Spring Blazers

Good morning lovelies! Looking for a great blazer for work or play this summer? I have some gorgeous options below to fit your budget and your lifestyle. These are my favorites, and I'm sure you'll understand why.

Spring Blazers

$50 or Less

Kardashian Black Spot Blazer: $44.00

Possibly one of the cutest blazers ever. If Audrey Hepburn wore a blazer in Breakfast at Tiffany's, this would be it.

Printed Open Front Blazer: $44.44

Definitely a blazer Carrie Bradshaw would squeal over in her Manolo Blahniks. Luckily this blazer is easy to wear - just throw it over a white t-shirt and skinny jeans and you're all set for the day. Pair with a simple gold pendant and some funky rings & bracelets and you'll be the hottest thing since humidity.

Ponte Two-Button Blazer: $42.99

The sweetest little easter egg; a very easy and sneaky way to try wearing pastels without looking like a movie extra from Marie Antoinette. While the color is fun and feminine, the blazer itself is structured and perfect for the workplace mixed with neutrals - a fun way to add some pop in the workplace. If you're not sure colors to pair this with, try a light grey or tan - they'll help balance the pop.

 

Navy Studded Jacket: $35.00

I'm pretty positive this is my next splurge - a deep neutral color works even in the middle of summer when mixed with fun bright colors on a night out. Wear this over a coral dress and nude wedges for a sizzling outfit. Luckily the studs on the sleeves help  with accessorizing - a few major rings, bold statement earrings and you're all set with this immediate staple.

Easter 81 Jacket: $40.99

There's a sort of Americana  tough-love romanticism with dark fitted denim jackets, like something out a James Dean movie or a greaser. You're tough yet feminine, and it goes with everything. I can see this easily becoming a go-to for what to wear over your favorite blouse or vintage dress, just remember, denim jacket + boots = major style points!

Fun Find

Ok, so this is a little bit more than $50, but this shirt is so fun. I'm not normally one for shirts with words on them, but this one is cool enough for adults without making you look like you're trying to be 13 again. There are few items in general I would pay over $50 for, but I think this one is too perfect to pass up.

Dang Men Tee: $58

Offensive or Overly Defensive?

Good morning lovelies! For anyone who has been keeping up with current fashion news, popular and darling actress Michelle Williams has found herself in hot water recently over the controversy of her cover for AnOther magazine's latest issue. Movie stars are no stranger to controversy, but Michelle Williams is genuinely the last person most would think of when it comes to someone to be in hot water for an inappropriate magazine shoot. The question is though; is the cover really inappropriate?

 Below is the cover that's being splashed all over the internet and has people in a debate about whether the cover is offensive or are people just being overly defensive.

When looking at the cover, Michelle is completely covered up; no nudity, no sexuality, not even the hint of an attempt of selling sex. In truth, with the way that they portray Ms. Williams, she could even pass for a boy at first glance due to the over-sized robe and uni-sex style clothing, Her features are sharpened due to the darkened makeup, and her usual pixie-cut is hidden with long brown braids and a feather. True to early-style native american photographs, Michelle has been styled in a very similar way, but is it truly offensive?

The tagline "There's no place like home" is clearly in reference to her starring in latest Oz installment as Glenda the goodwitch, but many bloggers and readers are up in arms over the supposed ironic tagline mixed with the hardship many native americans had to face while being displaced from their homes. 

From a styling standpoint, the mood, lighting, and simplicity of the photograph perfect. They captured a mood and likeness perfectly, but they also captured a heap of controversy in the process. While I do not feel they are sexualizing native american culture, or trying to bash it or make any negative references, I do think that this cover should have been thought over before being chosen - it doesn't make sense. She's promoting a wizard of Oz movie but she's being portrayed as a native american? How does that connect? With having a happy tagline, there needs to be a less morose cover - this photo completely contradicts "There's no place like home", and not just with a Native American reference, but the mood of the photo itself is contradicting.

I'm not saying she needs to be in a tutu with a wand in her hand, but this cover is so far from having any relation whatsoever and having anything to do with the interview or the movie she's promoting. It's just baffling more than anything. As a viewer I can't help but ask, how did this get chosen? Why did nobody see that this probably wasn't the best choice for the cover? I'm not offended, I just think this was a poor editorial decision on their part. 

With all the controversy and press this cover has been getting, I can't help but wonder if controversy was the intention, and if that's the case, is bad press really worth it in the end?

