Double Denim

October 29, 2010







{Denim Jacket ~ Newport News / Top and Jeggings ~ ASOS / Suede Boots ~ Joan & David {last year} / Gucci Handbag {vintage (lol)? bought in 2005}  / Beaded Bracelet ~ a Boutique in St. Thomas / Crystal Hoops ~ Bebe / Nail Color ~ Pink Parka by Essie}


I just adore the idea of pairing a lighter denim with a darker one. 

I am not a fan of the same-color-suited-denim look at all.  Reminds me of "jean sets" from the 90's.  I clearly remember wearing an entire denim outfit, stonewashed denim to be exact - when I was about 10 and my older sister Tifini, was 12.  We had matching sets and even had the hats to match.  I was so excited and couldn't wait to wear it to school. LOL!

From that point on, and into my teens, I always thought denim shades worn together had to match EXACTLY.

Well needless to say, I grew out of that!

I keep forgetting about this little denim jacket, and how it goes with just about anything! It's a great shade of blue and adds a touch of "fun" to otherwise basic outfits.

And I have to say, I'm kinda excited to have rediscovered this HUGE handbag!  I vowed (aloud to hubby, to have a witness, lol) that since I keep every single thing and am somewhat of a hoarder when it comes clothes/shoes/handbags, etc., I will make an effort to wear the things that I NEVER reach for, more often.  That also apply to the things that I may be saving for "the right occasion". Nope, the right occasion is NOW. :)

Gearing up for another mini-series starting this Sunday. This time it's all about belts - stay tuned! :)

xoxoxo, thanks for reading!

It's In The Bag!

October 27, 2010


Fact about me: I am a very observant {read: nosy} person.  Have always been and probably will always be.  For that reason, I love seeing these "what's in my purse" posts, so I decided to do one. 

Here's what I'm luggin' around everyday:

1. Leather Rachel Zoe for QVC bucket bag.  I love this bag!  It's HUGE and fits all that's pictured with room to spare.  I normally throw in a water bottle or magazine when needed and have no problem with needing room.  BUT, it does get HEAVY.  Between the leather being substantial and the chain strap, it's very weighty. 

2. Louis Vuitton Vernis cosmetic pouch that I use as a wallet.

3. Baekgaard coin purse.   

4. Blistex Deep Renewal chapstick.  This is definitely needed for the cooler temps, my lips get so dry!

5. NYX "Goddess of the Night" Lip gloss.  My current fave!  It's nude but with a little bit of golden shimmer.  I have also been known to put this on over a bright pink... very pretty!

6. My trusty iPhone, which I just love.  Hopefully, I will be getting the iPhone 4 soon.

7. Adorable Clinique cosmetic pouch that holds my powder, bronzer and travel brushes for quick touch-ups when needed.

8. My keys, of course!  The "a" is for my "real" name - Alyxandria.  And the silver Minnie was a gift from my 12 year old niece. :)

9. My blog business cards, ordered through moo.com.  LOVE them, the quality is excellent!

10. My beloved beaded "L" pouch, which was given as a gift to hold a beautiful bracelet. I now use it to carry my lip gloss and mascara for on-the-go touch ups. 

11. Compact mirror for teeth checks, lipstick application, etc.

12. Excedrin.  Which must be carried at all times.  Unfortunately, I get headaches and migraines more often than I would like.

13. Nivea's Smooth Indulgence Hand Cream.  I absolutely hate when restrooms have cheap soap that dries my hands, this is a fantastic moisturizer. 

14. Coral scarf from H&M.  I love throwing this on when it gets chilly in the office.  And the color brightens my face, which is always good.

15. Sunglasses, that I always forget to put on when needed.  I also keep a pair in the car.

16. Notebook and pen.  I am always jotting down ideas, making lists, remembering songs, stealing recipes, noting names.  Basically, needing somewhere to WRITE - so a pen and pad is essential.

17. Earrings.  For some reason, there is always a pair of earrings in the bottom of every handbag that I own. These are from Forever 21.

18. GUM.  A must have. Popping in a piece of chewing gum instantly brightens my mood. And yes, I am gum-cracker (or popper), unfortunately.  I can't help it, lol!

And that's it! 

Keeping it all the way real: what you don't see, that's still INSIDE of my handbag, is a huge pile of old receipts, napkins (the kids always need them), a few bills, and maybe a gum wrapper or two, lol. 

