Eyeliner

I'm strong, I'm tough, I still wear my eyeliner.

-Lisa Leslie

It's been a tough week for me, but its time to pick myself back up. 

One day at a time life goes on, one step forward gets you where you want to be.

You might as well look good doing it.

Just a little time.

Due to an unforseen personal struggle i will be absent from my blog for just a short few days.

Please stay with me, your following and this blog are very important to me.

Rest now sweet boy.

Jason Wu approved???

 

Sometimes I see something new in fashion that speaks to me and I can't get it out of my head.  Jason Wu did that to me this year with his runway looks from New York Fashion Week,  specifically the ultra femme fatal flouncy black sheer skirt shown here. Paired with a nude top and tuxedo-esque accessories Wu created a powerful look that has captivated this girl. 

Jason Wu Spring 2013

Immediately my mind starts to churn and my mission is clear: find an affordable alternative for my closet that is wearable in my everyday life.  Each piece must be under $50 to fit in my budget.  If you would like more information on my selections visit me at POLYVORE.

First things first, that skirt.  Unless I have a date at the Met sometime soon I don't see myself getting much wear out of the full tulle concoction fabulousity that strutted down the runway earlier this month in NYC so i start digging for a worthy alternative.  A touch of sheer, a bit of flounce and a dash of an asymmetrical cut and we are in business.  All five of the choices below would be suitable for night or day here in NC.

Now I need a nude top to balance that skirt.  The beauty of Wu's take is that the nude top doesn't just take an obedient backseat to the skirt, it stands on its own with eccentric crystal and beading delivering a punch.  Rhinestones are probably a bit too formal for my look so I am going to use some softer texture to get the same effect.  Lace, polka dots and some sparkle work well for my alternative.

The accessories are where I can really try to get the eccentricity of Wu's look in a more tamed down version. A Rhinestone collar, hat or jewelry adds the sparkle present in his top while suspenders and a bow tie inspired belt bring in the tuxedo flair.  Add some black strappy sandals and you are looking good!

Do you think Jason Wu would approve???

Long-weekend update

It was a long weekend for me!  Half day at work on Thursday and then the husband and I met up with my little bro and his wife for a ROOOOADDDD TRIPPP!  Off to Charlotte to see our Giants play the Panthers! Not only was it a great win but it was great to spend some quality time with the little brother. 

1. RARRRRRR! The Panther statues flanking the entryway to Panthers stadium are pretty intimidating; The actual team? Not so much on Thursday night. 
2. Of course I did a Giants manicure for the occasion.
3. Athletes stretching during warm ups, is anything better than that?  Oh I know, a closer shot of said athletes stretching during warm ups.  This is still lovely though.
4. My little family.
5. GIANTS!
6. My little brother and I.
7.  These two were sitting in front of us; two generations of NY Giants greatness.
8. A view of the Charlotte skyline from our seats.
9. This is just the scoreboard, i thought it was a cool pic though :) 

A special kind of vintage

My husband found this little rock as a child then shined and fastened it into a necklace for his Grandmother.  His father gave it to me last year, to be returned to our little family since his Grandmother is no longer with us to enjoy it. I cherish every opportunity I get to wear it, it makes me feel closer to that little boy that would grow up to be my life partner.

Do you have any pieces that hold a special place to you? I would love to hear about them.

treasures...

I'm pretty excited about a discovery I made the other day, but I'm more excited to share it with all of you! It's entirely possible I am completely out of touch and in fact this is not news to anyone at all but I'm going to go ahead and think that is not the case at all! And I'm letting everyone in on a great breakthrough!

So I’m monitor shopping (instead of window shopping, natch) for some new fall boots.  I’m thinking how great it would be to find a really good deal because then I would feel less guilty about the fact that I think it’s important to get a pair of ankle boots AND a pair of riding boots for this season.  It just feels like a big injustice to my wardrobe to have one and not the other.  Suddenly, an idea comes to me.  I remember a place, a dwelling I used to frequent years ago.  Payless Shoes.  I don’t exactly know when, but at some point Payless became the equivalent of mehhhh to me.  I don’t recall any specific encounters that turned me away but it certainly happened, sometime between high school and now, I just stopped going to Payless Shoes. 

