Resolutions

Ah, the new year. By now, everyone jokes about how we've all given up on resolutions already (although there's always a sad, nervous little twinge at the end of every 'screwed-it-up-already' joke). Every other commercial is for online dating, a weight loss program, class action lawsuits, or (my personal favorite) get out of debt/tax liabilities free! Of course this is probably because I'm out of work and watching Bravo reruns all day, not because it's a new year. Anyway, I thought I'd share my three style resolutions & inspiration for 2012.

1. Inject more color into my wardrobe. 

Milly Spring '12 RTW, 
Style.com

Courtesy of J.Crew, 
"Looks We Love"

Skirt, J.Crew, $158

As I've written about before {here},  I'm a big fan of black. I also have way too many white, gray, and navy pieces, but I can't seem to shake off my neutral security blanket. This year, though, I'm going to make a conscious effort to add more bright colors to my wardrobe. I've already started a little bit, with the orange Minnie pants & magenta wool Cafe Capris (both J.Crew), but the confidence I get when I wear those colors has inspired me to look for more bright hues in the future.

Last week I also paired my fuchsia Cafe Capris with a teal cashmere crewneck sweater, and I loved how it looked! So I'm also going to make an effort to wear brights with brights, not just with neutrals all the time.


2. Collect more printed pieces, especially polka dot, geometric, and colorblocked patterns. 

Milly Spring '12 RTW,  
Style.com

Diane von Furstenberg 
PF '12, Fashionologie

As a college student, it's super easy to get into the plain T-shirt/jeans/flats/optional sweater or jacket routine. But the style rut thing doesn't end after college - when I worked part time at a bank while going to community college, I found myself stuck in the boring 9-5 uniform rut: cardigan/dress skirt or pants/blouse/low heels. Anyway, my comfort zone is solids, so this year I'm trying to inject some fun into my wardrobe. I do have a good deal of stripes in my closet, both the nautical & preppy varieties, so I'm looking to add pieces with geometric, polka dot, and colorblocked patterns. 


3. Go for a more glamorous, modern look with a mix of chic and edgy accessories.

Necklace, Bauble Bar

Necklace, J.Crew, $158

Dior, photo c/o Fashionologie

I come from a pretty traditional Southern family, and the women I grew up around dressed pretty conservatively - think twinset sweaters, pearls, shapeless Ann Taylor sheaths, low heels from the 80s, the same dated leather purse they've had for 30 years. It's hard to have much of an individual style when that's what you grew up assuming that's how you'd one day be expected to dress. But as I've gotten older, I've started to break out of my comfort zone in terms of accessories - and this year, I'd like to keep it up. Lately I've started collecting bold, edgy statement necklaces, and I'm always floored by how a single piece can totally make the outfit. In 2012, I'll be scooping up pieces that mashup classic and edgy, tough and traditional. I'm loving modern, interesting takes on classic pieces, like the Dior bag above (obviously not in my budget, but I can dream!).


What are your style resolutions this year? Are you looking to add more color, prints, or edgy accessories to your wardrobe?

[86] DIY Glamour Girl Sash

Silk Tricotine Sophia Gown, J.Crew

With the holiday season in full swing, I thought I'd share with you all my DIY version of a crystal-embellished party sash :)

My college hosts a black tie ball for junior women every February, and since I'm a junior next semester I get to dress up! I purchased a J.Crew wedding gown for the event last year from the sample sale ($20! I had to!) but it's rather plain, so I wanted to dress it up a bit with a jeweled sash - except all the sashes I loved were super expensive! I truly believe adding the words "bridal" or "wedding" to anything automatically makes it at least 3 times more expensive.

J.Crew, $265

Nordstrom, $300

Anyway, I decided to make my own sash (or try, at least). I went to a local craft supply store looking for ribbon, beads, sequins...nothing too cheap-looking, nothing too gaudy. I eventually came home with: a spool of 1" wide black satin ribbon, white fabric marking pencils, clear/silver seed beads, and clear adhesive beading glue. My initial idea had been to sew the seed beads on by hand, which probably would have looked more like the J.Crew sash (pictured above), either in a chevron pattern or just as a solid beaded rectangle. Fortunately, my inner lazy girl persuaded me to get the glue - I know it's winter break and I'm pretty much unemployed, but I still don't want to hand sew 1000 seed beads in crooked, awkward lines for 3 weeks.

