Shopping: Leopard Love

one. two. three. four.

I have had a relationship with leopard print for quite some time now and I must say its getting pretty serious. I really love how it can bring interest to an otherwise boring outfit. Any of the pieces above will only add to your wardrobe in a fun yet timeless way. I literally want them all.{ promise not to wear them at the same time}

How do you feel about leopard print?

P.S. Don't forget today's the last day to save $20 on your order using this promo code.

Special Offer

 promo code valid until: September15, 2011 October31, 2001

I am pleased to announce I have teamed up with eShakti again, but this time to give all my readers $20 off their entire order. When you use promo code: FOMYSOUL0811 you be able to save on clothing that is truly unique because its made to fit you!(more on that here) Above are a few of the pieces I am loving from them right now!


UPDATE: Great news this promotion has been extended until October 31st!!

Currently Craving: Boots

With the heat index at 111 degrees its no surprise I am thinking of cooler temperatures, hence these boots. Sadly I didn't buy them in time to get my size and although I have looked at many similar pairs, these have my heart.

I love everything about these boots and can envision wearing them with a pair of skinny jeans a loose fitting top and a beautiful statement necklace.

What are you craving these days?

Yes Please...

images from style.com

I am absolutely in love with these looks from J. Crew... I would wear them exactly as shown.

They are classic yet funky and best of all... SIMPLE!

Splurge or Save: Leather Bracelet

When I go shopping I always say.. I have limits and standards. Limits to how much I'm willing to pay for something and standards with the quality of product I'm purchasing.  With that said I give you Splurge or Save.

Both bracelets are leather and have similar hardware, so you decide.. would you splurge with this Hermes bracelet or save with this Ann Taylor version?

{Ann Taylor is having a sale if you enter code: SHOPSPRING you get 50% off your second full price item}

PS I'm making some changes on the blog and will be posting all week... so stay tuned.

Weekend Recap

images from target & my iphone

This weekend started with prayers for Japan, an i Pad 2, surprise visit from my mother in law (who resides in Jersey) and ended with me getting carried away with a handful of Go International dresses from Target {only a few of the ones I purchased shown} and homemade Jamaican food that included oxtail, rice and peas and fresh carrot juice. {made with carrots, eggnog, Guinness & spices}

How was your weekend.. did you do anything exciting and which was your favorite dress from the collection?

Long Beaded Caftman Dress

Doesn't the idea of custom changing the style of a garment (sleeve, neckline, length) sound like fun? I think so too, that's why when eShakti offered me a garment of my choice I couldn't turn them down. 

I really love the idea of long dresses but being petite I find it difficult to come across one that doesn't require altering once I make it home. With that said I put them to the test and selected the long beaded caftman dress. I took my measurement including my height, asked lots of questions and in it came. The dress is exactly what I imagined with the softest cotton, beautiful details and best of all fits like a glove.

eShakti is a unique woman’s apparel online store that offers something for real woman who range from petite to tall to plus-size. Their selection ranges from size 0-26W. They've even recently, extended their sizes to 6X. All of their clothes are shipped across the United States in 3 business days.. even with custom alterations. 

 I really admire them for allowing different size woman to be able to shop from one store and select designs decorated with embellishments via print, embroidery ( like my dress) and fabric texturing. I can't wait to wear my dress with a small red bag an arm full of bangles and a pair of wedges.

Bows + Other Girly Things

Looking through my closet it's evident of my commitment to solids and classic pieces. However, lately I find myself coveting feminine bows, vintage inspired prints and jewelry that make a statement.

1. Personal Accents Chandra Bracelet $40
2. Personal Accents Katie Necklace $40
3. Topshop Printed A-Line Shift Dress $70
4. Personal Accents Nora Ring $40
5. Ellen Tracy Carey Flat $50
6. Topshop Micah Nude Bow Loafers $60
7. Topshop Brick Vintage Bird Scarf $28
8. French Sole Mariposa  £159
9.Tucker Printed Silk Blouse $278

Sparkle

 I have really been enjoying accessorizing lately and these are a few things I have my eye on. I really like how they can go with just about anything and I'm not one for buying sets so these will be great to mix with things I already own.

1.Vera Necklace $60 / 2.Lourdes Ring   $30 / 3.Maeve Earings $25 / 4.Eileen Bracelet $50

Winter Shopping

Tights: J Crew, Sweater Jacket and Belt: Ann Taylor, Bag: Coach

With Christmas over and my birthday just around the corner I've been thinking a lot about the pieces I already own in my closet. Maybe if my future purchases are more strategic rather than emotional impulsive then my wardrobe can further evolve into something that truly reflects my personality. I have to admit I do have a knack for picking out things that appease my inner grandma. { and I wouldn't have it any other way}

With that said I've been browsing online and I realized I have been searching for a few things in particular that my wardrobe can really use:

First on my list are textured tights and although I intend on adding colored ones in the future, I feel like the texture appeals to me more since I don't wear a lot of pattern. Second I have been obsessed with sweaters that can be used as jackets. Since moving to Florida many things have changed, but me wanting to wear a few layers that I can later remove if the weather gets warmer hasn't.

