Pop of Color-icious

I've been paring down on the shopping, but I have managed a couple good buys here and there. One such buy was this long cardigan from Banana Republic, on sale for under $30...score!



I love wearing black and white combos with pops of color. A simple green tee did the trick on this outfit and got dressed up with a patent leather belt to cinch the waist.

Green Tee: Target
White pants: Banana Republic
Black Cardigan: Banana Republic
Patent Leather belt: Nordstrom
Black flats: Juicy Couture

T-Shirt + Jeans for Work...Again

I'm so glad my office has loosened their dress code over the last few months, because T-Shirts and jeans really can be work appropriate, IMO, if you do it right.


I used some heels and a cardigan to dress this T-shirt + jeans look up. Click here to view my last T-shirt + jeans work look.


I actually got almost all of these pieces on the sale rack somewhere (except for the purse obv). The t-shirt was only $10 and I LOVE the print!

Keys to making this look ok for the office:
*trouser style jeans
*cardigan
*cute heels
*nice purse helps

T-Shirt: Urban Outfitters
Trouser Jeans: Banana Republic
Cardigan: Banana Republic
Linen Peep-Toe Heels: Banana Republic
Purse: Chanel

Work Wear: T-Shirt and Jeans

...because sometimes you just feel like wearing a t-shirt and jeans (slightly dressed up to be work appropriate)



A lacy camisole keeps the deep-v-neck work appropriate and the heels help dress up the outfit.

Jeans: Banana Republic
Camisole: Gap
White Top: J Crew
Linen Pumps: Banana Republic

Boyfriend Jeans and My D&G's

Ever have those days when you feel like dressing a little "bummy" yet "girly" at the same time? I had one of those recently when hubby and I went out for dinner. I decided to wear my boyfriend jeans with some fun heels to dress up the look. I grabbed a purplish scarf to keep me warm inside the restaurant. It's hot outside, but I always freeze inside restaurants! Layers are a must for me!

My boyfriend jeans fit a lot better before I lost some weight recently. Now they are possibly too slouchy! I tried rolling up the bottoms as much as possible without making them too bulky. I've seen celebs rocking their boyfriends with the rolled cuffs just above their shoes, but I like mine a little higher than pictured. Oh well, guess that's what tailors (and maybe chocolate cake) are for!



Top: Target
Jeans: J Crew
Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana
Purse: Chanel
Scarf: ?

Dressing up my Express Denim

The ability to take a simple pair of jeans and dress them up with accessories makes it so fun to be a girl! Recently, I headed to the Express store, gift card in hand, in search of a pair of jeans. I tried on almost one of each style (ok, I tried on about 5 types) but I of course gravitated to the most expensive pair in the store. Call it a talent, I guess?



Josh and Brittany at the Express in NC were most-helpful and friendly. Josh was the first to help me in my quest for jeans and was knowledgeable of the Express denim line.



After lots of trying on, I decided to get a pair of the Rerock jeans (apparently made by the same people who do designer jeans...maybe Rock and Republic?). I loved the way they fit and the designs on the back pockets.

I've had the chance to play around with some different looks for my new jeans. Here are some looks:

Daytime Casual-Chic

I wore this look to do some daytime shopping this weekend. I wanted to look cute but casual, so I put on a simple white top that was just a tad loose (to balance the fit jeans) and wore my hair down and curly.


This light brown belt just peeked out from under my top.


These chandelier earrings completed the look.

Top: Ann Taylor Loft
Belt: Banana Republic
Leather Wedges: Banana Republic
Earrings: ?

Slightly Dressier Daytime Look

Here's another casual chic look that I think you could take to a casual nighttime event (depending on where you live, of course). The colors are definitely what I'd consider more nighttime, but in the South, the line gets a bit blurry for what's appropriate when.


My accessories - I love the ruffles of this purse!


Close up of my bracelet. With this and the adorable tote, I kept the rest of the accessories simple with no necklace and simple pearl stud earrings.

Tank top: American Eagle
Scarf: ?
Bracelet: J Crew
Ruffle Purse: Ziordia

Casual Nighttime Look

I found this cute black top with purple features at the Express store while I was shopping for denim. It was a bit of an impulse buy, but it's so comfy and chic enough to dress up. Here's the look with a layer of a black sweater.


