Shopaholics Anonymous - Fashion Blog, Shopping Blog

Tailored Teal

2009-11-11T17:42:00.002-05:00

Gah! I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted. Some of you who read my other blog know that I recently moved from an apartment to our first house...yippee! Things have been pretty crazy since the move.

Here's an outfit I wore (before moving) to work one day:

This outfit was surprisingly comfortable and a slightly more casual business look for the work week.

Skirt: Banana Republic
Top: Banana Republic Outlet (a major deal at $7)
Corduroy blazer: Ann Taylor Loft
Shoes: Kenneth Cole
Necklace: J Crew

Appropriate-ness Over Balance for Work

2009-09-19T15:09:00.002-05:00

Decided to wear jeans again for a casual work day. I thought about doing my new skinnies, which have a dark wash and aren't too-too tight, but decided best to leave those for after hours. I think this top would look better with slimmer pants, but my desire to be work-appropriate outweighed my desire to balance my ensemble.

Simple look - I let the accessories be the stars. My long crystal J Crew necklace has become quite the outfit staple for me.

My new J Crew Parsley Metallic Mary Janes. I first saw these in an old J Crew catalog and thought they were gorge. I decided to not buy them, but when I found a new pair on ebay for a decent price, I jumped!

The shoes are more green than they looked in the ebay photo. I think my pictures is more true to color, but it's still a nice, toned-down green. I like them a lot and they're surprisingly comfortable. My only (minor) complaints are the rounded toe is narrower than other round-toe shoes I've worn and the straps are rather tight. I do like how they're adjustable, though, since most shoe straps seem to stretch at least a little bit.

Dark Wash Wide-Leg Jeans: Banana Republic
Cami & Flowy top: The Limited
Parsley Metallic Mary Jane Shoes: J Crew
Long Gold Necklace: J Crew

Sunny End-of-Summer Festival Attire

2009-09-17T21:21:00.003-05:00

I went out to a local, outdoor festival with hubby recently. In honor of the last days of summer, I picked a bright yellow top and white cropped pants for style and comfort

(nice and breezy for that hot-hot sun!)
I haven't worn these pants in a couple years...mostly because I outgrew them. Thanks to getting back into working out, they fit again! I should have tried them out earlier in the summer for maximum wearage. Still, it was a great feeling when they slipped on perfectly.

I wore a simple golden chain with clear, faceted crystals. Isn't the seahorse pattern fun? I got this top awhile ago during a J Crew final sale.

Cropped White pants: Express
Yellow Seahorse top: J Crew
Long necklace: J Crew
Purse: Chanel
Gold flip flops: J Crew

Channeling Carrie Bradshaw: J Crew Ruffled Skirt

2009-09-15T20:18:00.003-05:00

I've been stalking items on ebay lately in hopes of finding some good deals. My fave so far - the J Crew tiered ruffle skirt in barely gray. So...so chic! I took a risk getting a size too small, but found a nice review over at Goldenmeans saying the skirt ran big. At one size smaller than what I normally take, I took her advice and she was sooo right! The skirt fits perfectly!

Since there was already a lot going on with the skirt, I decided to pair the skirt with a simple cardigan.

My new gold, J Crew skinny belt helped cinch in the waist to add definition

Pearls keep it classy and the tank underneath helps with layering and adds a wee touch of lace

Love the ruffles!

This is my new fave skirt. I felt a little risque wearing this number to the office and though I think the look may not be the easiest to pull off, it is certainly fun to try!

My co-worker gave me the sweetest compliment when she said my outfit looked like something Carrie Bradshaw would wear and that it was very Sex and the City. Suh-weet!

Skirt: J Crew
Shoes: J Crew
Tank top: Abercrombie + Fitch
Cardigan: Gap
Belt: J Crew

NOTE: I got my skirt from ebay seller WestieGirl4me - she has 2 more ruffle skirts left if you want one, too! WestieGirl4me was an awesome ebay seller for me - she had great communication and was very helpful. Many of her items ship for free, too, which is a nice bonus.

Trend Love: One Shoulder Style

2009-09-13T20:25:00.003-05:00

I'm seeing trend alerts everywhere for one shoulder top and dress styles, but seriously...the one shoulder look is a personal fave...one that I've rocked since high school (maybe even middle school?).

