When is it "Too Much?"

Believe me, it takes a whole lot of effort to look so blatantly disregardful of fashion trends, rules of color engagement, look like a nominee for the Big No list for Stacy and Clinton. Why, it wasn't only about a year ago where I was gracing the bloggy world with my pitifully mousy ensembles no need to look back, you'll be bored out of your mind and now here I am going out like a big smiling pattern-blind fashion-schizo:

  

I actually felt pretty good when I put these pieces together last night and didn't really bat an eye this morning when I threw everything together. Heck, I thought I even put together some as-fierce-as-I-can-be outfit pics and was all ready to post and go about my business when I caught a glimpse of myself in the bathroom mirror. That's when the big "Hmm..." hit.

Now I'm typically the first person to say that one of the fun parts of fashion is experimentation and trying new things - and heck, a bad outfit won't kill ya. But sometimes things just look a little off, a little bit like you're on the tip of Fashionable and you start teetering too far towards Tacky. There's a lot going on and sometimes more is not better (though don't tell Man Repeller).

So crazy babble short, I reassessed and this is what I ended up with:

  

When you put an outfit together, when do you consider yourself "done?" When do you consider an ensemble "overdone?" What have you put together yourself or have seen on others when you have thought "whoa, that's way too much?"

  

Jacket: Anthropologie Daughters of the Liberation cropped wisley

Necklace: Anthropologie gold finger

Top: Forever 21 (worn here before - similar here, white here, steal here)

Jeans: Banana Republic classic skinny (worn here before - similar here)

Shoes: Xhiliration by Target teanna (worn here before - similar here, luxe here)

Dress: Anthropologie Maeve slate stripes (worn here before - similar here)

Belt: UO Deena & Ozzy stretch (worn here before - similar here)

Shoes: Nine West patent temani (worn here before - similar peep-toe here, here)

Soft Rock Randomness

Here's my outfit from last Friday. Oldies but goodies that I either never wear or haven't worn in eons:

 

Dress: H&M (worn here before - kinda sim here, -ish here, luxe here)
Jacket: F21 knit moto (worn here before - similar here, here)
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction pine a colada (worn here before - similar here, luxe here)
Bag: Nine West crossbody clutch (similar here)
Belt: UO Deena & Ozzy stretch (worn here before - similar here)

♦   ♦   ♦   ♦

Thanks to AmyK (and Anne) for the blog tag! Without your style and humor, my little blog galaxy would be two stars shy and glow a little dimmer - plus I'd be a scrambling for a topic today.

So what's the tag? List seven bits of randomness about myself. As I am all about the random, it was actually kind of difficult to narrow things down / remove the absolute weirdness to the following:

1. I am a dominant leftie. Which means rightie is usually relegated to "hold this steady" status while leftie is the brains of the operation. Which also means I am still traumatized by that 3rd grade exercise about segregation my teacher did where she proceeded to tell all the lefties in the room that they now had to sit separate from the righties and couldn't participate in gym or lunch, and in the span of five minutes turned half a dozen 8-year-olds into hysterical sobbing wrecks - got the point of that exercise, still damaged by it, thank you.
2. When strangers are nice to me, I am immediately on the mental offensive. Maybe it is the NY-er in me, but I've grown up being taught not to trust people I don't know and these gosh-darn-nice-for-no-reason southern folk sometimes freak me out!
3. I would like to own a bed and breakfast someday. Well, actually I probably don't considering the work involved - but I've read enough soppy love story borderline romance novels in my youth to be in love with the idea of owning one. Where else would handsome young strangers with damaged hearts go to escape from their lives and hopefully find passionate new love with the innkeeper?
4. I like to eat dinner or lunch foods for breakfast. Like cold pizza, or a bowl of ramen, or a sandwich with chips. I prefer it over eggs or cereal, and honestly I have it in my head that it is better for me if I ate my biggest calorie busters early in the day.
5. I have probably an unhealthy love for Anthony Bourdain. Now this is probably not news to some of you, but I don't just tune into his show every time it airs (which is like every two hours, so I can't be the only one who is infatuated with the Bourdain) - but I dig him in that I-would-love-to-hang-out-with-you-and-eat-good-food-with-you-and-maybe-roll-around-in-your-sheets-and-rifle-through-your-cabinets-and-sniff-out-your-frig kind of way. So just wee culinary hero worship crush.
6. I love to stare at my pup. Her face is just full of expression and character - from her happy-go-lucky "I'm going to pounce on you" look to her closed-eye grimace when she is emphatically scratching herself. I can entertain myself for hours just staring at her. Which of course freaks my dog out.
7. As much as I truly enjoy blogging, I also enjoy not blogging. Weekends are blissful blog-free times.

