Circle of Style

shameless plug!

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 17:54:00 +0000

Hello readers!

Lots of new things in my life, so my blog is the equivalent of an overgrown lawn: in need of some love and attention!

Throwing some coupon love your way: If you are planning any vacations, events, parties, etc. enter this great contest over at my friend the photobook girl website and enter to win a FREE blurb photobook!

In the Circle: Featured Reader of the Month

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 21:26:00 +0000

Here is a new installment that will be featured monthly on Circle of Style! Each month I will be looking to feature one stylish reader. Send me a photo of yourself in your favorite outfit and next month’s girl in the circle could be you!

Featured Reader: Sheila

Age: 20-something

Current Style: Vintage Indie

Favorite Outfit in Rotation: My pair of dark denim skinny jeans from Forever 21, a pair of brown vintage boots, a floral lace tank from Marshalls and a fitted, brown, super-soft cardigan from Lulus. It’s made my rotation because it is comfy, easy, and safe. I don’t always have time to take risks!

Where you shop to build your wardrobe: Mostly Goodwill, Salvation Army, Forever 21, H&M, and Marshalls.

More on Sheila: She’s been collecting vintage clothing and decor for years, perusing around antique and thrift shops with her mother. She had so many great vintage items; it seemed only natural to start an Etsy shop, which she did in 2008. Today, Sheila sells an eclectic variety of vintage clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, home décor, and gifts at her Etsy shop, So Passe. She has a lot of unique items that are rare to find anywhere else. “It’s my way of expressing my love of vintage to the world.” She hopes to have her own brick and mortar shop one day, but for now, Etsy is her home. I think I smell a fab antique shop in this gals future!

Why COS? Sheila thinks Circle of Style can benefit women by providing an affordable way for them to feel good about how they look and feel about themselves. “I know how important confidence is and having your own sense of style and wardrobe that makes you feel great will definitely come across in other facets of life.” Well said, Sheila!

If you love Sheila’s style and her current look as much as I do……here is your chance to prove it. Sheila is a contender for The Amazing Goodwill Model Contest 2011. She earns an A+ for Savvy Shopping in my book! Go to Amazing Goodwill’s Facebook Page and “Like” Amazing Goodwill. Then find the pic featured above and “Like” the photo. It’s really that simple!

Spring Cleaning Week: Hangers Galore

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 22:09:00 +0000

This post title should be: "Welcome to the wonderful world of hangers." Yes, its true. There are Hangers for all of your wardrobe. Now while I don't think that everyone should run out and buy expensive wooden hangers, there is something to be said about a closet that has a uniformed appearance which can be accomplished by using the same hanger. For me, I use white plastic hangers and have all of my clothes facing the same way. I have a few garment and pant hangers, and the rest (such as my sweaters) are folded in plastic drawers. The pink, blue, yellow and other colored hangers in the house have conveniently ended up in my hubby's closet or the front closet. If I ever need an extra hanger or two, I will take the few white hangers left in hubby's closet and exchange them with more, you guessed it, colored hangers. I would rather go hanger-less than have a RED hanger in my closet! But that is just me and my Type A-ish personality (My dvds are in alphabetical order too). The one thing you should do (if anything hanger-related at all) is get rid of all those awful, tangle-inducing wire hangers. I chucked the wire hangers a long time ago, but alas..there comes a time when you need them, such as when the hose of your vaccuum is clogged! So keep a few spare around the house, will ya?

Maybe one of these days I will work on a same-colored hanger household, but for now, enjoy the article!

Spring Cleaning Week!

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 20:27:00 +0000

Another great link from the tried and tested Real Simple, comes another resource for Quick & Easy Closet Makeovers. What's even better is that if you find the time to purge through those gently used clothes, why not do a "closet audit" and consign them? The best deal around is Divine Consign, going on through this weekend at the Elm Grove Womans Club. Their next event is being held in May and its still not too late to consign or volunteer for that event. There is nowhere else in the city where you can name your own consignment price, and earn up to 80% of your sale. Check out their website and come talk to me this weekend when I volunteer!

Spring Cleaning

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:44:00 +0000

Although it may not feel like it, believe it or not, Spring is upon us! What better time than to spring clean those closets?! To add some inspiration I will be posting links all week for some great tips to clean, organize, and streamline all of the closets in your house.

