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28 February 2010

Black and Blue






What
Skirt: Target
Top: TJ Maxx
Tights: WeLoveColors.com
Shoes: Target
Necklace: Gift
Ribbon Belt: Came with a dress
Headband: Claire's

Where
Church and then shopping with my mom : )

Why
Today I wanted something conservative enough to wear to church, but also cute and put together for shopping. I decided to brighten up this pencil skirt and tights with the aqua long-sleeve top- one of my favorite basics. I just brought shiny patent flats along and it was a good day. Not to mention the shopping- I got 3 shirts, 2 skirts, 1 cardigan, 2 pairs of tights, a hat, and a scarf for a little under $70!

Putting it all Together



What
Dress: Rue 21, $2
Turtleneck: Wet Seal, $5
Tights: Target, $8
Boots: Burlington Coat Factory, $24
Necklace: Gift

Where
Girl's dinner with my grandma, mom, and sister

Why
I'm really trying work on putting myself together and avoiding the "jeans and a cute top" funk I usually get into in the winter. I'm starting to realize it's really not that hard to put together an outfit without jeans- I simply pick an item to base my outfit off of and then choose other pieces that complement that main item. Today I started with this graphic dress and then chose the turtleneck and tights, and then finished the look off with boots and my cute little stone necklace.

25 February 2010

Cold but Cute








What

Dress: Forever 21, $20
Turtleneck: Target, $7
Tights: WeLoveColors.com, $12
Flats: Ross Dress for Less, $15
Trench: Old Navy $9
Bracelet: Thrift Store, $5
Headband: Really old

Where

Classes- only one more day until Spring Break! Although it seems to have come at a little weird time: the middle of a snowstorm. I’m definitely looking forward to heading home down south!

Why

I noticed I’ve been wearing jeans too much lately- granted the weather has been pretty ridiculous- but I do miss my skirts and dresses, so I figured I would dress nice today :) I really do love this outfit though, it was inspired by a similar one from Jessica of whatiwore. Also, the tights just came in the mail yesterday, boy do I love getting things in the mail- especially during exam week!!!

Tips for Online Shopping





I used to hate shopping online- there were always too many hassles for me: inability to try on items before purchasing, shipping costs, extra shipping and handling costs if the item needs to be returned, etc. However, since starting college I have slowly started to enjoy online shopping (Who doesn’t love getting cute new things in the mail during a tough exam week?) Through my experiences I have learned a few tricks to avoid my previous pet peeves. I tried to only choose five, but I couldn’t, so here are my top six tips for online shopping:

1) ALWAYS google search “coupon codes for (insert store name here.)” I find a hidden discount almost every time! Although it may take a little time to navigate through old and/or inactive codes, saving money is definately worth it. A pretty reliable site to use is .

2) Online retailers often offer discounts for providing your email. Just like everyone else, I HATE seeing an inbox full of junk mail, but I always sign up anyways. If it’s a store I really like, sometimes it’s nice to get email coupons and other fun stuff. However, if it’s a store I might not love I give my email just for the discount, and as soon as the emails begin to bug me, I take my name off their email list.

3) Almost all retailers will provide measurements of the garment. Pull out a measuring tape and check the length, waistline, hip width, and sleeves. Although it’s not as good as actually getting to try it on, the measurements will at least give you an idea about how it will fit and help you to avoid the “Did I buy a shirt or a dress?!” moments.

4) I’ve noticed many people looking to online “virtual fitting rooms” recently. Although it’s a fun invention, I definately do not reccomend it. Although you can customize the virtual model to your personal shape, skin tone, hair color, etc, there really is no virtual equvilent to really trying clothing on. The online models have completely smooth, cellulite and seemingly fat free bodies. So how a tight skirt looks on a virtual model almost certainly won’t look the same on a real person. Everyone looks good in some type of clothing, no matter what size they are- so do yourself a favor and trade online fitting rooms for the real version whenever possible.

5) Unless you have previously tried on an item and felt the fabric and other materials- don’t buy splurge items online. Although the internet is an amazing source for finding splurge items at significantly lower prices, you should never purchase a significant item online unless you know how it fits and the quality it is made out of. Exception: If it really is a great deal AND it has guarenteed authenticity and a good return policy, it is sometimes ok to buy online without seeing something in person first- just make sure of where you buy from, and know EXACTLY what you are buying, the internet is full of knock-offs imposing as real name brand items.

