Look of the Day: Midi in Black

J.Crew Cardigan - Thrifted Top - Bisou Bisou Pencil Skirt - Thrifted Purse - Mossimo Sandals - Necklaces c/o Tocca Jewelry

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Fall Favorites: 4 Different Looks

Right around this time of year, inexplicably and without fail, I start getting excited about dressing for Fall. Maybe it's that I'm tired of the heat (if you can call it that in Seattle) or maybe I'm just tired of sandals and shorts. Whatever the case may be, my mind starts wandering and I soon have my Autumn wish list. This year, my main focus is shoes! Now that my feet are starting to feel better, and with fancy new custom orthotics in hand (er, shoe) I have more options! At the moment, my favorite place to drool over shoes is on ASOS. They have a great collection of super stylish, super affordable women's shoes!

For Work

It's off to work oui go! by fleur-d-elise featuring a pencil skirt

First and foremost: I want more classic flats! I like these ones because they add a bit of texture, but will still go with a lot. I don't really need another vintage Coach, or more stripes, but I am in desperate need of a cocoon coat! It's been on my list for years!

Weekend Getaway

weekend wear by fleur-d-elise featuring a double breasted trench coat

I can't begin to tell you how badly I want a pair of Chelsea boots. ASOS has several different versions, all pretty well priced, considering they're made of leather. Here, I've paired them with a look I would wear on a weekend get away. Most people take their vacation in the summer, but our's is always in the Fall, on account of my husband's busy summer work schedule.

Blogging Event

blogger event by fleur-d-elise featuring wedge shoes

I always save my crazy pants and loud patterns for blogger meet-ups and girl's nights out. My husband doesn't "get it", but I know the ladies will :) These t-strap wedges are so fun and totally different from all the other shoes in my wardrobe.

Night Out

hot date by fleur-d-elise featuring an envelope clutch

On date nights, I wear outfits my husband understands: shorter skirts, balanced with more coverage on top, in this case, a great motorcycle jacket from H&M. The leopard print pointed court shoes add another touch of "ooh la la," but the lighter shade of lipstick will keep the look from going too red-light district.

Look of the Day: gingham & denim

My husband didn't want this shirt anymore, so I snatched it up and cut the sleeves off. I've really been wanting a gingham shirt, and even though it's not quite the fit I was looking for, it will do for now. It looks good belted and there's enough material to tie a knot in the front. Thanks for the donation, husband!

Speaking of husbands, Trevor and I have been married for nearly a year! I can't believe it's been that long already! We are planning on going to Tutta Bella for our anniversary, since it's where we went for our wedding lunch. They have award-winning Neapolitan-style pizza and this amazing salad with beats, pistachios, and goat cheese. The salad is so good we ordered two that last time we were there.

Here's that lovely little bag from Mochi Beaucoup again. I just love it with anything blue, but especially navy. It goes nicely since this shade of orange is closer to a neutral than a bright.

J. Crew men's gingham shirt - J. Crew jersey cardigan - Vintage belt and bracelets - Mochi Beaucoup mini bag - American Eagle jeggings - thrifted shoes (similar) and sunglasses (similar)

Look of the Day: slap-in-the-face pink!

Oh geez, I love this sweatshirt. It's way too big and probably unflattering, but I just cannot see past that pink! Actually, it might be ruining my eyesight, and not just simply distracting me.

I'm a little embarrassed to admit I've bought two short sleeved sweatshirts in the past month. I don't know why, but I feel like my best friend from high school, Sarah, would make fun of me for wearing them, like when I shaved my arms junior year.
The sweatshirts seem a little silly, but are actually making a lot more sense then I thought they would. This Spring has been pretty cold so far, but I want to at least pretend the weather is getting nice! Short sleeves with a soft, fuzzy interior are working out just perfectly.

J.Crew chambray shirt - Vintage sweatshirt - Polka dot skirt (similar) - Vintage purse - Forever21 glasses (similar) - Xhilaration flats

Look of the Day: neon spring

Spring is finally here! I'm so excited for warm weather. This past winter really made me want to move to California. Trevor absolutely refuses, though.

Look! I got a package! It contained two wonderful treasures I won from a giveaway. A big thank you to Mona @La Boheme and MochiBeaucoup.com

I absolutely love the bracelet! Sad that the ring doesn't fit :( Stupid tiny fingers. It is adjustable, but my fingers are so small I would have to bend it weird to get it to fit.

Oh! And I got a new purse! I am so in love with it. I found it at Value Village for $10. It's in perfect shape and the faux croc texture makes it look so expensive. I wish it were leather, but beggars can't be choosers.

