Costume Party

Halloween just ain't my holiday.  So dressin' up for it has never been high on my to-do list.  But I'd like to think that if it was something that I truly dug doing, and was attending a festive costume party or two, that I'd be as cleverly dressed as Miss Amanda's imagined Ghoul Day get-ups.  Especially if I could look like one of my all-time fave cinematic leading ladies: Annie Hall.  Come to think of it, I wanna dress like her every day from now on.   Halloween or not. 

Photo Source: Here's Looking At Me Kid

Sense And Sensibility

Usually when you put together sense and sensibility in regards to a shoe equation, style(ish) is not what you get.  But that was before I both pulled and slipped on a purdy pair of gifted black opaque-y tights and snakeskin(ed) flats to go from Kushyfoot.  'Cause all of the sudden not only was I stylin', but I also had a double dosin' bonus of massage happening - thanks to the built-in padded soles - with every step I took.  So when I put together sense and sensibility in this particular shoe equation of mine, I get (and got) not only style, but also some super duper gushy, kushy (and oh-so-happy) little feet too. 

Photo Source: Kushyfoot(ed) Me (With A Bedroom Rug to Match)

Miss Magpie

That might as well be my new moniker over here on this blog.  'Cause you must know by now my complete and total penchant for mentioning and/or incessantly talking about anything of the sparkle or sequin-y variety.  And, of course, my love for anything brooch-related.  I figure, if it's got a pin stuck to it, chances are, I'm a-gonna be wearin' it.  So put the(se) two together and you've got today's pictured pretty.  And with its teeny-tiny price tag, I just may be wearing the whole darn feathered family on little Miss Magpie-in' me. 

Photo Source: Wolf + Moon via The Clothes Horse

Honesty Is The Best Policy

I wanted to go ahead and try and crash the Baggu blogging party that seems to be happening everywhere and gush and gab about how much I wish I had one of their brand spankin' new leather lovelies dangling from my grip too.  Thought I might as well 'go big or go home' with my selection, but quickly found out it wasn't an original idea (the large size sold out) so I went for the small but still substantial one to photo feature here.  But if I'm being completely honest to my blog name, the only one I could/can really afford is the little darling of a bargain beauty, the pouch.   And the truth shall set you free ...

Photo Source: Baggu via 13bees

Bleached Babe

I'm a tress(es) teeter-totterer.  I am.  One minute I'm professing my heart's desire to be a red-headed knockout and the next minute (err ... the next week-ish, rather) I'm here blog-blogging again about how desperately I wish I was up for the constant day-to-day upkeep of a bleached blonde head o'hair.  And I'd totally go all the way, bleachwise, even coloring my brows.  'Cause it would look all the more cool, don't ya think?  But I'd stop at getting a white cat to match, though.   I mean, that's just going a little too far, know what I mean?

Photo Source: Twin Cat Vintage

To Neck With It All

Murad kindly gifted me this rejuvenating cream that I have faithfully been slathering on my neck and chest now for the past month or so to some pretty silky smooth results.  Being as pale as I am, I already try to stay as vampire-like as possible, out of the sun, but figure I could use all the extra help I can get to ward off and prevent any possible future wrinkles, plus it smells good; and if it just so happens to keep my neck all attractive and pretty-like for any (fingers crossed) run-ins with those yummy Salvatore brothers, all the better ...

Photo Source: Smooth-skinned Me      

Sticker Shock

I love me a big ol' thickly-lined cat eye just as much (if not more) as the next makeup-crazed girl.  But wanna know what I don't love sometimes?  The amount of times it takes for me to perfect said eye and the amount of poor little Q-tips doused in remover I use in which to do it with.  Enter my stickered savior: Dior.  Now I can look like I slaved away all day in front of the mirror for my lined look, when in all actuality, it just took me mere minutes to get my peel and stick on for a super slick swoop.  Genius, that Dior. G-e-n-i-u-s.

Photo Source: Studded Hearts

Strawberry Koi Fields Forever

I'm sure you've noticed by now that I've got a beautiful new blog header.  All customized to lucky little me by the ridiculously talented hands of Miss Aya from Strawberry Koi.  And the whole process couldn't have been any easy peasy-er.  All I contributed was this photo ... and the rest is (header) history.  She even made my Mr. T-ish-looking gold chain into the coolest title/nameplate ever.  She rocks.  Hardcore.  And I thought she deserved a super special shout-out and some good old-fashioned pat-on-the-proverbial-back praise for a job more than well done from a client who couldn't be any happier or more satisfied if she tried.  So do me (and yourself) a solid and order some original art from this girl.  Now.  'Cause it's well worth it.   So much so.   And more.

