I Did It Again

After last week's brave turban trial, I've been hooked.  I've been wearing scarves wrapped 'round my head so often Matt has taken to calling me "Rambo."  A nice change from "Indiana Jones" when I wear this hat.  Men...they don't get it do they?  Anyway, several of you commented on my look (thanks!) and asked for a turban tutorial.  That left me with three options.

1.  Stalk the adorable salesperson from Nordstrom on Michigan Avenue and beg her to come visit each and every one of your houses.  (Could seem a bit creepy.)

2. Subject you all to my Minnie Mouse video voice with a Youtube tutorial.  (My video voice is pretty mousey, and I'm sure if I was focused on turban tying, it would go up a few          octaves.  And no one needs to hear Minnie Mouse this early in the week.)

3. Find an already existing Youtube tutorial that covers the same turban tying technique used by the Nordie girl and yours truly.

Because stalking and subjecting you all to the slow painful torture that would be me on a video tutorial both sounded like bad ideas, I skipped the first two options and found an existing video tutorial.  You can find the super easy to follow tutorial HERE.  However, before you run off to practice, I thought I'd add my two cents to the tutorial.  (PS: apparently this look is referred to as a turband not a turban.  Potato, pototto.)

1. I've had the best luck using silk scarves, as opposed to typical knit scarves.  They were a bit too bulky for me.

2. You really do need a fairly long scarf/piece of fabric.  I have pretty big collection of silk scarves, and I was certain they'd all be the perfect turban tying length.  Wrong.  Most              were just a few inches too short leaving ends poking out or a turban that was tied so tight, I could feel my brain squishing.  Not good options, so go long.

3. I place my turband farther down on my forehead than she does, though either look works.  If you like the look a little farther down, use her same process, but wrap closer to                your hairline.

4. You're going to get makeup on your turband (assuming you wear it lower on your hairline like me.)  The first turband I wore was darker, so it wasn't as noticable, but the one          in this picture now has a bit of MAC Studiofix on it.  No biggie to me, but this fact has kept me from trying the turband with my vintage DVF scarf.  No way I'm risking that.

Alright, so for all those that commented and asked for a tutorial, there you go.  A tutorial and my 2 cents, whoa.  It's clearly gonna be a crazy Tuesday :)

The Anatomy of a Bracelet Stack

Lately I have been absolutely obsessed with bracelet stacking.  I've always been one to pile on stacks of gold bangles or double up on rhinestone bling, but for some reason my obsession has gone to a whole new level in recent weeks.  Maybe its the summer heat or maybe I've just gone plain looney, but I have abandoned all fashion and color rules and started stacking bracelets of all shapes, sizes, and colors.  And to induce even more swooning is the fact that I've found thrifted/gifted bracelets make the best stacks.  True story.  I've purchased a million bracelets over the years, but whenever I stack, I always find myself drawn to the bracelets that cost me next to nothing.

Bracelet Breakdown (from top to bottom):
1. gifted from my parents trip to Greece
2. gifted from my grandma
3. thrifted last weekend (25 cents!)
4. passed down from my great aunt Bunny
5. thrifted by my mom
6. thrifted in Houston along with matching red and green bracelets
7. snagged from American Eagle eons ago
8. thrifted last week at a Chicago garage sale (50 cents!)

So the next time you're wondering what bracelet to wear, I say wear 'em all.  Beaded or bangled, silver or gold, thrifted or gifted...just pile 'em on!

Stella and Dot GIVEAWAY!

 

Today I am thrilled to be hosting a fabulous and just-in-time-for-summer Stella & Dot giveaway!  I think everyone has heard of Stella & Dot, but in case you've been living under a rock, the company has recently burst onto the scene with fresh, youthful, and one of a kind jewelry designs.  I have been drooling over their stuff for months now, so when Ellaine, an LA based Stella & Dot stylist contacted me about doing a giveaway, I jumped at the chance.  The only thing better than pretty baubles and big bling is gifting pretty baubles and big bling to my fabulous readers!

And to get summer started right, Ellaine has graciously offered TWO prizes.  The first is a $50 gift certificate good towards any purchase in Ellaine's e-boutique.  $50 to spend on whatever your bling loving heart desires!  Here's how to enter:
1. "Like" Ellaine's Stella and Dot Facebook page and leave her a comment/wall post.
2. Then come back here, and leave a comment telling me what your favorite piece is.
**You must do both steps to be entered in the giveaway.

And for another entry, "like" Smart and Sassy with Sprinkles' Facebook page and leave a separate blog comment telling me you did so.  Two chances to win...yes please!

And to sweeten the deal, for every $50 you spend, your name will be entered in a drawing to win the Petra bracelet (a $98 value and seen on Leighton Meister on Gossip Girl!)  Here's how to purchase from Ellaine and get qualified for the drawing.

Visit www.stelladot.com/ellainec and click on "find your hostess."

Type "smartandsassy" into the host first name spot, search, and follow the link to our private trunk show.

Once you do this,  you'll see my blog name as the party host, and you're ready to start shopping!

Both giveaways will close Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 11:59 pm.  I already have a list a mile long of baubles I love, earrings I want to gift to friends, and bracelets I can stack halfway up my arm.  Best of luck and a huge thanks to Ellaine for providing Smart and Sassy with Sprinkles with such a fabulous giveaway!

My New Summer Staple

Sometimes I find an accessory or piece of clothing that induces instant swooning, instant vows to include it in my daily wardrobe.  My most recent swoon-worthy purchase?  This Panama hat.  I stumbled upon it about a week and a half ago in the men's department at Nordstrom and was certain it was the perfect addition to my summer wardrobe.  But just to be sure, I plopped it on my head and wore it around the store for a good 15 minutes.  After that time, I was certain it would be on my head for the rest of the summer.  So it came home with me.  I have a feeling it'll see its fair share of blog photos, but until then, I wanted to introduce you.  Readers, meet my new summer hat...summer hat meet my fabulous readers!

Hat: Nordstrom
Jacket: Gap
Belt: super old...Gap? Banana?
Necklace: Ann Taylor
Bracelet: Ann Taylor

Spring Jacket Lust and an OOTD

Even though Chicago is dragging winter out as long as possible (yes snow from last night, I'm looking at you) I am so excited about the pending arrival of spring.  I'm ready for sunshine, evening walks, picnics, bare legs, and raspberry lemonade.  I'm also so excited about all the spring fashion at my fingertips.  In Texas, spring is a bit of a relative term lol.  Texas gets about two weeks of spring before summer steals its thunder, ushering in sweltering heat and a desperation to wear as few layers as possible.  So this year, I am planning to soak up all things fashion that a "real" spring has to offer and at the top of that list is spring jackets.

I've always been a blazer lover, but this spring I am oogling the millions of lightweight jackets that find a happy medium between coat and tunic.  (And for the first time, I've living in a place where spring weather actually requires a light jacket.)  A few weeks ago, Chicago teased us with a few warm days, and being the naive Texan that I am, I thought this meant spring had sprung.  (Sigh...if only.)  So I started my hunt for spring jackets, with an olive colored one at the top of my list.  After several misses, I saw this olive lovely hanging on the rack at Gap.  I wasn't sure about the fit, but once I put it on and got the belt situated, I was in love.

Jacket: Gap {here}
Tee: Ann Taylor {similar here}
Jeans: J.Crew skinnies
Necklace: Kate Spade {similar here}
Bracelets: vintage and thrifted mix

I like that the jacket isn't too structured or form fitting, but it doesn't swallow me and make me look like a fluffy marshmallow either (no offense to my winter coats.)  I'm looking forward to wearing it different ways, trading the bow for leather belts and colorful scarves, and wearing it open with the bow tied in the back on sunny days.  And in my obsession for the perfect spring jacket, I found a few more that I might have to add to my closet.  I wouldn't want this olive pretty to be lonely :)

1. Burberry Brit Metallic Anorak {similar here}  2. Banana Republic Ruffle Nylon Jacket (on sale!)  3. J.Crew Matinee Trench 4. Anthropologie Singing in the Showers Slicker 5. Gap Floral Print Jacket (on sale!) 6. J.Crew Utility Jacket (on sale!)  7. Anthropologie Weather Report Cape  8. Rag & Bone Dinner Stripe Blazer 9. Aryn K. Stripe Blazer 10. Anthracite by Muse Boyfriend Jacket 11. Free People Suede Jacket 12. Elizabeth and James Codi Jacket 13. Ali Ro Completer Anorak

Is anyone else looking forward to spring jackets?  Got any favorites I should add to my growing collection? :)

Meet My New BFF, Trench

Last February, when we found out we were moving to Chicago, I was beyond thrilled  And after about a week of nonstop happy dances, I decided I needed to prepare my closet for the big move.  I started thinking about some of the staples I would need to survive in a city that experiences four seasons (particularly the cold ones.)  At the very top of that list, was the much needed trench coat.  So for two solid months, I looked and looked, eventually finding this beautiful Michael Kors trench coat.  It was love at first sight, so much so that even Matt said, "you have to get that."  So from April till May, it sat in my closet in Texas, ready for its big move.  And then once it made the move to Chicago, it hung in the closet, waiting for the perfect rainy day debut.  And no day was better for that than this past Saturday.  Matt and I spent the day exploring the city with his sister and her family, and the weather was overcast, chilly, and rainy for most of the day.  Normally not my idea of great weather, but for a trench coat debut...perfect.  Dear readers, please meet my new (and long awaited) BFF...