Merry Christmas to all

Because Christmas would not be complete without a funny e-card for everyone to see.

Merry Christmas, you are all beautiful and I hope your holiday was as beautiful as you are. <3 p="p">

Meggings: Hot or Not?

Hello again lovelies! I hope everyone is excited and getting ready for the upcoming holiday. Tonight I want to bring attention to a trend right now: meggings. Meggings are leggings for men. It seems logical enough; why do women have to have all the fun with fashion? Men took purses as their own too, calling them murses, and now they've decided to adopt leggings as their own as well. 

As logical of a progression as this trend seems, there is a lot of controversy over meggings. A lot of critics feels that meggings is blurring the gender lines too much.

All one has to do though is look at our rock stars and icons and one will see that we've always worshipped those who blur the lines: David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Lenny Kravit, Russel Brand, Justin Bieber. We idolize those aren't afraid to take fashion risks. If multi-million dollar music artists and actors can do it, then why can't the local barista at Starburcks on his day off?

Gender lines aside, I don't know how comfortable this is for men due to a bit more junk in the front trunk, but then again ballet dancers ad actors have been wearing tights for centuries. Maybe it is incredibly comfortable for men just as it is for women, and to be honest I've seen more men look better in meggings than women in leggings. 

For instance, this guy:

Of course, this trend had to come from somewhere. AKA - The runways of New York Fashion Week. While the average joe above wears a more Tim Burton-esque version of leggings, the ones shown in fashion week below had a more solid approach. I love both, but if I had to chose one, I'm leaning towards Tim Burton. I'd go a bit more Russel Brand and wear boots with them instead of sneakers.

For a workplace environment this trend would be hard to pull off, depending upon where you work of course. In any kind of business setting, the meggings would have to make their debut on casual Friday at best, and that's only depending on how casual your fridays can get.

Conclusion

If David Bowie can do it, why can't you?

Neiman Marcus for Target; Gifts for $50 or Less

Good morning lovelies! For those who haven't quite finished all their gift shopping yet (Like me), I have decided to bring you amazing and wallet-friendly gift ideas in the form of a new collection for one of my favorite stores: Target. 

Target has had some amazing collections come through over the years from big name designers such as Alexander McQueen and Missoni, and now gearing up for the holiday season, the big-name retailer has teamed up with the famous Neiman Marcus for a collaboration that I am personally head over heels in love with.

The collection with 24 designers from the high-end store hit stores on December 1st and has had items flying off the shelves in record speed. This limited-time collaboration has brought us happy consumers designer lunch boxes, dog bowls and yoga mat in alluring shapes and bold prints.

The Target - Neiman Marcus

My favorites - $50 or Less

 

 Tory Burch Lunch Box: $19.99

Everyone needs a lunch box, so what better and more useful gift could you give than one they'll use again and again, and be proud to show off. This stunning print will make it easy to spot from inside the crowded breakroom fridge. Gift giving just got a lot easier, and bringing lunch suddenly got a lot more fashionable. 

 

 Oscar De La Renta Pet Bowl: $29.99

Who doesn't want their dog to feel like the prince or princess that they are? This gift is sure to impress with it's classic style yet very Oscar De La Renta motif. Your friend's pooch won't want their food any other way after tasting it in elegance and class from your thoughtful gift.

 

 Derek Lam Slippers: $29.99

The coolest slippers, just add a glass of bourbon and a 1930's movie and you can lounge in style for a truly unbeatable price. 

 

 Brian Atwood Leather Gloves: $49.99

It's not a question as to whether you should purchase these gloves; the real question is, should you keep them or give them away?

 

 Proenza Schouler Sweater: $29.99

The abstract animal print makes this easy to dress up or dress down - a very versatile piece that will match, or contrast, with everything. The perfect holiday gift for that special someone.

Diane Von Furstonberg Yoga Mat: $49.99

Downward Facing Dog will be no sweat on this mat when you get to look down at the stunning design. In my opinion, this is the easiest way to sweat in style.

Cyber Monday Deals

For all you bargain shoppers out there, I recommend saving the coffee break chatter for another day and instead spend your time ordering your holiday gifts now while the deals are hot! Your wallet will thank you, and you'll thank yourself when you realize you've saved enough money to get those boots you've been eyeing forever.

