Bumble bee

Despite looking a bit like an angry stinging insect, I really have a thing for bright mustard paired with rich black. Case in point: this post from way back in 2010, and this instagram as well.

I decided to dress up this relatively feminine outfit with my knotted leather belt and rocker-ish boots to make it a little edgier. I like how it turned out!

Oh, and lookie lookie! I bought myself a new amber ring from Etsy to replace the stolen one (tear!), and also as a reward for losing 26lbs so far :D

Dress: H&M
Cardigan: Target
Teggings: Re/Dress
Boots: OneStopPlus
Belt: Forever21+
Necklace: Francesca's Collections
Rings: Amber ring, GoingBizerklee. hammered gold bands, MARYJOHN
Bracelets (from left): Greece, vintage via Brooklyn Flea, Ebay, flea market

Etsy Love - tru.che Giveaway!

One of my favorite ways to pass the time is to browse around the complete goldmine that is Etsy. From vintage clothes, to funky housewares, to hand crocheted baby hats (recently purchased this one for a baby shower), to handmade jewelry, you can find it all on this amazing online marketplace, and probably at a better price, quality and style than anywhere else!

I happened to stumble across the Etsy shop tru.che, and I positively squealed in delight at what I found!

Stevie, the brains behind tru.che, is a Michigan native living in Chicago, who recently quit her day job to create her jewelry full time. She's guided by the principle that you should wear what you love - and I am loving her pieces! I love the idea of showing your hometown pride by wearing your state around your neck! Stevie can custom create any country or state for you - I want to get one of both NJ and of Greece!

The geographic pendants aren't Stevie's only specialty, she also makes adorable pendants and stud earrings like the ones above in silver, wood, acrylic, and leather. And she's offering Fatale Fashion readers a chance to win a pair!

Entering to win these adorable Bamboo Flowers from tru.che is simple - Just be a follower of the blog and leave a comment with your email! That's it!

Of course, extra entries are always available:
1. Follow @FataleFashion on twitter - let me know your twitter handle.
2. Follow @trudesign7 on twitter - let me know your twitter handle.
3. 'Like' Fatale Fashion on Facebook - let me know your FB name.
4. 'Like' tru.che on Facebook - let me know your FB name.
5. Leave a comment telling me your favorite piece in the tru.che shop.
6. Tweet about this giveaway, including both handles in your tweet!

This giveaway will be open until Sunday, May 1st. Good luck!

Vintage Finds

I love thrifting and vintage clothes as much as the next fashionista, but it's often hard to find good pieces in thrift/vintage stores that are plus size. I browsing through Etsy today and I decided to do a few searches for plus size vintage. I couldn't believe the goldmine I hit! Here are just a few of the vintage gems I found:

Left: 1970's Green Pleated Ascot Dress - $34; Right: 1980's Avante Garde Dress - $30

Vintage Reversible Wool Houndstooth Cape - $45.95

For the price, this piece is an absolute steal! It looks lush and expensive, and so cozy. The fact that it's reversible makes it even better - two capes in one!

Left: 1950's Nautical Maillot Bathing Suit - $145; 1970's Houndstooth Blazer - $29

Left: 1950's Sea and Moss Dress - $68;

This cute little number is so perfect for spring or summer with it's bright colors and swingy skirt. So funny how a dress from 60+ years ago can be right on trend. Fashion repeats itself!

 Left: 1980's Floral Jumper - $28; Right: 1960's Ocean Swirl Dress - $29

Left: 1980's White Slouchy Beaded Top - $24.99

This top is my favorite of all I looked through today. It just looks sooo luxe, and comfortable yet dressy at the same time. With the price, it's really hard not to snap this one up...it may be mine before the week is through!

Left: Vintage Cozy Sweater Coat - $47; Right Vintage Tulip Pullover - $12

There's just something about a slouchy sweater...

There's just something about a slouchy sweater that makes me feel so snuggly warm and chic at the same time. A sweater like this black kimono-sleeved number I snatched up at TJ Maxx are great because you get the same level of comfort as when you're in your favorite sweater or hoodie, but with way more style points :)

I wear this particular sweater constantly, and styled in every way you can think - casually with jeans, a tank and flats, with leggings and boots (a la today's Ootd), over dresses; it's one of my go to's when I want easy but still cute...which is pretty much all the time. I love the kimono three-quarter sleeves even though they are a little awkward to maneuver into a coat - good thing it's so thick and warm by itself! It also has a convenient little hook and eye closure mid-way down that I'll sometimes close if I want more coverage.

I wore this outfit to hangout with some friends last night and it was just what I needed - casual, comfortable; perfect for lounging while having some drinks and laughs.

Yay for accessories :) I will never have enought jewelry. The love knot on my ring finger I picked up from a shop on Etsy - it was only $6!

I got about four different colors of these skinny belts from Old Navy ages ago but hardly ever wore them until recently...I guess I never really knew how to style them. Now though, they've pretty much become a staple as far as my accessories go - this gold snake skin one especially.

Slouchy sweater: TJ Maxx

Top: Old Navy (no longer available)

Leggings JCPenny

Boots: Evans

Love Knot Ring: Etsy (no longer available)

Swirl Ring: H&M

Bracelet: Got it in Greece

Necklace: New York & Co (no longer available)

Belt: Old Navy (no longer available)

Polish: Orly Cosmic FX Galaxy girl

Big welcome to some new faces - soniam.griffiths, Beatrice, and Kinsey of In Kinsey's Closet!

In other news, I'm super excited to be participating in Big Beautyful Mess' Secret Blogger Gift Exchange! 

BBM is so awesome for setting this up, I can't wait to find out my secret blogger :) I love exchanging gifts! The great thing about the exchangees having blogs is that we can scope out each other's style to help us pick out that perfect present! Check out the the list of bloggers involved, these are some seriously stylish ladies!