My recent shopping adventure in LA

There is a store in Burbank, CA called It's a Wrap, they sell clothing from the local movie studios www.itsawraphollywood.com .  What a great place this is if you love to dig.  Many of the items have been worn maybe once or not at all and they are all labeled with the film or TV series that they came from.  This blazer from Superfine, http://www.superfinelondon.com is one I couldn't resist.  It has leather sleeves and a cool rocker chic feel.  I fell in love the minute I set my eyes on it and it was the very first thing I saw within 3 minutes of being in the store.  The price was $125, which if you are familiar with the Superfine brand, that is a steal.  More to come.....

Summer Hiatus

We have said goodbye to summer and welcome in fall with chunky sweaters, boots, coats and scarves.  The season has changed and the stores are filled with pumpkins, witches and goblins.  It is that time again, for me to move my summer clothing out to storage and bring in the fall/winter clothing, jackets and boots.  It is a dreaded task for me but one that makes my life so much easier during the season.n  After it is done I only look at clothing that can be worn during the current season and it is easy to see because I don't have it all crammed into my fairly decent sized closet that is much too small for me.  It also feels a little bit like Christmas when I rediscover all those things that I love in my wardrobe that I had tucked away for 6 months.

I had a rough summer with losing my mother so my budget challenge slipped from my priorities list, but I will say that I didn't buy that much.  I am back on track for fall though.  

Stay tuned to see my exciting purchases from a recent shopping adventure in Los Angeles.

Espadrilles

When I was in Miami a few weeks ago, I went into J. Crew,  www.jcrew.com and fell in love with these espadrilles.  I couldn't justify buying them there for $118 and then dragging them back with me, so I figured if I still loved them when I got home I would visit my local store or go online to buy them.  I was thinking, as I was trying them on, that they were super cute but $118 for shoes made out of straw (I mean really, was each piece of glitter glued on one by one?) was probably not a smart purchase.  When I got home I visited the shoe again and still couldn't justify the price.  So, I continued with my life sans the sparkly espadrille....until one magic moment when I was in the Nine West outlet and there were these wannabe sparkly espadrilles in more of a sequin version for only $19.99, my kind of price for a trendy, fragile shoe.  Although I still prefer the ones from J.Crew these will have to do.  They are cute and not bad in the comfort department.  My daughter says they are blinding in the sunlight. Ok by me.

A day at the pool....

Alright I will include my head in this picture.  I could have used some lipstick but oh well....

I got this Caslon jersey knit dress for a steal at $14.90 for over my bathing suit which just happens to be the same color as the pink in this dress.  I love when that happens!  I bought this dress one size too big because they didn't have it in the size I wanted.  I am going to have the straps taken up a bit from a tailor.  I am enjoying the high-low style of this dress.  When shopping for this style look particularly at the way it looks on the inside of the fabric because you see it due to the fact that it is longer in the back than in the front.  If the fabric isn't as pretty on the inside as the outside then it will make the dress look cheap.  This style is great for those of you that don't like the backside of your legs but your calves and knees can still rock a short skirt.

The shoes are some silly raffia sandals by MIA for $17.00 in neon pink that I just couldn't resist.  I need to stop with the neon.  (soon, maybe)

Neon

Neon....some of you would say that you have been there and done that.  I say, yes I have been there but I obviously didn't get enough of it back then so another go around for me makes me happy.

I bought this neon yellow blazer which is Vince Camuto, www.vincecamuto.com on sale for $66 (again, this color was not a suggested color from my color chart).   I will be pairing it with my Madonna-esque, lace gloves....just kidding.  I will be pairing it with a neutral.  I have it with khakis here in the picture and a purple tank.  I am excited to put it with some cropped jeans and a T-shirt.  The trick with neon is to not overdo it.  Wearing one piece at a time and pairing it with a neutral tones it down.  

The shoes pictured (not exactly the perfect option for this outfit but I didn't want to take 2 separate pics) are MIA and are called a smoking slipper and will be fun with rolled up jeans and a blazer or T-shirt.  I like this style as the option to the ballet flat which I am bored to tears of.  Also, the price was good at $40 and the rhinestone studs make it fun. http://www.miashoes.com/mia/flats/bedazzle

Orange...

