Charge It, Please!

Loving:

♥Diane von Furstenberg Rebel High Heel Sandals in Dove
♥Free People Skinny Corduroy Pants in Dusty Pink
♥Rachel Pally Seam Rib Maxi Skirt in Buff
♥Rebecca Taylor Admire Me Dress in Lingerie
♥BE & D Tenley Shoulder Bag in Blonde/Black
♥Free People Lost in the Woods Sweater in Original Combo
♥OPI At First Sight from the Fairytale Bride Soft Shades Spring 2009 Collection
Over to you, lovers; what pretties have left you with the desire to shout "Charge it please!"?


Fashionably yours!


Don't forget to enter the Wanderlust Giveaway for your chance to win a copy of Elisabeth Eaves’ Wanderlust: A Love Affair with Five Continents.

Don't forget to enter the Heels on the Sidewalk Giveaway for your chance to win a pair of West Heels in Denim (Retail Value $149.95) from Pelle Moda.

Don't forget to enter the Ooh La La, It’s Lingerie Giveaway for your chance to win the lingerie set of YOUR CHOICE from Lingerie Please.

Cream of the Crop

Kitty cats, as a prepubescent adolescent being exposed to the powers of MTV for the very first time, I was bombarded with images of the belly-baring Britney and the shimmy-shaking Shakira; both of whom seemed to share a fondness for crop tops that left the tummy exposed to tease the world – or at least whatever cute boys happened to be in your midst at that point in time. At that impressionable young age, it was enough for me to believe that no other accoutrement could top the fabulosity of the crop. Yet by the time I was of age to don one myself, I was uninterested in the look, and turned the other cheek. American Apparel has imposed a change of heart in my world. Once more I am convinced that the tops in question are truly the cream of the crop!

Riller & Fount “Kirby Crop Top” There is quite a bit to be said for a design that manages to bridge the gap between slouchy and seductive and comfortable and cozy, Riller & Fount’s Kirby Crop Top is it. While sporty in its aesthetic; the versatile charcoal heather hue coupled with the long sleeves and scoop-neck make it a simple style to morph from situation to situation – say inelegant slumming to an enchanting night on the town – with just a few minute adjustments or add-ons in the accessories department. Pair it with leggings and over the knee boots for a look that lengthens or toss it on over a skintight tank in a contrasting color for a touch of volume mixed with an offbeat, ethereal vibe.

Free People “Sheer Batiste Crop Top” Too many associate crop tops with afternoons or evenings spent sweating at the gym. The truth of the matter is that there is no rule stating that crop tops are solely sporty; they have the ability to be sophisticated and chic, as well – case in point Free People’s Sheer Batiste Crop Top. Forgoing the typical cotton or jersey fabrication, the Sheer Batiste Crop Top is constructed out of a semitransparent, sheer gauze which features ruching around the hem, shoulders, and back; and dips into 3/4 dolman sleeves sporting elastic banded cuffs which match that found around the hem. The silhouette is very earthy and free-spirited; perfect for pairing with distressed jeans for the ideal bohemian silhouette.

Wildfox Couture “It’s Only Rock – Cropped Jock Sweatshirt” Resisting the lure of Wildfox Couture is simply not an option. Even without the stellar photography displaying their designs in a more than fabulous light I would find it nearly impossible to resist their playful, oftentimes retro tops, and cropped offerings – especially the It’s Only Rock – Cropped Jock Sweatshirt. Like something out of Grease, the It’s Only Rock – Cropped Jock Sweatshirt is reminiscent of the letter jackets worn proudly by the popular boys whom we always lusted over. The vintage varsity wash has a weatherbeaten ambiance to it that is more suave than sloppy; while the contrasting shade around the hem and collar offset the fading to create one magnificent morsel you’ll never want to take off!

