The Inconvenienced Fashionista Giveaway

I don’t think it’s possible to survive the fall season without a tote bag along for the ride. Something cute and fun that is très chic and oh-so magnifique; a canvas carryall that functions fabulously from the farmers market to the pumpkin patch and everywhere in-between!

Don’t worry darlings, three (3) of you will not be forced to suffer the amazing autumn months sans tote thanks to The Inconvenient Bag.

The brainchild of Marc Sahara, The Inconvenient Bag is a reusable, eco-friendly company which produces absolutely adorable canvas bags with fun designs and prints that make it a cinch for you to transport your essentials from here to there; and now three (3) Café Fashionista readers have the chance to win an Inconvenient Bag of their choosing.

To enter the Inconvenienced Fashionista Giveaway:

♥For one (1) entry, leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, October 22, 2009 at midnight PST.

♥For two (2) entries, Twitter about this giveaway, and leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, October 22, 2009 at midnight PST with your Twitter URL.

♥For three (3) entries, become a follower of Café Fashionista, and leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, October 22, 2009 at midnight PST (if you are already a Café Fashionista follower, please say so in your comment).

I will randomly pick three (3) names out of a hat (who knows, it could be yours!), and announce the winners on Friday, October 23, 2009.

Good luck everyone!

And yes, this Giveaway is open to everyone – U.S. or International residents!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to The Inconvenient Bag for the pictures.

Thrifty Thursday: Wink Lee Satin Blazer on a Budget

I’m going to blame my current aggravated state on the sheer fact that I have been more than unsuccessful in locating the perfect boyfriend blazer – one that is fitted yet looks as if it was stolen right out of your cute boy’s closet; one that juxtaposes flawlessly between masculinity and femininity; one that is ideal for a night out with the girls or an afternoon at the office. My searches for such fabulosity have fallen flat and left me devoid of all of the above. The only thing I seem to find in droves are unflattering cuts, drab hues, and shoulders reminiscent of a linebacker.

Please don’t laugh darlings; I know it sounds humorous, but after five months of spotting disaster after disaster, I simply want to find something that embodies each and every specification and requirement that I have formed in my mind. And I have. Finally I have found the blazer that makes my heart skip a beat; that sends warm tingles throughout my body; that makes me feel as if I’m floating on cloud nine. Wink’s Lee Satin Blazer is my new fashion fixation.

Everything about Lee makes her a piece of finery that I simply can’t be without, from the princess seams to her pleating about the shoulders; the single-button closure to the notched collar; even the word used to describe her shade…Elephant. There are no stiff materials here, Lee is fabricated entirely of the most decadent, shimmering Silk Charmeuse which gleams, beams, and brightens the room the moment she appears; while she virtually winks at passersby in a flirty, coquettish type of way whenever light so much as hits her form. Lee is a breath of fresh air; a bubbly, effervescent accoutrement with the ability to transform your wardrobe; a sparkling soul sister created to make you a modern-day belle of the ball. Unfortunately, at $286.00, she is also well outside the realm of my, ahem, college student budget. Aqua’s Satin Boyfriend Blazer, however, is not.

At $128.00, Aqua’s Satin Boyfriend Blazer, which is available in three shimmering shades (cinder, black, and blush), is the preemptive way for the girl on a budget to get her dose of sparkling champagne-toned fashions – much like those seen on the S/S 2010 runways for Burberry Prorsum and Dennis Basso – without being forced to subsist solely on Ramen noodles and peanut butter for the next six months. Put in simpler terms, it’s a piece that will dress up your wardrobe, without dressing down the contents of your wallet; and who can really resist that?

So mes chéris, what are you up to today? Will your AmEx take a beating with a splurge, or will you stay safe and thrifty with a frugal buy?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Bloomingdales for the pictures.

Swingin' Sister

I suppose you could think of it as a ridiculous abomination of sorts; a miniscule form of a fiasco even. Here I am, an individual who is scarcely seen donning anything other than skinny jeans, let alone a dress, yet I’m coveting a particular style of coat that seemingly is a frock; and a flirty one at that. A piece of outerwear that swishes about the lower half of one’s body like a silky sleeping gown being rustled by a cool fall breeze; a heavy accoutrement that pays tribute to the days of babydolls gracing the runways. But perhaps that’s just it. Perchance the main reason why I have been afflicted with the worst possible cravings for a swing coat lies not in its stylish swooshing abilities, but in the petite fact that it gives me the opportunity to feel as if I’m wearing a frilly, feminine form of finery; despite the fact that…I’m not. Ooh, with incentive like that I feel it’s only my proper duty to become a part of the swingin’ revolution!

Forever 21 “Swing Pea Coat” If not for Blair Waldorf’s red coat, I think it’s probable to say that I never would have felt confident enough to don a winter coat in any color other than black, white, or gray; but given the headband-adoring darling’s penchant for wearing such a show-stopping piece of outerwear, I see it only right to pay tribute to her via Forever 21’s Swing Pea Coat. While not as daring as a coat colored candy apple red, the purple hue of the Swing Pea Coat adds a splash of polished, first-class elegance to your look that is part pretentious Park Avenue princess part modern-day Lolita due to its playful yet refined aesthetic. Really…with a combination like that, how can you possibly resist?

Armani Exchange “Swing Coat” Don’t hate me for admitting this kittens, but I adore drama; hence the reason why I devour guilty pleasure reality shows like The Hills with the same type of fervor that one puts away cupcakes from Sprinkles. When it comes to Armani Exchange’s Swing Coat, however, the type of drama on the tip of my tongue certainly doesn’t revolve around catfights and bickering between tanned blondes; rather it refers to the high-definition sculpture of the tailored bodice which subtly spills into a full, gathered skirt to create a pristine, high-fashion silhouette that looks ravishing whether worn open or buttoned to the throat. Cliched, I know, but this is one dollop of frippery that is magically delicious!

Hot Kiss “Fleece Puff-Sleeve Coat” Contrary to what many believe, puff sleeves are not synonymous with gruff, rough and tumble pirates out to launch a mutiny, commandeer a cruise ship, or force damsels in distress to fearlessly walk the plank a la Peter Pan’s Wendy Darling. When taking Hot Kiss’ Fleece Puff-Sleeve Coat into consideration, it is evident that puff sleeves have the power to invoke thoughts of the flowy styles worn by Juliet Capulet in Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers, in addition to romanticized heroines throughout the ages. From the top, the Fleece Puff-Sleeve Coat looks like your typical piece of warm weather wear. Once you hit the waistline, however, it billows out in a sweet, fluttery skirt, which only looks more endearing when viewed alongside the full bell puff sleeves. Honestly, I’m contemplating wearing this as a dress and nothing more; imagine how gorgeous it would look with patterned or colorful tights worn underneath!

