Hair How To: According to Lauren

Back in August, I posted about getting out of a hair rut, which for me, included a change to a warmer hair color and a move away from long and straight to loose and flowy curls.  Getting out of a hair rut also came with an attempt to embrace the middle part.  The color change and loose curls have been easy, but embracing the middle part has been a little bit harder.  I can't ever quite get the front pieces to frame my face just the way I want.  But I love the look, so I've been determined to make it work!  And after watching this reader suggested video (thanks Alexandria!) I think I'm finally finding my hair groove.  So if you've been coveting celebs' fabulous loose and flowy curls with a middle part, look no further than this quick and easy tutorial by none other than my style icon, Miss Lauren Conrad!

PS: If you have crazy long and thick hair like me, you may have to hold the curling iron in place a little longer than she does.  That has seriously helped me, as has holding off on the hairspray till the end (which is different than I described in my last hair how-to!)

Closet Confessions

Yesterday, while procrastinating horribly on some freelance work, I was doing some internet hopping (the modern girly girl's version of internet surfing) when I stumbled across Bluefly's Closet Confessions feature.  Instant obsession!  They profile some of the big name celebs as they take viewers on a behind the seams tour of their coveted closets.  (Hahha, get it...behind the seams/behind the scenes...I am sooo funny!)

I started out intending to watch only Giuliana Rancic's and before I knew it, I was clicking through some of fashion's heaviest hitters.  Thankfully, these videos take a more fun and lighthearted approach to celebs' closets, so you're left feeling 95% inspired/happy and only 5% jealous.  (You can't help but be a teensy bit jealous of their fabulous threads!)

You can see all the Closet Confessions here, though my favorites are definitely Giuliana, Kimora Lee Simmons, Kelly Cutrone (super cute with her daughter), Nicky Hilton, and of course, Bethenny Frankel.  (I recommend watching Bethenny's last because she'll have you in tears laughing over her honesty.)

So if you're looking to do a little procrastinating/internet hopping, have a peek at Bluefly's page.  But don't blame me if you spend more than a few minutes there...

*ps: I was not paid or compensated for this post, I just saw it and wanted to share :)

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? :)

How to Stretch Your Closet: The Laundry Edition

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Hey there, fab friends! Sorry I've been MIA the past week, but Texas was so busy and fun that I decided to take a break from blogging and enjoy the people around me. I'll do a full recap later in the week after I wade through the 345 pictures I took on the trip. So for today, I wanted to do the third installment of the "How to Stretch Your Closet" series. (You can see the first two installments here and here.) I actually wrote this piece last winter, before I had the bright little idea to do a whole series on stretching your closet. But since I probably had 7 followers at the time, lol, I'm going to repost it, because it is still one of the main ways I come up with outfits I'd never usually think of. So if you were one of my 7 followers last year, you can skip this post (though a refresher lesson can't hurt), but if not, read on and find one of the easiest and most cost effective ways I've found to get the most out of what you have hanging in your closet...

Don’t do laundry. Yep, you read that right. Do not under any circumstances do laundry for at least a few weeks (except the circumstance of your delicates. Please wash those.) I know this might sound crazy, but it works! Three times in the past week, I’ve gone to my closet, thought, what in the world am I going to wear, and then walked out with a “new” outfit that I never would have thought to put together before. Here is my theory: when I go to a full closet with all of my favorite staples, I know exactly what works together. This cardigan with this flowy tank, with these layered necklaces. It’s a sure thing, I know it works, I know it looks good, so I wear it, no hesitation. Even if I try to take risks, having my staples and safe outfits keeps me from taking the plunge. (Sorry for the dramatic word choice. You’d think I’m talking about serious life decisions here.) But when I go to my closet and my staples aren’t there, I’m pushed outside my comfort zone, and I have to make something work. I mean, I can’t go to work naked (well I could, but I’m pretty sure I’d get fired) so I stretch my fashion self, pair things together that I’m not entirely sure of, then tweak it with accessories when I’m done. Sometimes it doesn’t work so well, and I have try several more times to get it right, but sometimes it works really well, and I’m standing at the mirror thinking, “Why didn’t I ever think of this?!”

