It's official: I've busted out the leggings.  The sun was shining gloriously as I perused the market today, but it just wasn't enough to take the slight chill out of the air.  Sadly, I left empty-handed.  As much as I wanted to buy the baked bread and the deliciously thick Belgian brownie that was calling my name, I knew it was my starvation mode kicking in--big time.  That'll teach me to attempt to cruise the market on an empty stomach. I knew if I bought one thing, it would be the beginning of the end, so I did the sensible (weight-conscious) thing and went home.  I came very close to buying a Christian Dior denim jacket that I came across in a charity shop, and then realized that the name was the only reason I wanted the jacket in the first place.  As much as I was trying to talk myself into it, it just wasn't my style at all.  Even though it doesn't seem like it, today was a win! I saved myself from a lot of useless buying today, which will only lead to bigger and better things later.  Pace yourselves, my fierce fashionistas.  What you don't buy now will come back to you tenfold!  Fashion karma is the best!

Stay Fashionably Fabulous!

What I'm Wearing

Hat: H&M  Sunglasses: Rayban  Jacket: H&M
Jean: American Eagle  Clutch: London boutique

As the daylight lessens and the cold air moves in, my sadness at leaving neon colors, short flouncy skirts and bare legs quickly turns into excited anticipation--Fall is on its way, which means hello again to leather jackets and boots!  It's finally cool enough to wear this oh-so-cool biker jacket that I snagged at H&M over the summer.  I can't confirm or deny, but I'm pretty sure the mere presence of this cropped creation upped my cool status a few notches, and, when paired with these accessories...oh, let me tell you:  I am obsessed/head-over-heels in love with my black fedora and Raybans.  If there were two accessories I could save in a fire, these would be them.  I don't know what it is about this killer combo, but every time I wear them, I have to hold myself back from strutting the streets a la Saturday Night Fever style.  Tell me, my fierce fashionistas, what favorite accessories make you want to strut your stuff?

Stay Fashionably Fabulous!

What I'm Wearing

Top: H&M  Trousers: Primark  Shoes: Don't remember (sorry)  Clutch:  London boutique

Happy Monday, my fierce fashionistas!  Hope the glorious weather of this weekend treated you well!  I made the most of mine by color blocking this summer's fiercest colors, while I still can.  I must say, these Primark trousers that I came across last year have served me well and are one of my favorite pairs!  With a simple switch of a top, they carry me through all seasons, which is going to benefit me this month, as I will not be spending money for quite some time.  My four day jaunt in London spiraled me into a recession.  What can I say, London is an expensive town and I am an expensive girl!  Oh well, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade, right?  This is the perfect opportunity to get creative with what I already have and make the most of my already fabulous duds!  Stay tuned and...

Stay Fashionably Fabulous!

What I'm Wearing

Since today's outfit post got rained out, I decided to take this opportunity to upload some of my London pics  taken in Spitalfields--an artsy/trendy area.  When I wasn't busy gawking at the street art and other catchy one-liners, I was combing the vintage shops.  I tried my best to emulate the punk/hipster look of the area's natives, but I couldn't, for the life of me,  imitate their "slouchy too-cool-to-care" swagger.  I guess my cool points don't reach to such levels!  If any of you fierce fashionistas happen to venture to the London town, I highly recommend you swing out that way.  The ethnic cuisine and quirky coffee shops are a delight, the art is plentiful, and the fashion finds will keep you busy for hours!  Until next time...

Stay Fashionably Fabulous!

What I'm Wearing

Shirt: FNO 2012  Jeans: American Eagle  Stilettos: New Look
Sunglasses: Rayban Watch: Michael Kors

Good day to you, my fierce fashionistas!  Today's theme is comfy and casual.  Frolicking the streets of London has left me wiped out!  As much as I'd like to spend the next few days in recovery mode, I am sad to report that they will be spent in the gym, shedding the pounds I put on during my macaroon marathon.  

