Our House... In The Middle Of The Street

Hello lovies! Just a quick post while I get my life in order during my big move.

So once I settle in to my new digs, a housewarming party will be in order. And of course, this means shopping for a potential outfit. Lately, I've been fascinated by neons and pairing them with either super muted colors or kamikaze prints. 

Regardless, either of these outfits I'd happily wear to my party. I AM leaning toward the leopard print pants. Ever since I tweeted about how appropriate or inappropriate these would be for the office, I've been on the hunt for the perfect pair. Have yet to find 'em. Then again, I still have time before the party!

J Crew neon top
$98 - net-a-porter.com

Dorothy Perkins leopard jeans
$21 - dorothyperkins.com

Forever 21 knit tight
$4.50 - forever21.com

Platform booties
$45 - threadsence.com

Betsey Johnson lace pumps
$180 - betseyjohnson.com

Necklace
$13 - forever21.com

Deborah Lippmann Makin' Whoopee Nail Lacquer
$16 - neimanmarcus.com

Sale Vintage-Style Clothing, Accessories, & Decor | ModCloth
$28 - modcloth.com

Frost and Front Steps

In just a few weeks, I'll be moving. Yes, the process is hectic and stressful, but the outcome is always worth it. It'll be a new beginning for Mike and I... and no longer will have to deal with apartment living. 

As you can assume, I've been packing all of my life into boxes strewn throughout my apartment. And the biggest pain in the a#$ has been sorting my clothes. I have entirely WAY too many clothes and not enough room. 

The other problem is having to keep clothes for the next few weeks. Through trial and error, I've figured out that you need some essentials, options and above all, practical attire.

Gee, I think my sequin tops and pleather pants will forgive me if I don't wear em for a couple of weeks. 

And I hope ya'll do too. My fashion game might slip a bit during my move, so hang in there with me!

Outfit:

Textured Knit Sweater - Gap

1969 Snakeskin Printed Jean - Gap

Combat Boots - ?

My outfit (a purple knit sweater, grey printed jeans and a purple bangle all of which I purchased at the Gap) is an example of what I like to call Non-Movers Syndrome. Just because you have to pack your clothes away, doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. I'm currently going through withdrawal, having 90% of my closet boxed up... but, it forced me to pick out a couple of things that I need to hold to in order to not look like I work for UHaul (during my move).

Accessories:

Metallic Leopard Suedette Handbag - Forever 21

Crystal Pop Bracelet - similar style at BaubleBar.com

Leather Wrapped Bracelet - Gap

Glass Candy - Julep Maven Review

Ya'll know how much I love nail polish. And with the lack of speciality nail joints in New Jersey, I do all of my own nail art. 

Plus, I'm always on the lookout for anything nail polish related that has me written all over it.

Enter Julep Maven. Similar to what Birchbox does for beauty and cosmetics, this is all about mani/pedi goodness. Normally, I'm hesitant to commit to beauty offers that require me to sell my soul, or may or may not deliver me goodies I'll actually use, but since I'm addicted to nail polish, for $19.99 a month, I figured I'd give it a chance.

My first box, called the It Girl, arrived right around Christmas.

My It Girl box arrived with two lotion samples, silver glitter, colors (from L to R), Helena, Alfre, Chloe & Fast Dry Topcoat.

While I've been using the topcoat like mad, I finally painted some nail art with Chloe last night, a black polish infused with flecks of red glitter, as a base. The polish itself glides on smooth, and you don't need a lot to get a good coat. I then used a metallic red for the lightning bolts/triangles.

Finally, something for all those nail polish junkies out there. Each month, I'll receive a new box filled with all new colors and products! Plus, I can preview my Julep Maven box before it's sent to me... and if I don't like what I see online, BAM! I have the option to change it or skip the month. 

Can't really go wrong for $19.99 a month when you're receiving about $40 or more worth of product. Winning.

So:

1. If you like getting goodies in the mail...

2. Like painting your nails, shopping for nail polish or nail art and like pre-picked goodies...

3. Enjoy reviewing new products and colors before anyone else, then Julep Maven is an awesome idea that I totally recommend.  