When I am going out and just need a clutch, I only take my wallet, a few business cards, gum, cosmetic pouches if I can, and ditch everything else  

Please tell me your handbag is as full as mine?! 

xoxoxo, thanks for reading!

P.S. - My blog officially resides at http://www.beautyfash.com/.  So excited! :)


Simply Studded

October 25, 2010






{Thrifted Studded Suede Jacket / Black T-shirt ~ Target / Trousers ~ Style & Co via Macy's / Vintage Gold Earrings and Chain Belt / 
Suede Booties ~ Steve Madden}


I picked up this gorgeous purple suede jacket at my favorite thrift store in July.  As soon as I saw the the color and the studs, my heart skipped a beat; I was IN LOVE. And the price tag?  $6.00.  SOLD! 

...but there was one problem.  After seeing the size on the tag, disappointment set in.  There was no way in HELL I was fitting into an XS!  But I knew I had to try. You just never know.



... I said a silent prayer and slid my arms in.  They went in!  And I loved it so much, it didn't even matter that I couldn't zip it.  I knew I would be wearing it open, cardigan style, lol. :) 

Bottom line, and my motto while shopping: Give it a try, it might work! 

I rocked it on Saturday {with leggings and a tunic} while on a road trip to DC with my girlfriends and I got so many compliments.  This color is so vibrant and rich; it's just stunning!

Popping it on today with this {all black everything} ensemble made my Monday just a little better. Just a little.  Oh, how I despise a Monday.  

Thanks for reading! xoxoxo!

Trouser Spirit

October 20, 2010







{Trousers ~ Lane Bryant / Black T-Shirt ~ Target / Ruffled Vest ~ Torrid / Patent Pumps ~ Nine West / Handbag ~ Cole Haan / Watch ~ D&G / Belt ~ Leather Strap (from old handbag) / Scarf ~ NY&Co.}


I spent all afternoon on Sunday at the mall{s}, shopping for pants. Well-fitting, reasonably priced, trousers or pants for work. I easily tried on 30 pairs - so very exhausting!  After going from NY & Company to Bloomingdales, Macy's, Loft, Torrid, Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart, Express and back again, I left with 6 pairs. So exciting!

I even found 2 perfect black pairs in Macy's {Style & Co.} that were on clearance. SCORE!

I purposely ended the search at Lane Bryant and although I don't normally shop there, they have the best selection of pants that fit thick thighs and true curves. They are not straight up and down or low rise - like most of the "city" trousers I was trying on. And I love that they have just a bit of stretch. …which is what I always need. Needless to say, I will not be shopping for pants in a long while. {Thank goodness!}

Don't you just love a nice pair of classic, well-fitting pants? 

I am so happy to have new pants to wear to work with blazers, tops and cardigans. I was seriously in a black-pants-rut, wearing the same 7 or 8 pairs over and over. Very uninspiring. Next, I need to begin a search for a few skirts. Specifically, a nice below-the-knee pencil skirt and a pretty a-line skirt. A well fitting sheath dress would be great to have too.

P.S. I rocked purple today, in honor of Spirit Day. :)

Thanks for stopping by ~ xoxoxo!

Classic Camel

October 17, 2010







{Jeans ~ Z. Cavaricci (my faves!) / Top ~ Simply Vera Wang for Kohls / Thrifted Cashmere Blend Blazer / Leopard Booties ~ UrbanOG / Handbag ~ LV Paris Speedy Cube}


Wore this outfit to lunch with my hubby on Saturday and thank goodness we didn't have to walk much because these booties were so uncomfortable!  I felt like I was teetering on my tiptoes with every step, lol.  And for some reason, I don't remember the discomfort the last time I wore them.  Maybe it was because I only wore them to dinner and again, didn't have to walk much.  I had plans to rock them with a {little black dress} for a night out with the girls next weekend, but I don't think it's possible. So sad! 

...BUT!  I will be wearing them again for JUST dinner or JUST drinks where I will not be doing a lot of standing/walking/dancing.  These are stationary booties only, LOL!

Ok, so this blazer should have been a part of the Thrifted Blazer Mini-Series; it is just so amazingly soft, being a cashmere wool blend.  And the camel color is the perfect neutral.  It was extremely chilly and windy on Saturday and this beauty kept me so cozy!  It's so funny how all of my blazers are my fave.  I have serious issues, lol.

