DD's Style File - Faux Long Fur Vest

Hey, World!!

I seriously can't believe that it's March 1st! 2016 is really moving! And I can't skirt around the fact that this is actually my first post of 2016... *hides faces* But it's life! On top of being back in school this semester and working on a really big project at the office, I've also been trying to take the time to be a healthier me. No new year's resolution type stuff, but I know I want to live a healthy life as long as I can, so I need to be more mindful of how I take care of myself. We'll dive deeper into that on another day.

The weather (and daylight) here in the North isn't always cooperative on the days when I have more time to take photos, but I finally lucked up and got a good day to get out and let the strangers stare at me and wonder what the heck I'm doing.

Vest: Forever 21 - limited availability in alternate color offerings here and here
similar style here
Turtleneck: JCP
Pants: The Limited - similar style. similar, similar
Shoes: old - similar, similar
Bag: Michael Kors - old - similar style, less expensive option

So this season I'm still on my faux fur kick, you can see my posts on some other pieces here and here. This vest is definitely what I'd consider a statement piece. I think this silvery gray would look great tossed on over a head to toe monochromatic look, like all white! I've actually had it in my closet for a couple months, but hadn't had a chance to wear it. I'll be truthful - sleeveless winterwear typically isn't "my thing." At least not historically. Mostly because I never knew what to do with it, weather wise.

Not so long ago, I finally figured out puffer vests, and that opened my mind to some other options as well. I know that all sounds pitiful, but I'm just being honest with you!

But luckily, I think we are headed towards more days where sleeveless outerwear can be used more often (even though with light layers underneath, you could definitely leave this on). And that means more sunlight and warmer temps for picture taking - yaaayyy!

I do hope that all of you are having a great year thus far and that you're still progressing on those new year's resolutions!

DD's Style File - Minty Fresh

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and are gearing up for a wonderful New Year!

Outfits around holiday time tend to be of bolder, richer hues, but wearing pastels in winter months can be fabulous! Fall has moved your wardrobe into deeper hues, but pastel shades are cool tones that work just as well when there's snow on the ground (though thankfully, we haven't had much thus far).

In keeping with the spirit of the holidays I added a bit of metallic sheen and sparkle to my leather. Though, I will be the first to admit that I find sparkly flats to be a wardrobe staple that I reach for throughout the year. There is no shame in my personal fashion mantra that "more is more."

Blouse: ASOS - old (very similar)
Sweater: Charming Charlie
Skirt: The Limited
Flats: Zara - old (similar, similar, similar)
Clutch: The Limited - old (similar, super cute option)

Since there was so much shine going on with this outfit, I went super minimal with the jewelry, opting only for studs. I think bringing materials into your pieces that reflect light are great ways to switch things up a bit from your standard wardrobe choices.

I was super excited when I found this sweater in store, after I'd been fawning over this one from J. Crew from a couple seasons ago. And now I kinda want the black one too!

Consider bringing glitter or metallic pieces into your casual NYE outfit, it's a great way to keep with a festive feel while also adding some glam to a sweater and jeans.

After all of the Christmas flurry I hope you all are having a peaceful and relatively relaxing week whether you're back at work or in the house with the kids or visiting guests!

DD's Style File - Falling for Faux

Last week I posted a gift guide that was all about fun, affordable fur a.k.a faux fur. And I have to say I'm alllll about the faux furs. They work in fall and into winter, and make your look feel a bit more luxe!

I wanted to do something a little different with color, so I went for deeper, richer tones in wine, mustard (one of my favorite shades) and forest green. Then I added a dash of fur, a touch of leopard and a splash of gold.

I picked up this scarf and another one last winter, but find myself reaching for this one all the time. Then I got all inspired after seeing some belted furs on Pinterest, so I decided to give it a try myself!

