Quest Completed!

Leather jacket purchased!  First, let me clarify by saying that I purchased it a few months ago at Nordstrom's Anniversary sale.  So....this post is a smidge late, but relevant all the same, because I'm still abSOlutely obsessed.  Plusssss I've been searching for a leather jacket for over 2 years (I'm a little bit of a perfectionist), so a month or two really isn't that big of a delay in the scheme of things.

 BEHOLD!  The Veda 'Max' Leather Jacket!

It's amazingly versatile and ohsofantastic.  The collar can be zipped all the way up for a futuristic look (think Aeon Flux), or folded down for a more subtle look.  My second favorite feature?  The fabric panels on the inside of the arm! They stretch to hug your arm for the perfect fit.  

There are a variety of colors and finishes, though I got mine in a buttery black.  Find your perfect match at Nordstrom, or one of these alternate retailers...

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Is the 'Max' not your match?  Check out some other leather loves for the season!

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Happy hunting  :)

Crystal Cravings!

After months of waiting, Chanel's Fall/Winter 2012/2013 collection is here!  Bangles, pumps and clutches all encrusted in crystal.  Swoon!  

Finally I can sate my crystal cravings!  Budget permitting, of course. Especially since this is Chanel and I'm not an heiress...Womp womp.  :p

On a serious note, if these are my worst dilemmas, I'm a very lucky girl.

....is it September yet?

I ask because that's when Kimberly McDonald is launching her homewares collection!  There aren't a ton of images online, but this Lucite box with a beautiful geode perched atop the lid is stunning. 

I've been a bit obsessed ever since I first saw it (though for the life of me I cannot recall where).  Think of all the notes and baubles  it could hold--much loved mementos on display.  Luckily, my answer was only a Google search away, where I was able to locate this article on McDonald's collection, courtesy of British Vogue.  

And while it pains me that September seems so far away...it is my birthday month.  Maybe it's perfect timing after all.

Lolla Dress FTW!

Last weekend I had a complete blast at Lollapalooza in Grant Park in Chicago, IL.  Three days of fun in the sun (oh...minus a storm that required an evacuation) with great music and friends.  The only drawback, is that  Lolla destroys clothing. I've lost two pairs of shoes and a few shirts and a pair of shorts to the festival over three years, so this time, I prepared.  I went out of my way to buy clothing that I was alright with destroying.  My journey led me to Macy's, where I found this SUPER cute dress.  It's the Pansy Tank Dress from Cynthia Rowley's Print Edition.

First and foremost, it's black.  All the better to hide the grass stains and dirt.  Plus, it's a super breathable jersey knit.  Not enough?  There's a bit of a train in the back--perfect for lounging in the grass.  BUT, the real kicker?  The pansy print on the front makes me look super skinny.  BINGO.

The best news?  IT SURVIVED!  I'm ecstatic that it didn't have to go down as a one hit wonder. 

Sadly, I can't seem to find it on Macy's website, but it is still available for purchase on Cynthia Rowley's site.  Better yet, unlike most of my obsessions, this one is super affordable at only $88!  Even if it isn't your speed, you should definitely check out the Print Edition Collection.  I'm certainly a fan!

Oh, and just in case you were wondering about the rest of my outfit,  details are below....

-Bow trimmed fedora from Forever 21...$6

-LeSportsac bag I bought for my first Lolla

-All Saints sandals from two seasons ago

-Kate Spade Rory Sunnies (featured in this post)...now only $76

According to Webster, I Need These!

I was recently browsing Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale when the most perfect shoes to exist.  EVER.  I present to you Valentino's 'Ascot Corset' Voice.  Need proof?  Please see exhibits A and B, below.

The polished leather and timeless shape make the boot a classic choice.  But the bow detailing on back is what pushes it over the edge into the land of i'mgoingtocrymyselftosleepatnighteverynightifican'townthese.  Population me.  Now, according to Merriam-Webster, a 'need' is a physiological or psychological requirement for the well being of an organism.  Um...Check?!  A condition requiring supply or relief?  Double Check.
But alas! Perfection comes at a price.  $1,495.00 plus tax to be exact.  

So please excuse me while I curl up into fetal position and pray for the mother of all sales.

(While you wait you can check out the miracle Nordstrom's website, here.)

Not Just for Wrestlers Anymore

So, maybe I'm just super weird (ok, let's be honest, I am super weird), but I used to love watching wrestling. 

Grown men in ridiculous costumes? Check

Hilarious "plots"? Check

MTV instructional show? Check

and, above all, shiny shiny belts!  

Talk about an accessory, those belts are insane...ly awesome!  And Balmain agrees.  Just check out this couture version he had walk the runway.

But alas, like many of the shiny things that catch my eye, it's horribly impractical.  Womp womp.  Luckily I spied some options that are easier to wear outside the ring.  A few options for your closet are below.

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While I don't own any of these personally, I have added two others to my closet collection.

                         

The first, the Roxanne Thin Rose Gold Plate Belt by Nicholas is available at ShopBop.  It was also featured in my With a Twist blog post.  

The second is The Bold & The Beautiful Belt by Mettle made from upcycled silver.  Sadly, you can't get this exact belt anymore, but its gold tone twin is, again, at ShopBop.  I think it looks fantastic when paired with a solid hued dress, as seen below.

Whatever you pick, now you can feel like a champion (even at the grocery store).

Here's One for the Boys!

Normally I blog about my own fashion exploits, but today I'd like to shine a light on my pet project, aka my boyfriend!  :)  Before we started dating his closet was divided into jerseys and free tshirts (with some overlap), and Barney was just a purple dinosaur.  But, slowly but surely, I've been working with him.  

Now he waits in line with me at H&M launches, and tells me which pair of shoes he likes best.  Still, he was hesitant to let me help change his 'look.'  

Then one fateful day we meandered into Barney's and noticed a sale in the men's section.  After some groaning, I managed to get him into the dressing room.  He tried on a few items he seemed to like, but nothing ground breaking.  Then, he stepped out in this, a suede moto jacket by Theory.

The smile on his face was enough for me, and I told him we were getting it whether he liked it or not.  I mean, it was the only one left, it fit him perfectly, and it was 50% off!  No Brainer.  

Well...the flood gates are open!!!  He wore the jacket to work and got a ton of compliments.  Now when we go shopping, he asks to go to the men's section.  I've even gotten him to share in my love of chinos and boat shoes!

I must be the luckiest girl ever.