The finished product

Thankfully, this glue didn’t “stain” the satin the way most glues do. I used a wide popsicle stick to spread the glue around – it’s super thick, so if you try this project be sure to grab a few popsicle sticks and work in small sections at a time. Since the glue is easiest to work with right out of the tube (and starts to get hard quickly), I did 1 – 2” sections at a time, laying down the glue then sprinkling the seed beads on top. Be sure to press the beads into the glue to help them set securely, ideally using a small piece of cardboard or very sturdy paper. Let the beading set in a well-ventilated area for 24 hours – if you’re lazy like me, you can even do half of the beading (7.5”) in one day, let it set, then come back and finish it up. After it dries, you should be good to go!

My total cost (glue, beads, ribbon, white pencils): $13

Seasons

Today (in Richmond at least) it FINALLY feels like winter! I know, I know...winter hasn't officially started, but thanks to festive Starbucks cups, snowflakes in store windows, and the almost daily influx of holiday catalogs in my mailbox, it feels like it should be winter. I'm a December baby, and as much as I love fall ("autumn" is one of the prettiest words in the English language, and I have an obsession with stepping on really crunchy leaves), winter is probably my favorite season.



I think there is just something so wonderful about feeling the sharp, cold air against my face while the rest of me is bundled up in a warm coat and every imaginable winter accessory. The coffee shop in campus starts carrying peppermint syrup & I can order my favorite indulgence again - peppermint lattes :)


For today's post, I wanted to re-cap my fall finds & spending. And after going through and listing all of my purchases, I'm realizing I really need to budget my spending! It's so easy to buy and buy without realizing just how much you're actually spending. This represents about 4 months of shopping, but holy cow, I need to check myself into retail therapy rehab...



Shoes: $185

This season I added several new pairs of shoes to my admittedly modest collection. I bought 2 pairs of flats, both by Report, from Shoes.com (nude ballets) & Nordstrom (black pointed toe). Earlier in the season I also snapped up a pair of faux leather black boots from Target ($30), as well as the glitter-embellished leather sandals from the J.Crew Warehouse Sale ($40).

Report, $50 on sale (Shoes.com)

Report, $55 @ Annual Sale (Nordstrom)

Mossimo Supply Co, $30 (Target)

Tops & Sweaters: $111

This fall - much to my checking account's dismay - I realized that most of my sweater were too small, REALLY outdated, and/or had been eaten for lunch by moths. As I shared in earlier posts, I purchased a navy blue open cardigan from H&M ($30), a yellow 3/4 length cardigan from the J.Crew Warehouse sale ($20), and a Bergdorf Goodman chevron-stripe cashmere cardigan on Ebay ($22). I also bought a Madewell crystal-embellished bow tee ($8), a purple oversized Modal tee from Target ($10) and 3 other basic tees, also from Target ($21).


Pants: $82

Most of this stems from my ongoing love affair with color (and the J.Crew Warehouse sale). I snapped up the purple wool Cafe capri and black wool Minnie pants ($15 each) at the sale, plus the bright flame stretch twill Minnie pants ($50) and ankle-zip dark wash denim Minnies ($2!)  I purchased on Ebay. 



Jackets/Blazers: $40

Considering how I've fallen madly in love with blazers and jackets this season, I'm proud of myself for not going overboard here. I purchased an Ann Taylor LOFT black tuxedo blazer back in August from Ebay ($15), and a navy knit boyfriend blazer from Macy's a little over a month ago ($25).


Jewelry & Accessories: $102
Again, as much as I love jewelry in particular, kind of surprised I didn't go more nuts here. One of my only Black Friday buys was this cute pair of earrings from Forever 21 ($4) - I usually try to steer clear of supercheap, poorly made clothes & accessories, but for the price I just couldn't resist :) I also purchased the double-row chain link necklace in silver from J.Crew ($50), and my Ebay find for the season was the Lee Angel faux pearl necklace I wrote about last time ($18). I also bought a teal infinity scarf ($17) and a black and white printed umbrella ($13) from Target.