Today's link comes from Real Simple. Its entitled, New Uses for Things in Your Closet, and there a some really good ideas from keeping your summer dresses on the hanger (without slippage) to new uses for a lingerie bag. Enjoy!

What TO Wear, Milwaukee!

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:47:00 +0000

I have just launched my first service that I will be offering to the public! Check out my services page to see what I can do for you! Think What Not To Wear, but less abrasive, because lets face it: most of us do not have $5,000 to buy a whole new wardrobe!

Also if you are in the area you should be checking out this HUGE consignment sale, going on the weekend of March 31st : Divine Consign

Keepin' it real in 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 22:01:00 +0000

Oh good lawd has it been this long already? Please allow me to explain:

I have struggled for months now, with the fact that I ran out of steam to talk solely about fashion and clothes. Part of this evolution was due to the fact that I planned my own wedding in most of 2010. How could I write about outfits and spending money on clothes when I was saving all of my money for my Big Day? Thusly, my poor little blog sat in the shadows. Then I realized something. This is MY blog, and I can damn well write about whatever I wanna! This blog actually mimics my life. When I started it, I was all about fashion and trends and style. I feel like I have grown since then but my blog has struggled to grow with me, and I forgot the only mold I was trying to fit into was the one created by myself.

Realization being this: This blog, it is going to ebb and flow and mimic my life. It will not and should not be set into a mold where I talk only about one thing. If it is to remain successful or interesting to anyone, I am going to have to speak from the heart, and for that reason, my heart is no longer with merely a fashion-driven blog.

Don't get me wrong, I still love to shop, and I still love a great deal ($27 just yesterday at The Limited for 2 pairs of earrings, a suit jacket and a blouse..oh yeahhh) but...can I be honest? (Since its my blog, I will answer that...YES) I will be completely honest with you, dear readers: The other fashion blogs out there on my level, sort of made me barf a little in my own mouth. I don't like how they all had the same bleepin' YSL quotes, and J. Crew references. I don't have the time to snap a photo of my daily outfit, nor do I think that every day should BE a photo-snappin' outfit kind of day. Because that is not my lifestyle. And I am guessing, its not yours either.

This got me thinking. I still love shopping and clothes and fashion, but I am also an organization freak and love helping people. What encompasses all of those things? Well, I have found the answer! This year I will be unveiling a new look and a new layer to my blog, as well as new services to help all of the fabulous women put their best (fashion) foot forward. I will be doing wardrobe consulting, "closet cleanses", and personal shopping. Stay tuned in to view articles to help accomplish this yourself, or if you need a helping hand you can, well, enlist in my helping hand!

Have a Lil Help From My Friends..

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Thu, 13 May 2010 16:27:00 +0000

Hey all! I have been busy like a bee but I know all of you understand, if you read some of my previous posts you will know that I have been working and going to school full-time, and planning a wedding (5 months away omigosh!)

I try to update when I can. This time I had a little help from fellow awesome blogger, Kim, over at Fab finds Under 50. I wrote to her for her fab opinion about suggestions on what I should wear for my engagement pics at the end of this month. Check it out here!

We are having our pics taken at the place where we got engaged, Apple Holler. He actually proposed to me by handing me a half-eaten apple with the ring inside it (What is it with guys and giving rings in food? Lol). It was one of the sweetest moments ever!

I know we will go casual, a la jeans, because that is what we feel most comfortable in. We will have plenty of time to take dressy pics at the wedding and in the future. This is all about capturing us in our everyday lives and being happy in love. Aww! I still have to go shopping for the perfect top and for the perfect tennys or flats. I might rock out some heels last minute, you never know. Time will tell!

Hopefully I will be able to post some pictures within the next month or so. I just have to buy the rights to them from my lovely photographer Molly at MThree Studios. Her work is absolutely amazing!! I am nervous and excited at the same time for these pictures, I want them to be perfect!!

Selfish Style

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:03:00 +0000

Hello Ladies!

2010 = Busy! Wedding planning, smack dab in the middle of my graduate program, and getting my fitness on has really taken a toll on my time and ability to write about fashion and shopping! Right now my life is more about wedding officiants and skull crushers than sandals and summer dresses :o(

However, I have to share with you at least a little something something. I received an email from site owner of SelfishStyle.com who came across my blog. She has so generously extended a 15% off coupon to all COS readers, just enter circleofstyle @ checkout. They have a cute mix of poly-cotton dresses, tanks, and skirts. I really like their website, very clean and chic. Plus, the prices are definitely on point with us chicas who like to look stylish on a budget. Oh, and did I mention free shipping?

