Save or Splurge: Personalized Clutch

The Personalized Clutch

I am loving over-sized clutches right now and some of the coolest ones I have seen have cute little messages and sayings on them that express your thoughts, mood or point of view. These clutches are an awesome way to express yourself through fashion! How do you feel about this trend? Would you save or splurge?

 Boyy Personalize Clutch 

Splurge $595

Image via Instagram

Zara Leather Pouch 

Save $29.90

Image via Zara website

I personally own the Zara clutch in white (this color is currently sold out) and am considering purchasing the yellow as well. I can't wait to pair my clutch with cute outfits for the spring and summer! Although I love the Boyy clutch, it is a bit pricey for my budget right now.

I plan on featuring my Zara clutch in an upcoming outfit post, but if anyone is interested in seeing a size comparison please let me know. 

This Just In Update! Prabal Gurung x Target

New In My Closet

Just wanted to update the blog with another great find from the Prabal Gurung for Target collection. I stopped by Target on my lunch break yesterday just to browse around and see what they had new in store. I browsed through the clothes first. Although they still had a pretty good bit of the Prabal Gurung Love collection available, unfortunately they still did not have the sweatshirt that I wanted. I picked up a cute blazer that I had been eyeing during my last visit and then headed to the shoe department. I passed by the Prabal Gurung for Target shoes because I had already seen what they had to offer in store on my last visit. Something told me to turn around and look again and to my surprise they had a full stock of the neon yellow sandals! I was so excited! I wanted the sandals originally but they did not have them in the store when I went  the day the collection was released and when I attempted to order online they had already sold out in my size.

These shoes were one of my favorite items from the entire collection and I am so glad that I was able to find them! I cannot wait until Summer to wear them!

P.S- I would model them but I am in desperate need of a pedicure right now lol!

This blazer is super cute and a great fit and I know that I will be able to dress it up with black trousers or dressed down with skinny jeans and cute pumps.

This Just In

New in My Closet

I shop a lot! I know that some people (mainly my husband!) think that is ridiculous to constantly shop, but I disagree. For one, I like to find sales and bargains. Whether it be for household decor, or a new addition to my closet (which most of the time it is lol!), in most cases I cannot pass up a good deal. That does not mean I am not up for the occasional splurge, but I love a good sale! I tend to spend high on staple pieces and classics and low on trendy items that may not make it from one season to the next. Anyway, I wanted to share with my blog friends some of the recent additions to my ever growing closet and get your opinion and feedback on my purchases. Some of these items I have had for a while but have not worn, and some are recent purchases. Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts.

Alexander Wang Rocco Duffle (Pebbled Leather) in Cayenne

I had been eyeing this particular bag for quite sometime. I even searched eBay trying to find a reasonably priced one that was in good condition. I watched this bag and watched it waiting for the right time to purchase. That day finally came during the cyber Monday sales after Thanksgiving last year. I was browsing saks.com to see what they had that interested me and I stumbled upon this particular bag. I attempted to place the order but the site crashed. I called customer service and was told that the site would be back up within a few hours. Later that day I attempted to place the order again and much to my dismay this bag was not available! I was a little bummed out but I decided to order it in a light grey color that was also on sale. Once again when I attempted to place this order the website crashed. This time when I called customer service a nice representative offered to place the order for me. 

To my delight the bag that I originally wanted was available and I was able to purchase it. This time without any problems! Although I have not carried this particular bag yet I am completely in love with it! Because of the detail on the bottom of the bag and  the quality of the leather the bag is a tad bit heavy but I am pretty used to carry bags that are heavy (I own a Celine' phantom tote and a few other heavy bags and I always stuff my bags to capacity so it is a workout just to carry them lol!) so this is not a major issue for me. I plan on carrying this bag soon and I know that it will gets lots of wear.

 Sorry for the long story but I just cannot believe my luck in scoring this bag for almost half off the original price. That's right, all told with the cyber Monday discounts and an additional discount that I received the bag was close to 50% off the original price! What a lucky lady I am.

 Shoe Mint Abi Black Leather Booties

These boots are so cute, comfy, and I got them for a great price! I have been a member of shoe mint for sometime now and heard good things about them but just decide to make my first recently. I browsed the site and came across the booties and it was love at first site! The boots only cost me $31.99! They are real leather and for the price are an excellent buy in my opinion. The pointed toe and stilleto heel  are a classic style that can be worn for years to come. I am really glad that I was able to add these to my shoe collection.

 Jessica Simpson Adeni and Vince Camuto Kain pointed toe pumps

I talked about these Jessica Simpson pumps in a previous post and of course when I saw them on sale I had to snatch up a few pair for myself. I purchased them in the burgundy suede and also the grey patent leather. At only $31 I could not resist getting a few pair as I am currently obsessed with pointed toe pumps. They are very comfortable (well as comfortable as heels can be I guess) and can be paired with almost any outfit. I also picked up the Vince Camuto pumps for $31. That seems to be my lucky number when finding shoes on sale lol! They are classic leather pointed toe pump and at that price I just could not let them sit on the shelf. Another great addition to my collection.

