Victoria Beckham loves her LGDs (little green dresses)

 

 

While many of us may default to little black dresses, Victoria clearly has a thing for green ones. The color pops so well against her skin. Jade, forest, or kelly, I have yet to see a shade of green that doesn't look good on Victoria. She's proof that when you find what works for you, there's nothing wrong with sticking to it.

Do you have a favorite go-to color?

The list keeps growing

Why is it that every time I try practicing shopping self control, I want to look that much more? I guess it's like telling yourself no sweets...typically an exercise in failure. On the bright side, at least I know my own weakness?

Preppy styling, feminine silhouettes and whiskey brown leather. No surprise this look spells love! 

 

I admire Victoria Beckham's commitment to her look. She's never anything short of polished.

I need to find this clutch....or at least the cheap chic version of it.

I know they say 'thou shall not covet,' but with so many cute things in this world it's virtually impossible not to...

I've worn my oversize gold MK watch into the ground over the past year. This is the precise update I'm craving. Rose gold, square and luscious. 

This is the polka dot blouse I've been hunting high and low for. Slouchy shape? Check. 3/4 sleeves? Check. Removable tie neck? Check. Unfortunately I haven't been able to pull the trigger on it since it's $188. We'll see how long my self control lasts.

The only thing I love more than polka dots are stripes! This definitely isn't how I'd style this blouse (try trouser jeans, or a high waist black pencil skirt), but I see lots of potential just the same.

My hunt for perfect cognac riding boots MAY have come to an end today. I ordered these boots from ASOS using the handy dandy 20% off coupon PSWLOVESASOS. The heel is the perfect height and I especially love the gold buckle. They look narrow enough for chicken legs like mine, but it'll take trying them on to know for sure. Fingers crossed!

Happy Wednesday everyone!

This Week's Casual Chic

So remember yesterday's wishlist? Look what Kourtney Kardashian strolled through NYC wearing today. The Chanel bag, the classic Louboutins...and a stunning tie neck blouse. This is without a doubt my ideal daytime look.

Check out more of Kourtney K.'s outfit here. 

This next look doesn't qualify for daytime gear, but I had to share. I always struggle to track down clothes in the perfect shade of emerald green. As I mentioned in a previous post about Keira Knightley's gown in Atonement, the color is so striking and yet it always takes the back seat to the other primary colors. I've never followed Jessica Seinfeld in any capacity, but I was wowed by this whole look. I love her ladylike Victoria Beckham dress and that leopard clutch is beyond perfect. Stunning!

You can find a similar dress in nude at Zara, along with a similar clutch.  Enjoy!

Claudia Schiffer gets photographed running errands every single day. Whereas other celeb moms throw on the Uggs and call it a day, she never looks anything short of spectacular. I'm not the world's biggest denim advocate by any stretch of the imagination, but seeing her look so chic makes me willing to reconsider.

Dark green looks just as stunning by day. I love it paired with an oversized gray cardi. P.S. Claudia Schiffer's boot collection is to die for.

I'm on a serious mission to find cognac riding boots like Claudia's. They look amazing with EVERYTHING.

This makes me want to run to the mall and buy bell bottoms, though I suspect I'd need an extra 6 inches to pull them off like Claudia does.   

She may be German, but Claudia looks oh so French in her Breton sweater and over the knee boots. This look has Brigitte Bardot written all over it.

There's nothing wrong with a little make believe here and there

We all know that every year Christmas seems to start earlier and earlier. This year I swear decorations went up the day after Halloween! I've seen a few other blogs with fantasy Christmas wish lists and loved the idea, so here goes! If I were a rich girl (a REALLY rich girl) this would be my list for Santa.

1. Chanel bag

Designer bags with tons of logos do nothing for me. Instead I covet a truly timeless bag, the kind I could carry for the rest of my life. I fear a Birkin will always be out of reach, but one day I will own a Chanel, or vintage Chanel bag. I haven't narrowed down style, size (why torture myself?) but these are my three faves. 

The white is just so pristine.

A vintage beauty that's totally drool inducing.

The absolutely classic Chanel Caviar Jumbo Flap.

2. Christian Louboutin pumps

I don't care how many times I've seen them. That sliver of red NEVER gets old to me. 

I dare you to find a more versatile and flawless heel.