Check it out, plus I finally started tweeting--my new obsession since I have gotten the iPhone. So don't forget to follow me @circleofstyle! And if you have the iPhone get yourself a twitter account and start tweeting now!

From Selfish Style -I am loving the twist front top, the strapless jacquard dress, and the open knit cardigan

Blush Milwaukee

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:36:00 +0000

Hey gals! In addition to blogg'n about fashion, style, sales, and local boutiques, I will be adding a few more select places, like Blush MKE, so that you can stay on top of everything beauty, too! Circle of Style is your one-stop shop for everything Milwaukee has to offer in fashion and beauty! Follow me on twitter @circleofstyle

APRIL FACIAL OF THE MONTH:

Ultimate Hydration

A cool drink of water for thirsty skin after a long dry winter - this facial will drench your skin with moisture, saturating your skin with the most basic and important elements to healthy skin. Restore your skin's natural moisture balance with a facial designed to refresh and help your skin retain necessary moisture. April showers to bring a radiant bloom to your skin at Blush!

60 minutes for $75 plus complementary a la carte upgrade (save $35)

*pssst! book appointments for both April AND May's facials and receive an extended head and neck massage during both services! ($50 value). Who said life can't be a bed of roses ;)

April 14:
MATTE & SMOOTH FOCUS

Introducing the next generation in achieving a beautifully natural complexion! Keep your face shine free all day with Laura's new Smooth Focus Pressed Setting Powder and Mattifying Secret Finish.

Learn the secret to keeping your skin looking smooth and beautiful all day with a $50 mini make up lesson, completely redeemable in product!

Appointments are available between 1 and 6pm.

RELAX AFTER TAXES

You worked hard all year, now enjoy some much deserved "me" time with the Best of Both Worlds, our signature body massage + facial treatment.

75 minutes for $125 ($25 savings!).

Blush Beauty
249 N. Water St.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
414-272-1718
www.blushmilwaukee.com

SJP Perfume Contest!

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:20:00 +0000

Enter to win "Covet" Perfume by Sarah Jessica Parker

Fashion Under $100 is giving readers a chance to win "Covet," Sarah Jessica Parker's second perfume release.

Covet has top notes of wet greens, geranium leaves, Sicilian lemon, lavender and chocolate; a heart of honeysuckle, magnolia and muget, and a drydown of musk, vetiver, bois de cashmere, teakwood and amber.

go to one of my fave blogs to enter! http://www.fashionunder100.net/

"Sweet" Bridesmaid Dresses

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:01:00 +0000

I had a nice little Saturday a couple of weeks ago, 3 out of 4 BM's & I headed out to try on bridesmaid dresses. I had 4 stores lined up, but we only needed two! I thought for sure that with 4 opinions and 3 different body types that it was going to be a loong day. Turns out, it was quite effortless and painless!

I also thought that I wouldn't have any sort of emotional response to their dresses like I had with my own. But when my friend tried on the one-shoulder Melissa Sweet dress, and I saw her excited smile, it made jump up and down in my seat and love it. I even tried it on for fun, lol.

Check out the dress on the runway here: Style MS301 | Priscilla of Boston

And here they are on my BMs! They loved the pockets. It will be coming in Fig, which is a dark purple. I think the dresses really accomplish the "I can wear it again" factor. No frilly bows, no crazy colors, and no taffeta! They don't scream "BRIDESMAID" which I love and it keeps with the quiet elegance that I am going for on my day. Now I am on the hunt for shoes...my BMs talked me out of flats and I guess I don't want to be the short one in pics if they are all wearing heels, so I guess heels it is! Plus, I love shoe pics. just shoes in general. lol!

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:33:00 +0000

Stop in on Wednesday and roll the dice to determine just how lucky. Your discount is based on your roll... 1= 10%, 2= 20% and so on up to 60% off everything!* How lucky is that?

Store Hours: m-f 10-8/sat 10-6/sun 11-5 414.727.4855 www.lelaboutique.com

Tons of luck to you from the girls at ,
Carrie, Stephanie, Tracey, Staci, Lyn, Alicia, Jeanette, & Kristin

Cinderella Project MKE

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:51:00 +0000

Milwaukee is definitely buzzing with excitement because that big orange thing in the sky has been out..for 3 days in a row now. Woohoo! 40 degrees for the weekend is like a heat wave for us right about now. I do realize how completely sad this sounds, but we gotta take what we can get, right?

