Currently Trending

CROSS BODY BAGS

 

I don't know about anyone else but I am currently loving crossbody bags! I am actually a little surprised by this myself because usually I love to carry larger bags that I can throw everything in. This is a good and bad thing for me because although I have the luxury of having everything I need right at my finger tips, often times my bag is extremely heavy because I have EVERYTHING in there. 

 

Saint Laurent Mini Chain Y-Ligne Pochette

Alexander Wang Rockie Duffle

Rebecca Minkoff Core Mini 5-Zip Crossbody

Proenza Schouler PS1 Shoulder Pouch Bag

I think crossbody bags are the perfect option for the spring and summer months when you are constantly on the go and at different outdoor events where you need your hands free to do other things. Crossbody bags are also good for more casual outfits and nights out where you don't feel like hauling around a big handbag with all your daytime and work essentials. I kind of look at the crossbody bag like a clutch but more convenient because you don't have to carry it in your hands!

 3.1 Philip Lim Pashli Mini Satchel

Michael Michael Kors Small Devon Patent Messenger

Michael Michael Kors Large Jet Set Travel Messenger Bag

Cambridge Satchel

Fendi Leather Pouchette

Forever 21 Studded Faux Leather Crossbody

These bags are available at every price point and in almost every style and color that you can imagine! I have included pictures of some of my favorite crossbody bag options that are available right now. I have the yellow BCBG crossbody and a cambridge satchel in the larger size in the flouro pink color (you can see my personal bags in the last pictures below). I love both! I am really lusting over the coach crossbody bags in the new spring colors as well as the cute fendi crossbody. I can see adding one or both to my collection soon!

 Coach Legacy Leather Mini Duffle

 Forever 21 Buckled Faux Leather Crossbody

 Coach Legacy Perforated Leather Duffle

BCBG Eva leather Crossbody Bag

Alexander Wang Diego Bucket Bag

Rebecca Minkoff Skylar Studded Crossbody

My current crossbody collection- Cambridge Satchel and BCBG Max Azria Eva

Do you own any crossbody bags? If so what are your favorite styles, designers/designs and colors? What types of outfits do you pair your crossbody bags with?

The Look for Less

I have recently purchased two pairs of shoes that I think qualify for the designer inspired or looked for less category. As I looked at my purchases and the more expensive shoes that clearly inspired the design concept, I began to think about fashion designers, creativity, inspiration and the concept of an original design idea. Does originality really exist in fashion anymore or do we look to the past and what is currently happening around us to inspire new trends and ideas for how to dress and style ourselves? Everyone is inspired by or looks to someone or something for inspiration so is it OK for retailers and designers to be inspired by other designers?

Alexander Wang Danica and Shoemint Garbo both currently sold out 

There is always strong debate in fashion about wearing knock offs and designer looks for less. I am not nor will I ever be a fan of wearing a knock off item such as a fake designer handbag. I would much rather spend my money on something nice with out the high end label name than rock a fake. I try as best I can to live within my means. That does not mean that I do not splurge and buy designer items from time to time but if I can find something nice with a similar look for a fraction of the cost then I am all for it.  

London Trash Phoenix Snake Sandal and Shoedazzle Whitley currently sold out

Similar options here and here 

I was recently reading an article on fashionbombdaily.com where designer Isabal Marant talked about how she felt about knock offs of her now famous wedge sneaker. I for one think that is great that more mid-range affordable designers and labels take the same concept that someone like Isabal Marant sells and makes it available for the mainstream consumer who make not be able to afford a $600 or more shoe. Do I think it is offensive to blatantly steal another person's designs or idea and market it as if it is your own? Yes. However I do not think that Ms. Marant created the wedge sneaker.

