DD's Style File - Easy, Breezy

We stepped out for a bit for a bite to eat and drinks yesterday evening. Since it was a little cooler than it had been recently, it was the perfect opportunity to finally wear these pants and a longer sleeved blouse (summer is only three months long with a crap shoot for September, so I try to cram in all my summer pieces while I can).

White silk top - The Limited
Green silk pant - H&M
Gold metallic pump - Steve Madden
Jade necklace - Forever 21

I wanted to go with an unfussy, uncomplicated look. Cue a silken button up shirt and breezy, neon hued lounge pants; add some metallic pumps and a colorful clutch and I'm ready to go

Navajo print clutch - Dot's
Orange square bracelet - The Limited
Multi shell bracelet - unknown

I wrote all about my adventures with this printed clutch on Monday, read about it here.

Peach Bellinis & Mint Mojitos
Cheers!

We're halfway to the weekend ladies!

Shopping Giddiness

Last week I wrote this post about being all jazzed up the past couple of weeks because of my recent shopping scores. It's those times where you finally get your hands on something that you've been itching to have and it was all sold out or you just couldn't get it in your size or your price point.

Incidentally, I've talked about all of my little lust's right here on Dazzling Diva:

First, there was the Valentino bow flip flop that I obsessed over last year after seeing them in Vegas. Well fate would have it, a year later I'd bump into good pair of flip flops that were so daggone similar that it caused me to squeal girlishly in the aisle at the store. I was so pleased, that I bought the last two pair in my size for a total of....wait for it....$8!

Then came the Vidalia clutch by ShoeDazzle, it was all sold out. But whaddya know, months later I was able to grab the same brightly colored Navajo print on another clutch for less than half the price than I would have paid. It wasn't the shape I would have chosen initially, but when there's something you've been wanting, when you find a comparable piece, suddenly you'll find yourself willing to compromise!

(Oddly, both those fashion voids were filled by the same retailer - Dot's.)

More recently came my burning yearning to have this Victoria's Secret ruffled maxi. By the time came that I received my clearance catalog, it was already all sold out - in all sizes. Now, I will say that I ran into it a couple times on the site before making my purchase, but I wasn't willing to bid on it. A bidding war for a coveted item is not my idea of fun. However, a regular scouring of eBay over a couple weeks finally led me to the exact dress in my size, waiting with a Buy It Now option. Consider it mine. Before the end of the season I will try to post of picture of me in all of its bohemian loveliness.


What about you ladies, were you lucky enough to score any coveted piece this year?

DD's Style File - Look, Ma - No Heels!

I honestly think this is my first outfit post where I'm actually wearing flats! And it was a work day, can you believe it!?

I love my heels and plan to wear them deep into my age of wisdom, even if that only means to Sunday church service. But even though I'm a die hard shoe hoarder lover, some days lil' mama's  tootsies are tired and I reach for footwear of the flatter variety.

Orange & navy striped tee - The Limited
Chambray skirt - NY & Co.
Blue mesh flats - Payless
Navy dotted tote - Old Navy
Yellow braided belt - The Limited
Green sunnies - Boutique 

I know, I know...I'm standing on tiptoe a little bit in this photo, but it was more to show the sparkly stone embellishment and less about the fact that I'm pretty short (about 5'4") and did not feel long legged and gazelle-like without my three inches of confidence boost.

Beyond the fact of being a little worn out this morning, I always wear a low pump or flats with this skirt.

I have a love/hate relationship with the skirt actually, though I've had a for about three years and loved it when I bought it. Over time I began to feel that it was:

1. A bit too short, not excessively so, but shorter than what I seem used to at the office.

2.  It feels waaay short if I put it on with higher heels.

3. The flounciness of it never worked well with a blazer to balance out it's extra girly factor, it just my behind area look rather unflattering.

Despite all that, it somehow manages to continue being saved from the give away/throw away/sell/Salvation Army pile when I purge my closet two to three times during the year. I keep wardrobe items for a really long time, even ones that I've worn only once in three years or more, because you just know when something is a wardrobe staple that'll keep on giving. But then there are times you're just like, "why did I buy this?" or "I know I'm never gonna wear this again" and those things go in the purge pile.

But I really liked this look and the way it added flirtiness to the dots, stripes and punches of color. So for now it's a mainstay, since it's actually been earning it's keep.

Pretty Little Things

This is a short review of my week in pictures. These are the things that added a happy lil' sparkle to my week.