Here is an example from last Friday. It was freezing here in Texas and I really wanted to wear boots. My black riding boots were in the trunk of my car (I have a terrible habit of living out of my car) and my Uggs weren’t appropriate for work, so those two were out, which left with my black, tall, scrunchy, heeled boots that I bought a few years ago in Austin and L.O.V.E. So I decided on the boots. Now to choose the bottoms. My skinny jeans are too tight at the moment (dang winter weight) and my favorite black pencil skirt was wadded up on my floor. Hmm, ok, what about a dress? I went to my closet, knowing I wanted black, and looked through several cocktail type dresses that were way too dressy for what I wanted. But then I was distracted to my grouping of black jersey dresses that I practically live in during the summer. Hmm, would this work, I don’t know, the top is way to summery, but maybe with a jacket? Though I still wasn’t sure, I tried it, and after about ten minutes I had an ensemble I was so pleased with, I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of it before then. Black tights, black tall boots, black jersey dress, tan Gap bomber jacket, a big black scarf, big gold earrings, and 3 cocktail rings. Pretty rad if I do say so myself! I think I would have been pretty pleased leaving it at that, but that day, I got lots of compliments on my outfit, which reinforced my risk taking. My risk taking that was forced on me by a full laundry hamper and an almost bare closet.

The moral of the story? If you want to stretch your closet, save your bank account some grief, and still indulge a season induced shopping itch, find a way to temporarily put some of your go-to pieces off limits. If you’ve got a lot of willpower, then just telling yourself those pieces are off limits may work, but if you’re anything like me, you need to make those pieces unavailable. You’ll be surprised at what you come up with and just how creative your fashion brain can be when you’ve got fewer choices.

So start the laundry pile up and let the closet stretching begin!

How to Stretch Your Closet: Invest in Staples

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Thanks so much for all your fun feedback and comments on the first “How to Stretch Your Closet” series post last week.  It seems like a lot of us are trying to do that these days.  I’m posting the second installment of the series, and today, it is all about the staples!

When I first started  attempting to cook (attempting being the key word), one of the first things I read via Sandra Lee is the importance of having your pantry and fridge stocked with the essentials, the basic building blocks for recipes.  How can you cook up a last minute meal if you don’t have the staples already on hand?  The same is true for your wardrobe.  You will get more use out of your wardrobe and quicker successful outfits if you keep your closet stocked with staples.

Here is what I think every girl absolutely needs in her closet: 

• a pair of skinny jeans
• a black pencil skirt
• a black blazer
• a black dress
• a pair of black round toe heels
• a comfortable and chic metallic flat
• a classic belt
• a cream or white long flowy tank
• a semi-structured black bag
• a rockin pair of black boots. 

These are things that can jazz up, change, transform, and carry pieces throughout the seasons.  These ten staples will help you get more out of things you already own.  I promise.

For me, there are three main ways I determine whether something is considered a staple piece.  1) Can I wear it, in some capacity, year round?  2) Will it help me transition other closet pieces from day to night, office to weekend, and summer to fall?  And 3) Is it something that if I wore it once or twice a week, no one would notice the repeating pattern?

The last one might sound a little weird, but here’s the deal.  I can wear a black pencil skirt two or three times a week, and when I mix it with other pieces no one can tell its the same skirt.  I can throw on my black blazer with almost anything, without people asking, “Umm, didn’t you wear that earlier this week.”  The same can’t be said for a patterned pencil skirt or the mustard colored one I’ve been eyeing lately.  The staples are basics, which means quite simply, they’re translatable in almost every city, season, and situation.

