My Holiday Dress Pick is...

Thank you so much for helping me with my holiday dress decision! I am going to take your word for it and buy the dress with the most votes, so....here are the RESULTS!

Nastygal Dresses

(Photos Courtesy of www.nastygal.com)

8 VOTES

5 VOTES

7 VOTES

Modcloth Dresses
(Photos Courtesy of www.modcloth.com)

5 VOTES

9 VOTES

2 VOTES

Free People Dresses
(Photos Courtesy of www.freepeople.com)

1 VOTE

6 VOTES

1 VOTE

So...the winner is... the Mad Men inspired dress with 9 VOTES!! Woo hoo! I could not be more excited especially since I am still in the middle of my Mad Men watching (I just started series 4)! Thank you so much for all of your input and I will definitely be putting in my order and doing and outfit post after the holiday party. So stay tuned!

XX

So Many Dresses but I Only Need One

I know it is not even Thanksgiving yet, but I can't help but look for holiday dresses for the upcoming Christmas parties! Since I have been taking it easy lately, I have been online more than normal (I know hard to believe because I am ALWAYS online), and I have found some really fabulous finds.  Not all of these radiant frocks break the bank either, which is great since we all have to buy a million Christmas presents! 

I have been to so many online stores ranging from Modcloth and Nastygal (my newly found love) to Free People.  There are so many gorgeous options that I am having a really hard time making a final decision. That's where you guys come in!  I have narrowed it down to 6 dresses and I want my lovelies to help me decide which one will be best.

  

These were the dresses I found at Nastygal.

I am such a sequins lover! Anything that is sparkly and shiny, I buy.

(Photos courtesy of www.nastygal.com)

This is the perfect red dress, but do I want red for the holidays or maybe something different this year?

And shiny AGAIN!

Here are the dresses that I found at Modcloth.

This one is pretty disco-esque but I love the flashiness of it! (of course)

(Photos courtesy of www.modcloth.com)

This is inspired by my new Mad Men obsession.  I though I could top it off with retro curls and hot red lips!

This dress reminds me of the Prada Fall collection. I love the bustier embellishment on this frock!

I found these on Free People, which is my favorite store EVER!

I love lace anything, I am such a sucker for it. I swear I have at least 4 black lace tops hanging in my closet.

(Photos courtesy of www.freepeople.com)

I love red and black together, you can never go wrong with this combination.

This ivory lace (of course) dress looks so wintery to me. Especially paired with black tights. I am telling you, black tights go with EVERYTHING!

So I want to know!!! Which one!!???

My Mad Obession with Mad Men

I have heard so many wonderful things about the show Mad Men, but I just haven't gotten around to giving the show a real chance.  Well, this weekend I have had quite an intense cycle of migraines hit so I had no choice but to literally stay in bed for 3 days straight (today makes 4).  So, I asked my lovely husband to pick up a couple of the Mad Men DVD series so I could check it out for myself and see what all the fuss was about!  Well, now I know, and I can honestly say that I am a bonafide Mad Men fan!  I found the show to be pretty slow at first, but I just couldn't keep my eyes off of all of the classic fashion and beautiful hair. (not to mention Don Drapper!)  And boy who knew that in the late 50's you could sit around the office and smoke all day and drink straight up whiskey during afternoon meetings? How times have changed!

Here are the three main female characters, Betty (played by January Jones), Joan (played by Christina Hendricks), and Peggy (played by Elizabeth Moss).  Not only do their names scream late 50's, but their bouffant hairstyles and circle skirt dresses made me tingle on the inside! (no lie)
These ladies dress like this every single day in the show, I think it's quite inspiring.

(Photo courtesy of www.alothmanblog.com)

Of course my favorite character is Joan. I am sure you can guess because she is a redhead (woot!) but she is also a super hardcore office manager that doesnt take flack from anyone! (she's my new hero)
Not to mention she is smokin' hot and has some serious curves.

(Photo courtesy of www.alothmanblog.com)

And who said smoking couldn't look glamorous!?? LOL

(Photo courtesy of www.warmingglow.com)

I still love Betty (Don Drapper's wife) because she is an all-around American beauty with blonde hair, blue eyes, and the perfect red lips. Plus she pulls off the headwrap look like no other!

Photo courtesy of (www.latimesblog.com)

(Photo courtesy of www.tnaron.wordpress.com)

I am definitely going to be plugging up my curling iron after I get over these migraines and take a plunge to make these gorgeous retro waves!

