Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Santa Baby..

Please Santa baby. I've been oh-so-good this year. Can you bring me....



(What is it with all of these cheap retailers teasing me with their inexpensive hotness?? Here's hoping for gift cards this holiday. ;D There are just far too many studded things out there for me not to go a little crazy right now.)

1) Abbey Dawn Plaid-Lined Vest: Kohl's, $24.00

2) Studded Patent Clutch: Forever 21, $19.80

3) Strappy Jewel Disc Bootie: Go Jane, $22.10

4) Abbey Dawn Skinny Twill Pants: Kohl's, $28.80

5) Studded Glossy Tote: Forever 21, $34.80

6) Faceted Ring: Forever 21, $3.80

7) Colin Stuart Studded Bootie: Victoria's Secret, $49.99

8) Liquid Mini Skirt: Forever 21, $12.80

9) Thick Multi Band Heel: Go Jane, $23.99

10) Light Burst Zip Ankle Leggings:
Forever 21, $14.80

11) Studded Velvet Fringe Boots: Forever 21, $36.80

12)
Tiered Leopard Dress:
Forever 21, $22.80

Friday, December 19, 2008

Layering Virgin

Since I've been old enough to read fashion magazines, I have been addicted to them. When I was in my early teens, I was all over Seventeen magazine. When I actually turned 17, I couldn't stop reading Vogue. In all of my years of reading these magazines, I feel as if there was one "trend", if you will that came up over and over again. I would try this trend, and then retreat, defeated. I could just never get it right! This trend was layering.

I would either put on not enough clothing to constitute "layers", or SO many layers that I wound up looking like Randy from A Christmas Story.

Well, I'm not sure what happened earlier this week, but I FINALLY felt a bit closer to getting it right. Hell, it only took me 28 years, right? ;)




Oh, and while it may not be "fashion-oriented", I LOVE our Christmas tree this year!!



If I don't post again soon, I hope everyone has a wonderful and oh-so-fashionable holiday!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

FINALLY!!!

For what seems like years now, I've been craving the perfect biker-style leather jacket. Well, that's a half-truth. I wasn't so much concerned with it really being leather or not. All I cared about was that it looked good. Whenever I've come across a biker-style jacket, it tends to fit my small frame horribly and just look bulky.

Well, thanks be to the gods known as "H&M". On Black Friday, I was doing my usual 6 am shopping (I love it!!) and I passed by the H&M window. There on the mannequin was the most PERFECT faux leather biker jacket I'd ever seen. I ran (quite literally) into the store, only to find out that they had sold out of that jacket days ago. They told me to check back in later that day in case more came in. I resigned myself to thinking that the jacket had slipped out of my grasp.

Au contraire!!! I called hours later and they had gotten more in! IN MY SIZE! I gladly used my 20% off discount for Black Friday and snagged that baby up.

It has really been too cold here in Baltimore to wear the jacket out (in the low-20s), but I had to camwhore just a bit in my apartment.

(I hate that last picture, but it shows the zippers, cut and sleeves well.)

I'm happy I finally found my jacket!!!

Jacket: H&M, $39

Friday, December 5, 2008

Hair Help!

I apologize for the sporadic posts. I'm hoping for a tripod for the holidays, so hopefully, I'll have more "Daily Outfit" posts for you soon. ;)

For now, though, I could use YOUR help.

When it comes to "beauty", I consider myself to be okay with makeup. I have a collection that probably rivals that of most drag queens, and I use most of it. I have every color of the rainbow in eyeshadows, ranging from the brightest yellow to the blackest-black. After literally practicing for years at it on myself, I consider myself to be good enough at it that I get compliments on it from time to time.

Hair - that's a different story.

In the past year, I've started blow-drying my hair...at age 27. Before that, I didn't know how (nor did I CARE to know how) to blow dry at all. I've used straightening irons, which I thought was pointless on my poker-straight hair til I actually tried it. I'm pretty much a newbie when it comes to hair.

While I love the color and cut of my hair right now more than I ever have, I long to make it into a style I LOVE. A style that I've loved for literally decades now.

This is my hair now:
Layered with bangs, a bit past my shoulders and as straight as straight hair comes. My hair is also thin-ish.

Now, this is the style I want to achieve (and this is the part where I hopefully don't freak Miss Ashley out):




(His hair - not hers)


Essentially, I want BIG, TEASED hair. I've tried attacking my hair with a teasing comb and hairspray, only to have it be as flat as a pancake a few hours later. I've tried blow-drying my hair upside-down. I've tried volumizing shampoo, conditioner and mousse.

