, but there is no hope for me...so now, I just want to share and pass along my obsession with you! :)

NYC

2012-04-23T17:17:00.000-07:00

So I spent this past weekend in NYC with my parents and had such a great time. Even at 31, I actually do love being around my parents! :)

A some of you may know, I moved to Rochester NY from Atlanta for a job. My parents came up to Rochester to then drive down to NYC. But on the way we stopped by what I will now call the mecca of all outlets. It's a little slice of shopping heaven called Woodbury Common. Check out the list of stores that they have.

Woodbury Common Outlet

After that fantastic experience, we then headed into the city. We stayed in Times Square and while walking around I found myself in the Forever 21 right in the heart of Times Square. I was stunned at the size (4 stories), the sheer number of people (you would have thought it was Black Friday and they were giving away clothes for free..that is how busy it was!!!) and that it stayed open until 2 am! I know I know...was in NYC and shopped in a store that I can find just about anywhere...but I just could not help myself...and this is not your average F21...and with 4 stories, I had a whole lot more goodies than I can find in my local store! :) Just a few of the items I picked up that I can't wait to play around with!

Navy Blue Lace mini skirt

Red Shorts

Colorful world!

2012-04-19T07:27:00.000-07:00

All over we are seeing big bold and bright colors for this season! Much of it being in the form of colored denim! I have to admit, I found myself a bit skeptical about this...as I just didn't know if I could pull it off...

But...I gave in...and I bought SEVERAL pairs...I just couldn't resist!!! :)

I think the BEST way to pull the look off (and ease into the trend) is to pair your colored denim with a basic and simple piece...maybe a simple blazer, in neutrals, a tops in solid colors or soft patters (ie stripes)...a neutral shoe...

Something like this:

Some of the places I have scored some really good deals on some colored denim:

Gap Skimmer Legging Jeans

Forever21 Skinny Jeans

Haha...I know this looks like a Christmas tree with these pictures...sorry about that! :)

Beauty: Save or Splurge?

2012-04-17T21:04:00.002-07:00

Not only am I self proclaimed shopaholic, I am also a product-holic (I know that is not a word, but it seemed right to say it in this case..lol) I can spend hours in Sephora and Ulta and not even think twice about it! haha!

One thing is for sure, there are a lot of beauty products out there! I wish I could try them all and if I could I think I would....but since that really is not feasible, I do have some staples that are always in my beauty arsenal!

There are the products that I always have on me...Admittedly, some are not in my usual budget, but with certain items, I don't compromise on quality (which something means paying a bit more)....

My splurges:

HOWEVER, even with that said, there are still beauty products that I use that I will not splurge on and work GREAT (sometimes better than their expensive counterparts)...

The items I save on:

A nail polish and a mascara are ways to really save on your beauty regimen! I have tried many of an expensive mascara and time and time again have found them to be no different than over the counter brands! My personal favorite are Maybelline mascaras! I have tried just about all of them and have been happy with the all!

eBay Shopping

2012-04-04T03:42:00.001-07:00

rmfphoto.net/

So I have previously talked about my love of thrift shopping. But with the surge of pretty much everything being online, I wanted to also share my "online thrift shop"....eBay! Sometimes eBay gets a bad wrap because of those bad apples that post "fakes" or other bad quality items...but if you look and do a little due diligence...you can really find some great things.

I know I know...it sounds a bit odd, but it is a filled with really great items for...usually...a great price! What is even better is you can narrow down and refine your search for quicker browsing. You can search for something as broad as "blue pencil skirt" and use the buttons on the left hand size to narrow down the size(s) so what comes up is only that in which you are interested in. You could be as vague as just searching for "pencil skirt" and use the filters on the left to only include certain color(s), size(s), etc.

I usually recommend to put several sizes because sometimes people list things a certain way and some brands can run smaller or larger. I am usually a size 2, but I usually include 0,2,4, S, XS...and because I am on the shorter size, I will include petite sizes in my search as well. Other than that, some of the same tips for thrift shopping apply to eBay shopping. You absolutely need patience-I would recommend checking back at least two times a week. People are posting to eBay all the time, so what you are looking for will eventually become available.

To protect yourself, PLEASE pay close attention to a seller's rating. It sounds common-sense, but I have seen more often than not, people not paying attention to that.

Good luck!

Wish List

2012-03-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

As for my shopping wish list--April is my birthday month and in a "normal" year I would be wishing for a lot, but seeing as it has been a little tight because of my move, my wish list has become a little bit more reasonable! :)

I just started my recent wish list, so this is the beginning of what I like to call a "living document" as I will always be adding to it...Hopefully I will be able to check off a few off in April...Let's see what I come back with...I am on the hunt for these at a bargain-I don't believe in retail! :)

This is just what I am on the hunt for, but you know it goes, I'll go in looking for one thing and usually come out with some other items. haha! :)

Wish List
A great pair of wedges (I am eye-balling these hard as a birthday present)
Colorful heel
Green skinny jeans
White Blazer
White or Ivory lace top
Colorful silk blouse
Black and White pencil skirt
Green pencil skirt
Color lace mini skirt
White Silk blouse I want to find this one but without that price tag..lol)
Bright colored pencil skirt (looking at green, cobalt blue or bright pink)
Black Maxi skirt
Chunky gold neckalce

summertime date

2012-03-23T19:07:00.001-07:00

summertime date by rlm427 featuring 24k jewelry

Really love this look...with the nautical look and then the pops of color. It is a perfect little outfit for office to going out for a happy hour. I have almost completed my "look for less" so stay tuned for that!