As much as I adore Marc Jacob bags and shoes with red bottoms, it really doesn't take quite so much to get me giddy. Small (and cheap) things work too and can turn out to be the stuff I become most fond of!

It certainly helps that some of of these things also happen to come from my Diva's Desires list (more on that in a future post), which is kind of the equivalent to a bucket list. Because when you get to cross one of those lovelies off, it makes for a wonderful day!

I'm gushing, I know. But it doesn't happen often.


So here is a brief run down...

1. Darling bow flip flops that are going to be my besties for the remainder of the summer

2. The turquoise printed pashmina that keeps the chill at bay while in my office cubicle

3. Clutches in interesting prints, and a bright yellow pashmina I got for free

(thanks rewards coupon!)

4. Adorable and delectable French macaroons from DessertHub.com

( my first time having them....yum!)

Stayed tuned for more details (and a few funny stories) on items shown in this post!

I'm going to apologize now just in case my posts are little less than regular in the upcoming weeks. The move is coming up in just a few weeks, so packing is getting down to the wire and I'm headed back to school this fall and classes start up a few days before moving day. *sigh*  I just can't wait until it's over and I'm all settled...

Happy Friday ladies and have wonderful weekend!!

DD's Style File - My Pin Up Persona

Everything about this outfit was your standard office attire - ruffled blouse meets pencil skirt. But I think that this is a perfect example how small tweaks, such as tightly spaced stripes on the top paired against a punchy blue bottom can create a bit of modern drama. Mix in a sweet, yet sassy ladylike pump and I'd say I'm oozing a bit of Mad Men come hither-ness over here.

Gray & white ruffle blouse - Forever 21
Turquoise pencil skirt - Express
Magenta bow pump - Nina
Silver bow belt - Express
Pale pink sunnies - Charlotte Russe

On a side note, although they can be a bit difficult when it comes to laundering and re-fluffing, I've got a thing for ruffled blouses. Girly and sweet and even a little sexy, they bring a sophisticated update to the standard button up blouse.

Yellow polish - They Call Me Mellow Yellow
by Confetti

I got the satin bow pump for my birthday last year. All the colors were so pretty that it was hard to make a decision, but I ultimately decided on the magenta berry pair. And who knew they would compliment brightly painted yellow tootsies so well!

Ladies, let me tell ya, it's a great day when you can step out of the house feeling like the cat's meow. And I believe we all need that every once in a while (if not more often), so I say if you don't have something in your closet that occasionally makes you channel everyone's favorite redhead, Joan (Holloway) Harris, then you need to add that to your "to do" list. Like yesterday!


And if you can't tell by now, I'm a die hard fan of AMC's Mad Men...

I hope your week is off to a great start!

DD's Style File - Blue Suede Shoes

This outfit was all about vibrancy, and although it was an unconventional choice, I paired it with my blue suede platform sandals.

Orange tie neck blouse - Mossimo
Green ankle pant - Express
Blue suede pump - Steve Madden
Yellow braided belt - The Limited
Silver hoop earring - The Limited
Green sunnies - unknown boutique

Getting these shoes was an adventure, let me tell ya! Some may call it lunancy, others may call it a serious dedication...because of my love for pretty shoes, I'll just say it falls somewhere in the middle. So let's call it a "fashion fairytale"...

I actually have had these for about two years. When I found them at the store and asked for my size, the sales associate returned from the back to tell me that this was the last pair and they could not locate the mate. I was devasted, but after some cajoling I'd convinced them to look for the shoe and call me immediately upon it's finding. About three days later, they did.

They were a clearance item, with a coupon, so the end price was a steal!

However...apparently my pair of soft suede lovelies had been the display, and because of this, one of the shoes had been somewhat "bleached" by the lighting and dust from sitting on the display table. Not noticeable when by itself, but totally evident when perched next to the lustre of its sister.

Devastated yet again, but I was not to be deterred.

Once I got home, after some careful consideration, the creative juices started flowing! I decided to place the brighter shoe on the window sill and let the sun shine on it for a while. I checked on it every few days or so, until it had been paled just enough. Then like a well done pancake, I flipped it over and let the other side bake for a while.

A little over three weeks and I had a pair of pumps that were once again perfectly matched in hue. And there was no love lost, because I bought them during early winter, so I couldn't wear them yet anyhow.

And they all lived happily ever after!



Happy Friday Divas!

