Desperately Seeking Romper

Ah the coveted romper...a look I have yet to perform...a look I find hard to master.  I've seen ladies all ova the place rockin these cute little 2-fer-ones and I just cannot seem to find one for moi.  At the mall last weekend, I saw this super sexy yet very basic romper on a fellow shopper - it was black, short sleeved button down to the waist, belted and cuffed shorts.  It was FAB and ever since then I have been on the desperate man hunt for this exact romper.  I should have just approached the damn woman and asked her where she got it...but I didn't...and now I'm stuck.

I've been shopstylin', polyvorin' and googling the bejesus out of every combination of verbage imaginable to come up with this piece and have been totally unsuccessful.  So I'm reachin out to the blogosphere and hoping that someone can aid my search! I know so many of you are absolutely terrific at finding pieces on the fly. 

This Alexander McQueen all in one shorts piece is on the money what I'm looking for...

And to entice you all to help...special little beauty product prize for the one who brings me my treasure!

Wowza

Ok, so I definitely realize I'm probably the WORST blogger...ever! Well, maybe I'm being overly dramatic but I haven't posted for 2 weeks and that's just downright unacceptable.  So I apologize to all my adoring fans who have been clutched to K's Conspiracy for the last 14 days begging Jesus for a reason why, just why I haven't been enlightening you!

On to bigger, better and way more important things...last night I caught Sex and the City 2 after sipping delish martini's with 2 of my fav gals and I must say...I'm disappointed!  Really, I am.  Don't get me wrong, the movie was good...but just bleh...no real drama, which was the disappointing part.  And of course, I won't sit here and spoil the movie for those who haven't caught it yet but...remember the first movie? Who could forget especially when you watch it on average 2 times weekly Big leaving Carrie at the alter, Steve cheating on Miranda, Charlotte finally conceiving and Samantha leaving Smith...that was drama and we all loved it mucho.  Numero Dos my friends, contains WAYYYYY less drama. 

HOWWWever, the fashion was beyond dramatic...the shoes, the gowns, the hats - oh my!! It made it worth it, that's for sure.  I do love me some sparkly Louboutins

This was also a favorite of mine from the movie...I love the easy breezy-ness of this dress and the color is a hit

There was a gorgeous green gown that Carrie so easily wore as she lounged around watching TV with Big (really?) but I cannot seem to find a picture of it anywhere. 

Of course, we all have seen the one shoulder poncho dress by Halston Heritage...I would love to have, duh.

And on to something that just made my day...If these shoes don't scream fabulous I don't know what does...because my friends, these are friggin HOTT and if the man upstairs really liked me, these shoes and this dress would be delivered to me via UPS or FedEx (I'm not picky)...

Forzieri Loriblu Sand Ankle Leather Bow Platform Shoes Retail Price $495 

Lanvin One Shouldered Dress with Draped Bust Retail $3,060

Last, but certainly not least, I saw these beauties on the footsies of a fellow fab blogger (Life Love and the Pursuit of Shoes) and me likey! Deets are soon to follow she says and I'm dying to know patiently waiting for those

I hope everyone has an AWESOME Memorial Day weekend...weather is promising (well here in Jerz) and there's nothing better than a long weekend in the sun ;)

Enjoy. xoxo

Oh so cute.

There is this darling woman who is the HI-larious author of a great fashion (and sometimes recipes) blog called Chloe's Conspiracy.  Most of you bloggers know miss Chloe and her fabulous blog and if you're smart you know about her spin off blog 'See Chloe Shop' where she warehouses tons of useful knowledge aka sale alerts and coupon codes!! Me likey.

Well, in celebration of her great new blog, Chloe is giving away a $100 gift card to ShopBop and for those of you who do not know ShopBop...know it now because they're effin awesome. Here are just a few ahmazing pieces from Shop Bop that I would love to pick up courtesy of See Chloe Shop

More Velvet...

