Cross Your Heart

The following is guest post by Erika from Cafe Fashionista:  Believe me when I tell you this…you do not have to resort to the use of a frumpy fanny pack when you want a bag that features a functional flair. No dearests, just because you need a bag that is utilitarian does not mean it must possess every factor that makes up the u word…ugly. For practical use in terms of handbags, the most perfect solution is…the cross body. It’s a stylish little carryall that keeps your belongings close and your wardrobe looking just as upscale as it would should you be carrying a satchel; especially when you have the right one slung about you. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fred Flare “Mini Weave Townie Purse” I hope you’re wearing your preppy best, mes chers, for that is exactly what the Mini Weave Townie Purse calls for, what with its sophisticated camel coloring, woven detail, and antique slip lock closure. It’s a cross body that seemingly screams Ivy League; thus, you must accommodate it accordingly with boyish blazers, collared tops, and perhaps a splash of khaki or two. Faux leather with a buckled strap that adjusts to your liking, and the bearer of a slight cell phone pocket, there’s an element of saddle-inspired glory here that will make the timid equestrian inside of you bubble with glee. Giddy up, darlings! 

Topshop “Wooden Bead Cross Body Bag”When I saw the filmAlmost Famous, I fell in love with the wild-haired Penny Lane, a band-aid with a fabulous sense of style, and a dream of visiting Morocco. Perhaps it is her influence that has not only made me obsessed with the African city, but convinced that someday I will visit the exotic locale. Until that day, I am quite content with adorning my daily ensembles with Moroccan inspiration; in kind, thisWooden Bead Cross Body Bag is the perfect accessory to add to my collection. The bag is polyester, but the colorful beads covering its surface make it splendrous enough for a princess. I can see it now…walking through dirt-covered passageways as I peek into the booths of outdoor marketplaces selling all sorts of colorful wares, the Wooden Bead Cross Body Bag slung over my shoulder. Yes, it is the prime accent to accompany tropical dreams. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fossil “Fifty-Four Molly Studded Crossbody”Polished studs. Tassels. Drawstring upper. A keychain with a large skeleton key dangling to and fro. If it hasn’t hit you already, theFifty-Four Molly Studded Crossbody? Quite frankly, it’s a prime example of a fashionable crossbody bag. The muted mustard color makes it a neutral with a pop; while the silver hardware, shiny studs, and drawstring top are the quintessential additions that make this low-key look come across as very high fashion. Whether it’s a spa day with the girls or a trip to the mall, the Fifty-Four Molly Studded Crossbody covers it all. 

Urban Outfitters “Urban Renewal Remade Leather Cinch Bag” There’s no better way to remain eco-friendly than by recycling, which is exactly how the Urban Renewal Remade Leather Cinch Bag was created. Now, it looks like a trendy little treat with an odd, yet completely chic shape; but in a past life it was a vintage leather skirt worn for nights of dancing. Trimmed with cinched detailing, and home to an interior pocket kept hidden via a zippered closure, each Urban Renewal Remade Leather Cinch Bag arrives looking slightly different than the last, while retaining the same classy silhouette that keeps passersby in awe. Unique and useful…what more could you possibly ask for? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charlotte Russe “Peace Sign Cross-Body Purse”Sometimes the best way to get a message across is via unspoken words. And nothing speaks louder than this Peace Sign Cross-Body Purse. The brown, crinkled faux leather adds a very worn yet wondrous look to the whipstitched, tassel-embellished artistry; while the studded peace sign emblazoned upon the fold-over flap casts just the right amount of glitz and glamour upon the boho beauty. Tossed over a flowy dress with dusty boots and you’re bound to be the belle of the bohemian ball! 

Have you crossed your heart yet? 

Fashionably yours!

One Forever21 Floral Cutout Shift Dress, 3 Different Looks

The following is a guest post by Sydne from thinkthrufashion:  

This cotton floral cutout shift dress was one of those Forever 21 finds that I could not believe was under 30 bucks. Doesn’t it look more like it cost $100? So even though it was a tad big on me I had to have it. I actually like the looser fit for summer since it keeps me cool. I wore look #1 to work recently and got beaucoup compliments but my favorite way to wear this dress is how I styled it in look #2. The shapeless fit and the statement necklace have a retro 60s vibe.