DKNY “Julianne Single Breasted A-Line Coat” There is a lot to say for a bit of outerwear that features little surprises scattered here and there; and perhaps the most fabulous treat of all in regards to DKNY’s Julianne Single Breasted A-Line Coat lies not in the uniqueness that its single line of buttons presents down the front, nor the empire waist cut; rather, the slices of splendor that set it apart from its swingy counterparts is the fashionable yet functional hood which can be removed at a moment’s notice, and the hidden slit pockets ideal for those nippy moments when your fingers must dive headfirst into a cozy shelter to keep from becoming frostbitten. These two features alone make Julianne a true blue (she is navy, after all) friend perfect for keeping you warm amidst the winter wonderland surging around you!

VIA “Sculpted Coat” In the fourth grade I went through quite a phase. I fell head over heels in love with the writing of Frances Hodgson Burnett and imagined myself to be the character of the hardship ridden pampered princess, Sara, of A Little Princess; despite the fact that I had all of zero hardships to deal with. I only wish that I had owned VIA’s Sculpted Coat at that time, for I imagine it to be just the piece to make a girl feel like a true princess. A peter pan collar and pleats along the front provide a sense of grace to the charcoal heather, wool-crafted garment; while hidden snap closures bestow a genteel air to the look, assisting it in coming across as an entire ensemble, and not just an overcoat. I may have outgrown my Burnett obsession, but it’s certainly never too late to indulge in a smidgen of flouncy finery!

Ready to become a swingin’ sister, darlings?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Forever 21, Armani Exchange, Alloy, Bloomingdale’s, and Victoria’s Secret for the pictures.

Tightwad Tuesday: Steve Madden Intyce Boot for Less

Steve was destined to be the love of my life. From the moment I was first introduced to his stylish splendor via a pair of Mary-Jane pumps back in the seventh grade I knew that our paths would cross over and over again as time went by – and it has, especially in the form of boots. Last year it was the Fiorentini + Baker Eternity lookalike Buck; the year before it was the equestrian-inspired Kannon; and previous to that it was the sticky and sweet Hunny. It is a neverending cycle; though certainly not a vicious one. Each year, as I begin the hunt for a new form of fall perfect footwear, I turn immediately to Steve’s delicious creations. This season is no different; though as opposed to previous years, I am not gaga over the cognac and tan fabrications. This time around my heart belongs to a refined black beauty aptly titled Intyce.

So very rarely do I allow myself to indulge in a boot with any form of embellishment or decoration. Typically I look for styles that are plain yet perfect in their very own ways – ideal for decorating as one sees fit; the Intyce is an exception to my own personal rule. Her petite buckled detail about the shaft is not cumbersome or offensive in any way possible. Quite the opposite, in fact. The gold belted ornamentation is, if I do say so myself, completely elegant and modest; yet imposing in its own stylish way – an exemplary way to add a splash of fabulousness to a crinkled black leather palette. But it’s not just the buckle that has me seeing red; the one-inch hidden sliver wedge is quite an appealing addition for the sheer fact that it will give my five foot one-and-a-half stature un petit boost that will not make me teeter or sway unsteadily on my feet, but simply add a little lift to my life.

Of course, with all good things there is a downfall, and Steve is capable of so many. I am not one to stay true to just one pair of shoes. I scatter myself and bits and pieces of my heart over a wide array of splendrous footwear; therefore I don’t like spending too much on each pair. At $169.95, I see Intyce, while easy on the eyes, a bit harsh on my pocketbook. Thus Courage a beauteous pair of black boots crafted by Steve Madden’s more wallet-friendly line of footwear SM New York is more fitting for my fashion-forward persona.

At $39.99, Courage is just as sleek, sophisticated, and pristine as his more expensive counterpart Intyce; with the bonus of leaving a bit more money in the pocket of the purchaser, so she can indulge in another pair, or three, of fall-inspired footwear purchases to truly enhance her wardrobe.

It’s up to you darlings…will you bite the bullet and splurge on Intyce, or play the role of stingy seductress by saving with Courage?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Steve Madden and Sears for the pictures.

Penny for Your Thoughts

Find a penny, pick it up, and all day long you’ll have good luck.”

Don’t even try to tell me that you didn’t repeat this mantra to yourself over and over again as a child while walking through parking lots or down sidewalks with your parents, your tiny hand wrapped within the warmth of the overpowering mitt of your beloved mother or father. Be honest, your eyes scoured the ground, even going so far as to search between little cracks in the pavement, hoping against all hope that your eyes would land on a shiny penny which you would pick up with your pudgy fingers and cherish for the rest of the day, a sure sign that good luck would remain with you as long as you had that petite piece of change in your grasp.

Since we’re being truthful here, I’ll make a little confession of my own…to this day I still repeat such a mantra. Each time I see a penny glimmering up at me from a stony path I can’t help but be brought back to my childhood days of fantasizing about good luck, making wishes in fountains laced with statues spouting water, and the pure whimsy brought about by such a simple, youthful pleasure. Obviously I’m not the only one.

Lorna Leedy of Fancy Pony Land is another who embraces the childlike innocence brought about by the power of the penny. Though instead of keeping her eyes peeled for perfectly intact stray cents littering the sidewalk, she can more often be found traipsing along the train tracks in her part-time residence of Marfa, TX, where she looks for pennies that have met their fate with runaway railroaders, then weaves them into unique, one-of-a-kind show-stopping accessories inspired by chain mail for her Penny Collection.

At the moment I am lusting after the Zigzag Necklace, Zipper Necklace, and Chainmail Necklace; but I certainly wouldn’t mind taking the shimmering Belt or Bracelet home either. The question is…how much luck do you think one would be in possession of if decked out in pennies?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Fancy Pony Land for the pictures.

Splish Splash!

