NABLOPOMO: FREE STYLING

One thing I've always found beautiful are tattoos. They have held a strong fascination over me since I was six, and I would spend hours planning out my future ink. Full sleeves of the butterfly or bottle fly metamorphosis, hibiscus growing over my hips, an old school sparrow for each new birth, full back of spirals designed by a friend, peacock with tail feathers spreading down thigh. The only ink I have is the Capricorn symbol on my ankle, and a prison star on my wrist.

I got the Capricorn one two months after my grandmother died. Her birthday was two days after mine, so we were both Capricorns. Also tied into the symbol are the numbers 6 and 7. She was 67 when I was born, so I thought that most appropriate. My star was the result of alcohol and boredom. I wanted a star to commemorate Dorothy Parker, so I used a sanitized needle and India ink to tattoo it into my wrist. Hence why I call it my prison tat.

Every time I look at my ink, or someone else's ink, I feel that wistful longing. With just a taste of the body as canvas, I'm completely hooked. Currently, I'm trying to convince a friend to draw a hibiscus I can get on my hips. Large, bold, red petals. Proud stamen. Unfurling across my pale flesh.

I can't wait for the next appointment.

LAYDEEZ....

{Not from last night, but The Keys.}

...I do believe we are a special kind of special.


I love my laydeez.


{Note: I feel a sickness growing in my lymph nodes. Off to gargle broth and finish decorating the tree. Happy Thursday!}

COVET

{Image courtesy of Kino's online store.}


The Ana sandals from Kino Sandal Factory in Key West are amazing. If you get the chance, I highly recommend visiting the actual factory. Getting new Kino's is a tradition in my family. They are beautifully made, last for ages, and cheap. A pair similar to these that are mass produced would go for between $20 and $30. Pish posh on that! I plan to snag a pair of these babies. Oh yeah.

LOVE (21) AFFAIR

My torrid affair with Forever 21 will one day end in despair and ripped seams, but I cannot help myself. F21 knows me so well, my curves and moods, desires, inner self, the face I cannot show the world, and my other myriad emotions. I'm old enough to know better, but the inner miser is tempted by the affordable options.

...Aaaaand I sound like I'm talking about a lover no one I know likes. "You don't understand our love! So what if he's cheap? At least he makes me feel beautiful! *sob*"


Anyways, Forever 21 is "giving" away $25 gift cards on their Facebook. They are being auctioned off for decreased price, actually. If you are an F21 fan, or wouldn't mind a discounted gift card, then check them out here. Good luck at the lotto!

EARRING SURPRISE

Miguel Ases collection on Gilt Groupe

The biggest problem you'll run into on sample sites is how quickly something can sell out if you aren't a top tier memeber. (aka, you pay for the priviledge of paying less for designer labels) Sounds wacky, no?

These gorgeous little baubles have sold out. Sadly. And I've got to tell you, I would so pay for the priviledge of getting first shot at these. Le sigh...

*covet*

SHE SELLS SEYCHELLES BY THE SEA SHORE

Jive Turkey




Spectacle




Scandal




Romance




Apple A Day





Totally my new favorite shoe brand. Baby's got some checkouts to complete...

DECONSTRUCTION: PHOTO SHOOT MAILLOT

I don't shop at Anthropologie often, I've only ever bought two items from there, but I have always lusted after various pieces from them. I always trust the reviews on the site, as opposed to their size chart, and get it bang on the money. Thank you, Anthroholic(s)! (Kim's [Anthroholic] site is also a bonanza of ideas and information. Check her out!)


While browsing the sales for any pretty little thing I could snatch up, I came across the Photo Shoot Maillot. The last suit I bought was five years ago for a trip to the Keys, so it was an item I needed to replace. I don't swim very often, so chlorine damage wouldn't be too big of an issue. I wanted something sexy and sassy for lounging and walking around town during summer months. Since summer where I live usually ends in late November, I've still got time to go, and this fills all my wants.


It's comfy, gorgeous, elegant, and saucy. I could probaly get away with wearing this as a bodysuit. Throw on my high-waisted 70s jeans, some sparkly heels and armful of bangles... It'd work.


I'm so pleased with the price and quality of the item, I'm definitely going to be haunting anthropologie more often.


FINAL RATING: Two kisses and five catcalls.

NEW ARRIVALS

I love internet shopping.


Despite what Prince may say about the internet being dead (HA) I am among the bajillions who think he's full of shit. Becoming a Jehovah's Witness must require the removal of several brain lobes. Why do that when we have vodka?


