My First Fishtail

Do you like the title of this post? It's not that I have plans to go out and buy multiple fish tail dresses/skirts but I have been on the hunt for the perfect one for a little while now.

I won a gift credit from Speedy Girl the other week on twitter and was immediately ready to put it use. The second I laid my eyes on it, I knew it had to be mine! Yes, I did have a gift code, but I would have gladly handed over my own funds for this dress. For starters, it cost just $25! More on that later. Secondly, it's gorgeous and even prettier (if at all possible) in person!


Dress: Princess and Her Knight dress, ShopSpeedyGirl.com, FREE
(after using the gift code I won via twitter)
Leggings: Mossimo Supply Co, Target, OLD
Shoes: Dana Buchman, Kohl's, Purchased last year
Belt: Taken from another dress
Glasses: SEE Eyewear

Truth be told, there is a bit of an Awkward and Awesome moment going on here. Awkward? These terrible indoor photos and the bruise on my leg. The Awesome? This dress, duh, and the fact that that bruise is about 25% as bad as it was before. I'll take it. (Small word of advice: Don't walk into the corner of your dishwasher door when unloading dishes. You and your leg will regret it.)


OK, so back to that $25 awesome dress, right? Well, in case you haven't checked out Speedy Girl yet, you should. They offer lovely clothing - two pieces every 24 hours, to be exact - at low, low prices. Two new pieces are up every 24 hours... so if you like something, JUMP on it and jump on it quick! I'm already kind of regretting not buying this olive tunic sweater the other day. Live and learn!

Winning Wednesday: Great Fashion Giveaways!

Winning a giveaway is fantastic for two reasons: 1.) You have a new item to add to your wardrobe for free. What could be more frugal than that!? 2.) You are (most likely) introduced to a new company/store/brand/what-have-you. This is a great way to try something you either might not have bought on your own or try something you may have never heard about prior! I love that. This, my friends, is why every week I write a little post called Winning Wednesday.

1. Best Things In Beauty is giving away a Giorgio Armani Beauty's Eyes to Kill Mascara in Brown. Apparently, this mascara has been such a hit, it is sold out in most places! I'm willing to try any mascara that flies off the shelves that fast! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: October 2, 2011

2. Lucky is giving away a $500 shopping spree and a gift pack of cosmetics from Rimmel London to celebrate the premiere of Zooey Deschanel's new tv show, New Girl. Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: October 11, 2011

3. I Believe In Unicorns is giving away two pairs of tights from We Love Colors! I am lusting over their hunter green tights - which color are you itching to own? Click here to enter!

4. Kansas Couture is hosting a huge InPink giveaway. The two are giving away FIFTY $40 InPink gift cards to Kansas Couture readers! So generous! (Confession: I just spent the last twenty minutes browsing the InPink site and I can't decide on what I like most! There is too much to like!) Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: October 10, 2011

5. Tres Awesome is loving The Possessionista's TJ Maxx look and is urging you to vote for her look. Need a little incentive? You could win a TJ Maxx gift card just for voting! Click here for more info!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: October 12, 2011 (vote daily though!)

6. Snappy Casual is giving away a pair of Paul Frank sunglasses! Ready to add some new shades to your life? Great! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: October 3, 2011

7. Denim Blog is giving away two James Jeans prizes to two lucky winners! Hurry up and enter! This one ends in just a few short hours! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: TONIGHT!

8. Kansas Couture is giving away a $40 credit to Lace Affair. I would love to add their Limitless Lines scarf to my wardrobe! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 30, 2011

9. Melie Bianco is hosting a nail foil manicure giveaway from NCLA on their blog! Three winners will win three complete kits. Click here to enter!

10. Blue Collar Catwalk is giving away a pair of Wanted Shoes to one lucky winner! Have you added any Wanted shoes to your shopping list recently? I am loving their black Paddock boots. Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 30, 2011

11. Want to win a $500 JCPenney gift card? Click on over to their facebook and tell them why you love Liz Claiborne and you'll be entered to win! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: October 6, 2011

Good luck, guys!

The Forgotten Casual

I totally wore this outfit months ago during my last 30x30 go around. It was actually one of my favorite outfits worn during it but for some reason I apparently never got around to posting the photos - until now!