I am a notorious puddle jumper. It all goes back to a childhood laced with hot pink Barbie galoshes trimmed with plastic tassels and paired with a raincoat of the same shade. Back then my tendency for puddle hopping had to do with the glee I felt as my mother’s face crumpled in horror at the sight of me dripping wet from head to toe in what she could only imagine was water from a backed-up sewer off somewhere in the distance; now my affinity for such jovial jumping has more to do with the romanticism associated with the rain. After all, if puddles are nearby, a cute boy longing to be kissed a la Kirsten Dunst and Tobey Maguire in Spider-Man can’t be too far off now can he? Thus, it is time to shed whatever shoes happen to be strapped to our feet, and slip our tiny tootsies into a pair of rain boots. Don’t worry darlings, only the most fashionable for my little fashionistas!

Urban Outfitters “Equestrian Rainboot” I know this probably sounds downright bizarre; but I’ve been having a love affair of sorts with Urban Outfitters’ Equestrian Rainboot for the last few months. Perhaps it has to do with their très fashionable asymmetrical top line or their supremely functional rubber sole and weatherproof construction. No matter the reason, I have been visiting them Online everyday for the last four months, and I see no end in sight – unless, of course, I simply take them home with me. Unlike some rain boots that are very bulky and masculine, the Equestrian Rainboot retains a very sophisticated, feminine ambiance which it releases like pheromones with each wear. Don’t be surprised if you find a trail of cute boys following in your wake, kittens…just thank the boots!

Hunter “Original Gloss Rain Boots” How I managed to survive this many years without a pair of Hunter Boots in my life is truly unfathomable to me. Somehow all of their footwear fabulosity managed to evade my notice, and keep away from my radar until finally I spotted Kate Moss donning a muddied up pair, and I realized…I need those! Of course, the flat black or navy blue simply wouldn’t suffice. No, I need something with a little sparkle, a little glam, a little…violet! Oui, the Hunter Boots that managed to stop me dead in my tracks are the Original Gloss Rain Boots in Violet. Unlike the Original Hunter Wellington, the Glossy version has the same lacquer finish as a pucker that has just been slathered with Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss. Aside from the shine factor, however, they’re a dead ringer for their more muted counterpart; even bearing the same buckle-strap detail about the shaft – which I simply can’t help but adore. Pair them with skinny jeans and a dark top to leave a very colorful impression.

Sperry Top-Sider “Sadie Tall Boot” You may have to put away your heels when the ground turns slick, but there’s nothing in the rule book that says you must forsake height when the weather turns stormy. You simply have to find a safer way to strut your stature in style; and that, mes chers, is via the Sperry Top-Sider Sadie Tall Boot. Crafted out of the same waterproof upper as the typical rain boot, the Sadie Tall Boot sports a two-inch rubber outsole platform which provides the very same traction as a flat boot, with a two-inch boost, of course! If you ask me, the true piece de resistance of this ravishing shoe lies not in the heel, or the heavenly Winter White hue, but in the ivory Micro-Fleece collar complete with a beauteous brass button displaying the emblem of a very nautical anchor – an adorable detail that kicks the personality factor up a notch!

Nomad “Puddles Plaid Rain Boot” There’s something about black and white that is so very captivating to the fashion senses – the juxtaposition between dark and night; good and evil; or just simply a pretty color combination that can work with virtually everything in your wardrobe. I’d say Nomad’s Puddles Plaid Rain Boot is the latter. The houndstooth print is ever so slightly reminiscent of a more neutral-toned Burberry design; whilst maintaining its own classy identity. I’m overwhelmed with the urge to slip them on over black skinny jeans, and pair them with a coat in a creamy color; the end result is bound to be unequivocally sublime.

KORS Michael Kors “Stormy Rain Boots” I am truly convinced that Michael Kors gets his kicks out of torturing me. His good time is had at my expense. His jollies are provided by the mere thought of my clawing, scrambling, and saving for his blatantly divine creations. It’s true, Michael knows exactly how to get my goat simply by thinking up designs that leave my legs nothing more than a quivering mass of JELL-O. It’s no different with his Stormy Rain Boots. No more does one have to worry about leaving the house in rain boots that are practical yet utterly embarrassing to look at. The Stormy Rain Boots have all of the elements of a fashion boot – from the belted harness accents around the ankle to the pull-tabs flanking the shaft – in the form of a rain boot. Part motorcycle madness, part equestrian excellence…I’ll take them in Fatigue, s’il vous plait!

Ready for an afternoon of splishing and splashing in a brand new pair of rain boots, darlings?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Urban Outfitters, Shopbop, ShoeBuy, DSW, and Bloomingdale’s for the pictures.

Smitten Saturday

♥Boxing Beauty I’m not going to lie to you, mes chéris, I was a very peculiar child growing up. My formidable tomboy phase didn’t last for a trite month or two; non, much to my mother’s chagrin I suffered from a full ten years of refusing to wear dresses or frilly bows in my hair, resigned to donning baggy jeans and messy ponytails that were much more comfortable for playing handball for hours on end. Needless to say, my mother was quite thrilled when I dropped the rough and tumble act, and embraced a more feminine look complete with skirts, baubles, and minimal mascara. The one bit of tomboy that never completely drained from my body, however, was my passion for boxers. When you’re surrounded by boys in the schoolyard, all displaying cartoon-covered boxers from the top of their sagging pants, it’s hard not to feel incomplete without a pair of your own – at least, that’s how I felt. At the time, I wanted to wear boxers as a source of underwear; now I simply adore them for lounging about the house as they are incredibly adorable, and supremely comfy. The airy silk of Kiki de Montparnasse’s Briony Shorts are a beyond seductive way to add a little sauciness to such a masculine style. Charlotte Russe’s Polkadot Scroll Boxers, complete with a purple polkadot ruffle drawstring tie and corresponding back pocket are a childlike way to add a little playfulness to your loungewear look. And it’s downright impossible to ignore the lure of the prints embellishing Victoria’s Secret’s Knit Boxsie’s, ranging from the lollipop-adorned Sweet Blue to the Twilight-influenced Bite Outta Black, and sentimental Kiss Me Pink. Really now, with all of these cute choices who wouldn’t want to be a boxing beauty?

