Fashion addictions

My partner in crime in this blogging adventure has a problem: she has an addiction... to stripes. Every time we shop, I attempt to intervene, although I have noticed that a majority of her stripe purchases go on behind my back.

Now it is time for me to fess up as well.  My name is Christy, and I have a problem.  I am a polka-dot addict.  I suppose I have had this issue for quite some time.  It was once I picked up on Michelle's adoration for stripes that I realized my own polka-dot desire.  In fact, this is how far I have taken it:

These are in honor of my son's little league game tonight.  I suppose I have taken baseball mom to a different level. But really, aren't they ADORABLE!?!  And truly assessing my addiction, I realize how many polka-dots there are in my closet:  a most adorable retro swimsuit, several scarves and dresses, and the most recent acquisition, a white sheer blouse with red polka-dots (thank you, H&M).

I am happy to report, though, that our love for stripes and polka-dots are currently very fashionable. Thankfully, for our pocketbooks, they are classics and will never go out of style.  And despite the striped shirt in the article costing $198.00, we are very on point this season with our patterns of choice!!

~c~

Fashion

Style Channel used to have a show, featuring Elisabeth Hasselbeck, called The Look For Less.  Seemingly normal women on a budget would choose one of two runway looks to duplicate in one hour for $100 or less.  I loved this show, and I loved the concept (other than the 60 minute part).
It started for me last Christmas, when I caught a glimpse of the Saks 5th Avenue Christmas catalog.  I fell in love with this top:  

It was paired with rather casual khaki pants rolled up a bit to reveal cute brown laced up ankle boots.  It doesn't look like much here, but I knew at that moment that I had to find a knock off version of this outfit, especially for the holidays!  One Saturday afternoon, I walked into a local consignment shop and found a similar gold and black shirt, not sequined, but still flashy, just waiting for me to try it on.  I was pretty excited about my find.  As I continued browsing, I saw a cute pair of gold cropped pants, a bit less casual than the khakis pictured, but perfect for my upcoming Christmas party.  Fortunately both were in my size.  I opted for a gold pair of slingbacks instead of the boots, again for a less casual look.  The best part??  I put together the entire outfit for $60, 10% of the Saks price.  The top alone was retailed at $295.

I am trying this approach again this Christmas season with this outfit:

This time, however, I didn't have time to go out to duplicate. I pulled from what I already have in my closet.  My dress isn't identical, but it has a similar feel, minus the sleeves. I have decided to layer it with a black long sleeved t shirt (thanks to Target) and steel gray ballet flats instead of solid black.  I always love a fashion challenge, especially on a budget!! ~c~

Fashion

Fashionista Weather Woes

Living in the desert southwest can sometimes be a real issue for a girl who loves coats, jackets and cold weather accessories. Although I have lived here for quite some time, I continue to yearn for the crisp, cool October days that a northern fall brings.  Every morning, I look at the faux fur vests sitting on their hangers,where they are almost begging to be worn.  I flip through autumn issues of Lucky, Vogue, W and see the most adorable sweaters, scarves, hats, gloves and coats and I ache a bit because I know that here, in our corner of the world, most of those items are more or less useless.  My sweater collection has become quite dismal since living here.  I have come to the conclusion...A fashionista really needs to have 4 seasons in order to satisfy her wardrobe needs.

I finally couldn't take it another second and busted this out this morning; it had to be done.  So cute with a brown shirt, denim skirt and the most amazing chocolate brown boots.  Of course this morning's weather was ideal, but how will I look this afternoon when it is 85 degrees outside?  But really, does it matter?  I will suffer in the name of fashion. It is so worth it.
~c~

Fashion

Bravo has debuted a new show, Fashion Hunters, where upscale goes retail.  I saw the first preview in July and I was instantly drawn in.  As I sit here watching it, I love the idea of the show and, more importantly, I love the idea of the shop in NYC, Second Time Around.  What I wasn't prepared for was the amount of pouting and cattiness going on throughout the show.  Show me beautiful clothing and accessories...keep your personal lives (and pouts) out of it.  Will I watch it again?  Of course. I love to see gorgeous couture. ~c~

The show reminds me how much I love to root around our own local thrift stores to find treasures that have been tossed out by women no longer enchanted with items that probably once drove them mad. Will I ever find a Carolina Herrera dress like the one from Second Time Around? Probably not. But I have found items to make the label whore in me very happy (hello, never used Gucci pumps?) as well as unique pieces that are one of a kind (a 1920's dress clip that is now an awesome pendant). ~m~

The Beginning of the Madness....

After some fabulous Cava, exploding escargots, various cheeses, and lots of tipsy laughter, we finally started our blog about everything that we insanely and obsessively love. ~c & m~