Bravoe Runway

Farewell February

2013-02-26T08:20:00.000-06:00

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WOW...we sure saw a lot of yellow and brights in February! With the freezing temps and shorter then preferred daylight hours can you blame me? It has been a rough winter and I expect a chilly March, atleast in Chicago!

Stepping out for a bit.....

So my friends...I'm taking a blogcation (is that even a word?) starting next month. I started a new ~~job~~ career in late September and things have been going great at my new company! In just 5 short months, my Director continues to give me projects that are getting more challenging each day, responsibilities are growing, and often times I need to put in a few more hours of work after 5pm. Hopefully with a new associate starting soon, things will calm down and I'll be back. Until then, I'll still be tweeting sales and recent purchases and visiting your blogs during my commute.

As always, I sincerely Thank You for your support!

3x The Charm

2013-02-25T08:20:00.000-06:00

Blouse: NY&CO (Looks like Hermes, right?)
Skirt: Elie Tahari
Belt: Necklace from Forever 21
Bracelet: Hermes
Watch: Michael Kors
Heels KORS

I kid you not, I bought this blouse 3 times but kept only one. This scarf print blouse from NY&Co was originally $44.95, aaaand it is 100% polyester, so in my mind...it should really be no more than $24.95! Since that store always has a sale going on, I waited. A week later, the entire store was 50% off! For $27 I thought "not bad," since the print is quite reminiscent of Hermes, and there's only 2 left in my size! A week later, this blouse went on sale again, but this time it was online, the price was $21, with free shipping. I placed the order returning the original blouse I bought in store! Two weeks later this blouse was $16, online, and again...free shipping! I'll let your imagination run wild with what I did! Thank goodness each of my 3 returns had a different sales associate, if it were the same person she'd ~~probably~~ think I was crazy!

Missing Out

2013-02-20T08:25:00.000-06:00

100% Wool Sweater: Forever 21 (Similar)
Cotton Skirt w/Lining: Forever 21 (Here)
Scarf: C/O LOFT (Similar)
Crystal Bracelet: C/O InPink
Watch: Michael Kors (Here)
Shoes: Christian Louboutin (Similar)

I don't know what took me so long to add cobalt coloured pieces into my wardrobe. Varying shades of blue are definitely lacking, aside from navy and turquoise! And they say...you don't know what you've got until it's gone. Sometimes you don't know what you've been missing out on until you finally get your hands on it, or in this case, you finally add that something to your closet!

Glossybox Winter Survival

2013-02-19T09:00:00.000-06:00

This Month, Glossybox teamed up with the Man Repeller, Leandra Medine, to curate the Winter Survival Kit! As a reader of my blog you know how much I detest this season. With snow, freezing temperatures, and strong winds, your hair is easily prey to static, skin gets dry and rough, and lips are easily chapped during this time of year. Since the NE often experiences a much harsher Winter, let's see what the Man Repeller suggests!

Estee Lauder
Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara
Sample size

Craving gorgeous lashes like the celebrities and models gracing the Spring Magazine covers? You definitely need to try Estee Lauder's Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara. It lengthens and thickens lashes! If you are getting ready to go out, and are running late, and know that attempting to apply false lashes will set you back another 20 min (your bf/bff is about to kill you because you are late again) this is your solution!

Tarte
Glamazon pure performance 12 hour lipstick in Fierce
Full Size $26

Chapped lips and bright lipstick makes a lousy pairing anytime! Feathered lipstick just amplifies how dry and scaly your lips appear. Generally, in real life, I avoid bright lips in the Winter for this very reason. Skeptical, I tried Tarte's Glamazon pure performance 12 hour lipstick, and I was impressed, no feathering. This lipstick has a base blend of mango, avocado, and shea resulting in a rich blend of natural butters. The $26 price-tag of this lipstick pays for the Glossybox alone...and then some!

Fresh
Umbrian Clay Mattifying Serum
Sample Size

Meeting your friends for Happy Hour after work and wish you could look as fresh as you did when you left the house at 7am? Look no further than Fresh Umbrian Clay Mattifying Serum. This product is lightweight, controls shines, while keeping skin hydrated....plus it fights acne! After using it for 2 weeks, I was sad to run out of this sample and headed immediately to Sephora for a full size!