♥Big Bang Some prefer a clean forehead, shining in all of its fresh-scrubbed gloriousness; I prefer the opposite. A forehead full of fringe has always been the thing to make me giddy. No matter who happens to be donning it, I find myself loving the wearer and the style. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I have had bangs for more than half of my life, and truly could not so much as fathom myself without them; but I believe there is no more adorable look than…the bang. A simple, heavy bang has the ability to add an air of mysteriousness when worn long around the eyes; a come-hither type of hooding to heavily mascara-ed peepers that is both stylish yet seductive. When worn sideswept you retain a very peek-a-boo playfulness that is polished yet bubbly and effervescent. And you simply cannot go wrong with piece-y bangs that never fail at assisting you in achieving the crème de la crème of bedheaded bliss. Kittens, fall is the ideal time to take a cue from the stunning Zooey Deschanel, the haute Heidi Klum, the endearing Demi Lovato, and take the bang plunge. Why? Well, if the results are less than satisfactory, you can always pin them back or cover them up with a cute knit hat until they grow out, of course. Are you ready to indulge in the big bang, lovelies?

♥Sealed with a Cinch Darlings, nothing would please me more than receiving a love letter from a cute boy that is sealed with an adorable kiss; but at present time my thoughts are on my planned wardrobe for fall and only that. Thus, while I would welcome a petite note proclaiming ones undying affections towards yours truly, for the time being I can’t help but feel that a splendrous wool coat sealed with a cinch would be much more capable of sending warm shivers up and down my spine. It’s true, while a coat of many colors would undoubtedly leave me in a state of sublimation; I feel that one with a little belted waist, ideal for sculpting the perfect hourglass shape, would be much more beneficial to my current cravings. No girl should be expected to survive without a little Opening Ceremony in her life; thus the Pleated Trench, so reminiscent of a flirty frock, is an absolute must for the mademoiselle who craves warmth with a sprinkle of trendsetting cosmopolitanism. The Rianna Military Coat, with its shiny, oversized silver buckle closure is the preemptive way to dress up a simple pair of skinnies and black over the knee boots. A Peter Pan collar and vintage brown buttons provides a juxtaposition between savvy sophistication and Lolita naïveté for Tulle’s Hazelnut Herringbone Coat – a retro number which makes it a…cinch to channel your inner Mad Men-obsessed fashionista. And for all of you lovelies looking to make a true statement, it’s absolutely impossible to go wrong with the Pleated Houndstooth Victoria Coat by Jack by BB Dakota. Are you ready to be sealed with a cinch?

♥Count Chocula A year without Count Chocula for me was like a year without Christmas. I could care less about Franken Berry or Boo Berry, my childhood tastes craved only the flavors of cocoa and marshmallows mingling together in one bowl. I ate it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a time; but after the mistake of stocking up on ten boxes which I hoped would last me the year until Halloween rolled around and Count Chocula emerged once again on grocery store shelves, I lost all taste for them. I suppose that is the sort of tragedy destined to occur when things go stale. Luckily, my rancid experience with Count Chocula did not make me shy away from chocolate all together. In fact, it only served to mold my cocoa-laced desires to more grown-up tastes. Now I covet the Tame Animal Crackers from Rich Chocolates & Candies, whimsical animal-shaped candies crafted out of white, dark, and milk chocolate. I am riddled with urges for Dipped from Frankie’s Fruit & Chocolate, yummy dried fruits dipped in rich dark chocolate. And the decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberries from Fannie May? Quite frankly, I find it impossible to get the scrumminess off my mind. Oui, it’s a more refined version of Count Chocula; but every bit as enjoyable!

♥G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that by winning a simple giveaway over at Nubia’s Nonsense that I would become blatantly besotted with the independent, Elizabeth, New Jersey-based fashion and accessory line gla.MAR.ous; but from the moment I removed Pamela from the shipping envelope, I was smitten. Using unconventional zippers, in addition to bows, metallic trims, shimmering appliqués, and sequins galore, Mary Beirne crafts the most heavenly hairpieces that feature flashy Twenties, flapper flare paired with modern touches that I, for one, am completely incapable of resisting. The next pieces that definitely need to make their way into my world? The oh-so Blair Waldorf Katie Bow in Gold, which I plan on pairing with the very froufrou Birthday Dress/Skirt. Don’t second-guess your desire to buy kittens; just remind yourself of this one thing…all purchases are excusable, because you’re glamorous, of course!

What were you smitten with this week?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to 4TH AND BLEEKER and Shopbop for the pictures.

Make a Wish!

Darlings, I thought it was downright bizarre when those petit red string bracelets came into fashion not too long ago; and when cord bracelets popped up I was even more baffled. But I digress, I suppose it took a bit of time, but I have discovered my own kitschy thingamajig to go gaga over. And that, mes chéris, is the Brazilet.

Aside from a brief sighting of one slung casually about the tanned wrist of Lauren Conrad, I truly had no knowledge of the sacred 200-year-old recessionista fashion accessory that promotes going green while raising funds to save the Amazon rainforest all at once; so when given the chance to win a Brazilet all my own from Amanda’s Sunshine, I did nothing short of jump at the chance. And for good reason. Perhaps it was a mere stroke of luck, or simple good fortune; or maybe it was destiny, fate even. Whatever the cause, I won, and my Flamingo colored Brazilet arrived in all its ribbon-crafted glory!

One may question why a simple piece of trimming so often seen adorning soon-to-be torn open holiday gifts sparkling under the Christmas tree would qualify as an item worthy of $5 apiece, but it is the sentiment that registers the minimalist bauble as a necessity; the sheer fact that the three little knots you tie in its minute being are marked down as three wishes. Once the material wears down, and the Brazilet slips from your wrist due to natural wear and tear, it is believed that those three wishes will come true. It’s a tiny trinket that promotes positivity, hope, and gives the wearer the ability to believe.

It doesn’t hurt, of course, that the assortment of colors, and the snazzy titles that accompany each one, come varied enough to appease the color cravings of even the pickiest buyer – from sunflower to flamingo, mango to leaf, even native and ocean. As you already know, my wrist currently belongs to a perky flamingo; yet even I am tempted to indulge in just a few more shades – if only for the extra wishes, to be sure!

Which color do you plan on using to make your three wishes?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to The Clay Pot and Closet Couture for the pictures.

