Colored Hosiery: Must Shop or Must Not?

Not sure if you've noticed or not yet, but colored hosiery is popping up left and right for Fall 2007. What do you think? Is it too over-the-top for you or right up your alley? If I got colored tights (which I probably will), I'd probably start with purple:

American Apparel RSAPH Opaque Pantyhose - $14 (available in many more colors

There's been a lot of buzz on the blogosphere over these and while I've seen them done well in a couple outfits, I just don't think I'm this brave:

American Apparel RSAC306 Gold Lame Leggings - $40

Are colored-hosiery a "Must Shop" or a "Must Not" for you? Are you brave enough to try the gold lame leggings?

NOTE: Images by AmericanApparel.com

Shop The Lauren Conrad Collection

Our favorite "The Hills" star, Lauren Conrad (aka LC from Laguna Beach), has started her own clothing line (lucky girl), which will be available this fall on ShopLaurenConrad.com. Recently, she spoke about her new collection, friend feud with Heidi, and other small talk topics on Jimmy Kimmel:

She even wore one of her own designs (of course) on the show. I was hoping for a sneak peek of more designs, but she only lets this one dress out and about. I don't know about you, but I've always liked Lauren's style, so I'm definitely interested to see what types of designs she has in the works.

How's that for making the most out of your reality TV show? You go girl!

What do you think? Will you buy one of her designs from "The Lauren Conrad Collection"?

Crazy for Kooba - Fall 2007 Picks

I've been seeing Kooba purses all over the blogosphere for the last...well, since I've been blogging, really. The more I see these fabulous totes, the more I want one...and compared to other premium designers, Kooba bags are pretty affordable. If I were to get a Kooba purse for Fall 2007, I'd probably get one of these:

Kooba Elisha Shoulder Bag
The bow helps make this chic purse extra feminine (and you guys know I love feminine) - the neutral color would make it super versatile and the metallic detailing adds extra glam


Hannah Metallic Clutch
This rock-chic clutch is big enough to carry around on a regular basis and cute enough to take your fave outfit up a notch. This purse would look great with jeans, mildly embellished boots, and a dainty top.


Paige Shoulder Tote
I love all the little buckles all over this simple yet ornate tote. The ivory-toned leather will look great with your "winter whites", as well as, either black or brown. Who doesn't like so much versatility in a lovely, leather package?

Which one is your favorite? Do you like another one more?

NOTE: images from neimanmarcus.com

Cheap Chic: Old Navy Fall Preview Sale

Old Navy is having a preview sale for its new fall items. Can you believe it? Even more affordable prices for Old Navy's newest items? Here are my picks:

Colored Jeans

These jeans are reminiscent of the famous electric blue jeans sported by Posh and at only $29.50, are a steal (click for details)

Wide Belt for Cinched Waists

Use this wide belt to cinch your waist for your fave dresses and tops - $12 (click for details)

Babydoll Coat

What a sweet babydoll coat - only $29.50 (click for details)

NOTE: Posh Image found online - if you're the owner and object to its use, please email me at shopaholicd at gmail dot com and I'll remove it immediately. All other images from Oldnavy.com

Ruffly Feminine

Here's what I wore to work today:


I wanted to wear something simple so I could show off the earrings I just made last night, but I ended up really liking the way that this ruffly sweater looked with the whole outfit - especially with the skirt. Something about those ruffles make it extra feminine. Even though some may consider the outfit on the boring side, I like how it lets my earrings and my sweater stand out a bit more than they normally have.

White Skirt: Banana Republic
Lilac Cinched Top: The Limited
White, Ruffly Sweater: Ellen Tracy for Neiman Marcus
Light Brown Leather Wedges: Banana Republic

Chic Swap: Layer On

Left the outfit on the simple side today as I wanted to show off the new necklace I made this weekend:


*Add a sweater, move the belt up around the waist*


I left the buttons of this airy sweater undone and instead wore it like a wrap sweater cinched with a leather, faux-snake-skin metallic belt.

Cotton Top: Banana Republic
Black Dress Pants: Banana Republic
Belt: Wilsons Leather
Cuff Bracelet: Wilsons Leather
Gray Suede Platforms: Kate Spade
Jewelry: D Celestine Limited

Work Chic: Keeping Cool - Summer 2007

Even though my office may be set to "Refrigerate," I still need to stay cool whilst walking between buildings from meeting to meeting. White is supposed to be a good summer color to wear as it helps reflect heat (black absorbs it), so I've been trying to wear as much white as possible. Luckily, I happened to score this lovely BR skirt on a serious sale a couple years ago. I think I paid only $20-30ish for it!

White Skirt: Banana Republic
White Lace Camisole: Banana Republic
Seafoam Green Top: The Limited
Leather Wedges: Banana Republic
Gold/Gemstone Earrings: D Celestine Limited
(BR has the best work chic clothes!)

Fashion Friend Finale - Week 8/26/07

Koko Stiletto shares a fabulous shoe storage idea

Couture in the City tells us where to shop for celebrity style a la Eva Longoria, Katie Holmes, and J-Lo

The Daily Obsession shows you how to make your shower stylish

Catwalk Queen loves the Louboutin manicure (see her hot/not list)

Brittany Murphy Sings?

Does everyone remember our favorite movie-make-overee, Brittany Murphy from (one of the best movies ever) Clueless?


Perhaps you know her better like this?


Well, did you also know that Brittany Murphy sings? Yes, she does - here's proof:

Not too shabby, eh?

NOTE: Photos found online - if you are the owner and wish me to take them down, please email at shopaholicd at gmail dot com and I'll take them down immediately. Thanks!

I'm on Etsy!

I know lots of you guys out there like to shop Etsy or just support independent designers or maybe just like to buy things that are handmade. Well, for those of you who didn't know already, I happen to design and make jewelry. I've had my own web site for awhile for my biz D Celestine Limited - http://www.dcelestine.com (Yea, I need to update it, but how can I photograph my jewelry when I'm bringing you so much fabulousness here?! Ok, ok, I'll add some of my new designs this weekend. I did manage to update the homepage, at least, tonight)

In addition to my own web site, I recently started an Etsy shop:

My Etsy site is: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5258866

What do you think? Do you like any of the designs and if so, which is your favorite?

Lady's Day in the Park

This outfit reminds me of something a lady would wear to the park. Perhaps you have to see this skirt in person, but it's just so feminine. I especially love how flowy it is - it has this little silk sections that lay over the main skirt section, but can catch the wind and swirl about while you're walking:

The cardigan set is classic chic and the bows on the peep toe pumps add extra femininity.

Cardigan set: Banana Republic
Silk, Floral Skirt: Banana Republic
Leather, Peep-Toe Pumps: J Crew
Earrings: D Celestine Limited

So Busy This Week!

Some weeks, you're too busy to do laundry or spend time picking out outfits. That's when you have to go to your staples. For me, I like a simple one-toned top paired with dressy skirts or pants. Of course, with this super-hot weather we've been having lately, I went with a skirt for this outfit. The lace cami and vintage necklace keep the look from being too, too simple.

Coral-toned Top: Banana Republic
Lace Camisole: Banana Republic
Skirt: Gap
Linen-Peep-Toe Shoes: Banana Republic
Vintage Pendant Necklace: D Celestine Limited (that's me!)

Must Shop: Non-Bra

I remember a long time ago, someone told me you could put band aids over your you-know-whats in lieu of a bra or strapless bra or in place where a bra can't go (think skinny strap prom dress, etc.). Let me tell you from first hand experience, the band aid rumor is just that...a rumor...and it definitely doesn't work!

Not a fan of going w/o, I knew there had to be something out there!

A few years ago, I discovered the wonder of bra petals. Tape-like on the inside - smooth & cloth-like on the outside, you could stick these bad-boys on for the skimpiest top or prettiest formal dress (with that uniquely awesome back that prevented the use of all bra shapes known to man) to give yourself some extra coverage. However, these didn't go on quite so flat all the time and were disposable, becoming expensive, especially with all those cute going-out tops on the market these days. Not to mention they're sort of like saran-wrap - easy to mess-up.

Then, I discovered, perhaps, one of the best inventions ever for us girls - "nippies silicone by bristol6:"

These are like bra petals, but so much better. They're easier to put on (you don't have to worry about accidentally sticking the petal to itself) and are reusable for up to 50 times! Now you can buy all those super-cute strappy tank tops and formal gowns without worrying about how you'll cover yourself up. You'll be able to spend the whole day or night out and about in total comfort for a mere $19.95.

No matter how strange the straps:

bebe Halter Blouson Tunic Top

or how deep the "V":

bebe Mirrored Satin Chiffon Dress

You're covered with bristol6 nippies silicone - click here to get yours!


This ranks a 5 on the Must Shop Meter based on price and usability.

NOTE: images by bristol6.com and bebe.com, respectively

Structured Chic - Gucci Tote for Fall 2007

I saw this bag on the Neiman Marcus homepage this week and it was "love at first site." Did I say I wanted this bag? I meant I really wanted this one!

Gucci Aviatrix Large Boston (image/item - NeimanMarcus.com)

Must Shop: Big Bangles

Big Bangles are one SA girl's "Must-Shop" that anyone can afford and make a great accessory for Fall 2007. Here are some of my picks:

Wilsons Leather Khaki Snake Bangle - $10
Banana Republic Geo Stripe Bangle - $28
Sequin Hinged Crystal Bangle - $145

Since Big Bangles come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and prices, this "Must-Shop" item ranks a 5 on the Must Shop Meter:

Grab a bangle (or a couple bangles) to accessorize your fave Fall 2007 outfit.

Be Back Soon!

Hey girlies,

I'm off to a quick vacay at a lake house for the rest of the week. I'll be back this weekend to post all your wonderful comments and bring you more fabulousness by means of fall accessories - woohoo!

In the meantime, I leave you this beauty:

Judith Jack Oversize Zebra Onyx Ring (image/item nordstrom.com)

Fashionably Yours,

D :)

Heat Wave Wear to Bear the Temps

I don't know about where you live, but around here, temps were in the 100's last week. To beat the heat in style, there's not much better than the simplest jersey dress:


Stripey Jersey Dress: Banana Republic
Metallic Gold Wedges: Michael Michael Kors
Necklace: D Celestine Limited (one of my new designs)
Oversized Sunglasses: Chanel

Fashion Friend Finale - Week 8/12/07

(image and item - le-fashionista.com)
Couture in the City has the latest scoop on le-fashionista designer With Love From Paris

Mahalo Fashion share photos from The Hills premiere party (and a couple other tidbits)

The Glam Guide reminds us to get jump on fall coats and shares her picks from yoox

D&G Hauteness!

Wow - check out this D&G Hauteness:

D&G Dolce & Gabbana Carla Checkered Platform Pump

Image and item by eluxury.com

Poll: Do You Keep Uncomfortable Shoes?

So, I'm in "cleaning mode" tonight and besides trying to pick up my place, I'm trying to go through some of my closet to see if there's anything I can toss - I do this on a regular basis. At the moment, I'm wearing a pair of super cute, but super uncomfortable shoes and I'm debating on whether I should toss them or keep them. While I think they're adorable, the tiny straps that are just above the toe area are so skinny, they're painful when you wear them for a long time. I know I've worn shoes with skinny straps like these before, so maybe it's the material? I dunno, but I know they're hardly worth wearing, even though they match my light yellow skirt perfectly.

So, I ask you most-awesomest-readers, do you keep uncomfortable shoes simply because they're cute? If you do, do you find that you never wear them or only wear them when you know you won't have to walk around much? If you don't, do you regret tossing some of those not-so-comfy shoes or are you glad you made space in your closet for new ones?

Do you keep uncomfortable shoes b/c they're cute?
	Yes, but I never wear them
	Yes, but I only wear them for short distances
	No, but I wish I still had some of the ones I've tossed
	No, why would I keep something I'd never wear?
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Since starting this blog, I've received many a tip on how to pick out a good pair of shoes, and one lesson I've learned is that the shoes have to be comfortable when you buy them. Of course, there are always the pairs that sneak up on you - comfy when you try them on at the store and shockingly uncomfortable once you've worn them out, scuffed them, and can no longer return them...alas! What's a girl to do?

How Cute is this Dog? Sassy!

Since I work in the downtown area, there are lots of buildings, and halls connecting buildings, and rooms connecting buildings. One of the larger areas always has tons of events, including a fundraiser for dogs. I liked this one best because of her pink toe-nail polish! How cute is this dog? Her name even fits perfectly - Bella!

Jewel Toned Shoes for Fall 2007

Check out these beautiful, jewel-toned shoes I found this week:

Lumiani Venezia


Nine West Jape2


Steven Babbett

*I saved the best for last*

Vince Camuto Heaven

Spice up your fall outfits with fun-toned shoes. Colors too bright will bring thoughts of warmer weather (and the summery outfits to match), while darker colors will fit perfectly.

Chic Swap: Summery Skirt Look

I wasn't planning on doing another "Chic Swap" post for awhile (not that I intended to wait any certain period of time), but with temperatures hitting the high 90's (and even low 100's...ick), I'll probably be wearing quite a few skirts this week. Here's what I wore to work today:


*Lost the jacket, swapped the red top for a cooler, white tank, and added a woven leather belt to complete the look*

...and what I wore to dinner with my SO...

You may be thinking I'm crazy to wear the jacket in the first shot (even if it's linen), but don't worry, I only wore it inside. I'm a firm believer in the power of layering. :) Also, that Cole Haan daytime clutch I wanted awhile back would probably have been more appropriate, but when you're rushing out the door, you don't have much time to swap everything. Hey, I'm certainly not embarrassed of my Chanel!

Red, Leaf-Patterned Skirt: J Crew
Red Top: Banana Republic
Linen Jacket: Banana Republic
Linen Peep-Toe Pumps: Banana Republic
White Tank: Banana Republic
Woven Leather Belt: Banana Republic
Purse: Chanel

Hmm...I'm sensing a trend here. As you can tell, I love BR for quality, comfortable work clothes.

Chic Swap: Sweet Skirt Look

Isn't it weird how swapping just a couple items from an outfit can change the entire look?


*I swapped out the blazer and peep-toes, tucked in the top, and added a woven leather belt and pointy-toed pumps*


Which one do you like better?

Golden Cotton Top: Rebecca Beeson
Off-White Camisole: The Limited
Khaki Skirt: The Gap
Off-White Peep-Toes: J Crew
Off-White Blazer: Nanette Lepore
Pointy-Toe Pumps: Christian Louboutin
Woven Leather Belt: Banana Republic

Remember the Sneaker Pimps?

"6 Underground" by Sneaker Pimps - only one of the greatest songs ever! Ok, so it may not compare with the "great classics", but it's def one of my faves.

Week of Thrifts: Day 5 Couture - Part Deux

After posting about my fabulous thrift find - the vintage Christian Dior suit - and seeing the shots of the outfits I did with the pencil skirt, a few of you guys mentioned that you wanted to see outfits with the blazer. Luckily, I was already planning on doing some, I just needed to get back from my vacay:

Blazer: *vintage* Christian Dior

Funky

Grey Bubble Top: Theory
White Leggings: Forever 21
Gray Peep-Toe Pumps: Kate Spade
Clutch: *thrifted* Express

Fresh

Black Clutch: Ann Taylor Loft
White Tank Top: Banana Republic
Jeans: Banana Republic
Peep-Toe Linen Pumps: Banana Republic
Yeaaaaa...just realized I didn't intend to do nearly an entire outfit in BR...oops!

Sorry for the Delay...

...I really should have mentioned that I was going out of town this weekend (was gone from early Friday morning till just now). Sorry guys! I ran out of time Thursday night and was frantically packing all night. Anywho, I'll get everyone's comments up asap and hopefully, I'll have some time tonight for one last thrift post to complete the Week of Thrifts.

I'll try to post some pics from the vacation, too!

Fashionably Yours,

D

Week of Thrifts: Day 4 Couture

From my recent thrift adventure, I scored a serious find - a vintage Christian Dior skirt suit. Yea, at first, I thought it was kinda ugly, but I picked it up and tried it on anyways. The more I looked at it, the more it grew on me, and I was happy to see that it actually fit pretty well, too, when I tried it on. I doubt I'll ever wear the suit together, but I'll definitely be breaking it up into some different outfits. Here are a couple outfits with the skirt - my very own little piece of couture:

Sweet

Ruffly Top: Target
Taupe Clutch: Ann Taylor Loft
Gray Suede Peep-Toe Platform Pumps: Kate Spade

Sleek

Green Trapeze Top: Banana Republic
Black Leather Purse: Kenneth Cole
Black & Gold Necklace: D Celestine Limited
Gray Suede Peep-Toe Platform Pumps: Kate Spade


Not sure what the "Gazebo" tag is, but my friend told me people used to sew tags into their clothes with their names. My guess is Madame Gazebo once owned this fine suit.


Here's a closer picture of the lovely floral pattern in the suit material - it's so silky soft!

Can you believe this suit was only $39?

It's a Bootie, It's a Pump, No It's a ?

Is this an ankle bootie or a pump?

Whatever it is, it's cute and I kinda want to buy it.

Kenzie Lovely - $90 (also available in Charcoal)

NOTE: Image and item from piperlime.com

Week of Thrifts: Day 3 Preppy

From my weekend secondhand shopping spree, I also picked up this adorable seersucker skirt:

To me, seersucker can be almost like jeans - you can wear nearly anything with it so long as the fabric and style is similar. A peek of my lace-fringed camisole along with vibrant red in the top and shoes make for a fun, but work-worthy outfit.
Lace Camisole - Banana Republic
Red Top - Banana Republic
Red Leather Shoes - *thrifted* Tod's (yea, I got these shoes from a thrift store for $25)


A belted, melon-toned cardigan makes the look a little less preppy and a little more funky...still pretty preppy, though. Hard to get away from that look with seersucker, right?
Lace Camisole - Banana Republic
Melon Cardigan - Banana Republic
Faux Snakeskin Belt - Liz Claiborne
Brown Espadrilles - Banana Republic