Field Guide: Summer Style Finds for Guys

June 10, 2010January 25, 20111 Comment

Some Cool Shoes

H by Hudson Carlo Perforated Moccasin picture of Air Grant Penny Leather foot bed with ribbon detailed thong strap. Made in the USA.

Perforated Moccasin, $160/ Driving Loafer, $98/ Air Grant Penny, $138/ Ribbon Flip-Flops, $48/ Topsiders, $53

A Fun Watch

Time Teller, $60/ Breil Milano Watch, $275/ Decker Watch, $105/ Mesh Watch, $98

Sunglasses

Tortoise Plastic Sunglasses Gold Aviator Sunglasses Blackout Wayfarer

Topman Plastic Tortoise Sunglasses, $28/ RayBan RB4126, $144/Gold Aviators, $28/ Black-out Wayfarer, $14

Swim Trunks

Lilly Pulitzer - Flroal Swim Trunks Vineyard Vines - Bouys Chappy Swim Trunks

Cotton and nylon with mesh lining and drawstring elastic waist. Hidden key pocket at inside of swimsuit. Velcro back pocket for secure storage. Available in our classic Southampton fit with a 5" inseam. Machine wash. Imported.

Floral Trunks, $90/ Buoys Swim Trunks, $79/ Seersucker Trunks, $85/ Striped Board Shorts, $19

A Lightweight Jacket

A summer essential tailored from pure cotton. 3-button side vents. Dry clean. Imported.

WHITE INSERT SKINNY TUX JACKET

Twill Blazer, $98/ Seersucker Sports Coat, $298/ Skinny Tux Jacket, $280/ Trooper Jacket, $49

A Dapper Hat

Straw Trilby WHITE SAILORS CAP Block Headwear - Crochet Straw Trilby Fedora Straw golf hat with perforated holes in the top part of the crown. 3" brim with green band. Dri Lexpolyester sweatband to wick away moisture from the skin. Imported.

Straw Trilby, $24/ Sailor Cap, $30/ Crochet Straw Fedora, $53/ Golf Hat, $140

A Boyish Bowtie (How to tie one here)

Pure silk woven in England. Dry clean. Made in the USA. Self-tie bow. Pure silk woven in Italy. Dry clean. Made in the USA. Self-tie bow.

Dot Bowtie, $49/ Music Stripe Bowtie, $49/ Connect Four Bowtie, $49

Efficient Travel Luggage – For Weekend Getaways

Matt & Natt - Weekender Bag Netpack Deluxe Wheeled Duffel 40"¢

Weekender Bag, $220/ Sidekick Bag, $63/ Wheeled Duffel, $99

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Inspired by 10 Killer Style Staples for Guys

For Father’s Day Gift Ideas, check Shop-O-Matic

My Favorite Men’s Online Inspiration and Shops

Perlis New Orleans

Sweet Tooth under $50

June 8, 2010June 8, 2010Leave a comment

I like Daily Candy as much as the next girl, but sometimes it feels like they are speaking directly to me! Do you ever feel that way? Today I want everything they’re hawking and luckily it’s all cheap (under $50 to be exact). There are 16 in all so click here to peruse.

BC Footwear, $50

Windy Freda Headband, $50

Erica Weiner Pocketknife Necklace, $45 (LOVE)

Drape Shorts, $38

Mesh Converse Chuck Taylors, $40 Gap Cutoffs, $50

One more find that I am really into: two-toned espadrilles, $34

Click the photos for links to items!

How to dress: Music Festival

May 25, 2010Leave a comment

So Wakarusa is coming up in less than 10 days and we don’t even have our tent/sleeping bags/anything together. That will all come…I’m hoping, but most importantly, what does one wear to a music festival. The good thing about a hippy-dippy-trippy music fest is that it is exactly that! Free-flowing moo-moos + hat, sunglasses and piles of necklaces = totally acceptable. Here are some pics from last year.

It looks like I wore little dresses, headbands, sunglasses, flippy-floppies, earrings and my handy-dandy fanny-pack. I plan on utilizing what worked last year and incorporating a few affordable new things I will use all summer.

Flowy, Flattering Dresses

1 Gingham Tube Dress 2 Mustard Floral Dress 3 Vintage Floral Dress 4 Orange knit dress All happen to be from Forever21

Headgear

1 Rope headband 2 Crepe headband 3 In the field Fedora

Fun swimsuits

1 Ruffled swimsuit 2 Boyfriend’s swim trunks with 3 Bandeau top 4 Pretty Posy bikini

Ear Candy

1 Leaf earrings 2 Lacquer Earrings 3 Clam dangle earrings (already have)

On the feets

Dawgs Women's 3 Strap Sandal in Peacock / White

1 Gold ankle strap sandals 2 Panther Chain Sandals 3 three strap sandal

ebay lovin’

May 7, 2010May 7, 2010Leave a comment

I go through phases with ebay, sometimes I’m constantly on it and others…I forget. However, I have recently been on a hot streak! It’s such a great place to find vintage clothes, jewelry…really anything you don’t want to pay full price for as well as one of a kind items. Check out my latest finds…

Peek-a-boo 80s dress $12

Photobucket

Bone fanny pack!