So click HERE to get all the details and enter for the $100 gift card

Shop It to Me

Just the other day I saw this gorgeous Rachel Roy dress featured on The Look 4 Less style me saturday feature and I was in ultra grabby hands mode, I am a HUGE sucker for drape, jersey and asymetrics and this dress is all those yummy things in one delightful little cookie:

This dress retails for $109 on the Rachel Roy website

Today, my shop it to me sale alert featured this delish little cookie by DVF

Here's a better pic of it

Although, more expensive (even on sale) for $240 at Neiman Marcus

My dilemma...while I love the Rachel Roy version it appears to be very long - and you know that model is probably 5'10" which I am NOT...And the price difference between the Roy and the DVF is quite a chunk of change? Plus RR is offering free shipping on orders over $75 now through 5/31

I guess I just convinced myself of the right choice ;)

I recently bought some very cute shoes @ Piperlime as mentioned in post below and I'm so sad they didn't work out because they would be very cute with the dress above.  Although I am digging the modeled shoes big time. 

At first, cuffed sandals and heels turned me off in a big way but I've grown quite obsessed fond of them.  I'm picking up these for a mother's day gift to me-self

All from Urban Original a great little cheapy place to buy shoes  

Hubbs will more than likely make fun of these shoes...he's not really into anything I wear that's "out of the norm" he still laughs when I wear any type of 'bootie' so I'm sure he'll be lol'ing at these

I'm also in DESPERATE need of a new bag for the Spring...and I mean desperate!!! I've been rockin the same Dooney & Burke bag for what seems like centuries now and frankly, I'm sick of it.  I have a fabulous-o Fendi spy bag look-a-like as well but that's got to GO.  I realllllllly would <3 hubbs maja if he decided to bring home this purdy little kitten for me on Sunday:

But that, my dears, is HUGE dreamin at its finest considering that's a nearly $4000 bag.

Dear Hubbs, I will take this replica or THIS bag instead, thank you!

Well I hope all my fellow mama's have a great Mother's Day, you know you deserve it! And for everyone else, treat yo mama to something nice and enjoy your weekend as well.

xoxo

Wednesday Wants...

Since I haven't had much of a chance to online window shop lately, depressing - I know.  I figured I'd take some time today to show my lovely readers those items that I have big grabby hands for right now.  I saw the black polka dot top today on Coley's Cheap Thrills edition today and realized that was another item I just had to have. In my typical frugalista fashion, these items are all less than $50 (except for the uber cute Arden B maxi) and are perfect for the current NJ weather and will last right through the summer!!

Shorts by Charlotte Russe
Boots by Michael Antonio

Day Dresses by Arden B
Sandals by Newport News

Ta ta for now, xoxo

Wedding Possibilites?

No my friends, not me...no wedding possibilities for me - I've already drained my savings for that big shindig...less than a year ago!

A friend of mine is getting married at the end of May and I am really looking forward to dressing up! I desperately want a one shouldered dress that I can wear again and have put together the following polyvore sets.  Let me know what you think? Which one should I choose?

Not to mention...all of these dresses are less than $100 which I love.

There's the 2 french connection dresses:

French Connect Dresses by justinsmami featuring French Connection dresses

Then there's the Asos Options:

Asos by justinsmami featuring Dorothy Perkins shoes

Lastly, these 3 options

last options by justinsmami featuring JS Boutique dresses

I know what you're thinking - a lot of the same style dress...but that's what I'm looking for.  Personally, I think I'm gearing towards the last black one with those fabulous heels.  But I also adore that nude dress AND the coral one...help me decide!!

Reco's and Reviews

Well lovely readers I have been very busy the last few days I have decided to get my ARSE in GEAR!!! Memorial day is right around the corner, not to mention I have a bachelorette party poolside in about 2 weeks...ahh.  I've decided to hire a personal trainer from my gym, I signed up for 10, 30 minute sessions in addition to his Tues/Wed/Thurs classes I take (pilates/body pump/kickboxing).  I must say, I am sore already but I am determined to get my summer body.  I highly recommend taking a good kickboxing class, I really like the one I take, I can totally tell its working because I sweat profusely and I can just feel every single muscle in my body working up a storm!!

