Variety is the Spice of Life

1 skirt, 3 ways

Making the most of your clothing is easy with a little creativity. See how many ways you can wear one of your favorite pieces by experimenting with different shoes, color palates, and accessories. It's just one more way you can save money and appreciate the wardrobe you've got.

Outfits: Skirt: 100% leather from a thrift store, Tights: Simply Vera (black), Express (red), Socks: Target, Shoes: Zigi Soho (booties), Nine West (yellow sandals, red pumps), Watch: Fossil, Belt: thrifted, Necklace (worn as a belt): 2 Sisters boutique, Scarf: H&M

Let's Go Crazy

Do I look different to you? Perhaps a little nuts?

I would like everyone to fully commit to unleashing their inner crazy this week. Not a dangerous crazy, of course. I'm talking about things you really want to do, deep down inside, that might come off as a touch...odd. 

How many times have you admired an amazing clothing item but thought you couldn't pull it off without looking loony? Have you ever wanted to wear outrageous long fake eyelashes? Maybe a giant faux hawk do? Whatever it is that's lurking within, let it out and own it!

Taking risks in fashion is the only way to progress your style. Might I suggest if you want to try out a new trend that you purchase it on the cheap, just in case? Thrift stores and Forever 21 provide a slew of zany pieces to try for very little dough.

 

So for this weekend and many weekends to come, rock your crazy inner fashion beast, loud and proud!

Outfit: Skirt: 1/2 of my senior prom dress, top: BCBG, Belt: garage sale find, Gloves: gift from Fly Vintage, Cuff: vintage, Necklace (without gun): Forever 21, Boots: Brian Atwood 

Hang Ups

I got some wonderful new hangers. They're similar to Huggable Hangers only without the label. I normally don't support knock offs, but come on guys - it's a hanger.

I got them at Costco for only $14.99 for a box of 50, as opposed to name brand which sell at a lesser quantity for $29.99.

So now my closet (or 1/3 of it, as pictured here) looks quite posh......

But what do I do with all of these?!?! 

Pack Rat

My life is so much easier when wonderful readers suggest blog topics and I simply take to my camera and keyboard with their idea and my knowledge in hand. Thanks :)

There are 2 things I really, really hate: flying and the baggage claim. I know I can't avoid flying, but I can pack smart and pack small. So let's talk about packing for a trip - in a carry on, on a budget.

My advice always seems to start with "assess what you already have." Really though, I promise it's helpful. Based on where you're traveling, check out your supplies and really see what you can work with before heading to the store to purchase anything.

• How many days are you going for? What type of trip is it? Most likely you'll need an outfit for day and an outfit for night - so for a 4 day trip, about 8 looks. Don't forget your pj's, socks, and undies! (blushes)

• Now is where you get creative. Plan each outfit with a piece from another outfit. Dark wash jeans for day 1 and night 2. Moto jacket for day 3 and night 1. See what I'm doing here? Another good tip is to stick in a similar color family. That way you won't feel trapped with a look if you change your mind mid trip. You'll be able to mix and match.

• Footwear can be tricky. My suggestion is to wear your biggest shoes (aka boots) on the plane to save space. Now select 1 pair of neutral shoes for night looks, such as a gold sling-back pump. Do the same for your day looks - a great pair of flats plus the boots you're wearing and you're set.

• Don't just clump your jewelry together and toss it in your suitcase. Pick out accessories for each outfit and only pack those. Same goes for belts, head bands, scarves, etc. Also pack one versatile evening bag and use the bag you're bringing on the plane for daytime.

• Where are you staying? Do they provide a blow drier for you? If so, don't pack one. Staying with a friend? Ask to use their shampoo/conditioner and skip the extra liquids. Also, don't get crazy with your hair. Stick with your normal do to avoid over packing hot tools and products. 

• I highly recommend you purchase a carry-on's best friend - SPACE BAGS! Not the weird kind you have to vacuum, but the type that you simply pack and roll out the extra air. You'll fit so much more clothing this way, without an overstuffed and messy bag. (you need room for souvenirs!)

• Now comes the fun part of putting everything into your suitcase! I suggest making an Excel checklist (nerd alert) of everything you plan on bringing. As you put it in the suitcase, check it off the list. 
  

With the above advice, I do hope you can size-down to a small carry-on. Carrying on is not only a convenience, it saves you money! Since most airlines charge for checked luggage, you'll save $25-$50. You'll also shave about 35 minutes off your travel time by avoiding the baggage check and claim. It goes without saying that you'll actually HAVE a bag at the gate as well.