Forever21 Tank Top (click to buy similar) - Sheer vintage blouse - J.Crew belt - Thrifted sunglasses (similar) - Faux Croc purse (similar) - Forever21 trousers - Xhilaration flats (similar)

oops-a-daisies!

Well, it's nearly Spring, so I guess it's time for something new. How about some lovely new earrings and a new hair color?

In an attempt to dye my hair back to its natural, dark blond shade, I ended up brunette. It's actually even darker than the picture on the box! I'm pretty happy with it though; it's a gorgeous shade!

Believe it or not, I've only had my ears pierced for about 2 years.When it comes to earrings, I have a very small collection, especially in comparison to someone who has had their ear's pierced from a young age. I've been wanting a nice pair of diamond studs for fancy occasions, preferably canary diamonds. I have come to terms with the fact that I can't (and may not ever be able to) afford canary diamonds, but I found a lovely alternative on Anjolee.com.

I was a little overwhelmed with how many options I had, but I am completely happy with the outcome. I was able to choose the size, the metal, the style, and the type of stone for my earrings. I ended up with four prong princess cut citrine stud earrings in yellow gold. I absolutely love the color! They're the perfect size; not too tiny or too gaudy. If you want gaudy, though, you can order studs with gems up to 6.5 mm!

The earrings came perfectly packaged in a nice little enameled box.

Hope everyone is doing well! Spring is just around the corner!

In these photos:

Earrings by Anjolee

Lipstick by Maybelline

GAP cardigan

Tiered blouse from Lulu's

J.Crew wool pencil skirt

Aldo purse

Forever21 platforms

Oh crap.

I accidentally deleted this post. All better now.






In these photos:
Thrifted hat
J.Crew Cardigan
H&M dress worn as a top
Forever21 trousers
Vintage Coach purse

spring wish list: illustrated

Clockwise from the left:

1. J.Crew Tippi Sweater $72.50
Great for layering (Spring weather can be unpredictable!) and the perfect preppy piece to pair with all of those crazy florals, which we'll get to later. Check out J.Crew for a million other colors.

2. Cat-Eye Glasses
This is one of those trends that seems to have real staying power. Vogue says it's because of the recession (no one has money to invest in new trends). Regardless, they're pretty awesome and go great with those other trends that don't seem to be going anywhere: 50's and 60's style

3. H&M Chiffon Blouse $49.95
Collars are EVERYWHERE. Classic oxford collars, patterned collars, peter pan collars, beaded collars; everything goes! They're an easy way to add some interest to an outfit. Layer it under your crew-neck sweater (see #1) for insta-prep.

4. M.A.C. Fake Lashes $15
What's nice about the trends this Spring is that they all go together! You don't have to worry about getting your space-age make-up to look right with Victorian-inspired dresses. Instead, most of everything looks straight outta the early 60's. So pair your cat-eye glasses with cat-eye make-up. Try fake lashes for extra oomph!

5. ASOS Floral Pants $72
Florals were seen all over the runways again for S/S 2012, but these are not your prissy mini-florals of years past. Think huge, bright, and kinda kitsch. Alexander Wang and Blumarine had some of the biggest, most over-the-top prints. Asos has some good ones, too!

6. J.Crew Tillary Bucket Tote $198
Ok, so neon is yet another trend that keeps coming back every spring. It just makes sense. It's fun, it's lively, and like masago adds such a pleasant pop to sushi, neon adds the nicest pop to an outfit. This leather bucket bag is a steal at just under $200. Also, check out the Celine-esque Tillary totes for $328.

Spring Color Trends: Part 1

Spring Color Trend: Pastels by fleur-d-elise featuring an oversized leather clutch

So I've done a little research (not gonna pretend like this was my idea!) and pastels are suppose to be very "in" this Spring. Definitely appropriate for the season, I should say! Quite a few designers sent light, frothy shades down the runways, but one really stuck out: Chanel Ready-to-Wear for S/S 2012.

Dewey-faced models floated down the runway that had been decorated to look like a a coral reef. There weren't any obvious mermaid references (no silly tails or shell bras), but every piece was a nod to the sea. Delicate scales, pearly fabrics, and colors reminiscent of sea fans and scallop shells are just some of the details Karl Lagerfeld used to bring this underwater world to life.

The term "ready-to-wear" is sometimes a little misleading. You think to yourself "Oh, maybe it's in real people dollars," but no, it just means it's not made to order. The prices are still excruciating. Instead, the average girl, like moi et tu, must take notes on what she likes and find inspired pieces at prices she can afford.

I've done some of the work for you and found some lovely items at stores like Madewell, American Apparel, and online at Asos.com. Below are a few more reef-inspired pieces.


