Birthday Aftermath

My birthday this year was great! I got to spend it with the people I care about, doing something I love: SHOPPING. I didn't end up with any of the original items I showed in the previous post, but I had so much luck I didn't even think about. I did end up with two new pairs of shoes; one being these awesome velvet Vans!

 And these:

Except that instead of getting the wedge booties in this BEAUTIFUL floral print (which was also glittery IRL, they just didn't have my size but oooh, how I tried) I have them in black. I'm happy about that though because black has more versatility in my wardrobe.

Now, on to something a little more important. I have been observing the stats for my blog for the past month and I've noticed that I get the best feedback from my readers when I let you all know what's actually going on in my life, rather than just posting pictures of items you've probably seen a million times on every other fashion blog. I really wanted to give the fashion world an idea of who I am and what I am here to do. I had lost track of that idea and completely mistook the amount of time I need to dedicate to make this blog as successful as I want it to ultimately be. Sooo, instead of posting the rest of the items that I got in my birthday shopping spree, I want to post photos. What better way to utilize the dress form I got for christmas! 

I wouldn't mind any tips on photography, either. What is the easiest way to model the clothing and take the pictures? Is that even possible? Should I get a tripod? SO MANY QUESTION & no answers...yet!!

Birthday Shopping Spree? Yes, Please.

As I mention in my last post, I have been at a loss for what to do on my birthday. I expressed those concerns to my boyfriend and by some divine fashion god's grace, he said, "Why don't we just go shopping somewhere for your birthday?" He knows me so well.

Although, I will still be getting myself a pair of Jeffrey Campbell shoes for my birthday, it seems I have cashed in that opportunity for ONE pair of shoes into an all day shopping spree on my birthday. Yes, shopping spree. I mean, I don't now how much spree-ing there will be considering I'm so cheap it hurts, but I am looking forward to getting a select few items. My boyfriend, Jesse, and I are going to Potomac Mills next week. So tonight I am planning out a strategic shopping plan to make sure I don't spend too much but also that we don't waste too much time. The mall is about 2 hours away so I want to make sure we get back to Harrisonburg early enough to go out and show off my awesome new clothes. I'm narrowing down the list of stores I want to go to and this is my list so far:

Baker's Shoes

XXI Forever (aka Forever 21)

Victoria's Secret

Vans Outlet

Tilly's

Nine West Outlet

Michael Kors

Levi's Outlet (SO EXCITED)

IKEA

H & M

Okay, so once I typed the list out it was a little longer than I thought, considering I'm going to spend forever in the Levi's Outlet store aka Heaven. I rarely ever go to malls 1. Because the mall in Harrisonburg is where businesses go to die. 2. I have a hard time paying full price for ANYTHING. In order to get this shopping plan perfect, I've even gone as far as to creep on websites of some stores so I can pick out so things that I must have:

                          

Who knows what I will actually end up with! These are just items that I would LOVE to have in closet. I am also looking for a pair of printed pants so I gotta keep my eyes peeled for those as well. I'm off work tomorrow so I will get an opportunity to thrift & post during the day!

Don't forget to check out my Twitter and Tumblr pages. I added the links to the column in the left.
Happy Weekend!

Winter Weather Funk

Can I just fast forward time to spring?

I have been in such a funk lately because of the weather. I can only hope that it takes a turn for the better by this time next week, because next Saturday is my birthday! Last year, it was 70 degrees. That has only ever happened ONCE in my entire life. So, I guess I have my expectations pretty high. Other than my dread over the weather, I'm actually at a loss for what I should even do. How do you celebrate turning 23?

I can't say that I have too much to talk about because I haven't had the opportunity to go thrifting. I've been working a lot and fighting off the cold I feel brewing in my body. The rest of this post is going to dedicated to items I can't wait to find thrifted or DIY versions of.

          

Enjoy!

Not gonna lie, I think my next project will be those pink glitter slip ons!

Never ending Bootie Quest

If you aren't anyone in my immediate real life friends, you probably aren't aware of my struggle to find the perfect bootie. This quest began months ago, and once I get a idea in my head, I won't stop until I find the perfect match. The problem this time, though, is that I don't really have an actual, specific idea of what I want. Bootie. That's it. Do you know how many types of booties there are? Answer: A TON. So many different styles. I have been perusing the internet, thrift stores, regular retails stores....I was even tempted to go to the mall (and where I'm from, that's NOT a good thing). I'm think I'm looking for a wedge. I'm dying to have a leopard print shoe so I'm thinking, maybe, I'll get a leopard print bootie. Then, I change my mind. I want something that may be a little more versatile, something I can fit into any part of my wardrobe. And worse, WHAT IF I WANT BOTH? Which I do, let's be honest.

And I won't lie about this either, I am on a b-u-d-g-e-t super hard from now until I move. Plus, I'm jaded on pricing since I have been working at Plato's Closet and just learning more about clothing, in general. So, anything below $50 will be exactly in my price range. I found a few picture to post, to show the general idea but basically, I NEED HELP.

                      

 

And by a few, I meant two. See? That's how little luck I am having. I even checked e-bay but right now I think I'm too busy to keep up with that. I need suggestions! New websites to browse, brands, sales, ANYTHING!!

Post suggestions in the comments below!

