Christmas shopping is fun – mostly because it means I come home with the perfect gifts for….me. Please tell me that I’m not the only one who comes home with gifts for myself each time I holiday shop for others. Why is everyone else so hard to shop for when shopping for me is so easy? It goes something like this, “One for person A, one for me. One for person B, one for me. One for person C, one for me.” Soon after, it simply becomes “Merry Christmas to me!” Case in point, I recently browsed the mall looking for holiday gifts and came back purchasing more for me than I had for others. For instance, I couldn’t resist this faux fur Express coat and Forever 21 lace ruffle tank top. Both were steals (about $150 for the coat and about $15 for the top) 
Here, I’m pairing it with my black leggings, suede lace-up booties, pearls and Chanel purse. When I wear something that I consider “cheap chic” I make sure to balance it off with higher-end designer pieces so that no one knows my cheap secret. I love this purse ‘cuz the pearls detach, can be worn as a necklace and the gold chain can remain for a more classic Chanel purse look. But damn, it barely fits my oversized wallet, cell phone and keys. The lady at the Chanel counter suggested I buy a new slim wallet from her to fix this problem – she’s gooood. 
This was my weekend look to go shopping in the city. I’m all about leggings and jeans on the weekend, mainly because I’m not allowed to wear them during the work week. What’s your favorite go-to weekend piece? Lastly, I’m giving away my vintage dress to one lucky blog winner this week. Just click here and follow the instructions for entry!
November 29, 2010
Style Diary: Merry Christmas To Me
June 13, 2010
Frugal and Fab: One Zara Skirt Worn 4 Ways
Do you ever go shopping, suddenly realize you absolutely NEED something you weren’t even looking for and immediately envision a hundred different ways to wear it? I’m sure it’s simply a shopping rationalization. “I must have this. It’s such an investment piece. I can wear it a hundred different ways making each wear only $.10 per wear!” Well this past week, I popped my head into Zara purely out of a mixture of boredom and curiosity and found myself magnetized to a simple striped skirt. It was light and flouncy, perfect for summer and classic in color so that it would withstand the test of time (er so I figured).
I see great pieces everywhere all the time. After all, you can’t avoid window shopping in NY as the streets are filled with tempting creations at every street corner. You inadvertently shop whether you meant to or not! But this find was SPECIAL. It had the power to transform and become many different looks. So it was without much guilt, I hurried over and prepared my $30something odd dollars knowing I was immediately expanding my wardrobe tenfold with just one frugal and fab purchase.
Here are some of my initial outfit ideas. This first one would be great for a work day. I just got a new job working in-house for a major retailer (running their marketing, PR and events) so I can get away with being a little more fashion forward in the workplace. I actually interviewed in this Forever 21 jacket (clearly a Fall 2009 Chanel knockoff) which is now paired with suede frilly booties, pony hair Emanuel Ungaro leopard printed tote that I bought on consignment and new Zara skirt.
This second look is more summery with the white patent leather sandals (CK thrifted) and short sleeve ruffled blouse (also from Zara). I’m proud to say this outfit costed only about $75 head to toe.
The outfit below is made up of a Forever 21 short sleeve bow blouse, Holland and Holland cashmere sweater shirt, Storets skull tote, and jeweled flats from Chinese Laundry. I see this as a comfortable go anywhere (errands, work, brunch) outfit.
And lastly, this is a revised version of the outfit I just wore this weekend to dinner with a friend and meetup with friends on a Sat. night. Here, I’m wearing the Zara skirt with a Eugenia Kim hat that I bought at a sample sale, Forever 21 tank, Express chain necklace, lace clutch, and sky high stilettos from Fergie (bought at TJ Maxx). Don’t you love a deal?
What’s your favorite look?