Look for frothy textures and shimmery fabrics, like this Romwe tunic:

Romwe Top by fleur-d-elise featuring a pink tee

If that's too much for you, try adding some scalloped edges into your wardrobe. They're named after a sea creature, and for good reason! I like this tiered top from Forever21.

Forever21 Top by fleur-d-elise on polyvore.com

As for accessories, opalescent stones, pearl earrings, and coral clutches are perfect for finishing off a look. I'm heading to Forever21 today to see if I can score this amazing necklace!

Opal necklace by fleur-d-elise featuring forever 21 jewelry

cinnamon and sheer

This is one of my favorite outfits. I try not to wear it too often because 1. I want to keep the skirt in good condition (I got married in it!) and 2. I am not in middle school anymore and have learned to not wear the same outfit everyday.


I think the colors, contrast, and textures are perfectly balanced. Plus, it also features my favorite hat and top.



The newest addition to the outfit are these lovely leaf earrings from Felicee.com. They are punched from metal and add delicate glitz without being gaudy. The size helps with this and, despite my short hair, aren't too long. I'm not sure what kind of metal they are, but my sensitive ears haven't reacted to them yet. Good sign!


In this look:
Vintage hat
J.Crew cotton cardigan
Chico Design top
American Apparel sheer maxi skirt
Vintage Coach purse
Felicee earrings

Brand New

With the help of gift cards and discounts, I was able to get both these items for super cheap! The top is from J. Crew and has the cutest heart pocket! Based on that detail alone, I was completely sold. Plus, chambray was on my wish list for Spring!

The shorts are from American Apparel and are the most flattering shorts I've ever owned. I'm really not a shorts person, but I quite liked the way these ones looked. The high waist is awesome. I'm looking forward to styling them in a classic 50's sort of way.


I am fighting back the urge to talk about the weather. It's the #1 factor in deciding what I wear, but who really wants to read about that?

Goodness, I love this look. I hope you do, too!

In these photos:

J.Crew Chambray Shirt

American Apparel Bull Denim Cuff Shorts

Aldo Flats

Vintage Belt

Handmade Necklace

Snowglobe

Yesterday was like living in a snow-globe, except for the part where I was sick with worry about my doggy. It snowed all day, but never really stuck; the air was just filled with fine white flakes that floated off to somewhere else. Seattle only had a light dusting, but other towns up north got over 12 inches! My mom lives about 60 miles south of me, and she got 6 inches. The panic that sets in here in Seattle gets worse and worse every time we have snow.



Today it is blindingly sunny. That type of sunny that always comes with below-freezing temperatures. I'll take it though! My dog is feeling better, and could now open up a small drug store, which might be a good idea as she now owes me $200. They're not quite sure what she is sick from, but I'm still waiting on some test results. Thanks for all your kind words :)

As for this outfit, I just looove the colors. I think I'm going to start building my entire wardrobe around reds and blues. I painted a little heart on my cheek that my boyfriend says is "too precious" to wear everyday. I agree with him, but I like it so much I might wear it once a week.



The blouse is a vintage Wrangler that I can't bare to part with, even though it is two sizes too big for me. It's such a treasure.



In These Photos:
J.Crew Cardigan
Wrangler Blouse
J.Crew Cashmere Hat
Zella Leggings
New Look Wedges
GAP Clutch

If you ask me...

Time for some good ol' fashioned product reviews! All based on personal experience; all from companies and stores I patronize regularly.

First off, Pajama Jeans! The hottest new thing in fashion!

JOKING. But really, when I'm watching The Today Show and that commercial comes on, my morning is a little bit sunnier.



I'm going to post this in two parts. We'll start with clothing and fashion, since I have more reviews in that category. Later, I will review Services and Beauty Products.

Apparel:

-H&M-
Pro: Great value (as I'm sure you've figured out)! The sizing makes sense and is pretty consistent from garment to garment. Most things are really well made, considering how much they cost.

Con: I have had the hem come out of 3 different items. I love their tank tops, but 2 out of 3 have come undone at the hem :(

-J. Crew-
Pro: They have gorgeous designers and great stylists. Somehow they know exactly what I'm into the week they send me a catalog. They usually have colors you can't find anywhere else. Their clothes last forever!

Con: The "vanity sizing" is BEYOND ridiculous. Example: I'm an 8 or so at H&M, but I am a SIZE 2 (!) at J.Crew. I have trouble finding things that fit, in the sales especially. I would not recommend buying pants there. They stretch out really badly. I've bought three different types; skinny denim and Minnie City Fit in a lighter twill and one pair in a heavier cotton fabric. The denim and the lighter twill stretched out to the point where I looked like I've lost 15 pounds. In my crotch. Seriously. The heavier ones have held up much better, but I still have to wash them often so they will shrink back into shape.

