Finally appropriate

Tell me if this has ever happened to you: You spot an item of clothing in a store. You fall madly in love with it and take it home immediately. Then, for the next few weeks, you take out that item every day and try it on. You layer it. You wear it on its own. You accessorize it. No matter what, though, it just never seems right.

That was the way this vest was for me. I knew it was love at first sight, yet day after day, it went unworn in my closet. I've probably had this vest for a good month and a half now, and today, I finally took off the tags. Hoorah! I was actually quite pleased with this layered look. I was less pleased, however, with the pictures that I got of the outfit. haha





And here's a close-up of my favorite part of the vest:

The zipper-pulls are little Flying-V guitars!!! LOVE them!


Here's a shot of my new ring! It's handmade by a local artist and I'm in love with it!

Vest: Abbey Dawn line from Kohl's - $31
Pants: Forever 21 zip-ankle jeans - $16
T-Shirt: H&M - $13
Shoes: Baker's - $65

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.**

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

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:

One Look Could Kill: Jacket freedom!

I’ve had this jacket in my closet for about 6 months now. It’s been crying to me, pleading for me to let it out, but sadly, I had to keep it put away. When the temperature is shooting above 95 degrees, the last thing you want to do is put on a jacket. I tried to explain this to the jacket, but it just wouldn’t listen. ;)

I was so happy when I found this, though. It’s a motorcycle jacket, complete with buckles and zippers, made out of a soft, sturdy cotton. Who’d a’thunk it? Paired with some army green pants rolled up to show off my gladiators, I felt like somewhat of a badass in this. Don’t ask me why. My brain is odd like that at times. (Okay, at most times.)









Oh! I finally got to wear out my Aldo Koudougou heels this weekend to my best friend's bachelorette party. We roamed the streets of Philadelphia for miles bar hopping. Philly is a pretty old town, so many of the streets are still cobblestone. After miles of cobblestone walking, I could have danced a jig in my shoes. They were RIDICULOUSLY comfortable. I was so happy I almost cried. Seriously. ;) I'm wearing them again tomorrow night to a BIG party my work throws each year. I'll make sure to snap a ton of pictures.

One Look Could Kill: Finally Cooling!!

My first thought when I woke up this morning was, "Woah. It's a bit chilly in here." My second thought when I woke up this morning was, "WOAH!! It's a bit chilly in here!! WOOHOO!" (This was followed by me gleefully flinging myself out of bed cheering...which confused the hell out of my barely-awake husband.) There are only so many 85+ degree days in a row that a girl can handle, and with all of the little Fall purchases that I've been racking up, I've been dying to break them out!





I was so happy to finally get to wear this Old Navy shirt that I've been hanging onto for a few months. It's made out of the softest sweatshirt-like material possible, but still has a flattering, billowy cut. I could just live in this shirt. ;) I paired it with my trusty studded Bitten wedges and a white fishnet scarf I grabbed from H&M last season. Because things at work have been SO busy lately, I haven't really had the time or energy to put thought into my outfits or makeup, but today, I made the time. I feel better already.





Oh, and I had to include one of the little demon who "helps" with my makeup each day. Meet Spooky!

One Look Could Kill: Those boots

I can’t seem to get enough of these boots this summer. They’re just loose enough around my calves and ankles to be comfortable, even on the hottest days. (Here in Baltimore today, we’re supposed to be at 93 degrees. Ick.)

I also just can’t seem to let go of this purse. I bought it at Target years ago, and it’s INSANELY dirty, but I love it so! Anyone have any tips for making fake white leather bright again? ;) I’ve heard Simple Green, but I’m open to suggestions!

Oh, and I'm going to be a Bloggin' Fool today! Look for posts on my favorite beauty items, and my tagged items from this month's oh-so-juicy issue of Lucky!

Half Day Ahoy!

Sorry I’ve been so lax in my posting! The days have just been so hot here that I haven’t felt like putting much thought into my outfits. I’ve been living in a white t-shirt and shorts daily.

Today, I get a half day off from work, so I wanted to wear something to go directly from the office into the malls. Plus, the temperature has FINALLY dipped below 95, so I don’t feel like I need to dress sparingly.