Necklace, $55 on sale (J.Crew)

Earrings, $4 (Forever 21)

Long Time, No See!

I'm back! My apologies for the extended vacation - it's that time of year again where everything gets a little more nuts than usual :)

It's also the season of wean-myself-off-of-Ebay-so-there's-enough-money-to-buy-people-presents. For the past year or so, Ebay has been my latest hobby - it's insanely addicting to win cool stuff, and almost as exciting when you get cash for things you don't wear anyway. So in honor of my slightly unhealthy obsession, I thought I'd get back in the swing of things by sharing some of my recent purchases. Enjoy, and happy Thanksgiving!

J.Crew Bi-Stretch Twill Minnie Pants, Bright Flame

 John Bartlett for Bergdorf Goodman sweater

Lee Angel Faux-Pearl Necklace

• Pants, $50
• 100% Cashmere Sweater, $21.50
• Necklace, $17.50

Minnie's Missing Something

Minnie Pant in Bi-Stretch Wool - Black, $98 [J.Crew]

So my J.Crew Factory Warehouse trip wasn't such a smashing success after all.

The fuchsia wool Cafe Capris I snagged were, well, snagged - there's a dime-sized hole near my left ankle in the back of the pant :( Unfortunately, it's a minimum of $60 to have my tailor reweave the fabric. Fortunately, it's right above the cuff in the back of the pant, so it isn't really in an obvious place. I think I'll just buy some thread in a matching color & patch it up a bit.

As I was trying on my black wool Minnie pants the other morning, I was disappointed to find one of the side seams had come apart (not sure how I didn't notice this at the sale or when I tried them on at home after the sale).

J.Crew isn't lying about the bi-stretch thing - it's super flattering. This is one of those rare instances where your butt will actually look as great as the J.Crew model's in these pants. But for $98 retail (or even for $15), I really would have liked to see some lining! Maybe a silk or poly lining would have chunk-ified my ass or something, but let's be honest here - wool doesn't feel that great against bare skin. Overall the fit is beautiful, but they're kind of itchy :/

Forward Motion

So I finally have some time to write...but it's good, I promise!

I'm a business major, and I recently won a consulting case competition at my university (nerdy, I know). But what was NOT nerdy was the $75 Visa gift card I received as a prize! :) Naturally I began contemplating the many ways I could update my closet for $75 or less. Yesterday, my boyfriend (and occasional stylist, he has great taste) accompanied me on what was quite possibly one of the most fun shopping trips I've even had (Get pretty things! Checking account balance not depleted! No buyer's remorse! Hooray!).

I've already babbled about how much I want a chunky, cozy, oversized-yet-chic sweater for fall/winter, so of course that was on the list. Also included on my mental wishlist were: a fluffy, shaggy faux-fur coat; a navy cuffed boyfriend blazer; nude patent flats or pointy toe flats; gum-sole wedges, and; long sleeved stripe tees for layering.

After browsing through J.Crew, Ann Taylor, & Ann Taylor LOFT, I had only found one cozy sweater I liked - and it was $56. Even though I had $75, I really only wanted to spend $50 so that I could use what was left over to go out to dinner with my man. And as luxe and snuggly as the pricey J.Crew open cardigan was, I didn't quite want to pay that much for a single item.

Jou Jou, $25 [purchased in navy, Macy's]

At my boyfriend's suggestion, I reluctantly tried the junior's section at Macy's. I know, I know. I cringed. Tacky glitter-splashed jeans, matted faux fur, and cheap velour came to mind. As we browsed the racks of flamboyant, frilly satin dresses, whiskered jeans, screenprinted tees and cheap-looking tracksuits, I had all but given up hope. But then, I spotted a corner filled with racks of boyfriend blazers and Southwestern-printed wrap cardigans. Although the cardigan I tried on was ill-fitting and cheaply made, I was delighted with the fit and style of the navy boyfriend blazer I'd found - and it was only $25!

H&M, $25

To round out the day, I snapped up a cozy, thick-knit open cardigan (not as soft, but otherwise identical to the J.Crew one I'd seen earlier in the day) from H&M, also in navy & $25.


