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

Teal appeal...

Hi!

Today I wanted to wear my teal shoes I got from Talbot's a few days ago.  The color is so beautiful and I wanted to wear a top that would do them justice.  I sometimes craft outfits in my head and depending on how that mental picture looks, I either decide to wear the outfit or I scrap it altogether.  This is one of those outfits that passed the mental picture test.  However, there is something about the ensemble that makes me feel like something is missing.  Maybe I should have worn a lighter pant?  Perhaps the teal is too much?  I love the way the shirt looks but I don't think it looks great on me.  It's a shame because anyone who knows me knows that I am all about high-neck shirts and voluminous sleeves.  Also,  I wish that I could wear the shirt over my hips instead of tucked in.  I purchased it from ASOS' main range and the thing refuses to go past my hips! Also, if I had a do-over, I probably would have opted for a pant with a tapered leg as the ones I am wearing are more of a boot cut.  What do you think of the outfit?  What do you think is missing/wrong with it?

Top: ASOS (no longer online)

Pant: Lane Bryant

Shoes: Talbots

Clutch: Payless (I seriously need to buy another black clutch!)

Belt: Talbots

Earrings: Ashley Stewart

Playing dress up...

Hi!
Saturday was my six year anniversary and I spent the better part of the weekend nursing a cold. The original plan was to go to a hoity-toity restaurant in Boston and then go dancing afterwards. Those plans immediately changed after the it began to snow and it continued for most of Saturday. We ended up seeing Underworld in 3-D which had lots of blood and gore (which of course my hubby loved). So while he was fist-pumping the air and growling loudly every time someone got speared through the chest, I was holding a Kleenex to my nose and trying not to drip, drip, drip, into my popcorn.

I also misplaced my ATM which I was entirely vexed about. I have Bank of America and, I don't know about you, but I absolutely hate having to go into the bank to talk to a real person. While frantically looking for my card, I did a run through of the convo I would most assuredly have with the banking rep.

Me: I lost my ATM and would like a new one

Them: Great! please have a seat. Would you like to try some of our stale peppermint candy?

Me: Just the card please

Them: I notice you own a home. Have you considered refinancing?

Me: My ATM card?

Them: Ah, yes! Let me just go in the back and retrieve the paperwork you'll need to sign. It takes only seconds to get but I like delaying the whole ATM replacement process to piss customers off. So what I'm really gonna do is stop by Ron's desk and describe in detail how I got trashed last night. I'll periodically send someone over to assure you that it will only be a "couple minutes more". My office is devoid of anything eye catching and distracting so you'll be forced to wait in misery--staring at those ubiquitous office posters that say things like "Courage", "Ambition", and "Perseverance"--wondering why the hell you bank here in the first place.

Me: Great, let's try to make it quick then shall we?

Luckily, I ended up finding my card thus avoiding that whole exchange. Izzy for the win!

One of the more productive things I did this weekend was clean my bedroom.  I hate cleaning but I love finding things I haven't worn in forever.  So needless to say, my attempt at cleaning quickly turned into a huge dress-up session.  I tried on a million things but only took pics of a few outfits.

I got this skirt from Talbot's and it is still online in their outlet section (although not in this color).  It is very comfortable and flowy...a must buy!

...a slight adjustment with the belt so the banding of the skirt wouldn't show....

Bodysuit: American Apparel (sign up to receive 15% off a future purchase!)

Skirt: Talbots

Scarf (used as a sash): Marshall's

Shoes: Gap

Laptop case used as clutch: ASOS

Necklace: American Eagle

Earrings: F21

My pouty model stare down....cower in fear!

Dress: F21

Does anyone remember when this dress came out on the Torrid site? It was straight bedlam! I've literally worn it once in the 3 years I've had it.  I put a belt on to give the illusion that it was a skirt and a top. I probably should've thrown on a necklace but I couldn't find one that suited my fancy.

Dress: Torrid

My serious pose. My hubby always tells me I look better when I smile.  I'm always like: "what are you trying to say, I look like crap all the other times???" Sheeeesh!

The action pose.  I always wonder what photographers tell models to get them in their "action" poses. Pretend you're a bird. Pretend you just learned that you won the lottery.  Pretend to do the stanky leg. Pretend you just saw a mouse. This pic is: pretend you have something in your hair and you're trying to get it out...oh yeah, smile while your doing it"

Jumpsuit: Torrid

Necklace: Free People

Close-up of my earrings which I copped for 3 bux on ASOS! I don't think they're there anymore.



Thanks for reading my blog! I know you have several options in terms of fashion blogs and I am so happy and honored to be one of them!

I love hue: Pink

Fall is hands down my favorite season. The rich variegated colors of the leaves. The crisp coolness of the wind. And the smells and sounds that accompany both of those. Ahhhh!!! In my opinion, with the advent of Fall is the introduction of colorful clothing that is unparalleled by any other season. Fabrics seem to exude a certain vibrancy, patent shoes seem to shimmer and sparkle like an iridescent pond, and diaphanous scarves dance in the wind. When I received my catalog from Talbots today, my breath literally caught in my throat. I know I spoke about Talbots before in an earlier post but I cannot stress the following: They have seriously stepped up their game. I am coveting an innumerable number of items from their Fall line but I wanted to showcase a few pieces that I have my eye on...