Sebastian Professional Series
Potion 9
Sample size

Dryness is not just limited to skin and lips, but also to hair. When your hair is dry, you get a bad case of a static. If you've followed my blog for a while, you know that I love wearing hats, but I hate static flyaways when I have to take off my hat. Sebastian Potion 9 is a styling cream that restores lost moisture making hair easier to style. I generally steer clear of hair creams because I think they're too heavy and greasy, but this one isn't, I am impressed with the result!

Narcisco Rodriguez Fragrance
"For Her"

Narcisco Rodriguez's fragrance "For Her," has a warm delightful medium bodied floral scent.

OPI Liquid Sand Nail Lacquer
"Can't Let Go"
.5 oz

I will tell you what "I can't let go," right now....the hopes of an early Summer! OPI Liquid Sand is the perfect blend of a matte nail polish with a multi-faceted shimmer! Skip the extra step of applying glitter and top coat (says do not apply top coat)! It's 3 products in 1....it's almost as good as an early summer...almost!

Glossybox Winter Survival Edition
Curated by: Man Repeller

Another impressive Glossybox! I was delighted to try the products and to also add new products to my beauty drawer! If the groundhog's prediction is right, and we're getting an early Spring....I only have a few more weeks of Winter left, and these products will get me through!

We got a preview and next month's edition will include something Bvlgari!
Glossybox is just $21.95 a month, sign up here!

**This is a sponsored post, all opinions are solely mine**

Mustard 'N Stripes

2013-02-18T08:20:00.000-06:00

Yup, THOSE boots....again!

Coat: Old Navy (A/W 2012)
Sweater: Banana Republic In red, white, mustard (Here)
Jeans: 7FAM "Roxanne"
Boots: Franco Sarto via DSW
Handbag: MiuMiu (c/o Mom's closet)
Sunnies: Michael Kors (Here)

I may own a lot of sweaters, but this is DEFINITELY one of my favorites I've ever bought from Banana Republic! Not only do I love the shade of mustard yellow, but also, the button neck can also serve as a scarf! Layers may look fun in photos. But the honest truth is that when you are running in from 1 place to another, and it's freezing outside and a sauna inside, if you have 1 less item to unravel and keep track of what you've done with it, life is good! And yes...the number of layers is a major deciding factor on whether or not to stand in line for a fitting room....let alone getting into the fitting room to try something on. It better be worth it...or it better fit perfectly, or it better be final sale...or else!!

Pink & Orange

2013-02-14T08:24:00.001-06:00

Sweater: J. Crew (Here)
Denim Shirt: Forever 21 (Here)
Skirt: J. Crew Avail in Pink & Orange ($59 save an extra 30% code: STYLE30 Here)
Bracelet: J. Crew (Here)
Watch: Michael Kors (Here)
Shoes: KORS (old)

Once upon a time, I always found out about the sales at J.Crew a day late, and just a few a dollar(s) short! Why pay more for the same thing if you can wait until the next sale, which I kept on missing! I get too many emails as it is but until I finally joined their mailing list, the deals were passing by. From November until late January there was a sale pretty much every week! I was on the hunt for a bright tweed skirt, and when I found this number on sale, plus an extra 30% off, it went straight to my cart! And it just so happens that this skirt was in Glamour's February issue of 31 days of outfits, see pages 62-63. Now I have some additional styling ideas, that may be my exciting plans for tonight, restyling this skirt!!

For all the single ladies out there today...

What people don't know...won't hurt them ;)

Studded Cobalt

2013-02-12T08:30:00.000-06:00

Leather Jacket: Forever 21 (YES it is Genuine Leather, sold out online) (Similar)
Dress & Belt: H&M
Necklace: Forever 21 (old)
Shoes: Shoemint (Here)
Watch: Fendi
Sunnies: Chloe (Here)

Wearing these shoes!