DD's Style File - Hot Pink

Hot pink, black and white is one of my favorite color pairings. As a matter of fact, my current bedroom decor is that exact same scheme. It's got Parisian touches all about it. *sad face* As I continue the tedious task of packing up, preparing for the big move, it's a bit bittersweet because I worked so hard trying to pull it all together.

Unfortunately, this decor won't fit in my new digs, so I'm going in another direction.

White linen blazer - Charlotte Russe
Hot pink ankle pant - Express
Black patent sandal - B. Makowsky

Despite that, I'll still have these wonderful eye catching lovelies to brighten up my day!

Black & white striped tank - The Limited
Silver hoop earrings and woven bracelet-
The Limited
Bow stud bracelet - Forever 21

These sandals were a recent purchase that I just couldn't say no to (I have that problem with shoes) and I have to say, I'm really loving them. Although they are a tad lower than what I usually go for, I loved the modern cut and the way it framed my foot. My tootsies felt a little exposed for the office, but I took a chance, since they were secure around the ankle and added the blazer to keep the look polished.

They really are comfortable for an extended period of time, so I've worn them several times. Add to that, that they have a very distinctive look and I feel that it's a purchase where I'm sure to get my money's worth!

Lulu's Epic Summer Contest

Even though it doesn't happen often, I like to win stuff. And if you're like me, then you do too. Click the link above to submit your entry.

DD's Style File - Retro Meets Modern

I fell in love with this top when I saw it hanging in the window. I snatched it up and couldn't wait to wear it. I gave it a run in early spring and wore it under a white cardigan, but felt rather "meh" about the results. It didn't look bad or anything, there just wasn't enough 'pop' to the look, it felt kind of safe.

Blue ruffle dot blouse - The Limited
Green pencil skirt - The Limited
Tan peep toes - Franco Sarto
Green sunnies - Boutique
Gold bracelet - JCPenney's

Fast forward a few months and I spot this green high waisted pencil skirt, and it was a love connection! The simple cut and deep, vibrant green felt was the perfect compliment to the dotted, ruffled bright blueness of the blouse. In order to not compete with everything above the ankles I stuck with my go to basic nude pump.

I also kept the jewelry simple with basic hoops and just a single gold bangle.

There was just something about this outfit that felt a little retro office, ladylike classic with the vivid colors giving a modern touch.


I hope you all had a fantabulous Monday!

DD's Style File - Polka Dots & Stripes

Dressing for the office can be difficult in summer - requiring fabrics that breath during the lunch hour in the outside temps and after work when things can be really steamy, yet clothing that provides coverage in my chilly, air conditioned cubicle.

I find myself checking the weather for upcoming days on my iPhone several times in order to pick something that will work best. I find that it's usually pretty accurate, sometimes even better than the local weather folks on the news.

Pink dot button up - KMart
Pink & navy skirt - The Limited
Gold metallic pump - Steve Madden

Today happened to be one of those days where I could pull off a long sleeved button up and a skirt with a thicker knit without roasting to death. I feel bad for the fellas, because unless they work in a business casual environment, it's long sleeves and blazers every day...even the ninety degree ones. Ugh.

Pearl stud earring - Icing
Green sunnies - Boutique

The outfit I settled on was a bit more matchy matchy than I usually go for. However, I overlooked that, because I liked the girlie pinkness of it and favored the small dots paired with the stripes.

Green lock belt - Papaya
Pearl necklaces (one as bracelet) - Thrifted

One minor self side note though, this is a new shirt and is in desperate need of a gentle washing and a meet n' greet with some fabric softener. It had more stiffness to the fabric than I preferred, but I'd still call it a keeper.

Gettin' Artsy Craftsy

Ok, so I'm taking a major detour from my usual type of post, but stick with me for the ride because it's still about fashionable things...

As I mentioned a few posts back, I've been really busy planning a birthday party for my mom, which was held this past weekend. Thank goodness that's over! But everyone had a great time, especially the guest of honor, so it was all in the name of love. But I'm still glad it's over....

I'm big on making things look pretty and fashionable and this party was all about being chic and stylish, but we had to jump through a few hoops to bring the vision to fruition - which all involved the decor for the tables.

One such item on my list was black and white striped candles. Pretty basic, right? Ok, well maybe not as basic as plain candles, but it wasn't like I was talking purple candles with orange stripes. Either way, I might as well had been, because after scouring the net and stalking the store aisles, I came up empty handed. Did I happen to mention they also had to be affordable?

Well, they say that necessity is the mother of invention...so what's a diva to do? Make her own! Because sometimes even we non-crafters have to get a little crafty.

