The Fashion Stalker

Why Do Rompers Look Cute on Everyone But ME?!

2009-06-25T17:55:00.000-07:00

I think rompers are absolutely adorable and a perfect option to wear during the hot summer months. However, they look positively TERRIBLE on me! I swear I have tried on different fabrics, styles, brands and prices and nothing looks flattering. I actually end up resembling a prisoner or something. For those who can actually pull off this look I found three really cute styles at Nordstrom.com...

Hot Shoes for $22 bucks! Yes Please!

2009-06-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

I was browsing the 'New Arrivals' section on the Forever 21 website, and I came across these beauties....

For $22.80 these babies can be yours. I think they look extremely high quality considering the price tag, so I thought I would share! I am particularly fond of the back zipper and buckle details. They also are available in black.

I Heart Discounts

2009-06-02T12:05:00.000-07:00

This past week has been a discount shopping bonanza for me! It may be the insanely hot Texas weather causing me to escape into below freezing air conditioned stores... or the fact that my last paycheck was not designated for a dreadful bill, thus allowing me to spend to my heart's content. And I did! Pictures will be posted as soon as I get home, charge my camera and motivate my lazy arse to take some (eta: 1-3 business days). Until said event, I will tickle your imagination with a summary of my goodies.

Stop #1: Forever 21 (haven't been in ages!)
Haul:
*A loud and slightly gaudy, yet amazing, floral print skirt $21
* Denim cut off shorts that fit perfectly $17
* Floaty, chiffon, watercolor patterned tank, with exposed back zipper $19
* Sleeveless, white, crinkly tunic (Perf with skinny jeans and flats) $22
* Navy button up with roll-button sleeves (exact James Perse duplicate) $15
-note: When I mentioned the similarities to the sales girl, she looked at me with a blank stare and asked, "Who's James Perse?" *sigh*
* White satin headband with a bouquet-sized amount of cascading flowers $3
-note: Wore to dinner with the BF, he was slightly embarrassed by the stares. I basked in the fashionable glory.
* Gold and black glass dangly earrings $6
* Skinny, white, faux croc belt $6
Total: $109 before tax

Stop #2: Buffalo Exchange (resale shop for those unfamiliar)
Haul:
* A flowy, silk, brown tank by Theory $15
-note: I am a Theory junky, and when I find deals like this I am happy for a week
* Stretchy, army green, tank by Theory $17
-note: BRAND NEW WITH TAGS!! retailed for $90!
* White, cotton, crop-sleeved blazer by C & C California $15
* Grey and beige cashmere tube top by Narcisco Rodriguez $19
-note: I almost cried from happiness when I found this designer item for under twenty bucks
Total: $66 before tax

Stop #3: JC Penny (I have been dying to try out their I Heart Ronson collection)
Haul:
* Short sleeve, linen, button up, "vintage" style shirt $18
* High waisted, pastel floral, attached woven belt skirt $20
-note: It has been years since I have stepped foot inside a JC Penny and overall I was impressed with their selection. I would've looked more if I wasn't on my lunch break. I specifically went there to sample Charlotte Ronson's price-point line, but I will have to return to check out the Chip and Pepper denim collaboration for JCP as well.
Total: $38 before tax

So, for $213 before tax, I made out like a bandit! I promise I will post pictures soon to show off all my purchases. Happy shopping!

Balmain VS Bebe

2009-05-27T20:43:00.001-07:00

I was browsing through the latest issue of US Weekly (I'm a celeb junkie) and I came across these Balmain heels on both Rihanna and Audrina from the Hills. I love. They are totally flamboyant and over-the-top, but that is what makes them fun. Imagine a plain white tee, some skinny jeans and these bad boys:

The only problem is the $1700 (or more in some cases) price tag. However, many knockoffs have been created, some terrible, some not so bad. The BEST version of the Balmain is from Bebe. Unfortunately, they sold out rather quickly so Ebay is the only available option. I found a pair in my size going for $200, which is only slightly more than the original retail price. They look pretty good, huh?