This outfit is premature for Chicago, but since #NYFW is this week and I am not there, nor am I leaving the comforts of my heated condo, why not make an early debut? My Spring purchases are off to a dealicious start! This 100% cotton pique cobalt blue shift dress, fully lined (for the discerning reader) was $20 at H&M after Xmas, AND the metal bar belt came with the dress! Since we're on the topic of bargains, I may have bought the priciest thing ever sold at Forever 21, a genuine leather jacket that retailed for $149 that was ultimately marked down to $37.50 (less than a regularly priced faux leather jacket). It also comes in black leather with gold studs (check the clearance section at your local store). I was tempted to buy the black one, but since I already have a black leather moto jacket I decided on this one instead. We'll see leather again in Spring so this jacket was definitely a great purchase, even if it was a bit premature!

Winter Stripes

2013-02-11T08:20:00.000-06:00

Leather Jacket: True Religion
Sweater: Forever 21 (Here)
Jeans: Zara
Handbag: Louis Vuitton
Boots: Franco Sartyo (Sold out online)
Sunnies: c/o Michael Kors (Here)

It's a good thing the Groundhog predicted an early spring....because, aren't you tired of seeing these boots? At the very least, I can tell you that my photographer is tired of photographing these boots, much less seeing them! Truth be told, this is my winter ~~uniform~~ attire, sweater, jeans, and boots of varying shaft heights. I bet my boss is wondering "how many sweaters does this woman own?" To be perfectly honest, I've got a case of the winter blues! In fact, my friend Sarah and I were tweeting about it last week! It's hard to feel inspired when all you can think of is freezing to death in easy breezy attire....what can I say, this isn't a cover girl make-up commercial?

Chinese New Year

2013-02-08T08:22:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year!

Mom's Wedding reception dress worn in 1977
Feather Hair Piece & Earrings: Forever 21
Bracelet: c/o Swarovski

On Sunday, February 10, we will welcome the year of the Snake! Last year one of my readers, Shirley asked if she'd see me in a Qipao, traditional Chinese Dress. Generally speaking, a Qipao is custom tailored to your measurements, you select the fabric, length, trimmings, and so forth. And, in our culture the most common events to wear a Qipao to is your wedding reception or New Year. In 1977, when my parents got married, this was the Qipao my Mom had custom made. Traditional top, with a modern skirt silhouette, absolutely her style!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Curious about the Chinese Zodiac, find out here

Iced and Frigid

2013-02-06T08:10:00.000-06:00

Striped Blouse: Forever 21 in pink/orange or blue/navy (Here)
Jeans: Old Navy Rockstar Denim (Here)
Jacket: Forever 21 (old)
Bracelet: Hermes
Watch: Michael Kors (Here)
Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff (Here)
Boots: Franco Sarto (Here)
Sunnies: c/o Michael Kors (Here)

I would love to take my jacket off so you can see this fun striped georgette shirt I recently discovered at Forever 21 (comes in a pink and orange combo too). The dead giveaway is probably my red hands clenching the chains on my bag. It was just too icy and frigid out so the best I could do was unzip the jacket. And let me tell you....I had to brace myself. When is winter going to be over again?

Encouraged and Enticed

2013-02-04T08:20:00.001-06:00

Encouraged and Enticed

Dress: J. Crew Sold out (Current Version, Fendi Version)
Merino Wool Cardigan: Forever 21 (Similar)
Chain Necklaces: Forever 21 (Here)
Bracelet: J. Crew (Here)
Watch: Michael Kors (Here)
Pumps: Christian Louboutin (Similar)
Sunnies: Chloe (Here)
Handbag: Vintage Chanel (c/o Mom's closest)

Via J.Crew Site

I can only imagine the stress retail buyers experience each season as they make their final selections hitting the racks. As we all know, there are always highly desired items that fly off the shelves immediately. And... items that require some encouragement through a deep discount, to entice us to go from "add to cart," to "complete purchase." The latter happens to be the story of how the J.Crew Boucle' dress originally $198 and the Forever 21 100% Merino Wool cardigan regularly $28 ended up in my closet for 75% off! I'm sure I wan't alone when I watched this dress on Jcrew.com drop from $198 to $99, to $70, and finally to $48 with a final sale stipulation attached to it. What took me so long to buy the dress was that I already owned several tweed dresses and told myself to hold off until it hit $50. And once it did, there was no turning back! This dress is perfect to wear from now until late April in Chicago. I can pull it out again in Fall. It's good to be encouraged and enticed at the same time!