Photo Source: Strawberry Koi

Resistance Is Futile

This tee makes me wanna have a total (and most) literal the-writing's-on-the-wall moment.  Like, I wanna order it immediately, and the second I get it ... I wanna grab a hammer and a nail (and a hanger) and hang that sucker right up on my bedroom wall and on display for all to see.  'Cause I think it's the most cleverly witty piece of clothing I've seen in a really, really long time.  And I'm a sucker for the written word.  They don't call me (a) wordy for nothin'...

Photo Source: Ridyard via Tattoologist

The Hair Up There

I'd like to introduce you to my new best friend: the ponytail.  You may think it silly, but this is coming from a girl who has had hair no longer than pixie-length for most of her adult life.  So feverishly experimenting with said hairdo lately (since my locks are currently so long, they're touching the tippy-top of my collarbone) with clear elastics 'round my wrist has given me such joy, it's almost inexplicable.  Really.  You have no idea.  And my little pony?  She's a-gettin' pretty darn close to some serious BFF territory as far as I'm concerned.

Photo Source: Couture Carrie

Big Red

Sure, I poke fun at my shoe size every now and again (see this post's title).  And I have no problem admitting that I'm on the bigger-ish side of the shoe spectrum being a true 9, sometimes even a 10; but I've also never, ever encountered a time when they haven't had my size in stock or in the back.  Until this season.  Well, actually, right up until the moment I got it in my head that I must own a pair of reddish chunky flatforms.  Must. 

Thanks especially to the above picture and this particular pair which led me here, where I found these brown beauties.  Until seeing they only go up to a size 7.  Huh?  Whaaa?!  Ugh.  So then I went here and found these perfect little platforms.  Then I saw the price.  Ouch.  And then the size.  Double ouch.  Squeezing my toes (and wallet) into them is always an option.  But when did it get this hard to buy shoes?  Needless to say, the shoe search continues ...         

Photo Source: The Coveted

Rational Velvet

It's rare (if ever) that I feel the need to be rational about any of my retail cravings.  It's usually buy buy buy before I question (if ever) why why why.  But when it comes to winter wear, I find that I instantly get very fabric-specific.  The wools, the tweeds and the velvets come right on in - front and center - as if they've been there with (and on) me the whole time.  Besides, who could possibly resist the lush combo of a wide leg + velvet on a pant anyway?  Not me.  Pleased to meet you, rational side.  Pleased to meet you ...   

Photo Source: Asos

Checkmate.

Oh my goodness gracious.  Is there nothing in this wardrobe-y world that a loose-ish casual checkered shirt can't instantly make look a gazillion times better?!  Even fancy schmancy, slinky sequin-y skirts aren't safe, people!  Gah.  I love it, I love it, I LOVE IT!  So gosh darn much.  And I want this one and this one and this one to get right on into my closet just as soon as plaid-ly possible.  With super duper fast speed(s).  Like now.  Like yesterday.

Photo Source: Zara via Because I'm Addicted

Intent To Fill

The road to swell (style) is paved with good intentions.  Or something like that.  So I'm taking that advice to heart (and to my wallet) for I have every intention of not only feverishly saving up for, but also seriously splurging on every last frilly The Velvet Bird frock (and cape) I see with the purest of pure intent(s) to fill my closet full of nothing but bow upon bow of preppy little plaids and pretty piping.  All in a row.  Good intentions indeed ...     

Photo Source: The Velvet Bird via Skunkboy Creatures

Stocking Up

Fun fact: Today is National Stockings Day!  Which means I can't think of a better day to stock up on all things leggy.  And Tights Please couldn't agree more.  That's why they're donating one dollar from every Ava, Marilyn and Katherine style sold to Breast Cancer Care now thru Sunday.  So ... stock up!!

Photo Source: Tights Please 

Exuding Confidence

I have long said that nothing instantly boosts my confidence (and my ego) or completes any outfit quite like a big ol' swipe of bright, ruby red lipstick.  So to see this video and feel like I'm in the same-ish cosmetic know as Zoe, well  ...  it's ba.na.nas.   And totally in-sane.   Like to the bazillionth (pout) power.

Video Source: Exude via YouTube

Wearing My Heart On My Sleeve

Or my chest, if you're gonna go and get all literal on me in terms of titles and this ruffled blouse's picture purpose.  Speaking of chest(s), I've gotta get something off of mine.  I can't seem to shake the fact that I wanna wear everything (I'm talkin' head-to-toe kind of territory here) that Ms. Alex does.  And I'm assuming she wouldn't mind since she lists exactly where one could go to find each of these particular pretties, you know?  There.  I feel so much better just gettin' that out.  Now I can focus on the really important things ... like how much I can't wait to see what she, umm, I wear next ...