Thrifty Thursday: Elizabeth and James Draped Tank for Pennies

I’ve always shied away from basic, body-hugging tanks. In my eyes, the style has often come across as phenomenally masculine; and the mere thought of someone labeling me as an individual who would wear a “wife-beater” as such tops are often referred to, has always sent shivers up and down my spine. No, I’ve always gone for tanks that are ethereal and flowy; feminine and dainty; stylish, yet ideal for a casual picnic in the park or a sophisticated evening full of poetry dotted with the occasional rhythmic beat of jazz mutedly playing in the background. A blouse with enough personality to commandeer a crowded room; yet leave you looking effortlessly ravishing. The Draped Tank by Elizabeth and James is such a top.

Silently seductive, that is the only term I can think of to describe such a stunning bit of accoutrement. Instead of showcasing your every curve, the Draped Tank manages to highlight your shape without clinging to the contours of your form courtesy of an elegant slub cut which seemingly cascades over your skin to create a hypnotic silhouette. Regardless of the fact that the elusory Elizabeth and James original is crafted out of a blend of cotton and silk, and the flattering scoopneck dips just low enough to accommodate a striking statement necklace, it is not these qualities which make this piece so covetable. No, that honor is attributed to the asymmetrical ruffled sheer overlay which virtually whispers sweet nothings in the wind with its flyaway construction.

But I’m getting ahead of myself, darlings. I have obviously fallen a corps perdu for this simpleton, which is a fact that will obviously lead to heartbreak, for at $165.00 I can honestly say that I certainly do not have the spare change lying around the house to indulge in this pretty. I do, however, have the $28.00 required to pick up h.i.p.’s Chiffon Overlay Racerback Tunic Tank, a covering which embodies the true essence and beauty of the Elizabeth and James Draped Tank, sans the hefty pricetag.

While slightly more transparent than the lot it is modeled after, the Chiffon Overlay Racerback Tunic Tank is every bit as flirty, fun, and cultured as the original; plus it’s available in three neutral tones – white, gunmetal, and black. Would you think me completely devilish if I snatched up all three?

What’s the verdict, lovelies…will you be thrifty or spend, spend, spend?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Velvet Rope Giveaway for your chance to win a pair of Members Only Stretch Velvet Leggings from Chickdowntown.

Serenity Now

I have tried yoga in the past. The non-stop raves I’ve heard from people always piqued my interest; and seeing the radiant Gwyneth Paltrow tote a yoga mat all over New York City and London was enough to make me realize that this could, quite possibly, be the sport for me – minimal sweating, cute clothes, peace and quiet. Really darlings, it sounds like a pricey, private resort getaway one would embark on for a weekend with the hope of unwinding and indulging in a little me time. But it didn’t work. Oh, I didn’t give up after a single try, mind you; I attempted to channel my inner Yoga Goddess more times than I could count, and each time I came away with nothing. I was uninterested, in pain, and felt as if the expected workout never even occurred. Now that I look back on it, however, I realize that perhaps the one item standing in my way of achieving complete and total yoga satisfaction was my chosen mat; thus, I have decided to give yoga another whirl, only this time I plan on arming myself with a perky Yoga Mat – Nike Coupons.

Oh, I know it sounds quite ridiculous to someone who actually enjoys physical activities; but for someone who prefers the fashion world over fitness, there must be a few trendy motivating factors involved to truly inspire a person to pull themselves away from the latest issue of ELLE and into a Downward Facing Dog. These determinants, if you hadn’t already realized, don’t end simply with a pair of Victoria’s Secret yoga pants, or a flirty tank. No, they extend all the way to accessories; specifically, the mat.

My last mat was a dreary thing the color of mud. Staring at it as I maneuvered myself into various pretzel-like poses only made me loathe the whole idea of yoga even more with each passing day; the feminine pink of the Nike Yoga Mat is bound to give me a brighter outlook about the whole idea based on its playful hue alone. And, all prettiness aside, the fact that it possesses a supreme amount of traction to prevent any Slip ‘n’ Slide moments from happening, is even more appealing.

Okay, I have convinced myself. While I completely abhor the idea of anything strenuous, I have to admit that we must keep ourselves in tip top shape in order to don the funky fashions of the runway; therefore I will do it. I will place my pretty mat on the floor, don my wondrous workout accoutrements, and achieve complete and total serenity now; if only to acquire Gwyneth’s glow, of course.

Are you ready to achieve a little serenity now, kittens?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Nike and Glamour Girlz for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Velvet Rope Giveaway for your chance to win a pair of Members Only Stretch Velvet Leggings from Chickdowntown.

Tightwad Tuesday: Fiona Paxton Coco Necklace for Less

Coco Chanel will forever resonate in my brain as the preemptive Coco of the universe. Other Coco’s may come and go, but she will be regarded and regaled as the queen of them all based on her impact on fashion, and her many quotes which seem so often applicable to my daily life. That said; the Coco currently on the tip of my tongue is one of a different sort. She is neither ethereal being nor fashion monger; celebrity offspring or budding rock star. To be brutally honest, the Coco in question is a sparkly accessory with not a trace of simplicity.

It is Fiona Paxton who is the brainchild behind the charming Coco. Her talent and imagination alone has spun beautiful beaded baubles depicting diamonds, zig-zags, squares, and so very many more. Chain-fringed cuffs trimmed with streaming golds, silvers, and art-deco black; earrings dripping with draped pretties peeking out from behind a waterfall of cascading shimmering hair. But no; all those beauties aside, it is the chevron-designed Coco which makes me, as embarrassing as it sounds, practically foam at the mouth. A fact which is painstakingly heartbreaking for me as the $338.00 pricetag is bound to leave both my neck and assortment of accessories out in the cold.

No fancy schmancy shirt is required when wearing the oh-so chic Coco. The two-toned black and silver beaded necklace, constructed of tiered chains and a heavenly mesh backing serves as embellishment enough; a truly divine way to awaken a plain white tee or casual ebony tank. I had such plans for the sublime sparkler. My dreams were riddled with evenings out on the town with the glittering Coco leading the way, a light as bright as Times Square beaming from her beaded body; or days spent languishing in light as a feather cotton tanks, the sunlight glinting off Coco’s twinkling tenement. Though I suppose such dreams were not meant to come to fruition; they were destined to remain stored in a location only reached during hours of slumber. Unless…

Darlings, she may not be Coco, but for $30, Nasty Gal’s Marni Beaded Necklace is most certainly the next best thing. Crafted out of black and metallic silver beads, Marni lacks the tiered chain detailing so prevalent on Coco; yet the black and silver beads used in its place are just as jaw-dropping as the former, and provide their own petit je ne sais quoi that supplies just as much of a statement.

