The Classics

Sometimes I go through my closet and pull out items and think, "what the heck were we thinking?!" Remember those cropped gaucho pants from 7 or 8 years ago? That was probably a bad idea. I think the same thing about harem pants now.

But then there are those pieces that just never go out of style. I resurrected an old jean jacket from my closet yesterday. I almost threw it away a couple years ago!! I also bought my second pair of Jack Purcell Converse sneakers last year after owning a pair in high school. I mean, if you can wear something in high school and wear it 10 years later, it's pretty timeless.

That got me thinking of some iconic brands or pieces of clothing that will probably never go out of style as long as that item isn't is some crazy color or has lots of trendy embellishments.

The Jean Jacket: Then, Marilyn wore a dark denim with a fur collar. Now, the denim is a bit lighter, but they both have the same general style. The jean jacket may go out of style every couple years, but don't throw it away because it will come back.

 

The Wrap Dress: Then, Diane Von Furstenberg revolutionized the fashion world with her famous wrap dress. I bet your mom wore one back in the 70s. Now, Kate favors the wrap dress as she accommodates her baby bump.

The Trench Coat: Then, Audrey Hepburn wore a trench even when it wasn't raining. Now, Gwyneth wears a trench to run around town. A trench in a classic color, like khaki, will never go out of style.

The Ray Ban Wayfarer: Then, JFK rocked a pair of tortoise shell Wayfarers. You know who else had a pair? My dad. Now, David Beckham covers his beautiful face with a pair. You know something is a classic when JFK, your dad, David Beckham, and you all wear the same sunglasses.

The Sperry Topsider: Then they were marketed to dad's everywhere. Now they are a staple in any Southern frat house....and sorority house. Does your dad wear boat shoes? Thought so. Again, if you and your dad are wearing the same shoes, it's a classic. 

As I get older I think to myself that I should really start investing in clothing. I keep hearing the term "investment piece" thrown around. These items are definitely "investment pieces". If you get a good quality trench coat now, and take care of it, you will heave it for years. And go ahead and get a DVF wrap dress. You will probably be able to wear it for years, and eventually it will be come 'vintage'.

What are some other classic pieces of clothing that would be worth investing in?

Linking up for I Feel Pretty, What I Wore Wednesday, Random Wednesday, Wildcard Wednesday,

Met Gala Red Carpet

The Met Gala was on Monday night, and if you are not familiar with this event it is the closest thing to a costume ball meeting the red carpet. A lot of the celebs take this opportunity to go above and beyond the normal evening gown and wear something a little more daring and out-there .

 

This years Met Gala had a Punk Rock theme, which made for some interesting and pretty awesome looks. Now, for a normal red carpet, I would just list my best and worst and be done with it. The problem with the Met is that the looks are supposed to be a little crazy. So I came up with a rating system (yes, I was that bored yesterday). Basically, I gave points based on interpretation of the theme (10 points); fit of the gown (5 points); overall styling including hair; makeup, and accessories (5 points); and, finally, overall look (10 points). 

 

I won't list all of them, because it's a lot, but here are some of the best and worst:

 

Rocked it:

#1 (tie) [26 points] Sarah Jessica Parker  and Christina Ricci. These girls were my best because they really embraced the theme and did it well. I love Christinas overall look and styling, where SJP really took some risks that paid off.

 

#3 (tie) [25 points] Miley Cyrus and Anne Hathaway. Where they didn't get as many points for their interpretation of the theme, but I think they both look pretty impecable!

 

#5 (3-way tie) [23 points] Kristen Stewart, Gwen Stefani, and Sienna Miller. All of these really played up the punk theme and totally rocked it.

 

Close but no cigar:

22 points: Miranda Kerr and Stacey Kebler

21 points: Gwyneth Paltrow

20 points: Jessica Biel, Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift

 

Meh:

19 points: Katy Perry, Beyonce

17 points: Jennifer Lawrence

15 points: Cameron Diaz

 

Yikes:

#1 [7 points] Mary Kate Olsen. I am pretty sure she doesn't know what punk rock is judging by her look. If the theme were hippie chic it would totally work...sort of.