1. Forever 21 cardigan, Ann Taylor belt, vintage brooch, Forever 21 studded sandals
2. Forever 21 necklace, lia sophia bracelet, Manolo Blahnik d’Orsays
3. Gap jean jacket, Urban Outfitters locket necklace, Nocona boots

Which Forever 21 Floral Shift Look Do You Like Best? Take the poll at thinkthrufashion!

Links: Found and Loved

Check out what these fabulous fashion bloggers wrote about this week!  

Tap Dance (A (Muse) D By Fashion)

Sashay This Way (Cafe Fashionista)

Muy Bastante (life in a venti cup)

Outfit of the Week (Lollie Shopping)

To Die For (Love Maegan)

An Interview with Nic del Mar (Lua Jewelry)

The Wait Is Over For Charles Jourdan (pinkrockcandy)

Summer 2009: Shorts (real style real people)

Fearless Friday: Luichiny ‘Fem Fatale’ Pump (Shoe Smitten)

Mama Knows How To Work (Social Anonymous)

Sretsis LookBook (Some Notes On Napkins)

What Colors Look Good With Natural Linen (Style Bakery)

Moschino Fall 09/Winter 10 Ad Campaign (Style Pantry)

Halle Berry’s Thomas Wylde Santa Cruz: Snob or Slob? (The Bag Snob)

Lingo (The Boutique of the Week)

The Things I Find in My Closet (The Coveted)

ThinkThru Fashionista: Jen’s Classic Denim Look (thinkthrufashion)

Fitting Room Series: Reader Question (Workchic)

Guest post: Third Willow Clutch Build-an-Outfit

 

Carly of Chic Steals and winner of  our Third Willow Clutch contest has graciously allowed us to use her fabulous post on how she built her outfit around her new clutch!

I’ve been meaning to post this outfit for awhile; I won the beautiful Third Willow clutch last month in a contest sponsored by one of my fave fashion blogs, FashionGrail. (I am in love with their Celebrity Copycat feature, where every week they find a lookalike to a celeb’s outfit – the whole thing! So inspiring – and compelling me to shop!)

The clutch is made from turquoise denim with a cognac croco-embossed leather ruffle to it…I pair it with stuff so that it’s purposely mismatched, but for this outfit, I decided to build it around the clutch.

I’m going to a party for a friend of mine who just landed this big job she’s been after for awhile. Kudos to her, especially in this economy! Woohoo!

So the dress is a little too big for me on the top…I was going to make this silky vest to go over it from this scrap of tie-dyed raw silk I’ve had laying around for ages…5 years to be exact. When I made my wedding dress I dyed some of the silk a light robin’s egg blue to make a ruched bustier, and this particular scrap ended up a mottled turquoise… not the look I was going for. I kept it trying to figure out what to do with it, and then I thought to make a vest to go with the clutch, then realized I didn’t have enough to make a back in the style I wanted, so just stuffed it down the front of the dress to give me more up top and add visual interest. Very Pride & Prejudice of me, I suppose.

I’ve been dying for a crystal bullet necklace from Unearthen Jewelry for so long (gorge website btw), but at $360+ a necklace it was unattainable. And then I found AnotherFeather on Etsy and snapped up this fabulous speckled quartz bullet pendant for only $38. (The quartz has a bluish tint and little flecks in it…it’s out of this world.) Every penny well-spent!

Sorry for the hideous lighting – just trying something different – shooting inside since it’s about 1000 degrees outside here in Portland now. Trying out the wide angle lens. Methinks I should stay away from this since this was an extremely unflattering angle. Pucker filter, you are a godsend.

 

 

 

RSVP-Get Stylish With Us This Week at #GNO on Twitter

Love to chat about all things fashion? Heading to BlogHer next week? Wondering what to pack?  With all the parties going on, I know I have wondered more than once what makes the perfect fashion sense for the cocktail party that is followed by the bowling party that is followed by the cheeseburger party that is followed by the picture party and more.

Whether you’ll be going to BlogHer or not, Join #GNO this Tuesday where experts from Lifetime TV and Twitter fashionistas will share their best tips for style success and fashion faux pas in 140 characters or less.

