Tall Faux

Faux leather skinny in 37" inseam - Alloy (similar ones HERE)/Chain Muscle Tee in White - Beyond/Sneak Wedge - Payless (size 12)/Red Beanie and rings - H&M/Bracelets - Charlotte Russe/Side Bag (aka fanny pack) - Vintage by the Pound

Photo credit: YBowyer Photography

My favorite for fall is definitely faux. I love all of the faux leather touches and pieces of the season.  From a collar on a dress shirt to a shift dress, it's everywhere and I am ready to wear it.

When I saw these faux 37" skinnies from Alloy, I couldn't click ADD TO BAG fast enough. They can be dressed up or down, are super soft and easy to put on and most importantly long enough (can I get an amen).

I paired it with my new found friend...the beanie.  It's perfect for those days when the hair won't cooperate or you just plain don't want to do it.  I also had to buy it because it was red and I am a firm believer that a red accessory makes any outfit pop.

The shirt is great because 1) It was a gift from my bestie Holley 2) It is extra long in the torso and hits me right at the waist and 3) It's hot.

Last but certainly not least, the infamous fanny pack (or side bag if you are feeling sophisticated which I rarely am). Who doesn't love a bag that you don't have to carry? Picked it up for a $1.50 and it comes in mighty handy.

The shoes! The shoes! We all know it's hard to find wedge sneakers that fit especially at a great price.  When I found these at Payless it was a no-brainer.

So...what are you wearing your faux with?

Independence Day

I will never forget the day another tall woman came up to me and told me that I shouldn't be wearing red because it would bring MORE attention to me (it was a super cute shirt btw). I was baffled, astonished, mad and then sad. Before I could even react, she was off. Clearly she tried to paint her insecurities on me. Thank God they didn't stick.  I hope they aren't sill stuck with her.

I am all about red (really any color) this season.  It highlights your amazing presence.  I LOVE these pants from Ann Taylor LOFT (10T). They are super flattering and the fabric is comfy (it's almost like wearing sweatpants).  The pants were long enough with flats (36") but I wanted to wear them with the platforms (Payless pick-ups) so I had a tailor bring them down (a good tailor should become your best friend.  I wish I could legally adopt mine).

The shirt is also Ann Taylor LOFT.  I really bought it because I had a promo code and needed $10 more dollars to make the $20 off quota (I live for a sale).  So really, I feel like I almost got the shirt for free (which we know isn't really true but I'm going to roll with it).  However, I wear the shirt all the time.  With jeans, skirts, suits, you get the drift.  Most of the time I keep it tied but I also leave it long for a "tie" look.

Last but not least, my baby, the vintage blue handbag.  Can you believe I picked it up for $12!?! I was as shocked as you are.  I stumbled upon this watch repair shop by my office that doubles as a vintage handbag shop (SCORE) and have been going weekly ever since.  

I say all of that to say this. No matter what ANYONE says, rock whatever you want to rock when you want to rock it. That is all.

PS. Don't sleep on the bracelet.  It was the perfect period to the fit and is a Candid Art origiNAL. 

Shirt and pants - Ann Taylor LOFT/Handbag - Vintage Corelli/Bracelet - courtesy of Candid Art/Shoes - Payless

Photo credit: Kate Bower (Ybowyer Photography)  

Closet Diving: New Fits on a Dime

We are in the in-between stage where it’s not hot enough for summer clothes but fall clothes are out of the question.  It makes me want to go and buy a whole new wardrobe but alas, my bank account does not agree with me.  I tried talking to it but it rolled its eyes at me and walked away.  Damn you bank account!

So what’s a girl to do? Well, walking around naked is just not an option (believe me, I thought about it), so I brainstormed some ways to look fresh without your money going bad.

1) Look harder.  The best ‘new’ outfits are in your closet.  Stop telling yourself you don’t have any clothes when your closet is so full that you can’t shut the door.  Re-organize, identify and create.  There is a new outfit waiting for you in your own backyard. Find it. Check out: Your closet.

2) Shop vintage. Vintage clothing is a great way to update your look on a dime.  Amazing one of a kind pieces that make you stand out without making your money stand down.  Check out: Urban Vintage and Nelda's Vintage Clothing.

3) Accessorize like a mad woman.  Accessories can change an entire outfit from blah to boom pow with little investment. Check out: Forever21, Stella & Dot and Candid Art.

4) Sell and Buy.  There are plenty of used clothing shops that will purchase your clothes from you.  You can either buy new clothing or get a credit from the shop and buy gems that other people sold.  Check out: Resaleshopping.com and Crossroads Trading Co.

5) Flash sales. These are exclusive, online sales that a lot of stores are offering to people who sign-up for newsletters or online offers.  The sales usually last a couple of hours but if you can catch them, the savings can be GREAT.  Check out: Banana Republic and Nine West.

6) Sign-Up.  There are a plethora (love that word) of sites that find designer sales and bring them to you all at once.  Personal sales shoppers.  All you have to do is sign-up and savings are on their way.  Check out: Shop It To Me and ideeli.

7) Borrow.  Look.  If you have a roommate, sister, friend etc. that is the same size as you, put your clothes together and watch your outfits multiply. Just make sure you wash them thangs before you return them.  Dirty returns are not OK. Check out: a friendly closet.

Well, there you have it.  Now go, be fashionable and money conscious.  They both make you look sexy and smart.

You have an idea that I didn’t think of?  Please share.  Good day fashionistas:)

Get in those closets and find a new outfit! Trust me. It's there. You can do it! (Image courtesy of Clipartguide.com)