Style Diary

Style Diary: Mink Fur Purse

I bought a mink fur purse at Marshall’s over the summer. Yes mink at Marshall’s. And yes, I purchased something as inappropriate as mink this past summer. I love fur! I find it adds a touch of glamour to anything. Besides, the soft brown mink was screaming to be petted. It all started with an innocent pet. Next thing you know, I have another purse to add to my collection.

The purse, designed by Paolo Masi is made in Italy and has the most beautiful construction and quality. I’ve never heard of the designer and can’t seem to find the designer’s website for the life of me but not being much of a brand whore (ok maybe I’m a little whore-ish when it comes to Chanel), I truly didn’t care.

This past week, now that the weather has finally cooled down, I let my little mink out of the closet. It reminded me and everyone else of my other “puppy purse” which you can see in my earlier blog post about work wear.

You can see from the accordian pleated wrinkles on my skirt that I wore this outfit to work where I sit at my desk 70%of the day. What’s hard to tell from the pictures are the 3-D sort of appliques that make the tweed skirt so unique. Here, I’ve paired the skirt (an amazing Daffy’s find), with my new BCBG top with detachable bow also worn here.

The 2nd time I carried the mink purse, I wore it with this cream Anne Klein dress which I bought on sale at Lord & Taylor last year. I winterized the dress by adding some textured tights and brown accessories such as the Gucci belt, tweed vintage-inspired heels and jewels. That’s 3 necklaces, all layered into one look by the way! I totally got inspired watching Gossip Girl the other day. Though I’m more of a Blair Waldorf than I am Serena, much in the same way, I’m more Charlotte than any of the other SATC girls, I had a major fashion epiphany watching Serena. She wore 3 somewhat clashing necklaces, all different lengths, all at once! Literally, the next day, here I am layering my necklaces resulting in a myriad of in-store compliments and questions regarding my accessories.

Can you tell that I’m totally into the top knot hairdo these days? Here, I’m wearing Paolo Masi’s fur purse with my H&M polka dotted dress and chain-link cardigan. I can’t believe how hot polka dots are these days. They were all over the fall runways. I’m actually ready to giveaway this dress because I’ve styled it about 10 different ways and am getting a bit bored over it. So if you want it, you can have it for just $10 plus shipping. Just leave me a comment with an email to contact you at. It’s a size small.

Style Diary: Bow Blouse

in Fashion, Style Diary

The girly girl in me is loving this season’s bow trend. It’s everywhere from Gucci to Tory Burch to Diane Von Furstenburg, to Marc by Marc Jacobs to Ralph Lauren. So when I saw this white BCBG bow blouse at the retail store where I work during my double employee discount period, I just knew I had to have it.

Ok so I already have another white bow blouse sitting in my closet from Saks. But this one is half-sleeved..er so I reasoned. The best thing about the blouse is that the bow is detachable so it’s like you’re getting two shirts for the price of one!

I wore it with my cardigan sweater from Forever 21, my pleated navy skirt from H&M and my Hello Kitty purse which I adore. The navy heels are by Richard Tyler.

Here are some other inspirational pics that I found of other fashionistas wearing their favorite bow blouses.

This fashionista reminded me that you can convert any blouse into a bow blouse simply by adding a thin scarf. How do you like that?

I love the vibrant colors color-blocked together. This outfit reminded me a little of my bow blouse and shorts outfit shown here.

How sweet is this? There’s something so sweet and unexpected about this pretty pink and camel color pairing.

This classic cream/black pairing caught my interest immediately. It’s adorable, isn’t it?

If you’re a bow fan like I am, and can’t get enough, you’ll love my earlier post featuring Flattery who is the queen of dressing in bows! Her picture is shown below.

Don’t forget to leave a comment here and let me know your thoughts on this fashion trend!

Also, if you haven’t already, check my blog for all the giveaways and fashion for sale! Chanel purse, vintage dress, goody bag and more!

Style Diary: What to Wear to Work

in Fashion, Style Diary

A lot of fashionistas blog about their style but not a lot blog about what to wear to work. How does one transform the conservative suit into something special and fashionable? Working in corporate fashion challenges me to test my styling skills in this manner 5-6days a week. And because of it, I feel I’ve honed my styling skills when it comes to what to wear to work. Here are a couple outfit examples from the past week.