If you’re in need of some of these things, here is my best shopping time.  Invest.  Not necessarily money, but invest your time and patience into finding the perfect staple pieces.  Don’t settle, because these are your staples so you need to LOVE them.  If the blazers isn’t fitted enough for you, don’t get it.  If you think the skinnies are too tight in the thigh, let them go.  If it has a weird detail on the sleeve, but you love everything else, put it back.  No matter how good the deal, if you don’t love it, you won’t wear it.  Keep a list of what staples you need and stay on the lookout.  I’ve been looking for a structured black bag for months now, but just haven’t found the right one.  Its on my list though, so I’m investing a lot of time and patience looking for just the right one.

Ok, so to prove my theory, I did a little experiment.  I thought about one of my favorite staples, the black blazer, and thought about all the places, outings, and occasions in the past few months where I’ve worn it.  I don’t have pictures for each one, but I scrounged up a few pics that I did have to show just how versatile this closet staple is…

Back in April, for one of my birthday dinners this past year, I wore my black blazer over a loose fitting floral top, boyfriend jeans, heels, and as usual for me, several layered necklaces.

Here is what I wore to a shift at the store last week.  I honestly felt like wearing sweatpants, but since that isn’t an option, I voted for a maxi dress.  And to make it look more fall (and store) appropriate, I added my trusty black blazer, and a few pieces of bling.  Voila, instant outfit!

This is at my friend Natalia’s birthday dinner in May, when I paired my blazer with a pair of skinny jeans and a strapless striped top.  I usually wear dresses to birthday dinners, but I was in a hurry, so I leaned on my trusty blazer.

I always wear my black blazer when I travel.  The first reason is because I always pack a blazer, because it helps me transition the few things I can jam into my suitcase for various occasions, settings, climates changes I encounter on my trip.  (That was one of my criteria above remember?)  The second reason is that if I wear it on the plane, I don’t have to worry about it getting smashed in my suitcase, and the third is that is helps with the unpredictable temperature changes of an airplane.  Here, its thrown over a simple gray v-neck tshirt, boyfriend jeans, and heels.

Its not uncommon for me to wear my black blazer with dress either.  It helps me dress it down a bit, and also helps me make dresses work in different seasons (or hide my pasty white arms when I didn’t have time to get some color on me.)  After having this blue dress for two years,  I wasn’t super crazy about it anymore, but for a dinner with some of our New York wedding friends, I paired with with my blazer, giant earrings, and giant heels, and suddenly, I liked it again!

So for me, staple pieces come with endless possibilities.  They make every piece in your closet ten times more wearable.  They are the perfect way to get the most out of what you have in your closet, while looking chic, fresh, put together.  You’ve read about my stance on staple pieces, but what about you?  Do you lean on staples to stretch your closet?  If so, which ones?  Leave a comment, I’m dying to hear your stance on staples!

The “How to Stretch Your Closet” Series

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We’re almost all the way through August, which means it is officially time for the fall fashion itch.  Between the new falls lines, the September issues, and the cooling temperatures, every little bone in my fashion loving body is in serious love.  Chunky knits, leopard prints, textured tights, boots, belts, scarves, studded bags…every part of me is screaming, “I need it, I need it, I need it!”  Unfortunately, my bank account is screaming, “you can't afford it, you can’t afford  it, you can’t afford it!”  Damn bank accounts and their sensible ways. 

So what’s a girl to do?  Well a sensible girl would just not buy anything.  But since I’m not sensible, that doesn’t apply to me :) But I’m not entirely reckless either, so I’ve learned to find a balance, a few key things here and there, and a splurge when I really love something.  But for the most part, I try to stretch what I have and use what is already hanging in my closet.

Last week at work, one of my coworkers stopped me in the backroom and said, “Oh my goodness, I love that dress, so pretty!”  “Oh thanks,” I replied, “I’ve had this dress for years, and I love it so much I wear it all the time!”  Her response, “I swear I’ve never seen you in it; you never wear the same thing twice.”  Though I was flattered that she didn’t seem to notice I am a fashion repeater, the truth is, I am.  I have to be.  I’m a real girl, with a real budget, and well, that means repeatedly rewearing the stuff in my closet.