Tee: Old Navy, $6 (on sale)
Camo Jacket: Old Navy, $20.99 (clearance)
Jeans: Old Navy, $15 (on sale)
Earrings: Francesca's Collections, $5 (on clearance)
Sandals: Isaac Mizrahi for Target, Target, OLD
Glasses: SEE Eyewear

Yes, lots and lots of Old Navy. What can I say? I love the place. I joked the other day with a friend that 98% of my wardrobe is from the thrift store and the other 2% is from Old Navy. They have had a lot of good pieces lately!


This camo jacket was one of my favorite finds over the summer. It was most likely way to hot to be wearing it when I was here but I didn't even care... Now that fall is starting, I am really looking forward to getting more wear out of it and mixing it with some unexpected items.






I loved pairing these awesome earrings with the jacket. They added that nice colorful summer note to an otherwise pretty neutral outfit, no?

How was your weekend, guys?

Winning Wednesday: Great Fashion Giveaways!

Winning a giveaway is fantastic for two reasons: 1.) You have a new item to add to your wardrobe for free. What could be more frugal than that!? 2.) You are (most likely) introduced to a new company/store/brand/what-have-you. This is a great way to try something you either might not have bought on your own or try something you may have never heard about prior! I love that. This, my friends, is why every week I write a little post called Winning Wednesday.

1. Miss Vinyl Ahoy is giving away a $100 credit to Shop Speedy Girl! Shop Speedy Girl posts new fashions each day and each are available for exactly 24 hours at an amazing price! I actually just won a $100 credit the other day on twitter and immediately bought the Princess and Her Knight dress! I can't wait to wear it! Anyway, back to the giveaway - Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: TONIGHT at MIDNIGHT! Hurry!!

2. The object of my boot obsession right now, MIA, is giving away a fabulous pair of their Eduina boots to one lucky winner! I'm dreaming of owning it in the beige - the zipper detail is amazing, no? Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 23, 2011

3. The Frugalista Diaries is giving away a $50 gift card to LOFT to one lucky winner! Fall fashion, here you come! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 23, 2011

4. White House, Black Market is hosting a Work It Your Way Sweepstakes. One lucky winner will win a $1000 White House, Black Market work wardrobe and a luxury spa retreat (for two). There are also multiple weekly winners every week! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: October 23, 2011

5. Raindrops of Sapphire is giving away an OPI Nail Polish Serena Williams gift set. It consists of a glitzy silver polish and a white crackle polish. Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 28, 2011

6. Chinese Laundry is giving away FIVE pairs of pumps to one lucky winner! These will be sure to upgrade your shoe closet, am I right? Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: October 15, 2011

7. Stiletto Jungle is giving away a gorgeous pair of Amara Gold rose gold earrings! I've been wanting to add some rose gold to my jewelry box, how about you? Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 27, 2011

8. Mix and Match Fashion is giving away a $100 LOFT gift card to celebrate one year of blogging! How sweet is that?! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 24, 2011

9. B Jones Style is giving away a Inetsilk scarf! I love the way she styled her scarf - the print mix is gorgeous. Click here to check it out and learn more about how to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 26, 2011

10. The Shine Project is giving away a GORGEOUS Stella and Dot Panther Necklace (from my favorite Stella & Dot seller!), a Twillypop necklace and a print! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 23, 2011

11. Vantage Point Vintage and Rock Paper Vintage are hosting a $150 giveaway! Are you ready to fall into some vintage? Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 26, 2011

12. Pure Citizen is hosting a giveaway to spotlight their nonprofit pick of the month, Invisible Children. You will win an Invisible Children DVD and some of Pure Citizen's favorite products (including Scotch nail polish). Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 30, 2011

Good luck, guys!

A Casual Asian Inspired Friday

I'm slightly happy I never got around to posting these last Friday because the sun that is in these photos is a welcome sight today! I was initially annoyed with it on Friday when we were taking photos but after today's RAIN, RAIN and MORE RAIN, I will take it!


Top: Forever21, Hand me down from Miss Vinyl Ahoy!
Jeans: Old Navy, High Waisted Retro Flare Jeans, $19.50 (on sale) - but free for me,
bought with gift card!
Shoes: Fioni, Thrifted, OLD
Polka Dot Bangle: Tagless, Thrifted, $1.00
Red Metal Bangle: Given to me by a former co-worker
Glasses: SEE Eyewear

So, funny story about this asian top. I was telling Suze about an asian top I found at my favorite Salvation Army recently but never bought... Well, I tried to buy it but realized I had left my debit card at home when I went to the register. I think I about cried. Yes, I could have driven back home and driven back to the store, but I was so annoyed with A) the amount of annoying people in the store and B) myself for leaving my card at home that I didn't bother. I figured that with 2957374674 tops for sale, I'd be able to come back in a few days and find it.