Leather skirt: The Limited - sold out (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Top: Charming Charlie - sold out (similar, similar, similar)
Fur scarf: The Limited - old (similar, similar, similar)
Tights: Forever 21 (similar)
Booties: Amazon
Clutch: Clare Vivier

I have to say I'm suuuuuuper thrilled about this weather we're having in the northeast, and it can stay right on through to April! I'm not the least bit disappointed if there's no snowy white Christmas (don't hate me).

Can you believe Christmas is little more than a week away?? If you haven't yet entered my Holidays on Chic Giveaway for your chance to win a glittery pair of Kate Spade earrings and some beauty goods, click HERE! Today is your last chance to enter! Good luck!!

DD's Style File - Polka Dots & Tulle

On those occasions that I head out with purely the intent to browse or return items, instantly evolve into the days that I end up buying stuff. Good buys, but unintended, none the less.

But, trust me, if I head out for the purpose of buying some new pieces and looking for something special, that is GUARANTEED to be the day that I spend hours roaming aimless and bagless.

Skirt: Forever 21 - sold out (similar)
Dress worn as top: ASOS - old (similar, similar, similar)
Pumps: Kohl's - old (cute options: here, here, and here and a flat option)
Belt: old (other options: similar, similar, similar)
Clutch: Macy's

I happened upon this skirt on one of those non-shopping occasions. I had returned some items to one store and just stopped off in Forever 21 to take a looksy. And there was this darling skirt in on a rack by its lonesome in a section in which it did not even belong.

My size and $20. Sold!

The salesgirl even told me this was the only one they'd received and us fashion girls know how special that is!

It is simply one of the cutest pieces I have in my wardrobe and I've held on to it for some time waiting for just the right kind of top to pair with it. That "perfect" top never came and I ran out of patience, so this time I wore a dress as a shirt for a more casual feel. Re-purposing items in your closet to do double duty is always awesome, right?!


I hope your week is off to a great start!!

DD's Style File - Tulips & Florals

According to the fashion gawds, florals are in for spring and summer... So let's chat about one of my fav floral inspired shapes - the tulip cut.

Tulip cuts offer a sexy, covered alternative to more revealing tops. Where you only get a peek of skin if the wind blows just the right way. I honestly think that one part of the appeal is that the top itself mimics the shape of a swing tops and dresses. They just have a certain kind of sway to them.

I thought the cut and length of this top worked perfectly with these pants, which I don't get to wear nearly as often as I would like. And pairing complimentary solids with a busier print is a great way to highlight the print in a cohesive way.

Top: Marshall's (similar, similar)

Pants: Forever 21 (similar)

Shoes: Kohl's (similar)

Clutch: The Limited (similar)

Earrings: Burlington Coat Factory (old)

Watch: ALDO (similar)

Like I mentioned in my previous post about paisley, I'm honestly not typically a floral girl, but the right print done the right way can really work. But neither is a print that I think you'd find much of in my closet.

If you know a brand that really executes floral prints well, I'd love to hear about it!

Mini Haul: How I Paid $1.31 at Macy's

I consider myself a budget conscious shopper, I love an awesome deal. Which is typically a coupon on top of an already great sale. But deep down in my shopping recess is another, more aggressive budgenista. She's more of an extreme couponing type who is thrilled at the idea of getting a bushel of items for a few dollars.

This past weekend I had one such occasion at Macy's, where I purchased these pieces totaling $189, but walking out of the store paying only $1.31 out of pocket!:

1. / 2. / 3. similar, similar / 4. similar, similar  / 5. / 6. similar, similar / 7. 

So, how did I manage that?

Let me start by saying that it doesn't HAVE to be Macy's, if you can make it work with other retailers who offer similar coupons and deals. But it does take some effort on your part,

Step 1: Sign up for store coupons - In this case I had a 20% off coupon

Step 2: If you're able to join a store rewards program, it's worth signing up, especially if you shop there often - I am a Macy's/AmEx cardholder and earn rewards points on all my purchases, so I had a $25 reward certificate. I also signed up to earn Plenti rewards and linked my Macy's card to the account, which earned me another $25 reward.