I'm out of ideas!

So help me, oh-so-fashionable ones out there. ;)

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Dancin' down on the Sunset Strip

Hello, hello, hello! I've missed you all. ;) On Friday, my husband and I got back from our vacation in Los Angeles, CA. I can't even put into words what that city did to me. Granted, I didn't even see half of it (probably not even an eighth!), but I fell in love - the kind of love that literally keeps you up at night. There was something about the city that just made it feel like home to me.

I did everything I wanted to, and more! I went to The Rainbow, The Whisky, and more. It was my heaven. ;)

I only had one day to really shop, so we focused on Melrose Ave. Sadly, I didn't find too many gems there. I was able to get a custom-sized leather wristband and some badass rhinestone sunglasses, though.

These pictures may not show a large variety of chic and interesting outfits, but they do show "what I wore". ;)

This pretty much became my uniform while I was there - huge sunglasses, light hoodie, leggings, Aldo boots. It was comfortable enough to walk around all day in, but fun enough to go out at night in, too.

My husband and I at the famous Rainbow Bar & Grill. I've been loving the HELL out of my metallic Forever 21 jacket. It's the perfect jacket for chilly nights.

Little tidbit about me: I'm mildly obsessed with Slash from Guns n' Roses. (By "mildly obsessed", I mean that my husband has given me free reign that should Slash show up on my doorstep, I'm free for the night. LOL) I also found myself living in my silver hoop earrings the whole vacation.

With my friend, Kymmy on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (Yes, we laid down in the middle of a busy sidewalk for this picture.) How fashionable is she?!? I'm loving her slouchy boots over the gray skinnies.

The two of us outside the Whisky. I found this sequined cap at the Frederick's of Hollywood in (duh) Hollywood for $5. I couldn't decide whether I loved it or hated it. I then decided I loved it and wore it to the Whisky that night. ;)

We went to see the Make Rock History finals at the Whisky. Here, six unsigned bands got to perform for the chance to be the opening band for Motley Crue's next tour. The judges? Motley F'N Crue themselves!! It was a bit surreal to be there with about 150 people...and Motley Crue. I couldn't stop smiling like a fool realizing that they were only about 10 feet above my head all night. ;)

Also, there was a video montage that Guitar Center (the sponsors) did of the whole night...and I'm in the video!! (Okay, it's only for a split second, but still!) Check me out around 0:31 or so. I'm giving the thumbs up. ;)



And last, but not least...
The tattoo I got from Melrose Tattoo! "Life is Beautiful" is from a song by Nikki Sixx's side-project, Sixx AM. The skull is from a doodle that Slash always draws.

I will NEVER forget this trip. Ever.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

LA!

Goodbye for a week, my dears! This East-Coaster is off to Los Angeles, CA! I'm more excited than words can say. Be prepared for a full report when I come back, complete with cheesy, touristy pictures and whatever I buy there. ;)

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

High couture

Probably the most fashionable, chic thing I've worn in a while.

Monday, November 3, 2008

One Look: I've been baaaad...

As I know I've mentioned one too many times on this blog, I’m not one to spend more than $30 on…well…almost any item of clothing. You can imagine, then, how buying these boots was a MAJOR purchase for me! It’s really pathetic how hard I searched for appropriate knock-offs of these, but there was always just something not-right about all of the ones I found. Ah well.




Black Blazer: Mossimo for Target, $20
Black Leggings: Forever 21, $6.50
White Shirt: Silk-blend, H&M, $13
Boots: Camenisch from Aldo, $150

On Sunday, I leave for my first visit to LA and I am frickin’ excited, man. Sure, we’re doing some of the usual touristy shite, but for the most part, my hubband and I are doing the rock n’ roll tour of LA – The Whisky, The Rainbow, etc. Any recommendations for things we HAVE TO see while we’re out there? I plan on rockin’ out with my…well…you know.

I suppose most importantly...

Where MUST I shop?!? ;D

**Also, if you're in the U.S., please, please vote tomorrow. We have a big decision to make, and you need to let your voice be heard! I know mine will be.**

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Tomorrow!!

I will be updating tomorrow FINALLY. I'm so sorry that it seems that I've abandoned my beloved blog, but things as of late have been madness, both at work and otherwise.

