Fashion & NJ - Is that an oxymoron?

When I heard there was a fashion show being held at the W Hotel in Hoboken, I had to check it out.

To make attending even more appealing, I met up with Jen from Society's Misfit, a fellow NJ fashion blogger who is such a sweetheart and has great style to boot! Mary of Shopglamarous.com also stopped by, and I also met Carla of Haute Cocktail as well! 

The New Jersey Fashion Week fashion show was inspired by vitaminwater, and featured five designers (Thomas LaVone, Liz Fields, Devon Thomas, Ralph Thurin and event winner Elena Vasilevsky) who created looks based off of their favorite color and flavor! 

I'll say the styles shown were definitely different from what I'm drawn to, but I can appreciate the creativity! And that pink dress (above) from Devon Thomas was gorgeous!

I wore my newly acquired Urban Outfitters dress that I nabbed for $20 bucks (on sale!). While I love the print, the hemline makes this dress so different from anything I own.

Outfit:

Tank dress - Urban Outfitters

Belt - Annie Sez

Shoes - Mandee

Bag - Mandee

Leather cuff

Photo by Society's Misfit

Photo by Society's Misfit

Day #14 - 30 Day No Shopping Challenge - Eye Of The Tiger

Just about half way through the No Shopping Challenge - and I'm sad to say I failed...

... to update the blog last Friday, that is. 

I guess in between watching the Royal Wedding and work, I forgot. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention something about William and Kate (as my husband is from England) - loved her dress. But I think Pippa stole the show.

Welcome to my little slice of Great Britain - the door mat in front of my apartment.

Nope, I still haven't shopped! That's not to say the urge has not been strong. No trips to the mall either. My friends have been really shocked to hear this as they know how much of a shopping junkie I am.

On Friday, my job was getting rid of some samples during spring cleaning. So, a bunch of stuff was up for grabs - for free. I ended up snatching up a brown bag and three scarves. 

However, the weather is working against me. With warmer temps brings a need for replenishing my wardrobe. Sick of wearing the same duds for the past 4 months, I want shoes, dresses and skirts - shed some skin if you will. So the fact that everyone around me is wearing their new finds to work and for a night out - is making me very jealous. 

I did end up making a trip to the park (affectionately known as The Mud Hole in Nutley, NJ) for a little quality time with Harley and my favorite Brit. Another perk of this conquest is finding hidden treasures, like the shoes I'm wearing below, in my closet. They hurt like hell, but I'll sacrifice my feet for fashion.

Outfit:

Cardigan - Express

Striped Tee - Mandee

Belt - H&M

Jeans - Forever 21

Peep Toe Butterfly Shoes - BCBG

Murano Glass ring - gift from my bestie

Necklace - Harajuku Lovers

Uncharted Territory

When it comes to shopping, there are stores I'm loyal to as I've spent years and time building my wardrobe with their apparel. H&M, Forever21, Zara, Urban Outfitters to name a few.

It's a comfort thing - familiar grounds, in a place you know like the back of your hand... and you're rarely disappointed because you have a general idea of what you'll encounter.

During a trip to the mall this weekend with a friend, I entered uncharted territory. Stores that in my eyes have a different style aesthetic than myself such as Banana Republic, Club Monaco and Loft.

I've been in these stores before, but never really put an effort into finding clothes in them. I usually walk through just to get a general idea of what they carry or just for accessories. I was shopping with blinders on as I had pigeonholed these stores as not being "me".  However, I was proven wrong.

"Oh gee, you don't carry black velvet leggings? Gotta go."  

I gotta stop doing that as I've evidently been missing out on floor displays that really inspire you to take a closer look at the clothes and perhaps try something different. And besides, displays are gearing up for summer - with warmer colors - which happens to be my favorite wardrobe season.

A display in Banana Republic. Loved the hourglasses... and this color scheme.

Admittingly, I felt a little foolish about my outfit in some of the stores, but I take it all in stride. Not everyone dresses like they are ready for battle or a motorcycle run.

Outfit:

Leather jacket - Zara

Scarf - H&M

Plaid tunic - Forever21

Knit tights - Mandee

Boots - Mandee