So instead of just passing this on to one individual, I'd like to virtually tag all of you! Please share in your weirdness here - you gals have any fun, juicy, hilarious bits of randomness you would like to share?

Back to the Future

I'm sure we're all feeling a big ole "bah humbug" about the Blogger-out days last week and the scores of now-missing posts and deleted comments. I decided to just stay clear of blogging for a few days while Blogger tries to fix itself right and save myself from frustration.

✿  ✿  ✿  ✿

I am back from my fam visit in NYC now with a slew of new-to-me pieces handed down from my big sis - and I've been fairly good on the shopping front too (we will not speak of the upcoming big Anthro tag sale set to hit tomorrow). All those temptations in the big apple and all I purchased was a pedometer (woooo weeee, I know) and a hat that is actually large enough to fit my apparently giant-size noggin.

Though I alwaus love the fam, it is always kind of weird to me coming home as an adult but still being treated like the baby of the family, such as:

• When I walk into a room and my parents are discussing “adult matters,” they still get quiet so I don’t hear them
• My parents and my big sis don’t let me pay for anything
• My mom wakes me up in the morning about 30 minutes before my alarm – and she sticks her head into my room to tell me good night (regardless of whether or not I’m already asleep!)
• My parents don’t trust me to drive by myself – my dad prefers to drive me everywhere and then pick me back up later
• My mom likes to make the (innocent?) comment about how I look skinnier or chubbier after not seeing me for a while – but then proceeds to shove as much food in my direction as possible
• My parents won’t let me cook - because of course I can't
• I get frowny looks when I turn on the TV during the day
• My mom still calls to ask when I’ll be home, if I have my keys, etc.
• Fashion gets over-ruled by practicality – because who knows when someone will ask you to go mow the lawn, water the garden, take out the trash, crawl under the desk to plug/unplug something, baby sit the nephew
• See above – chores still do exist

Do you gals feel weird about going home again after you've left the nest for a while?

 

Dress: Forever 21 linen frond blend (worn here before - similar-ish here, here)
Jacket: Juicy Couture knit peplum (similar here)
Belt: J. Crew metallic skinny (similar here)
Shoes: Nine West temani (worn here before - similar color here, peep-toe here)
Necklace: Old Navy ethnic statement

Full Disclosure: Eat Me

I have always been a gal who has loved food - I watch the Food Network all the time, Anthony Bourdain is one of my personal heroes, I love to try new recipes, new foods, new restaurants. I'll try any new food at least once. Second to fashion, I think about food all the time.

I am definitely a bored eater and a compulsive snacker. If you're eating, I want to eat too. If I am bored, I want to eat. If it is meal time, I want to eat, regardless of whether or not I am hungry. My body doesn't listen to the "feeling full" signals, it listens to the "am I satisfied" signals - and I am rarely satisfied when it comes to food.

 

I guess I've always had a hang-up about food but I hadn't started noticing it until a few years ago. I've always loved to eat and except for a period during junior high where I was quite a bit overweight, I've always been able to consume what I want and mostly "absorb" it. And through high school and college, I've dabbled with eating disorders but have never been a very "successful" at it - I loved food too much to deny myself.

As I am getting older, I am noticing that this eating what I want business is catching up with me. My diet is mostly unhealthy and it is getting out of control. I need to take charge of what I put in my own body. This is stuff I realized on Sunday night, after mentally recapping my day's indulgences ...

... which included:

• Breakfast: turkey & salami sandwich on sourdough baguette
• Snack: small movie popcorn & cherry frosty
• Lunch: turkey sandwich on sourdough baguette, handful of Jelly Bellies
• Snack: slice of apple pie, handful of green bean chips
• Dinner: NY strip steak with waffle fries, salad
• Dessert: slice of apple pie
• After-Dinner Dinner: leftover steak fried rice
• After-Dinner Dessert: apple Toaster Strudel

 

I think there's enough negativity about our body image in the world that I don't want to add to it, so please don't think I am being unecessarily vain and just whining about feeling fat because I know I'm not (though certain times of the month, I feel like the size of a zeppelin). But I was shocked at the amount and poor quality of food I consumed and I realized that I need to learn to eat healthier and be more conscious about what I am putting into my body.

However, I am also a realist and don't think I can turn myself into one of those "I eat local organic non-gluten vegan-only" chicks because I refuse to give up the dirty carbs which includes pizza, pasta, ooey chewey white bread, amongst other things. Plus I still think about food and trying food all the time, and live with a man who thinks of vegetables as a nasty four-letter word.