6)Familiarize yourself with the return policy! If returns are not allowed, seriously reconsider buying the item- if it doesn’t fit, is poor quality, or you just don’t like it then you will be stuck with something you paid for and will never wear. Take note if the site will allow you to return items in store instead of shipping back the order. This option can save so much effort and money.


Abby

P.S. www.collegefashion.net has been featuring a column about online shopping at particular sites, check it out!

23 February 2010

My New Boots



Hello dear readers!

I haven't posted in quite some time due to being sick and then midterms on top of that. However I intend to fully make it up to you as I fill my Spring Break with shopping, styling, and posts and website updates galore :)

Although I do love the snow (and it's a good thing- we've gotten 3 feet and I literally haven't seen grass for weeks) I've been praying for rain and slush. I know, this sounds completely absurd, but I have my reasons. Every year for my birthday my parents usually buy me one small thing and give some money to go along with it. While I normally save it and/or use it for amazing after Christmas cheapies, this year I splurged on the most gorgeous pair of Kate Spade Rainboots. Anyone close to me knows I never spend much on ANYTHING. In fact, the outfit I'm currently wearing cost me under $30 (minus the boots- outfit post to come!) However, after seeing Jessica of whatiwore wear a pair of marc by marc jacobs wellies time and time again, I decided I wanted a cute yet classic pair that would last me a long time. So the search began... The Kate Spade boots were love at first sight, seriously. Although I searched for a cheaper alternative, nothing quite compared. I reasoned with myself for weeks over these boots- but ultimately, I knew they would last (both in quality and in classic style), and I knew I could count on them for both casual and slightly nicer events. Of course, I finally bought the boots. As soon as the boots came in the mail any buyers remorse I had was completely gone. I LOVE these boots. I love them so much I find myself wishing for rain when I wake up so that I can turn to one of the (many) looks I already have styled for my beloved new footwear. Although some might consider these boots hardly a splurge ($125 original price - 15% discount = about $106) for the quality they offer, it was defintely hard for me to fork over that much for one item. So dear readers, how do you treat splurges? Do you research them and think them over for awhile first? Or do you simply buy what you love- no questions asked? I'd love to know!





Abby

P.S. Isn't the outfit inspiration super cute?! The Kate Spade Collection really outdid themselves- everything in their lookbook is styled flawlessly, check it out on their website at katespade.com!

Outfit Inspiration used from katespade.com

11 February 2010

Computer Application: Dress Assistant

The other day my friend Zach showed me the most amazing computer application. I seriously feel as though it was made for me! When I first came to college I took pictures of all of my clothes and cataloged them into a database on my computer so I could browse without the mess. This amazing application is actually a virtual closet- It lets you upload pictures of your clothes into categories like sweaters, dresses, t-shirts, pants, and even jewelry! And it doesn't end there! It has a blank screen to the side where you can drag you own clothing items onto in order to make outfits (kind of like polyvore actually). The application then allows you to save your outfits so that anytime you're in a hurry you can simply choose one and go. What an awesome invention for our busy lives! I find myself styling a plethora of outfits in my spare time on the weekends so that Monday-Friday all I have to do is go to my computer and pick one. For $19.95 this application is definitely worth it! (Compatible with Macs, PCs, and even iPhones)


Photo used from macupdate.com

Style Spotted- Dawn

So often college students get caught up in homework, social activities, work, etc., and their sense of style seems to get pushed under the door. Although I'm not arguing the fact that school definitely should be students' first priority, it only takes a few extra minutes of preparation to look your best, and we all know that when you look good, you feel good!

Dawn is a freshman Management Marketing double major here at Saint Vincent. While she usually rocks jeans and cute cardigans, she's really stepped up her style lately. Both Dawn's featured outfits are actually very simple, but the cute accents and accessories pull them together.

Campus Casual






What she's wearing
Ruffle Shirt: Charlotte Russe
Cardigan: Charlotte Russe
Flats: Charlotte Russe

For a casual day around campus Dawn put together this girly outfit mainly from Charlotte Russe (It's a great store for trendy students on a budget!) The ruffles and lace are toned down enough for classes with her dependable faded blue jeans and simple flats. I also loved how Dawn embraced her naturally wavy hair instead of trying to change it (not that it doesn't look amazing straight too!) Finally, a classic pearl necklace completes her look.

