I think that resurrections are important. They mark a point in time when something that was dead is revamped. I'm going to think of my blog as well as my life, resurrected. I feel like we all get to that crossroads in life where we really have to make the decision to go left or right. Well, I choose to go straight ahead. I'm taking the path that no one has already carved out for me. I left my job of 3 years to figure out what it is that I love and really have passion for. That's not to say I didn't have passion for my job, I just want to be part of something so big, it's almost scary. I want to flourish and really thrive! When I was younger, people would always tell me that I was, "destined for something great!" It always seemed to come down to being a famous actress, painter, or a fashion designer. I finally had to let go of my perception that if I didn't make that move to New York and be great for everyone else, I would be a failure. I know one thing that I haven't been able to let go of, and that for me, is fashion. Fashion is a way to escape, a way to re-invent, re-define, build up, deconstruct, measure up, stack up, and step out. Ever since I was 8 years old, I knew I had a talent and an idea of how to bring people happiness. It was always through clothing. On trips to the department store with my mother, I would re-dress mannequins and 4-ways creating these great outfits for people to notice as they walked by. I would then hide in the rounder (as most kids did at that age) and wait for women to come along, notice my outfit, and take it off the rack for themselves. This made me giggle with joy knowing that someone thought my vision was amazing. It was at that point, I realized...I LOVE THIS! I was a baby, "Confessions of a Shopaholic's", Becky Bloomwood shopping extraordinaire in the making (minus the heinous debt). I learned French in high school and college because I knew Paris was a future dream for me. I worked at various fashion retailers of all levels so I could learn the business from the ground up. I put myself through college working in a factory at night and sleeping in my car just so I had that paper to say I knew fashion inside and out. I even interned at a prestigious men's boutique in Chicago to see how everything comes together after a vision is formed. There was only one thing missing. The opportunity. So, here's where we come back to the present day. It is time for me to make that opportunity and idea a reality. I will not stop banging the doors down until I'm right at home where I am supposed to be. I am meant to be in the industry, and no matter how much convincing I tell myself that I should just become an accountant, I will have that sensation in the bottom of my stomach that no other job will fill except making people feel great about themselves with an outside expression. This is my obsession. What is yours?

   As for today, I enjoyed the sun, fueled my fire, got dressed, and showed up to life. I picked a green high low dress from Forever 21 that hit the sun and made summer feel like it was late. I paired it with a Forever 21 leather/cotton black and white varsity jacket for hardness (we all know I mix girly and edgy on the regular). I got to try out the sea legs on my new J. Crew gold cheetah pendant and mixed a few other gold layers in. The short necklace is from Rue 21 and the longer cross is from Forever 21. My earrings are small gold hoops I snagged at a boutique called, Dear 72. I even pulled out the tribal heels from Akira Boutique today. They have the best gold hardware on the front and the orange color just puts you in a great mood. I also paired everything with a small black and white checkered clutch from Charming Charlie's. The shades are also from Rue 21 and are a cheaper retro alternative if you want that 1950s charm. Below are a few shots from today and I will post a few copycat items you might like.

                                                                          J. Crew

                                                                  Christian Siriano

 

Lulus

 

Tom Ford

Painting the Town

I'M BACKKKKK! FALL TRENDS ARE HERE AND SO AM I! We have those autumn leaves rolling in soon and this is hands down my favorite time of the year! Warm rich earth tones, cozy blankets, and a great hot chocolate. It's not too hot or too cold outside. I personally think there is a fine line between strolling down the street in your 6" boots like Giselle B. and sliding on a glacier of ice onto your face. We have all been there, so don't act like you haven't! My focus is on products I am loving right now! All i can say is: oxblood is the new red! I know it sounds a little bone chilling, but I am Rachel Zoe dying for this gorgeous hue. Oxblood if not called by another name is close to burgundy, wine, Chianti, or (if you are absolutely color challenged) very, very, very deep red. Here are a few pieces I've been drooling over:

                                                          McQueen Tote

 

Here are a few affordable fashions that aren't runway rich, but still give that great color:

ASOS faux leather a-line dress (Eco friendly too!)