I rarely buy orange for the following reasons:

1.  I feel like a Cal Trans worker

2.  It was nowhere on my chart when I had my colors done

3.  The awkward association with Halloween.

So when I came across the shoes from Kenneth Cole for $22 (that you can barely see in this picture) with the orange patten toe strap, I just had to have them.  Now I had these orange strap shoes and no other orange in my closet to go with it.  My quest for anything orange to wear with them began.  Being the savvy and frequent shopper that I am, my quest did not last long.  I found this orange top at H&M, unfortunately I took off the tag and I can't find it so let's just say it was $25.  The pants are an olive green, denim trouser with a boot cut leg from Tory Burch and cost me $175.  I don't mind spending on well fitting pants.  

The outfit was cute, if I do say so myself, and I tried not to think about the three reasons listed above while I was in it.

The perfect pants.....

I walked into the GAP, www.gap.com.  I had some time to kill before my next appointment. As I walked in I noticed hanging on the wall were these red pants, something was drawing me to them.  It could have been the color but the cut on them was intriguing too.  I grabbed them in my size and headed straight to the dressing room.  Let me just tell you pants never do this to me.  I pulled them on and ahhhhhh...(insert heavenly music here) they fit like a dream.  They were a bit short but I ran out and got them in my size in the long version.  Because they fit so well I went back and bought a pair in white too.  I am thinking about the black as well.  I immediately told a girlfriend about them and she went the next day and had the same experience.  The pants are called the Modern Boot and they sit just below the waist, are slim through the leg (which since I have been doing squats are not so slim anymore, and my girlfriend has body builder thighs, so I am thinking it isn't that slim in the leg) and they have a boot leg opening.  The boot leg gives great proportion to the body and balances everything out.  I bought mine in long because I want to wear them with my high heeled platform wedges.  I will probably go back and get the black in the regular length to wear with more of my non-shoes but they also come in short for all the petite ladies out there.  They were priced at $59.50 but I used $90.00 in rewards points so I walked out of there with only $30 less in my purse and two awesome pairs of pants in a bag that I had to pay 10 cents forModern Boot Pant.  Good deal!  Try them out!http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=57240&pid=760950&mlink=57240,4372117,boot&clink=4372117

Bohemian Summer

I think we all need a break from the bling that has been happening on clothing for the past couple of years.  I do love a good sequin here and there but I am feeling the vibe out there in the stores and it is more about color than sparkle.  

The outfit I have here is inspired by the shorts.  I really wanted a good denim, slouchy, boyfriend short.  Last summer I purchased a pair of denim shorts at Levi's but they fit perfectly, so....not slouchy.  This summer I have "the boyfriend short" I was looking for from H&M for $24.95.  I even went up a size to make sure when I wash them they won't start fitting me (not sure it was the best idea).  Anyhow, they are perfect for the look I was going for and I am pairing them with my favorite floppy, Nicole Richie-esque, hat and simple brown sandals from Franco Sarto for $40.  

Imagine a music and wine festival in this outfit, the farmers market, kids sporting event or a backyard BBQ, so hip and easy to wear.  

In regards to the sandals you see in the picture.  The style I am seeing this summer are very simple, think salt water sandals from when you were 3 years old.  Bye, Bye Greek sandals, hello toddler!  I couldn't go all the way with this trend being that I am well past my 20's so this was as far as I went.  They reminded me of my old BASS sandals from junior high with an updated twist.  Crap the 80's are back.

If there is anything you ever see in my posts that you want as your own, shoot me an email and I will send it to you.  lookfab@coquettestyle.com

Summer Dresses, comfortable, classy and fun!

Many of my clients are shocked when I bring them day dresses and recommend they wear them when running errands, taking the kids to the park or just hanging out at home.  They think they are only to be worn to parties or out at night.  Let me highlight some of the reasons dresses during the day are a YES!

