Coffee + Cardigans

Christmas 2012 I spent Christmas in Mexico this year with my...

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 14:57:00 -0700

Miss Dior Cherie

Flora by Gucci

Macy's dress

Avenue flats

Urban Decay Naked palette

Urban Decay Naked2 palette

Christmas 2012

I spent Christmas in Mexico this year with my family, here are some of the lovely presents I found under the tree.

>> help me choose, vote on this poll!

Sat, 11 Aug 2012 16:14:03 -0700

>> help me choose, vote on this poll! :

original post here.

In search of a school bag

Sat, 11 Aug 2012 00:25:00 -0700

Fall semester begins in less than two weeks and I am in search of a grown up bag. For the past year I’ve carried a light brown fabric messenger bag from American Eagle (seen here). I bought it at least 5 years ago, used it for a couple months and then put it away (read: forgot it existed). Last year I unearthed it from the bottom of my handbag trunk and used it for most of the year.

As much as I’d like to change out my school bag it’s not realistic. The couple times I’ve tried to do so have ended in chaos. I’ve left behind notes, pens, once I forgot a calculator and had to take a microeconomics exam without one. Never again! I need one bag to hold everything that is basic enough to match most outfits.

My trusty messenger bag has been useful, I don’t plan of getting rid of it just yet, but the lack of structure just doesn’t work. As soon as I take out one notebook too many it melts into a fabric puddle. I don’t need compartments since I use a zip pouch and am looking mainly for structure. I’d also like a bag that can look good for some time as it will be an investment for me.

ZARA Plaited Shopper- 16.2 x 20.4 x 9 inches

+ huge size, looks high end, sturdy leather, top handles AND shoulder strap, beautiful color

- higher potential for easy scratches and scuffs

Cambridge Satchel Company Classic Satchel 15”- 15 x 10 x 4 inches

+ sturdy leather, great reviews online, silver hardware, long shoulder strap, embossed initials available for an extra cost but it’s a nice feature

- 4” depth might be too limiting for my needs, don’t know if I could carry my laptop AND notebooks, pricey

So what’s the verdict? Comments are also appreciated, tell me which you like more and why or just click through for the poll below.

»» You should buy the…

I’m supposed to be saving money right now, so of course I...

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 23:13:38 -0700

I’m supposed to be saving money right now, so of course I purchased two dresses today.

It’s the same dress in two different colors because I just liked it so much and it was on super sale.

Construction: The dress falls between an empire and natural waist, which is perfect for me. There is also pleating at the waistband and a scalloped hem which adds a feminine touch to an otherwise basic dress. I love that this dress is simple but not blah, you can wear it with great accessories and make it look casual or dressy.

Fabric: This is a ponte knit, which means it’s polyester, rayon, and spandex. Ponte is one of those love it or leave it fabrics, I like it because it’s sturdy and weighty with a bit of give. It seems to smooth over you much better than cotton, but it’s not natural which is usually what people don’t like about it.

The total for both was $25 including the sale price and additional 20% discount.

Women’s Smocked Chiffon Dresses Chiffon, I will never...

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 04:48:00 -0700

Women’s Smocked Chiffon Dresses

Chiffon, I will never tire. This is the second dress I bought today, also at Old Navy. This one is more neutral, the print looks like brushstrokes in blues, purples, and grey. I like that the print runs up and down which creates a slightly elongating illusion. Perfect for every woman who argues she’s average height but is on the short end if that spectrum (not that I’d know about that, I’m 5’5”). The little details like flutter sleeves and airy chiffon ruffle hem are what first drew me to it. Bottom Line: Simple but sassy dress for warm weather, can be dressed up or down, only $15+tax in-store.

Old Navy Women’s Floral-Chiffon Keyhole Dresses I bought...

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 04:26:16 -0700

Old Navy Women’s Floral-Chiffon Keyhole Dresses

I bought this dress today, true to my floral chiffon addiction. I can’t help it that I’ve never seen a floral I didn’t want to wear. This dress is part of ON’s straight size line, I purchased it in an XXL so it must run very large as I normally wear a 3x/20/22. Hey, I’m not complaining. The cut is flattering on me and the right length, my cousin noted it was even slimming. The dress is a very good basic piece even with the print. If you dress simply it can be worn with sandals and studs, if you’re a bit more funky add a belt or cardi, wedges and big earrings and a color block bag. On the website some reviews mentioned the dress is too sheer, I didn’t see that at the store but it might be an issue, I could wear something underneath so it’s not a big deal to me.
Bottom Line: Great spring/summer dress for only $19+ tax in-store.

What I Wore: January 26th, 2012 Today, for the first time in...

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:26:30 -0700

What I Wore: January 26th, 2012

Today, for the first time in months I wore jeans. I should wear them more often. Come summer I’ll be in shorts and a top with sandals every day. I am wearing a loose raglan style sweater I received for Christmas from one of my good friends. It’s just another day of classes for me, the weekend is almost here!

(please excuse the toilet behind me)

Sweater: American Rag @ Macy’s
Cami: Forever 21+
Jeans: Torrid
Brown bracelet: street vendor in Phoenix
Ivory bracelet, earrings and watch: Avenue

ELLE Animal Ruffled Chiffon Dress @ Kohl’s Happy new owner...