But her comment got me thinking.  How do I manage to disguise my rewearing habits?  How do I get the most out of what I have?  So, I decided to spend a few days thinking about it, and I came up with several solid and thoughtful ways that I stretch my closet.  I sat down to type them all out, and after 916 paragraphs, I realized I couldn’t fit all my stretching techniques into one post.  So today, I’m starting a series.  I’ve never done a blog series before, but I thought I’d give it a try.

So, today, I’m giving you the first installment of How to Stretch Your Closet.  And though my first tip isn’t the most earth shattering, it is the most accurate and the most true for me.  I think it really is the number one way I stretch what I have to work for multiple seasons, settings, and occasions. 

{j.crew}

The number one trick I have for stretching my closet is really quite simple.  Start a cardigan collection.  I know, I know, not exactly groundbreaking.  And I sound like a broken record, I know.  But I seriously cannot believe how much cardigans can transform your wardrobe.  They make a silk halter top office appropriate, a summery floral dress fall ready, and a strapless night-out dress dinner prepared.  Cardigans are the number one way I get so many uses out of my dresses; I swear by them!  And for proof, just open my closet.  I’ve got a bazillion hanging there, with 1 in every color and shade, and 3 or 4 in the versatile colors (black, grey, cream, camel…)  The coworker comment from above actually came from a cardigan/dress combo.  I’ve worn that dress more times than I can count this summer.  Honestly, I’ve worn it almost every other week since we got to Chicago.  I even wore it to my interview at “the store.”  The trick has been pairing it with different cardigans.  Different colors, different cuts, with belts, without belts.  I even wore it in a pinch last winter with black tights, booties, a wide belt, and surprise, a black cardigan.  Same dress, different cardigans; no one notices, and I’m sold.

Now if you hear cardigan and think “grandma schoolteacher” you’re mistaken.  Cardigans aren’t what they used to be.  Tissue cardigans are my favorite, because they add another layer without too much weight.  My favorite places to find these versatile little guys are Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, J.Crew, and the Gap.  I rarely pay full price for them since they’re always around.  In fact, several retailers are putting their “summer” cardigans on sale.  But it doesn’t say “summer” across the chest, so if they’re the right color and cut for me, I’m there.  Stalk the sale racks, and watch for promos, they’re there, just be patient :)

In fact, scrolling through my outfit of the day posts, 70% of my outfits include a cardigan of some sort. 

The cardigan dress combo is probably my favorite, and is one of the main ways I get so much wear out of my dresses.  This dress is actually strapless, and I bought it to wear to a friend’s summer wedding.  But with a cardigan, its more casual and appropriate for work or running around the city.

This was the dress that sparked the comment from my coworker.  Paired here with a pink cardigan, though I’ve done with blue, orange, camel, gray, and black cardigans.  All just this summer.

So, that’s my first tip for getting the most out of what you already have hanging in your closet!  Anyone else a cardigan collector?  Anyone else trying to stretch your closet this fall?

Lusting for Fall: Leopard

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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?

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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?

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?

Stretch Your Closet

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What is it about spring that makes me want to shop so bad?  Seriously, there must be a scientific explanation for this, because every late February/early March, I begin to get antsy for all the delights that spring fashion brings.  Around this time, I begin to poke through my closet noticing the gaps in pieces I don’t have, which I then proceed to stalk online at my favorite stores.  With Valentines Day passed and the sun starting to shine, the bug is back is full force.  I want to shop!