So I admit, I can be a fashion snob sometimes. But this shopping trip got me thinking. To me, shopping in the junior's section - or at stores that specialize in cheap, poorly-made garments and accessories - usually isn't really that much of a "value" for classic pieces. It makes more sense, in my opinion, to buy a classic wardrobe staple that is well made but expensive (perhaps on sale or at an outlet) because the well-made item will last longer than it's cheap imitation counterpart. Besides, a cashmere sweater just feels so much better than a cotton or synthetic knit against your skin.

There really can be some fun, inexpensive pieces in the junior's section or in cheap, mass-produced chain stores like H&M or Forever 21 (see below). Am I a sellout for spending my money on 2 less-expensive pieces, or should I have gone with the higher-quality sweater? If you had money to burn, would you go for one timeless classic, or several trendy pieces to update your wardrobe?

Velvet Torch, $46 [Nordstrom]

H&M, $18

Forever 21, $38

H&M, $60

Forever 21, $28

Zara?!

Zara, $70

There isn't a Zara store where I (or most American ladies) live. I think the closest one is in DC. I've never even been to a brick-and-mortar Zara store, because I've heard it's essentially a more-expensive-because-it's-Spanish Forever 21. More expensive? Yes. Forever 21? Hardly.

I was browsing some less-expensive websites looking for cozy sweaters, when I discovered exactly how cool Zara is. I found leopard print pointed-toe flats! I'm snapping those babies up as soon as I deposit my next paycheck (which seems like 10 million lightyears away when you're drooling over something, let's be honest).




Some other envy-worthy finds:

Tweed Blazer, Zara, $90

Sequin Jacket, Zara, $129

Zara, $159

Zara, $100

Zara, $60

Blazer, Zara, $80

Blazer, Zara, $80

Top, Zara, $40

Snuggle Sesh

Here in the 804, the weather can be pretty hormonal. One day it's 82 and sunny, the next it's raining. A few weeks ago it tried out a new 85-and-raining hybrid that my hair and I despise.

But lately, it's been pretty "autumn." That crisp, J.Crew catalog, dancing in the leaves, pumpkin spice latte kind of autumn. With a couple of classic 46-in-the-morning-but-82-by-the-afternoon days sprinkled in just for kicks.

So (natch) I start rifling through my storage boxes of sample-sale cashmere and warm but unfortunate-looking sweaters I've had since middle school. I've got a rainbow of 3/4 length cardigans (thanks, banking internship) and maybe 3 or 4 cozy-but-chic sweaters. And maybe $50 in my checking account.

I'm thinking I want one of those super snuggly, chunky oversized cardigans, the kind you see on the edgy, modern bohemian girl walking down the street or ordering coffee in front of you at Starbucks. I think it gives you this effortless look that actually is pretty effortless. Step 1: put on chunky cardigan. Step 2: order pumpkin latte/other fall activity. I'm also drooling over interesting takes on the open cardigan, like asymmetric or drape/cascade-front styles, and sweater/jacket (swacket!) combos.

Here are a few picks under $70 that I'm currently eyeing:

Gap, $40

Old Navy, $55

Ann Taylor LOFT, $56 on sale

Staring at the Stars, $69 [Urban Outfitters]

J.Crew, $70 on sale

Element, $65 [Bloomingdale's]

Jack by BB Dakota, $70 [Piperlime]

Also, since when did Old Navy start selling any kind of sweater for $55?!

Sick and Tired Bored {The Remedy? Glitter!}

For the past few days, I've been under the weather with a cold. So naturally, I've already caught up on all my TV shows, browsed my favorite blogs, updated my Facebook status, checked my email 100 million times a day, slept for like, 14 hours......and now I'm bored. So, I thought I'd post a review of the new, drool-worthy shoes I picked up at the Warehouse sale a few days ago. Glitter just makes everything better. 

J.Crew Crushed Glitter Sandals. {Jeans, J Brand. Nails, Essie "Secret Story"}

The color is actually darker than it looks in my photo (thanks, Blackberry). These babies feature a low-ish heel (2 inches) and tons of leather straps (alternating between plain, soft leather & bands of silver glitter).

