OOTD (05.27.10) Waldorfing it.

Just as yesterday's outfit was brought to you by a fictional character, today's shall be also. I found this image the other day when I was hunting for photos for my style icons post, and thought, "I have pieces that would work for this look!" So...here it is!

Blair's version:

 

My version:

Headband, earrings: Target
Scarf: Postlapsaria
Sweater: Nordstrom
Pure & Good Basic Tank: Anthrpologie
Button Sampler Skirt: Anthropologie
Heels: BCBG

I originally bought this scarf for a specific purpose, but then when I spotted the photo of Blair's look, decided I could wear it! I got it from a fellow fashion blogger's shop, Postlapsaria, and I just love it. It has pictures of France all over it and the colors are so classic and vivid. I think this will make a great winter outfit too, with a quick sub of some closed toe shoes, tights and a beret, just like Blair.

What do we think?

OOTD (05.26.10) Channeling Chuck.

Today's outfit is brought to you by Chuck (Charlotte) of Pushing Daisies. A friend sent me a message on Facebook a few weeks back saying I would LOVE Chuck's style, and she was right. I mean just look at her:

Adorable right? I love that she dresses in solid colors from head to toe most of the time. This makes her look so chic and put together. I also love her hair, which is rather reminiscent of my favorite Ms. Zooey's look. I think I'll have to look up who the stylist was for this show, because he/she is my new hero. And besides the style, I kind of just love the show.

Anyway, on to my outfit for the day, inspired by Ms. Chuck.

Earrings: Nordstrom
Sweater: J.Crew
Tank: Target
Skirt: J.Crew
Juliet Pumps: J.Crew

What do we think? I was attempting to twirl in the last photo by the way. It was apparently quite difficult from the look on my face. Hee! Happy Wednesday!

Trying something new.

Hey all. So, I've been thinking a lot about my shopping/spending habits, and while they aren't anywhere close to out of control, I think it would be a good idea for me to pare down what I buy and see if I can't stash away a little cash for the future. And, I figured since June is my craziest month at work, it would be a perfect trial run month. I'm not saying I'm giving up shopping entirely, I'm just saying I'm going to set a strict budget and stick to it. I'm saying I'm going to select a few things that I will allow myself to buy this month and those few things are it. No last minute additions to my Anthropologie shopping cart, no more taking returns back only to come home with different pieces. I'm standing firm, and you my loves, are going to help me.

This may come back to bite me because there's always that one item that pops up that you just HAVE to have. But, I've learned that there's really always something and I definitely don't need everything. So, here are a few items I'm allowed to buy if they go on sale:

Items in this set: Field Game Cardigan, $120, Magnified Geranium Blouse, $98, Changeable Skies Top, $78, Sunday Supper Shirt, $68, Daring Dart Blouse, $68

I may buy any of these things IF and ONLY IF they go on sale. I also reserve the right to substitute out whichever items from my wish list actually go on sale first, as long as my purchases are within my monthly clothes budget.

Thank you for your help and accountability! I'm looking forward to having a little extra stashed away in the bank!

And, get used to a new feature on this blog, consisting of the things I would like to buy if I wasn't being so well behaved.:) Let's start now, shall we?

Items in this set: peacock avenue kay dress at kate spade, $395, Cookies and Cream Dress, $74, Fashion Democracy Dress, $50, Striped Short Sleeve Sweater Cardigan, $20, Stretch double-serge pencil skirt - J.Crew, $70.

A girl can dream! And that's what I shall do for the next month! Thanks for your help, y'all are the best. Got any shopping budget secrets? What helps you tighten the reins?

OOTD (05.25.10) Green v. Red.

Morning! This dress may look familiar, mainly because I have it in another color/pattern. Don't mess with a good thing, right?

Earrings: Kate Spade
Slender Strands Belt: Anthropologie
Rainforest Morning Shirtdress: Anthropologie
Sandals: Target

I bought this dress last week at the sale, and I'm so glad I did. It's different enough in print from the Maeshowe Shirtdress (it's red twin) that I felt okay about owning both. I like that this dress has black in it so I could wear my favorite cheapie sandals. These dresses are so great because you can wear them basically on their own and they look great.

Thoughts?

Anthro Reviews.

Saturday I headed in to Anthropologie to return the Scalloped Sailor Skirt that I bought at the sale on Tuesday. I couldn't resist trying on a few things, so here's a fresh batch of reviews for you!

The Noche En La Copa Dress (Size 4) is so not something I would usually try on, much less wear, but it looked so cute on one of the sales associates, I decided to give it a shot. And I actually really liked it! The material is so soft and cozy and the cut is super flattering. My only concern was the two snaps on the top part of the bodice, but those could easily be tacked to fit better. Added to the wish list for sale!

