Showing posts with label pinterest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pinterest. Show all posts

11 December 2015

Faux Fur-Real $10 Stocking Stuffers!!

Faux fabrics are seeing a resurgence and faux fur is definitely one that is experiencing its season right now! Anything done poorly can be terrible, but times have changed since the days of my mother's faux fabrics and they can feel practically as supple and soft as the real thing!

From winter whites to rich wines - today I've rounded up a few fun fur options that would make great stocking stuffers or last minute gifts and all around price points of $10!!

Take a look!Fun Fur - $10 Gifts!


1. / 2. / 3. / 4. / 5. / 6. / 7. / 8.



And for the chance to grab a few gifts for yourself, you've still got time to enter my Holidays on Chic Giveaway for the chance to win a fab pair of Kate Spade earrings and beauty goods! I mean, you've been good this year too, right?!

09 July 2015

DD's Style File - Urban Jungle

Have you ever seen an item that was so stunningly lovely that it instantly incited the grabby hands?

Case in point: This maxi skirt.




It arrived in my mailbox on the cover of a store mailer and I rushed to the site immediately. I had nothing like it in my closet and the vibrant yellow screamed summertime beach vacation (or city street staycation) and I had to have it.

Once it arrived, it was it was bright, flowy, ethereal elegance... *sigh* And I couldn't wait for my first chance to wear it! But since I bought it in the spring, the weather in the north is just starting to cooperate.


I try to steer clear of color pairs like straight black and yellow, or even green and red, because they can create distinct object or seasonal symbolisms. Instead I'd create color combinations versus color pairings, by adding in a third color.

Now, black aside, I certainly could've easily paired this skirt with something white or ivory which is fine, but I do really like unconventional color and print combos. And both of these happen to be two of my favorites! I'd like to think of it as feisty meets fanciful lol!

Top: Forever 21 (similar)
Skirt: NY & Co. (similar, similar)
Shoes: Kohl's (similar)
Necklace: JCPenney (similar)
Earrings & bracelet: The Limited (similar)

But I gots to be frank with y'all... For my shortish frame (about 5'3"), it IS a lot of fabric to carry. Especially in flats and when getting in and out of the car (wrinkles be damned!). But when wearing it, I strut like these legs are five feet long on their own - so for me to feel that fabulous, it's worth it! ;-)

Hope you've had a amazing week!

24 June 2015

DD's Style File - All Striped Up: An Ode to Ms. Kate

It's really funny that I've never heard myself say that I favor a black and white color palette and if anyone ever told me that it seemed like one of my favorites, I would've responded with a "really??"

But apparently I've been quietly oblivious to my own styling activities, despite the fact that my dining room, kitchen and upstairs hall are all punctuated or completely centered on black and white.  And recently I've found myself reaching for bold black and white more often than usual (like here and here), often punctuating with pops of color, like today.



This dress is more of an ivory and black than starch white, but the bold structured lines offer the same crisp clean feel.

I really love the classic whimsy that stripes offer, but they can sometimes be dangerous. Vertical stripes especially, if not properly proportioned they can over accentuate areas like busts, hips and bellies. Along with the stripe spacing and sizing, the cut of the dress or top can make all the difference. There are no hard and fast rules, just make sure you wear what you love and that it's not wearing you!




Dress: The Limited (sold out)
Belt: The Limited (similar)

Necklace: Target
Pumps: Amazon
Because I like to conceal the areas of my body that I don't love as much, I am typically drawn to dresses that are flowy or, like this one, have a feminine A-line shape. Adding a colorful belt allows me to still highlight my waistline.

I have a unwavering love for Kate Spade (as I expressed in Monday's easy, peasy DIY post) so I was delighted to find that my dress was likely inspired by one of Kate's lovely dresses....and I ain't mad at that!





Both of these dresses are from previous seasons, so they aren't available, but if you like the look this is a super similar style and here are a few other cute options that are similar, found here, here, here and here!


17 June 2015

DD's Style File - Outfit Inspiration from Jamie Chung

I saw this super cute image of Jamie Chung in June's edition of People Stylewatch, I cut it out and pinned it to my actual inspiration board. Then I immediately thought, "Hey, I've got that stuff in my closet!"

image credit
I love when I can get inspiration to pull pieces together that I already own! Especially when it gives me an idea that I hadn't thought of. 

As much as I love scarves, instead of going with a scarf, I added a leopard print tassel and gold monogram letter to my bag.