1.  Show some leg, many don't mind their calves and won't wear shorts.
2.  At the right length and given the right cut, they are so comfortable.
3.  The airflow can't be beat, so cool on a warm day.
4.  They are much more stylish than shorts.
5.  Given the right dress they are super flattering.  Everyone can find the right day dress.  I promise.
6.  Why not look better than that other woman wearing her knee length cargo shorts?

Here is a dress I just bought in April for $40 that I wore yesterday to the mall.  I had it with a cardigan sweater over the top and a pair of ballet flats.  (I actually left the house in heels and then when my dogs started barking I changed to my backup flats)  This dress works for me because it has at tight bodice, and pleats at my waist which give the illusion that I actually have one.

The dress is from Jessica Simpson and I know many of you have mixed feelings about her but let me tell you the woman has made millions from her line of clothing and accessories.  I would say 98% of it is cute, stylish and wearable for most women.  Also, you have to love that she isn't a size 2!

The shoes you see in the is picture I picked up for $25 on an end of season clearance.  I love the red.  www.francosarto.com

That finishes off my spending for April.  Now on to May and preparing for my trip to Miami.

Fashion Star....

Are any of you watching the show Fashion Star?  www.nbc.com/fashion-star/ I am really enjoying it.  It is a bit corny at times "Sorry, ____ but you are not our fashion star", and some of the looks we have seen multiple times before, but I love the idea that you can buy the clothing at the end of the show, on line or the next day at these retailers, H&M, Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue.  I happened to be at H&M the next day after last weeks show and I bought this dress.  It was a little disconcerting that I was in line behind 4 women that were buying the same dress and that millions of Americans have seen this dress on TV.  Anyhow,  I am super excited to wear this on a warm summer evening to a BBQ with a cute denim jacket over it (Who is inviting me to the warm summer night BBQ?) or poolside as a cover up.    I also love the fact that it is made out of jersey knit fabric so it isn't too "fancy".  I also am enjoying their choices of judges.
Give the show a try and let me know what you think.

Comfortable and Cute....a shoe paradox

So whenever I am out shopping in uncomfortable shoes (I have far too many), I tend to look at comfort shoes.  Come on designers they are SOOOOOO ugly!
I happened upon a store called Step on Montana Ave. in Santa Monica which specializes in comfortable and CUTE shoes.
I bought the pair shown in this picture.  Too bad I had my family in tow and a budget otherwise I would have bought more.
The shoes are very comfortable and I am hoping to walk for hours in them.  They are made by Antelope www.antelopeshoes.com, so I checked out their web site and I was surprised I liked many of their shoes, I will also say that many of them scared me.
Unfortunately they set me back $210 which is almost my entire budget for April.

Oh well...

My visit to the Levi's store....(March continued)

Levi Strauss & Co. just says America, even though nothing they sell is made here in America anymore.  Sad, but I guess because it is made outside of the USA where labor costs are lower, is the reason I can stay within this budget for my challenge.

I went into the Levi's store looking for a worn in, tailored, denim jacket for a client and came out with one for her, plus stuff for me.   For $100 walked out with 3 pairs of pants and a denim top.  They were all marked down and then an additional 30% off.    I bought 2 pairs of casual pants, a pair of loose fitting, cropped denim trousers that can be worn with suspenders, and a fitted denim shirt with snaps. ( I will take a picture of the cropped denim trousers when my suspenders come in from eBay. I need to prove to you this look isn't silly).
The denim shirt is going to be a timeless staple in my wardrobe.  I can wear it with this season's colored jeans, open as a jacket over dresses and as a cute top with flowy summer skirts.  I already have a chambray colored denim top but I like this one better.  Maybe it is time for the chambray one to take a trip to the consignment store.....parting is such sweet sorrow.

Not just a boring grey blazer....

March is gone and I still need to tell you about everything I bought so it looks like I will be busy over the next few days.  Let me tell you all about this blazer.  It is made by Gibson and made of jersey knit fabric, with 3/4 length ruched sleeves and my favorite part is that it is longer in the back then in the front.  With all those little details it makes it more fun than the average boring grey blazer.  I wore this on St. Patrick's day with a T-shirt that said "I'm Irish today".  Obviously that was a dressed down way to wear it.  I am also planning on wearing it over dresses and with jeans.  Of course being that I am on a budget I picked it up for $30 on sale.