ALDO calf hair pump (love the color blocking)

Another big trend that I don't think I can let go of so quickly is the famed Isabel Marant wedge gym shoe (sigh). My two favorite things rolled into one, but in a totally non-tacky way! I know everyone remembers those stiletto converse people were rocking about a decade ago. I must admit, this was def a fashion faux pas pour moi! To make it even worse, I had them in L.A. Lakers colors (shivers). I have seen these sneakers worn so many different ways. The way I love to see them is with a long maxi + denim jacket, or with cutoff shorts and a leather jacket.

                                                              Isabel Marant

And it it just happens you can't spring the $300 for these bad boys, there are plenty knock offs that get the job done just fine! I have seen some pairs starting at $25!! FASHION FOR EVERYONE!

ON TO BEAUTY!!! I have been majorly obsessed with retinol and anything that stalls aging. My new fav product just might be L'Oreal Revitalift Complete. It has pro-retinol A + elastin complex that boasts firming and anti-wrinkling of the skin. I started using it today and will update you each week on how it is working. I don't have a lot of wrinkling since I have actually taken my mothers wise advice about not pulling on my delicate skin. I even quit putting eyeliner on the bottom lid so I won't have to scrub my eye to death just to remove it. The concoction cost me a grand total of about $20. I was going to try ROC instead, but it was just too expensive for such a small amount. I'm sure its good, if its in such small packaging. Butttt....in the true words of a "save-anista," I'm cheap at times!

 

Lipstick is calling my name. I have always been a MAC Lipglass gal with the occasional lipstick, but I'm getting my adult on and have dipped back into the world of lipstick. Last year I was rocking a bold red Sephora lip stain a lot. I loved the red and got a ton of compliments, so I guess onto new hues. I bought 3 new color lipsticks to fit my different moods. All of them had great moisture and applied smoothly. I will say the Maybelline wore off all day which meant constant re-apps. : ( I wish the red was more coral, and the vamp purple is outside the box for me. It was in the name of experimenting anyway. I am intrigued by all the burgundy swirling around, but I think the Va Va violet needed to have a more red tone to it. Let me know which ones you like and don't!

                          Maybelline: Fuchsia Fever

                           Revlon: Fire and Ice                     

                                   
                    Revlon: Va Va Violet               

These are my new fav loves and there are so many more to share with you. I want to see all of you slap on some oxblood and make it your new go-to color this season. Let me know what products you are dying to try and I'll see what I can work in. Until next time! ;)

XOXO,
Fashunguru4u

What in the jorts!?

Let's just go ahead and run through my new obsession for the day. (Or maybe the next few days) MICRO shorts! Whoot! Or "hot pants" if you will! Seriously, we all thought this trend was only reserved for Lady Gaga, Beyonce, The Minaj wonder, and other hippie-like figures. This style showed up this year on Jason Wu's Spring/ Summer show and also creeped up on Jill Stuart's catwalk. I styled a girl today that wanted an insane original look and we ended up picking these shorts! Yes they slightly resemble panties, but if rocked right...they work! We ended up with an awesome two-toned chiffon button up top, a huge statement necklace under the collar, the shorts (of course), and some kick butt rocker studded platforms! Honey, I took her look from two cent street walker, to edgy fashion goddess. She had the confidence, I just simply had the eye. Other ways to rock hot pants are with an over sized boyfriend blazer(if you are shy like me), with blackout tights and platforms for a cool look, or if you are daring throw on a 1/2 bustier and a sheer top! Send me your pics of how you rock your hot pants. As for jean shorts, they are everywhere and in every form possible right now. I have never really been a "shorts" girl, but since I've lost weight, I see the obsession with having a million different colors, lengths, cuts, and styles! I mean, at a certain point you start to say to yourself, "do I really need pair #78?" DIY jean short projects are easy and can make your pair really stand out. A few friends asked me how to jazz up old shorts the other day. I say, bleach 'em, paint splatter 'em, dye 'em, stud 'em, distress 'em, cut 'em, lace 'em up, and re-sew those bad boys! The ideas are endless! Take a day out with some friends and just have a craft day! I have a craft date planned with my bestie so I will post as soon as we start creating. In true Fashunmash tradition I have not disappointed my readers. I have a great Oh No "HE" Didn't today! I have witnessed male jorts too many times. Men, it is not okay to wear cutoffs!!!! I know the breeze of daisy dukes seems alluring, but please refrain! Until next time readers.

