Brooklyn or Bust

There was just an earthquake, and while I should be preparing for a possible aftershock, the only thing truly rocking my world right now is this Brooklyn Souvenir Map Tote from Fred Flare. As if we didn't already know that Brooklyn was one of the coolest cities on the planet, now we can carry it's hipster chicness with us wherever we go.


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Fred Flare for the picture.

A Fashion Forward Day

Okay, very rarely do I spot an outfit on a celebrity which I adore so much that I just have to try to mimic it. But from the moment I saw Lauren Conrad’s outfit last week, I just knew that I had to have a similar one for myself.



The Lauren Moshi elephant tank. The black fringe boots. The leggings. The Chanel purse. Everything just screams fabulous. There is not one bad thing to say about this outfit; it is, in the words of Mary Poppins, "practically perfect in every way."

Of course, being on a college student’s budget, I can’t be expected to have the ability to go out and spend a fortune in cash on just one outfit. So, the result is the outfit that I am wearing right now. One that I believe would do Lauren Conrad herself proud; all courtesy of Wet Seal.


Asymmetrical Tiger Tunic - $18.50. The sleeves are ¾ with button details. The print is vibrant, without being too “look-at-me.” As I’m wearing this outfit at work right now, I thought that the asymmetrical cut was a little too dramatic for the office, so I simply pinned up the side to make it look more like a t-shirt.

I skipped the leggings, and opted for black skinny jeans that have been collecting dust in my closet for the past couple of months. The effect is just as amazing, but provides a little more coverage than transparent, paper-thin leggings would. Though leggings would have provided much more flexibility, as we all know.


Tiered Fringe Boot – $14.75. I was worried that these boots would provide very little tread, so I hemmed and hawed over actually purchasing them, but for $14.75, I absolutely couldn’t resist. I’m glad that I didn’t. These boots are beyond comfortable, and completely worry-free when walking. While the traction isn’t that of a tennis shoe, it’s definitely good enough for walking – and speed-walking – around. FYI: Just for the record, the color may look dark brown in the picture, but they are actually black.




I paired the ensemble with an oversized black patent leather tote that I picked up on sale just before Christmas; and, to make up for my lack of Chanel – and to cover up a low neckline – I tossed on this adorable Star Print Scarf - $9.50. The silver threading throughout the scarf really adds a lot of depth to the entire ensemble that is simply irresistible, if I do say so myself.

The result? A very fashion forward day that will go down in my personal fashion favorites style file.


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Singer22 and Wet Seal for the pictures.

These Are My Confessions

It has been eight long years since Sophie Kinsella’s Confessions of a Shopaholic hit bookstore shelves. Four sequels later and finally (finally!) Becky Bloomwood is hitting the big screen!

To celebrate the big (and I mean big) event, I have three things for you. First, the trailer – which looks fabulous.



Second, some of my favorite fashions from the film.



And third, a few of my own shopping, clothing, and fashion confessions.

1) If I find something I absolutely love – be it a shirt, shoes, or even a handbag – I buy duplicates in both the same color and other colors, just so I’m never without it.
2) Ever since I found RetailMeNot, I find it a challenge to pass up an online bargain when it involves one of my favorite things – free shipping!
3) I believe that accessories such as scarves, necklaces, bracelets, totes, headbands, and even shoes make the outfit – which is why I spend more cash on these things than clothes.
4) Leopard print ballerina flats adorned with bows are a necessity for everyone’s closet – I own three pairs!
5) I would love to go to a Chanel or Alice + Olivia sample sale, but I’m truly frightened of being trampled by overeager shoppers.
6) I am absolutely, positively obsessed with handbags, and find it difficult to resist purchasing a new one at least every month.

Okay, so they’re fairly tame, but it’s nice to get them off my chest. So…what are your shopping/clothing/fashion confessions? And, more importantly, what are your thoughts about the Confessions of a Shopaholic trailer and the clothes used in the movie?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to StyleBakery for the picture.

Aren't You Glad for Plaid?

The holidays may be over, but I’m still in quite a festive mood due in large part to the fact that…this past year, it didn’t feel like Christmas at all! So I’ve decided to prolong the holidays by turning to something that couldn’t remind me more of Christmas – plaid.

I remember wearing big, red plaid bows when I was a toddler that had the ability to make you feel happy and bright year-round, and that’s what Dolce & Gabbana’s ad campaign is doing for me right now.



How could you not fall for plaid after viewing this ad? It has all of the qualities of festiveness…the red. The togetherness. The crisp, cool weather. It’s the epitome of high fashion holiday style.


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to The Something Picasso for the picture.

Cameos and Cupcakes

Believe it or not, when I was a child, I was actually mortified of cameos. In my mind they were creepy, monstrous things that made me the victim of countless nightmares. At that age I was unable to embrace the timeless elegance they held. The subtle beauty they provided. Even the stately way they could transform an everyday outfit into something regal, majestic, and aristocratic.

Enough with the Blair Waldorf speak. Times have changed. I finally see the light. Cameos are nothing to be afraid of. Sure, they may possess a slight stuffiness about them that could possibly put people off if not paired with the right ensemble; but in reality they're truly just a vintage accessory meant to dazzle.