$9 shirt dress

Image Hosting by Vendio

$9 mini dress

Image Hosting by Vendio

$2 love knot brooch – to be worn on large gold chain, obvi.

TRADITIONAL HEIRLOOM 14KT LOVE KNOT DESIGNER PIN

One of my fave purchases of late: $13 Vintage perfume bottle charm and chain

$20 vintage dress

$6 Mother of Pearl cuff

Click here to Enlarge

STUNNN Lucite wedges (I am obsessed with Lucite lately)

$.99 white round clip earrings…so mod

ebay is back y’all…here are some of my favorite spots for vintage clothes. I can’t believe I’m sharing this because I know some of you may or may not outbid me one day! PS: All of these are top-rated sellers :)

Thriftwares – extremely chic, bidding wars can ensue
Twitchvintage – great stuff, small sizes
Hollywood Style Vintage – really fun stuff
Tin Roof Vintage possibly my favorite fave
Bonjour Vintage
Bustown Modern
American Archive – really good, can get expensive
Valentine Vintage
Retro Rag a little iffy, but cheap

You’re welcome. Happy Weekend!

Must-haves from Forever21

April 30, 2010Leave a comment

I just popped by forever21.com and I think I must have all of these things.

Thoughts? This is a really good shipment!!!

Swimsuits/Anthropologie/Going to the beach!

April 14, 2010April 14, 2010Leave a comment

Friends, I’m going to Charleston, SC for a mini-vacay with my mama in one week. We’re going to visit my delicious little brother Hampton, who is a sophomore in college. We’ll be doing a lot of things with him but we are staying ON-THE-BEACH! Dream come true for this sun-starved ice storm survivor. As I told you here, I found the ultimate suction one-piece. But, I do need more in the swimsuit department…and finding a flattering suit is just so hard! I am slightly down in the weight area after my puppy/close-call/survival situation. So, I must take advantage and purchase swimsuits now, right?

Why, oh why, doesn’t Anthropologie have a store in Fayetteville, AR; Tulsa, OK or Charleston, SC? I’ll be in all three of those places in the next week?? The answer: they hate me. But they do have priority shipping. I’m finding it very difficult to choose a favorite.

Two-Piece?

Golden Days Bikini

Rosy Bikini

Between-The-Lines Bikini

Faint Breeze Bikini

Wild Watermelon Two-Piece

Or one-piece?

Gleaming Pewter Maillot

Ebbing Tide Maillot

Night & Day Maillot

I’m sortof loving this one. Check out the back…I’m all about ties.

You know from this post that I’m all about “showing back”. This one might be the winner!

Although…I’m not sure I look like this from the back, we’ll see ;)

Swimsuits: To fret or not to fret? That is the question.

April 6, 2010April 7, 20102 Comments

My friends, I am trying to take my mind off my sick puppy for the time being with something so utterly distracting such as swimsuits. While I’ve promised to go on a many a diet/health kick/work0ut in preparation for Spring, really…I’m the same. And..I still plan on plunging into almost any pool I see (as long as I haven’t washed/curled my hair that day).

Readers, I am compelled to send you to your local TJ Maxx. That is where I’ve found my one and only beloved swimsuit of the summer. I tried it on for my boyfriend last weekend (just to get reviews) and I think he almost salivated! That has not happened. In. Forever. I tell you, it was not me! It was the magical swim suit. It’s a one piece but it is practically backless and completely suctioned. It is practically a piece of machinery in that it makes my boobs hit my clavical, my waist shrink 3″ and my back look as though there were nary a roll. BUT…(how can it get better you ask?) it doesn’t push the fat down to my legs!!! So they look normal, pretty good even (with a wedge added). What I can tell you about this glorious suit is that it’s Nine West or Calvin Klein, $19 and at TJ Maxx. It looks a lot like this but this isn’t it.

UPDATE: I found the swimsuit! It’s Calvin Klein 2009. It was featured last year on refinery29. And this is it!

Calvin Klein Push Up swimsuit

It has changed my summer 2010 – ALREADY.

While we’re on the subject…I don’t think you will be able to pry me out of one-pieces this season. So, here are a few more I like.

From Victoria’s Secret:

From Newport News:

Tropical floral-print bandeau Bandeau suit Metallic print bandeau Bandeau swim suit Shape fx® All-over control halter suit with drawstring neck Shape fx® All-over control twist-front bandeau swimsuit Shape fx® All-over control shirred one-piece suit

From Urban Outfitters:

Pins and Needles V-Neck One Piece Pins and Needles Ruffle One Piece Insight Vogue One Piece Kimchi Blue Crisscross Floral One Piece Pins and Needles Polka Dot Shirred One Piece

From Asos:

Tavik Colour Black Suit Flamingo Sands Floral Looped One Piece Swimsuit ASOS Draped Front Swimsuit Mouillé Morroka Beaded Fringe Swimsuit Mouillé Poiret Ruffle Front Swimsuit ASOS Spot Tie Front Swimsuit Cosabella Stripe Deep V-Neck One Piece Swimsuit

Also check out NY mag’s shop-o-matic here.