Speaking of shopping issues, has anyone shopped the ASOS sale?  The shoe sale is so good! They are also offering free shipping on all US orders, but of course because I am annoyingly impatient, I paid $12 for express.  :)

I got some really cute pieces; a few tops, a cardigan, a dress, a belt, some baubles and these amazing suede ankle boots for $30!!  I had plans to get the blue lace-up wedges that I posted about last week, but they were sold out. 

I am so excited about these though, I have been looking for the perfect pair of western inspired boots, ones that are not too pointy and casually fab... my search is over!  And I love the contrasting heel. 




I used to think western or cowboy boots were a bit too trendy for me, but with leggings and a cute tunic or dress, I think they would be adorable! 

What are your thoughts on cowboy boots?  Would you rock'em?

Florally Teal

October 15, 2010


 

 






{Pants ~ Torrid / Floral Cut-Out Tunic ~ Forever 21 / Black T-Shirt ~ Target / Pumps ~ Isaac Mizrahi for Target / Jacket ~ Kensie (via TJ MAXX) / Handbag ~ Cole Haan} 


Took these pics on Wednesday night - to be posted on Thursday, but a migraine hit me. Which means, I was at work suffering and then at home bedridden.  So I am posting them tonight. :)

I just adore this double breasted jacket that I picked up at the end of August and had almost forgotten about.  I love that it has an iridescence to the fabric and isn't quite a denim.  It is super stretchy and really comfy, but I probably can't layer much with this on, as it is already quite snug lol.  When the temps drop even more, and it has been FREEZING, especially at night, I can just throw on a scarf and gloves, jump in the warm car and go.

I can't believe how fast this week went, even though I was out of commission for 2 days with the migraine, and boy let me tell you I am ready for the weekend.  I have a busy weekend planned, which I hope will include a date night and me getting dolled up, maybe wearing a red or hot pink lip and going out for a fancy dinner in the city.

Off to finish browsing {and *maybe* shopping} the amazing ASOS sale.  

Have a great weekend, I'll be back on Sunday. :)

The Wedge

October 12, 2010







{Black Skinny Jeans ~ Style & Co, via Macy's / Short Sleeved Sweatshirt ~ DKNY / Wedges ~ Angeles via Yuradiche Boutique, NJ / Handbag ~ Cole Haan}


I just love wearing wedges.  They are the ultimate in comfort, giving the height of a sky-high heel but feeling more like a sneaker!  I can stand and/or walk in these all day and not feel an ounce of discomfort. 

These are very retro and remind me of a 70's disco for some reason.  I can't wait to wear these with a bare leg and a skirt soon, while the weather is mild enough to get away with  it.  And in the cooler temps with brightly colored tights? Oh yes!

{Obviously} I am really feeling the wedge boot trend.  I have my eye on cuties these too:




 

1. ASOS AVA Suede Lace Up Wedge Boot - $101.10
2. Aldo Tauret Wedge - $80.00


How do you feel about wedges / wedge boots?  Definitely more comfy than a heel, right?

Golden Girl

October 9, 2010














{Houndstooth Cardi ~ DKNYC (last seen here) / White Tunic ~ Torrid / Leggings ~ H&M / Gold Flats ~ Sam Eldman / Lions Head Belt ~ from ages ago, bought a yard sale / Vintage Handbag and Earrings / Lucite and Enamel Butterfly Bangle ~ random jewelry shop in the city}


I am seriously obsessed with gold accessories. 

I wore this comfy outfit today out and about with my crew, my mom, sisters, niece and nephew for a "Family Funday".  I thought flats were the way to go and I just LOVE these Sam Eldman golden beauties.  I have worn these so much since getting them, they are extremely comfortable! 

They are fancy enough to dress up a bit and polished enough to wear to work with slacks and a blazer (which I have done twice last week).  I am trying hard to embrace the idea of wearing flats more.  Even though I prefer a heel and I think I waddle in flats, lol.

I also love these H&M leggings, I can seriously wear them every single weekend.  They are so easy to grab and throw on; they go with just about anything.  I wish they were available in chocolate and gray too.

I am so excited about tomorrow.  I have absolutely nothing planned but relaxing on the couch, watching King of Queens reruns on my DVR and taking A FEW naps. :)  ...and I deserve the break!

I hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend!