Caught in the Middle

Like most girls my age (I know, I know!  I'm dating myself...), I dreamed of aging like Carrie Bradshaw from “Sex & the City.”  I wanted to wear cool clothes & not the “age appropriate” office attire/”sensible shoe” combination mostly worn by most women in their 30’s & 40’s. 

However, as I approach that time in MY life, I don’t find myself as daring as I want to be.  Part of the reason is that I don’t have Sarah Jessica Parker’s toned physique, but even if I did, would I dare wear this gorgeous, sexy (without being trashy), midriff-baring ensemble?  Where would I go in this ensemble?  Nonetheless, I want a venue & abs to wear it. 

Mountains out of Mole Hills

My mom wanted me to get my mole removed above my lip.  I never did because I thought it would be too noticeable if I did.  I was also afraid the removal would just leave behind a huge pit.  In any case, it’s still there. 

Sometimes, I mind it & sometimes, I wish it was wherever the girl in the magazine has hers.  Ha!  I’m SO the jealous-type, eh? 

Pre-Loved

I've never been one for "pre-owned" shoes.  I actually thought it was yucky.  I do vintage, but not undergarments, swimwear, hats & shoes.

However, years ago, I was in line behind a girl in Chicago who had these L.L. Bean boots on.  I immediately asked her where she got them, but of course, they were vintage & she got them on ebay.  I looked on their website every year hoping they would re-issue them & even looked in their flagship store in Freeport, Maine.  Even on ebay, I could never find them in my size & almost gave up, but I found them just last month.  I had my trepidations, especially since these were something you wore working (a.k.a.-sweating) in mud, but I couldn't resist putting closure to my long search.

I looked up some "recipes" on how to clean vintage shoes & I've been enjoying them since. 

You Can't Always Get What You Want

I saw these shoes & immediately searched high & low for them.  Then, I found out that she bought them at the Christian Louboutin sample sale & they have never been produced.  I almost cried when I found out!  How do you get an invite to this elusive sale! 

More Than the Sum of its Parts

I love the simplicity of this look.  It's a beautiful dress with just a belt, bag, boots & sunglasses, but the braid & the lipstick add so much more to the complete look. 

Imma Be the Flyest Chick

I know it's weird, but I'm obsessed with this look that Fergie has on the "Imma Be" video.  I love it from metal visor & clear acrylic shoulder pads down to the cape & silver Christian Louboutin booties.  It's so futuristic & creative.  I was even looking for a metal visor for a while.  (If anyone know where I can find one, please let me know!) 

I officially became a fan of Fergie after watching this video. 

I Feel Gloved

Anyone who has met me after 1998 will know how much I want to be Carrie Bradshaw.  I love accessories & this look always makes me smile.  These is nothing I love more than the edge that thigh-high hosiery & cropped gloves lend to any ensemble.  I wish this look had more air time, but a few seconds was all it took to leave an indelible impression. 

I Wanna Be a Cowboy

I don't know if it's the influence of my work place, but I've fallen in love with western culture.  I've already discussed my collection of fringed leather pieces & my endless need for western shirts, but I just cannot stop drooling over these western-inspired boots. 

So Cool You're Hot

As the fall months approach, I start to worry about bundling up for winter.  I ran across this picture of Joanna Hillman & was immediately jealous of the Proenza Schouler jacket I missed out on, but on further review, I found myself thinking, "What are these Derek Lam boots I also missed out on?"  I hate finding things I love that aren't even available if I could afford them.  (I found a picture of them--see below--when she was hosting The Coveteur.)

However, I digress...  My issue with winter is that I cannot find a way to look this chic under a million layers of clothes that still don't keep me warm enough.  How does she do it?  Is she warm enough?  Is it because she originally hails from Canada?  Is this just for the photo?  Well, whatever the answer, this is my inspiration for the coming winter.  Wish me luck! 

Lady Danger

I'm kind of obsessed with bright lipstick.  More so because my significant other doesn't like lipstick so I don't have many opportunities to wear lipstick.  However, as I'm always all about all things Joanna Hillman, I'm kind of wanting to add MAC's Lady Danger to my collection of lipsticks I don't get to wear.  It'll sit next to my Nars' Dragon Girl. 

Jem & the Holograms

(Source: stylorectic)

I love this nail color.  It's just that I'm trying to be good & not buy things I'll lose interest in right away, but it's just so much fun!

Just Shut Up

I can't help it.  I love what is says!

You Can Stand Under My Umbrella

It's all the in the details...the umbrella, the gloves...it's all so gorgeous!

Sh*t Fashion Girls Say

Because:  a)  it's too funny not to share & b)  unfortunately, I do find myself saying VERY similar things.  Especially about the bangs!  Ha ha!

Return to Me

I'm trying SO hard to be good & not buy things I'll be over in six months.  Lust has such bad judgment... 

That said, I love these Chloé boots & they are finally in reproduction.  I can't use that rationale though because I just bought these lost loves because THEY are back in production. 

Label Whore

Since every part of your life needs to be fashionable, Rebecca Minkoff designed a line of condoms that she included in her gift bags for her Spring 2012 New York fashion week show.  She said, "I loved the idea of designing a condom that was made by a woman for a woman. I got to use my classic studded Rebecca Minkoff design & apply it to the packaging, making a condom that girls can feel comfortable carrying with them.”  These are three designs available on Proper Attire and Rebecca Minkoff's sites.  I love that it's free of charge in her iconic Morning After Bag.

(The) Red Coats are Coming...

I bought a red faux fur coat years ago, but I was always fearful of wearing it.  I didn't want to wear it around Christmas for fear of Santa Claus jokes & I avoided wearing it around Valentine's Day because I didn't want to hear jokes about being too "into" the occasion.  However, after seeing this picture of Ashley Greene, I'm dying to pull it out.

The Girl...

I love Mara Rooney's new look.  Everything looks so much more impactful with her new hair color & cut.  Someone joked she would be stuck with that haircut until 2015 if this movie does well.  I'm glad it looks like it'll be sticking around for a few more years.

& I quote...

“stop destroying the landscape with your outfit.” - rick owens

The Aviator

I was out & about trying to use up the last of our flexible spending account at the last minute when I discovered these amazing Chanel sunglasses.  I think I need them!