You're an animal tonight

Oh, sunshine. Between shorter days and lots of rain, it's a rare sight these days (and getting rarer).

So, I decided to keep my Evans booties after all. They're cute no? They are a bit roomy but with a pair of thick socks they fit well enough, and I love them with skinnies - these skinnies in particular, the Zip Me Skinny Jean from City Chic. On sale and with a credit I snagged these babies for just over a dollar! They fit so well through the leg and butt, but of course are roomy in the waist - it's my usual problem with all this junk in my trunk. I had to hold 'em up with a belt this time, but they'll be making their way down to my sewing room for a quick darting soon enough. But if you're straight through the waist and hips I can't recommend these jeans enough! They're super stretchy and comfortable, and I just love the rich, dark wash.

Oh, and do you like my new bag?? Finally, a purse big enough to hold all the crap I lug around. I scored it off ideeli; the price was so good that I just had to get the black version for my sister for Christmas as well! I just might have to borrow it - that's allowed right?

Sweater, button down: Old Navy
Skinnies: City Chic
Booties: Evans
Necklace: H&M
Coat: New York & Co. outlet
Bag: ideeli

Up for grabs: Evans Booties

I ordered these Evans booties a few weeks ago and they're simply too wide and even a bit too big for my 9-9 1/2 foot. I got them with a sale code for $40 + shipping, but I'm willing to sell them for $35 + shipping (I'd let you know how much shipping would be from my PO before I sent - they're selling for $49 + $10 shipping on Evans right now). Anyone interested? Questions about the booties? Email me or comment here!

Utility blues

Top: NY&Co Outlet (here on the regular site). Skirt: NY&Co, thrifted. Tights: c/o We Love Colors. Booties: ASOS. Jacket: Macy's. Necklace: gifted. Bangles: Syms. Ring: NY&Co. Polish: Orly Galaxy Girl.

I have this problem. It starts with an innocent, selfless shopping trip to pick up a birthday gift for my sister at the local outlets, and it ends with me in a dressing room in a frenzy, trying on about 20 pieces while my sister's pile sadly stays at about two. But at a New York & Company outlet store where everything is on additional sale, how can you help but try on half the place?! This blue utility shirt is one of the pieces I picked up that day, it came out to about $14 if I'm not mistaken.This one's a hit for me not only because of the modest V-neck, waist-cinching tie belt and fantastic color (thanks, BF, for steering me away from the gray), but because the XL buttons over the girls with nary a gape! Unheard of!

Don't worry, I did manage to purchase bunch of awesome pieces for my little sister as well - between the NY&Co, Banana Republic, and J. Crew outlets and H&M, I got her a few flowy chiffon tops, a red bodycon skirt, as well as a few choice pieces of jewelry :) I love shopping for other people almost as much as I love shopping for myself!

Skirt remixed:

Much delayed

Sorry for the blog silence! I had much less time than I anticipated to post this weekend, and I know I wasn't the only one exhausted after losing an hour of sleep! So here's my much delayed birthday work outfit :)

Button down: Alfani via Macy's
Dress: Forever 21+
Tights: Target
Booties: ASOS
Necklace: Macy's
Rings: Nordstrom Rack
Bracelet: Stella & Dot

Soo I was feeling rather ballsy being as it was my special day and all, so for the first time ever I decided to rock the red lip...to work no less! I did feel glamorous, but I don't know that it's something I'd be comfortable doing as often as some people. It's just so loud! I think I need to get a shade of red that's darker, maybe more towards a dark wine shade rather than true red. But I did like it and I think I'd wear it again on a night I'm feeling particularly sassy.

I love the graphic print on this buttondown, which doesn't get worn all too often. I really wanted more color in here and was searching through my drawers for my pink tights, but alas no luck so I settled for this textured pair from Target. I'm feeling like my closet is a bit lacking in the shoe department, so I'm going to make it my business to stock up on some fun bright heels (especially wedges) and flats for the summer.

All in all, not one of my most exciting outfits, but I liked the little twist I put on it by pairing the button down under the dress, and the kick of my bright lips. I'm also loving this pretty spiral bangle that boyfriend's mom got me for my birthday. It's from a company called Stella & Dot, which is much like Lia Sophia or Premier Designs in that it's sold through reps at jewelry parties and such, but you can also find their pieces here! I really love their style, it's trendy and cute, but doesn't lean toward matronly like some Lia Sophia pieces tend to do.

These are just a few of my favorites. Aren't they awesome? I would love to layer the heart and arrow necklace together! And the two statement necklaces?? SO fabulous!

Show your spots

I'm a bit behind the times here! This was my work outfit on Friday, and as far as last minute outfits go, I like this a lot!