Spring also marks a milestone for alot of girls and that is PROM! I never went to mine because I was way too cool, hehe. I went to my boyfriends high school prom when I was a sophomore and he was a senior. I went with the princess look and wore a lavendar A-line gown with a tiara and a great big JLo-esque updo from the Latina hair stylist who lived down the block and did hair out of her basement. Ah, those were the days!

Lisette Gaduric from the Gadzuric foundation must have been reminiscing about her prom days when she came up with the Cinderella Project MKE. She admits to having a passion for fashion and helping out the community. Heres the scoop:

WHO: Dan and Lisette Gadzuric
WHAT: Collecting donated prom dresses for Milwaukee area high school girls

WHEN: Now through April 3, 2010
WHERE: See list below

MORE INFO: www.GadzuricFoundation.org / Cinderella Project MKE Facebook page

Drop off your gently used yet still fashionable dresses at the following locations:

• Christian Faith Fellowship Church (8605 West Good Hope Road; every Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.),
• Destiny Youth Plaza (7246 North 76th Street; every Wednesday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
• Ozaukee Family Services (885 Badger Circle, Grafton).
• Luci Boutique (locations available at www.luciboutique.com). Those that donate to Luci Boutique will receive 25
percent off the purchase of a new dress.
• Mary Ryan Boys & Girls Club (3000 N. Sherman Ave.; Monday-Friday, 2:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.)
• St. Joan Antida High School Boys & Girls Club (1341 N. Cass Street; Monday-Friday, 3:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.)
• Daniels-Mardak Boys & Girls Club (4834 N. 35th Street; Monday-Friday, 2:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
• Pieper-Hillside Boys & Girls Club (611 W. Cherry Street; Monday-Friday, 2:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.)
• Don & Sallie Davis Boys & Girls Club (2430 W. Rogers Street; Monday-Friday, 2:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.)
• Northside YMCA (1350 W. North Avenue)
• Select area high schools from January 11th-February 1st.

Red Shoes Make Everything Better

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:16:00 +0000

Hey Chicas! I have so much to blog about yet so little time to fit it all in. What is on everyones menu for spring? I have to get a pair of bright bold sandals or flats! In the meantime, I ordered these epitome of "Capital S" Sexy heels from ShoeDazzle! I am not sure when or where I will be wearing these but a LBD has these shoes written all over them! They don't ship until 2/19 or else I would be sporting these for V-Day!

Even better, with Febuary brings American Heart Month, a great cause and a great way to raise money to raise awareness of the #1 cause of death of women in this country. The latest episode of project runway featured real women affected by heart disease and some of their stories really touched me. A portion of the proceeds goes toward the Heart Campaign, and that just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

Heres what ShoeDazzle has to say about them: Red is the new black and fares like a neutral with the season's hottest hues, from deep amethyst to lacy black to bright winter white. Looking forward? Make the transition to spring with nautical looks or blue seersucker trousers for an unexpected pop of color. Wynn's luscious ruby red will have you closing your eyes and clicking your heels three times, but this shoe wants to go anywhere but home with its flirty toe-cleavage and curvy accents.
Aaah, ruby slippers… If only a click of the heels could eradicate heart disease, the #1 killer of women. With a few clicks of your mouse, however, 10% of your purchase supports WomenHeart.org in providing education and training to women so that we can take charge of our heart health and become advocates for the 42 million American women living with or at risk for heart disease.

You really have to love this site. They have a blog too filled with tips n' tricks : Stylist Corner

Here are some of my recent purchases from Jan & Feb. They are all from Hautelook. Since then, I have made it a point to delete the emails because these three purchases right here have gave me some serious guilt when I have a wedding to save for!

Romeo & Juliet purple top. I plan to wear it with an open cardigan, skinny jeans and boots. Or pair them with a blazer, wide leg jeans and heels.

The dress color is like a slate gray when I got this dress in the mail I was a little disappointed. It was more cow maid then chic. Since this was from a no-return boutique sale (so much for my paying attention to details!) I will have to take it to the tailor so get the sleeves fitted and shortened. Then it could work with tights and tall boots and a cute cropped jacket.

I just had to order this dress! This dress has Caribbean Honeymoon written all over it! Although its gray, the pops of color brighten this adorable dress right up. Instead of the neutral shoes the model is wearing, I plan to wear them with a bright pair of sandals or flats for a laid-back and stylish look.