And of course, the ultimate Advertising Exec Don Drapper (played by Jon Hamm). I don't think I have to say anything else. You get the picture. (literally)

(Photo courtesy of www.examiner.com)

Oh yeah and you gotta love a man who wears a fedora!

(Photo courtesy of www.nydailynews.com)

Do you watch Mad Men?? What do you think about the fashion and who is your favorite character!??

Talbots Refresh and Renew?

I know when I say Talbots most of us think of an an older women's store with cashmere twinsets and drab colored trousers, but Alas! I have noticed in many of the recent magazines issues that Talbots has been marketing some rather impressive wardrobe pieces for the fall season. Hiring Linda Evangelista for their Fall campaign was nothing short of genius in order to broaden their buying audience.   After spotting the gorgeous leopard overcoat in my fashion mags, I was intrigued and went online to explore their change in style.  I was shocked to find so many marvelous items on their site and  I am so proud to see that they decided to leave their humdrum ways behind.  Although Talbots seemingly reminds me of a more expensive Ann Taylor, I can honestly say they have really stepped up their game this Fall and blessed us fashion hounds with some great options!  Michelle Obama has been seen trekking around the U.S. in many Talbots ensembles. This coupled with new creative director Jenna Lyon's influence seemed to help J. Crew's image as well over the past couple of years. So, fellow fashionistas, I say we welcome Talbots back with open arms and wallets!

Here are some of the great finds I found.

This gorgeous rosette skirt in a creamy blush color. So glamorous!

Silk rosette skirt $179

Who would've thought you would find these copper, sateen hot pants here? I am obsessed!

Satin ankle pants $119

I am a sucker for sparkle so this sequined jacket is a must have for me!

Grace Fit Sequined jacket $299

A copper and black jacquard dress is Fall fabulous.

Jacquard bow dress $189

You can dress it up or dress it down, I am loving this floor length black, ruffled, tiered skirt.  I might even pair it with a white tee for a casual contrast statement!

Long Ruffle Skirt $199

Leopard is all the rage so why not some animal print ballet flats and tote?

Haircalf ballet flats $119

Leopard flap pocket tote $199

Like I said, I love sparkly so I fell in love with these pink, glittery slingbacks!

Glitter slingback pumps $139

I love this 40's inspired caplet, especially if you wear it to the side. Delish!

Wool tweed cloche $44

A jewel toned python-embossed clutch would be the perfect friend for a night out!

Python-embossed clutch $119

So what do you all think of the Talbot's face lift?? I am so excited, I might start putting together my Christmas list early!

(All photos courtesy of www.talbots.com)

Just Add a Little Hair and Add a Little There

About a year ago, I was taught by one of my magnificent friends in Cosmetology school how to make extensions pretty much from scratch!  All we did was go buy a bag of hair, sew for a couple of hours and boom, you had longer hair! I have changed my hair color quite a few times since then so I didn't have anymore extensions left that matched. Naturally I decided to pick up some more and get to work!  Here is how you can add a little length to your mane.

First, get a package of hair that is not already cut or sewn together.

Here are the rest of tools you will need for this project: sewing needle, thread, scissors, and hair clips

Well, after I got started I realized the color extensions I bought were too coppery colored to match mine exactly. So, back to the drawing board! I had to put a red permanent color on to get them to match my hair exactly. (this is very important!)

After I rinsed them out, I measured each piece where I wanted it around my head. I have 4 pieces in all.  I have a bottom piece that is near the nape, a piece that goes almost around my whole head, then two side pieces to fill in the side view.  After much sewing, clipping and texturizing, here they are!

YAY! Now I can clip them in when I want them and take them out when I don't!!

Made a List, Checked it Twice, Bought it All

I am incredibly lucky because every year my birthday happens to settle right at the beginning of my favorite season, Fall. (and let's not forget Fashion Week) This year I turned hmm...let's just say I got a little older. Somehow I had compiled a massive shopping list full of Fall items from boots and socks to blue eyeshadow and leather jackets.  In fact, the list was so monstrous that I knew I had to ask for cash (everyone's favorite right?) and gift cards or I would never get all of these items crossed off my list.  My family happily obliged and sent some much needed birthday money my way, and I have made quite a haul!  I feel fully stocked and ready for this crisp Autumn season and I just know I will have some killer outfits to wear to the Houston Fashion Week next month too! (Oh so excited) Houston has finally decided to host a fashion week and I could not be more ecstatic. So you see, I had many reasons to invest in these wardrobe pieces, but do I really need a reason?

My first find was this black leather moto jacket I found on Victoria's Secret website.  I have been after one for about a year now, and I scooped this one up as soon as I saw it.  It is an amazing deal at $198 and it is real leather, no faux here!

Victoria's Secret Moto Jacket

I found this dress blissfully hanging in the Urban Outfitters sale section. I love anything floral as you know, but I couldn't get over the gauzy sheer collar on this dress.  I was thinking about some grey thigh-high socks and black boots, but feel free to suggest more ideas!

This gorgeous Free People necklace was a birthday present from my bestie cousin Shanna who knows me better than anyone in the world. (She actually picks out my presents and doesn't divert to the old gift card) She is so brave and she never fails, I swear!

Free People necklace

I cannot tell you how long I have been looking for the perfect pair of black leather shooties.  I have looked high and low and everywhere in between.  I finally stumbled upon these Jones New York shooties in the DSW sale section. Yep, the section that looks really scary and it takes at least an hour to look through to make sure you didn't miss anything. These were the very last pair of size 8, so I know it was meant to be. I heart you black shooties.

DSW Black Leather Shooties

Ahhh the faux fur vest. Now, I am not big on faux leather, but I will definitely go faux fur! I mean, why not? Look at this luxurious fur vest I nabbed from Victoria's Secret. (A thank you to my lovely mother-in-law Cheryl)  I looked at so many different fur vests at Ann Taylor, Macy's, Dillard's, Zara, etc. You name it, I looked there. I finally made the decision to buy this one from VS because I loved the caramel and coffee colors they used in this piece. I cannot wait to do an outfit post with this baby!

Victoria's Secret Faux Fur Vest

Yeah you know you want to rub your cheek on it!

I have really been into putting bright colors on the underneath part of my eye just to give it that last little pop!  When I went to Houston Fashion Night Out last week, the MAC makeup artist used this intense blue called Atlantic Blue, but they were sold out! (tear) So I went to the MAC counter at Macy's and they had it.  I will definitely be doing a makeup post with this color.

MAC Atlantic Blue eyeshadow

I have been on the search for a grey half-zip hoodie for quite some time.  I have found a few, but they would either be too plain or too expensive for just a hoodie! Well, alas I found one right in the middle. It has a little character and the price was right.

American Eagle hoodie

I heart vintage shopping especially online! I found this little gem from one of my fellow blogger friend's etsy shop, Ande Monster Vintage.  She really does have some lovely items and her blog rocks too!

As all of us fashionistas know, utilitarian trends are heavy this season.  I love them, but I don't like spending massive amounts of money on trends.  That's what Old Navy is for! I love this military-style jacket that I can layer over pretty much anything all Fall and Winter.  Another tidbit, Old Navy has some really chic real leather moto jackets and a delicious faux fur vest!

Old Navy Jacket

Now you didn't think I would really only get one floral dress did you? Of course not! I picked up this alluring floral frock from Forever 21.  I plan on layering underneath it and over it

Forever 21 dress

I love all the bright colors but it still somehow works for Fall!

Of course I needed some thigh-high socks! I only purchased grey and black so far to be safe, but I am on the look-out for a pair that are a deep wine color. Holler at me if you know where I can find them!

Steve Madden socks at DSW

I am blissfully in love with my new black leather combat boots from Steve Madden.  It will add just enough bad girl edge to all of those floral dresses I just bought! (thank you to my husband)
Of course I had to take a picture of them with all of my Fall reading materials.

Steve Madden Troopa Boots

Have I mentioned that I love Urban Outfitters? I found this cute army green tank in the sale section of course! And I picked up the striped bandeau top on my way to the check-out counter. I have become obsessed with putting bandeaus under everything! I wore these two pieces together with my black leather skirt last night to a friend's party. (I will post that later, don't worry!)

Urban Outfitters bandeau and tank

I have seriously debated back and forth about buying a denim shirt for about the last six months.  I finally decided to take the plunge! I purchased this particular top from J.Crew because I love how it looks worn and washed a few trillion times already.  I will be doing some serious outfit posts with this button down.

J.Crew denim shirt

I am telling you, I raided the Urban Outfitters sale section at The Woodlands mall!  I bought this blousy top and I have so many ideas for it, I hope it is ready to be worn!

Urban Outfitters blouse

Well this is pretty much everything I needed to make it through this season! (yeah right)  I will definitely be doing some outfit posts soon. I am also going to start doing a post on Fridays called 5 Looks, 1 ______.  Next Friday it will be 5 Looks, 1 Black Blazer, so stay tuned!

XX

PS--I actually did all the photography in this post!!