What are you doing today, kittens? Will you be a big spender, or tighten the reigns about your wallet and take the thrifty route?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Shopbop and Nasty Gal for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Velvet Rope Giveaway for your chance to win a pair of Members Only Stretch Velvet Leggings from Chickdowntown.

Hoodwinked

The other girls on the playground longed to be princesses – fair maidens with hair cascading down their back and woven into a golden plait in which a handsome prince could climb in order to save the day; ball-attending beauties with ruched satin gloves pulled up to their petite elbows; crown-wearing damsels with a taste for glass slippers or hunger for poisoned apples, both of which required the assistance of an adorable royal to save them from their fate. A part of me longed for the same type of fairytale; yet the other craved a more terrifying ending – one with big bad wolves flashing razor-sharp incisors, long walks through frightening forests, and, more than anything else, a teensy hood cloaking my chestnut colored hair. In the end, the latter won out.

Don’t get me wrong darlings, the life of a princess sounds downright divine, and I could never resist the sparkling diamond-encrusted crowns; however, Little Red Riding Hood managed to speak to me on so many levels as a child. And now, as a college student, I find myself brought back to the whimsy of the wondrous story courtesy of Rag & Bone’s Twisted Merino Hood Loop.

The Twisted Merino Hood Loop is practically two accessories in one. The ivory waffle-knit covering with ribbed trim can be worn in one of two ways: as a face-framing hood that virtually drapes in the most romantic of ways in soft, flowy waves; or, on warmer days, as a bulky infinity scarf which can be secured with a fossil-imprinted brass button to keep it from flapping or being tussled by cool breezes.

Based on the sheer fact that I have countless infinity scarves lurking in my closet and haphazardly peeking out of multiple bureau drawers, I can’t help but desire to wear it solely as a hood; worn in such a fashion its impossible not to make a fierce statement. Just watch out for the Big Bad Wolf, kittens!

Are you ready to be hoodwinked?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Saks Fifth Avenue for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Velvet Rope Giveaway for your chance to win a pair of Members Only Stretch Velvet Leggings from Chickdowntown.

Coined!

Darlings it’s common knowledge that a handbag is an extension of a woman’s personality. If it wasn’t, I hardly think we would deem it necessary to search high and low for one with the capability of working with each and every item of clothing we think worthy of covering our bodies. How is it then that we spend a countless amount of time choosing our purse du jour, yet seem to forget the importance of a cute and compact hiding place for our change? Oh, I’ll admit it, there’s nothing I adore more than spare change – it’s always at your beckon call when you need an extra penny for your daily Light White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino, or a few quarters to keep the meter maids at bay; but I absolutely refuse to have stray coins littering the bottom of my handbag like a virtual moneyed garbage dump. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “A place for everything, everything in its place”; thus, I’m about to get coined!

Coach “Poppy Mini Turnlock Coin Purse” I really see no better way to celebrate the loveliness of handbags than by investing in a petite coin purse that is the spitting image of one a la Coach’s Poppy Mini Turnlock Coin Purse. While only five-inches in length, the spearmint shade packs enough punch to add a splash of pizzazz to your assemblage of accessories; but even better than the minty pigmentation is the very vintage, almost Stam-inspired chain-link strap and corresponding turn-lock closure which add a hint of Mad Men magnetism to the very modest design. Stash it in your handbag for easy access to loose change, or don it as a wristlet during your momentary mad dashes into the druggist for an emergency bottle of conditioner. Either way you’ll find yourself inseparable from its patent leather lure.

Rumor “Mini Coin Case” Attribute it to my own small stature if you’d like, but I’ve always found myself incapable of resisting teeny tiny novelties which prove that yes, good things do come in small packages; case in point Rumor’s Mini Coin Case. Available in a multitude of shimmering colors, from gold to lilac and silver to pink, the Mini Coin Case is the bearer of gold-tone hardware which contributes a very understated type of elegance to the design; a type of polished charm that, in my mind, only makes the diminutive parcel even more covetable. Figure in the fact that each slight receptacle costs a mere $17.50 apiece, and I see no harm in indulging in each color available – to match my mood of the day, to be sure. Just remember, like those miniature 3 Musketeers bars we devour each Halloween, the Mini Coin Case is, above all else, fun size!

Fontanelli “Red Mouth Coin Holder” Alexander McQueen’s Fall 2009 Collection frightened me as it made its way down the runway. It was not the clothes that left me in a slight state of terror, mind you, but rather the white faces and ballooned red lips of the models wearing them; a juxtaposition between high fashion and the wacky worlds crafted by Tim Burton. Once the initial shock wore off, of course, it was replaced with intrigue; an intrigue that was long forgotten until I laid eyes upon Fontanelli’s Red Mouth Coin Holder. Kittens, what better way to pay tribute to Alexander McQueen’s genius than by permitting the Red Mouth Coin Holder to stowaway in your handbag? The red patent leather seemingly shimmers and shines in the same fashion that the over-painted red lacquer lips glinted on the runway; while the complete outline of the versatile vestibule ostensibly smirks up at you in the most mischievous of ways. This is one kitschy coin purse that receives my wholehearted kiss of approval.

American Apparel “Shiny Coin Purse” It’s obvious that magpies and I would quickly slip into a very close friendship based solely on the fact that we both adore shiny things, and collect them as if they’re going out of style. While I typically prefer the type of shiny things that you can slip around your fingers, however, I am more than willing to try a different type of sparkle on for size in the form of American Apparel’s Shiny Coin Purse. Hand it over to me in the Boa Gold, Boa Black, or Lame Gold. Between the available colors, foldable construction, dual zippers, and unbeatable price, I find the complete package capable of giving me the most splendrous shivers up and down my spine. And if it’s accommodations are large enough to allow a credit card or two and a set of keys to cohabitate with our change; well now, is it really our place to complain?