NO. NO, THAT DID NOT HAPPEN. I went back to the store two days later and could not find it on a single rack.

I don't think I need to tell you how sad I was. It was red, cream, vintage and perfect. Ugh. Let's just say I hope to never make that mistake again.


Lucky me - I happen to have a fairy fashion friend! :) Suze told me she had a similar top that she didn't wear very often and would be willing to pass on down to me. She brought it and some other goodies for me when we went to an Anthropologie fashion show the other week!

All I have to say if she gets total first dibs out of my swap bin (um... bins? I may have more than one!) at the Michigan Blogger Meetup! (Psst! September 24th! Be there!) I owe her big time! Thanks, Suze! :)


By the way, I recommend hightailing it to Old Navy and buying yourself a pair of these jeans. They are the perfect flare, perfect fit and perfect colors. And they stretch. Girls with hips need stretch, am I right? I love them.

Winning Wednesday: Great Fashion Giveaways!

Winning a giveaway is fantastic for two reasons: 1.) You have a new item to add to your wardrobe for free. What could be more frugal than that!? 2.) You are (most likely) introduced to a new company/store/brand/what-have-you. This is a great way to try something you either might not have bought on your own or try something you may have never heard about prior! I love that. This, my friends, is why every week I write a little post called Winning Wednesday.

1. Bare Escentuals is coming out with a new pressed powder eyeshadow! Click here to be one of 200 people to win one of their new eyeshadow duos!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 26, 2011

2. Sandy A La Mode is giving away a pretty scarf from Stitched + Adorned. I was introduced to this shop by this post and couldn't be any happier about it! Everything they sell is $50 and under! Click here to enter and learn more!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 20, 2011

3. Momma In Flip Flops 2 is giving away your choice of shoe (under $26.60) from My Cents of Style! I'm loving the Gilla heel - love the cute bow! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 23, 2011

4. The Two Classy Chics blog is giving away a sterling silver celtic knot ring from Overstock Silver. Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 23, 2011

5. Blonde Episodes is giving away a $50 gift card to Victoria's Secret! Good undergarments are just as important as a great dress, am I right? Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 23, 2011

6. Tea Collection is giving away the chance to win two $200 shopping spees to Tea Collection and Stella and Dot! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 18, 2011

7. Thrifty and Chic Mom is giving away the Girl 297 heels from My Cents of Style! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 23, 2011

8. Handbago is giving away a Linea Pelle Mel Small Tote handbag in a bordeaux colored leather that is PERFECT for fall! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 19, 2011

9. Love Stitched is giving away a $40 shop credit to Jamie B Designs. I really like her triangle chain earrings - what strikes your fancy? Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 16, 2011

10. The Looks For Less is giving away a "Keep Your Clothes On!" summer tote bag chock full of goodies: Bra Converting Clip, Garment Shields, Fashion Tape, Clear Bra Straps, Oil Blotting Tissues and No-Show Concealers! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 22, 2011

What has been your latest fashionable win?

EBEW: Colored Pants

Colored pants. They're a pretty big deal right now but I can't say I am 100% on board. I love the idea but have a hard time following through on the actual look when it comes to actually doing it. Pants have never been my favorite thing. Regardless, when Everybody, Everywear put out the call for colored pants, I answered!



Gingham Top: Old Navy, $19.50 on sale (free to me w/ gift card)
Silk Tank: Casual Corner, Thrifted, OLD
Green Cords: J. Crew, Thrifted, OLD
Necklace: Thrifted, $1
Bangle: ?, OLD
Sandals: Mossimo, Target, $7.48 (on clearance in store)
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
Purse: Jessica Buckle Tote, c/o HandbagHeaven.com

Yes, I followed through and brought my kelly green J. Crew (thrifted, J. Crew, mind you) corduroy pants to blogtown. I've had these for a while now but never seem to wear them as much as I probably should. Everybody always loves them when I wear them and how could you not!? They are such a happy color! A happy color is enough to put a smile on any face.


I have to admit, even with a lot of crazy business going down at work this week and especially today, I remained pretty cheerful. I attribute this to a good mix of happy colors. The green, of course, and this fantastic gingham button up that I lusted over the second I saw it on the Old Navy website. I knew it had to be mine!


I kicked it up another notch with some chunky gold jewelry. This outfit was actually a little casual feeling (at least for me) for office wear during the week so I thought the jewelry might help take it to the next level. Not the fanciest outfit I have ever worn, but it worked!