Cowboy Up....

I have a love for all things western, especially when it comes to clothing.  I purchased this denim dress at H&M www.hm.com/us/   for $39.50.  It will look, oh so cute with my cowboy boots.  In the summer I will roll up the sleeves and put on a pair of flip flops, a perfect outfit for a summer BBQ.

A very exciting and unexpected purchase.

I get so many magazines that I can't keep up and I can't throw them away until I read them.  With that being said, I was going through Scene magazine's Fall 2011 issue www.scenebayarea.com  a few months after I received it and a Nanette Lapore www.nanettelepore.com dress in a lovely robins egg blue, caught my eye.   I immediately ripped the picture from the magazine and ran to the computer to buy this dress, SOLD OUT, ugg.  I went to the secondary market and the only one I could find at the time was a size 2 (I wish).  I have the picture hanging on my bulletin board as a reminder of the one that got away.  

I was at the Nordstrom Rack www.nordstromrack.com the other night to meet with a client and I am digging through the dresses and THERE IT WAS in my size and for only $59.70 which is a far cry from the $398 I was prepared to pay.  I guess my bulletin board is now turning into my vision board.  I better get my property tax bill off of it!

February Recap....

I spent most of my time and energy in February preparing for my ski trip to Whistler, BC.  This meant that I spent most of my time searching for snow friendly clothing for the family.  I did however buy a fantastic faux fur jacket that when wearing it you feel like you are wrapped in a blanket (I call it my pimp coat).  I picked up that find for a whopping $39.97.  The coat was altered and then the customer didn't like the alterations so they wouldn't buy it and I purchased it for a steal!  

I bought a charcoal colored wool hoodie sweater from Vince www.vince.com on clearance in the men's department (too cute to care which department I was in) that I proceeded to shove into the washing machine on accident and it came out of the dryer sized for a little person....thankfully I only spent $22 on it!

I also purchased, on the last day of February, a Missoni scarf.  This scarf can be worn as a scarf, a poncho, or a wrap.  This was on sale for $101.00. 

A look I have been seeing and one that intrigues me is sequined sweatshirts.  I love the contradiction of fancy mixed with casual and I have been keeping my eyes open for one.  I passed the Forever 21 window display and lo and behold there it was for $24.80, gleaming like a disco ball!  Forever 21 is a fun store for silly, trendy things that you won't be wearing for years to come.  Another little factoid about Forever 21 www.forever21.com  is that this brand is a best seller at Crossroads Trading Company www.crossroadstrading.com.  I was not so excited to hear that as I walked in to Crossroads with my bags of designer labels to sell, but it all turned out well when I walked out with a check for $200+.

Anyhow, that was it for February and all of it for under $300!  On to March....

Bright Colored Jeans

I love this new trend.  You don't have to be super trendy to hop on this train.  The bright colored jeans are in a multitude of colors this year.  I chose a orangey-red, why?  I guess I was just attracted to it.  Here is the trick with this trend for most people, wear it with a neutral on the top.  In this picture I paired it with a denim shirt and a neutral color long sweater.  This tones down the color of the denim.  In the spring and summer I will be wearing these with a v-neck boyfriend t-shirt (a little loose, but still fit for a girl) and a cute pair of white cotton tennis shoes.    What color is good for you? If you aren't the red hue type then they have blue, green or purple which is a little less eye catching.  All of these colors look cute with a denim shirt.  You can wear the denim shirt like a jacket with a tank or T under it or alone.  They have designer brands in this trend too but when it comes to the trendier stuff I like to lower my cost per wear since I don't know how long I will be in to it so I picked up these jeans at the Banana Republic factory store on sale for $32 and the sweater is from Free People, www.freepeople.com and cost me $25.  I had the denim shirt and oxfords already.  Are you in?

Hello February!