Trench: Michael Kors
Jeans: J.Crew skinnies
Boots: Macy's
Scarf: the Limited
Bag: Urban Outfitters

For now, I'm enjoying the coat as is, but I'm looking forward to experimenting with the belt, changing it out for wide leather belts and vintage scarves.

And if a new BFF isn't enough, I've got a great man beside me, and a fabulous city behind me!

I'll post a full recap of our weekend with Matt's sister and her family after I look through all the pictures (we had a blast and took enough pics to prove it lol), but I couldn't resist posting these and introducing you to my new BFF, Trench.  What's your newest closet crush?

Lusting for Fall: Leopard

{we heart it}

I know I shouldn’t be wishing for fall to get here; I know I should be enjoying the Chicago sun while its here, but I can’t help it.  I’ve lived in Texas almost my whole life, and well, we don’t really get a “fall” there.  Sure we get a few orange leaves and a few days where you might want a sweater, but overall, fall just skips right past Texas.  You go from hot summers to holidays.  True story.  No fall, I don’t lie.

So this year, I am excited to experience a real fall.  Everyone says that fall in Chicago is beautiful, and I am over the moon excited!  (PS: when it starts freezing, and I’m complaining about the cold and how I haven’t been out of my fuzzy leopard robe for days, I give you full permission to link back to this post, and say, “Be careful what you wish for, Allison…”)

But until then, I’m giddy over preparing for fall, and that of course, means preparing my fall wardrobe.  Clearly, I have my priorities in line here.  One of the things I’m most excited for this fall is print, particularly, leopard print.  Now I know, leopard isn’t everyone’s thing, blah blah blah, but I’m from Dallas, the land of leopard and bling.  And judging by what retailers are putting out this season, it seems I’m not the only one in love.  Check out a few of the items I’ve recently spotted.  (Forgive the shameful and intentional pun.  I can’t help myself.  I’m a natural comedian.)

ModCloth’s Wildcat Wedge
I literally need this now.  I am so in love with these wedge/booties.  Perhaps we should nickname them wooties?  Or even better, wedgies.  Hahahha, see, told you, natural comedian here.  But seriously, these babies might the be first thing on next up to purchase list.  Wouldn’t these just add an ounce of bad ass to any outfit?

Banana Republic’s Cotton Animal Print Cardi
Though I’m not crazy about how Banana has this look styled, I adore this cardigan.  And I love the idea of pairing a leopard cardigan with a softer, more feminine top (just not this one, sorry BR.)  I also like that it doesn’t have the typical cardigan buttons.  I would throw this over just about anything!

 Rebecca Minkoff Leopard Fling Clutch
I have been trying to convert to smaller handbags (more on that later) and I think this one is oh so perfect.  Demure in size, yet in pattern, anything but.  And the vintage shape makes it even more lovely.

 J. Crew Kelcey Calf Hair Ballet Flats
Almost everyone is doing their version of the leopard flat this year, but I must say, I think this is my favorite.  A adore that the darker camel color is the focus, as opposed to the lighter shade which is present in a lot of leopard flats.  And the calf hair makes it extra luxe.  Ann Taylor makes a similar flat that I love almost as much, for a third the price.  Me likie.   Erica Anenberg Leopard Twosome Ring
If you’re not quite ready to commit to the leopard look, this is just the piece for you.  This double finger ring is small, but packs a punch.  Its subtle, but fabulous.  I need it.

 Banana Republic Haircalf Mini Chain Bag
Though I’ve been on the fence about these small chain bags, this one has definitely tipped me in the “like” direction.  This wouldn’t be an everyday bag for me, but it would be perfect for nights out in our new city.  Between the chain, the leopard, and that gold clasp, what’s not to love?

{we heart it}
And when it doubt, throw on a giant leopard scarf.  My favorite is one I picked up at a market in London with my mom.  It is fabulous, and can be thrown in purse, shoved under a coat, and wrapped a million different ways.  You can snag these in lots of places, but I think its fun to pick up scarves from markets and vintage stores, so that’s where  would start your search.

So while I am a firm believer in leopard in small doses, I think I’m going to be adding a lot of small daily doses of leopard into my fall wardrobe this year.  It’s pretty fool proof dressing in my book. Keep it simple, stay with neutrals, add a piece of leopard, and you’re ready to go.  Stylish, chic, and a little bit bad ass.

So what about you?  Are you lusting after leopard this fall?

Cocktail Meets Chalkboard

Those of you who have been reading for a while (or see me on a daily basis) know that I love love LOVE cocktail rings.  I also adore accessories with whimsy and imagination.  So this ring on Etsy is the perfect blend of my two loves!

  {via Evrydiki’s Etsy shop}

I think it would be a fun conversation piece and a great way to inject some fun personality into any outfit.  If you can think it and write it, why not wear it?  Think of all the possibilities!  This little gem is going to need to meet me in Chicago :) 

What would you write and wear?

Birthday Thanks and a Great Birthday Find

 {we heart it}

I want to send a giant THANK YOU to all of my dear friends, family, and followers for the sweet birthday messages yesterday!  My birthday was delightful, and I can already tell that 26 is going to be a very blessed year.  I was going to post a few birthday pictures from yesterday, but since I am a firm believer in celebrating one’s birthday week, I figured I’d wait until Sunday to post all of my birthday goodness.  No need for a full week of self absorbed posts (not that a full week of self absorbed celebrating is that different lol) but nonetheless…I’ll do a full recap on Sunday :)

However…there is one part of my birthday that I simply can’t wait until Sunday to blog about because it is so so so so so awesome that I just HAVE to share.  Be prepared that this news might cause many of you to instantly jump in your car and fly to the closest mall.  For realz, it’s that big.

I have discovered the best find at Forever 21.  And I mean, THE.BEST.  I will pause here for a moment to say that I have a weird relationship with Forever 21, and by weird, I mean, “I usually can’t stand it or find anything there, though every other cute blogger I know always finds good things there which makes me feel like a loser, but I continue to try and why can’t their sizing be more normal” kind of weird.  Anyone feel me on this?  However, I saw a really cute top on a blogger that I was determined to find.  So I treated myself to a mid afternoon birthday shopping trip, and given that our mall has um, like, 2 decent stores, I ventured to see my “weird” pal, Forever 21.  However, once I walked in, I forgot about the top I went for as I saw rack after rack of maxi dresses.  Now, another pause is needed to tell you how much I love maxi dresses.  They’re great for summer, easy to throw on, travel friendly, and second day leg shave friendly.  (Don’t act like you don’t know what I mean.  I know you know what I mean.)  Anywoo…my maxi dress obsession has a major glitch.  I am 5'10" minus a smidge, and well, maxi dresses made to fit 5'10" minus a smidge girls don’t really exist.  Ok, they exist, but very rarely.  So imagine my shock and awe when I tried on one of the seventeen maxi dresses and…omg, no way, really, it can’t be?  It fits!  It’s LONG ENOUGH.

Upon this discovery, I quickly ran through the store shouting “they’re long enough, they’re long enough,” grabbing every maxi dress they had in my size.  Literally.  Every.maxi.dress.in.my.size.  (Five in total.)  It’s not every day a tall girl can find a maxi dress that hangs below her knees, much less one skims the ground.  Hellls yeah.  Happy birthday to me :)

When I got home, still in shock over my discovery, I laid out my new lovelies to make sure I hadn’t dreamed of my marvelously long maxi dresses.  And because I know you all want to marvel as well…

Aren’t they beautiful?!  And their true beauty isn’t even on full display here because their true beauty is the fact that they’re long enough.  Long enough.  Sigh…I can’t say it enough, (long enough.)  Hahahha, sorry, I couldn’t help myself.  And by the way, do not make the same mistake as my husband.  I did not buy two identical dresses.  The patterned dresses?  One’s brown, one’s black.  The black dresses?  One has straps, one doesn’t.  Totally different, silly husband.

So, if you are a tall gal like me, run, not walk, to the closest Forever 21 to claim your newest summer BFF (or five.)  And just consider the tip an early birthday gift from me to you.  Because, it was definitely a sweet birthday gift to me!

Early Birthday Celebration and Easter Weekend Recap

Why is coming back after a three day weekend so hard?  You’d think it would be easier, especially after such a lovely weekend, but no no, when my alarm went off the morning I groaned and cursed all sorts of crazy.  But if it weren’t for Mondays, we couldn’t look forward to Fridays, so I’ll deal.  Speaking of Fridays, this past Friday was a lovely start to my long weekend and birthday celebration with my family.  My mom, brother, and I had quite a bit of shopping success in Houston.  I took advantage of Ann Taylor’s 40% off sale, and I must say, I am loving their recent revamp.  I am obsessed with tissue cardigans and long flowy tanks, and right now, Ann Taylor is doing both really well.  I snagged two great cardigans, this pretty petal top, and a black top that I won’t attempt to describe (and can’t find on their website), but can totally envision myself rocking in our new city with skinny jeans and black boots.  Then, we moved onto to Anthro so I could use my birthday discount, and I showed quite a bit of self restraint, leaving with only three items.  One of which was my birthday dress, which I’ll wear when I celebrate with my friends in two weekends.  I love it so much that I have to share a sneak peek :)

