Goings on + recent buys!

Hi Everyone!

I hope you had an amazing holiday!

I know it's been a long time between blog posts and I promise to do better in 2013.  My life has been a bit crazy with my new job, family obligations and just plain life!  I thank you for the numerous "check-in" emails I've received and appreciate you for sticking with me for this long! Just to prove to you that I'm only a slacker when blogging is concerned, here are some of the notable things I've done since November:

Yanked a tooth

Got freaked out by a rat...lolz @James' face!

Brined a turkey...it's buttermilk in case you're wondering!

Painted my nails (well, one hand...I always get too lazy to do the other hand...)

Went to  "Medieval Manor" for Rosa's bday

Tried sun-dried basil chicken sausage...tasted worse than it looked

Spent time with my "little sister" (by the way, if you have the time, please consider being a Big Sister/Brother!)

Dropped toys off at a shelter

Built a dollhouse...took me 5 hours but luckily I had this!

Bought stuff

Baked cookies

Watched "Sabrina"

Painted my nails

Bought stuff

Makes me look extra busy right? He he he.....

So several posts ago I shared with you my plan to open my own online clothing shop. I have put this plan on hold for now and have been focused on designing and crafting my own line of skirts!  I don't want to share too much right now because everything is still in the conceptualization phase but I encourage you to stay with me to see what awesomeness I have planned for 2013! Here is a sneak peak of a smocked skirt/dress I made for my daughter Ava.  I am working on mine as we speak and will be sure to model it when it's done!

Isn't the pattern and color fierce??? For those that can't tell, the pattern is a series of Africa continents that have this cool gilded effect....all on a fuchsia background! :swoons:

So I want to talk a bit about recent purchases. I know I'm not the only one who took advantage of all the sales this month and in November.  I'm not gonna even lie, I was pressing the "submit order" button so much that I formed a callous on my index finder! Here are some of the things I've purchased recently:

Bought the entire outfit

I've been eyeing this Zara bag forever and finally got it! I'm still waiting for it to arrive...

My first pair of Frye boots!

Peplum pants! I've been sweating peplum pants ever since I spied Nastygal's version.  These aren't the exact same but they're close.  I got them here in a size L and they fit great with room to spare!

Bought a Furby...ok, so I bought it for my son but still.  Have you seen these things??? How you treat them affects their personality! I'm scared  to go home now because the Furby we have has turned evil from the kids mistreating it!  It talks in a gravelly voice, burps, and laughs maniacally for no reason...there is no OFF button people!! It's like I always say, it's all fun and games until your Furby turns evil and wants to murk you in your sleep.

Now it's time for you to fess up! What big/small purchases have you made recently?  Is there anything you've been eyeing but haven't yet bought? Please share!

Seeing red

Hi All!

I've been heavily perusing the webs lately for perfect fall/winter pieces in rich red hues.  Whatever shade of red you are into, oxblood, claret, wine, or burgundy there is no denying that this color is perfect for many of  the current fall/winter fashion trends.  I've recently pinned many items to my Pinterest board in the hopes of amassing a virtual clothing collection as rich and variegated as the color itself. I am currently on the hunt for the perfect velvet legging in a burgundy color and saw these leggings that literally made me gasp.

 

Isn't the color perfection?  Of course the challenge in finding the perfect velvet legging is making sure that said legging comes in your size (lamentably this one does not).

///

I've was also able to snag the ultimate holiday dress by way of Monif C.  The vibrant color of this dress literally made my heart flutter and I had to snag it when I learned of their $50 off Friends and Family promotion! It is called the "Alexandra" and it is a body hugging, head turning, gasp-inducing creation of utter proportions. See for yourself:

 

 

Now, I already own this dress in a gold sparkly color and wore it for New Years 2 years ago.  I wore patent red Corso Comos and felt like a goddess.  Seriously, no one could tell me nothing! Here is a pic of me trying on the dress for the first time:

 

 

I also recently spied this little number from River Island and I'm absolutely feeling the lace/peplum combo:

 

 

Unfortunately, RI sizes only go up to a US14 so this was purely a "wish I could buy this dress" moment.

 

If you ever have the patience and the time, eBay and Etsy are also great places to find unique pieces in various shades of red.  Look at this dress I recently came across on eBay:

 

(ugh, I strongly dislike watermarks)

This dress comes in a plus sizes but the sizing seems to be more Junior's sizing.  It is jersey material which is naturally very stretchy so take that into consideration if you plan on buying!

///

With regards to baubles and bling, the color red makes me think vintage and old world charm.  I fell in love with these earrings from ASOS because they had such a great vintage feel without looking overly gaudy:

 

What colors have you been drawn to recently? Have  you been successful in finding pieces that adequately capture the colors you like? Share your finds with me below!

<3

 

"Work Flow" by Guest Blogger Rosa

Hi Izzygetsbizzy Family!

I’m Rosa and Izzy has graciously agreed to let me be a guest blogger! So please comment below and let me know what you like and what you don’t like! Now, on to fashion!