• What: Girl’s Night Out (What’s GNO? Click to find out!)
• When: Tuesday, July 21, 9-11 p.m. EDT
• Where: Party with us on our very own Custom Tweetgrid! (Use hashtag #gno.)
• Topic: Fashion!
• Who: @audreymcclellan, @bowlher, @erikalehmann, @fashiongrail @lifetimemoms, @lifetimetv
• Party Favors: Remember to check out this week’s giveaway sponsored by Lifetime.
• RSVP: Enter your twitter URL/ID in the list below (e.g., http://twitter.com/jylmomIF).

Mr. Linky not showing up? Go ahead and leave your Twitter URL in the comments. This offers #gno gals the opportunity to follow and be followed all in one place!

 

 

Celebrity Redo: Drew Barrymore

What is up with Drew’s closet lately?  Yes, she’s gorgeous and has great style, but it seems like her outfits have gone from cool and quirky to down right silly.  While this outfit isn’t terrible, it’s still a “off.”  The skinny jeans are overly rolled up and the shirt is totally shapeless.  I kept within her outfit’s “theme” but swapped out her button down for a more flattering scoop neckline that ties at the side.  I also kept her skinny jeans but threw in some fierce white platform sandals.  Hope you like it!  What do you think of Drew’s outfit?

Granite Skinny Jeans – $29.99 at CharlotteRusse.com

Two tone Feather Earrings – $4.80 at Forever21.com

Report Downey2 Wide – $140 at Endless.com

Suzy Plaid Top – $17.80 

Blousy Tanks Galore

Definitely a must have in your closet this Summer! They’re easy to wear, comfy and best of all affordable enough to buy a few. Keep in mind when picking out your blousy tank that the neckline should be kept on the low side (for a longer leaner look) and layer with a fitted tank if needed. Pair them with skinny jeans, leggings and shorts. For a laid back chic look wear them with slouchy pants and add some wedges or platform heels for a dressier look.

Celebrity Copycat: Get Kate Hudson’s Look for Less!

Kate Hudson is casual perfection in a white blazer, white tank and distressed flare jeans.  Check out the video below on a DIY video for distressing jeans.

3/4 Sleeve One Button Blazer – $48 at Yesstyle.com

Zippered Gladiator Booties – $49.90 at Flyjane.net

Sunglasses – $5.80 at Forever21.com

Slouchy Faux Snakeskin Hobo – $49.50 at Express.com

Knit Top – $10.90 at Forever21.com

Laser-Cut Hoop Drop earrings – $13.99 at Kohls.com

Opal jean – $29.99 at Charlotterusse.com

 

DIY Video

Links: Found and Loved

Check out what these fabulous fashion bloggers wrote about this week!   

Lampin It Up (Cafe Fashionista)

Say It Ain’t So: Beyonce and Tina Knowles Launch Sasha Fierce (Eye4Style)

Poolside Party (Life In A Venti Cup)

Outfit of the Week (Lollie Shopping)

One Tunic …..4 Ways (Love Maegan)

What I Would Wear: 4TH of July (pinkrockcandy)

Hat-Attack – (Some Notes On Napkins)

Steal Alicia Keys’ BET Awards Look (Style It)

Clear as Black and White (Stylist’s Manifesto)

NY Artificial (The Boutique of The Week)

4th of July Sparks Major Sales (The Sales Rack)

Workchic Fitting Room Series: Hourglass Shape (Work Chic)

Links: Found and Loved

Check out what these fabulous fashion bloggers wrote about this week!   

Denim Darling – (Cafe Fashionista)

Matching Lipstick To Your Sunglasses (Chic and Charming)

DIY ANkle Fringe…add it to any shoe (Love Maegan)

Wearing White Bottoms (real style real people)

Fearless Friday: L.A.M.B. ‘Rae’ Sandal (Shoe Smitten)

Cruisin’ With Timberland’s “Design Your Own Boat Shoe” Program (Sicka Than Average)

Anatomy of a Dress (Some Notes On Napkin)

Stylish Weekend Bags (Style Bakery)

Mint Julep (Boutique Of The Week)

An Interview With Bobbi Brown and a Summer Lesson (The Coveted)

Hot Summer Sales (The Sale Rack)

Farrah Fawcett’s Fashion Lives On (ThinkThruFashion)

Workchic Fitting Room Series: Petite And Curvy (WorkChic)

 

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