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Another One Bites The Dust!

Ok, I PLAN for this to be my last post commenting on something that I have recently purchased…it has to be…until I find new employment. Hopefully my shopping fever has been cured through this recent finding and I will be able to restrain myself from my continuing desire for new closet additions, at least temporarily.

Last night I attended a Genetic Denim trunk show at one of my favorite boutiques in Wilmington, Oliver. Oliver is yet another hot spot on my fashion radar; a place that seems to suck me in and forget all the worries of the outside world. I ventured to Oliver in the cold rain in order to attend this event. Over a Pacifico, my fiancé and I scoured the endless racks of clothing. My dear friend Billy was also in attendance, and asked me if I saw anything that I liked…my response? “I see TONS of stuff that I want but until I find a new job I HAVE to restrain myself.” Yep, that didn’t happen.

I have been searching for a new, great purse that would go with nearly everything. I have a massive collection of clutches, but contrary to others’ opinions, I never seem to have a great everyday purse. Others would see my handbag collection and laugh at this statement, but honestly I have been in dire need of a classic, good quality handbag. With my budget currently on the tight end, I knew that if I purchased a NICE purse, it needed to be one that could be used for a few seasons, not the neon pink one that I saw a few weeks ago and is still haunting my brain. Then I spotted it…in the SALE section, (so at least I get props for that!) a brown leather Kooba. Classic, beautiful, and ultra chic. With its soft brown leather, five small gold buckles, and amazing lines, I knew this was the one…the purse that I could justify swiping my debit card for. Nothing is as classic as a brown leather handbag, and if you find the right shade, it can go with everything…even black. This purse is the perfect shade. I had full intention of attending this event and simply blogging about my experience of the trunk show, not on a new purchase, but once again my lust for great fashion pieces took over.

While still a large purchase, the purse had been marked 50% off, which ultimately makes it a complete steal, right? How this purse landed on the sale table is beyond me, but it stared at me like a big eyed teddy bear longing to be taken home. And I couldn’t leave a purse in such misery….so it now has a new home….my arm.

The moral of this story is one that was taught to me by the owner of Oliver. I sat and debated on whether or not I could justify this purchase…again that temporary shopper’s anxiety. I told her I longed for this bag. I turned to my fiancé and asked if it would be ok if I got it. He looked at me, but before he could answer, Kelly Oliver stated, “Emily, when it is marked 50% off, it’s a rule, you don’t have to ask.” So ladies, married, engaged, or still on the parents’ tab, here is your new rule…if it is marked 50% off, you don’t have to ask. It automatically makes it a bargain and is completely justifiable!

Dirt Off My Shoulder Pads

Ok, while I was supposed to be job hunting, I decided that I would take a break and go shopping…yep, I have lost all self-control when it comes to shopping…yet again! Honestly it isn’t my fault. The 80’s inspired looks for fall are just too damn good to pass up. Had designers chosen an era that screams boredom…like the 1890’s or something, I would be much more capable of restraining myself from the racks of clothing at my favorite boutiques. But, they didn’t…they chose the 80’s…and I have always loved the 80’s. Everything about it screams fun…from the music to the clothes to the make-up...it is nothing short of FANTASTIC. My mother always hoped that 80’s fashion would never rear its ugly head….but luckily for all of us; my mother’s wishes did not come true. (Luckily I saved a few of her pieces)

Today I headed to Hallelu, a great boutique in the heart of Wrightsville Beach. They are known for fun and flirty pieces with more than reasonable price tags. My favorite brand there, Collective Collections seems to always have a great piece that is just begging to come home with me. Today was no different. I left the tiny shop with a black, long sleeve top, with 80’s inspired detailing….SEQUINS AND SHOULDER PADS...AAA-MAZING! What originated as a simple black tee (cinched at the waist) transpired into a fun and sassy top with the addition of sequins and shoulder pads. My only complaint? I would have preferred a slightly more exaggerated shoulder. The shoulder pads are great, but I would have gone bigger…but it’s a start! Regardless, this super cute top is very R. Zoe-esque, especially when worn with a relaxed pair of black trousers and a great pair of heels. My mother’s circular brass earrings straight from the 80’s aren’t too shabby either!


Seen throughout the runways of Marc Jacobs, Balmain, Balenciaga, shoulder pads are again marking power and confidence in today’s women. They are a great way to demand attention and be noticed. They also do a incredible job of framing your face. I recall reading an article that stated something like this, “If you are young and hip, try some extreme shoulders or shoulder pads in a jacket or great top, but be prepared for those not so fashion-forward to think you have some sort of a deformity.” Well, they can think what they want because this is one style that makes me proud to be mistaken as abnormal.