Isabel Marant (sell out quickly but can be found at netaporter.com, barneys.com or ebay.com) Steve Madden Hilight

Rocking my Steve Madden Highlights on a casual shopping day (excuse the messy fitting room lol!)
Outfit Details:
Hat-Old TJ Maxx
Camo Shirt Jacket- Old Navy 
Dark Navy Jegging Jeans- Torrid
White Boy Friend T-Shirt- Target
Steve Madden Hilights
Celine' Croc Stamped Phantom 

 I am a fan of her shoe, but for myself, a person who does not wear sneakers that often, I would opt for a more affordable version and splurge on something that I could get more use out of. Hence my purchase of the Steve Madden Hilight. Some may chastise me for this, but I say to each lady her own wallet and budget lol! I do own quite a few designer items but I usually reserve my high end purchases for items I deem to be classics that will stand the test of time and last me multiple seasons, not trendy items that can quickly go out of style after one or two seasons, making me feel like I have wasted my hard earned money. I could go on and on about this much debated topic and my opinion on it but I would rather know what you all think. Is it OK to wear "knock offs" or a look for less/designer inspired item? What are your thoughts and opinions on the matter?

Images courtesy of Google Images (luckymag.com and sundayglamour.blogspot.com)

ASOS Curve Peg Pant in Floral Print

 Peg Pant in Floral Print

I am absolutely loving the new offerings from ASOS curve + inspire lines! Not only are there clothes a flattering fit for me but they also offer up the latest trends at a somewhat reasonable price. I have ordered quite a few things from ASOS recently and have even more on my wish list, but today I want to talk about something that I can't wait to wear which is the peg pant in floral print. If you have been paying attention to blogs, fashion magazines or even your favorite celebrities, then you know that floral prints are a huge trend for the spring and summer months. I am all for this trend! I talked about it previously and showcased some of the cute floral blazers that I have purchased for the season in my currently trending posts. 

At any rate, these floral print pants were to cute to pass up and I knew immediately how I would pair them once I saw them. I am going to start posting pictures of my daily outfits and pictures of me in general ( I would have been doing this sooner but I broke my tripod and I have been without a photographer, which is a story for another time lol!) so look forward to seeing an outfit post with me wearing the pants soon. 

Here is a quick collage with inspiration on how to wear these awesome pants! If you are interested you can purchase here. Also look forward to a new This Just In post in the coming weeks where I will showcase what else I have purchased from ASOS as well as other stores for my spring and summer wardrobe. I look forward to seeing how you lovely ladies style your floral prints in the upcoming seasons and please share with me in the comments your thoughts on floral prints. Talk to you guys soon!

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

Currently Trending

The White Shoe

Wearing white shoes has always been a taboo subject among people that I know and from what I can see on blogs people in general. Of course as babies and children we wear cute white sandals and booties, but once many people reach a certain age wearing white shoes tends to become a no no. Living in the south, we always see older women wearing white shoes at church and other places that are not the most fashionable to say the least. Also in the south, there has been a stigma or old adage that you should not wear white after a certain time of year so the color is usually reserved for the Summer months. That is all changing when it comes to fashion rules and I for one am pleased about it!

 I want to talk about the white sandal and pump for ladies of course! Surprisingly enough, I am really loving the current trend of white shoes and sandals that has emerged in fashion over the last couple of seasons. All of the hottest designers are featuring white pumps and sandals in all types of different styles and heel heights and all of the hottest celebrities are currently rocking the trend. I am currently in the market for the perfect white sandal and pump to add to my own wardrobe. I want to buy something that is both beautiful and comfortable so that they will become staple pieces in my wardrobe and can be paired with many different looks.

Prepare for a visual overload! Here is a look at some of the white pumps and sandals that I am currently loving and lusting at various price points. Enjoy and please share with me your thoughts on wearing white shoes and which ones you like. I will update the blog as soon as I have purchased the perfect white shoes and let you all know which ones I am adding to my shoe closet. 

To purchase the shoes that I have posted please visit: www.dillards.com, www.luisaviaroma.com, www.saks.com, www.neimanmarcus.com, www.nordstrom.com, www.netaporter.com, www.shoemint.com, www.zappos.com, www.barneys.com, www.aldoshoes.com, us.christianlouboutin.com, and www.polyvore.com 

(All images courtesy of the online retailers listed.)