I took my first outfit opportunity to rock my Fashion's Night Out souvenir!  Not only is the cotton super soft, but it hangs in all the right places.  I bought it on Bond Street and managed to snag the last one!  How lucky was I?  I offset it with stilettos, of course, and this AMAZING clutch I happened to stumble upon during one of my shopping escapades. I was in such fashion shock that I don't even remember the name of the store!  Isn't it a studded dream come true?  I am officially OBSESSED and am a proud owner of two different colors.  It was the highlight of my trip!  Have a fantastic day, fashionistas and...

Stay Fashionably Fabulous!

London Town

Hello, my fierce fashion followers! London has taken me by storm! No stilettos for this fashionista! As much as I would love to martyr myself for fashion's sake, I opted for sensible flats and added some color pop in accesories. As you can see, I finally made it inside Buckingham Palace! If you happen to go, you can get your ticket stamped for a free admission! Who knows, I may be back! Stay tuned for more pics to come and...
Stay Fashionably Fabulous!

Top: H and M   Bag: Big Buddha  Flats: Mia  Sunglasses: Rayban  Belt: Primark

Jil Sander Brown Bag" Special." Is it Special?

For every fashion enthusiast lies an equally exacerbated critic, forever accusing our industry's finest of slapping a fancy name on a mediocre product and charging an astronomical price, all in the name of "fashion." All I can say is, oh boy, are they going to have a field day with this latest fashion debut!

Jil Sander (one of my most favorite designers) has escalated the latest and greatest in designer accessories to a whole new level by throwing out the time honored tradition of conventional handbags and going with...well, an actual paper BAG.  Behold *drum roll* the Vasari bag!  The days of brown  paper bags being reserved for the exclusive use of elementary youngsters are no more! Why?  Because Jil Sanders said so!   Move aside, school aged children.  Fashionistas will take it from here.

What makes Jil Sander's paper sack more special than any lunch bag found in any supermarket?  Wax-coated paper and reinforced seams, that's what!  And, for a whooping 185gbp, this embellished sack can be all yours!   While I don't see myself rushing to buy one of these Jil Sanders creations any time soon, I am in a rush to find out who will!  Tell me, my fierce fashionistas, will you?

*Image via The Telegraph.co.uk*

Stay Fashionably Fabulous!

                 

Paris Hilton Rocks Russia GQ

As fashionistas, we are no stranger to guilty pleasures.  You know what I'm talking about; the top secret indulgences that we dare not speak of.  For some, it is something as harmless as those visually fascinating Hostess Sno Balls that draw us in every time we set foot in a convenience store.  For my Mom, it's singing along to the vocal stylings of Chaka Khan.  My guilty indulgence?  Paris Hilton.

 Ever since I first saw her Simple Life debut in 2003(which I still continue to watch to this day), I knew I was in it for the long haul.  As a socialite, jet-setter, and fashion extraordinaire--What's not to love?  Not to mention, anyone who knows how to dress is high on my list of People to Love.  I saw her in person while on the red carpet for the MTV Video Music Awards in 2007, and her trademark side-look and wave that she gave me still remains one of my most cherished memories, so imagine my delighted surprise when I found out about her spread for Russia GQ!  Her Simple Life days may be long over, but she is still looking fierce, fashion, and fabulous!

*Images via Huffington Post*

Whether it be music, junk food, or even Paris Hilton, we all have our quirks.  Tell me, my fierce fashionistas, what is YOUR guilty indulgence?  Until next time....

Stay Fashionably Fabulous!

Crossing Over to The Dark Side

 It is yet ANOTHER rainy day in jolly ole England!  Am I complaining?  Absolutely not!  If it hadn't been for this lovely English weather, who knows when I would've completed my post today?  The sunny days are getting more few and far between, with each passing day  as dreary as the next; a sure sign that summer is on its way out.  What better excuse than to adopt the re-emerging goth trend that is sweeping the Autumn/Winter runway shows!  Why fight the gloom?  You know what they say: "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!"  I don't know about you, my fierce fashionistas, but I am totally on board!

If there's one thing to be learned about this season's collections, it is that black is back!  More and more designers have crossed over to the dark side, and I'm tickled pink!  Or should it be black?  And, as always, when trends change, it's usually in both the fashion AND makeup scene.