Here are a few shoulder pad pieces that anyone could pull off! Click on the links below!

Loeffler Randall Shoulder Trimmed Dress Available at Beanie + Cecil, Twenty8Twelve Open-Back Blouse, Alice + Olivia Keyhole Shoulder Pad Dress, Three Dots Scoopneck Tee with Shoulder Pads, Silence and Noise Strong Shoulder Dress

Off The Cuff

I DIE for large gaudy accessories, and with big cuffs having a huge “it” factor the fall…I have been on the prowl. Last week I had a great find…for a measly $16 at Forever 21, an extraordinary black cuff with gold trim and rhinestones galore, learned to call my wrist “home.” Today during my daily dose of The Cut, I came across an article highlighting a bracelet from the Juniper Rose for Donna Kara jewelry line (hitting stores later this month). Although different from my recent purchase, I was more than pleased to see the remarkable similarities between my F21 piece and Donna Karan’s $595 bracelet. It is most satisfying when you are able to accomplish a designer look for a small fraction of the cost.

In 1937 Coco Chanel began wearing Vendura’s version of the cuff, dubbing her as the woman behind the curtain when it comes to this vision...and ultimately debunking my theory that we owed it all to the fearless Wonder Woman! Regardless of who ignited this trend, it is one that I simply adore! Anything oversized Gives Us Something to Talk About….and clearly that is what I am all about. I can’t get enough of this stuff. With a wide variety of cuffs available, you are bound to find one that suits your style and price point…the only thing missing are the powers of the DC Comic Superhero. Even if we can't save the universe, at least we can look good trying!

Kenneth Jay Lane Multicolored Jeweled Cuff $205, Juicy Couture Dirty Glam Bracelet $128, Juniper Rose for Donna Karan Cuff $595, House of Harlow Black Leather Cuff $120, Forever 21 Textured Polished Cuff $8

Charmed I'm Sure

While I appreciate the outrageousness of designer Betsey Johnson, normally her clothing line does not seem to suit my style. So the mere fact that I have not stopped thinking about this Betsey Johnson Charmed Necklace for over two weeks proves that it is nothing short of fabulous. Pictures simply don’t do it justice. While it would be hard for one to pinpoint an overall theme for the choice of charms, Johnson has taken these randomly unique items, and combined them in a way that somehow makes sense.

I stood and debated in the department store on whether or not this was a necessary purchase, as my shopper’s anxiety began to kick in. Moping, I left the store without the necklace in hand while my mind raced with all the images of this necklace as decoration on many of my outfits this fall. “What a great necklace to wear to parties,” I thought. “And for the Holiday Season….it would be perfect,” my mind continued. “Honestly Emily, this necklace would go with so many things in your closet and is a great transitional piece.” Lastly, “the addition of this statement piece would undoubtedly be the most important purchase of the season.” I began to notice a trend…and not a fashion trend…a trend in my thought process. The process that began nearly every time I fell in love with a piece of clothing, a great pair of shoes, or a stunning piece of jewelry. My “Justification for Purchasing.” Perhaps that is why my father, a financial advisor, sat me down months ago for a slight shopper/spender intervention…showing me the amount of money that has “disappeared” from my account over the years. Although this intervention has helped me to grow miles as far as my financial maturity is concerned….I can’t help but think that I am somehow missing out on MASSIVELY IMPORTANT ITEMS such as this necklace. I sit here now, picturing myself with a fantastic blazer and a simple white tank, neck adorned with this Betsey Johnson creation.

I write this post with hope that the mere discussion of this remarkable piece of jewelry will somehow curb my constant thoughts of justifying the purchase of this necklace. It is haunting me day and night. Fun and flirty, with a little bit of edge…this charmed masterpiece has it all. If unsuccessful in this endeavor to alleviate my brain from visions of this necklace, perhaps my adoring fiancé will read this post and commit an action that will undoubtedly cure my obsession (hint! hint!)...and just make the purchase. I do hope it is the latter.

All That Glitters is Golden!

Who wouldn’t love a little glitz and glamor added to their life? Feeling like your style needs a little boost? These tinsel-esque pumps are here to revamp even the most boring closets! Sequins are all the rage this fall. Everyone from Badgley Mischka, to Valentino, to Christian Louboutin have embraced these disco ball-like platform pumps in their collections. Personally, I have always loved glitter and sequins…I have memories ranging from playing dress up in my mother’s pearl and sequin encrusted high heels, to my senior year when I bedazzled my home-made Christina Aguilera (circa the “Genie in a Bottle” Era) Halloween costume, that I would secretly would love to wear again. Sequins are just flat out fun. While making you feel like a little girl playing in her mother’s closet, these heels are allowing you to simultaneously feel ultra hip and rocker chic. It is amazing how the juxtaposition of two completely different emotions can somehow coincide together with such fluidity and pizzazz.