I think these cowboy boots were my greatest Ebay score ever. ;)

Oh, and for the last picture….I had to grab my lovely “Photographer-of-the-Day” (since I am without a tripod) to stand in front of the camera. I swear…I have the most fashionable co-workers. ;)

One Look Could Kill: Smitten with Bitten

I just couldn't resist that subject line. Truth be told, I'm completely, utterly and madly in love with Sarah Jessica Parker's clothing line, Bitten (sold at Steve & Barry's). There are so many "pros" to this clothing line, it's ridiculous!

1) The clothes are incredibly fashionable! I'm talking seersucker pants, the quintessential "Little Black Dress" and strappy sandals kind of fashionable.

2) They have a wide variety of sizes, everything from size 2 to size 18.

3) The clothes are comfortable!!! I know with so many discount clothing chains, you might only pay a few dollars for an item of clothing, but you'll suffer all day from it. I've worn the shoes from the line all day, every day for a week and my feet were still thanking me. ;)

4) Oh, did I forget to mention that EVERYTHING is $8.98 or less?!? How crazy is that?! You don't sacrifice quality for style or vice versa either. It's amazing.

Today, I'm wearing a new outfit, almost entirely from this clothing line:



I'd be lying if I said it didn't feel damn good to receive about 10 compliments from various co-workers within the first hour I was in the office. ;)

Shirt: Bitten - $8.98
Pants: Bitten - $8.98
Shoes: Bakers - $66.00
Cuff: Vendor in the middle of the mall - $14

One Look Could Kill: Worker Bee

Ever since seeing The Devil Wears Prada, I've wanted to spice up my work wardrobe with things I wouldn't mind wearing outside of the office as well. While I do work in an office, their standards for dress are slightly more relaxed than most. In fact, I work with more fashionistas than I ever have before, so damn, I need to up my game! ;)

I mentioned this in a previous post, but this is my first time trying out the black t-shirt/bright miniskirt combo. I think that it's just classy enough for work, but could be taken out for a night on the town, too!



Shirt: Thrifted ($2)
Tank Top: Freebie at a movie promo!! ($0)
Skirt: The Limited, on a super sale ($6)
Shoes: Candies from Kohl's ($19)
Studded Bracelet: Claire's ($3.50)
Bag: Bitten by Sarah Jessica Parker sold at Steve & Barry's ($8.98)

One Look Could Kill: My old clubbing self

For so many years, I was all about going to clubs. My friends and I would plan each week who was going, what we'd wear, what songs we'd request - everything. We'd dance our collective asses off and sit in a corner gossiping all night. I never got tired of it and felt completely at home.

One of our popular haunts in Baltimore is ending its weekly industrial party next week, so we all took this past Saturday as an opportunity to visit one last time. All of the same faces were there, all of the same music was played, but something was different. As I get older, it just doesn't seem to fit as well as it used to. I tried on all of my old club clothes, and none of it felt just right.

I threw on my favorite tank top, a jean skirt and these boots. I even later changed out of the boots into my trusty red cowboy boots before leaving the house. I was comfortable, I had fun, and I have no intentions of going back again.



Shirt: Thrifted and deconstructed by me ($3)
Skirt: Wet Seal ($4 on clearance)
Boots: Funke Feet ($45)
Bag: Bitten by Sarah Jessica Parker, bought at Steve & Barry's ($8.98)
Necklace: Girl Props ($7)

**Please note that I fully plan on making these pictures better. I need to a) find my tripod and b) find a corner of the apartment suitable for taking pictures without too many background distractions.**

One Look Could Kill: Sex and the City viewing

I went with all of my girlfriends to see Sex and the City this weekend....for the second time. The first time I went, I swore that I was going to dress up, at least a little bit. Horrible traffic and a poor mood prevented me from doing that, so I was hellbent on doing it this time.

It was at least good to see that I was not alone in my quest to look Carrie/Miranda/Charlotte/Samantha-worthy for this movie. ;)

Dress: Forever 21, Shoes: Bakers