Rained on my parade.

Over the past few years, I've come to the sad conclusion that J.Crew shoes are just too narrow for my feet. I usually wear a size 8, but kept having to size up to an 8.5 in J.Crew (I figured they just ran small). Then, when I ordered the Rainy Day Bow Ballet Flat in an 8.5, it became really obvious that the problem wasn't that J.Crew shoes were too small, but rather that they were too narrow for my feet. On the bright side, I wouldn't consider buying the shoes I lusted after in every catalog. On the other hand, I still swooned over them. What is it with me drooling over things I know I can't have?

So of course I steered clear of the boxes and boxes of heels, flats and boots rubber-banded together at the Warehouse sale.

For about 30 minutes.

But the boxes of shoes were located on rows of tables in the middle of the warehouse. As I dug through boxes of men's pants and too-big-for-me dresses, a pair of these glittery shoes would inevitably catch my eye every few minutes. I eventually broke down and tried a pair on, on a whim.

And they fit. Beautifully. The straps cradle your foot almost as if it's a boot or bootie, which is so rare for sandals (usually strappy sandals don't have enough straps, and it feels like the arch of your foot is holding on for dear life to the rest of the shoe). The low heel also makes these shoes ridiculously comfortable! I can't wait to wear these beauties with cuffed, olive-colored boyfriend pants, or skinny black denim and a black quilted leather jacket. If you're like me and don't usually fit into J.Crew shoes, try these on. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Mecca.

For the past year or so, I've been taking advantage of the sort-of-secret sales at the J.Crew Warehouse in Lynchburg, Virginia (2 hours west of Richmond). Not to be confused with Factory Stores or outlets, the Warehouse (or Factory Warehouse) sales are more like giant sample sales with returns from online orders mixed in - 70-80% of the items are in like-new condition, but be advised that there are a number of items with missing sequins/beads, snags, holes, or other defects.

Today I scored some INSANE deals at the Warehouse's big fall sale, so I thought I'd share :) All images c/o J.Crew except if otherwise noted.

1. J.Crew Crushed Glitter Sandals: 

Original: $265
Current Price (online): $80
I paid: $40

2. J.Crew Bi-Stretch Wool Minnie Pant (Black):

Original: $98

I paid: $15

3. J.Crew New Cafe Capri in Wool (Bright Dahlia):

Original: $118
I paid: $15

A Note About Fit: These gorgeous pants fit one size small in my experience. I'm an avid J.Crew fan & regularly fit into their size 4 pant; I bought a size 2 at the sale and planned on selling them on Ebay, but tried them on out of curiosity & they fit! I've been trying to lose a few pounds lately, so it's slightly possible that I'm legitimately a size smaller (but I am almost entirely certain that 3 weeks of sporadic gym sessions and a handful of veggies twice a day has not caused me to drop a size). Anyway, try these in a size smaller than you usually wear. I suspect J.Crew is subtly trying to tell us that shelling out the equivalent of 23 lattes (or a shiny new pair of Hunter wellies, or a cashmere sweater, or 2 tanks of gas in my car) makes us magically skinnier.

Image Courtesy of Polyvore

4. J.Crew Jackie Cardigan (Bright Yellow):

Original: $62 (no longer available online in this color)

I paid: $20

5. Madewell  Sparkle Bow Tee: (image to be posted soon)

Original: Unknown
I paid: $8

 ---

For the Boys:

Although the primary focus of this blog is women's style and shopping, I thought I'd also share what my brother picked out as well as some finds I picked up for my boyfriend.

My brother scored:

• Merino Wool Fisherman's Sweater - $20
• Ludlow Italian Wool Sportcoat, Black - $25
• Printed Swim Trunks - $10
• White Raffia Fedora - $5
• Khaki Chino Pants - $15
• Argyle Dress Socks - $2

And for my boyfriend:

• Merino Wool Cardigan, Navy - $20
• Gray Chino Pants - $15
• Khaki Chino Pants - $15

Has anyone else shopped the Warehouse sale before? Please feel free to share any fabulous finds! :)