The Unveiled Tank (Small) was a big fat pass for me. I didn't really feel like the drapey pieces did much for the top, and the material was far too sheer (obviously). Pass!

The Diminutive Decor Tank (Small) was cute, the color was pretty and I love the button detailing, but it just seemed a little boring. Just didn't think this would really add anything to my wardrobe, so this one was a pass too!

I thought I would love the prairie feel of the Ruffled Riceflower Tank (Medium) but the fabric was kind of blah and the cut just did not work. Though the medium was too big for me everywhere else, I'm not sure I could have fit my neck into a small. The front seemed a little too wide and the neck too high. But the back is totally adorable. Pass for me, but win for someone else perhaps!

I thought I would be head over heels for the Weave-The-Ring Skirt (Size 6) and though I liked it, I just wasn't as into it as I anticipated. It feels very well made, and it fact is rather heavy, but it wasn't necessarily flattering to my shape or anything. The pattern was adorable and the draping and buttons were super cute. It fit true to size as well. This is added to my wishlist, but we'll see. I might have to try it on again before buying.

I just had to try on the Raccoon Rumpus Blouse (Size 4) after I saw it in person. The cut is adorable, the swiss dot fabric, perfection. But I just can't get past the raccoon print. I HATE raccoons. So unless this comes out in another color/pattern (please, Anthro?) it's a pass for me.

The Cloudburst Tank (Small) was just as cute in person as online. However, when I buy this come sale time, I'll definitely need an X-Small, as it was WAY too big. I know it's supposed to be drapey, but had inches of room in the back.

And finally, I tried on the Vappu Dress (Size 4) which fit like a glove. However, this was another piece that just seemed like a snooze to me. Despite the itchy fabric of the In a Twinkling Dress, I think I still prefer it. Pass on this one!

Did you find anything at Anthro this weekend?

OOTD (05.24.10) Big pink flower.

Morning all. Today begins a five week sprint to the finish line of our biggest event of the year at work. I will be quite busy and working really late, so I'm expecting my outfits to take a transition towards the comfy. I'll need things that can be worn for 12-14 hour days and that I can move around in easily. You've been warned.:) Anyway, today's outfit includes one of the items I purchased at the last Anthro sale, the Shimmering Flower Beds Cardigan. It's cozy and cute and I think I really like it.

Full Bouquet Clip: Anthropologie
Shimmering Flower Beds Cardigan: Anthropologie
Top: Target
Jeans: William Rast
Boots: Dolce Vita
Ring: Vintage

And now, I need your help deciding on something else I bought at the sale. I tried it out Saturday with a few pieces, and I'm just not sure about it. I've really been wanting a skirt that has a tie at the waist, but I'm not sure this one is particularly flattering. I felt like it widened me alot. Let me know what you think...and be honest!:)

Jackie Cardigan: J.Crew
Necklace, cami: Target
Clove Hitch Tank: Anthropologie
Rhona Skirt: Anthropologie
Boots: Dolce Vita

Let me know what you think!

Style icons.

I know you've heard a lot lately about my quest to find my style and about building a wardrobe, but I'm going to bore you one more time by talking about my top five style icons (and maybe a few more).

There are loads of stylish ladies out there. Some famous, some not. Some with access to designer clothes and some who rely on thrift stores for their fashions. Almost everywhere you go, you can find someone wearing something in a way that you like. However, I think there is a difference between people who have good style and people who you choose as style icons. To achieve "icon" status, the person has to have a pretty darn good record. What I mean to say is that 9 times out of ten they are wearing something that you too would wear. They consistently come up with looks and styles that you not only like, but are dying to emulate.

My style icons haven't changed much over the years. I've added a few here and there, but most of them have been on my list since I was young. It's fun to watch these ladies grow up and mature in their looks, just as I have.

Here are my top five:

Zooey Deschanel is the most recent addition to my style icon list, but I have a feeling she'll be staying on that list for a very long time. I love her long, layered hair. I love her bangs. I love her creamy complexion and her frequent use of red lips and cat eyes. And most of all, I love the easy transition she makes between the 50's, 60's and 70's era clothes. She does a wonderful job of taking vintage looks and silhouettes and making them fresh and modern.

I realize that Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) is a fictional character, but I cannot fully express my love for her look. I love how her hair is always "done." I love her flowy blouse + tailored skirt combo. I love her use of classic trends such as nautical and preppy. I love her headbands and colored tights. But most of all, I love her amazing, ridiculous collection of outerwear. The girl can wear a coat. Though her transition to college on the show has brought less of a scholastic feel to her looks, I'm hoping her transfer to Columbia for next season will bring back a little of that ivy league spirit.