Well it's a new month which means I have $300 burning a hole in my pocket!  As I was out shopping for a client of mine I came across this beaded boucle jacket that I fell in love with.  On my wish list is a Chanel jacket (the real thing), but since I don't have that in my budget (hoping someday I do...dare to dream) I have to find a nice wannabe.  I have been searching high and low and none have made the cut for me, until this one!  It fits like it was made for me, the fabric is rich and the tiny beading on it is a fun bit of spice.  I got this for $50.66 which was on sale and then an additional 40%.   I wore this yesterday with wide leg jeans and black jersey knit T underneath and I felt like such a lady.  I even went in to the Cartier boutique and priced out yet another one of my wish list items and felt like I was appropriately dressed for the store!

The Final Tally

So these shoes were my final installment for January.  They are made by Boutique 9, Nine West's upscale line that they sell to major retailers.  They make the greatest shoes because they are a nice quality and more fashion forward than the shoes you find at Nine West.  They are sold at Nordstrom, Macy's, Piperlime, Zappos and some other fine department stores.  These were on super-sale for $60.00 so that brings my total to $308 for the month of January.  Not bad!  I know I went over by $8 so I just will just eat Top Ramen at home for lunch today.  ON TO FEBRUARY!

1 Day left in January.....

Unfortunately this isn't a red carpet moment for me but I am going to share this picture with you anyway.  The pants are from Joes Jeans, the tan suede shoes are BC and the sweater is Takeout (who knows).  Anyway, this was a January clear the racks bargain outfit.  It looked much cuter in person that it does in a picture so you will just have to trust me on this.  I am planning on wearing the sweater again with skinny jeans and working the pants in with a tucked in white tank in the summer.  The suede shoes are the perfect height and perfect color, and I love the fringe and tassels on them.  The total cost of the outfit was a whopping $57.  We won't be seeing deals like this in February thanks to retail establishments telling us that spring has sprung when clearly it won't for about 2 more months, so I am sure I will get much less of a haul that month.  Luckily it is a short month.  I am at $248 so far and I have a couple more things to show you from this month that put me at my budget.

Black Suede Wedges

I am very excited about these shoes.  They are a black suede wedge by bacio 61.  I got them for $59.90 at the Nordstrom Rack.  These shoes look so cute with black tights.  They tiny platform makes me feel tall, the wedge makes them comfortable and the strap makes them stay on my feet.  I have already worn these twice.  LOVE!  Too bad I will have to pack them up in the spring.

My Third purchase....

This blouse is from Ellen Tracy and was bought at Macy's.  This was on the clearance rack as well and only $4.97 with my coupon (I am obviously trying to stretch my $300!)  I love the whole boyfriend shirt look and since the look is oversized I paired it with leggings and wedge ankle boots.  I can also roll up the sleeves to take this blouse into spring.  This is definitely an outfit that I can over eat in.   

Wool Blend Animal Print Jacket for only.....

$26.16.  Come on now, Macy's was begging me to buy it.  Love myself some Macy's coupons.  

I will be nice and snuggly warm at the movies tonight. 

My First Purchase

And it is a good one.  It is a black leather knee length skirt by Classiques Entier.  I got it for $99.97 which eats up a third of my budget but this is a classic.  It will add a rocker edge to my conservative white button up blouse and turtle neck sweaters.  I am so excited!

New Years Resolution 2012-The Budget

I was chatting with my cousin on New Years Eve and we were talking about our new year resolutions.  I had a few in mind but none of these had the ugly word budget in them.  We got to talking about money, so uncouth I know, but none the less we were talking about money.  Thinking about my business I asked her what she thought a reasonable amount to spend per month on clothes was.  Her answer was "Hmmmm,  I don't know."  I put it to some thought and realized I had no idea what that number was for me either.  I decided then and there that I was going to figure it out.  I am challenging myself to adhere to a budget.  I am not exactly sure what the details are going to be but I know that I am going to set a limit of $300 per month.  Some of you may think that is too much and some of you may think that is too little, but for me I am sure it will be a challenge.

I have all of the basics for sure so I will just be adding fun pieces and maybe a new staple here and there (God forbid I change sizes this year).  

I have already started my shopping and I am going to share with you what it is that I am buying and at the end of every month what I decided to keep.  

I am looking forward to it!

-Stephanie