                                                 OH NO "HE" DIDN'T!!!

                                        The fact that these are cut offs and he has a hairy back

                                        makes this pic all the better!

                                          Hot pants done right the femme way........

                                                Akira lace tiered hot pants

    

                                               Hot pants done with more edge......

                                               Asos sequin high waisted hot pants

XOXO,
Fashunguru4u

Hot Mess!

So as you all know, I'm a bit of a hot mess! Yet, I try to remain a fashionable hot mess if I must be one. It's been a while and I really needed to figure out what I wanted to blog about. Whether it be cosmetics, food, travel, or fly fishing...I realized, I NEED my fashion!!! So I'm back with a whole lot of photos, way better trash talk, good convo, fashion (of course), and OH NO SHE DIDN'T moments that will make your jaw drop open! I had too many people begging for the blog to come back, so we are in action people. Right now, my fashion obsessions are: anything cut out, button up shirts with statement necklaces under the collar, acid wash anything, and classy neutrals. Yes, I could follow everything fashion society tells me to concerning the latest trends...but that is too easy. You can follow whatever trend you feel like at any given moment! Who says we need to conform like sheep? Tomorrow I might be feeling like rocking all pink head to toe! By the way, I do NOT recommend that to anyone. And that is why I wanted to re-introduce my blog in a nutshell. This is a place that doesn't always go with the grain. It's about putting items in your life that make you feel special and beautiful. Make sure you try and experience that as many days of the week as you can.

XOXO,
Fashunguru4u

I swear I'm adopted!

Okay, so today I'm officially calling my parents out. My strange obsession for fashion and super weird things have finally fully come to light! I realized this when I showed my mother this great new tweed Chanel inspired jacket that I have been fawning over for months. It was regularly $129 and I snagged that baby for under $50! That is a steal in my book. Besides, it's tweed and what doesn't go with tweed? Exactly! My mother proceeded to tell me that it was, "okay," and that I should know she is not into this whole fashion shebang. Depressing! So, I ended up in awe alone eyeing my yummy deals that I scored while I was in Tennessee this past weekend. What can I say about Tennessee? Hmmm...? I thought there would be a gang of toothless people walking around in cowboy hats with guns in holsters on their hips. Of course it was the complete opposite! As crazy as this might sound, I was on the hunt for an original pair of cowboy boots. Well, since my friends just wanted to sleep all day, that never happened. I would have probably scored a Stetson too while I was on a roll with the boots. When I really think about it though, the only proper place to purchase a perfect pair of cowboy boots is...Texas! I went to Green Hills Mall and it was hands down one of the nicest malls that I have been to in a while. Here are some pics of my great purchases and trip:

 Awesome visual @ Macy's in Nashville! Those are actually shopping bags turned into a dress! Too cool!

 Gorgeous gold window at Louis Vuitton

 Associate at M.A.C. I loved her hair and told her she just had to be on my blog! Ombre hair is in! (Oh, and def picked up some of my fav products while I was there): concealer (NW35), blush (breezy), eyeshadow pot (paradisco), liquid eye liner pot (carbon)

 Popped into Juicy Couture for a sec to check out the jewelry (had to get out of there quick before I bought this awesome locket)

 Gelato before leaving! Soooo good! Fruit of the forest (nice name...not).

 6 inch Bebe pumps I scored! better than spending $800 on the YSL Tribute Pump! I will go into the importance of EVERY woman owning a pair of basic black pumps later. That is a whole other subject!