Alexander McQueen

Ok, I really feel like such a jerk when I talk about designers I love like Alexander McQueen. My compliments almost don't seem worthy of describing how amazing those designs are. Plus, I am from a very small town so most of time no one knows who I'm talking about. TYPICAL. Instead of writing out a ridiculously long post about how much I adore Alexander McQueen, like I had intended, I'm just going to post some of my favorite looks from present & past seasons:

          

             

                                         

 

                              

          

If anyone reading hasn't been introduced to the designs of Alexander McQueen or you just want to learn more about him & his legacy, click the link below!

Alexander McQueen
March 17, 1969-February 11, 2010

obligatory Jason Wu for Target post

Of course, everyone who is anyone knows the newest Target + Designer collaboration featuring Jason Wu comes out in 2 days. I am so excited to see and feel the pieces in person but like many others, I've been searching through the collection online for my favorite, must-have pieces.

I love every piece in the collection. Upon first glance, I thought the blue floral skirt was cat print and I was instantly in love. Although it's not exactly what I thought it was, the skirt won me over with the overall outfit. I'm loving the sheer socks with heels (a trend I will certainly be trying out myself). The black and white print bag is so simple but chic; although I would typically go for a patterned bag (like the floral ones in the collection), I think the minimal color scheme shows off the structure and gold detail better. Plus, it can match practically anything in my closet. Personally, I would have liked to see more of the cat print. I'm still sulking over it. Can I get a cat t-shirt, socks, something?! Maybe, I'm just a crazy cat lady. *le sigh*

What are your favorite pieces? Must-haves? What about the opposite end of the spectrum: Is the collection everything you expected? Are you let down? I want all opinions!! For those who read this and don't know who Jason Wu, click the ADORABLE picture below, educate yourself, and enjoy!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Wu

Check out the collection in stores or preview it here!!

Don't forget to check out my Twitter & Tumblr!!

Happy Weekend!

color block, floral, & pastels, oh my!

I absolutely cannot wait for spring! The warm weather lately is such a tease. 65 in January? Yes, please. I've even been taking the time to transition my wardrobe from winter to spring, and I am so excited to continuing some of my favorite trends into the next season. One trend that I'm super excited about is pastels! I don't typically go for such muted colors but I have been seeing such popping mint and coral on the runway, so I wanted to see what I could try. Of course, I searched Polyvore for some edgy (and affordable) ways to add some pastels to my closet.

Prints in pastels add a softer side
tillys.com
$20

Obsessed with sheer right now! Edgy but sweet.
needsupply.com
$48

I'm also totally obsessed with mixing prints right now. The options in my closet are limitless now! I know that lots of people have a hard time following and actually trying trends like this. Today at work, I started focusing on pieces that are already a mix of prints in one. Here are some pieces that are unique and on trend (with little effort involved):

floral + stripes
nastygal.com
$38

Multi floral prints!
freepeople.com
$48

mixed print infinity scarf
nordstrom.com
$38

I typically don't stray into the worlds of hair and make-up trends but since I work on my closet so much, I want to spend time perfecting my skills all around. Any new make-up trends happening right now? I never change my hair either (besides dye) and I'd love to see what I can do with it. I'm always open to suggestions!

CLEATAS + LITAS

Yes yes, every girl should have a proper obsession with the shoe god that is Jeffrey Campbell. A few posts ago, I mentioned that I will be getting a pair of JC for my birthday. No, I have not made a final decision but I wanted to enter a new pair into the running. I mentioned that I was trying to steer away from the lita, but I can't deny myself.

The patchwork Lita has been calling my name over the past week. I can hear it every day in the back of my head "I'm beautiful, I'll match everything, I'm on sale" and I can't take it. I may just have to get then in addition to another pair. Oh my, this is bad.

On another JC shoe front, I saw the Cleata today. In pink + clear. I died. Seriously, how perfect is this shoe?

jeffreycampbellshoes.com

Jeffrey, you slay me....and my wallet.

I've only gotten a little bit of feedback on how these shoes fit, anyone else care to offer up some advice?

sentimental accessories

Compared to the obscene amount of clothing and shoes I have, my jewelry department is really lacking. I have enough of everything to get me by, I just never think to accessorize with jewelry after I get ready. Am I crazy?

Typically, every day I wear 5 rings. I have been wearing 5 rings since as far back as I can remember. Rings have always been my favorite accessory. I used to have a lucky necklace but in a series of unfortunate events and someone's sticky fingers, I no longer have it, but no one has ever been able to take my rings. I guess the biggest reason behind them is because they each have a meaning to me. All unique in their own way, and when someone compliments them, it is always a reminder of the story behind it.

My heart lock and key ring is worn on ring finger. I know it is kind of cheesy but I believe the day I stop wearing this ring will be the day I have an engagement ring to take it's place. 

The turquoise ring I bought from work so when I wear it I think about my job and how lucky I am to be where I'm at today.

The silver ring with the opal stone was a my high school graduation gift from my ex boyfriend. To me, is symbolizes my first love rather than high school graduation. 

The man and the star is a ring I bought when I was in 10th grade from a small shop in downtown called A Touch of the Earth. A friend of mine has a matching on, although it was so long ago, it's hard to say if she still has it.

The triangle ring is the newest addition to the bunch. I got it at an indoor flea market in Myrtle Beach over the summer. $10! I like remembering that vacation because I feel like it was a new beginning for me. I usually rotate the triangles from right-side up to upside down depending on my mood for that day. It's all in the details, and yes, I am that OCD.

What are your favorite accessories? Do you have any sentimental pieces that you wear every day? 

Also, now that you have seen the extent of my jewelry collection, I'm always up for suggestions on how to use my pieces in a different way!

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