And how about my $7.48 sandals? I love when the shoes I really want go on major clearance. Thank you, Target, thank you very much.


AND, goodness, how about that sun today!? Sunny outside to match my sunny exterior! :)

Free Flowing Monday

Mondays, in my world, require something relatively easy and comfortable to wear. I can't help it - being back at work after two days off just requires simplicity. I'm always extra sleepy on Monday mornings (side effect of usually sleeping in too much over the weekend and therefore not being able to sleep Sunday night), slightly grumpy about having to go back to work (I deal with grumpy customers a lot at work) and Mondays are just really busy in my office.


Black Tee: Forever21, Thrifted, OLD
Maxi Dress: Mossimo, Target, OLD
Sandals: Mossimo Pilar, Target, $29.99 (but FREE for me after gift card)
Necklace: Walmart, $10
Glasses: SEE Eyewear

What could be better than a maxi and a great necklace? Or, as Unusual Form likes to call them, Lankets - aka blanks for your legs! I will take a maxi skirt/dress any day of the week - especially if it is soft and flowy, as this one is. I bought it a few summers ago on clearance at Target and loved it so much that I bought it in another color (same print, but greens). This one happens to be a halter dress so I have to layer it up in order to make it work appropriate.


Also, if you remember correctly, I am currently (trying to) embracing messy hair. I've learned that doing such is 100% easier when my bangs are short and blunt. I cannot handle messy bangs and therefore cannot handle growing my bangs out. I don't even know why I try because I prefer having short, blunt bangs! I crave change but then march right back to my usual. Do you go through this ebb and flow too?


I have found a star player in embracing messy hair! Spin Pins from Goody are God's gift for easy hair. I've seen a lot said about them the past few months but never thought about using them myself. I have very baby soft, thin hair that tends to fall out of any sort of hair holder/curl/etc, so these types of hair products don't usually apply to me. Then, lo and behold, I received a package in a swag bag from Kaboodle and decided to give them a try. Do yourself a favor - GIVE THEM A TRY! The two pins that come in a package hold my bun together easy peasy. All I do is twist my hair (when damp - this just works better for me and my hair) into a bun and then twirl the pins into it. Done. This is my hair at the end of the day. I know there are bits falling out but keep in mind my hair is pretty still pretty short.




Oh! And I can't forget to show you my necklace! It was a total impulse buy at Walmart a few years ago around Christmas time. It is quite a statement piece but it's not too loud thanks to its dark colors. I think it brought this outfit up a notch, don't you?

How was your Monday?

Winning Wednesday: Great Fashion Giveaways!

Winning a giveaway is fantastic for two reasons: 1.) You have a new item to add to your wardrobe for free. What could be more frugal than that!? 2.) You are (most likely) introduced to a new company/store/brand/what-have-you. This is a great way to try something you either might not have bought on your own or try something you may have never heard about prior! I love that. This, my friends, is why every week I write a little post called Winning Wednesday.

1. Style On The Couch is giving away three $58 vouchers to Spexclub! That will buy you a pair of sunglasses from the site OR you could put it towards a new pair of specs. I don't think I need to tell you how much I love to wear a great pair of glasses! :) Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 18, 2011

2. Cynosure is giving away a dress from Karina Dresses. I've totally got my eye on the houndstooth Penelope dress - great fit and great print! So pretty! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 14, 2011

3. The Art and Tree Chatter of Aquariann is giving away five gemstone stacking rings in beautiful autumnal colors from J.C. Jewelry. Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 15, 2011

4. Hello Beauty is giving away two InStylers to two lucky winners! I was actually surprised to learn how much you could do with this styling tool - you might be too! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 9, 2011

5. Fashion Without Guilt is giving away a "boyfriend" watch from Mimi's The Look. This would make a great addition to your jewelry box and wrist! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 12, 2011

6. Pomp and Pride is giving away a hand-knit stripe hat from Bodhi Knits! I'll have it in blueberry, please! How cute with that look with my orange winter coat? Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 8, 2011

7. Acute Designs is giving away a $100 gift certificate to Emersonmade! I would love to own a piece of this beautiful, classic line! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 9, 2011

8. Raindrops of Sapphire is giving away a gorgeous colorful bangle from Christina Child!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 14, 2011

9. The Stylish Housewife is giving away THREE special edition Cynthia Rowley Birchboxes to three lucky winners! I LOVE Birchbox already but this box looks AMAZING! Click here to enter!
GIVEAWAY ENDS: September 9, 2011

10. College Gloss is giving away a $50 gift certificate to Shopkempt! What would you like to add to your closet with this? A new dress? Maybe a new blouse? Click here to enter!