Today I wanted to also share with you a recommendation for a couple blogs to read...I recently stumbled across the blog Life, Love and the Pursuit of Shoes If you're like me and are obsessed with all things shoes this is a great blog to follow - I even emailed the blogger after reading a few posts to tell her how much I <3'd her blog and asked if she knew where to find the shoes in this picture:

Not even kidding, she emailed me back within 20 minutes with multiple links to the shoes.  Unfortunately for me, the shoes are not only Giuseppe Zanotti (an amazingly awesome shoe designer with un-awesome prices) but they are sold out anyway.  I then wrote back to her explaining my woes and guess what???
Yes folks she linked me to a look for less ;)

I officially love this woman.

And on that same exact note... follow The Look 4 Less which, too, is a fantabulously beneficial website that is updated multiple times throughout each day with celeb looks for less, reader write in looks for less, etc. She basically can find any item out there that you want for cheaper!! C'mon now how great is that.  I initially reached out to her on how to recreate Kim's entire look above and she came so eerily close for a fraction of the price I was quite astounded.  The shoes were just a little less than what I wanted (not less in price but less in look) - but the entire outfit she sent to me with links to various options - again within minutes of my initial email.  This wonderful woman reached back out to me again today because she had found a pair of shoes that did in fact match Kim's to the T for a measley $55!!!

I officially love 2 women.

So a big  K U D O S  to these two really cool women and their efforts towards making my life that much better!

If you're smart, you're already following these blogs; if not, you'll be following them now!

And for my review...I recently signed up for ShoeDazzle, a company founded and operated by the lovely Kim Kardashian.  Basically, ShoeDazzle is a website that you join as a member (at no financial obligation), you take a survey that determines your 'style' and based on your survey results, each month the stylists pick 5 pairs of shoes for you - you have the choice of purchasing 1, all or none of the shoes selected.  If you choose a pair, there is free shipping and you get your order in about 1 week and if they don't fit or you're unsatisfied you use their pre-paid return shipping label.  The cost of the membership is $39.95 per month - the great thing about this service is that if you don't like any of the 5 shoes selected for you, you're NOT charged the $39.95...so it's no obligation what-so-ever and whenever you do feel like obliging you get the pair of shoes right to your door step.

I mean, clearly its no innovative idea its a shoe service and the shoes are not Louboutins or Jimmy Choo's but "high end" low end shoes, if that makes sense.  I received my first pair today:

I really liked these ones a lot and as soon as I saw them in 'My Showroom' I knew I was getting them and for $40?? No brainer.  These were the other 4 pairs in my showroom, I don't like any of them, but that's the beauty of the website if you don't like any of them or are strapped for cash - whatever the reason may be you just select 'skip this month' and you keep it movin.

I like the convenience of the service, maybe you're busy one month or can't get out to the mall or for some god for saken reason have no time to online window shop - then one day you get the email 'time to choose' and you treat yourself to an unexpected little treasure.  No typing in cc info or mailing address, they have all your info - just click the 'yes please' button and a week later you're stylin and profilin

Well happy weekend to all!!
xoxo

So so busy

I'm very busy today folks but stumbled upon these lovelies in my travels today and couldn't resist posting so that you, too, could gawk.  I love me some navy in the spring and I love me some killer wedges - these incorporate both so fabulously  :::Sigh:::


$550 on sale now at Net-a-Porter

H&M Garden Collection

H&M is one of those stores that I always forget about, I don't know why but I just never remember this store when I have shopping in mind.  I think, in part, its because the closest H&M to me is located in a very lame mall that has ZERO potential for good finds so I never end up in the vicinity of the store itself.  But when I do cross paths I always end up finding so many items I love love love. 