American Apparel “Interlock Zip Shoulder Crop Top” Darlings it would be downright devious of me not to include the design that started it all; the style which reawakened my obsession with crop tops and has virtually transformed my wardrobe into something more fabulous than I ever could have imagined – the Interlock Zip Shoulder Crop Top. Please don’t allow the zipper details about the shoulders to frighten you away. I am one who has never been fond of epaulets, and while the placement of these silver hardware embellishments is synonymous with that of the military-style, the effect is quite different – yet striking nonetheless. The one-size-fits-all piece is the perfect way to flaunt your toned tummy; or if you’re a bit bashful simply layer it over something stunning – like the Nylon Spandex Stretch Floral Lace Unitard. No matter how you wear it you’re sure to turn heads!

Pencey “Bow Tee” It is nearly impossible to imagine a crop top that works as evening wear, but Pencey’s Bow Tee is somewhat of an exception to the rule. While lacking the sequins or shimmer that are so often akin to pieces worn once night falls, the Bow Tee retains more of an urbane, Blair Waldorf influenced cut courtesy of the cuffed short sleeves, contrasting taupe toned mesh bow which is laced daintily at the front, and matching mesh detailing on the shoulders. As a whole, the black/nude shades juxtapose between light and airy and dark and domineering, a variation that could be awkward in another form, but works in the most mesmerizing of ways in this configuration – especially when paired with slightly baggy tailored black slacks.


Ready to join the crop top revolution, darlings?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Shopbop, Wildfox Couture, and American Apparel for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Shawl Talk Giveaway for your chance to win a Charlotte Scarf from The Shawl Shop.

Double-Duty Designs

Darlings I don’t care how many proclamations I hear about the economy turning around. When you’re living on a shoestring budget, it’s impossible to be carefree about shelling out loads of cash for a singular item that will mottle your wardrobe twice a month – if you’re lucky. I want a garment that can work overtime; that can perform multiple tasks despite the fact that it was obtained for a solitary amount. Hence the reason I am contemplating ransacking my very own closet, casting aside those pesky items that possess all of zero versatility, and replacing them with designs that don’t complain about performing double-duties!

Free People “Riding Hood Convertible Tee” I have absolutely no qualms about admitting my admiration for Free People and their countless convertible creations; case in point the Riding Hood Convertible Tee. Admit it, I’m sure, like me, you’ve experienced those times where you’re shivering in your tank and realize that you’ve left the house sans sweater. Magically, these moments are plentiful in Southern California where days are sweltering and evenings are chilly and brisk. Thus, the Riding Hood Convertible Tee is sure to be a blessing in disguise. A snap detail in the center makes it possible for you to wear the top in four different ways – as a racer back tank with hood, as a dolman, as a batwing tee, or as a more fitted piece for those candlelit dinners with your cute boy. It’s as if a fairy godmother is by your side 24/7 waving her wand about and ensuring that you’re properly dressed and look your best no matter the situation!

7 For All Mankind “Convertible Skinny Jeans” I am the queen of choosing the worst possible moments to try on clothes. When I want to slip on slouchy boots I’m wearing ballerinas without socks. When I think about tossing on an off the shoulder top or halter, I’m wearing the wrong type of undergarments. It’s always a Catch-22; but it truly doesn’t have to be. 7 For All Mankind’s Convertible Skinny Jeans are the ideal legwear for your shopping excursions – or your night’s of dancing out on the town. They may look like your typical pair of dark wash skinny jeans, but the 17-inch zippered gusset adorning the hem makes them anything but. Unzip to convert these denim delights to a bootcut, or stick with the skinny silhouette by zipping them snugly around your ankle. Now you can see how those Louboutin’s look with skinnies or bootcuts before taking them home!

Brixton “Sky Hooded Wrap Scarf” Once upon a time I thought it possible to keep an ordinary scarf swathed about your head hood-like simply by wrapping it into place. An encounter with a cherry red Convertible and high winds upon the freeway resulting in two hours of combing out knots lacing my hair quickly proved me wrong. If you truly want a scarf that doubles as a hat of sorts, it is best to splurge on something that actually states it is capable of such a task, much like the Sky Hooded Wrap Scarf. I will admit it was the lure of the red wine-imbued burgundy shade that led me into a love affair with Brixton’s Sky Hooded Wrap Scarf; but the realization that it works as two separate accessories merely by putting a few buttons into place was truly the icing on the cake. For those days when all you need is a scarf to keep you cozy, swaddle it about your throat; but when the weather turns downright blistery, bind yourself from the cold by attaching the matching hood to ensure that you stay warm without forsaking your adorable factor.