You can play around with the blazer...a pink blazer or a cobalt blue blazer would work as well!

In the meantime, here are some of the items I found to get you started on this look!

Dorothy Perkins

Forever21

Blazers

2012-02-22T13:16:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, I have no camera at the moment so I apologize for the continued lack of pictures, but I didn’t want to lapse any further with posts.

I am, by no fault of my own, still at the root of my style, a fairly conservative and maybe even slightly preppy person. However, while I am not bound it, I try and incorporate it even with the most current of trends. My best way to do so, has been with blazers. You can wear them as they were initially intended….with suits….but also with jeans, shorts, skirts (even mini skirts), dresses, capris...and then with so many different styles of blazers, it can create for a plentiful amount of different looks… As a personal preference, I really enjoy the look and versatility of a standard length or boyfriends style blazer. Since I am not able to post pictures at the month, I wanted to share you some links to some of my favorite style blazers I have recently come across (that are VERY inexpensive) :)…

Stay tuned for pictures on outfits with blazers...but in the meantime, check a few of these out...

Forever21

ROMWE

Forever 21

Thrift Shopping

2012-02-16T13:05:00.000-08:00

Photo by Pete Boyd

I have an official love for thrift stores that I would love to share. These sometimes overlooked and sometimes scoffed at stores are more often than not a haven for fashion finds at a fraction of the cost (literally!)

Will you find that one of kinda Carolina Herrera dress or vintage Louis Vuitton bag...most likely not, and I would hate to think you would have those expectations! But you can and WILL find wonderful items sure to fit any style!

To be successful at thrifting, please be aware:

1) Patience is key! You will have successful trip and not so successful trips...it is the nature of the beast. Don't count on thrift stores for what you need right now..they are great to build your wardrobe and add some unique pieces to your closet.

2) Manage your expectations! Again, don't expect to find high end designers...although you may find one or two on that rare occasion...don't expect it...you are setting yourself up for disappointment!

3) Look for quality not labels. Too many times we get hung up on labels. When thirfting, look for items that fit your style...not just a brand/label...pick items that are made of quality materials. For example, I found a gorgeous bright pink 100% silk blouse at a local thrift store for $8...it was a brand I had not heard of, but the quality of the shirt is what I was most impressed with.

4) Know your thrift store (s). The great thing about thrift stores (aside from the prices) is that if you do happen to have an unsuccessful trip, not to worry, because donations are coming in daily. They are constantly filling the racks back up. Ask to see when they put out new items. Also, many thrift stores have days where I certain color tag is 50% off or on a certain day all clothing items are a certain percentage off. Make sure to plan trips around those days. Finally, don't limit yourself to just one thrift store...do some research and tackle a few and see what you can find.

5) Know your area. Location...Location..Location! Its true for real estate and it can, more often than not, be true for thrifting. When scouring some thrift stores, I quickly noticed that stores in "nicer" areas tended to have better quality items (and sometimes many great labels). Don't assume that more affluent areas don't have thrift stores...THEY DO! Try and target those!

Long gone are the days of thrift stores just being for your "ugly sweater party" or a Halloween costume. Before you turn your nose at making a thrift store part of your shopping rotation, take a trip and try it out!

I admit, that I didn't know what to expect when I first started thrifting, but after a few trips and finding things that I would would actually wear, and were stylish, and on trend, and of good quality....I was hooked. And best of all, you normally don't have buyers remorse after buying shirts for $6! :) It is a budget-conscious, yet stylish girl's secret weapon!

Most importantly, while you are filling up your closet with great clothes and great savings, you are helping a worthy cause as the funds are allocated back into the community. It is a win-win!
Enjoy! :)

Spring Fever

2012-02-15T21:00:00.000-08:00

I know we are in the middle of winter, but with what a mild winter we have been having, I already have spring clothes on the brain. I put together this lovely assemble on polyvore and thought it was a mixture of sweet floral prints, neutrals with a great pop of color. I am already a big fan of blazers because it can a whole new look to an existing outfit! Since I myself have been on a color quest...as I was once a slave to just neutrals and blacks...It was a gradual progression, but think that it can absolutely be done...and now I am a fan of color! :) Get on board with color and try this great look and get spring ready!

Forever21-$27.80

Asos-$39.39

Asos-$71.62

Piperlime

Pink Mascara-$74