Here, I’m wearing a tank from Ann Taylor and suit from Anne Klein. Both those basics could have been pretty simple and plain on their own but I added the fur stole for a little glam, kept my hair long and wavy (which helped keep the look less austere) and carried a designer tote. Sometimes the accessories make your outfit. It was sort of inspired from another Ann Taylor catalog look that I fell in love with. See it here.

Isn’t the look gorgeous? You can shop for it here. Ever thought about wearing a belted fur vest over a suit? Well this picture may just have you doing exactly that.

Yesterday, I wore another Ann Taylor top (hey what can I say, they had an amazing sale this weekend), with my Victoria Secret slacks and modern blazer from Brooklyn Industries. I’ve never worn this pair of pants with this blazer but I find it really works as an alternative to the traditional suit. Sorry the lighting sucks in my bedroom!

I’m loving this metallic blouse because it’s perfect as a layering piece in the trendy lace, has a cool exposed zipper and also works worn alone since it has sleeves. Since the lace was girly, I paired it with tougher accessories including a chain bracelet (which is actually a chain taken off one of my totes), a black bling bracelet and matching earrings. Voila! cook work wear.

Here are a couple other shots that I loved and wanted to share.

If you haven’t already, don’t forget to enter to win a goody bag from NY fashion week here. Or win my vintage red dress here.

Style Diary & Fashion For Sale

in Fashion, Fashion For Sale, Style Diary

What an amazing weekend it was! The weather was 70-80 degrees, I got to catch up on some much needed rest, productively finished up a bunch of errands, AND I caught up with friends. Here is what I wore one of those days.

I’ts a Forever 21 cap-sleeved, heart-printed mini-dress, H&M turquoise, fitted blazer (also worn here), H&M ballet flats, a Topshop chain-link purse and some old accessories that I got from Mango and Target. Similar to the Chanel purse that I have on sale, I’m selling the dress and blazer for only $12 each including shipping. Just leave me a comment here to let me know what you want and remember to leave your email so I can contact you for your ship to address.

Here’s a close-up of the dress’s cute heart print.

The cap sleeves can be seen here.

The dress looks great as a relaxed straight-cut dress, belted, or layered under a skirt and worn as a blouse, or layered under a cardigan or blazer. Let me know if you want it!

I’m cleaning out my closet ladies so keep checking back for more fashion for sale!

Style Diary: 1 scarf, 2 ways

in Fashion, Style Diary

I love this fall weather. I can break out my new fall fashions and wear somewhat impractical items such as this loop scarf that fails to do what a scarf is made to do, warm your neck. Still, I love it. What girl doesn’t like something with a little sparkle?

Here, I’m wearing a scarf, cashmere cowl neck sweater and shoes all from Saks. The zippered leather skirt is Tessuto and the Chanel purse is for sale here! Want a deal on Chanel? This is your chance!

In the next outfit, I’ve paired the black bling scarf with a vintage suit that I stole from my mom’s closet and had hemmed shorter. I love the poof shoulders and cropped sleeves.

I had to beg for an entire year before she finally gave it up. What a way to teach a child persistence, right? Here, I’ve paired it with a simple white shirt, flower brooch (to cover a moth hole haha) and boots from Forever 21. I painted that shoe shelving unit myself by the way. For more on my personal style, click through to my style diary.

Style Diary: Weekend Wear

in Fashion, Style Diary

I’m afraid that the warm weather that I love is quickly slipping away. So any warm weekend that I get during the early fall months, makes me want to wear something short and summery, just in case it’s my last hurrah. This past weekend was no exception. Sunday morning was bright and sunny and having just sold my bridal petticoat for more than I paid for it, I was in a terrific mood.

The tee shirt is from by Threads from Off 5th (I bought it for about $15 after my employee discount), the slim black cardigan is from H&M $19.99 and the skirt is a Daffy’s (discount retailer) purchase that I bought about 10 years ago also for about $20. Phew, it still fits! The flats with chain detail are BCBG ( I think I bought them at TJ Maxx a couple years ago) and the chain bracelet was an impulse buy at Ann Taylor Loft this past week. Sunglasses are Chanel from Saks.