The picture simply doesn’t do it justice, so if you want a closer look at the Castle Lake Dress, click here.  I love the rope detailing along the neckline.  Perfect for my upcoming birthday plans!  I also picked up this hat with the money my brother gave me for my birthday.  I have been looking for a hat like this for over a year, but I can’t ever find one that looks quite right.  But this one did the trick for me, though my brother and Matt told me I looked like Jason Mraz lol.  I can’t wait to wear it to summer concerts in Millennium Park! 

Saturday my mom and I treasure hunted all morning, discovering some great (and some not-so-great) garage sales, as well as hitting up our favorite thrift stores.  We both found some great treasures, but rather than show them each individually, I think I’ll wait do a “spot the treasures” post when they’re out and arranged in our home.  That night, to celebrate my birthday, we were supposed to go out for a fun bday dinner, but unfortunately my little brother got really sick, so we stayed home.  My parents offered to take Matt and I anyway, but it wouldn’t be the same without my brother, so we stayed in, and my mom cooked fettuccini, my favorite meal of hers. 

But we since we weren’t going out to eat, and we had some time before dinner, Matt and I decided to go look at new cars  (look not buy!)  We have been talking about trading in Matt’s Aviator because it gets about an inch to the gallon and only takes premium gas, and with Matt having a 45 minute commute in Chicago, its just not doable.  (I wish I could say we’re thinking about the polar bears, but we’re not; we’re thinking about our wallets.)  But, we just went to look.

Annnnd we walked away with this.  Hahahaha, crazy, I know.  But we had a bottom line and they met it, so we went for it.  We were pretty sad, however, to get rid of Matt’s car.  It reminded me of a time when I was little and my parents got rid of their minivan.  My brother and I hated this van.  It was eons old, had no AC, was falling apart, and put out black smoke with any pressing of the gas or brake.  My little brother used to beg my dad to drop him off at the corner rather than in the drop off line at school because all the safety patrol kids covered their nose to avoid the smelly black smoke.  Hahaha, it was awful (but rather awesome now thinking about it.)  When they came to tow the car away (it was way past its trade in day) we all stood on the front porch watching it drive be towed away.  I have such a vivid memory of my brother and I cheering on the front porch while my parents cried.  They talked about all the memories, the trips, and the love in the car, and though I didn’t get it at the time, after Saturday, I totally understand.

Sad day.  I literally cried three times during the car buying process.  It wasn’t about getting rid of the car itself, but about the memories we had with that car and all the fun life events Matt and I have experienced in and with the car.  Sorry Mom and Dad for making fun of you and the black van.  I get it now.  However, Matt and I got over our sadness and celebrated in our first big purchase together as a married couple.  Of course, I got emotional and cried over that too :)

That night we opened presents, and my parents thoughtfully gifted me with a fabulous spa day at Bella Nova spa in Houston.  I absolutely cannot wait for a day of pampering!  Thanks Mom and Dad :)  As you can tell from the picture, we also popped a bottle of champagne to celebrate Matt and I’s new purchase.  Lots of celebrating all around!

Easter Sunday was delightful, and we started the morning off with an awesome message at church.  It was about the baggage we have in our lives, and it really spoke to me and energized me to make some important changes in my life.  They also brought in an amazing singer/songwriter, Sarah Reeves, who made for awesome praise and worship.  Loved her, loved the service, and love God’s incredible love for us.  After church, we came back to admire the lovelies left by the Easter Bunny and enjoy a highly competitive Easter egg hunt.  Though my brother and I are 18 and 25, my parents still indulge us in an egg hunt.  This was Matt’s first year to join in, and no surprise, Ryan and I kicked his butt :)

All in all, it was a delightful weekend!  Nothing makes me happier than hanging out with my family, and I am sad that we will be so far apart come May 25 (our official move day.)  Thanks to my sweet family for being so wonderful, I would be nothing without you. 

So what about you, how was your weekend, what did you do?  I’d love to hear! 