Stay tuned for more updates and check out my new fitness blog on hyperstrikemedia.com where I am blogging about how I am getting my fitness on as a bride-to-be!

[Event] Boutique Blowout

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:22:00 +0000

I know that everybody and they mama must know about this event by now. Due to technical difficulties I could not get this up on my site for anything earlier this week!I am so excited to be there perusing through all of these fabulous boutiques' clothing. Hope to see you there!

[Event] 50% off Sale at Lela this Saturday only!

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 23:12:00 +0000

This Saturday, come to Lela for our
semi-annual Brown Bag Sale where you'll receive 50% Off everything in the store!

You got it... For one day only, we're blowing out all fall/winter merchandise to make room for Spring & Summer's hottest new looks.

So get to bed early Friday night cuz doors open at 8am sharp on Saturday.
You don't wanna miss this one!

Twenny Twen Ten

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:59:00 +0000

It is now officially 2010! I hope that everyone rang in a safe and happy holiday! I always get sort of sad after the holidays because everyone spends all this time preparing, planning, and anticipating Christmas and New Years, and then in just a two short weeks its all over and its back to the regular grind. The new year is a nostalgic time for me because I like to look back at the past year and look at my accomplishments (both big and small) but I like to look forward and see what new challenges, goals, and obstacles are in store for me. I like to embrace change 2010 is SO going to be my year!

Of course I speaketh of my wedding, 10-9-10! Obvs..wedding planning is in my future.. but maybe more importantly, wedding saving. I have found just about every vendor that I am going to work with and now we are just working on putting deposits down. So now its time for the most nerve-racking and emotional part of the wedding planning process...The Dress! I have mixed emotions about the dress. I feel like January is a very blah month. Important decisions should not be made in January! Yet my knot timeline says that this is the month to start the whole bridal gown shopping process. Ugh. And..what if I get cold feet about the dress? I just need to make sure that I am 100% in love with it...and I know I am going to be so picky, analyzing every detail and every angle of how I look in the dress. I think I have an amazing support system to bring with me, girls who will tell me point blank what they like and don't like about each dress. But I hope that everyone loves my dress and that not one person has a critical comment or else that comment will be stuck in my head! Here are a few of the pics that I have been collecting as wedding inspiration. I am starting to see a common theme of romantic hairstyles and easy decorations. I love every one of these pictures!

If you or know someone who is a Wisconsin Bride...they should visit this link with really good resources for local vendors, tips, and trends. It is always nice to real weddings in your area to help you find out what you like and don't like. How did everyone spend their New Year? and What does 2010 have in store for you?

I survived another Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:24:00 +0000

If you are reading this, then you have survived another Christmas holiday. Take a deep breath and let it all out! If you are like me, then you had to visit family on (count 'em) Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, ah ah ah (thats my count impression). It was alot of fun, but I think that for next year the fiance and I will combine our parents gift exchange and make it into one big celebration at our casa to make it a little less hectic. I have to admit that I don't mind all of that running around so much because A) I don't have any brothers or sisters so I like to visit with all of my cousins, B) there wasn't any inclement weather and C) unlike my family, the fiance's family likes to partake in a little thing I like to call, adult beverages. Hooray! There was some rain on Christmas day (boo) but nothing a Wisconsin-ite can't handle.

As far as presents go, Santa got me some pretty cool gifts. I got a Miss Sixty wool coat with a hood in black, for when my green or fuschia wool coats just wont do), a sweet dartboard with steel-tipped darts to get my dart skillz back up, and some VS pjs among other things.

I was extra excited about the board games that Santa brought! Now I feel like I have an enviable array of board games that anyone would love: Battle of the Sexes, Taboo, Pictionary, Scrabble, and Cranium. I cannot wait to host a game night with all of my friends!! Call it dorky if you want to, but games + drinks + winter = goofy goodness. It's good for the soul. I have always been partial to Scrabble and Scattergories myself. Let the games begin!

Next up on the list is planning for my NYE party. A quick trip to Discount Liquor and a cart full o' everything from Absolut to Vino, surely there will be something for everyone! I still haven't decided the "punishment" for those who dare not to wear B&W to partake in the MJ Tribute festivities. I should make them drink a warm shot of Cuervo..ooohh feel the burn!

