Come Together! Right Now…

Alas! Things are starting to come together. I’ve shopped quite a bit over the last few months and I think I’ve finally got a good mix of pieces. Now it’s time to take those new pieces, combine them with what I already have and that’s how you put together a wardrobe! Maybe old news to you, but news to me! I’ve cracked the code! I spent last night, while I added more Manic Panic hot hot pink to my hair, going through my closet analyzing what works and what doesn’t. Amazing what a little effort in selecting colors and silhouettes will do. I put together more outfits than I knew what to do with, complete with accessories! The best part is that I’m able to use quite a few existing items. Items that I swore to myself, if I don’t wear this season, I’ll THINK about donating. Today I present to you, for the first time ever, my wardrobe!

Skinny black jeans from Ann Taylor! Similar to the ones shown here but a few years old.

Striped Keyhole-Back Tee – White House Black Market

Belt from ModCloth foodie dress – purchased last year

Black Patent Marcus loafers – Topshop

Boyfriend Cardigan – purchased from sale 2008 – JCrew

Kate Spade Idiom Bangle!!!!- a gracious and lovely gift from my sister-in-law Meghan! My bracelet is gold with black detail. I LOVE IT!

And to top it all off, I thought I’d share my beautiful custom skull ring, designed by my loving husband, MT Maloney. It’s one of his earlier works and by no means indicative of what he is currently doing, but it’s one of a kind and was created for me!

It feels so nice to actually take pride in what I put on in the morning. It’s not just a half awake attempt to reach my arm into my closet early in the morning and get dressed in the dark. It screams, “I’m ready to take on the day!”

Learn To Wear Fall’s Latest Trend: Color Blocking

The weather outside is a cool 70° in Atlanta! Does this mean fall is on its way? I sure do hope so! I’m ready for cooler temperatures, sweaters and fall’s latest trend: Color Blocking! As someone with two art degrees, I remember learning about color block painting as a movement in the mid 20th century. One painting that particularly stands out to in my mind is Hans Hoffman’s The Golden Wall.

Interesting as art but as fashion trend? A few concerns: How it will affect those of us who are standing on the shorter end of the spectrum. I’m 4’11” so I’m afraid that wearing large blocks of color aren’t going to be right proportionally. Next concern: Is this trend indeed a trend, and will it be gone the moment I hand over my cash to the salesgirl? Are these pieces worth spending the money on? Where is Stacey London when you need her? I have made a few studious attempts to try and educate myself on these concerns.

I am not one to be too fashion forward, but I guess better late than never! Wearing color blocking does not necessarily have to mean, large stripes of color. You can choose large areas of solid colors to create the color block look. For example, you can wear a neutral pair of pants and add a bright hot pink tank underneath a bold orange sweater, or something to that effect. And for those like me, who are afraid of looking too crazy, when you often only wear neutrals, start with neutral colors closest to your face and get a little bolder with your color choices as you move down. Isn’t that cool? A little fashion trend 101 for ya!

I’ve put together a few items that may be purchase worthy and still fit the trend. Not sure if I will actually go through with it or not. But if I do, I plan on shopping on the low end, just in case the ship sails away quickly. And do not worry, you’ll be the first to hear if I submit!

Crushin’

I sure do have one expensive obsession on my hands. But that’s okay. I’m not splurging. I’ve got my sweet husband to thank for that one, otherwise I’d be broke as a joke, but styling! I thought I’d share what I’m crushing on at this moment.

Lombard Glasses from Eyefly!

A part of Bluefly, now for $99 a pair you can purchase prescription lenses at an affordable price. I got my eyes checked out last weekend and fortunately I need new glasses! YES! I have an oval shaped face and I keep reading that this style wouldn’t work on me but I’m not interested in conventional glasses. I love the vintage feel of these.

Velvet Blazer from JCrew!

I’m looking for an everyday warm and stylish blazer for the fall. This dark blue blazer is perfect, but it’s a bit expensive for my budget. I’ve been looking around for similar ones but this seems to be the cheaper of velvet blazers out there. Not sure if this blazer is in my future or not.

3/4 sleeve Little Black Dress from Topshop!

What a sophisticated LBD! I don’t really have anything to wear this to in my future but I just love it. I don’t think I can buy it without an excuse right now. I’m sure as soon as I think of one, they will be out of my size. Hmmm.

Vintage Beaded Clutch from ebay!

My mom had one of these. I believe it belonged to her mom. When I used to play dress up, I used to put fake credit cards in it. I can feel it and smell it, just like my grandma’s house. Unfortunately, it was one of those things lost in Katrina. I even know which drawer it was in, in my mom’s house. Every once in a while I remember items that I wish we would have gone in and saved. Anyway, don’t want to be Debbie Downer. There are a ton on ebay and fairly affordable.

Christian Louboutin Classic Black Pumps!

Who doesn’t want these?! I’ve been looking on ebay for a pair but I feel like this is a purchase that I have to go in to Saks or some fancy place like that to try on. Too many factors at risk for such a large purchase. I’m thinking I’ll get a pair within the next two years.

Hope you are crushing on what I’m crushing! thanks for checking it out!