I will have bits on my Halloween costume (which won me a $40 prize at work!), my latest "I've been bad" purchase, planning for my trip to Los Angeles in a week and more! Love you all!

Monday, October 20, 2008

Uh oh...

I think I fell in love yesterday. They saw me, I saw them. Once we were one, I didn't want to let go.



Oh, how I wish I could find a knock-off of this boot from a reputable source, because I just can't afford the $150 price tag Aldo wants to charge me. I found a pair on AmiClubWear.com, but a) it says they're out of stock, and b) once I checked up on them with the Better Business Bureau, they have an "F" rating. BOO!!!

Hurry up, cheapo shoe stores! I need these.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Deals n' Discounts

It has been a while since I've let you guys in on some deals of the moment! I'm the type of gal who never orders anything online before scouring the ends of the Internet for some kind of discount or deal. They're always out there if you look!

I went around and collected some recent codes for online websites. Treat yourself - go shopping!!

Forever 21
-Free Shipping over $75
-Daily 21 (20% off of 21 items daily)

Victoria's Secret
-Type in code GIFTS08 ($15 off any $100 order, $30 off of $150, $75 off of $250, $150 off of $500) - expires November 19, 2008
-Type in code ANY 25 (25% off single item) - expires October 19, 2008

Kohl's
-Type in code MVC7991 (Free shipping)

Urban Outfitters
-Type in code LUCKYBREAKS08 (25% off of everything)
-Free shipping on orders over $250

Wet Seal
-Type in code WSWL1008 (free shipping) - expires October 28, 2008
-Type in code ANY25 (25% off any single item - expires October 19, 2008
-They're now accepting PAYPAL!!
-All graphic tees are Buy One, Get one 50% off

GoJane
-Type in code GJSHIP50 (free shipping on all orders over $50)

Steve Madden
-Type in code PRIVATESALE20 (20% off when you spend $125 or more) - expires October 19,2008

American Apparel
-Type in code CHICAA15 (15% off orders; US purchases only) - expires October 31, 2008


Hope this helps some of you out! Please let me know if any of the codes don't work, or if you know of any other codes!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Closer to 30

First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the lovely Miss Ashley of Sugar Rush!! She clued me in the other day that we share a birthday. ;D

Oh, and it's my birthday today!

So this is what 28 feels like. I'm 2 years from turning the big 3-0, and while that's a little scary, I'm in a good spot in my life right now. I have an amazing family, a solid group of friends and I'm generally happy.

It's funny to think how my style has changed over the years. In my late teens/early 20's, I was all about being LOUD. I wore plenty of black vinyl, my hair was never a color found in nature, and I think I wore fishnets on a daily basis. While there's a small part of me that misses that style, I've grown into my own personal style over the years, and it's constantly evolving. I love trying out new things and testing my comfort zones. (Of course, as I'm typing this, I'm in my comfort-zone-outfit. But I digress.) I guess what I'm trying to say is that 28 is going to be a good year. ;)

Oh, and I had to show off my main present from my wonderful husband.

A Betsey overnighter bag!! We're going to be on vacation in Los Angeles in just 3 weeks (!!!) and he thought I needed some fabulous luggage. ;D

Yesterday was also the epitome of a "Good Day" for a sales-rack shopper like me. I got work that a local chain of stores in my area, C-Mart, was closing. They're an interesting store. Upon walking in the door, they're nothing to look at. They're arranged kind of shoddily, almost like a Goodwill. For some reason, though, they get TRUCKLOADS of previous season's clothing from high-end designers like Betsey Johnson, Gucci, Prada, etc. The prices were usually about 50-75% off retail. Crazy! When I heard they were closing, I RAN over there.

I wandered around the store, finding almost nothing. Then...mecca. I saw about 20 refrigerator-sized boxes FULL to the brim with American Apparel stuff. I just started pulling out piece after piece until my arms were full. When I got to the register, the teller rang up my 18 pieces of clothing...for a grand total of $18. I think I actually giggled.



I grabbed skirts, bras, metallic tops, t-shirts - you name it! I saved $162 in total. I'm still on a high from it. ;)

Have you ever gotten such a great steal that you couldn't stop smiling over it? Do you tend to seek out sales, or just happen upon them?

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Treat yourself??

In a few days, it'll be my birthday. Although I'm saving up like CRAZY for our LA trip (which is less than a month away!!), I'm having an overwhelming urge to splurge on something for myself as a "birthday present" to me. haha For months now, I've been looking for the perfect pair of ankle booties. I haven't found any that I've liked in the stores, so it might go to an online search now.

