Retro swimsuits

I've really been feelin' more vintage inspired looks for swimwear the past couple years.  One pieces seem especially fresh after years of wearing only bikinis. Sporty suits aren't my style and other styles can look too mom-like. Retro suits are so happening! Last year I splurged on a $100 Lolita Girl Clothing one that was cute but the quality didn't match the price so this year I managed to find one for much cheaper at Target online. Check it out:

Affordable Art

This post isn't fashion related this time but definitely style related.  A local boutique here in Austin (Emeralds) sells art panel prints by Anahata Joy Katkin. The company that produces them is called PaPaya! I bought one about a year ago and went back yesterday to check out what was new. They are ultra girly artworks (aka probably not for everyone but definitely for me) and the panel prints are only $18! Something to hang on your wall that is better than your college days posters but won't break the bank like most art worth having will (unless you make it yourself of course).
Here is the one I own:

I love that they come with a ribbon attached to hang it with so all you need is a thumb tack. Easy peasy and cute! Here are a couple others I liked:

Check them out on www.papayaart.com

Amazing pendant pieces

I recently encountered a couple that were both wearing these amazing pendants. I'm definitely planning to purchase one myself at some point but they are all so beautiful it's difficult to choose!
Check 'em out yourself on http://www.thirdeyepinecones.com/

If you go to the website take some time to read about the historical symbolism behind the pinecone. It gives these pieces meaning and adds to the value of owning one!

Navy is the new black

I have always been an advocate of the little black jacket (aren't we all). However a couple of years ago I bought a navy one that really grew on me.  Now navy is my favorite neutral! It goes with just as many colors as black and is a refreshing but subtle change. Hence the new edition to my closet:

This is a Converse jacket from Target.  After years of living in San Francisco with no car and no direct easy access to Target I forgot how stylish their clothes are for a big discount chain. Next to Forever21 and H&M, Target is the broke fashionista's friend- no doubt!

Time to grow up or don't believe the hype?

Many of my fashion contemporaries would probably argue a woman over the age of 25 should not be rocking a Harajuku Lovers bag however I just purchased one and couldn't be more satisfied with my choice! I guess the true test will be once it arrives in the mail.  Anyways the last Harajuku bag I had was given to me as a gift (probably when I was 25) and, although I never would have thought to buy it for myself, it turned out to be one of the best quality non-leather bags I have ever owned. It also had all the right pockets!
 Since owning that bag I also fell in love with Melie Bianco bags. Her bags are also great quality for non-leather.I buy non-leather most of the time, not because I am making a statement, simply because I can't afford to spend $300 on a bag!
When I checked out my purchase tonight on Bloomingdales website I did have a moment of hesitation. "I am almost 32 yrs. old. Haven't I evolved past this?"  And while I know my style has evolved and will continue to I can't help thinking about some women you see that are tragically trapped in time with their fashion choices. Their whole look screams I am stuck in my old ways.  Soooo many makeover shows ("How do I look?" and  "What Not to Wear", etc.) seem to always be addressing this issue.  The people on those shows have severe style problems and really do need help but I stop to wonder what got them to that point? I even saw one episode of "What Not to Wear" that gave a makeover to a fashion writer who had fallen victim to ugly hipster trends.  How does a fashion person get to that point and could it happen to even the most stylish of us? This is what happens when you don't think for yourself! What happens when trends go bad but you're too trendy to be classic? This is the true test of person's sense of style. I do think it is important is that an individual always maintains a small piece of themselves no matter how old and/or fat they get but also realizes when certain ships have sailed.  For me the low-rise pant has definitely sailed out of my life and I hope it never returns.  However if you ever see me walking down the street with a simple classic black handbag you will know that it is not me and something is wrong! Maintain a little individuality as you get older people! Don't believe ALL the hype.  Unless you suck at fashion. Then you should consult me : P ! Or maybe try to get on one of those makeover shows -Lol. Thanks for reading my rant. Anyways here is my new bag:

I like that only the strap is printed with the logo instead of being all over the entire thing. I also like that it can be a cross body or a shoulder bag.  Side pockets for my coffee and water bottle plus a laptop compartment inside make this the perfect day bag!

Getting ready for a Texas Summer!

So I know I always have an excuse for purchasing things. Don't we all (or maybe that's just my shopaholic ass)? But as the summer approaches in my new city I feel justified in shopping for clothing that will be warm weather friendly. Seeing as I came from a climate that is always "light jacket weather" I am finding I'm sooo not prepared! I mean shorts? Who wears those in San Francisco? Maybe if you have tights under them or you just don't mind freezing your ass off!  It has been years since I have worn shorts and I know they are back in style again but they just don't look good on me. That is why I have resolved to buy as many cute, inexpensive dresses as I can.
Here is the most recent purchase:

It's from Forever 21 of course! I liked this because it is casual but could be work appropriate for me too.

And I realized having only one pair of flip flops/sandles is not gonna cut it in this heat so I made a little stop in Aldo too. BTW Aldo has slowly become my favorite shoe store and their ads are always so cute.

Here are the flip flops:

 

 

Trends I'm feelin' this Spring

I love this hair tutorial. Those of us with thick textured hair don't have to do all the teasing he does which makes this even better as quick styling option. This is one of my favorite trends from Spring 2011!

Another trend I love is high rise jeans! I bought this pair from the Gap believe it or not (it's been ages since I've shopped there). Also I bought a pair of BDG skinny high rise jeans from Urban Outfitters in charcoal. Those are the ones I've worn the most because they are perfect for biking. Obviously you want to wear skinny legs on a bike so they don't get caught in the chain but the added bonus of high rise means your butt isn't hanging out of your pants so all the cars behind you don't see your crack!
After 10 yrs. of rocking low rise jeans it is so refreshing to not have to hike up my pants all day. It sucks in your muffin top like a pair of spanx too so you look skinnier and your legs look longer.
I think a common misconception with this trend is that you have to tuck in your top- which you don't- (sometimes it looks better untucked) or that you will look like a mom. Darker denim steers you away from the mom category and it really just depends on how you style your whole look. Also you don't have to buy a pair of Not Your Daughter's Jeans to get this style now. It is all over. Plenty of cool girl worthy brands have high rise options. Let's hope they stick around for awhile :)