Photo Source: The Cherry Blossom Girl  

Red Badge of Courage

Deep down in my hair heart of hearts, I wish I was born a redhead.  I do.  So badly.  From my constant babbling on Run Lola Run's fire engine red mop top to the obvious color (and style) influence Ms. Christina Hendrick's character has over me.  I figure I've got two of the red requirements already down pat: 1) Having what I like to jokingly call 'the fairest of them all' complexions and 2) Loving any and all red lipsticks, all the better to wear the oh-so-pretty look above.  Heck, I've even got a step-by-step red hair how-to filed away that I'm just dying to try.  All that's left?  Just the courage to actually do this red 'do.

Photo Source: Harvey Faircloth via {frolic!}  

Wild Thing

I've kept this particular photo safely tucked away in a little folder for a couple months now, just waiting for the right time in which I could pull it out and blog about it here.  You see, the original blogger couldn't help but be reminded of the beloved wolf-costumed Max from Where The Wild Things Are when seeing it ... and well ... I couldn't agree more.  But all I want to do is take and turn it on its stylish head and find some faux fur hats that I can wear on top of mine for when my own wild rumpus begins this winter.  I've found some good contenders (here, here and here).  Now if I only knew where to find a good crown ...

Photo Source: But Honestly  

I Like Your Style, Charlie Brown

Doesn't this leather-banded topper remind you of Charlie Brown's iconic zig-zaggy sweater, just modernized a bit more for today?  I kinda can't help but picture myself wearing it all big and baggy-like as a dress and maybe even paired with some thick tights and black lace-up boots too.  What do you guys think? Would Charlie Brown's cheeks blush red in approval upon seeing me? 

Photo Source: SGC N-Y-C

The B's Knees

I'm gonna try super duper hard this upcoming winter-y season to mix in and wear more things on my legs other than just leggings.  I know, I know.  Big style step, huh?  Trust me, it took some serious self-coaxing on my part to come to this dramatic dressing decision.  Only because as I was rewinding back to what my winter wardrobe consisted of last season, there were two very specific things on heavy duty repeating rotation: leggings + something (if not everything) in the color black. 

So when I saw the knee pad tights up there (over here) that are oh-so-sadly sold out now, I thought I could still take and turn it into the perfect time to maybe try something like them on my legs once it starts gettin' chilly to keep my knobby little knees warm(er).  Perhaps I'll stick with the whole pads thing, just a different color or maybe I'll slap some shiny, glittery stars on 'em.  Either way, give a girl some credit for tryin', will ya?   At least they're not black ...   

Photo Source: Asos

Getting In Line

Thinking you can wear the makeup you've recently seen on a runway in your real life isn't really something you think about all that often, you know?  It's usually somehow so over-the-top theatrical that you just wish you could pull it off in your day-to-day.  But seeing the Marni models latest cat-lined eyes made me think, "Hey, I really could do that."  And all it would require is the putting down of my basic black liquid liner and the picking up of a bronze-y brown shade to swipe across instead.  Maybe this 'runway to realway' thing can be done after all  ...

Photo Source: Garance Dore

Facing The Facts

Acne.  Yup.  I still get the stuff.  And at the most inappropriately annoying times too.  Then again, who ever really invites it to anything anywhere anyway?  I find myself getting so miffed at the lil' buggers that I'm picking, poking and prodding before I even realize what I'm doing with the damage (bright red, unconceal-able splotches) already done.  But, luckily, the kind folks at Murad gifted me my very own fast-acting spot-stopper kit with a bonus one-month supply of a smooth skin-getter peel that has me well on my way to keeping those pesky little spots at bay.  And at the first sign of 'em, I just break out (pun totally intended) my trusty sidekick, and by the end of the day, they've all gone buh-bye. 

Photo Source: A Spot-Free Little Me

Standing Room Only

Do you have a pair of teeter-totterin', ankle-wobblin' shoes that just so happen to have that ever-popular built-in wince-while-you-walk feature?  But that you went ahead and bought anyway because a) they look so darn good when on and paired with anything in your closet and b) they held/hold true to the 'beauty is pain' addage so gosh darn well?  Don't fret, I do too.  More than one.  And I'm lookin' to add these steppers shortly ... even if they are what I like to call 'standing room onlys.'

Photo Source: Lulu*s

Little Girl Blue

Okay, okay ... so my (blue) silk shorts-wearing days are very, very numbered (at least according to the weather changes we are finally and currently undergoing here in the Beehive State) but I can't help but think that I could totally get away with stylishly substitute the scrunched-out socks she's wearing with a little switcharoo of my own to a heavier opaque-y tight and boot if necessary, right?  And add in a pretty scarf or coat.  You know, if needs be.  And her perfectly chopped banged bob too.  Please and thank you.

Photo Source: Face Hunter  

How Now, Howkapow!