*Image via Gucci and Vogue*

Burgundy lips paired with light foundation are all the rage and I am loving it!  It gives a very dramatic "porcelain doll" effect. Have no fear if you are not a fan of burgundy or  if *Gasp* it is not in your color wheel.  Darken your favorite lip color with a brown eye pencil, or, if you're feeling particularly daring...use black. If this trick is good enough for the industry's premier makeup guru's, it's good enough for this fashionista!

*Image via Fashion Telegraph*

Prada's Autumn/Winter show revealed an opposite approach in going for a (very) dramatic eye and pale lips.  Eyes a little too extreme for your liking?  It's nothing a little smokey eye can't fix!  Definitely a more subtle approach, but still VERY effective.   Make sure to tread this season's makeup trend carefully because it definitely has the potential  to become too much too fast, and before you know it, this could be you:

Lets be real: The only person with enough sex appeal and cool points to pull this look off is Johnny Depp!

Stay Fashionably Fabulous!

Black & White

During another afternoon spent pinning yet ANOTHER streetstyle pic on Pinterest, I came to the sudden style realization: I am obsessed with black and white.  I mean, what's not to love?  Its classic color -combo has held strong through countless fashion fads and is as timeless as Coco Chanel's Little Black Dress.  Its magic ability to make any fashionista look oh-so-effortlessly chic forever keeps me spellbound.

Don't get me wrong, I love color-blocking as much as the next fashionista, but sometimes it's nice to take a break and go back to the basics.  Will you be strutting black and white this fall season?  I know I will!

INSPIRATION:

 

Stay Fashionably Fabulous!

Fashion's Night Out 2012: London Style

Ever since its 2009 debut, Fashion's Night Out has been a huge success!  It was started as a way to help boost the industry's economy by spending the night in celebration, and over the past four years, has evolved into a thriving fashion extravaganza.  Fashionistas fill the streets as music blares. Designers launch their latest lines as loyal enthusiasts cram their way in, in hopes of being among one of the firsts to be "in the know." And the "cherry" on top of an epic night is the exclusive "place to be seen" party hosted by Mulberry and Vogue!

Oh, and the promotions...

You can bet your stilettos I'll be punching/shoving/kicking my way into Chanel for a chance snag a souvenir from their one-of-a-kind vending machine that's being displayed especially for FNO!  Oh, and of course, I'll be purchasing this year's Fashion's Night Out commemorative t-shirt designed by Jonathan Saunders!  At only 18gbp, AND with a portion of the proceeds benefiting a charity for victims of domestic violence, how could I not?  

Fear not, my fierce fashionistas, if you are unable to make it to this year's FNO events. From an undisclosed location,  I am plotting/mapping/planning my September. 6th journey, and shall be combing London's premier shopping districts, stilettos intact, camera in hand, to bring you the latest and greatest FNO has to offer.  Stay tuned and...

Stay Fashionably Fabulous!

Target Targets Roberto Cavalli

It is once again that time of year for Target to make high end fashion accessible to the common masses, and what better way to kick off this season's Designer's For Target collaboration than with the dazzling stylings of the infamous Roberto Cavalli!  His trademark prints will soon be gracing the bodies of fashionistas everywhere, and with last year's Missoni's line making record (and website) breaking sales, Cavalli's line is sure to be a huge success!  

There is, however, only one thing I find alarmingly wrong Cavalli's future line:  It will only be available in Australia!  I am hoping/praying/lighting candles that Target will come to their senses and make the line available in the U.S.  With the gi-normous popularity of the Missoni collection, how could they not?  If you happen to live in Australia, clear your schedule for October 31st and head to a Target near you.  If you happen to fall into the "geographically challenged" category (like myself), cop a squat behind the nearest computer and do the following: Type www.target.com.au as fast as the wind blows and be prepared to pay a hefty sum in shipping, but fear not, my fierce fashionistas--it will most certainly be worth it.  Until then...

Stay Fashionably Fabulous!