Lulu Guinness “Double Kiss Mini Frame Purse” Cute boys may find it downright embarrassing to maneuver city sidewalks with red lips imprinted on their cheeks; but I’ve always found the picture so enchanting and endearing – like a rumpled Casanova that has just walked off the set of an Old Hollywood film, screaming girls tearing at his clothes as they scramble in their handbags for a stray pen and paper for him to scrawl his autograph on. Oui, its true mes chéris, that is the precise scene that played out in my mind when I spotted Lulu Guinness’ Double Kiss Mini Frame Purse. The black satin and silver kiss-lock closure provides the sophistication which girls always strive to expel; while the dual embroidered red lipstick kisses serve as a flirty, coquettish type of playfulness – a devilish wink, of sorts. I suppose I can’t be sure as of yet; but I have a hunch that I won’t be able to keep quiet about this oh-so kissable coin keeper!

Ready to get coined, kittens?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Macy’s, Rumor, Forzieri, American Apparel, and Lulu Guinness for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Velvet Rope Giveaway for your chance to win a pair of Members Only Stretch Velvet Leggings from Chickdowntown.

Smitten Saturday

♥Lady and the Vamp I was a Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan before I even fully understood what a vampire was. I simply adored the good-natured banter Buffy and the rest of the Scooby Gang slung at one another; the beyond-fabulous wardrobe that she harbored and kept in tip-top shape while staking the dead; but, above all else, the clandestine romance shared between the butt-kicking Buffy and the anarchistic yet attractive Angel – a romance I felt was a scandalous treat to behold with my eight-year-old eyes. I suppose you could say that I grew up with vampires; thus, by the time Twilight emerged on the scene I felt I had already been there done that. The pale skin didn’t pique my interest; the fangs didn’t faze me; even the romance didn’t reel me in. Jules Smith’s New Moon Jewelry Collection, however, did. The thought of having sharp fangs dangling from my neck in the form of Edward’s Smile intrigues me; the chance to slide Jacob’s Nemesis onto my waif-like wrist and behold the sole sharp-toothed charm sends shivers up and down my spine; and the opportunity to take a little piece of Edward wherever I go via Bella’s Good Luck Charm? Quite frankly, it acts as a protector of sorts; a fanged Guardian Angel on a mission to assist the wearer in finding true love, if I must be completely truthful. Bite me!

♥Johnny Appleseed Dolls, aside from picnics and piggyback rides, my thoughts have been consumed with another element of romantic outings, and that, mes chéris, is apple picking. The thought of visiting an orchard with a cute boy, bundled up in boots and a cream-colored sweater sounds like such an ambrosial way to spend the day. The crisp fallen leaves crunching underfoot, hand-holding amidst the towering trees, kisses stolen between bites of juicy apples. I simply can’t imagine a more blissful excursion for two lovebirds. The problem is locating an orchard for such an adorable adventure. Luckily there is All About Apples. After searching high and low for an orchard located within my vicinity, I finally stumbled upon All About Apples, and have been handed a virtual roadmap to orchards across the United States. Now I can visit California’s Apple Lane Orchard in Julian, make a stop at New York’s Applejacks’ Orchard and Country Gift Shop in Peru, and take a detour through Washington’s High Meadows Orchard in Monroe. Will you be channeling your inner Johnny Appleseed with a cute boy in tow, dearests?

♥Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust You don’t have to tell me twice, kittens; I’m fully aware of the fact that once you graduate from high school you become a member of the adult community. Suddenly you’re supposed to be a grown-up, and take things more seriously. I’m really not a fan of such a way of thinking. I understand that we must all buckle down and do what’s right for our futures, but like Peter Pan, I believe that a part of us should stay young forever – we should never lose sight of our imagination; our joie de vivre. And we don’t have to, as long as we surround ourselves with whimsy and charm – like that crafted by Pixie Dust Décor. I know, I know, it’s really a shop for children’s décor, but there is absolutely nothing written in the guidelines that such textiles cannot be enjoyed by people of all ages; thus I see no harm in having a soft blanket made out of Chateau Charlotte, or a boudoir pillow printed in Luxembourg, Watermelon Pagoda, or Punch Pink Topiary. The designs, if I do say so myself, are absolutely timeless and translate through the ages. For once, darlings, take a cue from Tinkerbell, let go of your inhibitions, and just believe – after all, nothing works better than a little faith, trust, and Pixie Dust!

♥Knit Wit My first viewing of the film Love Story left me in tears; my second viewing gave me a newfound appreciation for the innocent romance conveyed in each scene; nevertheless, it was my third viewing that had me over the moon for the fashion – specifically the headwear. Darlings, the knit hat with feminine embellishment is to Love Story’s Jennifer Cavalleri what the Little Black Dress is to Breakfast at Tiffany’s Holly Golightly. It is the fashion backbone of the film; a flamboyant accessory that adds dimension, and serves to make the character more memorable. Now, you know me well enough to be aware of the fact that, aside from a headband or occasional floppy hat, I typically refrain from all sorts of knits that flatten your flippy ‘do in mere moments, yet even I am willing to cast that way of thinking out the window in order to attempt a little love story all my own. As a brunette who wears many dark tones, I find myself coveting Free People’s Vintage Tam Rose Beret in Rosewood in the worst possible way – the shade is the consummate way to make any look truly pop! Urban Outfitters’ Chunky Bow Beret, on the other hand, is slightly more muted yet has the added bonus of a very Blair Waldorf-inspired garnish that makes me ever-so-slightly giddy. Then there’s Anthropologie’s very Jazz Age-inspired Buchanan Cloche. But the piece that keeps calling my name, to be sure, is the Susan by Emma Cook Crochet Cloche. How one is supposed to ignore a fragment of finery as ostentatious and exaggerated as this, yet sincerely heavenly is beyond me. Truly, I can’t stand to admit this to all of you, but I have become a knit wit, and there’s no telling what knit creation I will fall for next!

♥Horton Hears a Who There is a place in California that I have never been able to resist known as Horton Plaza. I experienced the shopping Mecca for the very first time when I was under the age of ten, and have never forgotten the gloriousness it put forth. Of course, when a mere child, it’s hard to fully appreciate a mall of such epic proportions. All you really see, to be quite honest, is tall buildings and countless boring shops that you lack desire in peeking into. Experienced when older, however, and you are awakened to irresistible bits of marvelousness. But perhaps it is not just the welcoming wares seemingly beckoning you to their side that makes the outdoor (yes, Horton Plaza is completely out of doors – no roofs to speak of!) mall so tempting; no, in my eyes, while Aldo, Victoria’s Secret, Louis Vuitton, Coach, and Nordstrom all do a wondrous job of appealing to my shopping senses, the true piece de resistance of the procuring wonderland lies in the Ice Rink. Oh, I am absolutely dreadful on ice skates, but I find the sentiment of trying my hand at the outdoor rink each year to be thrilling; especially when you’re bundled up in a thick scarf, or sipping hot cocoa in the bleachers. It’s like San Diego’s own little sliver of Rockefeller Center – sans the enormous Christmas tree, of course. Now I just have to find the strength to survive the two months until it opens once again – I suppose I could quell my excitement with a few Horton shopping sprees!

