Recessionista Part 4: Pastels

Hello friends! I'm having a very relaxing day over here.  I had breakfast with a friend this morning and I'll be hanging with Brooklyn all afternoon, waiting for the Mr. to get home from work. Not too much going on. Boy, I love vacation. I hope your week is going well! Keep Smiling!
Today's look encompasses so many of the trends that I am loving at the moment...lace (isn't lace just the best), peplum, mint, and pastel denim. I purchased these vintage Fendi jeans at a local consignment boutique for $10.00! Fendi! Wowza. Can you even believe it? I was hesitant to buy them at first since they are more of a wide leg style (skinnies have become a staple), but I have to say, I'm pretty happy with them. I look forward to pairing them with a boyfriend blazer with hair pulled back for an upcoming night out with friends.

Today's Photo Bloopers...

              

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 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...

          

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?

Trending Two

Another trend that I am loving at the moment...Baubles & Lace. Something about the girlie softness of lace mixed with the sparkle and shine of gems and jewels just gets me giddy. A statement necklace, bracelet or ring can make any ordinary look feel rich and glamorous.

So, where can you find these spectacular trinkets? Here are a couple of my favorite places...
Francesca's Collections
H&M
Anthropologie

Trending

One of the most versatile pieces in my wardrobe ... "The Jacket" "The Blazer" "The Suit Coat" "The Boyfriend Blazer". However you put it, they are just fantastic. Need to finish off an outfit? Use a blazer to help pull your look together. Don't be afraid to mix it up with black skinnies, jeans, or a flowy skirt. Pop on a structured jacket, add some sparkles/pearls and you will immediately be one chic and polished individual. ;)

One Day...

Pinterest

I have been drooling over all of the pictures from last week's Altitude Design Summit. What is Alt. you ask? Well..."If you're obsessed with lifestyle, food and fashion blogs, fantastic images, smart ideas and great design inside and outside — all wrapped up with a social media bow"...the Alt Summit is for YOU...and DEFINITELY for me! So many of the bloggers that I follow made the journey to Salt Lake City last week to attend this fantastic four day conference. I was so excited that many of them left tips, tricks and pictures on their blogs and twitter. I  felt like I was part of their journey and I loved every minute. One day I hope to experience this amazing event, as well.

After looking at all the pictures (you can view them all here) the trends that were dominating the scene were..... red lips, loose waves, glasses, top knots and leopard print...TONS of LEOPARD! Thanks for the inspiration, Alt. Summit beauties! Hopefully I'll be seeing you soon. Until then, I'll practice rocking these trends here in my own little neck of the woods!