This would be a huge leap outside of my fashion comfort box, so I think I'll leave them to Rihanna for now. I do think they are gorge on the right person/outfit. I was just so impressed with the Bebe version that I had to share!

Summer Denim DIY

2009-05-25T08:26:00.000-07:00

While browsing the denim selection at Neiman Marcus I noticed that most of the styles for summer are cropped and cuffed. Why pay a fortune for an off the rack pair when I can easily make my own?! I have an old pair of Sevens tucked away in my closet that I never wear, yet I can't bare to get rid of because of the ridiculous price I paid for them years ago. I plan on converting them into a style similar to this Current/Elliot version.....

All you need to do to recreate the look is cut a few inches off the bottom, roll up a few times, add some distressing and pow! Magic. For the destroyed look I like to use rough sandpaper to add an extra worn appearance on the knees and seams. If you cut holes, make them tiny, and then wash them a few times and the holes will have a more natural frayed look.

I also love the shorter version, which is just as easy to DIY... just cut off more length.

Perfect with a flowy white top or a slouchy boyfriend tee. No one will ever know you made them yourself!

Summer Dresses at Saks on Sale!

2009-05-21T10:35:00.001-07:00

My list of "Summer Must Haves", which is continuing to grow I must say, includes a bountiful selection of everyday Summer dresses. Light, casual and effortless are my prerequisites for the perfect hot weather frock. Saks Fifth Avenue just added additional markdowns and I was pleased to see discounts on a lot of current styles. The hard part will be narrowing down my selection from the favorites I have pictured below:

Was $325, Now $195
DVF

Was $315, Now $189
Theory

Was $315, Now $125
Theory

Was $295, Now $177
Theory

Was $238, Now $142
Madison Marcus

Was $162, Now $97
Ella Moss

Was $158, Now $110
Juicy Couture

Was $100, Now $60
Design History

Designer Accessories Sale

2009-05-20T10:14:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite online sample sale websites www.gilt.com is having a Memorial Day special designer accessories sale. I love it when they do these events because Gilt pulls together a bunch of different designers instead of the usual few per day (I hate waiting!). The sale starts at 12pm Eastern on May 22 and features 15 different designers including; Marc Jacobs, Nina Ricci, Dolce and Gabbana, and many more. I have frequently made purchases from this site and you MUST get there early to snag the items you want, they go quickly! You need to have access to Gilt Group to enter the sale, so if you don't already have an account you can e-mail me for an invite.

New Contemporary Line at Forever21

2009-05-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

I could not be more excited about the new contemporary line, Love 21, available at select Forever21 stores and online. Mostly because I am broke and the prices are fantastic. Also because the styles are more sophisticated and better quality then the current product. I sometimes find the clothes to be a bit on the juvenille and/or tacky side, and Love 21 will give me a reason to devote more shopping time at Forever21. After previewing some items on www.forever21.com these are my favorites:

All are under 25 bucks! I don't know how they do it!

There currently are no locations in Houston carrying Love 21, but at least I can still order online!

Maybe it's My Lucky Day

2009-05-13T16:33:00.000-07:00

I scored a deal at Sephora that can only be explained by pure luck. Let me give you the back story....

My mom has a random friend that is obsessed with beauty products. She is that person that buys a bunch of crap off of QVC, never uses it, but she can't bare to throw it away. So she sends it to my mother. I happen to love crap from QVC (hello Bare Minerals!) and benefit immensely from her unwanted products. A few weeks ago a package of goodies arrived at my parents house and I was delighted to see a can of Ojon dry hair shampoo. I have been dying to try some dry shampoo considering my hair takes forever to straighten and I hate washing it everyday. The product definitely lived up to its $24 price tag. It soaks up oil, smells amazing and doesn't make my hair look like a powdered wig. I used up the can and decided the cost was well worth the results. Hence my lucky trip to Sephora....

Me: "I am looking for the Ojon dry shampoo... do you think it is the best kind or what else do you recommend?"