Elizabeth and James “Trench Coat Dress” How one can so much as contemplate attempting to make it through the fall and winter seasons sans trench coat is beyond me; yet even I see the predicament that such a purchase puts one in. Trenches are quite the investment; and while capable of creating a sublime silhouette, it’s difficult to imagine spending such an exorbitant amount of money on an item that will be locked away after a couple of seasons. Therefore Elizabeth and James’ Trench Coat Dress is an absolute must. Fall and winter can be spent carousing inside the warmth of the coat; when spring and summer comes around, wear it as a sleeveless belted dress; and for those more casual evenings, don it as a cropped jacket with skinny jeans and sky-high heels. It’s a can’t-live-without three-in-one for the girl on the go seeking a little luxury in her life!

Ecote “Convertible Harem Pant” I find spending money on new trends to be extremely frightening. On one hand you face the possibility of heavenly results; on the other you come head to head with a potentially disastrous outcome that could end with a depressing purchase dangling within your closet. Thus, when the opportunity to try two trends in one presents itself, quite simply, I leap at it. Illustrative example…Ecote’s Convertible Harem Pant. The tapered leg and high-waist make them an easy breezy form of legwear that is breathable and beatific; or pull them all the way up tube-top style to create a seductive jumper with a cropped silhouette. Two completely different trends and ensembles in one…I’d call that money well spent.




Ready to lay claim on a few double-duty designs of your own, darlings?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Free People, Shopbop, Karma Loop, Net-A-Porter, and Urban Outfitters for the pictures.

Cold Shoulder

Darlings I have just come to an extremely important realization…I have nothing to wear. Please forget what you’ve read about my amassment of clothes, and footwear. The truth of the matter is that each and every one of those pieces caters to one season and one season only. The sweaters are only good for when the weather turns chilly; while the t-shirts are of absolutely no use unless it’s burning up. Unfortunately, I am currently straddling a middle ground. Lest I’m interested in embracing sweaty chic, a sweater is completely out of the question; and there’s absolutely nothing seductive about shivering like a newborn fawn, so a tee stands no chance of so much as being considered. I suppose what I truly need is a covering that will keep me warm without making me feel as if I’m suffocating – something stylish and flirty with the ability to adapt to its surroundings in the same fashion as a chameleon. Oui, the accoutrement that I am desperate for at the moment is a shoulder warmer; but not any shoulder warmer will do.

Free People’s Vintage Crochet Shoulder Warmer, aside from having the texture and appearance of a well-loved knit crafted by the hands of a caring grandmother, is an accessory that no girl should have to be without – whether she lives in the sweltering Sahara of Southern California, or the chilly Connecticut climate.

The one-size fits all (don’t you just love when sizing isn’t an issue?) hand-crocheted cozy is a where-with-anything essential that one should never leave home without. The drawstring closure about the neck possesses a very elementary air of sophistication which also serves to add simple adaptability to the piece in the sense that it can be worn poncho-like or cinched into either an eternity or tube scarf – whichever style suits the weather at hand – while the striking availability of colors (watermelon, snow, or ash) make it a cinch for any experienced shopper to find the hue that works for you.

Which color shoulder warmer are you coveting, kittens?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Free People for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter The Inconvenienced Fashionista Giveaway for your chance to win a trendy, eco-friendly, reusable tote bag from The Inconvenient Bag.

Zippity Doo Dah

Time and time again I have proclaimed that I will stop buying shoes. But when you find a pair as unique as these Zip Ruffle Flats, you cannot simply turn the other cheek and walk away from them. No, instead you must find your size, place them in your cart, whip out your credit card, and follow in the precocious Eloise’s footsteps by proclaiming, “Charge it please!”

My, oh my, it certainly is a wonderful day!

Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Free People for the picture.