9-10 mos

March 19, 2010March 19, 20102 Comments

In the past few years, I’ve noticed that just because you’re pregnant (disclaimer: I am not, nor do I want to be) doesn’t mean you have to let yourself or your style go. Empire waisted tops and frocks are always in and they are perfect for the earliest stages of mommyhood. My own mom said she loved being prego with me because she was at her largest in the summer (I’m an August baby) and she wore mumus, flats and a primo tan the entire time.

Inspired by beautiful mommies everywhere, I wanted to point a few friends in the right direction for spring/summer dresses that translate into chic maternity-wear. I’m dying for all of these dresses and none of them are actually “maternity” so everyone can enjoy them!

Casual Knot Back Dress

The sleeveless gray sheath above is perfect for belting wherever you like. $65 topshop

–

Abstract Floral Smock Dress

The floral dress above is so fun and girly, you could wear it as is or with the below belt.

Dress $90, from here, belt $8 from here.

–

Backless Dress By Boutique

The above LBD is backless and the waist is perfect for my fave look: modest/sexy $160. Check the back out here.

–

ASOS Workwear Linen Tulip Dress

The above LWD (Little White Dress) would be perfect for a certain petite friend of mine! $51 here.

–

ASOS Cap Sleeve Jersey Empire Dress

The back to the above dress can be tied and in various colors! $37 here.

–

I love the shade of green and dresses in solids give you so many options. You could wear it alone or with the belt – immediately below or the jacket – below belt.

Above: Dress $29 from here, belt $7 from here, jacket $24 from here

–

Egyptian Betsy Dress by Motel**

An update to the classic LBD – funky, fun, flattering- this dress $70 from here. I love it paired with the below jacket, $27 from here.

–

Mango Embroidered Smock

Loving white dresses and I love the detailing at the neck of the above, $102 here. It would be stunning alone or with the belt below $5 here.

–

Flute One Shoulder Dress Flattering one shoulder dress $90 from here.

Pretty Wrap Dress Feminine dress $90 from here.

Broderie Cup Sundress Tangerine sundress $70 from here.

Spot Bubble Sleeve Tea Dress Vintage looking dress $90 from here.

Look your best and feel your best at all times. xx

I want this dress!

March 10, 2010Leave a comment

I know my closet is busting at the seams. I know there are many things I should do with my money instead of buying clothes. I know I have so many dresses that there are several I have never worn. I know.

But I don’t care! I want this dress!!

It’s from New York & Co and despite the price tag ($89!), I want it.

While we’re on the subject…Payless? Umm not just for grannies anymore.

Womens Christian Siriano for PaylessAll Done Up Mary Jane Pump

Favorites

March 9, 2010March 9, 20102 Comments

These are my favorite shoes. They’re Gianni Bini croc booties with a peep toe. I bought them in December 2008 @ Dillards and have been obessed with them ever since. A pair of animal skin booties can transition you from fall to winter to spring to summer. You can seriously wear them with dresses of any solid color, jeans, skirts, black cropped pants…EVERY SINGLE time I wear them I get compliments ;)

Not the most clear photo but a perfect example of their versatility

I seriously can’t find any like this but here are some that would have a similar effect from Forever21

These are two of my favorite songs right now. L.E.S. Artists by Santigold

and When did your heart go missing by Rooney

This is my favorite blog right now. I love the way Emily photographs her outfits and shares them with her fans. She has a great take on fashion.

http://cupcakesandcashmere.com

There are FIVE outerwear essentials (in my humble opinion) that you need for transitional pieces from Winter into Spring (thank god!) When the forecast calls for weather above 45degrees, put your heavy coats away and welcome spring!

A neck warmer, a bomber jacket, a white blazer, rain boots & a classic trench.

A neck warmer.

Here’s an infinity scarf from f21:

Mine is from New York & Co (ps: underrated store that carries so many wardrobe staples & their sales are unreal). I love it with a white jacket/blazer. My jacket in the below photo is also NY&C and bracelet length (love!)

A bomber jacket. Mine is from Target and I’m obsessed with it.

Here’s a cropped jacket from F21

A cute lighter version from NY&C

Faux Leather Bomber Jacket

Here is a quasi-good pic of me in my Target jacket.

And one that’s still available at target.com

Product Image Womens Faux Crinkled Leather with Diagonal Pockets Moto Jacket - Black

A white/cream blazer

Here are a few great ones from (where else?) Forever21

Mine is from Banana Republic but I purchased it at my favorite thrift store in Fayetteville, Cheap Thrills

Here’s a cute one from Target

Product Image Mossimo® Black: Sateen Boyfriend Blazer - White

And of course BR

Rain boots. You can throw them on if it’s chillier or wet with your jeans, dress or skirt. I got mine at Target in the gardening section so they’re blue and mid-calf (and meant for gardening but whatevs). I used to have the best black rain boots from home depot of all places!

From Target

Product Image Women's Zetta Tall Rain Boots - Black Product Image Women's Merona® Zasha Bias Plaid Rain Boots - Multicolor