One Woman’s Trash

My treasure. Today’s look features a dress that is surely one of my greatest resale shop finds. The burgundy, white, and black zigzag print silk dress has attractive features like playful bell sleeves, and black piping along the bust line, neckline, and sleeves. It is worn with black, t-strap, peep-toe pumps. White pearls add a sophisticated touch. I wore this outfit to an afternoon reception today.

Dress—Gianni Bini via Rag-O-Rama

Shoes—Tahari via Marshalls

Bag—MICHAEL Michael Kors

Pearls—Overstock

Print close-up:

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Black, white, classic. Everything about this dress says vintage glam. It is made of a silky soft matte jersey, and features a black and ecru polka dot print, flowing bell sleeves, and a black self-belt. Today, it is paired with a slingback leather sandal finished with a cork heel and foot bed. A black nylon hobo with striped canvas details and leather trim complete the look. This dress can also be seen here and here.

Dress—Max Studio via Marshalls

Shoes—Enzo Angiolini via Marshalls

Bag—MICHAEL Michael Kors via Rag-O-Rama

Up close:

Hair Story

Here goes. I mentioned my hair sometime back when talking about my favorite low-budget hair products. Since then I have received a few requests for hair posts. I thought I would respond to these today, especially since I just got a great hair cut!

I have had my hair locked since 2000. After a major cut in 2006, I’ve been growing it out. Lately, I’ve felt like my hair did'nt quite fit my style (it had length, no shape, and hence ended up in a ponytail on most days).

This past weekend I turned to the fabulous Erica at Natural Uhuru for a change. She gave me a layered cut and then a curl (using some perm rods). I am really happy with the result.

Of course, I did not take a before picture. So, I had to improvise…

Out With the Old

In with the new. I decided to get rid of last year’s clearance rack mistakes (a few $0.97 ON tops, and so on). So, I made my usual stop at Rag-O-Rama, a local resale shop, to salvage some value. While the buyers were assessing my items, I browsed the store, and stumbled upon the sexiest dress sandal in my size, and get this; they were brand new. Having seen these sandals before for $190.00, I was certain that the $34.50 price tag was a huge mistake. Oh well. As soon as the buyers asked, “cash or credit?” I took credit, got the shoes, and got out of there fast.

Shoes—MICHAEL Michael Kors via Rag-O-Rama

At-Home Chic

I know. It looks like I am off to chill on Frigate Bay beach, St. Kitts. While I will be surrounded by water today, it is only in the form of pouring rain. Anyway, I hate to get wet (translation--I hate my shoes to get wet). So, I am working at home today.

There is something about getting ready for work that gets me ready to work. So, I actually decided to get out of the pajamas. Today’s at-home chic look features a white tube top paired with a pink paisley silk skirt. Pink t-strap sandals complete the look.

Top—Forever 21

Skirt—Gap

Shoes—Gap

Paisley print:

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Summer white. There is nothing more classic than a white blouse, particularly during the warm summer days. Today’s look features my white top of choice this season. The top is quite fashionable with its crocheted boatneck, elasticized waist, and fluttery hem. It is also on sale here for $19.99. A “lazy chic” look is created when paired with cropped skinny jeans, and tan d’Orsay pumps.

Top—Old Navy

Jeans—Gap Outlet

Shoes—Tahari via Nordstrom

Lazy Days

Ok ok. A tad overwhelmed by end-of-semester grading and other tasks, I have become fashionably lazy, living in jeans and basic tops. In an attempt to snap out of the jeans and top rut, I turned to this blouse with a rounded neckline adorned with ruffles and a ‘global inspired’ ink and white stripe. The blouse jazzes up a button down denim pencil skirt. Tan d’Orsay pumps and a skinny croc belt add chic finishing touches.

Top—Mossimo Black via Target

Skirt—Banana Republic Factory Store

Belt—Ann Taylor

Shoes—Tahari via Nordstrom





Top Close-up (Click to enlarge):

Down and Chic

Dressed down. Today’s look features a perfectly fitted red shirt—slim through the bust, fitted at the waist, and an overall feminine silhouette. The shirt is worn with denim cropped skinnies and cinched together by a patent belt. Animal print, haircalf, and patent leather skimmers add a jazzy touch.