So what do I think will turn me around from decades of poor eating habits and a compulsion with food? I'm not really sure yet, I haven't done the research. But I am starting a food journal so I can keep track of what I am consuming, and I've bought a ton of gum so I can chew that when I am bored instead of stuffing Cheetos into my gullet.

For you healthy eaters out there, what started you gals on your healthier eating path? And for everyone, can you please offer me some advice or tips so I can stay on the "straight and narrow" of food, while not feeling like I am denying myself?

♦   ♦   ♦   ♦

Sweater: Anthropologie Moth jewelers choice (check stores - similar in red here or ish in green here)
Skirt: H&M silky floral (worn here before - similar here or here)
Shoes: Nine West temani patent wedges (worn here before - similar here or here)

Respect the Outfits (Anthro-esque)

Not a lot of Lisa mumbo jumbo this time because we all already know - loads of big puffy hearts for the Anthropologie, but they go hand-in-hand with credit card rashes and a dwindling bank account. But good thing that your fellow bloggers and Anthro fans are so fashionably resourceful, because they've been able to pull together some stellar "betcha can't believe it's NOT from Anthro" looks for a lot less!

So here's this week's Respect the Outfits reader feature: Anthro-esque ( and if you want to check out the last Anthro-esque reader post, click HERE):

♠  Dea from the dea diaries:

Outfit: Forever 21

♠  overcaffeinated (see overcaffeinated rock her look here):

ruffle top - Old Navy / cardigan - J.Crew / skirt - Forever 21 / shoes - Connie / necklaces - Avon and H&M

♠  Jen from vintageglammz (see Jen rock her look here):

Dress: Tokito Horse Print Waterfall Dress @ Myer Australia / Jacket: Museum Clothing Sydney / Tights: Paddy's Markets Sydney /

Shoes: Kmart Australia / Belt: Dotti Australia

♠  Josie from Jo Jo Phine (see Josie rock her look here):

Dress and Shoes: Macy's / Top: Urban Outfitters / Jewlery: gifts

♠  Cee from to brighten my day (see Cee rock her look here):

Plastic Island dress / American Eagle shirt / J.Crew necklace / Mossimo flats

♠  Peggy from She Hath Done What She Could (see Peggy rock her look here):

Shirt: Old Navy $5 / Cardi: NY&Co. $9 / Skirt: Ross $10 / Shoes: Target Dolce Vita $7

♠  Jenn from Complex Cardigans (see Jenn rock her look here):

Target Cardigan / Old Navy Dress / Urban Outfitters Belt / Forever21 Necklace / Target Boots

♠  Danielle from mrschong (see Danielle rock her look here):

Jacket - Old Navy / Dress - Dynamite / Shoes - A&N / Purse - Vintage

♠  Thirteen Pounds (see Thirteen rock her look here):

jacket- Gap / blouse- Banana Republic / herringbone pants- Gap / necklace- Forever21

♠   ♠   ♠   ♠

And here's my Anthro-inspired attire - I know I've worn this skirt with something navy to death already (here, here, here) and this cardi just a few days ago (here), but can I help it if an outfit puts itself together?

 

Skirt: Zara elastic-waist (similar here or here or not, but I wants! here)
Top: Loft beaded blouse (worn here before - similar-ish here or in white here)
Sweater: J. Crew cotton (similar jacket here or oversized here)
Bracelet: Forever 21 faceted cube spiral (worn here before)
Shoes: Nine West temani wedges (worn here before - similar here or peep-toe here)

Friends & Family

Nine West sent me a Friends & Family coupon and since I consider all of you dear friends I want to spread the love.

Just click on the picture above for automatic savings! Heck with 30% off, you could get

these...

and

these.


Happy Friday everyone!

AND

Get ready for a new giveaway on Monday!

The Pinot Grigio

Mmmm, pinot grigio is probably my favorite white grape variety. I was thrilled to open the box and find this. I brought this over to my good friend/hairstylist's apartment for a night of hair stylin and a feast of Indian food. Wine, a new hair style, Indian food - sound's like the perfect night doesn't it?

We cracked open the bottle and found the delicate touch of sweetness paired perfectly with our spice filled feast. Notes of bright tropical citrus fruit tickled our taste buds and this wine was deemed a pleasantly fresh and wonderful addition to our evening. I will be adding flipflop pinot grigio to my regular rotation, especially come summer. It is ideal for sipping poolside.

Perhaps, while wearing these...

Nine West - Eyeful

A Girl's Guide to Shoes Wine Review?