Step 3: Sign up for online surveys (here's some of the effort I was talking about) - I am signed up to complete surveys through e-Rewards which I can cash in for gift card, so I had a card for $25. This site is by invite only and not all retailers offer this. But I also recently joined Swagbucks.com, and they offer similar options.

Step 4: Credit card rewards: Keep a major credit card that offers rewards, and keep it at a zero balance. When you plan to make a purchase using cash, charge it to the card instead to earn rewards, then use the cash to immediately pay off the balance. I earned a $50 gift card through my Discover card.

Step 5: Now, my final method is a bit unique and unconventional and isn't as widely accessible. The company I work for allows employees the opportunity to earn points for things such as outstanding teamwork or exceptional work, which can then be redeemed for gift cards or a variety of other options. I was fortunate enough to have some of these points to cash in, so I got a $25 gift card.

WAIT!

Before you brush me off because you don't have access to my last option, don't forget the cash options that are available to you! If you just set it aside, you can treat it as "shopping money" versus money out of your paycheck. Better yet, use the cash earned from these options to buy yourself a gift card in order make sure the funds stay toward your fun money reserve.

Cashback sites: If you're an avid online shopper, like myself, it's is definitely worth signing up for Ebates. It doesn't matter if you're buying shoes or shingles, contacts or cable knit sweaters, you can get cashback on your purchases! And some stores even allow you to order online and pick it up locally.

Poshmark and eBay: Don't forget these old standbys! Great condition items you don't want or no longer need can be used to bank you some cash to set aside for those shopping hauls!


So, as I mentioned earlier, all of this takes effort and a bit of diligence on your part. But I bet you buy things every day. If you simply find the best way to make those everyday purchases work for you, then you can reap some benefits from it.

Trust me! It's so much fun when you pass the associate a buck and some change in exchange for a bag full of goodies!



If there are any other "shopportunities" that you ladies know about, please feel free to share in the comments section!

The EASIEST DIY Kate Spade Inspired Necklace

Typical girly girl here! Things with bows make me swoon, but sometimes the associated price tags with those things do not. So I've got a quick down and dirty post inspired by the Swoon Inducing Extraordinaire, Kate Spade, who we know is all about that bow life.

So here are some of Kate's bow adorned necklaces:

And for my nifty inspired version the only things you'll need are:

A strand of pearls (I suggest a basic long version that can be looped 2 - 3 times)

Bow brooch 

Et voila!

Told ya it was EASY!

One little tip that I have is that to keep my brooch from flopping around through the day, I actually run the pin through a seam on my blouse before clasping the pearls in. This ensures that it will lay flat through the day. 

DD's Style File - The Classic Trench

I have been wanting a great classic type of trench coat for some time. It had to be a modern shape, in the khaki or khaki-like neutral, and it also needed to be budget friendly. So I waited. Adding it to my wish list of Diva's Desires that I carry around in my phone, just waiting for it.

In the meantime, I saw beautiful jackets like these dancing across my screen and Pinterest feed...

credit: 1, 2, 3

But I continued to wait one out that would work for both my frame and my pocketbook.

And then it happened, draped on a mannequin as I stepped into the store, not found at a trend setting boutique or a powerhouse higher end retailer, but in a good ol' standby favorite.

Top: Express
Pants: The Limited
Pumps: Macy's
Trench: Forever 21
Scarf: H&M (similar)

Modern shape: Check!
Neutral color: Check!
Budget conscious: Check!
Crossed off the wish list: Double Check!!


Aaaaannnnnd unfortunately here in the northeast the weather isn't so sure if it wants to be spring or full on summer, so I had to pull it back out of the closet. As much as I adore it - I'm totally ready to put it back until October!


Hoping the weather is better where you are (because it probably is)!

