i am a hater

So I have been thinking about how I can wait for one trend in particular to end. BUT first, I am going to stop here and take a minute to warn you. What I am about to say type may be offensive to those who wear/like/own/buy/adore/envy/dream about this item. This is considered a fashion faux pas in mine, as well as, many other haters' eyes. Yes, you read correct. I. Am. A. Hater. Of...

leggings as pants. Note: I did not say Leggings. I said leggings-as-pants. I mean...really?

Wearing leggings with a shirt that hits your waist is suppose to be worn with ACTUAL PANTS. Leggings aren't a complete no, there are three exceptions: 1. Wear them with a long shirt or dress. It covers the *essentials* and it's just plain cute. 2. EXCERCISE spandex if you are an avid athelte.

If you are going to pull this off make sure you check your intentions. You don't want your intentions to be to draw attention to yourself. 3. Lounging around the house.

You may be thinking "what if I want to bum it today?" Well, I am so glad you asked. You have many options. Option #1: Sweatpants. Option #2: Jeans and t-shirt. Option #3: Put a pair of shorts over your leggings. Option #3: Stay home. 


Finally, if you choose to wear leggings as pants, at least buy them thick enough where the rest of us can't see the break between your cheeks (catch my drift?).

my recent favorites

Christmas has passed, leaving my once-empty pockets with some gift $$. Apparently I'm hard to shop for...with that being said, I have been able to make a few new purchases and have discovered some new favorites.
silk. The way it feels, the way it looks, let's just say I'm all about silk these days. Say goodbye to those clingy materials that show off the imperfections characteristics belonging to your body and choose silk. The last three shirts I have purchased have been silk, and I just can't get enough.

There is a store that I have found myself venturing into more often, and I purchased two of the three beauties from here. It's called BEVELLO. Say it with me. BA-VEL-O. There are two locations in Raleigh, Cameron Village and Crabtree Valley Mall. There are also various locations in Charlotte, Wilmington, Chapel Hill, Huntersville, Winston Salem, and Greenville. Check it out!

          Ellison Jade Pocket Tunic

              

The store I found the third shirt is Banana Republic. Some of you may be thinking that BR is a little pricey, well the good news is that BR is always having a sale. AND many times passing out 30% and 40% off coupons. Take advantage of them!

booties. The Stella mid-heel booties have quickly worked its way to the top 3 favorites of the season. I typically go for flats. I mean, I'm a teacher. I'm on my feet all day, walking 10-15 miles per school day, up and down steps hundreds of times. Okay, okay. Maybe I'm being a little a lot dramatic. BUT you get my point. Well, the good news is that these booties from BR have yet to upset my feet. Because the heel is small(er), they are actually very comfy. I like them and I highly recommend them. MORE good news is that right now, they are on SALE!


                                          Meet STELLA

          

Chunky jewelry. Earrings, necklaces, and bangles, OH MY! A chunky necklace can change a whole outfit. You can take a simple shirt, add a few pieces of *chunk* and wahlah! You have a brand new outfit. I recently purchased a a 6-strand real fake pearl necklace from the BR outlet in Mebane. Of course it was on sale, so I snatched up quick! I have already worn it several times and won't stop any time soon!

What are some of your recent favorites?

save the date!

what: Jack Rogers annual trunk show

where: Monkees at North Hills- Raleigh, NC

when: May 19                                                              

SAVE 10% of all Jack Roger purchases!                                          

      

trendy tuesdays

in the year 2011, there is a new love affair. Yes. A love affair in which you will have to choose. "Today will I wear my skinny jeans or try out those bell bottoms I had 40 years ago?" Or you could just go to the mall and buy a new pair.

 skinny jeans have proven their worth and frankly, they are the now the norm. In the fashion world it is rare that something lasts long enough to become the norm before a new trend is developed to take the place of the aged. Skinny jeans have lost their spark. While they are still fabulously adorable, they no longer satisfy the taste buds of the fashion designer looking to create the new norm. Welcome back 70s.

yes, the 70s are back, but don't forget this is 2011. In order to modernize this look,  a loose fitting blouse or a casual tank top would work perfectly with this blast from the past.

high waisted and low cut are both an option. If you truly want to return to the 70s era, high waisted is for you. If you want a long and lean look, high waisted is for you. If you feel that high waisted seems too "old," then hello low cut.

personally, I love bell bottoms. This style flatters every body type, whereas, skinny jeans flatter, well, the skinny. This style provide curves for the woman who is petite and provides a slimming characteristic for the woman who is looking to shed a few pounds.  

....so next time you go shopping, be daring. Try on a pair.

what I wear wednesdays

When getting ready in the mornings, sometimes choosing an outfit seems so daunting. So what often happens is we find a pair of random shorts or jeans and put on the first ratty shirt that we see. You think, "All I am doing today is running errands." While this may be true, it takes just as much time to put on an outfit a bit more, well, put together. You don't always have to overdo it. You can remain simple, cute, and classy--and it takes just as much time and effort as that ratty tshirt.

You see, today is my errand day. I wore...

 a simple black jcrew crewneck,  coral (these are pink) jcrew chinos, with jack rodgers

   



If you are running around everywhere, you want to be comfy. You don't always have to overdo it to be trendy, afterall, it is about wearing pieces that flatter YOU. I didn't have too many accessories going on today, only a pair of dangle earrings, but with an outfit as simple as this one, "too much" can happen very quickly.

...if you don't know me, I LOVE earrings. You will never see me without any. So if you don't feel up to necklaces, bangles, and belts one day, just put in a great pair earrings.

lesson #1- There is a time for simple

the wheel of color

this is a color wheel. The purpose of a color wheel is to show the relationship between colors consisting primary, secondary, and tertiary shades.

Colors that are directly across from each other are called complimentary. For example, blue and orange are directly across from each other because when placed beside each other, they bring contrast and allow for the other to appear brighter. Complimentary colors can be very pleasing to the eye.

Note: I have red/orangish hair, and when I wear shades of blue, I receive the most compliments.

Colors directly beside each other are called analogous. Using colors side-by-side creates a sense of order and balance.

if you are having difficulty figuring out what colors mesh well together, start here. Simple is classy, every single piece you have on does not have to be a different color. Remember, the goal is to look trendy. Not look like a clown.

 You're doing great, keep up the color!

oh for the love of shoes

don't underestimate the beauty of shoes. You can have a completely neutral, almost boring outfit, but as long as you have a fun pair of shoes, almost anything can look absolutely adorable! Shoes can be expensive, but don't fret, there are plenty of great deals with cute looks!

these cute yellow shoes are now $16.99 at Payless. YES. Payless. And don't you worry, I bought them.

"what in the world would I wear these with?" You may ask. Remember what I said about colors? Don't be afraid to mix and match! You don't always have to be so "matchy, matchy," in fact, I would advise to stay away from matchy, matchy. Be bold. Neutrals are nice, but don't fear color.

Any of these shirts from anthropologie would go perfectly...and they aren't neutrals!!