Sans cover. I dressed up this look with some drop earrings, a leather purse, a silver-leather bracelet and my D&G strappy heels.


Love the back pocket embellishment.

Sterling silver onyx earrings to dress up the look.


A better look at the top.

Top: Express

Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana

Bracelet: Wilson Leather

Earrings: I made them!

Purse: Kenneth Cole

Sweater: Banana Republic

Reader question: What's your favorite way to dress up denim?

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion = Product Love

You guys know I'm not that into beauty products. I like playing with them and all, but I'd rather invest my money in clothes. Now...when I find a beauty product I like, I stick with it. I have my favorites in the world of beauty products, and one I'm currently crushing on is Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion.

I am now on my THIRD bottle!



I've always had a problem with my eye shadow creasing by the end of the day, and I've found few products that actually take care of this. Urban Decay's Potion is the best solution I've found so far, as proof by my consistent use of the product. If you're looking for something to stop your eye shadow creasing, give this stuff a go. If you're on the fence, I suggest getting a sample (from Sephora, etc), if possible, or getting a makeover with this as the eye makeup base. Hopefully, you'll love it as much as I do.

Shopaholic Blog on Twitter

Hey guys! I finally got around to setting up a twitter account. Check me out by clicking here! :)

Fashionably Yours,

Shopaholic D

Girly Pink for Work

I work in a very corporate environment where most people stick to blues, blacks, whites, grays, and browns (boring!). Wearing my pink shoes is a bit risque, but the other day, I was feeling frisky and decided to wear a whole BUNCH of pink!



I kept the look on the business side with my simple black skirt and cardigan, but I wore my hot pink shoes with a hot pink top. I like pairing colors of different tones together, so I wore a baby pink cardigan, which I thought contrasted nicely against my brighter top. I got some looks but didn't care. I had so much fun rocking out my pink ensemble!

Hot Pink Mary Jane Heels: J Crew
Skirt: Banana Republic
White Cami: Banana Republic
Hot Pink Top: Express
Baby Pink Cardigan: Gap

Work Chic

A simple work-chic look with a girly twist (I wish the lighting had been better so you could see the pretty bright-yellow-green top):




Ruffly Cardigan: Gap
Black Dress Skirt: Banana Republic
Camisole: Banana Republic
Bright yellow-green twist top: Velvet
Bow Peep-toe Pumps: J Crew

Sunday Afternoon Shopping

Hubby and I had some errands to run last weekend and headed out on a summery Sunday afternoon to take care of them. We got our errand-shopping done in no-time and even ventured out for a cute brunch at a local restaurant.



I decided to wear a breezy skirt since the weather was pretty hot. This skirt looked a lot different on me when I bought it...I've lost about 13 lbs since then so it doesn't quite fit right any more, but I still like the pattern and cut.



Patterned Skirt: Urban Outfitters
Green Tank: Banana Republic
Braided Belt: Urban Outfitters
Sandals: Jessica Simpson
Purse: Chanel

Casual Daytime Shopping

Hubby and I went out to run some errands last weekend, and the weather was hot-hot-hot and super humid. I decided to wear a fave of mine - a J Crew jersey dress, but I wanted to give the simple gray dress some amped up style. So, I added a J Crew flower tie-on-belt for a pop of color and paired the look with some nude wedges. A hot pink, enamel bracelet gave the look another little flash of color.



Gray Jersey Dress: J Crew
Turquoise/Navy tie-on, flower belt: J Crew
Nude, Strappy Wedges: Banana Republic
Purse: Chanel
Sunglasses: Chanel
Enamel Bracelet: J Crew

Evening Couples Baby Shower Look

Hubby and I were invited to an evening couples baby shower for one of his friends. I wasn't sure exactly what to wear since I hadn't heard anything about the dress code (and hubby got the invite) but decided that a dress sounded like a good idea. I decided to try to go a bit dressy without going too over-the-top in case the event turned out to be more on the casual side. Here's what I wore:



It turned out that a few girls at the shower had flip flops and denim on, but I think I still blended in nicely.