Here's to light luggage and safe travels!

outfit: Dress: Richard Chai for Target, Fur Vest: made by my mom!, Necklace: Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohls, Shoes: Colin Stuart for Victoria's Secret, Sunglasses: Vintage Ray Ban, Purse: vintage

Winter Denial

In an effort to break out of a winter slump, I hopped on a razor scooter for a bit of fun. I wore my 80's Betsey Johnson jacket to help remind me of warmer days and bright spring colors. I got this amazingly fun piece at Time After Time Vintage Thrift Store in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

I'm crossing my fingers that Punxatawny Phil was wrong...

Jacket: Betsey Johnson, Dress: Rodarte for Target, Belt: thrift store, tights: Target, gloves: a gift from Fly Vintage, shoes: Coconuts (from DSW), hat: D&Y (also purchased in Chapel Hill!), scarf (on scooter): Hollywood Intuition by Jaye Hersh

RIP McQueen

One of the most talented, influential, and controversial designers of our time died today. Alexander McQueen was 40 years old.

Below are some photos featuring a McQueen skirt meant to symbolize a humble tribute... A man with such versatility and beauty in his designs was certainly taken too soon.

We can only hope that he is in a better place with his loved ones that have passed. Maybe he'll bring 12 inch heels to the afterlife.

Alexander, you will be missed.

I Go to WORK!

Per a request I received via my Facebook page, I bring you a fresh post about work clothing. Where can you find a good deal AND a good look? What stores have the best items?

Suits and Separates - The Limited

The Limited boasts contemporary and well made suiting for affordable prices. If you are part of an industry that demands business formal, this is the spot for you. The suit in my photos is a Limited Collection suit. I got the skirt on sale for $19.99 and the jacket for $29.99! Sign up online for email sale alerts and check the clearance rack often.

Another perk of the store is that it cuts pants for different shapes. You can find which pant is right for you with their nifty online tool! They have great deals like $25 off full price pants quite often. Pick up soft cardigans and slim cut skirts at The Limited if you wear separates at the office.

Classic Tops - Express 

If you haven't purchased an Essential Shirt from Express for your work wardrobe, you haven't lived! These shirts are cut to fit beautiful curves and flatter them to no end. Lucky for you, this top comes in long and short sleeved versions.

Express likes to put the Essential Shirt on sale fairly often, so wait until you can buy multiples for a discount. Right now they're buy 1 get 1 for 50% off!

Dresses - Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft, Target

A classic shift or wrap dress can work wonderfully at the office. Ann Taylor and Loft have a variety of well made options - though I recommend shopping on-sale items only. 

Target's Merona line has stepped in where Isaac Mizrahi left off in the workable dress market. Affordable and stylish, these pieces are a compliment to any woman's look.

Shoes - Nine West

I love this brand. I'd say about 50% of my footwear is by Nine West, if not more! Their kicks are well made and fashionable. Nine West stores have fantastic sales ($29.99 - $49.99) or you can find the line at a discount at DSW or TJ Maxx stores.

The silver heels, gray booties, and blue retro pumps in the photo are all Nine West! 

Honorable Mentions:

Statement Jewelry - Banana Republic

Suiting - H&M

Cardigans and blouses - J. Crew

Shoes - Piperlime

For more advice on work wear, you may email me (of course) or check out my friend Rachel's site - TheWorkingWardrobe.com  - it's always in my blog list!

The Agony and the Ecstasy

Valentines Day is looming. Never has a holiday invoked so many different emotions. For some, it's a romantic adventure. For others, it's pure torture. 

Maybe that's a bit dramatic...

A special thank you to Krystle of Fly Vintage for being super awesome- as seen below.

coat - Alphani @ Macy's, belt - Ann Taylor, boots - J. Aldridge for Sea of Shoes

Vintage dress, Heart cuff - modcloth.com, boots - alice+olivia for Payless

Vintage skirt, top - The Limited

Vintage velvet dress, shoes - Coconuts @DSW

Vintage blouse

Sweater - H&M

Red gown -Vera Wang (on sale for $77!), vintage pearl necklace

Wearing my mom's vintage fur coat, her own sweatshirt and tights, and plaid wellies from Target

P.S. I did the hair in this post. Just had to brag for a second.