So Long January...

2013-02-01T08:20:00.000-06:00

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So Long January...in so many ways! Was it just me or did the month seem to drag on? Usually I feel like time is flying by but not this year! Perhaps it was the longer than usual hours I put in at the office, the colder than average temperatures this month, or my miserable cold that took almost 3 weeks to recover from? I am glad to say "so long," to a very....L-O-N-G January!

Here's a glimpse of February....

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Epionce Renewal Facial Cream

2013-01-31T08:30:00.000-06:00

Fountain of Youth

Remember this Glossybox Post?

A few months ago, Glossybox introduced its subscribers to the skin care line Epionce. I was impressed with the silky smooth results from the Restorative Hand Cream! After reading my Glossybox post, Epionce contacted me to do another review! They sent me their flagship product, The Renewal Facial Cream. I have sensitive skin, I suffer from eczema, add in the age factor (I am 2+30), and still a victim of acne, you can only imagine how challenging it can get to find suitable skincare.

After using the Renewal Facial Cream for 3 weeks, both day and night, this product absolutely lives up to its promise. I noticed that my skin felt more supple and hydrated after the first week. I love how it's not heavily scented. Usually after 2 weeks, if a product isn't compatible with my skin, I will break-out, but not in this case. My skin started to look more radiant and smooth. As I am about to complete the third week, I have started to notice that the lines on my forehead and those around my nose and lips are starting to diminish.

Epionce was founded and created by dermatologist, Dr. Carl Thornfeldt, with over 25 years research experience. Whether your skin needs some correction and boosting, or renewing and fortifying, or you are all about sun prevention, I highly suggest checking out Epionce!

**This is a sponsored post, all opinions are solely mine**

Winter Pastels

2013-01-30T08:22:00.000-06:00

Hat: Forever 21
Trench: Forever 21
Sweater: H&M
Skirt: Gap
Heels: Joan & David
Bracelet: J.Crew
Watch: Michael Kors
Sunnies: Marc by Marc Jacobs

On Monday we talked about the perks of taking photos indoors due to my hibernation mode. The other perk is that I've had time to go through my closet ~~and acknowledge that I have a shopping problem~~. I have rediscovered many items in my closet ~~that I forgot about~~, such as this mint green wool skirt bought 7+ years ago from Gap. And how about this wool trench from Forever 21 that I wore once because the year I bought it, it almost immediately went from Summer to Winter so I went straight for my thick wool winter coat. I had no idea I had some winter pastel pieces in my closet!

Black and Gold

2013-01-28T08:10:00.000-06:00

Gold Sweater: H&M (Similar)
Leather Skirt: TopShop (Similar Leather Version, Vegan Version)
Jewelry: C/O InPink (Here)
Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff 'Mini Mac'(Here)
Shoes: Shoemint 'Garbo' (Here)

The inevitable has happened, the time has come to take outfit photos indoors. The freezing cold temperatures and a slow recovery from a cold that just won't seem to go away in its entirety has forced me to stay in more than I'd like. I am seeing the bright side of indoor photos. It's nice to just put on an outfit and shoot some photos and move on to the next. I can save time by not waiting for an elevator to leave my condo, there's no need to hunt for scenery, and I can avoid ruining new soles. The best part is, I can pretend it's whatever season I'd like. Now...I don't feel as envious of my West Coast friends who are wearing shorts during this time of year.

Stripes over Camouflage

2013-01-24T08:26:00.000-06:00

Jacket: Banana Republic (Similar)
Sweater: c/o LOFT (Similar)
Camo Pants: GAP (Here)
Boots: Franco Sarto (Similar)
Sunnies: c/o Michael Kors (Here)
Watch: Michael Kors (Here)
Handbag: Prada (c/o Mom's Closet)

My timing is poor in terms of posting this outfit. I bought the striped sweater from LOFT and the camouflage pants from Gap a week before Christmas, each piece was under $25. As I am walking into the stores right now, I am torn. Do I purchase the deeply discounted winter attire or hold off until Spring? Truth be told, in Chicago our Spring is very short. The sales have been insane, just this past weekend, J. Crew was offering an extra 50% off sale prices in stores. Whereas LOFT further discounted their clearance items by an extra 60%. What have you been doing? Fighting temptation or indulging in the winter clearance racks?