What do you have going on for NYE this year? Do you go out for a night on the town, or do you like to chill at home and watch the ball drop with the one you love? Comment here!

[Sale] Miss Ruby $20 off Holiday Dresses until 12/31

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 20:56:00 +0000

I can't wait to check this place out for Bridesmaid dresses next month! I hope they have eggplant!

Michelle Likey

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:55:00 +0000

So I came across a fellow bloggers website, named Daddy Likey, via an awesome, amazing, outrageous giveaway! Don't let the name fool you, as it almost did me..It a crazy cool fashion blog and so I had to spread the love and let all of my readers know about it as well. All you have to do to enter is post a comment on her blog. This just reiterate's just how much us bloggers love comments! Thanks to all my amazing readers for the emails and comments. I feel the love!

http://daddylikey.blogspot.com/2009/12/mega-exciting-end-of-year-giveaway.html

Wanted

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:06:00 +0000

Its been awhile since I have done a "Wants" section. Since I have been planning the wedding I haven't wanted to look at trends or sales on anything other than wedding favors these past couple of months! There little room in my budget for clothes, but thats ok! I have been getting creative with things that are already in my closet. (Is now the time to admit I bought a Simply Vera cardi at Kohl's while Christmas shopping yesterday? I only spent $35 though!) Thankfully, 2 of my friends and beloved WP (Wedding Party) chicas stepped in with their wants to help me out in this area. Keep in mind these are wants -the prices are not listed so as not to cause sticker shock. Without further ado, here they are...Wants, in no particular order:

Cinzia Rocca Wool Coat, available at Bluefly.com

Anthro cardi, available at anthro.com

Botkier boots, available at zappos.com

Luichiny boots, available at endless.com

BCBG blardigan (blazer + cardigan. yea!) available at Macys.com

Snuck in a want for myself! Ruffled cardi available at anthro.com

Ruched dress, available in many different colors and 10 different looks @ VS.com

B&W + NYE + MJ = Awesomeness

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:07:00 +0000

Ever since the fi-fi and I have been together, we have always thrown a huge party for New Years Eve. The first year we were together and before I lived with him, I declared his house the NYE party house. It's been our tradition ever since! This year is the 4th annual bash! I wanted to do things a little different this year and make it themed. What better way to celebrate the last DECADE than with a themed party?

When I think of our circle of friends, and how we get down when we drink and dance...it became clear to me. MJ!!! So in order to honor his memory we are throwing a B&W MJ NYE party (did ya catch that?)

I went to the party store near my house last night. I found these great black, silver, and gold glitter clappers. Some miniature silver hats that look totally MJ! and I bought 4 dozen helium ballons. I Can't wait!

Here is my MJ themed outfit:

Jessica Simpson Pumps I scored on Ebay for $30

Hat from Express, $23 with coupons

MJ-licious belt to wear with my shirtdress, Express $19 with coupon

Phoebe Couture dress thats I bought from Hautelook earlier this year, about $60

I guess now all that's left to do is practice my moonwalk, lol!

Oh my blog!

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:50:00 +0000

Oh my blog, what a year! I have spent some time during this holiday season reflecting on all that has gone on in my life in good ol' 2009. There have been some ups and there have been some downs, but thankfully more ups. In this economy, I have to count my blessings and be thankful now more than ever. Alot of people cannot afford some of the luxuries that most of us take for granted every day. Obvs, the biggest and most exciting 2009 news was my engagement on October 11. I pretty much started my MBA program in January of this year (keeps me nice and busy. So much so that I haven't as much time as I would like for my fab-o blog) but I still have a long ways to go before I graduate..July 2011 to be exact. When studying and reading and writing papers are not taking up my time, wedding planning is.

Thats right ladies, we set the date...10-9-10!

We both love the fall. We got engaged in the fall. We started talking in the fall. So it was only natural for us to get married in the fall, too. The wedding planning has opened up a whole new world to me. I have so many websites, tips, and budget savvy ways to get a wedding in Milwaukee for in or under 10 grand, its amazing. I should seriously start wedding planning on the side. Albeit the slightly stressful budget, it has been a blast planning everything.