 Cute silk beaded Bebe top. Looks great on!

 Tye-dye bandage skirt from Bebe (yeah, I was on a roll)

My cheap version of a Chanel jacket. It's actually from Express! I am in looooove with this bad boy! Def pairing up with my black Zac Posen skirt!

I know everyone loves this next part of my blog, hot and not, but today it's on pause. More pics to come. And yes, while in Nashville I saw some ensembles so terrible it made my head spin. I wasn't even fast enough with the camera because I was in sheer shock! Too funny. Well, hold on until next post and I'm sure you won't be disappointed! More pics to come from my camera too of my trip! And remember....if you think you were adopted (like me), buy yourself a pair of cowboy boots and it will make everything better. :)

Shoes, shoes everywhere, but not a drop to drink

I have recently developed a shoe obsession. I mean, I have always had one, but it has gotten crazy lately. Have you ever felt like you just never have enough good shoes. When i bought a great pair of black moto boots the first thought in my head was, "I wonder if these come in brown?" That just goes to show you that for me personally, there is always another great shoe adventure right around the corner. Something that took me a long time to realize was that when your shoes become, "busted" you need to just buckle down and buy some new ones. Now I know this is hard for many people, because I am one of them. I just threw away a pair of brown flat boots the other day and I think a tear slowly trickled down my face. Just the thought of my poor dependable boots sitting somewhere in a landfill made me sad to the core. Then, I envisioned all the other shoes I could buy to replace those and the thought of justifying my purchases, so...I got over them real quick. My latest obsession are Converse, Clogs (non-Crocs people...I know what you were thinking), moto inspired boots, and nude classic pumps. Personally, I think every woman NEEDS a nude pump. It makes everything look sexy and classy. You just can't go wrong with this shoe I tell you. A moto boot gives an edgy feel to the prettiest of dresses or with a great plaid shirt. The clog is great for that bohemian feel mixed with hippie chic vibe. Speaking of a great feel. I ran into an awesome sale at Gap today. 40% off entire purchase (even sale). I debated getting another pair of 1969 jeans for $50, but I got 2 pairs of boots and 2 pairs of gymshoes for my twin nieces for only $27! They were adorable. Enough of the sale...here are some of my recent snapshots.

                                                   New hightop sneaks (Levi's)

MMmmmm.....jumbo shrimp! Snack time! Lol.

                 Plaid isn't just for lumberjacks! (Plaid shirt:

Old Navy, screen tee: Forever21,

        chain necklaces: Forever21)

(Clothes and accessories: Forever21)

                  I heart these t-strap clogs! Designers really put a spell on me this year with this fashion re-DO! Clogs showed up on a million runways this year. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Miu, Miu were a few designers that took the shoe to the next level. I looked up the history of clogs and hmm...pretty interesting. Did you know that clogs were orginally worn as a safety shoe for factory workers?

Let's see who made my best dressed list this time:

BEST DRESSED:

Cute and Casual + a bit of spice

                         Jamal wearing: A&F, Structure denim, and Converse, Jasmine wearing: all A&F How cute are they?

Kara wearing: Charlotte Russe Scarf and shoes, Forever21 denim, accessories Forever21, satchel from Europe

Theresa wearing: one shouldered Misope' dress, studded shoes, and bracelets

She always looks cute when I see her and is always wearing something edgy! And along with all the great fashion comes the bad! That's right, it's that time again......

OH NO SHE DIDN'T:

Coming out the house looking a hot mess

                           Ugg boots, white belt, belly top (you can't see the tragedy from the back thank goodness), and a head full of Albert Einstein hair! Wow, that was beyond too much to even comment on! At least the bag is cute (I'm always looking for the positive).

 Ralph Lauren classic on the bottom half and punk rock on the top. Can we just make our minds up here? This mohawk was just too much with the RL pastels.

Oh, don't try and cover up that saggy rump! You decided to come out the house in ill fitting pants and a midget pony tail. Double whammy!