Shoemint and Jewelmint Haul

2013-01-23T08:20:00.000-06:00

I am a very satisfied customer after my experience with the suite of BeachMint brands, Shoemint and Jewelmint. It all started when Glossybox included a Jewelmint necklace in their December shipment prompting an immediate visit. Once I started browsing the site, a purchase was inevitable. While online retailers can often use photos to oversell a product, I'm pleased to report that every product I received exceeded my expectations!

JEWELMINT

Jewelmint Gold Choker

Once you land on the Jewelmint homepage, you take a style quiz and based on your results there'll be a 'jewelry box' curated to your taste. You are not limited to just the pieces based on your style profile, peruse the whole site. My new member code was buy 1 at $29.99 get 1 free!

Immediately caught my eye!

I looovee this Jewelmint gold choker! It has a tribal vibe, and the gold has an antique finish so it's not overly shiny! Since green is my favorite colour, this necklace immediately caught my eye! This was part of the "Jewelmint Collective," a joint collaboration with talented jewelry designers in LA.

Jewelmint Sun Stone Bracelet

I've been looking for a statement bracelet in orange/coral for quite some time. The Sun Stone bracelet is constructed with oval carnelian stones and Indian red crystals. I love the design and how vibrant the stones are. Expect to see this in many outfit posts along with the J.Crew Pave Link bracelet.

SHOEMINT

Shoemint "Garbo"

Caged/Gladiator Style sandals are HOT for Spring!

Available in Black or White

~~$79.99~~ New Member Discount: $39.98

Shoemint footwear starts at $79.99, shoes are genuine leather constructed by Steve Madden. With my new member status, I received a 50% discount code so the 'Garbo' cost $40! I LOVE THESE SHOES! There are currently a TON of sale shoes for $40 on Shoemint! The 'Garbo' is extremely comfortable, runs true to size, and the leather is buttery soft. A pair of shoes like this at Nordstrom could easily cost $150+.

Gorgeous Packaging!

No detail is spared, even the packaging is gorgeous! The jewelry pieces come in an airtight box with velvet and sponge protector sleeves to prevent oxidization of the metals.

THE BRANDS

Jewelmint pieces start at $29.99, if you sign up now you'll receive 70% off your first piece with
code: 70FIRST.

Shoemint footwear starts at $79.99, and when you sign up, you'll receive a special code with a discount as a new member. I got a 50% coupon towards any regularly priced shoe!

There's also Intimint and Stylemint if you are interested in intimate/loungewear and clothing.

All orders ship free both ways!
I will definitely be back for more!

**This is not a compensated post.**

French Chic(k)

2013-01-21T08:20:00.000-06:00

Coat: Old Navy sold out online! (Similar)
Sweater: J. Crew (Sold out)
Skirt: Limited (Here)
Bracelet: J. Crew (Here)
Watch: Michael Kors (Here)
Sunnies: Betsey Johnson
Pumps: Joan & David

I'll admit that the graphic/animal print sweater trend took a while to grow on me. Initially, I thought the trend was more suitable for the younger crowd. But, after seeing the french hen sweater from J. Crew, I just couldn't resist. That little pink beret is just too cute...I mean come on. How often do we see french chicks sport berets? Like ALL the time! Well I suppose it just depends on what kind of 'chicks' you're referring to, those in Paris or down on the farm!

Check out some fun animal graphic print looks on my friends:

Alice: Happiness at Mid-Life

Tara: Mix and Match Fashion

A Step Ahead

2013-01-18T08:20:00.000-06:00

Wool Sweater: Forever 21 Try stores $24.80 (Similar)
Skirt: Forever 21 (Here)
Dress: Vintage Mondi
Shoes: Christian Louboutin (Similar)
Bracelet: J. Crew (Here)
Necklace: Forever 21 (Here)
Watch: Michael Kors (Here)

It's only mid-January but I'll be honest, I am ready for Spring! Once the holidays are over, my wishful thinking, if it could have its way, would end Winter and immediately welcome Spring. But no such luck. While we have't had any accumulated snow this winter, it's been brutally cold. However, since I am in the comforts of my own home, I can forego the coat and the hosiery and pretend it's Spring!

