Recessionista Part 3: Peplum

The wind was just not cooperating with me today! Oh well. Here are some shots of my girly-girl, peplum pencil skirt (well, more like a midi skirt, I think I may get it tailored). And yep, you guessed it, I purchased it at my local thrift store (are we getting bored with this or what).

Peplum has been seen on the spring runways, in magazine prints, and in all the trendy boutiques this season. I was ecstatic when I found this little number over the weekend. Oh, you want to know the price? Alright...I'll tell ya... $4.99! A great steal for a classic, statement piece. I love the throw back feel of this skirt paired with the boldness of the black and white stripes/leopard skinny belt. Fun, yet chic.

Today's Photo Bloopers...

Attention, attention: I'm still getting used to this photography/posing stuff! I hope you are all getting a kick out of these pictures. Today, I was on my own, running back and forth from my camera to my standing spot. My neighbors and their dogs found it quite amusing! Oh boy. ;)

Spring Trend 2012: Peplum

Images via Pinterest
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pep-lum (noun)

 1. A short flared, gathered or pleated piece of fabric attached at the waist of a woman's jacket, dress or blouse.

 2. Modern, sophisticated and undeniably flattering, this architectural element compliments every body type.


Recessionista Part 2: White Silk Tee

Hello friends! Today I bring you another one of my fabulous finds from my local thrift store...the classic, white, silk tee. I found this beauty and knew I had to have her! She was all mine for the teeny-tiny price of.....waitttttt for it.....$0.89!!! She was a sale item people, yes, a sale item. Many of the local thrift shops have half off days where you can find items for prices even lower than you could ever imagine. Saturday just happened to be my lucky day...it was blue ticket, half off day! ;)

Silk tops are pretty popular and can be dressed up or down. A silk tee will always make an outfit look polished and chic. Pair it with ripped skinnies for a day look, bright skinnies for a dinner out, or with a long maxi for picnics and family barbecues. Bold color and chunky accessories will help to add character and personality to your overall look.

Today's Photo Bloopers...

Recessionista Part I

Men's Button Down Shirt: Salvation Army, Jeans: American Eagle, Shoes: Aldo, Umbrella: Target

Please excuse my wrinkly, vintage shirt, friends. I've been snuggled up with Brooklyn reading Fifty Shades of Grey allll afternoon and boy, it's just getting good. ;) Great book so far, can't wait to read on.

As promised, this week, I will be sharing some vintage/thrifted finds that I am currently obsessing over. Today it is all about the button-down men's shirt. Button downs are huge right now! They can be found everywhere, in all colors and styles. This top is perfect to dress up, dress down, for work, and/or a casual night out with friends. You do not have to break the bank for this classic piece! Please! Don't do it. Thrift stores and consignment boutiques are jam-packed with a wide variety of men's shirts. I purchased this fantastic find for $3.99! $3.99!!! ((Sigh)) A recessionista's dream.

These similar designs can be found in retail stores ranging in price from $45-$88!! Take my advice, even if you are weary of it (and I KNOW a ton of you are) and go check out your local vintage boutique!

Today's photo bloopers...

          

"Money DOES NOT buy style..."

This week I will be experimenting and trying something new. For weeks, actually months now, I have been wanting to show some fashion shots on here. Since I am on Spring vacation, I decided why not start this week. I am going to be honest, my pictures won't be anything special, but I am hoping I can share a few fashion tips and tricks that will be at least a little bit entertaining and somewhat helpful to you. =)

I will be sharing a couple of amazing pieces that I scored as I rummaged through some local thrift shops in the area. I will compare these items to trends in the stores today. It is amazing to see the similarities and price differences. As a young, working girl, I am always looking for a deal and/or bargain for key, classic wardrobe pieces. I know that many other young trend setters in my area are also doing the same. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE to splurge every once in a while, but why break the bank when you can look and feel just as good in a vintage piece at a MUCH lower price!? Trust me you'll be amazed. Stick with me, people! Let's see how this goes...

 

Oh, these girls...I am in love with them.

to bang or not to bang...