My nails are extra fun this week. I discovered Pinterest.com thanks to a friend of mine and have been hooked ever since. It’s like an online photo album where you can collect images that you love from all over the web and organize the photos that you already have from your own computer. I recently started a manicure/pedicure collection of images that I’ve discovered while browsing pinterest that has inspired me to do something fun to my nails.Here’s the image that inspired me.Ever have one of those “I can DO THIS!” motivational moments? Well this picture inspired mine because I actually came home from fashion week last season with a ton of glittery nail polish. Here is what I did to my nails Sunday night.

Diamonds are a girls’ best friend and that’s what my new at-home manicure reminds me of. How do you like this?

I went a little post-pinterest.com crazy and got so inspired that I didn’t stop at my hands. I went a little nuts on my feet too. This is the picture of patterned nails that inspired me.

And here are my toesies. silly me.. I smudged my big toe but strangely, the smudge left a faint heart mark.

Damnit, why are my feet wrinkly? Is it all the hours under the sun that I’ve logged, all the beach-walking in the Bahamas for my birthday, or the hours of foot massage that I’ve indulged in? Aging sucks.

If you want a new addiction or are simply curious about Pinterest, come follow me at http://pinterest.com/fabgabblog/

I can send you an invite if you just leave your email address here as a comment.

Style Diary: Colored Jeans

in Fashion, Style Diary

So I was at Marshall’s the other day and could not believe my eyes when I saw this pair of bell-bottom jeans on sale for $5.99. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the pair and it was on-trend with its bright, teal color. Needless to say, I snatched it up before Marshall’s realized their mistake.

That, silver-chained beauty by the way, is my new birthday present! I bought that Chanel purse on double discount at Saks where I work. (And now I just HAVE to sell my other black Chanel, if only to lessen my purse-buying guilt). Does anyone want it? I’m considering best offers!

Anyways, I wore this new pair of Z Cavaricci jeans with a black lace tank from Forever 21 (also worn here) and leather jacket from Ann Taylor. I know.. I know…Z Cavaricci just doesn’t sound as cool as JBrand or some other fancy, overpriced pair but hey, for $5.99 I figured I could bare the embarrassing brand name. The sunglasses are Chanel and the shoes are Dolce Vita, both bought from Saks. I swear, half my paycheck goes right back there!

It always feels so nice to be able to pull on a pair of jeans over the weekend, given I’m not allowed to wear them at work. These are great because they have a little spandex so they’re super comfortable and stretchy…perfect after a big meal! In case you’re wondering how else to wear this new trend of rainbow bright jeans, I’ve collected some of my favorite images of fashionistas from around the world.

This fellow Chictopian looks great in her citrusy outfit (jeans from American Apparel) proving that color blocking can be chic, not just bold.

Halliedaily.com paired her fire engine red jeans with a chunky black and white sweater and classic Chanel purse. I love her shoes and love her bike!

Fashionablej.blogspot.com wore a black and white striped blazer with her fun Barbie-pink jeans and yellow wedges. She went for the total hipster look with her nerd glasses which I wrote about here.

Proving that bright, trendy jeans don’t have to be expensive, this fashion blogger, wears a Tiffany Blue pair from JCPenney and pulls the whole look together with her necklace and neutrals.

This blogger from superficialgirls wore a candy colored pastel outfit in a sweet effortless way.

This blogger from intriguemenow.blogspot.com wears her Topshop jeans in a monochromatic manner, only adding a pop of sexy, crimson heels that skyrocket her to a new height.

As you can see, when wearing a bright bold hue as your bottom, you’re probably safest staying with a solid pairing on top. If you do decide to mix in a pattern, make sure you’re bringing in the colored hue from your jean, and keeping the accessories and shoes minimal.

I hope this post inspired you to take a fashion risk with your jeans. As you can see, this new look can liven up and freshen your entire wardrobe!

If you haven’t already, don’t forget to enter to win a goody bag from NY fashion week here or a vintage dress worn by me here!

Style Diary: Fashion Week Outfit #2

in Fashion, Fashion Week, Style Diary

On Saturday I saw Eva Minge’s fashion show, a relatively amateur production showing a limited collection of black and white fashion.