I headed to the local Michael's Craft Store and grabbed a few rolls of black sparkling ribbon and two packs of stick pins with pearl heads.

Toss in sixteen plain white pillar candles and a box of glue dots, and I was a striped candle making machine.

Tah-dah!!

Not bad at all, huh? I have to say I was kinda proud of the way it all came together.

And in case any of you are a little curious here are a couple final images from the party:






I also sparkled up a couple plain pieces of wood to make that 'S' at the top of the cupcake tower,
because I couldn't find a more affordable one that I liked.

 

The framed images on the tables were throwback photos I enlarged from her modeling days. See, back when I was a wee little diva, my mom had a modeling troupe that would put on fashion shows and whatnot around the city. So the central theme of the party was all about celebrating the fabulosity of my icon.

DD's Style File - Blue Light Special

This dress was fun, fun, fun! It just felt easy and awesome when I put it on. Loved the fabric and the color and the fact that I found it at an unexpected place - KMart! So needless to say, the price was also right.

Anyone else remember KMart's real blue light specials back in the day? They occurred at surprise moments when a store worker would light up a mobile police light and offer a discount in a specific department of the store.

Yeah, that's a bit of a throwback, I know...

When scouting locations to take my photos when I saw this graffiti covered bridge I felt the urge to jump right in. It's an art I have a huge affection for...perhaps because my drawing talent consists of stick figures.  After I got my pictures uploaded to my laptop, I realized that it looks like Snap is trying to get a lil' frisky behind me, right?!

Neon yellow dress - KMart
Multi stripe wedge - Nine West
Pink belt - The Limited
Silver braid bracelet & hoop earrings -
The Limited
Pink aviators - Charlotte Russe

I scooped up several other surprise buys while at KMart, so I'm going to make a point to stop through there more often to check out what they have.

DD's Style File - Weekend Chic Inspiration

What's better than running about town window shopping and thrifting on a beautiful summer's day?

Doing it on a week day while everyone else is at work!

Orange top - The Limited
Leopard skirt - Wet Seal
Bronze sandal - Payless
Bronze & orange earrings - BonTon
Green sunnies - Boutique

Burnished cabochon bracelet- eBay

Medallion necklace - Thrifted

This was a quickie "photo shoot" because I was on my way out the door when I thought about doing a casual style post. This is actually another "inspiration" look (see the other here), though this time it was just the colors that inspired me.

It was this outfit from the July edition of InStyle magazine:

Very cute, right!? I'd definitely rock that this fall.... Surprisingly, I don't yet own a pair of leopard skinnies, but now I'm thinking that I gotta have some!


If you didn't know, today IS Friday the thirteenth....dun-dun-dunnnnnnnn. I don't know why my mind goes there sometime, I guess I've been conditioned by societal influences. Anybody else get as weirded out about it as I do??

Despite that fact, I hope you dolls all have a great weekend!

DD's Style File - Coral & White

I love linen pants as soon as it gets warm out. White, khaki, navy - practically any color I can get my hands on. I'd wear them almost every day if I could. I know they can get all wrinkly during the day, but I think that's part of their relaxed charm.

So you do have to be mindful of the fabric, but it doesn't mean you have to spend an arm and a leg on them. I got these and a light khaki pair at a Penney's end of season sale for four dollars each. Yep, four dollars.

Coral top - BCBGeneration
White linen pant - JCPenney's
Metallic wedge - Nine West
Coral bag - Coach
Woven cuff - The Limited
Multi color necklace - Thrifted
Pink sunnies - Charlotte Russe

I was at Target the other day and had to restrain myself from picking up each pair of these Converse One Star Century pants. They had that laid back look and feel about them. However, I'm trying to curb some of my impulse shopping (some, not all), because I have lots of stuff that I need once I move into my new spot. So I was actually there shopping for some organizational needs, but found myself wandering into the women's section once I found they didn't have what I was looking for.

And yes, I did buy something.

An adorable, bright Mossimo top and a large Caboodles makeup case - because my makeup was beginning to take over and spill out of it's current home.

These wedges were another pair that I picked up in my mini Nine West spree in Atlanta. I had shorts on when I tried them on and other ladies kept telling me how great they looked. (well, my legs did kinda look a mile long *big smile*)

One girl even asked to try on a pair once she saw me in them, but later told me, "I liked them better on you."

Now, that was self honesty and such a compliment! Even though I wasn't convinced that I had to had them, after that I figured I best not leave them! They've quickly become my "go to" summer shoe!