Banana’s Spring Sale

So Banana is having a pretty good sale on some of their spring lovelies, and I must say, I’ve seen several things that have me thinking.  I’ve been wanting to get some new staple pieces for spring, but with a cross country move coming up, I’m trying not to spend a fortune.  This sale might be just what I need…

I love this Ruffle-neck Tank because its lightweight, long, and has that cute ruffle detailing.  These types of pieces work well for me because I can wear them jeans or a skirt, under a cami or blazer or on their own.  The tank comes in a variety of colors, but I think not quite gray, not quite purple color is my favorite.

This Silk Twist Halter Dress just shouts spring!  I love the color, the cut, and the fun detailing at the neckline.  I’m wondering though, how much wear I’ll get out dresses like this in Chicago?  In Texas, you can make dresses like this work 8 months out of the year, especially if you’re creative with cardigans and blazers.  But in the a place with four real seasons, is a dress like this practical for more than a month?

I’ve had my eye on a thin knit vest for months, and I think this Wool/Cotton Zip-Front Vest might just be the magic winner!  It would look great with jeans, over a dress, with a skirt…I can’t think of anywhere I wouldn’t wear it!  I also think it would be something a little more Chicago-season friendly, as it would transition really well into fall.  It also comes in black, but I think the gray is much lighter for spring.

Yall already know about my newfound obsession with blazers, so its no surprise that this White Blazer makes me giddy.  The cut and color are perfect for warmer weather, and I also love the camel colored buttons.  This also inspires me to try the belted blazer look.  Me likie!

Last but not least, these Dancing Charm Earrings are meant to be mine.  I love love love the color and think its great for injecting a fresh bit of spring into some of my current staples.  I moved away from the big earrings for fall and winter in favor of headbands and statement necklaces, but spring has me coming back to my big earring roots.  After all, I am from Texas :)  Love these!

Are you looking to give your wardrobe staples a punch of spring?  If so, what your strategy?  Do share, I need a good game plan.

The Secret to Blazers

 {j.crew}

I have long loved blazers.  I think they are fabulously basic, professional for work yet totally chic, and the perfect way to pair the masculine and feminine together.  Yet, much like headbands and black nail polish, blazers were a thing I loved and craved, yet absolutely could not get to work for me.  I had great blazers and continued to buy ones that I loved, but I could never quite pair it with the right stuff.  It always looked…I don’t know…not right.  However, in the past few weeks, I have finally found the secret to making blazers work for me….(drumroll please)…

Long, loose fitting, and/or flowy tanks and tees.

Some of you may be laughing at me as you read this.  Perhaps you already knew this holy-grail-secret-to-blazers.  If so, congrats to you (and shame on your for not sharing with me!)  I’ve been missing out on the fabulousness of blazers for years because of this well kept secret!  So here’s where I was getting caught up.  In the past, when I wanted to sport a blazer, I’d reach for the simplest under-thing in my closet, a black or white cami.  This was my mistake.  The cami was my mistake.  When I’d pair the cami and the blazer together, I’d always get a sort of “unflattering” vibe.  If you are a stick straight, flat tummied, Cameron Diaz type girl, you won’t get this same vibe, and you should rock the hell out of the cami-blazer look.  But if you’re a girl, who has some shape, curves and an intense fear of the muffin top, this combination won’t be the best for you.  I fall into that second category, and always thought the cami-blazer a little too tight and muffin top promoting.  (I have this intense fear of being that girl who has fat squishage over her jeans and fails to care or notice.  If I have it, ehh, I’ll deal, but I absolutely do not want to highlight and share that part of myself with others.  No thank you.  And yes, squishage is a real word.  Invented by me.) 

So one morning, after a fluke pairing of a camel and cream herringbone blazer with a long, flowy cream tank with great neckline detail (I guess all my camis were dirty), I looked in the mirror and realized the major difference.  This look could work for me!  I added a few layered gold necklaces, two cocktail rings, a pair of heels, and voila, I was the professional yet chic blazer wearing girly girl I’d always wanted to be.  And it was as simple as a longer, looser top.  Who freaking knew?!  Since that day, I’ve been wearing blazers everywhere I go.  The airport, the office, the museum, the dinner date spot, the wine bar…I am now OBSESSED with wearing blazers!  So if you’re a wannabe blazer lover, but can’t get it quite right, try a longer, looser top for underneath and see what you think!  (And check out a few of the pics of below.) 

Kim Kardashian has the blazer thing down.  For realz.  I heart her and her fashion sense.

Lauren and Lo, different takes on the blazer and both look fabulous.

My friend Christie and I in Chicago (more on that recent trip to come) both clearly loving the blazer/jacket look.  My tank was actually a light pink ruffle tank from J.Crew, but it photographed white for some reason.  Bummer.

And after I wore the look above, I found this pic of Kim Kardashian.  Looks like we both dig the black blazer, grey scarf, and tall black boot trend.  Too bad I’m not carrying that fabulous bag of hers!