Shady Sales-girl: "Oh yes, the Ojon brand is definitely worth it. We have a travel size for only 10 dollars. It is great if you are going to the beach...blah...blah"

She continues to talk about the travel size can like it is the holy grail of hair products. I am wondering why she is promoting the smaller cheaper version when I am obviously willing to buy the full size. I thank her for her "advice" and grab the large can and head to the register.
What do I see as soon as I walk up to the cashier, credit card in hand? Holy crap! A promotion sign is sitting next to a display of the exact Ojon dry shampoo I am holding: 'Sale! $8 was $24'. Are you kidding me? The product that I specifically came to Sephora for is on sale? I confirm that the deal is legitimate with the girl at the register. Okay, so the full size can is cheaper than the travel size. It all makes sense now! That sneaky sales girl didn't even tell me about the promotion they were having on this particular product. Whatever, I am too giddy with happiness to be annoyed. I bought two cans. Lucky me :)

Airports = Bad Style = My Amusement

2009-05-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things to do is people watch, mostly because I am very entertained by the everyday public and their fashion choices. I don't call this judgemental... I call this observent. The absolute BESTEST place to enjoy a little P.W. (people watching) action is the airport. To top it off, all the thousands of airport goers are also in a hurry, which only adds to my amusement. On one particular day at the Intercontinental Airport a la Houston, TX I managed to spy three unusually terrible style mishaps. Let me explain in detail...

1. Pajama Dude- My first siting was a young man in his early twenties. He was seated in the lounge area outside one of the departing gates. Nothing particularly unsual about the fellow... besides the fact that he was wearing red moose pajama pants. Abercrombie and Fitch style. I don't know whether he was confused and mistakenly thought he was attending his 8 am physics lab at The University of Phoenix or what. I know you own pants dude! I don't think one needs to be decked out in a three piece suit when traveling, but for God's sake at least put on a pair of freakin' jeans! Pajama pants with the fabric durability of a paper towel is a no-no in my book. Especially when they are bright red with giant white moose adorning them.

2. The Prosti-Tot- I am going to blame this one on poor parenting. A little girl, no older than 9, was strolling the airport book store with her father in a pair of sweatpants with "Hot" embroidered on the butt. I felt like a borderline sex offender simply for glancing at this kid's poorly placed lettering! No child should be announcing ANYTHING on their ass. Hot. Juicy. Pediphile. I don't care what the word is I don't wanna see it. I know this girl did not take a bus to the store and whip out her Visa card to purchase the "Pedi-Pants" (I think I just invented a word). Parents, think about these things. Unless you want your child to be the topic of a Nancy Grace episode you need to clothe them appropriately.

3. The Nip Slip - To get from terminal to terminal we (my boyfriend and I) had to jump aboard the light rail. A fashion faux pas is a guarunty on public transportation, in this case so was nudity. Directly next to me was a teenage girl in a flimsy floral halter dress. And no bra. Her nipple was literally staring at me. I, in my most discreet manner, proceeded to give my BF "the eye" and mouth, "Oh my God. Look. Her boob is out. David! Look at her boob! Ew. Ew!!". Maybe it wasn't as quiet as I had intended. I don't think she heard me but in a way I wish she did. How does one not realize that their nipple is protruding for all the world (and light rail patrons) to see!? The best part was that David said, "I already saw it". Leave it to the guy to notice first.

My next trip is in two weeks...watch out fellow travelers...

Don't Cage Me Bro! Trend Alert

2009-05-08T11:02:00.000-07:00

I am a major sucker for new trends and I usually jump right on board before the market becomes oversaturated with teenie-boppers sporting their 'Rave' sale rack edition. Lately, I have noticed many of the major designers launching cage inspired (yes, like a dog cage) footwear. First it was YSL... then Chanel... now it looks as if every designer has a version of some sort.

Two YSL styles

Valentino's Version

Well, it appears that the retail shoe chains have already caught on to the trend. Aldo has some similar, but not exact knock-off, styles that are really cute without being overdone. Bakers, however, has made a replica (albeit tacky) of YSL's design and I can honestly say I am not a fan. I HATE knock-offs and I am not loving the dominatrix vibe either.

