Pencil Skirts!

I can safely say that I have many layers of addiction to my shopping, but one thing that I can always count on me obsessing over are pencil skirts...

There is something so tailored and classic that you just can't go wrong!  They can be used for many occasions from work to play...

Play around with blazers, belts, even dress up a "work" pencil skirt with fun sequin top for a night out.  

I love the pieces below because with one pencil skirt there are two great outfits to go from day to night! And I love how you can play around with the shoe colors too! 

Pencil skirt from day to night by rlm427

I have tried to stop myself from buying more pencil skirts, but there is no hope for me...so now, I just want to share and pass along my obsession with you! :)

NYC

So I spent this past weekend in NYC with my parents and had such a great time.  Even at 31, I actually do love being around my parents! :)

A some of you may know, I moved to Rochester NY from Atlanta for a job.  My parents came up to Rochester to then drive down to NYC.  But on the way we stopped by what I will now call the mecca of all outlets.  It's a little slice of shopping heaven called Woodbury Common.   Check out the list of stores that they have.

Woodbury Common Outlet

After that fantastic experience, we then headed into the city.  We stayed in Times Square and while walking around I found myself in the Forever 21 right in the heart of Times Square.  I was stunned at the size (4 stories), the sheer number of people (you would have thought it was Black Friday and they were giving away clothes for free..that is how busy it was!!!) and that it stayed open until 2 am! I know I know...was in NYC and shopped in a store that I can find just about anywhere...but I just could not help myself...and this is not your average F21...and with 4 stories, I had a whole lot more goodies than I can find in my local store! :) Just a few of the items I picked up that I can't wait to play around with! 

Navy Blue Lace mini skirt

Red Shorts

Colorful world!

All over we are seeing big bold and bright colors for this season! Much of it being in the form of colored denim! I have to admit, I found myself a bit skeptical about this...as I just didn't know if I could pull it off...

But...I gave in...and I bought SEVERAL pairs...I just couldn't resist!!! :)

I think the BEST way to pull the look off (and ease into the trend)  is to pair your colored denim with a basic and simple piece...maybe a simple blazer, in neutrals, a tops in solid colors or soft patters (ie stripes)...a neutral shoe...

Something like this:




Some of the places I have scored some really good deals on some colored denim:

Gap Skimmer Legging Jeans

Forever21 Skinny Jeans

Haha...I know this looks like a Christmas tree with these pictures...sorry about that! :)

Beauty: Save or Splurge?

Not only am I self proclaimed shopaholic, I am also a product-holic (I know that is not a word, but it seemed right to say it in this case..lol) I can spend hours in Sephora and Ulta and not even think twice about it! haha!

One thing is for sure, there are a lot of beauty products out there! I wish I could try them all and if I could I think I would....but since that really is not feasible, I do have some staples that are always in my beauty arsenal!

There are the products that I always have on me...Admittedly, some are not in my usual budget, but with certain items, I don't compromise on quality (which something means paying a bit more)....

My splurges:



HOWEVER, even with that said, there are still beauty products that I use that I will not splurge on and work GREAT (sometimes better than their expensive counterparts)...

The items I save on:

A nail polish and a mascara are ways to really save on your beauty regimen! I have tried many of an expensive mascara and time and time again have found them to be no different than over the counter brands! My personal favorite are Maybelline mascaras! I have tried just about all of them and have been happy with the all!

eBay Shopping

rmfphoto.net/

So I have previously talked about my love of thrift shopping.  But with the surge of pretty much everything being online, I wanted to also share my "online thrift shop"....eBay!  Sometimes eBay gets a bad wrap because of those bad apples that post "fakes" or other bad quality items...but if you look and do a little due diligence...you can really find some great things. 

I know I know...it sounds a bit odd, but it is a filled with really great items for...usually...a great price!  What is even better is you can narrow down and refine your search for quicker browsing.  You can search for something as broad as "blue pencil skirt" and use the buttons on the left hand size to narrow down the size(s) so what comes up is only that in which you are interested in.  You could be as vague as just searching for "pencil skirt" and use the filters on the left to only include certain color(s), size(s), etc.

I usually recommend to put several sizes because sometimes people list things a certain way and some brands can run smaller or larger.  I am usually a size 2, but I usually include 0,2,4, S, XS...and because I am on the shorter size, I will include petite sizes in my search as well.  Other than that, some of the same tips for thrift shopping apply to eBay shopping.  You absolutely need patience-I would recommend checking back at least two times a week.  People are posting to eBay all the time, so what you are looking for will eventually become available.

To protect yourself, PLEASE pay close attention to a seller's rating.  It sounds common-sense, but I have seen more often than not, people not paying attention to that.  

Good luck!

Wish List

As for my shopping wish list--April is my birthday month and in a "normal" year I would be wishing for a lot, but seeing as it has been a little tight because of my move, my wish list has become a little bit more reasonable! :)

I just started my recent wish list, so this is the beginning of what I like to call a "living document" as I will always be adding to it...Hopefully I will be able to check off a few off in April...Let's see what I come back with...I am on the hunt for these at a bargain-I don't believe in retail! :)

This is just what I am on the hunt for, but you know it goes, I'll go in looking for one thing and usually come out with some other items. haha! :)


Wish List
A great pair of wedges (I am eye-balling these hard as a birthday present)
Colorful heel
Green skinny jeans
White Blazer
White or Ivory lace top
Colorful silk blouse
Black and White pencil skirt
Green pencil skirt
Color lace mini skirt
White Silk blouse I want to find this one but without that price tag..lol)
Bright colored pencil skirt (looking at green, cobalt blue or bright pink)
Black Maxi skirt
Chunky gold neckalce
 

summertime date

summertime date by rlm427 featuring 24k jewelry

Really love this look...with the nautical look and then the pops of color.  It is a perfect little outfit for office to going out for a happy hour.  I have almost completed my "look for less" so stay tuned for that!

You can play around with the blazer...a pink blazer or a cobalt blue blazer would work as well!

In the meantime, here are some of the items I found to get you started on this look!

Dorothy Perkins

Forever21