If The Shoe Sparkles, Wear It

It's Friday, ya'll! I needed this week to end in the worst way. 

So, you see a vlog before you! This is my first official video post, but it's short and sweet. Being that I'm really not used to talking to a camera, I'm sure you'll catch me blinking a lot... Try not to laugh too hard!

Enjoy!

As per the video, you can find my brand spankin' new, Luscious 23 Black Bow Glitter Platform shoes at Lulus.com.

Jedi Mind Tricks: Getting Out Of Arguments Over Shopping With Men

When it comes to spending, my husband is so understanding. He knows that I know my own limits and stretching a dollar is an art form I've mastered.

But moments of weakness, online shopping, impulse shopping, hauls, killer sales - it happens. And when it does, sometimes your guy questions why you went overboard.

I've been there (not often), and had to get out of it. I resort to quick thinking and Jedi mind tricks to reason my purchases.

Next time your dude exhibits any signs of the following, try one of these nifty tricks:

Level 1: Minor Freak Out: Say it was $20. 

* Unless he follows fashion and pricing as closely as you do, you might be able to get away with sayin', "What, it was only $20?!" That is, if you can say it without laughing... and it doesn't have a Chanel label.


Level 2: Knows You Shop And Doesn't Mind: Bring home his favorite beer, food or even a new present to soften the blow. Think of it as a peace offering - beer for boots.

Level 3: The "Why'd You Have to Buy That?": When in doubt, blame it on stress or the new event you're going to that requires a new ensemble.
* This is a legit reason. Weddings, job interviews, special occasion... they count. He'll understand. 

Level 4: Somewhat Miffed: Blame it on your blog. You need clothes for outfit photos. No brainer.

Level 5: Break In Case of Emergency Total Meltdown Status: Say you have your period.
* No way is he going to attempt arguing if he thinks you could PMS on his a$% at any moment. Crisis averted.

Links A La Mode: Where It's At

*Thanks to Jeanine and the IFB team for picking this post as part of their January 19 Links A La Mode!

By no means do I think I'm the epitome of fashion authority - but I will say in New Jersey, I sometimes stick out. Perhaps I should've been raised in New York, where keen sense of style is lauded. New Jersey has been pigeonholed by Jersey Shore and the nickname "Dirty Jersey." And I'll admit - the stereotypes are true. Depending on the part of the state, you'll find girls looking like melted Twix bars, barring more makeup than Tammy Faye Baker and non-prescription sunglasses that, yes, they really do wear at night.

I live in the land where Sunday Best is considered pajama pants to the mall... Where there really isn't a fashion culture. Style takes on a different meaning in the Garden State... and that's cool because individuality is where it's at. But the NJ standard just isn't my bag.

But to some, it means I don't look like everyone else.

Outfit:

Sheer Leopard Print Top - Forever 21

Red Jeans - Forever 21

Boots - Lulus.com

Necklace - Send the Trend (via Blogger's Night Out)

Spiked Bracelet - Forever 21

Gold Bangle - J. Crew

Buckle Up Ring - Henri Bendel

Hence, a woman gave me the One-Up yesterday due to my read jeans. You know what I'm talkin' about: when someone looks at you, feet first to face. 

It doesn't bother me. Red jeans are normal, right? Can't please em all. And don't really want to, either.

This is why blogging is a huge part of my life. The idea that you can have your own soapbox, where opinion is welcomed and you're free to show yourself in your true colors, no matter how bright it may be. Where you can find people from across the country who relate... who understand how much you love fashion and take a genuine interest in who you are. People who appreciate individuality. 

That, to me, is where it's at. Blogger warm fuzzies, ya'll.

That's me (below). Thanks again, IFB!