All of the pumps were purchased from dillards.com

Prabal Gurung x Target Purchases

As promised, I have an update on what I purchased from the Prabal Gurung for Target collaboration. I was at my local Target store bright and early (8:00 AM to be exact!) because I did not want to miss out on any key pieces. Unfortunately for me since I live in a small town, my store did not get the entire collection. Bummer! Despite this, I still managed to get almost everything I wanted. The pieces that I purchased were the pointy toe pump in the nolita print, the long sleeve tee in floral crush print, and the blazer in the floral crush print. The two pieces that I wanted and was unable to get were the sweatshirt in first date print and the ankle strap pump in sulfur spring. Although I did not get those two items I am super pleased with what I did get a chance to purchase and can not wait to rock these new pieces soon! Please leave a comment and tell me what you bought if anything from the Prabal Gurung for Target collection.

Lust List: Shoes

Charlotte Olympia

Lately I have become obsessed with Charlotte Olympia shoes! The gorgeous exaggerated island platform I feel is what really draws me to this particular designer. Although I know that a lot of designers in recent collections have strayed from the platform style, I believe it is what makes Charlotte Olympia's designs so special. On the other end of the spectrum, I am also completely in love with the kitty and charlotte's web flats! Although I love a gorgeous sexy heel, I can also appreciate the beauty and functionality of a good flat. Charlotte Olympia does not make shoes for the faint of heart or for the woman on a budget! You can sometimes find a good sale on Charlotte Olympia shoes on Charlotte Olympia's official website, The Outnet, Neiman Marcus or in stores depending on the city/area you live in. Unfortunately for me there is not a store locally that carries the brand. If Charlotte Olympia's price tag is out of reach, you can always go for a look for less that compliments your budget. Here are some of my favorite styles from Charlotte Olympia, including: kitty flats, Dolly, Carmen, Miranda, Polly, Tessa, and Alice. Hopefully I will have a pair (or two) in my closet soon! How do you guys feel about Charlotte Olympia? What high end shoes designers or brands are your favorite?

All images courtesy of Charlotte Olympia official website.

The Look for Less

Chinese Laundry Zsa Zsa

Jon Josef Gatsby Black Velvet Cat Flat

Forever 21 Hologram Platform Pumps

Currently Trending

Pointed Toe Pumps

Pointed toe pumps have been a staple off and on in fashion for many years and this year they are back with a vengeance! Many designers are straying from the huge platforms pumps and opting for the more classic look of a non-platform style pointed toe pump. You can find these pumps in an array of colors and materials including leather, patent leather, and suede. Although I do enjoy a good platform, I can definitely appreciate the classic pointed toe pump. I am especially fond of all the bright bold colors that designers are currently offering. I have listed some of my favorite pointed toe pumps at various price points as well as some of the ways I wear my pointed toe pumps. I would love to know how you wear your pointed toe pumps as I am always in the mood for some new style inspiration!

Jimmy Choo Anouk

 

Steve Madden Invade

Jessica Simpson Adeni

Nine West Sally

These gorgeous blue suede babies below from BCBGeneration are a recent addition to my closet. Find a similar pair here on sale!

I also recently purchased the Jessica Simpson Adeni pumps mentioned above. Ladies if you want your own pair hurry (click the link above)! They are currently on sale for $31.99 and are sure to sell out quick!

Prabal Gurung x Target

Over the past few years Target has gained much attention for it's designer collaborations! People line up outside of the store and stalk the website waiting for the merchandise from these collections to be released. Everyone wants to get first dibs at designer fashion at an affordable price! I know I do! I have gotten nice things from the Missoni for Target collaboration and most recently the Neiman Marcus and Target collaboration for the holidays. For that very reason, I am so excited about the Prabal Gurung for Target collection that is being released on February 10th. As I stated in an earlier post, floral prints are definitely in for the Spring and Summer months. This collection offers delicious floral patterns in a variety of beautiful, easy to wear pieces! These pieces will be great additions to any wardrobe and I am sure they will be enjoyed for many years and fashion seasons! There will be shoes, jewelry, blazers, shorts, skirts, dresses and more! I am also totally in love with the bright colors which are reminiscent of Prabal Gurung's signature style. This collection is most certainly one that you don't want to miss so head to your local Target store on the 10th and pick out your favorites before they fly off the racks! I will be sure to post what I pick up on the blog once I am back from shopping.

Some of my favorites from the collection.

Head over to target.com to view the collection!

Currently Trending

FLORAL

It seems that floral patterns are all over the place these days. Whether it be a monotone floral or a brightly colored pattern, floral is showing up everywhere! I have recently purchased a few floral blazers and am excited about incorporating them into my wardrobe as the spring and summer months approach. Below is a look at some affordable pieces to add to your wardrobe that will help in achieving the on trend floral look.