(I think it's funny that the man who obsessively guards his copyright by removing nonsactioned "sharing" of his works on the internet is declaring the WWW "dead". Don't you?)


Anyways, one of the greatest uses of the 'net is SHOPPING. As a fashion blogger, I'm contracturally obligated to say that. As a shopaholic, it's all truth. Put me on the stand, I'll swear to it!


I love how easy it is. Hello! With a click of the mouse, I can see what the company is offering in clothing, jewelry, handbags, shoes, etc. Remember the old days when you had to go to each store and hunt through the racks? Or, holy cow, go to the MALL? Ah, those were the days.


Sometimes, going through that whole dance can be fun, and if you get lucky you'll find some deals. I prefer going to my inbox, getting discount codes and then shopping my little brains out.


That being said... Darlings, if you haven't checked out Threadsence yet, DO IT. I only discovered them from the wonderful Tiffany at I Am Style-ish, and their clothing and jewelry are to die for. Especially their rings. Oh, they are GORGEOUS.


LuLu*s is a great trendy and unique store. There are so many cute things that it's kind of amazing my head doesn't explode. My favorite in the New Arrivals is the Fun and Games romper. Because of the peplum skirts, I'm not sure how that would translate on curvy girls, but I'm thinking the worst it could do is make the hips hippier and the waist teenier.


anthropologie has a great shit-ton of pretty, whimsical designs. Sometimes, when I'm browsing their site, I just want to roll around naked on their jackets and dresses. That pretty. Um... oh boy. My picks are the Blushing Avian blouse, From-the-Poles jacket, and Hello Sunday blazer.

If you haven't heard of Brooklyn Industries, you need to keep an eye on them. They have been expanding outside New York and holy shit they have amazing pieces. One of my girlfriends works at the newly opened Boston location. So, Bostonians, if you drop by, ask for Jess and say Ri sent you. My pick: Printed Bryce dress in Mosaic.


I saved my favorite for last: Urban Outfitters. I don't usually shop there unless I'm in Miami or drunk shopping, and not because I don't like the store. I've gotten some AMAZING deals there, but I've had some unsavory run-ins at the Orlando store which ruins it for me a little. But that is neither here nor there. My picks: KNT by Kova & T Open-Back Peplum top, and Flight of the Conchords Eat Sleep Folk Boyfriend tee.


(Flight of the Conchords! OMFG BRETJERMAINE I LOVE YOU.)


Happy shopping!

Easy, Beautiful, Chic

Free People has some of the weirdest clothing combinations, but I love this. Printed mini skirt: gorgeous. Thin white top: a basic. Longer length blazer: also a basic.

Together: FUCKING AMAZING.

I'm going home and recreating this from my own closet. Such a great idea!

Currently:

I've seen this done one a few blogs, and I figured it would be a way for me to share things (other than fashion, what?!) that I'm loving. Without, you know, the long rambling stories of mine.

Yeah.

So, whithout further ado, here's some thing I'm grooving right now.

Listening to:

Mos Def

I love Mos. Especially the earlier works. He is what hip hop was meant to be. In my opinion, of course.

Eating:

California rolls

I am a wimp when it comes to sushi.

Drinking:

SoBe drinks

I've had an intense love for SoBe since I was a comp soccer player. Lemme tell ya, those days are long over, but I still adore the taste of SoBe Energy.

Reading:

Don't Know Much About Anything

I love books of facts. Random trivia. Useless knowledge. I'm eating this up like it's popcorn.


Painting:

Sally Hansen in "Blue Me Away!"

Sadly, I'm not doing actual artistic painting. I'm just digging this super fucking bright blue polish. It's AWESOME.

(The polish pictured is not the actual polish I'm talking about, although it is really close to the color I found. Psssssh, I'm loving blue polish period!)

I found all the images in Google Image Search.

Mmmm...

Of course I become a total whore for 24 during it's last season.

Figures. SO behind the TV times.

I love Cheap Monday. I bought a pair of zip ankle jeans from them. THEY ARE AMAZING. They cup my tushie just fine. I luv it.

When I saw this on Lulu's, I immediately flipped my wig and scurried for the checkout.

Gorgeous!

Holy Toledo!

I love sparkles.

AE Festival Vest

That is all.

Shop Shop Shop!

I kicked ass at my cardiopulmonary exam today. While driving home from school, a bee flew in my window, just to die on my shirt. Rather poignant metaphor for my past few months, I will say.

Regardless of my working stresses, I did want to share with y'all some cute fuckin' things I managed to scrounge up while surfing around.