Fresh New Start

Edited by: Collette Osuna of Statements in Fashion

Even though January is one brutal cold month in Michigan, it happens to be one of my favorites. It’s a brand New Year.....it’s the opportunity for each and every one of us to start with a fresh clean slate. What will you be taking on this year? A new hobby? Losing weight? Starting your own business? Bettering your blog? The ideas are only limited by your imagination, and I for one, cannot wait to begin this new adventure. This weeks links are chock full of awesome DIY ideas, product reviews, and ways to make yourself smile!

Have a fabulous month everyone!

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: JANUARY 12TH

• Ethical Fashion Blog: What do you think about charity shop pricing?
• Fashion is Evolution: How to make a clothing-tag specimen board
• Fashion Moriarty: If you only buy 12 magazines this year
• House of Jeffers: Not fitting in because of the way you dress
• Letter Kay Blog: How to wear leather leggings
• Life of a Recessionista: Products I can’t live without
• Life Style Flash: Things I hate about shopping
• Marionberry Style: It isn’t easy being green
• Nadalyn Margaret: All about brooches
• Over 50 Feeling 40: Journalism 101 for Bloggers
• Pandippo: Sometimes a simple dress is all you need
• Paper Cloth: Things I learned from January J.Crew
• Pretty Quirky Pants: DIY Beaded stretch cuff bracelet
• Statements in Fashion: Twitter Tuesday: "Chuffed to Bits" for The Whitelist
• Style Delights: Ten tips to be happy!
• The Calvin Show: How to take great street style photos
• The Dapper Bun: DIY Simple hems
• The PVD Journal: How to take gratuitous photos of yourself
• The Shop Hopper: Shopping Manifesto
• The Window Shopper: DIY Getting your colors done

SPONSOR:
New Dresses at Shopbop: Just Cavalli, BB Dakota, T Bags LA, Nightcap, SoLow, Zac Posen, Malene Birger, Phillip Lim, See by Chloe, Nanette Lepore, Tucker, Cut25 & Parker

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE
If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

All On The Line With Joe Zee & My 11 Seconds of Fame

Back in August, I had alluded to something major I couldn't wait to tell everyone... But now I can!

I was part of a taping for the TV show, All On The Line on the Sundance Channel! The series follows ELLE Magazine Creative Director Joe Zee, who mentors fashion designers and gives his expert advice. In this episode, he worked with Nicole Miller during New York Fashion Week.

The experience was surreal - it's crazy to think I'd be a part of something like this. But I will say it was uber exciting! Besides for meeting Joe Zee, I also met Nicole Miller and attended her fashion show. Truly something I won't forget. And the fact that I was actually on TV - not too shabby, eh? 

Watch the videos to see me, awkward facial expressions and Italian hand movements and all, as I give my two cents to Joe Zee about Nicole Miller.

Note the "Yo, she just dropped a bomb" noise after I speak in this clip (that I took with my iPhone during the full episode).

Yup, 11 seconds of fame, folks.

Or, watch the full episode!

Eagles of Death Metal

My first post for 2012 - hope you had a great New Years! Mine was rather low key compared to others... the first year I really hunkered down at home and mellowed out. Being that I need to save my pennies for other rainy days, I didn't mind too much.

I wish I could say I've been wearing dresses lately, but I haven't since Christmas. It's way to cold... even for outfit pics. So, I've been on the look-out for pants that aren't just generic jeans and that I can style up in a way that doesn't look to casual.

The photos don't show it very well, but my pants are actually a python print jean from the Gap. I guess it was somewhat appropriate I was wearing them on this day... While Mike was taking my photos, a neighbor happened to be blasting some type of death metal. Hence, the metal sign.

Outfit

Striped Peter Pan Collar Top - New Look UK

Python Print Jeans - Gap

Black Oxfords - Forever 21

Studded Black Satchel - Zara

And I had forgotten I bought this peter pan collared shirt in England last Christmas! So comfortable and of course, it's striped - so it was a must have!

While I always say I try not to wear so much black, I really can't help it. Most, if not, all of my recent purchases have been grey or black. It's definitely an unconscious thing as I have tried to keep my closet more colorful. But I guess black is old faithful for me.