That Girl is Poison

Top - some mall store, Jeans - F21, Shoes - Lulu's

I've mentioned before on the blog how much I love clothes that have unexpected and subtle details, and this shirt represents exactly what I'm talking about. It caught my eye right away because I'm OBSESSED with orange, as you already know (see here, here, and here), but when I saw the split back, I couldn't resist picking it up. I love how it's edgy and sexy, without being overly so. This is one of those go-to outfits that will work for any manner of occasions because it's cute and casual, with just the perfect amount of fancy thrown in there. I find myself reaching for it on multiple occasions, whether it be a dinner with friends in the city, grabbing drinks in the evening, or even a night of beer and bowling with Boyfriend.

This weekend is going to be another busy one, with celebrating a friend's engagement, a brunch with the girls, and a concert that I am SO excited for, featuring SWV, Dru Hill, Blackstreet, and one of my personal faves, BELL BIV DEVOE. Yep, I'll be the one on the floor doing "the smurf" to "Poison! Poison, P-p-p-p-oison!" like a dork. Don't judge. So in the words of my boys Bell Biv and Devoe, I leave you to your weekends with this unforgettable and poignant advice: "Never trust a big butt and a smiiiiilllle." Have a good one!

Must Have

Skirt - Frenchi (Nordstrom), Belt - F21, Shoes - H&M, Watch, Bracelet - Vintage

I have decided that a leopard print skinny belt is my new absolute wardrobe essential. Ever since I got it, I don't know how I lived without it before. It immediately sasses up any outfit, and it literally goes with EVERYTHING. Like the perfect taupe pump. Or a Louis Vuitton bag. Or a classic trench coat. Or a dollop of whipped cream.

I've honestly tried pairing this belt with every color I've got (teal, baby pink, taupe, orange, yellow, navy, and green) and there's no color that it can't complement. I can't stump it! I've decided that it's as essential of a wardrobe staple as a little black dress or a pencil skirt or a classic pea coat or a white blouse. So, if you haven't got one, go out and buy one and watch it change your life. Are you going? What are you doing sitting there? I said, "Go, go, go!" Yep, I get pretty bossy when I'm excited. Or when I'm awake, according to Boyfriend.

Super Hero

Romper - F21, Shoes - Seychelles, Necklace - Target, Cuffs - H&M

I have been a little in love with Wonder Woman since I was a little kid. Well, maybe more like a lot in love. Let's just say I had a Wonder Woman bathing suit when I was six that I used to run around in to fight crime (i.e. my cousin). One time, I took my Wonder Woman bathing-suit-wearing, crime-fighting responsibilities so seriously that I sprained my foot as he pushed me down. (Don't worry, Wonder Woman still won that fight. His mom gave him a serious spanking). One of my favorite things about Wonder Woman though (aside from her kickin truth lasso and red knee-high boots) were her matching cuffs. Lately, I have been obsessed with finding a pair of matching cuffs and was thrilled to find these gold ones at H&M. I have to admit, I feel a little bit like a super hero in them, and they give a little extra punch to any simple outfit like this black romper. I already see tons of possibilities for them and can't wait to find a pair in silver as well. Besides, who doesn't want to feel like a super hero sometimes? I swear when I was wearing these cuffs, I punched out two guys in black bandit masks stealing an old lady's purse. Or I sat at a sushi restaurant and inhaled an order of pepper fin tuna and some green tea ice cream. You decide which of those is the truth.

Teal Deal

Top - Marshall's, Skirt - Saks Outlet, Shoes - F21, Cuff - ModCloth

Teal has always been one of my favorite colors, ever since I was a little kid. It kind of amazes me how it pretty much goes with everything. Brown, black, and white, of course. But it even complements bright colors beautifully as well, like orange and yellow and pink and obviously, red. I bought this red pencil skirt years ago on a particularly epic retail therapy session and have been dying to wear it with teal for months. With summer being officially gone, even here on the west coast, I wanted to get some bright color-blocking in before I switched completely into fall mode. No, don't worry, I'm not going to cry on the blog anymore about summer being over.  I've finally begun to embrace the coming of fall, mainly because I found out that even McDonald's is already selling pumpkin flavored food (baked pumpkin pie!). As long as fall = pumpkin flavoring, it will be one of my favorite seasons. It's all about the pumpkin, people. You heard it here first.

This weekend is going to be a busy one, with plans to celebrate BF's birthday as well as an Oktoberfest party and another birthday party. I'm hoping to squeeze in some cuddle-under-the-blanket-with-some-fashion-magazines-and-a-pumpkin-spice-latte time to make the most of the rapidly cooling weather and the changing of the seasons. What are you guys doing to celebrate the new season? Have a great weekend!

Structured

Shirt, Shorts - H&M, Shoes - F21, Necklace - Target

Thanks for all of your supportive comments about my soap products! I'm happy to share that the craft fair I participated in was a great success, and people absolutely loved my soapy goodies. I'll post some photos from the craft show later this week. The best thing about this labor of love is the extra money that I earn with it. For whatever reason, I feel like the money I earn from selling my soap can be used exclusively for shopping, and I already put that theory to the test last night when I found some amazing deals on high-waisted silky trousers and a pair of adorable lace-up boots. Because it's all about the shopping, people. Check the name of the blog!

This outfit feels like a bit of a departure from what I normally wear, but I ended up loving how it felt. Because I always end up gravitating toward flowy and loose pieces, which are a curvy girl's best friend, I was kind of intrigued by this structured tuxedo-style tank top. Sometimes you need a little structure, I think...and I like changing things up whenever I can. I can totally see myself wearing this top with layers like blazers and sweaters through the fall, and I'm excited to see how I can style it for work as well. For it's debut though, I liked going classy, pairing it with neutral colors and gold jewelry.