Dress:JCPenney (similar)
Bag: Gap via Poshmark (similar)
Shoes: JCPenney (similar)
Tassle: JustFab
Where adorable Miss Jamie's dress came from Banana Republic, I snagged mine at an end of season sale at JCPenney last year for about $7.




Perfect little ensemble for weekend brunch!



This post is also a part of the Mix & Match fashion linkup!

10 June 2015

DD's Style File - Sleepy Chic

This post really should be titled "I Want to Look Cute for Work, but I'm Extra Sleepy," but somehow it all came together!

So some mornings my brain just can't get it together to think up an outfit that is fashionable, office friendly, and has just the right amount of minimal chic oomph.


I think the most important thing about this is that it took very little effort yet I still feel pulled together. I think that's important because I often talk to ladies who feel they can't pull off the same thing - but yeah, boo, ya can!

Top: Kohl's via Poshmark (similar, slightly similar)
Pants: The Limited
Shoes: Nine West
Bag: old
Bracelet: Zara
Earrings: Forever 21 (similar)
It really is just a matter of a simplistic formula:

a top with an interesting element - either delicate embellishments or a soft print can work
a bottom in a pop of color - skirt or pants
a nude or metallic shoe - I feel metallics are best because even as a neutral they offer a different visual interest, but this can be a heel or a flat
your choice of jewelry  - this is where you can bring in more of your personality, but just choose one statement piece

And voila! Off to the office you go!


Simple, right?! It is, I promise. And in the cooler months it can be topped off with a cardigan or blazer to make it transitionable (I totally just made me a word there).

On another note, the delicate detailing on this peter pan collared top was so adorable, but I just couldn't accurately capture it outside with the sunlight against the light color. So I'm adding this close up just to show you how pretty it is:



So purdy, right?!

If you're like me and you're not much of a morning person, I'd love to hear your formulas for your work chic sleepy head outfits!

08 June 2015

Does It Work? - Sephora Nail Protector First Impressions

I probably like the pampering of a salon grade manicure better than anyone else I know. However, when it's time to double down on the budget, that treat is the first thing to go. So when it comes to at-home manis, unless you have seriously steady hands or are ambidextrous, painting your own nails can sometimes be a tad shaky.

There are tons of DIYs and other tips and tricks from the at-home nail art gurus out on the web. And though the idea of peeling away a latex-like barrier might sound intriguing, I'm typically more interested in the quickest method possible.

I tend to do my manicures on Sunday evenings, shortly before bedtime, so glue peeling might add too many additional minutes. My right hand is the dominant hand, so my left hand typically looks great. Switch that around and occasionally things can get a little hairy...

During a late night Sephora shopping expedition, I ran into the Sephora Nail Protector and decided to try it out, despite mixed reviews. I've actually had it for a while and never used it until today.

Here's the condensed version of my first trial run...


It took me about 10 minutes to actually complete my fingers. I wasn't using a base coat, though I usually do, and I applied a top coat off camera.

I have to say, given its simplistic look, it actually worked quite well. In my rush 10 minute job, the only polish I managed to get on the skin was when I tried to not knock the polish bottle over and inadvertently painted past the cuticle.

The Nail Protector has a little curved lip, which I think actually helps guide you since your nail bed is then tilted in a slightly upward position. What I actually found most challenging was constantly maneuvering the protector and nail polish bottle around to keep it within reach while trying not to bump into it. I think that would likely get easier the more I used the protector. One other awkward thing was when it came time to paint my thumbs, you may have noticed in the clip that I had to shift to the end of the table in order to do them. I happened to be standing in the clip, but may find it a bit more difficult to do sitting down.

It says that this can also be used for pedicures...but I'm not sure I buy that one. Overall, I wasn't put off. This manicure will unlikely last a week, so I'm going to try again in a few days. For about $7, I didn't consider it to be a waste at all. I think it's a nifty little tool to have with your polish collection.

Overall grade: B-

03 June 2015

DD's Style File - Double Duty


Y'all have to know by now that I loves me a good shift dress. Like this chic leopard number here. I've also regularly discussed how most of the pieces in my closet perform multiple functions (work, play, etc.) and this dress ranks toward the top on that high performance list - because I wear it all the time.

It's funny because ladies at my office often tell me that they've never seen me in the same thing twice (trust me, I do). However inaccurate, those words could indicate both a good and bad thing...