Talbots double-faced wool pencil skirt / $139

1. I have been searching for a pink wool pencil skirt for a couple of months now and I was pleased to see the one offered by Talbots. Boden's has a similar one as well but Talbots' version seems to be a true pencil shape. In my eyes, this skirt--paired with some black patent heels and a showstopper top--can do no wrong.

Dents classic leather color gloves / $71

Talbots italian leather gloves / $99

2. The first pair of gloves is currently in my "saved items" cart at ASOS. Over the pond, Dents is a well known and respected brand. They offer other leather goods as well. These gloves are just what I need to spice up my winter wardrobe. Incidentally, Talbots also has a similar (silk-lined) offering but they are a bit longer than I would like (see above).

Talbots turnlock suede clutch / $89

3. I was never into clutches until I saw the ones offered by ASOS and then I began to take notice. I also noticed how other bloggers were accessorizing theirs. Normally, I would introduce a clutch into an outfit if it was going to add the right amount of color. Recently, I've been seeing colored clutches paired with other colors in a way that has me completely intrigued. Marigold-colored clutches paired with teal shoes. Red clutches pictured cobalt blue pants. An emerald clutch matched with an silky orange top. This is definitely a trend I am willing to try once I find the perfect colored clothing item I would like to pair this particular clutch with. The one you see above is by Talbots and is simply luxe.

Are there any Fall accessories you've had your eye on? What textures and fabrics have you been drawn to? Please tell me about it!

Recent Buys...

So what if I'm almost pregnant and can't technically wear most of the stuff I have purchased?  I like to believe that I'm pretty attuned to my body (especially the super squishy parts) to know which pieces will fit post-pregnancy and which ones will not.  That being said, I've made several purchases the past several weeks that I'm very proud of.  One was what I like to call a dice-roll.  You know, when you buy something and you have absolutely no idea how it will fit.  Amazon recently offered a discount off of its clearance clothing and I decided to take the plunge on the Democracy Womens Floral Bed Jacket top:

Cute huh?  Well, the floral pattern reminds me of something that belongs on a couch but still...I liked it because it looked really flowy and nonrestrictive, two clothing attributes that I utterly need right now.
In person this jacket is so adorable and the floral pattern is not too kitschy or overwhelming.  The shoulders have a puff detail that I absolutely fell in love with and the fabric is soft and has a slight stretch to it. I bought this in an XL (the largest size).  Verdict: Keeper.

The next item is from ASOS' main range (size 14).  What drew me to this piece was the chunkiness of the stripes and the fact that the piece seemed very versatile (it could be worn as a top, a dress, or a skirt). I've been obsessed with anything stripey as of late so it was not a major shocker that I saw this and fell in love with it.  It didn't hurt that it was on clearance for 17 bux...

When I got this in the mail, I noticed that the white stripes were actually cream-colored, a detail I must have overlooked while reading the description of the item.  The dress skimmed over my hips pretty easily and looked great as a knee-length skirt. Since my belly was in the way, I had a difficult time envisioning it as a dress. The material is extremely stretchy and the garment is solidly constructed.  Verdict: Keeper.

My next purchase was from Talbots.  Oh, Talbots, you know how to tantalize the desires of the pregnant woman don't you?  I purchased this wanting to fully take advantage of Talbot's 40% off sale (which is still going on mind you).  I had been coveting this skirt for some time but hadn't taken the plunge because I was a bit put off by the description of the material as a "linen-blend".  Linen...you know, the same material that wrinkles no matter how many times you try to iron it? Yeah, that material.  My craving for Cold Stone ice cream one weekend brought me face to face with a Talbots.  Spying the coveted skirt on display in their window, I giddily entered.  Oh, this skirt felt like a dream! The material was very substantive and the stitching was divine.  I snuck in a corner and rubbed the skirt against my cheek.  Heaven!  The rest is basically history. Verdict: Keeper.

So that is basically it for now. I've recently purchased a host of items from Forever 21 that have not arrived yet.  Once I do, I will be sure to post a review.  I know, I know...A review is not really a review without trying the clothes on right?  Well, cut me some slack...

More preggy pics on the horizon so stay tuned!

Don't sleep on...Talbots

Many younger women tend to write off Talbots as that "old lady" store.  However, if you've visited their site recently, you'll quickly find that this is no longer the case.  In an attempt to attract a younger clientele, Talbots has decided to update it's image.  While you may still find some classic pieces, pearls and thick woolens have given way to a fresher, more vibrant silhouette and line.  Case in point:

Talbots straight sizing goes up to a 20 and they also have a Women's (read plus size) line that goes up to a 24W.  While their pieces may be out of the price range of most (me included), they regularly have sales and promotions.  I will definitely be waiting to see what else Talbots has in store.