Fabulous Finds at Unbeatable Prices

So being the major fashion junkie that I am, I follow countless fashion blogs. Some are crazy, eccentric, and extreme, some are cute and sweet, and some are actually attainable. One of my favorites, The Budget Babe, details affordable finds that even the most thrifty (but of course fashion conscious) person can afford. Today she blogged about the numerous fabulous finds she spotted at none other than our own neighborhood retailer, Walmart. The perfectly executed articles are from Norma Kamali's line and To The Max line by BCBG. So as soon as I get back from arguably the best shopping place in the nation, New York City, my first stop will be Walmart ... something New Yorkers can only pine for from afar.





Check out all her finds at: http://www.thebudgetbabe.com/archives/1423-Off-the-Rack-Spring-Fashion-at-Walmart.html#extended

Thanks Budget Babe!!!

Fashion Don'ts That Are Total Dos

Even the best, most precise fashion muses occasionally make the worst dressed or fashion don't list. Whether it was a stylist oversight or a wrong projection on the next, most covetable fashion, you can't be progressive without a misstep every now and then.

Then there is us ... the real people of the world, who probably to most fashion editors are more don'ts than dos. Instead of resisting the title, I am embracing it and showing those editors that we know what we are doing. We just like to be a rebel without a cause, purposefully breaking well known rules just because we can.

My frequent fashion don't: Carrying an enormously large purse. According to Stacy and Clinton from What Not To Wear, women should carry purses that match their frame. Considering I have a smaller frame and am a boringly average height, I should carry an average, medium to small purse. But can even a medium purse carry my camera, battery pack, HUGE Hobo clutch, water bottle, notebook, 15 very essential lip glosses, etc., etc.?

My other no, no: Wearing PJ or yoga pants out in public. Sometimes the comfy stretch cotton and nagging urge to be lazy outweighs perfectly presenting myself.

Please, will you openly embrace your mistakes with me, proclaiming to the world that you do know better, but you just don't care? What is your fashion don't that you SO love to do?

These are cute enough to wear in public ... aren't they?

(Photo source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLopzPWaogv_7EUMiePIo8sLl1RRJRfDUhHDYlL2Wx7pqu1RHxuQASZnHgfqVJ3VzY3tp2stf2Bb3_ebNj1XaDN4iDm7-EqabbbfkK5GdDKE0_m9o40JR5tBhcmUzoW6uVzICVJTk8Fw0/s400/PJ+Pant+Delias.jpg)

Jeanie In A Bottle

Ladies ... it is back. The jean jacket. This basic staple of the mid-90s and my junior high years is making a comeback. Lots of times the re-immersion of a popular piece comes with a modern twist. Not in this case. The 2009 jean jacket is exactly like the 1995 jean jacket. It makes total sense considering the 90s, 90210 look is currently all the rage. If you have tendencies of a pack rat with the inability to throw anything away, dig out and dust off your old jean jacket (or sell it on eBay as the hot retro must-have for chilly summer nights).

A jean jacket is so versatile that it can go with anything ... I challenge you to even put it with jeans (just make sure the jeans are contrasting washes). Alexis uses it to keep her top half simple as she lets her funky maxi-style, printed skirt take the limelight. I love how Alexis cuffs her jacket sleeves to create a more polished demeanor.

Since I didn't partake in this massive trend the first time around, a vintage jean jacket (Silver branded preferred) is now at the top of my wishlist. I can't bear to miss it again.

(Jean jacket - Dillard's, skirt - JC Penny's, shirt - Target, , necklace - Claire's, shoes - TJ Maxx)

Calling ALL Comments

To all my followers, I would like to encourage a slight adjustment in my blog. Versus me just speaking to you, I want to hear what you think. I want you to comment and respond to my posts. You can tell me what you like, even what you don't, ideas for posts, or the things that inspire your fashion selections.

To help catalyze the movement ... Are Bermuda shorts still a fashionable summer piece or have they returned to their previous stuffy, mom status. I personally love them on a comfort level. I get adequate leg coverage and I can still relaxingly sit cross-legged on the floor. These navy, cuffed Bermudas paired with a simple white tee create a simple boyish look that is offset with bright, focal accessories.

Pretty please tell me what do you think? Are Bermudas a no or still a total go?

(Tee - Kohl's, Bermuda shorts - Kohl's, custom made necklace - Adornments, wedges - Mason's,)

Color Blocking

Versus letting a print on a single garment bring a spectrum of colors, Mauriahh uses two separate pieces with different colors to create a dynamic ensemble. Her easy, juicy orange cardigan and breezy, fuchsia maxi dress develop striking blocks of color. The secret to her success is the colors coordinate, but don't match, yet have similar levels of brightness and richness.

What other colors would create a successful color block?

(Dress and Cardigan - Old Navy, Necklace - Target)

What's Yellow and Gray and Fabulous All Over?

I have an extensive love for certain colors, including cream, navy, turquoise, grass green, and my favorite neutral, gray. For this summer, I seem to be drawn to everything that not only has gray in it, but also a bright, sunshiny yellow. There is something about this color combo that is so clean and fresh and radiates a warmth that has me dreaming about the beach, fruity drinks, and flip flops. What makes this color partnership even more indispensable is that it can stretch the gamut from traditional, feminine florals to funky, geometric patterns and still look absolutely perfect.

I am drooling over everything that uses an orange and gray combo too!

Ultra Studios

I met Brooke as a funky jewelry designer about a year ago . Since then, she has taken on much grander initiatives and is working to open her own studio on May 11th called Ultra Studios (118 West South Street, Fayetteville, 479-236-8570). With her artistic heritage and her love for fashion and design, she has merged her passions into one concept with plans to host local artists and local clothing and jewelry designers in her unique warehouse space in South Fayetteville.


But, before the official grand opening, you can get a sneak peak of Brooke's studio and her own personal clothing designs at a charity fashion show on Thursday, Aprill 30th with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Children's House. Her theory and inspiration for the fashion show is the "evolution of fashion", where the audience will get a glimpse of the anatomy in the process of design from ideation, preliminary patterned muslins to the final wearable designs. In addition to the fashion show, the night's agenda includes cocktails, hor d'oeuvres, special guest speakers, make-up tips by MAC make-up, a silent auction, and authentic Native American dancers. Go to http://www.ultrastudios.org/ to purchase tickets ($50).

And Brooke manages to make herself look great, while she is designing great looking fashion for everybody else.