So, help me out! Opinions? Do you or anyone you know have any of these? Are they comfortable? Are they hideous? ;)

Is this thing still on?
Option #1
Colin Stuart Low Lace-Up Boot from Victoria's Secret, $88

Option #2
Colin Stuart Leather Studded Ring Bootie, $88 (These still make me drool every time I see them.)

Option #3
Siger Morrison for Target Glam/Crystal Booties in black & Silver from Target, $39.99

Where else should I be looking online? What are your favorite online boot shops?

Friday, October 10, 2008

Acid-Washed

I haven't been posting too many "looks" lately. I've just been so exhausted in the mornings that putting together a chic outfit doesn't come to mind. All that comes to mind is coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

With that being said, I had fun breaking out some new digs last week.




I broke out the acid-washed jeans that I bought a few weeks back. I LOVE these jeans...my husband, on the other hand, despises them. Pair that with his hatred for leather fringe and he's probably vomiting thinking of my style right now. haha I'm lucky, though, to have a guy that stuff doesn't matter to.

I wore this out to an art exhibit opening in Baltimore.

Looking at the pictures, I think it's time I invested in a good tripod. I HATE asking people to take pictures of me, and I'm never satisfied with the 2-3 shots they snap. I think I'd be more content snapping away pictures of myself happily and editing it down.

Who takes YOUR pictures? Do you do it yourself, or have a talented friend?

Blazer: Mossimo for Target, $25
T-Shirt: Hanes men's t-shirt (the ones that come in packs of 5), $9/5 shirts
Jeans: Burlington Coat Factory, $22
Shoes: Aldo Koudougou, $70
Fedora: Forever 21's Fabulous Fedora, $5.50

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Lucky Me! November 2008

**Before I go into what I thought about the November issue of Lucky, I'd just like to let you guys know that I LOVE, LOVE comments. Whether you love this blog, hate it, think it needs improvement, COMMENT. I love getting feedback, and if there's more you'd like to see, let me know!**

I have to go with Sara on this one. This month's issue of Lucky left me disappointed.



I think that the fall issues of every fashion magazine are the most exciting! This is where I'll get my first glimpse at the newest coats, gloves, scarves and winter wear of the season. I'll drool over everything and mentally put together my own style forecast. I found, though, that in this month's issue, there was very little that I found covetable. I sort of half-heartedly flipped through the pages, and only a few things really caught my eye. Nine times out of ten, the things that did catch my eye were extremely unaffordable. This led me to search out some cheaper alternatives to my picks.


Because I can't justify spending $255 on a sweater, I went on a search for cheaper alternatives, as usual. Lo and behold, Forever 21 had SO many options! This style of prep-school sweaters is very "in" right now, and you can find more options under $25 than you'd ever expect. I can just see these paired with short, flared skirts, oxfords and knee socks. (Yes, I realize that I'm brushing the edges of Gossip Girl fashion, but I'd rock it up a bit with some heavy silver accessories and loud makeup.)


I adore the look of this heavy, brown leather purse, but again, the price tag left me with a bad taste in my mouth. This bag from Delia's would be a great alternative! Sure, it's not going to be that same, high-quality leather as its more expensive counterpart, but it has the look down-pat.


I did find, though, that there were a few things I tagged that wouldn't completely leave me in the poor house.


I'm a firm believer that Forever 21 is one of the best place to find cheap and chic accessories. I love the look of this silver cuff from the store. As Lucky pointed out, it almost looks as if it's made out of the softest leather. You can use it to dress up a fancy look, or toughen up a more casual look.

The shoes. I don't even know if I can find the words for how excited I am for these! The collection comes out exclusively on Target.com on October 12, and the pieces are wholly affordable! I'm particularly interested in this pair of studded booties. They will be mine...oh yes. They will be mine.

I have never heard of Joico before seeing this in Lucky, but I love the idea of a spray wax. I am always striving for that piecey look when it comes to my hair, but I hate the heavy feeling of most waxes and pomades. This seems like it could be lighter and you could spread it out more evenly.


I was even able to find one piece in Lucky that left me feeling *gasp!* inspired.


Once I saw this wrap watch, I was in love. When I went on a search for more of them, though, I came up fairly short. I did find this (more expensive) watch at Urban Outfitters, and I love the dangling charms and soft look of it. Have you seen wrap-style watches anywhere else? I'm completely dedicated to finding one now. ;)

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

New Mexico!