Here are some of my current faves:

Old Navy - Women's Ruffled One Shoulder Top - $9.99 (on sale from $22.50)

ModCloth - High Tide Dress - $74.99

Maggy London One Shoulder Dress - $128 (via nordstrom.com)

Foley + Corinna Zigzag Jersey Asymmetrical Dress - $212.50 (on sale from $425 via shopbop.com)

What do you think of the one shoulder look?

NOTE: images from oldnavy.com, modcloth.com, nordstrom.com, and shopbop.com

Catch Me While You Can...

2009-09-13T18:20:00.004-05:00

I'm trying to catch the last warm bits of summer while I still can. I'm pulling out my fave summer/warm-weather pieces and rocking them out as much as possible.

This casual sleeveless dress is a personal fave because it's so easy to throw on and wear with metallic flip flops. The material breathes well in the heat and it's pretty darn comfy, too.

I was meeting friends for brunch at a local fave spot, so I went a little dressier than norm by wearing summary heels instead of flat flip flops. I brought a cardi in case things were cool inside but totally didn't need it. The internal temps were just fine and the food was just as good as usual.

Dress: Banana Republic
Shoes: Banana Republic
Bracelet: J Crew
Necklace: D Celestine
Purse: Chanel

Music on the Patio

2009-09-07T19:30:00.003-05:00

Hubby and I met up with some friends for dinner followed by music on the patio of a local shopping center. The weather is taking a turn towards fall, but the air is still warm. I decided to wear something breezy but bring a cardigan in case things got colder than expected.

I started with the skirt because it's one of my faves.

I added the bright yellow tank top for a little extra color and because the yellow reminded me of sunny summers that will soon be over.

The cardigan is a light yellow knit to help me stay warm as the night cooled things down. I ended up only needing it when we hung out with the boys who were watching games at the restaurant bar. The weather outdoors was phenomenal!

Skirt: Urban Outfitters
Yellow tank: Banana Republic
Cardigan: Anthropologie
Wedges: Banana Republic
Purse: Chanel
Necklace: D Celestine

Martin + Osa: Labor Day Specials

2009-09-06T10:28:00.004-05:00

Martin + Osa is offering some awesome Labor Day deals now through Labor Day: FREE SHIPPING (that's always nice, no?) on all orders and a free gift with purchase of regular price denim.

For the ladies:

With purchase of reg. price denim, you'll receive a M+O beautiful "Love Shop scarf (retails for $69.50).

For the men:

With purchase of reg. price denim, you'll receive a M+O awesome Two-color cotton web belt (retails for $39.50).

My pick for ladies:

If you're looking to update your wardrobe for fall, check out the Supercross jean in "Charcoal" ($120). This jean will help you rock out that tough-chic look that will be so popular. Pair with sky-high heels and a leather jacket to get the look.

My pick for the men:

I love these Vintage Slim Fit jeans ($99.50) in Black Resin Rinse Wash for Fall 2009. Same idea as above for the ladies but in a masculine way, of course. Pair with a simple light-tone, gray-wash tee and boots.

How the deal works:
- In store customers will have their choice of color for both the scarf and belt. Online orders color will be random.
- Max one men’s and one women’s gift per order (one men’s jean and one women’s jean = one belt and one scarf…. Two women’s jeans = one scarf)

Don't forget: FREE SHIPPING too on all orders!

Go to martinandosa.com to get shopping!

NOTE: Please check out martinandosa.com for full special details. Images courtesy Martin + Osa and from martinandosa.com

Working Woman - Girly Layers

2009-09-06T10:04:00.004-05:00

I love wearing my super girly ensembles to work now and again. The short-sleeve button down paired with a simple skirt is a fave...add on a cardi and it's extra girly. I wore warm neutrals in honor of the incoming fall weather.

Outfit with cardigan...rocking out my new J Crew final sale heels!

Outfit without cardi - love this style for work!

Outfit re-worked for the cooler evening weather and my desire for comfort. I really need to teach hubby how to style my better...I'm not liking the way this outfit looks in this photo.

Anywho, for the last outfit, I kept the shirt and cardi and replaced the skirt with skinny jeans, the heels for flip flops, and added a scarf for warmth. Had to lose the belt, too.

Leather peep-toe heels: J Crew
Button down top: Banana Republic
Brown cardigan: Banana Republic
Skirt: Banana Republic
Belt: Banana Republic
Skinny Jeans: Guess
Flip flops: Rainbows
Scarf: ?