These heels are in desperate need of a simple silhouette. Who would want to compete with sequin heels? Really there is no contest. If your budget allows, pair these multi-colored Miu Miu platform pumps (on sale for $456) with a great pair of skinny jeans and a super simple top for a head-to-toe look worthy of Page Six. For those of us that have bills to pay, check out these great designer-inspired kicks below and get the “look for less.” Regardless of the price tag, this look will make your fashion-heart flutter. Click those heels Dorothy!

Made for a Princess

This post is dedicated to my flu-ridden sister, who I can assure you that while laid up in bed, has delved into her extensive Disney DVD Collection. Disney princesses are great for instilling thoughts of romance, adventure, and fantasy, but who knew that they could be amazing Fashion Inspirations? Check out these Disney Inspired Ensembles…Feel Better Sis!

“All of this for a loaf of bread?” –Aladdin

Well, it will cost you more than a loaf of bread but this Jasmine-Inspired look includes everything from a great golden headpiece to a jeweled “Rajah” ring! Getting this look doesn't even require a Genie to grant you wishes!

Pictured: Robert Rodriguez V-neck Jumpsuit $180, House of Harlow 5-Piece Headband $170, Lacquered & Polished Bangle Set $5, Patricia Field CZ Tiger Cocktail Ring $150, Taryn Rose Bobble Flats $218

“If you want to be human, the first thing you gotta do is dress like one.” -Skuttle

Luckily for your bank account, it won’t cost you much to do just that. Although simple, this Ariel-Inspired is a great look to throw in your suitcase for your Caribbean vaca this fall.

Pictured: J. Crew Jersey Lomellina Bandeau Halter Top $20, Solid Lime Green Sarong $17, Diby & Iona Coral Ring $130

“And if you can find something suitable to wear.” –The Evil Stepmother

Going to a ball? Probably not, but if you are one of the super lucky that get to hit the Red Carpet this fall…this ensemble inspired by the breath-taking Cinderella will certainly be a show stopper. At this price tag, make sure you don’t lose a shoe! …A Life Can Be Changed By One Pair of Shoes.

Pictured: Sue Wong Open-Back Gown $460, Cara Accessories Crystal Ring $78, Valentino Sequin Peep-Toe Pumps $795

"I am tired of only being three inches high." -Alice

Clearly Alice is in desperate need of a great pair of heels! This collection is Alice-inspired all the way down to the mushroom pendant and the mary janes. Who knew the adventurous little girl in the apron could inspire such a stylish look?

Pictured: Alice + Olivia White Pintuck Tunic Blouse $242, Forever 21 Beaded Feather Satin Headband $5, Chris Benz Meg Miniskirt $785, Andrew Hamilton Crawford Mushroom Necklace $28, Christian Louboutin Mary Jane Slingbacks $403

“It’s pink! Oh, lovely shade, isn’t it?” –Flora “But I wanted it blue!” –Merryweather

Sorry Merryweather but this shade of pink by DVF is better than any blue could be! With Earrings inspired by Diablo the crow, Ring inspired by the owl in the forest, Clutch decorated with a skull head for the Wicked Fairy, and the basic black pumps with a dangling spike symbolizing the spindle on which Aurora pricked her finger…this hot little number is easily reminiscent of my personal favorite Disney princess, Sleeping Beauty. Who knew leaving someone off your guest list could cause so much trouble?

Pictured: Diane von Furstenberg Adisa Dress $425, Forever 21 Hooked Leaves Earrings $5, Forever 21 Owl Ring $6, Alexander McQueen Python Knuckle-Duster Clutch $1995, Rock & Republic Celina Platform Pumps $275

“Well, there’s the usual things—flowers…chocolates… promises you don’t inteed to keep…” –Cogsworth

How about a shopping spree instead to win a girl’s heart? This Belle-inspired ensemble is simply stunning! I personally own this great pair of heels and they are surprisingly comfortable…great for walking around the village while reading the modern-day Belle’s book! Note to my sister's boy... for a great get well gift, how bout ponying up and getting her this look, inspired by her favorite Disney princess?

Pictured: Robert Rodriguez Pleated Dress $167, Black Hills Gold Diamond Earrings $84, Elle Magazine, Pour La Victoire Blanche Black Heels $178