I have always been a big fan of ModCloth. I usually find TONS of awesome stuff, but I almost never buy from there. I don't know why. Probably because I want a tons of stuff, but I never have enough money to get it all. BLAST AND TARNATION!

ANYWAYS. This dress is adorable. I love the finge and feather epaulet. So cute and so unique. Worth the price tag.

This was a "Be the Buyer" from ModCloth. I haven't seen it on the site yet, but OH MY GOD I can't wait!!!!!

I am seriously in fucking love with polka dots. And with one-pieces. Mostly for that "tuck in" look. Because I SUCK at tucking in tops. And this is so cute. And sexy. Look at that tush!

*sigh* I leave you to oogle some more cute things.

COVET

Today's COVET returns to a thematic string: Black & White.

Now, the most obvious place to find B&W would be White House Black Market but, seriously, what fun would that be? (Like this, or this, or this?! So much fun! EEEEE!!!) (Oh, I want this too!) (Also: DROOL.) (What am I doing again?)

So, as you can tell, I'm hopelessly lost in adoration for the B&W pretties prancing through my monitor screen. I think it's because black and white are just so crisp and neutral, that they remain constants to fashion and are always going to remain a part of the lexicon, regardless of current trends. There's just something satisfying about a good black and white ensamble.

*sigh* Oh yes.

So. Here's my finds and favorites (from today) for y'all to enjoy!

Silk Flower Tunic.

I really like the drape and pattern of the tunic. It's sweet, flirty, and so totally adorable. Floppy straw hat, some bangles, and embellished sandals. Summer picnic. Ta da!

Tight Finish top.

This is saucy. Attitude, sex appeal, no funny business mister! Looking at this, I'm channeling Sharon Stone (back when she was THE DIVA. Refusing to give diamonds back to Harry Winston, refusing to take shit for going commando, acting like one ice cold bitch. The glory days.) and HOMIGAWD. WANT. Definately a top pick.

Crisp Blazer.

Dude, for spring and summer months, everyone should have a good white blazer or jacket to throw on.



Special Request dress.

GORGEOUS. You should go to the Lulu*s website and check out the detail on this dress. There's a ruffled applique which just takes this to a whole new level. It's edgy, yet still classic and sophisticated.

(And strapless! :D)



Sweet Details.

I love this top! LOVE IT. This is the kind of blouse I hunt all over for, and when I find it, I just about lose my head over it.

(POP)

(That's the sound I make when my mind is blown.)

Make A Change.

This top is also from Lulu*s, and is like the F21 Sweet Details top above, only pricier. Now, I don't know about you, but I like the F21 top better. It goes with what I see in my head when I look for these types of blouses, blahblahblah.

I know that you get what you pay for, quality and all that, but I have tuition loans to pay off. This way (buying F21) I can pay off my loans, and still get my shopping fix. (ADDICT. Word.) I'll take that exchange. I mean, when I'm a grown up working lady, I'm going to be wearing scrubs. So I'm indulging my fancy-pants now.

I shall leave you darlings now. Happy shopping!

Deconstruction: RocketDog Slinger Boots

So, the blabbing yesterday about my excitement over FINALLY getting my UPS delivery is going to be expanded into a new article where I break down my purchases. Kind of pompous and capitalistic, but fuck, what do I care? I want to share my opinion on various items or objects d'art, or, you know, pretty shoes.

So I drive home like a maniac, nearly getting sideswept by a trucker and cussing out a poor old couple from Michigan (DRIVE FASTER OR GET OUT OF THE FAST LANE DAMN) on the way, race through my house, squealing when I spot the box outside the front door. Thank God no one else was there, or I would've further cemented my family's impression that I'm a hopeless dork.

I pulled the boots on right in the entryway. Oh. Oh, darlings, I cannot describe the bliss.

RocketDogs are comfy and still stylish. But it felt like I was walking in smooshy puddles of cotton candy. The heel is modest, like an inch-and-a-half or so, but it's perfect. The style is amazing, and makes it look much more expensive than it was. Slouchy, with straps wrapped around the body of the boot, buckling on the side, it is so stylish and super chic.

I ordered it a half-size above what I normally wear, and that was perfect. The fit is incredible, not tight, but snug enough to keep my foot in place, and roomy enough that my tootsies get ventilation and don't sweat. (Euwww, sweaty feet.) I'm wearing them right now, and actually feel hella fancy.

Overall, these were a great buy, and I cannot wait to show them off all over the place! Pictures to come.

:)