Res Ipsa Loquitur--In a Good Way this Time

Holy hotness.  Be still my fluttering heart.  I want it.  I can't have it.  If you can afford it, I hate you.

Buster v. Bargain--Get Your Ruch on the Cheap

I fell in love with ruched sleeves about four years ago when I bought a tissue-thin multicolored striped top from H&M that had the ruched detailing on the sleeves.  Currently, I see ruched sleeves everywhere... and I love it.  I think the detail adds a bit of feminine flair that tops the cute factor of cap sleeves.  Plus, if the tone of your upper arms (or lack thereof) isn't up to snuff, I think this style can act as a camoflauge for the extra flab.  However, I don't know about you, but I have no inclination to spend $175 on a cotton t-shirt... especially when you search through cheaper outlets and find the same thing for a lot less.

The Leelee t-shirt at Delia's (pictured at left and right) boasts six different colors:  black, coral, heather grey, olive, plum, and teal.  The Leelee striped version comes in three different combos:  black/grey, blue/black, and purple/grey.  They also have the Mia brushed top, which comes in charcoal grey and black.  The Mia top looks exactly like the Leelee, except it lacks the spandex portion of the poly-rayon blend.  However, at $29.50 per t-shirt... I still find that a little high for my taste, because I like stocking up on these types of basics.

Now... THIS is more like it.  Ahhhh~ Forever 21, you are always after my heart (and my paycheck).  I mean, when you can get such a similar item on the cheap... why the hell not?
*Ruched Sleeve Knit Top (10 colors) - $4.50
*Fab Ruched Sleeve Top (pink and white) - $6.50
*Polka Dot Knit Top (grey/black dot and cream/black dot) - $9.99
*Ruched Sleeve Knit Top (cream and black) - $13.80
*Lace Shirred V-Neck Top (cream) - $12.80
I mean, c'mon folks.  I, for one, would definitely snag a bunch of these online or at my nearest F21.  The lace version is already in my shopping bag.  If you need even MORE options, check out H&M.  I saw some really soft and cuddly versions of the striped and polka dot (grey/cream dot), as well as some solid colors, for a friendly price of $9.99.  I recently bought the grey/cream dot version for a work wardrobe I'm updating for a friend.  It looked fantastic with a black pencil skirt.

I mean, F21 even provides you with a more relaxed and sporty version, akin to the baggier white top that Rachel Bilson sports up top.  I dunno... $12.64 versus $175??  Could be a brainbuster for sure as to which to choose.

Cute Color Combo--Orange You Glad...

After celebrating a friend's final fling this weekend in Atlantic City for her bachelorette party, I realized... I had no idea what to wear to her wedding in two weeks.  It is a daytime ceremony with a cocktail hour and dinner later that evening, so I figured something that fit into both scenes would be ideal.  I also assumed that the ensemble I chose to wear to her bachelorette party was not allowed to make a repeat appearance.  (I guess the "glitter" buck should stop in AC.)  However, we are in the dead of summer, so bright colors remain appropriate.  I have been relishing the idea of obtaining a bright orange or coral dress, so I started the search.  I was browsing on ShopStyle... and my eyes landed on this dress... and I became instantly fixated.  I realize that purchasing a Herve Leger bandage dress is well outside my budget, but leave me be.  A girl can always dream...
I will, however, be purchasing those shoes.  And... maybe that cute little clutch.  I guess I will take what I can get (or afford).
KUDOS FOR THIS OUTFIT GO TO:
*Far Fetch - Herve Leger V-Neck Bandage Dress
*DSW - Audrey Brooke Melody Sandals in Nude
*Nordstrom - Nadri Chandelier Earrings in Gold
*Forever21 - Petite Glitter Clutch in Gold

Res Ipsa Loquitur--Calling for Donations

Apparently, Maggie Gyllenhaal has taken on the practice of buddhism... and has banished herself to a monastery.  We should all start a fund in honor of her valiant effort to become one with silk-screened draperies.

WTF--Holy Chrysanthemums

WTF indeed.  I got home from work today to find Anthropologie's July 2010 catalog waiting for me in the mail.  I generally enjoy this flipping experience, but today... I was faced with an evil too terrible for words.  On page 7, these three pairs of shoes were artfully arranged in a photograph on a lovely distressed hardwood floor.