Baker's Hooker-esque Shoe Eek!

Aldo uses inspiration, but not duplication, I like this one!

Overall, I am going to have to take a pass on this trend. I have a feeling it will be very short lived. Actually, as I write this I am already over it...typical...

Prevent Swine Flu in Style

2009-04-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

Remember when SARS (don't know what it stands for...nor do I care) invaded Asia in the early 2000's? Well, it was a pandemic similar to our very own Swine Flu that created chaos, death, panic aaaaand an opportunity to capitalize on the paranoid public! When ISN'T a catastophic event used as a new business venture? Just go to Louisiana and you will find your fill of "Katrina" embellished merchandise (I survived Katrina and all I got was this lousy t-shirt...). Anywho... When the SARS outbreak occured everyone in Asia started wearing amazingly flattering medical masks. You know, the white gauzy contraptions with the elastic band to keep it snuggly in place. But... why wear plain vanilla when you can have adesigner germ blocker?!

Oh yeah, actual LV product. Just when you thought all had been monogramed...

What goes better with disease and destruction than a happy little meow-meow? Of course Hello Kitty, the National Symbol of Japan, could not be left out:

I have a feeling that a designer medical mask revival is about to occur here in America. Take that you swine! I am really in favor of a Chanel inspired mask... tweed, pearls and interlocking "C's". I think I just felt Coco roll over in her grave.

The Random Product Placement Award Goes To...

2009-04-26T17:22:00.001-07:00

This weekend my friends and I gathered together for a birthday celebration that involved food, games and massive amounts of alcohol. Several hours later we were feeling good... but our beverage supply had become depleted. A few of us decided to run down the street to our liquor store of choice, Specs (hey, don't judge us, they give away free vodka samples!). For those of you who are not familiar with the retail chain it is basically the mecca of all that is alcoholic. So I was rather caught off guard when we walked in the front door and the first thing that caught my eye was:

Holy tacky flip-flops Batman! Actual photo taken with my phone.

Yes, those really are flip flops with glued on plastic bubbles and sea creatures. I almost had a fashion heart attack. There were a variety of gaudy creations...flowers with bumblebees...fruits...hummingbirds...you get the drift. Not only was I in complete amazement that this product (ironically named 'Hot Flops') had been manufactured, but that Specs had purchased them for sale to the booze buying public! My only explanation for such a random product placement would be that the buyers at Specs had considered the fact that a presumable amount of customers are under the influence while shopping. Only a drunk and/or high person would ever buy such ridiculous footwear. Either that or the owner is sleeping with the crazy crafty creator of Hot Flops....

Flash Sale! Ya better hurry!

2009-04-24T12:12:00.000-07:00

On theoutnet.com, an amazing new website from the folks at net-a-porter.com, there is a 48 hour designer dress sale happening as we speak! The outnet.com is the outlet version of its sister site and hosts a gamut of great designer deals. They frequently have "flash sales" with unbelievable bargains. They often sell out quickly, so if you like a style you need to snap it up asap! Here are two bargains they are featuring right now:

Alice and Olivia, $116 originally $385!

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, $128 originally $365!

All you need to do is go to the homepage and click on the "Flash Sales" link and register for your chance to snag a super cute dress up to 80% off. Plus you can check the option to be notified of upcoming sales. I am loving this new website!

It's Jorts Season!!

2009-04-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

The weather is getting warmer. The trees and flowers are blossoming. Birds are chirping... Here come the Jorts!
Jorts: jean shorts worn by the male species creating an unflattering physique and lack of taste. Example:

I honestly think I am allergic to jorts wearing men. I become extremely nauseated, my eyes begin to water and my palms become clammy. I believe it is our fashion duty to eliminate the wearing of jorts to avoid a scene such as this:

I apologize for any vomiting that may have been induced due to the above photo.