Dress: Local boutique
Tank Top: The Limited
Cardigan (held not worn): Gap
Belt: Urban Outfitters
Linen Peep-Toe Pumps: Banana Republic
Purse: Chanel

Springalicious Ensemble

The weather has really been heating up lately, so I'm finally able to bust out some of my fave warm-weather skirts. Layers help keep me warm inside and cool outside.



Skirt: Banana Republic
Blue Top: Banana Republic
White Cotton Cardigan: Gap
Linen Peep Toe Shoes: Banana Republic

Reebok EasyTone Shoes - Final Review

I've been wearing my Reebok EasyTones for about a month now, and I'm ready to provide a final review.



Differences
Not only have a I noticed a difference in my muscle utilization as I've casually worn my Reebok EasyTone shoes out and about, but I've also made some differences in how I walk to get more "bang for the buck" so to speak. I like to think of myself as a pretty heart healthy person who makes small changes here and there to have a healthy lifestyle anyways. However, my EasyTones had me parking further, taking stairs, etc. even more than usual just to up my muscle intensity.

Final Review
I loved how the Reebok EasyTone shoes helped a busy girl like me multi-task. I could do the same things I do day-to-day, but by adding my EasyTone shoes to the mix, I got a bit of a workout in, too, without even having to really try. For example, everyday, I have to walk from the parking deck to my office and then back. Switch the heels for the EasyTones and you've just killed two birds with one stone. And who doesn't like squeezing a workout into your day without having to hit the gym? Sure, gym trips are fun now and again, but the EasyTones are great for those times you just can't pencil a workout in to your busy social calendar.

Warm Weather Work Ensemble

The weather keeps getting warmer and warmer, and I'm loving it! I recently did a slightly-nautical number with a pop of color for a work look:



The bow on the top is my fave part of the outfit.



I styled my hair curly to match the playful look.

Skirt: Banana Republic
Blue + White Top with Bow: H&M
Cardigan: Gap
Shoes: Banana Republic
Mother-of-Pearl Sunglasses: Chanel

Reebok EasyTone Shoes - Halfway Point

I'm halfway done with testing out my Reebok EasyTone Shoes (click here for the first post), and so far, so good!



Style
The Reebok EasyTone shoes look just like regular tennis shoes. Many fashionistas may find this shocking, but I actually like to run errands in tennis shoes from time to time...especially when they're doing double-duty like these are! Like I said...I love to multi-task! I found these shoes worked well with both workout gear and with jeans and a sweatshirt to run errands. I know...Stacy and Clinton would not approve, but some days, you just want to bum out. What can I say? We can't wear stilettos everyday 24/7, now can we? Ok, some people can, but I'm not one of them. Some days, I choose comfort over What-Not-to-Wear-style! Besides, jeans and tennis shoes can be pretty cute some times.

Shoe Use
When I first started wearing the shoes, they felt very..."bouncy" (yea...that's the only word I could come up with). Seriously...I felt slightly like I was in one of those kiddie moonwalk things. The bounciness was slightly awkward at first, but I quickly got used to the feeling. I first wore the shoes to run errands and noticed pretty quickly that I could feel something in my legs. I didn't feel any specific muscle twangs or anything like if I were pressing weights, but it was more like the feeling you get when you've been walking or jogging for awhile - a gentle soreness that tells you you're working your muscles. Since my walk was so short, there was barely any muscle sensitivity at all...it just felt like I'd done a light walking workout.

I took my shoes for longer walks and the feeling was amplified. I could tell I was using my leg muscles more than I would have had I just used regular shoes for my walks. Though I could tell my muscles were being worked a little more, the difference was, once again, gradual. I like how simple the change has been for me and that the difference has been effective but not a drastic change.

I can't wait to see how the last couple weeks go...

Has any one else tried these shoes out? If so, how do you like them?

Casual Chic Work Outfit

They recently changed the work dress code so I can now wear khakis! I'm super excited because I love to rock my khakis and now I can wear them a lot more...not to mention there have been a lot of fab khaki outfits in the latest J Crew catalogs.


Recently, I went for the blush-pink look for a toned done work outfit. I wore a scarf to help stay warm in the cool, windy weather outside and the icy internal temp of the office.


Under, I had a lacy-topped cardigan, shirt, and one of those Gap cardigans I recently lusted after. I don't think it's the chicest thing I've ever worn to the office, but considering how comfy it all was, I think it was a great combo.

Tank Top: Banana Republic
Shirt: Gap
Cardigan: Gap
Khakis: Banana Republic
Peep-Toe Pumps: Banana Republic

Nice Casual Wedding Attire

Recently, I went to the wedding of a long-time family friend with my husband and my family. The dress code was "Nice Casual", which I interpreted as "Nice But Not-Too Formal Dress." I don't know why, but upon investigation of my closet's collection of dresses, I realized that my dresses seemed to fall into 2 categories: 1. casual 2. formal. Luckily, I recently made a stop at the Banana Republic outlet where I scored this dress:



I love yellow clothes. Yellow clothes are just so fun and uplifting to wear...they kinda just make you happy, in general. This yellow, strapless dress seemed dressy enough, yet not too dressy to fit the bill for the wedding's "Nice Casual." Not to mention I found this dress at full price $89.99 but had a 20% off coupon to use! Score! Add some cute yet easy to wear (and dance in) heels and some pearls and you're good to go!

Dress: Banana Republic Outlet
Shoes: Banana Republic
Leather Purse: Chanel

Reebok EasyTone Shoes - Workout Solution for Busy Girls

I don't know about you, but there are days when life gets hectic and though I have good intentions to stay fit and workout, the day slips me by and the next thing I know, my day is over sans a good workout. Enter the Reebok EasyTone Shoes. These shoes incorporate special technology to help you get fit while you're enjoying (or frantically rushing through) a regular day.



About the Reebok EasyTone Shoes:
* EasyTone- Reebok’s innovative footwear technology that helps to “tone as you go” and is suited to match the demands of the modern woman

* Contain unique balance pods built in under the heel and forefoot of the shoes, which are designed to create natural instability with every step

* The pods force key leg and glute muscles to adapt to instability and encourage toning- increasing Gluteus Maximus toning by 28%, and hamstring and calve muscles by 11%

* Testing at University of Delaware proved EasyTone to be up to three times softer than conventional foam-based shoes

* From work, to school, to shopping, these stylish training shoes allow you to “Take the Gym with You”

legal disclaimer: *Increased muscle activation up to 28% Gluteus Maximus, 11% Hamstrings, 11% calves. Based on tests comparing EasyTone Go Outside to a typical foam based walking shoe (Reebok Hex Express). Testing does not include EasyTone Flip.



I'll be testing out these shoes over the next 30 days, so I'll let you know what I think of them as I go. I'm so glad to learn about a fitness solution that fits into my busy lifestyle!



I'm a big fan of multi-tasking, so it will be fun to see learn more about how easily I can incorporate fitness with every day life. Check back in a couple weeks to see how the Reebok EasyTone shoes are working out!

Relaxed Shirt Dress Look - Casual Chic

I found the cutest, off-white, shirt dress on sale at Tar-jhay (Target) awhile back for a mere $20, so I of course snagged it immediately. The only problem with the dress was that it was practically see-through and was in major need of some sort of lining.



Yesterday, the weather was nasty and rainy, and I was really feeling boots. After perusing my closet, I settled on trying out that shirt dress along with a lining dress from another one. I loved how easy the dress was - so nice and flowy and not at all binding. I used a simple brown belt to cinch the waist in so the look wasn't too dowdy.



I'll def be sporting this one again...it was so easy and comfy and just relaxed!



Up-close of the belt!

Dress: Converse from Target
Lining: Urban Outfitters
Boots: Via Spiga
Belt: Urban Outfitters

Spring Day Suit - Blue + White

I think there may be some rule about not wearing white yet or something, but rules are meant to be broken, right? I've become an avid weather-report-watcher over the years and always check the weather before getting dressed or selecting an outfit for the day. Today's weather report called for a lovely, sunny, warm 70 degree F day, so I was feeling white pants.

Although the weather outside was supposed to be quite warm, I knew the "weather" inside my office would be another story, so I added as many layers to my outfit as I could fit.


I started with a simple, blue, top from a recent shopping excursion...got this at the BR outlet for around $20! I also added this lightweight scarf that I found on the sale rack at BR for a mere $7...down from like $50!


Then, I added a Gap cardi...


...then a BR blazer to match the pants! I always try to get matching blazers to pants if I can afford to...it's so nice to be able to wear a full suit to work sometimes. I'll always regret not getting the suit jacket that matches my fave ever dress pants from J Crew.

Sadly, nearly this entire outfit, except the cardi, but including the shoes, is from BR. As much as I love BR, I really prefer to mix up different brands a bit more...gonna have to work on shopping in some new stores this season!

Still, the cool, crisp white seemed to be the right color for the wonderful weather we had today. Good thing I wore my white pants today...it's supposed to rain tomorrow!

Basic Business Casual: Khaki + Sweater

Sorry for my non-posting, but my fashion + shopping self needs a bit of a jump start. I'm hoping now that my credit card is paid off and I'm shopping (carefully, of course) again, that the love of clothes will return.

In the meantime, I haven't been sharing many outfit posts because lately my outfits are usually pretty basic (read boring) office wear outfits, like this:



Our dress code has recently been downgraded and we're allowed to wear khakis! I'm so excited because when the weather gets warmer, I'd like to work some of the super cute khaki looks I've been seeing in my J Crew mags. Till then, I have to bundle up to combat the chilly weather both outside and inside with layers including long sleeve tops and warm sweaters.

Khakis: Banana Republic
Top: Banana Republic
Sweater: Banana Republic (what can I say, I love my BR!)
Boots: Nine West
Necklace: handmade by me

Infatuated with J Crew Spring 2009

I am so in love with J Crew's spring collection. I want one of everything, but since I'm not independently wealthy, I'll have to settle for none or maybe 1 or 2 things (since I know I've already purchased some other things that were such good deals, I couldn't pass them up).

Statement Necklace

Sunray necklace - $150
Would it be wrong to spend the majority of my shopping budget on this gorgeous statement piece? I'm thinking it could be a good investment if I can use it to dress up a lot of my spring '09 outfits. With this baby, you can make a T-shirt look fab!

Girly Top

Viscose ruffle-sleeve tank - ON SALE - $29 (from $42)
Besides cardigans, my other clothing staples are tank tops. I don't like sleeves, so cute tank tops are a must for me! This one, with the adorable ruffles, is a winner and the price doesn't hurt. Hmm...Maybe I should hit up the mall today before this baby gets snatched up?

Bright Bottom

Metallic-silk mini - ON SALE - $58 (from $78)
I feel like I'm finally getting my staple bottoms down, so now it's time to play. I normally don't do orange in my wardrobe (I have nothing against it, it's just not the first color I'm drawn to) but there's something about this skirt that I simply love!

Cutesy Cardigan

Cotton-cashmere ruffle cardigan - $68
Ahh...cardigan...my love. I don't have any...wait...I only have 1 short-sleeved cardigan and this cutesy, ruffly one would make a great addition to my current cardigan collection. I also this this cardigan would look awesome with that sunray necklace I'm currently craving.

Perfectly Pastel Pumps

Joley patent-leather peep toes - $198
I think I've mentioned before, but J Crew is one of my fave brands for shoes - they are so comfortable. I have learned the hard way that only their round-toe or peep-toe shoes are comfortable for me, personally, because I have wider feet. How gorge are these baby-pink pumps!? Love them...want them...

NOTE: Images by jcrew.com

Want: Gap - The new V-neck cardigan

My dress code at work is business casual and my fave article of clothing for such a dress code is the cardigan - the ultimate layering essential, IMO.

This one by Gap is so cute - especially those little buttons on the cuffs!

Gap - The new V-neck cardigan - $44

I want one in every color, though I think I'll have to settle for just adding 1 or 2 to my wardrobe. I'm feeling the black and turquoise colors.

Image: gap.com