The good: That my talent at intermingling the pieces I own to create and re-create outfits that seem fresh, even though I've had the pieces for ages, is as good as I think it is.

The bad: I shop so often that I'm almost always wearing something new, so there's little to no repeats.


I won't lie, I exist somewhere between those two extremes, often living for some period of time at one end or the other (at the present moment, I'm living mostly in the "good" zone).

And dresses like this help me stay there. I pretty much can wear this dress 75% of the year. In the office, during the winter I cover up these knees with opaque tights and toss on a black mid heel pump. And here, as we head into summer-like weather (it was kinda chilly) I can wear it yet again with some season ready heels. The one piece is an all around team player as it transitions from office wear to drinks with the girls by changing out my pumps and bag to something a bit more spicy!

Dress: (old) The Limited (similar)
Shoes: Nine West
Purse: (old) Dots (similar)
Necklace: The Limited (similar)

And here's a little #BTS (behind the scenes) coverage for ya... I'm usually channeling my serious chic face when I'm out taking photos, but there's no way I couldn't be all smiles when I have a bunch of activity and questions generating on the other side of my camera, thanks to these three!

And slowly but surely they all managed to creep from behind the camera (where they were giving me pose suggestions) to full on photo bomb positions in my shoot.

But really, no one's going to be interested in going off to play when your Auntie is outside serving it up for the camera...naturally they wanted to join in!


Do you ladies buy pieces strictly for work and strictly for play? Or do you have staple pieces that serve "double duty?"

29 May 2015

Why You Over There Lookin' At Me?!

People often don't realize the power of words. But I take it to heart and I don't just mean the negative impact that the wrong words can have. I think most of us recognize that.

I'm the kind of girl that if I find myself admiring your haircut, outfit, handbag, face or just something about your general person...I'm going to tell you! With a smile, of course. I think it's important, because you never know how a couple little words and a smile could be an unexpected surprise in someone else's day.

A few mornings ago I was in Starbucks grabbing an Everything with Cheese Bagel (yummmm) and I noticed this effortlessly chic woman in line. As I left, I took a couple moments to tell her as much and wish her a good day. In return she was warm and receptive, and extremely polite.

I do wish I had been brave enough to ask to take a personal style picture of her, but I was too nervous to do that (maybe if I'd caught her on the sidewalk).

Just the same, I was inspired to recreate her chic look...everything about it was amazingly simple - clear oversized aviators, cargo jumpsuit cuffed at ankles and elbows, and a pair of nude mules with a chunky heel. I believe her jewelry was equally simplistic, like a pair of large, slim hoops in her ears.
It all just worked!




Effortless Chic
ASOS black jump suit
 Relic faux handbag
Seychelles Peep-Toe Mule from Texas by Root — Shoptiques
vintage 1980's NOS eyeglasses oversized by RecycleBuyVintage


I'm curious how you ladies feel about complimenting strangers, are you more likely to admire from afar or drop a few kind words in the direction of another? (There are no wrong answers!)

27 May 2015

DD's Style File - Bigs & Littles

I'm a big fan of print mixing, but sometimes things can come off a bit too bold or unexpected for more conservative workplaces. A great way to make a style statement in a more subdued way is by sticking within the same color family and same print, just varying the size.





Working with white dots on a black background is a striking contrast anyway, and since I have a small frame, especially my upper body, I went for a smaller print up top, transitioning to a similar yet larger print on the bottom. Creating a nice variation.

Top: Express
Skirt: The Limited (similar)
Shoes: Guess via eBay (similar)
Bag: Express (similar)
Necklace & Earrings: Old





As my saying goes, "I believe pearls are just chubby polka dots," so it was natural to keep things simple with an extra long pearl necklace with a classic knot and pearl studs. The print and colors of the top and skirt could totally stand alone as a statement, worn instead with black pumps and a black bag. But I felt like being a little extra and chose to add pops of color instead.



And if dots aren't your thing, no worries, this doesn't only have to work with such a standard print or color palette, here's a few other examples found on Pinterest:


1, 2. 3, 4

Mix & Match Fashion

06 May 2015

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)!

27 August 2013

DD's Style File - Pretty in Penny Chic

People ask me where I shop all the time.

If you're a regular visitor to my blog then you know my shopping locales run the gamut. But I typically respond that I shop "everywhere and anywhere." And it's true. A couple of my favorite purchases, like this one, happen to come from Walmart.