Poshmark - An Honest Review on the Plunder and Payouts

Poshmark, the app where you can buy and sell fashion at greatly reduced prices, has definitely gained popularity since I joined almost three years ago. Being the serial shopper that I am (don't judge me) I originally joined purely for the purpose of finding more things at great prices - a la eBay but without the bidding wars and seriously inflated prices.

As far as spending money goes, I purchased several items at pretty reasonable prices. There were not all sunshine and rainbow experiences but it wasn't enough to sour me.

Before I outline my pros and cons, here is a snippet a few things I've purchased:

Lauren Conrad Fringe Sandal

Vera Wang Glitter Ballet Flat

Zara Glitter Sandal

J. Crew Sequin Top

 Now, my thoughts...

Pros:
- Easier to negotiate prices with the seller than on a site like eBay
- Once packages are shipped, it's two day priority shipping
- More likely to find unique and hard to find items that may originally have had big ticket prices
- Shipping cost is all the same no matter what you buy
- Discounted shipping can be an incentive for a seller to make a sale if they lower an item price
- Poshmark is very responsive if you are unhappy or if the seller is dragging their feet

Cons:
- Some sellers are not as engaged and responsive to questions and and offers
- Some sellers can be extremely slow shippers
- No free shipping
- Their still is price gouging as you find on eBay


After some time Poshmarking as a shopper, and seeing this IFB post, I decided I needed to start purging my closet (that's another blog post entirely). And my thoughts on that....

Pros:
- You don't have to worry about shipping prices questions or whether to offer it free or not, because it's set by Poshmark
- Money you've earned can be held to use for Posh shopping or can be easily direct deposited into your bank
- There's no seller bashing
- It's pretty quick and easy to post items using their template
- There's no reposting if it doesn't sale within a given period of time, it will just continue to be in your closet

Cons:
- Like a lot of social media sites, it's the popular kids who get most of the action
- Along with the the popular kids your closet also has to compete against the closets that often have the bigger brands (but everyone's not looking for that so don't get discouraged)
- It can be frustrating to get a lot of likes on an item but no sale, even when it's priced more than reasonable
- Some Posh shoppers are extra needy and then don't even leave decent feedback
- Like any social media site, you have to spend a considerable amount of time promoting items in your closet and participating in Posh parties, so that can be time consuming


And one final overall note, you can only shop and post through the app, even though they do have a a website, it's just for browsing.

I consider myself a Posher at this point. My personal tips for selling are to post items to both eBay and Poshmark, just be sure to keep up with your inventory. If you have a big brand item (i.e., Kate Spade, Kors, etc) you may just be better off posting it on eBay where you can possibly get more, Poshmark is more for haggling. Between the two sites, I managed to make enough to pay off a sizeable bill. So it certainly can be worth it, as with most things you just have to take the good with the bad.


I'm curious of what you other ladies think of Poshmark from either a buyer or seller perspective, please leave a comment below on your experience!

DD's Style File - Leather Weather

The leaves fall fast and furious around these parts and nowadays sunshine comes at a premium. But it does kind of make it perfect for those darker, edgier looks. Like leather!

I've wanted a pair of good leather pants for a while, but I have yet to see a pair with a budget friendly price tag. So, I finally gave in and went for the coated denim trend when I saw these on The Limited site. They looked very sleek and had a nice sheen. I figured they'd make a good substitute. You may recall seeing them in my "Fall Wardrobe Haul" post a few weeks ago.

 

 

 

Leopard foldover clutch - Forever 21
Layered necklaces - old
Teardrop earrings - Express

 

Cropped leather jacket - INC for Macy's
Cream blouse - Material Girl for Macy's
Black coated denim - The Limited
Peep toe booties - BCBGMaxAzria

Unfotunately, it's back to the fitting room for me... Because although they fit well the few times I tried them on, when it came to wearing them in “real life” they stretched out in the rear. That in itself wasn't terrible, but they have no belt loops, so they absolutely REFUSED to stay put and constantly slid down!