Pop of Color-icious

2009-08-27T21:03:00.003-05:00

I've been paring down on the shopping, but I have managed a couple good buys here and there. One such buy was this long cardigan from Banana Republic, on sale for under $30...score!

I love wearing black and white combos with pops of color. A simple green tee did the trick on this outfit and got dressed up with a patent leather belt to cinch the waist.

Green Tee: Target
White pants: Banana Republic
Black Cardigan: Banana Republic
Patent Leather belt: Nordstrom
Black flats: Juicy Couture

T-Shirt + Jeans for Work...Again

2009-08-11T21:50:00.002-05:00

I'm so glad my office has loosened their dress code over the last few months, because T-Shirts and jeans really can be work appropriate, IMO, if you do it right.

I used some heels and a cardigan to dress this T-shirt + jeans look up. Click here to view my last T-shirt + jeans work look.

I actually got almost all of these pieces on the sale rack somewhere (except for the purse obv). The t-shirt was only $10 and I LOVE the print!

Keys to making this look ok for the office:
*trouser style jeans
*cardigan
*cute heels
*nice purse helps

T-Shirt: Urban Outfitters
Trouser Jeans: Banana Republic
Cardigan: Banana Republic
Linen Peep-Toe Heels: Banana Republic
Purse: Chanel

Work Wear: T-Shirt and Jeans

2009-08-10T22:50:00.003-05:00

...because sometimes you just feel like wearing a t-shirt and jeans (slightly dressed up to be work appropriate)

A lacy camisole keeps the deep-v-neck work appropriate and the heels help dress up the outfit.

Jeans: Banana Republic
Camisole: Gap
White Top: J Crew
Linen Pumps: Banana Republic

Boyfriend Jeans and My D&G's

2009-08-03T19:21:00.004-05:00

Ever have those days when you feel like dressing a little "bummy" yet "girly" at the same time? I had one of those recently when hubby and I went out for dinner. I decided to wear my boyfriend jeans with some fun heels to dress up the look. I grabbed a purplish scarf to keep me warm inside the restaurant. It's hot outside, but I always freeze inside restaurants! Layers are a must for me!

My boyfriend jeans fit a lot better before I lost some weight recently. Now they are possibly too slouchy! I tried rolling up the bottoms as much as possible without making them too bulky. I've seen celebs rocking their boyfriends with the rolled cuffs just above their shoes, but I like mine a little higher than pictured. Oh well, guess that's what tailors (and maybe chocolate cake) are for!

Top: Target
Jeans: J Crew
Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana
Purse: Chanel
Scarf: ?

Dressing up my Express Denim

2009-07-21T22:37:00.010-05:00

The ability to take a simple pair of jeans and dress them up with accessories makes it so fun to be a girl! Recently, I headed to the Express store, gift card in hand, in search of a pair of jeans. I tried on almost one of each style (ok, I tried on about 5 types) but I of course gravitated to the most expensive pair in the store. Call it a talent, I guess?

Josh and Brittany at the Express in NC were most-helpful and friendly. Josh was the first to help me in my quest for jeans and was knowledgeable of the Express denim line.

After lots of trying on, I decided to get a pair of the Rerock jeans (apparently made by the same people who do designer jeans...maybe Rock and Republic?). I loved the way they fit and the designs on the back pockets.

I've had the chance to play around with some different looks for my new jeans. Here are some looks:

Daytime Casual-Chic

I wore this look to do some daytime shopping this weekend. I wanted to look cute but casual, so I put on a simple white top that was just a tad loose (to balance the fit jeans) and wore my hair down and curly.

This light brown belt just peeked out from under my top.

These chandelier earrings completed the look.

Top: Ann Taylor Loft
Belt: Banana Republic
Leather Wedges: Banana Republic
Earrings: ?

Slightly Dressier Daytime Look

Here's another casual chic look that I think you could take to a casual nighttime event (depending on where you live, of course). The colors are definitely what I'd consider more nighttime, but in the South, the line gets a bit blurry for what's appropriate when.

My accessories - I love the ruffles of this purse!

Close up of my bracelet. With this and the adorable tote, I kept the rest of the accessories simple with no necklace and simple pearl stud earrings.

