My 2014 Birthday Wishes

It's Cyber Monday and lots of my fellow bloggers have published great lists of deals for Cyber Monday. Instead of repeating their wonderful efforts, just go to the list on the CapFABB site and click around. On Sunday I will be celebrating my birthday. I'm looking forward to some fun over the weekend and I'm taking a personal day next Monday, to play with {msL}. This year there were really only two things on my list, a vintage Chanel brooch and to hit a weight loss goal I've been striving for. The brooch is a big (expensive) wish and the weight loss goal is all on me. I've been working on that weight loss gift to myself. And I selected some reasonably priced gifts, in lieu of Chanel.

Stella and Dot Rose Gold Renegade Bracelet - I wear my silver Renegade bracelet constantly and have been eyeing this rose gold version for ages.

Pink Faux Fur Scarf (Asos) - This winter is supposed to be super cold. If I have to bundle up, I might as well do it in style.

Skull Clutch - The imprinted skulls, leather and oversize profile of this clutch are perfect.

Vintage Chanel Brooch - There are a few that I love but this quilted version is classic.

Stella and Dot Casablanca Pendant - This beauty can be worn four different ways. I love a versatile piece and I'm dying to layer it with my Stella and Dot Pegasus necklace.

posted to Instagram by Blythe (COO of Stella and Dot)

Zara Bulcher with Fringes - My brogues and oxford are regular rotation. I love these with the pointed toe and fringe.

I'm all about the accessories this year. They always fit, no matter your size and they are the best topping for an outfit.

If you're looking for some great accessories, try out Jamberry. My Black Friday fun is continuing through today. If you buy three sheets, you get one free (that's eight manis and four pedis)!

Also check out the great deals on Stella and Dot. There is lots of beautiful jewelry on sale and if you spend $50 you can get a fantastic clutch for only $9.95 (regularly $49).

Moment of Lust - Vintage Chanel Brooch

Pins and brooches have been a favorite accessory of mine for many years. I even wore one in my hair on my wedding day. On my all time wish list, a vintage Chanel brooch is at the top. It's a classic piece that I know I will wear forever. My real issue would be, not wearing it. I'd wear it on jackets, sweaters, hats, and even t-shirts. I'm sure it would border on ridiculous. There are several reputable sellers that have Chanel brooches available. I'd love to have a large one, two inches or more. They range in price from about $250 - over $500. 

photo credit : Malleries.com

Usually, I find budget friendly alternatives for my lust items. In this case there aren't any.  A Chanel brooch is a stand alone piece. There is no substitute. For me, knock-offs aren't an option. They hurt the economy and support organized crime, child labor and human trafficking. A vintage piece is even better because it's a form of recycling (see how I just justified this big purchase). For me quality and the number of times I will wear a piece always matter. Sometimes a more costly piece can end up being a better value in the long run because you wore it more often. Knowing that this brooch will be worn over and over again and be passed down makes purchasing it a bit easier.

Click on the photos for information.

 

Maybe Santa will be good to me this year or I'll get an amazing birthday present.

Met Gala 2013 - The Good and Bad

The Met Gala is the annual anything goes gala.  It's a who's who of celebs that gives them a chance to wear avant-garde ensembles. This year the theme was Punk: Chaos to Couture.  Frankly I was surprised there weren't more outlandish outfits.  Here are just a few of the highlights, good and bad.

Blake Lively in Gucci Premiere

Giselle Bundchen in Anthony Vacarello

Jamie King in Top Shop

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior

Katy Perry in Dolce & Gabbana

Kirsten Dunst in Rodarte

Madonna in Givenchy

Mary Kate Olsen in vintage Chanel

Sienna Miller in Burberry

Sarah Jessica Parker in Giles Deacon (dress) and Philip Tracey (hat)

Ashley Greene in Marchesa

Florence Welch in Givenchy

photo credits: Getty Images

Frugal Fashion Friday - Outfit Crush for Friday's Fancies

My recent obsession with floral pants is well documented. I found and ordered floral pants from ASOS.  I got them for the bargain price of $35!  I was thrilled but my difficult to fit lower body doesn't always mean that my orders will work. I tried them on and YAAAY! they fit.  They were a little large in the waist, which always happens for me. If pants fits my hips and booty, then they are almost always too big in the waist. I just take them in a bit and they work well.  I know I'm not the only pants challenged girl out there.  We all have issues, shorter legs, longer torso, long legs, and on and on. We all know that pain. 

Today's challenge for Friday's Fancies was "Outfit Crush".  I decided to duplicate an outfit that I pinned to my "Style I Should Try" board on Pinterest, Blair Eadie of Atlantic-Pacific's chic floral pants outfit.  I couldn't wait to try it using my two new bargain purchases, floral pants from ASOS and striped top from Talbots Outlet.

photo credit: Atlantic-Pacific

I have to confess that I have a huge style crush on Blair Eadie.  Plus, she's a Virginia girl (like me) who now lives in Cali (I wish).  What's not to love?  She's taken the polished style of lady like Virginia society and mixed it with the laid back cool of California.This outfit incorporates those elements, statement bag, crisp white jacket, chic updo and designer sunnies combined with the print mixing of stripes and floral with those amazing blue booties. I had to try my hand at recreating this amazing outfit.

Jacket - Target (similar), Top - Talbots Outlet (similar), Pants - ASOS (no longer available more here), Bag - DSW, Shoes - Nine West via DSW, Sunglasses - Chanel, Bracelets - c/o Stella & Dot, ASOS and Vintage, Watch - Timex (gift), Earrings - Target, Rings - DIY and Engagement

I'm sure you are wondering how this could possibly be a bargain outfit.  This is the breakdown. I purchased the pants for $35 on sale.  The top at the Talbots Outlet for $16 and the shoes at DSW with coupons and rewards for $20.  I have owned the jacket and the bag for many years, so I'm recycling.  The gorgeous Stella & Dot bracelets were a gift from my amazing stylist, Kristin Biggs. I made the ring myself when I took a metal casting class several years ago.  The watch, bangles and my engagement ring were gifts.  The only item I paid full price for was the sunglasses.  I've owned them for eight years and I wear them often so they've paid for themselves many times over (great cost per wear).  They are timeless.

Check out the Renegade Cluster Bracelet, Revival Bracelet, and Toujours Bracelet c/o Stella & Dot

Who is your style crush or outfit crush?  I'd love to hear about your inspiration.

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#3)

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”
― Coco Chanel

I love this quote by Coco Chanel because it sums up my fashion philosophy.  To me, classy means pulled together and stylish.  Fabulous is all about personal style.  Keeping those thoughts in mind, you can't go wrong.

Most photos of Coco Chanel show her in a tailored suit and hat. They are indicative of her style but the photo above is one of my favorites. She's in the country (with her dog), wearing tailored pants and the Breton striped top that she made famous and fashionable. It's an easy outfit that is polished, classy and fabulous. Just proving that you don't have to be dressed up to look amazing.

Moment of Lust - Chanel Maxi Flap Bag

The Chanel Maxi Flap Bag is a true classic.  It's timeless and beautiful.  The details, like the inner flap pocket and the beautiful stitching are quality. It could be carried for a lifetime and looks as chic on a 20 year old as it does on the arm of an 80 year old. I wish I could afford one but I don't think I'll ever be able to bring myself to spend the $3,500 or more that one would cost.

I don't really believe that there is a good substitute for this bag. However, if you're looking for similar styling and details, this one is a decent option. At a cost of $49.99, you'll save about $3,450.