However, there is one tiny, little, eensy weensie problem.  I am on a major budget.  And when I say major, I mean next to nothing budget.  So I’ve tried to keep my online Anthro/Banana/J.Crew stalking to a minimum because it’s painful to look without the hope of buying.  (I never understand those people who enjoy window shopping at the mall, even when they have no intention of buying anything.  I don’t get it.  It’s like going on a date with Prince William knowing you have a secret but powerful curse on you that says you can’t date him.  Whhhhy would you go and fall in love if you know you can’t end up with the hottie?  To live a life of torture where you think about what could have been, how that dress could have loved you?  See my point, it’s just not smart.)  However, this past week, I discovered a magically brilliant way to temporarily cure this late February/early March shopping bug.  Seriously, I tried it, and it worked, multiple times.  So are you ready for my big secret, the tip that might change your wardrobe and your wallet, the secret to stretching your closet in new and exciting ways?  Ok, prepare yourself, hold your breath, here it goes…

Don’t do laundry.  Yep, you read that right.  Do not under any circumstances do laundry for at least a few weeks (except the circumstance of your delicates.  Please wash those.)  I know this might sound crazy, but it works!  Three times in the past week, I’ve gone to my closet, thought, what in the world am I going to wear, and then walked out with a “new” outfit that I never would have thought to put together before.  Here is my theory: when I go to a full closet with all of my favorite staples, I know exactly what works together.  This cardigan with this flowy tank, with these layered necklaces.  It’s a sure thing, I know it works, I know it looks good, so I wear it, no hesitation.  Even if I try to take risks, having my staples and safe outfits keeps me from taking the plunge.  (Sorry for the dramatic word choice.  You’d think I’m talking about serious life decisions here.)  But when I go to my closet and my staples aren’t there, I’m pushed outside my comfort zone, and I have to make something work.  I mean, I can’t go to work naked (well I could, but I’m pretty sure I’d get fired) so I stretch my fashion self, pair things together that I’m not entirely sure of, then tweak it with accessories when I’m done.  Sometimes it doesn’t work so well, and I have try several more times to get it right, but sometimes it works really well, and I’m standing at the mirror thinking, “Why didn’t I ever think of this?!”

Here is an example from last Friday.  It was freezing here in Texas and I really wanted to wear boots.  My black riding boots were in the trunk of my car (I have a terrible habit of living out of my car) and my Uggs weren’t appropriate for work, so those two were out, which left with my black, tall, scrunchy, heeled boots that I bought a few years ago in Austin and L.O.V.E.  So I decided on the boots.  Now to choose the bottoms.  My skinny jeans are too tight at the moment (dang winter weight) and my favorite black pencil skirt was wadded up on my floor.  Hmm, ok, what about a dress?  I went to my closet, knowing I wanted black, and looked through several cocktail type dresses that were way too dressy for what I wanted.  But then I was distracted to my grouping of black jersey dresses that I practically live in during the summer.  Hmm, would this work, I don’t know, the top is way to summery, but maybe with a jacket?  Though I still wasn’t sure, I tried it, and after about ten minutes I had an ensemble I was so pleased with, I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of it before then.  Black tights, black tall boots, black jersey dress, tan Gap bomber jacket, a big black scarf, big gold earrings, and 3 cocktail rings.  Pretty rad if I do say so myself!  I think I would have been pretty pleased leaving it at that, but that day, I got lots of compliments on my outfit, which reinforced my risk taking.  My risk taking that was forced on me by a full laundry hamper and an almost bare closet.

The moral of the story?  If you want to stretch your closet, save your bank account some grief, and still indulge the spring fever shopping itch, find a way to temporarily put some of your go-to pieces off limits.  If you’ve got a lot of willpower, then just telling yourself those pieces are off limits may work, but if you’re anything like me, you need to make those pieces unavailable.  So whether you reorganize your closet with your favorites at the back or let your laundry hamper overflow, stretching your closet can be easier and more rewarding than you think.  And I think you’ll be surprised at what you come up with and just how creative your fashion brain can be when you’ve got fewer choices!

So what about you?  How do you stretch your closet and cure the late February/early March shopping bug?

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!