To me $10,000 is alot of money. To the wedding industry, its a drop in the ol' bucket. Think about it...that isn't even 10% down on a house these days! When we first met with our wedding planner, Chris, (who just so happens to be our florist and a family friend of my fiance, he agreed to help us out at no cost...he is such a sweetheart!) One of the first questions he asked us was our budget..My fiance and I sort of looked at each other and shrugged. We had just got engaged, we hadn't thought of a so-called budget. I answered sheepishly, yet so innocently. "$5,000?" I thought it sounded like a good number. Ah, how ignorance is bliss. I almost thought I saw a bead of sweat instantly appear on his forehead. He wrote the number down, however so small, and let us know what some of our options were.

Then I got down to business. I bought my first bridal magazine. I went to all the mainstream wedding websites (such as WeddingChannel.com and TheKnot.com). I went to a few bridal shows in my area. That original budget soon doubled. Not by choice might I add. I figured out how much I would need to save each check and reconfigured some spending habits. (I now brown bag it for lunch everyday) I am probably the epitome of champagne taste on a beer budget. Make that a cheap wine budget. Thing is, with a little hard work and alot of networking, it is entirely possible to have a nice wedding, one that you can look back on and still be proud of, on a budget.

Number one is networking!
I would not be able to meet my budget if it wasn't for friends of friends who knows someone's brother or aunt who bakes, dj's, or makes killer invitations. So start utilizing twitter and facebook because it will get you alot of word-of-mouth vendors who may not choose to be on those mainstream websites. It will also help you on who not to go with.

Secondly, make the better business bureau your friend. I hesitate to use names, but a popular photography business offered me a "too good to be true" price on wedding photos at a bridal show. I looked them up and the business had 2 compaints on BBB! My cousin's wife had used the same company and had a bad experience. Needless to say, I wasn't calling them back for any services!

Be wary of any pushy vendors at bridal shows who offer discounts if you book same day. There should never be any pressure to book unless you have time constraints or you have a list of questions that have been answered in full. Don't even think about booking until you have asked the basic yet important questions. Get any extras in writing. The last thing you want is something happening the day or week before your wedding and it isn't in your contract and find out its not possible, or worse, that it costs more money!

You catch more bees with honey. You really love that venue but can't afford it? Let her know! Most vendors are willing to work with you. Plus, nobody wants to work with Bridezilla or Miss Attitude. This isn't a car dealership, so the usual walk-away approach or acting like you are not interested when you really are won't work as well here. If you are afforded a wedding planner, let him or her wheel and deal for you. They have connections up the wazoo and they are hired to help you --that includes bartering or discounts.

Most important stay true to yourself. It's so easy to get caught up in the wedding buzz. Next thing you know, your budget is through the roof because you are convinced you need a designer gown and have to serve a five-course meal. Think of the last 3 weddings you have been to. Did you really remember the monogrammed napkins or what flowers were in the centerpieces? What font was on the invitations? Keep it all in perspective. Yes, it's one day and it's only going to happen one time, but when that day is over do you really want to spend the next 2 years paying off that vendor bill? Didn't think so!

Check back soon for some local websites thats everything wedding! I am going dress shopping next month and have been having small panic attacks about it. My style is just not whats out there in the magazines. Is something wrong with me? Will I find the perfect gown on the first try or am I going to dedicate every single weekend towards gown shopping? Who do I bring with me? What if I fall in love with a dress I can't afford? Do I chance a trunk sale or pay full price to get waited on hand and foot at the bridal store? So many questions! So little time!

Get your Sale on @Luci

noreply@blogger.com (Circle of Style) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:01:00 +0000

LUCI SHOREWOOD CLOSES ON SUNDAY
60% TO 90% off all week

Shorewood Luci closes the doors next sunday! Shop till you drop , stop in and receive 60% to 90% off, everything must go! 4405 n. oakland ave. We are open 12pm to 7pm!

Luci Downtown and Luci Bayshore weekly sale
Hot merchandise arriving daily!

"Luci not only has the best prices, but we are always having a sale!!! This week buy any coat, sweater or top and receive the 2nd for half off. Gotta love it. V.I.P holders take an additional discount off of your purchase! Stop in and ask how to become a V.I.P if you are not one now! check out our new blogspot..... luciboutique.blogspot.com"

Holiday Shopping Parties!
We will give you a FREE DRESS when you show up with your party.

Book your shopping party now!! Luci is a great place to have a girls night out! We provide the space( bayshore or downtown!) the food and the beverages! We are getting booked for the season so give us a call for your holiday get together!! xoxo LUCI BAYSHORE 5627 n. center park way 414-967-7933 DOWNTOWN 532 n. water street 414-273-3733