  

Even while taking these photos, I would periodically have to stop and do the tug and wiggle dance. I do have a curvier bottom, but I have other ankle crop and cigarette pants from The Limited that also do not have belt loops and I have no problems whatsoever with those.

 

So, even though I was very excited to get my hands on these, they are seriously my worst purchase from The Limited. Ever. I’m even slightly peeved that I can no longer return them. I hate wasting money.

 

However, I did notice they now offer a deep navy pair that does have belt loops, so if you're still interested, those could certainly be worth a try.

 

 

This top, on the other hand, is one I consider a win. It's a summer blouse with buttons down the back and a cut out between the shoulder blades, but I actually liked it better layered under heavier pieces. I'll be the first one to say that I was totally giving the side eye when Madonna and her beautiful daughter Lourdes launched this Material Girl line, but after making two or three purchases, I'm kinda changing my tune. Am I alone on that?

Today's post is also being linked up to Style Me Friday, hosted by The Fashionista Next Door.

 

 

 

 



DD's Style File - Easy Like Sunday Morning

I consider this post to be the blog equivalent of a #latergram... I actually took these photos just a couple weeks ago, but didn't get around to posting them (I miss all the greenery already). As of late the weather has been super crazy and not at all conducive to blog photo shoots...

It's getting to be that time of year when seasonal depression starts to set in because you'll get one day where it's nice and sunny out (though fairly crisp) and two days later you get gray skies and snow-like substances. In a nutshell, it kind of sucks...but know that I'm still looking for the silver lining.

I've been soooo super busy lately. And the change in weather and time (setting the clocks back) have made me feel more inclined to stay home with a hot cup of tea or cocoa and curl up with the remote, my favorite throw and my little guy, Toonch.

In the colder months, I actually end up turning my focus less on fashion and more toward home décor. Which is probably pretty reasonable, considering that you spend more and more time indoors. So why not want it to look inviting.

White blazer - Labworks for Target
Beige top - The Limited
Navy pants - The Limited
Camo print flats - Express
Gold clutch - Cosmopolitan for JCP
Woven bracelet - The Limited

Incidentally, for a fashion girl like myself, the first home project I plan to tackle is not one of the main living areas.

It's my closet. Of course!

By the end of this month, I plan to purge a hefty amount from my wardrobe, but my primary objective is to make my closet into more of a "dressing room." I spend a decent amount of time in there and would like it to feel like my pretty place.  If you follow me on Pinterest you know I have a board dedicated to the Pretty Closet Challenge, and I've actually managed to get some of the pieces already. It's just that some of the shelving I just don't want to put together myself...

I know, that sounds bad, since I'm the one who wants a fancy schmancy closet. But I'm just not in the mood for mini wrenches, bags of screws and sheets of wordless directions...

 

 

Lately I've just been in the mood for "easy." Kind of like this outfit. Rather unintentionally, I've been spending more time in flats than normal. But y'all know I have to keep my punch 'n pizzazz, so I tossed some gold trimmed camo print flats and a nice big reflective gold clutch into the mix. I actually wouldn't mind sticking to this same look and switching out the white Labworks jacket with the other navy one I bought (yep, I bought two...). I think it would lend the look a contemporary suiting kind of feel.

 

Hmmmm....maybe I'll give that a try soon.

 

 

Well, I'm off! As I begin to make some progress on my dressing room I'll post some updates, which I hope you can use for your own inspiration. You ladies stay lovely!!

 

 

Diva's Desires - Fall Dresses

I haven't done one of these in a minute, but let me just put it out in the atmosphere...for fall, I desire dresses, but more specifically dresses with sleeves.

I want weather appropriate dresses that compliment the figure, by skimming, not clinging, to my shape.