Utilize It

2013-01-16T08:20:00.000-06:00

Utility Jacket: Forever 21 try stores (Similar)
Striped Sweater: Old Navy (Clearance find $4.99)
Jeans: Old Navy (Here)
Boots: Sam Edelman
Watch: Michael Kors (Here)
Handbag: Chloe (Here)
Sunnies: c/o Michael Kors (Here)

This utility jacket from Forever 21 was enjoyed for about 10 minutes...to be exact, the extent of taking these photos. I'll be able to fully utilize it in about 3 months from now...saying that aloud makes it feel like an eternity, but truth be told, I knew it going in that this wasn't a jacket made for a Chicago winter day. So back to the discussion around these boots last seen in Construction. Many of you asked if the buckle could be loosened? The answer is no. The zipper only opens up an inch to where you see it in the photo above, and there's a slight, tiny bit of elastic underneath the zipper, but not much. So there you have it, two items in my closet that should provide a good amount of utility but in reality they don't....

January Frost

2013-01-14T08:20:00.000-06:00

Ivory Wool Trench: Banana Republic (Current Version)
Sweater: c/o LOFT (Here)
Skirt: Bebe Old (Similar)
Cloche Hat: Forever 21 (Similar)
Clutch: BCBG
Sunnies: Chloe (Here)
Pumps: Christian Louboutin (Here)

The days of mid-January can often times be anything but exciting. Even though merchandise in stores are deeply discounted, truth be told, the items are picked over. And while resort wear emails are hitting our inboxes in full force, and we're seeing beach editorials in magazines, it's too cold (atleast in Chicago) to even think about shorts and sandals. The January Frost makes it even harder to fathom going out on some days, unless that is...you need to take a few outfit photos.

*I've been out of commission for the past several days due to a bad cold, luckily I didn't catch the flu that claimed the lives of 6 people in Chicago. I'm catching up on everyone's blogs, thank you for your patience.*

How I $pent It

2013-01-11T08:20:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday I officially turned 2+30! To celebrate, I treated myself to some new items! Originally, I was going to purchase this handbag, but my Mom suggested holding off since I already have a bag from that line, and I bought that Chloe Marcie bag during the Fall. Instead, this is how I $pent it....

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1. Charles David Braza Reg. $230 $50 (Here)

2. J. Crew Pave' Link Bracelet Reg. $125 $94 (Here)

3. Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac Clutch Reg. $195 $70! (Here)

4. Shoemint Garbo Reg. $79 $39 (Here)

Charles David marked down their sale shoes by an extra 50%! I really liked the Braza pump (1), plus it's not too early to think about Spring! I've been dreaming of the J.Crew pave' link bracelet (2), so when the entire site was 25% off, I pounced! Here's the scoop on how I got the Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac Clutch for less (3)! Piperlime carries Rebecca Minkoff bags, and this designer is not excluded from site-wide sales! I had a code for 20% off and $90 worth of Banana Republic credit card rewards, which are redeemable at Piperlime! On top that, I accessed Piperlime through Ebates, and got an extra 7% cash back on my purchase, bringing the price down to roughly $70! In my December Glossybox, I received a Jewelmint necklace, I poked around the site and quickly discovered Shoemint. After signing up, I got a code for 50% off my first purchase, I ordered the Garbo (4), genuine leather shoes for $40?? SOLD!!