Cyber Monday's Best Deals

shoemint.com

$40 off any full prices pair of shoes.

stewartbrown.com

Extra 30% sale: THIRTYSALE at checkout

hottopic.com

FREE shipping on every purchase + extra 25% off everything!

opensky.com

Free shipping on all orders all day, no minimum.

overstock.com

Free shipping on all orders, no minimum.

freepeople.com

Free shipping on all orders, no minimum.

jewelmint.com

 50% off of order: BFGET50 at checkout.

stylemint.com

60% off of order: BLFRIDAY at checkout.

threadless.com

20%-40% off select styles + Free shipping on $49 or more.

urbanoutfitters.com

$15 off of $75 or more: SUPERCYBER at checkout.

butterlondon.com

$10 lacquers + free shipping on all orders: CYBER12 at checkout.

fancy.com

20% off of purchase: CBRMON at checkout.

modcloth.com

50% off of sale + Free shipping on $50 or more.

nastgal.com

25% off of everything in the site.

olivegreendog.com

Extra 30% off of sale: BLACK at checkout + free shipping on all ground orders, no minimum.

vitacost.com

15% off: SAVEBIG at checkout + Free shipping on $50 or more.

shopbop.com

20%-35% off of your order: BIGEVENT12 at checkout.

ruelala.com

Free shipping on all orders, no minimum.

crateandbarrel.com

15% off of everything: SAVE15 at checkout + Free shipping, no minimum.

asos.com

20% off of everything: BLACKFRIDAYBONUS at checkout.

jessicasimpson.com

40% off entire site + FREE shipping, no minimum. Code: HOLIDAY at checkout.

etsy.com

Search the term "Cyber Monday Etsy" on the site for all the shops that are offering great deals like free shipping + BOGO.

jcpenny.com

 Free shipping on all purchases, no minimum.

landsend.com

 Extra 30% off + free shipping, no minimum: WONDERLAND & PIN 2126 at checkout.

kohls.com

Free shipping, no minimum. 20% off of everything: CYBER20 at checkout.

Fleur De Lis

 Being a self-proclaimed Thrift Addict once meant to me that I could go into any store and walk out with a steal and be able to get the most loot for the least amount during special holiday sales online. About a month and a half ago my definition changed of what it means to be a thrift addict, because I moved to a very small town in southern Louisiana. Many have asked me why, and I have shuddered more than once at the realization that the closest and truly ONLY place within a decent driving distance to purchase clothing is the local WalMart.

Despite the lack of physical retailers, luckily the internet is still by my side, so from now on the majority of posts will be about online retailing, which provides its own unique challenges, but your dedicated thrift addict will not let location, wind, or mosquitos get in her way.

Moving to a place with fewer distractions through has had its advantages; I have spotted a trend in Louisiana and it's not going anywhere any time soon. The state of Louisiana owns the Saints football team and has made the fleur de lis the team's symbol. It is also the symbol for the state and pride runs deep here in the south. Luckily Baroque & Roll is a major trend this season, so fleur de lis are right up the trendy alley.

 The Trend:

Fleur De Lis

The Want: Dolce & Gabbana boots - $1,886

 

 $50 Or Less

 

Black Jersey Silve Embellished Tank: $35.69 

A sexy way to show off your fleur de lis pride.

 

Lee Slender secret Bootcut Jeans: $29.99

Just a hint of embroidery on the back pocket shows off a fun fleur de lis without looking like a bedazzled set ate your jeans.

 

Women's Fleur De Lis Rain Boots: $29.99

I will show off my pride any day in these gorgeous boots!

 

Tech Candy "Bordeau" Iphone case: $32.00

Pretty and feminine and an easy way to show off some Saint or Louisiana spirit, or just if you think the symbol is pretty, which I for one definitely do.

 

Bright Brass Fleur De Lis Cuff Links: $24.00

These beautiful, unisex cuff links will be a fun and refined pop for a collared shirt.

 

John Wind Maximal Art Fleur De Lis Earrings: $40.00

Gold fleur de lis set against pearls to add a ladylike yet still completely wearable, and affordable, touch.

 

Rock & Republic Jet Cross & Fleur De Lis Bracelet: $22.80

This bracelet says rock and roll in the coolest way possible; yellow and black with a major dose of attitude.

 

Teal Mini Hipster Cross-Body Bag: $14.99

A fun  and easy-to-wear bag that isn't too over-the-top and will fit everything you need without weighing you down.