♥To Infinity and Beyond! Never before have I seen socks – over the knee socks, to be exact – as a seductive type of clothing; but my most recent viewing of Marie Antoinette has proven that they are just that. No longer are they a simple pair of footwear donned when your tootsies get chilly. In reality, they have taken on a whole new persona, one that sweeps any accoutrement you happen to find yourself in to new heights. Worn with ruffles they’re romantic; paired with a skirt and they’re scandalous; displayed with a dress and they’re dreamy. All this has proven to me that I am in dire need of a pair; for when it comes to socks, I want to go to infinity and beyond! The question is…which ones will do the trick? Should I go gray with Victoria’s Secret’s Thigh-High Sweater Socks; go Modern Marie in Pink Long Cuffable Scrunchable Socks; or get spotty with White Opaque Mini Polka Dots Stockings? Perchance the best way to decide would be to ask myself one very important question…What Would Marie Do?

What were you smitten with this week?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr and Free People for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Velvet Rope Giveaway for your chance to win a pair of Members Only Stretch Velvet Leggings from Chickdowntown.

Velvet Rope Giveaway

Darlings, we were not born with the last name Hilton. We are neither celebuspawn, -tante, or starlet; and we certainly don’t have the same type of prestige as the Ashley’s, the Nicole’s, or the Lindsay’s of the world to secure a spot beyond the velvet rope with little to no effort. But for just this once we have the chance to live well and beyond our means; to turn heads and take the world by storm, if only via our choice of legwear.

That’s right lovelies; Café Fashionista has teamed up with the Tolani-loving, Rachel Leigh-wearing chickadees over at Chickdowntown to give one (1) fortuitous reader a heavenly pair of Members Only Stretch Velvet Leggings in a yummy Chocolate Brown hue. Wearing these beauties you’re destined to sail right past the velvet ropes without so much as a second look from the doorman, and be well on your way to glamorous party city!

To enter the Velvet Rope Giveaway:

♥ For one (1) entry, leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, October 8, 2009 at midnight PST.

♥ For two (2) entries, Twitter about this giveaway, and leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, October 8, 2009 at midnight PST with your Twitter URL. While there do check out Amy’s Daily Twitter Giveaways in which I was fortunate to win a covetsome BB Dakota Twilight Bella Jacket just a few short weeks ago.

I will randomly pick one name out of a hat (who knows, it could be yours!), and announce the winner on Friday, October 9, 2009. Don’t let the chance to take a pair of these soft, seductive stunners home pass you by, kittens. Good luck everyone!

And yes, this Giveaway is open to everyone – U.S. or International residents!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Chickdowntown for the picture.

Pearl Girl

How I ever thought it was possible to steal all of the grace, charm, class, and refinement that people like Coco Chanel simply ooze without splurging on a piece as posh as a set of pearls is simply beyond my comprehension; but I find that pearls have never done much for me in terms of cravings. They lack all of the sparkle that diamonds possess; all of the glitter of rhinestones; even the sheer stop and stare reaction brought about by a Swarovski crystal. Even so, if I truly want to effuse the type of chic seen so frequently on Park Avenue, it seems that I will have to add a pinch of under-the-sea influence to my amassment of accessories; which I truly don’t mind doing now that I’ve discovered Mikimoto Pearls.

Mikimoto Pearls has a way of making standard sensational. They do not cater merely to the pearly white studs so frequently imagined when the topic of pearls arises in conversation. They create black as night pretties that look as if they have been finished in satin; they produce show-stopping white gold pendants that drape daintily; they craft whimsical in the form of frippery that resembles a shimmering branch from an olive tree; and, of course, they concoct the typical pearl fare for the girl who wants to remain classic in her choice of baubled embellishment.

The price may be a stretch, depending on the accoutrement you fall in love with, but the unconventional pieces that add a splash of uniqueness to each and every Mikimoto Pearl design is most definitely worth it. After all, don’t you want to be a Pearl Girl?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to J.R. Dunn Jewelers for the pictures.

Cherries Jubilee

I suppose I simply assumed that I would easily overcome my infatuation with statement necklaces; bib-like baubles that hang casually from your throat yet have the influence and power in their petit mixed metal bodies to assist you in channeling your inner seductress. That hypothesis was virtually cast out the window the moment my eyes landed on the Chunky Mixed Bead Necklace.

I am a firm believer in wearing the colors that so perfectly portray the season at hand; therefore, it’s merely impossible for me to simply turn away from the oh-so fall influenced hues that make up such a piece of frippery. The beads dangling haphazardly from the matte finish metal chain are some of the most captivating one may ever hope to see up close and personal; a blend of warm spice tones starting with a ravishing red, and moving towards pumpkin shades and burnt siennas, each one virtually devouring a bead of all different shapes and sizes.

And the possibilities for such a piece of finery…I’m sorry, but there are too many even to name; but I’m not one to tease mes chéris, so of course I’m willing to offer up a teeny tiny dose of styling ideas that I would deem utterly delightful should I find the Chunky Mixed Bead Necklace residing in my own jewelry collection:

♥A plain white tee would be given the royal treatment with a little sprucing up from such a pretty. Toss on a boyfriend blazer for a little burst of definition, and, quite frankly, you’re a star!

♥Don’t allow your LBD to go unaccessorized darlings; clasp the Chunky Mixed Bead Necklace about your throat to add a mind-blowing smattering of Middle Eastern inspiration that will leave you with the urge to kick up your heels and dance – with a glass of fizzy champagne in your hand, no doubt.

♥Who said necklaces were a no-no when out for a day at the pumpkin patch or picking apples at the local orchard with a cute boy in tow? Certainly not I. Sure, your cream-colored turtleneck looks lovely; but the autumn shades proffered by the Chunky Mixed Bead Necklace would undoubtedly make it lovelier.

Do you have a taste for cherries jubilee, kittens?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Lane Bryant for the pictures.