Lucky/Guess Photos

Finally received the photoshoot pics that Cea and I took last month.

We had so much fun playing dress up, snacking on yummy bite size snacks and sipping cocktails.

They wanted us to do something different, so I of course decided to be silly.

Look at my Martini Glow : )

We are wearing the following Guess items:

Blazers, shoes, handbags and shades.

Sidenote: Hmm I wonder if the blazer I'm wearing is on clearance yet.

{Pause} For Look of the Day

Solange mixing prints like none other. And I need that necklace in my life.

Styling Bookcases

How do you style your bookcase?

One thing is for sure, it doesn't have to be boring or used to store just books.

Use an open or closed case to store and display shoes.

Add wicker baskets for added texture and to hide unsightly objects.

Decorate with the same color to create a uniformed clean look.

Add curtains from ceiling to floor to create drama.

Customize your case by using different patterned wallpaper or gift wrap in the same color as backing.

Paint the back of the case a bold color to make accessories pop.

And here is how I styled my Ikea Expedit bookcase.

Paisley Fringe

This paisly print top is one of the many reasons why I love shopping in NY. So many unique clothing boutique's. You don't find many things like this in Chicago.

Blouse - Steps NY

Dress - ?

Shoes - Nine West

Something Old Made New

I bought this formal dress years ago and just never got rid of it. Because it's not overly done, I am able to layer it with different tops to make it less dressy.

Whenever I purchase something for a formal event, like a party or wedding, it has to be a true investment that will stand the test of time and be versatile enough to wear again.

Forgot to take a close shot of the top portion that has black beading detail.

Old formal dress - ?

Sheer wrap blouse - Thrifted

Shoes - Nine West

Belt - The Limited

Handmade Fashion

As someone who is creative, I have the upmost respect for anyone who designs their own clothes, bags, jewelry, etc. The price tag is usually based upon a higher quality of materials and the care and time it took for construction. It's not being done in a sweat shop, by several hands, or on an assembly line.

In order to fill a creative void at certain times, I've ventured into a store and purchased materials in order to make my own custom jewelry.

DIY Shoe Chains

Materials purchased from clearance necklaces at Nordstrom

Flower necklace

Material purchased at Michaels Craft Store

How do you feel about buying custom handmade one-of-a-kind items? Is it high on your fashion must haves? Do you consider it like buying custom art from a local artist? Or do you strictly buy fashion items from retailers?

Here are some of my favorite designers/DIY bloggers:

http://brookandlyn.com/blog

http://www.innyvinny.com

http://theglamourai.blogspot.com/

http://avidaccents.blogspot.com/

http://soulpretty.blogspot.com/

Budget Shopping Lessons

Happy Friday!

As I've gotten older I have changed the way I shop.
Here are just a few lessons I've learned.

• Don't discriminate. Perfect example was a store in Wisconsin Dells I almost didn't go in because it looked "janky" on the outside. I found some very affordable pieces that I love.
• Spend less on trends. Forever 21, Zara and H&M are great sources to try trends that will eventually fade.
• Check designer discount stores. It may be previous seasons left overs, but if it's something classic, you've got a great deal. Filene's Basement, DSW, Marshall's, TJ Maxx are my favorites, especially for shoes and handbags.
• Patience is key. All stores eventually run sales. End of season sales are usually when you get the best bargains.
• Check the garment tag. Budget doesn't have to mean cheap quality. If something is super cheap, there is a good chance it's because the material is and won't last long.
• Sign up with the stores reward programs and emails for coupons. This pays off when I'm stalking something I want cheaper.

What are some budget shopping lessons you have learned?

Tropical Leaf

Dress - Marshall's

DKNY Cardigan - Macy's

BCBG Sandals - Filene's Basement

Hello to my new followers & fans of the blog, a big welcome and thanks.

Pretty Brown, Brown

One of my favorite things to do is to take a dress and make it into a skirt, especially if the pattern needs to be toned down for an office environment.

Dress worn as skirt - Marshall's

Top - Gap

Kenneth Cole Shoes - Filene's Basement

When I saw these shoes in this patent turquoise (my fav color), ya'll know I had to have them.

Sleep To Dream

I wore this Saturday night to see Inception. Very cool movie and a bit mind blowing, totally need to see it again.

Seersucker Slacks - Filene's Basement

Deena & Ozzy Booties - Urban Outfitters

Tee - Forever 21

Cardigan - Zara

Details of the slacks

Bronzeville Blue

I took an art trolley tour in the Chicago historic neighbordhood of Bronzeville Friday evening.
These shots were taken outside the DuSable Museum.

DKNY Dress - Macy's
Kenneth Cole Wedges - Filene's Basement
Tank - Kohl's
Vintage Head Scarf - American Thrift Store

The flowers and scenery were so peaceful and beautiful.

Hope you had a great weekend.

Thanks to Shameka for the great shots.

Cool Blue

This looks like something I'd wear on a picnic, but alas I just went to work while trying to stay cool in the hot temps.

Chambray Shirt Dress - Filene's Basement

Sandals - Nine West (Last Seen Here)

I discovered on the bus this morning I could roll the sleeves and then button them secure. Love when I find something extra like that on a garment.

{Pause} For Look of the Day

Amber Rose at the ESPY Awards last night.

Gorg color and dress on her skin tone.

Bringing the summer heat!

It's Black, It's White

And a pop of Pink!

Dress, Cardigan & Hat - Marshall's

Shoes - Nine West

Flower Pin - Taken off a long gone discarded cardigan

Thank you for your sweet comments. Have a good day.