Look of the Day: Oasap Plaid & Printed Luck Clutch

 Hey guys! Winter is finally truly fading away! I can't complain much, since we've had the most mild winter, but truthfully, EVERY TIME I HAVE A DAY OFF IT RAINS! It makes it so hard to shoot anything for the blog. Ugh.

So today, I made sure to shoot three different outfits! It was a little chilly for this one, but maybe I can wear it later in the Spring. Printed Luck sent me the hand-printed pouch. Caroline is the wonderful local artist who runs the site and carves her own designs out of linoleum. She has way more patience then me. Linoleum is so hard to carve! The succulent design is so cute and goes perfectly with the new succulent cards I've been working on.

 The other new item is the plaid shirt I'm wearing. Oasap sent it to me to review. It's ok. I love the pattern and the colors, but the fabric wrinkles very easily and the sleeves run so small. Go for a size up if you end up ordering it. 

Hand-printed Clutch c/o Printed Luck - Plaid Blouse c/o Oasap - Vintage Dress - Thrifted Jacket - American Deadstock Sunglasses

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Look of the Day: Polka Dot Party

 I want to host another tea party! A garden party would be the perfect thing. If the patio behind my apartment was a little bigger and a little more private, I would host it there. I've been working on tidying it up. I've planted more poppies, some succulents, nasturtiums, and a big, yellow daisy-type flower. As you can see, though, my weedwacker can't keep up with the warm weather. The grass is out of control!

Thanks to Oasap  for the blouse, the sunglasses, and the outfit inspiration. All of which led to the tea party inspiration, of course.

I just love the shape of these!

...And lets all wish Frida a very Happy 10th Birthday!

I can't believe she's 10! It happens to be her Golden Birthday, so I am going to try to do something special. Unfortunately, her back has been bothering her and we think she had a stroke (it's the best diagnoses for her droopy face), so it's going to be a quiet birthday. Maybe I will cook her a steak and we can watch a movie... Ok, I'll watch the movie.

Oasap Polka Dot Blouse - Oasap Chic Sunglasses  - American Apparel Skirt - Vintage Belt - MIA Audrey Flats - Thrifted Straw Hat

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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)

New look and Giveaway reminder

Hi lovely readers! Happy Friday!

French Macaron mini bag by fleur-d-elise featuring mini handbags

Remember to enter the contest! The winner will recieve a $25 e-gift card to MochiBeaucoup.com. Then you can buy adorable new Spring accessories, like this French Macaron mini bag!!

If you belong to any of the blogger platforms, like Chictopia or Lookbook, you've probably already seen this outfit. It's easier and faster to post things on those sites, so they almost always get my new looks before my blog does. Probably not the best schedule to have, but it's a hard pattern to break!

In these photos:

American Apparel wrap dress

Sheer blouse from Forever 21

Vintage Coach purse

Thrifted blazer

Banana Republic sling-back shoes

H&M flower pin

Spring Giveaway!

spring giveaway by fleur-d-elise featuring scarves

It's that time of year when every fashionista is looking for a few new things to add to her Spring wardrobe, so I've partnered with Mochi Beaucoup to bring you another lovely giveaway, just in time for Spring! This online boutique offers cute and affordable women's fashion accessories, including handbags, jewelry, scarves, belts, and much more.

Above are a few of my favorite items from MochiBeaucoup.com. I especially love the cat scarf, which also comes in black, and the lace collar. Originally I was going to pick out something to give away, but I just can't decide, so I'm going to let the winner choose!

One lucky winner will get a $25 e-gift card to spend on whatever they want at Mochi Beaucoup!

Here are the rules:
1. Visit MochiBeaucoup.com and choose your favorite item. Then leave me a comment with a link to the item and tell me why you love it!
2. Like Mochi Beaucoup's Facebook page
3. Like the Fleur d'Elise Facebook page

That's it! I will be keeping track to make sure everyone has followed the rules and I will email you if you miss one of the requirements.

The giveaway will run from March 7th to March 16th.

COVET. Chanel hair pins

The other week, I had decided to can COVET. Instead of giving up, though, I'm going to try it from a different approach: I'm going to draw or paint every item I feature. Alone, COVET. was just another generic item-of-the-week feature, but with my paintings, it has a little more character; it's a little more "Fleur d'Elise".

Lately, I've been dreaming of these Chanel hairpins. They probably wouldn't even work in my hair, but they're such delicious little trinkets! They're part of the Spring 2012 Ready-to-wear collection (you know, the sea-themed one) and I'm not even sure they're available in stores yet. You might be able to find them at Chanel boutiques, but I couldn't find them on the website, so I'm not positive. According to the March issue of Harper's Bazaar, they'll cost you about $300.

At first, the price doesn't seem so atrocious, I look at my bank account and think "Yeah, I've got that." Oh wait, that's all I have and to spend it on teeny bobby pins would be insanity. Trevor said "You should write about how I would kill you if you bought those." I told him that I always mention how I would be dead. It's not as funny the third and fourth time, dear.

Original painting of Chanel Hairpins by Catie Beatty

Share the Wealth Giveaway

I have been very lucky this past year and feel that I should share some of my luck with my readers. That brings us to 2012's first giveaway! You will all have the chance to enter, and one lucky reader will win the Nine West bag I got from Marie Claire as part of my prize package. The winner will also receive the January issue of UK Glamour. My dad brought this back from England :) Ok, so if you're from the UK, it won't be that exciting, but it's still a free magazine!

So about the bag. As you can see in the picture above, it's a tote with a silver woven exterior. The interior is lined with fabric and features a large pocket, small zippered pocket, and a magnetic snap closure. It's an all-around great bag!