Just to leave you with another great product I encountered. Go pick up a bottle of So Sexy Smooth Straight & Silky Styling Mist from Victoria's Secret. Wow, that was a tongue twister. If your hair is a frizz factory it will lay it out without making a big old buildup mess. And you can pick up two more things from the line all for only $25! I would go with: Style Tame & Smooth Instant Detangler, Style Brilliant & Glossy Shine Mist, Style Clean & Go Dry Shampoo, and the Smoothing Shine Serum. All good choices!

That's it for today and hope to see you next post! And remember...dress to impress if you don't want to end up a mess (on my list). Too funny!

To Crocs, or not to Crocs?

So, I've decided that I might just commit one of the worst fashion crimes known to man! I might purchase a pair of Crocs! My feet have been killing lately and Crocs might just set the pain free. Of course the only time that I would wear these atrocious shoes would be at home, in my car where my feet are not visible, or a quick trip to the grocery store (at night of course, with a hoodie on, and Jackie-O sized sunglasses on). Today was beautiful and I figured I would celebrate the sun. I wore a pink button up peasant top from The Limited ($5.00), Forever21 jeans ($14.50), black Aztec sandals from Forever 21($22.00), an awesome bracelet I got from a Native American trading post (I heart it), silver Forever21 cuff ($5.80), dangle feather earrings ($4.50), gold aviators from American Eagle ($3.00-they have the best sunglasses), and a cute little headband to give it the full hippie vibe $.25 (from Native American trading post). I think getting dressed for work has to hands down be the best part of my day. Oh, and the Starbucks grande iced vanilla coffee everyday! :) What to wear tomorrow? Hmm....I think I'm going to pull out my tribal maxi dress, jeweled sandals, and make a fringe vest from an old black tee shirt. A headband is a definite on this ensemble as well. I will have to post pics of the vest (if it works out). Lawd, I saw a couple of denim tragedy's today. I never could understand why women don't find the best fit for their jeans. It's either one of three things. 1: you have absolutely NO friends to tell you what your butt looks like, 2: you are just being plain lazy and don't want to try on a couple of pairs to find the perfect fit, or 3: the pockets are looking a little empty and you don't want to save up a bit to spring on a great pair. If you or a friend you know have denim issues here are some of my favorite denim choices: Gap-1969 long and lean fit ($50-$60 + 30% off w/ code: SHOPBIG), Express- skinny leg Eva curvy fit ($80 + buy one get one 50%), Joes Jeans-the best friend easy fit ($163+ free shipping). On the flip side, I did pick up some pics of people rockin' denim the right way and in their own style.

Never mind, I guess they are still ugly!

Silver and copper wrap around Native American cuff. I heart this!

         American Eagle Aviators

   Anorak (a must for this season), box print dress, black Express tights, suede boots

 Sushi break....yum! And my Coach bag

      Angelica wearing: distressed denim, suede riding boots,oversized sweater, simple tee

   Allie wearing: Victoria's Secret Pink tee Forever21 lace vest, Old Navy denim, and Target leather riding boots

   Nick wearing: the perfect man bag....that's all I have to say!Oh, and the denim is perfect too!

      Haven't you ever just thought it was beautiful outside?

           OH NO SHE

       DIDN'T!:

           DENIM

         Now, I love a good ensemble of double denim, but this is just plain terrible! Can we find a fit that doesn't make you look like a stick tree on the bottom and a linebacker on the top? And what's with all the extra at the bottom? The tailor only costs $3 to hem those!

Someone help before those jeans ignite and set the gas station on fire! The fit in the tush is completely undesirable and the extra under the butt looks like she's hiding money! Don't get pockets that are set too high or too close together or your butt just might end up like this.

So, I figure I will post every other day so I can get some extra yummy footage to share will all of you! Another adventure waits for me tomorrow. This week I also think I will focus on wearing all my super steal fashions! And remember followers...heels hurt bad, but don't they make an outfit look oh so good?