H&M recently released their 'Garden Collection' which is beyond perfect for Spring - incorporating ruffles, flowers, feminine detailing, gorgeous flowy dresses and uber cute shorts.  I love that they also throw a few masculine pieces in for that fem/mas contrast that's so popular right now.  Here are some of my favorite pieces and looks

I would have shopstyle'd or polyvore'd these pieces but since H&M doesn't sell online I couldn't.  But you can see what pieces would go with what...I absolutely love love love that blue dress with the ruffled detailing along the sides (comes in that pretty blush color as well) and depending on how long it is would go great with a skinny belt and some cute layered necklaces!! That baggy blue tank with the loud print floral skirt would definitely be a hit and the blush colored dolman top and those blue ruffle shorts - so cute! I think that pleated top dress would be an awesome fit for a spring/early summer wedding and the rest of the items speak for themselves!

And the best part - these pieces are all very budget friendly - almost all of the items are $35 or less

To check out the entire collection click HERE

Have you purchased any of these items? Do you plan on it?

Just another manic Monday..er Thursday

Because you all definitely need to know my life updates, here goes:

1. NO, I have not been going to the gym in the mornings - why you may ask??? Because HUBBS GOT CALLED BACK TO WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Woot Woot - shout it out - woot woot

So because hubbs is now full time actively working again I cannot ditch the sleeping booger in the AM to go to the gym because DYFS does, in fact, frown upon leaving your children unattended - so after next week (when god for saken class is over) I'll be hittin up the gym, evening style. 

2.  I am totally, ridiculously stressed about my real estate exam.  The pre-tests are ridiculous they ask the most off the wall nonsensical questions that you'll NEVER ever use in real life - why on Earth do you bog down my mind with uselessness. 
I  w i l l  p a s s  t h i s  t e s t  w i t h  f l y i n g  c o l o r s

3. Kohl's purchase - bust.  Nothing fit the way I hoped it would.  Everything was cute but ehh didn't look so hot.  I plan to try on some different sizes with different shoes, accessories etc. IN the store to achieve better success.  Lauren Conrad I have not given up on you my dear

4. I'm going strong without meat - feeling better than ever!! Not gonna lie, I was craving chicken yesterday but didn't do it.  I am enjoying this. 

5. Spring is almost (officially) here.  2 more days. Oh and guess what? I wore flip flops yesterday!!!! yay

Now I am very excited for this weather, but am prepared for much rain because according to the good ol' Farmer's Almanac its gonna be a wet one this year.  So in anticipation of same, I plan to purchase one of these lovlies:

First Pair - Aldo Ramirec currently on sale here for $59.98

Second pair - Aldo Sliney currently on sale here for $39.98

Use promo code VIPOFFER for free shipping :)

As enticing as the first pair is, I may just end up playing it safe with the cheaper shoe - who knows, maybe hubbs will let me splurge ;)

Of course, coupled with:

Old Navy Belted Trench can be found here for $49.50 and use your ON card and receive $10 off using the promo code THANK YOU

And topped off with this:

Aldo Zenon can be found here for $42 which is a STEAL for this uber cute bag in my opinion

On top of the free shipping promo code above for Aldo - sign up for their e-mail list and you'll receive a coupon for 10% off

Now tell me that wouldn't make rain look fabulous!

If I had it my way; however, I'd be rockin out in the rain like this:

More Be & D...

This stylebook makes my heart skip a beat, those Loubs are seriously orgasmic.  I need those in my life.

And I want to give a big shout out to my girl Dona (that's Doh-nya, hehehe) for passing her insurance exam, she is now officially licensed to do biz in the State of North Carolina - you go girl!!

If you need Aflac insurance, let me know - I'll hook ya up.

Questions, Comments?

KWEENO, KICKBOXING AND ANN TAYLOR

Quinoa (pronounced kwee-no) -- a fabulous nutritional grain, cereal like.  Nutritionally MUCH better than even brown rice.  It's protein content is unusually high (12-18%) and unlike rice it contains a very balanced set of essential amino acids for humans which again, makes it a complete protein source.  A great source of dietary fiber, gluten free and easy to digest.  To make quinoa, you have to first soak the grains in hot water for a good 5 minutes in order to remove the bitter outer coating called saponins after soaking you will drain all the water (using a mesh strainer if you have one as the grains are very small) you then cook to a rolling boil and once boiling, cover with a tight lid and let simmer for 15 minutes.  After same, take the pot off the heat (still covered) for 5 minutes, fluff with fork after and you're set. 