Inspired by Dawn's campus casual



A Splash of Color

What she's wearing
Dress: Charlotte Russe
Blazer: Sears
Scarf: Marshall's
Flats: Target

Dawn put together this look for a Women in Business club dinner lecture (I was there too! See my post here http://theclosetfiles.blogspot.com/2010/02/just-quick-change.html I love how she paired her black and cream outfit with this awesome purple scarf and adorable flats! Dawn says that she loves this dress because she can wear it in the spring and summer with a little cardigan and cute sandals, but then also wear it with tights and a blazer during the colder months.

Inspired by Dawn

09 February 2010

Snowy White








What
Cardigan: borrowed from a friend (Thanks Dawn!)
Dress: Ross
Tank top: Old Navy
Tights: Target
Boots: Burlington Coat Factory
Earrings: Charlotte Russe
Belt: GAP outlet
Scarf: Lord and Taylor

Where
Around campus- thanks to Zach for snapping these pictures for me :)

Why
I used to be completely against wearing white in the winter, but now I am a firm believer that it is not only possible, but also quite stylish as long as it is done the right way. Today was really cold and snowy, but this outfit ended up being the perfect choice. I wore a few pairs of leggings under my tights for warmth and added this new cashmere scarf I got for my birthday and it felt like I was in cozy loungewear all day! I'll definitely be on the lookout for outfits like this in the future! What about you, how do you stay warm and cute when the weather refuses to cooperate?

Abby

04 February 2010



What
Dress (worn as skirt): Forever 21
Sweater: Old Navy
Tights: Target
Flats: Payless
Belt: Free with skirt from the limited
Necklace: Just 50 cents at a little Puerto Rican flee market!

Where
To class and then dinner with my friends

Why
So remember how I talked about my style "epiphany" the other day? I had another one today. Go figure. I started the day wearing this tank dress with a long sleeve black shirt underneath, but changed to this sweater/belt combo after my early morning classes. I'm glad I've finally found a way to stretch my summer dresses into colder weather without wearing a cardigan every time! Have you come up with any new ways to stretch your wardrobe? I'd love to see your ideas!

Abby

The Bow Scarf






What
Sweater: Pacsun
Jeans: TJ Maxx
Boots: Charlotte Russe
Scarf: Old Navy

When
Giving tours in my lovely job in admissions, and of course, classes

Why
I really really hate it when I plan out an outfit but forget to set it out the night before, then in the morning rush can't find something I needed. I was planning on wearing a bright turquoise sweater that matched this scarf PERFECTLY. And wouldn't you know it was nowhere to be found. The purple sweater is just a tiny bit off, but I promise in in real life you could barely tell. I did get to try something new today though- the bow scarf. I've been seeing it in lots of fashion blogs and have been dying to get the courage to try it out. I think it turned out pretty well, but like one of my friends said, it's not an everyday thing. What about you, would you wear your scarf this way?


Abby

Just a quick change...






What
Blouse: TJ Maxx (American Eagle)
Skirt: Target
Tights: My mom's from the 70's!
Boots: Burlington Coat Factory
Coat: American Eagle
Earrings: A little store at the beach

Where
First to classes, then to a dinner lecture for a campus club, Women in Business.

Why
For some reason halfway through the day I all the sudden have an "ah hah!" moment about my outfits. Usually when this happens I feel forced to run back to my dorm and make the necessary changes. This morning I had on this skirt and boots with cream sweater tights and a brown turtleneck. It wasn't bad, but once I was walking around for awhile I realized that the brown of my boots and the brown of my turtleneck weren't exactly complimenting each other. So I came up with this :) What do you think? Do you ever have style epiphanies?


Abby

01 February 2010

I think I like my hair in an updo







What
Jeans: Old Navy
Blouse: Old Navy
Cardigan: Charlotte Russe
Belt: Gap
Headband: Forever 21
Earrings: Gift
Shoes: Target

Where
Classes, around campus, and working in admissions

Why
I have decided that the days I give tours in admissions (Monday,Wednesday, and Friday) I'm going to stick to pants, just for the fact it's so dang cold, and I don't really want to trek all over campus in my cute skirts. So look forward seeing my more creative and girly side Tuesdays and Thursdays :) Also, I went online shopping at etsy.com today and got the cutest vintage shirts and dresses- both for under $15! I'll be doing a post about them as soon as they come in!