THAT is the question of the day! HAIR, people, I'm talking about the hair. ;)

Hmm...what are we thinking on this issue (if it even counts as an "issue")? I have been growing out my bangs, but recently, I have felt frustrated and bored with them. I am missing my short, side-swept style. What's in? What's out? Who makes the rules anyway? I have seen tons of fashion ad campaigns favoring the middle part with flowy, long bangs, but then BAM, suddenly, I have seen short bangs coming back into play, making a beautiful, stylish come back! What's a girl to do!?

 Keep on growing?

 Hello, side sweep?

Hot Pants

Looking for some new skinnies for Spring? Check out Gap's Legging Jean. I recently purchased three pairs (black, ink, vintage loren). I am loving the fit, look, and stretch (low rise, skinny in the hip and thigh, skinny leg opening). The cropped style is perfect with some super high pumps or rolled up for a more laid back style with some cute flats. They have some pretty pastel/bold colors, as well.

How are we feeling about colorful denim by the way? I'm all for it. My only hesitation at times is the material. Some of the bold pants I've tried are way too thin and well, way too revealing. Gap's Legging Jean is the perfect texture and thickness for work or play. 

Oh wait, what's that I hear... I think Miss Lilac Skinny is calling my name... ;)

Hullooo luvvaaa

I snatched up these bad girls yesterday. I have to say...best purchase in a long time! While we've only been acquainted for a little over a day, I'm so in love! I've been in search for a comfy Spring shoe for a while now. I've tried ballet flats, flat sandals, and flip flops (flops...not quite appropriate for a business casual work environment) but have found that they do not have enough support for boppin' around all day with my littles' in grade one! Comfort and cuteness? Come on now, you can't have it all, right? Wrong! YOU CAN! Sperry Top-Sider Boat Shoes! Bingo.

Sport these cuties with a pair of skinny cropped jeans/pants, a collared shirt, trench coat, and a pair of stylish sunnies and you are good to go! Your feet will thank you. 

Go ahead...check them out here!

Here are some of the others I took for a test drive around the mall...(may go back and purchase...I mean...)

Candy Nails

Essie Mint Candy Apple

Essie Marshmallow

Essie Tart Deco

Essie Chinchilly 

Essie French Affair

Essie Lapiz of Luxury

Candy nails? Yes. Candy nails. I started calling manicures/nail polish 'getting candy nails' because I just love how a fresh manicure looks....so shiny and colorful, just like sweet candy!

Recently,  I have been way into nail polish. I have started painting my nails 3-4 times a week. Yup. I know, I'm a nut. Obsessive, yes. Fun, of course... especially now that the seasons are changing and all the new, fun colors are coming out! Above are a couple that I have been loving lately.

Colors via Essie.



Red Carpet Recap

Some of the most adored dresses/women/men of the 2012 Academy Awards...

Michelle Williams...My favorite of the night! Longing for her pixie cut (if only I had the guts).

Jessica Chastain...love her red hair and loose wave style

Ellie Kemper...beautiful sparkle...wanting her red hair...let's talk the Mr. into it, people!

Rose Byrne...sexy & classic...great earrings

Milla Jovovich...white sparkle with red lips

Gwyneth Paltrow... chic, chic, chic, holy chic.

Cameron D...so sleek and feminine...love the ruffles!

Giuliana Rancic...love the cap sleeve with hair pulled back...elegant!

George Clooney...what a hunk. My guy of the night!

Ryan Seacrest...always adorable.

P.Diddy...always looks so put together and tidy, yes tidy.

Sorry hunnies, to me, you missed the mark...

Sacha Baron Cohen...what a meanie!

Penelope Cruz...so sexy & gorgeous but this dress is too old for her...it does fit her very well though!

Emma Stone...I love her, she's amazing and so talented but I just didn't love this choice for her at all!  Kind of boring for such a fun girl.

Rooney Mara...I love that she switched it up and wore white and quite honestly, the dress looks perfect on her. I just find the whole bust line to be a little funky.

Some of the major trends hitting the red carpet were bangs, red lips, white/neutral dresses, sparkle and side swept hair.  As you can see above, my personal favorites include lots of sparkle and neutral tones. I can't wait to try some of these trends over here...oh wait, what? I'm not made of a million dollars and have nowhere this fancy to go? What? Me? Please. ;)