Shopping in a Familiar Land

Your closet can be the best store you've ever been in, if you work it right. Last Saturday, I decided- last minute- to go to an all-white yacht party with my best friend. With less than 3 hours to spare, I had to find an outfit, style my hair, take a nap, walk my dog and get to her house. Overwhelmed doesn't begin to describe how I felt. For me, the issue was the color. White is not a color that I gravitate towards, because like most people, I can be a little messy (don't judge me.)

My first instinct was to take to the stores: Kohls, TJ Maxx, Target, etc. but when I got out and started looking at my options, I started to consider a night at home with my dog and how nice that might be. My options were short and tight or long and tight- neither of which were the look I was going for. Then, it hit me... I don't own a white dress but I could "make one." Yes, I can sew but that's not what I meant. Out of the five white items I own, I could piece them together to make a seamless look.

I ran home and began to search through the mounds of clothes on the floor of my closet (don't judge me.) After a little digging, I found the look!

The three elements in this look are:

1. A white romper (purchased in 2010 at TJ Maxx, $19.99)
2. A white and grey gathered skirt (purchased in 2007 at Gap, $10)
3. A white hook belt (purchased in 2010 and I am not sure where or how much)

Paired with some white wedge sandals, I was ready to head out for a night of fun.

This look was so comfortable that I wore the skirt and belt with a pink 3/4 length shirt to work.

These looks fit into the uber-feminine trend I am doing for the summer season.

High-waisted gathered skirts minimize your hips and accentuate the waist line. I am a huge fan of a sweetheart neckline on a strapless top because it makes your chest look fuller and narrows broad shoulders.

So, the next time you are in a fashion crisis, take a step back and then two steps forward- into your closet!

Seasonista Confessions

con·fes·sion

 [ kən fésh'n ]   

1. admission of wrongdoing: an admission of having done something wrong or embarrassing
2. admission of guilt: a voluntary written or verbal statement admitting the commission of a crime
3. open acknowledgment of feelings: a profession of emotions or beliefs such as love, loyalty, or faith

Synonyms: admission, concession, revelation, acknowledgment

Hello, my name is Michelle... and I am a Seasonista...

No one ever said being a fashionista would be easy, but hey someone has to do it. When you ask most people what their favorite season is, some will say summer because of the warm sun and sandy beaches or fall because of the beautiful trees and crisp air. But when you ask a true fashionista her or his favorite season, most will say "Sale Season." As each season draws to a close and another begins, the 'seasonista' in side of me begins to awaken. Something about seeing the first price marked through or covered by a yellow sticker, brings a smile to my face.

However, please note not every sale is worth it but with a little time and a keen eye,  you can find treasures. Shopping off season is a great way to purchase items that you really want but normally could not afford. Take my pick of the week for example- blazers are very on trend and are a great transition from work to party item. The blazer below is from Marshalls, orginially $39.99 but marked down to $16.99. (that's right- under the $20 and some change budget!!!)

Another great thing about shopping off season is that you can try looks that you have been thinking about without the pressure of time. What do I mean? Think about this: you run out to the store for a cute blazer to wear on your first date with- well that doesn't matter- but you are unsure if blazers are for you. Now that it is crunch time, you rarely end up pulling off the great look idea that you envision. But if you shop off season, you can try the blazer look now and be ready for drinks with "Mr. Wonderful" when the moment arrives.



P.S. I know most of you are waiting for pix of the color block dress... I will put those up next week, when I discuss accessories :)