-Forever21-
Pro: Surprising value and amazing selection (this is also sort of a con). Stuff is actually made pretty well. I've had some things for years now. Even a button-up blouse that I've never had to replace buttons on!

Con: The return policy is dumb. You only have 21 days to exchange something, and you can only get store credit. They have soooo much stuff, it can be kind of overwhelming. I used to have panic attacks in Forever21. My friend had a seizure there once (but that may have been her fault). The sizing runs pretty small, so when I was a stylish heavy-set high schooler I couldn't shop there.




-GAP-
Pro: Good for basics. Sometimes they have some really good designs. The sales are great! Their jeans age perfectly. They don't stretch out like some jeans I know.

Con: Another place where the vanity sizing is getting out of control. I am not an XS. If I were, then there would be 5 million other woman who would not be able to find any clothes to wear, except for in the Toddler's section.

-Sam Edelman-
Pro: Sometimes the designs are pretty cute.

Con: I have only bought one pair of Sam Edelman shoes, but I have had 3 different pairs of the same style. The first pair was the wrong size (not Sam's fault), the second pair dyed my feet green, and the third pair came unglued after a month. Based on this experience, I've decided that I will never pay full price for a pair of Edelman's ever again. (Thank goodness I bought them at Nordstrom; they have an excellent return/repair policy, which I will get to later.)


-Urban Outfitters-
Pro: Fun stuff! They usually have a lot of trendy pieces. Great selection of store brands and name brands. I really like their selection of shoes and haven't had many problems when it comes to quality. I have two pairs of Cooperative wedges that I live in.

Con: I like to call this place "The Fifty-Eight Dollar and Up Store". Things are kiiinda overpriced.


-American Apparel-
Pro: Amazing choice and variety. You want something basic and sensible? They have it! You want something crazy and different? They have that, too, and everything in between! Great selection of colors, sizes, and styles. Have never had any hems or seams come out and the colors stay vibrant for a long time. Everything keeps its shape, despite the fact that most is cotton!

Con: Another dumb return policy! Store credit only :( Sometimes I have a hard time paying $18 for a t-shirt.


Coming Soon!
Make-Up:
L'Oreal
MAC
Ulta

Services/Returns:
Nordstrom
J.Crew

New Feature: COVET.

Introducing my new, weekly feature: COVET. Every week (hopefully) I will feature a new lust-worthy item. Mostly I will focus on beautiful, high-quality items that I cannot afford, or won't ever own for some other reason (unless I steal them, hence the title!).

Now for my first Covet. item: Zip Leather Gloves by J. Crew. I've been thinking about these gloves since I saw them the store Downtown. They are not completely unaffordable, but I can't bring myself to spend $98 on them, and I would feel guilty if someone spent that much on them for say Christmas or something. I think it comes down to visuals, but I can't justify something that small costing $98.

Now that I've whined about the price enough, let me tell you how amazing they are! They are nice leather. Nice. The softest leather you have felt since you pawed at that Miu Miu bag in Barney's. Buttery soft, the way leather should be. The inside is lined with cashmere and the zipper is, get this, gold-plated. I am going to assume that means actual gold, but since gold-plated items usually aren't stamped there's no way I can guarantee they don't simply mean "fancy gold-colored metal plated." But it is J. Crew and they are $98, so it's probably real gold. Now I really want them. Maybe if I just keep telling myself "At least they are not $680 Hermes gloves!" then I will feel OK about $98.



Zip Leather Gloves by J. Crew, $98

My boyfriend, the clothes-horse

So my boyfriend really, really likes coats and jackets. He has 3 of the exact same Aeropostale jackets. He just bought a $200 Levi's-Filson waxed something-or-other. He has two closets full of coats. Then last week, I was at his parent's house and his mom asked "Do you want to take Trevor's coats?"

Whaaaa?? More??

This vintage Burberry was sitting on top. I told his mom I would take the "Burrr-bree" for sure.

My boyfriend gets angry when I cuff the sleeves, but the sleeves are too long on me (as always) and who else is going to wear it right now? He looks silly in it since he only wears cowboy boots and won't get a haircut. Oh, did I mention that my boyfriend is 5 years-old? Sheesh.

I love him and I love that we can (mostly) wear each other's clothes. Things are a bit big in the shoulders and arms for me, but I wouldn't have it any other way... Especially since I would risk having a boyfriend with girl arms :/

In these photos:
Vintage Burberry
Thrifted lace shirt
Wool skirt from J.Crew
New Look wedges