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.

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!

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?

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?

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

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. ;)

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!

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? ;)

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! :)

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:

Covet Covet Covet!: Cheap shoes!

I can't decide whether the recent influx of shoes on some of my favorite websites is a blessing or a curse. Maybe I should weigh out my options:

Blessing
*The colors seem to be becoming more and more vibrant!
*The prices are all beyond reasonable! No pair in the collage I made is over $30!
*The heels seem to be getting higher. In the past, whenever shoes were uber-affordable, I felt like they sacrificed the height of the heel for some reason. I'm not sure why "kitten heel = cheap", but there it is. These newer ones seem to touch the sky!

Curse
*Just one really - my wallet is going to be hurting this fall from all of the pretty things out there!


What shoes are you looking forward to buying in the new season? Do boots do it for you? Are you coveting heels with tights?



Sources: Wet Seal, Forever 21, Hot Topic, Charlotte Russe, and Go Jane.

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.

A Bit of the Old "Retail Therapy"

I don't know if I'd so much call this "retail therapy" as "Hey...I have a bit of extra cash and want things". ;)

Here are the purchases I've made lately:



1) Black/White acid-washed skinny jeans by Vanilla Star (Target jeans pictured): $17

2) Faux leather miniskirt from H&M: $13

3) Faux leather metallic cropped jacket from Forever 21: $38 (Is it sad that I had to waffle on this purchase because $38 seemed a little steep to me for a jacket I LOVED?? Gosh. I scare myself sometimes.)

4) Nerd glasses from Aldo (AA glasses pictured): $12

5) "Straw" fedora from Forever 21: $5.50 (I've been searching for so long for a fedora that fits me...and this one was so cheap!)

6) Wet Seal Lame' leggings (exact replicas of the AA leggings in the picture!): $18


So now that Fall is approaching, are you shopping more? What have you bought already? What's on your wishlist?

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!

Cheapskate strikes again!

This weekend was a bit..hmm...I would say "fashion forward", but since I know some of the styles I crave don't appeal to a lot of people, we'll say "fashion successful"!


1) Don't ask me why, but I've been seriously craving a pair of stonewashed/acid-washed skinny jeans. I've just seen them on a few gals who have paired them with heels up to the sky and a rockin' t-shirt, and I was coveting them like no one's business. When I first started looking for these, there were a few common themes:

• Most pairs ranged from $45-$100+! This kind of shocked me! I really thought these weren't as popular, but I suppose I was wrong.


• Most pairs had a zipper that was only about an inch long...that's how low-rise they were. For a gal with a waist that is actually not the same size as her hips (gasp!), this didn't quite work for me. When crouching down, you could see a good 1-2" of my *ahem* crack. NOT chic.

I looked into how to make my own pair, but being fairly DIY-disfunctional, I decided that buying a pair would be a far smarter route. Well, after searching all over creation (and I really mean that - we're talking 3 malls, several thrift stores, and Marshalls/TJ Maxx etc. up the wazoo!), I finally found a pair...and for less than $20!!! Ross - how I love thee. The pair I got is very similar to these from American Apparel:

...only their jeans are $69. Mine were $17.99. ;) I get a high better than that of drugs when I can find a steal like that.

2) I've also been coveting the famous black lame' leggings from American Apparel for ages, as I mentioned in my last post. However, just like the jeans, I wasn't willing to pay the $42 (!!!!) price tag. After all, they're just leggings. Lo and behold, I walked into Wet Seal this past weekend, glanced around casually...and found the same.exact.leggings. Oh, except for one difference: These were only $17. ;) BOO-YAH! I'm hoping to post a picture of them soon when I can rock them out.

3) Last, but not least.
Weeks ago, so long ago that I'd forgotten about it, I entered a contest on the fabulous blog FashionIsPoison.com...AND I WON A PAIR OF FREE JIMMY CHOOS!$#!#$!%! From what I can tell, these run somewhere in the realm of $400+ brand-new!$#@ I can't believe it, and I'm so excited I can't stand it! Yes, I'm a cheap girl, but for the most part, that's because I simply can't afford to own 99% of designer labels. This will be my first "high"-designer anything, and I'm so grateful.


Did you all go shopping over the Labor Day weekend? Find any good deals yourself?




So yes. Good weekend. ;D Now I have to figure out what to wear to the Best of Baltimore party in a few weeks.

Eek!

Thrifty. Frugal. Careful. Economical.

Word it however you like. At the end of the day, though, I know that I'm pretty damn cheap. I LOVE a good sale. I take great joy in pointing to a pair of pants I'm wearing, right after someone has complimented them and exclaiming, "Thanks! They were TWO DOLLARS!!!" I've only made a handful of big-ish purchases with clothing in my life (my Betsey purse and necklace, the Bakers shoes, the Aldo shoes..) and each one has had me breathing heavily at the cash register as I hand over my money. I don't.like.spending.money.

Now, the only times I will let myself buy something "big" is when I can't get it off my mind, no matter how hard I try. This is the case with the black lame' leggings from American Apparel.

At $42, they're MUCH higher priced than your average $5-$20 leggings that you'll find. Yes, they're good quality, but at the end of the day, they're leggings....right?

So why does my heart beat faster whenever I see them on someone and why am I always planning imaginary outfits in my head around them??

Now the decision must be made. Do I keep just wanting them....or do I use my 15% off coupon that I have for AA, suck it up, and stop making them an imaginary part of my wardrobe??

Here they are on other beauties:






Ouijesuis from Chictopia


Lindarrr from Chictopia


Rumi of FashionToast.com


So?? Opinions??

Forgive me!

Oh lovelies, forgive me. Currently at my work, we're in the thick of the busiest time of the year, which goes from about mid-August to mid-September. This year, my workload doubled, so I've barely had time to check email, let alone post.

I promise you, my dears, that there will be PLENTY of posts in the near future! I've purchased (and made!) quite a few items of clothing, shoes and beauty items that I can't wait to share with all of you!

Plus, I just found out that I'm going on a free whirlwind weekend vacation to Santa Fe, New Mexico at the end of September! I've got some outfit planning that needs to be done... ;)

Oh, how I love thee.

Yes, I realize that everyone and their mother in the fashion blogging world has these, but note: I am not everyone and their mother. Therefore, these are still exciting as hell to me!!!



I won't go into the hell it took for these babies to finally get to me, but let's just say that I won't ever be placing a special order from Aldo Shoes ever again. :(

These are shockingly comfortable, despite the high heel. I think that the height of the platform sort of cancels out the heel. They don't even feel terribly high, actually!

Now I just can't wait to wear them! I'm already imagining outfits in my head and trying to get a feel for all of the different styles I could wear them with!



I couldn't find the shoes in black when I was messing around with Polyvore here. I know I'd love to pair these shoes with skinny jeans, short skirts, and some quintessential rock n' roll accessories. I should probably wear a simple outfit so that all of the focus is on the shoes, but I feel like these would just up the rockin' quotient of any outfit and turn the fashion amp up to 11. (Kudos to you if you catch the reference.). ;)

How would you wear these shoes? Would you keep the rest of your outfit conservative, or go all-out-wild?