What about the rest of yall…are you a blazer lover like me?  Are there other secrets to blazer wearing I still don’t know?

Keep Texas Close

{Texas Statehood necklace gold, $45)

I saw this piece from brookadelphia via Down and Out Chic today, and I am OBSESSED.  I am a Texas girl through and through, and I think this delightful necklace would look awesome layered with with a few other gold necklaces.  (I often layer two, three or four necklaces at once, and Matt likes to tell me I look like Mr. T.  Thanks honey, you’re too sweet.)  And this would be the perfect way to keep Texas close to my heart as Matt and I move to Chicago.  (I can’t stop saying it…move to Chicago, move to Chicago, ahhh!)  Even better, this would be the perfect going away gift *cough cough* from my loved ones here in Texas *cough cough.*  Just kidding, just kidding.  But for real, this necklace is the shiz (and yes, they have other states for you non-Texans.)  Ugh, love it.

Alice + Olivia, Please Meet my Friend, Keds

Just wanted to say a big thank you to all of my thoughtful readers and friends who commented, called, and emailed after yesterday’s post.  When I started this blog, I never imagined I’d find so much support and encouragement through blogland, but oh how I was wrong, because yall totally rock and I am so, so blessed!

Today is a new day, things look brighter, and a big smile spread across my face when I saw these little lovelies today.  If you are anything like me, you grew up living in and loving Keds.  Yep, I’m talking about the good old classic, white, lace up tennies with the little blue rectangle glued on their backside.  Oh how I loved my Keds.  (“Loved” might be a bit of an understatement; I was kind of obsessed.  I had 953 different accessories for my beloved tennies from neon pink curly Qs, colored laces, and clip on bows.  Every outfit, uniform, and costume I owned  had a Keds companion, and I thought I was just too cool for school.)  So imagine my delight today to see the latest fashion collaboration between Alice + Olivia and my sweet, sweet Keds.  Their lovechild is an unexpected, youthful, and sparkly take on the casually classic Keds.  Oh how I love thee…

Adorable, right?!  I know, I heart them thiiiiiiiiiis much!  I’m loving the silver and light pink the most, and think I’ll end up getting the silver.  But I’m guessing a few of you aren’t sold.  “Allison, what in the world am I going to wear a sparkly tennie with?”  Well I’m glad you asked…

If you’re a cardigan girl, pair it with this.

If you’re a tank girl, go this route.

And if you’re a simple jeans and tee girl, you’re in luck.

All of these looks would be totally precious with the new soon-to-be-mine sparkly Keds.  Everybody needs a good pair of tennies for spring/summer and I have definitely found mine!  They’ll be perfect standing in line at Starbucks, lunching with my BFFs, and running errands on a Sunday afternoon.  Oh I wish they were here already!  The shoes are set to go on sale this spring at Neiman’s, Alice + Olivia boutiques, and of course on their website aliceandolivia.com.  PS: the last 3 lovely pics are from my dream closet, J.Crew and are available online.  PSS: I really love the word tennies if you can’t tell from the six times I said it in this post :)

So what do you think, will you sporting some sparkly tennies this spring?

Anthro’s Stylishly Cool Sister

 {we heart it}

Last week, I posted about some of the yummy stuff on sale at Anthropologie and since several of you commented on that post, I thought I would follow up this week with a sale from their sister store, Urban Outfitters.  Lots of people don’t know that these stores are siblings (along with Free People), but indeed, they are under the same umbrella company.  The only reason I know this is because one summer when I was home from college, I had the “brilliant” idea to work at one of the Anthro stores in Dallas.  I say “brilliant” because I took the job to make some extra money on top of my summer lifeguarding job, and each week, I spent triple what I made working there.  (Did I mention you get a 40% discount at Anthro, Urban, and Free People when you work for just one of them?)  Haha, awesome planning, Allison…you got a job to make money and then you spent all of it and more.  Nonetheless, it was such a fun opportunity, and because the store was brand new, I got to experience the grand opening of an Anthro, and I got to be a part of all the incredible detail work that goes into their store windows and displays.  (Yes, it was as inspiring and fabulous as you might imagine.)  Did you know that each Anthro store has their own creative director in charge of creating their magical look?  No pre-packaged displays, no boxed sets; it’s all unique.  (So unique, that I got paid for three days straight to make “raindrops” out of hot glue and wax paper.  I thought the woman had lost her mind, but of course, it looked insanely fabulous when she was done.)