Imagine my delight when I was contacted by a representative for flipflop wines asking me if I would be interested in reviewing a few of their products. If there is anything I like as much as shoes it's wine ;) I was sent three different wines. A riesling, a pinot grigio, and a pinot noir. Throughout this week I will be reviewing all three.

You should know when it comes to wine I am not a snob in any way. In fact the less expensive the better. I do believe you can find good quality wines for less than $10 dollars and flipflop wines proves just that.


I'm not typically a fan of rieslings. I tend to find them too sweet. I am most definitely a reds kind of girl. But this riesling was very well balanced with hints of melon hitting the tongue. It was not too sweet at all. Easy to drink with a smooth finish, this riesling managed to hit all the right notes.

Now, here's a cool fact about flipflop wines. They are only about $7 each and flipflop has teamed up with the charity Soles4Souls. For every bottle sold flipflop will distribute a pair of shoes to someone in need. How great is that? To learn more feel free to visit the site here.

Oh and since I couldn't end this post without a shoe. I found these little beauties from Nine West. The perfect pairing for the flipflop riesling wouldn't you say?

Nine West - Stylin

Respect the Outfits (Anthro-esque)

Of all the retailers in existence, there are very brands that incite the level of dedication and enthusiasm that I've seen from fellow Anthropologie-lovers. And very few brands that can also bring together a community of enthusiasts from across the continents who share tips, trade clothes, and support each other in styling and life matters.

It is with a heavy heart that most of us also agree that sometimes Anthro can be just a bit out of reach for the ole pocketbook. But the good thing is that we Anthro-lovers are also quite a creative bunch of ladies who know how to put together pieces that can still give us the same eclectic / romantic / retro / precious vibe of the brand we adore.

So diatribe-short, here's this week's Respect the Outfits reader feature: Anthro-esque. The following beautiful ladies have put together a collection of their best Anthro-inspired looks from shopping their closets - and wearing little-to-no Anthro - reiterating yet again that our wallets do not dictate getting the look we want!

♥  Callandra from Petite Early Morning Style (see more of Callandra rocking her look here):

Bodysuit: No idea / Blouse: F21 Thrifted / Skirt: Loft 2007 / Shoes: Hot Kiss 2005 / Metallic Belt: Ann Taylor 2009 / Bangle Bracelts: F21

♥  Keiko from Keiko's TanPoPo (see more of Keiko rocking her look here):

Top: SM2 (Japan) / Skirt: Forever21 / Shoes: Japan / Necklace&Shoe Clips: TanPoPo (Etsy)

♥  inkmark from Objects of Desire (see more of inkmark rocking her look here):

Cardi: JCREW factory / Top: JCREW Lisette lace shell / Bottom: JCREW Chor Pencil skirt / Shoes: JCREW bow and chain ballet flat

♥  Peggy from She Hath Done What She Could:

Dress: Tucker for Target / Cardi: Plaza Cardi Knockoff from ROSS / Boots: Target Kachiri / Jewelry: Kohls

♥  Meghan :

Dress and Cardigan from Forever 21 / Necklace from New York and Company / Tights from Target / Boots from Sears / Belt from Anthro

♥  Elle from Fast Food and Fast Fashion (see more of Elle rocking her look here):

Dress: BB Dakota / Cardigan: J. Crew

♥  Lisa from Sweet Laundry Loves (see more of Lisa rocking her look here):

Cardigan: Banana Republic / Blouse: Gap (hand me down) / Jeans: Fidelity / Boots: Browns Shoes / Earrings: H&M

♥  Jen from vintageglammz (see more of Jen rocking her look here):

Dress: Target Australia / Belt: Paddy's Markets Sydney / Shoes: Topshop

♥  JG from Stuff Jewish Girls Like:

Top: TJ Maxx / Skirt: Gap / Belt: Forever 21 / Jeggins: JC Penny / Rainboots: Dav via Ideeli / Umbrella: Coach / Jewelry: J.Crew + Bat Mitzvah gift!

♥  Lisa from Confessions of a Call Center Gal:

Skirt - DownEast Basics (inspired by Anthro's Scalloped Clouds Skirt) / Top - Forever 21 / Cardi - Target

♥   ♥   ♥   ♥

Lastly, here's me! I probably didn't need the shoe clips, but I was all about pushing the spring vibe:

Jacket: J. Crew marled thandie (similar here or lighter here)

Top: Ann Taylor ribbon tank (similar embellished here or only kinda sim, but gorgeous here)

Skirt: H&M (now in stores - similar mini here or -ish luxe here or camel here)

Tights: Anne Klein

Shoes: Nine West Temani patent wedges (worn here before - similar here or here)

Shoe clips: Lilywinkel via Etsy (worn here before)