3. Infiniti G35 Coupe

Don't get my wrong. I LOVE my car. I do not; however, love the scads of problems it's had since day one, or the fact that these problems are no longer covered by a warranty. Needless to say, I'll probably bawl the day we inevitably go our separate ways, but I might be comforted if my new car was say, the car I've dreamed about since my freshman year in college when I hung a poster of it on my dorm wall (I swear, I really did). I dream of it in Pearl, I love it in Twilight Blue, and it's one of the only cars I'm nuts about in dark gray. 

Someday...

I love the cream interior! Minus the stick shift, I'm not that talented.

4. Anya Hindmarch clutch

I've searched high and low for a party clutch I love as much as the "Valorie" glitter clutch Sure it's not THAT expensive, but the cost per use would be pretty absurd, so I'm resigned to lusting after it from afar.

Go be dazzled by it.

Think Hilary Duff might loan it to me? ;)

Fortunately one thing that isn't on my list this year is a new computer! My computer has finally been fixed and I'm SO happy to be back! I'm sorry for the long absence. I hope I still have a few readers left! 

So, what's on your wish list this year- fantasy and/or real?

Apologies!

I hope you guys haven't forgotten about me, or thought I lost the inspiration to blog. A few weeks ago my laptop got a virus that blocks almost all my favorite sites, the worst being that it blocks me from accessing my own blog! This has made for an exacerbating couple of weeks, especially since I have so many things I've been dying to share with all of you. I'm getting help to try and eradicate the bug and as of tonight am back to using a loaner. I'm so excited to blog again -albeit slowly since the loaner is a 10 year old dinosaur. Thanks again for your patience!

Here's the abridged version of what I'm currently drooling over.

 The new Zara website shows what's new in store without giving us the ability to actually buy any of it online. Now that's what I call cruel, especially when the nearest store is an hour away. A glutton for punishment, I still find myself checking the site daily for new additions. I'm especially loving this two-tone dress. I can see it worn simply, as shown in the picture, or dressed up for winter with a statement necklace, knit tights and black a-line coat. Love! 

Ever since I spotted a chic San Franciscan sporting  sleek riding boots, skinny jeans and a Breton sweater, I've been on a manhunt to capture a similar look. The Evie high-heel boot by BR are the best I've found, not to mention incredibly comfortable. At $225, the price is a bit steep for me, but these are truly an investment piece. The only caveat is that they are huge in the calf! Boots never fit my chicken legs closely, but these would definitely need altering, which costs between $80-$90. I'll be patiently waiting for a sale!

I'm so glad statement necklaces are still in style. Although I do love a minimalist necklace on occasion, nothing elevates simple clothing better than a spotlight stealer like this Charlotte Russe necklace. I would love to pair this mixed metal necklace with a simple tee shirt and gasp, jeans!

I'm so happy to be back. Stay tuned for lots of new posts coming soon! 

The Style File

As I mentioned in my last post, this past week has been nothing short of chaotic. Even my computer charger decided to quit on me! So until the new charger gets here I'll be using a loaner laptop, aka a blank slate. You see, every time I find a look that I like online I save it to my style file. Given the excessive amount of time I spend admiring fashion, my archives have grown to be pretty massive! With no style file at my disposal this week I've searched for a few looks, both new and old, to share with you.

An older J. Crew look that I'd love to emulate. I have the red skirt. Just need the cognac mary janes, bronze belt and pink blouse! Hey, Rome wasn't built in a day.

Wouldn't you love to be this Anthropologie model? It's no surprise that I love something that incorporates both stripes and a bow. What is surprising is how well stripes, a typical warm weather staple, are transitioning into cold weather looks this year. Just pair the nautical look with heavier fabrics, and go! 

I can't thank Betty Draper, I mean Mad Men designer Janie Bryant, enough for bringing back the shirtdress. Anthropologie's Reed shirtdress is so figure flattering and I love the soft shades of the plaid. I missed the mark on this one since it's long since sold out, but I'm still keeping an eye out for a similarly appealing shirtdress. Pass the martini please!

I adore the ladylike direction of Louis Vuitton's Fall 2010 line. L.V.'s take on the ever so popular Mad Men look stands apart with the use of rich fabrics, like wool and leather, and a more subdued color palette.  An L.V. bag I can do without, but these looks I simply cannot!