Personally, I'm craving this completely sophisticated necklace from Forever 21, aptly titled the Romance Charms Necklace - which is the most perfect name on the planet for a necklace. The ballerina pink. The charms. The cameo. It's demure. It's perfection. It's the necklace of my dreams. And to make things even better...it's only $7.80. Who says you have to be Tinsley Mortimer to eat, sleep, and breathe sophistication?

But I have found yet another item that has made me giddy, and longing to squeal...Tarina Tarantino's Lucite Cameo Bow Anywhere Clip. Tarina Tarantino's designs caught my eye not too long ago when I realized that the line produced gorgeous cameo pieces that were fun, trendy, and often adorned with Swarovski crystals. Who other than Tarina Tarantino would have ever thought to make cameos more than just a piece of jewelry, but a hair accessory as well?

But what I could, quite possibly, love even more than Tarina Tarantino's accessories? Forever 21's Victorian Thermal PJ Set. Have you ever seen anything quite so adorable? I'm telling you, if it weren't 32* right now (I'm not even kidding you. I'm in Southern California and it's 32*. Somebody had better call Ripley's Believe It or Not!, because this is definitely one for the record books) I would totally order these sweet little jammies. Can you imagine the fun you could have wearing these? Pillow fights. Gossip. It's the ultimate in sleepwear. And, you know, the summer is coming. I suppose that I could purchase a pair and keep them locked away until the weather warms up. After all, how often do you find something as splendiferous as these?

For some reason all of this talk about cameos and vintage pieces and style has made me think of Marie Antoinette. And Marie Antoinette instantly makes me think of the phrase "Let them eat cake," which leads me to dream about rich, decadent, fluffy cupcakes topped with luscious pink frosting - just like these ones from New York City's Magnolia Bakery. Yum!










Fashionably yours!


Thanks to UD Jewelry, Forever 21, Tarina Tarantino, Jottings of a Fashionista, and Magnolia Bakery for the pictures.

If Loving Scarves Is Wrong, I Don't Want to Be Right

The past twenty years have been dominated by me attempting to avoid having to wear a scarf, no matter how low the temperatures dropped. Suddenly, I'm clamoring to wrap the chic accessory around my neck even in the warmest of weather. Why? They're my new obsession.




Scarves add a little extra oomph to basically everything in your wardrobe. Wear a bright colored scarf (like Gossip Girl's little Jenny Humphrey - aka Taylor Momsen - here) with a tough motorcycle jacket, and you instantly add a little girly glam to your outfit.

Toss one on with knee-high boots and skinnies (like Hills fashionista Lauren Conrad), and you're ready for a night out on the town.






Or just do what I and a handful of your favorite celebrities do whenever they leave the house - toss one on over a plain t-shirt to instantly add a little contrasting texture and volume to your look of the day.

It's no wonder the always chic Audrey Hepburn had them on hand whenever she needed a little clothing pick-me-up. They are the perfect way to accessorize, and keep your wardrobe looking fresh.

And, contrary to popular belief - and the Los Angles Times article You need a PhD to tie a scarf (something I believed to be true until a few weeks ago) - when you're armed with a Love Quotes neck accessory (like half of Hollywood), the last thing you need is a PhD - just two free hands and a little imagination will do! If only they weren't so expensive, I'd have a closet full of them - one in each color available to accommodate every mood, item of clothing, or whim. Hey, for the instant splash of color and style they provide, they're well worth it!





















Fashionably yours!

Thanks to Pink Scarf* on Flickr, People, The Beehive Cottage, and BoutiquetoYou for the pictures.

Happy Happy 2009!

Happy 2009!
Every year on New Year’s Eve I’m convinced that nothing new and exciting will happen for the New Year, but…I’m always wrong. 2008 was full of many exciting moments: I started a new job; finally mustered up enough courage to take – and pass – my Communications class (yay me!); met a ton of amazing new people; and even managed to snag many sweet fashion accessories. The one thing I regret is neglecting this Blog. So, even though I usually don’t believe in making New Year’s Resolutions (because I never keep them) I have decided to create just one this year: revive Café Fashionista. And, just to make amends, I am including here a playlist of my favorite songs of 2008 – to get this party restarted, of course. Just click my pink teddy on the right to hear them!

1) Breakin' Up - Rilo Kiley
2) Breakfast in NYC – Oppenheimer
3) Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? – She & Him
4) Crooked Teeth – Death Cab for Cutie
5) Rich Girls – The Virgins
6) Chasing Pavements – Adele
7) Violet Hill – Coldplay
8) Such Great Heights – The Postal Service
9) Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk – Rufus Wainwright
10) Baby’s Romance – Chris Garneau
11) Portland Is Leaving – Rocky Votolato
12) Boys With Girlfriends – Meiko
13) Bottle It Up – Sara Bareilles
14) I’d Rather Be With You – Joshua Radin
15) Ottoman – Vampire Weekend
16) Hot ‘N’ Cold – Katy Perry
17) Campus – Vampire Weekend
18) New York Baby – Leona Naess
19) Back to Black – Amy Winehouse
20) Little Things – Lily Allen
21) The Way I Am – Ingrid Michaelson
22) Sweet and Low – Augustana
23) Won’t Go Home Without You – Maroon 5
24) Peter, Bjorn and John – Young Folks
25) Tequila Alley – The Virgins
26) I Adore You – Melpo Mene
27) Last Request - Paolo Nutini

Fashionably yours!

Thanks to TeamSugar for the picture!