 

My fashion inspiration comes from anything interesting, like going overseas and seeing different styles. Every time I go home to Greece, I am always inspired by their fashion as Europe is usually way ahead of the fashion curve. Sometimes a mannequin might grab my attention while other times my fashion choices are motivated by what is on sale. There are many faces to my fashion style and I hope to showcase that to you in time. My style can range from daring to dismal on any given day. I can be a colorful goddess or I can be a dreary gothic chick. The weather, my mood, and available clean laundry are all factors in deciding what I wear each day.

 

I know I have a punk rocker side because I always gravitate towards purple hair pieces, biker gloves, and fishnets. Crazy thing is I never actually where that stuff but you cant tell me nothin' 'cuz I keep buying it!
 

For the most part, I'm very comfy casual at work. Some may say classic but I really hate the idea of being boxed into a category. I stick to basics with a splash of bold colors and textures which are usually displayed through my accessories. I am somewhat of a shopaholic and my guilty pleasure is jewelry. I love earrings, chains, bracelets, and funky rings.

 

Today I want to a showcase a simple yet cute outfit I put together this morning for work:
 

  Top: Torrid (sold out), Pants: Dots
 

The top is a black Belted Peplum Ponte Top from Torrid which came with a very pretty pink patent leather belt. I paired it with some basic black trousers from Dots (Yes, they have plus sizes). I liked the pop of the pink but I didn’t want to go overboard with jewelry so instead I kept my jewelry gold and broke out my brand new spanking pair of Oxfords from Forever 21. Here is a close-up:

 

 Shoes: Forever 21 (sold out)
 

As you can see, the sole is pink which adds a cute feminine touch to a simple black work outfit. It’s really easy for me to go over the top with color and/or accessories so I did my best to keep it simple.

 

What do you think of the outfit? How would YOU rock it?

I've got my eye on you...

Hi!

It's been awhile since I've done a Polyvore set so I wanted to share with you some of the items I've been coveting as of late.  A lot of retailers have been releasing their "Fall previews" recently which has irked me to no end (I want to hold onto summer as long as I can)! The plus side has been that I get to see what is in store for next season.  If you know me then you know that I typically wear what the heck I want to wear when I want to wear it.  I don't venture as far to wear shorts in the winter time but I have been known to rock florals and bright colors in the fall and winter months. Fashion "rules" are meant to be broken (someplace, somewhere, Karl Lagerfeld just cringed)!

JACKETS
I've had my eye on leather/leatherette jackets for some time because...well just because.  I think a broken-in (preferably cropped) leather jacket is a must for any wardrobe. I'm especially feeling the one by Forever 21 that has yet-to-be released.  It has spikes on the shoulders! When I first saw it, I did this little shriek and, after I told him why, my hubby was like: "Is it that serious???". Clearly, he doesn't get me....
Here's a cool hint if you are ever perusing the Forever 21+ site: Go to the "Shop by outfit" section of the site to see a preview of the items that aren't for sale yet. I also like visiting the UK site for the same reason.  Am I obsessed? Why yes, yes I am.

TOPS
With regards to tops, I've been into crazy patterns, florals and peplum anything. I can envision myself wearing the Staring at Stars cardi with some black leggings, mesh/sheer black top, a fierce boot, and a bright red lip. I've also been pleasantly surprised by some of eloquii's pieces as of recent.  The muted vibe of their previous lines have given way to a robust/vivid color palette with very fashion-forward silhouettes.  I love the color-blocked peplum top below--it's a great wear-to-work and after work piece. Rounding out my other selections for the "Tops" category is a denim shirt from Talbots and an open-backed floral blouse from Lucca Couture (via Urban Outfitters).  I chose the top from Talbot's because I am loving the rich denim color.  Denim shirts are very versatile and are fast becoming a staple in my wardrobe. The floral shirt is a great layering piece (I can see it being worn under a solid-colored blazer) and will add some serious flair to an outfit.  I actually tried this on in the UO store and it is cut very large.  I was able to close the buttons without any gaping....win! Hint: Don't feel like trying a shirt on  but are doubtful about the fit?  hold a shirt by it's armpits and match it to your armpits to determine how it will fit across the bust.  If it takes effort to match up with you armpits then most likely the shirt will not fit.

ACCESSORIES
The accessories I've been eyeing recently have been very bold and loud and the ones I have selected below are no exception.  I have a million obi belts (okay, I have 3) but I must have this one from the ASOS Curve line.  It is 100% leather and reasonably priced at $33.  There is also a beige-colored one on the site for $23! The leopard oxford with the neon sole is from Target.  You've probably spotted a similar one on the Forever 21 site.  The Target version is a steal for $20 versus $26 for the Forever 21 version. Oh, and the linked finger tip ring from ASOS? Well, does that even need justification???

What do you think of my picks? What do you think of the fall previews so far? 

As always, thanks for reading my blog! I love hearing from you all so please comment below!

I've got my eye on you... by izzygetsbizzy featuring long tops

Lucca Couture button down blouse
urbanoutfitters.com

Talbots long top
talbots.com

Staring At Stars long top
urbanoutfitters.com

Double breasted jacket
asos.com

Flat shoes
target.com

ASOS leather waist belt
asos.com

Peplum Shell
eloquii.com

ASOS | ASOS Finger Tip Linked Ring at ASOS
asos.com