DD's Style File - Essence of Orange

I've been a baaaaad blogger. I know. I've been missing for about two weeks, but I didn't know that would happen, so it was totally unintentional. I've just had a flurry of  things keeping me busy recently - work (kind of a necessity), party planning and packing.

All totally unrelated.

And no, the party's not for me. It's for my mom.

And  nope again, I'm not going anywhere exotic or fantastic this year. *sad face* But I am moving in a couple months, and I have to break down my current home where I've been living (and semi-hoarding) for over nine years.

I'm sure you'll be hearing more about both those "projects" in future posts, so on to the clothes...

Ok, so I've got a bit more than "essence" going on here... I rocked a bright n' loud-see me-I'm-right-here orange skirt and loved every bit of it. It was flowy and flouncy and blew softly in the breeze when I walked. All that stuff that makes it fun to be a girl!

Chambray button up - JCPenney
Orange midi skirt - Twiggy London for HSN
Floral pumps - Guess
Brown clutch - Vintage

Because of the midi length and the soft shape of the skirt, I ordered two, this one and another in bright pink. The length was exactly what I wanted, but I'm going to have to get the waist altered just a little bit, I'd like it to fit just a tad more snug if I'm not wearing a belt (sounds like a job for mom).

I've talked before about my buying multiples of things. I feel a teeny twinge of guilt when I have to admit it out loud. It doesn't necessarily always happen in a single purchase, sometimes it's over time. Like these pumps, which I love and don't get to wear as often as I'd like. They are the epitome of a sunny day shoe, but I also have them in two other prints (my personal fav found here). I actually had four different styles of this pump, but I wore the basic black leather until I had to send it away to well worn shoe heaven. They were the perfect pump, so I was totally distraught about it.



I hope all you divas had a fabulous holiday and are all relaxed and ready to start off a new work week! Happy Monday!

Follow me on BLOGLOVIN'!

DD's Style File - Cobalt & Neon Inspiration

image credit

When I saw that look in the May edition of Real Simple magazine, I knew I had to recreate it! I already had the same color pant and pumps at home, so the only thing was to find a similar shirt. Preferably that shirt. Ultimately, I did happen to find that Rachel Roy top in two different places but it was all sold out in that shade, so the hunt intensified to find that hue in a work appropriate cut.

It took about a week, but here's the final result:

So how did I do??  Très chic, no?

It was certainly close enough that I was happy with it. And I was definitely the brightest thing walking as I strutted my way into the office this morning!

Neon top - TJMaxx
Cobalt crop pant - Express
Pink pumps - Nine West
Black & white clutch - Vintage
Silver wave cuff & hoop earring-
The Limited
Sunnies - Nine West

Although neon can certainly be attention grabbing, just because it's a bright doesn't mean that it can't work in a professional setting. All the pieces were simple work staples in eye popping shades, and as the weather cools I plan to throw a neutral toned blazer or cardigan on with the top or the pant to transition the pieces into fall.

But for now, it's all about hot, hot summer!


Happy Friday divas!

DD's Style File - Stars & Studs

A big opening close up shot of my hairy forearms is almost enough to shame me... But hey, I've got too many other things to wax, pluck and shave to be worried about that. Afterall, I'm more giddy about my tough girl arm swag, in all of its metal and (faux) leather loveliness.

Stud bow & slim charm bracelets - Forever 21
Silver braid bracelet - The Limited
Flat bead bracelet - Unknown
Faux leather belt bracelet - Forever 21

When I saw this blouse at Zara, I was all over it. Not nearly as fabulous as Dolce & Gabbana's 2011 Stars collection, but about as close as I'm gonna get. And I liked that the print was small, which made it totally wearable for work. You had to be right up next to me in order to tell what the speckled print really was.

Pink starry bow top - Zara
Black knit skirt - Forever 21
Heart charm bracelet - Tiffany's

I don't have a lot of soft, baby pink shades in my wardrobe, so this was a nice addition. The details, like the exposed zipper in back, made for a feminine yet slightly edgier look.

Silver hoop earrings - The Limited
Booties - Target
Sunnies - Nine West

You'll notice that I'm often wearing sunnies in my photos, mostly because it's true to how you'd see me during the day, but also because I usually end up looking all squinty in my pictures without them. However, these sunnies were all about hiding the trouble lurking beneath... I had a seriously bad case of the itchy, watery allergy eyes and to add to the problem I was nursing a stye on my left eye.

Believe me, it was best for all if the shades were left on!