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:19:00 -0700

ELLE Animal Ruffled Chiffon Dress @ Kohl’s

Happy new owner of this fabulous 70s-esque dress. I’m going to pair it with large chandelier earrings, a thin braided belt, and simple sandals all in tones of brown. I can wear it now with a denim jacket and alone in the spring. I’ve had my eye on it for a bit, but waited until the price was discounted, then got it when I received a coupon for additional savings. Best way to shop, hands down.

Unpopular Opinion

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:36:00 -0700

I won’t be wearing fluoro/80’s esque trends this season. I’m not akin to buying trendy clothing items for only one season. On second thought, I absolutely adore the way an all neutral outfit looks with a pop of chartreuse, so I might try it with a bracelet or necklace.

I like the trends, but I don’t see myself wearing them.

Drape Dress With Flower Crochet Trim

Exposed Zipper Cheetah Top

Trends I will be wearing this Spring:

pleats
colorful prints
black and white prints
doily lace
any lace, really

and of course …

What will you be wearing this Spring?

Current Obsession I can’t get enough of leopard print, it...

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:11:41 -0700

Current Obsession

I can’t get enough of leopard print, it dances between the fine line separating racy and trashy. This Forever 21 Leopard Strapless Dress is my latest obsession. I can’t afford any new dresses right now, so I’ll just have to dream of wearing it to a fabulous party with sky high black heels and red lips.

Ladylike Glitz for the Holidays 1. Forever 21 Beaded Peter...

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 16:40:00 -0700

Ladylike Glitz for the Holidays

1. Forever 21 Beaded Peter Pan Collar Sweater, $24.80 2. Lela Rose for HSN Sequin Skirt, $69.90 Also comes in dusty rose and up to a 24W!! 3. ASOS Curve Midi Skirt in Lace, $54.54 A twist on a classic 4. Mary Jane Ribbon Shoes by Unique at Topshop, $200 Worthy splurge 5. Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink at Nordstrom 6. Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour in 67 EXCESSIVE, $32 Nobody does reds like Chanel 7. Pave Twin Teardrop Earrings at Bauble Bar, $92.

Black Friday 2011 There are a lot of sales going on, but this is...

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 22:54:00 -0700

Black Friday 2011

There are a lot of sales going on, but this is by far the best value I’ve seen. Head over to Macys.com to get this dress for $2.99, that’s less than a latte!! Granted, shipping will set you back $10, unless you decide to take advantage of their online Black Friday sale with an additional 10-15% off plus free shipping with orders over $99 code: GOBBLE

Happy shopping!

I want to wear this owl necklace from Avenue tomorrow, any...

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 20:53:07 -0700

I want to wear this owl necklace from Avenue tomorrow, any outfit ideas?

Torrid’s Curvy Skinny looks like a fantastic autumn jean,...

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:15:43 -0700

Torrid’s Curvy Skinny looks like a fantastic autumn jean, I might have to invest in a pair…or three.

Lane Bryant 40% Off Sale Spoils

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 13:57:50 -0700

Went for this:

Animal Print Cami Bra

left with this…

Long Sleeve Cardigan in Mallard Green

Dark Wash Denim Jacket (similar to this)

Sleeveless Ombre Skirt Dress

I went in for the longline bra, and left with a bunch more. Isn’t that how it always works out? The cardigan is the lovely shade of green I had been looking for, I wanted a new denim jacket for autumn too. The dress, I’ll admit, wasn’t on my list of wants but it’s very cute.

are the sizes on asos true to size? If I am a size 20 should I get a 18, 20, or 22?

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 03:50:00 -0700

I find that ASOS Curve sizes can be inconsistent. The best thing you can do is buy according to your measurements and find which size you are closest to. Since I’m assuming you’re a US20 I’d recommend a UK24 if the fabric has no give (like chiffon) and a UK22-24 if the fabric has a lot of stretch (like jersey). Also, with ASOS you get free US shipping to your home and a pre-paid return label should you need it.

For reference I wear a 22 bottom and 3x top (2x very rarely) at Torrid, Target, Forever 21, Macy’s and Dillard’s and a UK 24 or 26 at ASOS.

What I Wore: August 30th, 2011 I took this quick PhotoBooth...

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:58:00 -0700

What I Wore: August 30th, 2011

I took this quick PhotoBooth picture to show you all this skirt I’m in love with. It’s a medium blue chambray with yellow needlepoint embroidery. Childish as it may be I have twirled at least 4 times today. Love this outfit so much!

top: August Silk @ Nordstrom Rack
skirt: M.S.S.P. Woman @ Dillard’s
necklace: Fossil @ Dillard’s (both mentioned here)

Dillard’s was having a 40% off already reduced items sale!...

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 23:50:00 -0700

M.S.S.P. Woman Embroidered Skirt

Fossil Feather Necklace

Adjustable Sodalite Bracelet

Dillard’s was having a 40% off already reduced items sale! I ended up paying well below $35 with tax.

(click to view pictures full size)

Video Update This is my first attempt at making a video so...

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 22:53:36 -0700

Video Update

This is my first attempt at making a video so it’s kind of choppy, my bad. It’s an update of what’s going on with me and also a chance to show you the dresses I just got from ASOS Curve and Forever 21+.

Dresses:

Surplice Floral Dress
Feather Print Asymmetrical Dress (no longer on the website)
Tea Dress with Scallop Detail
Waist Detail Floral Dress
Scallop Detail Shift Dress

Ask me a question or follow on Twitter.

I just bought dresses from ASOS and Forever 21+, pictures coming soon!

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 08:54:34 -0700