I have to admit that I wasn't very familiar with Penny Chic's blog, I think I found out about it by reading about her upcoming Walmart dress launch in a magazine or something. I thought all the dresses in The Little Black Dress Collection were cute and mostly work friendly, but my utmost fav was the Utility dress.

Which of course was a last minute addition to the line, so it had a later production release date than the others. (this is how things always go in my world)


So I did what every natural shopaholic does and set a calendar reminder on my phone so that I could jump online and snap up my pieces (I do this regularly for Target launches). For me, shopping the Penny Chic line turned out to be a bit of an adventure.

Because I know Walmart's sizing can be off (I used to shop the now defunct Norma Kamali line - which I loved), I originally ordered two of the dresses, the Classic and the Peplum, in a size large. Because my thighs and rear bumper tend to need room. But they were a tad too roomy, so I returned them and then ordered them in a size down, plus the Skater.

Black dress - Walmart via eBay
Snakeprint wedges - Worthington for JCPenney
Black handbag - B. Makowsky
Snakeprint bow belt - The Limited
Snakeprint cuff, earrings & necklace - The Limited

The fit was better but just not as flattering on me as I had hoped. Though I'd seen them on other bloggers across the web and they looked awesome. So, I kept just the Classic, just because, and waited, waited, waited for the Utility.

If I recall correctly it was released a bit later than had been announced, but it was finally here and that was all I cared about. No reviews were posted yet when I ordered the medium, based on the experiences with the other dresses. Bad decision. As absolutely adorable as it looked, the next morning I found it was more junior sized than the others and crawled up my legs with every step as I ran out the door for work. And there I was, trying to tug it downward, desperately wishing for a smaller behind or more dress material.

Not a good look.

I spent the day at the office feeling wildly overexposed, so I hid out in my cubicle for as much of it as I could.



I went back to check out reviews and found that I wasn't alone in being surprised by the sizing. However, to my total and utter dismay, the larges were all sold out. Of course.

So, y'all know how I do... I stalked eBay in hopes of finding one, preferably new, and not grossly marked up.



And patience truly can be a virtue, because whaddya know, I run into one last week. Brand new and $20 with free shipping with a Buy It Now option. SOLD! To the obsessive compulsive budgetnista.

And I was deliriously happy in my Walmart Penny Chic dress as I strutted into the office this morning, no tugging necessary. (Can't y'all tell I felt fabulous lol)


And despite all the bumps and stumbles, I still give Shauna Miller's collab a thumbs up! If there was a follow up collection, you could count me in!



16 July 2013

DD's Style File - Not So Mellow Yellow

This skirt was actually on its way out the door. I'd worn it about twice (though this time is the only one I distinctly remember), and have just been on the fence about how flattering it was or was not.

Then I paired it with this top on a whim, and suddenly it had reclaimed its space in my closet.

Yellow peplum top - JCPenney
B&W striped skirt - The Limited
Patent bow mule - Kohl's
Green clutch - mark for Avon
B&W pearl necklace - old
And I need to take a moment and just proclaim how much I love these shoes! These are one of those items that have been on my "Diva's Desires" list for a very long time. I wanted a cute mule (does anyone else even still call them mules??) because they reminded me of the pin up girls in the 40's and 50's.

And lo and behold what do I run into at Kohl's - patent, with a bow and in two different colors, no less. So yes, I bought both. *smile*


 
Paired with this peplum top I felt the look was sweet, flirty and feminine, but with a "heeeeyyy noooowww" kind of vibe.
 
I think they would add a dash of sweet sass to a more casual look as well.
 

13 June 2012

Diva's Desires

Diva's Desires has done a bit of a relocation....I can now be found on Pintrest! I held out as long as I could before joining the masses, but alas here I am. Longing, pining and pinning to my heart's desire with just a click of a button.

My objective is to not only use Pintrest for my aimless, leisurely pinning of pretty things, but also as an inspiration and idea board for home decor and personal style.

Three out of the four selections on my board probably make sense....a dress I want that's all sold out (*sad panda*), a bag that I'm debating on whether I need and a super fun clutch for summer.

Then there's the Zou Bisou Bisou... This is my little bit of love for my Mad Men obsession. Loves it. And how much did I want to be Megan as she transfixed the party revelers with her birthday serenade to the yummy Don Draper?! (and yes, I downloaded the song to my iPhone as well...)

But I digress.

It's on my board because I want to channel some of that kitten-like sexiness and bottle it.


Have you all joined the Pintrest world?? I'd love to visit your boards.