Hello my fine-feathered lovelies! I've returned from the land of the dry heat. By the way, they really do mean it when they call it that. I am used to my body reacting to heat by sweating. In New Mexico, you simply just.dry.out. You don't even realize you're hot until you want to fall down. It was scary at times, especially when that was combined with being 7,000 feet above sea level.

But I digress. Basically, my uniform there consisted of jeans, a white t-shirt, big glasses, and my red cowboy boots.


Unfortunately, this is about as fashion-forward as I got. I didn't leave myself enough time to pack and wound up wearing what looked like the same outfit every.single.day.

If you ever get to go to Santa Fe, NM, I suggest you RUN to the Palace of the Governors. Here, dozens of Native Americans come off their reservations to sell their wares - everything from jewelry to pottery to paintings. As I had mentioned, my goal was a turquoise ring.

I was NOT expecting the prices to be so high!! The tiniest ring (which would have the daintiest band and a turquoise the size of the eraser on a pencil) would run in the neighborhood of $70-90!! My husband had to convince me to buy this ring once he saw how much I loved it. I almost cried handing over the money, but every time I glance down at my hand today, I'm more and more in love.


(It's the ring in the middle.)

I promise more regular posts are coming. I'm still recovering from my jet lag. Hope you're all well!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Advise me!

Oh, my lovely readers - I need your help!

These are the boots I've wanted for ages:


Yes, the famous (infamous?) Marc by Marc Jacobs boots that were the "it" shoe in the blogger world a hot minute ago. I felt lucky enough to even try these on at an Off 5th Sak's store a few months back. My husband was laughing at me because I was almost literally drooling over them, all the while giggling and saying, "Oooo, look at me! I'm wearing $800 boots! Oooo! Boots more than rent! Ooo!" Yes, they were godly.

Now, being that those boots do LITERALLY cost more than my rent, I became determined to find knock-offs. While I haven't found anything perfect, I have found a few cheaper options - everything from $37 to close to $200. Help me decide which pair is worth saving for!


GoJane, $33.99


Nine West, $149 (I'll be honest - I'm leaning towards these.)

I just love the look of a slightly granny-ish boot (but not TOO granny) with the high, high heel and buckled strap. Yum. I'm sure there are other knock offs out there of these. Have you seen any?

And while we're on questions, have you ever bought anything (clothing/shoe wise) that cost more than your rent/mortgage? ;)

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Dry Heat

In less than one week, I'll be on my way to New Mexico! My husband was lucky enough to score a free vacation for two there for 3.5 days and 3 nights. I've never been to New Mexico, and I'm so thrilled to go!

I'm not going to lie, though. While thoughts of Santa Fe, NM conjure up thoughts of pueblos and caverns and things of the sort to some people (my mother being one of them), my first thought was the shopping. Oh god. Have I really turned into this bad of a shopaholic? Well, I'll wear that badge with pride.

I'm looking forward to snagging great pieces of silver & turquoise jewelry. Maybe I'll find some leather-fringed items (and we all know I'm a sucker for those). Whatever I find, I'm completely excited about going to the downtown market area they have there and seeing what I can snag.

Here are some pieces inspiring me:

For Love 21


For Love 21


Urban Outfitters


Urban Outfitters


Have you ever been to the Midwest US? What is there to see there?
Did you find a shopping mecca anywhere on vacation?


Oh, and lastly, if anyone is interested in doing a link exchange (I'll link to your blog, you'll link to mine), let me know! :)

Friday, September 19, 2008

Baltimore's Best



Every year, the company I work for throws (what I think is) the most kick-ass party all year. It’s called the Best of Baltimore party. Over a thousand people are milling around and the people-watching is pure insanity. People show up wearing everything from ballgowns to…well…nothing. (One year, a guy showed up in sneakers, a bow tie and nothing else. NOT CHIC.)

It was a GORGEOUS night in the city and we were right on the water. I got to break out my ALDO shoes and my lame’ leggings for the first time, and they were a huge hit.

The comments I got on the leggings were hysterical.
“You look like a wet, baby seal!”

“Your tights are neat-o.”

“These make a FABULOUS noise!” (said by my drunk friend as she was repeatedly slapping me all night)

The party had some crazy shit going on - everything from a stilt-walker (who looked remarkably like a clown...so much so that I was running from it) to a roaming band of kazoo players. Good times, good times.








And some of my crazy fashionable friends: