Tag: fashion blogger

Thrifty Thursday’s – Closet Remix

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This past month, I didn’t shop a whole lot because I was saving my pennies for the Target/Altuzarra collaboration that debuted this past weekend.  I did end up getting a few items, though not the belts that I was coveting for oh, so long!  Sigh…  Anywho, as a result of my attempt to penny-pinch, I became somewhat creative with my wardrobe.

Sometimes, with clothing, you just have to think a bit outside the box.  Take for example this SheInside dress that I purchased eons ago:

Screen Shot 2014-09-18 at 10.26.27 PMIt is far too tight and short to wear to work.  Because I’m a mama of 2 kiddies, I also don’t really have too many places to wear it.  So, it had been sitting in my closet FOREVER!  It then occurred to me that it was fitted enough that I might be able to layer it and wear it under a skirt.  This J Crew Factory Skirt in Citrus Lime was one I thought would pair well with the black and white stripes:

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I loved the result!  Check out the combination:

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So, occasionally, I take bathroom selfies (*blushing*).  BUT, only because the light was amazing!!

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And another look at the outfit during the Girl’s Night Out event at Gus Mayer, benefitting the Birmingham Humane Society.

Not too shabby, right?!  This combo would work with a long tunic as well, that is either too tight to wear alone, or too short to wear to work. 🙂

Here’s my second option for remixing items in your closet.  Layering a sleeveless top.  This next look was actually inspired by Sheryl Luke of the blog Walk in Wonderland.  She recently posted this outfit on Instagram, and I immediately knew I had to try to recreate it.  It occurred to me that I had a white shirt dress that  had been sitting in my closet for a LONG time; honestly, I don’t think I had ever worn it!  I purchased it at H&M for $10, but somehow always seemed to plain to wear alone:

Screen Shot 2014-09-18 at 10.51.36 PMThis is not the H&M dress, but a similar one from Island Company.

Sheryl paired it with a cropped leather top and I just fell in love with the look:

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So, I took a faux-leather peplum top I usually wear in the Fall, and paired it with my summer white shirt dress and voila!  The perfect way to remix items in my closet AND transition a summer dress into Fall!  Here’s a side by side of our outfits:

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In case there’s ANY confusion about which is mine…I’m the one on the right. 😛

Here’s a closer look at the layering:

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So what do you think? Not bad, right??  Two simple ways to add some oomph to your outfits without having to spend any money on new clothes!

What other ways do you remix your closet inventory?  Comment below and share your ideas.  I always love to learn from other fashionistas!

Until next time!  Stay Chic!

A Girl’s Night Out with Gus Mayer and the Birmingham Humane Society

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Last week, I attended Gus Mayer’s Fall Fashion Preview.  It was an incredibly fun event!  I didn’t get to go to New York Fashion Week again this year, but this set up and the event in general was a close second:

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It was my first time getting a preview of a store’s Fall collection, so I was beyond excited to participate.  As per usual, my first reaction is always to figure out what I am going to wear.  No surprise there!  This time, I planned my outfit around a pair of earrings I won recently as part of a Society Social/Lisi Learch giveaway on Instagram.  Aren’t the just stunning?!

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Here I am wearing the earrings.  In case you are wondering, they are not clip-on’s!  They are about 3.5″ in length and light enough to wear for a few hours.  Not light enough to wear all day every day. 😉

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Next came the outfit styling.  I hadn’t worn this J. Crew skirt in a while, so I decided to pair it with a NY&Company flowy top and nude heels.  Since I was attending a Gus Mayer sponsored event, I also knew I had to wear the bag that I scored during their last major sale event – a chartreause, quilted, Rebecca Minkoff bag!

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Top: NY and Company (old, similar here) // Skirt: J Crew (here) // Heels: BCBG Generation (old, similar here)

I actually have to thank Nancy Nagrodzki, the Gus Mayer Handbag and Accessories buyer, for this bag.  I arrived late to their previous sales event, so by the time I got there, all of the bags that were majorly discounted were gone.  Buyers in the store could only buy one bag however, so she kept an eye out for customers who were walking around with 2 bags, and when one customer decided to take another and not this one, she got it and handed it to me!  I was SO grateful!  Isn’t Nancy amazing?! I was therefore elated to see her at the Fall Fashion Preview and learn about the new bags and accessories for the Fall.  Take a peak at some of the handbags and accessories she curated Gus Mayer buyers:

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For handbags, mixed media, such as shearling and leather will be popular this Fall. Bucket bags, clutches with a broaches, and backpacks in all colors will be on trend.

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Jeweled embellishments on belts, handbags and headbands/combs will also be big hits.  Guess what’s also back in style??  You guessed it!  The FANNY PACK!!  Rebecca Minkoff makes a quilted version that is ALL the rage!

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Scarves in floral and digital prints will be in all shapes and sizes will also be popular. Wraps, infinity scarves and cashmere scarves with fringe like the one Nancy shows us here:

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Ponchos and capes are also in. Look for versatility and neutral colors. For outerwear in general, rain coats in fun prints, like polka dots or animal prints, leather jackets in all shades are going to be very popular this Fall.

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Next, we heard from Cami Krablin, the Contemporary/Ready-to-wear and denim buyer.  I really loved many of the items she picked out for Gus Mayer’s Fall selection.  She described fall trends as “boho chic”, “leather and lace”, and “Janice Joplin meets 2014”.

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Among some of the lines she selected for Guy Mayer is a clothing line by a new, up-and-coming designer, Benjamin Jay.  Not only were all of his clothes incredibly unique and well-made, but he is also formerly a microbiologist in training!  That’s definitely a brand that I can stand behind.  Check out the distressed tee’s I am still coveting:

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Finally, Rita Lindsey – the Cosmetics and Gifts buyer – talked to us about the new “it” Chanel nail polish hue, as well as a trapper keeper/planner of sorts made by Trish McEvoy, which comes with everything you need for lips, eyes, cheeks, and even includes foundation.  Make up trends for the fall include smokey eyes and a bold lip.  My favorite part of this presentation was learning about a fantastic new line called Royal Highnies.  It’s a line of men’s boxers and women’s sleepwear, boasting 400 thread count, soft cotton boxers and PJ’s.  What awesome stocking stuffers these would make!?

The best part of the beauty presentation was that we actually got to take some samples home with us.  I’ve since tried several Chanel and La Mer face products and am a fan!  The products not only smell amazing, but they are also effective!  Definitely going back for more of these products:

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In addition to carrying a pretty amazing selection of clothes, shoes, beauty products and accessories, Gus Mayer sure knows how to host a fun event!  This one was a huge success in my opinion, but it was exclusive to bloggers.  This Tuesday, September 16th, you get a chance to shop TAX FREE and enjoy some appetizers and drinks while mingling with fellow shoppers at Gus Mayer’s Girl’s Night Out from 4-8pm.  That’s not all.  The event will benefit Greater Birmingham Humane Society with giveaways including $750, $500 and $250 Gus Mayer gift cards!  Pretty exciting, right?!  They may even have some pets on site that you can adopt.  Sounds like a win-win to me!

Here’s some additional information on the event:

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Sounds like fun, right?  AND, it’s a great cause!  If you are in the Birmingham area tomorrow, make sure to stop by Gus Mayer.  If not because you’re a shopper and lover of retail, then shop to support a worthy cause. 🙂

Until next time!  Stay Chic!

Thrifty Thursday’s – Calypso St. Barth

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Have you heard of Calypso St. Barth before?  If you haven’t, be prepared to open your mind to a world of boho-chic clothing; shoes and accessories; exotic fabrics and prints; and this Fall…fur, cozy fabrics, and leather!

I have loved Calypso’s for some time now.  Many people might be turned off by a store like Calypso’s because they carry high-end inventory, where you might pay a cool $2,700 for a fur vest. Still, what many people don’t realize is that, like many other stores, Calypso St. Barth also has some major clearance sales!!  My first purchases included three items that I have since worn OVER and OVER.  Two of them cost $19 each, and the third – a pair of white sequin pants – $59, down $300!  I know what you’re thinking…white sequin pants?!  Trust me.  They are amazing.  Take a look for yourselves:

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I also got this amazing top, which has paired well with shorts, leggings, you name it!  It was perfect for the summer!

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Pretty cute, right?!  So when I was approached to participate in Calypso St. Barth’s Pink Moment at the new store in Birmingham, I jumped at the opportunity!  But, first things first: let’s talk about what I wore. 😉  Of course I had to wear something from their store, and as I was attending an event called “Pink Moment” I had to also wear pink!  So, I chose this white dress – the third item I purchased on sale for $19 – and paired it with a pink Zara jacket/blazer:

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I also added this Stella and Dot Pegassus necklace, which I scored from a Stella and Dot stylist that was getting rid of all of her inventory.  I scored it for 1/3 the price!

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Super excited and anxious to see what the new store looked like, I headed to Calypso’s.  The store front is as amazing as its inventory.  Pink, gold and sparkles…simply dazzling!

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Inside, the decor did not disappoint.  And the clothes, shoes and accessories…well, just take a look at a few of the fabulous outfits I styled while I was there:

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And check out some of their accessories.  I wanted them all!!

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So guess what?!  After trying on all these amazing outfits, Calypso’s gifted me an item from their store!!  I am so grateful to Calypso’s, the amazing store manager Brittany, and the other store associates for their help and generosity.

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If you are in the Birmingham area, be sure to stop by their new store at the Summit.  You won’t want to leave empty handed. They are currently running a $50 off your $300 purchase promo.  It’s also available online using code GCFALL2014.

If you decide to wait, be sure to check back in during their clearance sales events.  They are not to be missed! Stay tuned for an upcoming post where I share with you what I scored during my Pink Bag Moment. 🙂

Until next time!  Stay Chic!

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