So here I am surfing the net and I think ok why not; I head over to Payless.com.

BOOM! MIND BLOWN!

Payless has some hot kicks! When did this happen?! I don't have the answer.  Maybe I have just missed out.  Notice the past tense used because I am not missing any more of the gems that are popping up on that site.  Here are a few examples of the beautiful shoes available now.

Go take advantage!

Opposites attract

You know that old adage “opposites attract” that is often used to describe relationships.  It’s Penny and Leonard, Scully and Mulder, Shrek and Fiona.  Two people who are completely unlike find desirability in their differences.  Electricity ensues as together the two create a love match discovering each other. 

Well this recently happened for me, not in love but in fashion (let’s be honest though, fashion is definitely an infatuation for me.  One of my greatest loves after my husband.)

I share with you my current crush, the hodgepodge that is….denim and rhinestones. 

The shine and sparkle against the rugged denim or worn chambray is a juxtapose that has gripped my heart.  In my mind this is a combination that is destined for a long lifetime of happiness, in my closet at least.  

I have decided to take today’s Oh, how pinteresting and Wonderful Wednesday link ups and dedicate them to the new love in my life; my newest passion and an affair I hope to partake in very soon. 

For me it's love at first sight...sigh...

The fact is

The fact is I'm linking up:



Fact: I brought my book to work with me today; I only have about 20 pages left and I can’t stand it.  I plan on keeping it in my lap and I will only look down to read when my phone is not ringing and my inbox is not full.  No harm no foul.

Fact: I don’t like water.  I don’t drink it unless I add some sort of flavor to it.  My current favorite is Strawberry watermelon Mio liquid water enhancer.  Mio (on sale) costs $4 a pop and I go through about 3 a week.  So because of my stupid palate I now pay $12 a week for the largest natural commodity available.  This pisses me off. 

Fact: I can’t stop eating peanut butter straight from the jar, at least its reduced fat. 

Fact: I filtered some of my favorite shots from our travels and am framing them to hang in the stairwell; the fact is I am proud of how they turned out!  It's really neat to have a daily reminder of great memories and these photo filters available now make me feel like an artist.

Francis Marion, Charleston SC

Harry Potter World, Orlando FL

Grove Park Inn, Asheville NC



That pesky inbetween

We are all excited that the fall is (almost) here; we ride with our windows down to feel the slightest chill that has begun to hang in the air, we sip our pumpkin spice lattes pretending it's about ten degree's colder, and we ignore the sweat that is starting to seep through our socks as we stomp around in our boots with no snow in sight.  

Hey, I am with you and I am ready for fall.  Every year September hits and we are ready to put away the summer and get out our fall but darn it the weather is just a tad bit behind us.  It teases and taunts in the morning's and evening's but lets us down with the midday sun heating us up.  This is the transitional period we experience every.single.year.  It's what I call "the inbetween".  

The inbetween is that moment between summer and fall where we all become too impatient to wait for the turn of the seasons.  Fall is not in full swing just yet but its just close enough to start the fall fashion layering.  It is RIGHT NOW.  

I have tried to find a compromise for my wardrobe so I can satisfy that fall itch while still maintaining some integrity in the reality of the weather.  Above I have shown a few different things you can do to that summer belted dress (doesn't everyone have one of these?).  

Add a scarf: Said scarf must be very lightweight; the time for your comfy wool infinity scarf has not yet hit.  Graphics such as animal prints, polka dots and color blocking are all the rage right now so use this accessory to add some flare to that basic dress.

Put away the sandals:  Hey this is good news girls, you can let those pedicures go for the next few months! Bring out those closed toe shoes!  Maybe take that money you save not soaking your feet and invest in a pair of oxfords because they are all over the place right now.  Ankle boots are another great choice that pair really well not only with dresses but also all those ankle pants and capri's you can still rock for another few weeks.  And yes, I know the riding boot is probably a bit early but bring it out anyway.  Some things just can't wait and one of those is the riding boot.  Hold off on the high socks peeking over the top though; its definitely not time for that yet.