Stacy London: One Chic Woman

Yesterday morning (ok technically it was the afternoon, but since I was still snuggled up in my robe and leopard slippers, it felt like morning.  Morning, afternoon, who’s counting?)  As I did my daily look around blog world, I was distracted by the TV in the background.  TLC’s longtime show, “What Not to Wear” was on, and though I’ve seen the show a bazillion (yes, really, a bazillion), I couldn’t help but notice how freaking chic Stacy is.  Now, I know, many of you are thinking, “Duh Allison, it’s her job.  She tells people what to wear, so clearly she must know a thing or two about fashion.”  And yeah, I get that.  But after all these seasons of What Not to Wear, she rarely falters, rarely disappoints, and always looks chic.  She has definitely inspired my work wear, rocking pencil skirts, silk tops, layered knits, and divine heels.  And with this, she always adds a little touch of the unexpected, a rocking cocktail ring, an oversized necklace or a swatch of leopard.  It is the picture of how I strive to look at work: chic, unique, and put together.  (Strive being the key word.  It doesn’t always work out like that.)  In case you aren’t familiar with this fabulous woman, I scouted out a few pictures of her (although the best pictures really do come from the show, which were difficult to score for some reason.)  So if you’re wanting some renewed workwear inspiration, tune into TLC’s “What Not to Wear” Fridays 9/8c.

  Loving the layered necklaces and large pendent necklace.

  Love the navy/mustard combo, but never would have tried it myself.  And the flower/bow at the neckline?  Precious.

LOVE the black on black with a fairly nude lip.  This leather jacket has been at the top of my fashion wishlist for two years (and out of budget for two years as well.)

4 Degree Dilemma

Tomorrow morning Matt and I are flying to Albuquerque and then two days after, we are flying to Chicago.  Both of these trips are for interviews for Matt’s internship which will begin sometime late this July.  He is interviewing at several different places and while I’m experiencing a great deal of anxiety not knowing where we’ll end up (or how in the world we’re paying for all these interviews), I’m even more anxious about a tiny, little fact I found out today. 

According to weather.com, the current windchill in Chicago is 4 degrees. 

4 DEGREES PEOPLE.  What the heck does one even wear in 4 degree weather?!

I emailed my friend Christie who we’ll be staying with in Chicago to inquire about my wardrobe for the trip.  Since I was born and raised in Texas, I own nothing that would protect me from frostbite.  Nothing that would even come close.  Her reply?  “Layers, my friend. Long underwear, multiple pairs of socks and boots.”  So by “layers” does she mean a cute black tank under a v-neck sweater?  By “long underwear” does she mean boyshorts (those are the longest underwear I own), and do grey short Uggs c0unt as “boots?”  I think I’m in serious trouble here.  My “heavy” sweaters are long tissue cardigans from Banana and Anthropologie, and the closest thing I have to long underwear (besides my boyshorts) are cute black leggings.  I own two pairs of gloves, and I can only find one glove from each pair.  Oh.my.gosh.help.me.please.

I have a couple of hours to get these so called “winter-must-haves” bought, packed, and on the airplane.  (I used to think winter-must-haves were a north face fleece and a pashmina.  Clearly, I was confused.)  And while I understand the symptoms of frostbite are intensely painful, I reeeeeally want to try to maintain some level of chicness in my layers as opposed to looking like an overstuffed marshmallow puff.  So, I searched out some pictures of favorite cold weather city girl, Whitney Port, for some inspiration.  If she can look this chic bundled and braving the cold, perhaps I can too.  So here are the key pieces I’m keeping in mind to survive my weekend trip to the Frozen Tundra.

 A gigantic, humongously oversized scarf.  As you all know, I die for winter white, so I heart heart heart this look.

