Its been a year...

I can't believe it has really been a year since I posted anything.... *gasp*

Well here is a post... hooray for motivation!

Lately I have been inspired by 40s looks, tights, fun hair accessories, and the colors purple and teal.

A recent outfit...
In my awesome red coat from Effie's Heart. I love this coat, its extremely versatile.This look includes a very simply black stretch skirt I got at H&M for $6 very recently. The top is from Royal Love and I found it for $12 at T.J. Maxx. I love its beaded designs, it makes me think of a swanky jazz club.I stole this idea from my friend's girlfriend. Wearing patterned tights over opaque tights. I found the floral tights at Forever 21, and the purple ones at T.J. Maxx. When I was at the T.J. Maxx in downtown San Francisco Recently I found oodles of unlabeled tights for $1 or $2 each. I was so happy, since I had anticipated buying them at Urban Outfitters...and they're alot more expensive! I have to say For Love 21 does have some cute ones too, but not much in the way of solid colors. My shoes are T-strap character shoes from Sansha. This 40s inspiration has got me raiding my dance shoe collection.Close up of the beading on my shirt.And my headband that I also found at For Love 21. I'm loving these headbands right now. Also not sure why I look so pissed off in all of these photos.... haha

Welcome back blog!

California Girl

I am really a California Girl at heart. Even though my clothing often reflects different ideas, I often find myself gravitating towards tee shirts with hibiscus, beachy colours, flip flops, and beat up jeans. I love Pacific Sunwear and I love Hollister. Hollister is like paradise because it always smells like surf and coconut, everything is available in ridiculously small sizes, they choose beautiful jewel tones, the store is like a beach shack with a live ocean view on a screen like a window (although this isn't very exciting after dark), and beautiful moody lighting. These are probably all the exact reasons why everyone else hates Hollister. But I love the place. I need to get a bottle of whatever they spray around. I wouldn't mind my room smelling like Hollister. (Yeah, my friends are never coming over again. I get it.)

Sooo lately I've been doing some beachy shopping. (Because summer is coming! (And there are sales...))
(Yeah this is what single people who aren't in school do. Take random self photo shoots and make mediocre collages with a ridiculously powerful image editor.)

Most of the clothes above are Tilt (which got bought out by Bullhead, I think?), Nollie (the v-neck tees. I love them! They were recently on sale for $2.99 if you can still find them.), Kirra, and Hollister. Everything else was found in my clothing drawers already. Accessories probably came from Claire's or Forever 21 at some point, with the exception of some Steve Madden sunglasses. I really dig the latest trend of bright, bright colours. I love colours!

New House- New Make Up Look

So I am done moving. The last time for awhile hopefully. My room isn't quite in order, but everything is cleaned up enough to get back to work. So- I was reading Life and Style ('cause I can, don't judge) and they were forecasting metallic brown eyes as the hot Spring trend. Which got me thinking about being bronzed and sun kissed and all that jazz. So I decided to change up my makeup to be a little beach-ier.
I used my Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips Bronzer in "Vegas Strip". The blush and brown metallic shadow I used came from an older Elizabeth Arden compact that someone gave me when they got it free as a Macy's gift. (It was pretty much my first real make-up ever.) For highlighting under the brow and the corner of the eyes I used Maybelline expertwear shadow in "Vanilla". A little bit of Rimmel Exaggerate liner in "Pine" under the eyes, and some Jordana lipgloss in "Be Coralful".
I like how it came out and people at work even asked if I had been tanning! Excuse the funny look on my face. I was on the way to work...

Fall to Winter Prep for Less

So a look I've been really into lately is preppy, taking notes from vintage looks and school uniforms. I know with our economy its hard to buy new things, so I've found some options for getting this look for less. Many of these items might already be in your closet!
1. Cardigans. I love this Fab Stripe Trim Cardi from Forever 21. Four different choices in color for only $13.50. I love the navy blue and the touch of muted yellow.
2. Again from Forever 21, I am constantly singing the praises of these Lindsey Skinny Jeans. They are only $12.50 and fit surprisingly well. I have 4 pairs and my favorites are the dark denim (shown here) and gray (in stores only).
3. These wedge loafers from CutesyGirl are by Bamboo, a brand I have good luck with, for the low price of $9.99. They come in four different and fun color combinations.
4. These Forever 21 glasses add a girly yet studious edge. They're only $7.80.
5. I really dig these Forever 21 lucite glasses for $4.80. They remind me of some glasses my mom has from the 80s.
6. A great basic and bottom layer, this Mossimo v-neck tee in white is only $7.99 at Target. I originally bought one because it is a stand-by for modeling work, now it is my wardrobe stand-by.

I am really liking more low-key colors for fall and winter, but I think you could do this look with some brighter colors and it would be super fun. The nice thing about it is it can be really simple and minimal accessories will work well. I think some other ideas to explore would be scarves, messenger bags, and corduroy. Maybe thats another post!

Stupid Carrie Bradshaw Statement Shoes- creeping into my mind...

So anyone who saw the "Sex and the City" movie, or keeps up with fashion at all has probably heard the incessant buzz over Carrie Bradshaw's rocker chic, chunky leather shoes by Dior (Extreme Gladiator Platforms).


At first I thought I was immune, but after a while I realize I do really like them. They have a cool cuff look from the front and don't come up too high on the ankle. Plus they add edge to any outfit. But at $770, I don't see them joining my wardrobe soon.

But perhaps some copycats can help us!

