Shopaholic Not So Anonymous

Hello to my Treasured Readers!!

I know it has been quite a while since I've had a blog post, but I can assure you it is for good reason. Like I said in my last post, I have a few things in the pipeline and among them are some of my personal projects. I adore fashion and as a constant consumer and student of the craft, I decided to dive in myself!

It's Me!

More on that in a later post and be on the lookout for my dear friend, ChiStyleMaven to post about some of my work!

On the point of this post!

I can't stop shopping. Ever. It is an outstanding habit that has unfortunately overflowed my closet space (both of them). I especially can't stop around this time of year because it's what I like to call "Peek & Steal" time. That time between each season where you get a peek at all the new season items, colors, and trends to come, and all the last season items are at a steal of almost 80% off! I have fallen prey and I wanted to show you all why:


Steal #1 

Hooded Tinsel Dress

This was one of my first steals. Akira had an amazing sale this past weekend with 50% off of already reduced items. Never fear - the sale items have been further marked down including some fab Jefferey Campbell, For Love & Lemons, and LAMB gear. I love this dress because of the drama. While it is a bit mini, the hood gives it a different effect. You're immediately drawn to the top of your body with a silhouette that's rarely seen, and it sparkles! What more could you want? :)

Style Inspiration - Lindsay Lohan & Kim Kardashian in Brian Lichtenberg

*note the link takes you to a similar style dress.

Steal #2

BB Dakota The Garrett Vest in Chalk White

This was another item I got in a blowout sale from Karmaloop. Not only do I love the brand, but this versatile vest is currently under $20. I know Fur or puffy vests usually add bulk or volume, but here I think it's a necessary evil. Even in the picture the model is wearing a fitted piece and the vest accentuates her body, especially where it hits her hips. You can wear this sleeveless in warm weather, or as outerwear in the Winter! The best part? The vest is under $20.

Style Inspiration: Jennifer Lopez, Amerie & Audrina Patridge in Fur

Peek #1 & #2

Since the boom of Collar Necklaces, I really liked the idea of jewelry having more of a presence VS an accent in your outfit. A lot of designers have expanded the size and idea of the necklaces, bracelets, and even Avant Garde earrings. One trend that I will be a front runner in making sure it stays is the Body (Arm) Chains:

Love them!

This trend is derived from Belly Dancers & Gypsies as an accent piece to show form and movement in the body. This could easily move into the realm of statement necklaces/body Jewels and can be dressed up with Gala attire, or give identity to a simple Tank or Tee. So far, one of my favorite sellers I have found is on eBay at a great price!

Style Inspiration: Evelyn Lozada from Basketball Wives

I could go on all day with my latest shopping trip, but I think these are the main ideas from both the items and how to approach this season and its clearance racks with strategy!

Until next time - Shop 'til You Drop!

-TLW

Photo Credit: VH1, Google Images, eBay, Karmaloop.com, ShopAkira.com

NYE MEGAPOST: It's Never Too Late!

Hello Darling Divas!

This is the last post of two thousand and eleven, and I wanted to go out with a BANG! Since we don't have a lot of time, this NYE MEGAPOST is going to get straight to the point and cover all our bases. Stay tuned, you won't be sorry in the end :)

First and foremost - know your retailers! Being Thursday, a lot of stores are offering free shipping up until 12/31: Free 2Day Shipping @ Shopbop.com and a lot of your local stores are having insane sales: Up to 75% off at H&M. But other than bargain hunting here are my tips for pulling together this NYE:

Makeup

I'm a MAC girl for life! The products are quality and last forever. Some of these products I've had for months but I am mostly a fan of the colors. While you can wear whichever brand of makeup suits you, below are my tips tips and tricks for makeup application :)

Primer

Prep & Prime Eye

I live and die by this stuff. This is the first step in creating a perfect eye. If you plan on a smokey eye, blending shadows, or using more than eyeliner, using primer first will make your look last overnight!

This is one of my simple eye looks. It doesn't take a lot of product, it has a slight shimmer and brightens up your lids for a fresh and youthful look. I am wearing: Sephora Nano Eyeliner in Pearl Beige, MAC Penultimate Eyeliner, and MAC Expensive Pink Eyeshadow.

This eye I consider "Technicolor". I picked the subtle colors of my outfits and brought them out with blending the shades, and adding a bit of black to the outer corners for a Smokey effect. It can be done with any color, but I love this idea! Even if you are wearing black and white, you can jazz it up with color on the lids. I am wearing, MAC eye shadows: Hepcat, Carbon, and Aquadisiac, and MAC Penultimate Eyeliner.

I like this lip because it is Nude with a twist. Enough color to combine with any of the previous eyeshadows, but not overpowering. I am wearing MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick & MAC Absolutely It Pro Longwear Pencil.

 

 

 

 

 

This last look is my favorite - I would call it "Hollywood Glam". It combines a full face of makeup with that sexy Red Lip and I think it's done just right. I am wearing MAC Eyeshadows Carbon and Gesso, MAC Penultimate Eyeliner, and MAC Red Ruby Woo Lipstick. This is the best red lipstick I have tried!

The Fits!

Ok so we've got Let It Shine , Let Me See Your Hips, SWING, Put Your Back Into It!, & Glitter Is A Girl's BFF as style inspiration. But for those of you who want to go balls to the walls with party dresses, here are my super sexy suggestions:

Divide and Contour Color Block Strapless Dress

 

 

 

 Colorblocking can never go wrong, and the black lines always add a slimming effect.

Lyric Poetry Lace Fuchsia Pink Dress

 Very Vintage feel and the contrast of the lace adds my "Subdued Sexy" effect that I love :)

Vivian Ward Teal and Purple Dress

This dress has a sexy cutout and the contrast of the Hunter and Violet allows you to do a multitude of colors with your accessories.

Dress with Scalloped Iridescent Sequins

This is a modern version of the Flapper Dress with the faved NYE glam: Sequins!

Accessories

Last but not least: Jewelry! I love a BIG statement necklace. There's so much attention drawn to your neck, you hardly need any other jewels! Here are some statement pieces to end the year right:

Micha Design Long Tassel Statement Necklace

Nakamol Design 'Cleo' Beaded Collar Necklace

Micha Design Agate Tooth Statement Necklace

Forever 21 Panel Bib Necklace

Here you go! Happy Stylish New Year!


I wish you all a great and prosperous New Year, and wanted to thank you for taking the time to read my blog - you guys are Savvy Readers :)


See you in 2012!

-TLW