Zooey Deschanel is about as darling as they come. Here she is posing for the late Domino magazine (RIP). Her crocheted sheath, bold cranberry tights, matching belt, and unexpected flats are so fresh, and so Zooey. And honestly, nobody should look as cute as she does with those bangs past the age of 5. How does she do it?

My main style paramour, Diane Kruger. Last spring, the actress was already mixing her prints (dots and plaid) and sporting over-the knee boots. Always a step ahead, fashion-forward Kruger still manages to make it all seem so effortless. 

P.S. I also have shoe boxes upon shoe boxes filled with style clippings. These style archives are far more tedious to go through, and take up a lot more space, but I can't part with them or the ridiculous stacks of magazines I've amassed just since living in my most current apartment. I think it's time for an intervention people, I really do.

A Few Fab Finds

Sorry for the nearly week-long hiatus! It has been quite a hectic over here and in the midst of all the madness I didn't find the time to blog, although I did somehow find the time to shop. I really can't overemphasize the therapeutic role shopping plays in my life, which is great for the psyche, hard on the wallet! Well without further adieu, here are a few things that made the cut this past week.

Circle the Globe Skirt/Anthropologie. Although the $68 price tag made me cringe, there are a million ways I already plan to wear this lovely skirt. Plus, if you've read previous posts of mine you may have noticed that I've been yearning for a full, ladylike skirt to add to my wardrobe this fall. 

See? I wore it just today! I paired it with a new striped H&M top ($17, which I plan to wear next with trouser jeans, and cognac boots...assuming I can find either of those things) This outfit kept me surprisingly cool in this crazy heat wave we've been having. P.S. The dress hanging behind me was ghastly on! Note to self: You are no longer 18! 

I've searched high and low for a piped cardigan after falling for this J Crew cardi. This find from Forever 21 originally retailed for $29, but I picked one up second hand on Ebay for $12! I can't wait to wear it with what else, a black pencil skirt. 

Pictures don't do this little guy justice. I'm a big fan of oversized purses, but to give my shoulder a rest I'm excited to adopt this petite cross body bag found at TJ Maxx for just $15. Stand out features are the extremely supple leather, small silver studs, perfect compartments, and of course the mustard shade. Can you tell I'm in love? 

I haven't actually bought this Gap bow belt yet. Even though a bow belt has held a steady spot on my WL (wish list), this one is a little too big.  Plus, I'm not sure if I can justify $20 for a belt, no matter how cute it is. What do you think? 

View from the fitting room

This week isn't going to be pretty, so on my lunch break today I ran over to the local T.J. Maxx to find a little pick me up. Retail therapy may not be the best habit/addiction, but it sure is reliable. Just my luck, I found a couple of great deals. I guess you can call me a Maxxinista (though I'm still not sure about that tag line).

I finally found some polka dots! This top cost me less than $20 and is 100% silk.

In a pencil skirt, naturally. :)

Please ignore my goofy expression. I left without this top but might sneak back to get it. It's hard to tell in the pictures, but it's actually a pretty mauve color covered with tiny gold studs. Thumbs up? Thumbs down?

The perfect $20 clutch. The dark red is ideal for both fall and winter, and the gold studs have just enough edge to break up my otherwise feminine wardrobe.

And polka dot lining? Sold!

Stopped by Nordstrom Rack after work and thought I found the PERFECT leopard pumps. Steve Madden, on sale for $49, but OH so painful. Alas....the hunt continues. 

Other recent trips to the fitting room...

I've long despised accordion pleats, but something about this Bebe dress makes me willing to embrace them. Sadly, I can't justify adding it to my wardrobe as we approach October, but boy is it cute!

This lovely Anthropologie dress has so much going for it. It is extremely flattering, and the deeper color palate make the florals perfectly suited for fall. I'll be waiting to find it on sale, or on Ebay.

Do you take pictures in the fitting room? As Cher said in Clueless, "I don't rely on mirrors, so I always take polaroids." Pictures often give me a truer sense of whether or not something flatters me Plus, even though I love solo shopping excursions, I always value a second opinion. Many of my friends are used to getting bombarded by picture texts as soon as I step foot in the mall. :)