I mean what event planner would choose a venue with dangerous cords and wires down the dark alleyways and forget to adequately staff the check-in desk leaving everyone waiting forever (painfully in heels mind you), in a dark winding basement hallway with (gasp) no air conditioning? Needless to say, the first impression lacked. The organizers seemed anything but organized as they rushed to and fro seemingly lacking focus and direction. The event planner in me sympathized with their situation but not enough to steal my attention away from the tasty taco I just bought from a street vendor across the street. A fashionista who has been trekking around NYC on heels has got to eat!

All of you regular readers know how I love the classic black and white combo. But even I got bored with the combo… I mean really, 50+ black and white looks down one runway? Did the designer run out of budget for additional fabrics and only have the money to buy 2 colors in bulk? The London based stylist that I met at the show critiqued that the collection seemed all over the place, ranging from swimwear and lingerie to men’s looks, women’s work outfits, to sexy going out clothes and formal wear. And I agreed. The sequence of presentation sometimes seemed off and we both agreed that there needed to be increased drama, energy and pace. Critiques aside though, there were some pieces that peaked my interest. The blazers with zipper detail were interesting and the asymmetrical white dress with black bandau top (see below) would be great for a skinny little pop star (which I am not so I’ll stick with the more work-appropriate blazer). What was hilarious to me was that the London stylist, noted how this collection would never take off well in London because apparently that last name, “Minge” translated into “cunt” there. day -am!

Had I known the show was going to be so black and white, I might have worn a similarly themed ensemble. But instead I wore a cream bubble dress by Bebe (also worn in a different way in this blog entry) and topped it off with an old French Connection sweater vest and Michael Kors gold studded belt from Saks.

Did anyone else out there watch this runway show? If so, what did you think of the collection and production?

Style Diary: Fashion’s Night Out

in Fashion, Fashion Week, Style Diary

If you’re a reader of my blog, you know that I plan fashionable events and run the PR and Marketing for a major NY retailer. Fashion’s Night Out is an event I’ve been busily preparing for these days and so this week was the exciting final culmination of all my effort. Kind of like planning my wedding, I couldn’t wait for the day when I could see my vision and months of hard work and preparation come to life.

Such an important occasion deserves the right dress. I chose my Tracy Reese, asymmetrical poof dress and had so much fun tirelessly running around in my heels with it on.

Like Marshall’s slogan states, “never pay full price for fabulous!” I found this dress at Daffy’s, one of my favorite discount retailers for a fraction of the original price. The dress originally costed over $300 but I found the dress for around $60. Not bad, huh?

Do you ever put on a dress and then try to recall the last time you wore it? I can’t believe that it has been an entire year since I last wore this dress. Fashion week has just started here in NYC and it has been 2 fashion week seasons ago, or 1 full year since I last wore this Tracy Reese number. Last time I wore it, I had my hair down and pulled back with a ribbon hairband. Of course, I only remember this because of the below picture. I swear if it wasn’t for my non-stop picture-taking I’d have no recollection of my life…

When I met the designer of this dress in person 1 year ago at fashion week, I just had to commemorate the occasion with a photo.

Tracy, I love you!

For all of you Tracy fans, you can watch tomorrow’s fashion show live through her website!

Style Diary: Kate Middleton

in Fashion, Style Diary

I never thought I had all that much in common with Kate Middleton’s style – her regal wedding theme perhaps, but not her personal style. I’d like to think that my style varies a bit more. I can be girly, with bows and ruffles one day, and then rock leather and spikes on another day. I crave preppiness one day and go trendy another day. Thanks to many bloggers who dedicate themselves to tracking Kate’s style, we see Kate’s every style choice and therefore can compare her every choice to our own. If you check any of these sites out, you’ll see that she doesn’t take fashion risks. She stays true to her classic conservative style and is always, well…safe.

I was delighted to see that Kate’s BAFTA outfit looked so similar to my own outfit, worn recently at a friend’s wedding this past May.

While Kate’s Alexander McQueen dress costed thousands, My Calvin Klein dress was bought for about $40 at TJMaxx, a true steal of a deal, I know!

As you can see, both dresses are flowy, pleated, have cap sleeves and a sparkly belt. I’ve paired my dress with a silver Prada purse, artful heels and a vintage stretch belt. I’ve never worn this dress or these pieces together until this past Memorial Day weekend, pictured here. And the stretchy shiny belt just seemed to add the right amount of sparkle and glam for the beach-side wedding. I thought the blue color and airiness of the dress was also perfect for the venue. What do you think?