WARNING: This is a broken record kind of a blog post you are about to read.  I've completely (and maybe even totally purposely) blocked out and lost count of the number of times I've talked about my obvious, not-going-anywhere-soon brooch(ing) obsession.  But seriously, they are like instant pick-me-ups to any tired old outfit you may find yourself sporting.  Oh, come on!  It happens to the best of us.  But Howkapow has gone above and beyond in this department.  A 'Pearl Girl Brooch'?  Really?  How am I supposed to resist that?!  Oh that's right, I'm not.  And hows about some balloons for your Monday?  Mkay.  Or a little stolen sofa, huh?  Ugh.  Resistance is futile now, people.   F-U-T-I-L-E.   

Photo Source: Howkapow

Birds Of A Feather

How does that old saying go?  You know the one: Birds of a feather ... frock together?  Yeah.  That's it.  Right?  Even if it's not ... it certainly is in this particular closet case of mine.  I mean, this darling dress has everything going for it as far as my own personal purchase checklist goes: dainty and demure cap sleeves and color and the ability to go from day to night with a simple switch of blazer to sweater and ankle sock to tight.  What more could a girlie-girl want?  Not much, I say.  Not much.

Photo Source: Monsoon   

Put A Ring On It

But not just any ring, girls.  No no no.  A nice big ol' substantial chunky pink cluster of a ring.  'Cause sometimes a delicate and dainty somethin'-somethin' 'round your finger just ain't gonna cut it.  Am I right or am I right, ladies?  'Cause sometimes, just sometimes, the bling-ier the bauble, the better ... know what I'm sayin'?  Yeah, of course you do.

Photo Source: Need Supply

The Land Of Oz

There is no doubt in my glitter-lovin' mind that if Dorothy were to land right here, right now in our modern day Oz with her lil' ankle socks and too cute Toto in tow, that she wouldn't immediately want to switch out her ruby reds for these golden and peached pretties.  And so sorry, Auntie Em, but I'm also pretty darn sure she wouldn't be doin' much clickety-clickin' after putting on these precious heels either.  'Cause I have to think she'd want to do everything she could to stay put in this Land of Oz and in these dazzlers.  But, really, could you blame her?     

Photo Source: Office

Bow Regard

All I wanna do with this mop o' hair atop my head is pull it up and back into a high high-as-the-sky ponytail and plop a baby pink bow right in the center of its teased and oh-so-prettily parted bouffant-ness just like Miss Steffy is doing (and expertly modeling) here.  She's even got just the bow I'm in need of to do it with too in her beyond adorable shoppe.  But stopping at just one itty bitty clip seems very unlikely after seeing all the pretties she currently has up for the taking, now doesn't it?

Photo Source: Steffy's Pros and Cons

Pleased As Punch

Ever since starting this bargain-y blog o' mine, I've sensed (noticed quite blaringly, really) a big ol' difference in my shopping style. No longer willing to zoom all around town for piece after unique little piece, I'm now a fan of the ever-efficient and ingenious online invention of one-stop shop(ping) through Etsy.  I think it brilliant and wonder how I bought any other way for as long as I did. Took me long enough.  And upon discovering all things neon and necklace-y over on Spike The Punch, well, I'm now all the more 'pleased as punch' to find yet another way for me to possibly purchase even more bejeweled beauties.  All in one place. 

Photo Source: Spike The Punch

You've Got Nail

I'm usually the type to don a majorly minimalistic manicure.  When you think nude polishes are you having a brush with the wild side, 'minimalistic' seems a pretty fair description.  But this two-toned paint job has me reconsidering my whole bare but buffed nail approach.  Silver and cranberry one day, black and white the next.  There could even be a few polka dots thrown in here and there.  Who knows ... the possibilities - polished pedicures too? - could prove to be quite endless ... 

Photo Source: Marian Kihogo

Armed And Dangerous

I so so so so wish I was tough (and cool) enough to garner this tat on my arm.  And that I could kick my girlie-girlishness with all its frills and bows straight to the curb to warrant such badass ink.  I mean, I own not one but two pairs of motorcycle boots AND I've even ridden on the back of one.  Once or twice.  Doesn't that count?  Shouldn't that be enough?!?

Photo Source: Tattoologist   

Glasses Half Full

Some people collect shoes.  Guilty.  Some people collect brooches.  Guilty again.  And some people collect eyeglasses.  Guilty.  For the third time.  And I'm making it my personal mission in life to collect as many pairs of black-rimmed specs as there are on the planet.  I like 'em.  I like 'em so much, I see my current eyeglass collection as merely just half full.  So what's one more pair?  Besides, they're not just plain black.  They've also gots some flowers.  I call that progress, people.  Progress.

Photo Source: Fab