Bigger is Better

Greetings and salutations, my most fierce fashion followers!  How goes it in Fashionista Land?  If you're anything like myself, I am sure you've already started taking notes of this season's fiercest fall fashions, and as always--fashion does not disappoint in its philosophy of going against the grain and making it work.  

Like any other die hard fashionista, I have my own set of fashion philosophies in which all my ensembles revolve around, and one of those philosophies is: tight is right.  I mean, why would I want to make myself look bigger than I already am?  Well, I may have to make some adjustments--both philosophically AND physically.  

Over-sizing is sweeping the runways and according to fashion's finest, BIGGER is better!  Better pull those "too big" coats out of the give away pile or dare to be "last season!"  

Stay Fashionably Fabulous!

***Images from style.com***

                                              

What I'm Wearing

Good day to you, my fierce fashionistas!  Today's outfit is brought to you by Friday's fashion find: A fiercely blue sleeveless shirt I happened to stumble upon while on my myriad journeys down discount lane.  I'm sure you can imagine my delight because, not only are sleeveless collared-shirts in this season, but it was also 75% off!  Double Score!  Enjoy your day, my lovlies, and-- 

Stay Fashionably Fabulous!

Blazer: H&M, Shirt: Base Exchange, Jeans: Hurley, Necklace: Juicy Couture, Cuff: Primark Shoes: H&M,  Bag: Buddha

What I'm Wearing

   

Shoes: Steve Madden, Belt: Primark, Watch: Michael Kors, Bangles: Base Exchange, Clutch: New Look

Greetings fellow fashionistas!  Today's ensemble is what I like to call a "down with brown" theme. A makeup junkie at heart, I usually first decide what theme I'm going to do my makeup, and the rest just falls into place like magic.  My desire for a glowing bronze face trickled down to my tank top and accessories for, what I like to think, is an overall causual/cute look for summer.   Maybe I'm hoping the brown will transfer to my ridiculously pale legs, I don't know.  

I'm sorry to say, the pictures are not the greatest.  Any fellow military wives know how much our husbands work, which means I have to fend my photographic needs myself.  A blogtographer will most definitely be at the top of my list this year!  Until next time...

Stay Fashionably Fabulous!

Feeling Blue

How are my fierce fashion followers today?  Hope you all are doing fab, as always.  As for myself...I'm feeling BLUE; as in cobalt blue!  I don't normally wear the same color shoes and shirt.  It has always seemed like some sort of unofficial faux pas.  Then, I thought to myself, "Why the hell not?"  One of my favorite things about fashion is going against the grain, taking a risk, and making it work.  I'm glad I did, or I would've missed out on this fabulously flawless ensemble!  Lesson for today:  If you think it doesn't work, go for it anyway.  You might miss out on what could've have been, a shamelessly chic opportunity.  Until next time...

 Stay Fashionably Fabulous!

From Drab...to FAB!

Good day to you from Blogsville, my fabulous fashionistas!  If there's one thing I've learned while living life in the "fash" lane, it is: DON'T DISCARD THE DISCOUNT AISLES!  I've found some of my favorite duds cruising the unwanteds.  In fact, my outfit today consists of one of the clutches you will find in todays pictures, and I am wearing a lovely oversized cobalt blue silk blouse that I found in the...aHEM--Older women's section.  I am NOT ashamed!  Cruising the unwanteds section is my favorite weapon of choice. Yes, my lovelies; I said WEAPON.  It is a fashion battlefield!  Don't knock it til you try it.  Now on to the topic at hand...
When discount cruising, a fashionista has to be creative.  What may appear be unsightly may be in need of some minor tweaking.  For example:

I stumbled across two bags that I would never, ever wear, but I could see that they had potential.  The colors are are two of the "must be worn" for this season, and the buckles were a nice touch.  Then, it hit me.  I would cut off the straps and turn these bulky bags into clutches!

First, I peeled back the seams so I could get to the base of the strap as possible, and cut the straps with a pair of sharp scissors.

Then, I pushed and tucked the frayed remains into the seams with the tip of the scissors and folded over the the top half of the bag and.....

                                                               VOILA!

                                           A new "must have" accessory, all for the price of $8!

Stay Fashionably Fabulous!