Throw something over those shoulders:  We are all pretty aware that our winter coats are for winter and probably don't even need to transition into our closet yet but a girl has to put something on those arms until the deep fall weather invades.  A few really good alternative?  Button up a cardigan; the options are endless these days and all fabulous.  Boyfriend, polka dot, lace, cashmere: the possibilities are endless.  A blazer is another great choice.  These jackets are not just for the office anymore; dress yours down by rolling up the sleeves.  



 

Sunday safety tip...

 

A quick note to all of you on this rainy (here in NC) Sunday....
 

I am going to commence sitting on my couch preparing to watch Sunday football. No heels for me today.

Lets Go Giants!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



From me to you.

Let's start out with a big "HAPPY FRIDAY!"  Yes its fnally here.  Phew.

I was perusing my blog reel this morning, checking in with all my favorite blogs when I came across one of the best ideas ever over on Second Hand Solace. 

* Side note: If you have not been over to see Brittany at Second Hand Solace you must immediately check her out (here). Her blog is one of my favorites; she shares my love of thrifting and great style.  You will not regret giving her a peek.

Back to topic.  Brittany shared a great idea for a giveaway that she found and I adore it.  As a relative new comer to the blog world i think this is a great way to meet some new people and spread some love!  I must be honest the concept of doing something through the actual "mail" system excites me to no end...its too far and between we communicate with each other without a keybooard. 

The rules:

+The first three people to comment on this post will receive
a little gift - something personal from me to you.

+Within a year (I'll do it in two months) I'll create something
unique to share with the first three people to
comment on this post.

+But in order to receive your present you have to play along.
Spread the love on your own blog (or facebook) promising to send a
little special something to the first three people
who comment on your post.

+You get 72 hours to re-post, or I'll have to move on to
the next person.
If you are interested in taking part be one of the first three to comment and let me know! Please leave your email address so I can get in touch and get your good old snail mail information. Also leave the link to your website so I can check you out and follow you!

As a final note; can i switch the roles in this picture? Because then its me. (just kidding, my husband is so fantastic he gets me beer while i listen.)

Rambling...

Let's Link Up! Check out Life Lately with Alli and Hayley

Today i am going to ramble.

I just have so many things churning in my head that I want to share I think I will just jumble them all in one post.  I'm sure you won't mind; it will be fun! 

In fact I have a sneaking feeling lots of us bloggers feel this way sometimes.  To hell with the organization, lets just pour all of our current thoughts into a post in a big mishmash of love!  Right on!  Maybe I should start a link up?  Thoughts?

On to my purging:


I need some black pumps!  I really want to find a chunky heel because i just love the way they look paired with opaque tights. 

Isn't this such a fun pattern?!  It's one of my favorite dresses but its SO SUMMER!  I wonder if a black blazer and boots will make it more "fall"? 

My nephew turned two last weekend and someone snapped the perfect family portrait. Seriously this is real life.

Hey guess what, carving pumpkins is really messy and time consuming.  How awesome are these non carved pumpkins for this fall, yes please!

   

                                         

 

The weather was beautiful last weekend, i request a repeat this weeked. Please and thanks.

Audrey agrees



Loftitis: The affected find themselves obsessed with the current selection of attire at Loft.  Can cause severe pain as the ailing attempt to avoid trips to the store or website. The only cure is a blank check or money tree both of which are extremely rare or just not real. This isnt a joke. Its a real disease. And I have it.

LOFT

LOFT

LOFT

I saaaaid I was rambling...

And finally it is September.

It's ON scarves, its onnnnnn

Blake + Marchesa = perfection

All i have to say is we BETTER see pictures of Blake's Marchesa wedding gown!  I'm waiting patiently and can hardly stand it!

Until then here are a few examples of the fabulousness that is Blake Lively + Marchesa.

I have a soft spot for new bloggers (being one, ya' know :) )

So I am participating in the blog hop over at Life As A Young Mom

Check some new bloggers out!