 

#2 [10 points] Nicole Richie. I think her and MKO got the same invitation because this is more hippie than punk. Even though I like the dress and it fits her perfectly...that hair totally ruined it for me.

 

#3 [11 points] Nikki Minaj. This dress is just okay on its own. But I feel like I would expect more from Nikki. She practically dresses in costume every day. This is just so boring!

 

#4 [14 points] Madonna. Yes, she totally embraced the theme. She might be the most "punk rock" looking person there. But come on, Madge! You're over 50. Put on a skirt! I heard an interview with her that said she wanted to show off her body. I totally get it. If I have her body when I'm her age, I would want to show it off, too. But not at the Met Ball!

Pictures from here, here, here, here

What do you think?

What I Wore for Easter Sunday

 

Sweater: Gap, Skirt: LOFT, Belt: Ann Taylor, Shoes: Banana Republic, Watch: Kate Spade, Necklaces: H&M, Nordstrom Rack

I know what you are thinking. And, yes, I am that pale. I know. I was pretty shocked at first, too. My legs haven't seen the light of day in AGES!

I don't know about you, but I really love this outfit. I was pretty proud of myself for putting this together. Fortunately, the weather was warm enough to wear a skirt. But let's be honest, I would have worn it even if it was 30 degrees outside.

Linking up for What I Wore Wednesday, Random Wednesday, Wildcard Wednesday

Black and Blue

My first every outfit post! I definitely have a lot to learn. Like stick the hand that has your hair tie around it in the pocket and hold your purse with the hand that has your super cute watch.

Oh well. Lesson learned.

Dress - c/o eShakti; Necklace - Francesca's (old, similar); Bag - Kate Spade (similar); Watch - Kate Spade; Shoes - Audrey Brooke

I channeled my finest 50's house wife for church on Sunday with this retro style dress from eShakti. Also, 3 out of the 4 things I am wearing are brand new! Dress, shoes, and bag! There is just something about wearing new clothes for the first time. Until the credit card bill slaps me in the face with reality. 

The tag even says "custom"! I feel so special.

This dress is from eShakti, which specializes in custom sized and styled dresses. I got to pick out the length, the sleeve style, neckline, and color. Then the dress was sized specifically to my measurements. I kind of have a weird body shape, so when I buy dresses it will either fit me on the top or the bottom, but not both. And I have bigger arms so the sleeves are always tight. And dresses are almost always to short. Not this dress! It fits me like a glove!

If you have trouble finding clothes that fit you properly or always need things altered, you need to check this site out!

Their selection of dresses, skirts, tops seems endless. I have already picked out a few more items that I might need to get. And the best part is, I don't have to worry about things fitting because its MADE for ME!


Here are some of my other favorites:

Warm Color Processor Dress

Graphic Striped Dress

Scallop Trim Skirt

Tipped Trim Skirt

Oh, and did I forget to mention that just about everything is under $100? My dress was only $75. Custom made dress for $75! Pretty awesome! And when you register with eShakti online you get $25 your first order.

UPDATE: eShakti is hosting a "What do Women Want" contest right now for a chance to win $150 in gift cards.

Would you consider buying a custom made dress?

**This post was sponsored by eShakti, but all opinions expressed are my own. I do not endorse any product or store that I do not believe in or support on my own.**

Linking up with Random Wednesday and What I Wore Wednesday

Short and Sweet

I have to say, I cannot wait until Spring. I know it is right around the corner, but this cold and rainy winter here in North Carolina has made me very impatient. It would just be nice to go outside and not have to worry about a coat. I guess that's why I have been pining over these cute shorts. Those floral Loft shorts will be mine!

Short and Sweet by lbralla featuring j. crew shorts

What are you looking forward to wearing when the weather warms up?

P.S. JCrew shorts are 20% off until March 8th!

Linking up for Thursday Thoughts and GYB Blog Hop

Manly Pins

I've been pinning a lot of man-fashion-y stuff lately.

Yikes, that was eloquent. Let's try again.