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5. Forever 21 Camo Scarf $10.90 (Here)

6. Charles David Michaela Reg. $215 $75 (Here)

7. Charles David Buckie Boots Reg. $270 on sale $70 (less $50 giftcard) $20 (Here)

8. Forever 21 Rhinestone Collar Shirt $27.80 (Here)

When I found the camouflage scarf (5) in the Forever 21 men's section, I couldn't resist! The Charles David Michaela Pumps (6) are on trend for the black and white looks we're seeing in the magazines. I also couldn't pass up the Buckie combat style boots (7) they were on sale for for $70 on Amazon, I used a $50 giftcard from my brother, so out of pocket, I paid $20!! Dilemma.....My closet has two denim shirts! One from H&M that fits perfectly and another that is ~~too big~~ getting donated. How cute are the rhinestones on this forever 21 jean shirt (8)? In the spirit of my new year's resolutions, I can think of 3+ ways to style it, but do I need it??

Cheers to some sweet deal$!!

(Do the math, I saved 66.5%! I think I'll be keeping that shirt!)

Construction

2013-01-09T09:05:00.000-06:00

Sweatshirt: Express (Similar)
Skirt: TopShop (Here)
Leather Jacket: F. Carierre (old)
Beanie: Forever 21 (Similar)
Boots: Sam Edelman (Similar)
Sunnies: c/o Michael Kors (Here)

Don't be fooled...those zippers are FAKE!

Construction projects in Chicago are a royal pain in the @$$. They're always behind schedule, case in point, the driveway in front of my condo. They opened it a month behind schedule, and the project is not even close to being done. They demolished the stairs behind the chain link fence...hence the reason you're seeing a "Danger keep out," sign! The theme of this post really goes well with the Sam Edelman boots I am wearing. While they were an amazing deal at Marshall's, let me tell you...they are a real pain in the @$$ to put on. Those zippers are only for looks, the leather is not supple at all. I feel like I am wrestling these boots every time I put them on...but I do like the style, similarly to the fact that I'll like my driveway once it's done and the awful chain link fence is gone!

Gold

2013-01-08T08:30:00.001-06:00

Blouse: Forever 21 (Here)
Scarf: H&M
Jeans: Zara (Similar)
Coat: Andrew Marc (Old)
Watch: Michael Kors (Here)
Boots: Franco Sarto (Here)
Sunnies: Chloe (Here)
Handbag: Vintage Chanel (c/o Mom's Collection)

Lately, I've been purchasing a lot of pieces with gold hardware such as this blouse, the boots, and bold accessories as well. I am not exactly sure when this gold rush started? However, several years ago (like a decade ago in my early 20s), you would have heard me associate gold with, well...not to sound cliche', old. Now, if there's an option to select hardware, I'll probably pick gold. How about you?

2013 Resolutions

2013-01-07T08:30:00.000-06:00

Recently, Glossybox asked if I would be interested in sharing my New Year’s Resolutions with you and also their subscribers. In the past, I'd make a mental note, and pretty much after a week, I'd forget about them. But not this year!

Go on Tour

Living in Downtown Chicago the daily hustle and bustle of life takes over from enjoying what the city truly has to offer! This year, once a quarter, my plan is to explore Chicago like a tourist from the neighborhoods, to museums, restaurants, and local boutiques, I’m going to sample it, take it in, and give you a tour through my lens!

Pattern Up….or Down

Patterns used to seem daunting to me, but the trick is finding the correct size, colour combination, and pairings that work for you. From scarves, to tops, skirts, and jeans my mission this year is to not be intimidated by patterns.

Colour Me

Some of my favorite glossybox products!

I’d like to work on adding colour within my cosmetics. I tend to gravitate towards neutrals because I know it works well with my medium/yellow undertone complexion, but why not try a bold lipstick, or eye shadow? I’ve got nothing to lose!

In the Green

As a fashion blogger, it’s tempting to keep up with the trends. While I may be a bargain shopper, let’s face it, deals and steals do add up. While my resolution is to keep up with the trends, if I can’t think beyond creating more than 3 looks with a piece….it’s going back to the rack!

Nail It

It's time to get creative!

I commit the ultimate sin by filing my nails back and forth! As a result, I’ve suffered from far too many hangnails, old habits die hard! Healthy nails are a result from properly caring for your hands so my goal is to exfoliate and moisturize more often. Finally, I’d like to get more creative with my nails from alternating colours, to adding glitter, and trying appliqué designs.

**I was not compensated in any way for this post.**