Shirt—Banana Republic

Jeans—Gap Outlet

Shoes—MICHAEL Michael Kors via Marshalls

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Perfectly classic. This flat has to be the perfect spring/summer shoe. The flat features a copper metallic leather upper with a gold and silver metallic leather criss-cross band, a rounded open toe, and a comfortable ½ inch heel.

A pair of metallic flats always looks fresh with a pretty spring or summer dress, and hence is today’s modern classic.

Shoes—MICHAEL Michael Kors via Smartbargains

Real Charm

Pretty bold. The sketched ring print on this dress is an attention-grabber, but the dress’s more subtle details bring the real charm. Features like cool cap-sleeves, flattering shirring at the bodice and waist, and a sweetheart v-neck line are quite appealing. The dress is worn casually with burnt orange peep-toe flats.

Dress—Banana Republic

Shoes—Kenneth Cole Reaction via Nordstrom

Close-up on details (click to enlarge):

Another Grey Day

Bye bye sun. After a week of fabulous sunshine, the temps and rain are down again. Today’s outfit looks like outside. A grey cowl neck, cap sleeve sweater is worn with a black pencil skirt and cinched together by a black patent belt. T-strap, peep-toe pumps complete the look.

Sweater—Gap Outlet

Skirt—Banana Republic

Belt—The Limited

Shoes—Tahari via Marshalls

On The Go

I’m off. The outfit comprises a versatile soft knit purple dress styled for a day on the run. The dress has cool features like an empire waist, deep v-neck, and puff sleeves. It is worn with orange patent leather t-strap wedges, an orange print scarf, and a green leather hobo.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Dress—Gap

Scarf—Collection Eighteen Marshalls

Shoes—Franco Sarto via Marshalls

Bag—Liz Claiborne via Marshalls

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Spring/summer classic. There is nothing easier in the spring and summer than a dress that flatters. And, this eyelet dress with its exquisite details is a flatterer. It features a classic A-line design, sweetheart neckline, gathered bust seams, and a smocked panel at the center back. A chic look is created when paired with sueded metallic peep toe pumps.

This dress flatters in spring and summer’s favorite eyelet, and hence is a modern classic

Dress—Liz Claiborne via Macy’s

Shoes—Jessica Simpson via Nordstrom

Eyelet design Close-up:

Happy Earth Day

B.Y.O.B. You would find me moving around the city (running errands on the weekend) in today’s non-work look. It features a deep green baby doll top adorned with bow and accordion pleats that is paired with a denim pencil skirt. Orange peep-toe flats and a green print scarf add chic finishing touches.

Of course, if there is even a remote possibility of buying something while moving around, I will have my eco-chic MK canvas tote because using plastic bags is so passé.

If I have to buy groceries, I bring a few more bags. I am glad I found a use for those totes that I always receive at conferences.

Top—The Limited

Skirt—Banana Republic Factory Store

Shoes—Kenneth Cole Reaction via Nordstrom

Scarf—Banana Republic

Bag—MICHAEL Michael Kors via Ebay

Foregoing plastic bags is one baby-step I've taken to become more green. What do you do?

Back on the Block

What a relief. My laptop is fixed!

So, back to non-work looks. I have plans to wear today’s featured look to an upcoming reggae concert in the Lou. The outfit is anchored by a fuchsia Max Studio halter dress that is packed with eye-catching details like the wrap front and cut out back. The dress is worn with orange t-strap wedges.

Talking about relief, my relief bead bracelets add the perfect finishing touch. For just $8, I not only got the perfect accessory to complete many “global inspired” looks, but according to Relief International, a humanitarian non-profit agency, relief bead purchases support the people of Darfur in the following ways:

• 1 Relief Bead feeds a malnourished child for 1 week
• 5 Relief Beads bring a malnourished child back to good health
• 10 Relief Beads restore the well-being of 2 malnourished children
• 100 Relief Beads save the lives of 20 children

To learn more about Relief International's programs please visit www.ri.org.