Tank top: American Eagle
Scarf: ?
Bracelet: J Crew
Ruffle Purse: Ziordia

Casual Nighttime Look

I found this cute black top with purple features at the Express store while I was shopping for denim. It was a bit of an impulse buy, but it's so comfy and chic enough to dress up. Here's the look with a layer of a black sweater.

Sans cover. I dressed up this look with some drop earrings, a leather purse, a silver-leather bracelet and my D&G strappy heels.

Love the back pocket embellishment.

Sterling silver onyx earrings to dress up the look.

A better look at the top.

Top: Express

Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana

Bracelet: Wilson Leather

Earrings: I made them!

Purse: Kenneth Cole

Sweater: Banana Republic

Reader question: What's your favorite way to dress up denim?

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion = Product Love

2009-07-19T21:33:00.003-05:00

You guys know I'm not that into beauty products. I like playing with them and all, but I'd rather invest my money in clothes. Now...when I find a beauty product I like, I stick with it. I have my favorites in the world of beauty products, and one I'm currently crushing on is Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion.

I am now on my THIRD bottle!

I've always had a problem with my eye shadow creasing by the end of the day, and I've found few products that actually take care of this. Urban Decay's Potion is the best solution I've found so far, as proof by my consistent use of the product. If you're looking for something to stop your eye shadow creasing, give this stuff a go. If you're on the fence, I suggest getting a sample (from Sephora, etc), if possible, or getting a makeover with this as the eye makeup base. Hopefully, you'll love it as much as I do.

Shopaholic Blog on Twitter

2009-07-17T22:26:00.002-05:00

Hey guys! I finally got around to setting up a twitter account. Check me out by clicking here! :)

Fashionably Yours,

Shopaholic D

Girly Pink for Work

2009-07-16T20:44:00.004-05:00

I work in a very corporate environment where most people stick to blues, blacks, whites, grays, and browns (boring!). Wearing my pink shoes is a bit risque, but the other day, I was feeling frisky and decided to wear a whole BUNCH of pink!

I kept the look on the business side with my simple black skirt and cardigan, but I wore my hot pink shoes with a hot pink top. I like pairing colors of different tones together, so I wore a baby pink cardigan, which I thought contrasted nicely against my brighter top. I got some looks but didn't care. I had so much fun rocking out my pink ensemble!

Hot Pink Mary Jane Heels: J Crew
Skirt: Banana Republic
White Cami: Banana Republic
Hot Pink Top: Express
Baby Pink Cardigan: Gap

Work Chic

2009-07-01T22:28:00.003-05:00

A simple work-chic look with a girly twist (I wish the lighting had been better so you could see the pretty bright-yellow-green top):

Ruffly Cardigan: Gap
Black Dress Skirt: Banana Republic
Camisole: Banana Republic
Bright yellow-green twist top: Velvet
Bow Peep-toe Pumps: J Crew

Sunday Afternoon Shopping

2009-06-07T10:22:00.003-05:00

Hubby and I had some errands to run last weekend and headed out on a summery Sunday afternoon to take care of them. We got our errand-shopping done in no-time and even ventured out for a cute brunch at a local restaurant.

I decided to wear a breezy skirt since the weather was pretty hot. This skirt looked a lot different on me when I bought it...I've lost about 13 lbs since then so it doesn't quite fit right any more, but I still like the pattern and cut.

Patterned Skirt: Urban Outfitters
Green Tank: Banana Republic
Braided Belt: Urban Outfitters
Sandals: Jessica Simpson
Purse: Chanel

Casual Daytime Shopping

2009-06-05T05:44:00.003-05:00

Hubby and I went out to run some errands last weekend, and the weather was hot-hot-hot and super humid. I decided to wear a fave of mine - a J Crew jersey dress, but I wanted to give the simple gray dress some amped up style. So, I added a J Crew flower tie-on-belt for a pop of color and paired the look with some nude wedges. A hot pink, enamel bracelet gave the look another little flash of color.

Gray Jersey Dress: J Crew
Turquoise/Navy tie-on, flower belt: J Crew
Nude, Strappy Wedges: Banana Republic
Purse: Chanel
Sunglasses: Chanel
Enamel Bracelet: J Crew

Evening Couples Baby Shower Look

2009-05-31T11:45:00.005-05:00

Hubby and I were invited to an evening couples baby shower for one of his friends. I wasn't sure exactly what to wear since I hadn't heard anything about the dress code (and hubby got the invite) but decided that a dress sounded like a good idea. I decided to try to go a bit dressy without going too over-the-top in case the event turned out to be more on the casual side. Here's what I wore:

It turned out that a few girls at the shower had flip flops and denim on, but I think I still blended in nicely.