Thank you to Steve Madden on the left with the Madalynn for $109.95. I think it looks the best and you can trust the quality. Also available in brown (and now some interesting snake skins and black patent as the Maddiee). In the middle we have a shoe from Bakers, the Candice. The Candice is also available in tan, both colors for $69.95, but my least favorite. And slightly different but maybe better for some is the Rae by Boutique 9. Also available in bronze and going for $129.95, I like how it keeps the basic style and edge but doesn't come up as high on the ankle. Maybe not as much drama, but maybe more style longevity.
But when it comes right down to it- I couldn't find any super cheap copies that didn't make me want to curl into a ball. I think this is one of those things where its splurge... or not at all.

My Favorite Gladiators

Well, we all know by now that the gladiator sandal is a considerable trend force this summer. Many of us are still debating their longevity, wondering if we will be able to wear them next year? Regardless, they are a fun trendy piece for summer. I think gladiator sandals in brown will be the most useful. They don't stand out too much and will be good for the boho look that comes back all the time. I think they can also be incorporated into the nautical look very easily, although maybe another color would be ideal for that. Metallics are great too, copper being a fun alternative to brown. I like silver and gold but probably wouldn't buy them, I can't see myself wearing them that much. I also like them in white, but white is seasonal and very trendy- so I have to consider that. Also I've seen a few girls in black patent gladiators, but I don't think they're as easy to utilize. And there are other colors that are fun, but you have to consider their ability to be reused once the trend ends.

Below I've picked some of my favorites using my favorite trendy website- CutesyGirl.

1. My favorite overall are these Michael Antonio Hutt Flats. They are $26.99 and come in black, red, copper, gold, silver, and white. No brown unfortunately, but I feel that the shoe isn't too hardware (buckles) heavy and has more wear ability.

2. This Wild Rose Egan01 Flat is a little more trendy with thicker straps and more hardware. I would be worried about the thick straps cutting my leg line too much and also it being re-wearable in the future, but at $9.99 thats not a huge issue. They come in yellow, orange, pink, silver, black, white, and tan.

3. This is the Classified Retag Flat which also has more hardware but thinner straps, which I prefer. For $14.99 you can get it in black, brown, copper, and white.

4. If you like a little bit of a more simple style that isn't as heavy looking and re-wearable then these Classified Lunar Flats might work well. They are only $7.99 and come in black, gold, silver, and white.

5. These are a different take on the gladiator flat and are a little more dressy. These Qupid Benefit143b Flats are on sale for $8.99 and come in gold, silver, and black.

6. If you are scared of those straps cutting off your ankle this is a great gladiator inspired look, the Steve Madden Azucar Flats in gold. They are $54.99, but they're a good brand and have much more longevity. They will definitely go beyond the gladiator trend.

7. My last pick is also a different take on the trend. They are Steve Madden Knitte Flats in Silver for $59.99. They have a little wedge heel and are light on straps and hardware, so have more wear ability. I have a similar pair of Steve Maddens in white which are great for wearing everywhere. I like having the extra height also.

So... I think the key is to buy a trendy pair of gladiators froma throw-away brand for $7-15. If you want to invest in a better brand- make sure they are gladiator inspired and have more possibilities beyond the trend. And those ones that go all the way up your leg? Just keep away!

I'm mellow over yellow...

It seems like yellow is a big deal this season. But I'm not really that crazy about it. I never have been, I have a (possibly irrational) belief that it doesn't look good on my skin. Whether this is true or not, I still can't get past it. But I have to admit that yellow makes the biggest statement. A yellow bag or shoe really stands out and catches the eye. One yellow sighting that really caught me was Hayden Panettiere's ad for Dooney and Bourke. The bright bag really draws you in and makes you want it (or just to look like Hayden). Some people do look amazing in yellow from dresses to tops and bottoms. For example...
1. Denise Richards is radiant in this color, 2. Hayden's Dooney and Bourke ad, 3. Eva Mendes goes bold, 4. Thandi Newton is gorgeous, 5. Hilary Duff looks charming in this mini dress.

However, if I did happen to wear yellow. These are some pieces I would go for...1. I love this light colored Zephyr Top with flutter sleeves from Anthropologie, $29.95. 2. Simple but lovely, is the Coti Dress by Shumaq. You can find it at CoutureCandy, $225. 3. My favorite thing about this Kersh Cardigan is it's puffy short sleeves. It's cute for spring and is such a neutral buttery color that maybe even I could wear it, $15. 4. A coat by Kushcush that is raw silk and has beautiful vintage feel. Also from CoutureCandy, $428. 5. This Lux Christiane Mini from Urban Outfitters is a bold color, it will definitely brighten up any plain white top, $24.99.

But if you're like me and don't think it looks good next to your skin, maybe use it to accessorize? Below are some of my favorites, in a variety of price ranges.
1. Love, love, love this style. I think I would also like them in white, but this color is pretty devine. Secreted Away Heels from Anthropologie, $178. 2. The nice thing about this Designer Details Citrine Hoop Necklace is that you can add some yellow to your look without it being too much, $15. 3. I love this modern looking Concave Enamel Ring, $3.99. 4. A strappy sandal is a great thing to have when you're going to be prancing on sand or grass, heels are just too much of a pain on soft surfaces. Patent is in (as well as yellow), so get these Liz Gladiator Sandals by Isaac Mizrahi for Target, $24.99. 5. Carla Mancini's beautiful yellow Small Clutch is made with Italian leather and definitely "pops" at CoutureCandy, $194. 6. A simple accessory such as the Windowpane Headband from Anthropologie can perk up any outfit without much fuss, $28.