Pray tell, what are these horrific items?  Anthropologie claims they are pumps worthy of payment in the $150 range, but I disrespectfully disagree.  To me, they resemble costume footwear from a Hansel and Gretel motion picture, perhaps even a cartoon.  I mean... sometimes, shoes can be a little garish if they are constructed for the sake of art.  In those instances, wearability is clearly not the focal point.  But--dear god Anthropologie.  Why do you wish to cause me such pain?  To boot (literally), they added the item below on the following page of the catalog:

Am I missing something here??  Did we suddenly transport into a time in fashion where the above pair of booties is considered attractive??  These "Blue Horizons" booties will run you a mere $188.  Let's see... for $188, I could buy:  a) the Cole Haan Carma Air sandals I've been eyeing; b) a round-trip flight to several nearby cities; c) an Amazon Kindle; d) a pair of good seats to the Lion King musical in Chicago... the list could go on and on.  Perhaps, I should invest in a pair of designer sunglasses to shield my corneas from the freak show going on above.  Not to mention, I just discovered these as I was gathering the photos for my arrangement above...

 I think I just threw up a little in my mouth.  Badly done Anthropologie, badly done.

Cute Color Combo--America!

It is hard to believe that we are already waving goodbye to the month of June!!  As we take a step forward into the month that holds our country's independence day, we busy ourselves with preparations for another beach weekend on the eastern shore, a bbq fest with our family and friends, and making decisions as to whether battling intolerable crowds in the District to view a giant, sparkly spectacle in the sky is wise--or not.  Last year, I had a few friends in town for the holiday weekend... and we took it upon ourselves to park illegally on GW Parkway just to watch the fireworks from the side of the Potomac.  While that was fun and all, I'm not sure if the feat will be repeated in 2010.
It was hard for me to pass up a "red, white, and blue" cute color combo, because like all other holidays, I do see me some ghastly apparel concoctions around the good ol' District as we creep closer to the 4th of July weekend.  I guess some individuals may find it appropriate to dress as though the American flag vomited its insides, but I tend to disagree.  There is no room here for cheap souvenir t-shirts that scream "FREEDOM" or "It is GOOD to be an American," or tacky Uncle Sam top hats with red, white, and blue sequined embellishments.  There is also no need to look like you splashed vivid doses of true red, true blue, or gleaming white all over yourself.  You want to pick one of those colors to make a statement?  Fine.  You want to don red, white, and blue stripes complete with a bouncing star antenna headband??  I will wish the worst upon you.
Here is an outfit that subtly displays the shades of our great nation... without causing a sudden desire to burn our flag.  I am quite aware that the belt is well outside the affordability range we normally feature, but it is quite the piece de resistance... don't you think?
KUDOS FOR THIS OUTFIT GO TO:
*Forever21 - Sweet Couple Dress in Blue/White
*Bluefly - Yves Saint Laurent Textured Ring Belt in Deep Red
*Shoewoo - Nine West GlitzGlam Peeptoe Wedges in Light Brown Leather
*Forever21 - Leatherette Shoulder Bag in Cream
*Anthropologie - Little Larsen Posts in Cream

Welcome to My Closet--Let's go Sailing!!

So, I took a lunch break yesterday at... where else??  My favorite-est place ever... Forever21.  Yup, that's right.  I braved the afternoon crowd of rowdy teenagers to go find the perfect pieces for my upcoming Miami/South Beach trip next week.  It's always hit or miss when you browse at a Forever21 location... unfortunately for my bank account, it's usually a hit for me.  :)  I found some very lovely additions to my summer wardrobe...

I LOVE this dress.  It's a great combination of flirty and girly.  You can dress it up or down!!  I'm very excited to put this dress to use.  I do recall it being an older item, so I doubt anyone will be able to find it in a Forever21 store.  I wish I could put up a link, but it's not online anymore!

I am very excited to try out these skirts, either with a top tucked in... or belted.  These are still online, so here are the links... F21 Satin Rose Skirt, F21 Dotted Knit Skirt, and F21 Ruffled Floral Skirt.