Then there's the skinny belt that can add that je ne sais quoi to an outfit and make it look put together and figured gray would be a good color to start with. Lastly I am searching for a gray/taupe bag that has a removable shoulder strap that I can be used dressed up or down.

What things are you looking for to add to your wardrobe?

365: Eye Candy

 

images: sunglasshut.com

I loooove sunglasses and since moving to Florida a few years ago I never leave the house without them. Let's just say the moment I think the sun is about to rise they are drawn to my face like a magnet. The best part about them is you can wear them all the time because the sun comes out every single day. With that said, I currently have a little collection for use with contacts and my go to pair with that magical prescription so I can see far far away.

I am however currently in need of a new pair and after looking through numerous styles have my eyes set on these Tory Burch sunglasses and although I'm not sure what color to get them in (leaning towards the blue) one thing for sure is they will not be in black. I'm ready for some color in eye-wear.. they are an accessory after all.

I find myself enjoying the retro styles and wouldn't mind getting one of each of the above pairs.What kind of sunglasses are you currently lovin' and are you thinking about color also?

Helpfull Tip:
When buying glasses you will notice they all have three sets of numbers: 55/14/135
The first set (55) is the distance of one lense, the second set (14) is the measurement of the bridge and the last set of numbers (135) is the length of the arm. So if you currently have a pair that fit you nicely you can get an idea if the new pair you are thinking of buying will fit just as nice.

365: The Scarf

 images: google search

I really love scarves and how versatile they are. They come in so many colors, textures and patterns that I don't think I can ever have too many. Now a scarf worn in the cooler weather is not only fashionable but conventional, but what are your thoughts on lightweight scarves when the weather is warmer?

I recently bought a couple and just love how they have an almost non existent feel. Above are a some of my favorites.. I enjoy how Jessica Alba, Rachel Bilson and Hilary Duff all effortlessly add scarves to their wardrobe on a regular basis. Hilary is also known to take scraps of fabric or table cloths and wear them as scarves.. how creative have you gotten?

Bloggers for COACH

images from shefinds.com

How fantastic is it that Bloggers are designing bags for Coach... the Fall 2010 Collection is going to be so great!
The bags above are going to only be available online and for pre-order on May 19 with prices ranging from $398 - $498. I really enjoy how different they each are from the other and express each blogger's style perfectly... which is your favorite?

Kelly Framel of The Glamourai / drawstring pouch
Karla Deras of Karla’s Closet / oversized clutch/shoulder bag
Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere / Chain Strapped Satchel
Krystal Simpson of What is Reality Anyway? / fringed shoulder bag

Platform Wedges

So I've been looking for a pair of platform wedge sandals that are nice enough to wear dressed up and simple enough to wear dressed down. I also wanted something that could almost blend away so they can be worn with just about anything. That's when I found these from Nine West in Cigar but as you can see they're SOLD OUT. I naturally looked for a back up pair and found these in Taupe but they don't have my size either.

Are you having better luck than I am with summer footwear.. which shoes are you looking for?

images: piperlime

Shopping: Shoes

I realized every time I go shopping I'm drawn to the same kind of shoe and mind you the point of shopping is to find something I don't already have. Even though I find many different shoes beautiful I tend to just lust over them and purchase some kind of safe black leather footwear. I have made a decision for all that to come to an end and I assure you even though I will have my basic black shoe in there that wont be the constant in my closet. I want to have a variety of colors, styles and materials... I wouldn't mind my shoe collection resembling the variety of a Bloomingdale's sales rack.

For me to be able to have that variety I have to acknowledge the different styles of shoes there are. I also have to decide what color footwear I'm willing to work with  and how I can incorporate it into my current and future wardrobe. I then looked through some fashion books I have and a few shoe departments online and this is what I came up with. I want to start by getting one pair of shoes in each of the categories above.. I also would like them not to repeat in color. I find if I have five pairs of black shoes I will always wear my favorite one.. so why not have one pair of black shoes. (I'm sure I'll have more than one pair of black shoes but... I'm ready for some change!)

Now, I've had shoes in each category at some point but I also tend to give away half my things every time I move and I've moved three times in the past three years ( and again in a couple of weeks)... so I feel like I'm staring from scratch again.

I'm curious if any of you are in the same boat when it comes to shoes... or do you have a nice variety of styles?

images from bloomingdales.com