 

I want work appropriate choices that keep me warm in the office without needing an extra layer, but are chic enough to take me through the weekend with a scarf swirled about my neck finished off with ankle booties and patterned tights.

 

Give me cozy knit fabrics in flirty silhouettes, that leave me feeling fly, not frumpy.

 

And if you please, as wrinkle free as possible, with forgiving cuts that leave room, because I like to eat. 

 

I mean, 'tis is the season for apple cider, pumpkin laced everything, sprinkled with a bag of Halloween candy and a dash of Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner - so a little wiggle room becomes very necessary.

 

(this post has been sponsored by a frustrating shopping experience, as all these lovely ideas found online are not so readily available in stores.)

 

DD's Style File - It's Fall Y'all!

I didn't want to accept it. I was so against it that it was like being dragged someplace you don't want to go, practically kicking, screaming and clutching on for dear life.

Fall.

Yep, as in the fall season. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate fall. I find it to be an absolutely beautiful time of year and I love all the smells associated with autumn. Along with the impending holiday season happiness. And yes, of course, the love of fall wardrobes.

However, it also means I have to let go of my summer frocks. Light as air, frothy materials and mini skirts with bronzy, bare legs.

And here in the northeast, fall is brief.

The brevity happens to be the biggest problem with fall. It means "winter is coming" (shout out to all my fellow Game of Thrones fans!). Which, to me, represents cold, cold, cold. Oh, and blizzards. And ugly, frumpy boots made for shoveling and snow stomping. And big marshmallow puffer coats made for warmth, not visual appeal...even if it is leopard lined and from Betsey Johnson.

*sigh*

But I've finally accepted that I might as well embrace fall and enjoy the comfortable temps while I can.

So I did what comes most naturally - went shopping!

Red coat - Target
Black & white striped dress - Target
Polka dot blouse - The Limited
Cobalt handbag - Target
Snake print belt - The Limited
Nude pumps - old

You'll notice that the majority of this look came from Target. I have a love/hate relationship with this coat though. I mean, I love it's vibrancy and the weight of it and the cute bird lining. But I hate it for the same reasons. Because I couldn't just leave it in the store on the rack due to all it's cuteness and fall appropriateness. All on top of my need for a new trench. BUT I didn't love the price. One bit.

$50 for a trench from Target is practically wallet robbery. Yet, I paid it anyway. On the opposite side, I got this dress off the clearance rack for ten bucks. And it was ten bucks very well spent, I plan to mix 'n mingle this in my wardrobe regularly.

My "something blue" is my gorgois cobalt handbag. Which I gazed at lovingly early last month, but ultimately put it down and left the store without it. Only to ponder its eye catching loveliness for several days following... Great thing though, I got a Target gift card for my birthday, so needless to say, I made getting my hands on this bag priority one.

I will say, it is not the most well constructed bag, compared to others I've seen or purchased at Target. The quality leaves a bit to be desired. However, I plan to not love it too hard (i.e., not make it my every day bag from October to April) and enjoy the time I have with it.

Another plus to all this, is that I finally signed up for a Target Red card, the debit version. So I do get 5% off purchases and free shipping from Target.com. Why in sweet baby Jesus' name I waited so long to do that, as much a I shop at Target, I do not know.

Sike...I'm lying.

I do know. It's because I didn't realize they offered a debit version. I thought that it was credit only and I didn't need another one of those. But that Red card matched with weekly mobile Target coupons can save you enough dollars to make you feel a little less guilty about that buggy full of merchandise you rolled out of the store with. So, if you don't have one already, I'd suggest you sign up asap! (no, this is not a sponsored post, I am just a Target fanatic)

Speaking of Target....  If you haven't yet done so, today is the last day to enter to win my Fall Fabulous Mini Haul giveaway featuring a Phillip Lim x Target Yellow Mini Satchel! Now go quickly while you still have time to enter!

Have a great weekend!



This post is also a submission for IFB Project #116.