The plum top I'm wearing was sent to me by the lovely Lucie of LucieLu. She touts the Veola Top as best suited for busty girls, and she was definitely right. I love the pleating detail at the bust, which enhances rather than overpowers as many tops with pleating/ruffle details do when it comes to girls with big girls. My favorite thing about this top though, is the v-neckline, and that it's flattering without being too low. If there's one thing I hate, it's always having to layer tanks under my v-necks because my heavy duty lock-and-load-those-bad-boys bra ALWAYS shows. I received this top in a 2x as Lucie recommended I size down - my bust measurement, 47in, put me in between a 2x and 3x. I'd definitely recommend this top for other well-endowed fashionistas - It's cute and flattering and so easy to remix in countless ways.

I paired the top with this leopard print cardigan (thanks, Mom!), my denim trousers (now a staple), black booties, and some of my favorite silver accessories. I've really started to embrace wide-leg trousers/pants as of late. I've come to realize that they are some of the most flattering for my shape as far as bottoms go. I love the elongated legline I get from wearing long trousers with heels juuust peaking out the bottoms.

Cardigan: Borrowed from Mom
Top: c/o LucieLu
Trousers: Target
Booties: ASOS
Necklace: Macy's
Watch: Syms
Ring: New York and Company

Also, I hope you all had a lovely Valentine's Day! We had beautiful weather here in NJ yesterday, so the boyfriend and I spent ours wandering around Montclair, which is full of little shops and boutiques, as well as this awesome old bookstore where we spent at least an hour browsing and walked out with a stack of books. We also popped into Urban Outfitters where boyfriend picked up these hilarious socks, as well as "Like" and "Dislike" stamps to use while grading his students' papers. Love it! I found myself absolutely drooling over a few dresses, but of course they're not carried in my size. I also agonized over this gorgeous blanket, but just couldn't rationalize spending the money. One day!

Hey, don't forget to enter my BaysideGems giveaway!

You ain't nothing but a houndstooth

My Lane Bryant houndstooth dress has been sitting in my closet taunting me ever since I ordered it in mid-October. I was holding off wearing it at first because I really wanted to pair it with the booties I was expecting from ASOS. When I got the sad news that my ASOS order was not coming (oh the lies!), I still refrained - my trusty peep toe pumps died after a crazy alumni weekend at my college, and I need a new pair of pumps to wear with the dress.

Enter the elusive ASOS package that arrived on Monday! As soon as I tore those booties out of the box I knew it was time to break out the dress as well. It was the moment I had been waiting for! And when it finally all came together, I was not disappointed in the least.

Now clearly, the dress is much better on me with the cardi. Without, it's a little WOAH BOOBS! But with the cardi, I LOVE this dress. The quality is great, I love the thick ponte fabric. The weight of the ponte plus the houndstooth pattern do a great job of camouflaging any lumps and bumps - I love how smooth my silhouette looks, especially in the skirt area. If there's one thing I would change with this dress, it'd be the neckline. I don't find the cowl neck to be the most flattering on me; I feel like my chest prevents it from draping as much as it would on a less endowed person. I replaced the skinny black belt it came with with an almost exact replica of my own, simply because mine is shorter and the tail doesn't stick out too much. If you're thinking of buying this dress, especially online, know that it runs a bit big - I'm usually in the 16-18 range, but this dress is a 14/16 and has room to spare.

The buttons on my cardi were gold so I took that and ran with it. While invading my mom's jewelry box, I found these "x" earrings and matching bracelet which I thought would be cute as they sort of mimic the houndstooth print. The watch was the same idea so I threw it on as well, though I can tell you I don't think I even glanced at it once for the time lol...I'm not really a watch person I guess.

And last but not least, the booties. OH, the booties!

I am beyond in love with these. If it was legal to marry a pair of shoes, we'll be on our honeymoon right now. These shoes made me feel fierce. FIERCE! The heel is soo sexy but still not bad at all to walk in due to the hidden platform. and the pointed toe is TO DIE FOR. I love how the fabric upper of the bootie blends with my tights and looks seamless; it makes my legs look long and lean. All in all, this outfit was a winner for me from head to toe. I got SO many compliments and felt great all day :) and that's what fashion's all about right??

Dress: Lane Bryant
Cardi: Mom's closet
Tights: Hue
Booties: ASOS (no longer available)
Jewelry: Mom's jewelry box...thanks mom!
Polish: Essie Limited Addiction

For some, the print on this dress might be a little loud, but if it's the silhouette you love, Lane Bryant also sells the same dress in black Ponte.

Just got paid...Thursday morning...

The good people over at ASOS must be stalking me, because how else would they know to send such an inticing, delicious, impossible to ignore email to me on the very morning I get paid?

 And when such a tempting offer stares a girl in the face...what is said girl to do???

Need I say more? My order comes "On or before October 19th" :) Have you guys ordered anything from ASOS?

Welcome to some newcomers! NEM1976, Michaniya, N, cabyvanbaarle, and Danellyn of Caviar Dreams on a Cheese and Cracker Budget. Check her out!