You can enter several different ways:
1. Follow me via bloglovin' or Google (Click "Follow" on the right side of the blog) +1 entry

2. LIKE Fleur d'Elise on Facebook +1 entry

3. Post a link to the giveaway on your blog +2 entries

Remember to leave a comment telling me which one you did and post a link if you mentioned me on your blog!

Giveaway ends January 25th, 2012

Spring Accessories

Spring Accessories by fleur-d-elise featuring glitter shoes

Neon accessories seem to pop up every Spring. As much as I love them, maybe it's time to give something else a try. How about metallics? They're just as bold; just as eye-catching. Plus, gold and silver are technically neutrals, so neutral rules apply to them!

Try pieces that glitter, try pieces that shine, and if you get too overwhelmed or don't feel like spending money, try Essie's line of Luxeffect Nail Polish. I especially love the silver one over top of a peachy polish.

As promised, I will be having a Giveaway very soon! Check back on Wednesday to see what goodies I will be giving away to a lucky reader!

Colors/Patterns: Fall 2011

colors/patterns by fleur-d-elise featuring Pieces

Correct me if I'm wrong, but you are here reading my blog by choice, not because you couldn't find that article about cage fighting and have opted to read this instead. What I'm getting at is that if you're reading this, you probably care about fashion and so have observed at least a little of what's going in colors and patterns this season.

Polka dots are a big one (I've already blogged about this, sheesh)! They're cute, fun, and classic. Plus, anyone can wear them! Try combining a neutral polka dot with one of this season bright colors, such as orange or magenta.

I am not a fan of jade, nor am I fan of snake skin, but together they just work! Take the above Zara bag for instance. The combo is just meant to be. Go for a natural looking snake skin (real or fake), since unnaturally colored prints look tacky after a while.

Two of my favorite trends this Fall: leopard and burgundy! It can be tricky wearing an entire garment in leopard print, but don't be shy! Try a skirt or accessorize with the print. Belts and scarves are a good option. Burgundy, in all of it's regal splendor, looks great with the browns and camels found in leopard print.

Fall Wish List: Accessories

I would like to introduce you to one of my many treasures: My cheetah fur collar. I think it's completely amazing! The epitome of exotic.

I purchased it for $20 in an antique store in the capital city of Olympia, Washington. It has to be at least 30 years old, if not older. In the 1980's, it became illegal to sell or trade endangered animals and products made from those animals, and these days you still can't trade something like cheetah fur over state or international borders!

It seems that at one point, the collar was attached to a coat. It also has the name "Gail Ladage" written on the underside. I would love to know the story behind this lovely piece of fur.

This collar is just one piece of fur from my ever-growing fur collection. It's amazing what you can find at thrift stores and garage sales! I have a rabbit fur stole that I have featured in at least one post, a black rabbit ushanka, and a huge wrap-around stole made of wolf (I think).

It seems I am set when it comes to Fall accessory trends! Fur and faux fur has been predicted to be one of the many popular trends for Fall clothing and accessories. But what if you're too grossed out by real fur and not thrilled about faux fur's tendency to look cheap? Well, there are plenty more trends to follow, love, and make your own.

Fall Accessories by fleur-d-elise featuring purple sunglasses

1. You'll need a couple classic belts to go with all those midi skirts!
2. Leather gloves are very versatile! Perfect for fetish-inspired styles or classic mid-century looks. Plus, they keep your hands warm, duh!
3. We've already talked about this, need I remind you? Fur is warm and on-trend.
4. Can't get enough polka-dots! Umbrellas are perfect in this fun pattern.
5. Cat-Eye glasses: the perfect way to accessorize classic feminine looks or even add a touch femme to masculine looks, like we're seeing in Moschino's F/W 2011 line.
6. I'm not really sure if this is a trend. I just really like that cuff.

stolen/borrowed

I bought this leather pouch for my husband. It was a gift on our wedding day. Secretly, I want one very badly. Ok, not so secretly, but sometimes it's easier to buy things when they are gifts for others. He wanted it one, of course, I wasn't just buying things I liked, haha.

I borrowed it today, with the idea that I would return it to its original spot before my husband got home from work. I wasn't quick enough, though. He got home and even though he hasn't touched it in over 2 weeks, he went looking for it. Whoops! He wasn't angry, but said he was starting to freak out, because he thought it had been stolen. By who, I don't know. It's just me and the Frida all day.

My outfit:
American Apparel shorts & bag
Vintage sweater
GAP cardigan
H&M flower brooch
New Look wedges
Vintage belt

Tomorrow:
Product review of Benefit's So Radiant Face Care line

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

Sping Wish List

Spring 2011 by catiebeatty featuring a silk shawl

I've come up with a list of all the things I want in my spring wardrobe. I compiled them in picture format, but will also list them in word format, which can be more specific.

First off, actual items:

1. Wide Leg Trousers (check)

2. A shirt dress (saw a beautiful one in black, but didn't get a chance to ask the girl where she bought it)

3. Tote bags

4. Tortoise shell accessories (I want these ALWAYS)

5. Cocoon coat

6. A classic watch

7. Heels of all sorts!

The following are also on my Wish List, but can come in the form of accessories, shoes, clothing, anything really:

1. Forest Green
2. Hearts
3. Chambray
4. Rusty pinks and corals
5. Contrasting patterns & colors

In the following weeks, I will be posting more Covet. articles (promise!) with items from my Wish List and, when money is available, collecting affordable versions to build my Spring wardrobe. At the end I will wear everything at once and be sooo fashionable that no one will even be able to fathom how fashionable I am!

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