Do you guys find yourselves looking for flowy pieces or pieces with more structure?

One Republic

I have had the One Republic song "Apologize" running through my head all this week because I have been a terrible, TERRIBLE blogger! I swear I have a good reason though, so I wanted to at least post something to share with you what I've been up to this week. Those of  you who are not new to the blog know that I have a full-time corporate job, a love of fashion...and a passion for soapmaking! I know, I know, the first thing popping into your head is, "Are you a part of Fight Club?" I swear, I get asked that question all the time, mainly from men. No, I don't make bars of soap from human fat. Gross. Although, maybe I would if I could hang out with Brad Pitt everyday. Come on, you would too!

But in all seriousness, soapmaking is something that started out as a hobby years ago when I thought they would make fun favors for friends' bridal showers, baby showers, stocking stuffers, etc. Then over the past couple of years, I started learning new soap making techniques and came up with some cool ideas for soap, and a little part-time business was born (yes, because I have so much free time...not!).  I've been doing a good number of special events, including weddings, since soaps make such unique and useful favors. The BF's mom also got me hooked into selling my goodies at select craft fairs and events in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, since she's a crafter and has been selling her stuff at craft fairs for years. So this week, I have been working in a sweat shop out of my house (don't worry, I'm the only sweat shop employee), getting ready for a craft fair this weekend. So, please forgive me for the lack of outfit posts, I have been wearing grungy jean cutoffs and an old tee shirt all week, and I wanted to spare you seeing that. I promise to be back to normal blogging next week.







Since I love food, it's no surprise that so many of my soap making products seem to revolve around food. I've got a whole line of dessert soap bars that come in flavors like Strawberry Lemonade, Mint Chocolate Chip, Banana Nut Bread, Lavender Vanilla Shortbread, and my personal favorite: Pumpkin Pie Milkshake. I also have soap that look like sushi bento boxes, complete with soap wasabi and ginger, and I've just started making soaps that look like Japanese mochi, as well as yummy looking French macaroon soaps. I will post a link to more photos next week. I'm hoping to eventually get my stuff up on Etsy before the holiday season, so wish me luck!

Have a fabulous weekend, loves...see you on the other side (of this ridiculously labor-intensive, busy week)!

B&W

Dress - Vintage (hemmed), Shoes - Lulu's

I can not tell you how much I absolutely adore this vintage 70s dress. I try not to play favorites in my closet, but I swear this dress would definitely be the piece that I would sneak extra bits of allowance and cake to, if I could. I love its swirly skirt and fun color contrast, as well as its distinct 70s vibe.  I also love that it was a rare vintage find in that it had never been worn before and still had the tags attached. Vintage, unique, high-quality clothing that's never been worn? Score! I couldn't resist pairing the dress with some sky high velvet platforms and minimal jewelry to keep up with the vintage character of the dress. Because the dress was so fun to wear, I had to resist the urge to spin the skirt around and around all night. Which was probably a good thing since I spent the night out with some of the girls at the swankiest bar in town. See, I've got self restraint. Just not around clothing stores. Or beauty products. Or shoe stores. Or designer bags. Or red velvet cupcakes.  Wait, what were we talking about again?

The Color Orange

Top - Love Story, Shoes, Skirt - H&M, Ring - Borrowed (sister)

Lately, it seems like I can't get enough of any item of clothing that even has the slightest orange hue. Considering I spent the first twenty years of my life staying away from orange, it's pretty remarkable that I find myself continually gravitating toward it now. And while I've been known on this blog to rock the orange with an equally fun, bright, and contrasting color, this outfit makes me realize how nice orange pieces can look with muted neturals as well. I love how the polka dots on this shirt keep it from being just your average old white top and that they gives me a chance to wear these heels from H&M that I've had for months on my shoe rack, begging me daily to be worn. Yes, I personify my clothes and shoes and accessories. They have feelings and personalities and emotions ... and I'll stop talking now before you call the paddy wagon.
 

I can't tell you how excited I am for the weekend. It has been an extremely long and tiring week, and I am looking forward to a chance to recharge my batteries, in between celebrating a belated anniversary dinner with Boyfriend (can you believe we both forgot to celebrate on the actual day three weeks ago?) and having a much-needed girls' night out. Happy weekend, everyone! 



Work and Play

Top, Shoes - F21, Shorts - H&M, Belt - Borrowed, Jewelry - Coral from Hawaii

If you're not new to this blog, then you know that part of the reason I started fashion blogging in the first place was to revolt against the oppressive and conservative fashion rules of the corporate world where I work. I know I make it sound like a war or something, but sometimes I swear it feels like it is.. And I am a soldier. In stiletto heels and cute clothes. Anyway, part of my battle against drab suits and monochrome color schemes is to try and find colorful and fun casual pieces that I can also get away with wearing to work if I get a little creative. Not only does this type of remixing make me feel cute and stylish while I'm slogging through the 9 to 5, but I also feel like I'm getting away with something a little naughty AND winning a battle against corporate fashion. Am I taking this war metaphor a little too far? I didn't think so. Scroll down to see how I remixed this top for work.

I fell in love with this top when I first saw it. I'm a sucker for anything flowy and flowery and romantic, and if you toss a splash of coral color in there, I am sold. I love that this top can be dressed up or dressed down and keeps both my casual and work outfits from being anything but boring.

Since cardigan sweater sets and pencil skirts are totally work appropriate, I pushed the envelope a little with this top when I wore it to work this week by pairing it with a bright colored sweater and a thick braided belt. .

How do you remix your casual and fun pieces for work?

Skirt - Banana Republic, Pumps - Nine West, Cardigan - Bass