 Floral Print Blazer

  Rose Pattern Trousers

 Aloha Print Blazer

Accessories I Love: Honesty Jewelry

A few years ago while I browsing blogs I noticed that a lot of celebrities, socialites, etc were wearing beautiful beaded bracelets that came in an array of colors and styles. I started doing research trying to figure out where to buy these bracelets. I looked for them locally (at the time I was living in South Carolina) but was not able to find the exact style of bracelets that I was looking for. One day in late 2010/ early 2011 while browsing online I started to look for the bracelets again and came across a blog post that talked about Honesty Jewelry. I found the company's website and began to look into what they had to offer. I was immediately impressed by the different options that the ladies had to offer and the attention to detail they took when making their bracelets. I decided not to order right then because although I liked the bracelets I some how still thought that I would be able to find something similar in my local mall or jewelry store. After not being able to locate any of these bracelets locally, I finally decided to order from Honesty. At the time the ladies were did not have an eCommerce site so I purchased from retailers recommended through their website.  I absolutely love my bracelets! I have a collection of 20+ currently and get compliments on them every time I wear them! I have a variety of colors and styles and I mix and match them in stacks together and also with my other jewelry like my watches, love bracelet and diamond bangles gifted to me by my husband. The bracelets compliment any outfit and are always an attention grabber and eye catcher. I can't say enough about how they complete an outfit!I know that there are now a lot of bead bracelets on the market and that different companies and individuals make them but I am truly pleased with the purchases I have made. Love, love, love my Honesty Jewelry bracelets.

 Visit Honesty Jewelry for additional information and to purchase.

Jeans, Jeans, and More Jeans

If you are anything like me then you love jeans! If I could I would wear jeans everyday (unfortunately my job only allows them on Fridays and during the Summer)! I am constantly buying jeans and can never get enough of them! Since jeans are something that you can dress up or down and are so versatile, I decided that I would post about some of my favorite jeans and where I buy them. I tend to buy jeans that fit my body well no matter the price point. Of course I love a good sale, but when it comes to looking good I will not buy a pair of jeans just because they are cheap. If they are not flattering to my body type then that just means that I wasted my money anyway!

Different body types require different things when it comes to fit. For me, having hips, thighs and butt I have to look for jeans that address these different aspects and still allow me to be comfortable. I do like to show off my figure but I don't like to look or feel awkward and/or uncomfortable. I like to be stylish but when it comes to jeans I look for more classic styles and colors that will last me through multiple seasons and even years. I have made some trendy jean purchases and later ended up regretting them so now I stick to the basics. One exception is the recent trend in colored jeans which I love! I am also tall and have a slight phobia of my pants or jeans being too short so unless I am going for an ankle or cropped fit I tend to gravitate towards pants that come in longer inseams.
Here are some of my favorite jean designers and stores where I buy jeans.

1. James Jeans- I have recently purchased jeans from this company and I love the fit! They are on the pricier side but as I said earlier if I know that I am going to get my money's worth I do not mind spending . The fit is awesome (no gap in the waist or dropped crotch which is something I don't like) and the have styles with longer inseams which is perfect for us tall curvy girls.James Jeans can also be purchased at Nordstrom and Saks.
2. Not Your Daughter's Jeans- When the coated denim trend started I searched high and low for a pair that where flattering for a plus size woman and did not look cheap and tacky. I found everything I was looking for and more in a pair by Not Your Daughter's Jeans! Not only was the fit flattering, but the quality in my opinion was impeccable. I would definetly purchase from this company/designer again. Not Your Daughter's Jeans can also be purchased at Dillards, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus.
3. Torrid- I love torrids plus size skinny jean selection! First off they sell by inseam which is perfect for me because as I mentioned earlier I like for my jeans to be long! They also have variety of styles and sizes to suit the different needs of plus size body types. 
4. JC Penney (store brand and A.N.A.)- JC Penney has really been stepping their game up lately when it comes to the selection of plus size clothing. The jean department has been no exception. Not only are they offering many of the trendy jeans ie. colored skinny and patterned jeans in plus sizes but they also have many styles that will stand the test of time such as boot cut and straight leg jeans in classic and dark washes. 
5. Old Navy- Old Navy offers jeans in many different styles and colors to fit your price range, body type and style. Some of my favorite offerings from old navy are the rock star jeggings which are a thicker material and comprable to a regular pair of jeans and the dark wash boot cut jeans.The plus size offerings from old navy are exclusively sold online so it is good to know your measurements when ordering.
6. Levi's- Levi's is the classic american jean company that is easy recognizable by the red or silver tab on the back pocket. The plus size options are comfortable, stylish, and really compliment the curvy woman's body. 
7. Eloquii- Offers a variety of jeans in different inseams,styles, sizes and colors. These jeans have a good fit and just enough stretch which makes them comfortable and easy to wear. Many of eloquii's jean styles come in classic and curvy options.