30x30: Why I'm Done

If you're been paying attention, you would know that I've only posted 16 outfits for this summer's 30x30 Remix. You would also realize that this has been going on since June. JUNE. You would also realize it is not really summer anymore. Here's the thing - I hereby solemnly swear that I have worn 30 different outfits and then some. I have literally been participating since the first outfit I posted on June 22nd. You just didn't see all of them. I'm a busy girl sometimes so outfit photos are hard to take on a daily basis. I was going to have a dress up day where I would photograph all the outfits I missed showing you... but time got in the way of that too! I've also come to the point where my outfits are getting boring. This needs to come to a close for the year.



Here are just a few things I learned this time around:

1. Never underestimate the power of a bold shirt. That yellow shirt got a lot of use!

2. If you rarely wore it before the 30x30, you will rarely wear it during. Such is the case with my grey Lee capris. I wore them that one time and never again. Into the donate pile they a-go-go!

3. The perfect floral dress will look good no matter what. Don't have one? Find one now! Mine cost me $2.60. Good style doesn't always have to cost a lot!

4. I love my black dress. Dress it up, dress it down, wear it plain, wear it with lots - you will ALWAYS get lots of wear out of it.

So, you guys forgive me for not sharing the rest with you, right? :)

Weekend Link Love

I found these Michael Kors black boots at one of my favorite thrift stores the other day... I ended up walking away from them because they were $18. That is more than I would usually pay for thrifted shoes... but they were in really great condition, a good brand and real leather. I'm slightly regretting this decision and hoping they are still there... What are your thoughts?

Other than that, here are a few other things I have been enjoying this week...

- Dimestore Diamnond wore a gorgeous vintage dress a few weeks ago and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it! I love the full sleeves that are gathered at the wrist. So pretty!
- Favorite Pinterest board of the week? This award goes to Ariel P's Finery and Frock board. I love everything on it!
- Never Niche explains why she isn't Debbie. Debbie Downer, that is. I'm seeking out the Pollyanna lifestyle too. Want to join us? :)
- Kara at Unusual Form wore some black and white polka dotted pants recently and now I'm on the hunt for my own... How cute are they!?
- At the top of my fall lust list: These amazing Tallulah boots in Natural leather from MIA. Oh, swoon!

What made your week shine?

Sundresses and Handbags

I couldn't let summer come to an end without wearing one of my favorite summer dresses. This one, as you'll find out, is not work appropriate as it is quite open in the back so I took advantage of a weekend lunch date with my boyfriend to take it for a drive.


Dress: All That Jazz, Thrifted, $3
Vintage Wood Sandals: Imperial, Bought at a church sale, $1
Clay Bangle Bracelets: Handmade (after seeing these), Approx. cost of each ~ $0.50
Purse: Jessica Buckle Tote in Ivory/Cream, c/o HandbagHeaven.com (Price = $46.95)
Glasses: SEE Eyewear

One of my favorite things right now is dark florals. I'm loving any floral print that has a dark background. They just look so pretty yet have that interesting dark quality to them. Plus, I think they make a great transition piece from summer to fall.


And my new Handbag Heaven bag? I LOVE IT. It is not too big but just big enough, the color is fresh and it is so well made. I know a lot of people worry about bags that aren't made of real leather - will they look totally fake? Will they feel "crunchy"? Been there and had that. This bag is smooth and pliable - just like real leather. Actually, one of the girls I work with touched it and commented on how good it felt.


When Handbag Heaven approached me, I was elated! I actually already own one of their bags so I was already a bit acquainted with their bags. Plus, I have been in serious need of a fresh handbag for some time now... I've been carrying around the same little vintage Coach purse that I thrifted over a year ago. Don't get me wrong, $4 for a leather Coach purse is a great deal - but the bag was getting tired! Plus, I think this Jessica tote is perfect for this end of summer and start of fall cusp. It's fresh for summer and crisp for autumn.


Keep an eye out for some of photos in Handbag Heaven's upcoming style guide! :)

Full disclosure: I was given, free of charge, the handbag of my choice from Handbag Heaven. My thoughts, feelings and words regarding this handbag are just that - MINE - and not supplied by the company. I was not required to tell you I loved this handbag. I told you I loved it because I do. :)