Rachel Bilson has been on my radar ever since I was in high school and she was starring on The OC. In fact, I think she was one of the first celebrities I googled over and over to find photos of her clothes. She's always put together, even when she's totally casual. She has very refined, classy taste and she always looks comfortable in her own skin. I've also often seen photos of her wearing the same shoes, carrying the same bags or making new outfits out of old pieces, you know, like normal people do! I love that about her.

Ever since I first started watching How I Met Your Mother last summer, Lily Aldrin (Alyson Hannigan) has been on the top of style icon list. For a few reasons, one of the most important being that she often wears clothes from my very favorite store, Anthropologie! But even before I figured that fact out, I was enthralled by her used of pattern. Graphic printed tops with striped sweaters. Copious amounts of boots. And always, always, adorable hair. Add to all that the fact that she's hilarious, and I'm sold. Can't wait for Season 6!

Another star who I've admired since high school is Lauren Conrad. Being that she's the same age as me, I've always felt connected to her. I feel like we would get along really well. Is that weird to say? The girl does sunnies, Chanel and skinny jeans like no other. I love her beautiful sandy blonde hair, her flowy yet structured style and her lovely smile. I've also been really into her makeup routine lately: liquid liner on the top with bronze shadow and pencil liner on the bottom. I can't wait to see what this lovely lady continues to do with her life.

Other ladies on my list include Jennifer Aniston, Alexis Bledel as Rory Gilmore (Seasons 5-7), Lauren Graham as Lorelai Gilmore, Whitney Port, Audrey Hepburn, Jennifer Garner, Scarlett Johansson, Sophia Bush and Mary-Kate and Ashley (the early years).

Who are you style icons? Who can you always count on to inspire you?

OOTD (05.21.10) Think cozy.

We have reverted to winter here in Oregon which means rain, rain, rain. I have to take a little field trip for work today, so I figured the warmer the better, and what's warmer than flannel? I also had to get a closeup of these earrings, because I love them. $6 at Nordstrom!

Earrings: Nordstrom
Scarf: Target
Flannel: Target
Tee: Target
Jeans: William Rast
Boots: Steve Madden

Please pardon my super messy office. Happy Friday!

OOTD (05.20.10) Ode to a little red belt.

As I was strolling through Anthropologie the other day, searching for a belt to go with the white dress I was wearing to a shower that night, I stumbled upon this little red beauty in the sale room. This belt, the Crotalus belt, I would later come to find out thanks to my AWESOME readers (Anjali from Goldenmeans won the challenge by the way), fit with my white dress perfectly. And, in my opinion, it fits with this look perfectly.

Jackie Cardigan: J.Crew
Backgammon Earrings: Anthropologie
Crotalus Belt: Anthropologie
Skirt: Target
Wedges: Steve Madden
Watch: Nordstrom

What do we think? I think it's very "me" as Carrisa pointed out right away on Flickr. Happy Thursday!

Anthro Nerds Unite!

Hey loves! I know there's a few fellow Anthropoloige lovers (stalkers) out there among my readers, and I'm hoping y'all can help me!

I've got a test for you...can you name these items? The first person to name (proper, Anthropologie names) all four correctly wins a special prize to be disclosed at a later date (hint: something from our favorite store that starts with an A)!!

By Odille. Purchased on sale in Fall 2008.

By Chocolat Blu. Purchased last weekend from the sale room.

By DV (Dolce Vita). Purchased in 2008...I think...

By Deletta. Purchased on sale, Fall 2008.

Help me! Ready, set, GO!

OOTD (05.19.10) Cooling ruffles.

The shade was not cooperating with me this morning. Please forgive my oddly green-gray photos. And bonus points if you can remember the name of my skirt. I sure can't!

Cooling Cardigan: Anthropologie
Tank: Banana Republic
(Can't remember name) Odille Skirt: Anthropologie
Ring: Costume Jewelry
Boots: Dolce Vita

OOTD (05.18.10) Sans makeup.

Morning all. I was running a little late this morning so I decided to forgo all makeup besides mascara (because I have blonde eyelashes, so yikes!) and head out the door instead. I brought my makeup with me to apply at work, but I've decided my skin could use a break, so it's au natural for me today.

I also wanted to be super comfy but look put together. This dress hides all the bad but still has some structure and visual interest. And, I LOVE these boots. So comfortable.

Thoughts?

Earrings: Target
Maeshowe Shirtdress: Anthropologie
Boots: Jessica Simpson
Bangle: Macy*s