I have been pinning a lot of men's fashion inspiration lately. I may or may not be planning a major makeover for B. So, just like my fashion choices, I have relied on Pinterest for inspiration for him.

Via

Via

Via

Via

Via

Via

Via

What have you been pinning lately?

Also linking up for Random Wednesday

Oscars Best and Worst Dressed

There was a clear winner for me when I was watching all those beautiful actresses walk down the Red Carpet.

Charlize Theron.

Charlize Theron

 1. She insanely beautiful and rocks that short hair. 2. She has a killer body that can pull off anything. 3. Her dress sort of reminds me of a much edgier version of my wedding dress. Which kind of makes me feel stylish.

There were a few other ladies who were some stiff competition for Charlize and could have easily been my top pick.

Jessica Chastain, Naomi Watts, Samantha Barks

Jessica Chastain's dress was gorgeous and perfect for the Oscars. I loved the beading on it, which is hard to see in this picture. Naomi Watts' dress was very unique and unexpected, which is why I think I liked it so much. And it fit her perfectly. Samantha Barks (from Les Mis) went with this understated black dress, but it was just so classic.

These next few women had some gorgeous dresses on and looked stunning, but just could not compete with the ladies above.

Amy Adams, Jennifer Gardner, Sandra Bullock

Keri Washington, Reece Witherspoon, Jennifer Lawrence

So, now to the fun part. Those dresses that I felt didn't quite make the cut. Not that these women looks horrible, but there was just something about their dress that I would have changed.

Zoe Saldana, Amanda Seifried, Halle Berry

Zoe Saldana's dress just had one too many details for me. I loved the multicolored skirt and the ruffled top. And the belt was nice, but all of them together was kind of a mess. I didn't really care for the color of Amanda's dress. Maybe its just how it is photographing, but it basically blends in and washes her out. The high neck and updo also make her look a little matronly. I remember being pleasantly surprised by Halle's dress choice, but the more I look at it, I wish it didn't have sleeves. I think it would have been beautiful in either a strapless or sleeveless cut.

Unlike the three above, there was more I disliked about these next looks than I liked.

Helen Hunt, Kristen Stewart, Nicole Kidman

I LOVED that Helen Hunt wore a dress by H&M. Loved it. And on principal, she probably shouldn't be on this list, but it was just so plain and prom dress looking. I mean, it looked like a dress from H&M. Albeit, a really nice dress from H&M. Kriten Stewart's dress was actually really beautiful, but she looks like a mess and ruins the whole thing. Nicole Kidman, on the other hand, looked beautiful. Hair and makeup were flawless, but I didn't quite care for the dress as much. Maybe its the picture.

And the final three listed here had no competition for the worst dressed at the Oscars, in my opinion. Sometimes, you just don't know what people are thinking when they put these dresses on.

Kelly Rowland, Anne Hathaway, Olivia Munn

Doesn't it look like Kelly Rowland's dress just needs to be yanked over to her left (our right) a little. It just looks off. I still wouldn't like the dress, but I think it would have helped her. Oh Anne. Anne, Anne, Anne. Why did you pick a dress that you could have worn to prom in the 90s. I am pretty sure I had a top in middle school that looked like that. And the darting. Oh the darting. How unfortunately placed. And Olivia. I am not sure why you are at the Oscars, but it looks like you just ripped some curtains down and wrapped them around yourself. Also, you are at the Oscars....look excited!!

So, what do you thing? Do you disagree with any of my picks? Who was your favorite look of the night? Your least favorite?

All photos from of EOnline

Linking up with the GFC Blog Hop and Just Because

Oh, How Pinteresting

Pinterest never fails to disappoint. Here are some of the things I have been pinning lately.

I need this for my runs!

In love with this bedding from JCP.

Love the 70s inspired look from Marc Jacobs.

Where do I find these shoes?

Definitely going to try to copy this idea in the apartment.

How awesome is this cobalt suit?

Good advice.

These are some gorgeous shoes.

I wish I was this stylish.

What have you been pinning this week?

Also linking up with Random Wednesday and Living the Journey