From this day forward whenever I encounter a felon of the jorts wearing crime I will proclaim the following:
"Citizens Arrest! I herby declare your jorts banned by the court of style from this day henceforth!"
I will then direct the offender to the nearest clothing outpost to immediately find a suitable alternative and dispose of the jorts for eternity! Let's make the world a more stylish place...one jort at a time.

Side Note: Women are not subjected to the above laws. Look at how hot denim shorts (not jorts) for the ladies can be:

Shoes I am Losing Sleep Over....

2009-04-23T17:10:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is rather pathetic how I often lay sleeplessly in bed and visualize all the spring/summer shoes I need to complete my warm weather outfits. It is a truth I must embrace. Lack of sleep is in my apparent future...however I have compiled a drool-worthy list of must haves. Well worth the zombie-ness.

Chinese Laundry, on www.piperlime.com
I am totally digging the tribal vibe, a big trend for Spring. I consider this to be a trendy item (aka I won't wear it next year) so I must abide by my fashion rules and avoid overspending. These are only $80 bucks! Perfectly paired with a bright flowy dress.

Nine West
Nine West has recently been blowing my mind! I have never been a huge fan of the chain, I usually opted for Aldo instead. However, the Spring collection has been surpisingly chic and non-mom-like. Plus they are all under $100. I could easily walk out with all three pairs and not feel too terribly guilty.

Tory Burch, Saks Fifth Avenue
My list would not be complete without at least one Tory item. I. Am. In. Love. These are the most perfect flats I have encountered thus far. I can picture wearing these with loose fitting linen shorts, a blousy tucked-in white tank and an oversized leather tote. Oh! And my hair in a Jennifer Aniston side braid thingy. Wow, I am definitely channeling my inner hippie...

Sigerson Morrison, Neiman Marcus
These designer gladiator sandals are on my "if I were filthy rich" list. I mean, they are only $645 bucks! The gladiator trend has actually carried through Spring 2009, but in more of a subdued not-so-300-the-movie way. The sparkle just makes them girly enough... and I am a sucker for sparkles. I want I want!!

Urban Outfitters
Lastly, I must give the buyers at Urban Outfitters major props for never failing to impress me with a unique assortment and the ability to hit every price point. The Cherokee-vibed flats pictured above are $35 bucks. Amazing. The laser cut lace booties are surprisingly versatile. I'm picturing grungy denim cut-offs, a black boy-tank and a vintage sling-bag. You see? The shoes at Urban are just begging to be styled. I love 'em all.

Amazing D.O.D. (Deals of the Day) 4/23/09

2009-04-23T06:37:00.000-07:00

Here are the great shopping deals I have come across for April 23, 2009:

BCBG: $100 dollars off a $300 dollar purchase until May 2. It ends up being a savings of 33%!!! They have some really adorable spring dresses and wide leg pants that I am currently obsessing over.

Neiman Marcus: With a $350 Tory Burch purchase you get a FREE Ikat Pareo. Super cute and one of the better gift with purchase items I have seen. Plus, one pair of TB wedges is all you need to get the free gift! See picture below:

Aldo Shoes: There is a 'secret' clearance section that is only accessible with a code: 5489548. Use the code to find some great shoe deals!

White House Black Market: 25% off purchase April 23 and 24. You need the e-mail to get the discount in stores or use code 8852 for online purchases. E-mail me and I will forward the discount on to you!

Glamour Magazine Glambassador

2009-04-22T11:29:00.000-07:00

I recently found out that I was selected to be a Glamour Magazine "Style Glambassador" for the city of Houston, TX. I filled out the application a few months ago (which happened to be more in depth then my college application) and completely forgot about it. When I received the "congratulations" e-mail I was shocked and totally ecstatic! I have had a lot of exposure in the industry due to my various jobs in the fashion arena, but I wasn't expecting to be one of the 100 people chosen. My duties as a "Glambassador" will be to report on the trends in Houston as well as promote Gamour events and product testings. Hmmm...sounds right up my alley! I will be using this blog to report all of my adventures in Glamour land. More to come.....