Lust List for Spring

Oh, if money were no object and I didn't have a budget to stick to, I'd buy all of the things I want. Unfortunately, I need to stick to a budget and I sometimes make hard decisions about my fashion and beauty purchases.  Today, I've compiled my lust list for spring. I'd love to have all of the items on this list.  Some are affordable, some aren't.  I may also be able to find some frugal alternatives.

First on my list are the ATTACK Leather Gladiator boots from ASOS.  I'm definitely ordering those.  They are amazing and the perfect bad girl option for spring. I'm in love with the military style vest from Boy. by Band of Outsiders. Of course they don't make it in my size, so I'll have to hunt for an alternative. The studded bag from Aldo is fantastic. The pinkish color turns the tough studs into a spring bag. I've had my eye on the Prada Baroque sunglasses for some time. I know there are similar versions available for much less but hey a girl can dream. Obsessed is a mild word for how I feel about fuchsia lipstick. I even wore it on my wedding day.  I've heard some friends rave about NARS Funny Face.  It's on my must have list. In the spring, as the weather warms, I have to switch from my heavy cream moisturizer to something lighter. Serums are my moisturizer of choice for spring and summer. I've read good things about Boots No. 7's version. It's affordable and available at Target.  Sold!  Every girl needs a little bling.  I used to have four holes in my ear but I let the upper two close. I just have my lobe and my cartilage piercings left. This ear pin is fantastic. It will slide into my lobe piercing but give the look of multiple piercings without any bulk or weight. It's sparkly, pretty, and cool. I may need to rework my spring fashion budget or get a second job.

What's on your spring lust list?

Inspiration - The Great Gatsby

One of my favorite classic novels is The Great Gatsby.  I can't wait for the stylized movie version coming out May 10.  Maybe it's the portrayal of the decadent 20's or the fantastic fashion or maybe it's both.

I'm betting there will be an Oscar coming for the costume designers.  Period pieces always get a nod and this one is fantastic.  Custom Brooks Brothers suits, Tiffany diamonds, and Prada dresses. WOW!

Here is the trailer for the movie.  Did I mention that I can't wait?



In case you need to brush up on the characters and their relationship, this character map is like the Cliffs Notes version. I highly recommend reading the book. 

 

The Great Gatsby character map

I'm definitely going to have to do a bit of research on 20's fashion.  I've seen some real life photos from that time period.  The grandmother of an ex was an honest to goodness flapper and a fantastic lady.  She was definitely ahead of her time.  The photo I saw was her standing next to her first car (bought with her own money) wearing a beaded shift dress and a cloche hat.  Fantastic! She resigned from her job at the newspaper (she was a journalist) when they refused to allow her to write anything but the society column. She wanted to write hard news stories. So cool to meet and know groundbreaking women like her.

Here is a link to the Vintage Fashion Guild's page on 1920's fashion.

DC Fundraising Chic

Back in April I did a little guest post on GalTime for the Friday's Fancies feature. As part of that post, I did a frugal version of Friday's Fancies.  It was lots of fun shopping with an unlimited budget. Reality can be harsh but fun.  I enjoy hunting for bargains and this past Saturday, I wore my frugal version of Friday's Fancies to a fundraiser (with some slight modifications). 

In my rush to leave the house, I forgot my camera, so these pictures were taken with a camera phone by my good friend and the Mayor of Occoquan, Earnie Porta. I'll be writing soon about the beautiful town and their great Craft Fair coming up June 4th and 5th.

The event I attended was an annual fundraising dinner put on by the Prince William County Democratic Committee.  I'm a member and attend each year. For many years I've worn a black satin ball skirt (with many different tops) that I purchased at Saks off 5th for $40. It was easily the best formal purchase I've ever made. It has been a great value.  The jacket I'm wearing in the photos below is the same kind of piece. It's an italian made, Gianfranco Ferre tuxedo jacket. The original price tag was over $500. I purchased it for $60 and I've worn it to formal events and with jeans and a tee out to a bar.

Tuxedo Jacket - Gianfranco Ferre via Saks off 5th, Top - AK via Nordstrom Rack, Skirt - Avenue,
Shoes - Prada via DSW, Watch - HSN, Earrings - Nordstrom Rack, Ring - DragonWeave Jewerly via Amazon

With the exception of hose, I wanted to wear sheer black and didn't own any, my entire outfit was already in my closet. Here is the cost breakdown:

Gianfranco Ferre Tuxedo Jacket - $60 (originally $500)

AK Ruffle Top - $15 (originally $59)

Avenue Sequin Skirt - $10 (originally $40)

Prada Satin Mary Janes - $89 (originally $500+)

Kenneth Cole Earrings - $11 (originally $30)

Watch - $59

Ring - $40

TOTAL - $284

Not bad considering I would have paid more, originally, for either the tuxedo jacket or the shoes.

I LOVE these shoes with a capital L but I don't wear them often. They kill my feet.  The classic example of comfort being all about how shoes fit your feet.  They don't fit my arch so I feel like I'm standing on the ball of my foot all night. I added some padding but it didn't help much. I still love them.