I had this with my dinner last night and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised at both the taste and the texture.  Now, when I boiled it I substituted the water for chicken broth and there are TONS of tasty recipes online.  Try it.

This is what the uncooked quinoa looks like...similar to pastina if you've ever had that. 

I found THIS great recipe that I'm going to have for lunch today.



On to other news, SURPRISE its snowing again today! Shocker.  I mean, when is it going to stop already? I have 3 ready to pop pregnant friends and I don't believe that a blizzard is very good 'I'm on my way to the hospital' weather.  So enough already.

I'm taking a kickboxing class tonight at 5pm (will probably get my own butt kicked) but will let you know how it goes.  I cannot say enough how much I really loved that pilates class on Tuesday...my abs are still burning! I know if I continue to take the class each week I'll definitely see an improvement.  I'm hoping they add a 2nd convenient class that I can take.  I've decided that Mon, Wed, Fri I'll do the 6am gym and Tuesdays and Thursdays I'll take a class at night.  Will keep you updated on my progress!

I know this post hasn't been tooo exciting but I just had to share my excitement for this new food as well as the fitness updates!  For my fashion and beauty segment today, I'm going to share my rant about Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft.  Let me start by saying this is one store I always looked at as an 'older' store - I always thought it was a store that women in their late 30's and early 40's shopped at to look somewhat cute and on trend.  I was a very sadly mistaken young girl when I thought this.  The oh-so-adorable Chloe at Chloe's Conspiracy has me HOOKED on Ann Taylor. 

However, my dears, I very quickly came to shocking revelation #1 - I cannot afford to shop at this store, not even on sale I mean, some stuff has ok prices, $39.99 isn't bad for a nice cardigan but $128 for a statement necklace or $88 for a shell? 
They just have the most adorable, feminine, gorgeous pieces of everything - they have very cute jewelry and their ruffly, flowery, girly colored tops are to die for.  Here is my "want list" of Ann Taylor items that if anyone really loved me lots would get for me!! btw my B-diddy is 12/31, my Anniversary is 7/25,  Christmas is ALWAYS 12/25 and Easter this year is 4/4...K thanks, xoxo

Great Finds

Last week, I did a post where I mentioned a very gorgeous Carrie Bradshaw and her scalloped edge lace skirt as seen in SATC the Movie.  I have been trying to find the 'right combo' of color and lace and I think F21 did a pretty good job of combining the criteria I was coveting:


Now, I'm not afraid to say that I reach out to fellow bloggers for fashion advice.  There's no better inspiration.  I really haven't found a top nor do I believe one exists in my closet that would go well with this skirt but for the price, I'm going to purchase the skirt and then have someone help me figure the other part out (hello followers???)

Another great find was this pair of black skinny's (they don't look nearly as good on the model as they do in person) I purchased at Old Navy last week :::and while I thought I got a fantabulous deal at $19, they're only $12.99 online with $5 shipping so still less than what I paid::: nothing to lose? They fit great, they're stretchy, so similar to leggings but not as thin and unforgiving...I really like them a lot.  I picked mine up in a size 6.  I'm usually a size 4 at ON but unfortunately the holidays got the best of my thighs and I'm still bearing the reprocussions


In addition, really really cute light and airy (silk) scarves are, as any fashionista knows, perfecto for the spring - its such a great way to add a pop of color or excitement to any otherwise bland outfit and if you're like me your closet is full of black, white and grey - so throw on any of these beauties and you're stylin and profilin.  Normally I would spend more than say, $15 on a scarf but think of it like buying a new top - you can revamp any existing plain shirt in your closet so its a worthwhile investment :::very chic as well:::



Lastly, I stumbled upon THIS etsy seller, Twillypop, who makes the most adorable necklaces ever.  I'm purchasing this little beauty in the very near future (a la Spring).  For handmade product, her prices are ver reasonable and I've seen celebs everywhere poppin up with these sort of necklaces on

Have Any Great Finds you want to share with me??? Would love to see or hear about them?