Anyway, I’m getting off track as usual…back to Urban Outfitters.  Before I launch into all the goodies I found on sale there, I need to share my number one Urban shopping tip with you.  Have an editing eye.  (Do I sound like Tim Gunn?  If I do, awesome, because he is fab.)  But back to my edit point…I do not love everything that Urban carries.  Yes, you read that right; I said do NOT love.  Half of the stuff in that store I simply don’t care for.  It doesn’t look as well made as I’d like it to be, and the fit can be a little wonky (I’ve never actually used that word before, but find it entirely appropriate at this moment.)  When browsing their website, I don’t particularly love their models, and I’m not a big fan of their styling.  However, with all that being said, I think Urban Outfitters carries some really cool and unique pieces.  Pieces that if I pair them with some of the things I already have and love, will totally shine and fit my style (which isn’t quite as funky/grunge as Urban’s style.)  They have a way of making casual look incredibly cool so that if I pair one of their top’s with a black pencil skirt I look cool at the office, and if I pair one of their dresses with an oversized cardigan, I look cool out to dinner with Matt.  So if you don’t typically give Urban Outfitters a glance but you love their sister store, Anthropolgie, give it a second look, you might be surprised what you find.  Here are some of the goodies I recently sound in their sale section…

 

Kimchi Blue Beaded Cardigan Sweater.  How sweet and funky is this sweater?  Sweet and funky is a hard combo to pull off, but I think this sweater does it fabulously.  I think I’d pair it with a pencil skirt and heels and rock it at the office.  What would you pair it with?

 Silence and Noise Sequin Tee.  Bling is always in and I love the slightly oversized yet super chic top.  I’d rock it with a simple skinny jean, black boots, and a rockin cocktail ring or two or three.  (You know how much I heart big rings.)  An added bonus?  It’s under $20!  Total steal.

 Silence and Noise French Terry Metallic Stitch Pullover.  Ok, I know this sweater doesn’t look like anything special (especially with this model’s awkward slouch), but I think it would look great with jeans, heels, and some layered gold jewelry for a cozy yet relaxed date or girls night out.  (And yes, I wear heels for “cozy and relaxed” dates.  Silly to many, but not to me.)  I can see a few of my friends turning up their nose at this top, but I think with the right stuff, this could be a cozy-cool get up.

 Truly Madly Deeply Solid Deep V Tee.  Again, I know what you might be thinking.  “Why is this weird girl posting a plain t-shirt on her list of fabulous finds?!”  There is a reason I promise.  Remember last year when I talked about the burial of all my sorority t-shirts (if you missed that post, read it here.  It was a lifechanging and somewhat depressing decision.)  Well since then, I’ve had trouble on lazy Sundays and errand running days because I don’t have any t-shirts to wear.  Look no further because Urban always has GREAT t-shirts.  Perfectly thin and worn in with a deep V, in a variety of colors.  It doesn’t get much better than that when it comes to t-shirts.  (I actually like this shirt better than the original Gap shirt I posted.)  I also like that the sleeves are longer on this shirt because I hate shirts that remind me of the days “baby tees” were in.  Oh Lord, how I’d love to forgot those days.

 Deux Lux Solid Tote.  Urban has some of the best, sorta slouchy/sorta structured bags out there.  And most of them are pretty affordable, especially if you can snag them on sale.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE this bag and think it perfect for anyone who has a soft spot for bags and purses.  Ugh, love it.

 We Who See Essential Riding Boot.  I’ve been ranting way too much lately about the skinny jean/boot combo, but I can’t help it.  We don’t exactly have weather here in Texas that supports the skinny jean/boot combo very often, but after our Chicago trip, I was back in love and ready to build my collection.  (Those three words, “build my collection,” often get me in trouble.  Must proceed with caution and self-control.)  But seriously, these riding boots are fab and though they’re not a total steal, they’re still a pretty good deal in my book.

 Wishbone Studs.  If you are not sold on anything else at Urban Outfitters, please consider their insanely unique accessories.  So much of their stuff has a whimsical and hip vibe, and I always feel like it adds just an extra layer of cool when I wear it.  Even if I’m in one of my all black off ensembles for work (a la People’s Revolution, not a la funeral wear) their jewelry always make me feel a tad more unique and special.  And these little lovelies certainly meet that bill.  SO FREAKING CUTE.  Seriously, I am adding these to my cart as we speak.  I also love them because they make a statement without being big, bold or oversized.  They’re subtle yet fabulous, which is a combination I simply adore.

Ok, so what do you think?  I know Urban Outfitters isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but with an editing eye, an ability to look past their sometimes weird styling, and a little imagination, I think anyone can incorporate their stuff into their wardrobe for a stylishly cool pick me up.  So tell me what you think; I’d love to hear!