Dress: Local boutique
Tank Top: The Limited
Cardigan (held not worn): Gap
Belt: Urban Outfitters
Linen Peep-Toe Pumps: Banana Republic
Purse: Chanel

Springalicious Ensemble

2009-05-25T21:55:00.003-05:00

The weather has really been heating up lately, so I'm finally able to bust out some of my fave warm-weather skirts. Layers help keep me warm inside and cool outside.

Skirt: Banana Republic
Blue Top: Banana Republic
White Cotton Cardigan: Gap
Linen Peep Toe Shoes: Banana Republic

Reebok EasyTone Shoes - Final Review

2009-05-14T05:42:00.006-05:00

I've been wearing my Reebok EasyTones for about a month now, and I'm ready to provide a final review.

Differences
Not only have a I noticed a difference in my muscle utilization as I've casually worn my Reebok EasyTone shoes out and about, but I've also made some differences in how I walk to get more "bang for the buck" so to speak. I like to think of myself as a pretty heart healthy person who makes small changes here and there to have a healthy lifestyle anyways. However, my EasyTones had me parking further, taking stairs, etc. even more than usual just to up my muscle intensity.

Final Review
I loved how the Reebok EasyTone shoes helped a busy girl like me multi-task. I could do the same things I do day-to-day, but by adding my EasyTone shoes to the mix, I got a bit of a workout in, too, without even having to really try. For example, everyday, I have to walk from the parking deck to my office and then back. Switch the heels for the EasyTones and you've just killed two birds with one stone. And who doesn't like squeezing a workout into your day without having to hit the gym? Sure, gym trips are fun now and again, but the EasyTones are great for those times you just can't pencil a workout in to your busy social calendar.

Warm Weather Work Ensemble

2009-05-03T12:42:00.003-05:00

The weather keeps getting warmer and warmer, and I'm loving it! I recently did a slightly-nautical number with a pop of color for a work look:

The bow on the top is my fave part of the outfit.

I styled my hair curly to match the playful look.

Skirt: Banana Republic
Blue + White Top with Bow: H&M
Cardigan: Gap
Shoes: Banana Republic
Mother-of-Pearl Sunglasses: Chanel

Reebok EasyTone Shoes - Halfway Point

2009-04-29T22:50:00.004-05:00

I'm halfway done with testing out my Reebok EasyTone Shoes (click here for the first post), and so far, so good!

Style
The Reebok EasyTone shoes look just like regular tennis shoes. Many fashionistas may find this shocking, but I actually like to run errands in tennis shoes from time to time...especially when they're doing double-duty like these are! Like I said...I love to multi-task! I found these shoes worked well with both workout gear and with jeans and a sweatshirt to run errands. I know...Stacy and Clinton would not approve, but some days, you just want to bum out. What can I say? We can't wear stilettos everyday 24/7, now can we? Ok, some people can, but I'm not one of them. Some days, I choose comfort over What-Not-to-Wear-style! Besides, jeans and tennis shoes can be pretty cute some times.

Shoe Use
When I first started wearing the shoes, they felt very..."bouncy" (yea...that's the only word I could come up with). Seriously...I felt slightly like I was in one of those kiddie moonwalk things. The bounciness was slightly awkward at first, but I quickly got used to the feeling. I first wore the shoes to run errands and noticed pretty quickly that I could feel something in my legs. I didn't feel any specific muscle twangs or anything like if I were pressing weights, but it was more like the feeling you get when you've been walking or jogging for awhile - a gentle soreness that tells you you're working your muscles. Since my walk was so short, there was barely any muscle sensitivity at all...it just felt like I'd done a light walking workout.

I took my shoes for longer walks and the feeling was amplified. I could tell I was using my leg muscles more than I would have had I just used regular shoes for my walks. Though I could tell my muscles were being worked a little more, the difference was, once again, gradual. I like how simple the change has been for me and that the difference has been effective but not a drastic change.

I can't wait to see how the last couple weeks go...

Has any one else tried these shoes out? If so, how do you like them?