Tights and boots.  I’ve got the tights trend down pat, but I’ll have to work on the boots and tights combo.  (Repeat, must work on the boots and tights combo…must work on the boots and tights combo…)

 Jackets/blazers.  Ok, I could never (I repeat, NEVER) get away with leggings and that short of a top (my legs are not nearly that skinny), but this cream and black plaid jacket just makes me smile.  I’m pretty sure having that Chanel bag on my arm would warm my heart as well :)

 Giant black sunglasses.  These will help keep my eyes warm don’t you think?  :)

Even with all this winter Whitney inspiration, I’m pretty certain I’m still going to end up overbundled, puffy, and looking like this the whole weekend… Awesome.  So if you hear on the news that they found a frozen marshmallow woman in Millennium Park, know that it’s me, and I might be out of the blog scene for a week or two until I defrost :)  So if you have a second this week, send your warm wishes my way!

Lilac Lust

Me here, just blogging about nail polish for the 545th time.  Ok not reeeeally the 545th time, but the 4th time (in four months) which makes me feel slightly pathetic, but whatever, I’m over it.  If you’ve been a following my blog for a little bit, you already know about my hate now L.O.V.E. relationship with dark nail polish.  Now that I’ve conquered both black and charcoal nail polish, I’m constantly keeping my eyes open for new or extended versions of these lovely and slightly gothic colors, and today, as I was watching Keeping Up with the Kardashians (which I am OBSESSED with), I spotted a new lovely goth color…lilac!  I’m not talking “pretty my little pony lilac,” I’m talking slightly matte, somewhat dirty, gray lilac.  It’s SO fabulous and I.must.have.it.now.  (Ok, not NOW, but definitely in the next three days.)  Problem is, I don’t know if I’ve seen any good slightly matte, somewhat dirty, gray lilacs on the shelf at my nail place, and since I don’t have the patience to date polish after polish, I’m needing some good recommendations.  So if you have lilac lust, share some hints with me!

The Holiday: A Great Movie with a Must Have Wardrobe

With Christmas less than a week away, our little family of 2 has been enjoying some of our favorite holiday movies.  Like many of you, we heart the childhood classics (Rudolph, Frosty, the Grinch, Home Alone, Charlie Brown Christmas) and have finally upgraded to watching these flicks on DVD.  Until a couple of years ago, we were still watching them on jumpy VHS versions that my dad had taped off ABC 80 years ago.  Between the black and white lines spread across the screen, the static, and the slow mo voice that constantly plagued our poor Charlie brown, we had to use a great deal of both memory and imagination to keep the plot moving and the lines audible.  But thanks for Target and Wal-Mart, we’ve recovered most of these favorites on DVD.  Last night, however, Matt and I watched a more recent Christmas fave of mine, The Holiday.  It’s very Love Actually-esque; slightly cheesy, several characters with semi-separate plot lines, and a completely heartwarming end (don’t worry, I didn’t spoil anything.)  I just love it, and when I spotted the movie on Black Friday for $4.99, I snatched a copy for myself and scoffed at other the other people who only left with TVs and Blu-ray players.  Pssh, please, I got the good stuff.

So last night, as Matt and I watched Cameron, Kate, Jack and Jude do their thing, I couldn’t help but gawk over Cameron Diaz’s wardrobe in the movie.  She looks permanently chic and oh so cozy, even in her pajamas!  So if you haven’t seen the movie, you have to check it out, if not for the cheesy heartwarming love story, then for Cameron’s fabulously warm and cozy wardrobe.

Love the layering, she makes it look so chic!

No one does winter white like she does in this film.  Beautifully done Cameron (and set stylists).

Even in her pajamas she looks fabulously warm and cozy!  I’m pretty sure I do not look like that in sweatpants, much less after a flight halfway across the world!

Though I really do not like this coat (too sheepy for me) I love love love her boots in this scene.  Santa, if you want to bring these for Christmas that would be awesome.  (Oh and Santa, I’ll probably need some new skinny jeans while you’re at it.  Mine are a little past snug at this point.  Perhaps a treadmill would be a more long term solution.)

The coziness doesn’t stop at her wardrobe.  Look at her home!  I LOVE IT.  Santa, can you bring that too?  Awesome.